Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in the Food-Processing Industry: A Comparative Analysis of Developed and Developing Economies

This paper analyzes the determinants of foreign direct investments by the U.S. food-processing industry in developed and developing countries. We find that market size, per-capita income, and trade openness significantly affect U.S. food-processing firmsÂ’' decisions to invest abroad, but their influence differs between developed and developing countries. Economic development is positively associated with FDI in developing countries but negatively associated in developed countries. Market size is a major determinant of FDI only in developed economies. Trade openness seems to be important for sales by U.S. foreign affiliates in both developed and developing countries and for exports to developed country markets.International Relations/Trade,

ADVERSE SELECTION IN THE MARKET FOR CROP INSURANCE

This paper examines the potential for adverse selection when farmers are offered a portfolio of insurance policies. We analyze the risk characteristics farmers who bought alternative insurance instruments in 1996-97. Inability to differentiate farmers according to risk types results in pooling equilibrium which may implicitly subsidize high risk farmers.Risk and Uncertainty,

Superconducting Mechanism through direct and redox layer doping in Pnictides

The mechanism of superconductivity in pnictides is discussed through direct doping in superconducting FeAs and also in charge reservoir REO layers. The un-doped SmFeAsO is charge neutral SDW (Spin Density Wave) compound with magnetic ordering below 150 K. The Superconducting FeAs layers are doped with Co and Ni at Fe site, whereas REO layers are doped with F at O site. The electron doping in SmFeAsO through Co results in superconductivity with transition temperature (Tc) maximum up to 15 K, whereas F doping results in Tc upto 47 K in SmFeAsO. All these REFe/Co/NiAsO/F compounds are iso-structural to ZrCuSiAs structure. The samples are crystallized in a tetragonal structure with space group P4/nmm. Variation of Tc with different doping routes shows the versatility of the structure and mechanism of occurrence of superconductivity. It seems doping in redox layer is more effective than direct doping in superconducting FeAs layer.Comment: 4 Pages text + Figs: ([email protected]

Ethical aspects of risk communication

Clinical decision-making is becoming increasingly complex because of greater patient access to information, more clinical options and the emphasis on patient-centred care with informed decision-making. Risk communication should form part of evidence-based clinical practice, and it is important to think about what happens when clinicians adopt different consultation approaches. In this article, the ethical consequences of risk communication are analysed by looking at how the paternalistic and shared decision-making models of consultation demonstrate different ethical implications, based around a clinical scenario. To do this, we have applied the ethical principles of autonomy, utility and justice to these models. We show that the different models of consultation place varying degrees of emphasis on risk communication, patient autonomy and biomedical utility. This has implications for the way care is delivered both for the individual patient and for the population as a whole

Socio-Economic Characterization of Farmers Based on Content and Frequency of Messages Being Disseminated Through ICT Tools

Socio-economic profile of farmers based on content and frequency of messages being disseminated through ICT tools was studied. ICT plays an important role among the farmers in the village of Pusa block as a source of keeping them updated and connected. The data has been collected from 120 farmers using ICT tools through face to face interview. Descriptive research design was followed for the study. The selection of block and villages was done purposively and randomly as per the ICT users. The study concludes that role of ICTs in agriculture development was influenced by content of information and the respondents age, caste, education, size of family, family type, social participation, family annual income, sources of information and size of land holding, high and medium level of knowledge about agricultural activities among farmers through ICT tools. View Article DOI: 10.47856/ijaast.2021.v08i9.02

Surgical management of vaginal agenesis using a modified Mc Indoe’s technique: VIMS experience

Background: Mullerian agenesis is a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. In order to create a new vagina that mimic the normal one in size, lining and appearance, multiple techniques have been designed; among these techniques Mc Indoe’s vaginoplasty represents the simplest one with good results. Mc Indoe’s operation which involves the creation of a space between bladder and rectum, insertion of a mould covered with split-thickness skin graft into that neo-vaginal space, and use of postoperative vaginal mould for dilation and to avoid stenosis. However, many modifications have been introduced in time in an attempt to increase the success rates. The purpose of vaginal agencies treatment is to create an adequate passage for penetration during sexual intercourse.Methods: Between Jan 2010 to June 2017, ten patients with vaginal agenesis were admitted to Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VIMS Ballari for vaginal reconstruction. All cases underwent a modified Mc Indoe’s technique, and follow up was done for one year.Results: All ten cases of vaginal agenesis underwent vaginal reconstruction by modified Mc Indoe's technique. Post-operative vaginal length varied from 5 to 7 cm in patients who used mould regularly. Successful skin graft take was achieved in 6 cases. one case of perforation of rectum and one case of vaginal stricture was noted.Conclusions: To optimize sexual comfort, the clinical management of women with vaginal agenesis must be multidisciplinary and individually tailored. Our findings suggest that the modified Mc Indoe’s technique is a simple, effective procedure for the treatment of vaginal agenesis, but proper mould usage after surgery remains the cornerstone of the treatment