bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology, market policies and institutional reform for sustainable land use in southern Mali
Authors: Kuyvenhoven Arie , Ruben Ruerd , Kruseman Gideon 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo identify appropriate interventions that support sustainable land use; a farm household modelling approach is applied to analyze micro‐economic supply reactions to various policy measures. The modelling framework links agro‐technical and economic data, and takes both production and consumption decisions into account, allowing land use and production technology adjustments in accordance with farm household objectives. Different types of farm households are distinguished on the basis of their resource endowments, savings coefficients and time discount rate. Actual and alternative (sustainable) cropping and livestock activities for different weather regimes are defined for southern Mali. The effects on sustainable land use and expected farm household welfare of adopting alternative technologies and modifying prices, transaction costs, access to credit and land taxes are demonstrated. Even with full information on sustainable technologies, strong policy interventions are required to halt soil degradation. Structural policies proved to be more effective than price policies to reduce soil degradation while maintaining positive income effects. When prices are determined endogenously, structural policy loses some effectiveness as an incentive for sustainable land use due to the effect of additional supply on local cereal and meat Prices.
Population growth, agricultural intensification, induced innovation and natural resource sustainability: An application of neoclassical growth theory
Authors: Pender John L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractUsing a simple neoclassical type growth model including both man‐made and natural capital as inputs to production, the theoretical basis for a U‐shaped relationship between agricultural intensification and farm household investment in renewable resource capital is established. As development of technology, infrastructure, or markets increase the relative return to investment in man‐made capital over natural capital, resource depletion occurs as man‐made capital is substituted for lower return natural capital. Once returns are equalized, both man‐made and natural capital are accumulated. If labor and these forms of capital are complementary, the output effects outweigh the substitution effects in the long run, leading to net accumulation of natural as well as man‐made capital as a result of such technological or market development. Population growth also induces investment in both man‐made and natural resource capital in the long run by increasing their marginal products. However, population growth causes declining per capita levels of both natural and man‐made capital and production per capita in the long run, if technology is fixed and decreasing returns to scale. The model thus supports the Boserupian argument of induced intensification and resource improvement, as well as the Malthusian argument of the impoverishing effects of population growth. However, population growth may also induce development of infrastructure, markets, and technological or institutional innovation by reducing the fixed costs per capita of these changes, though these developments may not occur automatically. Government policies can play a large role in affecting whether these potential benefits of population growth are realized. In addition, credit policies may reduce resource degradation caused by substitution of man‐made for natural capital, by allowing farmers to accumulate man‐made capital (such as fertilizers) without depleting their natural capital. Policies to internalize the external environmental costs of using man‐made capital will reduce both types of capital and production, indicating a clear trade‐off between addressing environmental concerns on the one hand and reducing poverty and promoting resource conservation investments on the other. By contrast, internalizing the external benefits of investments in resources increases wealth and production per capita in the long run. The ‘intertemporal externality’ due to a higher private than social rate of time preference does not justify interventions to promote investments in resource capital; rather it argues for the promotion of savings and investment in general.
National agricultural commodity research priorities for Pakistan
Authors: Nagy Joseph G. , Quddus M.A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA future agricultural research agenda for Pakistan and its provinces was developed as part of the national master agricultural research plan (NMARP) under the Government of Pakistan, World Bank agricultural research project II (ARP‐II). The current research agenda mainly keeps pace with maintenance research and little contribution is being made to increase the productivity above maintenance levels for most crop and livestock commodities. Thus, the present Pakistan agricultural research system cannot contribute in any substantial or efficient way to the narrowing of Pakistan's projected food deficit anticipated in the next 15 years. A major thrust of the ARP‐II project was identifying a new research agenda with agricultural research priority setting as the basis. An ex ante economic surplus priority setting analysis at the national level was undertaken for selected agricultural commodities as part of the priority setting process. Three eparate research funding scenarios were analyzed: (1) Scenario I: an ex ante analysis using the present research commodity funding levels and present research management level for each year over the next five years, (2) Scenario II: an ex ante analysis using double the present funding level for each year over the next 5 years with a higher research management level than at present, and (3) Scenario III; an ex ante analysis at an ‘optimally’ funded level with a higher research management level. An efficiency index (NPV divided by the present value of research expenditure) was used for the priority ranking of commodities. A framework for using the information generated by the ex ante economic surplus method is presented. The results of the analysis proved to be useful as baseline information for researchers and research managers to assess the overall budget commitment required for agricultural research in Pakistan and for identifying an overall research strategy at the national level.
Technical efficiency and productivity of maize producers in eastern Ethiopia: a study of farmers within and outside the Sasakawa‐Global 2000 project
Authors: Seyoum E.T. , Battese G.E. , Fleming E.M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the technical efficiency of two samples of maize producers in eastern Ethiopia, one involving farmers within the Sasakawa‐Global 2000 project and the other involving farmers outside this program. The study uses stochastic frontier production functions in which the technical inefficiency effects are assumed to be functions of the age and education of the farmers, together with the time spent by extension advisers in assisting farmers in their agricultural production operations. For the cross‐sectional data obtained for the 1995/96 agricultural year, Cobb‐Douglas stochastic frontiers are found to be adequate representations of the data, given the specifications of the translog stochastic frontiers for farmers within and outside the project. The empirical results indicate that farmers within Ihe SO 2000 project are more technically efficient than farmers outside the project, relative to their respective technologies. The mean frontier output of maize lor farmers within the SG 2000 project is significantly greater than that for the farmers outside the project.
Cointegration and causality in international agricultural economics research
Authors: Zapata Hector O. , Gil José M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA review of literature on applications of Granger causality to problems in international agricultural economics research is summarized. The review relates to cointegration theory, and it identifies the areas where recent econometric developments may be of value. Testing procedures are outlined, and a discussion is provided on questions such as non‐stationarity and asymptotic distribution of non‐causality tests, the relationship between cointegration and causation, the relative merits of various testing procedures, and concerns about testing bivariate causality in higher dimensional models. Finally, a recent econometric development is discussed and its future use in applied research is discussed.
Agricultural research priority setting under multiple objectives: an example from Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutangadura Gladys , Norton George W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStrategic priorities are assessed tor the agricultural research system in Zimbabwe in a situation characterized by multiple objectives, farm types, and agro‐ecological zones. Economic surplus analysis is used to rank research programs by commodity and research program areas in total and disaggregated by large and small larms in high and low potential regions. No funding, current funding, and 50% more funding are allowed tor each program in the analysis. An optimal research portfolio is developed, first with all weight placed on efficiency, and second with increasing weights placed on benefits going to small‐holder farmers. Even with no additional weight placed on small holders. lesearch programs for both small farms and low potential areas enter into the optimal research portfolio. As more emphasis is given to small holders, the reduction in overall efficiency gained due to research is relatively modest, Maize and cotton were the highest ranked commodity research programs of the 36 commodities considered for both large and small larms. Agronomy and soils research are relatively more important for small holders, while plant breeding and crop protection are relatively more important for large‐scale farmers. priority selling: Economic surplus and mathematical programming analysis.
Intellectual property rights and developing country agriculture
Authors: Perrin Richard K. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTheoretical studies indicate that the welfare of the developing countries might either be improved or damaged by the strengthening of their own intellectual property rights. Net gains through their agricultural sectors will be positive if the payoff from new innovations is sufficiently different as compared to the technology‐exporting countries. Scattered evidence supports the hypotheses that agricultural R&D is responsive to IPRs in developing countries, but there is also evidence that developed‐country technology is sufficiently appropriate for developing countries as to offer substantial free‐rider gains. However, without IPRs it seems unlikely that the agricultural productivity rates in developing countries can begin to catch up with those in developed country agriculture.
The effects of land sales restrictions: evidence from south India
Authors: Pender John L. , Kerr John M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe effects of land sales restrictions on credit use, land investment and cultivation decisions are investigated using data from two villages in south India. Sales restrictions are found to have little ellect on credit supply and demand or demand tor land improvements. Some household characteristics are found to affect investment demand on plots subject to sales restrictions in one village, suggesting that the ‘transactions effect’ of such restrictions may be inhibiting allocative efficiency. However, we also find that household characteristics influence investment on titled plots, and that the magnitude of impact of such characteristics is greater on titled plots. These results imply that sales restrictions are not a major source of inelficiency in the villages studied, and suggest that the nature of village credit and land markets and enforcement ot sales restrictions are critical determinants of the impacts of such restrictions.
Efficiency of volatile baited sticky traps for the Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris) in strawberry fields
Authors: Chouinard‐Thuly Laura , Dumont François , Provost Caroline , Lemieux Mathieu , Chapdelaine Daniel , Quintana Sanchez Oscar , Montiglio Pierre‐Olivier 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInsecticides have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Thus, the development of non‐chemical replacement to manage insect pests is urgent. An alternative is to bait sticky traps with attractive insect sex pheromones or plant volatiles. In Quebec, the tarnished plant bug (Lygus lineolaris) is a major insect pest. We tested the efficiency of sex pheromones (mixture of hexyl butyrate (HB), (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate (E2HB) and (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal (KA)) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) volatiles (pinene, sabinene and phenylacetaldehyde) as sticky trap baits for the tarnished plant bug in strawberry fields of the Laurentians in Southern Québec, Canada. The pheromones decreased the number of tarnished plant bug caught in the traps compared to a control. The sunflower volatile did not have any effect on the number of individuals caught in the traps. Different Lygus species use HB, E2HB and KA in different ratios for sexual signals and alarm signals and for species recognition. GC‐MS analysis of the sex pheromone bait revealed that the ratios between the three main compounds did not match the intended ratio for the L. lineolaris species. This mismatch probably explains our results. Individuals were not attracted to sunflower volatiles. Our results point to the difficulty of manufacturing and using sex pheromones as baits. Future work should assess the effect of several pheromone ratios.
Paleoproterozoic UHT metamorphism with isobaric cooling (IBC) followed by decompression–heating in the Khondalite Belt (North China Craton): New evidence from two sapphirine formation processes
Authors: Jiao Shujuan , Guo Jinghui 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInterpretation of reaction microstructures may provide constraints on the P–T path followed by rocks, with implications for the geodynamic evolution. Sapphirine generally occurs in diverse microstructures in ultrahigh‐temperature (UHT) Mg–Al‐rich granulites. Understanding multi‐stage sapphirine formation processes and the resultant P–T path may provide insights into the cause of UHT metamorphism, which is otherwise under broad debate. Here, we investigate samples of UHT granulite containing two distinct types of sapphirine from the Dongpo locality in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton, with the aim of understanding the processes of sapphirine formation and the metamorphic evolution of the host rocks. Petrographic observations show that early sapphirine, which occurs as coronas on spinel and as single porphyroblasts, formed together with biotite, sillimanite, and inclusion‐rich garnet. Late symplectitic sapphirine along with fine‐grained plagioclase and spinel plus plagioclase symplectites, formed by consumption of sillimanite, biotite, and garnet. Three pseudosections based on the bulk compositions of microdomains inferred to reflect spatially restricted equilibrium suggest that the rocks record near isobaric cooling (IBC) from ~980 to 830ºC at ~0.9 GPa for early sapphirine formation, and decompression and heating to ≤0.7 GPa and ~900ºC for late sapphirine formation. Our study in combination with other metamorphic P–T and age information reveals the common occurrence of IBC paths and long duration (c. 1.93 to 1.86 Ga) regional UHT metamorphism in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton. Locally, this is followed by decompression–heating paths at c. 1.86 Ga. The Palaeoproterozoic UHT metamorphism with long‐lived IBC path in the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton supports large hot orogen model in the amalgamation of this part in the supercontinent Nuna.
Does temperature of distending medium matter in outpatient hysteroscopy? A double‐blinded cohort control observational study of room temperature versus warmed saline
Authors: Kapur Shikha , Gruber Amelia , Sekar Hasviniya , Mafuta Joadel , Lodhi Wasim , Sivashanmugarajan Viswapriya , Yoong Wai 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThere is little data assessing outcomes of outpatient hysteroscopy using warmed versus room temperature saline. The aim of this study was to determine if the temperature of the distending medium during outpatient hysteroscopy affect ease of procedure, clarity of view, procedural discomfort/pain and patient satisfaction.MethodsThis was a double‐blinded cohort control quasi‐randomized prospective study involving 100 women undergoing outpatient diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy for abnormal uterine bleeding, intrauterine contraceptive devices retrieval and removal of endometrial polyps. Outpatient hysteroscopy was performed either with normal saline either at room temperature (control at 25°C) or warmed to body temperature (37°C).ResultsConfounding variables such as age, parity, previous cervical surgery, previous vaginal births, menopausal status and indications for hysteroscopy were similar in the room temperature (n = 48) and warmed saline (n = 52) groups. Mean procedure duration (256 vs 233 s), ease of entry (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] 9.55 vs 9.4) and the clarity of view (VAS 9.02 vs 9.3) were statistically similar in both groups (all P > 0.05) as was discomfort experienced during hysteroscopy (VAS 6.6/10 vs 6.8/10) and at 5 min post‐procedure (VAS 4.2/10 vs 3.2/10) (both P > 0.05). The likelihood of recommending the procedure to a friend was similar in both groups (mean VAS 6.9/10 vs 7.2/10; P = 0.1).ConclusionThe temperature of the distension medium did not influence ease of procedure, clarity of hysteroscopy view, procedural discomfort/pain and patient satisfaction. Patients were not any more likely to recommend the procedure to a friend in the warmed saline compared to the room temperature group.
Dictyosphaerium‐like morphotype in terrestrial algae: what is Xerochlorella (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)?1
Authors: Mikhailyuk Tatiana , Holzinger Andreas , Tsarenko Petro , Glaser Karin , Demchenko Eduard , Karsten Ulf 
Published: January 2020

Several strains of terrestrial algae isolated from biological soil crusts in Germany and Ukraine were identified by morphological methods as the widely distributed species Dictyosphaerium minutum (=Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides). Investigation of the phylogeny showed their position unexpectedly outside of Chlorellaceae (Trebouxiophyceae) and distantly from Chlorella chlorelloides, to which this taxon was attributed after revision of the genus Chlorella based on an integrative approach. SSU rRNA phylogeny determined the position of our strains inside a clade recently described as a new genus of the cryptic alga Xerochlorella olmiae isolated from desert biological soil crusts in the United States. Investigation of the morphology of the authentic strain of X. olmiae showed Dictyosphaerium‐like morphology, as well as some other characters, common for our strains and morphospecies D. minutum. The latter alga was described as terrestrial and subsequently united with the earlier described aquatic representative D. chlorelloides because of their similar morphology. The revision of Chlorella mentioned above provided only one aquatic strain (D. chlorelloides), which determined its position in the genus. But terrestrial strains of the morphospecies were not investigated phylogenetically. Our study showed that the terrestrial D. minutum is not related to the morphologically similar D. chlorelloides (=Chlorella chlorelloides, Chlorellaceae), and instead represented a separate lineage in the Trebouxiophyceae, recently described as genus Xerochlorella. Therefore, revision of Xerochlorella is proposed, including nomenclatural combinations, epitypifications, and emendations of two species: X. minuta and X. dichotoma. New characters of the genus based on investigation of morphology and ultrastructure were determined.
NeogeneCorylopsisseeds from eastern Tennessee
Authors: Quirk Zack J. , Hermsen Elizabeth J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA new fossil species ofCorylopsis(Hamamelidaceae),C. griseaQuirk & Hermsen sp. nov, based on seeds from the early Pliocene Gray Fossil Site (GFS), eastern Tennessee, USA, is described. The assignment of the seeds to Hamamelidaceae, subfamily Hamamelidoideae, is based on the overall size of the seeds, smooth testa, lack of a seed wing, and the presence of a terminal hilar scar. The assignment to the genusCorylopsisis based on seed size as well as the presence of a hilar facet, in addition to the hilar scar. AlthoughCorylopsispersists only in East Asia today, its fossil record indicates that the genus was widespread across the Northern Hemisphere in the past. Prior to its discovery at GFS,Corylopsiswas only known from the Paleogene in North America. The presence ofC. griseaat GFS extends the fossil record ofCorylopsisin North America to the Neogene and reinforces the interpretation of GFS as a forested refugium that provided a relatively moist, equable environment where subtropical to warm temperate plants could persist during a time of cooling and drying in the continental interior of North America. Its presence provides additional evidence for the biogeographic connection between the GFS paleoflora and the modern flora of eastern Asia.
What Do Religion Scholars Really Want? Scholarly Values in the Scientific Study of Religion
Authors: Shults F. LeRon , Wildman Wesley J. , Taves Ann , Paloutzian Raymond F. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article presents selected findings of the Values in Scholarship on Religion (VISOR) project. Conversations about the values and norms that ought to shape the academic study of religion are quite common but typically based on anecdotal evidence and personal experience. The goal of VISOR was to gather data that could ground debates about the values that scholars of religion prize. Here, we present statistical analyses of VISOR data that shed light on the values guiding members of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR) and the ways in which these compare with the values of members of other academic associations and other disciplines that study religion. Compared to current members of SSSR, members of the broader field of scholars whose approach to religion is sociological are more likely to be younger, female, liberal, and nonreligious. This sea change will put pressure on the SSSR to adapt.
Psychological outcomes following surgical and endoscopic bariatric procedures: A systematic review
Authors: Spirou Dean , Raman Jayanthi , Smith Evelyn 
Published: January 2020

SummaryObesity is a leading global epidemic. Bariatric surgery is the only treatment demonstrating substantial long‐term weight loss and medical benefits. However, there is limited research on the psychological outcomes following surgery. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to systematically review depression, anxiety, and binge eating outcomes at different time points following bariatric surgery and identify whether bariatric surgery significantly reduces psychological symptoms over time. These outcomes were also examined among endoscopic bariatric procedures as a secondary aim. Forty‐eight studies met inclusion criteria. Findings suggested that most patients experience a short‐term reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms from pre‐surgery. Over time, however, these symptoms increase and may even return to pre‐surgery levels. Furthermore, while binge eating was uncommon after surgery, other disordered eating patterns may emerge. Binge eating may also restart over time as the stomach enlarges again. Overall, the complex psychological difficulties faced by individuals with obesity continue after surgery and may contribute to longer‐term weight recidivism. More comprehensive and standardised psychological assessment procedures, including clinical interviews and longer‐term follow‐up, may provide insight into the psychological mechanisms maintaining weight management issues, and may serve as a starting point for improving the long‐term success of patients with obesity.