bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Will digital technologies transform agriculture in developing countries?
Authors: Deichmann Uwe , Goyal Aparajita , Mishra Deepak 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMobile phones and the internet have significantly affected practically all sectors of the economy and agriculture is no exception. Building on a recent World Bank flagship report, this article introduces a concise framework for describing the main benefits from new information and communication technologies. They promote greater inclusion in the broader economy, raise efficiency by complementing other production factors, and foster innovation by dramatically reducing transaction costs. The article reviews the recent literature on corresponding technology impacts in the rural sector in developing countries. Digital technologies overcome information problems that hinder market access for many small‐scale farmers, increase knowledge through new ways of providing extension services, and they provide novel ways for improving agricultural supply chain management. While there are many promising examples of positive impacts on rural livelihoods—or “digital dividends”—these have often not scaled up to the extent expected. The main reason is that technology can always only address some, but not all of the barriers faced by farmers in poorer countries.
The promise (and pitfalls) of ICT for agriculture initiatives
Authors: Aker Jenny C. , Ghosh Ishita , Burrell Jenna 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe widespread growth of information and telecommunication technologies (ICTs) in rural areas of developing countries offers new opportunities to provide more timely and low‐cost information services to farmers, as well as assist in coordinating agricultural agents. Over the past decade, the number of public and private sector initiatives in this space has increased substantially, with over 140 deployments worldwide in 2015. While there is substantial potential for such services to address farmers’ and traders’ information and credit market constraints, economic research suggests that the impacts of such services on agricultural adoption, behavior and welfare is mixed. While this can, in part, be explained by the degree of the information asymmetry and the presence of other market failures in different contexts, research from other disciplines provides additional insights into these findings. In particular, work in the domain of human–computer interaction (HCI) focuses heavily on users’ interaction and experience with a given technology, thus explaining why users may not fully engage with ICT‐based agricultural interfaces. Furthermore, sociological and anthropological approaches study the provision of information and trust and how these may be altered by ICT platforms. Drawing upon these disciplines, we suggest that future ICT for agriculture initiatives should first seek to better understand the information and complementary market failures in a given context, in order to better understand whether information is a binding constraint. Second, even if information is missing, the information services provided should be of high quality and from a trusted source, which can be a challenge with some ICT platforms. Finally, such services should be delivered via platforms that build upon local ICT access and usage, paying particular attention to the gender digital divide.
Climate change: scenarios, impacts, policy, and development opportunities
Authors: Carraro Carlo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis article is divided into three parts. First, it provides an overview of the main outcomes of the last IPCC assessment report, both in terms of economic drivers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and in terms of impacts of climate change, in particular for the agriculture sector. Then, it focuses on policy options and their optimal design, taking into account technological availability, international cooperation, and above all the stringency of the remaining carbon budget. Finally, it analyzes the size and direction of investment decisions required to stabilize GHG emissions and their implications for economic development.
Payments for environmental services to promote “climate‐smart agriculture”? Potential and challenges
Authors: Engel Stefanie , Muller Adrian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPayments for environmental services (PES) have gained wide popularity as approaches to promote environmentally friendly land use or agricultural production practices. Yet academics have also voiced concerns against seeing PES as a panacea. This article discusses whether PES is an appropriate and promising approach to promote so‐called “climate‐smart agriculture” (CSA) practices, which we define as agricultural production practices that contribute to CO2 emission reductions and/or removals and provide benefits to farmers via increased productivity and profits and reduced vulnerability to climate change. PES appears most promising for the promotion of CSA practices in small‐scale farming contexts with low incomes. Effective design, however, requires solid estimates of cost and benefit flows from CSA adoption over time, accounting for differences in socioeconomic and ecological conditions, and addressing the risk of leakage. Funding for such PES will likely have to come from public sources, and seems most promising where synergies with other objectives such as agricultural development, food security, and climate adaptation or other environmental services exist. The potential of alternative approaches for CSA support such as taxation with rebates for CSA practices, CSA‐related investment support such as microcredits, and hybrid approaches such as conditional microcredit should be further investigated.
Africa's changing farm size distribution patterns: the rise of medium‐scale farms
Authors: Jayne T.S. , Chamberlin Jordan , Traub Lulama , Sitko Nicholas , Muyanga Milu , Yeboah Felix K. , Anseeuw Ward , Chapoto Antony , Wineman Ayala , Nkonde Chewe , Kachule Richard 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis study assesses changes over the past decade in the farm size distributions of Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, drawing on two or more waves of nationally representative population‐based and/or area‐based surveys. Analysis indicates that much of Sub‐Saharan Africa is experiencing major changes in farm land ownership patterns. Among all farms below 100 hectares in size, the share of land on small‐scale holdings under five hectares has declined except in Kenya. Medium‐scale farms (defined here as farm holdings between 5 and 100 hectares) account for a rising share of total farmland, especially in the 10–100 hectare range where the number of these farms is growing especially rapidly. Medium‐scale farms control roughly 20% of total farmland in Kenya, 32% in Ghana, 39% in Tanzania, and over 50% in Zambia. The numbers of such farms are also growing very rapidly, except in Kenya. We also conducted detailed life history surveys of medium‐scale farmers in each of these four countries and found that the rapid rise of medium‐scale holdings in most cases reflects increased interest in land by urban‐based professionals or influential rural people. About half of these farmers obtained their land later in life, financed by nonfarm income. The rise of medium‐scale farms is affecting the region in diverse ways that are difficult to generalize. Many such farms are a source of dynamism, technical change, and commercialization of African agriculture. However, medium‐scale land acquisitions may exacerbate land scarcity in rural areas and constrain the rate of growth in the number of small‐scale farm holdings. Medium‐scale farmers tend to dominate farm lobby groups and influence agricultural policies and public expenditures to agriculture in their favor. Nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia) show that urban households own 5–35% of total agricultural land and that this share is rising in all countries where DHS surveys were repeated. This suggests a new and hitherto unrecognized channel by which medium‐scale farmers may be altering the strength and location of agricultural growth and employment multipliers between rural and urban areas. Given current trends, medium‐scale farms are likely to soon become the dominant scale of farming in many African countries.
What farmers want: the “gustibus multiplier” and other behavioral insights on agricultural development
Authors: Carter Michael R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBehavioral economic experiments have not only identified realms where human behavior systematically deviates from the predictions of the standard neoclassical model, they have also devised way to measure individuals’ deep preferences concerning risk and time. Preference measurement has in turn opened the door to two area of inquiries: preference heterogeneity as an explanation of fundamental choices concerning savings and investment; and endogenous preference mutations as an explanation for the surprising success or failure of policies and interventions. These new insights and measures allow economics to expand beyond its traditional reliance on variation in prices and incomes as the primary explanators of economic behavior. Drawing on recent work on technology adoption in the face of risk and uncertainty, as well as work on the evolution of hope and aspirations that shape what farmers want, this article articulates frontier issues in agricultural development economics where the tools and perspectives of behavioral economics promise new and important insights.
LEAPing through the looking glass: secondary analysis of the effect of skin test size and age of introduction on peanut tolerance after early peanut introduction
Authors: Greenhawt M. , Fleischer D. M. , Chan E. S. , Venter C. , Stukus D. , Gupta R. , Spergel J. M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) study, early peanut introduction in high‐risk 4‐ to 11‐month‐olds was associated with a significantly decreased risk of developing peanut allergy. However, the influences of key baseline high‐risk factors on peanut tolerance are poorly understood.MethodsSecondary analysis was conducted on the publically available LEAP dataset, exploring relationships between peanut tolerance, baseline peanut/egg sensitization, eczema severity/duration, age of introduction, gender, and race.ResultsA multiple logistic regression model predicting odds of successful oral food challenge (OFC) at 60 months noted higher odds with early introduction (OR 9.2, P < 0.001, 95% CI 4.2–20.3), white race (OR 2.1, P = 0.04, 95% CI 1.1–3.9), and advancing age (OR 4.8, P = 0.04, 95% CI 1.1–20.8). Odds of peanut tolerance were lower with increasing peanut wheal size (OR 0.58, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.46–0.74), increased baseline SCORAD score (OR 0.98, P = 0.04, 95% CI 0.97–1), and increased kUA/l of egg serum IgE (sIgE) (OR 0.99, P = 0.04, 95% CI 0.98–1). The probability of peanut tolerance in the early introduction group was 83% vs 43% in the avoidance group with SPT wheal of <4 mm. The probability of a successful OFC was significantly higher with peanut introduction between 6 and 11 months than at 4–6 months. Increasing eczema severity had limited impact on the probability of peanut tolerance in the early introduction arm.ConclusionIncreasing peanut wheal size predicted peanut tolerance only in the avoidance arm. Peanut introduction between 6 and 11 months of age was associated with the highest rates of peanut tolerance, questioning the ‘urgency’ of introduction before 6 months.
Bayesian (mean) most powerful tests
Authors: Zhang Jin 
Published: November 2016

SummaryA fundamental theorem in hypothesis testing is the Neyman‐Pearson (N‐P) lemma, which creates the most powerful test of simple hypotheses. In this article, we establish Bayesian framework of hypothesis testing, and extend the Neyman‐Pearson lemma to create the Bayesian most powerful test of general hypotheses, thus providing optimality theory to determine thresholds of Bayes factors. Unlike conventional Bayes tests, the proposed Bayesian test is able to control the type I error.
The evolutionary and clinical implications of the uneven distribution of the frequency of the inherited haemoglobin variants over short geographical distances
Authors: Premawardhena Anuja , Allen Angela , Piel Fred , Fisher Chris , Perera Laxman , Rodrigo Rexan , Goonathilaka Gayan , Ramees Lebbe , Peto Tim , Olivieri Nancy , Weatherall David 
Published: November 2016

SummaryStudies of the frequency of heterozygous carriers for common inherited diseases of haemoglobin in over 7500 adolescent children in 25 districts in Sri Lanka have disclosed a highly significant variation over very short geographical distances. A further analysis of these findings, including their relationship to the past frequency and distribution of malaria, climatic variation, altitude, ethnic origin and consanguinity rates, have provided evidence regarding the evolutionary basis for the variable distribution of these conditions over short distances. It is likely that the complex interplay between malaria and the environment, together with related ethnic and social issues, exists in many countries across the tropical belt. Hence, these observations emphasise the importance of micromapping heterozygote distributions in high‐frequency countries in order to define their true burden and the facilities required for the prevention and management of the homozygous and compound heterozygous disorders that result from their interaction.
The response of bird feeding guilds to forest fragmentation reveals conservation strategies for a critically endangered African eco‐region
Authors: Olivier Pieter I. , van Aarde Rudi J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSouth African coastal forests form part of two critically endangered eco‐regions and harbor an extinction debt. Remaining fragments are small, isolated, and embedded within a range of human land‐use types. In this study, we ask: how should we invest conservation resources if we want to restore this landscape and prevent predicted extinctions? To answer this question, we use path analyses to determine the direct and indirect effects of forest area, forest connectivity, and matrix land‐use types on species richness within five bird feeding guilds. We found that forest connectivity had a significant direct effect on insectivores—fragments that were more connected had more species of insectivores than those that were isolated. Moreover, forest area had a significant indirect effect on insectivores that was mediated through tree species richness. Larger fragments had more species of trees, which led to more species of insectivores. Fragment area, connectivity, matrix land‐use type, and tree species richness had no significant effects on the species richness of frugivores, nectarivores, granivores, or generalist feeders. To conserve insectivores in coastal forests, conservation efforts should focus on maximizing fragment connectivity across the landscape, but also protect the tree community within fragments from degradation. This can be achieved by including matrix habitats that adjoin forest fragments within forest conservation and restoration plans. Natural matrix habitats can increase connectivity, provide supplementary resources, buffer fragments from degradation, and could play an important role in safeguarding diversity and preventing extinctions in this threatened human‐modified landscape.
Canopy soil greenhouse gas dynamics in response to indirect fertilization across an elevation gradient of tropical montane forests
Authors: Matson Amanda L. , Corre Marife D. , Veldkamp Edzo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCanopy soils can significantly contribute to aboveground labile biomass, especially in tropical montane forests. Whether they also contribute to the exchange of greenhouse gases is unknown. To examine the importance of canopy soils to tropical forest‐soil greenhouse gas exchange, we quantified gas fluxes from canopy soil cores along an elevation gradient with 4 yr of nutrient addition to the forest floor. Canopy soil contributed 5–12 percent of combined (canopy + forest floor) soil CO2 emissions but CH4 and N2O fluxes were low. At 2000 m, phosphorus decreased CO2 emissions (>40%) and nitrogen slightly increased CH4 uptake and N2O emissions. Our results show that canopy soils may contribute significantly to combined soil greenhouse gas fluxes in montane regions with high accumulations of canopy soil. We also show that changes in fluxes could occur with chronic nutrient deposition.
FDG PET-CT imaging of therapeutic response in granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)
Authors: Jolles S , Carne E , Brouns M , El-Shanawany T , Williams P , Marshall C , Fielding P 
Published: November 2016

SummaryCommon variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common severe adult primary immunodeficiency and is characterized by a failure to produce antibodies leading to recurrent predominantly sinopulmonary infections. Improvements in the prevention and treatment of infection with immunoglobulin replacement and antibiotics have resulted in malignancy, autoimmune, inflammatory and lymphoproliferative disorders emerging as major clinical challenges in the management of patients who have CVID. In a proportion of CVID patients, inflammation manifests as granulomas that frequently involve the lungs, lymph nodes, spleen and liver and may affect almost any organ. Granulomatous lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD) is associated with a worse outcome. Its underlying pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood and there is limited evidence to inform how best to monitor, treat or select patients to treat. We describe the use of combined 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) scanning for the assessment and monitoring of response to treatment in a patient with GLILD. This enabled a synergistic combination of functional and anatomical imaging in GLILD and demonstrated a widespread and high level of metabolic activity in the lungs and lymph nodes. Following treatment with rituximab and mycophenolate there was almost complete resolution of the previously identified high metabolic activity alongside significant normalization in lymph node size and lung architecture. The results support the view that GLILD represents one facet of a multi-systemic metabolically highly active lymphoproliferative disorder and suggests potential utility of this imaging modality in this subset of patients with CVID.
Is it time to reconsider lobectomy in low‐risk paediatric thyroid cancer?
Authors: Kluijfhout Wouter P. , Pasternak Jesse D. , van der Kaay Danielle , Vriens Menno R. , Propst Evan J. , Wasserman Jonathan D. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryObjectiveCurrent guidelines recommend total thyroidectomy for nearly all children with well‐differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). These guidelines, however, derive from older data accrued prior to current high‐resolution imaging. We speculate that there is a subpopulation of children who may be adequately treated with lobectomy.DesignRetrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database.PatientsSeventy‐three children with WDTC treated between 2004 and 2015.MeasurementsWe applied two different risk‐stratification criteria to this population. First, we determined the number of patients meeting American Thyroid Association (ATA) ‘low‐risk’ criteria, defined as disease grossly confined to the thyroid with either N0/Nx or incidental microscopic N1a disease. Second, we defined a set of ‘very‐low‐risk’ histopathological criteria, comprising unifocal tumours ≤4 cm without predefined high‐risk factors, and determined the proportion of patients that met these criteria.ResultsTwenty‐seven (37%) males and 46 (63%) females were included in this study, with a mean age of 13·4 years. Ipsilateral‐ and contralateral multifocality were identified in 27 (37·0%) and 19 (26·0%) of specimens. Thirty‐seven (51%) patients had lymph node metastasis (N1a = 18/N1b = 19). Pre‐operative ultrasound identified all cases with clinically significant nodal disease. Of the 73 patients, 39 (53·4%) met ATA low‐risk criteria and 16 (21·9%) met ‘very‐low‐risk’ criteria. All ‘very‐low‐risk’ patients demonstrated excellent response to initial therapy without persistence/recurrence after a mean follow‐up of 36·4 months.ConclusionsUltrasound and histopathology identify a substantial population that may be candidates for lobectomy, avoiding the risks and potential medical and psychosocial morbidity associated with total thyroidectomy. We propose a clinical framework to stimulate discussion of lobectomy as an option for low‐risk patients.
Presumed tuberculous uveitis in non‐endemic country for tuberculosis: case series from a New Zealand tertiary uveitis clinic
Authors: Ng Ken K , Nisbet Mitzi , Damato Erika M , Sims Joanne L 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundTo describe the clinical spectrum of presumed tuberculous (TB) uveitis in a developed, non‐endemic country of high immigrant population.DesignRetrospective review of a consecutive case series.ParticipantsAll 39 patients diagnosed with presumed TB uveitis at the tertiary uveitis service in Auckland from 2007 to 2014.MethodsClinical chart review.Main Outcome MeasuresPatient demographics, risk factors, ophthalmic manifestations, management and outcome.ResultsThe median age was 37 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31–52) and 56% were female. The majority (97%) were born outside of New Zealand, and 77% had no TB‐related history. Radiological abnormalities consistent with TB were evident in seven patients, including three who had culture positive pulmonary disease. Anterior uveitis was diagnosed in ten patients (26%), anterior and intermediate uveitis in eight (21%), posterior uveitis in 13 (33%) and panuveitis in eight (21%). Sixteen (41%) had retinal vasculitis, and five (13%) had multifocal serpiginoid choroiditis. Common complications included cataract (51%), ocular hypertension (36%), broad posterior synechiae (33%) and cystoid macular oedema (28%). Anti‐TB treatment was initiated in 30 patients (76%). All but three patients completed the intended course of six to 12 months. Following anti‐TB treatment, 67% remained in remission for at least 12 months, and all but two patients successfully stopped systemic steroids. The median initial and final visual acuity was 6/9 (IQR 6/6–6/18) and 6/6 (IQR 6/6–6/9), respectively.ConclusionsDespite a wide range of ocular presentations and complications, our cohort demonstrated good remission rate and visual prognosis following anti‐TB treatment in carefully selected patients.
‘Not a good person’: family stigma of mental illness from the perspectives of young siblings
Authors: Liegghio Maria 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to critically examine family stigma as one form of the stigma of mental illness in child and youth mental health. Presented are the outcomes of a thematic content analysis of in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews conducted with seven (n = 7) young siblings, ages 13 to 21 years old, with a brother or sister identified as having a mental‐health issue. The focus of the interviews was on the ways the siblings experienced their other sibling's mental health and how those experiences shaped their sense of self and family. From the analysis, young siblings had predominately negative experiences, struggled with making sense of their brother or sister and the family as ‘flawed’ against the mental illness as ‘bad’ and experienced considerable family stress and overt family stigma. Current practice theories fail to consider the complexity of these factors and, in doing so, fail to adequately explain the nature and extent to which stigmatization occurs for immediate family members. The importance of peer support and understanding stigma in social work practice with children and their families is discussed.