Modeling an agrifood industrial process using cooperative coevolution Algorithms

This report presents two experiments related to the modeling of an industrial agrifood process using evolutionary techniques. Experiments have been focussed on a specific problem which is the modeling of a Camembert-cheese ripening process. Two elated complex optimisation problems have been considered: -- a deterministic modeling problem, the phase prediction roblem, for which a search for a closed form tree expression has been performed using genetic programming (GP), -- a Bayesian network structure estimation problem, considered as a two-stage problem, i.e. searching first for an approximation of an independence model using EA, and then deducing, via a deterministic algorithm, a Bayesian network which represents the equivalence class of the independence model found at the first stage. In both of these problems, cooperative-coevolution techniques (also called ``Parisian'' approaches) have been proved successful. These approaches actually allow to represent the searched solution as an aggregation of several individuals (or even as a whole population), as each individual only bears a part of the searched solution. This scheme allows to use the artificial Darwinism principles in a more economic way, and the gain in terms of robustness and efficiency is important

Home Country Effects on Internationalization: Chinese Agrifood Investment in Advanced Economies

Home country effects on internationalization has been conventionally conceived as a contrast to the pull of host countries determinants. While scholarship acknowledges that home country support matters more to internationalizing emerging market multinational enterprises, the focus of extant literature has been underpinned by assumptions of stable macro-level and unidirectional institutional support for the internationalization of firms. This thesis contrasts with previous studies by repositioning the conversation to incorporate the temporal dimension, and investigate the multi-level relationships across institutions, industries and markets in the home country and the varied effects on internationalization. Chinese agrifood investment to advanced economies from 2008 to 2017 against the backdrop of rebalancing and consumption-led growth economy is the phenomenon and research context. The overarching research question is “How do home country effects shape the internationalization of Chinese firms?”. This is addressed in four contextual and case study chapters. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and applying an abductive research process, I developed a dynamic home country relational model to study the internationalization process of Chinese firms that enriches existing process and institutional frameworks. There are four central findings presented in this thesis. First, home country support engenders different meanings constructed by heterogeneous dispensers and recipients who adopt discretionary selection in a competitive environment. Second, experienced agrifood firms have learned to deliberately avoid controversial farmland purchases and targeted downstream businesses in advanced economies to access resources and gain management skills. Third, wealthy non-agricultural Chinese groups lacking in specialized industry knowledge, face compounded challenges diversifying into agrifood sector and internationalizing simultaneously. Fourth, risk perception and risk mitigation have accentuated as internationalization of Chinese firms evolved, shifting from self-checking to tightening of regulatory controls and reinforced by businesses’ confirmation of support. This study has enhanced the understanding of evolving institutions, and the nuances and irregularity of internationalization processes through the explanation of complex interactions and responses from the perspective of home country actors

Pulses for Sustainability: Breaking Agriculture and Food Sectors Out of Lock-In

Crop diversification can improve the sustainability of Western agriculture. In particular, pulses are crops that can help both agriculture and the food industry become more ecological, as they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help reduce animal-based consumption. Today, however, the development of these crops in Europe has been hindered due to lock-in, since major crops have been co-developed to a greater extent in farming and food systems. After briefly reviewing the major mechanisms that lead to this lock-in, this article adopts a co-evolution framework to address the interconnected transition of agriculture and food systems. We explore how current societal trends in the agrifood system offer new opportunities for pulses, and how simultaneous changes both in production and consumption can facilitate this dual transition. Drawing on insights from the literature and interviews with stakeholders in France—taken here as examples—we argue that to develop pulses, strong support is required from public institutions to coordinate and guide the multiple actors involved in the same direction

Resource-Based View and SMEs Performance Exporting through Foreign Intermediaries: The Mediating Effect of Management Controls

Following the resource-based view, this research empirically explores the role of formal and informal management control in mobilizing export resources to develop export capabilities, influencing the export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an interorganizational relationship context. Empirical data were collected using a survey administrated online to finance managers in Spanish SMEs which use foreign intermediaries to access export markets. In this setting, evidence mainly suggests, first, that management control systems (MCSs) play a relevant mediating role between the effect of, on the one hand, resources on capabilities, and, on the other hand, resources and capabilities on performance. Second, that MCSs and capabilities play a interrelated double mediating effect between the impact of resources on performance; more specifically, a significant double indirect effect is found (1) between financial resources, behavior control, customer relationship building capability and performance, and (2) between physical resources, behavior control, customer relationship building capability and performanc

Changing asset endowments and smallholder participation in higher-value markets: evidence from certified-coffee producers in Nicaragua

Health-related incentives to reward effort or commitment are commonplace in many professional contracts throughout the world. Typically absent from small-scale agriculture in poor countries, such incentives may help overcome both health issues for remote rural families and supply issues for firms. Using a randomized control design, we investigate the impact of adding a micronutrient-fortified product in contracts between a Senegalese dairy processing factory and its seminomadic milk suppliers. Findings show significant increases in frequency of delivery but only limited impacts on total milk delivered. These impacts are time sensitive and limited mostly to households where women are more in control of milk contracts.Non-PRIFPRI1; CRP2; CRP4; C Improving markets and trade; B Promoting healthy food systems; G Cross-cutting gender theme; Capacity StrengtheningMTID; PHND; PIM; A4NHCGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM); CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH

Innovative Collaboration in Agri-Food Systems

Tesis por compendio[ES] El objetivo general de esta Tesis ha sido avanzar en el estudio de los determinan-tes o características que pueden conducir a una colaboración exitosa entre los actores del sistema agroalimentario. Para ello, se analizaron las actividades de cooperación desarrolladas por explotaciones agrícolas, empresas agroalimentarias, instituciones y organizaciones vinculadas a la agroalimentación, que realizan ac-tividades innovadoras en España y América Latina y el Caribe (ALC). La investigación aborda diferentes ámbitos en los que se producen colaboraciones innovadoras. Se trata del ámbito científico, del ámbito de las plataformas multiac-tores y del ámbito de los agricultores y sus instituciones. Se ha estructurado en tres capítulos, correspondientes cada uno a un artículo científico publicado en una revista internacional. Cada uno de ellos aborda un aspecto específico para cumplir el objetivo general que se acaba de señalar. El primer artículo se titula "Collaboration for social innovation in the agri-food system in Latin America and the Caribbean". Este estudio tiene por objeto reali-zar una revisión del estado del conocimiento, utilizando técnicas bibliométricas, de la colaboración innovadora en los sistemas alimentarios y rurales de América Latina y el Caribe (ALC). Concretamente se analizan las actividades de coopera-ción desarrolladas por explotaciones agrícolas y empresas agroindustriales para emprender actividades innovadoras. El segundo artículo tiene como título "Collaboration through EIP-AGRI Opera-tional Groups and their role as innovation intermediaries". A través de una en-cuesta a los grupos operativos y mediante un análisis factorial fue posible identifi-car las funciones que estos grupos desarrollan como intermediarios de innovación desde su propia perspectiva. Este tipo de análisis permite abordar la colaboración entre actores de diferentes ámbitos y sectores para cooperar y aportar soluciones innovadoras a los problemas agrícolas. El tercer artículo, "Drivers of joint cropland management strategies in agri-food cooperatives", estudia la colaboración a través de una estrategia innovadora coor-dinada por las cooperativas. El objetivo principal es avanzar en el conocimiento de las características que presentan las cooperativas que lideran este tipo de iniciati-vas. El estudio se basa principalmente en los datos de una encuesta a cooperati-vas, y se ha utilizado una metodología de Análisis Cualitativo Comparativo (fsQCA). Los resultados confirman el avance en el estudio de la colaboración innovadora en el sector agroalimentario de ALC. Los principales motores de la colaboración en este ámbito son la innovación social, el conocimiento, la gestión sostenible y el capital social. También se observa un creciente interés en el ámbito científico por estudiar los sistemas de colaboración en ALC. Este interés proviene de científicos de diferentes países, lo que ha generado y potenciado la colaboración internacio-nal de los investigadores. Los resultados del segundo artículo se centran en las acciones de colaboración desarrolladas por plataformas multiactor, como lo son los Grupos Operativos. Las acciones desarrolladas por estos grupos pueden enmarcarse en las funciones de los intermediarios de la innovación. Tres funciones emergieron como las más realiza-das: la gestión del proceso de innovación, la articulación de la demanda, y el apo-yo institucional y la intermediación de la innovación. Por último, en el ámbito de los agricultores y sus instituciones, la investigación se centra en los impulsores del éxito de la colaboración. La innovación social y eco-nómica, el tamaño y la propensión a la cooperación son condiciones presentes en las cooperativas que tienen éxito al abordar iniciativas de gestión conjunta de cul[CA] L'objectiu general d'aquesta Tesi ha estat avançar en l'estudi dels determinants o característiques que poden conduir a una colaboración exitosa entre els actors del sistema agroalimentari. Per a això, s'analitzaren les activitats de cooperación desenvolupades per explotacions agrícolas, empreses agroalimentàries, institucions i organitzacions vinculades a la agroalimentació, que realitzen activitats innovadores a España i Amèrica Llatina i el Carib (ALC). La investigacicó aborda diferents àmbits en els que es produiexen collaboracions innovadores. Es tracta de l'àmbit científic, de l'àmbit de les plataformes multiactors i de l'àmbit dels agricultors i les seues institucions. S'ha estructurat en tres capítols, corresponents cadascun a un article científic publicat en una revista internacional. Cadascun d'ells aborda un aspecte específic per a acomplir l'objectiu general que s'acaba d'assenyalar. El primer artícle es titula "Collaboration for social innovation in the agri-food system in Latin America and the Caribbean". Aquest estudi té com a objectiu realitzar una revisió de l'estat del coneixement, utilitzant tècniques bibliomètriques, de la collaboració innovadora en els sistemes alimentaris i rurals d'Amèrica Llatina i el Carib (ALC). El segon article té com a títol "Collaboration through EIP-AGRI Operational Groups and their role as innovation intermediaries". A través d'una enquesta als grups operatius i mitjançant un anàlisi factorial va ser possible identificar les fun-cions que aquests grups desenvolupen com a intermediaris d'innovació des de la seua pròpia perspectiva. El tercer artícle, "Drivers of joint cropland management strategies in agri-food cooperatives", estudia la collaboració a través d'una estratègia innovadora coordinada per les cooperatives. L'objectiu principal és avançar en el coneixement de les característiques que presenten les cooperatives que lideren aquest tipus d'iniciatives. L'estudi es basa principalment en les dades d'una enquesta a cooperatives, i s'ha utilitzat una metodologia d'Anàlisi Qualitatiu Comparativo (fsQCA). Els resultats confirmen l'avançament en l'estudi de la col laboració innovadora en el sector agroalimentari de ALC. Els principals motors de col·laboració en aquest àmbit són la innovació social, el coneixement, la gestió sotenible i el capital social. També s'observa un creixent interès en l'àmbit científic per estudiar els sistemes de col·laboració en ALC. Aquest interès prové de científics de diferents països, el que ha generat i potenciat la col·laboració internacional dels investigadors. Els resultats del segon article es centren en les accions de col·laboració desenvolupades per plataformes multiactor, com ho són els Grups Operatius. Les accions desenvolupades per aquests grups poden enmarcarse en les funcions dels intermediaris de la innovació. Tres funcions emergeren com les més realitzades: la gestió del procés d'innovació, l'articulació de la demanda, i el suport institucional i la intermediació de la innovació. Per últim, en l'àmbit dels agricultors i les seues institucions, la investigació es centra en els impulsors de l'éxit de la col·laboració. La innovació social i econòmica, el tamany i la propensió a la cooperació són condicionants presents en les cooperatives que tenen èxit a l'abordar iniciatives de gestió conjunta de cultius. A partir dels resultats exposats, podem concloure que la colaboració per a la innovació social e en el sector rural pot ser una forma d'abordar els problemes estructurals en dife-rents àmbits. El coneixement dels principals determinants de col·laboració en el medi rural i agroalimentari a Espanya i ALC permetrà prendre millors decisions en les organitzacions públiques i privades per a promoure accions innovadores de cooperació en els territoris rurals. Futures investigacions poden basar-se en aquests resultats i avançar en altres característiques que determinen l'éxit de la col·laboració innovadora en el sector agroalimentari.[EN] The overall aim of this thesis is to identify the determinants of or characteristics that can lead to successful collaboration between actors in the agri-food system. To this end, an analysis is conducted of the cooperation activities developed by farms, agribusiness companies, institutions, and agri-food organisations, which undertake innovative actions in Spain and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The research addresses different domains where innovative collaborations occur; namely, the scientific domain, the multi-actor platform domain, and the domain of farmers and their institutions. The resulting thesis is structured in three chapters, corresponding to three scientific articles published in international journals. Each of them deals with a specific aspect, which together fulfil the aforementioned research objective. The first article is entitled "Collaboration for social innovation in the agri-food system in Latin America and the Caribbean." Using bibliometric techniques, this study aims to review the state of the knowledge on innovative collaboration in LAC's food and rural systems. Specifically, it analyses the cooperation by farms and agribusiness firms to undertake innovative activities. The second article is entitled "Collaboration through EIP-AGRI Operational Groups and their role as innovation intermediaries." A survey to operational groups (OG) and a factor analysis are carried out to identify these groups' perspective on their roles as innovation intermediaries. This type of analysis makes it possible to address the collaboration between actors from different fields and sectors aimed at cooperating and providing innovative solutions to agricultural problems. The third article, "Drivers of joint cropland management strategies in agri-food cooperatives," studies collaboration through an innovative strategy coordinated by cooperatives. The main objective is to advance the knowledge of the characteristics of the cooperatives that head up this type of initiative. The study is mainly based on data from a survey of cooperative managers about their views on the main advantages and drivers of joint land management strategies, and the methodology applied is Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). Findings confirm that progress has been made in the study of innovative collaboration in the LAC agri-food sector. The main drivers of collaboration include social innovation, knowledge, sustainable management, and social capital. In the scientific domain, growing academic interest in collaborative systems in LAC can be seen. Studies have been produced by researchers from different countries, which has generated and enhanced collaboration among international researchers. Results from the second article focus on the collaborative actions developed by multi-actor platforms. These actions can be framed as functions of innovation intermediaries. Three of the most common functions identified are innovation process management, demand articulation, and institutional support and innovation brokering. Finally, in the domain of farmers and their institutions, the research focuses on the drivers of successful collaboration. Social and economic innovation, size, and propensity for cooperation characterise the cooperatives that successfully take on a joint cropland initiative. From the results, we can conclude that collaboration for social innovation in the rural sector can be a way to address structural problems in different domains. Knowledge of the main determinants of collaboration in the rural and agri-food environment in Spain and LAC will help public and private organisations to make better decisions aimed at promoting innovative cooperation actions in rural territories. Future research can build on these results and focus on other characteristics that determine successful innovative collaboration in the agri-food sector.Gracias al Proyecto “Strengthening innovation policy in the agri-food sector” (RTI2018-093791-B-C22) financed by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ and “ERDF A way to build Europe”Piñeiro, VA. (2022). Innovative Collaboration in Agri-Food Systems [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/185684TESISCompendi

Network market and entrepreneurial orientations as facilitators of international performance in born globals. The mediating role of ambidextrous dynamic capabilities

This paper aims to propose an integrating model that can explain firm international competitiveness through the dual lens of network and firm behaviour. The research examines the case of born globals (BGs) created during the last financial crisis in a sample of 306 Spanish BGs using structural equation modelling. Results show that in today’s highly competitive and dynamic globalised markets, developing strategic orientations (market and entrepreneurial) in a network context helps build an optimal antecedent interfirm environment. This environment channels values generated through joint efforts to strengthen an individual BG’s international performance. Capabilities play an essential mediating role to achieve this effect through the integrated application of dynamic capabilities and ambidexterity theories. Thus, exploratory (adaptation and absorption) capabilities will influence the capacity to exploit knowledge through innovation capability and lead to higher performance. Findings provide practical insights into the hierarchisation of the sources of influence on BGs’ performance.Funding for open access charge: CRUE-Universitat Jaume

Energy internet forums as acceleration phase transition intermediaries

Citizen users play important roles in the acceleration phase of energy transitions, during which small-scale renewable energy technologies (S-RET) become taken up more widely. From users’ perspective, turning the early, and typically slow, proliferation into a more rapid and widespread diffusion requires not only the adoption of S-RET but also the adaptation, adjustment, intermediation and advocacy of S-RETs. These activities become necessary because S-RET face a variety of market, institutional, cultural and environmental conditions in dif- ferent countries. New Internet-based energy communities have emerged and acted as key user-side transition intermediaries that catalyse these activities by qualifying market information, articulating demand and helping citizen users to reconfigure the standard technology to meet the specificities of different local contexts. In doing so, Internet communities foster an appreciatively critical discourse on technology. Such user intermediation is important in expanding the markets for S-RET beyond that of enthusiasts, environmentalists and other early adopters, to the early majority of adopters who demand more exposure, clearer information and less uncertainty about new technology options

To B or Not to B: Comparative Genomics Suggests Arsenophonus as a Source of B Vitamins in Whiteflies

Insect lineages feeding on nutritionally restricted diets such as phloem sap, xylem sap, or blood, were able to diversify by acquiring bacterial species that complement lacking nutrients. These bacteria, considered obligate/primary endosymbionts, share a long evolutionary history with their hosts. In some cases, however, these endosymbionts are not able to fulfill all of their host's nutritional requirements, driving the acquisition of additional symbiotic species. Phloem-feeding members of the insect family Aleyrodidae (whiteflies) established an obligate relationship with Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum, which provides its hots with essential amino acids and carotenoids. In addition, many whitefly species harbor additional endosymbionts which may potentially further supplement their host's diet. To test this hypothesis, genomes of several endosymbionts of the whiteflies Aleurodicus dispersus, Aleurodicus floccissimus and Trialeurodes vaporariorum were analyzed. In addition to Portiera, all three species were found to harbor one Arsenophonus and one Wolbachia endosymbiont. A comparative analysis of Arsenophonus genomes revealed that although all three are capable of synthesizing B vitamins and cofactors, such as pyridoxal, riboflavin, or folate, their genomes and phylogenetic relationship vary greatly. Arsenophonus of A. floccissimus and T. vaporariorum belong to the same clade, and display characteristics of facultative endosymbionts, such as large genomes (3 Mb) with thousands of genes and pseudogenes, intermediate GC content, and mobile genetic elements. In contrast, Arsenophonus of A. dispersus belongs to a different lineage and displays the characteristics of a primary endosymbiont—a reduced genome (670 kb) with ~400 genes, 32% GC content, and no mobile genetic elements. However, the presence of 274 pseudogenes suggests that this symbiotic association is more recent than other reported primary endosymbionts of hemipterans. The gene repertoire of Arsenophonus of A. dispersus is completely integrated in the symbiotic consortia, and the biosynthesis of most vitamins occurs in shared pathways with its host. In addition, Wolbachia endosymbionts have also retained the ability to produce riboflavin, flavin adenine dinucleotide, and folate, and may make a nutritional contribution. Taken together, our results show that Arsenophonus hold a pivotal place in whitefly nutrition by their ability to produce B vitamins