Rural communities suffer from both supply and demand-side disadvantages when dealing with Internet access. Telecommunications companies are less likely to provide them with needed infrastructure due to lower population densities, and they also tend to have lower levels of specific factors known...

This study used a stochastic frontier cost model to analyze whether the policy changes that created Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) caused an increase in the cost inefficiency of these hospitals or their cost inefficiency was brought about by other factors that were similar to all rural...

In addition to regional variations, demand for poinsettias was shown to depend on its price. Based on state-level data for 2005,demand in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S. were found to be inelastic. This suggests that the market for poinsettias in both regions could support higher...

This paper seeks to develop a methodology that will be useful for rural water districts in assessing the future of their water systems infrastructure. In particular, the use of free water simulation software and publicly available data on population, roads, and terrain present rural water...

Health disparities can be defined as differences in the health status among distinct segments of the population including differences that occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education, income, disability, or living in various geographic localities. When populations are disproportionately...

County-level data for 11 southern states for 1980 and 2000 are used to examine income convergence. Ordinary least squares regression of logarithmic difference on average per capita income in 1980 demonstrated conditional income convergence with higher income changes in counties with smaller...

The objective of this study is develop a theoretical model that can evaluate two types of public health expenditures on water-borne health risks: water-related municipal services, an ex ante preventative measure against water-borne contamination, and medical treatment, an ex post treatment of...

This study examines, post-conversion, cost inefficiency of Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) using a two-stage approach. While the results suggest that Medicare cost-based reimbursement and longer participation in the CAH program may increase the cost inefficiency of CAHs, the extent of this...

Evaluating the Economic Impact of Festivals and Special Events: Lessons From the 32st Annual Peter Anderson Arts and Crafts Festival in Ocean Springs, Mississippi Background: Festivals are an integral part of the economies of most communities in Mississippi. The economic benefits of festivals...