Priority selection of agro-meteorological parameters for integrated plant diseases management through analytical hierarchy process

To understand the influence of agro-meteorological parameters to take decisions related to various factors in an integrated plant disease management, it becomes vital to carry out scientific studies on the factors affecting it. The different agro-meteorological parameters namely temperature, humidity, moisture, rain, phenological week, cropping season, soil type, location, precipitation, heat index, and cloud coverage have been considered for this study. Each parameter has been allocated the ranking by using a technique called analytical hierarchical process (AHP). The parameter priorities are determined by calculating the Eigenvalues. This helps to make decisions related to integrated plant disease management where the prediction of plant disease occurrence, yield prediction, irrigation requirements, and fertilization recommendations can be taken. To take these decisions which parameters are good indicators can be identified using this method. The parameters majorly contribute to plant diseases and pest management decision making while delivers minor contribution in irrigation and fertilizer management related decision making. The manual results are compared with software generated results which indicates that both the results correlate with each other. Therefore, AHP technique can be successfully implemented for prioritizing agro-meteorological parameters for integrated plant diseases management as the results for both levels are consistent (consistency ratio < 0.1).

Numerical Studies of Statistical Management Decisions in Conditions of Stochastic Chaos

The research presented in this article is dedicated to analyzing the acceptability of traditional techniques of statistical management decision-making in conditions of stochastic chaos. A corresponding example would be asset management at electronic capital markets. This formulation of the problem is typical for a large number of applications in which the managed object interacts with an unstable immersion environment. In particular, this issue arises in problems of managing gas-dynamic and hydrodynamic turbulent flows. We highlight the features of observation series of the managed object’s state immersed in an unstable interaction environment. The fundamental difference between observation series of chaotic processes and probabilistic descriptions of traditional models is demonstrated. We also present an additive observation model with a chaotic system component and non-stationary noise which provides the most adequate characterization of the original observation series. Furthermore, we suggest a method for numerically analyzing the efficiency of conventional statistical solutions in the conditions of stochastic chaos. Based on numerical experiments, we establish that techniques of optimal statistical synthesis do not allow for making effective management decisions in the conditions of stochastic chaos. Finally, we propose several versions of compositional algorithms focused on the adaptation of statistical techniques to the non-deterministic conditions caused by the specifics of chaotic processes.

Titer and Distribution of Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni in Prunus avium

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni’ infection in cherries causes small, misshapen fruit with poor color and taste, rendering the fruit unmarketable. However, this is a disease with a long development cycle and a scattered, non-uniform symptom distribution in the early stages. To better understand the biology as well as the relationship between pathogen titer and disease expression, we carried out seasonal, spatial, and temporal examinations of ‘Ca. P. pruni’ titer and distribution in infected orchard-grown trees. Sequential sampling of heavily infected trees revealed marked seasonal patterns, with differential accumulation in woody stem and leaf tissues, and most notably within fruit in the early stages of development from bloom to pit hardening. Furthermore, mapping phytoplasma distribution and titer in trees at different stages of infection indicated that infection proceeds through a series of stages. Initially, infection spreads basipetally and accumulates in the roots before populating aerial parts of the trees from the trunk upwards, with infection of specific tissues and limbs followed by an increasing phytoplasma titer. Finally, we observed a correlation between phytoplasma titer and symptom severity, with severe symptom onset associated with 3-4 orders of magnitude more phytoplasma than mild symptoms. Cumulatively, these data aid in accurate sampling and management decision making and furthers our understanding of disease development.

Municipal solid waste management decision-making during COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison between Brazil and Portugal

Decisions related to waste management were affected to contain the advance of the new coronavirus pandemic. Different measures have been adopted between countries around the world. This study aims to assess changes in decision-making on solid waste management in Brazil and Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the socioeconomic differences and the context of waste management in each country before the health crisis. A literature review was carried out on scientific bases, PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Differences were noted in decisions and guidelines for good practices in waste management, with measures being observed in a decentralized manner in Brazil, differently from what was observed in Portugal. In this way, the understanding of urban waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil becomes complex, in addition to the territorial extension and the diverse social composition, due to the decentralization of decision-making, while Portugal centralizes decisions related to waste management and has a smaller population and territorial extension.

Ensuring sustainable spatial development from the perspective of land relations regulation

Solving new problems of sustainable development of society and territories requires improving the regulation of land relations to meet the managerial, production and technological needs of society. Improving the efficiency of regulating land relations and the use of lands of all categories in the context of their global degradation is one of the most important socio-economic problems in modern conditions. To solve the problems of land management, their rational use and protection, optimization of agricultural production, taking into account the environmental safety of products, an integrated approach to the regulation of land relations is needed, which is provided by the system of land management and land monitoring. The need to improve land relations management is obvious and indisputable, and the topic of the work seems relevant and timely. The purpose of the work is to develop practical recommendations for improving the mechanism of land relations management at the state and municipal level. Management decision-making should be based on the principles of strategic and tactical planning of innovation activities, taking into account the geopolitical, economic and socio-cultural specifics of the territory.

Classification and Radiological Diagnosis of Thoracolumbar Spine Fractures: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

The aim of this review to determine recommendations for classification and radiological diagnosis of thoracolumbar spine fractures. Recommendation was made through a literature review of the last 10 years. The statements created by the authors were discussed and voted on during 2 consensus meetings organized by the WFNS (World Federation Neurosurgical Societies) Spine Committee. The literature review was yielded 256 abstracts, of which 32 were chosen for full-text analysis. Thirteen papers evaluated the reliability of a classification system by our expert members and were also chosen in this guideline analysis. This literature review-based recommendation provides the classification and radiologic diagnosis in thoracolumbar spine fractures that can elucidate the management decision-making in clinical practice.

CREATIVE TRANS-BORDER COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

The paper presents an overview of the history and achievements of trans-border cooperation in the Lithuania-Germany-Poland triangle in planning instruments in Construction Management, decision-making theory, application of Operational Research, and Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods in Civil Engineering and sustainable development. The cooperation and results of the Colloquiums with 35 years of tradition, their multidimensional nature is underlined. The research instruments, methods, studied phenomena are reviewed and characteristic applications in engineering and economics are presented. The knowledge and combined efforts of three academic centers have created a synergy which set in motion many original methods and spectacular implementations. The Colloquium calendar and the evolution of organizational forms are presented along with the inclusion of the informal EURO Working Group on Operations Research in Sustainable Development and Civil Engineering.

Model of monitoring of oil soil pollution and its termination

The assessment of impact of oil production economic activities on land pollution in Russia contributes to evolutionary management decision making. Oil industrial pollution affects negatively flora and fauna. Thus, its important to identify the level of its exposure and danger, the site of contamination. A system approach is needed. When studying the environment, its necessary to consider the presence of risk situations and stochastic irreversible changes. Its essential to identify the nature and type of soil contamination with petroleum products using high-tech tools, intellectual procedures. The work considers modeling of such situation, forecasting and identification of oil contaminants. The submodel of optimal termination of monitoring is also considered. Ending monitoring of environmental optimization will result in lower monitoring costs, since monitoring oilcontaminated environments is an expensive and complex technological mechanism, often requiring satellite data. The proposed algorithm for modeling and system analysis is based on situational modeling. Evolutionary modeling allows to adapt the procedure (methodology) of forecasting and assessment to environmental risk factors. It increases the accuracy (formalization and evidence) and completeness of conclusions, the efficiency of situation analysis, which affects manageability of risk both for the oil complex and for individual enterprise in the industry. The results of the research may be used for development of software tools, in particular expert and predictive systems. Situational models are needed when oil companies are solving multi-criteria and multifactor problems.

COMBINED EFFECTS OF THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT ON THE WELL-BEING OF THE CITY POPULATION

The method of assessing the impact of factors of diff erent nature on the components of the city’s living environment that determine favorable living conditions and the well-being of the population is considered. It is statistically established that the variety of factors should be taken into account when assessing and normalizing the combination of multifactorial impacts on demographic and social processes occurring in the urban environment. Combinations of the most signifi cant interacting factors and statistical models based on them can be taken into account when predicting the level of morbidity, the dynamics of migration processes, the family well-being of the population, and others. The developed models and assessment methodology can serve as a tool to support management decision-making to ensure a high level of quality of life of the population and urban development of residential areas.