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Although trachoma mass drug administration (MDA) programs target ocular Chlamydia trachomatis, the global trachoma control program does not monitor infection as a measure of impact but instead relies on monitoring clinical indicators. This study aimed to monitor the prevalence of ocular C. trachomatis among a population-based sample of children ages 1–5 years throughout Amhara, Ethiopia, a region that has received approximately 8 years of annual MDA as part of trachoma control. Between 2014 and 2021, trachoma impact surveys and surveillance surveys were conducted in all 156 districts of Amhara using a multistage cluster randomized methodology. Certified graders assessed individuals ages ≥ 1 year for trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF), and a random subset of children ages 1–5 years also provided a conjunctival swab. Polymerase chain reaction was used to test for C. trachomatis. A total of 28,410 conjunctival swabs were collected from children ages 1–5 years across Amhara. The regional C. trachomatis infection prevalence was 4.7% (95% uncertainty interval: 4.3–5.1%). Infection was detected in all 10 zones of the region and ranged from 0.2% in Awi Zone to 11.9% in Waghemra Zone. Infection was detected in 17 (26%) districts with a TF prevalence < 10% and in 7 (21%) districts with a TF prevalence < 5%. Through programmatic monitoring of C. trachomatis infection, this study demonstrated that considerable infection remained throughout Amhara despite approximately 8 years of trachoma interventions and that enhanced interventions such as more frequent than annual MDA will be needed if elimination thresholds are to be reached.

Introduction: Trachomatous trichiasis (TT) is the advanced stage of trachoma where lashes touch the globe of the eye causing permanent damage. Without eyelid surgery, TT can lead to irreversible blindness. In 2015 the Ethiopian Ministry of Health launched the Fast Track Initiative with the aim of enhancing the provision of surgical services for TT. The aims of this study were to determine the productivity of individual surgeons during the 2017 Initiative, to compare this productivity with the Ministry’s annual target indicator of ≥ 200 surgeries, and to assess the factors associated with surgical output. Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized programmatic data on surgical output from 140 surgeons active from January 2017 through December 2017 in the eastern half of Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data were collected from a surgery monitoring dataset, analyzed, and compared to the performance targets set by the Ministry. Results: The mean annual number of surgeries carried out per surgeon was 169 (standard deviation: 111) for a total of 23,616 surgeries. Among the 140 surgeons, 38% achieved the target set by the Ministry. Location of surgical training site and estimated surgical backlog were signficantly associated with a higher surgery output. Conclusions: An increase in surgical output was observed compared to productivity prior to the Initiative, although the average annual output during the 2017 Fast Track Initiative was lower than the Ministry’s target. Using data driven approaches to setting annual productivity goals should be considered, particularly in light of fewer remaining TT cases as a result of the successful Initiative.

Purpose This study aims to provide insights on how different sources of information concerning a quality assurance program (QAP) influence consumers’ wine purchase likelihood, profiles of consumers most likely to use QAPs (demographics, wine consumption and expenditures, wine involvement behaviors) and consumer attitudes toward QAPs. Design/methodology/approach Data are from a 2021 survey of 1,191 wine consumers in Tennessee and other US states. A multiple indicators multiple causes model is used to estimate how consumer demographics, wine consumption and expenditure patterns and several wine-involvement measures influence likelihood of using QAPs from eight provider sources when making wine purchase decisions. Sources include university, government, third-party certifiers, wineries and wine associations at the state, regional, national and international levels. Findings Wine consumers have an interest in QAP information when making wine purchase decisions. Not all QAP provider information is used equally, with almost 69% of the sample indicating the use of state wine association QAPs, but less than 44% indicating the use of government agency QAPs or third-party QAPs. Wine consumers’ demographics also influence the use of QAP information. Males, higher income consumers, residing outside of Tennessee and more wine-involved consumers are more likely to use QAPs. Consumers view QAPs as indicators of overall wine quality, ingredient quality and wine consistency rather than necessarily a means of building knowledge about local wines. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine not only QAP use from multiple providers but also how demographics, wine consumption, wine expenditures and wine-involvement impact QAP use.

Infants ages < 6 months do not receive azithromycin as part of trachoma control and thus may serve as an infection reservoir in persistently endemic districts. The aim of this study was to determine the population-based Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence and infectious load among infants ages 1–12 months in persistently trachoma endemic districts in Amhara, Ethiopia. Across six districts, 475 infants were enumerated, and of these 464 (97.7%) were swabbed for infection testing. The C. trachomatis infection prevalence in the study area among infants was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.0–1.5). Among children ages 0–5 years positive for C. trachomatis, the median load was 31 elementary bodies (EB) (Inter quartile range: 7–244 EB), and the infection-positive infant had a load of 7,755 EB. While it is worth reconsidering azithromycin treatment recommendations for the potential mortality benefits, these results do not support lowering the treatment age for trachoma control.

A study of 1,558 US households in June 2020 evaluated utilization of online grocery shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic, influences on utilization, and plans for future online grocery shopping. Nearly 55 percent of respondents shopped online in June 2020;20 percent were first-timers. Cragg model estimates showed influences on online shopping likelihood and frequency included demographics, employment, and prior online shopping. Illness concerns increased likelihood, while food shortage concerns increased frequency of online shopping. A multinomial probit suggested 58 percent respondents planned to continue online grocery shopping regardless of pandemic conditions. © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Southern Agricultural Economics Association.

Purpose This study aims to determine whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced hard apple cider and examine the factors influencing this premium. This study examines the influence of hard apple cider attributes and consumer characteristics on consumer preferences for local hard apple cider. Design/methodology/approach Data from a 2019 survey of 875 Tennessee consumers regarding their preferences for a local hard apple cider were obtained. Probit estimates were used to calculate the premium consumers were willing to pay for a locally made hard apple cider and factors influencing this premium. A multivariate probit was used to ascertain factors influencing the importance of attributes (e.g. heirloom apples, sweetness/dryness, sparking/still and no preservatives added) on local hard apple cider preference. Findings Consumers would pay a $3.22 premium for local hard apple cider compared with a $6.99 reference product. Local foods preferences, urbanization, weekly purchases of other alcoholic beverages and shopping venues influenced premium amounts. Other important attributes were sweetness/dryness and no preservatives. Influence of consumer demographics suggests targeted marketing of local ciders could be successful. Originality/value Few studies examine consumer preferences for hard apple ciders. This study represents a cross-sectional analysis of the premium consumers would pay for local hard apple ciders and the importance of other hard apple cider attributes.

Trachoma control in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, where all districts were once endemic, began in 2001 and attained full scale-up of the Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy by 2010. Since scaling up, the program has distributed approximately 14 million doses of antibiotic per year, implemented village- and school-based health education, and promoted latrine construction. This report aims to provide an update on the prevalence of trachoma among children aged 1–9 years as of the most recent impact or surveillance survey in all 160 districts of Amhara. As of 2019, 45 (28%) districts had a trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence below the 5% elimination threshold. There was a statistically significant relationship between TF prevalence observed at the first impact survey (2010–2015) and eventual achievement of TF < 5% (2015–2019). Of the 26 districts with a first impact survey < 10% TF, 20 (76.9%) had < 5% TF at the most recent survey. Of the 75 districts with a first survey between 10% and 29.9% TF, 21 (28.0%) had < 5% TF at the most recent survey. Finally, among 59 districts ≥ 30% TF at the first survey, four (6.8%) had < 5% TF by 2019. As of 2019, 30 (18.8%) districts remained with TF ≥ 30%. Amhara has seen considerable reductions of trachoma since the start of the program. A strong commitment to the SAFE strategy coupled with data-driven enhancements to that strategy is necessary to facilitate timely elimination of trachoma as a public health problem regionally in Amhara and nationwide in Ethiopia.

Home gardeners’ concerns for the environment are expressed both in the ecofriendly gardening practices they use and in environmental attributes they prefer in the gardening products they purchase. This study uses data from a 2018 survey of 601 Tennessee outdoor home gardeners and a multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model to illustrate how outdoor home gardener demographics, expenditures, information use, and attitudes influence use of ecofriendly gardening practices and preferences for environmental attributes in home gardening supplies. Practices considered include planting pollinator plants, using rainwater collectors, composting, recycling gardening supplies packaging, using organic gardening methods, and use of soil testing. Gardening supply product attributes include decreased need for fertilizer, pesticides, and water; native plant species; organically produced products; and recyclable packaging. The most widely used practice is recycling gardening supplies packaging, and the least used is soil testing. Gardeners with a greater propensity to use the six gardening practices include male, college graduates, who spend relatively more of their income on gardening supplies, and consider themselves as being knowledgeable about environmental issues. The gardening supply product attribute most widely considered as important is decreased need for pesticides, and least widely considered as important are native species and organically produced. Gardeners more likely to prefer the six gardening supply product attributes include older gardeners, who seek other gardeners for information, and who perceived themselves as being knowledgeable about the environment. This same group likes to grow their own food and feels responsibility for protecting the environment for future generations.

Polyethylene (PE) mulch provides significant benefits to fruit and vegetable producers because it has the potential to improve crop quality and increase yield. However, the use of PE mulch generates plastic pollution, posing challenges to the sustainability of fruit and vegetable production. Plastic biodegradable mulches (BDMs) are a sustainable alternative to PE mulch because they are designed to decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and microbial biomass. We surveyed Tennessee fruit and vegetable growers to assess their use of PE mulch, BDM, or both; the differences in the characteristics of BDM users and nonusers; and their interest in using BDM. Our results indicate a large percentage of fruit and vegetable growers have used PE mulch compared with BDM. In general, BDM users tend to have more acres in fruit and vegetable production, have used dumping and burying as PE mulch disposal methods, and have spent more hours removing and disposing of PE mulch. Results indicate that even at prices higher than the current average market price for BDM, there is a percentage of Tennessee fruit and vegetable growers interested in using BDM.

We suggest an approach for estimating restaurant willingness to pay (WTP) for local foods. Using a telephone survey of Tennessee restaurants and the contingent valuation method, we estimate restaurant WTP for Tennessee Certified Beef (TCB). Probit regressions were used to determine the factors associated with restaurant decisions to purchase TCB ground beef and sirloin steak. Beef price was negatively associated with restaurant adoption of TCB. Restaurants that were located in a city, located in the eastern region of Tennessee, offered local foods, and had a higher percentage of adults as clientele were more likely to purchase TCB ground beef. A restaurant's decision to offer TCB sirloin steak was positively associated with locations in Middle Tennessee, if the restaurant offered local foods, and if managers placed importance on sustainability. This study contributes to understanding local food supply chains and provides a framework for future studies of restaurant WTP for local foods. [EconLit citation: Q130].

In March of 2017, two outbreaks of avian influenza, one highly- and one low-pathogenic, were reported in Tennessee poultry breeding flocks. This study estimates the potential economic impacts of a larger hypothetical event, in particular, indicating the magnitude of effects for poultry producers, industry organizations, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders. The economic impacts are estimated both with and without reductions in forward-linked processing of broiler breeders and broiler operations with depopulation rates of 10 to 25 percent in a nine-county area in the south-central part of Tennessee. Estimated reductions in gross regional product ranged from $6.7 million to $16.8 million.

The substitution of polyethylene (PE) mulch for plastic biodegradable mulches (BDMs) in fruit and vegetable production has the potential to reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with PE mulch use, and the overall sustainability of fruit and vegetable production. A better understanding of the factors associated with BDM use could inform efforts to promote the use of BDMs. The main goal of this study is to assess the correlation between the use of BDMs among fruit and vegetable farmers, and labor savings and environmental stewardship. Using data from a Tennessee fruit and vegetable farmer survey and probit regressions, this study evaluates the correlation between the use of BDMs, and the labor savings associated with the use of BDMs and farmer environmental stewardship, after controlling for farmer and farmer business characteristics. Results suggest that farm size, farmer environmental stewardship, and labor savings from BDM use are strongly correlated with the use of BDMs among Tennessee fruit and vegetable growers, specifically among those farmers who are more likely to have previous experience using PE mulch.

Quality assurance programs (QAPs) may add value to wines through reassuring consumers of wine quality prior to purchase and consumption. In Tennessee, the potential to use a wine QAP is being explored as a means to improve the industry’s economic sustainability. To date, several QAPs exist, but studies directly related to their impact on consumer behavior for wines from emerging areas are scarce. We used an online survey instrument to elicit consumer perceptions of QAPs importance on wine purchasing decisions and how the presence of a QAP may impact their purchasing behavior for a wine from an emerging area (e.g., Tennessee). Wine involvement, QAP perceptions, and familiarity were also measured. A mixed-process model was used to estimate the two ordered probit models for importance of QAPs and the influence of QAPs on Tennessee wine purchases, where QAP importance was treated as a latent variable influencing Tennessee wine purchases. Ordinal probit estimates suggest that greater on-site spending and greater perceived benefits of QAPs (as indicators of quality and standardization) resulted in a higher probability of perceived QAP importance when making wine purchasing decisions. Reduced form estimates of the model of Tennessee wine purchases indicated distance to wine producing areas, female gender, and familiarity with Tennessee wines each negatively influenced the potential impact of QAPs on Tennessee wine purchases. However, on-site spending at wineries and perceived benefits of a Tennessee QAP increased likelihood of Tennessee wine purchases.

The beef industry can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with cattle production and increasing carbon sequestration on grazing lands. One alternative for increasing carbon sequestration is to convert pasture to forest while either reducing animal numbers or increasing cattle stocking density on more productive pastureland. This study uses data from a survey of beef cattle producers in the eastern United States to determine: (i) interest in afforesting pastureland; (ii) contingent upon interest, willingness to participate in a hypothetical afforestation program; and (iii) contingent upon willingness to participate, participation intensity in the form of enrolled acres. Less than one-third of producers were interested in afforesting pasture. Producer interest was associated with beliefs about the on- and off-farm effects of afforestation, risk aversion, age, educational attainment, opportunity costs, forest ownership, and previous experience with afforestation. Willingness to participate in the program was influenced by the incentive offered, household income, and opportunity costs. Respondents willing to participate in the program were willing to afforest an average of 55 acres, given the incentive offered. Producers with larger farms were willing to enroll more acres. Extrapolating these results to the population of beef cattle producers in the eastern United States provides a measure of the potential for pasture afforestation and carbon sequestration.

Although Tennessee has Advanced Master Beef Producer (AMBP) and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certifications for cattle producers, currently there is no state-certified beef labeling program. A choice experiment was administered to Tennessee consumers to determine their willingness to pay for Tennessee Certified Beef (TCB) and other attributes such as labels indicating producer participation in AMBP and BQA. Random parameter logit model results indicate consumers most valued TCB steak and no-hormones-administered ground beef. Consumers also valued many labels when appearing alongside the TCB label. The impact of providing participants label definitions prior to the choice experiment was examined.

Purpose This paper aims to identify factors influencing the likelihood of consumers trying muscadine wines and among those who have tried them, willingness to pay (WTP) for an in-state produced muscadine wine. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a 2015 survey of wine consumers residing in Tennessee (TN). The survey presented respondents with a referendum choice experiment between a ‘base’ wine (represented by a North Carolina (NC) muscadine wine) and a TN muscadine wine. The study uses probit regressions to estimate factors influencing the probability of trying muscadine, and those influencing TN muscadine wine choice. Estimates of WTP for TN muscadine wine are derived from the model coefficients. Findings Older age, living in non-metro households being a weekly wine consumer, preferring red wines, and having visited a winery in the past year positively influence trying muscadines. Older age, liking muscadines and lower product price positively influence TN muscadine choice. Greater importance of wines being local and premiums paid for local foods have positive influences on trying muscadines and WTP for TN muscadine wine. A premium WTP for a TN muscadine over a NC muscadine exists among TN consumers. Among the most influential reasons why consumers chose the TN muscadine were beliefs that purchasing local wines helps local wine grape growers and local economies. Originality/value This study provides the muscadine wine industry with estimates of WTP for locally produced muscadines and demonstrates that attitudes toward local wines and premium paid for local foods positively influence trying muscadine wine and WTP for locally produced muscadine.

This research note extends Bayesian discriminant analysis procedures to the ordered and multinomial logistic likelihood functions. Use of the procedure is warranted when the researcher desires to identify the membership of individuals randomly drawn from distinct groups or locations in a population, rather than from a random sample of undifferentiated individuals from a population. An empirical application analyzes consumers’ reasons why they choose to support a beef product produced with enhanced pasture management practices.

Biochar is a co-product of advanced biofuels production from feedstocks including food, agricultural, wood wastes, or dedicated energy crops. Markets for soil amendments using biochar are emerging, but little is known about consumer preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for these products or the depth of the products’ market potential for this product. This research provides WTP estimates for potting mix amended with 25% biochar, conditioned on consumer demographics and attitudes about product information labeling. Data were collected with an online survey of 577 Tennessee home gardeners. WTP was elicited through a referendum contingent valuation. Consumer WTP for an 8.81 L bag of 25% biochar potting mix is $8.52, a premium of $3.53 over conventional potting mix. Demographics and attitudes toward biofuels and the environment influence WTP. Biochar amounts demanded are projected for the study area’s potential market. Optimal prices, profits, and market shares are estimated across different marginal costs of producing biochar potting mix.

This study measures willingness to pay (WTP) for extrinsic attributes (Angus, local, DNA traceable, raised carbon friendly, and humanely treated cattle) in steak and ground beef using choice-based experiments from a national consumer survey. Belief that survey responses could have consequences on beef products offered by the steak and ground beef industry is investigated, as well as its effect on attribute WTP. For most attributes, belief in consequentiality increases WTP. Results suggest that although consequentiality believers tend to place greater importance on certain food industry issues, they are less certain about the attribute's provision actually effecting change in the industry.

Changes under the Agricultural Act of 2014 have reconnected federally subsidized crop insurance to conservation compliance and eliminated direct payments that were tied to conservation compliance. The net effects of these changes on compliance with conservation standards and on the environment are uncertain, especially in regions such as the southern U.S. where direct payments are higher than crop insurance subsidies. We assess two hypothetical pilot programs that strengthen the link between federally subsidized crop insurance and conservation compliance with cover crop (CC) and no-till (NT) adoption by offering an additional Environmental Quality Incentive Program cost-share payment to producers who also purchase Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) crop insurance. We determined the factors that affect Tennessee and North Central Mississippi cotton producer willingness to participate in the hypothetical pilot programs. Data were collected using a mail survey of cotton producers conducted in early 2015. A bivariate probit model was estimated to determine the factors that affect cotton producer willingness to participate in two pilot programs. Results found that 35% of the cotton producers would be willing to participate in the CC/STAX pilot program, whereas 28% indicated they would participate in the NT/STAX pilot program. Producer age, income, debt-to-asset ratio, and future purchase of STAX influenced their willingness to participate in the pilot programs. Results from this study could aid in the discussion of the upcoming farm bill.

Este estudio analiza los impactos a largo plazo de la infraestructura publica en la produccion de 34 industrias manufactureras / procesadoras de alimentos de los Estados Unidos durante 1958-2000 utilizando metodos de paneles dinamicos heterogeneos, incluidos los metodos de grupo medio y grupo agrupado medio. Los resultados sugieren que la infraestructura publica tiene un impacto en el rendimiento a largo plazo en las industrias de fabricacion y procesamiento de alimentos de los Estados Unidos. Un aumento del 1% en la infraestructura publica aumenta la produccion de fabricacion de alimentos de los Estados Unidos en un 0,06% a largo plazo. El impacto positivo a largo plazo de la infraestructura publica en la produccion de alimentos sugiere su importancia para el sector de fabricacion de alimentos de la inversion continua en infraestructura publica.

The United States (US) uses landfills to dispose paper cups at a rate of 40 percent. Landfill rates on plastic disposable dinnerware are even higher at around 80 percent. This study examines consumer preferences for single-use disposable dinnerware with the attributes: uses no trees; contains no plastic; made from agricultural crop byproduct cellulose; cellulose from dedicated crops, and/or organically sourced cellulose; certified biobased; and compostable or recyclable. A Multiple Indicator Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model is used to estimate the effects of demographics, expenditures, and consumer perceptions of disposable dinnerware made with ‘eco-friendly’ materials or processes. The attributes ‘no plastic’ and ‘recyclable’ appealed to consumers over the widest range of preferences for eco-friendly attributes in disposable dinnerware. However, ‘no trees’ and ‘certified biobased’ appeared to appeal to a narrower segment with the strongest preferences for eco-friendly attributes. Demographic characteristics including gender, residential location, household income, household composition, and environmental attitudes also correlated with preferences for single use products made with the attributes examined.

Biochar is a co-product of the production of advanced biofuels that sequesters carbon when used as a soil amendment. Gardening consumers are a potential market for biochar and their purchase of biochar-amended products could provide biofuel producers with an additional revenue stream. To better understand this opportunity, preferences for the attributes of potting soils amended with biochar were elicited using a best-worst scaling experiment administered in a survey of 880 Tennessee households. The attributes analyzed were whether the biochar was produced in Tennessee, certified as biobased, a coproduct of biofuel production, and produced from food waste, wood waste, agricultural by-product, or a non-food energy crop feedstock. The effects of consumer demographics and attitudes on preferences for the biochar attributes were also estimated. We tested the independence of irrelevant alternative assumption using a structured covariance matrix designed specifically to the survey’s structure. The results suggest that the attributes most likely to influence favorably consumers are production from agricultural by-product or wood waste feedstock. On the other hand, the attributes least likely to entice consumers are biochar produced in Tennessee or produced as a co-product of renewable fuel.

A triple hurdle model estimates cattle farmer willingness to adopt or expand prescribed grazing on pasture in the United States in response to a hypothetical incentive program. Interest in adoption/expansion is estimated first, then willingness to participate in the program, followed by intensity of participation measured as additional acres enrolled. The supply elasticity of enrolled acres with respect to the incentive is 0.13. Nonpecuniary factors inter alia farmer sentiment about stewardship, current farm management practices, farm location, and education are associated with farmer willingness to participate and with participation intensity.

Little is known about the potential impacts of storage losses on the optimal design of a switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) supply chain for an ethanol conversion facility. This study analyzed how storage losses impact plant-gate cost and feedstock inventory management for a 94,635 kL year −1 switchgrass-based ethanol conversion facility in East Tennessee. A spatially-oriented, mixed-integer mathematical programming model was used to analyze plant-gate cost and harvest, storage, and delivery schedule for switchgrass packaged in large round or rectangular bales. Results indicate that last in, first out inventory management of feedstock minimized plant-gate cost. The key factor influencing inventory management was dry matter loss increasing at a decreasing rate with time in storage and distance of switchgrass production from the conversion facility. Our findings imply that the conversion facility can optimize the feedstock inventory and delivery management through coordinating the timing and location of switchgrass harvest with storage and delivery.

The number and variety of governmental programs designed to promote energy efficiency have increased over time. Examples include mandatory minimum efficiency standards, subsidies for more energy efficient goods and services, and consumer labels, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR $$^{\textregistered }$$ . While there has been considerable research on the effects of these programs in isolation, there has been less of a focus on joint effects or interactions between programs. This study examines how the offer of a mail-in rebate influences consumer willingness-to-pay for an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator. Data used for this study were collected from an online survey containing a hypothetical choice experiment conducted in the United States in 2009. Results suggest that the offer of a rebate induces uncertainty about the quality of ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators and, thus, could actually reduce willingness-to-pay for such refrigerators.

In 2002, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) established a voluntary environmental program called the Climate Leaders (CL) Program. Participating firms developed greenhouse gas emissions inventories, set emissions reductions goals, and annually reported progress toward those goals. While the program was not designed to function as an eco-labeling program, one possible motivation for participation in the program was to positively influence consumer perceptions for firm products and services. USEPA discontinued the CL program in 2011. In this study, data from a contingent choice experiment from a national online survey are used to examine whether the CL program could have been effectively adopted as a consumer product labeling program. Results suggest that consumers are willing to pay more for refrigerators manufactured by CL program participants and that willingness-to-pay is influenced by both respondent characteristics and attitudes.

The role of spatial spillover associated with the infrastructure–economy relationship has received increasing attention in the literature. Surprisingly, in previous studies, the potential spatial spillover effect of transportation infrastructure on economic output in the U.S. agricultural sector has not been taken into account given the sector’s importance in the economy and dependence on transportation. The broader effects, including the direct effect and spatial spillover effect, of transportation infrastructure on agricultural output across 44 states in the United States from 1981 to 2004 are estimated in this study. A spatial Durbin panel data model that catches spatial dependence in both dependent and explanatory variables is used. The results suggest that road disbursement in a given state has positive direct effects on its own agricultural output. Also, the spillover effect of road infrastructure on agricultural output in neighboring states varies with respect to the spatial weight matrix used in the model. Moreover, our analysis shows that enhancement in road infrastructure in the states in the U.S. central region has a larger positive spillover effect on agricultural output when compared to coastal or border states.

This study explores the factors that influence consumer likelihood of purchasing two different types of alternative-fuel vehicles - flexible fuel and hybrid-electric. Data for the study come from an online survey of US automobile owners. Results suggest that concerns about energy security, the environment, and the availability of alternative fuels, along with demographic factors, have significant effects on consumer purchase expectations for alternative-fuel vehicles.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates that by 2022 at least 1.36 × 10 11 L of fuel ethanol be produced in the United States, with at least 6.06 × 10 10 L being derived from lignocellulosic biomass. However, the market for cellulosic biofuels is still developing and little is known about the willingness of agricultural producers to grow dedicated energy crops. While there have been some studies done on factors that determine farmers' willingness to produce switchgrass, these have been localized in nature and largely focused on factors other than price. This study analyzes the factors that influence interest among producers in the 12 southeastern U.S. states in growing switchgrass as a biomass feedstock and the share of farmland interested producers would be willing to devote to switchgrass production. The results suggest that about two-thirds of the producers in the region have some interest in growing switchgrass. Among those who are interested and willing to accept the hypothetical price, the predicted land conversion share is 35.8% or 56 ha per farm. At these rates, a commercial scale bio-refinery in the southeast might have to purchase switchgrass from as many as 567 different producers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership (GPP), has over 1200 members purchasing nearly 18 billion kilowatt hours of green power annually. One possible motivation for firms to join the GPP is to raise their reputation for environmental quality among consumers. This research investigates the extent to which consumer preferences for a residential appliance are affected by information on whether or not the appliance manufacturer was a member of the GPP. Data for the study were obtained from a contingent choice exercise in an online survey of a national sample of adults. The results suggest that consumers are, on average, willing to pay an extra $48.52 to $70.95 for a refrigerator manufactured by a company that is a member of the GPP. These amounts appear to generally exceed the additional costs associated with using green power to manufacture a refrigerator and suggest that GPP could effectively be used to market consumer products.

In the United States, nearly 17% of greenhouse gas emissions come from residential energy use. Increases in energy efficiency for the residential sector can generate significant energy savings and emissions reductions. Consumer labels, such as the US Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR, promote conservation by providing consumers with information on energy usage for household appliances. This study examines how the ENERGY STAR label affects consumer preferences for refrigerators. The results of an online survey of a national sample of adults suggest that consumers are, on average, willing to pay an extra $249.82–$349.30 for a refrigerator that has been awarded the ENERGY STAR label. Furthermore, the results provide evidence that respondent willingness-to-pay was motivated by both private (energy cost savings) and public (environmental) benefits.

Feedstock production for large scale development of the U.S. ethanol industry and introduction of cellulose-to-ethanol technology will require extensive changes in land use and field management. Hence, this production will likely have significant impact on water demand and quality. This study compares two ‘what if’ scenarios for attaining a 227.1 hm3 of ethanol by 2030 and 3.8 hm3 of biodiesel by 2012. In the first scenario cellulose-to-ethanol technology is introduced in 2012, while in the second scenario the technology is delayed until 2015. Results show that the timing of introduction of cellulose-to-ethanol technology will affect the water use and water quality related input use in primarily in the eastern part of the nation. Results also suggest policy emphasis on reduced and no-till practices needs to be complementary to increased crop residue use.

Willingness to pay (WTP) for E85 (automotive fuel blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) was estimated from a contingent choice exercise contained in a national survey of consumers. The choice exercise included E85 blends from three different feedstock sources (corn grain, switchgrass, and wood wastes) and an E10 blend (10% ethanol and 90% gasoline) with corn grain as the ethanol feedstock. Results from the study indicate willingness to pay a premium for E85 from switchgrass compared with E10 from corn. Concerns about land use for “food versus fuel” had a negative impact on WTP for E85 from corn grain, while greater concerns about fuel security relative to the environment had a positive impact.

Mass customization of products that interface with the human body poses unique problems due to the complexities of bio-interface design, the lack of biomechanical techniques in traditional mechanical design, and the absence of specific parametric strategies. Current biomechanical design often follows craftsman-like design processes using less than state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Thus, products that interface with the human body are not readily parameterized or automated. This paper presents a strategy for implementing mass customization in the design of mechanical devices that interface with the human body. This strategy is based on three methods that include: a method for capturing and representing the human body so that the model can be used with state-of-the-art tools and solid modeling techniques, a design methodology based on feature structure planning allowing the design process to be reused and automated, and a strategy for identifying parametric variables tied to the human body. A case study is presented to illustrate the proposed process.

A survey of Tennessee farmers was conducted to analyze their willingness to supply switchgrass to an emerging energy market. The majority of respondents had not heard of growing switchgrass for energy production and roughly half were unsure as to whether they would be willing to grow switchgrass. For those with an opinion about whether they would grow switchgrass, a two limit Tobit model was used to ascertain the effects of various farm and producer characteristics on the share of farmland they would be willing to convert. Higher net farm income per hectare had a negative influence on share, reflecting the opportunity cost of converting land. Younger farmers with higher levels of educational attainment and off-farm incomes were willing to convert a higher share of farmland. Farm size and the use of leased farmland had a negative influence on willingness to convert hectares to switchgrass production. Interestingly, while erosion issues did not appear to influence share, desire to provide wildlife habitat did. Views about on-farm issues, such as market development, use of contracts, or potential harvest limitations under the Conservation Reserve Program influenced conversion share. However, views on broader national policy issues did not significantly influence farmer willingness to convert farmland.

The Southeastern United States depends on coal to supply 60% of its electricity needs. The region leads in CO2 emissions and ranks second in emissions of SO2 and NO2. Compared with coal, biomass feedstocks have lower emission levels of sulfur or sulfur compounds and can potentially reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. This study examines the economic impacts of cofiring biomass feedstocks with coal in coal-fired plants under three emission credit and two cofiring level scenarios. Economic impacts are estimated for producing, collecting, and transporting feedstock; retrofitting coal-fired utilities for burning feedstock; operating cofired utilities; and coal displaced from burning the feedstock.

The modeling and assembly of devices that interface with the human body pose unique design problems due to the complexity of human surfaces, the absence of traditional mechanical design techniques that apply to biomechanical design, and the lack of parametric strategies for biomechanical products. This paper presents a design strategy that utilizes top-down assembly modeling techniques using human scan data as the base part in an assembly. This method allows for the identification of mating conditions of products, the product-human interfaces, and aids in defining geometric relationships between product geometry and the human body. This method also identifies parametric strategies that utilize these geometric relationships to allow for the exploration of mass customization for products that interface with the human body.

This paper introduces a three degree of freedom XYZ Micromanipulator (XYZM) that is fabricated in the $x$-$y$ plane and positions components in the $x$, $y$, and $z$ directions using three independent linear inputs. The mechanism positions components on a platform using three legs, each composed of a slider mechanism and a parallelogram mechanism.Three versions of the XYZM were fabricated and tested using surface micromachining processes: the rigid-body, offset, and compliant XYZM. Slider displacements of 45 micrometers result in a predicted out-of-plane displacement of 188 micrometers for the rigid-body XYZM, 205 micrometers for the offset XYZM, and 262 micrometers for the compliant XYZM.