bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MONITORING THE RATE OF EXPANSION OF AGRICULTURAL FIELDS IN MWEKERA FOREST RESERVE USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
Authors: Kanja K. , Mwemba M. , Malunga K.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Rapid population growth and rural-urban migration amidst limited job opportunities lead to conversion of land from forests into agriculture and other land uses. In this study, Zambia’s Mwekera national forest reserve was used as a case study to assess the rate of expansion of agricultural fields using remote sensing and GIS. Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA) as well as maximum likelihood supervised classification on four Landsat images as well as accuracy assessment of the classifications was performed. Over the period under observation, results indicate annual percentage changes to be −0.03, −0.49 and 1.26 for agriculture, forests and settlement respectively indicating a higher conversion of forests into human settlements and agriculture.
THE IMPACT OF URBAN EXPANSION ON AGRICULTURAL LAND USE CHANGES IN ALIGARH, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
Authors: Khan S. ,   Himanchal
Published: July 2019

Abstract. India's urbanization has resulted in a significant change in many regions for both agricultural land and agricultural land use. However, there is limited understanding about the relationship between the two primary changes occurring to India's agricultural land – the urban expansion on agricultural land and agricultural land use intensity. Our primary goal here is to examine agricultural land change patterns and processes, and their main driving forces in Aligarh region (Uttar Pradesh) during the time periods from 2011 to 2018. We have conducted a remote sensing and GIS based analysis of change pattern using multi-temporal Landsat imageries for the years 2011 and 2018 by investigating the magnitude of changes in agricultural land use intensity across the district in a geographical perspective. Our study captured gradual decrease in the agricultural land in Aligarh district. The results also show that urban expansion is associated with a decline in agricultural land use intensity. The region experienced agriculture transition, and the urban expansion trend persisted till 2018. In terms of the drivers, we believe that the population and economic factors are most influential in shaping urban centers, while lower incentive and climatic shifts are the key drivers of decrease in agricultural land. Our study highlights the drastic effects of socio-economic and climatic changes on links between urbanization, and agricultural land which implies that urban land expansion is highly likely in future and consequently, will create pressure on the country's food security.
AGRICULTURE POTENTIAL ZONE IDENTIFICATION USING GIS TECHNIQUE IN THE HILLY TERRAIN BLOCK OF UTTARKASHI DISTRICT
Authors: Thapliyal A. , Panwar A. , Bisht M. P. S.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Management could be improved through the use of current technologies including Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS).The present study was carried out to identify the potential agriculture sites in the Yamuna basin of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The characterization of natural resources of Yamuna basin of Uttarkashi district was undertaken using satellite imagery (Sentinel -2, LISS IV, LISS III, Aster DEM (30 m) and Survey of India Toposheet to generate several layers of maps such as Watershed Boundaries,Drainage, Soils, Land use and Land cover, Geology, Geomorphology, Lithology,Ground water, Slope and Aspect using Geographic Information System. The most influencing parameters of each layer were chosen based on literature and operational methodologies and they were extensively studied while taking in to consideration their role in determination of potential agriculture sites. Accordingly they were assigned definite weight in order to characterize the sites on basis of their potential Agriculture/Irrigation site values. Individual resources information was integrated in the GIS environment with the help of the weighted sum method to identify potential irrigation sites. Quantile classification was used to get more refined result. Census data sate agriculture department and irrigation department were used to verify the outcomes of result.
WHEAT BLAST DETECTION AND ASSESSMENT COMBINING GROUND-BASED HYPERSPECTRAL AND SATELLITE BASED MULTISPECTRAL DATA
Authors: Nigam R. , Bhattacharya B. K. , Kot R. , Chattopadhyay C.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Remote sensing-based large-area crop disease discrimination plays a vital role in agricultural management to assess severity level of diseases to avoid economical losses to farming community. Over the period, various biotic stresses have emerged through disease and pest infestation. Among these, blast is one of the most disastrous disease of wheat. It is also called as leaf blast, collar rot node blast, spike blast or rotten neck blast depending on the portion of wheat infected. Wheat blast is caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae and first discovered in Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay in 1985. In 2017, wheat blast was emerged in Murshidabad district of West Bengal in India. This posed a serious threat to Indian food security. In this study blast disease over wheat crop is studied using ground based hyperspectral measurements at one nm interval and Resourcesat-2 AWiFS data for year 2017. Supervised classification with maximum likelihood classifier was used to generate wheat crop mask using AWiFS data. The ground based hyperspectral bands are further used derive four RS-2 AWiFS broad spectral bands and showed significant difference in healthy and infested plants in vegetative and advance vegetative stages in green, red, NIR and SWIR spectral bands. The 2-D scatter between vegetative indices such as NDVI and LSWI showed well-marked discrimination between healthy and infested wheat crop in all sites. These results are used to derive thresholds for NDVI and LSWI and translated in RS-2 AWiFS derived indices to generate disease severity at spatial scale over Murshidabad district of West Bengal. The distributed wheat severity map showed that 0.59 percent and 99.41 percent of total wheat area is healthy and blast infested respectively. This study suggests that wheat blast can be discriminated using RS-2, AWiFS broad bands at vegetative and advance vegetative stage with support of ground measured hyperspectral data and damage area can be mapped at spatial scale before final harvest.
UTILIZATION OF SPACEBORNE C-BAND SAR DATA FOR ANALYSIS OF FLOOD IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE AND ITS MANAGEMENT
Authors: Tripathi A. , Tiwari R. K.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. North India, since time immemorial remained the cradle of agricultural development. Every year during the monsoons, there is a high upsurge in the river Rapti. This leads to heavy flooding in the area and takes a toll on life and property besides submerging acres of precious agricultural land. Till now, such floods have been mapped using satellite data from optical sensors, but in monsoons due to cloud cover the task becomes difficult. Spaceborne SAR (Synthetic Aperture RADAR) data solves this problem by offering all-weather availability. This study aims to utilize the potential of C-band dual PolSAR data from Sentinel-1A for flood mapping and analysis of its impact on agriculture along with suggesting mitigation measures. Sentinel-1A data of January and September 2018 was taken and pre-processed. Thereafter, an interferogram was prepared and was phase filtered using modified Goldstein phase filter to remove phase distortions and a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) was prepared. The phase maps generated were analyzed for phase variations after removing the topographic phase and it was found that there was very less phase variation from urban and agricultural lands surrounding the river which clearly indicated heavy flooding and submergence of land in water. Using the DEM map generated, hydrological processing was done to delineate flow lines and calculation of catchment area at point of maximum submergence of agricultural land. This was followed by the generation of contours in the area and finally, the flood impact analysis was done by calculating the water volume in watershed during the flood.
MONITORING CHANGES IN COTTON ACREAGE AND ALTERNATE HOST CROPS OF COTTON BOLLWORM USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS IN MAJOR COTTON GROWING REGIONS OF INDIA
Authors: Verma D. , Kalubarme M. H. , Saroha G. P. , Mohan K. S. , Ravi K. C. ,   Brajendra, Singh A. N.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Cotton cultivation has made rapid strides in India since the introduction of Bt cotton, which provided effective protection against its major pest, Helicoverpa armigera and other bollworms. The presence of alternate host crops for cotton bollworms targeted by Bt cotton play a key role in resistance evolution to the in planta expressed Bt proteins. Several host crops for H. armigera such as pigeonpea, sorghum, tomato, chilli, sunflower and corn are cultivated alongside Bt cotton. Change detection in the extent of cotton and alternate host crops of cotton bollworm was conducted using IRS LISS-III data in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states. The changes in the extent of cotton and host crops were monitored using multi-temporal data of 2002, 2004 and 2008. The results indicated that Bt cotton (Hirsutum) has almost completely replaced the traditional Indian cotton (Gossypium arborium). Several alternate host crops of H. armigera were grown along with cotton. Pigeonpea was the major host crop in almost all the locations. Chilies dominated in Andhra Pradesh, sunflower in Karnataka and corn in Gujarat. These host crops serve as ‘natural’ refuge of H. armigera and possibly, for this reason this pest has not evolved resistance to the Bt expressed by Bollgard II even after 16 seasons of intensive cultivation; whereas the pink bollworm, a monophagous cotton bollworm, had developed resistance to Cry1Ac in 2009 and to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab in 2015.
IDENTIFICATION OF RICE CROP PHENOLOGY USING SCATSAT-1 KU-BAND SCATTEROMETER IN PUNJAB AND HARYANA
Authors: Gaur P. , Tahlani P. , Tripathy R. , Bhattacharya B. K. , Ray S. S.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The present study was carried out to analyse rice crop phenology using SCATSAT-1 Scatterometer data. Owing to its higher frequency, Ku-band responds to the dormant elements of surface, corresponding to top of crop canopy. The Ku-band backscatter behaviour is influenced by the structure, moisture content and the roughness of the top canopy which varies with different crop stages. Rice growth undergoes three main phenological stages viz, maximum tillering giving a scattered rough surface (first peak); maximum vegetative stage with a smooth top appearance (first minima after puddling); and the panicle development stage giving more scattering due to the spikelets (second peak). This study aimed at deriving these three stages of rice crop. Rice crop map generated, under FASAL project, using Sentinel-1 SAR data has been utilized and further the sub-pixel area within the SCATSAT-1 pixel. The daily Sigma-0 product was utilised for estimation of dates of major phenological stages of rice crop. A software tool was developed to generate the three phenological stages at 2 km pixel level using the time series backscatter coefficient in VV polarization over rice pixels using polynomial curve fitting. It was observed that peak tillering stage coincides with the first maxima, first minima coincides with the maximum vegetative stage and second maxima coincides with the peak heading or panicle formation stage of the crop. The validation was carried out using ground information from crop cutting experiments and ground truth data. Validation result showed 4 to 12 days difference in maximum vegetative stage.
EXPLORING MACHINE LEARNING CLASSIFICATION ALGORITHMS FOR CROP CLASSIFICATION USING SENTINEL 2 DATA
Authors:   Neetu, Ray S. S.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Crop Classification and recognition is a very important application of Remote Sensing. In the last few years, Machine learning classification techniques have been emerging for crop classification. Google Earth Engine (GEE) is a platform to explore the multiple satellite data with different advanced classification techniques without even downloading the satellite data. The main objective of this study is to explore the ability of different machine learning classification techniques like, Random Forest (RF), Classification And Regression Trees (CART) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for crop classification. High Resolution optical data, Sentinel-2, MSI (10 m) was used for crop classification in the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) farm for the Rabi season 2016 for major crops. Around 100 crop fields (~400 Hectare) in IARI were analysed. Smart phone-based ground truth data were collected. The best cloud free image of Sentinel 2 MSI data (5 Feb 2016) was used for classification using automatic filtering by percentage cloud cover property using the GEE. Polygons as feature space was used as training data sets based on the ground truth data for crop classification using machine learning techniques. Post classification, accuracy assessment analysis was done through the generation of the confusion matrix (producer and user accuracy), kappa coefficient and F value. In this study it was found that using GEE through cloud platform, satellite data accessing, filtering and pre-processing of satellite data could be done very efficiently. In terms of overall classification accuracy and kappa coefficient, Random Forest (93.3%, 0.9178) and CART (73.4%, 0.6755) classifiers performed better than SVM (74.3%, 0.6867) classifier. For validation, Field Operation Service Unit (FOSU) division of IARI, data was used and encouraging results were obtained.
A SURFACE ALBEDO PRODUCT AT HIGH SPATIAL RESOLUTION FROM A COMBINATION OF SENTINEL-2 AND LANDSAT-8 DATA: THE ROLE OF SURFACE RADIATIVE FORCING FROM AGRICULTURE AREAS AS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO AN ABATEMENT OF CARBON EMISSION
Authors: Roujean J.-L. , Olioso A. , Ceschia E. , Hagolle O. , Weiss M. , Tallec T. , Brut A. , Ferlicoq M.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Satellite Sentinel-2 offers a global coverage of the Earth surface at the frequency of a few days with pixel size ranging from 10 to 60 meters. Such spatio-temporal resolution fosters an advanced research in agricultural area notably. The role of the surface albedo as a mean to reduce the surface radiative forcing in link to agriculture practice is a real concern. A high resolution (HR) surface albedo is now generated routinely from the observations of satellites Sentinel-2A & -2B for the time being plus Landsat in the near future. The methodology inherited from the Global Land Service of Copernicus is presented with some preliminary results.
FEATURE EXTRACTION FOR URBAN AND AGRICULTURAL DOMAINS USING ECOGNITION DEVELOPER
Authors: Rana M. , Kharel S.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Feature extraction has always been a challenging task in Geo-Spatial studies both in urban areas as well as in agricultural areas. After the evolution of eCognition Developer, different segmentation techniques and classification algorithms which help in automating feature extraction have been developed in recent years which have been a boon for scientists and people conducting research in the field of geomatics. This research reflects a study depicting the potential of eCognition Developer in extracting features in Agricultural as well as urban areas using various classification techniques. Rule Based and SVM Classification techniques were used for feature extraction in urban areas whereas Feature Space Optimization and K-Nearest Neighbor were used for classifying agricultural features. Results reflect that rule based classification yields more accurate results for urban areas whereas Feature Space Optimization along with object–based classification gave more accuracy in case of agricultural areas.
RICE (KHARIF) PRODUCTION ESTIMATION USING SAR DATA OF DIFFERENT SATELLITES AND YIELD MODELS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ESTIMATES GENERATED UNDER FASAL PROJECT
Authors: Jain V. , Saxena S. , Dubey S. , Choudhary K. , Sehgal S. ,   Neetu, Ray S. S.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Rice is the most important food crop of India. Majority of Rice is sown in kharif season in the country. This is monsoon season for the country where cloud cover poses a major problem for optical remote sensing. Therefore, for these states rice acreage estimation is being done using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data operationally in India since 1998. A case study is presented in this paper for analysis of past 6 years’ (2012–13 to 2017–18) estimations. Multi temporal Radarsat-2 (HH), RISAT-1 ScanSAR (HH) and Sentinel-1 (VV) data was used in years 2012, 2013–2016, and 2017, respectively for paddy identification. Hierarchal Decision Rule based classification (HDRC) approach was used to identify rice areas under sample segments. Extensive ground truth collected by state remote sensing departments and agriculture departments was utilized in setting the limits of HDRC models and accuracy assessment. Yield was estimated using weather based and remote sensing-based models. Area, production and yield estimates were made and compared with those given by DES. RMSE and R2 were used as statistical measures to assess the accuracy of results. The RMSE % ranged from 2.3 to 4.3; 0.84 to 1.35; 0.24 to 0.27 for area, production and yield respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) ranged from 0.62 to 0.92; 0.75 to 0.91; 0.5 to 0.83 for area, production and yield respectively. The study showed that use of multi temporal SAR data (both HH and VV) is quite useful for paddy acreage estimation, especially during monsoon.
Good Governance as an Instauration Towards Socioeconomic Development: a Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Zaman Shama , Saeed Samina
Published: July 2019

Good governance has been inclinational to a well-civilized society. The notion of governance has emphatically been promoted in the twenty-first century for sustainable socioeconomic development in a form of millennium & sustainable development goals (MDGs and SDGs). Because good governance is one of the multilayered stratagem being directly involved in a socioeconomic progression, it sets off a mechanism of modus operandi from higher to lower governing hierarchy. Significantly, it enlightens basic democratic system to levitate an infrastructure of good governance through standing on multidimensional pillars of accountability, transparency, rule of law and mass participation. Strategic planning of good governance overcomes the uneven justifications in all spheres of life. In fact, justified distribution of socioeconomic assets is deployed by the principles of good governance. That assists in maintaining the balance of power to not only initiate the development but cause its sustainability in the course of socioeconomic paradigms. Thus it is subsumed directly or indirectly in strengthening the individual, institutional, and societal capacity development. Impartially, a specific criterion of good governance has been designed as a tool effector in the national action plans of both developed and developing states. An accompaniment of good governance with socioeconomic sector in Pakistan has been distinguished as a critical phenomenon to the development process and to the effectiveness of development assistance. Because the issues of good governance are responsive to the present and future socioeconomic needs and developments, an insurance towards the condition of good governance urges major donors and international financial institutions to spread investment over socioeconomic challenges and reforms in Pakistan. Hence strategic planning and management highlighted with quality and standards reinvigorate the practice of good governance through assuring socioeconomic development as a reality and fortune of the nation.
Instrumentos para generar ingresos sostenibles en las comunidades rurales marginadas y aisladas
Authors: Herrero Olarte Susana
Published: July 2019

En las comunidades marginadas y aisladas (CMA), la principal preocupación es la pobreza, que se perpetúa generación tras generación. Es una cuestión poco tratada por la falta de instrumentos que hayan demostrado en la práctica generar ingresos sostenibles. Se realiza un análisis comparativo de cuatro proyectos desarrollados en CMA en Ecuador, México, Vietnam y Níger con el objetivo de generar ingresos sostenibles aplicando distintas estrategias. La comercialización local de la producción agropecuaria no destinada al autoconsumo, utilizando el mayor número de canales de venta, es la mejor estrategia en términos de participación, apropiación, impacto y sostenibilidad.
Simplifying the care plan documentation procedure – An interview study with nurses at a medical ward at a university hospital in Sweden
Authors: Larsson Helena , Handanovic Danijela , Rosengren Kristina
Published: July 2019

Objective: Swedish healthcare is experiencing an ongoing change from a biomedical perspective to person-centered care (PCC). Therefore, a transition in documentation of assessment, care and treatment is needed. The aim of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences with care plans at a university hospital medical ward in Western Sweden.Methods: Six semistructured interviews were conducted with nurses, and the data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.Results: Nurses’ experiences with working with care plans were described as improving patient safety and included the following three subcategories: managing a high workload, collaboration improves documentation and creating structure in the medical records. In summary, nurses highlight a lack of time and team collaboration as important denominators in creating conditions for mutual care plans.Conclusions: Working with care plans is an important part of a nurse’s work. Procedure, use of documentation and ensuring regular revision all influence the quality of care due to the simple and clear structure of documentation within the medical record. To strengthen the patient’s involvement in a mutual care plan, nurses play a key role in implementing PCC, which is a tool used to improve partnerships between patients and health professionals.
Patients as strategic partners in hospital settings: Trust, participation, relational value, and loyalty
Authors: Ahenkora Kwaku , Armah Ernestina , Santuoh Frederick , Sarpong Theresa , Atakro Confidence
Published: July 2019

Objective: The need to motivate patients to participate as strategic partners in healthcare exists, and this has prompted the development of relational models of value creation. This study assesses the effect of trust-in doctor/nurse on patient participation as well as the outcomes on perceived relational value and loyalty.Methods: An empirical model from the patient’s point of view was designed and tested. Data were collected from 209 patients, who had attended public (10) and private (10) hospitals/clinics, and analyzed using the principles of structural equation modelling.Results: The results show that patients’ perception of trust-in-doctor/nurse is an antecedent of patient participation. Patient participation has positive effects on perceived patient relational value, and this subsequently affects patient satisfaction, affective commitment, and loyalty.Conclusions: The study shows that trust affects patient participation behaviour, and the outcome of this behaviour contributes to value creation and loyalty in service delivery. Managerial implication: Nurses and doctors who build trust and involve patients create relational value with them, which enable patients to experience satisfaction and commitment, and this leads to long term relationships with the hospital. The study indicates that building trust and promoting patient participation should be a strategic imperative for management.
Relationship between Job Stress and the Turnover Intention of Private Sector Bank Employees in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Nazrul , Zeesan Ekhtear Ahmed , Chakraborty Debanik , Rahman Md. Nafizur , Uddin Ahmed Syed Istiak , Nower Nowshin , Nazrul Toufiq
Published: July 2019

Private sector banks are important segments of the economy of Bangladesh. This sector has already been recognized as a significant industry for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of Bangladesh. However, managing private organizations has become very challenging due to highly competitive market and higher level of employee turnover especially in the private banking sector. It is observed that to attain the competitive advantage, private bank employees are undertaking heavy workload that leads to higher level of stress at work and is increasing turnover intention among the employees. This study has been designed to explore the factors that are accountable to create stress among the private bank employees in Bangladesh which are creating turnover intention among them. Hence, this study identified the relationships between job stress factors and the increase of turnover intensions among the bank employees in Bangladesh. A total of 206 bank employees at different levels of the banks were interviewed from ten private commercial banks of Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was designed through literature review to collect the information from the respondent employees. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Multivariate analysis techniques were used to identify the work stress factors having influence on the turnover intention among the private bank employees in Bangladesh. Results show that there are four stress factors that increase the turnover tension among the private bank employees in Bangladesh such as, (i) long hours and fast work, (ii) clearness of goals and objectives of work, (iii) workload and change in mindset, and (iv) flexibility at work. This study suggests that the policymakers of the private commercial banks should address the issues like long hours and fast work, clearness of goals and objectives of work, workload and change in mindset and flexibility at work for reducing turnover intensions of the bank employees in Bangladesh.
Attitudinal Differences Towards Instructional Supervision: A Study of Teacher Beliefs and Supervisory Behaviour in Malaysia
Authors: Sharma Sailesh , Al-Sinawai Saleh
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the supervisory beliefs of the teachers. It examines a number of distinct aspects of teachers’ beliefs in regard to supervision: position, supervisor’s experience, length of service, level of education, age and gender. The respondents of this study were seventy teachers from one of the secondary schools in Malaysia. Data was collected through the use of the instrument devised by Glickman and Tomashiro (1980) “Determining one’s Beliefs regarding Teacher Supervision”. Cross tabulation, Pearson Chi Square, and Cramer’s V test were used to analyse the data. The findings suggested that supervisory beliefs are independent of demographic variables and directive behaviours are among the most preferred behaviours.
Detecting Gender Differences in PISA 2012 Mathematics Test with Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Yildirim Ozen
Published: July 2019

The measurement tool not measuring the specific construct has a validity problem. Individuals based on the results obtained from this type of tool should not be evaluated. The purpose of this study was to examine the differentiated item functioning and item bias of mathematics items in the Programme for International Student Achievement 2012 assessment for gender using two-level hierarchical generalized linear model, logistic regression and experts’ opinions. Also differentiated item functioning sources (anxiety, interest and self-efficacy) at student level were tested. The current study was created under take into account of quantitative and qualitative methods. It was conducted with 1458 students selected from 166 schools of Turkey sample. The results reveal that hierarchical generalized linear models approach is more conservative than logistic regression approach. When the student level variables were added to the model as potential sources, differentiated item functioning did not disappear for the three items. Also half of the experts argued that the items identified as in favor of boys are biased. Statements in the items and the context were given as the reasons for this bias.
The Impact of Intangible Assets and R&D Expenditure on the Market Capitalization and EBITDA of Selected ICT Sector Enterprises in the European Union
Authors: Postuła Marta , Chmielewski Wojciech
Published: July 2019

In the present paper, using the panel regression model with fixed effects, it was verified whether there is a relationship between intangible assets and R&D expenses on one side and the EBITDA level and market capitalization of 222 publicly listed companies from the Information and Communication Technology sector. Our research confirmed that in the group of companies from the ICT sector there is a medium of dependence of EBITDA on intangible assets and R&D expenditure.

At the same time, at the level of the entire ICT sector, no relationship was found between the level of intangible assets and expenditures on research and development on the one hand, and the level of market capitalization of companies on the other. A similar lack of dependence was recorded in the ICT services and ICT manufacturing subsectors.

In addition, there was a high correlation at the level of 74% between the level of intangible assets and R&D expenditure on the one hand and the EBITDA level obtained by companies from the ICT manufacturing sub-sector and the lack of such correlation in the ICT services sub-sector.

Our research suggests that, in particular, the financial results of companies in the ICT sector may directly depend on the amount of expenses that companies incur in order to introduce new innovative solutions into their market offer.
What Do We Observe When We Equip a Forestry Crane with Motion Sensors?
Authors: La Hera Pedro , Ortiz Morales Daniel
Published: July 2019

Forestry machines have the power to efficiently move very heavy loads, but they are not very smart at communicating information, especially information regarding motion. Understanding how a system produces motion is one of the main stepping stones towards the world of automation. However, to acquire motion data requires sensor hardware that is not largely available in forestry machines today. As a result, at the moment there is no motion data analysis for forestry machines. Therefore, the
objective of this article is to present this data, and discuss how we can use
such data in regards to technology development. To this end, we have equipped a
commercial forestry machine with state-of-the-art sensors and a data acquisition unit. Our aim is to understand what possibilities exist for automation, when we analyze how machine operators control forestry cranes. Among our objectives is to show how motion data can: a) give a better comprehension of the way forestry operators control cranes, b) be useful to analyze crane motion patterns, and c) show additional information that can be estimated via mathematical algorithms. The topics we cover only touch the surface of future applications, where sensor data analysis will be able to team up with other technologies to improve operator’s work, including automation, decision making, motion optimization, and operators’ training, just to mention some.
Using Wood-Shred, Rice-Straw and Brush-Wood-Dams with Planting Seedlings to Runoff and Erosion Control in a Forest Road Fill Slope
Authors: Fakhari Mohammad Ali , Lotfalian Majid , Hosseini Ataollah , Khaledi Darvishan Abdulvahed
Published: July 2019

This
study aimed to investigate the effects of two types of natural geotextiles, including
wood shred (WS), rice straw (RS) and the biomechanics method of brush wood dam (BWD) with planting seedlings of Alnus glutinosa
and Salix alba on runoff, soil loss and
fill slope. The effects were compared with those obtained from control treatment.
A total of 36 plots (2×4m) with three replicates in the direction of gradient to
fill slope of a forest road in northern Iran was considered. Soil moisture, canopy
cover of seedlings, vegetation coverage, runoff, sedimentation and erosion were
measured in plots during 12 months. BWD and WS played an effective role in reducing
runoff by 57% and 73%, respectively. By using RS and WS, the sediment concentration
was decreased by 23% and 11%, respectively, while by using BWD it increased
by 58%. RS (24.16%) and BWD (7%) had the greatest and smallest impact on reducing
vegetation coverage, respectively. BWD (33%) and RS (27%) had the
highest and lowest canopy cover of seedlings, respectively. Results showed that
both RS (22.23%) and A. glutinosa (4.96%)
had the greatest effects on increasing soil moisture. Comparison between the planted
species and the control treatment (with no seedlings) showed that S. alba was effective in reducing runoff
(46.22%), while A. glutinosa was effective
in reducing erosion (66.89%) and sediment concentration (53.52%). Finally, interactions
between conservation treatment and planting of seedlings played a more effective
role in controlling runoff and erosion. Therefore, the application of conservation
treatments together with planting of seedlings is recommended in order to provide
better soil conservation and restoration of fill slope.
Selected Environmental Impacts of Forest Harvesting Operations with Varying Degree of Mechanization
Authors: Labelle Eric R. , Lemmer Kevin J.
Published: July 2019

Climate change affects forest ecosystems, impacting timber production and eco-services. Conversely, sustainable forest management has been identified as a means to help mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, a greenhouse gas and contributor to climate change, while also maximizing multiuse benefits through close-to-nature silviculture. In this study, a life cycle assessment was performed on forest harvesting operations at three research sites to provide real-world understanding of the selected environmental impacts associated with harvesting systems typical of Germany: motor-manual (chainsaw and forest tractor), semi-mechanized (single-grip harvester, chainsaw, and forwarder), and fully-mechanized (single-grip harvester and forwarder). Environmental impact categories assessed included greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter emissions, and non-renewable energy consumption. Results from the three research sites were estimated on a machine basis. The semi-mechanized system resulted in the lowest environmental impact, the majority of which was attributed to felling and processing operations. Next, the environmental impacts were estimated for a complete rotation period and compared amongst the different harvesting systems. According to results, semi-mechanized harvesting systems had the lowest impact over the full rotation period as well as for thinning treatments when compared to motor-manual and fully-mechanized systems. The fully-mechanized system performed the best for final felling treatments. Considering variability between the research sites as well as the system boundary assessed, a diversified approach to harvesting operations may be considered, integrating semi-mechanized and fully-mechanized systems for different treatments throughout the rotation period.
Physical Strain, Exposure to Noise and Postural Assessment in Motor-Manual Felling of Willow Short Rotation Coppice
Authors: Borz Stelian Alexandru , Talagai Nicolae , Cheţa Marius , Chiriloiu Diana , Gavilanes Montoya Alex Vinicio , Castillo Vizuete Danny Daniel , Marcu Marina Viorela
Published: July 2019

Biomass for energy production and other bioproducts
may be procured from various sources including willow short-rotation coppice
(WSRC). Management of WSRCs involves several operations, including harvesting,
which accounts for the greatest cost share and, if conducted motor-manually, it
can expose the workers to noise, uncomfortable work postures and high
cardiovascular loads. In this study, we evaluated the productivity, physical
strain, exposure to noise, and postural risk index of workers operating in
motor-manual felling of WSRC using a set of automatic dataloggers. Productivity
of felling operations was rated at 0.07 ha/h, which is in line with the results
reported by other studies. Cardiovascular load was rated at cca. 35% of the HRR,
indicating a medium to heavy work experienced by the feller, with a greater
contribution of tasks involving movement. Exposure to noise (LEX,8h =
95.19) exceeded the limit value set by the European legislation (87 dBA) and it
could increase as a function of the engine utilization rate, which was 68% in
this study, advocating for mandatory wearing of protective equipment. Postural
risk index was evaluated at 191.11% for the worker handling the brush cutter
and at 192.02% for the manual assistant indicating rather reduced risks, but
also the need to evaluate how the dynamic work of the upper limbs would affect
the workers’ health. While this work stands for a preliminary case study, the
procedures described may be successfully used to easily collect long-term data
in such operations.
Assessing Cable Tensile Forces and Machine Tilt of Winch-Assisted Forwarders on Steep Terrain under Real Working Conditions
Authors: Holzfeind Thomas , Kanzian Christian , Stampfer Karl , Holzleitner Franz
Published: July 2019

Winch-assisted forwarders are now commonly accepted as an innovative alternative for extracting wood on challenging terrain. In order to assess safety risks, it is
necessary to know the tensile forces in the steel wire rope and their
interaction with the machine tilt under real working conditions. In this study,
the tensile force and the machine tilt of two winch-assisted forwarders (John
Deere 1210E and Komatsu 840TX) were observed for about 15 work hours without delays on two different stands in Austria. The tensile force data and the
machine tilt data were separated by work elements. The mean tensile force
ranged from 18.1 kN for unloading up to 56.8 kN for loading activities. During the
measurements, the cable tensile force exceeded 50% of the minimum breaking
strength (MBS) only twice. The maximum observed tensile force was 174.5 kN or
82.7% of the MBS, respectively, which led to a failure of the steel cable. For
the machine tilt, a maximum of 80% was measured during loading and driving
during loading. John Deere 1210E was operated 31% of the productive work time
above the manufacturers tilt limit. For Komatsu 840TX, the manufacturers’
maximum tilt limit was exceeded only twice. The study also showed that peaks
with an amplitude of up to 50 kN can occur within a few centiseconds, which
highlights the need of high measurement rates, when measuring cable tensile
force of winch-assisted machinery. The detailed analysis of the peaks showed
that 90% of the pit-to-peak amplitudes ≥20 kN occurred during driving activities. Only 10% of pit-to-peak amplitudes ≥20 kN were measured during loading activities, although loading took about 43.5% of the productive work time. As such, the study results confirm that amplitudes of peaks in tensile force, and hence safety risks, are significantly higher during driving than during loading.
Meniere Disease p. 1. Diagnosis criteria, signs and symptoms of Meniere Disease (MD) – comment to updated guidelines and own experiences
Authors: Niemczyk Kazimierz , Pierchała Katarzyna , Bartoszewicz Robert , Jasińska Agnieszka
Published: July 2019

We present an overview of current diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines on Ménière’s disease. Over the last five years, four studies on this subject have been published. In 2015, five Societies including the Classification Committee of the Barany Society, Japan Society for Equilibrium Research, EAONO - European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, AAO-HNS - American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, and Korean Balance Society have issued updated guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of Ménière’s disease. Other multi-center publications have since been published as well such as the International consensus (ICON) on treatment of Ménière’s disease 2018, European Position Statement on Diagnosis, and Treatment of Meniere’s Disease, Diagnostic and therapeutic strategy in Ménière’s disease, Guidelines of the French Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL) 2017. The above-listed recommendations include the most recent diagnostic advancements (e.g. inner ear MRI) and new electrophysiological tests, but also discuss other commonly used treatment modalities, result reporting and they take into account the quality of life of the patients following treatment. We present the main clinical challenges in managing Ménière’s disease, principles of diagnosis as well as the treatment introduced at our center. Finally, we discuss fundamental updates contained in the published papers.
The case of sinogenic subperiosteal abscess without symptoms of sinusitis
Authors: Gierlotka Agata , Michow Marin , Macionczyk Bartosz
Published: July 2019

Orbital infection occurs when pathogens pass from an infected sinus into the orbit. The inflammation is spreading onto the orbital structures from the surrounding tissues mainly from ethmoidal sinuses due to its specific anatomical conditions. The orbital complications are preseptal cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, subperiosteal abscess, orbital abscess, and intracranial infections. The diagnosis of subperiosteal orbital abscess is based mainly on clinical presentation. The symptoms depends on which sinus is affected. Orbital symptoms include periorbital swelling, proptosis, ophthalmoplegia, chemosis, and optic nerve compression. Computer tomography is mandatory. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent from permanent vision loss and intracranial complication. The study discusses the course of the disease of a 25-year-old woman who was admitted to the Emergency Department due to inflammatory eyelid oedema and proptosis for 3 days. No symptoms of sinusitis were noted. The CT scans established diagnosis - subperiosteal orbital abscess. The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and functional endoscopic sinus surgery.  Her treatment and recovery were uneventful. In follow-up nighter ophthalmological nor otorhinolaryngological complains were noted.
Results of Treatment of Type 3 Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation with Three Methods
Authors: Łazarski Adam , Sarzyńska Sylwia , Struzik Sławomir , Jędral Tomasz , Łęgosz Paweł , Małdyk Paweł
Published: July 2019

Background. Rockwood Type III acromioclavicular joint injuries are treated both conservatively and surgically. There is still no consensus on an optimal fixation method. The aim of this study was to evaluate which of the surgical methods used in our Department produces the best outcomes in long-term follow-up.
Material and methods. The study involved 27 patients. Wire cerclage was used in 12 patients, 11 patients were operated on by the Ladermann method, and a hook plate was used in 4 patients. The patients were assessed at a late follow-up visit after a mean of 22 months post-operatively. The Constant Shoulder Scale (CSS), Oxford Shoulder Scale (OSS), and PROMIS v1.2 for the upper limb were used to assess the long-term effects of the treatment.
Results. There were no statistically significant differences between the Ladermann method and wire cerclage for the scales applied (p=0.98 at α=0.05). The functional CSS showed a significant advantage of the outcomes of the Lader­mann method and wire cerclage in comparison to the hook plate (p=0.014 and p=0.004, respectively, at α=0.05). The quality of life scales OSS and PROMIS showed no significant difference between the methods.
Conclusions. 1. The outcomes of treatment with the Ladermann method and wire cerclage are excellent and com­parable with regard to both clinical outcomes and the quality of life. 2. The use of a hook plate may substantially contribute to worse clinical outcomes. 3. No considerable difference was found in the quality of life between the different groups, but a study involving a larger number of patients would be necessary for a complete evaluation.
How best to serve at-risk youths? A critical evaluation of Germany’s socio-educational support abroad program
Authors: Witte Matthias D.
Published: July 2019

As a last resort for Germany’s most at-risk youths, socio-educational support abroad has been practiced for more than 40 years. Far removed from Germany, difficult to educate youths receive social educational assistance in a variety of formats. The present article discusses this special social work concept that currently figures little in international child welfare discussions. It begins by introducing the concept of projects abroad, then moves on to present evidence of the program’s effectiveness from the client’s perspective. It will become apparent that a large gap exists between socio-educational goals and implementation, a background against which the discussion on appropriate child welfare interventions must be (re)visited.
Transnationale Artikulation von Arbeitnehmerinteressen im Weltbetriebsrat von VW
Authors: Haipeter Thomas
Published: July 2019

Transnationale Interessenvertretungen stehen vor der Herausforderung, einerseits gemeinsame Arbeitnehmerinteressen zu identifizieren und andererseits das Zusammenspiel zwischen lokalen, nationalen und transnationalen Interessenvertretungsebenen zu organisieren. Beide Herausforderungen verbinden sich in der Artikulationspraxis von Interessenvertretungen und sind sowohl auf Deutungsmuster als auch auf Erwartungen und Machtressourcen zu beziehen, als umkämpfter sozialer Prozess zu verstehen und als fragile Konstruktion von Interessen zu fassen. Bei VW wird die Artikulation der Interessen zum einen durch das enge Zusammenspiel der transnationalen Interessenvertretungsebenen mit den nationalen deutschen Betriebsratsgremien geprägt, die ihre nationalen Machtressourcen auch zur Unterstützung transnationalen Handelns nutzen. Ihre besondere Form erhält die transnationale Koordination bei VW zum anderen durch den formalen Rahmen der Charta der Arbeitsbeziehungen und die unterstützende und aktivierende Rolle der Generalsekretariate. Diese Artikulationspraxis hängt entscheidend von den Deutungen der Interessenvertretungen ab, in deren Zentrum die Gefahren der Standortkonkurrenz sowohl für die Standort- und Beschäftigungssicherung als auch für die Arbeitsbedingungen stehen.
Beschäftigte mit Migrationshintergrund: Milieuspezifische Zugänge zur Interessenvertretung
Authors: Meise Stephan
Published: July 2019

Beschäftigte mit Migrationshintergrund bilden keine vorwiegend „ethnisch“ bestimmten homogenen Gruppen. Unter Zugewanderten haben sich unterschiedliche soziale Milieus herausgebildet, mit denen vielfältige und sozial ungleiche Zugangschancen zu Institutionen der kollektiven Interessenvertretung, insbesondere zu den Gewerkschaften, verbunden sind. Dieser bisher unzureichend erforschte Zusammenhang wird am Beispiel von Spätaussiedlern und türkeistämmigen Deutschen aus drei unterschiedlich strukturierten Regionen in Niedersachsen exploriert. Die hier vorgeschlagene Perspektive auf die milieuspezifische Strukturiertheit der gesellschaftlich-politischen Repräsentationspraxis ermöglicht es nicht nur, pauschalisierende und damit letztlich ethnisierende Betrachtungsweisen der zugewanderten Bevölkerungsteile zu überwinden. Darüber hinaus können so je nach sozialem Milieu unterschiedliche Bedarfe nach Interessenorganisationen sowie spezifische Zugangsprobleme zu diesen identifiziert und reflektiert werden.