International: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Document Number: D09728
Notes:
188 pages, Explores options for scientists to consider in making their own judgments about how they would like to position themselves in relation to policy and politics.
USA: Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 199 Document Number: D09870
Notes:
Via FSA website. 3 pages., Describes the USDA Certified State Agricultural Mediation Program administered by the Farm Service Agency. Cites examples, performance goals, results, resources and links to related sites.
Journal currently known as: Crop and Pasture Science, Via CSIRO Journals., There is considerable potential for seasonal to inter-annual climate forecasts derived from dynamic models of the earth’s climate to be used widely to help improve management of important real-world issues in a variety of different areas (e.g. disaster management, agriculture, water management, health, natural resource management, food security, and insurance). Unfortunately, several factors currently inhibit this potential, e.g. low skill, low awareness, mismatches in what model forecasts can provide and what users need, and the complexity and probabilistic nature of the information provided. Substantial effort around the world is currently directed towards reducing these impediments. For example, climate model development continues behind the scenes, and techniques such as multi-model ensemble forecasting are progressing rapidly. Communication strategies that enable probabilistic information to be communicated more effectively have been developed and exciting developments such as the emergence of the Argo float program have dramatically improved our ability to initialise forecast systems. We can also look forward to greater computing power in the future, which will allow us to increase the resolution of the models used to perform forecasts. Research on the integration of climate forecasts with risk-management tools more useful to managers is also occurring.
The great potential for much wider use of climate model forecasting cannot be denied. However, it will only be realised if models continue to be developed further, if climatic variability continues to be closely monitored from the surface, the atmosphere, the ocean, and from space, and if these data are made readily available to the research community.
Sligo, F.X. (author), Massey, Claire (author), and Department of Communication and Journalism, Massey University
Massey University, New Zealand Centre for SME Research
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2007-04
Published:
Elsevier
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 16 Document Number: D10440
13 pages., Via online journal., This study reports on New Zealand dairy farmers’ access to and use of information as mediated through conditions of risk and trust within the context of their interpersonal social networks. We located participants’ reports of their information use within their perceived environments of trust and risk, following Giddens's [1990. The consequences of modernity. Polity Press, Stanford, CA] typology of trust and risk in pre-modernity and modernity. The research participants were constant users of interpersonal and print information from numerous sources, and monitored their incoming data in the light of strategic needs, reflecting their roles as both farming practitioners and business owners. Socio-spatial knowledge networks (SSKNs) combine individuals’ explanatory cognitive models of information acquisition and use with a micro-geographical analysis of their interpersonal networks. The participants showed characteristics of pre-modern, modern and even post-modern society in respect of their use of complex interactional forms, as well as a blending of individualistic and communitarian practices and concerns in their professional and personal lives.
29 pages., via online journal., Managers’ emotions play a significant role in natural resource decision-making processes relative to conflict. Although conflict and emotion are present in many aspects of most resource managers’
careers, the role of the primary decision maker’s emotions in natural
resources decision-making processes is neither well understood, nor well
documented. The ideas presented in this article derive from a literature
review and an independent four-year qualitative study of the USDA
Forest Service. The major finding of the study was that natural resources managers’ emotions do indeed have an influence on their decisionmaking processes and in conflict situations. Furthermore, communication is a component of decision making; conflict is a component of decision
making; and communication is a component of conflict. The authors review the literature in neuroscience and psychology on emotion and conflict. We explain how this information is important to any decision making process, and then relate emotions and decision making to conflict at the USDA FS. We offer insights and suggestions as to how managers
Lusk, Jayson L. (author / Oklahoma State University), Norwood, F. Bailey (author / Oklahoma State University), and Prickett, Robert W. (author / Oklahoma State University)
Format:
Research report
Publication Date:
2007-08-17
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 85 Document Number: D10852
Notes:
Working paper, Department of Agricultural Economics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. 33 pages.
Sampong, D.D. (author), Egyir, I.S. (author), and Yaw, Osei-Asare (author)
Format:
Paper
Publication Date:
2007
Published:
Ghana
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10923
Notes:
Paper presented at the African Association of Agricultural Economists second international conference, Accra, Guana, August 20-22, 2007. 4 pages., The traditional way of information dissemination has been through people; the modern way is through the electronic media – improved information and communication technologies (ICTs). For effectiveness, modern ICTs should help women to improve on their income generating capacity. Issues of level of resource capacity of women, information needed, and current sources of such information become important. This study sought to investigate the issues above with respect to rural women food producers in the Mfantsiman District of Ghana. Simple descriptive statistics and econometric models were employed in the data analysis of 91 randomly selected respondents. The results of the study showed that: In general, the women food producers were aged, subsistence food crop farmers. They depended on the natural rainfall cycle and had inadequate funds, so they use traditional inputs for production and sell surpluses in the community. The most important agricultural information needed was on inputs, specifically, low cost in-kind or cash credit. Currently, the major information sources are relatives and other farmers in the locality, agricultural extension agents, the radio and television. This suggests that the women food producers have low resource capacity and this could limit the adoption of modern ICTs as a source of and media for information dissemination. Yet, the regression results show that the few (6) mobile phone users have a higher income generating capacity. In order to improve on capacity to use modern ICTs for increased access to other resources, women farmers’ should organize themselves into formidable groups so local institutions can assist easily.
7 pages, via online journal, Despite large investments in research to modernize African agriculture, enabling it to fulfil its potential, traditional agriculture still predominates. To many, the lack of adoption of knowledge generated through agricultural research is due either to the inexplicable functioning of the farmer's decision-making process or to a set of issues so complex that it is not clear how they could ever be overcome. This paper reviews a project in Sub-Saharan Africa in which bean pest management became a tool through which communities were empowered to address a wide range of development issues. This paper suggests that what needs to be altered substantially is the way scientists view and interact with the poor.
Daku, Lefter (author), Norton, George W. (author), Taylor, Daniel B. (author), Petrela, Eivis Qenani (author), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
California Polytechnic State University
Format:
Online journal article
Publication Date:
2007-07-30
Published:
United States: Taylor & Francis
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 109 Document Number: D10967
12 pages, via online journal, Following the economic reforms in the early 90's, most of the south-eastern European countries (SEE) made efforts to establish agricultural extension services. However, a number of factors including tight governmental budgets, lack of experience, and the existence of vested interests have constrained the development of extension services. This paper examines the rationale for public funding of extension programs and evaluates the incentive structure for private and public provision of agricultural extension service in the SEE countries. It suggests a medium and long-term approach with a primary focus on institutional design. Two groups of factors that affect the private sector supply of extension are analyzed: (i) demand and supply-side factors that affect the profitability of the service and (ii) factors arising from the public-good nature of extension output, externalities, and moral hazards that affect the appropriation of returns of the service. The main conclusion is that the SEE countries should try to achieve a public-private extension balance by following a gradual approach toward privatization of the agricultural extension service. However, the paper advocates a continued important role for the public sector to correct for potential undesirable effects of private advisory services.
Zeng, Douglas Zhihua (author / World Bank) and Wang, Shuilin (author)
Format:
Research report
Publication Date:
2007
Published:
China: The World Bank
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 124 Document Number: D11231
Notes:
World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 4223. 36 pages., Analysis of some strengths, weakenesses, opportunities and challenges of China's knowledge economy in the areas of economic incentives and institutional regimes, human capital, innovation systems, and information infrastructures.
Shulman, Seth (author), Abend, Kate (author), and Meyer, Alden (author)
Format:
Research report
Publication Date:
2007
Published:
USA: Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge, MA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 136 Document Number: D11419
Notes:
68 pages., Introductory information and executive summary printed from the organization website. Full text available., The report described ExxonMobile as having "underwritten the most sophisticated and most successful disinformation campaign since the tobacco industry misled the public about the scientific evidence linking smoking to lung cancer and heart disease." Documentation described the company as having drawn upon four of the same tactics: manufactured uncertainty, information laundering, promoted scientific spokespeople, and attempt to shift the focus away from meaningful action.
11 pages., via online journal, A survey was conducted in six cities in the western United States whose electric utilities practice directional pruning for line clearance. Recipients’ knowledge of and attitudes about tree care practices and issues, utility pruning, directional pruning for line clearance, and effects of a simple brochure about utility pruning were determined. Respondents cared a great deal about landscape trees but had not thought much about utility pruning. They felt that utility pruners care most about keeping lines clear but care less about the trees, that companies are poor at explaining pruning to the public, and slightly disagree that large trees should be removed and replaced with small trees under lines. Those who had thought a lot about utility pruning were less trusting of those who do the pruning. The brochure increased trust of utility pruning personnel and the perception that they care about trees and greatly increased agreement that those personnel are highly trained professionals. Preference for topping over directional pruning was reduced by receiving a brochure, although topping still was preferred. Most supported line burial and were willing to pay higher rates for burial. Several recommendations are suggested for utilities and researchers, including the need for utilities placing an increased emphasis on communication with the public regarding these matters.
13 pages., Online from publisher., Using a review of literature, authors identified most important factors hindering the rise of public concern about the environment. Categories they identified included obtainment of information on environmental problems and appraisal processes related to environmental problems.
10 pages., Via online., Analysis of discourse revealed nostalgia for formerly vibrant commercial districts and the importance of economic vitality and social life. Researcher observed that in the current economic structure and social milieu if residents' economies are to be revitalized they will need to become more thoughtful and creative agents of change within their villages.
6 pages., Via online., Author outlined six engagement principles that facilitate community-building efforts in organizations and identified future directions for both application and investigation of those principles.
11 pages., Online from journal by open access., Researchers surveyed residents of the wildland-urban interface to determine the effects of contextual factors such as location of the forest, its primary use, wildfire history, and current fire conditions on acceptability of prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, and doing nothing.
Taylor, Jonathan G. (author), Gillette, Shana C. (author), Hodgson, Ronald W. (author), Downing, Judith L. (author), Burns, Michele R. (author), Chavez, Deborah J. (author), and Hogan, John T. (author)
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2007
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 146 Document Number: D11574
14 pages., Online from publisher via open access., Researchers studied fire communications during different stages of two wildfires in southern California. Findings revealed that pre-fire communication planning was particularly effective for smaller fire events and parts of that planning proved invaluable for the large fire event as well. Findings also identified information needs of residents.
17 pages., Online via UI e-subscription, Researchers used content analysis to determine the relationship between the use of celebrities and the types of products endorsed in one popular U.S. magazine and two popular Thailand magazines. Results indicated that a significant relationship existed among celebrity endorsers and product types. Product categories involving food, diet, and weight loss were among those in which celebrity endorsers were used most.
Authors emphasize how factors that influence media coverage of climate science intertwine and diverge in the United States and United Kingdom. Journalism and public concerns have shaped decisions in climate science and policy , just as climate science and policy have shaped media reporting and public understanding.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 201 Document Number: D11827
Notes:
Printed pages in ACDC file include only the cover, abstract, citation details, and discussion section., Thesis in partial fulfillment of a Master's thesis, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas., The purpose of this study was to determine Texas Public Relations Association(TPRA) members' perception of the word agriculture and how that perception influences perceptions of the skills and qualifications of graduates from agricultural communications and journalism (AGCJ) programs. A researcher-developed electronic questionnaire was used for data collection. Of accessible population of 148 TPRA members, 83 responded to the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 56.08%.This descriptive study found that TPRA members did not have a negative perception of agriculture or the AGCJ major, but there was a lack of awareness of the AGCJ major and respondents had low self-perceived agricultural knowledge. Writing, interpersonal skills, public relations, editing, and media relations were considered to be the five most important skills in the public relations profession; however, AGCJ graduates were perceived to be only somewhat competent in these skills. Respondents ranked AGCJ as seventh of eight majors according to how well prepared graduates were perceived to be for entry-level public relations positions. Results indicated a positive correlation between awareness of the AGCJ major and perception of the major; therefore, the lack of awareness influenced the less positive perception of the major.
Online via UI Library electronic subscription, To close the gap between ecologists and policy makers, the author proposed a program of embedding ecologists into the political syst4em in much the same way the U.S. military embeds journalists into combat units. Emphasized the importance of developing personal relationships.
Online via UI Library electronic subscription to the journal., Examines the electronic availability of agronomy journals at eight Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member institutions with doctoral programs in agronomy. Findings "emphasized the importance of not relying solely on electronically available research materials." Much of the older relevant literature was not available electronically.
Escalada, M.M. (author / Visayas State University, Philippines)
Format:
Teaching material
Publication Date:
2007
Published:
International
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12090
Notes:
Handout 2 for Development Communication 132 course perhaps at Visayas State University, Philippines, where Monina Escalada taught in the Development Communication Department. 8 pages., How-to resource for pretesting and evaluating communication materials.
34 pages, A growing body of research lends support to opportunity theory and its variants, but has yet to focus systematically on a number of specific offenses and contexts. Typically, the more crimes and contexts to which a theory applies, the broader its scope and range, respectively, and thus generalizability. In this paper, we focus on agricultural crime victimization— including theft of farm equipment, crops, livestock, and chemicals—an offense that opportunity theory appears well-situated to explain. Specifically, we examine whether key dimensions of the theory are empirically associated with the likelihood of victimization and also examine factors associated with farmers’ use of guardianship measures. In contrast to much previous research, we combine multiple individual-level measures of these dimensions. We conclude that the theory partially accounts for variation in agricultural crime victimization, depending on the type of crime, and that greater work is needed investigating how key dimensions of opportunity theory should be conceptualized and operationalized in rural contexts. The study’s implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Retrieved January 9, 2007, Via Boston.com, Commentator criticizes television weather reporters for failing to help viewers address the complications and implications of global warming.
"When researchers played recordings of dog 'laughter' (a breathy exhalation made by pooches), barking and pacing canines at an animal shelter calmed down instantly. 'The dogs seemed to be happy, not stressed,' says animal behaviorist Patricia Simonet. To hear the sound, go to www.laughing-dog.org."
