Research note on equity and ethics in state-promotion of agricultural products

Many state governments in the United States promote locally-produced farm products. This paper discusses issues related to the ethics and equity of such promotional programs. The paper argues that generic promotion is generally easier to justify in terms of ethics and equity than brand promotion. It also argues that informative and factual brand promotions are easier to justify than deceptive and persuasive brand promotions. Additional equity issues arising when taxpayers finance state-promotional programs are also discussed.     

Economic and equity implications of land-use zoning in suburban agriculture

A cash-flow viability model is used to evaluate the impacts of land-use zoning on farm households in New Jersey. Findings suggest that zoning results in increased production expenses, lower efficiency and profitability, and the devaluation of land assets. Cash flow and economic viability are, thus, reduced. Impacts of zoning on farm incomes, off-farm incomes, revenues from land sales, indebtedness, and farm sizes were not statistically significant. The results suggest that the use of land-use zoning statutes to guarantee the existence of agriculture may not be equitable unless transferable development rights or other methods of compensating farmers for their losses are simultaneously implemented.     

Carbon-based nano-filler in polymeric composites for supercapacitor electrode materials: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The concept of this paper was to explore the comparative advantage of polymer composite in the formation of a critical part of electrodes, separators,...     

Contamination indices and heavy metal concentrations in urban soil of Ibadan metropolis, southwestern Nigeria

An assessment was conducted on soils of Ibadan metropolis using geochemical approach in order to establish the concentration of heavy metals and develop geoaccumulation index maps. Petrographic studies and X-ray diffractograms showed that soils of Ibadan were derived from the weathering of the bedrocks. The concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn were found to be greater in soils more than the background. Positive correlation occurred between Cu, Pb, and Zn indicated a common anthropogenic source in the soil while Mn, Cr, and Ni were found to be naturally enriched. The geoaccumulation index maps revealed significant enrichment factor (Ef > 20) and index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) beyond class four (heavily contaminated) for Cu, Pb, and Zn in densely populated and industrial areas, whereas Cd is enriched in sparsely populated areas, agricultural areas and a few spots in densely populated areas.     

Fluoride ions sorption using functionalized magnetic metal oxides nanocomposites: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Fluoride is an anionic pollutant found superfluous in surface or groundwater as a result of anthropogenic actions from improper disposal of industrial...