scholarly journals New Value to Wool: Innovative Garments for Preservation of Sheep Landraces in Italy

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 731
Author(s):  
Ruggiero Sardaro ◽  
Piermichele La Sala
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Breeding Systems ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Synthetic Fibers ◽  
Market Values ◽  
Gradual Disappearance ◽  
Potential Demand ◽  
The Difference

In Basilicata, southern Italy, a sheep landrace jeopardized of extinction is Gentile di Puglia due to low production levels, low market values of milk and meat, and replacement of wool with synthetic fibers. Due to these dynamics farmers progressively resort to intensive breeding systems, hence causing the gradual disappearance of the ovine sector, the withering of traditional breeding culture and the abandonment of internal and marginal territories. However, in changing climate, traditional agriculture is getting increased attention worldwide by the consumers who are embracing emerging sustainable food production. Thus, in the light of a possible conservation strategy, the study investigates the prospective market for a garment (pullover) produced with wool from Gentile di Puglia, and woven through traditional techniques. An integrated methodological approach based on choice experiments and Bass diffusion model was carried out in order to analyze the consumers’ preferences, the penetration market of this innovative product and the new wool value for farmers. The results pointed out a potential demand focused on women aged 50 years and more and a recognized wool value to farmers of 55 € animal−1 (22 € kg−1). This new revenue could allow the reduction of the difference in gross margin between the Gentile di Puglia and the non-autochthonous intensively-farmed Comisana from 57% to 3%. The production of further wool garments for a wider demand could increase the economic sustainability of Gentile di Puglia, making it even more preferable than other highly productive breeds.

scholarly journals Analysis of SERVQUAL Application to Service Quality Measurement and Its Impact on Loyalty in Ghanaian Private Universities

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Banahene ◽  
Eric Ahudey ◽  
Abigail Asamoah
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Quality Measurement ◽  
Difference Scores ◽  
Quality Perception ◽  
Graphical View ◽  
Graphical Technique ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Quality Decision

The purpose of this research is to use an adapted SERVQUAL method to measure service quality in Ghanaian Private Universities. The study use graphical technique for data presentation.The methodological approach follows the traditional SERVQUAL method of service quality perception and expectation as well as the difference scores determination. This approach is intended to improve SERVQUAL method analysis to achieve quality decision making based on graphical view of different relationships among the concepts used in the method. The study is on 321 students’ perception and expectations of five different Private Universities in Ghana.The study finds that students’ perception on Private Universities’ performance predict their loyalty better than the expectations. Managerial action can be better taken on service quality variables when the difference scores are used as percentage on perception. However, different service quality measurement methods such as SERVPERF and HEdPERF should be used and compared the results with this modified SERVQUAL method in Ghanaian Private Universities.This research finding has the strength to equip marketing professionals and researchers to increase SERVQUAL method adoption among different academic institutions.The value in this study is found in highlighting the importance of difference scores and the graphical demonstration of relationships among service quality perception and expectation as well as loyalty constructs in Ghanaian Private Universities.

Multi-Stakeholder and Multilevel Food Governance

2020 ◽  
pp. 60-72
Author(s):  
Sérgio Pedro
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Central Element ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Food Governance ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Global And Local

The contemporary food system, in its global and local dimensions, is a central element of the debate on the sustainability of the planet, a debate that increasingly involves more stakeholders and areas of knowledge in the search for answers to the multiple questions related to the attainment of more sustainable patterns for food and agriculture. The present chapter analyses the participative multi-stakeholder and multilevel model of food governance of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), in which stakeholders from different societal and expertise sectors participate in equal manners in the process of co-construction of institutional, technical, and financing measures for the functioning of a given food system. The present chapter has the main goal of sharing and critically analysing the CPLP´s institutional context for the promotion of sustainable food systems as an example of an integrated methodological approach to support the creation of coordinated public policies and institutional conditions to implement a transition to more sustainable food systems and diets.

scholarly journals Explainable Post-Occupancy Evaluation Using a Humanoid Robot

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (21) ◽  
pp. 7906
Author(s):  
Marina Bonomolo ◽  
Patrizia Ribino ◽  
Gianpaolo Vitale
Keyword(s):  
Humanoid Robot ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Technical Standards ◽  
True Negative ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Environmental Measures

The paper proposes a new methodological approach for evaluating the comfort condition using the concept of explainable post occupancy to make the user aware of the environmental state in which (s)he works. Such an approach was implemented on a humanoid robot with social capabilities that aims to enforce human engagement to follow recommendations. The humanoid robot helps the user to position the sensors correctly to acquire environmental measures corresponding to the temperature, humidity, noise level, and illuminance. The distribution of the last parameter due to its high variability is also retrieved by the simulation software Dialux. Using the post occupancy evaluation method, the robot also proposes a questionnaire to the user for collecting his/her preferences and sensations. In the end, the robot explains to the user the difference between the suggested values by the technical standards and the real measures comparing the results with his/her preferences and perceptions. Finally, it provides a new classification into four clusters: true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative. This study shows that the user is able to improve her/his condition based on the explanation given by the robot.

How to Borrow Information From Unlinked Data? A Relative Density Approach for Predicting Unobserved Distributions

2020 ◽  
pp. 004912412092621
Author(s):  
Siwei Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Relative Density ◽  
Wage Inequality ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Social Scientists ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Multiple Data Sets ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Combine Information ◽  
Base Data

One of the most important developments in the current era of social sciences is the growing availability and diversity of data, big and small. Social scientists increasingly combine information from multiple data sets in their research. While conducting statistical analyses with linked data is relatively straightforward, borrowing information across unlinked data can be much more challenging due to the absence of unit-to-unit linkages. This article proposes a new methodological approach for borrowing information across unlinked surveys to predict unobserved distributions. The gist of the proposed approach lies in the idea of using the relative density between the observed and unobserved distributions in the reference data to characterize the difference between the two distributions and borrow that information to the base data. Relying on the assumption that the relative density between the observed and unobserved distributions is similar between data sets, the proposed relative density approach has the key advantage of allowing the researcher to borrow information about the shape of the distribution, rather than a few summary statistics. The approach also comes with a method for incorporating and quantifying the uncertainty in its output. We illustrate the formulation of this approach, demonstrate with simulation examples, and finally apply it to address the problem of employment selection in wage inequality research.

A comparison of the frequency of lambing on the reproductive performance of finn dorset ewes

1993 ◽  
Vol 1993 ◽  
pp. 90-90
Author(s):  
C.M. Minter
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Major Factors

One of the major factors affecting the efficiency and profitability of sheep production is the number of lambs reared per ewe. In 1991 lambs reared per ewe accounted for 14% of the difference in gross margin per hectare between top third and average lowland spring lambing flocks (MLC, 1992). The hypothesis was developed that in managing the prolific ewe three possible management systems could be employed; frequent lambing (FL), early annual lambing (EAL), or late annual lambing (LAL). The choice of these lambing systems was based on minimising the problems of the prolific ewe. Of these systems FL (lambing on an eight month cycle), provided the best opportuity for achieving high numbers of lambs sold per ewe.

scholarly journals МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ ПОДХОД К ЭНЕРГОСБЕРЕГАЮЩЕМУ ХЛАДОСНАБЖЕНИЮ СИСТЕМ КОНДИЦИОНИРОВАНИЯ ВОЗДУХА АДАПТАЦИЕЙ К ТЕКУЩИМ КЛИМАТИЧЕСКИМ УСЛОВИЯМ

2018 ◽  
pp. 58-62
Author(s):  
Євген Іванович Трушляков
Keyword(s):  
Heat Load ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Refrigeration Capacity ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Heat Loads ◽  
Refrigeration Machine ◽  
Current Heat

The methodological approach was suggested to define a rational heat load of the air conditioning system (ACS) with taking into consideration the current climatic conditions of operation. The proposed approach is based on the hypothesis of sharing the current changeable heat load on the relatively stable share as the basic one for choosing installed (designed) refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration machine, operating with high energy efficiency in nominal or similar modes, and unstable heat load, corresponding to ambient air precooling at changeable current temperatures. To prove the methodological approach to defining a rational heat load of the ACS was carried out the analysis of current values of heat loads of the refrigeration machine ACS during cooling ambient air from its changeable current temperature to the temperature of 10, 15 and 20 ºС . It is shown that due to the different rates of annular refrigeration capacity production increment to cover the current heat loads with increasing the installed refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration machine, caused by the changes in heat load according to current climatic conditions during all the year round, it is necessary to choose a such heat load on the refrigeration machine of ACS (its installed refrigeration capacity), that provides a maximum or similar annular refrigeration capacity production at relatively high rates of its increment. Therein, the value of heat load for ambient air precooling is calculated according to remained principle as the difference between the rational total heat load and its basic relatively stable share. The proposed method is useful for defining a basic installed refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration machine of ACS with the accumulation of excessive (unapplied) refrigeration capacity at lowered current heat loads on ACS and its application for ambient air precooling, that is for covering unstable heat load share on ACS

scholarly journals Efecto del modelo de enseñanza sobre el autoconcepto físico del alumnado en educación física (Effect of the pedagogical model on the physical self-concept of students in physical education)

Retos ◽  
2016 ◽  
pp. 76-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hortigüela Alcalá ◽  
Ángel Pérez Pueyo ◽  
Antonio Calderón Luquín
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Students ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Perceived Competence ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Physical Strength ◽  
Teaching Unit ◽  
Inferential Analysis ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Academic Year

Esta investigación, realizada en el curso 2013-2014, analiza la percepción del alumnado de secundaria sobre los factores implícitos en el autoconcepto físico tras haber recibido una Unidad Didáctica (UD) de condición física bajo la metodología del estilo actitudinal. Los datos son analizados (pretest-postest) en función del género con un grupo 231 estudiantes, 102 chicos y 129 chicas. El método es mixto, utilizando  un análisis de descriptivo e inferencial, y una entrevista a la profesora al finalizar la experiencia. En el pretest los chicos obtuvieron valores más elevados en los factores de competencia percibida y fuerza física. En el postest no existió significatividad en la diferencia entre grupos, aumentando significativamente la competencia percibida de las chicas. Los chicos que realizan más actividad física extraescolar presentan mayor aprendizaje hacia la UD recibida, y en las chicas las diferencias se encuentran en función del expediente académico. La profesora destaca la importancia de la metodología utilizada para generar percepción de logro en los estudiantes. Se concluye que el enfoque metodológico utilizado en el aula tiene una incidencia directa en el autoconcepto del alumno.Abstract. This research, conducted in the 2013-2014 academic year, analyzes the perceptions of secondary students on the factors implicit in the physical self, after receiving a fitness teaching unit (TU) using the attitudinal style methodology. Data are analyzed (pretest-posttest) by gender in a group of 231 students (102 boys and 129 girls). The method is mixed, using a descriptive and inferential analysis and an interview with the teacher at the end of the experience. In the pretest, the boys scored higher in the factors of perceived competence and physical strength. In the posttest the difference between groups was not significant, while there was a great increase in the perceived competence of the girls. The boys who engage in more extracurricular physical activity show higher learning about the TU received, while in girls differences are dependent on academic performance. The teacher emphasizes the importance of the methodology used to generate perceptions of achievement in students. It is concluded that the methodological approach used in the classroom has a direct impact on student self-concept.

scholarly journals INFLUENCE OF ERRORS IN DETERMINATION OF TRACING SLOPE ON THE ACCURACY OF GEODETIC BASE FOR ROUTE

2021 ◽  
pp. 111-117
Author(s):  
Kostiantyn Mamonov ◽  
Svitlana Kamchatnaya ◽  
Yevhen Orel ◽  
Oleksandr Saiapin
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Line Length ◽  
Route Length ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Artificial Development ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Further Development

The purpose of this article is to study and develop a methodological approach tosolving the problem of accuracy of the geodetic base of the route. For this purpose, the followingtasks are set: mathematical substantiation the dependence of the line length on the ratio of the traceslope and the guide slope; description of the function of optimal use of the guiding slope at highspeed; determination of the impact of errors in the course of the geodetic justification on the routelength. Starting from the determined point and further to the right, artificial development of the lineis required. Because when a trace is planed using level curves, this point can be reached sooner orlater, and in some cases, this point can not be reached not at all, the line length designed accordingto the plan will be slightly different than in the case of tracing with usage the exact data. Thus, theobtained results indicate the following. If the error positions during a high-speed segment are suchthat the ordnance datum of the passage is less than the truth, the route length will be less than thetrue and vice versa. This trivial result indicates that the location of geodetic support points ondifferent sides of the pass is not recommended. It is established that due to the accumulation of errorsin the transmission of coordinates in the working substantiation networks, the conditions of the linedesign and the amount of operating costs change. It is mathematically substantiated that the linelength depends on the depth of the excavation on the pass and the height of the embankment at thepoint, and also on the difference of ordnance datum at these points. The difference between the traceslope and the guiding slope has an inversely proportional effect. In addition, the function of optimaluse of the guide slope at a high-speed segment has the form of a broken line according to its fracturesthe need for artificial development of the route can be established. The influence of errors in the course of the working justification is manifested in the discrepancy between the true and projectedroute length. If this error is not taken into account, it will lead to significant overspending duringbuilding a longer line than necessary. Further development of the problem of increasing the accuracyof tracing and reducing the impact of errors is planned in the direction of creating methods of digitalmodelling and automated programs.

scholarly journals An Application of Contest Success Functions for Draws on European Soccer

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 1191-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Yildizparlak
Keyword(s):  
Home Bias ◽  
Likelihood Method ◽  
Probit Regression ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Main Determinant ◽  
High Performing ◽  
Market Values ◽  
Success Function ◽  
Contest Success Functions ◽  
The Difference

A contest success function (success function) maps the level of efforts into winning and losing probabilities in contest theory. We aim to assess the empirical performance of success functions for draws and analyze the differences between European soccer leagues in terms of home bias, return on talent (ROT), and talent inequality. We use a data set with 10,569 matches acquired manually from transfermarkt.co.uk containing club-based average market values of the lineup of teams for each match played through 12 seasons from 7 major European soccer leagues. The results are obtained estimating the parameters of the success functions with a general maximum-likelihood method, and the hypotheses suggested by success functions are controlled with a probit regression. Two of the success functions outperform one conclusively. The difference in the performance between these two groups results from the contrast in the main determinant of the success function in allocating the probability of a draw. The high-performing success functions take difference in aggregate talent levels as the main determinant in drawing, while the other takes the aggregate talent as the main determinant. The results also show that there are major differences across leagues in terms of ROT, home bias, and talent inequality, despite the similarities in economic environment and the homogeneity in the rules of the game imposed across leagues. Our analysis sheds light on the contributions and implications of microeconomic theory to model sports and presents the differing characteristics of the European soccer leagues that impact match results significantly.

The Market Values of Islamic Banks and Ethical Identity

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamunur Rashid ◽  
M. Kabir Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Annual Reports ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Gulf Region ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
Vision Statements ◽  
Market Values ◽  
Ethical Identity ◽  
Employee Welfare ◽  
The Difference

Ethical identity refers to the set of guidelines that promote ethical practices within and by the organization. This concept is embedded in the Islamic teaching. This study examines the ethical identity of Islamic banks in Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the Arab Gulf region under eight distinctive dimensions to explore the difference between ideal and communicated ethical conducts via annual reports. This study’s findings reveal an immediate need to develop ethical identity disclosure requirements for Islamic banks. Other areas of special importance include focused social and developmental goals, putting the Shari‘ah strategically in the mission and vision statements, enhanced employee welfare policy, and effective Shari‘ah monitoring of banking operations.

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