bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Value of Irrigation Water in the Middle Atlantic States: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Madariaga Bruce , McConnell Kenneth E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractEstimation of the economic value of irrigation water is complicated by a lack of data on the price or marginal cost of water. Through econometric estimation of an aggregate total value product function, this paper obtains marginal irrigation water value estimates for the Middle Atlantic region. Additionally, the impact of temperature and soil conditions on aggregate production within the region is estimated. Ridge regression and covariance analysis are employed to deal with problems of multicollinearity and simultaneous equation bias, respectively. Estimates indicate a substantial and growing return to irrigation within the region.
Producer Gas Fueled Irrigation: Evaluating the Potential of a Technology
Authors: Kiker Clyde , Bauman Eric 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDevelopment and commercialization of technologies that utilize on-farm energy sources are beset by uncertainty. Producer gas, a technology that allows wood to be converted to a gaseous fuel which can power internal combustion engines, is evaluated for irrigation systems using simulation modeling and stochastic efficiency analysis. For many market conditions, producer gas stochastically dominates diesel fuel for powering a center pivot irrigation system in terms of lower cost. Commercial potential exists, but experience with pilot installations is required to further reduce uncertainty.
IO/EAM: An Input-Output Economic Assessment Model
Authors: Jordan Jeffrey L. , Brooks Rusty 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper describes a microcomputer software package, IO/EAM: An Input-Output Economic Assessment Model, which was developed at the University of Georgia through a joint extension-research effort. The package is a menudriven, user friendly program that is designed to be used by county extension agents, researchers, and other extension personnel to estimate the economic impact of changes in county economies. The program employs an input-output model that provides users with a locally based, easily updated source of economic intelligence. Use of input-output techniques allows users to estimate the impact of changes in county economies on an industry-by-industry basis and to account for the interdependencies among these industries in a county.
Risk-Return Assessment of Irrigation Decisions in Humid Regions: An Extension
Authors: Tew Bernard V. , Boggess William G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe risk effects of irrigation scheduling in a sub-humid climate have been well documented recently using approximations of the variance of net returns. A method to determine the exact variance of net returns assuming only multivariant normality is presented. The approximation technique in contrast to the method presented in this research was shown to have a non-uniform effect on the variance of net returns of each schedule.
Applying Lisa Concepts on Southern Farms
Authors: Ikerd John E. 
Published: February 2017

The term LISA was coined in 1988 as an acronym to identify a federally funded research and education program designed to address the public issue of agriculture and the environment (USDA-CSRS, p. 2). LISA is made up of two related, but different, concepts: low input and sustainable agriculture. This combination reflects a compromise between two different perspectives of the environmental issues confronting agriculture.The low input perspective is that farmers must reduce their use of commercial chemical inputs as a means of reducing environmental and ecological risks. The sustainable agriculture perspective is that long-run productivity and utility of agriculture depend ultimately on our ability to keep farms both ecologically sound and economically viable. Reduced reliance on commercial inputs is seen as one means of addressing the ecological risks that could threaten long-run sustainability.
Cow-Calf Producers' Perceived Profit Maximization Objective: A Logit Analysis
Authors: Young Katherine D. , Shumway C. Richard 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA logistic regression (logit) model was developed to examine how socioeconomic characteristics of cow-calf producers influenced their perceptions of themselves as profit maximizers. Amount of pasture acreage, percent of income earned from the cow-calf operation, and desire to increase net worth and efficiently use labor significantly increased the producer's probability of claiming to be in the business primarily to maximize profits. Some sociological reasons for owning cattle significantly reduced the probability of the producer claiming to be a profit maximizer while others significantly increased the probability.
The Effects of Firm Size and Production Cost Levels on Dynamically Optimal After-Tax Cotton Storage and Hedging Decisions
Authors: Tronstad Russell 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFarm size and production costs are varied in a six state variable stochastic dynamic programming model that quantifies monthly hedging, storage, and cash cotton sale decisions for an Alabama cotton producer. State variables considered are: (1) cash cotton price; (2) basis level; (3) before-tax income level; (4) cotton holdings; (5) futures position; and (6) value of futures position. Results indicate that when farm size and production cost level differ, marketing decisions diverge the most for cash cotton sales at the end of the tax year and lower range of cash price (less than $.65/lb.), basis (less than -$.05/lb.), and before-tax income (less than $0.00) states.
Economic Risk Efficiency of Boll Weevil Eradication
Authors: Szmedra Philip I. , McClendon Ronald W. , Wetzstein Michael E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine the economic risk efficiency of implementing a boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis [Boheman]) eradication (BWE) program in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) producing regions of the Mississippi Delta. Alternative producer pest management practices and program cost sharing were incorporated into a biophysical cotton simulation model. Participation in a BWE program along with strict adherence to Cooperative Extension Service pest management guidelines proved to be the risk efficient practice.
Determinants of Restructured Farm Loan Performance
Authors: Pederson Glenn , Rao Ananth , Boehlje Michael 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA probabilistic model is applied to cross-sectional data to identify determinants of post-restructure performance of Federal Land Bank loans. The results indicate that restructured loans were sensitive to factors that determine the debt repayment burden and the repayment ability of the restructured farm operations. Loan performance is found to be relatively more sensitive to the levels of the post-restructure interest rate and cash farm income than to the financial structure and leverage position of the restructured farm. The relationships between the post-restructure interest rate, cash farm income level, and the probability of loan performance are illustrated.
The Demand for Butter, Margarine, and Oils: A Nonparametric Test for Evidence of Structural Change
Authors: Jensen Kim , Bevins Scott 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine whether structural change in the demand for butter, margarine, and salad and cooking oils occurred between 1967 and 1986. A nonparametric method, which does not require that a functional form be imposed on the data, was used to test for violations from stable, well-behaved preferences. Violations were found, but they were small in magnitude. Therefore, the results failed to show strong evidence that consumption patterns for butter, margarine, and oils were inconsistent with stable preferences.
An Evaluation of Consumer Pesticide Residue Concerns and Risk Information Sources
Authors: Byrne Patrick J. , Gempesaw Conrado M. , Toensmeyer Ulrich C. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMarginal probability effects of demographic variables on consumer concerns about pesticide residues were assessed as well as the likelihood of consumer beliefs given different channels of information on produce safety and risks. This was done using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) of ordered logit models. The empirical results showed that pesticide residue concern levels appeared to be lower for more highly educated and high income households. Safety information from the academic community was found to have the highest likelihood of acceptance by consumers.
Cost Effectiveness of Alternative Subsidy Strategies for Soil Erosion Control
Authors: Park William M. , Sawyer David G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article reports on analyses of the cost effectiveness of three soil erosion control policy alternatives, specifically 1) uniform-rate cost sharing, 2) variable-rate cost sharing, and 3) fixed subsidy payments per unit reduction in erosion. A brief discussion of the place of these alternative subsidy strategies within the context of the current policy environment is presented. Integer programming is employed to simulate adoption of “best management practices” (BMPs) on a set of representative farms in a case study water-shed in response to these alternative subsidy strategies. Conclusions and policy implications are outlined.
Energy Use in U.S. Agriculture: Early Adjustment to the 1973-74 Price Shock
Authors: Gowdy John M. , Miller Jack L. , Kherbachi Hamid 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUsing input-output tables for 1972 and 1977 we examine direct and indirect energy use in the production of fourteen U.S. agricultural products. We find that between 1972 and 1977 energy use increased in absolute terms but decreased in terms of Btus required per dollar of output.Although this trend is encouraging in terms of the long-run ability of U.S. agriculture to adjust to higher energy prices, the following caveats should be mentioned; (1) a large part of the decrease in primary energy intensity is attributable to one sector, meat animals, (2) there was a substantial increase in electricity intensity in almost all sectors, and (3) there was an increase in the use of energy embodied in fertilizers and agricultural chemicals in the very important food grain and feed sectors.
Farm Level Dynamic Analysis of Soil Conservation: An Application to the Piedmont Area of Virginia
Authors: Segarra Eduardo , Taylor Daniel B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA conceptual optimal control theory model which considers farm level decision making with respect to soil management is developed. A simplified version of the theoretical model is applied to the Piedmont area of Virginia. The model includes the productivity impacts of both soil erosion and technological progress. Both the theoretical model and its empirical application are improvements over previous efforts. Results suggest that farmers in the study area can achieve substantial reductions in soil erosion by adopting alternative farming practices.
Optimal Organization of a Statewide Livestock Auction Market System: The Case of Tennessee
Authors: McClain Emily A. , McLemore Dan L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOptimal sizes, number, and locations of Tennessee livestock auction markets were identified as those which minimize the combined costs of assembling and marketing livestock for the state using a separable programming model. The model includes transportation costs, economies of size in market operation, a proxy for reductions in buyers' operating costs attributable to increasing market volumes, and livestock production density, both in and around the state. The model is sufficiently comprehensive and descriptive to be of practical use by policy makers who influence industry change. Results indicate that a reduction in market numbers would lower combined costs.
Economic Survivability of Mississippi Rice Farms: A Deterministic Simulation Approach
Authors: Salassi Michael E. , Eddleman Bobby R. , Hamill James G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study evaluates the economic survivability of rice farms in the Delta area of Mississippi. A general whole-farm simulation model, FLIPSIM V, is used to simulate the operations of representative rice farms over a 10-year period. Although farm size did not change for any of the representative farms considered, the financial structure of these farms changed considerably. Crop mix was found to cause significant differences in the economic growth and financial viability of rice farms in the region.
Consumer Preferences for Local Versus Out-Of-State Grown Selected Fresh Produce: The Case of Knoxville, Tennessee
Authors: Eastwood David B. , Brooker John R. , Orr Robert H. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractConsumer behavior with respect to purchase regularity, satisfaction, origin, and willingness to pay for selected local versus non-Tennessee grown fresh produce is examined. Except for origin, consumer behavior with respect to the above is affected by income, household size and age distribution, race, age of respondent, college education, and occupation. The pattern of significant variables changed by commodity. Tomatoes, followed by peaches, had the greatest local market potential. Local promotion of other products may be more difficult. Results suggested consumers have no strong preferences for or against locally grown fresh produce. The prices of locally grown commodities in Knoxville should be less than or equal to those of comparable quality non-Tennessee commodities.
Agricultural Economics Research and The Experiment Station System
Authors: Debertin David L. , Bradford Garnett L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper discusses the role of agricultural economics research within the land-grant university system. Fundamental differences between research in the biological sciences and the social sciences are delineated. Implications of these differences for experiment station research programs are discussed. Recommendations are made which have potential for enhancing the role of agricultural economics within colleges of agriculture.
Multiproduct Production Choices And Pesticide Regulation In Georgia
Authors: McIntosh Christopher S. , Williams Albert A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAn increasing emphasis on surface and groundwater quality and food safety may result in some form of pesticide regulations. A restricted profit function model of Georgia agriculture is used to examine the short-run effects of 2 and 5 percent reductions in all pesticides. Point estimates of short-run impacts, along with their 90 percent confidence intervals are presented.
Estimates Of Government Intervention Levels In U.S. Peanut Markets
Authors: Miller Bill R. , Mabbs-Zeno Carl 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUnilateral liberalization of U.S. peanut policy was evaluated using a model of U.S. and world peanut supply and demand. Under the proposed policy, world peanut price would rise slightly to $.20 per pound at the U.S. farm level. U.S. production would decline by 578 million pounds per year and would be offset by imports of 582 million pounds. U.S. net farm income would fall by $405 million per year. Lost income per farm would be $21,000 per year while the average outlay of consumers would decrease by $.84 per person at farm level price. Government expenditures would be virtually unchanged because of the market orientation of current policy.
Selecting The “Best” Prediction Model: An Application To Agricultural Cooperatives
Authors: Rambaldi Alicia N. , Zapata Hector O. , Christy Ralph D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA credit scoring function incorporating statistical selection criteria was proposed to evaluate the credit worthiness of agricultural cooperative loans in the Fifth Farm Credit District. In-sample (1981-1986) and out-of-sample (1988) prediction performance of the selected models were evaluated using rank transformation discriminant analysis, logit, and probit. Results indicate superior out-of-sample performance for the management oriented approach relative to classification of unacceptable loans, and poor performance of the rank transformation in out-of-sample prediction.
The U.S. Wheat And Corn Programs: Some Domestic Welfare And International Trade Implications
Authors: Carey Kathleen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper explores changes in traditional commodity programs from the perspective of domestic welfare. A theoretical model was developed which describes domestic welfare changes that follow from policies consistent with reductions in international price distortions. The model was applied to the 1985 Farm Bill. This provided an historical example of a policy change that simultaneously improves domestic welfare and reduces protectionism.
Quasi-Experimental Designs For Measuring Impacts Of Developmental Highways In Rural Areas
Authors: Broder Josef M. , Taylor Teresa D. , McNamara Kevin T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractQuasi-experimental techniques were developed to provide decision-making tools for documenting the impacts of developmental highways in rural areas. Regression discontinuity analysis (RDA) with limited observations was used to compare economic changes in highway counties to those in adjacent and non-adjacent control counties. The RDA models found statistically significant changes in population, per capita income, and taxable sales related to highway development. The study found that some counties benefitted from developmental highways, some were unchanged, while some experienced economic decline. RDA models with adjacent controls had better explanatory powers while those with non-adjacent controls were more sensitive to highway-related changes in economic activity. When significant non-highway activities were present, adjacent control models may have understated highway-related impacts, while non-adjacent control models may have overstated these impacts. Arguments for using adjacent and non-adjacent experimental designs are discussed.
Transmittance in a thin aluminum layer at nanosecond pulsed laser ablation
Authors: Senatsky Y.V. , Bykovsky N.E. , Pershin S.M. , Samokhin A.A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSince the beginning of the 1960s and up to the present time, laser ablation from metal surfaces under the action of short light pulses has been the topic of many researches. One of the first objects in the early ablation experiments presented thin metal films evaporated by radiation, which were used in lasers with nanosecond pulses as optical gates for Q-switching in resonators or for decoupling in amplifiers. Bleaching of the gates based on metal layers with a time constant τt ≈ 10−8 s observed in a number of experiments, was usually considered as a result of a simple evaporation of matter. We analyze the data of the experiments with a mylar tape [≈0.05 µm aluminum (Al) layer on ≈20 µm lavsan substrate] used as a gate for optical isolation in one of the first Nd: glass laser facilities with a power of ≈1 GW. That gate was irradiated by pulses of Q-switched oscillators: pulse duration 10−7–10−8 s, intensity 107–108 W/cm2. A jump in the transmittance of the expanding Al layer was registered (from ≈0.1 to 50% at τt ≈ 10−9 s). The present study shows that one should consider the metal–insulator phase transition in a superheated liquid metal layer as the mechanism of the fast (up to 10–10–10–11 s) increase in the transmittance of the Al film gate at nanosecond-pulsed laser ablation.
The Committee for the Publication of African Historical Sources
Authors: Robinson David 
Published: February 2017

On December 7, 1983, a group convened at the Annual Meeting of the African Studies Association in Boston and constituted itself tentatively as the Committee for the Publication of African Historical Sources.The initial convocation had been made by Harold Marcus and David Robinson of Michigan State University with a view towards constituting a US Committee for the Fontes Historiae Africanae, which is part of the International Academic Union and has been working on the publication of African historical sources for over twenty years. John Hunwick of Northwestern University, Director of the Fontes, explained his work over the last decade in supporting the publication of edited texts, translations, and commentaries through Fontes. Most of the publications have been in the Arabica series. Fontes has not had a national committee in the United States and the group was prepared to take the lead in constituting such a committee.
Introduction
Authors: Bazin Jean 
Published: February 2017

This collection brings together six papers of the some seventy that were presented at the international symposium held at Université Laval in October, 1987 entitled “Mémoires, Histoires, Identités”. Organized jointly by the History Department of Université Laval, the Ecole des Hautes études en sciences sociales de Paris and the Laboratoire 363 “Tiers-Monde-Afrique” CNRS/Université Paris VII, the symposium aimed to stimulate reflection and research on the links between the construction of identities and the production of history as a discourse on the past, and thus on the links maintained by two modes of production of History-the academic and the popular. Achieving this objective required a broadening of the empirical field to avoid unduly singularizing African experiences.The papers here concentrate on the process of the production of history by historical actors or by cultural intermediaries who, educated or not, are not of the university milieu which imposes the western conception of historical discourse. The relationships between academic and popular discourse and between the norms of the dominant culture and the practices of dominated cultures are at the center of the analyses.Isaiah Berlin recently summarized the past century as follows:The other, without doubt, consists in the great ideological storms that have altered the lives of virtually all mankind: the Russian Revolution and its aftermath – totalitarian tyrannies of both right and left and the explosions of nationalism, racism, and, in places, of religious bigotry, which, interestingly enough, not one among the most perceptive social thinkers of the nineteenth century had ever predicted.
Statistical Analysis of Natural Events in the United States
Authors: Charles Levi  , Partrat Christian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA statistical analysis is performed on natural events which can produce important damages to insurers. The analysis is based on hurricanes which have been observed in the United States between 1954 et 1986.At first, independence between the number and the amount of the losses is examined. Different distributions (Poisson and negative binomial for frequency and exponential, Pareto and lognormal for severity) are tested. Along classical tests as chi-square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and non parametric tests, a test with weights on the upper tail of the distribution is used: the Anderson – Darling test.Confidence intervals for the probability of occurrence of a claim and expected frequency for different potential levels of claims are derived. The Poisson Log-normal model gives a very good fit to the data.
Persistent Discordant Twin Growth Following IVF-ET
Authors: Ahiron R. , Blickstein I. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe observed persistent first trimester growth disparity in a twin pregnancy following IVF-ET. The crown-rump length of the two fetuses was substantially different at 7 and 11 weeks and from the 20th week discordant growth was observed by intertwin differences in abdominal circumferences and estimated fetal weights. Birth weight discordance was 26.6% (1600/2180). This is apparently the first documentation of first trimester growth discordance persisting throughout pregnancy.