scholarly journals Agricultural biosecurity

2007 ◽  
Vol 363 (1492) ◽  
pp. 863-876 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.K Waage ◽  
J.D Mumford
Keyword(s):  
Public Interest ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Economic Modelling ◽  
Building Walls ◽  
And Control ◽  
New Pest

The prevention and control of new pest and disease introductions is an agricultural challenge which is attracting growing public interest. This interest is in part driven by an impression that the threat is increasing, but there has been little analysis of the changing rates of biosecurity threat, and existing evidence is equivocal. Traditional biosecurity systems for animals and plants differ substantially but are beginning to converge. Bio-economic modelling of risk will be a valuable tool in guiding the allocation of limited resources for biosecurity. The future of prevention and management systems will be strongly influenced by new technology and the growing role of the private sector. Overall, today's biosecurity systems are challenged by changing national priorities regarding trade, by new concerns about environmental effects of biological invasions and by the question ‘who pays?’. Tomorrow's systems may need to be quite different to be effective. We suggest three changes: an integration of plant and animal biosecurity around a common, proactive, risk-based approach; a greater focus on international cooperation to deal with threats at source; and a commitment to refocus biosecurity on building resilience to invasion into agroecosystems rather than building walls around them.

A Review of Switched Inertance Hydraulic Converter Technology

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenggang Yuan ◽  
Min Pan ◽  
Andrew Plummer
Keyword(s):  
Power Management ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Hydraulic Power ◽  
Controlled Systems ◽  
Hydraulic Machines ◽  
And Control

Digital hydraulics is a new technology providing an alternative to conventional proportional or servovalve-controlled systems in the area of fluid power. Research is driven by the need for highly energy efficient hydraulic machines but is relatively immature compared to other energy-saving technologies. Digital hydraulic applications, such as digital pumps, digital valves and actuators, switched inertance hydraulic converters (SIHCs) and digital hydraulic power management systems, all promise high energy efficiency. This review introduces the development of SIHCs and evaluates the device configurations, performance and control strategies that are found in current SIHC research, particularly focusing on the work being undertaken in last 15 years. The designs for highspeed switching valves are evaluated, and their advantages and limitations are discussed. This article concludes with some suggestions for the future development of SIHCs.

The Evolving Role of the Instructor in the Digital Age

2013 ◽  
pp. 233-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael F. Beaudoin
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Learning Management

In this era of student-centered, collaborative, constructivist learning, augmented by social networks and other virtual environments featuring learner autonomy, self-direction and independence, the role of instructors in online education is undergoing continuous evolution since the advent of the Internet, and the proliferation of Learning Management Systems (LSM) to support teaching and learning. This chapter examines the role of the online instructor, and indeed, poses the provocative question: does there remain a useful and meaningful role for what is arguably the increasingly ‘invisible’ instructor in many online settings. Factors that contribute to this phenomenon, such as the proliferation of new technology, the emphasis on self-directed learning, a changing student clientele, emerging modes of assessment, etc. are noted. Findings from a various studies of student attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of what is critical for success in online courses are highlighted, including data suggesting that the role of instructors and the features of Learning Management Systems are relatively minor factors for achieving success in online learning. The implications of these trends for the future role of the professoriate are also considered.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document