Probabilistic measures of efficiency and the influence of contextual variables in nonparametric production models: an application to agricultural research in Brazil

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geraldo da Silva e Souza ◽  
Eliane Gonçalves Gomes ◽  
Roberta Blass Staub
2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geraldo da Silva e Souza ◽  
Eliane Gonçalves Gomes ◽  
Marília Castelo Magalhães ◽  
Antonio Flávio Dias Ávila

In this paper we measure, with a DEA BCC model, the economic efficiency of Embrapa’s (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) research centers. We model the DEA economic efficiency as a linear function of the contextual variables revenue generation capacity, partnership intensity, improvement of administrative processes, cost rationalization, size and type of research centers. The model used is of the type dynamic panel and assumes a structured correlation matrix intra times and unstructured inter times. In order to better discriminate the efficient units we used a heuristic efficiency score that aggregates the efficiencies in relation to the original and inverted DEA frontiers. Partnerships positive effect in the efficiency scores does not confirm the thoughts that Embrapa’s performance evaluation process discourages the integration and cooperation of its research centers. From the point of view of statistical significance, the improvement of administrative processes is the most important indicator among the contextual variables.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1411-1431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Bislick ◽  
William D. Hula

Purpose This retrospective analysis examined group differences in error rate across 4 contextual variables (clusters vs. singletons, syllable position, number of syllables, and articulatory phonetic features) in adults with apraxia of speech (AOS) and adults with aphasia only. Group differences in the distribution of error type across contextual variables were also examined. Method Ten individuals with acquired AOS and aphasia and 11 individuals with aphasia participated in this study. In the context of a 2-group experimental design, the influence of 4 contextual variables on error rate and error type distribution was examined via repetition of 29 multisyllabic words. Error rates were analyzed using Bayesian methods, whereas distribution of error type was examined via descriptive statistics. Results There were 4 findings of robust differences between the 2 groups. These differences were found for syllable position, number of syllables, manner of articulation, and voicing. Group differences were less robust for clusters versus singletons and place of articulation. Results of error type distribution show a high proportion of distortion and substitution errors in speakers with AOS and a high proportion of substitution and omission errors in speakers with aphasia. Conclusion Findings add to the continued effort to improve the understanding and assessment of AOS and aphasia. Several contextual variables more consistently influenced breakdown in participants with AOS compared to participants with aphasia and should be considered during the diagnostic process. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9701690


2020 ◽  
pp. 809-823
Author(s):  
Nino Chkhartishvili ◽  
Londa Mamasakhlisashvili ◽  
Irma Tchanturia ◽  
Demetre Bakradze

Preserving rare grapes is not just a matter of variety. Recent dna research has shown that unusual and unknown grape varieties provide clues to wine history. During the centuries, 525 Georgian grape varieties had been known but most of them were degenerated. Nowadays, more than 437 rare Georgian vine varieties are preserved in the geo 038 collection of Agricultural Research-Scientific Center, established in 2014 under the Environment Protection and agriculture ministry. Study of the genetic pool of Georgian grape varieties determine the sustainability of the sector and enrichment of the modern wine market. For this reason the studies of the rare aboriginal grape varieties have begun by their ampelography, phenology, chemical, and oeno-caprological characterizes. The aim of this study is to investigate rare, Georgian, aboriginal wine-grapes by their ampelography, chemical and oenolo-caprological characterizes, and to offer different style and aroma wines to the market, enriching the modern wine assortment. The present study investigated firstly the rare Georgian aboriginal grape variety (Chvitiluri) by its characterizes. In this study grapes caprologycal indication, dynamic development of the sugar accumulation, TA and pH in berries, polyphenols extract in skin and seeds, and phenolic compounds were determined. The grape has been compared with Georgian and French wine-grapes and their products as well. The results show that the grape variety - Chvitiluri, and vinification technique (aging on lee) have the significant impact on the total phenol content in wine. White varietal wine contents high alcohol 13,2%, total phenols 733-500mg/l. Wine has specific, varietal characterizes color, taste, aroma. This study indicates that the rare local, aboriginal variety presents the perspective sort for wine production and can be returned in wine production.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
SUPRIYA DIXIT ◽  
R. K. GUPTA

Currently, a real challenge for the workers in the agricultural research field is to stop or reduce the use of expensive agrochemicals/ chemical fertilizers which are hazardous to the environment as well as human health. Present study was aimed to improve the growth and obtain optimum yield of Vigna crop with eco-friendly, non-toxic way and to reduce the use of agrochemical/chemical fertilizer application in agricultural activities. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of chemical fertilizer (DAP) and biofertilizer ( Rhizobium strain) separately and in combination on seed germination and seedling growth (at 30 days) based on morphological parameters such as seedling length (cm), fresh weight (g), dry weight (g) and leaf area (cm)2 of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek. After one month (30 Days) observations, it was found that seedling length, fresh and dry weights and leaf area were maximum in T4 and minimum in T15, T7 and T8 favored improved seedling length and leaf area whereas T7, T8, and T9 favored improved fresh and dry weights as compared to control.


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