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Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Factors Influencing the Adoption of Agriculture Technologies
Full text linkThis study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of precision agriculture technologies (AgTech) by farmers across U.S. states. While venture capital (VC) has driven innovation in AgTech startups, the adoption of these technologies by farmers is shaped by a range of economic, demographic, and behavioral factors. My research primarily focuses on demand-side factors, analyzing the role of farm size, government subsidies, education levels, digital engagement, and economic conditions in farmers\u27 decisions to adopt AgTech solutions. Through a random-effects regression model using state-level data from 2021 and 2023, I examine how these factors influence adoption rates, finding that larger farm size, higher labor costs, and increased use of agricultural industry reports are associated with higher adoption rates. My research highlights the complexity of adoption decision, with farmers\u27 attitudes towards AgTech influenced by not only financial and technological factors, but also by social dynamics and local differences. Supply-side data, presented in the appendix, further explores the role of VC investment and startup activity, though the relationship between supply-side metrics and adoption remains weak as a result of data limitations. This research contributes to the literature by emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of how supply-side innovation and demand-side adoption intersect and highlights the importance of regional- and state-level differences that affect AgTech adoption
The Impact of Keiretsu Structures on Indonesian Businesses
No full textMy thesis investigates the impact of Japanese keiretsu-like structures on the financial performance of Indonesian businesses. Using data from publicly listed companies in Indonesia across seven key industries—mining, manufacturing, construction, chemicals, information and communication, financial services, and transportation—this study analyzes financial metrics such as Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) across a six-year period. My findings reveal that the keiretsu structure does not necessarily translate into the same benefits in Indonesia as it does in Japan, more specifically they differ between various industries. In capital intensive industries, keiretsu-like firms generally outperform non-keiretsu firms due to operational synergies and more efficient asset utilization, however, non-keiretsu firms perform better in industries requiring adaptability. Overall, my research demonstrates that the effectiveness of the keiretsu structure depends on the context and nature of the industry and local economy
Weathering the Storm: Examining the Impact of Unexpected Inflation on Industry Returns
Full text linkThis paper analyzes the cross-sectional differences of how unexpected inflation affects industry returns, controlling for market factors and firm characteristics. The methodology builds upon Bernard (1986) in trying to explain and detect differing cross-sectional effects by industry, but instead considers daily reactions to the release of monthly CPI figures. My hypothesis was that higher unexpected inflation would have a negative effect on industry returns but when controlling for market factors and firm characteristics the reactions would be dampened. The findings of this study confirm that higher unexpected inflation tends to have a negative effect on market returns, but show mixed implications for industry returns when controlling for market factors. Furthermore, the inclusion of firm characteristics did not have the anticipated effect, indicating that included systematic variables may have captured a significant portion of the variance in industry returns
Welcome 2025—The Year of A Magical Number
Full text linkThis is a poem to welcome the new year 2025 and note its relevance to mathematics
Integration Bar
Full text linkIn this humourous story, the narrator is dragged by their friend to a crazy bar for a late night of wild drinking and dancing. Except, the drinking is replaced with computing integrals
Indigenous vs Western Land Management Strategies in the Pacific Islands
Full text linkThis paper explores the critical role of sustainable land management in the Pacific Islands, focusing on its intersection with climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and cultural preservation. Indigenous land management practices, shaped over generations, are integral in maintaining ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil fertility, clean water, and coastal protection. These methods not only enhance resilience to climate change but also preserve species crucial for food security and cultural practices. By comparing traditional and Western land management strategies, this research suggests ways to integrate modern technology with indigenous knowledge to improve adaptive capacity. The paper addresses the gap in existing literature by providing a comprehensive overview of indigenous land management in the Pacific Islands, emphasizing the importance of recognizing indigenous land rights in environmental governance. It advocates for sustainable development by merging cultural traditions with ecological conservation, empowering indigenous communities through participation in land management and policy-making, and promoting the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in global sustainability frameworks. This work contributes to environmental studies, indigenous rights, and sustainable development, highlighting the potential of blending traditional knowledge with modern environmental practices to foster long-term resilience and sustainability
Plant-based Versus Animal-based Diets: Which is Better?
No full textA plant-based diet is better for the environment and human health in comparison to an animal-based diet. The diets differ so much when it comes to these two topics because of the consumption of animal products. The exclusion of animal products can improve one’s health, especially when it comes to cardiovascular problems. A plant-based diet can lower the harmful types of cholesterol decreasing someone’s risk of a heart attack or stroke. The diet can also help people stay at and maintain a healthy weight easily. An animal-based diet does not provide the same level of health benefits that a plant-based one does. Furthermore, the rearing of animals, especially in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), worsens existing environmental problems and creates more. The Central Valley case study proves how damaging CAFOs, and the livestock industry can be in an area. CAFOs can cause pollution of the water, land, and air making it harder for those living nearby. By decreasing the amount of animal products people consume, the environmental harm caused by the livestock industry can lessen since they will not need to raise as many animals. Additionally, indoor farming and mushroom farming provide sustainable solutions for the agriculture industry in the transition to a plant-based diet. The research proves that a plant-based diet exceeds animal-based diets when it comes to improving human health and limiting our impact on the environment
China’s Belt and Road Initiative in East Africa: Debt, Sovereignty, and Agency in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya
No full textThis thesis explores the concept of debt-trap diplomacy in the context of China\u27s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa through case studies of Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Debt-trap diplomacy posits that creditor nations strategically issue unsustainable loans to extract political or economic concessions. This study examines lending mechanisms, project outcomes, and sovereign responses to assess the validity of this claim. The research uses a comparative case study approach, analyzing key factors such as debt sustainability, project viability, governance, and diversification of partnerships. Data from infrastructure projects like Djibouti\u27s Doraleh Port, Ethiopia\u27s industrial parks, and Kenya\u27s Standard Gauge Railway are evaluated to determine the interplay between Chinese financing and African sovereignty.
Djibouti’s heavy dependence on Chinese loans and governance issues suggest high vulnerability to external influence. Ethiopia and Kenya, in contrast, demonstrate agency through debt renegotiations, diversified financing, and strategic alignment of projects with national goals. While concerns over debt sustainability persist, there is limited evidence of deliberate debt entrapment by China. Instead, the findings emphasize the active role of African nations in shaping their financial relationships. This research concludes that the risks associated with Chinese financing can be managed through greater transparency, robust governance, and diversified partnerships, offering a nuanced perspective on debt-trap diplomacy and its implications for sustainable development in Africa
Approaching Freedom of Speech: The Perils of Exceptionalism, Insincerity, and Hatred
Full text linkThis thesis examines the philosophical underpinnings and practical implications of free speech theories in the context of contemporary challenges to maintaining a trustworthy and equitable speech environment. I begin by presenting and rejecting the theory of Free Speech Exceptionalism. I maintain that a principle is needed to underlie our approach to free speech, and the principle should be based on an independent value, rather than a retrospective analysis of speech law. I argue the principles behind a thinker-based approach are particularly appealing in light of their alignment with our considered convictions related to speech. The analysis extends to the contentious issue of hate speech, contrasting a thinker-based approach with approaches advocating the legal regulation of hate speech. I ultimately conclude the importance of democratic persuasion justifies a thinker-based approach in regulating hate speech in the form of lies by elected national representatives
The U.S. Soft Power Instrument: Music, Evolution from the Cold War to Technological Innovation
No full textThe present study investigates the evolution of U.S. music as a soft power tool to determine its effectiveness in the digital age. The research employs historical analysis and current data to investigate the impact of genres such as jazz and rock and roll during the Cold War, in comparison to pop music in the 21st century. The results indicate U.S. music dominance in the market, but increasing competition from regional music trends and censorship in nations like China and Russia. Findings indicate that the U.S. has successfully shifted its music soft power strategy from an overt ideological approach to a more passive, entertainment-centric impact using streaming services and established cultural hegemony. The analysis indicates that entertainment-focused techniques are the most effective in the present fragmented industry. This research enhances the understanding of cultural diplomacy and perceptions of American influence