Test of Convergence in Agricultural Factor Productivity: A Semiparametric Approach

We tested for club convergence in U.S. agricultural total factory productivity using a sigma convergence test. We used the same club of states as used by McCunn and Huffman as well as different states within 10 clubs identified by the cluster analysis. Results showed convergence was evident only in a few club groups. Clusters group identified using a statistical method identified only converging clubs. Variables affecting total factor productivity among states were identified using parametric, semiparametric and nonparametric methods. Semiparametric and nonparametric methods gave a better fit than a parametric method as indicated by the specification test. Our results indicated that health care expenditure, public research and extension investment, and private expenditure are important variables impacting total factor productivity differences across states.Clubs, sigma convergence, cluster analysis, semiparametric and nonparametric methods, Productivity Analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Searching for an Environmental Kuznets Curve in Carbon Dioxide Pollutant in Latin American Countries

This study utilized a semiparametric panel model to estimate environmental Kuznets curves (EKC) for carbon dioxide (CO2) in 15 Latin American countries, using hitherto unused data on forestry acreage in each country. Results showed an N-shaped curve for the region; however, the shape of the curve is sensitive to the removal of some groups of countries. Specification tests support a semiparametric panel model over a parametric quadratic specification.CO2, forest acreage, environmental Kuznets curve, Latin American countries, semiparametric regression model, Agribusiness, Environmental Economics and Policy, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, C14, C33, Q23, Q53,

Knowledge about Risk Factors for Cancer among Adults in Nepal

Cancer accounts for 8% mortality in Nepal and is an emerging public health concern. It is believed that increasing the basic knowledge about cancer is vital to decreasing the burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify cancer awareness among Nepali adults. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in five wards of Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan city. A random sample of 300 Nepali adults aged 20–60 years participated in this study. Most participants (45.3%) were aged 20–40 years and 50.7% (N=152) were male. About 84.3% (N= 252) participants were literate and 30.7% (N =92) had a university level education. A total of 27.3% (N =82) had a family history of non-communicable diseases. The male participants smoked and consumed alcohol more than did the females (p <0.05). Television (78.3%) was reported as the most common information source, and 85% of participants had heard most information about lung cancer. Smoking was considered a major risk factor by 92% of participants. Although 69.3% believed cancer was preventable if diagnosed early, and only 11% (N = 33) had undergone screening for cancer. Only 19.6% of literate and middle-aged females had undergone cervical cancer screening. A total of 95% of participants showed a strong need for cancer education. Logistic regression showed that educational level was not a significant factor for knowledge about cancer (p=0.846, Odds ratio=0.944). This study showed astrong need for awareness about cancer and screening tests to ameliorate increasing cance risk. Keywords: Risk factors, Cancer, Knowledge, Nepal

An Analysis of Rank Ordered Data

Many methods are available to analyze rank ordered data. We used a spectral density method to analyze Formosan subterranean termite control options ranked by Louisiana homeowners. Respondents are asked to rank termite control options from the most preferred to the least preferred option. Spectral analysis results indicated that the most preferred termite control choice is a relatively cheap ($0.13 per square foot) option of liquid treatment.FST, rank ordered data, spectral analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Knowledge of Risk Factors of Cancer Among Nepali Immigrants in Japan

Cancer accounts for 30% mortality in Japan. Increasing the basic knowledge on Cancer is vital to decrease the burden of cancer treatment and medical expenses. Since Nepal is the largest South Asian community in Japan, it is necessary to assess their awareness of Cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify cancer awarenessamong Nepali immigrants in Japan. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted Hokkaido prefecture, Japan. A snowball sample of 100 Nepali immigrants aged 20-45 years participated in this study. SPSS V.22.0 was used for regression and descriptive analysis. Most immigrants (67%) were in between 31 and 45 years old and male (73%). Almost 21% did not have health insurance in Japan. The smoking rate was low (12%) while the alcohol rate was high (65%) among immigrants. Internet was reported to be the most common source of information. A total of 87% of immigrants showed a strong need for cancer education. The total range of score was 0-9. Female, university-level education, family history of chronic illness, and immigrants with the daily habit of healthy diet had better knowledge about risk factors of Cancer. Multiple regressions showed education level, length of stay, and healthy diet habit as a significant factor for knowledge about cancer (R2 = 0.34, p<0.01). There was limited knowledge on risk factors of cancer among Nepali immigrants. This study showed a strong need for awareness about cancer and screening tests to ameliorate the increased risk of cancer. Keywords: Risk factors, Cancer, Immigrants, Knowledge, Nepal

The Curation of Genetic Variants: Difficulties and Possible Solutions

The curation of genetic variants from biomedical articles is required for various clinical and research purposes. Nowadays, establishment of variant databases that include overall information about variants is becoming quite popular. These databases have immense utility, serving as a user-friendly information storehouse of variants for information seekers. While manual curation is the gold standard method for curation of variants, it can turn out to be time-consuming on a large scale thus necessitating the need for automation. Curation of variants described in biomedical literature may not be straightforward mainly due to various nomenclature and expression issues. Though current trends in paper writing on variants is inclined to the standard nomenclature such that variants can easily be retrieved, we have a massive store of variants in the literature that are present as non-standard names and the online search engines that are predominantly used may not be capable of finding them. For effective curation of variants, knowledge about the overall process of curation, nature and types of difficulties in curation, and ways to tackle the difficulties during the task are crucial. Only by effective curation, can variants be correctly interpreted. This paper presents the process and difficulties of curation of genetic variants with possible solutions and suggestions from our work experience in the field including literature support. The paper also highlights aspects of interpretation of genetic variants and the importance of writing papers on variants following standard and retrievable methods. © 2012 Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Genetics Society of China