bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Production, Marketing, and Export of Rice in Takeo
Authors: Chhun Chhim , Vuthy Theng , Keosothea Nou 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTakeo is one of the main rice-producing provinces in Cambodia and increasingly engages in cross-border trade with Vietnam. The aim of this study was to examine the production and marketing of rice in Takeo Province with a view to identifying ways to increase the benefits accruing to rice growers. Rice production in Takeo provides a subsistence base for farm households, an adequate return to household labour and, for those who have access to irrigation in the dry season, an important commercial activity. The returns to farmers could be improved by providing better information about and regulation of the key inputs—seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides. The rice market in Takeo is well structured with a network of collectors, traders, and exporters. Farmers can readily sell their paddy at a competitive market price. The marketed surplus is traded and milled efficiently in the domestic market, but the milling sector does not have the physical capacity or capital to handle the dry-season paddy surplus, which is exported directly to Vietnam. Thus the export of paddy remains crucial for the commercial rice industry in Takeo. If Vietnam’s rice policy changed to protect its own farmers, the rice sector in Takeo would be vulnerable. Nevertheless, while Cambodia continues to develop its rice processing and export capacity, the cross-border trade in paddy provides a viable source of income for a sub-sector of rice farmers in Takeo.
The Supply of Fertiliser for Rice Farming in Takeo
Authors: Vuthy Theng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractOne reason for the low rice yields in Cambodia compared with Vietnam and Thailand has been the low use of fertilisers, even though there is a high yield response to fertiliser application. A study of the fertiliser value chain in Takeo Province was conducted. The hypothesis was that limited access to good-quality, affordable fertilisers is a major constraint to improving rice yields in the province. The study confirmed the hypothesis and concluded that farmers’ access to affordable, good-quality fertilisers could be improved by addressing the following concerns. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) could simplify and speed up the import licensing procedures and regulations for fertilisers, thus removing the scope for rent-seeking behaviour and the need for facilitators to expedite the issuing of licences. This would also reduce the incentive for illegal imports. Import licences should be approved by MAFF based on the suitability of a product’s use in Cambodia; then importers could be allowed to import any quantity of a registered fertiliser based on market demand and their own commercial risk assessment. This would also reduce the scope for illegal (and hence unregulated) imports. All imported fertiliser products should be labelled to identify the manufacturer. This would enable the sources of sub-standard fertilisers to be traced, particularly from Vietnam and China, where it is claimed that sub-standard blends and granular products are produced. MAFF should also certify third party traders who purchase and deliver fertilisers to villages for re-sale to farmers. Finally, fertiliser dealers, retailers, and other fertiliser traders should buy fertilisers only from certified importers or distributors and transport to villages for direct re-sale to farmers. Inspectors should monitor and spot-check fertiliser operators to help reduce fertiliser quality problems for smallholders.
Evolution of Rice Farming in Ubon Ratchathani Province
Authors: Kramol Prathanthip , Ekasingh Benchaphun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRice farming in Northeast Thailand has changed significantly in the past few decades, becoming more commercialised and mechanised. This has involved increased use of high-yielding seed, inorganic fertilisers, and machinery, especially for land preparation and harvesting, and lower use of family labour as household workers find more profitable non-farm employment, often outside the district and province. Three contrasting villages in Ubon Ratchathani Province were selected for this study to investigate the use of rice farming technologies, especially fertiliser and machinery, to estimate the returns to the farm household from rice production, and to identify the problems and potential of different approaches to the development of rice farming in the region. Comparing the three villages shows that, even after several decades of commercialisation in the Northeast, rice farming is following different trajectories and making different contributions to household livelihoods, depending on the goals and circumstances of individual households and communities. Alternative agriculture based on organic production methods can be a viable pathway alongside conventional commercial agriculture. However, in all cases, non-rice and non-farm sources of income are needed to augment income from rice production.
Farmer Organizations in Ubon Ratchathani Province
Authors: Kramol Prathanthip , Suebpongsang Pornsiri , Ekasingh Benchaphun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNotwithstanding the rapid growth of commercial agriculture in Thailand over the past half century, farmer organizations and community enterprises have been a common and distinctive feature of the rural economy and have been strongly supported by government policies, especially with the promotion of the “sufficiency economy”. While informal cooperation has been a traditional part of village life, the government has consistently promoted more formal organizational arrangements for farmers, alongside policies for intensification and commercialization of rice and other crops. This juxtaposition of independent smallholder farming and collective, community-based economic activity is explored in this chapter through case studies of organizations in three villages in Northeast Thailand. It was found that farmer organizations can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and skills, improve access to production technologies, encourage saving and investment, and increase farmers’ market competitiveness. Community enterprises can create new employment opportunities, especially for women and disadvantaged groups, contributing to livelihood diversification while reducing the need for out-migration. The key factors contributing to the success of these groups were strong committed leadership, involved membership, connecting with wider networks, the role of government and non-government assistance providers, and supportive government policies.
Rice Marketing and Cross-Border Trade in Savannakhet
Authors: Manivong Phengkhouane , Sacklokham Silinthone 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study analysed the pattern of rice marketing and cross-border trade in Savannakhet Province. This province has the largest output of rice in Laos and is an important conduit for trade with Thailand and Vietnam. The survey interviewed actors along the rice value chain, including producers in Champhone District, traders, millers, exporters, and officials. Most rice farmers were market-oriented, regularly producing a surplus for the market. They used improved varieties and fertilizers and sold a substantial part of both their wet- and dry-season crops. Champhone District had already been opened to the regional market and reasonably efficient trading networks were in place. However, there were several constraints to the marketing and export of rice. Farmers often delivered rice of mixed grades and high moisture content. The rice mills in Savannakhet had poor processing equipment, making it difficult to meet international quality standards. The export ban in 2010–2011 caused a sudden drop in prices and created market uncertainty. These constraints could be alleviated through government policies to promote suitable varieties to ensure a homogeneous rice grade for export; enhance storage and drying to improve the rice moisture content; improve the processing infrastructure for sorting, milling, and polishing; and creating a more stable policy environment for the export sector.
Reflection groups and 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$> 6 SCFTs
Authors: Tachikawa Yuji , Zafrir Gabi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We point out that the moduli spaces of all known 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8 and

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 6 SCFTs, after suitable gaugings of finite symmetry groups, have the form ℂ
4r

/Γ where Γ is a real or complex reflection group depending on whether the theory is

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8 or

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 6, respectively. Real reflection groups are either dihedral groups, Weyl groups, or two sporadic cases H3,4 Since the BLG theories and the maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories correspond to dihedral and Weyl groups, it is strongly suggested that there are two yet-to­
be-discovered 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 8 theories for H3,4. We also show that all known

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 6 theories correspond to complex reflection groups collectively known as G(k, x, N). Along the way, we demonstrate that two ABJM theories (SU(N)
k
x SU(N)
-k
)/ℤ
N
and (U(N)
k
x U(N)
-k
) /ℤ
k
are actually equivalent.
On the Finite Horizon Optimal Switching Problem with Random Lag
Authors: Perninge Magnus 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe consider an optimal switching problem with random lag and possibility of component failure. The random lag is modeled by letting the operation mode follow a regime switching Markov-model with transition intensities that depend on the switching mode. The possibility of failures is modeled by having absorbing components. We show existence of an optimal control for the problem by applying a probabilistic technique based on the concept of Snell envelopes.
Preclinical evaluation of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 as a selective marker for measuring αVβ6 integrin occupancy using positron emission tomography in rodent lung
Authors: Onega Mayca , Parker Christine A. , Coello Christopher , Rizzo Gaia , Keat Nicholas , Ramada-Magalhaes Joaquim , Moz Sara , Tang Sac-Pham , Plisson Christophe , Wells Lisa , Ashworth Sharon , Slack Robert J. , Vitulli Giovanni , Wilson Frederick J. , Gunn Roger , Lukey Pauline T. , Passchier Jan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPurposeIntegrin αvβ6belongs to the RGD subset of the integrin family, and its expression levels are a prognostic and theranostic factor in some types of cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. This paper describes the GMP radiolabelling of the synthetic 20 amino acid peptide A20FMDV2 (NAVPNLRGDLQVLAQKVART), derived from the foot-and-mouth disease virus, and characterises the use of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 as a high affinity, specific and selective PET radioligand for the quantitation and visualisation of αvβ6in rodent lung to support human translational studies.MethodsThe synthesis of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 was performed using a fully automated and GMP-compliant process. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to perform homologous (unlabelled FB-A20FMDV2) and heterologous (anti-αvβ6antibody 8G6) blocking studies. In order to generate a dosimetry estimate, tissue residence times were generated, and associated tissue exposure and effective dose were calculated using the Organ Level Internal Dose Assessment/Exponential Modelling (OLINDA/EXM) software.Results[18F]FB-A20FMDV2 synthesis was accomplished in 180 min providing ~800 MBq of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 with a molar activity of up to 150 GBq/μmol and high radiochemical purity (> 97%). Following i.v. administration to rats, [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 was rapidly metabolised with intact radiotracer representing 5% of the total radioactivity present in rat plasma at 30 min. For the homologous and heterologous block in rats, lung-to-heart SUV ratios at 30–60 min post-administration of [18F]FB-A20FMDV2 were reduced by 38.9 ± 6.9% and 56 ± 19.2% for homologous and heterologous block, respectively. Rodent biodistribution and dosimetry calculations using OLINDA/EXM provided a whole body effective dose in humans 33.5 μSv/MBq.Conclusion[18F]FB-A20FMDV2 represents a specific and selective PET ligand to measure drug-associated αvβ6 integrin occupancy in lung. The effective dose, extrapolated from rodent data, is in line with typical values for compounds labelled with fluorine-18 and combined with the novel fully automated and GMP-compliant synthesis and allows for clinical use in translational studies.
Current issues and perspectives in PD-1 blockade cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chamoto Kenji , Hatae Ryusuke , Honjo Tasuku 
Published: January 2020

AbstractProgrammed cell death 1 (PD-1) signal receptor blockade has revolutionized the field of cancer therapy. Despite their considerable potential for treating certain cancers, drugs targeting PD-1 still present two main drawbacks: the substantial number of unresponsive patients and/or patients showing recurrences, and side effects associated with the autoimmune response. These drawbacks highlight the need for further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects, as well as the need to develop novel biomarkers to predict the lack of treatment response and to monitor potential adverse events. Combination therapy is a promising approach to improve the efficacy of PD-1 blockade therapy. Considering the increasing number of patients with cancer worldwide, solving the above issues is central to the field of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss these issues and clinical perspectives associated with PD-1 blockade cancer immunotherapy.
Lightweight, flexible, and multifunctional anisotropic nanocellulose-based aerogels for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Wei Jiayuan , Geng Shiyu , Hedlund Jonas , Oksman Kristiina 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCO2 adsorption is a promising strategy to reduce costs and energy use for CO2 separation. In this study, we developed CO2 adsorbents based on lightweight and flexible cellulose nanofiber aerogels with monolithic structures prepared via freeze-casting, and cellulose acetate or acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (a-CNCs) were introduced into the aerogels as functional materials using an impregnation method to provide CO2 affinity. The microstructure of the adsorbent was examined using scanning electron microscopy, and compression tests were performed to analyze the mechanical properties of the adsorbents. The CO2 adsorption behavior was studied by recording the adsorption isotherms and performing column breakthrough experiments. The samples showed excellent mechanical performance and had a CO2 adsorption capacity of up to 1.14 mmol/g at 101 kPa and 273 K. Compared to the adsorbent which contains cellulose acetate, the one impregnated with a-CNCs had better CO2 adsorption capacity and axial mechanical properties owing to the building of a nanoscale scaffold on the surface of the adsorbent. Although the CO2 adsorption capacity could be improved further, this paper reports a potential CO2 adsorbent that uses all cellulose-based materials, which is beneficial for the environment from both resource and function perspectives. Moreover, the interesting impregnation process provides a new method to attach functional materials to aerogels, which have potential for use in many other applications.
Temporal Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Adipokines, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Subjects with Impaired Glucose Homeostasis at 4 Years of Follow-up
Authors: Min Thinzar , Prior Sarah L , Dunseath Gareth , Churm Rachel , Barry Jonathan D , Stephens Jeffrey W 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have examined changes in plasma markers of inflammation and oxidative stress up to 24 months following bariatric surgery, but there is limited evidence on the long-term effects of bariatric surgery.

Objectives
To examine the effects of bariatric surgery on adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), inflammatory cytokines [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10(IL-10)] and global plasma measures of oxidative stress [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total antioxidant status (TAOS) 1 and 6 months, and 4 years post-surgery in subjects with obesity and impaired glucose regulation.

Methods
A prospective study comprising of 19 participants (13 females, mean age 50.4 ± 6.2 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 54 ± 14 kg/m2, 17 type 2 diabetes) undergoing bariatric surgery (10 sleeve gastrectomy, 6 biliopancreatic diversion, 2 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 1 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding). Serial measurements of the above markers were made pre-operatively, 1 and 6 months and 4 years post-operatively.

Results
Compared to pre-operative levels, significant decreases were seen 4 years post-operatively in CRP (11.4 vs 2.8 ng/mL, p < 0.001), IL-6 (8.0 vs 2.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001) and leptin (60.7 vs 32.1 pg/mL, p = 0.001). At 4 years, both fasting and 120 min TAOS significantly increased by 35% and 19% respectively. However, fasting and 120 min TBARS did not show any significant changes.

Conclusion
To our knowledge, no other studies have described changes in inflammation and oxidative stress at 4 years following bariatric surgery. This study contributes to the current literature supporting the longer-term beneficial effect of bariatric surgery on chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
Supplementation of diets with Brazil nut powder can meet dietary methionine requirement of organic broiler chickens
Authors: Foutz James C. , Milfort Marie C. , Fuller Alberta L. , Kim Woo K. , Rekaya Romdhane , Aggrey Samuel E. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSynthetic amino acids are not permitted in organic feeds by the National Organic Standard Board (NOSB) in the USA. However, low levels of methionine (Met) are permitted, and the NOSB recommends 0.1% synthetic Met for broilers. Inadequate level of dietary methionine poses concerns pertaining to health and welfare of broilers, as these limitations lead to possible Met deficiency. This research examined the effects of complete replacement of synthetic DL-methionine (DLM) by Brazil nut powder in a 100% organic diet. Eight hundred Ross 308 chicks were hatched and randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replicates of 50 chicks and raised for 56 days. Treatments included birds fed a conventional diet and raised organically (Conv_Org), NOSB diet raised organically (NOSB_Org), 100% organic diet and raised organically (Org_Org), and a conventional diet raised conventionally (Conv_Conv). Body weight at 56 days were 3960, 3995, 3981, and 3676 g for Conv_Org, NOSB_Org, Org_Org, and Conv_Conv, respectively. Body weights of the Conv_Conv group were lower (P < 0.05) than the other treatments. The FCR (0–8 weeks) of Org_Org treatment was lower (P < 0.05) than the NOSB diet. The birds on the NOSB diet had increased feed intake perhaps to compensate for the deficiency in Met. The NOSB diet may not sufficiently meet the requirement of broiler chickens even when raised with access to pasture. There were no differences in carcass yield and composition in any treatment. We conclude that Brazil nut powder is a viable substitute for DLM in organically raised broilers, as there were no differences in growth and carcass yield and improved FCR when compared to current NOSB recommended diet.
Comparative evaluation of conceptual and physical rainfall–runoff models
Authors: Jaiswal R. K. , Ali Sohrat , Bharti Birendra 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe design of water resource structures needs long-term runoff data which is always a problem in developing countries due to the involvement of huge cost of operation and maintenance of gauge discharge sites. Hydrological modelling provides a solution to this problem by developing relationship between different hydrological processes. In the past, several models have been propagated to model runoff using simple empirical relationships between rainfall and runoff to complex physical model using spatially distributed information and time series data of climatic variables. In the present study, an attempt has been made to compare two conceptual models including TANK and Australian water balance model (AWBM) and a physically distributed but lumped on HRUs scale SWAT model for Tandula basin of Chhattisgarh (India). The daily data of reservoirs levels, evaporation, seepage and releases were used in a water balance model to compute runoff from the catchment for the period of 24 years from 1991 to 2014. The rainfall runoff library (RRL) tool was used to set up TANK model and AWBM using auto and genetic algorithm, respectively, and SWAT model with SWATCUP application using sequential uncertainty fitting as optimization techniques. Several tests for goodness of fit have been applied to compare the performance of conceptual and semi-distributed physical models. The analysis suggested that TANK model of RRL performed most appropriately among all the models applied in the analysis; however, SWAT model having spatial and climatic data can be used for impact assessment of change due to climate and land use in the basin.
A Survey on the Experience of Singaporean Trainees in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine of Sexual Problems and Views on Training in Sexual Medicine
Authors: Huang Zhongwei , Choong Derek Shangxian , Ganesan Adaikan P. , Logan Susan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Asian patients may have more difficulty seeking help for their sexual problems because of a largely conservative culture. Residents from both obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) and family medicine (FM) departments are ideally placed to address sexual problems.

Aim
This survey explored the experience of residents from OBGYN and FM in managing sexual problems and their views on training in sexual medicine (SM).

Method
An anonymized questionnaire collecting data on trainee characteristics, exposure to male and female sexual problems, and training in SM was sent to all FM and OBGYN residents in Singapore. These residents had completed their medical registration with the Singapore Medical Council and were at various stages of specialty training in both FM and OBGYN residency programs in Singapore.

Main Outcome Measure
Trainees’ exposure to male and female sexual problems and their views on training in Sexual Medicine.

Results
The overall response from the survey was 63.5% (122/192)—54% (70/129) and 69% (52/75) of FM and OBGYN residents responded, respectively. 63% were female, with 22% being senior residents, and 55% attended Singaporean medical schools. About one quarter (30/122) of the respondents encountered patients with sexual problems at least monthly. Most would refer these patients directly to specialists, psychologists, and sex therapists. More than 80% of residents were not confident in managing sexual problems in either sex (89% for male problems; 83% for female problems). Among the recognized categories, only 30% felt confident to manage erectile dysfunction, 26% for vaginismus, while less than 10% felt confident to manage libido, arousal, or orgasm disorders. 95% of the residents agreed that SM should be part of both training curricula, with 70% and 25% suggesting at junior and senior residency, respectively. 93% of them were interested to obtain further knowledge and skills in SM through their core training curriculum and from seminars.

Conclusions
This survey reported a significant number of residents in OBGYN and FM departments are regularly exposed to patients with sexual problems but lack the skills to manage them. OBGYN residents were more familiar with managing female sexual problems while FM residents tend to have more experience in male sexual problems. Almost universally, the residents in FM and OBGYN were very keen to acquire skills in SM, and the results support the incorporation of appropriate knowledge and skills into both national residency program curricula.