Title: The U.S. Agricultural Sector and the Macroeconomy

Authors: Baek, Jungho; Koo, Won W.

Abstract: The effects of the exchange rate, the U.S. agricultural price, the domestic income, and the interest rate on the U.S. net farm income are investigated in a cointegration framework. For this purpose, the Phillips-Hansen fully-modified cointegration (FM-OLS) procedure is applied to annual data for the period 1957–2008. Results suggest that there exists the long-run equilibrium relationship between the U.S. net farm income and the selected macroeconomic variables. We also find that the exchange rate and U.S. agricultural price are more important than other variables in determining the U.S. net farm income.

Title: Discussion: The Economics of Animal Welfare

Authors: Hudson, Darren

Abstract: This discussion highlights some of the strengths and weaknesses of the literature on animal welfare. Most pointedly, the literature on the economics of animal welfare is quite scant. As exemplified by these papers, however, there is a growing body of literature, especially those related to added costs of production and consumer demand for animal welfare attributes.

Title: Verifying Credence Attributes in Livestock Production

Authors: Olynk, Nicole J.; Tonsor, Glynn T.; Wolf, Christopher A.

Abstract: Livestock producers can respond to increasing consumer demand for certain production process attributes by providing verifiable information on the practices used. Consumer willingness to pay data were used to inform producer decision-making regarding selection of verification entities for four key production process attributes in the production of pork chops and milk. The potential for informing farm-level decision-making with information about consumer demand for product and production process attributes exists beyond the two products assessed as example cases in this analysis.

Title: The Economics of Regulations on Hen Housing in California

Authors: Sumner, Daniel A.; Matthews, William A.; Mench, Joy A.; Rosen-Molina, J. Thomas

Abstract: Beginning January 1, 2015, conventional cage housing for egg-laying hens is scheduled to be prohibited in California. We consider the economic implications of the new hen housing regulations on the California shell egg industry. Our data show that egg production is more costly using noncage systems than conventional cages. The main result of the new regulations will be a drastic reduction in the number of eggs produced in California, a large increase in egg shipments from out of state, little if any change in hen housing for eggs consumed in California, and little change in egg prices in California.

Title: Drivers of Resident Support for Animal Care Oriented Ballot Initiatives

Authors: Tonsor, Glynn T.; Wolf, Christopher A.

Abstract: Recent high profile incidents and public debates in the United States have highlighted the increasing interest residents have regarding animal rearing and handling practices. This paper examines resident support for national legislation that mirrors Proposition 2, which in November 2008 passed in California. Results suggest perceptions regarding animal welfare information accuracy of livestock industry and consumer groups are particularly influential determinants of voting behavior and demand. The analysis also suggests residents may not fully appreciate price or tax implications when supporting additional animal welfare legislation. Implications for livestock industry and policy makers are provided along with suggestions for additional research.

Title: Managing Quantity, Quality and Timing in Cane Sugar Production: Ex Post Marketing Permits or Ex Ante Production Contracts

Authors: Patlolla, Sandhyarani

Abstract: Sugarcane produced in India is utilized to manufacture three sweetening agents: sugar, gur, and khandsari. Sugar processors must comply with a floor price for cane, but gur and khandsari producers are exempt from the floor price. Thus, any effect of the sugar processor’s choice of procurement method on the incentives facing farmers will depend on the expected cane price in these competing unregulated markets. In Andhra Pradesh (AP), India, private sugar processors use an unusual form of vertical coordination. Rather than conventional pre-planting contracts, they issue ‘permits’ to selected cane growers a few weeks before harvest. I explore the potential motivations behind this choice of sugar processors and hypothesize that the probabilistic permit system is the low-cost way of procuring high-quality cane. I develop a theoretical model of the AP cane procurement market that incorporates the floor price policy that applies only to the cane used for sugar processing, and compare processor profits under the probabilistic ex post permit system and ex ante production contracts. The model predicts that both the quality of cane procured and the profits from unit cane purchase are higher when the processor uses ex post permits. These gains come at the expense of increased cultivation costs incurred by the farmers. I test and confirm the predictions of the theoretical model using data from a household survey conducted in fall 2008.

Title: SOME DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES FOR INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN UZBEKISTAN

Authors: BURKHANOV, AKTAM

Abstract: This paper discusses theoretical aspects of development strategies for industrial companies of Uzbekistan. The author concludes that support of the applied scientific researches and innovations by the government is the key factor in moving the industrial production of Uzbekistan on higher technological level.

Title: Exports of Livestock Products from India: Performance, Competitiveness and Determinants

Authors: Kumar, Anjani

Title: The Influence of Endogenous Nutrition Knowledge on Consumers’ Willingness-To-Pay for Grass-Fed Beef

Authors: Xue, Hong; Mainville, Denise; You, Wen; Nayga, Rodolfo M. Jr

Abstract: The relationship between nutrition knowledge and consumers’ food behavior has been debated for years. This may be partially attributed to the difficulty introduce by endogeneity of nutrition knowledge in econometric modeling. Using grass-fed beef as a vehicle, this paper investigates the impacts of consumers’ nutrition knowledge on their willingness to pay by accommodating the endogeneity problem using instrumental variable approach. Our results suggest that consumers’ nutrition knowledge significantly influences their willingness to pay for grass-fed beef. Gender and education are influential factors of consumers’ nutrition knowledge level.

Title: Demand for Live Seafood in the North Central Region

Authors: Quagrainie, Kwamena; Hughes, Kevin; Xing, Ai

Title: APPLICATION OF SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION FOR CELLULASE ENZYME PRODUCTION USING TRICHODERMA VIRIDE

Authors: MOJSOV, KIRO

Abstract: The Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is alternative to submerged fermentation for production antibiotics, single cell protein, enzymes, organic acids, biofuel, etc. However, the advantages of SSF in various processes are found to be greater than in submerged fermentation. This technique not only decreases the cost of the process but also makes product cheaper for consumers. The paper describes experimental applicati;on of SSF on wheat straw for production of mycelia protein and cellulase enzymes by Trichoderma viride. This actual waste from agriculture industry was used as a nourishing base by Trichoderma viride in SSF for cellulase enzyme production. Growth and enzymes production by Trichoderma viride were evaluated on wheat straw and alkali treatment wheat straw (wet processing). The growth of the microorganism (biomass content) shows maximum (123.44 mg/petri dish) on alkali treatment wheat straw compared (96.36 mg/petri dish) on wheat straw during of 240 hours. The results obtained demonstrate that the wheat straw waste from agriculture industry can be used as inexpensive base (carbon source) for industrial production on cellulase enzymes by Trichoderma viride.

Title: INNOVATIONS AS A DEVELOPMENT FACTOR FOR THE CONTEMPORARY CULTURE IN BELARUS

Authors: BULOICHYK, SVIATLANA

Abstract: Cultural institutions, being the subjects of management on one hand, and creating economic conditions on the other hand, have a significant impact on the development of the economy. However, cultural institutions themselves need to be developed. Certain economic innovations can become a development factor in the work of cultural institutions.

Title: LANGUAGE LEARNING - PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Authors: TARNOVEANU, DORINA

Abstract: There are several stages in the linguistic development of a child; he will not merely reproduce the sentences he hears, but a personal production is often noticed. Children do not acquire the grammar of their native language through theoretical teaching; exposure to the speaking community will lead to the acquisition of the grammatical structures of their language. Little is known about how little children acquire the rules of their native language; yet, we may distinguish between physiological and psychological aspects.

Title: DESIGN OF THE REGIONS’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Authors: PATSUK, OLGA

Abstract: At present Russian economy is undergoing the same trends of the modern economic development, which take place in developed countries. These processes comprise globalization, advanced development of the service industries, post-industrial society formation, intellectual component expansion in the results of any industry, informatization of the society, running out of traditional sources of social and economic growth. In such conditions search for new ways and factors of the regional self-development is critical.

Title: DESIGN OF THE REGIONS’ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Authors: PATSUK, OLGA

Abstract: At present Russian economy is undergoing the same trends of the modern economic development, which take place in developed countries. These processes comprise globalization, advanced development of the service industries, post-industrial society formation, intellectual component expansion in the results of any industry, informatization of the society, running out of traditional sources of social and economic growth. In such conditions search for new ways and factors of the regional self-development is critical.

Title: DETERMINATION AND ASSESSMENT OF COMPETITIVENESS OF REGIONAL COMMODITY MARKETS

Authors: KRASAVINA, RAISA

Abstract: The paper observes the structure of regional commodity markets as a relation between competitive and monopoly regulating powers. A method for quantitative evaluation of competitiveness of certain markets depending on factors dominating in the region is proposed.

Title: TELEWORK ORGANIZATION MODEL AS METHOD OF DEVELOPMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS’ EMPLOYMENT QUALITY

Authors: BILEVICIENE, TATJANA; BILEVICIUTE, EGLE

Abstract: Problem of employment for disabled persons is partly connected with permanent changes and technical achievements in labour market. Telework in particular circumstances creates for disabled persons positive opportunity of choice. Accomplished research of authors analyzes the employment quality factors and proves that implementation of telework model for disabled persons could improve quality of employment of such persons in comparison with recent system of profession rehabilitation and disabled persons employment.

Title: ENHANCEMENT OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE WITH DEVELOPING ERGONOMIC WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT AND PROVIDING WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Authors: FINNA, HENRIETTA; FORGACS, TAMAS

Abstract: Ergonomy aims at creating a work place that suits the employee’s needs. A well-developed office does not only increase work efficiency but it can also significantly reduce costs. This study researches and reveals the specific personal attributes and the factors of workplace environment, which have an effect on the efficiency of the workforce. We were searching for studies, where the core work wasn’t changed -the increase in work efficiency was reached only by changing the work environment.

Title: THE CONSEQUENCE OF FINANCIAL CRISES IN ALBANIAN INSURANCE MARKET

Authors: MADANI, FILLORETA; CAKRANI, EDMIRA

Abstract: The Albanian insurance market is not influenced considerably from current financial crisis. Early yet phase of development with the very low penetration level explains steadiness of insurance market to exposure influence of global financial crisis. Another factor contributed to stability of insurance market is focusing insurance businesses more on the compulsory insurance segment which is not fully liberalized. Conservative investment policies of Albanian insurers also contributed to avoiding influence of market risks induced by world financial crisis.

Title: CURRENT STATE OF THE COTTON AND TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN KAZAKHSTAN

Authors: AZHIMETOVA, GULFARI

Abstract: The textile industry of Kazakhstan is presented basically by enterprises created in period of centrally planned economy and as consequence. Low labor productivity, lacking equipment base and technologies, poor marketing are problems of the current state of industry. But, there are also advantages as a vicinity of potential cotton manufacturers - Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan. A free economic zone (FEZ) “Ontustik” has been established and a program of “Ontustik” FEZ development has been adopted for developing the cotton and textile cluster in Kazakhstan. The law “About development of the cotton branch” has been adopted in Kazakhstan to provide the textile enterprises with necessary raw material and to develop the domestic cotton growing.