scholarly journals Correction to: Small-scale biogas facilities to enhance nutrient flows in rural Africa—relevance, acceptance, and implementation challenges in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Schoeber ◽  
Gerold Rahmann ◽  
Bernhard Freyer
Keyword(s):  
Small Scale ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Nutrient Flows ◽  
Rural Africa

scholarly journals Neuroevolutionary Control for Autonomous Soaring

Aerospace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 267
Author(s):  
Eric J. Kim ◽  
Ruben E. Perez
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Autonomous Vehicles ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Search Space ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Biologically Inspired ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Autonomous Soaring

The energy efficiency and flight endurance of small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs) can be improved through the implementation of autonomous soaring strategies. Biologically inspired flight techniques such as dynamic and thermal soaring offer significant energy savings through the exploitation of naturally occurring wind phenomena for thrustless flight. Recent interest in the application of artificial intelligence algorithms for autonomous soaring has been motivated by the pursuit of instilling generalized behavior in control systems, centered around the use of neural networks. However, the topology of such networks is usually predetermined, restricting the search space of potential solutions, while often resulting in complex neural networks that can pose implementation challenges for the limited hardware onboard small-scale autonomous vehicles. In exploring a novel method of generating neurocontrollers, this paper presents a neural network-based soaring strategy to extend flight times and advance the potential operational capability of SUAVs. In this study, the Neuroevolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) algorithm is used to train efficient and effective neurocontrollers that can control a simulated aircraft along sustained dynamic and thermal soaring trajectories. The proposed approach evolves interpretable neural networks in a way that preserves simplicity while maximizing performance without requiring extensive training datasets. As a result, the combined trajectory planning and aircraft control strategy is suitable for real-time implementation on SUAV platforms.

Workshop 7 (synthesis): towards a recycling society: systems approach to small-scale reuse of human waste

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 175-176
Author(s):  
Ausaf-ur Rahman ◽  
Jan-Olof Drangert
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Human Waste ◽  
Nutrient Flows ◽  
Human Excreta ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recycling Society ◽  
Alternative Solutions

Population increase and growing quantities of human excreta create serious problems and high risks for people's health. Alternative solutions are becoming crucial to improve urban living conditions, and to shorten water and nutrient flows into circulation of used water and nutrient in human excreta. The speakers presented a wide range of experiences of “closing the loops” and thereby turning potential waste into productive use. The focus of the workshop deliberations was on simplifying the hygienisation of urine and faeces and the reuse in food production by using urine-diverting toilets, as well as innovative ways to recycle sewage after various stages of treatment.

scholarly journals IoT Sensing Platform as a Driver for Digital Farming in Rural Africa

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 3511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Oliveira-Jr ◽  
Carlos Resende ◽  
André Pereira ◽  
Pedro Madureira ◽  
João Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sensing Platform ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Rural Africa ◽  
Do It Yourself ◽  
Software Modularity ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Digital Farming

Small-scale farming can benefit from the usage of information and communication technology (ICT) to improve crop and soil management and increase yield. However, in order to introduce digital farming in rural areas, related ICT solutions must be viable, seamless and easy to use, since most farmers are not acquainted with technology. With that in mind, this paper proposes an Internet of Things (IoT) sensing platform that provides information on the state of the soil and surrounding environment in terms of pH, moisture, texture, colour, air temperature, and light. This platform is coupled with computer vision to further analyze and understand soil characteristics. Moreover, the platform hardware is housed in a specifically designed robust casing to allow easy assembly, transport, and protection from the deployment environment. To achieve requirements of usability and reproducibility, the architecture of the IoT sensing platform is based on low-cost, off-the-shelf hardware and software modularity, following a do-it-yourself approach and supporting further extension. In-lab validations of the platform were carried out to finetune its components, showing the platform’s potential for application in rural areas by introducing digital farming to small-scale farmers, and help them delivering better produce and increasing income.

scholarly journals Small-scale biogas facilities to enhance nutrient flows in rural Africa—relevance, acceptance, and implementation challenges in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mia Schoeber ◽  
Gerold Rahmann ◽  
Bernhard Freyer
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Food System ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Organic Residues ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
On Farm

AbstractOn smallholder farms in Ethiopia, livestock manure and organic residues are traditionally removed from fields for construction, feed, and fuel purposes, while the remainder stays in the field as feed or fertilizer. Burning and removing organic matter without replacing it leads to valuable losses of on-farm nutrients and soil carbon, which could otherwise be used to fertilize crops. Instead, resources need to be used efficiently by reducing and recycling organic residues and forming a closed production system. Competition between applications can be eliminated by bio-methanation using a biodigester. There, organic residues are transformed to biogas utilized for light and cooking and bioslurry, a nutritious organic fertilizer and source of organic matter. Through capturing nutrients in agricultural by-products, nutrients become available to the food system again. Literature review has been supplemented with empirical evidence from a study carried out in the central Ethiopian Highlands on 47 smallholder farms, to provide a baseline for further improvements on the management of biogas technology. The study identifies a series of inadequate handling practices and thus a significant potential to optimize the farming system around a biodigester. It is recommended to include forage legumes in the farm system to enhance on-farm available nutrients that can be recycled through a biodigester. It is further necessary to involve the private sector in biodigester programs, to improve local availability of materials, which are suitable to the local culture and traditions. Space for knowledge exchange between farmers and advisors like demonstration farms can further improve bioslurry management. Although challenges remain, the integration of a biodigester should be encouraged as it fulfills the production of energy and a nutritious and economic fertilizer without additional resources, resulting in a win-win situation for the farmer.

scholarly journals Lessons learned from implementation of the Workload Indicator of Staffing Need (WISN) methodology: An international Delphi study of expert users.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Nyendwoha Namaganda ◽  
Audrey Whitright ◽  
Everd Bikaitwoha Maniple
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Study ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
World Health ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
First Time

Abstract BackgroundStaffing of health services ought to consider the workload experienced to maximize efficiency. However, this is rarely the case, due to lack of an appropriate approach. The World Health Organization (WHO) developed and has promoted the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) methodology globally. Due to its relative simplicity compared to previous methods, the WISN has been used extensively, particularly after its computerization in 2010. Many lessons have been learnt from the introduction and promotion of the methodology across the globe but have, hitherto, not been synthesized for technical and policy consideration. This study gathered, synthesized, and now shares the key adaptations, innovations, and lessons learned. These could facilitate lesson-learning and motivate the WHO’s WISN Thematic Working Group to review and further ease its application.MethodsThe study aimed to answer four questions: (1) how easy is it for the users to implement each step of the WISN methodology? (2) what innovations have been used to overcome implementation challenges? (3) what lessons have been learned that could inform future WISN implementation? and (4) what recommendations can be made to improve the WISN methodology? We used a three-round traditional Delphi method to conduct a case study of user-experiences during the adoption of the WISN methodology. We sent three email iterations to 23 purposively selected WISN expert users across 21 countries in five continents. Thematic analysis of each round was done simultaneously with data collection.ResultsParticipants rated seven of the eight technical steps of the WISN as either “very easy” or “easy” to implement. The step considered most difficult was obtaining the Category Allowance Factors (CAF). Key lessons learned were that: the benefits gained from applying the WISN outweigh the challenges faced in understanding the technical steps; benchmarking during WISN implementation saves time; data quality is critical for successful implementation; and starting with small-scale projects sets the ground better for more effective scale-up than attempting massive national application of the methodology the first time round. ConclusionsThe study provides a good reference for easing WISN implementation for new users and for WHO to continue promoting and improving upon it.

scholarly journals Characterising the outcomes, impacts and implementation challenges of advanced clinical practice roles in the UK: a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e048171
Author(s):  
Catrin Evans ◽  
Brenda Poku ◽  
Ruth Pearce ◽  
Jeanette Eldridge ◽  
Paul Hendrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Health System ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Aspects ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Implementation Challenges ◽  
Career Pathway ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesIn response to demographic and health system pressures, the development of non-medical advanced clinical practice (ACP) roles is a key component of National Health Service workforce transformation policy in the UK. This review was undertaken to establish a baseline of evidence on ACP roles and their outcomes, impacts and implementation challenges across the UK.DesignA scoping review was undertaken following JBI methodological guidance.Methods13 online databases (Medline, CINAHL, ASSIA, Embase, HMIC, AMED, Amber, OT seeker, PsycINFO, PEDro, SportDiscus, Osteopathic Research and PenNutrition) and grey literature sources were searched from 2005 to 2020. Data extraction, charting and summary was guided by the PEPPA-Plus framework. The review was undertaken by a multi-professional team that included an expert lay representative.Results191 papers met the inclusion criteria (any type of UK evidence, any sector/setting and any profession meeting the Health Education England definition of ACP). Most papers were small-scale descriptive studies, service evaluations or audits. The papers reported mainly on clinical aspects of the ACP role. Most papers related to nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and radiography roles and these were referred to by a plethora of different titles. ACP roles were reported to be achieving beneficial impacts across a range of clinical and health system outcomes. They were highly acceptable to patients and staff. No significant adverse events were reported. There was a lack of cost-effectiveness evidence. Implementation challenges included a lack of role clarity and an ambivalent role identity, lack of mentorship, lack of continuing professional development and an unclear career pathway.ConclusionThis review suggests a need for educational and role standardisation and a supported career pathway for advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) in the UK. Future research should: (i) adopt more robust study designs, (ii) investigate the full scope of the ACP role and (iii) include a wider range of professions and sectors.

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