Input Supply Research Articles

Full Two-Dimensional Ambipolar Field-Effect Transistors for Transparent and Flexible Electronics.

The unique features of two-dimensional (2D) materials provide significant opportunities for the development of transparent and flexible electronics. Recently, ambipolar 2D semiconductors have advanced innovative applications such as CMOS-like circuits, reconfigurable circuits, and ultrafast neuromorphic image sensors. Here, we report on the fabrication of full 2D ambipolar field-effect transistors (FETs), in which graphene serves as the source/drain/gate electrodes, WSe2 is for the channel, and h-BN is for the dielectric. The produced ambipolar FETs exhibit comparable on-currents in the n-branch and p-branch with on/off ratios up to 108. By using two ambipolar FETs in series, a CMOS-like inverter is demonstrated with a maximum gain of up to 147, which can work in both the first and third quadrants by controlling the supply voltages and input voltages. The full 2D ambipolar FETs yield a transmittance of over 70% for visible light on transparent glass and achieve a curvature radius of less than 0.5 cm for bending on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The work is helpful for the application of ambipolar 2D materials-based devices in transparent and flexible electronics.

Understanding how governance arrangements within agricultural supply chains influence farmers' SAP adoption for adaptation and mitigation practices

CONTEXTIn order for farmers in developing countries to combat the effects of climate change, sustainable agricultural practices (SAP) have been promoted, but their adoption rate remains modest. Prior research examining psychological and socio-economic issues has identified farmers' limited knowledge and capital contribute to this problem. However, supply chain systems that require farmers to follow formal and informal rules (governance arrangements) have received little attention in previous studies. OBJECTIVEFrom a system thinking standpoint, this article seeks to comprehend farmers decision regarding SAP adoption by examining the influence of governance arrangements on the socioeconomic and psychological aspects of farmers. This paper concentrates specifically on governance arrangements between farmers and midstream actors, to whom farmers sell their products directly. METHODThis study utilises a qualitative research methodology, specifically employing multiple case studies. A system thinking approach utilising a Causal Loop Diagram was applied to comprehend farmers decision regarding SAP adoption. The case studies cover supply chain systems that have different governance arrangements. The study focused on examining the rice supply chains in Indramayu District and the fresh vegetable supply chains in West Bandung District, located in West Java, Indonesia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThis paper found that different governance arrangements exhibit distinct influences, which in turn have varying impacts on farmers' decisions to adopt SAP. Governance arrangements that foster greater market integration and exert influence on the psychological (e.g., knowledge and information) and socio-economic (e.g., provision of production inputs and price assurance) aspects are regarded as the most effective approach to promoting the adoption of SAP by farmers. Furthermore, this paper revealed that midstream actors play a crucial role in promoting the adoption of SAP among farmers. SIGNIFICANCEThis paper contributes to the body of knowledge on how governance arrangements within agricultural supply chains influence farmers decision regarding SAP adoption. Specifically, it investigates the influence of midstream actors in facilitating farmers' adoption of SAP by addressing their psychological and socioeconomic requirements. The findings imply that government supports must be extended to midstream actors that have made efforts to persuade their farmers to implement SAP as a means of addressing climate change, as well as implementing midstream actors-to-farmer extension initiatives alongside the government's existing farmer-to-farmer extension programmes.

Assessing social capital and its impact on economic performance: A comparative study of members and non-members of farmer producer companies in India

Farmer producer companies (FPCs), modern farmer collectives registered under India’s Companies Act, play a crucial role in providing core services like input supply, marketing, technical, and financial support, as well as auxiliary services such as social capital and consultancy, which are linked to higher economic performance and innovation. The study analyzes the levels of social capital among members and non-members of FPCs and their relationship to the economic performance of their members. The data on social capital were collected from 20 FPCs (292 members and 77 non-members) from Maharashtra state of India. Unpaired student T-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare the levels of social capital among the members and non-members. OLS regression was performed to understand the difference in social capital and its effect on economic performance. The results reveal that all the indicators of social capital were significantly higher for the members (Mean = 4.27) than for non-members (Mean = 3.14). The social capital indicators related to membership and participation in groups (p-value < 0.10) and the sharing of production and other information (p-value < 0.01) positively affected economic performance. Higher levels of education (p-value < 0.05) and frequent contact with members (p-value < 0.01) positively affected, whereas higher landholding (p-value < 0.10) and years of membership (p-value < 0.01) negatively affected the economic performance of members. As the Indian government plans to add 10,000 FPCs in the next three years, the strategy to increase the social capital of FPCs may enhance the overall resilience and sustainability of rural economies.

L2 Pragmatic Development in Constructing and Negotiating Contextual Meanings

Abstract The way in which L2 learners construct pragmatic and social meanings, including stances and identities, is emerging as an important research concern. In this study, we explore how L2 learners develop the ability to construct and negotiate pragmatic and social meanings, with a focus on meanings manifested in specific contexts, namely, contextual meanings. Specifically, we trace the development made by a group of 30 L2 Korean learners in their understanding of the contextual meanings of Korean first-person pronouns over the provision of L1- and L2-generated input and an awareness raising activity. Our findings reveal that provision of input of the underlying stereotypical meanings facilitated learners’ (re-)construction and negotiation of contextual meanings. The learners developed from oversimplistic form-meaning connections to more context-based and internally logical interpretations of contextual meanings, constructed new contextual meanings from the input, and agentively negotiated between the input and their existing indexical systems. The findings raise important pedagogical implications, including reconsideration of the assessment of pragmatic and sociolinguistic competence.

Piggery Value Chain Mapping in Bengaluru: A Comprehensive Analysis of Rearing Systems

The study examines the piggery value chain in Bengaluru, focusing on 35 breeders and fattening farmers across Bengaluru rural and Bengaluru urban areas. It analyses distinct rearing systems, breeding practices, feeding strategies, and healthcare protocols among respondents. Breeders predominantly utilize intensive rearing systems (100%) for optimized breeding outcomes, while fattening farmers prefer semi-intensive methods (85.71%) to balance care with natural behaviours. Variations in housing preferences show that 46.67 per cent of fattening farmers use efficient drainage systems compared to none among breeders. Feeding practices differ significantly 100 per cent of breeders employ stall feeding, whereas 75 per cent of fattening farmers practice scavenging feeding with 25 per cent engaging in mixed feeding. Feeding frequency is consistently twice daily among all respondents (100%). The deworming practices at 45.71 per cent overall, with 100 per cent among breeders and 60 per cent among fattening farmers. Vaccination is practiced exclusively by breeders (100 %). Veterinary aid satisfaction rates are 31.43 per cent overall, with 40 per cent among fattening farmers. A detailed value chain map visually depicts stages from input supply to consumption, elucidating stakeholder roles crucial for productivity enhancement, animal welfare promotion, and sustainable practices within Bengaluru's piggery sector.

Divisionalization in vertical structures

AbstractWe evaluate the incentives to create within‐industry independent divisions once the vertical structure of the industry is considered. Divisionalization allows a firm to gain market share in the final market, but it also leads to an increase in total payments to the input supplier. The less competitive the upstream market, the more important the second effect will be, and this reduces the profitability of divisionalization. As a consequence, a less competitive upstream segment leads to a lower total number of divisions in equilibrium and a less competitive final market, harming end consumers who will face higher prices.

Broad Scope of Site‐Specific Crop Management and Specific Role of Remote Sensing Technologies Within It—A Review

ABSTRACTPrecision agriculture (PA) has great potential to increase agricultural productivity and profitability while reducing input costs and environmental impacts. Within PA, site‐specific crop management (SSCM) is considered the main premise, in which tillage operations and precise crop inputs (such as seed, fertiliser, water, pesticide and agrochemical) are applied according to field variability. The main aim of this review was to highlight the methods and tools used for spatial crop monitoring, soil and weather data influencing crop productivity and to support the adoption of SSCM technology. To achieve this goal: we discussed the main five components of SSCM, methods for monitoring crop and soil data, delineating field management zones (FMZs) and variable rate technologies (VRT) such as precision planting and digital smart sensors used for SSCM application. The review summarised that recent advances in plant and soil sensing systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning should be used in retrieving and analysing GIS big data for optimised crop inputs supply. Within VRT, light‐bar systems, automatic controllers and sensors are user‐friendly technologies that should be employed in SSCM solution. The authors highlight that adoption of PA can be increased through proper training and education of the farmers, and developing simple, affordable and efficient PA technologies. The review suggests five criteria that should be strictly adopted to get maximum benefits from SSCM: (i) all factors influencing crop yields can be identified; (ii) their effects on crop yields can be determined by using appropriate digital tools and crop modelling; (iii) variable rate crop inputs (VRCIs) should be calculated based on accurate information obtained from plant, soil and environment; (iv) targeted crop inputs should be exercised through global positioning system (GPS) enabled automatic controllers or wireless sensors network (WSN); and (v) right doses of crop inputs (e.g., nitrogen and irrigation) must be applied at the right time and place.

The Impact of Agricultural Sector Development on Employment in Nigeria

This study examined the nexus between agricultural sector development and employment in Nigeria for the period 1970 to 2022. The Johanson Cointegration technique was used to establish the cointegrating relationship among the variables. It was revealed that long run relationship exists among the variables in the estimated model. The results of the Error Correction Mechanism showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between agricultural sector development and employment in Nigeria. It is concluded from the findings that agricultural sector development has a positive and significant impact on employment in Nigeria. The study recommends that there should more public-private partnership in the agricultural sector so that the sector can be developed rapidly through the supply of inputs, finance, infrastructures, market access among others to provide the linkages to the industrial sector so as to create the required employment in agricultural, industrial and other sectors of the economy. More funds should be injected into the agricultural sector to modernize the sector so that it can be made attractive to unemployed graduates to go into small and medium scale enterprises which is regarded as a veritable source of employment generation globally. Government should ban food import, backed by right policies to encourage local food production and processing of our local agricultural products

An Isolated High Gain Push Pull Type DC to DC Converter for Fuel Cell Power Generation Systems

Due to their high efficiency and low environmental impact, fuel cell power generation systems have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional energy sources. However, the integration of fuel cells into practical applications necessitates the development of efficient power conversion systems. dc-dc converters play a crucial role in optimizing the power flow between the fuel cell stack and the load. In this paper, a push-pull type high gain dc-dc converter is proposed which consists of a push-pull inverter, a rectifier circuit, and C-filter. The push pull inverter produces high frequency square wave output while the full bridge rectifier and C-filter convert this square wave output into desired dc voltage. The converter boosts the 12V dc input supply to 326 V, representing a gain factor of more than 27. The isolated coupling inductor used in push pull inverter produces high gain and provides electrical isolation. Besides, the proposed topology eliminates the use of bulky grid-connected power transformers that decreases the system size and cost. To evaluate the performance of the proposed topology, a number of simulations under varying loads were carried out in the MATLAB Simulink framework. Further-more, a scaled-down prototype of 160W at 12/326 V was developed to confirm the simulation results. The findings indicate that the suggested converter can be a viable option for the hydrogen fuel cell-based power conversion system. GUB JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, Vol 10(1), 2023 P 37-52

Fossil fuel and resource use impacts of raw material substitution and recycling in tourism sector in Türkiye: evidence from circular economy adjusted input-output matrix

ABSTRACT Tourism, after the pandemic, has once again become a rapidly growing economic sector both in the world and Türkiye. Even though the sector contributes positively to the economy, it also puts pressure on the environment due to its’ current existing ‘linear’ production and consumption behaviour. This paper searches the possible circular economy solutions to environmental degradation due to growth of tourism while simultaneously sustaining its growth. Specifically, scenario analyses are carried out to allow substitution of recycled materials with primary and secondary materials and to increase recycling from tourism sector by employing the circular economy adjusted input-output matrix of Türkiye. Findings suggest that main circularity instruments to be used by the tourism sector could be the use of more recycled inputs, of any type, resulting in a significant amount of decline in fossil fuel and other resources use. In practice, the best examples of recycled inputs and end-uses are all types of furniture and furnishings in the accommodation sub-sector and the provision and use of cleaning and hygiene products and packaging materials in the restaurant and food services sub-sector. The tourism sector’s input supply for recycling however is less influential, since the tourism sector is manifested as a final service.

Implementing Zonal Aquaculture Innovation Platforms in Uganda: Key Lessons Learned

Uganda’s aquaculture sub-sector is rapidly developing, contributing up to 22% of all fish produced in the country. However, the sub-sector still faces challenges related to limited access to extension services, production inputs, post-harvest handling facilities, disease incidences, value-addition skills and weak market linkages. Although there have been isolated interventions at different aquaculture value-chain nodes, the registered challenges continue to recur. To address prioritized issues in Uganda’s aquaculture sub-sector, nine zonal aquaculture innovation platforms were established based on the country’s nine agro-ecological zones. These platforms brought together different stakeholders to identify solutions to common problems in each aquaculture value-chain node. Each innovation platform consisted of fish farmers, hatchery operators, traders, extension workers, researchers, input dealers, local leaders, and financial institutions. During a series of zonal workshops, participants identified constraints to the aquaculture sub-sector in their respective zones. From the findings, there are technical knowledge gaps across the entire aquaculture value chain mainly affecting hatchery operators, input suppliers, and farmers. Therefore, there is need for coordinated interventions to enhance access to production technologies, innovations, knowledge, and skill transfer to promote gender-centered aquaculture development.

Assessing the Sustainability of Donated Livestock Projects by Operation Wealth Creation to Smallholder Farmers in Mitooma Sub-County Mitooma District

This research assessed the long-term sustainability of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)'s donated livestock projects for smallholder farmers in Mitooma Sub-County, Uganda. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, with smallholder farmers selected through stratified random sampling. A study using structured questionnaires found that only 15% of households receiving donated livestock enterprises still own them, and 85% abandoned them within 9 years, indicating a lack of sustainability in these enterprises. The sustainability of donated livestock enterprises for small-scale farmers is influenced by family size, household income, food security, profitability, awareness of enterprise management practices, perception, culture, education, land tenure system, and age. Results also established that donated livestock enterprises significantly affected households to sell or trade the products (e.g., milk, meat, eggs) (P=0.000), households’ ability to cope with economic shocks or emergencies (P=0.001) and improving access to credit or financial services (P=0.013) and least significant in providing household income (P=0.668). Furthermore, results established donated livestock enterprise were less significant in increasing food availability (P=0.146), improving access to nutritious food, generating income for food purchase (P=0.913), facilitating asset accumulation for food security (P=0.116) and providing alternative coping mechanisms during periods of food scarcity (P=0.351). The study suggests that donated livestock enterprises are not sustainable, as many smallholder farmers abandon them within five years, and recommends enabling input suppliers and providing subsidies for farmers.

Determinants of the adoption of climate smart agriculture practices by smallholder wheat farmers in northwestern Ethiopia

Frequent climate variability and change had the strongest direct influences on the availability and accessibility of food through reducing agricultural productivity and cropping patterns. Despite the Ethiopian government having made substantial efforts to boost production and productivity through the introduction of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices (CSAPs), the implementation of these practices by smallholder wheat farmers has remained low. This study, therefore, tried to investigate the determinants of the adoption of CSAPs in Northwestern Ethiopia. The primary data were gathered from 385 randomly selected wheat producers (including 702 plot-level observations). The CSAPs considered in this investigation were wheat row planting, crop rotation, and improved wheat varieties. The factors that influence the adoption of CSAPs were determined using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. The results revealed that the age of the sampled wheat producer farmers, education level of sampled wheat farmers, livestock holding, contact with development agents, credit access, off-farm activities participation, distance to input supply institution, slope of the plot, and soil fertility status of the plot were the major determinants of the adoption of CSAPs. The study suggested that policy-makers and stakeholders should strengthen farmers’ skills by providing sufficient and effective short-term training. Moreover, encouraging mixed crop-livestock production systems, strengthening credit access, development agents, and access to near-input supply institutions are required to scale-up the adoption of CSAPs.

Agricultural extension service, technology adoption, and production risk nexus: Evidence from Bangladesh

Rice production is inherently risky and volatile, and farmers in Bangladesh face a wide range of risks, including weather, pest and disease attacks, interruptions to input supply, and market-associated risks. Moreover, poor farm households often perceive risks in adopting new technology, even though it could improve productivity and food security. Such households are thus caught in a “risk-induced trap” that precludes them from realizing the benefits of technological innovation. Extension service is one way to help farmers improve risk management skills and escape risk-induced traps, but there is limited empirical analysis of its impact in Bangladesh. The objective of the study is to measure the nexus between agricultural extension services, technology adoption, and production risks as well as women empowerment in agriculture index. IFPRI utilized stratified random sampling to determine the 5603 households in 2018 (which is nationally called the BIHS-2018 dataset) from rural and pre-urban areas of Bangladesh. Out of these 5603 households, 2663 households were specifically selected for the study related to rice farming to achieve the main objective of the study. Focusing on rice farming, a moment-based Poisson regression model is estimated with 2SLS and identifies risks associated with key technologies and potential productivity and risk-reducing effects. The results revealed that wealthier households are more likely to adopt technology for minimizing production risk and women's empowerment which can positively affect productivity by mitigating risk. The result revealed a positive and significant difference in WEAI between the AES participant and non-participant group. We find that engagement in agricultural extension services was associated with technology adoption and production risk reduction. The agricultural extension services increased, technology adoption by 4.2 % and decreased production risk by 2.4 %. Based on the findings, it is concluded that more comprehensive extension services can enhance rice production and ameliorate farmers' risk in rice production to some extent.

Mapping and Analysis of the Sorghum Value Chain in Tehuledere District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This study describes sorghum-cultivating households and assesses factors affecting different activities of the sorghum value chain in the Tehuledere district of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Primary data were obtained by administering structured questionnaires and interviews to 297 respondents across the value chain from smallholder farmers, agro-dealers, traders, retailers, wholesalers, and processors. In this context, the study was able to map the value chain to establish the main actors involved and their relationships. The current value chain has Input Suppliers, Producers/Farmers, Wholesalers/Distributors, Transporters, Processors, and Consumers. Some issues were identified as input supply with some inefficiency and marketing and processing channels as supply was interrupted and producer prices were low. This implies increasing interactions with extension agents to enhance the use of better sorghum seed varieties and fertilizers. The proposed solutions are the cooperation of different actors, higher levels of investment in R&D, better extension services, private sector engagement, encouraging legislation, and infrastructure development to overcome institutional weaknesses.

Loan Repayment and Diversion among Anchor BorrowerProgramme’s Beneficiaries in Niger State, Nigeria

The Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) involves the provision of farm inputs in kind and cash to small-holder farmers to boost production of targeted commodities. This study assessed loan repayment among ABP beneficiaries as well as to examine its diversion. A total of 138 farmers were randomly selected. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that majority (75.4%) of the beneficiaries were men with average age of 40 years with an average farm size of 1.7 hectares. Majority (85.5%) of the beneficiaries defaulted in repayment of the given loan. Although 43.5% and 14.5% of them made a partial and complete loan repayment respectively. Also, 28.3% of them payback with produce and cash while 18.1% and 16.7% of them payback with produce and cash only respectively. Furthermore, personal/familyneeds (62%) topped the reasons for loan diversion. Also, ?20% diverted the loan to serve other purposes. It was concluded that without proper management, the scheme would die. The study recommends that the scheme should be given better management in order to prevent diversion of funds as well as to ensure prompt repayment.

TRAINING NEED ASSESSMENT OF AGRI-INPUT DEALERS

In India, research and extension are two crucial components of agricultural growth. To achieve continuous expansion in agriculture, an effective extension system can quickly disseminate farm technology throughout farming communities. Agricultural input dealers play a significant role in the production and sale of agricultural products in addition to the extension services provided to farmers by the state Department of Agriculture and other organizations. Due to their easy accessibility in rural regions, they build a solid connection and help to enhance the agricultural extension system by offering the farming community useful services in a way that disseminates technology. Therefore, it is crucial that they take refresher training courses to provide themselves with the most recent agricultural expertise and information. Hence keeping this in mind, the present investigation was conducted in Jorhat, Golaghat, Morigaon and Udalguri districts of Assam during 2021-22 to ascertain training needs of agro-input dealers. A total 120 numbers of Agri-input dealers were selected as respondents by proportionate allocation method from each of the four districts. Data were collected by using pretested structured interview schedule. The needs assessment were done in the training areas viz., manures and fertilizers , pesticides, seeds, farm machineries, computer application and record keeping with three point continuum of 'much needed', 'needed' and 'not needed' having the value of 3,2 and 1 respectively. The data were analyzed with the help of proper statistical techniques and it was revealed that 96.66 percent of the respondents require training on integrated nutrient management practices, 70 percent have much need for pest protection of stored seeds, training on certification techniques of seeds (76.66 %), latest farm implements and machinery (78.06 %) and 75.97 percent have much need for training on record keeping software. A few characteristics of the dealers like age, experience in dealership, input supply and annual income have significantly negative relationship with their training needs.

THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON THE VALUE CHAIN OF PADDY AND CARROT VARIETY OF IARI

The arrival of COVID-19 was no less than any apocalypse for the global economy. The growth of global GDP spiralled down to a very low point. The condition in India was no exception to it. Almost all the sectors of the economy were severely affected. Notwithstanding this, agriculture emerged as a bright spot in the dark horizon. Even though the growth rate was positive, there were serious impediments in the commodity value chain and agricultural marketing. Paucity in input supply, restriction in movement, closure of market, reduced demand of food products brought challenges that existed never before. In this backdrop, a study was conducted to find out the effects of COVID-19 on the value chain and marketing of Paddy Commercial variety Pusa Basmati 1121 and Carrot Commercial variety Pusa Rudhira. The research design was ex-post facto in nature and a total number of 160 farmers and 50 stakeholders including exporters, commission agents, wholesalers, and millers were consulted for the study. The locale of the study was Soodhna (U.P), Sangohi (Haryana), Khwajpur (U.P) and Nizampur (New Delhi). From extant review of literature, pilot study and discussion with experts, several constraints faced by the value chain stakeholders were identified and rank ordered using Rank Based Quotient Method (R.B.Q). Results showed that in case of farmers "difficulty in getting buyer, price fluctuation and wastage" were among the top constraints, and for stakeholders such as millers, wholesalers and retailers, "unavailability of labour and price fluctuations" were the causes of concern. Moreover, for exporters "hike in freight charges" was the most severe constraint. The findings of the study could highlight the vulnerable areas in the commodity value chain which ought to get due attention in policy making and better preparedness for future events of similar nature.

Constraints in Farmers’ Purchase Decisions of Agricultural Inputs in High Hills Temperate Wet Zone of Himachal Pradesh

"The study was conducted in the high hill temperate wet zone of Himachal Pradesh to investigate the information sources used and the constraints in farmers’ purchase of agricultural inputs. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 448 households in the study area. Multiple response analyses and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were used for the study. The findings of the study revealed that timely non-availability of inputs in government stores, followed by the limited supply of inputs in government stores, high input prices, non-availability of the preferred package of inputs in markets, and fear of adulteration were the significant constraints experienced by the farmers in purchase of agricultural inputs. However, fellow/progressive farmers and private input dealers were the most commonly used source of information for purchased agricultural inputs. The results suggested that an increase in government funding for the development of input delivery systems can positively impact public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting better agricultural input u"

Tax motivated vertical FDI and transfer pricing

We examine a domestic downstream producer that acquires a foreign input supplier with the aim of manipulating the transfer price and shifting profits from a high-tax to a low-tax country. The multinational enterprise faces a trade-off: insourcing the input at a high transfer price reduces the corporate tax burden but at the cost of increasing the input cost of its downstream division, which reduces domestic sales and profits. The optimal transfer price balances this trade-off. Regulation under the arm’s length principle is shown to reduce the transfer price, which reduces distortion in the domestic production and expands the region in which vertical FDI benefits consumers and social welfare in the home country. We also show that promoting downstream competition could help align private and social incentives, reinforcing the positive effects of regulation.