scholarly journals Evaluation of Mungbean Varieties for Northwest Cambodian Lowland Rice Systems

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Campbell-Ross
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
North West ◽  
Farm Productivity ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
Rice Monoculture

Small-scale agriculture is the economic, social and cultural foundation of Cambodian rural communities. Crop diversification is not widespread in these traditionally rice-producing smallholder farms. Rice monoculture has led to a decline in farm productivity and farming household income. Mungbean is emerging as a high-value opportunity for crop diversification in smallholder farms in north-west Cambodia. However, its expansion is being constrained by the low quality of varieties available to farmers. This study aims to evaluate the locally available varieties with others from Cambodia and the region by comparing the varieties’ agronomic and economic characteristics. The varieties from Cambodia, CMB-3 and CARDI-Chey, had superior agronomic and quality characteristics compared with the varieties available to farmers. This was reflected in the price estimate and income of both varieties which had the highest gross margins. Hence, the varieties currently available to farmers are unsuitable for continued cultivation in the modern mungbean production environment.

Small-Scale Farmers’ Decision-Making for Crop Selection and Production Practices in Northern Haiti

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-34
Author(s):  
Priscilla Zelaya ◽  
Amy Harder ◽  
T. Grady Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Crop Selection ◽  
The North ◽  
Farmer Decision Making ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Decision-making is an essential aspect of farming. The decisions farmers make affect their overall yield and, ultimately, impact their livelihoods. Understanding the different factors impacting farmer decision-making can provide insight for extension providers to improve the quality of service. In Haiti, the vast majority of farms are smallholder farms averaging less than 1.5 hectares (Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development [MARNDR], 2010). The purpose of this study was to determine the decision-making practices of small-scale farmers in Northern Haiti related to crop production. The following research objectives guided the study: (a) identify the factors associated with crop selection, and (b) identify reasons farmers engage in specific practices for crop production. Results from this study found that small-scale farmers in the North Department reported using the following factors to determine crop selection: financial security, familial traditions, concern for family, and availability of financial resources. When determining practices for crop production, farmers relied on the following drivers: financial limitations and previous learning experiences. Recommendations include increasing the availability of resources to the farmers in this region in order to create a solid foundation for behavior adoption and increased farmer capabilities.

PENGUATAN KAPASITAS WIRAUSAHAWAN MIKRO MENGGUNAKAN METODE PENDAMPINGAN DI DESA MEKARGALIH, KECAMATAN JATINANGOR, KABUPATEN SUMEDANG

Dharmakarya ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
RUDI Saprudin DARWIS
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Student Service

ABSTRACTWeaknesses that are still commonly found in the businesses carried out by MSME entrepreneurs are the weakness of business accounting and packaging. Small scale business with limited marketing is seen as not requiring bookkeeping in its management and does not require packaging that is too good. This is the basis for the need for assistance to improve the capacity of MSME actors. Improving the capacity of MSME actors individually is done using the mentoring method. The choice to use a mentoring method to increase business productivity. Assistance was carried out with students of SMEs during the student service-learning program in Mekargalih Village, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency. Bookkeeping assistance is carried out by students by carrying out bookkeeping practices together so that the community can continue to learn good bookkeeping methods. Likewise, assistance in improving the quality of shredded chili packaging. Students help SMEs in designing packaging that will be used on their products. The assistance process is considered effective in supporting the business development of MSME entrepreneurs because the process can be carried out intensively. ABSTRAKKelemahan yang masih banyak ditemui pada usaha-usaha yang dilakukan pelaku UMKM adalah lemahnya pembukuan usaha dan pengemasannya. Skala usaha yang kecil dengan pemasaran yang terbatas dipandang tidak memerlukan pembukuan dalam pengelolaanya serta tidak memerlukan pengemasan yang terlalu bagus. Hal ini menjadi dasar perlunya dilakukan pendampingan untuk meningkatkan kapasitas pelaku UMKM. Peningkatan kapasitas pelaku UMKM secara perorangan dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode pendampingan. Pilihan untuk menggunakan metode pendampingan dalam meningkatkan produktivitas usahanya. Pendampingan dilakukan bersama mahasiswa terhadap pelaku UMKM selama pelaksanaan KKN mahasiswa di Desa Mekargalih, Kecamatan Jatinangor, Kabupaten Sumedang. Pendampingan pembukuan dilakukan mahasiswa dengan cara melakukan praktik pembukuan bersama-sama sehingga masyarakat bisa terus mempelajari cara pembukuan yang baik. Demikian juga dengan pendampingan dalam peningkatan mutu kualitas kemasan abon cabe. Mahasiswa membantu pelaku UMKM dalam merancang kemasan yang akan digunakan pada produknya. Proses pendampingan dinilai efektif dalam mendukung pengembangan usaha pelaku UMKM karena proses bisa dilakukan secara intensif.

Profitability and Efficiency Analyses of Small Scale Rice processing units in Ngoketunjia Division, North West Region, Cameroon.

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-182
Author(s):  
Bime M.J ◽  
Fon D.E ◽  
Ngalim S.B ◽  
Ongla J
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Fixed Cost ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Parboiled Rice ◽  
North West ◽  
Benefit Cost Ratio ◽  
Benefit Cost ◽  
Rice Processing

Rice production and processing over the years has been on an increase with more small holders entering the business. This study on profitability of processing and marketing of small scale rice processors had as objective to analyse the profitability levels of rice processing and marketing by small scale processors, determine the value added to the commodity at each stage  and also identify the constraints faced by these processors. The study used primary data collected using well-structured questionnaire from millers only, miller traders for white/parboiled rice through a multistage sampling technique. Results showed that the net processing income (3,151,201), value added (8,147,456) and efficiency (138) for miller-traders of white rice was highest, followed by miller-traders for parboiled rice and lastly millers only. Results further showed that millers only had Benefit/cost ratio of 0.4 indicating that milling only is not profitable due to small quantities milled, and high fixed cost. Miller-traders for parboiled rice had a benefit/cost ratio of 2.3 implying that their venture is most profitable. Based on the results, it was recommended that millers only should purchase large quantities of paddy to enable them reduce the overhead cost. Also the services of parboilers should reflect in the sales price of parboiled rice so that the parboiling services can be paid for.

scholarly journals Rural–urban variation in insecticide-treated net utilization among pregnant women: evidence from 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
Kenneth Setorwu Adde ◽  
Shadrach Dare ◽  
Sanni Yaya
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Itn Use

Abstract Background In 2018, Nigeria accounted for the highest prevalence of malaria worldwide. Pregnant women and children under five years bear the highest risk of malaria. Geographical factors affect utilization of insecticide-treated nets (ITN), yet existing literature have paid little attention to the rural–urban dimension of ITN utilization in Nigeria. This study aimed at investigating the rural–urban variation in ITN utilization among pregnant women in Nigeria using data from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey. Methods A total of 2909 pregnant women were included in the study. The prevalence of ITN utilization for rural and urban pregnant women of Nigeria were presented with descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was employed to assess the association between residence, socio-demographic characteristics and ITN utilization at 95% level of significance. Subsequently, binary logistic regression was used to assess the influence of residence on ITN utilization. Results Eight out of ten of the rural residents utilized ITN (86.1%) compared with 74.1% among urban residents. Relative to urban pregnant women, those in rural Nigeria had higher odds of utilizing ITNs both in the crude [cOR = 2.17, CI = 1.66–2.84] and adjusted models [aOR = 1.18, CI = 1.05–1.24]. Pregnant women aged 40–44 had lower odds of ITN utilization compared to those aged 15–19 [aOR = 0.63, CI = 0.44–0.92]. Poorer pregnant women had higher odds of ITN utilization compared with poorest pregnant women [aOR = 1.09, CI = 1.04–1.32]. Across regions, those in the south [aOR = 0.26, CI = 0.14–0.49] and south-west [aOR = 0.29, CI = 0.16–0.54] had lower odds of ITN use compared to their counterparts in the north-west region. Conclusion The high use of ITNs among pregnant women in Nigeria may be due to the prioritization of rural communities by previous interventions. This is a dimension worth considering to enhance the attainment of the national anti-malarial initiatives. Since possession of ITN is not a guarantee for utilization, women in urban locations need constant reminder of ITN use through messages delivered at ANC and radio advertisements. Moreover, subsequent mass ITN campaigns ought to take cognizance of variations ITN use across regions and pragmatic steps be taken to increase the availability of ITN in households since there is a moderately high use in households with at least one ITN in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Fully Automated Cultivation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the StemCellDiscovery—A Robotic Laboratory for Small-Scale, High-Throughput Cell Production Including Deep Learning-Based Confluence Estimation

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 575
Author(s):  
Jelena Ochs ◽  
Ferdinand Biermann ◽  
Tobias Piotrowski ◽  
Frederik Erkens ◽  
Bastian Nießing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
High Speed ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
System Capacity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Production Environment

Laboratory automation is a key driver in biotechnology and an enabler for powerful new technologies and applications. In particular, in the field of personalized therapies, automation in research and production is a prerequisite for achieving cost efficiency and broad availability of tailored treatments. For this reason, we present the StemCellDiscovery, a fully automated robotic laboratory for the cultivation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in small scale and in parallel. While the system can handle different kinds of adherent cells, here, we focus on the cultivation of adipose-derived hMSCs. The StemCellDiscovery provides an in-line visual quality control for automated confluence estimation, which is realized by combining high-speed microscopy with deep learning-based image processing. We demonstrate the feasibility of the algorithm to detect hMSCs in culture at different densities and calculate confluences based on the resulting image. Furthermore, we show that the StemCellDiscovery is capable of expanding adipose-derived hMSCs in a fully automated manner using the confluence estimation algorithm. In order to estimate the system capacity under high-throughput conditions, we modeled the production environment in a simulation software. The simulations of the production process indicate that the robotic laboratory is capable of handling more than 95 cell culture plates per day.

scholarly journals Delineating Smallholder Maize Farms from Sentinel-1 Coupled with Sentinel-2 Data Using Machine Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4728
Author(s):  
Zinhle Mashaba-Munghemezulu ◽  
George Johannes Chirima ◽  
Cilence Munghemezulu
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Subsistence Agriculture ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Main Driver ◽  
Sentinel 2

Rural communities rely on smallholder maize farms for subsistence agriculture, the main driver of local economic activity and food security. However, their planted area estimates are unknown in most developing countries. This study explores the use of Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data to map smallholder maize farms. The random forest (RF), support vector (SVM) machine learning algorithms and model stacking (ST) were applied. Results show that the classification of combined Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data improved the RF, SVM and ST algorithms by 24.2%, 8.7%, and 9.1%, respectively, compared to the classification of Sentinel-1 data individually. Similarities in the estimated areas (7001.35 ± 1.2 ha for RF, 7926.03 ± 0.7 ha for SVM and 7099.59 ± 0.8 ha for ST) show that machine learning can estimate smallholder maize areas with high accuracies. The study concludes that the single-date Sentinel-1 data were insufficient to map smallholder maize farms. However, single-date Sentinel-1 combined with Sentinel-2 data were sufficient in mapping smallholder farms. These results can be used to support the generation and validation of national crop statistics, thus contributing to food security.

scholarly journals 106 - Environmental Influences on the Cognitive and Psychological Well Being of Older Adults with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
William E. Reichman ◽  
L. Bradford Perkins ◽  
Hilde Verbeek
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Culture Change ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Term Care

This symposium will review the latest data on the influence of environmental design and its attributes on the cognitive and psychological wellbeing of older adults living with dementia. The presenters will cover the myriad ways in which the physical environment of care can adapt to the changing demands of older adults with sensory, motor and cognitive deficits and foster optimal functioning and quality of life. The role of emerging technologies will also be reviewed as they complement the contribution of the design of the physical environment to the wellbeing of older adults with cognitive impairment. Information will be offered through a review of the existing research literature as well as case studies that illustrate the impact of environmental modification on fostering wellbeing and minimizing the emergence of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. The presenters will represent and integrate sensibilities that have emerged from the fields of architecture, cognitive neuroscience and psychology.How the Principles of the Culture Change Movement Inform Environmental Design and the Application of Technology in the Care of Older Adults Living with DementiaWilliam E. ReichmanThe culture change movement informs a number of principles that have been applied to more contemporary design concepts for the congregate care of older adults living with dementia. This talk will review the core tenets of the Culture Change Movement as exemplified by the Greenhouse, Dementia Village and other innovative models of congregate long-term care. Specific reference will be made to how these tenets have been operationalized around the world into the design of programming and the creation of residential care environments that foster a better quality of life for older adults and an enhanced work environment for care providers. This talk will also include the emerging role of technologies that complement innovative design of the environment and which foster optimized social and recreational functioning of older adults living with dementia.A Better Life Through a Better Nursing Home DesignL. Bradford PerkinsOver the last 20 years there has been extensive experimentation related to the role of the environment in the housing, care and treatment of persons with Alzheimer’s and other age related dementias. Prior to that time the typical housing and care environment was a locked unit in a skilled nursing or other restrictive senior living facility. In 1991 the Presbyterian Association on Aging in Western Pennsylvania opened Woodside Place on its Oakmont campus. This small 36 bed facility was designed to incorporate the latest research and care experience with persons suffering from these issues. This one small project, as well as the long post occupancy research led by Carnegie Mellon University, clearly demonstrated that individuals with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia could lead a healthier, happier, higher quality of life in a more residential, less restrictive environment. Not everything in this pioneering project worked, and five generations of living and care models have followed that have refined the ideas first demonstrated by Woodside Place. Bradford Perkins, whose firm designed Woodside Place and over 100 other related projects, will discuss what was learned from Woodside Place as well as the five generations of projects (and post occupancy research) that followed.Innovative dementia care environments as alternatives for traditional nursing homes: evidence and experiences from the NetherlandsHilde VerbeekKey goals of the dementia care environment focus on increasing autonomy, supporting independence and trying to enable one’s own lifestyle for as long as possible. To meet these goals, innovative, small-scale and homelike care environments have been developed that have radically changed the physical, social and organizational aspects of long-term care in the Netherlands. This presentation discusses various Dutch models that have implemented small-scale and homelike care environments, including green care farms, dementia village and citizen initiatives. The models reflect a common care concept, focusing on residents’ remaining strengths, providing opportunity for choice and aiming to sustain a sense of self and control. A small number of residents (usually 6 to 8) live together in a homelike environment and nursing staff are part of the household. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily household activities, emphasizing normalization of daily life with person-centred care. The physical environment resembles an archetypal home. This talk presents the scientific evidence on the impact and effects of these small-scale, homelike models on residents, their family caregivers and staff. Furthermore, the presentation will highlight working approaches and how these initiatives have positively influenced routine care across the long-term care spectrum.

scholarly journals Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries in the Midst of Adaptation and Diversification: Insights from Southern Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7393
Author(s):  
Agata Nicolosi ◽  
Donatella Di Gregorio ◽  
Giuseppe Arena ◽  
Valentina Rosa Laganà ◽  
Donatella Privitera
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Artisanal Fishing ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Coastal Fisheries ◽  
Cluster Identification ◽  
The Eu

The study looks at the problems facing coastal fishing communities. It highlights the impacts that, in the complex framework of the EU reforms, have manifested themselves on economic activities and on society. The aim of the paper is twofold: to examine small-scale artisanal fishing in an area of Southern Italy in order to develop resilience and diversification and at the same time to outline the profiles of local bluefish buyers to highlight development strategies for the sector. The research carried out through a direct survey by administering a questionnaire to fishermen operating in areas of Southern Italy and the data cross-referenced with the opinions of local consumers. A conjoint experiment, followed by a multiple correspondence analysis and cluster identification, was used to outline the profiles of local bluefish buyers. The results of the analysis reveal that the fish market and the restaurant sector are the main distribution channels preferred by fishermen. Furthermore, fishermen are very sensitive to environmental issues and are willing to collaborate and actively participate in the environmental protection of the sea. Consumers recognise the quality of local bluefish, and they implicitly perceive the sustainability of the method of capture. The results show the need to undertake synergistic actions for the fishing industry, capable of activating marketing strategies adequately to support, promote and develop the sector. The results of the study provide helpful information for food companies in order to better segment their market and target their consumers, as well as to effectively promote their product using brands, certifications and traceability.

scholarly journals MP16: Quality of work life among nurses and physicians in Québec rural emergency departments

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S70
Author(s):  
R. Fleet ◽  
G. Dupuis ◽  
M. Mbakop-Nguebou ◽  
P.M. Archambault ◽  
J. Plant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Career Path ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Quality Of Work Life ◽  
Recruitment And Retention ◽  
Quality Of Work ◽  
Nurses And Physicians

Introduction: Recruitment and retention of healthcare staff are difficult in rural communities. Poor quality of work life (QWL) may be an underling factor as rural healthcare professionals are often isolated and work with limited resources. However, QWL data on rural emergency (ED) staff is limited. We assessed QWL among nurses and physicians as part of an ongoing study on ED care in Québec. Methods: We selected EDs offering 24/7 medical coverage, with hospitalization beds, in rural or small towns (Stats Canada definition). Of Québec’s 26 rural EDs, 23 (88%) agreed to participate. The online Quality of Work Life Systemic Inventory (QWLSI, with 1 item per 34 “life domains”), was sent to all non-locum ED nurses and physicians (about 500 potential participants). The QWLSI is used for comparing QWL scores to those of a large international database. We present overall and subscale QWL scores as percentiles (PCTL) of scores in the large database, and comparisons of nurses’ and physicians’ scores (t test). Results: Thirty-three physicians and 84 nurses participated. Mean age was 39.8 years (SD=10.1): physicians=37 (7.7) and nurses=40.9 (10.7). Overall QWL scores for all were in the 32nd PCTL, i.e. low. Nurses were in the 28th PCTL and physicians in the 44nd (p>0.05). For both groups, QWL was below the 25th PCTL i.e. very low, for “sharing workload during absence of an employee”, “working equipment”, “flexibility of work schedule”, “impact of working hours on health”, “possibility of being absent for familial reasons”, “relations with employees”. The groups differed (p<0.05) on only two subscales: remuneration and career path. For remuneration, scores were similar on fringe benefits (nurses 22nd PCTL, physicians 32nd) and income security (nurses 72nd, physicians 74th), but differed on income level (nurses 74th, physicians 93rd). The groups differed on all 3 career path items: advancement possibilities (nurses 53th, physicians 91st), possibilities for transfer (nurses 51nd, physicians 84th) and continuing education (nurses 18th, physicians 49th). Conclusion: Overall QWL among rural ED staff is poor. Groups had similar QWL scores except on career path, with physicians perceiving better long-term prospects. Given difficulties in rural recruitment and retention, these findings suggest that QWL should be assessed in rural and urban EDs nationwide.

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