scholarly journals Farming Muskoxen for Qiviut in Alaska: A Feasibility Study

ARCTIC ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Starr ◽  
Joshua Greenberg ◽  
Janice Rowell
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Opportunity Costs ◽  
Ovibos Moschatus ◽  
The 1960S

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) have been farmed since the 1960s for their fiber, called qiviut, a luxurious and highly valued underwool that is their primary insulation during the Arctic winter. Muskoxen are uniquely adapted to the Arctic. They thrive on local forages, do not require protection from the cold, and adapt well to many traditional husbandry practices. While muskoxen can be farmed for qiviut, the question remains whether it is an economically feasible and potentially sustainable enterprise in subarctic Alaska. This feasibility study was conducted using an enterprise budget for two herd sizes, 36 and 72 muskoxen, to estimate the principal costs and model different sales combinations. Under several revenue-generating scenarios, the feasibility study indicated a potential for economic viability of an established enterprise. The most profitable scenario for either herd size was selling all the qiviut as value-added yarn, coupled with livestock sales. In the absence of selling livestock, the enterprise was profitable at either scale assuming all the qiviut was sold as yarn. Selling qiviut solely as raw fiber was not projected to break even under the model parameters. The modeled enterprise emphasized the importance of value-added goods, economies of scale, low or zero opportunity costs, and the potential of a more active livestock market.

scholarly journals Factors associated with 56-day non-return rate in dairy cattle

2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 648-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramiro Fouz ◽  
Fernando Gandoy ◽  
María Luisa Sanjuán ◽  
Eduardo Yus ◽  
Francisco Javier Diéguez
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Models ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Return Rate ◽  
Dairy Herds ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
North West ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Service Conception ◽  
Major Factors

The objective of this work was to identify factors associated with the 56-day non-return rate (56-NRR) in dairy herds in the Galician region, Spain, and to estimate it for individual Holstein bulls. The experiment was carried out in herds originated from North-West Spain, from September 2008 to August 2009. Data of the 76,440 first inseminations performed during this period were gathered. Candidate factors were tested for their association with the 56-NRR by using a logistic model (binomial). Afterwards, 37 sires with a minimum of 150 first performed inseminations were individually evaluated. Logistic models were also estimated for each bull, and predicted individual 56-NRR rate values were calculated as a solution for the model parameters. Logistic regression found four major factors associated with 56-NRR in lactating cows: age at insemination, days from calving to insemination, milk production level at the time of insemination, and herd size. First-service conception rate, when a particular sire was used, was higher for heifers (0.71) than for lactating cows (0.52). Non-return rates were highly variable among bulls. Asignificant part of the herd-level variation of 56-NRR of Holstein cattle seems attributable to the service sire. High correlation level between observed and predicted 56-NRR was found.

scholarly journals Implications of sea-ice biogeochemistry for oceanic production and emissions of dimethyl sulfide in the Arctic

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3129-3155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakase Hayashida ◽  
Nadja Steiner ◽  
Adam Monahan ◽  
Virginie Galindo ◽  
Martine Lizotte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfide ◽  
Phytoplankton Bloom ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Sulfur Cycle ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Ocean Ecosystem

Abstract. Sea ice represents an additional oceanic source of the climatically active gas dimethyl sulfide (DMS) for the Arctic atmosphere. To what extent this source contributes to the dynamics of summertime Arctic clouds is, however, not known due to scarcity of field measurements. In this study, we developed a coupled sea ice–ocean ecosystem–sulfur cycle model to investigate the potential impact of bottom-ice DMS and its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) on the oceanic production and emissions of DMS in the Arctic. The results of the 1-D model simulation were compared with field data collected during May and June of 2010 in Resolute Passage. Our results reproduced the accumulation of DMS and DMSP in the bottom ice during the development of an ice algal bloom. The release of these sulfur species took place predominantly during the earlier phase of the melt period, resulting in an increase of DMS and DMSP in the underlying water column prior to the onset of an under-ice phytoplankton bloom. Production and removal rates of processes considered in the model are analyzed to identify the processes dominating the budgets of DMS and DMSP both in the bottom ice and the underlying water column. When openings in the ice were taken into account, the simulated sea–air DMS flux during the melt period was dominated by episodic spikes of up to 8.1 µmol m−2 d−1. Further model simulations were conducted to assess the effects of the incorporation of sea-ice biogeochemistry on DMS production and emissions, as well as the sensitivity of our results to changes of uncertain model parameters of the sea-ice sulfur cycle. The results highlight the importance of taking into account both the sea-ice sulfur cycle and ecosystem in the flux estimates of oceanic DMS near the ice margins and identify key uncertainties in processes and rates that should be better constrained by new observations.

Is there a cost of parasites to caribou?

Parasitology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 136 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. HUGHES ◽  
S. D. ALBON ◽  
R. J. IRVINE ◽  
S. WOODIN
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Apparent Competition ◽  
Range Shift ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Contributory Factor ◽  
Ovibos Moschatus ◽  
Winter Range ◽  
Nematode Parasites

SUMMARYMacroparasites potentially play a significant but often ignored role in the ecology and dynamics of wild ruminant populations. In the Arctic, parasites may impact on host populations by exacerbating the effects of seasonal and limited forage availability on the condition, fecundity and survival of individuals. We studied the effects of abomasal nematode parasites and warble flies, Hypoderma tarandi, on condition and pregnancy of caribou Rangifer tarandus in the Dolphin-Union herd, Nunavut, Canada. By the end of winter, female caribou over 2 years old showed a significant decrease in body weight with increasing nematode burden, and a decrease in back fat depth with increasing warble abundance. These effects were exaggerated in the non-pregnant fraction of the population. High warble larvae burdens were also associated with significantly reduced probability of being pregnant. Our research demonstrates a negative relationship between parasites and caribou condition that may have consequences for their fitness. Additionally, we discuss the possibility that muskox Ovibos moschatus share some parasite species with the caribou and could lead to elevated burdens in the sympatric host. Parasites may have been a contributory factor in a previous winter range-shift of the caribou herd and this may reflect a form of apparent competition between the two ungulate species.

scholarly journals Radar-based Bayesian estimation of ice crystal growth parameters within a microphysical model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert S. Schrom ◽  
Marcus van Lier-Walqui ◽  
Matthew R. Kumjian ◽  
Jerry Y. Harrington ◽  
Anders A. Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vapor Deposition ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Particle Density ◽  
Optimal Parameter ◽  
Number Concentration ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Growth Ratio ◽  
Radar Measurements

AbstractThe potential for polarimetric Doppler radar measurements to improve predictions of ice microphysical processes within an idealized model-observational framework is examined. In an effort to more rigorously constrain ice growth processes (e.g., vapor deposition) with observations of natural clouds, a novel framework is developed to compare simulated and observed radar measurements, coupling a bulk adaptive-habit model of vapor growth to a polarimetric radar forward model. Bayesian inference on key microphysical model parameters is then used, via a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler, to estimate the probability distribution of the model parameters. The statistical formalism of this method allows for robust estimates of the optimal parameter values, along with (non-Gaussian) estimates of their uncertainty. To demonstrate this framework, observations from Department of Energy radars in the Arctic during a case of pristine ice precipitation are used to constrain vapor deposition parameters in the adaptive habit model. The resulting parameter probability distributions provide physically plausible changes in ice particle density and aspect ratio during growth. A lack of direct constraint on the number concentration produces a range of possible mean particle sizes, with the mean size inversely correlated to number concentration. Consistency is found between the estimated inherent growth ratio and independent laboratory measurements, increasing confidence in the parameter PDFs and demonstrating the effectiveness of the radar measurements in constraining the parameters. The combined Doppler and polarimetric observations produce the highest-confidence estimates of the parameter PDFs, with the Doppler measurements providing a stronger constraint for this case.

scholarly journals What Leads to Intra-Industry Trade between Sri Lanka and South Asia?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thilini Saparamadu ◽  
Nesrine Akrimi
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The South ◽  
Industry Trade ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
South Asian Region

This study ascertains the determinants of Intra-Industry Trade (IIT) with particular reference to IIT between Sri Lanka and its major trading partners in South Asia; namely; India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The study uses secondary data published in World Development Indicators, Penn World Table from 1992 to 2017. The level of IIT is calculated by using data gathered from Comtrade Data Base. Using panel data regression, the study adopts Random Effect model to analyze the regression results. The study concludes that economies of scale measured by difference of value added in the net output of the manufacturing sector and market size measured by average gross domestic product exert a significant influence on the level of IIT in the South Asian region. Differences of per capita Gross National Income (GNI - difference in income level) and tariff rate (the proxy for trade barriers) poses a negative influence on the level of IIT. The policymakers should be concerned about the possibility to increase IIT in the South Asian region. Based on the findings of the study, the present research offers policy recommendations to promote IIT within the region.

scholarly journals Production and Health Management from Grazing to Confinement Systems of Largest Dairy Bovine Farms in Azores: A Farmers’ Perspective

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3394
Author(s):  
Ivo Medeiros ◽  
Aitor Fernandez-Novo ◽  
Susana Astiz ◽  
João Simões
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Bovine Milk ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Health Prevention ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Cattle Farms

The intensification of bovine milk production in the Azores has led farmers to increase farm size and specialization in grasslands, implementing confined and semi-confined production systems. Fixed milking parlours (FMP) have progressively gained more popularity, at the expense of conventional mobile milking systems (MMS). The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between production and health management in dairy cattle farms, with FMP or MMS, in grasslands (São Miguel, Azores), according to the farmers’ perspective. A total of 102 questions about production and health management were surveyed in 105 farms with >30 dairy cows each. Farms with FMP were associated (p ≤ 0.05) with larger herd size, better facilities, and specialized management, however, the adoption of preventive and biosecurity measures should be improved by these farmers. MMS farms implemented a lower level of disease prevention or control programs, less frequent transhumance, and showed a wider vocation to dual-purpose (milk and cross beef) than FMP farms. In conclusion, MMS and FMP farms tried to optimize yield and economic viability in different ways using grasslands. Several biosecurity and health prevention constraints were identified for improvement.

scholarly journals P105 Therapists acceptability of delivering a psychologically informed gait rehabilitation intervention in early rheumatoid arthritis (GREAT): a qualitative interview study

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep Sekhon ◽  
Emma Godfrey ◽  
Gordon Hendry ◽  
Nadine E Foster ◽  
Samantha Hider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Early Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Gait Rehabilitation ◽  
Opportunity Costs ◽  
Perceived Effectiveness ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Affective Attitude

Abstract Background Great Strides is a brief psychologically informed gait rehabilitation intervention (two compulsory face-to-face sessions and up to four optional sessions delivered over 3 months) aimed at improving lower limb function for adults with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As part of the Gait Rehabilitation in Early Arthritis Trial (GREAT) feasibility study, physiotherapists and podiatrists received two days of bespoke training delivered by psychologists, physiotherapists and podiatrists on i) the gait rehabilitation exercise programme (six walking exercises) ii) aspects of motivational interviewing (MI) and iii) delivery of key behaviour change techniques (BCTs) to facilitate motivation and adherence to the Great Strides intervention. The training was supported by a bespoke therapist manual and session checklists. The aim of this study was to explore therapists’ acceptability of: (1) the bespoke training received and (2) delivering the intervention within the GREAT feasibility study. Methods All 10 therapists who received training were invited to complete semi-structured interviews. The topic guide was informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Interviews were audio recorded, professionally transcribed and a deductive thematic analysis was applied. Data were coded into six TFA constructs (Affective Attitude; Burden; Intervention Coherence; Opportunity Costs; Perceived Effectiveness; Self-efficacy). Results Nine out of ten therapists (four physiotherapists, five podiatrists) participated in the semi-structured interviews. Five therapists (four physiotherapists, one podiatrist) delivered the Great Strides intervention. Key barriers and enablers with regards to the acceptability of the bespoke training and intervention delivery were identified. Training: Therapists liked the supportive training environment (affective attitude), understood the purpose of the training sessions (intervention coherence), reported that the role play exercises aided their confidence in applying MI and BCTs (self-efficacy) and found that the training sessions were vital preparation for delivering the intervention (perceived effectiveness). Aspects of training which were considered unacceptable included the lack of time to attend the training sessions (opportunity costs). Delivery: All therapists enjoyed applying MI and BCTs to encourage participants to complete the gait exercises (affective attitude) and valued the opportunity to provide individualised care (intervention coherence). Barriers associated with acceptability included the use of trial-related materials (e.g. checklist) during intervention delivery (burden), interference of intervention delivery with routine clinical workload (opportunity costs) and the time delay between receiving training and initial intervention delivery (perceived effectiveness). Conclusion Both GREAT intervention training and delivery were considered acceptable to most therapists. The results have guided key refinements for training and intervention delivery for the GREAT internal pilot and full trial (e.g. remote access to training, timing of training in relation to intervention delivery). These refinements have the potential to improve the bespoke training and enhance the delivery of the Great Strides intervention maximising efficiency and potential for effectiveness. Disclosures M. Sekhon None. E. Godfrey None. G. Hendry None. N.E. Foster None. S. Hider None. M. van der Leeden None. H. Mason None. A. McConnachie None. I. McInnes None. A. Patience None. C. Sackley None. M. Steultjens None. A. Williams None. J. Woodburn None. L. Bearne None.

scholarly journals Statistical analysis of economic viability of farms operating in Czech areas facing natural constraints

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 193-202
Author(s):  
Tomas Hlavsa ◽  
Jindrich Spicka ◽  
Marie Stolbova ◽  
Zuzana Hlouskova
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Policy ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Field Crops ◽  
Farm Accountancy Data Network ◽  
The Common ◽  
Net Value Added ◽  
Grazing Livestock

The redesign of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) allows for more room to address issues related to stabilising farmers’ income and developing their viability in areas facing natural constraints (ANC). Maintaining income levels, developing farm economies in rural areas, and encouraging competitive agricultural practises are the challenges facing the new CAP. ANCs in the Czech Republic are characterised by a lower level of income compared to areas outside ANCs and their generally prevailing specialisation in livestock production, which has been facing a relatively turbulent development in the last decade. The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the economic viability with regard to the level of natural disadvantage and with regard to farm specialisation. The database of Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) was used for assessment; the authors built the Farm Economic Viability indicator, which is based on modified Farm Net Value Added. The differences between the farm groups were tested through analysis of variance. Significantly lower viability was found in ANCs compared to farms outside ANCs. Field crops achieved significantly higher levels, both in and outside ANCs. The most threatened group of farms are grazing livestock in ANCs.

scholarly journals Non-Timber Forest Product Livelihood-Focused Interventions in Support of Mangrove Restoration: A Call to Action

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1224
Author(s):  
Adolphe O. Debrot ◽  
Ab Veldhuizen ◽  
Sander W. K. van den Burg ◽  
Charlotte J. Klapwijk ◽  
Md. Nazrul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Product Market ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Market Development ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Mangrove Forests ◽  
Subsistence Level

Mangroves of tropical and subtropical shores and deltas contribute to ecosystem functioning and human wellbeing in numerous ways but continue to be lost or degraded worldwide at a rapid pace. Overexploitation driven by poverty is often the root cause of mangrove destruction and degradation. The negative feedback cycle between destruction and poverty can only be broken by justly valuing current or introducing new sustainable livelihood options to foster long-lasting local support for mangroves. The large array of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that mangroves offer have rarely been developed beyond the subsistence level and remain undervalued as “products of the poor”. In light of the global trends towards sustainability and bio-economy, today they represent a major business opportunity for forest communities to produce high value-added end-user products. Even though mangrove NTFPs have been recognized to have high potential toward inclusive development and poverty alleviation and to be highly gender-equal, the development of mangrove NTFPs has continued to attract very little funding or research interest. Several ecological characteristics make commercialization of mangrove NTFPs particularly challenging. Production at economies of scale, including quality standards, as well as marketing and value chain management are all essential in order to develop these products beyond their subsistence role. To be most effective, a systems perspective on NTFP development is needed, whereby product-market development occurs in unison and based on a participative, inclusive and fair development approach. The species/product of choice for value-added product-market development in any specific community or area will depend on several factors. To address many of the typical constraints and maximize the chances of success, we suggest that the use of village or district-level cooperatives may be particularly useful. A better use of the untapped potential of mangroves for local livelihoods may form a most convincing advocate for local protection and restoration of mangrove forests. Therefore, funding agencies, governments and researchers alike are called to invest in mangrove NTFP development as a way to locally incentivize sustainable mangrove protection and restoration.

The Key Literature on IB Activities: 1960–2006

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Dunning
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Political Environment ◽  
Main Thrust ◽  
The Past ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Geographical Scope

In considering the origin, form, and global spread of the value-added activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) over the past four and a half decades, this article traces the main thrust and content of two influential strands of literature. The two strands are closely interrelated. The first examines the development of scholarly thinking on the determinants of the ownership, sectoral pattern, and geographical scope of MNE activity. The second identifies, and where possible evaluates the significance of the main changes in the external technological, economic, and political environment that, in part at least, have helped fashion these determinants. In reviewing both literatures, and the interface between them, the article considers three main time periods, viz. the 1960s to the mid 1970s, the mid 1970s to the late 1980s, and the late 1980s to the early 2000s.

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