To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Agric.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Agric'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Agric.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Nguyen, Cao Nam. "Farming risks in the Upper Eyre Peninsula : AGRIC 7010 Project C (ANR) (one semester)." Title page, table of contents and abstract only, 2002. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09AGM/09agmn5764.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
"November 2002." Bibliography: leaves 73-80. Identifies main sources of farming risk in the Upper Eyre Peninsula as climate variability and financial risk. Finds that farmers manage risk by having high equity and off-farm investment, using gross margin analysis, having farm management deposits, diversifying varieties, minimizing tillage, relying on experts for grain marketing and keeping stock for high price periods.
2
VOLPATO, SILVIA. "Controllo qualità dei microrganismi." Doctoral thesis, Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11380/1201052.
Full textAbstract:
L'agricoltura simbiotica è un nuovo processo di coltivazione che prevede l’utilizzo di microrganismi benefici, come funghi, batteri e lieviti che rendono la rizosfera (lo spazio da 1 a 3 millimetri che avvolge le radici delle piante), estremamente ricca di micro-organismi cosiddetti “buoni” o funzionali. Tali microorganismi costituiscono il biota microbico che oltre a fungere da supporto per il benessere delle piante che li ospitano può contribuire all’azione antagonista nei confronti di microrganismi potenzialmente patogeni.
Numerosi prodotti a base microbica sono disponibili sul mercato: essi sono commercializzati come biofertilizzanti, biostimolanti, biopesticidi, promotori della crescita, induttori di resistenza, ecc… Pertanto, l’obiettivo della ricerca è quello di stabilire delle regole, delle procedure e dei protocolli da usarsi durante la produzione industriale di tali bioformulati, in modo da ottenere una formulazione microbica la cui qualità sia controllata durante il processo produttivo. Solamente operando un controllo di qualità oggettivo e preciso è possibile ottenere inoculi microbici efficienti, efficaci e sostenibili, tali che possano essere una valida alternativa ai pesticidi chimici.
Partendo da un prodotto biostimolante commerciale molto noto, Micosat F UNO, costituito da un consorzio microbiologico, la ricerca è stata orientata allo sviluppato un "protocollo di qualità" considerando sia i singoli microrganismi presenti sia il consorzio nel suo insieme.
I singoli componenti sono stati selezionali, accuratamente identificati, studiati e caratterizzati considerando le interazioni microrganismo-microrganismo e pianta-microrganismo. Di un microrganismo, in particolare, è stato sequenziato l’intero genoma e studiate le possibili vie biosintetiche al fine di dare supporto scientifico al suo ruolo di microrganismo benefico o funzionale e facilitarne il suo brevetto e inquadramento normativo come sostanza attiva. Infine è stato analizzato il processo produttivo ed identificati i punti di controllo al fine di ottenere un prodotto commerciale qualitativamente valido.Symbiotic agriculture is a new cultivation process that involves the use of microbial inoculants, such as fungi, bacteria and yeasts that make the rhizosphere (the space from 1 to 3 millimeters that envelops the roots of plants), extremely rich in beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms constitute the microbial biota which, in addition to acting as a support for the well-being of the plants that host them, can contribute to the antagonistic action against potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Several products based on microorganisms are available on the market: they are advertised as biofertilisers, biostimulants, biopesticides, growth enancers, resistance inducers, etc... Therefore, the aim of the research is to set up rules, procedures and protocols to be used during the industrial production of microbials, in order to obtain an efficient, effective and sustainable microbial formulation, whose quality is checked along the production chain. Only by performing quality control checks, microbials can be a valid alternative to chemical pesticides. Research started from a well known, commercial biosimulant, namedMicosat F UNO, consisting of a microbiological consortium. Research was oriented towards the development of a "quality protocol" considering both the individual microorganisms present in the product and the consortium as a whole. The individual components were selected, thoroughly identified, studied and characterized considering their microbe-microbe and plant-microbe interactions. Full genome sequence and biochemical pathways were done and characterised for one particular benficial organism, in order to scietifically support its role as beneficial organisms and as possible, patentable active substance. Additionally, the production process was analyzed and control points were identified in order to obtain a qualitatively valid commercial product.
3
Eldridge, Suzanne. "Agrin contributes to articular cartilage homeostasis." Thesis, Queen Mary, University of London, 2016. http://qmro.qmul.ac.uk/xmlui/handle/123456789/12812.
Full textAbstract:
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability for which there is no cure. We have discovered that the multidomain signalling protein Agrin, most commonly known for its requirement at the neuromuscular junction, strongly promotes chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage formation in vivo. Agrin is expressed in normal cartilage but absent in osteoarthritis. In vitro, Agrin knockdown resulted in the downregulation of the cartilage transcription factor SOX9 and other cartilage-specific extracellular matrix molecules. Conversely, the addition of exogenous Agrin supported cartilage differentiation in vitro and ectopic cartilage formation in vivo. In contrast to other biological contexts where Agrin signalling requires the interaction with either LRP4 or α-dystroglycan, chondrocytes require the presence of both receptors. Our results identify Agrin as a novel potent anabolic growth factor with strong therapeutic potential in cartilage regeneration.
4
Winzen, Uwe. "Functional analysis of the N-terminal domains of agrin by recombinant eucaryotic expression." [S.l. : s.n.], 2003. http://deposit.ddb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?idn=968092020.
Full text
5
Bottone, Michele. "Agoric computation : trust and cyber-physical systems." Thesis, Middlesex University, 2018. http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/25963/.
Full textAbstract:
In the past two decades advances in miniaturisation and economies of scale have led to the emergence of billions of connected components that have provided both a spur and a blueprint for the development of smart products acting in specialised environments which are uniquely identifiable, localisable, and capable of autonomy. Adopting the computational perspective of multi-agent systems (MAS) as a technological abstraction married with the engineering perspective of cyber-physical systems (CPS) has provided fertile ground for designing, developing and deploying software applications in smart automated context such as manufacturing, power grids, avionics, healthcare and logistics, capable of being decentralised, intelligent, reconfigurable, modular, flexible, robust, adaptive and responsive. Current agent technologies are, however, ill suited for information-based environments, making it difficult to formalise and implement multiagent systems based on inherently dynamical functional concepts such as trust and reliability, which present special challenges when scaling from small to large systems of agents. To overcome such challenges, it is useful to adopt a unified approach which we term agoric computation, integrating logical, mathematical and programming concepts towards the development of agent-based solutions based on recursive, compositional principles, where smaller systems feed via directed information flows into larger hierarchical systems that define their global environment. Considering information as an integral part of the environment naturally defines a web of operations where components of a systems are wired in some way and each set of inputs and outputs are allowed to carry some value. These operations are stateless abstractions and procedures that act on some stateful cells that cumulate partial information, and it is possible to compose such abstractions into higher-level ones, using a publish-and-subscribe interaction model that keeps track of update messages between abstractions and values in the data. In this thesis we review the logical and mathematical basis of such abstractions and take steps towards the software implementation of agoric modelling as a framework for simulation and verification of the reliability of increasingly complex systems, and report on experimental results related to a few select applications, such as stigmergic interaction in mobile robotics, integrating raw data into agent perceptions, trust and trustworthiness in orchestrated open systems, computing the epistemic cost of trust when reasoning in networks of agents seeded with contradictory information, and trust models for distributed ledgers in the Internet of Things (IoT); and provide a roadmap for future developments of our research.
6
Lack, Kathryn Joanne. "Agri-tourism development in British Columbia." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp04/mq24176.pdf.
Full text
7
Liyanage, Yohan. "Agrin and ARIA at the human neuromuscular junction." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.325947.
Full text
8
Demirbas, Topcu Elif. "Agri-tourism:as A New Element Ofrural Development." Master's thesis, METU, 2003. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/3/12608988/index.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
ABSTRACT
AGRI-TOURISM: AS A NEW ELEMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DemirbaS Topcu, Elif
MS., City and Regional Planning Department, Urban Design
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Baykan Günay October 2007, 187 Pages This thesis study is developed under the lights of new developments related to rural tourism sector in the world. With the effects of emerging term &lsquo
sustainability&rsquo
in 1980s, sustainable tourism concept has found new implementation areas. The increasing demand on the tourism activities taking place in rural areas has lead the governments to find ways of benefiting from this tendency in a sustainable way. Since the early 1990s, a new type of rural tourism called as agri-tourism has been developed as a concept that integrates agriculture and tourism activities in the western world. Whether it is evaluated as a tourism or agriculture development element, it is a new element of country planning. Nowadays, it is seen that there is also a new tendency for agri-tourism at local level through local initiatives in Turkey. Although there is still no governmental regulation for agri-tourism activities, political and practical developments demonstrate that the sector should be evaluated as a planning element for Turkey. The main purpose of this study is examining the rural development element characteristic of agri-tourism concept as an element for enhancing the rural tourism activities in Turkey. To achieve the purpose, two examples from EU- Lublin and Tuscany Regions were examined to understand the dynamics of agri-tourism as a planning element. For these study interpretative-comparative-textual method is used. Accordingly, the present condition in Turkey is evaluated through the obtained data and SWOT Analysis method was employed for analyzing the data. Accordingly, some suggestions are presented for developing agri-tourism sector in Turkey.
9
Gómez, Pérez Carmen Rosario, Pérez Félix Liborio Gómez, Pérez Lysseth Luzmila Gómez, and Pacheco Katya Judith Valencia. "Business Consulting de Inka Agri Resources S.A.C." Master's thesis, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12404/17490.
Full textAbstract:
INKA AGRI RESOURCES S.A.C., es una empresa de capital chino constituida en
2017 que, se dedica a la importación y comercialización de fertilizantes genéricos,
compuestos y solubles (commodities), para el sector agrícola en el mercado peruano. El
objetivo de la consultoría fue identificar el problema principal que no le permite a la empresa
alcanzar sus objetivos, analizando las principales causas y proponiendo alternativas de mejora
que mitiguen el impacto operativo y económico. Se identificó que el problema principal son
las pérdidas de ventas por la falta de abastecimiento de productos fertilizantes commodities y
especialidad, en torno al no logro de la meta anual de 90% de sus ventas presupuestadas para
ambas líneas de productos. Luego de varias reuniones de trabajo con la gerencia general y las
gerencias de primea línea, se detectó que la causa raíz a su problema estaría relacionada con
la falta gestión estratégica y marketing, falta de seguimiento a la liberación de orden de
compra por la gerencia comercial y el área de Créditos y Cobranzas y la falta de pronóstico
de ventas. Es con base en el análisis externo e interno y la literatura investigada que se
propone una serie de acciones para que la empresa pueda alcanzar sus objetivos, reforzando
su propuesta de valor de la marca en el mercado nacional, planteando estrategias de
marketing mix segmentada, implementando herramientas de pronóstico de ventas, y
estableciendo controles a través del Tablero de Mando Integral que corrobore el impacto
generado por las iniciativas recomendadas.
No obstante, la evaluación económica y financiera demostró la viabilidad del proyecto
en dos escenarios: Optimista y Pesimista. En el escenario optimista, el valor actual neto es de
S/. 7,253, 940.68, la tasa de retorno de 19.28%, y el periodo de recuperación es menor a un
año. Por su parte, en el escenario pesimista, el valor actual neto es de S/. 4, 117,506.36, la
tasa de retorno de 5.14%, y el periodo de recuperación es menor a un año.INKA AGRI RESOURCES S.A.C., is a company with Chinese capital established in 2017 that is dedicated to the import and commercialization of generic, compound and soluble fertilizers (commodities) for the agricultural sector in the Peruvian market. The objective of the consultancy was to identify the main problem that does not allow the company to achieve its objectives, analyzing the main causes and proposing alternatives for improvement that mitigate the operational and economic impact. It was identified that the main problem is the loss of sales due to the lack of supply of fertilizers, commodities and specialty products, around the failure to achieve the annual goal of 90% of its budgeted sales for both product lines. After several work meetings with the general management and the first-line managers, it was detected that the root cause of their problem would be related to the lack of strategic management and marketing, lack of follow-up to the release of the purchase order by the commercial management and the area of Credits and Collections and the lack of sales forecast. It is based on the external and internal analysis and the researched literature that a series of actions are proposed so that the company can achieve its objectives, reinforcing its brand value proposition in the national market, proposing segmented marketing strategies, implementing sales forecasting tools, and establishing controls through the Integral Dashboard that corroborates the impact generated by the recommended initiatives. However, the economic and financial evaluation demonstrated the viability of the project in two scenarios: Optimistic and Pessimistic. In the optimistic scenario, the net current value is S/. 7, 253,940.68, the rate of return of 19.28%, and the payback period is less than one year. On the other hand, in the pessimistic scenario, the net present value is S/.4,117,506.36, the rate of return of 5.14%, and the payback period is less than one year.
Tesis
10
Hupp, Cassaundra. "Marketing strategies of Ohio agri-tourism businesses." Connect to resource, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1811/37083.
Full text
11
Konduru, Srinivasa Prasad. "Factor income shares in agri-food industries /." free to MU campus, to others for purchase, 2004. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/mo/fullcit?p1420929.
Full text
12
Orsat, Valérie. "Radio-frequency thermal treatments for agri-food products." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape8/PQDD_0019/NQ55367.pdf.
Full text
13
Le, Coënt Philippe. "Agri-environmental schemes : behavorial insights and innovative designs." Thesis, Montpellier, 2016. http://www.theses.fr/2016MONTD006/document.
Full textAbstract:
La politique agro-environnementale de l’Union Européenne s’appuie fortement sur des incitations financières, les Contrats Agro-Environnementaux (CAE), pour stimuler l’adoption par les agriculteurs de pratiques respectueuses de l’environnement. Selon l’hypothèse de rationalité économique, les agriculteurs adoptent ces contrats si les paiements couvrent leurs coûts d’opportunité. Toutefois, l’Économie comportementale considère que des facteurs psychologiques pourraient intervenir dans cette décision. Le premier objectif de cette thèse est de déterminer le rôle des facteurs comportementaux dans l’adoption des CAE. Dans le chapitre 1, nous utilisons un modèle de psychologie sociale, la Théorie du Comportement Planifié, pour mesurer le poids de ces facteurs dans la décision d’adopter un CAE pour la réduction de l’utilisation de pesticides. L’enquête révèle que les agriculteurs sont à la fois influencés par des motivations économiques classiques et par les normes (sociales et personnelles). Dans le chapitre 2, nous étudions plus en détails le rôle des normes. A travers un modèle théorique, nous mettons en évidence que ces normes peuvent faciliter ou faire obstacle à l’adoption de CAE. Une enquête web nous permet de confirmer l’importance des normes sociales injonctives et des normes personnelles. Dans la deuxième partie de la thèse, nous analysons les performances de dispositifs innovants et comment ces performances sont influencées par les facteurs comportementaux. Dans le chapitre 3, pour traiter le problème des seuils environnementaux, nous testons avec une expérimentation économique un contrat dont le paiement est conditionné à une participation collective des agriculteurs. Ce contrat se révèle plus efficace et efficient que les CAE classiques. Les deux derniers chapitres traitent d’une nouvelle application des CAE à la compensation écologique. A partir d’une enquête, nous identifions dans le chapitre 4 les facteurs qui influencent la participation à ce type de contrats ainsi que des problèmes d’efficacité et d’efficience. Dans le chapitre 5, nous montrons à partir d’une expérience de choix, que les agriculteurs, notamment les plus sensibles à l’environnement, sont sensibles à la manière dont est formulée l’objectif d’un CAE : ils préfèrent des contrats dont l’objectif est la préservation de la biodiversité, plutôt que la compensation de pertes de biodiversité. Nous concluons en insistant sur la complémentarité entre les instruments traditionnels et comportementaux dans la politique environnementaleThe agri-environmental policy of the European Union strongly relies on financial incentives provided through Agri-envrionmental Schemes (AES) to stimulate farmers’ adoption of pro-environmental practices. A rational economic assumption is that farmers enroll if they are paid enough to cover their opportunity costs. However, behavioral economics consider that psychologic factors may be involved in this decision. The first aim of this thesis is to determine the role of behavioral factors in AES adoption. Chapter 1 uses a social-psychology model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, to measure the weight of behavioral factors in farmers’ decision to enroll in a pesticide-reduction AES. The survey reveals that farmers are both driven by traditional economic motivations and norms (social and personal). Chapter 2 studies in more details the role of norms. A theoretical model reveals that social norms may either hamper or facilitate the participation in AES and a web-survey, confirms the importance of social injunctive norms and personal norms. In the second part of the thesis, we analyze the performance of innovative designs and how it may be affected by behavioral factors. In chapter 3, to address cases of environmental threshold, we test with an economic experiment a contract in which payment is conditioned to collective farmers’ participation. This contract appears to be more effective and efficient than traditional AES. The two last chapters analyze a new application of AES: biodiversity offsets. Based on a survey, chapter 4 highlights factors that influence the participation in such contracts as well as issues of effectiveness and efficiency. In chapter 5, we show with a choice experiment that farmers, especially the most environmentally sensitive, are influenced by the contracts’ goal framing: they prefer contracts that aim at biodiversity conservation rather than at the compensation of biodiversity losses. We conclude by insisting on the complementarity between traditional and behavioral environmental policy instruments
14
Dickson, Beret. "Yielding architecture a manifesto for [urban + agri]culture /." College Park, Md.: University of Maryland, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1903/9005.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.Arch.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2008.Thesis research directed by: School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Architecture. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.
15
Littlefield, Joanne. "Direct Farm Marketing and Agri-Tourism in Arizona." College of Agriculture, University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ), 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/295857.
Full text
16
Erissini, Elisa <1992>. "Network Contract: internationalisation of Italian Agri-food SMEs." Master's Degree Thesis, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10579/14733.
Full textAbstract:
l'obbiettivo della mia tesi è quello di analizzare come il contratto di rete possa contribuire all'internazionalizzazione delle PMI nel settore agroalimentare. Capire se questo strumento innovativo può aiutare a portare i prodotti agricoli nei mercati esteri, promuovendo il Made in Italy anche per le imprese che da sole non sarebbero in grado di farlo.
17
Böse, Christian. "Synaptogenesis in the central nervous system is controlled by agrin /." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 1999. http://e-collection.ethbib.ethz.ch/show?type=diss&nr=13389.
Full text
18
Schroeder, Katherine Michelle 1970. "Antagonistic actions of agrin on the clustering of acetylcholine receptors." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/282757.
Full textAbstract:
This dissertation explores the mechanisms underlying synapse formation and maintenance. Skeletal muscle cells in culture were used as a model system in which to study how the distribution of synaptic molecules is regulated. On cultured myotubes, acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) aggregate into "clusters" either spontaneously or in response to various exogenous factors such as agrin. I report here that a soluble fragment of agrin caused the disruption of preexisting AChR clusters. The disruption occurred quickly after agrin addition (2-3 h) and was more discernible with large clusters (>100 μm²). Various experiments performed to examine the mechanism underlying the disruption of AChR clusters revealed the following. First, the dose-dependence for the disruption of large clusters was similar to that for the induction of small clusters (<50 μm²). Second, a non-neuronal isoform of agrin did not cause the disruption of clusters. Third, heparin, which inhibits agrin-induced clustering, did not inhibit agrin-induced disruption of clusters. Fourth, agrin was unable to disrupt clusters that had been previously induced by laminin-1. A full-length, insoluble form of neuronal agrin was tested for its ability to disrupt AChR clusters at a distance from the site of application. This focally applied agrin caused the disruption of clusters that had arisen spontaneously or had been induced by soluble agrin, and it prevented the induction of clusters by either soluble agrin or laminin-1. The disruptive effect was more marked at distances <50 μm and for clusters >50 μm². Two broad classes of mechanism are proposed to explain how agrin disrupts clusters. Previous studies have led to the hypothesis that agrin binding to chondroitin sulfate chains on α-dystroglycan is required for AChR clustering. As evidence against this hypothesis, we observed that protease-free chondroitinase did not inhibit AChR clustering and that the presence of CS did not always coincide with the presence of α-DG as judged from gel electrophoresis. Future experiments to further explore the effects of agrin on the distribution of synaptic molecules are proposed, and the functional implications of the actions of agrin are discussed in the context of development.
19
Piechaczek, Jürgen. "Implications of quality based agri food supply chains on agri social systems the case of smallholder coffee growers in South Colombia." Aachen Shaker, 2009. http://d-nb.info/999600494/04.
Full text
20
SILVA, Juniele Martins. "Agricultura familiar e territorialidade: as comunidades Cruzeiro dos Martírios e Paulistas no município de Catalão (GO)." Universidade Federal de Goiás, 2011. http://repositorio.bc.ufg.br/tede/handle/tde/386.
Full textAbstract:
Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T14:44:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1
Dissertacao Juniele Martins Silva.pdf: 4679279 bytes, checksum: 202260116f1a5398f626813de7c528fc (MD5)
Previous issue date: 2011-08-26The studies on familiar agriculture in Brazil had greater approach from the decade of 1990. The emergency of the expression must it two spheres: a) in the field the conditional politician to them you strike of the social movements and the creation of the PRONAF; e b) for intermediary of some academic works. Familiar agriculture is understood as segment where the property and the work are on to the family, and, these possess proper cultural aspects crossed of generation the generation, forming its territorial identities. Thus, the familiar agriculturists possess, still, a territorial identity cultivated by subjective the objective and incorporeal bases material constituted, from the relations established with the territory and the culture through the values, traditions, beliefs and customs. From 1970 with the modernization of agriculture the difficulties of this group if had aggravated how much the conditions of insertion in the market, access the public politics among others, process that occurred in all domestic territory. In this direction, it is considered to understand the main quarrels on familiar agriculture and territory, being detached the sociocultural, economic and organizacional behavior of the communities Cruzeiro dos Martírios and Paulistas in the city of Catalão, State of Goiás. For the accomplishment the theoretical research on the thematic one was made. The empirical research was carried through in the communities: a) the community Cruzeiro dos Martírios, being applied a total of 15 scripts of interview with the agricultural producers, what it represented a sample of 20,27%; b) community Paulistas, being applied 11 scripts of interview with the producers, what it represented a sample of 32,35%. One became, still, comments in the carried through sociocultural events in the communities (terços, religious parties). It was verified, that the identity of the familiar agriculturists of the communities Cruzeiro dos Martírios and Paulistas is constituted from the material and incorporeal bases, being in dynamics, that is, in a process of historical construction. In both the communities the aging of the population caused for the migration of young for the city in search of study and the job and, also, for the fall in the fecundidade tax was observed. In these communities it is noticed masculinização of the population due the selective migration, that is, greater exit of young of the feminine sex. These factors can compromise the hereditary succession of the properties. The agriculturists launch hand of some strategies to multiply as the productive diversity.
Os estudos sobre agricultura familiar no Brasil tiveram maior enfoque a partir da década de 1990. A emergência da expressão deve-se a duas esferas: a) no campo político condicionado aos embates dos movimentos sociais e a criação do PRONAF; e b) por intermédio de alguns trabalhos acadêmicos. A agricultura familiar é entendida como segmento em que a propriedade e o trabalho estão ligados à família, e, esses possuem aspectos culturais próprios atravessados de geração a geração, formando suas identidades territoriais. Assim, os agricultores familiares possuem, ainda, uma identidade territorial cultivada pelas bases materiais/objetivas e imateriais/subjetivas constituída, a partir das relações estabelecidas com o território e com a cultura através dos valores, tradições, crenças e costumes. A partir de 1970 com a modernização da agricultura as dificuldades desse grupo se agravaram quanto as condições de inserção no mercado, acesso as políticas públicas entre outras, processo que ocorreu em todo território nacional. Nesse sentido, propõe-se compreender as principais discussões sobre agricultura familiar e território, destacando o comportamento sociocultural, econômico e organizacional das comunidades Cruzeiro dos Martírios e Paulistas no município de Catalão, Estado de Goiás. Para a realização foi feita a pesquisa teórica sobre a temática. A pesquisa empírica foi realizada nas comunidades: a) comunidade Cruzeiro dos Martírios, sendo aplicados um total de 15 roteiros de entrevista com os produtores rurais, o que representou uma amostra de 20,27%; b) comunidade Paulistas, sendo aplicados 11 roteiros de entrevista com os produtores, o que representou uma amostra de 32,35%. Fez-se, ainda, observações nos eventos socioculturais realizados nas comunidades (terços, festas religiosas). Verificou-se, que a identidade dos agricultores familiares das comunidades Cruzeiro dos Martírios e Paulistas é constituída a partir das bases materiais e imateriais, estando em dinâmica, ou seja, em um processo de construção histórica. Em ambas as comunidades observou-se o envelhecimento da população ocasionado pela migração dos jovens para a cidade em busca de estudo e emprego e, também, pela queda na taxa de fecundidade. Nessas comunidades nota-se a masculinização da população devido a migração seletiva, ou seja, maior saída de jovens do sexo feminino. Esses fatores podem comprometer a sucessão hereditária das propriedades. Os agricultores lançam mão de várias estratégias para se reproduzirem como a diversidade produtiva.
21
THANNBERGER, GAILLARDE ELISABETH. "Contrat agri-environnemental et production de bien commun une methodologie d'analyse de l'integration du contrat agri-environnemental au fonctionnement des exploitations agricoles." Montpellier, ENSA, 1997. http://www.theses.fr/1997ENSA0017.
Full textAbstract:
La place de l'agriculture dans la societe evolue notablement. En corollaire, la politique agricole prend en charge de nouveaux enjeux ; elle integre d'autres attendus vis a vis de l'activite agricole, notamment concernant l'environnement naturel. La politique agri-environnementale, qui se developpe de facon significative depuis dix ans, s'integre dans ce contexte. Sa particularite est de s'appuyer sur des outils dont la mobilisation massive est aussi recente, les contrats passes entre l'etat et les agriculteurs. A partir de deux etudes de cas d'operations locales (mesures de politique agri-environnementale), a finalite de defense des forets contre les incendies dans les cevennes gardoises et a finalite de protection d'un biotope dans la plaine de la crau, nous proposons une methodologie d'analyse de l'integration du contrat agri-environnemental au fonctionnement des exploitations agricoles, en mobilisant les concepts de l'economie des conventions. Cette methodologie permet de rendre intelligible l'appropriation du contrat par les exploitants agricoles. Elle nous sert d'outil d'analyse de l'efficacite du contrat dans la production de bien commun. Les qualites de l'environnement peuvent en effet etre analysees comme un bien commun, que nous definissons comme un bien collectif - dans ses caracteristiques de consommation - dont la mise a disposition individuelle passe par une forme de gestion collective.
22
Ljung, Magnus. "Collaborative learning for sustainable development of agri-food systems /." Uppsala : Swedish Univ. of Agricultural Sciences (Sveriges lantbruksuniv.), 2001. http://projkat.slu.se/SafariDokument/191.htm.
Full text
23
Sosle, Venkatesh. "A heat pump dehumidifier assisted dryer for agri-foods /." Thesis, McGill University, 2002. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=38285.
Full textAbstract:
The motivation of the research presented in this thesis was to investigate the potential of using a commercial 2.3 kW heat pump dehumidifier (HPD) simultaneously as a dryer for high-moisture agricultural products and for other domestic dehumidification/heating applications. A drying system incorporating the HPD was designed and constructed, along with instrumentation to gather data on the properties of process air as well as real-time weight of the material being dried. The HPD was equipped with an external water-cooled condenser that rejected excess heat out of the system. The design of the system allowed for conducting drying with recirculation of air as well as use of electrical heaters. In an open mode, the drying could be carried out simultaneously with room dehumidification and water heating in the secondary condenser.The drying experiments were conducted with apple, tomato and agar gels. The system was found to be more effective in drying of material with higher amount of free moisture such as tomato. Comparisons were made between HPD assisted drying (partial and complete) and hot air drying (at 45°C and 65°C) in the same system using apple as the test material. Colour changes (L*a*b* values) in the samples were compared between treatments. It was observed that the degree of undesirable colour change was least in case of the HPD assisted system. The HPD dried fruit exhibited better rehydration properties than the hot air dried samples. Water activity of the HPD dried samples was noticeably lower than that of the hot air dried samples at the same water content, indicating that the residual moisture was probably held under higher tension. Histological observation indicated that there was a lesser degree of damage to the cellular structure of apple when dried with the HPD than when dried with hot air alone.
In terms of energy consumption, the process of HPD assisted drying is more expensive. Much of the energy input is rejected at the secondary condenser as excess heat. Unless this heat is recovered for another purpose, or the system is modified to reuse it for drying, the drying process must carry this loss entirely. The specific moisture extraction rate (SMER) for apple was as low as 0.1 kg per kWh with the HPD assisted system. The SMER values for drying at 45°C was 0.5 kg per kWh and was almost 0.8 kg per kWh at 65°C.
The HPD assisted drying system demonstrated the ability of heat pumps to link different energy related activities viz., drying, space dehumidification and water heating. The energy expenditure is expected to be impressive when considered for all the related applications. The concept of utilizing heat pumps on farms to link up different energy streams for better utilization of the low-grade heat sources is discussed. A possible drying efficiency assessment in the form of energy-based evaluation is proposed.
24
Larsen, Ana Frelih. "Mountain farms in Slovenia : negotiating agri-environment production options." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2006. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.432098.
Full text
25
Dafel, Floris Petrus. "An assessment of entrepreneurial orientation in an agri-business." Thesis, North-West University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/9010.
Full textAbstract:
Entrepreneurial behaviour is examined in this study, with specific reference to fou industrial divisions in NWK Limited, situated in the North-West province of South Africa.
The primary objective of this study is to investigate entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success in the Industrial division of NWK Limited and to make practical recommendations to enhance entrepreneurial behaviour in the specific division, the organisation and other corporate organisations.
A literature study was conducted to define entrepreneurship in general. The literature study investigated the characteristics of entrepreneurs. The five variables of entrepreneurial orientation and two variables measuring perceived success were investigated. Lastly the establishment of entrepreneurship together with a framework and strategy to establish entrepreneurship in an organisation will be discussed.
The study was conducted on the Industrial division of NWK, which consisted of four divisions namely: Epko, Noordfed, Opti Chicks and Opti Feeds. Questionnaires were sent to the target group of 609 employees and a total of 79 usable questionnaires were received on which statistical analysis were conducted. The reliability of the data was tested by calculating Cronbach alpha coefficients for the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success of the organisation. The data was further analysed by calculating the mean, standard deviation and range of the individual responses and the different variables. Additional to the analysis the relationship between selected demographic information and the different variables was tested to determine whether there were significant differences in the means.
Conclusions are drawn from all the demographic information as well as the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success. Based on the data analysis recommendations is made based on all the relevant topics that have been identified in the study. The data analysis, conclusions and recommendations supports the suggested action plan that can be used to improve the entrepreneurial orientation and ultimately the perceived business success of the agri-business. The study is concluded with measurements of the achievements and objectives of the study. Finally suggestions are made for further research that can be conducted.Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.
26
Fertîo, Imre. "Agri-food trade between Hungary and the European Union." Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/712.
Full textAbstract:
Hungary becomes a member of the EU in 2004. As a precursor to full accession, an Association Agreement, signed in 1991, has promoted partial liberalisation of bilateral trade. This thesis investigates the pattern of agri-food trade between Hungary and the EU during the 1990s, employing various theoretical concepts and empirical methods. Hungary is a major agricultural exporter and its pattern of trade over the period remained fairly stable. However, economic and policy changes probably served to worsen the prospects for exports. Indeed, Constant Market Share analysis indicates that Hungary's general competitiveness in EU markets fell. This is also apparent from the indices of Revealed Comparative Advantage which, although suggesting that Hungary has comparative advantage in livestock and arable products, show evidence of an overall decline. A slight growth in intra-industry trade (11T) in agri-food products between Hungary and the EU is shown to be not uniforin by product group or EU member state, or over time, reflecting different patterns of bilateral integration and suggesting an economic restructuring process that is incomplete. Intra-industry trade is shown to be low and dominated by vertically rather than horizontally differentiated products. In a dynamic context, marginal IIT appears also to be low, but assumes greater significance when the index is broadened to include vertical as well as horizontal marginal IIT. Accordingly, the structure of the change in agri-food trade between Hungary and the EU during the period is shown to be predominantly either intra-industry of a vertical nature or inter-industry. Both are believed to incur adjustment costs that are higher than with horizontal HT, but the dominance of vertical IIT suggests that the agri-food industries of Hungary and the EU may be developing in a complementary manner, involving somewhat lower adjustment costs than may have been feared. Tests for the detenninants of Hungary's IIT in agri-food products suggest that separating the measure of lIT into its honzontal and vertical components provides for better estimation and supports the contention that the determinants may differ by type of trade. The level of IIT is found to serve as a better dependent variable than the degree or share of IIT.
27
Ducos, Géraldine. "Efficacité et coûts de transaction des contrats agri-environnementaux." Rennes 1, 2007. http://www.theses.fr/2007REN1G016.
Full textAbstract:
Dans cette thèse, nous étudions l'efficacité des contrats agri-environnementaux en examinant plus paJticulièrement les liens entre les coûts de mise en œuvre de ces contrats et leur adoption par les agriculteurs. L'approche choisie se distingue par une analyse des coûts de transaction qui met en évidence l'importance de l'asymétrie d'information entre les co-contractants d'une part et les tierces parties d'autre part. Pour ce faire, nous montrons comment les coûts de transaction agissent sur le compo1tement de l'agriculteur à l'aide d'un modèle micro-économique dans lequel nous intégrons des propositions provenant de l'économie des coûts de transaction. L'analyse économétrique met en évidence le rôle significatif des coüts de transaction et leurs principaux déterminants: la spécificité des investissements, la confiance de l'agriculteur envers l'Etat, son sentiment d'incertitude vis-à-vis de l'environnement économique et ins itutionnel, et son niveau de formation. Ces résultats viennent appuyer notre argument initial quant à J'importance du rôle de l'asymétrie d'information entre les co-contractants et les tierces parties. Nous nous interrogeons ensuite sur les voies d'amélioration de la politique contractuelle actuelle. Une analyse économétrique des préférences des agriculteurs sur la forme de leur contrat offre une première exploration. Puis, en appliquant un modèle de la théorie des contrats incomplets intégrant des coûts de renégociation, nous décrivons un mécanisme d'incitation à l'investissement par l'allocation des droits de décision entre l'Etat et l'agriculteur
28
Maloba, Michelle. "Determinants of Agri-Lending Among Financial Institutions in Kenya." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/28417.
Full textAbstract:
This study seeks to examine the factors that influence Kenyan financial institutions’ lending behaviour towards the agricultural sector. Secondary panel data from 15 licensed financial institutions (commercial banks and deposit-taking microfinance institutions) for a period of 6 years (2011-2016) was used after which a panel multiple regression model was estimated using random-effects to examine the significant determinants of agri-lending by financial institutions. The study found that financial institution equity and risk on credit were negative and statistically significant in affecting the gross agricultural loans ratio while financial institution size, return on credit and financial institution liquidity were insignificant. As a result, the researcher recommends that financial institutions should devise better risk management strategies in order to reduce volume of non-performing loans in agriculture. Furthermore, the Kenyan Government should enforce the requirement that regulated financial institutions should hold a minimum of 10%-15% agricultural loans in their portfolios. This would steer larger banks to increase their investments in the agriculture given the economic benefits that the country would receive as a result.
29
Oklešťková, Lenka. "Valuation of the company AGRI-M, spol. s r.o." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2008. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-9318.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of the diploma thesis is to determine the market value of the company AGRI-M, spol. s r.o. on the date 1.1.2009. Theoretic part of the work attend to the methodological appliance of company evaluation. Practical part applies these methods to the company. In the introduction there is an introduction of the analysed company. Then the strategic analysis follows, which consists of analysis of development of macro-environment and micro-environment. Financial analysis rates of performance of the company by using methods of absolute, ratio and global indicators. On the basis of the prognosis of the progression of the incomes a plan of income statement and also a plan of balance-sheet is put-together. In the final part the company is avaluated using two - phase discounted cash flow method in the version of FCFF. At the conclusion of the thesis there is the valuation statement.
30
Mazzon, Erica <1994>. "The Italian Network Contract for the Agri-Food Sector." Master's Degree Thesis, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10579/15515.
Full textAbstract:
L'elaborato si propone di analizzare lo strumento del contratto di rete, introdotto in Italia a partire dal 2009, ponendo un focus sulla sua implementazione nel settore agroalimentare. La prima parte consiste in un’introduzione al contratto di rete, definito sia da un punto di vista teorico vedendolo inserito nella teoria delle reti, sia da un punto di vista pratico per quanto riguarda la sua formazione; vengono infine esposte le principali problematiche e i fattori di successo dello strumento. La seconda parte consiste in una panoramica del settore agroalimentare italiano, ne vengono descritti le statistiche e i trend, le principali caratteristiche e forme di aggregazione più comuni. L’ultima parte dell’elaborato comprende un’analisi di diversi casi di contratto di rete, al fine di identificarne i comuni denominatori per il successo.
31
Rodriguez, Gamero Jesus Enrique. "Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) production from lipids containing agri-food wastes." Doctoral thesis, Università degli studi di Padova, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/11577/3426238.
Full textAbstract:
In the last decades, economic and environmental concerns about oil shortage and fossil-based economy stimulated the need to shift from conventional plastics to bio-based options like polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). PHAs are stored in many bacteria as intracellular carbon and energy source under limiting environmental conditions. PHAs have a great promise because of their material properties comparable to petrol-based plastomers. Although PHAs could have many applications, their replacement over the oil-based plastics is limited by their expensive production. Therefore, the selection of suitable resources as carbon feedstock for PHAs synthesis and extraction/recovery methods of PHAs are the main factors in the entire PHAs production chain, contributing up to 80% of the operating cost.
Cheap and abundant biomass waste streams have been considered as renewable substrates for the production of polymers, fuels, enzymes and bulk chemicals. The use of industrial or agricultural by-products can be a strategy to decrease also PHAs price. It has been calculated that in the European Union (EU), the slaughterhouses produce around 500,000 tons/year of fatty discards, which could be used efficiently for the production of PHAs, unfortunately, no bacteria with high lipolytic capacity and at the same time ability to accumulate high amounts of PHAs have been found.
Another bottleneck in the PHAs purification steps, is determined by the release of large amounts of chromosomal DNA that causes a dramatic viscosity increase and hampers the following filtration, centrifugation and PHAs recovery steps. High pressure homogenization (HPH) is one of the most widely known methods for large scale cell disruption. HPH is considered environmentally friendly since it does not need solvents to mediate an efficient microbial cells disintegration. After the HPH application, decrease of viscosity is generally achieved by the supplementation of hypochlorite, commercially available nucleases, or heat treatment. Although these methods may be applicable in small-scale fermentation systems, they are not environmentally and economically suitable for industrial PHAs manufacturing.
Looking for a cost-effective solution to the lipolytic activity issue, lipolytic genes (lipH-lipC) from Pseudomonas stutzeri BT3 have been integrated into Cupriavidus necator DSM 545, a well-known PHAs producer. The lipolytic enzymes have been proficiently expressed in the recombinant strain, greatly increasing the PHAs production from the slaughterhouses fatty wastes, indicating that the engineered strain can contribute to increase the economic efficiency of future PHAs upstream processing.
On the others hands, looking for a cost-effective solution to the viscosity issue, the staphylococcal nuclease gene nuc from Staphylococcus aureus has been integrated into the chromosomes of two efficient PHAs-producing bacteria, namely C. necator DSM 545 and Delftia acidovorans DSM 39. The viscosity of the lysates of C. necator recombinant cells was greatly reduced without affecting PHAs production, indicating that the engineered strain is expected to increase the economic efficiency of future PHAs downstream processing.Negli ultimi decenni, le preoccupazioni economiche e ambientali in merito alla carenza di petrolio e all'economia basata sui fossili, hanno stimolato la necessità di passare dalla plastica convenzionale a opzioni convenzionali fondate su biomassa come i poliidrossialcanoati (PHAs). I PHAs sono sintetizzati ed immagazzinati intracellularmente per alcuni batteri come fonti di carbonio ed energia in condizioni ambientali limitanti. I PHAs, per le loro proprietà materiali paragonabili ai plastomeri a base di petrolio, sono promettenti per sostituire le plastiche sintetiche. Sebbene i PHAs possano avere molte applicazioni, la loro sostituzione sulla plastica a base di petrolio è limitata dalla loro costosa produzione. Pertanto, la selezione di risorse idonee come materia prima di carbonio per la sintesi e il metodi di estrazione/recupero dei PHAs, sono i principali fattori dell'intera catena di produzione che contribuiscono con l'80% ai costi operativi. Flussi di rifiuti di biomassa sono stati considerati come substrati rinnovabili per la produzione di polimeri, combustibili, enzimi e prodotti chimici. L'uso di sottoprodotti industriali o agricoli può essere una strategia per ridurre anche il prezzo di PHAs. È stato calcolato che nell'Unione europea (UE), i macelli producono circa 500.000 tonnellate/anno di scarti di materia grassa, che potrebbero essere utilizzati in modo efficiente per la produzione di PHAs, sfortunatamente, nessun batterio con elevate capacità lipolitiche e allo stesso tempo capacità per accumulare quantità elevate di PHAs è stato trovato. Un altro ostacolo nelle fasi di estrazione del PHAs è determinato dal rilascio di grandi quantità di DNA cromosomico che provoca un notevole aumento della viscosità e difficolta le seguenti fasi di recupero di filtrazione e centrifugazione. L'omogeneizzazione ad alta pressione (HPH) è uno dei metodi più noti per l'interruzione cellulare su larga scala. HPH è considerato rispettoso dell'ambiente in quanto non ha bisogno di solventi per mediare un'efficiente disintegrazione delle cellule microbiche. Dopo l'applicazione di HPH, la diminuzione della viscosità viene generalmente ottenuta mediante l'integrazione di ipoclorito, nucleasi commerciale o trattamento termico. Sebbene questi metodi possano essere applicabili nei sistemi di fermentazione su piccola scala, non sono idonei dal punto di vista ambientale ed economico per la produzione industriale di PHAs. Alla ricerca di una soluzione economicamente vantaggiosa al problema dell'attività lipolitica, i geni lipolitici (lipH-lipC) di Pseudomonas stutzeri BT3 sono stati integrati in Cupriavidus necator DSM 545, un noto produttore di PHAs. Gli enzimi lipolitici sono stati notevolmente espressi nel ceppo ricombinante, aumentando la produzione di PHAs dagli scarti grassi dei macelli, indicando che il ceppo ingegnerizzato può contribuire ad aumentare l'efficienza economica della futura elaborazione dei PHAs. Ad ogni modo, alla ricerca di una soluzione economica al problema della viscosità, il gene della nucleasi (nuc) dello Staphylococcus aureus è stato integrato nei cromosomi di due batteri efficaci produttori di PHAs (C. necator DSM 545 e Delftia acidovorans DSM 39). La viscosità dei lisati delle cellule ricombinanti di C. necator DSM 545 è stata notevolmente ridotta senza influenzare la produzione di PHAs, indicando che il ceppo ingegnerizzato potrebbe aumentare l'efficienza economica dei futuri processi di estrazione di PHAs.
32
Gingras, Jacinthe. "Agrin regulates the structural and functional maturation of an interneuronal synapse." Thesis, McGill University, 2004. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=85070.
Full textAbstract:
Agrin is a nerve-derived factor that plays an important role in the formation of the neuromuscular junction. Interestingly, it is also expressed in other regions of the developing central and peripheral nervous systems, and we postulated that agrin is also a synaptogenic factor at the interneuronal synapse. To address agrin's role at the interneuronal synapse, we focused on a well-characterized peripheral interneuronal synapse in the superior cervical ganglia (SCG) and made use of transgenic mice with targeted deletions of the agrin gene: the z+ agrin-deficient and the agrin null (AGD-/-) animals. Synapses in the SCG are made onto a homogenous population of postganglionic neurons, and synaptic transmission is cholinergic, fast, excitatory and mediated by postsynaptic aggregates of neuronal AChRs (nAChRs).We found that SCG neurons in culture express a type II transmembrane and neural-specific isoform of agrin, and that agrin is highly concentrated at interneuronal sympathetic synapses. We next tested agrin's synaptogenic role at the interneuronal synapse and found that synaptic transmission was defective in z+ agrin-deficient and AGD-/- SCG. Indeed, we demonstrated that excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) in AGD-/- SCG were significantly smaller than the ones recorded in the wild type SCG. Moreover, we noted that only a fraction of the AGD-/- postganglionic neurons fired action potentials (AP) upon presynaptic trunk stimulation. Consistent with the functional defect, we demonstrated that synapses were reduced in number and poorly differentiated in both agrin-mutant lines, and addback of recombinant z+ agrin rescued the synaptic phenotype in neural agrin-deficient and AGD-/- SCG cultures. Finally, depolarization of the AGD-/- cultured SCG neurons exacerbated the defect in postganglionic localization of the neuronal AChR. Thus, agrin is an essential regulator of interneuronal synaptogenesis in the peripheral nervous system, where it promotes the differentiation and stabilization of neuronal synapses.
33
Piechaczek, Jürgen [Verfasser]. "Implications of Quality-Based Agri-Food Supply Chains on Agri-Social Systems : The Case of Smallholder Coffee Growers in South Colombia / Jürgen Piechaczek." Aachen : Shaker, 2010. http://d-nb.info/1162792531/34.
Full text
34
Rebane-Mortimer, Diana Jean. "Stitching the patchwork : an examination of agri-environmental policy network." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.298240.
Full text
35
Wood, Thomas James. "The effect of agri-environment schemes on farmland bee populations." Thesis, University of Sussex, 2017. http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/66427/.
Full textAbstract:
Over the past century there have been substantial declines in farmland biodiversity as a result of the intensification of agricultural practice. Concerns over these declines have led to the development of agri-environment schemes designed to mitigate the effects of intensive agriculture and to benefit biodiversity. Prior to commencing this thesis it was not clear if flower-rich, pollinator-focused agri-environment schemes had a population level impact on wild bees on farmland. Whilst previous work has shown that the creation of flower-rich habitat can provide suitable foraging resources for bumblebees, little was known about the impact of this management on bumblebee population sizes and even less on whether these resources were used by and benefited solitary bees. This thesis compares bee populations between farms with and without flower-rich, pollinator focused agri-environment schemes in Hampshire and West Sussex, UK. Using genetic techniques to estimate colony density, and hence population size, farms implementing targeted schemes had a significantly higher density of bumblebee nests for the four species studied (212 nests/km2 against 112 nests/km2). However, there was no difference in the species richness of bees between these different farm types. When assessing pollen use by solitary bees, flowering plants sown as part of pollinator-focused agri-environment schemes were not widely used, representing 27% of pollen foraging observations and 23% of pollen collected by volume. Only 35% of solitary bee species were found to use sown plants for pollen to a meaningful extent, with most pollen collected from plants persisting in the wider environment. The creation of flower-rich habitat significantly increased resource availability, but did not increase resource diversity. These results indicate that if diverse bee populations are to be maintained on farmland then agri-environment schemes must be developed that effectively increase the number of flowering plant species present at the farm scale.
36
Kovács, Eszter Krasznai. "Farming for subsidies : lived realities of agri-environment in Hungary." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2014. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.648840.
Full text
37
Coisnon, Thomas. "Choix de localisation résidentielle, externalités agricoles et politiques agri-environnementales." Angers, 2014. https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01784284/.
Full textAbstract:
L’étalement urbain est un enjeu environnemental et socio-économique fort. De nombreuses politiques tentent de limiter l’urbanisation excessive autour des aires urbaines européennes ou nord-américaines. Pour appréhender la question de l’étalement urbain, il est nécessaire de comprendre quels sont les mécanismes en oeuvre dans les choix de localisation résidentielle des ménages. En effet, près de la moitié des surfaces artificialisées en Europe entre 2000 et 2006 l’ont été à des fins résidentielles. Plus de trois quarts de cette artificialisation s’est effectuée au détriment de terres agricoles. L’objectif de cette thèse est de construire un cadre théorique permettant de comprendre les mécanismes économiques reliant les choix de localisation résidentielle des ménages et les externalités produites par l’agriculture. Nous utilisons le modèle statique de ville monocentrique développé par l’économie urbaine. Les modèles théoriques développés mettent en évidence différents résultats. La production d’un niveau suffisant d’aménités agricoles peut amener un ménage à s’installer loin de la ville où il travaille mais à proximité d’un cadre de vie qu’il valorise. Le développement urbain fragmenté peut donc être une configuration naturelle pour une ville entourée d’une agriculture hétérogène. Par ailleurs, l’introduction d’une politique agri-environnementale incitant les agriculteurs à produire des externalités positives peut affecter indirectement les choix de localisation résidentielle des ménages. Finalement, toute politique susceptible d’affecter les caractéristiques de l’espace périurbain se doit de l’aborder par une approche holistique, prenant en compte ses nombreux déterminantsUrban sprawl is a major environmental and socioeconomic issue. Many public policies are designed to limit the excessive urbanization that occurs around large European and North-American urban areas. In order to address the urban sprawl issue correctly, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms driving households’ residential location choices. Indeed, in Europe, between 2000 and 2006, nearly half of the artificialized land was dedicated to residential use. More than three quarters of this land-use change occurred on farmland. The purpose of this work is to provide a strong theoretical framework which would allow giving keys for better understanding of the economic mechanisms involved in residential location choice on the one hand, and agricultural externalities on the other. We use the static model of the monocentric city, developed by urban economy. Our theoretical models allow us to highlight various results. A sufficient supply of agricultural amenities may drive households to locate further away from the city where they work, but nearer to a bettervalued life environment. We show that, under certain conditions, fragmented urban development may naturally occur in any city surrounded by heterogeneous agriculture. We also show that the introduction of an agri-environmental policy promoting the provision of agricultural positive externalities may indirectly affect households’ residential location choices. Therefore, any public policy that is likely to influence characteristics of the suburban area has to deal with a holistic approach, taking into account its many drivers
38
Clark, Nathan J. "Investigating the relationship between yield risk and agri-environmental indicators." Lexington, Ky. : [University of Kentucky Libraries], 2002. http://lib.uky.edu/ETD/ukyagec2002t00040/Clark.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.S.)--University of Kentucky, 2002.Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 51 p. : ill, maps. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 49-50).
39
Wölfel, Jens. "In vitro investigations on the fine-tuned interaction between neurotrypsin and agrin /." Zürich, 2008. http://opac.nebis.ch/cgi-bin/showAbstract.pl?sys=000254460.
Full text
40
Annies, Maik. "Funktion und Expression des synapseninduzierenden Proteoglykans Agrin in Ganglienzellen der embryonalen Hühnerretina." [S.l.] : [s.n.], 2001. http://deposit.ddb.de/cgi-bin/dokserv?idn=963474200.
Full text
41
Gee, Stephen H. (Stephen Hartland). "Isolation and characterization of a-dystroglycan, a receptor for laminin and agrin." Thesis, McGill University, 1995. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=29028.
Full textAbstract:
When brain proteins separated by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and transferred to nitrocellulose are probed with $ sp{125}$I-labeled laminin, a single broad band of $ sim$120 kDa binds laminin specifically. This laminin binding protein, LBP120, is closely to dystroglycan-$ alpha$, part of a complex of proteins associated with dystrophin, the product of the gene that is absent in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Five peptides from purified bovine brain LBP120, ranging in size from 7 to 19 residues, are up to 100% identical to the predicted amino acid sequence of muscle dystroglycan-$ alpha$ (Ibraghimov-Beskrovnaya, O., Ervasti J. M., Leveille, C. J., Slaughter, C. A., Sernett, S. W., and Campbell, K. P., (1992) Nature 355, 696-702). The glycosylation and extracellular localization of LBP120/dystroglycan-$ alpha$ are consistent with it being a cell surface laminin receptor. It binds, either as a native protein, or following SDS-PAGE and transfer to nitrocellulose, with high affinity (K$ sb{ rm d}$ = 90 nM) to native laminin and more specifically, to a proteolytic fragment of laminin (E3) composed of two globular (G)-type repeats and containing the major heparin binding domain. This binding is Ca$ sp{++}$ dependent and inhibited by low concentrations of heparin. The presence of G-type repeats in the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregating protein agrin suggested that it might also be a ligand for dystroglycan-$ alpha$. Agrin, like laminin, binds specifically to dystroglycan-$ alpha$ in in vitro assays. This binding is calcium dependent and is inhibited by MAb IIH6 against dystroglycan-$ alpha$, by heparin and laminin, but not by fibronectin. Dystroglycan-$ alpha$ and utrophin (dystrophin-related protein (DRP)) are concentrated within AChR aggregates in cultures of C2 myotubes. In S27 cells, which do not aggregate AChRs spontaneously, agrin and laminin binding to dystroglycan-$ alpha$ are dramatically decreased. Moreover, MAb IIH6 significantly inhibits
42
Borges, Lúcia S. "Agrin signaling events involved in acetylcholine receptor localization at the neuromuscular synapse." Thesis, McGill University, 2002. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=82832.
Full textAbstract:
Agrin is the nerve-derived factor that initiates the formation of the neuromuscular synapse. Agrin signals through the Muscle Specific receptor tyrosine Kinase (MuSK) to induce several aspects of post-synaptic differentiation, including the clustering of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) beneath the nerve terminal. We have investigated the agrin signaling pathway and found that the AChR β subunit is tyrosine phosphorylated shortly after MuSK activation. Interestingly, this phosphorylation requires intracellular calcium fluxes raising the possibility that activity could modulate agrin signaling. As phosphorylation of the AChR β subunit correlates with receptor clustering and anchorage, we hypothesized that it regulates receptor localization in the postsynaptic membrane. To test this hypothesis, we expressed tagged, tyrosine-minus forms of the β subunit in myotubes in culture. Agrin treatment increased the linkage of tagged, wild type AChR to the cytoskeleton, but not of AChR containing tyrosine-minus β subunit. In addition, agrin-induced clustering of AChR containing tyrosine-minus β subunit was reduced as compared to wild type. Together these experiments suggest that phosphorylation of the AChR β subunit regulates receptor localization, probably via an interaction with some scaffolding protein.Rapsyn has been proposed to interact with both the AChR and the cytoskeleton, and we therefore tested whether the rapsyn/AChR association is regulated by agrin. Indeed, we found that this association is increased by agrin, and strongly correlates with phosphorylation and cytoskeletal anchorage of the AChR. Agrin-induced phosphorylation of the AChR β subunit may therefore regulate receptor localization by enhancing rapsyn/AChR interaction and thereby promoting anchorage. To test this hypothesis, we then defined the AChR domains involved in rapsyn association. We generated chimeric proteins where the major intracellular loops of the α, β, δ and ε AChR subunits were attached to the transmembrane/extracellular domains of CD4. We found that the α, β, and ε subunits loops were sufficient for clustering and anchorage by rapsyn in heterologous cells, the interaction being particularly strong with the β loop. Interestingly, we found that only the β loop was sufficient for rapsyn interaction in muscle. This suggests that rapsyn interacts with the β subunit loop, and is consistent with our hypothesis that agrin-induced phosphorylation regulates rapsyn binding and thus AChR localization at the synapse.
43
Megeath, Laura Jalso. "Characterization of the Molecular Mechanisms Regulating the Agrin Signaling Pathway: a Dissertation." eScholarship@UMMS, 1999. https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/gsbs_diss/29.
Full textAbstract:
The nervous system requires rapid, efficient, and accurate transmission between cells for proper functioning. Synapses are the predominant structures through which such vital communication occurs. How synapses are formed, maintained, and eliminated are questions of fundamental importance.
At the nerve-muscle synapse, formation of the postsynaptic apparatus is directed by agrin. The hallmark activity of agrin is the aggregation of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) into dense clusters opposite the presynaptic nerve terminal. Early events in the agrin signal transduction cascade include activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK and tyrosine phosphorylation of AChRs, but how these events lead to AChR cluster formation is unknown. Using the calcium buffer BAPTA, we demonstrate that intracellular calcium fluxes are necessary for agrin-induced formation of AChR clusters. However, clamping calcium fluxes before agrin stimulation does not alter agrin-induced phosphorylation of either MuSK or AChRs, indicating that this calcium-dependent step occurs downstream of both MuSK and AChR phosphorylation. These results identify a new step in the agrin signaling pathway required for the formation of AChR clusters.
We show that intracellular calcium fluxes also play an important role in stabilizing AChR clusters. Clamping intracellular calcium fluxes results in rapid dispersal of AChR clusters and dephosphorylation of both MuSK and AChRs, even if agrin is continually present. Furthermore, the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate inhibits both the dispersal and dephosphorylation, indicating a role for a tyrosine phosphatase in AChR cluster dispersal. Our data indicate that AChR clusters are maintained by agrin/MuSK-induced intracellular calcium fluxes that tonically inhibit a tyrosine phosphatase localized to AChR clusters. Our findings also show that distinct molecular mechanisms mediate the formation and the dispersal of agrin-induced AChR clusters.
The work presented here expands our understanding of synaptic differentiation in several ways. First, I characterized a new, calcium-dependent step required for the formation of agrin-induced AChR clusters. Next, I showed that postsynaptic specializations must be actively maintained, and describe a molecular mechanism that stabilizes AChR clusters. Finally, dispersal and formation of AChR clusters occurs by distinct pathways. Our understanding of the mechanisms regulating the formation and modulation of synapses will help us to better understand how the nervous system develops and responds to the world around us.
44
Hetsch, Florian Jan Alexander [Verfasser]. "Induction of Synapses by Agrin in Cultured Cortical Neurons / Florian Jan Alexander Hetsch." Berlin : Freie Universität Berlin, 2015. http://d-nb.info/1072622262/34.
Full text
45
Edholm, Gustav, and Xuechen Zuo. "A comparison between aconventional LSTM network and agrid LSTM network applied onspeech recognition." Thesis, KTH, Skolan för teknikvetenskap (SCI), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-230173.
Full textAbstract:
In this paper, a comparision between the conventional LSTM network and the one-dimensionalgrid LSTM network applied on single word speech recognition is conducted. The performanceof the networks are measured in terms of accuracy and training time. The conventional LSTMmodel is the current state of the art method to model speech recognition. However, thegrid LSTM architecture has proven to be successful in solving other emperical tasks such astranslation and handwriting recognition. When implementing the two networks in the sametraining framework with the same training data of single word audio files, the conventionalLSTM network yielded an accuracy rate of 64.8 % while the grid LSTM network yielded anaccuracy rate of 65.2 %. Statistically, there was no difference in the accuracy rate betweenthe models. In addition, the conventional LSTM network took 2 % longer to train. However,this difference in training time is considered to be of little significance when tralnslating it toabsolute time. Thus, it can be concluded that the one-dimensional grid LSTM model performsjust as well as the conventional one.
46
Hetsch, Florian [Verfasser]. "Induction of Synapses by Agrin in Cultured Cortical Neurons / Florian Jan Alexander Hetsch." Berlin : Freie Universität Berlin, 2015. http://d-nb.info/1072622262/34.
Full text
47
Buyambo, Ntombentsha. "An enabling environment for women agri-entrepreneurs in the Tsitsikama area." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013755.
Full textAbstract:
Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of every nation. Most countries depend on agriculture and other industries to survive. Economies around the world experience difficulties. There are many countries that have the potential to stimulate their economic growth through agriculture. The untapped resources have the potential of providing food, jobs and increased financial stability. Many countries utilise their agricultural sector to grow their economy. The growth of unemployment in South Africa has a big impact on our economy. This has caused an increase in poverty and unemployment (Ukpere & Slabbert, 2009). Women’s role in agriculture and food security is critical, but there is still lack of visibility regarding their participation and contribution in agriculture and development in general. This has led to two forms of agriculture in South Africa; so-called subsistence farming in the communal areas and white commercial farming (Kwa, 2001). Most emerging farmers are on communal land where they share decisions and ownership is unsecured, which discourages investment and limits productivity (Farmer's weekly, 2012). The main objective of the research was to determine if the women in the Tsitsikamma (Eastern Cape, South Africa), area have knowledge and strategies to manage their agribusiness in order to create an enabling environment and be competitive in their farming businesses. The qualitative method was used to answer questions in order to understand people’s perceptions, perspectives and understanding of particular situations. It is based on the belief that the researcher’s ability to interpret and make sense of what he or she sees is critical for an understanding of any social phenomenon. In seeking to create an enabling environment, a qualitative analysis investigated this particular situation. The sample consisted of 25 out of a possible 30 women in the agriculture industry. A structured questionnaire was used and interviews were conducted with women involved in agriculture regardless of owning a farm. This study was based in the farming industry, particular farm women who are interested or involved in agribusiness in the Tsitsikamma region. The results of the questionnaire revealed key findings, which enabled the researcher to draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations. The findings have suggested that the women farmers can overcome the identified constraints affecting the opportunities to grow their farming businesses. Further empirical results indicated that they do not have any strategies in running their farming businesses. The study also highlights areas in agribusiness that should be improved.
48
Zokaei, A. Keivan. "Evolution of the U.K. agri-food supply chains : a systems analysis." Thesis, Cardiff University, 2008. http://orca.cf.ac.uk/55172/.
Full textAbstract:
The agri-food industry has great importance to the UK economy while at the same time proven to give rise to significant socio-environmental problems. The UK agri-food chains have faced several crises and undergone extensive change since the 1990s. However, so far, many improvement attempts in this sector have adopted point analysis of single issues rather than a systems view of the interrelated web of concerns. This thesis recognises a lack, of systemic understanding and systemic improvement approacrtes " within the UK agri-food supply chains and adopts a systems perspective. Therefore, the theoretical background in this thesis is influenced by systems and cognate theories. A review of systems thinking literature is carried out which is subsequently narrowed down focusing on supply chain management and sustainable chain management literature leading to the identification of two gap areas in the body of knowledge. The first gap relates to the improvement of supply chain consumer focus which is identified as a key emerging area in the field of supply chain management. The second gap is about simultaneous improvement of the environmental and economic performance of the UK agri-food chains. The research begins with contextual investigations providing evidence of the misalignment of the UK agri-food chains with the consumer value. Moreover, the contextual research clearly shows that the UK agri- food chains disproportionately pollute the environment and that the existing body of knowledge around the second research gap is in its infancy. The thesis follows by the proposition of a conceptual framework of the evolution of the UK agri-food chain management body of knowledge encapsulating the theoretical propositions of the thesis as well as serving as a guide for the data collection and directing the analyses throughout the thesis. The four rings model of the evolution of the UK agri-food chain management shows how the state of knowledge has evolved in the past and how it should continue to evolve in the future. The rest of the thesis explores and explains how to move the boundary constraints of knowledge within this framework. A multiple case study research strategy is deployed, in line with the research questions posed, the nature of the study and the philosophical approaches underpinning the thesis (the research is argued from a critical realist viewpoint), (enabling the author to develop rich, detailed and contextual knowledge about the UK agri-food chains. In a purposive sample, five case studies have been selected based on the research objectives and in a way to best enable addressing the research gaps. The first research question is addressed through four case studies whereupon significant knowledge is developed about how to improve the consumer orientation of the UK agri-food chains by leveraging the inter- organisational potentials in each case. To that end, a new approach is developed (i.e. the Supply Chain Kano-QFD approach) which is linked to the value stream mapping method. Moreover, the findings of the four case studies are compared and contrasted, and case specific contingencies are discussed. The second research gap is addressed by means of one case study which discusses the challenges ahead in terms of improving the environmental sustainability of the UK agri- food supply chains. The case study challenges the conventional views about the eco- friendliness of the biofuels, provides valuable insights about analysis of the environmental sustainability of the agri-food chains and puts forward key recommendations for future investigation.
49
Lusse, Johan. "Voedselrisikobestuur tydens die opberging en hantering van graan in Overberg Agri." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/49227.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2006.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Grains are generally considered to be low risk products. However food safety laws and consumer demands require companies to implement programs that will ensure food safety. To comply with these demands, South African grain handling companies are required to implement appropriate risk management systems. Companies that do not adopt such systems will not only exclude themselves from international grain markets but also from the whole food industry with related losses in market share. This study involved consultation with various roieplayers in the grain industry and a literature study to determine the current status of food risk management systems in South Africa. The survey investigated the food risk management requirements of local grain handling companies, and how local and international companies manage food risks. Existing food risk management practices currently implemented by Overberg Agri were also analysed. Although Overberg Agri's grain division has been handling grain for many years, attention to quality, safety en food risk factors has been infonnal and fragmented. No formal documented food risk management system has been implemented. This study presents an integrated food risk management system for managing food quality and food safety. The management system aims at identifying all important processes which are to be managed, to formally document the processes and to provide guidelines for implementing the system. Adoption of such an approach would ensure that the system is implemented in a structured way and that processes are regularly reviewed and updated as required in an ever-changing business environment. The management system contains the implementation of a system that includes food quality~ safety and risk, but includes more than just the minimum requirements of the ISO 9001 and Codex standards. The proposed management system focusses on an approach based on logical sequence of the daily business, to involve everyone and keep them involved. This will ensure that processes are executed in a manner that will identify all food risks to limit or exclude them, rather than analysing each element of an existing standard and repeating it as a requirement. The existing management system of Overberg Agri is not effective in managing food risks because several losses still occure. This is because there are insufficient formal systems, documentation and records available to determine wheter losses can be ascribed to structures, work instructions, management or latent grain defects. The proposed system will ensure that the above mentioned will be implemented to supply the company, stakeholders en clients with sound information which is needed for continuous improvement of the company.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Oor die algemeen word graan as veilige voedsel beskou. Verbruikers dring al meer daarop aan dat ondememings moet bewys dat hulle stelsels in plek het vir die versekering van veilige voedsel. Om aan die vereistes te voldoen, moet ondememings in Suid-Afrika wat graan hanteer, die gepaste risikobestuurstelsels implementeer. Ondernemings wat dit nie doen, stel hulself bloot aan verliese sowel as uitsluiting, nie net van die intemasionale graanhandel nie, maar ook die hele voedselindustrie. Vir die studie is rolspelers in die graanindustrie genader en literatuur bestudeer om vas te stel wat in Suid-Afrika ten opsigte van voedselrisikobestuur bestaan. Daar is ook vasgestel wat die behoeftes ten opsigte van risikobestuur is vir ondememings wat graan opberg en hanteer en wat plaaslike en internasionale ondememings doen om voedselrisiko's te bestuur. Ook is bepaal wat alreeds in Overberg Agri se graanafdeling rakende voedselrisikobestuur bestaan. Alhoewel die afdeling al jare funksioneer is daar heelwat plekke waar op informele wyse aandag aan kwaliteit, veiligheid en voedselrisiko gegee word, maar nie formeel nie. Die werkstuk poog daarin om 'n geintegreerde bestuurstelsel vir voedselkwaliteit en - veiligheid daar te stel. Die bestuurstelsel het dit ten doel om alle belangrike prosesse wat bestuur word, te identifiseer en op 'n formele wyse te dokumenteer en te implementeer. Sodoende word seker gemaak dat dit reelmatig gebeur en dat sulke prosesse gereeld hersien word om te sien of hulle noodsaaklik vir die bedryf is. Die bestuurstelsel behels die implementering van 'n stelsel wat voedselkwaliteit, -veiligheid en -risiko insluit, maar meer is as net die absolute minimum vereistes van die ISO 9001 en die Codex standaard. Hiervoor kombineer die voorgestelde bestuurstelsel die ISO 9001 en HACCP standaarde. Die bestuurstelsel konsentreer meer op 'n benadering gebaseer op 'n logiese volgorde soos die besigheid daagliks vloei, en om almal betrokke te kry en te hou, en dan te verseker dat prosesse so uitgevoer word dat alle voedselrisiko's geidentifiseer en beperk of uitgesluit word, eerder as om elke element van 'n bestaande standaard te ontIeed en weer te gee as 'n vereiste. Die bestaande bestuurstelsel van Overberg Agri is nie effektief in die bestuur van voedselrisiko's nie, aangesien te veel verliese steeds voorkom. Dit is waarskynlik omdat daar nie genoeg stelsels, dokumentasie en rekords beskikbaar is, sodat oorsake toegeskryf kan word aan strukture, werksinstruksies, bestuur of graan nie. Die voorgestelde stelsel wil verseker dat bogenoemde geimplementeer word om vir die ondememing self, aandeelhouers en kliente konkrete inligting te gee sodat verbetering voortdurend aangebring kan word.
50
Topp, Jessie Marie. "The role of sustainability reporting in the agri-food supply chain." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/19082.
Full textAbstract:
Master of ScienceDepartment of Communications and Agricultural Education
Jason D. Ellis
Agricultural sustainability is a growing concern for the general public because of agriculture’s considerable use of land, water, and other natural resources. In response to this growing concern, companies have started to publish sustainability reports to highlight sustainable practices. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of sustainability reporting from companies in the agri-food supply chain. The research objectives of this study were (1) determine the prevalence of sustainability reporting among food system companies, (2) identify, to what extent, the three components of the triple bottom line model are represented in sustainability reports, (3) determine if/how sustainability reporting differs among sectors of the agriculture supply chain, (4) assess how companies describe stakeholder engagement in sustainability reports, and (5) explore which aspects of reputation are included in sustainability reports. In total, 66 agribusinesses were included in this study of which 16 had published sustainability reports. Data for the quantitative content analysis were collected using a scorecard based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines. Results indicated that sustainability reporting is limited among companies involved in the agriculture and food supply chain. Though better than sectors studied in previous research, agribusinesses also struggle to explain stakeholder engagement and need to focus sustainability report content to align more closely with the three components of the triple bottom line model – environment, economic, and social.