Posters (p. 48)<br>
Three new Internet services for Lantmännen farmers. Delivery tracking online, automatic ordering of feed and webcasting - S. Andersson<br>
Lantmännen is one of the largest Groups within the food, energy, and agricultural industries in the Nordic region. Lantmännen is owned by 44,000 Swedish farmers, has 13,000 employees, and sales of SEK 32 billion. <br>
Using best practices to manage arable farmland and crops is the basis of Lantmännen's business. The Group is active in every stage of the value chain - from farmland to table.<br>
To give the farmers access to information and business applications from Lantmännen over the Internet, an Extranet is provided. The name of the Extranet in swedish is “Lantmännen Direkt via nätet”. <br>
The poster shows three new services available over the Extranet. <br>
- Online tracking of feed delivery - a “mashup” including Google Maps<br>
- SILO Online - autmatic ordering of feed and monitoring of the silo via GPRS <br>
- Webcasting - videos with cover stories, market- and organisational information. Provided to the farmers over the Extranet.<br>
<br>
Curtains 4 Smoulder - G. Hanks, J. Fellows, R. Kennedy, P. Hughes, R. Reader & J. Murphy<br>
Curtains 4 Smoulder (C4S) is a project run by Gordon Hanks and Roy Kennedy of Warwick HRI with funding from the Lincolnshire Fenlands LEADER+ programme, the HDC, and bulb growers OA Taylor & Sons Bulbs, Winchester Growers and Hay Farming. <br>
On an R&D level, C4S aims to validate and deliver a predictive disease infection model for ‘smoulder’ a common fungal disease of narcissus (daffodil) crops. This will enable growers to time fungicide applications to temperature and leaf wetness conditions that most favour infection. Fewer, but targeted, sprays would replace the current practice of applying fungicides regularly without any knowledge of infective conditions.<br>
The project has a community aim too. Even in rural regions, school-leavers often dismiss agriculture and horticulture as providing worthwhile careers. C4S aims to raise the industry’s image with this group, using the research project as the medium and involving school groups in hands-on participation. Predictive modelling is being used to illustrate the value of computer-based techniques in today’s innovative industry.<br>
Year 10 students from three Lincolnshire schools are taking part in the project. Over four sessions they learn about the importance of commercial horticulture in the region and about daffodils, a major crop in the area. They carry out crop-walking to identify pests and diseases and discuss conventional versus sustainable methods for their control. They make assessments of smoulder levels in crops receiving either conventional or targeted fungicide applications, and see in practical sessions how computers, weather stations and predictive models are used. The sessions culminate in preparing material for presentations and web-pages. <br>
Maximising the Efficiency of Bio-Control Application Utilising Genetic Algorithms - P.M. Godley, D. E. Cairns & J. Cowie<br>
In the domain of mushroom farming, sciarid flies can adversely affect the quality of crop produced. One solution to this problem is the use of a bio-control agent to reduce, and ideally eliminate the presence of this pest. The nematode worm Steinernema feltiae provides an effective control agent against the sciarid flies. In order to maximise the effect of this agent, while also minimising the quantity of the agent required, an optimal application schedule is necessary. Our work addresses the use of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to produce optimal bio-control application schedules.<br>
iEIA – Collaborative Tools for Sustainable Impact Assessment - P. Horak<br>
To be sustainable, development needs to balance the environmental, social and economic interests and expectations of societies. This is a complex, multi- and cross-disciplinary process, which is based on many determinants rendering the understanding and therefore acceptance of SD a difficult task for most people. The NaturNet-Redime (NNR) project seeks to demonstrate the role and interaction of some of these interests and parameters that are so important for SD through the example of the integrated Environmental Impact Assessment (iEIA) methodology.<br>
The SD collaborative e-learning module guides the user through a simplified iEIA process, whereby s/he will be able to gather information on the context and detail of the environmental, social and economic parameters that form the background of the proposed infrastructure development. The user are supported by pertinent multi-media information - such as environmental, socio-cultural and economic data, which is presented as text, links, photographs, movies, sound, etc. Relevant geographical information will be provided by one of the regional administrations that are participating in the NNR Project. This information will be made accessible through the newly-developed distributed web services of the NNR Internet Portal and the analysis of this geographical data may be carried out as part of the learning activity online, demonstrating the application of geographic information in sustainable development in Europe. The potential for the provision of facilities for the use of mobile devices in an outdoor environment is being discussed at present enabling the verification and/or adding of actual data to the iEIA database.<br>
Integrated Solutions of NATURNET-REDIME project - P. Horak<br>
The innovative Geospatial web-based architecture allows data sharing about the local environment across Europe and the knowledge generated by SDI development tools. The combination of innovative methods based on virtual reality, multimedia and GIS services creates an opportunity to understand the European environment in a geographical context and to learn about new methods and principles of sustainability. The NaturNet-Redime project designs and implements new distributed-knowledge and the e-learning web services on the open platform. All components mentioned above are integrated into NATURNET-REDIME web portal.<br>
The NaturNet-Redime web portal is designed and implemented as advanced distributed interoperable knowledge and educational web services that support learning about tools solving environmental, economical and social problems of sustainability across Europe. The system also implements advanced functionality for mobile data access; location based services, and personalized and position-sensitive services. The new geographical and location-based services are combined with virtual presentation of objects and advanced mobile knowledge tools. The interoperability on the level of data as well as services is an important aspect of the project. The concept on NaturNet Redime portal connected two parts ‘NaturNet Redime tools and their utilisation’ and ‘Integration of tools into awareness context’.<br>
Web-based forecast of cauliflower harvest for grower and supply chain - A.L. Jensen & K. Grevsen<br>
It is characteristic for the production of outdoor vegetable crops, like cauliflower, broccoli and lettuce, that several parallel plantings of the same crop are made during the growing season. This is done in an attempt to obtain a continuous supply of the vegetable products to the market. However, since the growth and development of vegetables are highly influenced by the weather the flow of vegetables from the producers to the wholesale dealers is normally far from continuous. It is a logistical as well as an economical problem when the actual production differs from the expected, regardless if it is higher or lower. The information about changes in delivery is often given only hours in advance in practice, so for the wholesale dealer a warning a few days or even weeks earlier can be of great value.<br>
We describe a web-based information system, where the wholesale dealer can follow the predicted amounts of harvested cauliflower over time from the growers\\\' farm production database. The cauliflower harvest forecasting system uses several model and data components to process and aggregate the information with a minimum of effort by the user:<br>
-·A simple, deterministic model describes the relationship between temperature sum and cauliflower curd diameter.<br>
-·A weather database is used to supply the model with local and up-to-date weather observations and forecasts.<br>
-·A production database supplies the system with relevant data about the cauliflower varieties, plant numbers and measurements of curd diameters.<br>
The Use Of Vocalization For Swine And Poultry Welfare Assessment - I. de A. Naasa, D.J. de Mouraa, W.T. Silvaa, Y. Barrios Tolomb, M. Valea & T.M.R. de Carvalhoaa<br>
Nowadays there is a need to assess animal welfare in order to reach larger meat international market. Behavioural analysis by understanding signal analysis such as sound and image has become an interesting field of study, as it applies non-invasive way. Both pork and poultry export mean an important economical deal for Brazil and the response to the international demand for animal welfare needs to be reached. The search of an easy and available welfare way of assessment has been made though the use of vocalization analysis. Using Fourier Transform it was possible to describe the sound spectrum and transform it into frequency and intensity. This research shows results of vocalization studies for both swine and poultry using signal interpretation. A software was developed to translate the signal recorded for both swine and broiler, and to evaluate its pattern in distinct activities. Validation of the software was done in an environmental controlled room for the poultry and inside an anechoic chamber for the piglets using animals in the growing stage. Results showed that it was possible to evaluate some aspects of swine and broiler welfare, based on the sound level recorded.<br>
Expert System for Prediction of Lameness Occurrences in Dairy Cows using Fuzzy-Logic - I. Naas<br>
Claw lameness can be associated to biomechanical factors caused by imbalances of the pressure distribution under the hooves when cows are confined in modern dairy operations with hard concrete flooring. Clinically, the earliest diagnosis of claw lameness is only possible by visually observing faulty locomotion (i.e., lame gait). Unfortunately, the earliest pathological gait signs are typically characteristics of mild to severe degrees of lameness where veterinary intervention is already necessary incurring in economic losses and animal welfare. In this research we are working in the development of an information expert system that is based on a Fuzzy Inference System to contribute to help prevent claw lameness. A selected set of UML diagrams has been applied to enable and facilitate the communication between people working in the present development. The Unified Modelling Language has become the standard factor for the development of systems and has been promoted as a technology that will help to solve some of the longstanding problems in the software industry. An Expert System was developed and validated for predicting lameness in dairy cows reared in freestall system.<br>
Designing Information and Communication Technology System for Development of Agricultural Extension in Iran - M. Niknami & J.F. Hosseini<br>
Recent studies indicated that the function of Agricultural knowledge and information system components including agricultural extension system in Iran due to its existing methods and approaches has not been successful. In this regard and with emergence of information age, the Information and Communication Technology could be an appropriate tool for advancing the agricultural extension in Iran. The first step in the process of development and application of Information and Communication Technology, is designing a system in which has necessary speed, precision and adaptability. Although in area of application of Information and Communication Technology in extension service, there are has been some investment in hardware, but these activities was not based on a systematic and strategic approach. The major purpose of this study was to design an Information and Communication Technology system for agricultural extension in Iran. The geographical area of the study was at the national level which has been conducted through simple relative random sampling in six adjacent provinces from 29 provinces in Iran. The research method was correlational and the statistical population consists of the 55 faculty members of agricultural extension and education departments of Iranian universities,65 managers and 187 agricultural extension specialists from department of extension service in Ministry of Jihad-e- Agricultural. Finally, the appropriate vision, goals, strategies, policies and missions required for the application of Information and Communication Technology in the development of the agricultural extension in Iran have been determine through multiple regression method. Also There Was Distinguished Factor Six Using Factor Analysis and Such as Technical, Management, Cultural Implement, Programming, Functional and Organizational Requirements.<br>
Interactive education system supporting the use of artificial neural networks in agriculture engineering - P. Boniecki, J. Weres, A. Krysztofiak & W. Mueller<br>
The purpose of this project was to develop an interactive computer application pursuant to software engineering standards that would support education in the field of constructing and operating selected artificial neural network topologies. The project is designed to investigate selected problems having to do with the generation and operation of MLP and RBF networks and help present the networks’ operating principles as classification instruments in a case of identifying flower varieties for practical purposes.<br>
ICT in rural areas of the UK: towards e-governance and rural development? - A. Sallowm<br>
The world entered the 20th century without planes, radios or televisions. It enters the 21st with nuclear power, space travel, computers, cell phones and the wireless internet. Within the span of a hundred years, entirely new fields of science and technology came into existence and the fundamental political and economic structure of the world changed not once, but several times. Some of the most dramatic technological changes have occurred with regard to information and communication technologies (ICTs). This paper seeks to explore conceptual and theoretical debates surrounding the development of ICTs and their potential consequences for society. In particular, attention is paid to Castells’ (1996, 2001) concepts to analyse aspects of current modern society that may facilitate new implementations of ICTs. Moreover, this paper seeks to show how ICTs have interacted with patterns of globalisation. In the paper I address a particular gap in the literature by discussing theoretical and conceptual debates surrounding the term of ‘governance’. In this context, this paper, then, furthers our understanding of the influence of the concept of governance, by examining the relationship of governance with ICTs. Further, the potential of ICTs to improve current governance structures will be discussed. Following this, the latter parts of the paper includes a review of theoretical debates on the notion of ‘e-democracy’, especially by examining the relationship of e-democracy with governance. Finally, the last section of the paper explores the emergence of rural governance, highlighting a diverse range of perspectives on rural community empowerment and different government strategies (and strategies used by other stakeholders) to empower rural people. In conclusion, I will highlight the gap within current rural research, the potential contribution of ICT to rural governance.<br>
A climate research database management software - K. Szenteleki, M. Ladányi, É. Szabó, L. Horváth, L. Hufnagel and A. Révész<br>
During climate change research, from the agricultural point of view, for example, we need to have well-defined climatic conditions for each plant. This is one the most important investigations to be carried out by meteorological databases. Of course, more complex mathematical analyses are needed to determine mutual and cross-influences as well as internal relationships, but these approaches can also be based on a user-friendly data base management system. We required therefore a system that allows researchers from various disciplines to set up special databases for specific studies as well as having the capacity to filter and aggregate data from different perspectives. Once we have these databases, which are in self determined format, structure, and size, we can apply advanced mathematical methods and use them as a launching database.<br>
The neuronal techniques in identification of non-uniformity of air flow through a pebble-bed heat storage unit - W. Mueller, P. Boniecki, J. Weres & A. Krysztofiak<br>
Efficiency of utilization of pebble-bed regenerators, including renewable sources of energy working with them, depends - among other factors ‘on non-uniformity of air flow through the bed. Authors of this paper, following their research of the phenomenon investigated a pebble-bed storage unit during the unloading phase. Tests conducted so far were not able to deliver a reliable quantity of time-temperature profiles, due to a limit in number of temperature measurement points. Therefore, a predictive potential of neuronal nets was used. This paper presents results of pebble-bed storage unit tests and simulations based on developed neuronal models.<br>
Factors Affecting the Success of ICTs Implementation in Italian Farms. - C. Zanasi & R. Romano<br>
The success of ICTs diffusion at the farm level is not exclusively associated to their placement at the farmer desk. Farmers‘ suppliers relationship, mainly when the implementation of ICTs solution is at stake, can be influenced by the existing farm structure, organisation and ‘culture’ . Furthermore, a negative experience following the adoption of ICTs at the farm level can significantly slow down its diffusion in the surrounding area. Psychological as well as social aspects related to the acceptance of innovations in a farm should be investigated to assess the best strategies for ICT implementation. The scope of this research is to define the variables affecting a positive perception of the ICTs utility and ease to use by the farmers. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis, 1989), has been adopted. A set of variables related to the economic, social and technical characteristics of the farms and of the ICTs in use has been collected from a sample of 50 farmers using internet and software for the agriculture. A probit analysis has been carried out. Two models and correspondent dependent variables have been considered : Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEU). The results showed that the ICTs suppliers capacity to support the farmers in the implementation of the ICTs solutions and the trust they generated in the farmers have been positively related to the perception of utility and ease to use. Further research should investigate more deeply the ICTs suppliers strategies for a correct approach to the farmers.<br>