Soil inorganic N leaching in edges of different forest types subject to high N deposition loads

We report on soil leaching of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) along transects across exposed edges of four coniferous and four deciduous forest stands. In a 64-m edge zone, DIN leaching below the main rooting zone was enhanced relative to the interior (at 128 m from the edge) by 21 and 14 kg N ha-1 y-1 in the coniferous and deciduous forest stands, respectively. However, the patterns of DIN leaching did not univocally reflect those of DIN throughfall deposition. DIN leaching in the first 20 m of the edges was lower than at 32–64 m from the edge (17 vs. 36 kg N ha-1 y-1 and 15 vs. 24 kg N ha-1 y-1 in the coniferous and deciduous forests, respectively). Nitrogen stocks in the mineral topsoil (0–30 cm) were, on average, 943 kg N ha-1 higher at the outer edges than in the interior, indicating that N retention in the soil is probably one of the processes involved in the relatively low DIN leaching in the outer edges. We suggest that a complex of edge effects on biogeochemical processes occurs at the forest edges as a result of the interaction between microclimate, tree dynamics (growth and litterfall), and atmospheric deposition of N and base cations

Vestibular Infant Screening (VIS)–Flanders : results after 1.5 years of vestibular screening in hearing-impaired children

Due to the close anatomical relationship between the auditory and vestibular end organs, hearing-impaired children have a higher risk for vestibular dysfunction, which can affect their (motor) development. Unfortunately, vestibular dysfunction often goes unnoticed, as vestibular assessment in these children is not standard of care nowadays. To timely detect vestibular dysfunction, the Vestibular Infant Screening–Flanders (VIS–Flanders) project has implemented a basic vestibular screening test for hearing-impaired infants in Flanders (Belgium) with a participation rate of 86.7% during the first year and a half. The cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMP) test was applied as vestibular screening tool to map the occurrence of vestibular (mainly saccular) dysfunction in this population. At the age of 6 months, 184 infants were screened. No refers on vestibular screening were observed in infants with permanent conductive hearing loss. In infants with permanent sensorineural hearing loss, a cVEMP refer rate of 9.5% was observed. Failure was significantly more common in infants with severe-profound compared to those with mild-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (risk ratio = 9.8). Since this is the first regional study with a large sample size and successful participation rate, the VIS–Flanders project aims to set an example for other regions worldwide

When workplace unionism in global value chains does not function well : exploring the impediments

Improving working conditions at the bottom of global value chains has become a central issue in our global economy. In this battle, trade unionism has been presented as a way for workers to make their voices heard. Therefore, it is strongly promoted by most social standards. However, establishing a well-functioning trade union is not as obvious as it may seem. Using a comparative case study approach, we examine impediments to farm-level unionism in the cut flower industry in Ethiopia. For this purpose, we propose an integrated framework combining two lenses, namely a vertical one (governance and structure of global value chains) and a horizontal one (socio-economic context). We identify 10 impediments that point to three major dimensions contributing to unionisation. These three dimensions include awareness of and interest from workers, legitimacy of trade unions, and capacity of trade unions to act. Furthermore, our results suggest that private social standards may, in certain cases, be counterproductive for the efficient functioning of trade unions. Although we argue that there is no ‘quick fix’ solution to weak workplace unionism at the bottom of global value chains, we stress the importance of considering the dynamics of, and interactions between, the impediments when designing potential support measures that mitigate negative impacts

When the farm-gate becomes a revolving door: An institutional approach to high labour turnover

International audienceBy adopting an institutional theory lens, the aim of the article is to better understand the actions and mindset of managers toward high labour turnover in the cut-flower industry in Ethiopia. Our mixed-method approach explores the ways in which managers deal with, and legitimize, high levels of labour turnover. Our results show that they engage in three types of practices – predicting, containing and accommodating – whose objective is to make labour turnover tolerable, rather than reduce it. Interestingly, managers do not legitimize their practices through the use of cost-benefit arguments, as the literature would have suggested, but blame the institutional context. This article highlights the context-dependent aspects of labour turnover and explains how managers may find themselves in a deadlock situation. It informs the debate in human resource management research about managerial practices at the bottom of global value chains

Understanding job satisfaction in a labor intensive sector: Empirical evidence from the Ethiopian cut flower industry

This paper analyses the determinants of job satisfaction in the cut flower industry in Ethiopia. Using primary survey data of 358 workers and focus groups conducted in 5 similar farms, we find that organizational extrinsic rewards are the main determinants of job satisfaction. Intrinsic and social extrinsic rewards however, appear to have little predictive power. Moreover our findings suggest that there are no gender differences in levels and predictors of job satisfaction, however we do find educational differences and explain why. To end, we discuss the implications of this study along with limitations and suggestions for future research

When the data source writes the conclusion: evaluating agricultural policies

Statistics describe realities, but they also shape them, since they are used to design or support policies. As such accurate statistics are important. Using the agricultural sector in Rwanda as a case study, we demonstrate that dubious statistics can spread quickly. According to data from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), yields have increased by 60 per cent since the implementation of large scale agricultural reforms, while other datasets point towards more modest gains. Yet, estimates in line with those of the FAO dominate the official discourse. We suggest that the discrepancies between datasets may be explained by the difficulties of collecting accurate agricultural statistics combined with an incentive to overestimate yields to show that the reforms have worked

Predicting job satisfaction and workers' intentions to leave at the bottom of the high value agricultural chain : evidence from the Ethiopian cut flower industry

While there is a large body of research focusing on working conditions in labour-intensive industries, none has yet considered how workers themselves perceive their own working conditions. This paper draws on a sample of workers from the cut flower sector industry in Ethiopia to examine the extent to which workers are satisfied with their jobs and to explore the relationship between job satisfaction and intention to leave. Results suggest that a positive evaluation of extrinsic organizational rewards (wage, job security and healthy environment) contributes to workers' job satisfaction. Dissatisfied workers report higher intentions to leave their job in the flower farms. In addition to low levels of job satisfaction, having alternative livelihood strategies is a key determining factor in the intention to leave. Interestingly, being a member of an informal savings net organized at the work floor mitigates the intention to leave. The paper ends with some implications for managers and policy-makers, along with limitations and suggestions for future research