Members Of Association Research Articles

Factors Influencing Agricultural Land Management Practices in Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Gaining insights into prevailing land management practices and discerning the factors influencing their adoption is important since it can help pinpoint areas that require enhancement and help formulate targeted strategies to optimize existing agriculture support services in the province. This paper aims to identify the determinants that can influence the implementation of different land management practices among the farmers in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe the socio-demographic and farm characteristics of the farmers, while a logistic regression model was used to determine correlations between these characteristics and the adoption of different management practices. Results of the analysis indicate that farmer’s age, monthly income, family size, farm ownership, farm size, farm age, education, and association membership can influence the implementation of different practices in various ways. Since farm age (p=0.03) and organization membership (p=0.01) emerged as significant influencing factors, it is recommended to strengthen and support these organizations so more new farm owners can be engaged to participate in land conservation efforts within Misamis Occidental watershed

Analysis of the provisions of the legislation of Georgia and Ukraine related to mobilization

Russian military aggression against Ukraine continues for the eleventh year. Terrorist in methods and neo-colonial in essence – now it has acquired an existential character. Russia considers regaining its influence on the post-Soviet territories, among which Ukraine occupies a special place, as one of the priorities of its foreign policy. The first phase of the war, which began in 2014, did not stop the integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic space, so the full-scale aggression, which began on February 24, 2022, was supposed to finally resolve the issue of the existence of an independent Ukraine. The political goals of the so-called «special military operation» were to change the political system and the Euro-Atlantic course of Ukraine. In the third year of the full-scale invasion, according to the determination of the top military leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as the Armed Forces of Ukraine), the war has reached the level of a protracted positional war, and in order to confront the enemy, Ukraine needs international assistance and the mobilization of all available resources: military, economic, and the most valuable – human. The analysis of the defense legislation of Georgia is of interest in view of the common colonial past of Ukraine and Georgia, the identical starting principles of the construction of the Armed Forces, the practical experience of armed aggression by the Russian Federation (hereinafter – the Russian Federation), access to the Black Sea, the occupation of part of the sovereign territories and the legally defined Euro-Atlantic course of development. Ukraine and Georgia are also members of the subregional association of 12 countries of the Black Sea region – the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), which increases their status in the negotiations on possible future accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (hereinafter – NATO) and the European Union (hereinafter – the EU). Ukrainian legislation in the field of defense requires normalization of issues of military service, mobilization, creation of a mobilization reserve, and reformation through codification. The updated legislation in the field of mobilization and management of mobilization resources should form the basis of the future consolidated codified act – the Defense Code of Ukraine.

Insights Into Perioperative Hypertension Management in Europe: Results From a Survey Endorsed by the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EACTAIC)

Perioperative blood pressure control is crucial to ensure organ perfusion and avoid adverse events. However, no consensus on blood pressure targets is available. This study was designed to gain insights into current European perioperative hypertension management practices. Survey research. Online survey. The survey was administered to members of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and distributed through the organization's social media. A 22-item questionnaire on the approach to perioperative hypertension control and its pharmacological management. The study included surveys completed between July 1 and October 30, 2023. In total, 339 participants completed the questionnaire; 70% were anesthesiologists, 17% were intensive care physicians, and 12% were cardiac surgeons. More than 50% of respondents declared dealing with perioperative hypertension in 20% to 50% of their surgeries, and most target the 120 to 140 mmHg systolic blood pressure (SBP) range during surgery. Respondents mostly rely on α-adrenoreceptor antagonists (29%), nitrates (23%), and calcium channel blockers (15%) to manage perioperative hypertension. Titratable control was the most appreciated attribute of intravenous antihypertensives. Antihypertensive treatment failure occurred in less than 20% of surgeries, and the highest risk of hypotensive episodes was perceived by participants to be when using nitroglycerin and nitroprusside. Perioperative SBP targets above 140 mmHg are uncommon among respondents, who predominantly target SBP values between 120 and 140 mmHg. The choice of intravenous antihypertensives is based on their manageability and user experience, and titratable control is the most appreciated characteristic.

Woody plant communities in different land management types and implications on mountain biodiversity conservation in central Ethiopia

The prominence of mountains as social-ecological systems and the need for sustainable mountain development have increasingly been recognized in global agendas and international conventions. This study aims to investigate woody plant diversity, composition, and population structure in two different land management types: lands managed by the Wanchi Ecotourism Association (WETA) and non-WETA members at the slopes of Wanchi Mountain. Trees and shrubs with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were recorded from 20 m by 20 m plots and those with DBH<5 cm were counted within sub-plots of 10 m by 10 m. Tree seedlings were recorded from five 3 m by 3 m sub-sub-plots. The quasi-Poisson generalized linear model with a log-link function was used to analyze the richness of woody species and their association with environmental variables. Non-metric multidimensional scaling with Bray-Curtis distance in two-dimensional space was employed for the woody species composition. Tree species population structure was analyzed using tree diameter distribution classes. The study identified 104 woody plants belonging to 82 genera and 52 families. Woody species richness in WETA-managed lands is significantly (P=0.009) greater than that of non-WETA-managed lands. The study found that woody species richness significantly declined with increasing anthropogenic disturbance (P<0.001) and slope (P<0.001) in both WETA and non-WETA-managed land. Woody species richness also showed negative associations with aspect. The tree species in both the land management types revealed nearly similar population structures. The study highlighted the importance of sustainable land management practices such as ecotourism in areas of significant natural endowments like that of the Wanchi Mountain. Such practices can guide more sustainable mountain biodiversity conservation while realizing appropriate local livelihood improvement strategies.

Factors influencing forest landowner enrollment in preferential property tax programs

One of the most common approaches to conserving forestland in the US are state-run programs offering reduced property taxes on forestland. Although some form of preferential forest property tax program exists in all 50 states of the US, few studies have examined factors associated with landowners’ enrollment in such programs. As interest increases in incentivizing forestland owners to address various environmental or ecological goals, such as enhancing carbon storage or ecosystem services via private forest management, the need for improved knowledge about factors that influence landowners to participate in such programs grows. We examined factors associated with NIPF owner enrollment in preferential property tax programs in Oregon (US). Oregon currently has two primary preferential forest property tax programs. The Forestland Program is the default program for most forestland owners, and the Small Tract Forestland Option (STF), which is a voluntary program wherein landowners pay reduced annual property taxes and an additional timber harvest severance tax. We used a survey to gather information from 1190 Oregon Small Woodlands Association (OSWA) members owning between 10 and 5000 acres of forestland in western Oregon. Respondents were asked about their socio-demographic characteristics and forest management, as well as their enrollment status in Oregon's preferential property tax programs. Our econometric analysis of survey data indicate that preferential property tax programs enable long-term forest ownership, extended rotation ages, and investment in stewardship activities, suggesting that these programs are likely an effective tool for encouraging environmental or ecological goals among NIPF owners in Oregon.

LEGITIMATE POWER AS A MEDIATOR OF THE INFLUENCE OFKNOWLEDGE AND PROCEDURAL JUSTICE ON TAX COMPLIANCE

This study analyzes the influence of taxpayer knowledge and procedural justice on tax compliance. This study also analyzes the role of power legitimacy as a mediating variable. Legitimacy of power is expected to mediate the influence of taxpayer knowledge and procedural justice in increasing taxpayer compliance. This research is quantitative research that tests hypotheses using primary data through distributing questionnaires. The population in this research is individual taxpayers who carry out business activities and tax consultants who are members of the Indonesian Tax Consultants Association (IKPI). The sampling technique uses convenience sampling. Hypothesis testing uses SEM PLS statistical tools by conducting path analysis tests to obtain results of the direct influence of taxpayer knowledge and procedural justice on tax compliance and the indirect influence, namely taxpayer knowledge and procedural justice on tax compliance through the mediating variable power legitimacy. These results of hypothesis testing prove that taxpayer knowledge and procedural justice each have a positive effect on power legitimacy and tax compliance. Besides that, power legitimacy also plays a role in mediating the influence of knowledge and procedural justice on tax compliance. This research can prove the theory of planned behavior that the behavior shown by a person arises because of the individual's inner intention to behave. The research implication from the theoretical aspect is that it can prove the role of power legitimacy as a mediating variable that links the influence of knowledge and procedural justice on tax compliance.

Barriers and Facilitators to Medication Adherence among the Vulnerable Elderly: A Focus Group Study.

Poor medication adherence is a significant public health issue, especially among the vulnerable elderly, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study aimed to explore, identify, and understand the barriers and facilitators to medication adherence among vulnerable elderly individuals. We conducted a qualitative study using focus group interviews with 31 participants, including community nurses, social care services, volunteers from non-governmental organizations, patient association members, and informal caregivers, using semi-structured questions and inductive content analysis to gather and analyze qualitative data. Two main categories, "Perceived barriers" and "Facilitative interventions" were developed. The findings revealed multiple barriers, including medication-related barriers, patient-related barriers and barriers related to the healthcare system and healthcare personnel. Participants also highlighted the importance of facilitating interventions like medication management, health education, supportive social networks, and ensuring continuity of care. The study underscores the need for targeted strategies to improve medication adherence among the vulnerable elderly.

Adrien Rist (1841–1923), membre de la Société mdico-psychologique (1881) et fondateur d’une maison de santé privée à Versailles : « La Châtaigneraie » (1889) (Partie II)

A member of artistic, literary and scientific associations including the Société médico-psychologique (1881), A. Rist opened a private psychiatric clinic in Versailles in the years 1890–1891 called: La Châtaigneraie. This establishment will open its doors shortly before those of the old people's home (1892); they will complete the establishment opened in 1858: the civil hospital. In addition to his work as physician director of La Châtaigneraie, he was a medical expert at the court of Versailles. While practicing in Switzerland, he taught forensic medicine at the Law School of Lausanne. For example, A. Rist assessed Marie Christmann, a spiritualist masseuse, known as “the witch of Versailles”, who was denounced for the illegal practice of medicine and the mummified body of a woman was found in her house or Fernand-Théodore Charlatte, known as “the satyr of Saint-Cloud”, who simulated madness. Being an alienist was not without risk. He was threatened with death by an insane Arthur-Désiré Ferger who had twice escaped from the asylum; inspectors were assigned to protect him. A. Rist was a doctor fighting against alcohol abuse; the head office of the Versailles section of the French Anti-Alcohol Union was located at his home 11 rue des Deux Moulins. The National League against Alcoholism has founded “rooms of the soldier” in different cities of France (Cherbourg and Le Havre). A. Rist had one such room located at 29 rue de Béthune (Versailles). Author of “La philosophie naturelle intégrale les rudiments des sciences exacts” (1904), A. Rist shows us his pronounced taste for mathematics which inclined him more towards the physical sciences and their speculative aspect than towards biology, a discipline of observation and experimentation. In this second part, A. Rist appears to be a man of conviction and opinion. He was Dreyfusard and Republican. He was among the signatories of the “Appel à l’Union” (1899) like his friend Gabriel Monod (1844–1912), a member of the Institute. This founding document aimed to calm the political situation in the middle of the Dreyfus affair in order to save the parliamentary republican regime then in place. He does not hesitate to take up the pen to oppose Ferdinand Brunetière (1849–1906); director of the Revue des Deux Mondes, he was an antidreyfusard but not an antisemite. The latter had declared war on the scientific spirit and on Science which was not the point of view of A. Rist. In a national daily newpapers, he expressed his opposition to the reform of secondary education; this was a measure which had been advocated by the Minister of Public Instruction: Léon Bourgeois (1851–1925). At the end of the 19th century, A. Rist made a political commitment having being elected member of the municipal council of Versailles (1896–1900); he joined the Democratic Republican Alliance party (1901). During his career, A. Rist did not communicate or publish very much. In addition to his imposing work on “La philosophie naturelle intégrale”, we find among his works an article on phrenology published in the Dictionnaire de Dechambre, which he considered to be a science lacking a scientific basis; a case of idiopathic anorexia, which he said was a mental illness caused by a direct attack on the nerve center that regulates the need to eat; a case of forensic expertise on an anarchist sentenced to prison because he was not fit for internment. He was also supposed to publish a second volume of his natural philosophy, but it never saw the light of day. He died in November 1923, “La Châtaigneraie” closed its doors.

Digital Inertia: A Qualitative Study with a Caregiver Association Network About Informal Caregivers' Non-Use of IT Applications.

Informal caregivers, crucial contributors to healthcare, face myriad challenges in supporting individuals with health needs. While IT applications offer promising solutions, some caregivers hesitate to adopt them, favoring traditional communication approaches with healthcare and support providers. This study, conducted in Sweden, presents why caregivers are reluctant to use IT applications. Through a qualitative approach involving group interviews with caregiver association members, four key themes emerged, namely, need for in-person support with grief and stress, need for private support spaces, cognitive impairment, and financial constraints. Understanding these barriers is crucial for developing inclusive caregiving strategies that balance IT-based solutions with in-person assistance, promoting a sustainable caregiving support ecosystem.

Disclosing Economists’ Privacy Perspectives: A Survey of American Economic Association Members’ Views on Differential Privacy and the Usability of Noise-Infused Data

Disclosing Economists’ Privacy Perspectives: A Survey of American Economic Association Members’ Views on Differential Privacy and the Usability of Noise-Infused Data

Status of Coconut Farmer-Marketers: A Review Towards Sustainable Production Options

Coconut is one of the Philippines most significant crops, with the country ranking second largest producer of coconuts among Southeast Asian countries. However, quality of nuts produced dropped and competitive performance on the global scale was low. This study determined the production capability and challenges encountered by coconut farmer-marketers in the province of Capiz to provide insights into sustainable production options. This was a descriptive-correlational study, which utilized a validated and reliability tested researcher-made survey questionnaire translated to local dialect. The 382 respondents consisted of the members of the coconut farming associations in the province of Capiz. The data gathered were processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, employing tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, t-test, Analysis of Variance and Pearson r. The results revealed that the coconut farmer marketers were capable of producing coconuts but encountered moderate levels of challenges. Differences were found in age, estimated monthly household income, and number of years as coconut farmer-marketers, and high to very high relationships were found between level of challenges encountered and production capability.

Practical diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder by psychiatrists and obstetricians/gynecologists in Japan.

To investigate and compare the diagnoses and treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) from the perspectives of psychiatrists and obstetricians/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) in Japan. Between December 2021 and February 2022, a web-based survey was conducted among the members of the Japanese Association of Neuro-Psychiatric Clinics. Data from 262 psychiatrists who responded to the aforementioned survey were compared with data from 409 OB/GYNs from a survey conducted in 2021 among members of the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Overall, 79.8% of psychiatrists and 97.3% of OB/GYNs were involved in practicing PMS/PMDD diagnosis and treatment. Most psychiatrists believed that PMS should be treated by OB/GYNs (74.4%) and PMDD by psychiatrists (75.6%). Only vague medical interviews were conducted by 86.6% of psychiatrists, and only 9.7% maintained a two-cycle symptom diary. Psychiatrists mostly prescribed selective serotonin/serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SSRI/SNRI) continuous dosing (91.1%), followed by Kampo medicines, especially Kamishoyosan (73.3%); only 2.8% chose oral contraceptive pills, unlike OB/GYNs, while SSRI continuous (32.8%) and luteal phase dosing (20.6%) and Kampo medicine (42.1%) were the most common first-line treatments. Lifestyle guidance was prescribed by 63.6% of psychiatrists, followed by cognitive behavioral therapy (13.8%) and the symptom diary observation method (11.1%), which were similar to OB/GYNs' choices. Many Japanese psychiatrists and OB/GYNs do not base PMS/PMDD diagnoses on prospective monitoring methods using specific diagnostic criteria and therefore do not provide evidence-based treatment. Moreover, a tendency of being biased toward treatments in which the department specialized was observed.

Price, quality, and availability of gluten-free products in Australia and New Zealand – a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Adhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD) is essential for individuals with gluten-related disorders such as coeliac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, gluten ataxia, and wheat allergy. Approximately 1%-2% of the population is affected by these conditions. Access to affordable, high-quality gluten-free products (GFPs) is crucial for maintaining dietary compliance and well-being. This study explores the experiences of those on a GFD, focusing on the availability, quality, and cost of GFPs compared to non-GFPs. The study was conducted in two stages: (1) An online survey was distributed to Australian Coeliac Association and Coeliac New Zealand members to gather data on shopping habits, preferred GFPs, and opinions on product availability, value, and quality. (2) Retail observations involved creating a `shopping basket/list' based on survey results to compare the availability and price of GFPs versus non-GFPs in major supermarkets across urban and rural areas. Results from 1501 Australian and 700 New Zealand respondents and retail observations revealed that GFPs are significantly more expensive and of lower quality than non-GFPs. Commonly purchased items include bread, pasta, crackers, flour, and breakfast cereals. The study highlights the need for improved availability, affordability, and quality of GFPs, especially in bridging the cost disparity between urban and rural areas.

Uncovering external factors that influence the acquisition of knowledge for innovative purposes

This paper aims to evaluate through an empirical analysis the impact of social capital on the innovative performance of companies of the energy sector in Spain, as well as the role of firms’ absorptive capacity and membership to a business association as mediating variables in this relationship. The energy supply sector in Spain is analyzed through a sample of 197 companies, using PLS-SEM technique. This study provides empirical evidence on the positive and significant effect of firms’ social capital on their innovative performance, and the mediating effect of firms’ absorptive capacity and membership in a business association. It is concluded that politicians and managers should be aware about the importance of firms’ connectivity in the current digital society. But interaction and knowledge diffusion are of little use if companies do not develop their knowledge absorptive capacity, to effectively exploit external knowledge. Finally, the role of business associations as platforms for the dissemination and absorption of knowledge, as well as business innovation, is highlighted.

‘Children should be raised like this’: A history of the neurodiversity movement in Italy and its implications for children's well‐being

AbstractChildhood Studies scholars have increasingly engaged with the concept of neurodiversity, particularly with respect to neurodivergent children's mental well‐being. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the neurodiversity movement in Italy, and the consequences on children's mental health, drawing on eight in‐depth interviews with movement leaders, researchers and members of parent associations. We argue that Italian education and health services serve as promising sites within which a neurodiversity approach can foster neurodivergent children's self‐esteem and give them powerful tools to fight against oppressive practices.

Telepsychiatry Current Practice and Implications for Future Trends: A 2023 American Psychiatric Association Member Survey.

Introduction: Although telehealth was a viable means of delivering psychiatric care even before the COVID-19 public health emergency, flexibilities at the federal and state levels during the pandemic prompted mass adoption in a short timeframe. Little is known about how psychiatrists plan to offer care going forward and to what degree services will be offered virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Methods: We conducted a survey of American Psychiatric Association (APA) members regarding telepsychiatry practice and potential barriers. Results: The survey was completed by 1,660 APA members. Most survey respondents (94%) conduct at least some telepsychiatry. Most respondents indicate operating in a hybrid environment in which they maintain a physical practice location, while 16% indicate that they do not have a physical practice and only see patients remotely. Across all setting types, 82% of respondents deliver telehealth via all or mostly video; 11% report conducting telehealth visits via mostly audio-only modalities; and 7% report equal usage of both modalities. Barriers to telepsychiatry noted by respondents include limited reimbursement, state medical licensure, federal and state regulations regarding controlled substance prescribing via telehealth, and technical challenges. Conclusion: Results of this survey of APA members show that the majority conduct at least some telepsychiatry; operate in a hybrid environment; and deliver telehealth via all or mostly video. Reported barriers to telepsychiatry practice include legal, regulatory, reimbursement, and technical issues. The future of telepsychiatry may largely be determined by which legal, regulatory, and reimbursement flexibilities are ended, extended temporarily, or made permanent.

Age grade association: a non state actor in the sustainability of community development projects in Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract Age grade association is a pattern through which members of the community are grouped into batches according to date of birth. The associations comprise people of equal or about the same age operating within a given community with the aim of individual and collective development. The age grade associations articulate and mobilize resources for the execution of community development projects. They are grassroots agents that serve as an organ for the maintenance of peace, law and order in the community. Some past attempts at community development failed due to the non-involvement of the community members in decision–making processes. This study explored age grade association as a non state actor in sustainability of community development projects in Southeast, Nigeria. Data was drawn from 56 respondents. The instruments for data collection were Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth interviews (IDIs). Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed in selecting the study participants. The study sample was drawn from four communities in four local government areas of Abia and Ebonyi States. The study examined the nature of age grade associations; the contributions of age grade associations and the challenges of age grade associations in sustainability of community development projects. It established that age grade associations are grass root agents that executed and sustained community development projects. The study also found that project site selection is sometimes problematic and this has implications for project sustainability. The study recommends adult literacy education for the social and political empowerment of members of age-grade associations.

Knowledge Level and Frequency of Swimming to the Incidence of Otitis Externa in Swimming Athletes in Medan

Highlights: The level of knowledge of respondents who had experienced otitis externa and often do swimming activities had sufficient knowledge about otitis externa. Frequent swimming can cause a person to experience otitis externa. Abstract Introduction: Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is a common disease in swimmers and poses a significant public health problem. Frequent exposure to water for long periods is very susceptible to infection. This study aimed to ascertain the level of knowledge regarding the connection between otitis externa and swimming and investigate whether there was a correlation between the frequency of swimming and the occurrence of otitis externa. Methods: Using a questionnaire, the sample comprised 74 Tirta Prima Medan Swimming Association members in 2022. Apart from evaluating descriptive comparisons of pretest and post-test knowledge levels, this study also conducted a Spearman rank correlation test to determine the correlation between knowledge level and frequency of swimming with the incidence of otitis externa. The chosen significance level (p) was 0.05. Variables were considered related if the p-value was &lt; 0.05 and not considered related if the p-value was &gt; 0.05. The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 74 study participants, pretest knowledge was categorized as follows: good level of knowledge (6.8%) of respondents, sufficient (58.1%), and (35%) poor. In the post-test assessment, respondents showed good (75.7%), sufficient (21.6%), and poor (2.7%) knowledge. The results of the Spearman analysis test showed a significant correlation (p-value = 0.042) between swimming frequency and the incidence of otitis externa. Meanwhile, there was no significant correlation between the level of knowledge about otitis externa and the incidence of otitis externa, with a p-value of 0.785. Conclusion: The level of knowledge for the pretest was sufficient. For the same respondents, the post-test results showed good knowledge. There was a correlation between swimming frequency and the incidence of otitis externa. However, there was no significant correlation between the level of expertise and the incidence of otitis externa at the Tirta Prima Medan Swimming Association.

Factors Affecting Technical Efficiency of Coffee Producers: The Case Dale Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Coffee is the major source of income for smallholder farmers and is a leading export crop for Ethiopia. Even though a great proportion of coffee production comes from smallholder farmers with farm sizes below two hectares, productivity in these farms remained very low. To identify the causes of low productivity this study identified the technical efficiency level of smallholder coffee farmers and the factors that influence technical efficiency in coffee production in Dale Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia using the stochastic frontier approach. In addition, this study attempts to determine whether the agricultural and some of the socio-economic characteristics of farmers can influence the efficiency of their technical efficiency coffee production. By exploiting the information that was gathered in a survey of 150 farmers selected randomly from three kebeles using stratified random sampling in the woreda, these farmers' technical efficiency was estimated using a trans-long-type stochastic frontier model and two-limit Tobit model. The mean technical efficiency of the study area is 65.43%. The results suggest that, factors like the land cover, labor in hours, compost used as well as their cross product and the interaction effects of labor with sufficient compost used, labor with proper capital-labor force, and minimum cost for agricultural equipment and composite with proper capital significant determinants of coffee technical efficiency in the area. Furthermore, variables like educational status, age of the coffee tree, membership of cooperative associations, size of livestock holding, presence of additional off-farm incomes, and age of household head are significant predictors of the technical efficiency of farmers in the study area. Thus, by improving their education, improving the frequency of extension service, increasing livestock holdings, improving membership in cooperative associations, and replacing the aged coffee tree, someone can improve his/her technical efficiency directly and coffee production indirectly.

The new hospital discharge form for inpatient rehabilitation in Italy: a step forward to promote the role of rehabilitation in the healthcare system.

In Italy, longstanding limitations in the existing reporting system of the inpatient rehabilitation activities have been reported. The Hospital Discharge form (HDF) primarily uses ICD codes that inadequately capture the functional status and rehabilitation needs of patients, impacting equity of care and service evaluation. Therefore, the Italian Ministry of Health (IMH) launched an initiative aimed at developing a new reporting system to be specifically adopted in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. A working group (WG), lead by representatives of IMH, was established in 2019. It included members of scientific societies and professional associations in rehabilitation, administrators, policy makers, and other experts. Representatives of the Associations of Patients and Families were also consulted. The WG submitted the new version of the HDF to the political decision makers in early 2020. It includes detailed data on patients' functional levels before and after rehabilitation, and the complexity of clinical conditions. In using the ICD codes, priority is given to functional diagnoses. In 2023, after a period of interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Ministry of Health Decree sanctioned the adoption of the new reporting system nationwide after a one-year trial period, starting on January 2024. The new HDF is expected to improve data collection, reduce local and regional disparities, allow better comparison of the performances of the structures, and ultimately enhance the quality and outcomes of rehabilitation care across the country. The Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (SIMFER) gave an important contribution in the development of the system.