Membership In Organizations Research Articles

Assessment of Alternative International Organizations For Turkey Using Machine Learning Algorithms

The distribution of power balances among countries has led states to become part of an international system based on principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Turkey's process of joining the EU dating back to 1959 has been supported by various reforms and adaptation packages. However, the failure to conclude the lengthy negotiations has prompted Turkey to turn towards different organizations. Turkey, which has not fully given up its membership in the EU recently, is being considered for membership in alternative organizations, especially the SCO. Within the scope of this study, a dataset encompassing various indicators of 34 countries was created to evaluate Turkey's proximity to EU and SCO member countries. Subsequently, the generated dataset was grouped based on various indicators. In these applications, performance metrics were examined by positioning Turkey according to two different classes, including EU and SCO member countries, depending on various indicators.

The “Butterfly Effect” of Volatility in Net International Capital Flows: An Analysis of Co-Movement Characteristics and Influencing Factors

This paper employs social network analysis to investigate the characteristics and determinants of co-movement in the volatility of net cross-border capital flows. We have identified a significant “small-world” pattern in the co-movement network. Economies with highly positive or negative co-movement of volatility in net capital flows display regional differences. Furthermore, economies with high trade intensity, large interest-rate spreads, membership in the same economic organization, and geographical adjacency exhibit significantly increased co-movement of volatility in net private capital flows and net other investment flows. Economies with large differences in economic growth present less co-movement of volatility in net portfolio flows.

Member-Reported Benefits of Three Alabama Educator-Focused Professional Organizations

Professional organizations can play an important role in the lives and work of educators. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore Alabama educators’ experiences with membership in statewide professional organizations and to determine what benefits, if any, members feel their organizations provide them. Four main benefits that respondents identified were community, broadening of knowledge and practice, leadership opportunities, and personal growth.

Undisclosed facts in Friedrich Wegener's links with Nazism.

Friedrich Wegener was the author of a comprehensive description of a disease that was named Wegener's granulomatosis. In 2010, its name was changed to granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), the reason being that Wegener's links to Nazism were revealed. The research was conducted between May 2021 and August 2023 and was based on the historical method (understood as defining the subject of research, critical analysis of collected historical source materials, and historiographical synthesis) using the methods of direct and indirect inference ascribed to the historical method. Wegener and his wife were members of numerous Nazi organizations. He was rewarded for his stance by the German Reich. Together with his family, he lived in very comfortable conditions for the standards of the time, unattainable for the average person. He described himself as a frontline combatant in the Nazi invasion of Poland. Friedrich Wegener's links with Nazism were more extensive than has hitherto been known. The links involved his professional and private life. They testify to his membership in numerous Nazi organizations, as well as his active involvement in the activities of various institutions and communities of the German Reich and his overt expression of support for Hitler. Wegener's numerous accolades from the German Reich providing him with professional, material and personal benefits were proof of his links with the Nazi movement. Wegener's association with Nazism helped him to advance his career, and to attain a high social status and quality of life, both before the outbreak and during the Second World War.

Identification of gender doctrine: Muhammadiyah women’s movement and the dynamic role of agencies in its implementation at the local level

Women’s membership in the Muhammadiyah organization is based on the Islamic view of men and women as ethical agents in inviting goodness and avoiding evil. This theology indicates the importance of women’s role in the public sphere. This study aims to analyze and explore Muhammadiyah’s gender doctrine and agency dynamics in its implementation at the local level by Muhammadiyah women. The ethnomethodology approach was used in this study. Research data was obtained through observation activities, in-depth interviews, and direct involvement in the activities of the Muhammadiyah women’s movement for gender justice. This study was conducted in Malang City, taking into account the dynamics of gender implementation in the Muhammadiyah women’s movement in its efforts to realize gender justice. This research found that there has been gender segregation since 1939 which is reflected in the Muhammadiyah gender statute. In addition, it is written in Muhammadiyah’s gender demands book that there has been a domestication of gender issues, although later developments show that publications represent the spirit of gender equality. This study concludes that the Muhammadiyah women’s movement is not only about adjusting women’s roles in all activities as long as they are within Islamic parameters. In fact, the Muhammadiyah women’s movement has made many contributions to the public interest, from building educational facilities, health, to humanitarian activities.

Shifting the focus? From individual to collective‐level effects of cash transfers: A systematic review of the impacts on social capital

AbstractContrary to the individual and household levels, analysis on the collective‐level effects of cash transfers (CTs) is largely lacking. To fill such gap, this paper conducted a systematic review of the evidence around CT impacts on social capital. Available studies suggest that CTs can stimulate bonding social capital (social participation, membership of organizations), while often generate issues like rising inter‐group tensions and social exclusion (bridging social capital). Overall, however, the existing evidence is scarce. The article invites CT‐implementing agencies to design interventions in accordance with the envisaged impacts—not only at the individual but also at the collective level.

Zombies ahead: Explaining the rise of low-quality election monitoring

AbstractThe international election monitoring regime has become considerably more complex in the twenty-first century. Although the number of organizations engaged in high-quality election monitoring has plateaued, the number of low-quality monitors—commonly known as zombie monitors—has continued to grow. Low-quality election monitors threaten democracy because they validate flawed elections and undermine the legitimacy of the international election monitoring regime. This article argues that international politics have played a crucial role in the diffusion of low-quality election monitors. It hypothesizes that ties with autocratic powers that promote low-quality observers and membership in authoritarian regional organizations significantly increase the likelihood that a country will host low-quality monitors at its elections. To test the hypotheses, the article draws on original data on international election observation between 2000 and 2020 that identifies the most comprehensive set of groups of election monitors to-date. A statistical analysis of the dataset supports the argument.

Surveying adult support for child and youth voice on environmental governmental decision-making in Australia and New Zealand

The global movement of student strikes for climate action illustrates that many children and youth want to have a voice on governmental decisions on the environment. Yet in most nations, an electoral voice is not granted to those under the age of 18. From prior research, we see the main barrier for child and youth voice to parliament is adult attitudes towards children and youth. To find out who supports their voice on government decisions for the environment, we added such a question to the Australia and New Zealand iterations of the International Social Survey Program 2020 survey. The results indicated that the majority of surveyed adults support 11–14 year olds (Aus 62 %, NZ 59 %) and 15–18 year olds (Aus 79 %, NZ 80 %) having opportunities to influence government decisions on the environment. Analysis of responses to this question in relation to demographic survey data indicated variations in preferences for different age groups of children and youth, and that age, gender, education, concern for the environment, environment organisation membership and prior election political party preference of respondents were variables of significance for both nations. Recommendations for policy and practice to broaden support for child and youth voice to contribute to government decisions on the environment are suggested with application of Iris Marion Young’s propositions for more inclusive democracy.

The trade potential of grain crops in the countries along the Belt and Road: evidence from a stochastic frontier model

This study employs the stochastic frontier model (SFM) to analyze trade potential and efficiency in wheat and maize among Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2002 to 2021, encompassing 45 countries for wheat trade and 55 for maize trade. The empirical findings reveal that economic development level, population growth, government efficiency, political stability, and regulatory quality are critical determinants of trade efficiency. Notably, World Trade Organization (WTO) membership exhibits a negative correlation with trade efficiency, potentially reflecting challenges in rule implementation and opportunity utilization among member states. In the context of maize trade, increased arable land area is inversely associated with efficiency, suggesting potential issues in managing large-scale agricultural regions or optimizing land use. The BRI’s impact on trade efficiency varies across countries, with Turkey and Hungary showing improved wheat trade efficiency, while Ethiopia and Georgia experienced declines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, effective disease management strategies and diversified trade mechanisms significantly influenced trade efficiency. Furthermore, the study reveals that larger economies do not necessarily outperform small and medium-sized economies in terms of trade potential. These findings contribute significantly to the literature on agricultural trade and offer valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of enhancing government efficiency, political stability, and regulatory quality in the context of regional economic development initiatives such as the BRI. This research underscores the need for tailored approaches to trade policy and agricultural management, considering the unique characteristics and challenges faced by different economies along BRI.

Understanding Political Integration Among Syrian Refugees in Calgary

Newcomers to Canada are essential for the nation's cultural and economic vitality. However, research has primarily focused on immigrant integration, overlooking refugees. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the political integration of Syrian refugees in Calgary, Alberta, based on 21 semi-structured interviews. Specifically, it seeks to answer two main questions. First, what factors facilitate the attitudinal and behavioural political integration of Syrian refugees in Calgary? Second, what is the role of social capital in facilitating the attitudinal and behavioural political integration of refugees? Utilizing deductive thematic analysis, the study uncovers a need for enhanced political education. It also identifies the impact of individual variables like news consumption and political interest. A sense of belonging to Canadian society also emerged as an influential factor in political integration. Moreover, social capital, exemplified through membership in organizations, increased political participation and a sense of belonging. These findings suggest the need for new theories specifically focused on refugee political integration. Key words: political integration, syrian refugees, social capital, sense of belonging, canada

Invited Reflection: Small Talk about Big Ideas: The Benefits of ELATE Membership

In this piece, three leaders of English Language Arts Teacher Educators (ELATE) reflect on their individual experiences with ELATE before collectively exploring the benefits of membership in the professional organization.

<p>Young Farmers' Utilization of Internet for Agricultural Purposes: Evidence from Chiang Mai Province, Thailand</p>

Despite Thailand ranking high among Asia-Pacific countries in The Network Readiness Index 2022 and the increasing Internet access, rural communities in Thailand still face significant barriers to fully utilizing the Internet for agriculture-related activities. This gap in effective digital connection hinders the transfer of crucial information and communication necessary to support and enhance agricultural practices. Hence, this paper’s objective aims to explore utilization of the Internet by young farmers and the factors affecting this utilization. To achieve this, 369 young farmers in Mae Chaem district, Chiang Mai province, were surveyed. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics (e.g., frequency and percentage) and relationships were analyzed using Ordered logistic regression analysis. Research results show that all farmers had Internet access and used it on their smartphones (100%). The participants used smartphone applications related to agriculture, with most utilizing LINE and Facebook to contact their fellow farmers (90.0% and 89.2%, respectively). Most participants search for agricultural information through YouTube (86.2%) and search engines (e.g., Google) (61.3%) to find information on plant and animal varieties and methods for crop planting and raising animals. Seven factors were found to influence Internet utilization for agricultural purposes: age, education, contact with agricultural extension officers, agricultural organization membership, use of home or cable Internet, and use of government-provided Internet were statistically significant in affecting Internet use (p < 0.01). Based on these results following policy recommendations are provided to encourage farmers to use the Internet for agricultural purposes: Relevant government agencies should set directional policies to create more contact channels for farmers, develop and disseminate educational materials online via social media platforms such as Facebook, LINE, and YouTube, and improve the Internet network and services.

Can farmer organization membership improve household food security and nutrition? Evidence from Northern Ghana

AbstractWe examine the impact of farmer organization (FO) membership on food and nutrition security among rural rice farmers, using cross‐sectional data from a household survey from Ghana. We employ an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model to account for selection bias from observed and unobserved factors. Our findings show that participation in FOs significantly increases household dietary diversity by 10.56% and reduces food insecurity by 9.7%. The residualized quantile regression model results are consistent with the ESR model across both outcome variables. Policymakers should consider promoting FO membership as a strategy to enhance food and nutrition security among smallholders in developing countries.

Empowered but afraid: do Saudi women have the capability to freely decide their university majors?

This study used a capability approach to investigate Saudi women’s empowerment experiences and their capabilities in decision-making regarding choosing their university majors. Further, the study explored what capabilities women required to make decisions regarding their majors at university. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 26 women, comprising graduates, students, and faculty members. Results revealed that new legislation and regulations in Saudi Arabia have positively influenced sociocultural transformation. However, in small cities and nonurban settings, women may struggle to reject traditional social norms despite their empowerment. The findings indicate that encouraging students’ voluntary work and their membership in groups and organisations, as well as ensuring diverse hiring practices are in place in rural areas and small cities, could support a more general acceptance of women’s empowerment.

The Expansion of Incentive (Performance-Based) Regulation of Electricity Distribution and Transmission in the United States

I examine developments in the application of performance-based regulation (PBR) to electricity distribution and transmission in the United States. Applications of comprehensive PBR to electricity distribution had been slow to diffuse in the U.S. prior to roughly 2000. PBR mechanisms are now being applied more frequently to electricity distribution, which reflects the changing structure of the electric power industry and the increasing obligations that are being placed on electric distribution companies. The new obligations are a consequence primarily of aggressive targets for decarbonizing the electricity sector in nearly half the states and the goal of using “clean” electricity to electrify transportation, buildings, and other sectors. PBR should be viewed as a set of “building blocks” that can be adopted in various combinations and should recognize that PBR and traditional cost-of-service regulation (COSR) are properly viewed as complements rather than substitutes. Recent reforms in the regulation of distribution companies in Great Britain—“RIIO”—have been influential in the U.S. The main reforms contained in RIIO are discussed. There has been essentially no application of PBR by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to owners of transmission assets or to independent transmission operators. FERC has applied targeted incentives to encourage investment in transmission facilities and membership in independent system operator organizations. However, the regulation of transmission rates relies primarily on COSR in the form of formula rates and has poor incentive properties. Regulation of independent system operators is a challenge because they are non-profit organizations with no equity to put at risk. Reforms here are suggested.

Professional networks and access to extension as drivers of sustainable agricultural practices among Ghanaian oil palm farmers

Increasing agricultural productivity through the uptake of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) offers a credible pathway to addressing food insecurity while preserving vital ecosystem resources, as such, factors that drive farmers' decisions to adopt these SAPs need examination. Most extant studies, on the adoption of SAPs, however, tend to place emphasis on socioeconomic incentives, giving little attention to the role of professional networks and institutional factors especially on oil palm which has strong links to deforestation and reduction in tree cover despite the numerous economic benefits. Using cross-sectional data from six oil palm producing regions in Ghana, this study analyses the role of producer membership, links with institutions such as NGOs, and extension access in the adoption of improved seeds, fertilizers, pest management practices, soil and moisture conservation practices, and legume cover crops among oil palm farmers in Ghana. The study employs a multivariate probit model to examine the probability of adopting SAPs and a poisson regression to model the intensity of SAPs adopted. The study also uses the instrumental variable approach to circumvent the issue of endogeneity. Results indicate that these networks and institutions significantly affect farmers’ adoption of SAPs. The study also finds heterogeneous associations with the adoption decisions depending on the type of innovation. In particular, we show evidence that farmers’ link with formal institutions is negatively associated with the adoption of diverse input intensive technologies, whereas it is positively associated with the adoption of natural resource management technologies. However, we find a consistent positive association of membership of producer organization on the adoption of different SAPs except legume cover cropping. Though differing relationships, we find that extension access and membership of producer organization are significantly associated with the intensity of SAPs adoption. Taken together, our findings suggest an integrated approach by the actors in the promotion of SAPs.

Harnessing climate information service use for cocoa farming sustainability in Ghana

ABSTRACT Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural sectors worldwide, including the cocoa industry, which is highly vulnerable to climate variability. Understanding how climate information services (CIS) can support cocoa farmers in adapting to these challenges is crucial for enhancing resilience and ensuring the sustainability of cocoa production. We employed a survey methodology that usedd a simple random sampling technique to select 400 cocoa farmers. The findings show that a substantial majority of cocoa farmers actively use climate information services. Weather forecasts emerge as the most commonly utilised CIS (87.57%). Radio emerges as the predominant source of climate information, notably for its accessibility and reach. Respondents expressed a favourable perception of CIS. Membership in farmer-based organizations and access to extension services enhance the likelihood of CIS utilisation. A compelling narrative of the remarkable outcomes of CIS unfolds, spotlighting a 53% increase in cocoa yields, a resounding 72% reduction in household food insecurity, and a striking 58% surge in income. Despite these triumphant strides, the perceived complexity surrounding CIS dissemination and utilisation emerges as a key challenge. Urgent efforts to streamline accessibility, foster comprehension, and bolster resource allocations must follow, ensuring that cocoa farming remains a beacon of sustainable prosperity.

Determinants of Smallholder Farmers’ Decisions to Use Multiple Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies in North Wello Zone, Northern Ethiopia

Climate change presents significant challenges to agriculture in developing nations, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and food security. In Ethiopia, agriculture is crucial to the economy and the well-being of millions. This study focuses on analyzing the determinants that affect smallholder farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies in the North Wello administrative zone, northern Ethiopia. Through multivariate and ordered probit econometric models, data from 411 rural household heads were analyzed. Results reveal the synergy among climate-smart agricultural practices in rainfed farming systems, essential for crafting a comprehensive CSA package within an agroecological framework. The multivariate probit estimation results show that education, membership in local organizations, farm size, tropical livestock unit (TLU), irrigated land ownership, plot number, steep slope, farmland distance to home, and access to a local media source are positive determinants for the decision to use the type and several climate-smart agricultural practices. Lack of credit, large family size, distance from extension services, and proximity to the nearest market were all associated with lower adoption of all CSA technologies. The findings suggest that blanket recommendations for climate-smart agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers can be avoided. The complementarities that exist between CSA technologies may require further investigation into how such complementarities have benefits in terms of improving land productivity and food security and reducing climate-related risks for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and other contexts. Moreover, by emphasizing an agroecological framework, the study promotes environmentally sustainable and socially equitable agricultural practices that are economically viable, contributing to broader environmental sustainability and development goals.

Factors influencing the allocative efficiency of the small-scale tomato (Lycopersicum species) production in Kaduna state, Nigeria: implications for food security and resource management

This study evaluated factors influencing the allocative efficiency of the small-scale tomato (Lycopersicum species) production in Kaduna State, Nigeria: implications for food security and resource management. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 small-scale tomato farmers. The data from primary sources was collected with the help of a well-structured and well-designed questionnaire. This data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result indicates that the mean age of the small-scale tomato resource farmers is 46 years old; the mean household size of the respondents is 7 persons, while the mean resource farm size is 1.17 ha. The minimum and the maximum allocative efficiency scores of the tomato farmers are 0.30 and 0.93 respectively. The results of the profitability analysis indicate that the tomato production is profitable with a gross margin and a net farm income of N550, 960 per ha and N497, 190 respectively. The gross margin and operating ratios are 0.69 and 0.28 respectively. The resource inputs and socio-economic factors influencing the allocative efficiency of tomato production are the following: age, farm size, household size, gender, marital status, level of education, access to extension services, and membership in a cooperative organization. The study recommends that farmers should be provided with the following resource inputs: improved seeds, chemicals, fertilizer inputs, credit facilities and extension services in order to reduce resource wastages, increase efficiency and productivity. Keywords: allocative efficiency, small-scale tomato production, resource management, food security, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Impact Evaluation and Adoption of Climate Resilience and Nutrition Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Burundi: A Case Study of the Rural Bujumbura Province

The new orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties have been adopted with the aim of increasing production, farmers' welfare, and combating chronic malnutrition. This study analyzed the impact of orange-fleshed sweet potato adoption on production in Gihanga commune using the propensity score matching method. A survey of 385 households was carried out on April 2023, including 161 orange-fleshed sweet potato adopters and 224 non-adopters. The determinants and rate of adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potato were also analyzed using the logit model and the Average Treatment effect on the Treated (ATT) method respectively, while Kendall's Concordance Coefficient was used to determine adoption constraints. Thus, unpredictable weather and climatic conditions, lack of capital, unavailability of PDCO cuttings, insufficient arable land as well as high labor costs are the main constraints to orange-fleshed sweet-potato adoption. The adoption rate for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is estimated at 42%. Adoption of PDCO was positively and significantly influenced by the household head's level of education, family labor, access to credit, access to extension services and membership of producer organizations, while the household head's age and household size had a negative impact on adoption. The ATT revealed that the adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes increased production per adopter household by an average of 369.88 kg, although the difference was not statistically significant. The government and other players in the agricultural sector should do their part to raise awareness, disseminate, facilitate access and mobilize farmers to adopt sweet potato varieties in order to improve their productivity.