Agricultural Background Research Articles

Intracultural Differences in Local Botanical Knowledge and Knowledge Loss among the Mexican Isthmus Zapotecs.

This study reports on the socio-demographic and locality factors that influence ethnobiological knowledge in three communities of Zapotec indigenous people of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico. It uses local botanical nomenclature as a proxy for general ethnobiological knowledge. In each of these communities (one urban and two rural), 100 adult men were interviewed aided with a field herbarium. Fifty had a background in farming, and 50 worked in the secondary or tertiary sector as their main economic activity, totaling 300 interviews. Using a field herbarium with samples of 30 common and rare wild regional species, we documented visual recognition, knowledge of the local life form, generic and specific names and uses (five knowledge levels measuring knowledge depth). The relationship between sociodemographic variables and knowledge was analyzed with simple correlations. Differences between the three communities and the five knowledge levels were then evaluated with a discriminant analysis. A general linear analysis identified factors and covariables that influenced the observed differences. Differences between the groups with different economic activities were estimated with a t-test for independent samples. Most of the relationships found between sociodemographic variables and plant knowledge were expected: age and rurality were positively related with knowledge and years of formal schooling was negatively related. However, the somewhat less rural site had more traditional knowledge due to local circumstances. The general linear model explained 70–77% of the variation, a high value. It showed that economic activity was by far the most important factor influencing knowledge, by a factor of five. The interaction of locality and economic activity followed. The discriminant analysis assigned interviewees correctly to their localities in 94% of the cases, strengthening the evidence for intracultural variation. Both sociodemographic and historic intracultural differences heavily influence local knowledge.

Micro Entrepreneurial activities among Tribal Women in Andhra Pradesh

Micro enterprises account for most employment in developing countries and three quarters of the women make or supplement livelihood through these enterprises in both rural and urban areas. But it is not always a trouble-free for women to take-up these activities who has to overcome various socio cultural hurdles and limited available resources. The present study aims to find out the structural attributes of Koya tribal society contributed to take-up these activities. The study also evaluated the level of involvement of tribal women in enterprise management and constraining factors associated with entrepreneurial activities. The sample size of 210 Koya women entrepreneurs from 6 blocks of Rampachodavaram Revenue division of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh were selected by using purposive Snowball technique. Mixed research methods (both quantitative and qualitative) were applied to collect and analyze the data. Quantitative methods like interview schedule and 10 point Enterprise Involvement index were used for collection of the socio economic traits, enterprise details, enterprise involvement and constraints faced by them. The qualitative methods i.e. focus group discussions, observations and in depth interviews were applied for analyzing the structural attributes of the Koya tribal society. The findings explored that to earn more through enterprises were main economic motive for tribal women entering into entrepreneurial activities at the bottom of the pyramid market limiting their activities to their small geographical areas. Government interventions and training also motivated the women to take up micro entrepreneurial activities. The study also describes the structural attribute of Koya society where women are treated as economic asset robustly influence them to endeavor into entrepreneurial activities without any socio cultural hurdles irrespective of agricultural background. The extent of involvement of women in enterprise management, projected through enterprise involvement index shows that the time spent by Koya women on entrepreneurial activities was reported to be highest and membership in community organizations was found to be the lowest score on 10 point dimensional scale. Stiff competition with non tribals, lack of access to credit, inadequate knowledge and awareness about marketing strategies and weak transport system were constraints mentioned by women in carrying out entrepreneurial activities.

Associations of Early Life Exposures and Environmental Factors With Asthma Among Children in Rural and Urban Areas of Guangdong, China.

Environmental factors may play important roles in asthma, but findings have been inconsistent. The goal of this study was to determine the associations between early life exposures, environmental factors, and asthma in urban and rural children in southeast China. A screening questionnaire survey was conducted in 7,164 children from urban Guangzhou and 6,087 from rural Conghua. In the second stage, subsamples of 854 children (419 from Guangzhou, 435 from Conghua) were recruited for a case-control study that included a detailed questionnaire enquiring on family history, early life environmental exposures, dietary habits, and laboratory tests (including histamine airway provocation testing, skin prick tests, and serum antibody analyses). House dust samples from 76 Guangzhou families and 80 Conghua families were obtained to analyze levels of endotoxins, house dust mites, and cockroach allergens. According to the screening survey, the prevalence of physician-diagnosed asthma was lower in children from Conghua (3.4%) than in those from Guangzhou (6.9%) (P < .001). A lower percentage of asthma was reported in rural subjects compared with urban subjects (2.8% vs. 29.4%; P < .001) in the case-control study. Atopy (OR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.58-2.29]), parental atopy (OR, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.55-4.01]), hospitalization before 3 years of age (OR, 2.54 [95% CI, 1.37-4.70]), high consumption of milk products (OR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.03-2.73]), and dust Dermatophagoides farinae group 1 allergen (OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.34-2.19]) were positively associated with asthma. Living in a crop-farming family at < 1 year of age (OR, 0.15 [95% CI, 0.08-0.32]) and dust endotoxin levels (OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.50-0.95]) were negatively associated with asthma. Rural children from an agricultural background exhibited a reduced risk of asthma. Early life exposure to crop farming and high environmental endotoxin levels might protect the children from asthma in southern China.

Intergenerational Occupational Mobility and Objective Physical Functioning in Midlife and Older Ages.

This study investigates the relationship between intergenerational occupational mobility and objective physical functioning in later life. Data come from The Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA), a nationally representative probability sample of 5,985 respondents aged 50 and older. Walking speed and grip strength are the functional health measures. The intergenerational occupational mobility measure characterizes origin and destination position as: professional/managerial, non-manual, skilled manual/semi-skilled, unskilled, never worked, and farmer. Results indicated no direct association of childhood origin with walking speed or grip strength in later life, except for individuals from farming backgrounds. Those who experienced upward mobility were comparable in speed and strength with those who enjoyed high status (e.g., stable professional/managerial origin and destination) at both time points, whereas the downwardly mobile were comparable with those who were stable across generations at lower occupational positions. The results did not support the central tenets of the accumulation hypothesis. Respondents from farming backgrounds exhibited a clear performance advantage irrespective of destination, which, we speculate, may represent a critical period effect. The mechanisms through which childhood origin affects health in later life are complex, but the position attained in adult life is most important. Intergenerational mobility is important only insofar as it leads to a destination occupation. The present findings suggest that the musculoskeletal system may accommodate environmental modification in adulthood.

Formation of the taste of plum fruits under the influence of abiotic factors

The research deals with scientific substantiation of the impact of stressful weather factors on the formation of the taste of plum fruits in conditions of the southern steppe subzone of Ukraine and the development of mathematical models to forecast them. For this, fruits of three varieties of plums: Voloshka, Uhorka Italiis'ka, Stanley were selected. The fruits were gathered from trees, typical of the variety and of the same age. Agricultural background at the experimental site satisfied the requirements of the farming equipment. As a result of the studies, it was found that the average content of total sugars in the fruits of the studied plum varieties was 11.4 %, free acids - 0.65 % and was characterized by strong volatility for years of research, as evidenced by the high coefficients of variation. The main stressful abiotic factor that has the most significant influence on the formation of a mass fraction of sugars and organic acids in plum fruits are weather conditions of the last month of fruit formation, i.e., absolute maximum temperature and precipitation during this period respectively. Using the methods of variation statistics, regression models were developed to predict the content of sugars and free acids, depending on abiotic factors, which are as follows: У=0,00222Х1 – 0,064460Х2+0,75256Х3+0,81939Х4–7,20252 – for sugars and У=0,425513+0,005985 Х1 – for acids. As the regression model to predict the taste of the plum fruits from abiotic factors, the model to predict the content of free acids should be used.

Alternatives to Flue Cured V irginia Tobacco Cultivation: Preliminary Observations from a Tobacco Growing Region In India

Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco also known as cigarette tobacco is a commercial crop grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Maharashtra states in India. Tobacco is considered a de-merit good because of its adverse effects on the health of the consumers and there is growing concern to replace tobacco with suitable alternative crops and livelihoods in tobacco growing regions. The main purpose of undertaking this study is to make a situation analysis of the tobacco growing region with respect to cropping pattern, background of farmers growing different crops, their perceptions on tobacco cultivation, institutional benefits available for growing tobacco and, to identify economically viable alternate crops for FCV tobacco if any and examine the factors governing their adoption. The review of literature and this study suggest that farmers are interested or willing to shift from tobacco. But, this willingness is conditional or is responsive to fulfillment of demands. Although there are alternatives that are being tried out, they are backed by huge investment in infrastructure. Studies in Tanzania, Bangladesh and India reveal that institutional support is the main factor inducing continuation of tobacco cultivation. Based on the net returns per unit of cultivation, this study indicates the possibilities of promoting ginger, chilly, sugarcane and plantation crops as alternatives to tobacco. In the case of alternative livelihoods, we could not find any instances of other remunerative livelihoods taken up by tobacco growers and non tobacco growers on large scale from the sample covered in this study. The earnings from livestock rearing, which is one of the subsidiary occupations reported by farmers is at subsistence level and cannot be compared with earnings from tobacco cultivation. As observed from the field and noted from secondary sources, FCV tobacco crop in India is like a pampered child. Its cultivation is profitable because of the domestic and international demand and institutional support extended towards its cultivation. In this background the cultivation of other crops cannot be left to the providence of natural factors. Shifting from tobacco may be possible only if similar treatment on par with tobacco is given to selected alternative crops expected to get comparable returns.

Citizen Attitudes to Farm Animals in Finland: A Population-Based Study

Citizen attitudes and opinions form an important driving force for improvements in the ethical status of farm animals in society. Hence, it is important to understand how attitudes to farm animals vary in society and what factors, mechanisms and social processes influence the development of these attitudes. In this study we examine the relative importance of socio-demographic background, animal related experiences and social-equality attitudes in the formation of attitudes to farm animals in Finland. The research is based on a nationwide survey (n = 1890). Our research findings suggest that female gender, young age, urban residency, a non-farming background and social-equality attitudes are linked to greater concern for farm animals. A farming background, valuing social equality, and gender have the strongest connections to farm animal attitudes, followed by age and place of residence. Having a companion animal and education level have a relatively modest connection to attitudes to farm animals. In order to accumulate comparative evidence of social-group differences in attitudes to farm animals, further research should continue to develop improved indicators for attitudes to farm animal welfare and rights. Moreover, explanations for social-group differences in citizen attitudes to farm animals should be subjected to further empirical testing.

Status Epilepticus Due to Organophosphate Poisoning in an Infant

We report a case of a three months old female presented with status epilepticus who was diagnosed as organophosphate (OP) poisoning. She was from rural area with agricultural background. Typical clinical features and history of exposure to organophosphate compound were absent. The infant was successfully treated with atropine, pralidoxime and supportive management. Safety and efficacy data of pralidoxime in infants are limited in literature and was found safe in our case. J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(3):247-249 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i3.10497

Finding Your Passion: Work and the Authentic Self

Finding Your Passion: Work and the Authentic Self

ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ И КЛУБЕНЬКООБРАЗУЮЩАЯ СПОСОБНОСТЬ У СОРТОВ ФАСОЛИ ОБЫКНОВЕННОЙВ УСЛОВИЯХ ПРЕДУРАЛЬЯ

Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has a high nutritional value, its seeds contain a significant amount of protein and essential amino acids and vitamins. Furthermore, it can accumulate organic nitrogen in the soil due to nitrogen fixation. On the territory of the forest-steppe zone of Urals (Bashkortostan) in small plot experiments in homogeneous soil conditions during five years the elements of yield structure of four cultivars of common bean (Gornal, Ufimskaya, Zolotistaya and Elsa) were studied. In different soil and climatic conditions the distribution character (skewness) of seed production and nodule activity were compared. Сorrelations between agro-meteorological factors, nodules number and productivity were determined. In one of these experiments there were watering and using of start doses of fertilizers (PK) 45. The remaining experiments were carried out in a natural agricultural background without irrigation. The seeds yield of local cultivars (Gornal, Ufimskaya, Zolotiataya) in homogeneous soil conditions on leached chernozem (Ufa district) ranged from 18 to 22 kg/ha. High seed productivity of a new cultivar Elsa was mentioned. In the experiments without irrigation (Ufa, Iglinskiy, Chishminskiy, Bakalinskiy areas) the seed weight of different cultivars changed depending on the agro-meteorological conditions from 4 to 17 g/plant, being doubled at watering. An average rang of seed production variation for all years was 50 % for Zolotistaya cultivar, 53 % for Elsa, 57 % for Ufimskaya and 76 % for Gornal cultivars. The close relationship ( r = 0.61) between the productivity of beans and the sum of active temperatures above 15 °С was revealed. Greater flexibility to the amount of heat was shown in the locally bred varieties Zolotistaya and Ufimskaya at r = 0.46 and r = 0.59, respectively, greater dependence on abiotic factors was demonstrated by Gornal and Elsa varieties at r = 0.78 and r = 0.84, respectively. Similar relations were revealed when the analysis of correlative links was made between the duration of the period of above 15 °С temperatures and the seed productivity. Thus, correlation was detected at r = 0.42 and r = 0.20 for Zolotistaya and Ufimskaya cultivars, and at r = 0.51 and r = 0.69, for Gornal and Elsa, respectively. In different conditions there were from 5 to 29 nodules formed at a plant. The average variation of nodule activity between all cultivars during all years was 15.3 %. However, for each cultivar under different soil and climatic conditions the individual average coefficients of variation differed, being 44 % for Gornal, 59 % for Zolotistaya, 65 % for Ufimskaya and 18 % for Elza varieties. In most experiments the positive skewness prevailed in both the number of nodules and productivity. Normal distribution and the negative skewness for all cultivars were observed in the experiment with watering, and occurred more frequently in plants of Zolotistaya cultivar. Number of nodules per plant and seed production correlated ( r = 0.75-0.87) only under optimal water regime and mineral nutrition. On the gray forest soil the plants formed a symbiosis with local rhizobia, and on the chernozem soil the symbiotrophic nitrogen nutrition prevailed over mineral nitrogen one. The revealed high intravarietal variability of common bean plants and the asymmetric distribution of symbiotic activity and productivity suggest the possibility for selecting lines to improve the efficiency of symbiosis. A randomly formed supernodulating hybrid L20 of cultivar Elza was discovered to be promising for further breeding.

PRODUCTIVENESS AND NODULE ABILITY OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) IN URALS CONDITIONS

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) has a high nutritional value, its seeds contain a significant amount of protein and essential amino acids and vitamins. Furthermore, it can accumulate organic nitrogen in the soil due to nitrogen fixation. On the territory of the forest-steppe zone of Urals (Bashkortostan) in small plot experiments in homogeneous soil conditions during five years the elements of yield structure of four cultivars of common bean (Gornal, Ufimskaya, Zolotistaya and Elsa) were studied. In different soil and climatic conditions the distribution character (skewness) of seed production and nodule activity were compared. Сorrelations between agro-meteorological factors, nodules number and productivity were determined. In one of these experiments there were watering and using of start doses of fertilizers (PK)45. The remaining experiments were carried out in a natural agricultural background without irrigation. The seeds yield of local cultivars (Gornal, Ufimskaya, Zolotiataya) in homogeneous soil conditions on leached chernozem (Ufa district) ranged from 18 to 22 kg/ha. High seed productivity of a new cultivar Elsa was mentioned. In the experiments without irrigation (Ufa, Iglinskiy, Chishminskiy, Bakalinskiy areas) the seed weight of different cultivars changed depending on the agro-meteorological conditions from 4 to 17 g/plant, being doubled at watering. An average rang of seed production variation for all years was 50 % for Zolotistaya cultivar, 53 % for Elsa, 57 % for Ufimskaya and 76 % for Gornal cultivars. The close relationship (r = 0.61) between the productivity of beans and the sum of active temperatures above 15 С was revealed. Greater flexibility to the amount of heat was shown in the locally bred varieties Zolotistaya and Ufimskaya at r = 0.46 and r = 0.59, respectively, greater dependence on abiotic factors was demonstrated by Gornal and Elsa varieties at r = 0.78 and r = 0.84, respectively. Similar relations were revealed when the analysis of correlative links was made between the duration of the period of above 15 С temperatures and the seed productivity. Thus, correlation was detected at r = 0.42 and r = 0.20 for Zolotistaya and Ufimskaya cultivars, and at r = 0.51 and r = 0.69, for Gornal and Elsa, respectively. In different conditions there were from 5 to 29 nodules formed at a plant. The average variation of nodule activity between all cultivars during all years was 15.3 %. However, for each cultivar under different soil and climatic conditions the individual average coefficients of variation differed, being 44 % for Gornal, 59 % for Zolotistaya, 65 % for Ufimskaya and 18 % for Elza varieties. In most experiments the positive skewness prevailed in both the number of nodules and productivity. Normal distribution and the negative skewness for all cultivars were observed in the experiment with watering, and occurred more frequently in plants of Zolotistaya cultivar. Number of nodules per plant and seed production correlated (r = 0.75-0.87) only under optimal water regime and mineral nutrition. On the gray forest soil the plants formed a symbiosis with local rhizobia, and on the chernozem soil the symbiotrophic nitrogen nutrition prevailed over mineral nitrogen one. The revealed high intravarietal variability of common bean plants and the asymmetric distribution of symbiotic activity and productivity suggest the possibility for selecting lines to improve the efficiency of symbiosis. A randomly formed supernodulating hybrid L20 of cultivar Elza was discovered to be promising for further breeding.

Early Afrikaner Missionaries and the Central African Natural Ecology: A History of Ambiguous Interactions

Abstract: This article assesses the role of late nineteenth- to early twentieth-century Afrikaner missionaries in their ecological positioning in Nyasaland. As envoys of South Africa's Dutch Reformed Church, they were predisposed to self-identify with the dominant colonial culture as representative of “European civilization.” However, their own environmental sensibilities were also shaped by the rural agricultural background from which many of them had come. This article considers their role in the ecological values they directly or indirectly propagated. The theme of “hunting” is especially emphasized here, as well as the planting of trees. A following section concerns indigenous environmental concerns, especially dealing with the theme of rain, and the missionary response. The argument is made that the missionary discourse was implicitly infiltrated by the indigenous point of view, to the point that missionaries were occasionally convinced to go along with the indigenous perspective in order to get their message across. In the final analysis the suggestion is made that the missionary discourse effectively became hybridized, and that this historical example might in fact serve as an analogy for the kind of methodological conversion that this article suggests as something that might helpfully challenge dominant contemporary globalization norms that threaten the environment.

Socio-economic profile of women in panchayat

Panchayat raj institution is a network of village panchayats. Representation of women in Panchayat was initiated to provide equal opportunities in political system at grass root level and as a result they rose up to national level. They could do better for their category from lower to upper level. So the aim of present study was to identify socio-economic profile of 60 women Panchayat functionaries. For assessing socio-economic profile of women functionaries, scale of Trivedi (1963) was used with slight modification. Interview schedule was used to collect primary data. The findings of the study show that they were in the age group of 31-40 years, backward caste, hindu, illiterate and educated upto Junior high school, married and from agricultural background, belonged to nuclear families having upto five members. Their annual income was in between Rs.10, 001-Rs.20, 000. They were holding land size upto 2.5 acre and residing in kachcha house. Along with above betterment, they were facing various types of problems namely; problems regarding child rearing practices, social co-operation, and illiteracy. The findings of this study inform about the factual of their knowledge and they are required for make a mark of their thumb on papers besides it nothing. So, there is a need to aware women about their existence as an independent, their role, and responsibilities before giving them administrative incentives, because in this condition, they will not act as required but they will become the puppet of puppeteer.

A49T, R227Q and TA repeat polymorphism of steroid 5 alpha-reductase type II gene and Hypospadias risk in North Indian children

Background/AimsHypospadias is a common congenital error of genital development, the frequency of which is increasing. As androgens have a significant role in the development of the male urethra, we sought to investigate the association between functional polymorphisms of SRD5A2 gene in relation to hypospadias. MethodsWe examined DNA samples of 96 cases and 105 controls for SRD5A2-A49T, R227Q and TA repeat gene polymorphisms. ResultAbsence of 49T locus and 227Q locus was observed in the present study. At the (TA) n repeat site, TA (0) allele was observed to be the most common allele in both cases (91.7%) and controls (90%). TA (9/9) genotype exhibited an odds ratio of 3.03 (95% C.I.=0.18–50.14, p=0) with respect to only middle phenotypes. Analysis of the demographic data depicted the agricultural background aspect of the parents of the cases. 72.27% of the cases (affected with Hypospadias) have parents having agriculture as a primary occupation. ConclusionAs longer TA repeats are associated with lower enzymatic activity and lower DHT levels as reported among Caucasians, this polymorphism may have an effect (rather small) in predisposing the population of the present study to the risk of Hypospadias of lesser severity. Due to small sample size, the 3.03 O.R. is not significant and a larger sample is needed to validate the results.Large scale screening of Hypospadias and other 46 X,Y disorders of sexual development is needed especially in India, where the majority of the population is from agricultural background. The results of the present study are likely to assist the health planners to initiate screening of Hypospadias among the farmer community to combat the risk of Hypospadias.

Constraints and Strategies for Improving Agricultural Intervention Programmes in Nigeria: A Case of National Fadama Development Project Phase II in Kogi State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to examine the constraints and strategies for improving agricultural intervention programmes in Nigeria with particular reference to the National Fadama Development Project, phase two in Kogi state. A set of interview schedule and questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage and mean score were used to present the data. Factor analysis with principal component model on varimax rotation was used to determine major constraints while t-test was used to analyse the differences in perception of two sets of respondents to the constraints of the programme. Poverty was the major constraint perceived by farmers (mean = 3.89), while facilitators perceived both high cost of farm inputs and lack of credit facilities as the most serious constraint (mean = 3.38 each). Both farmers and facilitators shared similar opinion on twenty identified constraints and have significant differences in their perception of seven identified problems (p&lt; 0.05). The result however, showed that several factors constrained the effectiveness of the project. The factors were grouped using factor analysis into technical problems, institutional problems and economic problems. For the farmers, the major strategy suggested was supply of farm machineries (65.2%), while facilitators suggested supply of subsidies and training opportunities for farmers (87.5%). It was recommended that, employment of project staff should be specific to only those with good agricultural background especially in crop science and agricultural extension to allow for effective relationship between the project and farmers.Key words: Fadama, intervention programmes, constraints, Kogi state, strategies.

Urban Farmers’ Adoption of Improved Dry Season Vegetable Production Technologies in in Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to examine the constraints and strategies for improving agricultural intervention programmes in Nigeria with particular reference to the National Fadama Development Project, phase two in Kogi state. A set of interview schedule and questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage and mean score were used to present the data. Factor analysis with principal component model on varimax rotation was used to determine major constraints while t-test was used to analyse the differences in perception of two sets of respondents to the constraints of the programme. Poverty was the major constraint perceived by farmers (mean = 3.89), while facilitators perceived both high cost of farm inputs and lack of credit facilities as the most serious constraint (mean = 3.38 each). Both farmers and facilitators shared similar opinion on twenty identified constraints and have significant differences in their perception of seven identified problems (p< 0.05). The result however, showed that several factors constrained the effectiveness of the project. The factors were grouped using factor analysis into technical problems, institutional problems and economic problems. For the farmers, the major strategy suggested was supply of farm machineries (65.2%), while facilitators suggested supply of subsidies and training opportunities for farmers (87.5%). It was recommended that, employment of project staff should be specific to only those with good agricultural background especially in crop science and agricultural extension to allow for effective relationship between the project and farmers.

Privatwaldeigentümer mit und ohne landwirtschaftlichen Hintergrund im Kanton Bern

Private forest owners with and without agricultural background in the canton of Bern In Switzerland, private forest ownership was traditionally closely tied to agricultural farms. With the ongoing structural change in the agricultural sector, there is a growing number of private forest owners who do not have an agricultural background. In order to design policy measures, e.g. to increase wood harvest in private forests, it is necessary to understand the aims and motivations of these owners. This paper investigates to what extent private forest owners without an agricultural background differ from those with such a background. The analysis builds on empirical data collected in a representative, mail survey among private forest owners in the canton of Bern. Contrary to a wide-spread assertion that forest owners without an agricultural background have little forest-specific knowledge and lack interest in their forests, this study finds that they are often interested and estimate to have a high degree of knowledge. In accordance with studies conducted in Austria and Germany the results show that to forest owners without an agricultural background generating income from their forests is often a secondary goal. Leisure and recreation are often given higher priority.

Application of Computer Vision Algorithms for Evaluating the Performance of Cotton Pickers

Collecting data on cotton field's agricultural background and quality of the cotton pickers' work is one of the most important works in preparation for the cotton picking by machine. The use of advanced information technologies for the collection and processing of these data allows to create automated software tools that significantly reduce the time and cost. Creating the algorithms that can be applied in the development of such programs is one of the urgent problems of computer vision and agricultural sciences. Algorithms for determining the number of green bolls based on the analysis of images of a section of cotton field from different angles are proposed and experimentally tested. Keywords: image analysis, Canny's edge detection method, Hough transform, decision trees, algorithm C4.5.

Abstract A16: Individual versus family decision making on breast cancer screening among Chinese American women

Abstract Objectives: Culture fundamentally shapes the way people derive meaning from illness, suffering, and how they make decisions regarding health care. The agricultural background and the teachings of Confucianism and Buddhism have had a profound influence on Eastern philosophical approaches to life and family interaction. Traditionally, Asian families place a high value on the family unit. There is an emphasis on harmonious interpersonal relationships, interdependence, and mutual obligations. The general differences between Asian and American culture can be summarized as autonomy versus family decision making, individual versus social/common good; and individual development versus family and filial piety. The purpose of this study was to explore how individual decision making and family decision making might influence Chinese-American women's breast cancer screening behaviors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, using data collected from the Chicago Asian Community Survey (CACS). Participants were recruited from the Chinese Armour Square community in Chicago using a three-stage probability sampling strategy. The CACS consisted of face-to-face interviews using cultural and language- specific survey guidelines. The survey questionnaire was developed from several validated national health surveys, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The questionnaire also included questions on access to health care and demographics. The main dependent variable in this study was whether the participants have ever had a mammogram. To assess decision making regarding health care, participants were asked whether they made decisions about their own health care, or they depended on their family to make healthcare decisions for them or together. Results: 383 Chinese community members met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey interview; of which 48% (n = 185) were female aged 40 or older. About 82% of these women reported having health insurance coverage and 88% had a regular place for health care. However, 43% of these women have never had a mammogram and only 40% reported having a mammogram within the last two years. About 46% of these women reported making their own health care decisions. Women who made their own health care decision were 4 times likely to report having a mammogram in the past compared to women who were not. Even after adjusting for social-economic status (insurance coverage, regular place for health care, age, years in the U.S., education level, family annual income and employment status), the difference remained significant (OR 2.98, 95% CI, 1.21 – 7.38). Conclusion: In many Asian culture traditions, such as the Chinese, the individual, especially women, may have little input into the decision-making process. Health care decisions may be decided by other family members, such as husbands and elder sons, or family as a whole. Although there is an increasing understanding of ethnically diverse cultures, the study of cultural variation and health care decision making remains in its infancy. Our finding provided the first glance on how family decision making might influence breast cancer screening behaviors among Chinese Asian women. This study supports further exploration into family-centered, rather than patient-centered models of medical decision making in Asian patients. Citation Format: Helen Lam, Edwin Chandraskar, Karen Kim. Individual versus family decision making on breast cancer screening among Chinese American women. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A16. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A16

김제지역의 무예 연구

This study described the history of korean martial arts focused on Kimje region. We conducted literature review in this study. When considering the dynamic characteristics of martial arts, it may lead to the limited result through literature review only. However, as a primary study it should be done to proceed advanced researches such as cross-cultural, historic, and anthropological studies. We investigated literatures about the Tae Gyeok, the Tae ggyeon, and the Subak. Through the literature review, we found that strength of the martial arts in modern Kimje has been continued from the past, and Kimje was a important axis in the korean martial arts history. It has a close connection with regional lifestyle and local martial arts. Kimje was a vast farmland and it was the center of the agriculture that requires intensive physical activity to the residents. We supposed that these spatial and cultural background bore the profound martial arts of inner strength. We concluded that agricultural background of Kimje enriched arise and growth of martial arts and its masters. Our study has a limit of literature research as small tangible records remains to search. Further studies of collecting local transmission and verbal evidences will be needed.