scholarly journals Implications for Agricultural Producers of Using Blockchain for Food Transparency, Study of 4 Food Chains by Cumulative Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9843
Author(s):  
Ysé Commandré ◽  
Catherine Macombe ◽  
Sophie Mignon
Keyword(s):  
Data Privacy ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Great Expectations ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
First Results ◽  
Efficiency Cost

In agro-food, Blockchain has been recently implemented in order to improve transparency. Blockchain raises great expectations of data decentralization and better efficiency–cost ratio, integration speed, and data protection that appear as promises of gains in all areas. The fundamental assumption was that transparency prevents or reduces illegitimate forms of power. However, discussions are emerging about how digitization is likely to exacerbate power inequalities in food systems, as transparency can become tyrannical when it contributes to the proliferation of audits, evaluations, and assessment measures. The objective of this research is to contribute by providing knowledge about the implications of this digitization for farmers. For a first exploratory study, we conducted 53 interviews with actors of digitalization of agri-food, and we used 9 press releases, 3 webinars, and 1 article published in a specialized French journal. These materials evoke 12 different agro-food chains recently equipped with blockchain in France. From this pool of chains, we focused on four through in-depth analysis of interviews and literature readings using NVivo software. The first results highlight that the use of blockchain for transparency rarely delivers on its promises. Blockchain tends to centralize control since few actors have access to the distributed ledger, and the visibility brought to farmers, at the consumer level, tends to become a form of control. While blockchain seems to provide some benefits to producers, it raises the issue of overloaded technology and the problem of their data privacy.

Implications of Land Grabbing on Sustainable Food Systems

2020 ◽  
pp. 109-125
Author(s):  
Agatha Osivweneta Ogbe ◽  
Sarah Edore Edewor
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Rural Poor ◽  
Income Generation ◽  
Land Grabbing ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food

Land is one of the most valuable assets required for agricultural production. In Africa, smallholder agricultural producers are faced with a lot of challenges that have highly impacted on productivity and sustainable food systems. The global demand for agricultural land for food and bio-fuel production has increasingly led to the emergence of land grabbing after the 2007-08 food price crisis. The rural poor are the victim of land grabbing as they are faced with declining farmlands, low income generation, and loss of livelihood activities. These have affected the food security status of the rural poor as farmlands are taken from them. The proponents of land grabbing revealed that developing countries are expected to benefit from investments inflow on grabbed land, development of infrastructure, increased income generation, and job creation. They argue that investment in agriculture is necessary to stimulate agricultural production; however, this situation has brought negative effects as most investors failed to keep their end of the transaction on land acquisition deals.

scholarly journals Data Science Tools for Monitoring the Global Repository Eco-System and its Lines of Evolution

Publications ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Friedrich Summann ◽  
Andreas Czerniak ◽  
Jochen Schirrwagen ◽  
Dirk Pieper
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
First Results ◽  
History Of ◽  
System Data ◽  
Open Archives

The global network of scholarly repositories for the publication and dissemination of scientific publications and related materials can already look back on a history of more than twenty years. During this period, there have been many developments in terms of technical optimization and the increase of content. It is crucial to observe and analyze this evolution in order to draw conclusions for the further development of repositories. The basis for such an analysis is data. The Open Archives Initiative (OAI) service provider Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (BASE) started indexing repositories in 2004 and has collected metadata also on repositories. This paper presents the main features of a planned repository monitoring system. Data have been collected since 2004 and includes basic repository metadata as well as publication metadata of a repository. This information allows an in-depth analysis of many indicators in different logical combinations. This paper outlines the systems approach and the integration of data science techniques. It describes the intended monitoring system and shows the first results.

scholarly journals How early childhood services address health inequalities and child wellbeing in France

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M R Guével ◽  
P Cury ◽  
F Bissège ◽  
J Pironom ◽  
A Dollet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Public Policies ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Child Wellbeing ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
First Results ◽  
Local Decision

Abstract Early childhood (0-6 years old) is a key period when talking about health inequalities (HI) and child wellbeing. Over the past decades, research has shown the importance of early investment. In France, early childhood is a period covered by different public policies and different stakeholders from different sectors, i.e. health, education, childcare facilities, social affairs, recreational activities, etc. Both coverage of 0-6 years and intersectorality, are rarely connected in the literature. Based on Bronfenbrenner ecological approach, the Récits project aims to better understand how issues related to HI and child wellbeing are addressed at a local level within local policies as well as by professionals from the different sectors. It also aims to better understand the relations established by families with those professionals. Two French départements are studied: Allier (03) and Ille-et-Vilaine (35); both are characterised by social and spatial HI. Within these departments, two local authorities were selected as case studies for in depth analysis: secondary analysis of social and health indicators are carried out and qualitative data are gathered through the collection of institutional documents, observations and interviews with local decision-makers, professionals and families. First results, focusing on local public policies and how they are implemented by local stakeholders, highlight the diversity of the strategies developed according to the local social context and to the sector. Partnership between the different sectors is valued in policies however the way they work varied, notably, depending on the history of the collaboration. By clarifying the issues related to the articulation between public policies, local interventions and individual and collective practices of early childhood professionals, this research will contribute to improve and develop strategies to reduce HI and support children and families with respect to their expectations. Key messages Thanks to its ecological and intersectoral approach, this project will highlight how early childhood services may contribute to tackle health inequalities and to improve child WB. Addressing the complexity of the interactions between public policies, professionals and families will lead to a better understanding of the current challenges crossing the field of early childhood.

scholarly journals Laboratory automation: a challenge for the 1990s

1994 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 125-129
Author(s):  
Claude Mordini
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Laboratory Automation ◽  
Time To Market ◽  
Crucial Question ◽  
The Future ◽  
Efficiency Cost

There is tremendous pressure on industry and laboratories to develop increasingly complex procucts: for example catalysts, chiral chemicals, drugs and ceramics; conform to regulations; cope with increasingly severe competition; and meet steadily increasing costs. It is difficult, in this situation, to remain productive and competitive. It is vital to be equipped with, and be able to use appropriately, all the suitable methodologies and technologies. Working methods and personnel have to be appropriate. The future depends on three interdependent domains: automation in the broadest sense of the word, instrumentation and information systems. The easy work has already been done. Between 1984 and 1990, it was a question of going from nothing to something; now, it is necessary to increase and optimize.Therefore, the crucial question is now: ‘how can we go quicker in experimentation and acquire more knowledge, while spending less money?’ One solution is to use all the aspects of automation (robotics, instrumentation, data). Successful laboratory automation depends.on: shortened time to market; improved efficiency/cost ratio; motivation/competence/ expertise; communication; and knowledge acquisition. This paper examines some of the major technological areas of application.

scholarly journals Spectroscopic and Photometric Survey of Northern Sky for the ESA PLATO space mission

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (S330) ◽  
pp. 283-284
Author(s):  
Renata Ženovienė ◽  
Vilius Bagdonas ◽  
Arnas Drazdauskas ◽  
Rimvydas Janulis ◽  
Lukas Klebonas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectroscopic Characterization ◽  
Space Mission ◽  
Astronomical Observatory ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
First Results ◽  
Vilnius University ◽  
Input Catalogue

AbstractThe ESA-PLATO 2.0 mission will perform an in-depth analysis of the large part of the sky-sphere searching for extraterrestrial telluric-like planets. At the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory of Vilnius University, we started a spectroscopic and photometric survey of the northern sky fields that potentially will be targeted by the PLATO mission. We aim to contribute in developing the PLATO input catalogue by delivering a long-duration stellar variability information and a full spectroscopic characterization of brightest targets. First results of this survey are overviewed.

scholarly journals Norms Governing the Dialect Translation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations: An English-Greek Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. p49
Author(s):  
Despoina PANOU
Keyword(s):  
Charles Dickens ◽  
The Other ◽  
Source Text ◽  
Great Expectations ◽  
Translation Strategies ◽  
Societal Factors ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Publishing Houses

This paper aims to investigate the norms governing the translation of fiction from English into Greek by critically examining two Greek translations of Charles Dickens’ novel Great Expectations. One is by Pavlina Pampoudi (Patakis, 2016) and the other, is by Thanasis Zavalos (Minoas, 2017). Particular attention is paid to dialect translation and special emphasis is placed on the language used by one of the novel’s prominent characters, namely, Abel Magwitch. In particular, twenty instances of Abel Magwitch’s dialect are chosen in an effort to provide an in-depth analysis of the dialect-translation strategies employed as well as possible reasons governing such choices. It is argued that both translators favour standardisation in their target texts, thus eliminating any language variants present in the source text. The conclusion argues that societal factors as well as the commissioning policies of publishing houses influence to a great extent the translators’ behaviour, and consequently, the dialect-translation strategies adopted. Hence, greater emphasis on the extra-linguistic, sociological context is necessary for a thorough consideration of the complexities of English-Greek dialect translation of fiction.

scholarly journals River contract in Wallonia (Belgium) and its application for water management in the Sourou valley (Burkina Faso)

2005 ◽  
Vol 52 (9) ◽  
pp. 85-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Rosillon ◽  
P. Vander Borght ◽  
H. Bado Sama
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
West African ◽  
Participative Management ◽  
First Year ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Great Expectations ◽  
Water Users ◽  
One Year ◽  
North And South

Inspired by the experience of a river contract in Wallonia (Belgium) since 1990, the implementation of a first river contract has been initiated in a West African country, Burkina Faso. This application is not limited to a simple transposition of the Walloon model. The Burkina context calls for adaptation to the local environmental and socio-economical realities with an adequate partnership management. The importance of the mobilization around this project of institutional partners, as well as local collectivities, agricultural producers and water users in general reveals the great expectations of the actors concerning this new tool of water participative management. But will the latter be equal to the task? A first assessment has been drawn up one year after the launch. During the first year of the project, a participative diagnostic was implemented but the understanding of basic notions of water management such as ‘river’ (not translatable in the local language), ‘watershed’, ‘contract’ were not obvious. After the identification of functions and uses of water in the basin, an environmental survey was started. This approach allows study with the river committees of the priority actions to be developed as a first project of restoration of the gallery forest alongside the stream to fight against desertification. This project of integrated and participative management of water at sub-basin level is a concrete example of solidarity and exchange know-how between North and South in the context of a sustainable development.

Analysis of the development and support of agriculture in the regions of the Non-Black Earth Zone

2021 ◽  
pp. 14-21
Author(s):  
E.A. Gataulina ◽  
◽  
E.A. Shishkina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Uneven Development ◽  
Agricultural Product ◽  
Agricultural Crop ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Financial Activity ◽  
Development Area ◽  
Activity State ◽  
Crop And Livestock Production

In order to develop a forecast of the regional agri-food systems, carried out at VIAPI named after A.A. Nikonov, an analysis of the development of agriculture in the regions of the Non-Black Earth Zone is carried out. The conclusion is made about the adaptation of agricultural producers in the zone to market conditions due to the contraction of agricultural production in comparison with 1990, while establishing the profitable work of most agricultural organizations. The uneven development of the regions of the zone was revealed in terms of the indices of agricultural, crop and livestock production (comparison of 2018 with 1990 and 2000), the structure of production by categories of farms, indicators of financial activity, state support, recommendations for its improvement were given. It is concluded that it is premature to exclude the Non-Black Earth Zone as a priority development area from the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Product Markets.

scholarly journals Research on folding suspension of multi-constrained rover based on the variation and fusion of rods and pairs

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 172988141772733
Author(s):  
Fei Yang ◽  
Honghao Yue ◽  
Meng Li ◽  
Jianguo Tao ◽  
Zongquan Deng
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Graph Theory ◽  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Engineering Application ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Planetary Rovers ◽  
Limited Space ◽  
Space Launch ◽  
Efficiency Cost

Planetary rovers with folding functions can solve the contradiction between the limited space of the vehicle and the functional diversity of the rover and greatly improve the efficiency–cost ratio of space launch activities. In this article, the multi-constrained quadrilateral suspension is considered based on the practical requirements of planetary detection. Based on graph theory and metamorphic theory, the structural characteristics and movement patterns of the rover are analyzed, the configuration transforming process of adding or decreasing the number of rods and kinematic pairs during folding is studied, and the corresponding mathematical model is established. The suspension of the rover is divided into three basic units, and the folding study is performed around each unit. The folding set of each unit type is given, and a feasible folding set is selected for each type of unit according to their structural characteristics and constraint conditions. At the same time, 15-folding schemes for the rover are given, and the optimal scheme is determined. According to the final folding scheme of the rover, the principle prototype of the rover is developed, and the functional experiment of the folding and unfolding is performed. The experimental results verify the feasibility and rationality of the folding scheme, indicating that the developed detection vehicle has a large fold ratio, which can fully adapt to the limited space inside the rocket. The theoretical and technical results can provide technical support for the engineering application of subsequent rovers with folding.

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