bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Price supply response of vegetable growers in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Omezzine Abdullah , Al‐Jabri Omar S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInformation on supply price elasticities has been acknowledged as being very important for decision makers at the macro and micro levels. This paper presents an empirical investigation of vegetable growers' responses to prices in Oman. It develops a single supply response function incorporating adaptive expectation model for prices. Results indicate that growers adjust relatively fast to changes in expected prices. However, these adjustments tire rather low for some crop in the short‐and long‐run. Growers' production decisions have also shown a significant response to prices of other products competing for farm space and other production resources. These results will support efforts aimed at market development and crop enhancement programs.
Impacts of foreign policies on the gains from research and promotion
Authors: Voon J.P. , Edwards G.W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper compares llie direct and indirect effects of rest‐of‐the‐world (ROW) policy on welfare in country A: the direct effect due to the change in world price caused by (he policy in (he absence of research/promotion‐induced shifts in supply/demand, and the additional (or indirect) effect of the policy on (he welfare gain to country A from its investment in research and promotion. The results showed that the reduction in aggregate economic benefits from research/promotion due to a world price‐reducing policy in ROW could be in the range of 25‐50% of the direct reduction in social welfare due to the ROW policy. In the case of Australian beef/veal, it is possible for the welfare impact of the ROW policy via research payoff in country A to exceed the direct welfare cost.
Technical, allocative and economic efficiencies in swine production in Hawaii: a comparison of parametric and nonparametric approaches
Authors: Sharma Khem R. , Leung PingSun , Zaleski Halina M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTechnical, allocative and economic efficiency measures arc derived for a sample of swine producers in Hawaii using the parametric stochastic efficiency decomposition technique and nonparametric data envelopment analysis (DEA). Efficiency measures obtained from the two frontiei approaches are compared. Firm‐specific factors affecting productive efficiencies are also analyzed. Finally, swine producers, potential for reducing cost through improved efficiency is also examined. Under the specification of variable returns to scale (VRS), the mean technical, allocative and economic efficiency indices are 75.9%, 75.8% and 57.1%, respectively, for the parametric approach and 75.9%, 80.3% and 60.3% for DEA; while for the constant returns to scale (CRS) they are 74.5%, 73.9% and 54.7%, respectively, for the parametric approach and 64.3%, 71.4% and 45.7% for DEA. Thus the results from both approaches reveal considerable inefficiencies in swine production in Hawaii. The removal of potential outliers increases the technical efficiencies in the parametric approach anil allocative efficiencies in DEA, but, overall, contrary to popular belief, the results obtained from DEA are found to be more robust than those from the parametric approach. The estimated mean technical and economic efficiencies obtained from the parametric technique are higher than those from DEA for CRS models but quite similar for VRS models, while allocative efficiencies are generally higher in DEA. However, the efficiency rankings of the sample producers based on the two approaches are highly correlated, with the highest correlation being achieved for the technical efficiency rankings under CRS. Based on mean comparison and rank correlation analyses, the return to scale assumption is found to be crucial in assessing the similarities or differences in efficiency measures obtained from the two approaches. Analysis of the role of various firm‐specific factors on productive efficiency shows that farm size has strong positive effects on efficiency levels. Similarly, farms producing market hogs arc‐more efficient than those producing feeder pigs. Based on these results, by operating at the efficient frontier the sample swine producers would be able to reduce their production costs by 38‐46% depending upon the method and returns to scale considered.
Returns to investments in small ruminant research in Indonesia The Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program (SR‐CRSP) in West Java
Authors: Vaklivia Corinnc 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSmall ruminanl research carried out by the SR‐CRSP on management, nutrition and reproduction was developed and evaluated through an Outreach Pilol Program in West Java, Indonesia. On‐farm testing indicated that introduction of different management practices could increase birth rale and survivability of Javanese Thin Tail sheep. This article presents results from an assessment of research investments that measures the potential returns from this technological package, with various adoption and spillover effects, weighs the benefits against the research and training costs of the SR‐CRSP, and looks at distribution of benefits among consumers and producers of sheep in Indonesia. The rate of return in the most conservative scenario was 19%, with potential short‐run benefits exceeding the costs incurred by breeding and nutrition research, and training of 23 masters and doctoral students in 10 years. Market conditions favor producers in the distribution of benefits.
Risks and returns from soil conservation: evidence from low‐income farms in the Philippines
Authors: Shively Gerald E. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper examines risks and returns associated with soil conservation on hillside farms in the Philippines. Stochastic efficiency analysis is combined with a heteroskedastic regression model to assess the impacts of contour hedgerows on low‐income corn farms. Regression analysis indicates that, over time, contour hedgerows can improve yields up to 15% compared with conventional practices. The analysis also provides weak support tor a hypothesis that hedgerows are variance reducing. However, results show that the reduction in yield variability afforded by hedgerows is modest, and that yield variability may increase by as much as 5% as hedgerow intensity rises. Tests for stochastic dominance show that, compared with the conventional tillage system, hedgerows do not constitute an unambiguously dominant production strategy. Stochastic elticiency with respect to a function is used to identify a range lor the coefficient ol relative risk aversion within which hedgerows dominate conventional tillage. Results suggest this range would be rather high; hedgerows dominate the conventional cropping strategy only lor decision‐makers with relative risk aversion coefficients in the range 3‐5.5. Implications for soil conservation adoption in low‐income settings are discussed.
The influence of technology characteristics on the rate and speed of adoption
Authors: Batz F.‐J. , Peters K.J. , Janssen W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper analyses the impact of technology characteristics on the rate and speed of adoption. In a case study of the Meru district in Kenya, 17 dairy technologies are analyzed with respect to the influence of relative complexity, relative risk and relative investment characteristics on adoption. Technology characteristics were measured by a scoring approach which involves assessments made by extension workers working in the study area. The study found that the past process of adoption and diffusion was significantly influenced by the characteristics mentioned above. Considering the speed to completed adoption, the influence of relative investment was smaller while relative complexity and relative risk showed significance. The strong influence of relative complexity and relative risk of the technologies on the adoption can be explained by the characteristics of farmers and the farming circumstances. Meru farmers are poorly educated and face shortage of labor making them hesitant to adopt complex technologies. Moreover, the risk of production is high leading farmers to adopt new technologies that reduce risk relative to the traditional technologies. Knowing this, planners in research and extension should advise the development of risk‐reducing technologies with a low complexity as compared to the technologies that should be replaced.
Modelling embedded risk in peasant agriculture: methodological insights from northern Malawi
Authors: Dorward Andrew 
Published: January 2020

AbstractUsing a linear‐programming model of farming systems in northern Malawi, the conditions under which peasant farm‐household models may need to allow for embedded risk are investigated, Tactical, sequential responses to uncertainty are found to be more important to labour‐scarce households with limited access to capital and to credit markets. Compared with semi‐sequential programming, discrete stochastic programming (DSP) provided more efficient solutions for problems involving embedded risk. There may be intuitive advantages in presenting results from DSP models in terms of a semi‐sequential strategy.
Census 2020 Why Increasing Self-Response is Key to a Good Count
Authors: Salvo Joseph J. , Jacoby Annette , Lobo Arun Peter 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
With just weeks to go until the decennial United States Census, Joseph J. Salvo, Annette Jacoby and Arun Peter Lobo explain why proxy respondents, administrative records, and imputation are no substitute for a high rate of self-response
Thriving among older people living at home with home care services—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lämås Kristina , Bölenius Karin , Sandman Per‐Olof , Bergland Ådel , Lindkvist Marie , Edvardsson David 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimTo explore the level of thriving and associated factors among older adults living at home with support from home care services.DesignAn exploratory, cross‐sectional survey design.MethodA sample of 136 participants (mean 82 years) responded to a survey about thriving, health, psychosocial and care‐related factors in 2016. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis with a stepwise backwards elimination procedure were performed.ResultThe results showed that the level of thriving was relatively high among adults living at home with support from home care services, with dimensions concerning engaging in activities and peer relations and keeping in touch with people and places being rated the lowest. Regression analysis showed that participating in social relations and experiencing self‐determination in activities in and around the house were associated with thriving.ConclusionFacilitating social relations and creating opportunities for self‐determination seem necessary to support thriving among older adults living at home with support from home care services.ImpactThe findings in this study add important knowledge about place‐related well‐being when living at home with home care services.
Leisure activity in middle‐aged adults with Down syndrome: Initiators, social partners, settings and barriers
Authors: Mihaila Iulia , Handen Benjamin L. , Christian Bradley T. , Hartley Sigan L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundLeisure activity has been linked to optimal ageing outcomes, yet little is known about the type and level of leisure activity adults with Down syndrome currently engage in, and the factors that promote and hinder their leisure activities.Materials and MethodsA daily diary was utilized to provide an in‐depth description of the average daily leisure activity of 44 adults with Down syndrome (aged 25–56 years) across a typical 7‐day period. Factors related to participation, including initiators, social partners, settings and barriers, were examined.ResultsFindings indicated that the majority of adults with Down syndrome did not meet established physical leisure activity intensity recommendations (i.e., 150 min/week moderately active activity) and did not exceed levels of passive leisure (e.g., watching television) found in the general population (i.e., 2–3 hr/day). Adults with Down syndrome self‐initiated and self‐engaged in the majority of their leisure activity. Family members and paid staff allocated resources towards initiating and engaging as social partners in social and physical leisure, respectively.ConclusionsInterventions and support services should partner with family members and paid staff to foster participation in adaptive leisure activity, perhaps through the establishment of leisure activity as part of daily routines.
Novel mitochondrion‐targeting copper(II) complex induces HK2 malfunction and inhibits glycolysis via Drp1‐mediating mitophagy in HCC
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Shao Jiangjuan , Guo Zijian , Jin Chun , Wang Ling , Wang Feixia , Jia Yan , Zhu Zhenzhu , Zhang Ziji , Zhang Feng , Zheng Shizhong , Wang Xiaoyong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract[Cu(ttpy‐tpp)Br2]Br (abbreviated as CTB) is a novel mitochondrion‐targeting copper(II) complex synthesized by our research group, which contains tri‐phenyl‐phosphonium (TPP) groups as its lipophilic property. In this study, we explored how CTB affects mitochondrial functions and exerts its anti‐tumour activity. Multiple functional and molecular analyses including Seahorse XF Bioanalyzer Platform, Western blot, immunofluorescence analysis, co‐immunoprecipitation and transmission electron microscopy were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Human hepatoma cells were subcutaneously injected into right armpit of male nude mice for evaluating the effects of CTB in vivo. We discovered that CTB inhibited aerobic glycolysis and cell acidification by impairing the activity of HK2 in hepatoma cells, accompanied by dissociation of HK2 from mitochondria. The modification of HK2 not only led to the complete dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) but also promoted the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), contributing to the activation of mitophagy. In addition, CTB co‐ordinately promoted dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) recruitment in mitochondria to induce mitochondrial fission. Our findings established a previously unrecognized role for copper complex in aerobic glycolysis of tumour cells, revealing the interaction between mitochondrial HK2‐mediated mitophagy and Drp1‐regulated mitochondrial fission.
In God we Trust? Identity, Institutions and International Solidarity in Europe
Authors: Bauhr Monika , Charron Nicholas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSeveral recent studies show that citizens' identification with Europe is one of the most important determinants of support for EU integration, that may also hold the key to greater economic solidarity and support for international redistribution. This article proposes a multidimensional conception of European identity, and that citizens' support for redistribution within the EU is highly contingent not only on the level of identification with Europe but also on the nature of their feeling of belonging to the community. In particular, we suggest that citizens who feel European, based on civic ties, are more likely to support redistribution than those who instead identify with Europe on the basis of religion and in particular, Christianity. Using unique and newly collected regional‐level data, we found support for these claims. Thus, not only if, or how much, but also why citizens identify with Europe matters for the level of social solidarity across borders.
The Meaning of the European Union and Public Support for European Integration
Authors: Jayet Cyril 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes a cognitive approach that focuses on the cognitive representations that underpin public support for the European Union. Its objectives are threefold: (1) to describe systems of representation associated with support for the EU; (2) to illustrate the importance of less commonly studied representations, such as liberal cosmopolitan representations; and (3) to demonstrate that at the beginning of the 2000s, the EU often represented greater economic prosperity and/or social protection for many Central, Eastern and Southern European countries, although the situation has changed significantly since then. This paper uses Eurobarometer data from 2004 to 2017 as well as multilevel models to examine how cognitive representations of the EU can explain public support for the EU, including variations across countries.
Moving In and Out of the Shadow of European Case Law: the Dynamics of Public Procurement in the Post‐Post‐Rüffert Era
Authors: Refslund Bjarke , Jaehrling Karen , Johnson Mathew , Koukiadaki Aristea , Larsen Trine Pernille , Stiehm Christin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractJudicial Europeanization, particularly European case law and the Rüffert ruling, has created significant legal uncertainty in the use of labour clauses in public procurement, which may constrain national policymakers. However, national actors find ways to ‘push back’ against Europeanization in order to prioritize domestic policy goals. By analysing the long‐term political dynamic surrounding public procurement in Denmark, Germany and the UK since the implementation of the revised 2014 public procurement directive, we show how both national actors, and actors at subnational level, where much public procurement actually takes place, contest the Europeanization of public policies. Variation in the willingness and ability of actors to leverage the legal uncertainty to adopt labour clauses results in diverging policy trajectories, but also creates a room for policy innovation. This alters the ultimate outcome of the European regulatory agenda and results in a continued divergence of public policies across member states.
Obesity as predictive factor of periodontal therapy clinical outcomes: A cohort study
Authors: Suvan Jean , Harrington Zoe , Petrie Aviva , Patel Kalpesh , Darbar Ulpee , Donos Nikos , D'Aiuto Francesco 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimThe study aim was to investigate the predictive role of obesity on clinical response following non‐surgical periodontal therapy in individuals with severe periodontitis.MethodsA total of 57 BMI obese and 58 BMI normal non‐smoker adults with periodontitis (defined as probing pocket depths (PPD) of ≥5 mm and alveolar bone loss of >30% with >50% of the teeth affected) received non‐surgical periodontal therapy. Periodontal status was based upon PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL) and full‐mouth bleeding score (FMBS). Mean PPD, percentage sites PPD >4 mm, percentage sites PPD >5 mm and FMBS at 2 and 6 months were outcome variables. Propensity score analysis was used to assess the effect of obesity on outcome variables after adjusting for confounders.ResultsStatistically significant higher clinical measures (mean PPD, mean percentage of sites with PPD >4 mm, mean percentage of sites with PPD >5 mm and FMBS) were observed in the obese group than the normal group at baseline, 2 and 6 months after therapy (p < .01). At 2 and 6 months, obesity was associated with worse mean PPD (p < .05), percentage sites with PPD >4 mm (p < .05), percentage sites with PPD > 5mm (p < .05) and FMBS (p < .01), independent of age, gender, ethnicity or plaque levels.ConclusionsObesity compared to normal BMI status was an independent predictor of poorer response following non‐surgical periodontal therapy.
Ultraviolet photography in vitiligo: image quality, validity and reliability
Authors: Uitentuis S.E. , Heilmann M.N. , Verdaasdonk R.M. , Bae J.M. , Luiten R.M. , Wolkerstorfer A. , Bekkenk M.W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundFor clinical care and research in vitiligo, photographs with the use of ultraviolet (UV) light or Wood's lamp are often made. Conventional cameras are insensitive to UV light. The use of a UV camera (UV photography) might improve image quality and ameliorate the assessment of target lesions in vitiligo.ObjectivesTo determine image quality and the validity and reliability of UV photography for the assessment of vitiligo target lesions.MethodsImages of patients with vitiligo were made with UV photography and a conventional camera, and lesions were drawn on graph paper and transparent sheets. Image quality was scored by vitiligo experts and medical interns. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the lesion size determined with UV photography combined with digital surface measurement and the other techniques were hypothesized to be above 0.6. The ICCs between UV images taken by the same physician and between two different physicians were calculated for determining inter‐ and intra‐reliability.ResultsIn total, 31 lesions of 17 patients were included. Image quality was assessed as good or very good for 100% and 26% for UV photography and the conventional camera, respectively. ICCs of UV photography and the conventional camera, drawing the lesions on transparent sheets and graph paper, were 0.984, 0.988 and 0.983, respectively, confirming our hypotheses. The ICCs of the intra‐rater and inter‐rater were 0.999 and 0.998, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that the use of UV photography for the assessment of vitiligo lesions improves image quality and is valid and reliable.
The patient pathway in cardiovascular care: A position paper from the International Pharmacists for Anticoagulation Care Taskforce (iPACT)
Authors: Alves da Costa Filipa , Rydant Silas , Antoniou Sotiris 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis position paper highlights the opportunistic integral role of the pharmacist across the patient pathway utilizing cardiovascular care as an example. The paper aims to highlight the potential roles that pharmacists worldwide can have (or already have) to provide efficient patient care in the context of interprofessional collaboration.MethodsIt results from a literature review and experts seeking advice to identify existing interventions and potential innovative interventions. We developed a conceptual framework highlighting seven critical phases in the patient pathway and for each of those listed some of the initiatives identified by our experts worldwide.ResultsExisting pharmacists' interventions in each of these phases have been identified globally. Various examples in the area of prevention and self‐management were found to exist for long; the contribution for early detection and subsequently to timely diagnosis were also quite clear; integration of care was perhaps one of the areas needing greater development, although interventions in secondary care were also quite common. Tertiary care and end of life interventions were found to often be left for other healthcare professionals.ConclusionOn the basis of the findings, we can argue that much has been done but globally consider that pharmacists are still an untapped resource potentially useful for improved patient care.