The Effectiveness of Contract Farming for Raising Income of Smallholder Farmers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: a Systematic Review

Contract farming is used by an increasing number of firms as a preferred modality to source products from smallholder farmers in low and middle-income countries. Quality requirements of consumers, economies of scale in production or land ownership rights are common incentives for firms to offer contractual arrangements to farmers. Prices and access to key technology, key inputs or support services are the main incentives for farmers to enter into these contracts. There is great heterogeneity in contract farming, with differences in contracts, farmers, products, buyers, and institutional environments. The last decade shows a rapid increase in studies that use quasi-experimental research designs to assess the effects of specific empirical instances of contract farming on smallholders. The objective of this systematic review was to distill generalised inferences from this rapidly growing body of evidence. The review synthesised the studies in order to answer two questions: 1: What is known about the effect size of contract farming on income and food security of smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries? 2: Under which enabling or limiting conditions are contract farming arrangements effective for improving income and food security of smallholders

Measurement of the t(t)over-bar production cross section in the all-jet final state in pp collisions at √s=7 TeV

This article is the pre-print version of the final published paper that is available from the link below.A measurement is presented of the tt production cross section (σtt) in protonproton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7TeV, in the all-jet final state that contains at least six jets, two of which are tagged as originating from b quarks. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 3.54 fb-1, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The cross section is determined through an unbinned maximum likelihood fit of background and tt signal to the reconstructed mass spectrum of tt candidates in the data, in which events are subjected to a kinematic fit assuming a tt → W+bW-b → 6 jets hypothesis. The measurement yields σtt = 139±10 (stat.) ±26 (syst.) ±3 (lum.) pb, a result consistent with those obtained in other tt decay channels, as well as with predictions of the standard model

Systematic Review of Potential Health Risks Posed by Pharmaceutical, Occupational and Consumer Exposures to Metallic and Nanoscale Aluminum, Aluminum Oxides, Aluminum Hydroxide and Its Soluble Salts

Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous substance encountered both naturally (as the third most abundant element) and intentionally (used in water, foods, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines); it is also present in ambient and occupational airborne particulates. Existing data underscore the importance of Al physical and chemical forms in relation to its uptake, accumulation, and systemic bioavailability. The present review represents a systematic examination of the peer-reviewed literature on the adverse health effects of Al materials published since a previous critical evaluation compiled by Krewski et al. (2007). Challenges encountered in carrying out the present review reflected the experimental use of different physical and chemical Al forms, different routes of administration, and different target organs in relation to the magnitude, frequency, and duration of exposure. Wide variations in diet can result in Al intakes that are often higher than the World Health Organization provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), which is based on studies with Al citrate. Comparing daily dietary Al exposures on the basis of “total Al”assumes that gastrointestinal bioavailability for all dietary Al forms is equivalent to that for Al citrate, an approach that requires validation. Current occupational exposure limits (OELs) for identical Al substances vary as much as 15-fold. The toxicity of different Al forms depends in large measure on their physical behavior and relative solubility in water. The toxicity of soluble Al forms depends upon the delivered dose of Al+ 3 to target tissues. Trivalent Al reacts with water to produce bidentate superoxide coordination spheres [Al(O2)(H2O4)+ 2 and Al(H2O)6 + 3] that after complexation with O2•−, generate Al superoxides [Al(O2•)](H2O5)]+ 2. Semireduced AlO2• radicals deplete mitochondrial Fe and promote generation of H2O2, O2 • − and OH•. Thus, it is the Al+ 3-induced formation of oxygen radicals that accounts for the oxidative damage that leads to intrinsic apoptosis. In contrast, the toxicity of the insoluble Al oxides depends primarily on their behavior as particulates. Aluminum has been held responsible for human morbidity and mortality, but there is no consistent and convincing evidence to associate the Al found in food and drinking water at the doses and chemical forms presently consumed by people living in North America and Western Europe with increased risk for Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD). Neither is there clear evidence to show use of Al-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increases the risk of AD or breast cancer. Metallic Al, its oxides, and common Al salts have not been shown to be either genotoxic or carcinogenic. Aluminum exposures during neonatal and pediatric parenteral nutrition (PN) can impair bone mineralization and delay neurological development. Adverse effects to vaccines with Al adjuvants have occurred; however, recent controlled trials found that the immunologic response to certain vaccines with Al adjuvants was no greater, and in some cases less than, that after identical vaccination without Al adjuvants. The scientific literature on the adverse health effects of Al is extensive. Health risk assessments for Al must take into account individual co-factors (e.g., age, renal function, diet, gastric pH). Conclusions from the current review point to the need for refinement of the PTWI, reduction of Al contamination in PN solutions, justification for routine addition of Al to vaccines, and harmonization of OELs for Al substances

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

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Not AvailableThe Karonda cultivation for fresh fruit is described in this BulletinNot Availabl

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NilWestern Ghats region of India is one of the biodiversity hot spots of the world. The topography, wide rainfall variation and varied temperature conditions enable inhabitancy of several plant species. This plant wealth is being used in various forms by tribal and natives of the area for centuries. These gain further importance due to the fact that fruits ripe and serve as a source of food and medicine to tribal’s throughout the year. These wild fruits are source of minerals and vitamins in the diet of the rural people. The potential productivity and floristic diversity of the area has attracted the experts. There are more than 50 wild edible fruit species are available in Western Ghats region. These belong to 25 families and 38 genera. Out of the 25 families the important ones as a source of fruits are Apocynaceae, Anacardiaceae. Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Sapotaceae and Sapindaceae. The fruiting period of different species ranges between two to six months. The highest number of species mature from April to May .The availability of these fruits greduces after October. Some of these fruits such as Mangifera indica , Artocarpus heterophyllus, Carissa carandas, Emblica officinalis and Syzygium cuminii have been given emphasis in order to identify superior clones, production technologies. The collection, conservation and utilization on some of the fruits such as Garcinia indica and Garcinia gummigutta have started at various research organizations. Some other fruits namely Chrysophyllum roxburghii (Family Sapotaceae), Canthium parviflora Lamk syn. Plectronia parviflora (Lam.) Bedd. (Family Rubiaceae), Elaeagnus conferta Roxbsyn , E.latifolia L (Family Elaeagnaceae), Securina leucopyrus syn. Flueggea leucopyrus (Family Euphorbiaceae), Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb (Family Elaeocarpaceae ), Nephelium stipulacum Bedd syn.Doratoxylon stipulatum, (Family sapindaceae) have potential for commercial cultivation.Some of these fruits were collected and analyzed at CHES, Chettalli and planted for conservation and evaluation in future. Few plants were also provided to local growers on farm conservation. The continuous depletion of forest and the increasing human disturbance resulted in losses of these species. There is need to conserve these fruits for future.Not Availabl

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Not AvailablePassion fruit cultivation is described in this publicationNot Availabl

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Not AvailableCoorg mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is acclaimed for its exquisite taste, quality, distinct flavour and keeping quality. It is predominantly grown, as an intercrop in the coffee-based cropping system in Kodagu region of Karnataka since more than a century. The area of Coorg mandarin was drastically reduced during last two decades due to Phytophthora, Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) and Citrus Greening Disease (CGD). An extensive field survey was undertaken in different Coorg mandarin growing regions and 20 high yielding diseases - free superior clones were identified. These clones were planted for field evaluation in randomized block design (RBD) during September 2006 at CHES, Chettalli. The growth observations revealed that the average plant height was maximum in Clone -13 (2.72 m) for 9 years followed by Clone - 7 (2.55 m) and Clone -11 (2.55 m). The rootstock and union ratio was between 0.98 to 1.02 while rootstock scion ratio ranged between 0.87 and 0.91. This indicates that there is no incompatibility with rootstock in all selected clones. The maximum rootstock girth (22.77 cm) and scion girth (20.02 cm) was recorded in Clone -7. The tree volume ranged from 3.40 m3 in Clone-19 to 5.17 m3 in Clone -4. The Clone - 4, Clone-13, Clone-7, Clone-10 were found vigorous while Clone-19, Clone-18, Clone-6 were found least vigorous. The highest average yield was recorded in Clone –8 (14.82 kg/plant) while lowest yield was recorded in Clone -18 ( 8.5 kg/plant). The average fruit weight ranged from 96.78 g (Clone-14) to 130.84g (Clone-8). The number of seeds per fruit was lowest in Clone –3 (11.1). TSS was the highest (9.54oB) in Clone -17 and Clone – 8 (9.13 oB). The pulp per cent was highest in Clone -15 (75.3 %). The fruits of Clone- 1 recorded the highest ascorbic acid content of 38.3 mg/100 ml of juice while Clone- 13 registered the minimum (25.69 mg/100 ml). The results revealed Clone-8 and Clone-20 were found better for yield and some of the fruit quality characters. These can be utilized for commercial cultivation while other clones which are superior in one or other traits may be utilized in breeding programmes.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableCoorg mandarin is acclaimed for its exquisite taste, quality, distinct flavor and keeping quality . It is predominantly grown, as an intercrop in the coffee-based cropping system in Kodagu region of Karnataka is more than a century. The area of Coorg mandarin was drastically reduced during last two decades due to Phytophthora, Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) and Citrus Greening Disease (CGD). An extensive field survey was undertaken in different Coorg mandarin growing regions and twenty high yielding diseases – free superior clones were identified. These clones were planted for field evaluation in randomized block design (RBD) during September 2006 CHES, Chettalli.. The growth observations revealed that average plant height was maximum in Clone -8 (2.72 m) followed by Clone -7(2.55 m). The rootstock and union ratio was between 0.98 to 1.02 while rootstock scion ratio ranged between 0.87 and 0.91. This indicates that all there no incompatibility with rootstocks in all selected clones. The maximum rootstock girth (22.77 cm) and scion girth (20.02 cm) was recorded in clone -7. The tree volume ranged from 3.40 m3 in clone-19 to 5.17 m3 in clone -4. The clone 4, clone-13, clone-7, clone-10 were found vigorous while clone-19, clone-18, clone-6 were found least vigorous. The highest average yield was recorded in clone –8 ( 14.82 kg/plant) while lowest yield was recorded in clone 18 ( 8.5 kg/plant). The average fruit weight ranged from 96.78 g (C-14) to 130.84g (C-8). The seeds per fruit was lowest un clone –3 (11.1). TSS was the highest (9.54oB) in C-17 and Clone – 8 (9.13 oB) in Clone-3. The flesh percent was highest in clone -8 (75.18 %). The fruits of the clone- 1 recorded the highest ascorbic acid content of 38.3 mg per 100 ml of juice while clone 13 registered the minimum (25.69mg/100 ml).Clone –8 was find best among all clone in term of plant height and yield and fruit weight.Not Availabl