Attitudes, Preferences and Decision Making Behavior

Groundwater has become one of the most important freshwater sources worldwide. Population growth, socio-economic development, changing consumption patterns as well as the expansion of irrigated agriculture have increased the pressure on water in general and on groundwater in particular. As many aquifers are over-exploited or are at the point of depletion, understanding how groundwater is used and how it can be managed is essential to secure long lasting access and use of the resource. In the dissertation, a special focus is put on the rural-urban interface where most of the water used by the domestic, industrial, and agricultural sector is sourced form. The rural-urban interface of the Indian megacity Bengaluru serves as the research area as it exemplifies many characteristics of fast growing and rapidly urbanizing areas. The dissertation consists of three papers which consider different aspects of groundwater use and management along the rural-urban interface. The first paper analyses the risk attitudes and time preferences of households. Having a good understanding about individual risk attitudes and time preferences can contribute to improve models which deal with intergenerational distribution of, for instance, groundwater resources or help to improve cost-benefit analysis for policy evaluation. The Holt and Laury task as well as the Coller and Willams task were carried out to experimentally elicit risk attitudes and time preferences, respectively. The results of the paper indicate that the sample is slightly risk averse but highly impatient. People living in more rural areas reveal lower discount rates than the urban population – even though the urban population is on average wealthier than the rural population. Differences in risk aversion between the rural and urban population were not statistically significant. The second paper analyzes the effects of household location and weather variability on the adoption of borewell technology. Understanding these effects can help to design policies that ensure smallholders‘ livelihoods and the functioning of ecosystems in drought-prone areas. A semiparametric hazard rate model is used to analyze determinants of the borewell adoption rate. Different rainfall variables as well as a two-dimensional penalized spline (P-spline) are incorporated to capture the effects of household location. Results show that proximity to the city center and to roads accelerates adoption rates. In terms of weather variability, a higher amount of total annual rainfall decelerates adoption rates whereas higher amounts of rainfalls during the southwest monsoon, the most important cropping season, accelerate adoption rates. Furthermore, off-farm employment decreases adoption rates. The third paper analyzes groundwater extraction decisions and assesses different designs of groundwater management institutions. In total three designs are evaluated on their effectiveness to reduce water extraction behavior of groundwater users: externally imposed reward-based and punishment rules as well as communication. Moreover, it is assessed how different user types affect the outcome of these institutional designs. To do so, a framed field experiment was conducted. Results indicate that all treatments can prolong the life of the resource but reward-based and punishment rules seem to be more effective than communication. Moreover, we find that user type behavior identified in the baseline trial is persistent in the treatment trial despite interventions

Recent Advances in Conjugated Polymers for Light Emitting Devices

A recent advance in the field of light emitting polymers has been the discovery of electroluminescent conjugated polymers, that is, kind of fluorescent polymers that emit light when excited by the flow of an electric current. These new generation fluorescent materials may now challenge the domination by inorganic semiconductor materials of the commercial market in light-emitting devices such as light-emitting diodes (LED) and polymer laser devices. This review provides information on unique properties of conjugated polymers and how they have been optimized to generate these properties. The review is organized in three sections focusing on the major advances in light emitting materials, recent literature survey and understanding the desirable properties as well as modern solid state lighting and displays. Recently, developed conjugated polymers are also functioning as roll-up displays for computers and mobile phones, flexible solar panels for power portable equipment as well as organic light emitting diodes in displays, in which television screens, luminous traffic, information signs, and light-emitting wallpaper in homes are also expected to broaden the use of conjugated polymers as light emitting polymers. The purpose of this review paper is to examine conjugated polymers in light emitting diodes (LEDs) in addition to organic solid state laser. Furthermore, since conjugated polymers have been approved as light-emitting organic materials similar to inorganic semiconductors, it is clear to motivate these organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) and organic lasers for modern lighting in terms of energy saving ability. In addition, future aspects of conjugated polymers in LEDs were also highlighted in this review

Biological Earth observation with animal sensors

Space-based tracking technology using low-cost miniature tags is now delivering data on fine-scale animal movement at near-global scale. Linked with remotely sensed environmental data, this offers a biological lens on habitat integrity and connectivity for conservation and human health; a global network of animal sentinels of environmen-tal change

Age and kinematics of ductile deformation in the Cerro Durazno area, NW Argentina: Significance for orogenic processes operating at the western margin of Gondwana during Ordovician - Silurian times

The Cerro Durazno Pluton belongs to a suite of Paleozoic granitoid intrusions in NW-Argentina, that are central for understanding the tectonic setting of the western margin of Gondwana in Ordovician and Silurian times. The pluton and its host rocks were tectonically overprinted by metamorphic mineral shape fabrics formed under middle greenschist-facies metamorphic conditions and associated with the nearby Agua Rosada Shear Zone. Kinematic analysis of the shear zone based on the geometric relationship between individual segments of the shear plane and principal axes of mineral fabric ellipsoids indicates reverse-sense of shear with a minor component of left-lateral displacement. This is compatible with the kinematics of other ductile deformation zones in this area, collectively forming a network, which accomplished orogen-parallel extension in addition to vertical thickening. Using the Rb-Sr isotopic system, an undeformed pegmatite dike of the Cerro Durazno Pluton was dated at 455.8 ± 3.6 Ma and mineral fabrics of the Agua Rosada Shear Zone formed at middle greenschist-facies metamorphism gave deformation ages of 437.0 ± 3.8 Ma and ≤428.4 ± 4.5 Ma. Thus, tectonic overprint at low metamorphic grade occurred about 20-30 Ma after terminal magmatism in the Cerro Durazno area. Our data from the Cerro Durazno area and regional considerations suggest that the western margin of Gondwana was characterized by orogen-parallel extension in addition to crustal thickening as well as episodes of magmatism and ductile deformation that varied greatly in time and space.Fil: Wegmann, Maja I.. Freie Universität Berlin; AlemaniaFil: Riller, Ulrich. Mc Master University; CanadáFil: Hongn, Fernando Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Museo de Ciencias Naturales. Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del NOA; ArgentinaFil: Glodny, Johannes. Geo Forschungs Zentrum Potsdam; AlemaniaFil: Oncken, Onno. Geo Forschungs Zentrum Potsdam; Alemani

Graft diameter does not influence primary stability of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow

Ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency may result in medial elbow pain, instability, and reduced athletic performance in throwing athletes. Several reconstruction methods have been described, but biomechanical studies suggest that in general, stability of the graft construct is inferior to the native ulnar collateral ligament. This study investigates whether a stronger graft would yield greater resistance to valgus load over the range of motion. Ten cadaveric elbows were mounted to a testing fixture and incremental valgus moments of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 Nm were applied with the elbow in 120A degrees, 90A degrees, 60A degrees, 30A degrees and 0A degrees of flexion and in varying rotational forearm positions. The intact and the ulnar collateral ligament released elbow joint were compared with the docking ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction technique, using different graft sources with increasing cross-sectional areas: palmaris longus, tricpes brachii, extensor carpi radialis longus, and semitendinosus. The resulting angular displacement was evaluated and compared between graft sources and different elbow positions. Compared with the intact situation, ulnar collateral ligament release resulted in a significant increase in valgus deformation over the entire range of flexion-extension motion. Ligament reconstruction using any graft source significantly restored valgus stability at 60A degrees, 90A degrees, and 120A degrees, while at 0A degrees and 30A degrees, angular valgus deformation did not significantly differ from the ulnar collateral ligament deficient situation. There were no significant differences in angular valgus deformation between the graft sources over the range of flexion motion or forearm rotation. This study did not prove that a thicker graft yielded more resistance to valgus moments when using the docking technique. Thicker grafts require larger bone tunnels, cannot be adequately tensioned, and are non-anatomic. Therefore, the palmaris longus or a triceps tendon strip are considered more appropriate for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction

Interposition arthroplasty for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the elbow: a systematic review

Purpose:Interposition arthroplasty for the post-traumatic osteoarthritic elbow is a salvage procedure used in young and active patients and remains a rare and unexplored therapeutic option. Methods:We systematically reviewed the available literature searching electronic databases, MEDLINE using the PubMed interface and EMBASE. The primary objective was to synthesize functional outcomes and to investigate revision frequencies, but also complication and subsequent surgery rates among patients with surviving grafts. The preferred reporting guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were applied. Results:Five studies were left for inclusion, all retrospective in design, comprising 67 patients. The mean age was 40 years, the mean follow-up period was 61 months, and 68.2% of the patients treated were male. Eleven patients (16.4%) were treated with fascia lata autografts, and 56 patients (83.6%) were treated with Achilles tendon allografts. The graft survived in 53 patients (79.1%); the post-operative Mayo Elbow Performance Score averaged 69 points. Fourteen patients (20.9%) required revision surgery. In the setting of graft survival, 39.1% of patients had complications not requiring further surgical treatment and 5.7% of patients with surviving grafts needed subsequent operative treatment within the follow-up period. Conclusion:Given graft survival, this systematic review demonstrated satisfactory functional outcomes following interposition arthroplasty of the post-traumatic osteoarthritic elbow, however, associated with a cumulative complication and subsequent operative treatment rate of 44.8%. In addition, a revision rate of 20.9% needs to be expected. Varus-valgus instability in the pre-operative clinical assessment seems to be associated with unsatisfactory post-operative elbow function. The superiority of either of the two main reported graft methods (fascia lata autograft and Achilles tendon allograft) remains pending, and the role of an external fixator in preventing post-operative instability remains unresolved

Species in a dynamic landscape – a spatio-temporal analysis using MODIS time-series

Can satellite imagery in conjunction with a meta population model provide further relevant parameters to improve the knowledge about broadscale spatial biodiversity patterns in West Africa? For a better understanding of the spatial distribution and the explaining variables of biodiversity, a correlation between broadscale, longterm environmental data and species' habitat requirements is indispensable. High temporal remote sensing provides this information globally with sufficient spatial resolution. However, the explanation is limited to coarse spatial patterns, also due to restrictions in manpower for ground based assessments of additional environmental parameters. Here we focus on ecologically elevant products which are derived from remote sensing imagery, i.e. habitat fragmentation and habitat loss, land cover dynamics and change. These parameters are crucial for ecological research and resemble environmental indicators which have already been proven to be important for species assemblage, richness and population survival. The use of high temporal and moderate spatial resolution satellite imagery (e.g. MODIS) allows the construction of timeseries using several higher level products, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), or Land Surface Temperature (LST). These datasets provide information on phenology and, compared for several years, land cover change and temporal anomalies. Moreover, using the quality layer of MODIS, quality assessments of the respective remotely sensed data can be conducted and unwanted distortions like clouds, haze or shadow can be masked. With this approach the quality of other temporal datasets (e.g. NOAA AVHRR NDVI) is evaluated. In contrast to monotemporal data, multitemporal variables provide information regarding land cover dynamics and transformations. Considering the historical archives of the NOAA AVHRR sensor dating back to the early 1980ies, past events can be taken into account to complement the analysis of present land cover patterns. Based on these data sets land cover information can be derived and validated. Meta population models using algorithms by Hanski and Ovaskainen were implemented in the Geographic Ressource Analysis Support System (GRASS) and applied on MODIS timeseries. The required species settings for habitat requirements and dispersal capabilities were provided by zoologists for each species. The model provides a value for the importance of each habitat patch for spatial distribution of the species or functional group in question. Patches can thus be classified as possible sources, sinks or stepping stones for dispersers in a metapopulation. Using MODIS timeseries imagery with an appropriate temporal and spatial resolution for the taxa under investigation the annual and inter annual dynamic of the meta population value of each patch are analysed. By applying meta population models on timeseries satellite data it is feasible to delineate areas of high importance for the persistence of populations in a land scape

Thünen-Baseline 2022 – 2032: Agrarökonomische Projektionen für Deutschland

This report presents selected results of the Thünen-Baseline 2022-2032 as well as the assumptions underlying the projections. The Thünen-Baseline describes the expected developments of agricultural markets under given macro-economic conditions assuming no change in the current policy framework. Projections are based on the data and information available in spring 2022. The effects of the Russia-Ukraine war are not taken into account. The report includes projection results on agricultural trade, prices, demand, production, income and environmental effects. The presentation of the results focuses mainly on the developments of the German agricultural sector up to the year 2032 compared to the average of the base period 2018-2020. In the crop sector, results show that oilseed cultivation is likely to be expanded by 2032. This is because the oilseed sector becomes more competitive relative to grains driven by a stronger increase in yields as well as prices. In the meat sector, the decline in production observed in recent years due to higher environmental and animal welfare standards as well as changing dietary habits is expected to continue, especially for pork, while poultry production will continue to grow slightly until 2032. Moreover, favorable price developments on the milk market combined with a further increase in milk yield are likely to result in a moderate increase in milk deliveries over the projection period. The average real income of agricultural farms is expected to decline. In 2032 the real income of agricultural farms is likely to be significantly below the average level observed over the last ten years