Total Variable Cost Research Articles

Samosa Kulit Buah Naga dan Saus Buah Naga Pada Perusahaan Kebun Naga Poernama Garut

This research is motivated by the lack of creativity in samosa processing, the author uses dragon fruit peel filling with the aim of utilizing commonly wasted materials, and introducing to the public that dragon fruit peel can also be processed not only the meat that can be eaten, which of course is no less high nutrition with dragon fruit meat. The method used in this research is research and development, by conducting a series of experiments and development using a secoring scale hedonic test involving 25 panelists. The results of the study determine the standard recipe, namely dragon fruit skin 200 g, chicken 100 g, onion 50 g, paprika 50 g, salt 3 g, flavoring 2 g, curry powder 5 g. The results of the main test calculation of the organoleptic test of Samosa filled with dragon fruit skin and dragon fruit sauce have an average value of 88.8%. . The results of the calculation of business analysis of samosa filled with dragon fruit peel and dragon fruit sauce are Cost of goods per portion of Rp 9,760, Total variable cost of Rp 10,340 Selling price per portion of Rp 25,000, Fixed cost of Rp 1,625,000, BEP 111 units / month, Target Operating income of Rp 4,000,000 will be achieved if sales reach 111 servings / month or with sales of 13 servings / day. Suggestions in this study, namely, in the drying process it is recommended until the water content in the dragon fruit skin comes out a lot so that when cooking it is not watery.

Analysis of selective neurocritical care admission costs following elective endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

No consensus exists on the necessity of neurocritical care unit (NCU)-level care following unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) treatment. We aim to identify patients requiring NCU-level care post-treatment and determine potential cost savings utilizing a selective NCU admission protocol. A retrospective analysis of all UIA patients who underwent endovascular treatment at a single center from 2017-2022 was conducted. Data on demographics, preprocedural variables, radiographic features, procedural techniques, intra/postoperative events, and length of stay (LOS) were collected. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify patients requiring NCU-level care post-treatment. Cost analysis using hospital cost data (not charges/reimbursement) was performed using simulated step-down and floor protocols for patients without NCU indications following a hypothetical six-hour post-anesthesia care unit observation period. Of 209 patients, 179 were discharged within 24 h and 30 had prolonged LOS. In our analysis, intra- and postoperative events independently predicted prolonged LOS. In our subanalysis, 47 patients demonstrated NCU needs: 24 with intraoperative indications, 18 with postoperative indications, and five with both. Of the 23 with postoperative indications, 20 were identified within six hours, while three were identified within six to 24 h. The median variable cost per patient for the current NCU protocol was $31,505 (IQR, $26,331-$37,053) vs. stepdown protocol $29,514 (IQR, $24,746-$35,011;p = 0.061) vs. floor protocol $26,768 (IQR, $22,214-$34,107;p < 0.001). Total variable costs were $6,211,497 for the current NCU protocol vs. $5,921,912 for the step-down protocol (4.89% savings) and $5,509,052 for the floor protocol (12.75% savings). Most patients requiring NCU-level care following UIA treatment were identified within a six-hour postoperative window. Thus, selective NCU admission for this cohort following a six-hour observation period may be a logical avenue for cost reduction. Our analysis demonstrated 5% and 13% savings for uncomplicated patients using step-down and floor admission protocols, respectively.

Transforming Locust Bean Processing: A Path to Profit for Elderly Women's Microbusiness in Sokoto, Nigeria

This study investigates the value addition potential of African locust beans (Parkia biglobosa) in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria, emphasizing the socio-economic characteristics of processors, cost-benefit analysis, and strategies for enhancing the value chain. Despite the nutritional and economic significance of locust beans, their market utilization remains constrained by traditional processing methods, inadequate packaging, and a lack of modern branding. Utilizing a multi-stage sampling technique, data was collected from 60 respondents, revealing that the locust bean processing industry is predominantly elderly female-driven, with limited modern educational and high family sizes. The total variable costs for processing were computed at ₦1,6888.49 revenue of ₦2,473 thus realizing a gross margin of ₦873.2. However, upon value addition of grinding and branded packaging, the variable cost rose to ₦7,220, with revenue from packaged Daddawa reaching ₦12,000, resulting in a Gross margin of ₦4,780. This underscores the financial viability of value addition through improved packaging and branding. The study further identifies key constraints including market disorganization and the need for better processing technologies. The findings advocate for strategic interventions to enhance the economic value of locust beans, promoting broader consumer acceptance and contributing to food security and economic development in the region.

Economic Assessment of Tuta Absoluta Effect on Tomato Production in East Nawalparasi

Tuta absoluta is an invasive and highly destructive pest of tomato plants, originated in South America, specifically Peru. It has the capability to infest and cause extensive damage to large areas of cultivated tomato fields, as well as other plants in the solanaceous family. This study aims to assess the economic analysis of effect of Tuta absoluta on tomato production. The study was carried out in Kawasoti municipality, Madhyabindu municipality, and Hupsekot rural municipality of East Nawalparasi district of Nepal. They were selected purposively as research sites as the problem of Tuta was more prominent in these localities. Ninety households that were involved in tomato cultivation were selected through the simple random sampling method for the survey. The primary data were collected through individual respondents through pre-tested questionnaires, face-to-face questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, scaling &amp; indexing were used to analyze the data. Most of the farmers cultivated tomatoes in open fields (68.8%) only whereas 26.6% of farmers cultivated in plastic tunnels. The insect pest problem was ranked as the first major problem of farmers. The study revealed that all of the farmers had problems with Tuta in their tomato fields. The minimum yield loss due to Tuta absoluta was 10% and the maximum loss was 80%. The total variable cost (T.V.C) for tomato production in one kathha is NRs. 11210. Average production of tomato per kathha was 550 kg. Gross return and gross margin from tomato cultivation in 1 kathhaare NRs. 16500 with Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.64. The average loss of tomatoes per kathha was 72 kg. Only 20 % of the farmers had knowledge regarding the life cycle Tuta absoluta. The most affected stage by Tuta was the flowering stage. This study suggests that effective management of Tuta absoluta can substantially improve tomato production.

Traditional and Integrated MCDM Approaches for Assessment and Ranking of Laser Cutting Conditions

Multiple benefits and advantages that offer laser cutting technology are difficult to achieve if the laser cutting parameter conditions are not adequately set. Determining laser cutting conditions is not trivial task considering large number of controllable inputs, existence of multiple process performances which are often mutually opposed as well as effects of noise factors. Different scientific methods and engineering approaches represent more sophisticated approaches which aid assessment and determination of the most favourable (optimized) cutting conditions. This study is focused assessment and ranking of laser cutting conditions in CO2 laser cutting of AISI 316L stainless steel. Based on kerf width and surface roughness experimental data and estimation of material removal rate (MRR) and total variable costs, four criteria in the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model were considered. For solving the developed model, six well-known MCDM methods were applied, and in addition, in order to overcome ranking inconsistency, robust decision-making rule was developed upon which final ranking was obtained.

PSX-3 Transcriptional response to an alternative diet on liver, muscle, and rumen of beef cattle

Abstract Feed cost represents a major economic determinant within cattle production, amounting to an estimated 75% of the total variable costs. Consequently, comprehensive approaches such as optimizing feed utilization through alternative feed sources, alongside the selection of feed-efficient animals, are of great significance. Here, we investigate the effect of two diets, traditional corn-grain fed and alternative by-product based, on 14 phenotypes related to feed, methane emission and production efficiency and on multi-tissue transcriptomics data from liver, muscle, and rumen wall, derived from Nellore bulls (n = 52), 26 on each diet. To this end, diets were contrasted at the level of phenotype, gene expression, and gene-phenotype network connectivity. As regards the phenotypic level, at a P-value &amp;lt; 0.05, significant differences were found in favor of the alternative diet for average daily weight gain at finishing, dry matter intake at finishing, methane emission, carcass yield and subcutaneous fat thickness at the rib-eye muscle area. In terms of the transcriptional level of the 14,776 genes expressed across the examined tissues, we found 487, 484, and 499 genes differentially expressed due to diet in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively (P-value &amp;lt; 0.01). To explore differentially connected phenotypes across both diet-based networks, we focused on the phenotypes with the largest change in average number of connections within diets and tissues, namely methane emission and carcass yield, highlighting, in particular, gene expression changes involving SREBF2, and revealing the largest differential connectivity in rumen and muscle, respectively. Similarly, from examination of differentially connected genes across diets, the top-ranked most differentially connected regulators within each tissue were MEOX1, PTTG1, and BASP1 in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively. Changes in gene co-expression patterns suggest activation or suppression of specific biological processes and pathways in response to dietary interventions, consequently impacting the phenotype. The identification of genes that respond differently to diets and their associated phenotypic effects serves as a crucial steppingstone for further investigations, aiming to build upon our discoveries. Ultimately, such advancements hold the promise of improving animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability in livestock farming.

AN ECONOMICS OF POTATO PRODUCTION IN KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

In Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its disease-free quality seed potato production, an economic study of 200 growers grouped into small (105) and large (95) farms revealed an overall cost of cultivation at Rs. 94,667 per farm and Rs. 3,08,051 per ha in 2022-23. Among all inputs, potato seed accounted for 29% per hectare, while human labor constituted 27% of costs. The total variable cost was 89%, with fixed costs at 11% per ha. Gross income averaged Rs. 4,67,705 per ha. Efficiency analysis across farm categories showed the cost of potato production at Rs. 250 per quintal (q). Large farms exhibited a slightly higher output-input ratio (1.52) compared to small farms. Production costs ranged from Rs. 1,195 to Rs. 1,270 per q for large and small farms, respectively, with variable costs higher on small farms (Rs. 1,117) than on large ones (Rs. 1,074) per q. The reported benefit-cost ratio stood at 1.88, indicating favorable returns. Potato prices ranged from Rs. 1,860 to Rs. 1,880 per q, with larger farms realizing higher prices. Break-even analysis suggested the need for small, large, and overall farm categories to achieve at least 50.72, 38.02, and 44.14 q of potatoes, respectively, to maintain a no-profit, no-loss condition. The analysis underscores potential profit increase by optimizing human labor, manure, and fertilizer use.

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR SERMIER CRACKERS TO INCREASE INCOME FOR THE COMMUNITY OF WANTILGUNG VILLAGE, NGAWEN DISTRICT, BLORA REGENCY

Sermier crackers, a type of cracker made from cassava, have been a longstanding traditional snack. Their unique, distinct, and delicious taste, combined with their affordability, makes them comparable to other flavored crackers. However, the popularity of these crackers has been declining due to advancements in food management and a growing preference among consumers to try new foods. The lack of innovation from food producers may also contribute to a reduced interest in traditional Indonesian foods. This study aims to identify methods and strategies to develop a cassava-based cracker business in Wantilgung Village, Ngawen District, Blora Regency. Data were collected through a field survey involving 125 respondents. The analysis of sermier crackers revealed the following financial metrics: an initial investment of Rp. 1,093,000, total asset costs of Rp. 36,430, total variable costs of Rp. 1,620,000, total operational costs of Rp. 1,664,430, monthly revenue of Rp. 7,200,000, a profit of Rp. 5,543,570, and a payback period of two months. A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) was employed to identify aggressive alternative strategies for the sale of sermier crackers. The data utilized in this study included primary, quantitative, and secondary data sources.

Evaluation of Cost and Return Analysis and Determinants of Profitability of Sawmill Industry in Ogbomoso Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined cost and return analysis and determinants of profitability of saw mill industry in Ogbomoso area of Oyo state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select seventy-six (76) saw millers in the study area. Detailed questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the respondents. Budgetary analysis was used to calculate the profitability while regression analysis was used to determine factors affecting the profitability of the sawmill. About thirty-six percent (36%) of the respondents fell within the age range of 51 -60 years, eighty three percent (83%) were males and ninety two percent 92% engaged in saw milling as the only source of livelihood. The result of the budgetary analysis showed that total variable cost was (TVC) ₦1,044,142, Total fixed cost (TFC) was ₦65,774.5 while the total cost (TC) was computed as ₦1,109,917.4 and total revenue (TR) was ₦1,721,573. The profit realized was ₦611,655.6 and the gross margin was₦ 677430.1 while the BCR was 1.55. The result of the regression analysis showed that number of trained sawyers (P&lt;0.1), source of capital (P&lt;0.1) and quantity of plank sold (P&lt;0.05) and type of conversion machine used (P&lt; 0.05) increased the profitability of sawmill business in the study area. The study recommended that old/obsolete machineries should be replaced and respondents’ proper training is paramount to an efficient saw milling operation.

Urban Roadway in America: The Amount, Extent, and Value

Problem, research strategy, and findings We predicted the amount, share, and value of land dedicated to roadways within and across 316 U.S. primary metropolitan statistical areas. Despite the amount and value of land dedicated to roadways, our study provides the first such estimate across a broad range of metropolitan areas. Our basic approach was to estimate roadway widths using a 10% sample of widths provided by the Highway Performance Monitoring System and apply our estimates to the rest of the roadway system. Multiplying estimated widths by segment length and netting out double counting at intersections provided estimates of land area. We also matched roadway segments and areas to existing land value estimates and satellite-based measures of urbanized land. We found that a little less than a quarter of urbanized land—roughly the size of West Virginia—was dedicated to roadway. This land was worth around $4.1 trillion in 2016 and had an annualized value that was higher than the total variable costs of the trucking sector and the total annual federal, state, and local expenditures on roadways. Conducting a back-of-the-envelope cost–benefit analysis, we found that the country likely has too much land dedicated to urban roads. Takeaway for practice Federal, state, and local agencies dedicate substantial time, money, and resources to providing roadways. Even with relatively generous assumptions and no external costs from driving, however, we estimated that the average cost of expanding roadways exceeded the benefits by a factor of nearly three when accounting for land value. Policymakers should question policies focused on roadway expansion and consider options to reduce the amount of space dedicated to roadway in favor of more housing, offices, and other land uses. In addition to our findings, we provide a novel data set that academics and policymakers can use to draw their own conclusions about the state of America’s urban roadways.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SMALLHOLDER PIG PRODUCTION IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Multistage sampling procedures were adopted in this study to select Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA), 3 out of 11 wards in the LGA and 49 pig farmers. The aim was to analyze the socio-economic as well as costs and returns of pig production in the LGA. A structured questionnaire was used to generate primary data which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis. Results showed that majority of the farmers fell within the active productive age of 30-50 years; 67% were males and over 67% were married. The total variable cost (TVC) amounted to N185,000 while the gross income was N539,000 yielding a gross margin of N 354,000 and return on investment of N 2.91. Major constraints identified include shortage of funds and poor pricing of produce. Recommendations proffered include better access to credit and membership of cooperative and farmer groups.

SOCIOECONOMIC DYNAMICS AND PROFITABILITY DRIVERS IN BROILER CHICKEN PRODUCTION IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the socioeconomic dynamics and profitability drivers in broiler chicken production in Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting one hundred and fifty (150) broiler chicken producers. Primary data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire. Tools of analysis used were descriptive statistics, farm budgetary techniques, and the multiple regression model. The socio-economic characteristics of the producers revealed a mean age of 44 years, with the majority (62.50%) of the producers being male. The broiler farmers had one form of education or another, with a mean flock size of 213 birds. It was found that the percentage contribution of the purchase of feed to the total variable cost of production was the highest (45.79%), with a sum of ₦ 756.06 at average as the total cost incurred in the production of broilers was realized. Consequently, the return on Naira invested of ₦ 1.38 implies that for any ₦ 1 invested in broiler production, the farmers generated 38k. The results from regression analysis revealed that sex, age, farming experience, household size, education, and membership in cooperatives were the determinants of the profitability of broiler chicken production. It was concluded that broiler production in the study area was profitable and that several socio-economic factors significantly influence profitability. It was therefore recommended that producers consider joining cooperative membership to explore the benefits of cooperatives and leverage bulk purchasing discounts and knowledge sharing opportunities, potentially improving profitability for members.

Impact of a family support intervention on hospitalization costs and hospital readmissions among ICU patients at high risk of death or severe functional impairment

BackgroundPatients with advanced critical illness often receive more intensive treatment than they would choose for themselves, which contributes to high health care costs near the end of life. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a family support intervention delivered by the interprofessional ICU team decreases hospitalization costs and hospital readmissions among critically ill patients at high risk of death or severe functional impairment.ResultsWe examined index hospitalization costs as well as post-discharge utilization of acute care hospitals, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, and hospice services for the PARTNER trial, a multicenter, stepped-wedge, cluster randomized trial of an interprofessional ICU family support intervention. We determined patients’ total controllable and direct variable costs using a computerized accounting system. We determined post-discharge resource utilization (as defined above) by structured telephone interview at 6-month follow-up. We used multiple variable regression modelling to compare outcomes between groups. Compared to usual care, the PARTNER intervention resulted in significantly lower total controllable costs (geometric mean: $26,529 vs $32,105; log-linear coefficient: − 0.30; 95% CI − 0.49, − 0.11) and direct variable costs ($3912 vs $6034; − 0.33; 95% CI − 0.56, − 0.10). A larger cost reduction occurred for decedents ($20,304 vs. $26,610; − 0.66; 95% CI − 1.01, − 0.31) compared to survivors ($31,353 vs. $35,015; − 0.15; 95% CI − 0.35,0.05). A lower proportion in the intervention arm were re-admitted to an acute care hospital (34.9% vs 45.1%; 0.66; 95% CI 0.56, 0.77) or skilled nursing facility (25.3% vs 31.6%; 0.63; 95% CI 0.47, 0.84).ConclusionsA family support intervention delivered by the interprofessional ICU team significantly decreased index hospitalization costs and readmission rates over 6-month follow-up.Trial registration Trial registration number: NCT01844492

Analisis Usaha Ternak Sapi Po, Domba Lokal, dan Kambing Etawa Pada Kelompok Peternak Peternakan Mandiri Jaya, Desa Balingbing, Pagaden Barat

Background: Livestock business is a potential business to be developed in rural and suburban areas in developing countries such as Indonesia, but there are still many farmers who do not really understand the Business Analysis and the profit obtained from their own livestock. Purpose: This study aims to determine the livestock raising activities at the Mandiri Jaya Livestock Farmer Group in Balingbing Village, West Pagaden Subdistrict and analyze the business of cattle, sheep and goats. Methods: The data collection method carried out is by following the activity process and interviews to obtain primary data, while secondary data is obtained by conducting literature studies, reading from various book sources, the internet, and print or electronic media. Results: The results of field work practices carried out on cattle (PO), sheep (Local), and goats (Etawa) in the Mandiri Jaya Livestock Farmer Group are, total investment costs of Rp. 156,738,000, total variable costs of Rp. 157,764,000, total fixed costs of Rp. 680,000, total revenue of Rp. 211,900,000, and get a net profit of Rp. 53,456,000, and get a B / C Ratio value of 0.34, R / C Ratio of 1.34 and ROI of 34%. Conclusion:It can be concluded that the business is profitable seen from the amount of R / C Ratio of more than 1, which is 1.34, which means that the R / C Ratio&gt; 1, so the cattle, sheep and goat business in the Mandiri Jaya Livestock Farmer Group is profitable and feasible to develop.

Transcriptional response to an alternative diet on liver, muscle, and rumen of beef cattle

Feed cost represents a major economic determinant within cattle production, amounting to an estimated 75% of the total variable costs. Consequently, comprehensive approaches such as optimizing feed utilization through alternative feed sources, alongside the selection of feed-efficient animals, are of great significance. Here, we investigate the effect of two diets, traditional corn-grain fed and alternative by-product based, on 14 phenotypes related to feed, methane emission and production efficiency and on multi-tissue transcriptomics data from liver, muscle, and rumen wall, derived from 52 Nellore bulls, 26 on each diet. To this end, diets were contrasted at the level of phenotype, gene expression, and gene-phenotype network connectivity. As regards the phenotypic level, at a P value < 0.05, significant differences were found in favour of the alternative diet for average daily weight gain at finishing, dry matter intake at finishing, methane emission, carcass yield and subcutaneous fat thickness at the rib-eye muscle area. In terms of the transcriptional level of the 14,776 genes expressed across the examined tissues, we found 487, 484, and 499 genes differentially expressed due to diet in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively (P value < 0.01). To explore differentially connected phenotypes across both diet-based networks, we focused on the phenotypes with the largest change in average number of connections within diets and tissues, namely methane emission and carcass yield, highlighting, in particular, gene expression changes involving SREBF2, and revealing the largest differential connectivity in rumen and muscle, respectively. Similarly, from examination of differentially connected genes across diets, the top-ranked most differentially connected regulators within each tissue were MEOX1, PTTG1, and BASP1 in liver, muscle, and rumen, respectively. Changes in gene co-expression patterns suggest activation or suppression of specific biological processes and pathways in response to dietary interventions, consequently impacting the phenotype. The identification of genes that respond differently to diets and their associated phenotypic effects serves as a crucial stepping stone for further investigations, aiming to build upon our discoveries. Ultimately, such advancements hold the promise of improving animal welfare, productivity, and sustainability in livestock farming.

Developing a cost estimation model for efficient road improvement planning: A case study in Aceh Jaya regency

Abstract Estimation is a method used to predict financial requirements by analyzing, calculating, and engineering based on field conditions and bidding documents. To enhance efficiency, there is a pressing need for a simple, swift, accurate cost estimation model. Therefore, this study aimed to establish cost estimation model at the initial planning phase of construction work and to assess its accuracy in estimating cost for road improvement using cost significant model (CSM) compared to actual expenses. The fundamental objective was to facilitate the execution of construction work, ensuring the successful completion. Data collection occurred at the (PUPR) in Aceh Jaya Regency, consisting of 25 contracts for road improvement work spanning from 2018 to 2022. The data included the execution year, road area, total variable cost (y), and the categorization of work item as independent variables (xn). Subsequently, the work data was transformed into data per square meter (m2) for each work item by dividing each independent variable by the area of road improvement work. This showed the cost/m2 for each work item (xn) and the total cost (y)/m2. Annual inflation data was obtained from (BPS) of Aceh province used for calculation projection year. The identification of cost-significant item variables occurred after organizing the data according to work item, adjusting the work cost for the execution year and the work-year cost while considering inflation factor. Additionally, it was observed that 3 most expensive work items represented 80% work item had a substantial impact on the total cost. Classic assumption tests were conducted to confirm the suitability of data for further analysis. The analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression, resulting in a model with y = 69850.515 + 0.879(x4) + 1.085(x5) + 1.221(x7). When cost significant model estimates were compared to the actual total cost of road improvement in Aceh Jaya, the accuracy ranged from +17.46% to -19.30%, which was consistent with Class 3 classification of (AACE) International standards.This classification was suitable for semi-detailed cost estimation in the conceptual phase.

IMPACT OF CASHLESS POLICY ENFORCEMENT AND NAIRA REDESIGN ON FRESH CATFISH MARKETING IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the impact of Cashless Policy Enforcement and Naira Redesign on Fresh Catfish Production and Marketing in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 100 respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting techniques. The result revealed that fresh catfish producers were in their productive age with mean age of 34years. Majority (76%) of the fresh catfish producers were males and 84% married. The average household size and farming experience were 5 persons and 6 years, respectively. The results of the profitability analysis of catfish marketing in the study area before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, the catfish producers’ total variable costs and total fixed costs were N1701379 and N665689.22, respectively, making a total cost of N2367068.22. The results further revealed that total revenue of N2659284.66 and a net farm income of N292216.440 were realised. The profitability ratio shows that for every one naira invested, the catfish producers made about 89 kobo. However, the result revealed that, amid the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign, the total variable cost and total fixed cost were N827791.66 and N712688.47, respectively, making a total cost of N1540475.13. The results revealed total revenue of N1650800 and a net farm income of N110384.87. The profitability ratio shows that for every one naira invested, the catfish producers made about 92 kobo. The result of the impact of catfish marketing on the income level of the marketers in the study area before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, 30%t of the catfish marketers had an income of over N300, 000. However, during the policy, only 26% of the catfish farmer marketers had an income of over N300, 000 and 15% had an income of less than N50, 000. The result of the constraints to catfish marketing before and during the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign revealed that before the policy, the most constraints to catfish marketing were high electric charges (12.3%) and lack of credit facilities (9.1%). However, during the policy, the most constraints to catfish marketing were inadequate capital (8.3%), seasonality of commodity (7.8%), high cost of feed (7.4%), high cost of production (7.3%), high cost of labour (7.3%) and low demand of product (7.0%). The study concluded that Catfish production and marketing in the study area was more profitable before the cashless policy enforcement and Naira redesign. The study recommended that provisions for agricultural incentives such as short and long-term loans, with a single digit interest rate for the marketers in order to solve the problem of lack of credit facility. Also, Marketers should form marketing cooperatives to increase their access to credit from financial institutions and hence alleviate the problem of inadequate capital.

COST AND RETURN ANALYSIS OF IRRIGATED UPLAND TOMATO (Lycopersicon Esculentum) PRODUCTION IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the cost and return analysis of irrigated upland tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) production, in Gombe State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 459 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that Most of the types of farms implements use for dry season tomato production in the study areas were tractors (32.4%), hand tools (37.6%) and animal traction (30.0%). Capital for dry season tomato production, the respondents in Dukku, Nafada, funakaye and Yamaltu Deba LGA respondents had a mean capital of N212,747.36, N183,662.55, N261,540.30, and N204,785.956 respectively. The findings also revealed the result of maximum likelihood estimate of parameters of the stochastic frontier production function of dry season tomato farming in the study area reveal that farm size (P&lt; 0.001), labour (P&lt; 0.001), farming experience (P&lt; 0.001), and capital (P&lt; 0.001) were the major factors statistically affecting the respondents rice production at 1%. The analysis of dry season maximum likelihood estimate of the parameter of stochastic frontier cost of tomato production showed that ploughing (P&lt; 0.001), transplanting (P&lt; 0.001), harvesting (P&lt; 0.001) and capital (P&lt; 0.001) were the determinant of cost of output of the respondents. The result further reveals the costs and return of dry season tomato farming in the study area depicts that the total variable cost of production was ₦2,384,894 with a total cost of production which is the total variable plus the fixed cost of ₦3,266,031. The revenue realized was ₦4,070,558. The net farm income for the dry season tomato farmers for one hectare in the study area was ₦804,529.23. The profit index of the respondents was ₦1.7. The major constraints to the irrigated upland tomato production were inadequate water for irrigation (23.0%), lack of irrigation facilities (20.7%), heat stress and drought (27.2%) preventing maximum productions in the study area. In addition, constraints to irrigated upland tomato farming in the study area includes high cost of irrigation services (26.0%), high-cost fertilizer (19.3%), high cost of pesticide (20.9%) and high cost of insecticide (18.2%). It was concluded that the respondents are operating at a lost and again the labour cost looking at the high cost incurred from production which clearly shows that there was over utilization of resources especially in the area of labour cost. The study made the following recommendations; efforts should be made to improve access to adequate water for irrigation purposes, there is a need to provide modern irrigation facilities to farmers to improve water management and efficiency, there is a need to promote value addition in tomato farming through processing and packaging to increase the shelf life of tomatoes and reduce post-harvest losses and farmers should be encouraged to formed cooperatives to be united in one voice to have a bargaining power over labour cost and can also make request to government on their needs and access inputs and training from policy support programme to achieve optimal yield.

Engaging Long-Term Care Workers in Research: Recruitment Approaches and Participant Characteristics From a Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence

ObjectiveTo describe and compare the recruitment methods employed in a randomized controlled trial targeting long-term care workers, and resulting participant baseline characteristics. DesignWe used a multifaceted recruitment process to enroll long-term care workers in our 3-arm randomized controlled trial comparing 2 interventions to enhanced usual practice, for improving COVID-19 vaccine confidence and other outcomes. Setting and ParticipantsAdult long-term care workers living in the United States employed within the last 2 years were invited to join the study. Participants also had to meet specific screening criteria related to their degree of worry about the vaccine and/or their vaccination status. MethodsWe used a participatory approach to engage our long-term care stakeholders in codesigning and executing a combination of recruitment methods, including targeted e-recruitment, paid e-recruitment, and in-person recruitment. Participants were screened, consented, and enrolled online. We implemented a participant verification process to ensure the integrity of our study data, and used a tailored participant management platform to manage enrollment. ResultsWe enrolled 1930 long-term care workers between May 2022 and January 2023. We met our enrollment target, despite each recruitment method having limitations. Total variable costs of approximately $102,700 were incurred and differed on a per-enrolled participant basis across methods: $25.73 for targeted e-recruitment, $57.12 for paid e-recruitment, and $64.92 for in-person methods. Our sample differed from the national population in age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and role in long-term care. Differences were also observed between online and in-person recruitment methods. Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results support the feasibility of enrolling a large number of long-term care workers in a randomized controlled trial to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Findings build upon the evidence base for engaging this important population in research, a critical step to improving long-term care resident health and well-being. Results from our trial are anticipated in 2024.

Analysis of Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme on Profitability of Rice Farming in Kano State, Nigeria: Strategy for Industrial Growth

Commercial agriculture credit scheme (CACS) is one of the Federal Government programs to encourage commercial agriculture. Commercial rice farming is one of those agricultural activities that the Federal Government is promoting. In Nigeria rice farming is characterized by low productivity and low yield leading to rice shortage. The shortage in production creates the demand and supply gap. This study investigated how the CACS has promoted commercial rice farming in Kano State. Primary data was sourced from 394 beneficiary farmers of CACS through survey method. These rice farmers were sampled from three agricultural zones in Kano; Zone I (Rano), Zone II (Danbatta) and Zone III (Gaya). The study employed the gross margin analysis, techniques of analysis. The Gross Margin Analysis revealed before CACS that total revenue generated from sales ₦26,359,950.00 and the total variable cost was ₦410,282.36. After CACS was ₦122,893,500.00 and the total variable cost was ₦8,001,970.73. The average rate of returns on investment (Return per Naira Invested) was ₦63.24 before CACS and ₦14.35 per planting period. Government should have a standard policy measure to promote domestic rice product to make it marketable and more profitable. For instance, the policy of branding and packaging by engaging farmers directly. The profitability analysis reveals that if more increased loan is giving to farmers to access the loan, there will be increase in profitability of rice farming and this can lead to growth of the rice industry. Keywords: Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme, Production, Farming, Profitability, Gross margin, Industrial Growth