Aerial mapping using high resolution digital camera and unmanned aerial vehicle for geographical information system

In aerial photogrammetry, aerial photographs are acquired using aerial camera and light aircraft as a platform. The aerial photographs are usually processed for mapping such as for production of topographic map and other special purpose map known as thematic map. However, this method is expensive and suitable for large area but it is not practical for mapping small area. This study concentrates on the use of high resolution digital camera and a very light platform known as unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as data acquisition system in capturing digital aerial photographs. The acquired digital aerial photographs were processed using image processing software to produce digital map and digital orthophoto. The results showed that an accuracy of sub-meter can be obtained using the employed method. In Geographical Information System (GIS), it is quite common that topographic map and orthophoto are used as a base map. Hence, the findings from this study could also be used as an input for GIS. Not to forget, the photogrammetric technique could be used not only for mapping but it could also be used for any environmental protection and conservation

Assessment of participatory management of irrigation schemes in Sri Lanka: Partial reforms, partial benefits

Privatization / Policy / Performance evaluation / Indicators / Operating costs / Irrigation management / Economic aspects / Returns / Participatory management / Farmer participation / Government managed irrigation systems / Small scale systems / Large-scale systems / Regression analysis / Models

Wastewater treatment and reuse: an institutional analysis for Hyderabad, India

River basinsWater pollutionSewageEffluentsPollution controlLegislationWaste managementWater qualityGuidelinesWastewater irrigationHealth hazardsRiceGrassesInstitutional reformCase studies

Can social safety nets alleviate seasonal deprivation ? evidence from northwest Bangladesh

This paper examines the role of social safety-net programs in Bangladesh run by the government and nongovernmental organizations to mitigate seasonal deprivation in the country's highly vulnerable northwest region. Specifically, the paper explores whether social safety nets are limited to averting seasonal deprivation or can also address seasonality of income and employment more generally. Using a recent survey from the greater Rangpur (northwest) region, the paper finds that social safety nets have a positive effect on mitigating both seasonal and non-seasonal food deprivation. The results are robust, owing to the recent expanded coverage of social safety-net programs run by nongovernmental organizations active in the region. But given the annual recurrence of monga (seasonal food insecurity) in the northwest region owing to agricultural seasonality and an overwhelming dependence on agriculture for livelihoods, social safety nets are not a reliable tool for monga eradication. Programs are also needed to promote the income and productivity of the poor through diversification of income and employment.Safety Nets and Transfers,Rural Poverty Reduction,Food&Beverage Industry,Regional Economic Development,Housing&Human Habitats

A framework for efficient wastewater treatment and recycling systems

Water reuse / Wastewater / Recycling / Pricing / Water allocation / Cost benefit analysis / Wastewater irrigation / Developing countries / Developed countries / Case studies

Seasonal and extreme poverty in Bangladesh : evaluating an ultra-poor microfinance project

Microfinance is often criticized for not adequately addressing seasonality and hard-core poverty. In Bangladesh, a program known as PRIME was introduced in 2006 to address both concerns. Unlike regular microfinance, PRIME introduces a microfinance scheme that offers a flexible repayment schedule and consumption smoothing, as well as production, loans. It targets the ultra-poor, many of whom are also seasonally poor, with a severe inability to smooth consumption during certain months of the year. Besides providing loans, PRIME offers extension and training services. This paper uses a quasi-experimental survey design to evaluate PRIME against regular microfinance programs. The results show that PRIME is more effective than regular microfinance in reaching the ultra-poor, as well as the seasonal poor. PRIME also helps reduce seasonal deprivation and extreme poverty. Although the program has demonstrated its promise, it is too early to conclude whether the accrued benefits are large enough to contain both seasonal and chronic poverty on a sustained basis.Rural Poverty Reduction,Regional Economic Development,Food&Beverage Industry,Debt Markets

Cultural Influences On The Adoption Of Electronic Commerce: Initial Results From Japan And The United States

This study adopts a research model based on Diffusion of Innovation Theory, online trust, and national culture.  It explores the impact of culture on perceptions of and intentions to adopt electronic commerce.  

Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran, Akreditasi Sekolah dan Kecerdasan Emosional terhadap Hasil Belajar Matematika Siswa Kelas VIII SMP Negeri di Kabupaten Gowa

Jenis penelitian ini adalah eksperimen semu (Quasi Experiment) untuk mengetahui perbedaan hasil belajar siswa dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe STAD dan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah serta kecerdasan emosional siswa pada SMP Negeri berakreditasi A dan berakreditasi B. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah Siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri di Kabupaten Gowa tahun pelajaran 2014/2015. Penentuan sampel penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode cluster random sampling. Sampel yang terpilih adalah empat kelas yang dipilih dari dua Sekolah Negeri yang ada di Kabupaten Gowa, yakni SMP Negeri 2 Sungguminasa dalam hal ini berakreditasi A dan SMP Negeri 4 Sungguminasa dalam hal ini berakreditasi B. Ada dua macam variabel dalam penelitian ini, yaitu (1) variabel bebas yang terdiri atas model pembelajaran, akreditasi sekolah dan kecerdasan emosional, dan (2) variabel terikat adalah hasil belajar matematika siswa. Model pembelajaran yang dimaksud dalam penelitian ini adalah model pembelajaran kooperatif tipe STAD dan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah, akreditasi sekolah yang dimaksud adalah akreditasi sekolah A dan akreditasi sekolah B, sedangkan kecerdasan emosional yang dimaksud adalah kecerdasan emosional optimal dan kecerdasan emosional rentan. Instrumen yang digunakan  adalah angket kecerdasan emosional, dan tes hasil belajar matematika. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa  (1) skor rata-rata hasil belajar siswa di sekolah akreditasi A dan akreditasi B cenderung sama, (2) kecerdasan emosional siswa di sekolah akreditasi A mempunyai skor rata-rata yang cenderung sama pada sekolah akreditasi B berada pada kategori optimal, (3) tidak terdapat pengaruh akreditasi sekolah terhadap hasil belajar siswa, (4) terdapat pengaruh model pembelajaran terhadap hasil belajar siswa, (5) terdapat pengaruh kecerdasan emosional terhadap hasil belajar siswa, (6) tidak terdapat interaksi antara akreditasi sekolah dan model pembelajaran terhadap hasil belajar siswa, (7) tidak terdapat interaksi antara akreditasi sekolah dan kecerdasan emosional terhadap hasil belajar siswa, (8) terdapat pengaruh interaksi antara model pembelajaran dan kecerdasan emosional terhadap hasil belajar siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri di Kabupaten Gowa