Ordered Logit Regression Analysis Research Articles

Unveiling the Shadows: Understanding Social and Demographic Awareness of Migrant Smuggling in Pakistan

Migration as a social issue has gained importance for the government and the people. Illegal migration has caused thousands of people to die due to unawareness of its consequences. Therefore, the present study highlights the socio-economic determinants of awareness of migrant smuggling by taking data from 660 people from Punjab, Pakistan. The paper has made use of descriptive analyses and ordered logit regression analysis to determine the awareness level. The findings of the study have found a significant impact of education, people living in urban areas, people from high social classes, frequency of information, and source of information from peer groups, social media and newsletters on the level of awareness. The study recommends that increasing the level of awareness requires an active role for state agencies and civil society. The government can make use of media, especially electronic media, to launch information campaigns and rapidly transfer knowledge to the general public.

Consumption patterns of organic vegetable consumers in Ghana

The study examined organic vegetable attributes, consumer decisions and consumption patterns of consumers in Ghana. A sample of 399 consumers was selected using a simple random sampling technique and data was collected through structured questionnaires. The study analyzed the important attributes of organic vegetables using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The factors influencing consumers' decision to consume organic vegetables and the proportion of their total expenditure allocated to organic vegetables was analyzed using Cragg's double hurdle model. Finally, ordered logit regression was employed to analyse the factors influencing the consumption patterns of organic vegetables consumers. The results revealed that consumers prioritize health concerns and sensory attributes when purchasing organic vegetables as these were identified as the most important attributes. Also, socioeconomic factors, viz. age group, educational level and income level, as well as institutional factors, viz. market type, availability of organic vegetables and accreditation, significantly influenced the decision and expenditure on organic vegetables. In addition, consumers exhibited irregular consumption patterns, and a significant proportion of consumers acquired information about organic vegetables through family and friends. Furthermore, the ordered logit regression analysis revealed several factors that significantly influenced the consumption patterns of organic vegetables. These include age category, educational level, household head, household size, income level, type of market, time to market, and accreditation. The study recommends that government and other stakeholders should consider consumers' consumption patterns, attributes of organic vegetables they consider prior to purchasing as well as factors influencing their decision-making when developing marketing strategies and policies for organic vegetable farmers. This approach can help meet consumer demands and help improve the development and promotion of organic vegetables in the market.

Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotics use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh

BackgroundAntibiotic resistance is a global public health concern that requires an understanding of public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the KAP regarding antibiotic use and AMR among the general population in Bangladesh. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 656 respondents in Bangladesh. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotics use and AMR were collected through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and ordered logit regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. ResultsThe study involved participants, with 52.44 % aged 18 to 30, 77.29 % males, and 92.53 % having primary education or higher. Urban residents were 80 %, and students formed the largest occupational group (29.57 %), followed by businessmen (25 %), service holders (24.7 %), housewives (10.52 %), and day laborers (8.84 %). The majority of respondents demonstrated average knowledge (52.29 %), moderate attitudes (67.84 %), and good practices (50.61 %) regarding antibiotic use and AMR. Socioeconomic factors such as education, media exposure, and urban residence significantly (1 % level of significance) influenced KAP. The findings revealed knowledge gaps and misconceptions among the respondents, including incorrect beliefs about antibiotic resistance (42%), and inadequate awareness of the importance of completing full antibiotic courses (54.88 %). ConclusionThis study sheds light on the existing KAP related to antibiotic use and AMR within the general population of Bangladesh. The findings reveal varying levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the participants. The results underscore the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, and misconceptions for awareness building through educational campaigns utilizing social media platforms and newspapers. These insights provide a foundation for informed strategies to ensure the continued efficacy of antibiotics.

Eco-Efficiency, Environmental and Sustainable Innovation in Recycling Energy and Their Effect on Business Performance: Evidence from European SMEs

This paper examines the influence of adopting resource efficiency actions, saving water, saving energy, using renewable energy, saving materials, minimizing waste, selling scrap, recycling, using durable products, promoting environmental responsibility, and offering green marketing products and services on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More specifically, we investigate specific resource efficiency actions and their impact on production costs, investment, the available support for product expansion, and the effect of encountered barriers on SME performance. We develop a theoretical framework based on stakeholder- and resource-based theories to serve as the foundation for this analysis. We use these theories to explain the link between eco-efficiency actions, firm performance, and ecological behavior, along with public policy and innovation. This study uses Flash Eurobarometer survey datasets FL342, FL381, FL426, and FL456, which cover SMEs across time and sectors in 28 EU countries. The data are analyzed through descriptive and ordered logit regression analysis, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the relationship between the above variables and the parameters. In terms of practical implications, these findings are crucial in helping SMEs pursue sustainable development. According to the findings, SMEs lack information on how implementing eco-efficiency action affects their financial health and sustainable innovation. This study can provide valuable insights into how implementing eco-efficiency practices can positively impact a company’s bottom line, good health, and employees’ well-being and how SMEs can use this information to make more informed decisions. Additionally, the findings can help inform policy makers about how to better support SMEs in pursuing sustainable development.

Social Waste or Outcomes Achievement? Exploring the Impact of Performance Budgeting on Municipal Fiscal Health

Performance budgeting is a contentious area in public administration literature. While performance budgeting systems are widely adopted with promises of better fiscal outcomes, public administration theory implies that this practice may generate social waste. Most empirical research that finds null or negative effects of performance budgeting focuses only on how performance budgeting affects resource allocations and cost savings. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature by conducting a quantitative panel-data analysis to determine whether the inclusion of performance information in municipal budgets contributes to better fiscal outcomes. An ordered logit regression analysis in the context of 125 large U.S. cities over a 12-year span (2008–2019) demonstrates that performance budgeting is positively associated with municipal fiscal health.

Large-Scale and Online Retailer Assortment: The Case of Plant-Based Beverages as Alternatives to Cow’s Milk

This research analysed the size and depth of assortment and the marketing strategies of communications around plant-based beverages (PBBs) on the Italian market. Sales of PBBs have increased over the last year due to their use as a substitute for cow’s milk and also thanks to their popularity in online distribution. This study compares the characteristics of the PBB assortment sold across 65 large-scale retail stores and on 74 websites. The comparison was made considering 15 product categories defined by main ingredient, packaging type, specialty, and claims found on labels. An ordered logit regression analysis was performed to understand how key product features positively or negatively influence the selling price. The results showed that online sales focus on describing plant-based beverages with characteristics that are closer to new consumer preferences (with labels such as “free from” products, “naturalness” of the product, and “health” characteristics). In both distribution channels, there were few products with packaging information related to nutritional characteristics, health benefits, and environmental sustainability, in contrast to the needs expressed by baby food purchasers. Additionally, the price analysis showed unexpected results: in fact, some products for which, according to the literature, consumers would be willing to pay a premium price, instead showed a lower retail price than the average price. These results could represent a concrete tool to improve the efficiency of promotional campaigns and communication strategies for baby food, optimising communication according to consumer needs.

Mediating factors for profitability in textile and footwear retail businesses

Braamfontein is one of the suburbs of Johannesburg which is known for a wide variety of vibrant retail business activities such as restaurants, cafeterias, spaza shops, newspaper shops, clothing, textile, footwear, hair dresser’s shops, tour operators, bus and taxi ranks, hotels and entertainment centres. Braamfontein has retailers from all over the world. A survey was conducted by gathering retail trade data from 586 entrepreneurs in Braamfontein working in footwear and textile retail businesses to determine predictors of profitability. The study found that 406 of the 586 SMMEs in the study (69.28%) were profitable, whereas the remaining 180 of the 586 SMMEs in the study (30.72%) were not profitable. Results obtained from factor analysis and ordered logit regression analysis showed that profitability was significantly influenced by 3 variables of the study. These 3 predictor variables of study were the level of satisfaction of employees with the style of business leadership in the business, use of social media for networking and marketing merchandise to customers, and the ability to check the quality of services rendered to customers by employees of the business.

Assessing agricultural commercialization and rural infrastructure development in rural Southwestern Nigeria: evidence from smallholder cassava farmers

This study assessed agricultural commercialization and rural infrastructure development of smallholder cassava farmers in rural Southwestern Nigeria. The study was conducted in Nigeria with cross-sectional data collected from 352 smallholder cassava farmers. Crop commercialization index (CCI) was used to compute each farmer’s CCI and categorized into four levels while ordered logit model was employed to analyze the determinants of agricultural commercialization of cassava farmers in the study areas. Availability of some important rural infrastructures were assessed across cassava farmers’ commercialization levels. The results revealed that 13.1 % of cassava farmers did not participate in the sale of cassava roots while 86.9 % of them participated actively in the output market. The mean and maximum CCI in the study areas was 59.1 and 95.5 respectively. The results also showed that less than 40 % and 20 % of cassava farmers in all commercialization levels had access to electricity and piped water respectively. The ordered logit regression analysis indicated that age, transport cost, cassava marketing experience, and distance to market were among the determinants of agricultural commercialization. Therefore, stakeholders should expedite policy actions capable of promoting rural infrastructure development that will enhance agricultural production, marketing and improve the quality of life of rural farming communities.

THE ROLE OF PERCEPTION IN THE ENTRY OF WOULD-BE ENTREPRENEUR INTO AGRIBUSINESS: A CASE STUDY OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed perceptions as a determinant of young would-be entrepreneurs’ likelihood to venture into agribusiness in Benue State, Nigeria. The study made use of the ex-post facto research design and the population was made up of registered persons who had been trained or were undergoing agribusiness trainings at business school, university, government agencies or non-governmental organizations within the ages of 15-35 for the 2019 and 2020 cropping season totaling 10320. The sample size of 385 was determined from the population using Taro Yamane formula. Primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Findings revealed that age group of entrepreneurs (mean = 2.83), years of experience in agribusiness (mean = 2.33), their occupation (mean = 2.90) and their level of education (mean = 4.66) are likely socioeconomic indicators of perceptions influencing likelihood to venture among young would-be agribusiness entrepreneurs in the State. The result of the ordered logit regression analysis showed that for 3 categories of perception, years in agribusiness, occupation and level of education are significant influencers viz: personal perception (-0.31**, 0.28**, -0.27**), respectively. social perception (-0.83***, 0.64***, -0.36**) respectively and familial perception (-0.87***, 0.64**, -4.81***) all these results were significant at 1% = *** and 5% = **. The study recommended that, more educational programs for young would-be entrepreneurs needs to be deepened through exposure to more learning tools and capacity building to aid in dispelling negative perceptions about the practice of agribusiness. Promotion of hands-on training, mentorship and campaigns is advocated to enhance experience among young would-be entrepreneurs.

Investigating food insecurity, health and environment-related factors, and agricultural commercialization in Southwestern Nigeria: evidence from smallholder farming households.

Hunger and food insecurity remained some of the serious challenges facing our world in present time with great concerns from Sub-Saharan Africa especially countries like Nigeria. This study investigates food insecurity (FI), health and environment-related factors, and agricultural commercialization among smallholder farm households. This study was conducted in Southwestern Nigeria utilizing cross-sectional survey data from 352 farm households and employed multi-stage sampling procedure. The household FI levels was determined using food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), crop commercialization index (CCI) was used to compute each household’s CCI (four levels), while ordered logit model was used to analyse factors influencing FI. Health and environment-related factors’ access were assessed across each FI category. The results indicated that about 13% of cassava farm households are non-participant in the marketing of their produce. The findings revealed that less than 20%, 30%. and 40% of households in all four FI categories had access to piped water, improved toilet facilities, and electricity respectively. The ordered logit regression analysis indicated that age, gender, education level, farm experience, nonfarm income, and ownership of motorcycle significantly influencing FI in the study areas. Therefore, this study stressed the implementation of policy actions capable of promoting rural infrastructure development that will lead to increased agricultural production, marketing, and improved quality of life of rural dwellers.

An association analysis between hypertension, dementia, and depression and the phases of pre-sarcopenia to sarcopenia: A cross-sectional analysis.

Sarcopenia is intricately related to aging associated diseases, such as neuropsychiatric disorders, oral status, and chronic diseases. Dementia and depression are interconnected and also related to sarcopenia. The preliminary shift from robust to sarcopenia (i.e., pre-sarcopenia) is an important albeit underdiscussed stage and is the focus of this study. Identifying factors associated with pre-sarcopenia may lead to sarcopenia prevention. To separately examine the effects of dementia and depression on pre-sarcopenia/sarcopenia, we conducted multiple analyses. This cross-sectional study used health checkup data from a rural Japanese island. The participants were aged 60 years and above, and the data included muscle mass, gait speed, handgrip strength, oral status (teeth and denture), chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension), dementia (cognitive assessment for dementia, iPad Version), and depression (self-rating depression scale). A total of 753 older adult participants were divided into the sarcopenia (n = 30), pre-sarcopenia (n = 125), and robust (n = 598) groups. An ordered logit regression analysis indicated that age and depression were positively correlated with sarcopenia, while hypertension was negatively associated with it. A multiple logistic regression analysis between the robust and pre-sarcopenia groups showed significant associations between the same three variables. Depression was associated with pre-sarcopenia, but not dementia. There was also a significant association between hypertension and pre-sarcopenia. Further research is needed to reveal whether the management of these factors can prevent sarcopenia.

Improved Cattle Production Parameter Drivers Among Farmers in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa

This study was conducted to identify weaning percentage drivers among cattle farmers in Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Two hundred (200) household cattle farmers were randomly selected from four major rural farming communities of Mpumalanga province of South Africa and questionnaires administered on management and production of cattle. Data generated was analyzed descriptively before ordered logit regression analysis model was used to identify determinants of weaning percentage among cattle farmers. Results indicate that majority of farmers mated their heifers at young age (below 2yrs) while medium calving percentage was maintained by majority of respondents. Among the production parameters influencing weaning percentage among cattle farmers in the Province, only calving percentage and weaning age significantly (P less than 0.05) determined the weaning percentage based on ordered logit analysis. Hence calving percentage and weaning age are very critical factors for productivity and profitability of cattle farming enterprise in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.

Inadequately educated workforce and financing obstacles: international evidence from SMEs in developing countries

PurposeThis paper aims to document the impact of inadequately educated workforce on the extent of financing obstacles experienced by firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the data provided by the World Bank's Enterprise Surveys to test our arguments. The data were collected during the period between 2008 and 2018 in 141 developing countries. A pooled ordered logit regression analysis is performed to arrive at the results.FindingsThe study’s results show that firms with inadequately educated workforce are more likely to experience financing obstacles than other firms. The authors argue that poor performance and lack of technical expertise required to access finance are some of the reasons behind greater financing obstacles experienced by these firms. The study’s results are robust across different geographic regions. The authors also show that firms with inadequately educated workforce are more likely to seek informal credit for financing their short-term (working capital) and long-term (capital expenditures) capital requirements.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the factors that affect the financing constraints faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be valuable to managers of SMEs and policy-makers. By removing these constraints, managers can improve their access to financing, and policy-makers can facilitate higher economic growth and better economic conditions.Originality/valuePrior studies have largely been silent on the impact of inadequately educated workforce on the access to finance. This paper draws attention to this issue within the context of SMEs in an international setting. SMEs are the drivers of economic growth in any country. However, their contributions to economic growth cannot materialize without fulfilling their capital needs.

Farmers’ Perceived Effects of Communal Conflicts on the Delivery of Agricultural Extension Services in North-Central, Nigeria

The study examined the perceived effects of communal conflicts on the delivery of agricultural extension services to farmers in North-central, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; determine the perceived effects of communal conflicts on the delivery of agricultural extension services by field extension workers of Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) to farmers in the study area, and; identify the relationships between selected socio-economic characteristics and perceived effects of communal conflicts on agricultural extension services delivery. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 391 farmers. Information was elicited using questionnaire, interview schedule and focus group discussion and analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and Likert-type rating scale and Ordered Logit Regression analysis. The major findings show that the majority of the respondents in the study area perceived communal conflicts to have high effects on accessibility of extension services (x̅=2.50), timeliness of extension services (x̅=2.49), efficiency of extension services (x̅ =2.49), targeting of extension services (x̅=2.48), effectiveness of extension services (x̅=2.41), relevance of extension services (x̅=2.36) and content accuracy of extension services (x̅=2.27). The findings further reveal that sex of the farmers, marital status, educational level, number of extension contacts, farm size and distance from the farming communities to a major town had significant relationships with perceived effects of communal conflicts on extension services delivery. The study recommended that government should adopt policies that would tackle the causes and occurrence of communal conflicts in communities in the country so as to reduce the effect of the conflicts on timeliness, effectiveness, efficiency, targeting and usefulness of extension services. Key words: Communal conflicts, extension services, farmers

Value of VKORC1 (−1639G>A) rs9923231 genotyping in predicting warfarin dose: A replication study in South Indian population

ObjectiveWarfarin is the most commonly prescribed oral anticoagulant, although having a narrow therapeutic index and wide interindividual variability. The aim of this study was to replicate the utility of VKORC1 (−1639G>A) rs9923231 genotyping in predicting the mean daily dose and to evaluate its ability to categorize warfarin-treated patients to high-, intermediate-, or low-dose categories in the South Indian population. Materials and methodsA cohort of 222 warfarin-treated patients was genotyped using restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The influence of the rs9923231 polymorphism on the variations in the mean daily dose was compared using one-way analysis of variance and linear regression analysis. Discriminatory ability of the rs9923231 polymorphism to group the patients into ordered dose categories was assessed by estimating the proportional odds ratios using the ordered logit regression analysis. ResultsThe frequency of AA genotype and A allele in the study sample was found to be 1.8% and 9.23%, respectively, which was similar to reports from other South Indian populations. The mean daily dose required to achieve the optimum international normalized ratio was significantly lower in AA homozygous genotype carriers (3.99 ± 1.67 mg/day) and GA heterozygous (4.26 ± 1.57 mg/day) compared to the GG genotype carriers (5.51 ± 2.13 mg/day), p = 0.003. The A allele carriers (GA+AA genotypes) had a 3.23 higher odds of being grouped as a low-dose requiring category compared to non-carriers (95% CI 1.49–6.98, p = 0.003). ConclusionsThese preliminary results strongly support the use of VKORC1 (−1639G>A) rs9923231 polymorphism for genetically guided initial warfarin dosing in South Indian patients with heart valve replacements.

Attitudes Towards Premarital Sex in India: Traditionalism and Cultural Change

Every society changes with time. With prosperity and improvement in economic conditions, values change. Traditional values that a society carries attenuate and modernity replaces age-old notions. The present article inspects the sixth wave of the World Values Survey examining changing perceptions of Indian respondents towards sex before marriage. It is observed that premarital sex in India is becoming more common but still not widespread. The ordered logit regression analysis reveals that whereas religious minded, single and left-leaning respondents are more traditional, respondents belonging to higher class or lower education level are more permissive about premarital sex. The article concludes that with the increase in permissiveness towards premarital sex and the possibility of unprotected, risky sexual behaviour, suitable policies should be adopted to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Corruption and civic space: Contextual factors influencing EITI compliance

Market and government failures led to the formation of multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) as an alternative governance structure. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is one of these. The impact assessments of EITI yield mixed results. The variation in impact may be attributed to the difference in compliance with the EITI Standard. The authors implemented an ordered logit regression analysis to analyze the relationship between contextual factors and countries’ level of EITI compliance. The authors used the 2013–2015 World Governance Indicators (WGIs) to represent the state of governance in member countries. The EITI International Secretariat’s quarterly assessment of countries’ compliance with the EITI safeguard requirements was used as a proxy for EITI compliance. The authors found statistically significant positive relationship between perception of political freedom and compliance with the safeguard requirements. This finding supports the importance of civic space in making MSIs effective. The authors also found that states that are perceived to be more corrupt, ineffective and has weak rule of law are more likely to comply with the EITI requirements. The findings on freedom and corruption are consistent across models. Countries maybe complying with EITI to improve their reputation and benefit from incentives a compliance status in EITI bring.

Economic Pessimism and Racial Discrimination in Brazil

When studying Black politics, Brazil is an important country to consider because of its large Afro-descended population, its history of slavery, and persistent racial and economic inequality. In this article, I examine the role perceptions of racial discrimination play on the economic well-being of the Black Afro-Brazilian population. I test the hypothesis that, as Afro-Brazilians’ perceptions of racial discrimination increase, the more likely it is they will hold a pessimistic view of their economic situation. I rely on 2010 national data to conduct an ordered logit regression analysis which shows that Black and Brown Brazilians who have experienced racial discrimination are more likely to be pessimistic about their economic situation when compared with Blacks and Browns who have not experienced racial discrimination. In addition, ordered logit regression analysis demonstrates that respondents who admit experiencing racial discrimination are more likely to be women, identify as preto, and have more education.

MODELING NO-TILL ADOPTION BY CORN AND SOYBEAN PRODUCERS: INSIGHTS INTO SUSTAINED ADOPTION

AbstractNo-till acreage has increased in recent years, but many farmers alternate no-till with other tillage practices, limiting public and private benefits from sustained no-till adoption. Revealed preference data are used in an ordered logit regression analysis to determine the effect of soil characteristics, climate, regions, farm characteristics, and producer demographics on producers’ choices to use continuous tillage, alternate no-till systems with tillage systems, or continuously use no-till. The model provides insight into the characteristics and conditions that are conducive to each tillage regime. The attributes found to significantly affect continuous no-till use are erodibility classification, drainage, farm size, and climate.

Pre-announcements of price increase intentions in liner shipping spot markets

Carriers in liner shipping markets frequently make public announcements of general rate increase (GRI) intentions, based on which EU authorities have concerns as to whether this harms market competition. This paper aims to empirically investigate how well the GRI system works from an industrial competition perspective, which will indirectly indicate whether carriers are able to manipulate spot rates following GRI announcements. Taking the Far East–North Europe trade between 2009 and 2013 as an example, the paper first reveals the gradual increase of GRI frequency and size, which reflects carriers’ attempts to restore profitability against overcapacity. However, out of all the GRI events only 28.6% were observed to be successful. Since these GRI successes must be the results of either price collusion (if any) and/or normal rate change by carriers in response to fundamental market developments, the effective collusion, if it exists, is actually lower than 28.6%. Next, we identify eight factors influencing GRI successes. To further assess their impact, we applied an ordered logit regression analysis, which, based on four of the factors involved, yields good predictability for GRI success. The four factors, in sequence of explanation power, are the total capacity of GRI carriers, the idling fleet size, the spot rate level, and the average ship-loading factor. Clearly the latter three factors are market fundamentals, which are unlikely to be influenced by an individual carrier in the short term. In actual fact, the conclusion reached is that there is little evidence that carriers can manipulate and distort spot rates through GRIs.