Area Of Bavaria Research Articles

VANET Coverage Analysis for GPS Augmentation Data in Rural Area

Abstract: Enhanced position accuracy is key for modern navigation systems, location based services and applications based on Inter-Vehicle Communication (IVC). Position data are the foundation for deriving vehicle trajectories used for assessing a situation’s criticality in vehicle safety. Thus, especially Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs) and integral safety applications benefit from nearby vehicles spreading their positions periodically with high accuracy. Positioning based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements can be enhanced by established Cooperative Positioning (CP) methods like Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Differential GNSS (DGNSS). Conventional CP relies on positioning correction data from a third party, whereas this paper introduces a self-sufficient CP system based on Precise Point Positioning (PPP) and Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network (VANET) technology requiring no infrastructure. Furthermore, the data dissemination process and achievable coverage are analysed by a simulation study for a rural area in Bavaria, Germany. For this purpose, the simulation employs the European IVC protocol stack ITS-G5. While the general feasibility of this CP approach could be assured, some remaining issues regarding employed network protocols were discovered as well.

Detection, Identification and Quantification of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum in Wheat Kernels by PCR Techniques

This study was carried out on 172 samples of winter wheat. The samples consisted of various cultivars that had been randomly collected from farmers’ fields in different areas of Bavaria, South Germany. The objectives of this study were detecting the presence of Tri-5 gene producing fungus that generates trichothecene mycotoxins, especially Deoxynivalenol (DON), by using conventional qualitative PCR; determining the correlation between the presence of Tri-5 gene and DON content; evaluating the Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum infection by Real-Time PCR and estimating the correlation between DON content and the severity of F. graminearum and F. culmorum contamination. This study showed that 86% of all infected samples had a Tri-5 gene and amplified a single 544bp fragment associated with a detectable amount of DON (ranged from 10 to 2990 μg kg-1). This study demonstrated that F. graminearum is the predominant species associated with Fusarium head blight (FHB) and was considered as the predominant trichothecene producer that associated with FHB since there was a highly significant correlation (R2=0.7) between DON and F. graminearum DNA content, compared to a weak correlation (R2=0.03) between DON and DNA content of F. culmorum infected wheat kernels.

Zig-zagging across Central Europe: recent range extension, dispersal speed and larval hosts of Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera, Argidae) in Germany

Aproceros leucopoda, the zig-zag sawfly, an invasive pest of elms (Ulmus spp.), was found in two separate areas of Germany through July 2014, i.e., a northern area including the states of Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, and a southern area in Bavaria. A speed of self-dispersal of 45–90 km/yr has been calculated from earlier and present records. Observations of A. leucopoda in Belgium and the Netherlands during 2013, which are 360–610 km distant from records in Germany of that year, are interpreted as resulting from human-mediated jump dispersal. Larvae, feeding traces and cocoons were frequently found on the native elm species U. minor and U. glabra, whereas none could be detected on U. laevis. Other occurrences were often on Resista® elms, causing severe defoliation in a recent planting. New host plant records for A. leucopoda are: U. minor ‘Webbiana’, U. minor var. suberosa, and the Resista® cultivars U. ‘New Horizon’, U. ‘Regal’ and U. ‘Rebona’. The future dispersal of A. leucopoda throughout most of Germany is expected, because at least U. glabra and U. minor are widespread in this country.

Winter foraging activity of Central European Vespertilionid bats

The winter activity of bats was studied in an area of Bavaria, Southern Germany, for seven consecutive years (2007–2013). Echolocation calls were recorded in known foraging areas between October and March of each winter, and bats were regularly seen on evenings with temperatures above +6°C, except for the period between mid-December and mid-February, when even bouts of warm weather did not appear to trigger foraging activity. Below +3°C no bats appeared in the foraging areas. The most frequently recorded species were Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus nathusii and Vespertilio murinus. Final buzzes indicating attempts to catch prey were recorded for these species even in December and February, which supports the idea that the bats were not only in search of water or just moving between roosts. Myotis species, on the other hand, which hibernate in roosts offering more constant temperature conditions, were not observed at all between mid-November and March. Further investigations have to show whether warmer winter evenings offer bats an opportunity for casual hunting or whether winter foraging expresses an urgent need for weak individuals.

Bicolored White-toothed Shrews as Reservoir for Borna Disease Virus, Bavaria, Germany

Bicolored White-toothed Shrews as Reservoir for Borna Disease Virus, Bavaria, Germany

LANDSCAPE FEATURES AND RESERVOIR OCCURRENCE AFFECTING THE RISK FOR EQUINE INFECTION WITH BORNA DISEASE VIRUS

Borna disease (BD) is a severe endemic and fatal disorder caused by the neurotropic Borna disease virus (BDV) which mainly occurs in horses and sheep. Borna disease virus belongs to the order Mononegavirales, which includes many reservoir-bound viruses with high zoonotic and pathogenic properties including the filoviruses and lyssaviruses. Clinically manifest BD occurs in endemic areas of Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria. A seasonal accumulation of cases in spring and summer, incidences that vary from year to year, and the recent detection of BDV in bicolored shrews (Crocidura leucodon) in Swiss endemic areas argue for a natural reservoir. We established a geographic information system analysis of the distribution of 485 equine BD cases in Bavarian (Germany) endemic areas and of the occurrence of 285 records of C. leucodon captured in Bavaria. Boosted regression trees were used to identify driving factors of habitat choice and virus prevalence. The distribution model of C. leucodon and the prevalence model for BDV had very good accuracy. Mean annual precipitation <900 mm, mean annual temperatures of 8 C, elevation <350 m, low forest cover, and a high percentage of urban fabric and arable land describe the optimal habitat for C. leucodon. Occurrence probability of C. leucodon was significantly higher in Bavarian BDV-endemic areas than in random areas in Bavaria. The prevalence of BD was higher in urban areas with annual mean precipitation of 800-900 mm, annual mean temperature of 8 C, and elevation >500 m. Our results indicate that the distribution model can accurately predict BD occurrence. Based on these results, practical safety precautions could be derived. The BDV model represents a suitable system for reservoir-bound, neurotropic Mononegavirales because it allows analyzing ecologic and biologic aspects that determine virus abundance, maintenance in reservoir species, and transmission to end host species.

Diversity of Babesia and Rickettsia species in questing Ixodes ricinus: a longitudinal study in urban, pasture, and natural habitats.

In a previous study, our group investigated the Babesia spp. prevalence in questing Ixodes ricinus ticks from nine city parks in South Germany in the years 2009 and 2010. We showed predominant prevalence of B. venatorum (in previous literature also known as Babesia sp. EU1), especially in those parks in a more natural condition and with occurrence of large wild animals, such as roe deer. To obtain longitudinal data and to broaden the knowledge about this pathogen, further investigations were carried out in 2011 and 2012 in four of those city parks. Two additional habitat types were chosen for comparison of prevalence data and species analysis focusing on occurrence of potential reservoir hosts. A total of 10,303 questing I. ricinus were collected in four city parks, a pasture, and a natural area in Bavaria, and a representative number of samples were investigated for prevalence of DNA of Babesia spp. (n=4381) and Rickettsia spp. (n=2186) by PCR. In the natural and pasture area, a significantly higher Babesia spp. prevalence compared to the urban area was detected. The natural area revealed sequences of B. microti, B. venatorum, and B. capreoli. In the pasture and urban habitat, predominantly B. venatorum was found, whereas B. capreoli was less frequent and only one B. microti-infected tick was found. All B. microti sequences were 100% identical to the zoonotic Jena/Germany strain. For Rickettsia spp., the significantly highest prevalence was also detected in the natural and pasture areas, whereas lower prevalence was found in the urban area. Sequence analysis revealed R. helvetica (98%) and R. monacensis (2%). Prevalence rates and occurrence of Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. differed in urban, pasture and natural sites, most likely depending on the habitat structure (natural or cultivated) and therefore on the appearance and availability of reservoir hosts like roe deer or small mammals.

Transcranial Ultrasound from Diagnosis to Early Stroke Treatment – Part 2: Prehospital Neurosonography in Patients with Acute Stroke – The Regensburg Stroke Mobile Project

Background and Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and time frames for neurological and transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) assessments in a prehospital ‘911’ emergency stroke situation by using portable duplex ultrasound devices to visualize the bilateral middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). Methods: This study was conducted between May 2010 and January 2011. Patients who had sustained strokes in the city of Regensburg and the surrounding area in Bavaria, Germany, were enrolled in the study. After a ‘911 stroke code’ call had been dispatched, stroke neurologists with expertise in ultrasonography rendezvoused with the paramedic team at the site of the emergency. After a brief neurological assessment had been completed, the patients underwent TCCS with optional administration of an ultrasound contrast agent in cases of insufficient temporal bone windows or if the agent had acute therapeutic relevance. The ultrasound studies were performed at the site of the emergency or in the ambulance during patient transport to the admitting hospital. Relevant timelines, such as the time from the stroke alarm to patient arrival at the hospital and the duration of the TCCS, were documented, and positive and negative predictive values for the diagnosis of major MCA occlusion were assessed. Results: A total of 113 patients were enrolled in the study. MCA occlusion was diagnosed in 10 patients. In 9 of these 10 patients, MCA occlusion could be visualized using contrast-enhanced or non-contrast-enhanced TCCS during patient transport and was later confirmed using computed tomography or magnetic resonance angiography. One MCA occlusion was missed by TCCS and 1 atypical hemorrhage was misdiagnosed. Overall, the sensitivity of a ‘field diagnosis’ of MCA occlusion was 90% [95% confidence interval (CI) 55.5–99.75%] and the specificity was 98% (95% CI 92.89–99.97%). The positive predictive value was 90% (95% CI 55.5–99.75%) and the negative predictive value was 98% (95% CI 92.89–99.97%). The mean time (standard deviation) from ambulance dispatch to arrival at the patient was 12.3 min (7.09); the mean time for the TCCS examination was 5.6 min (2.2); and the overall mean transport time to the hospital was 53 min (18). Conclusion: Prehospital diagnosis of MCA occlusion in stroke patients is feasible using portable duplex ultrasonography with or without administration of a microbubble contrast agent. Prehospital neurological as well as transcranial vascular assessments during patient transport can be performed by a trained neurologist with high sensitivity and specificity, perhaps opening an additional therapeutic window for sonothrombolysis or neuroprotective strategies.

Origin and age of the Lower Bavarian sand dune landscape around Abensberg and Siegenburg

The Lower Bavarian aeolian sand areas and sand dune landscape in the Abensberg/Siegenburg area (county/Landkreis Kelheim, Lower Bavaria) originated in an area where the Late Tertiary deltaic sediments of the Ur-Naab are overlain by a complex system of Pleistocene Danube gravels as well as those of the Abens river, deposited by in parts widely-shifting Quaternary river courses, mainly during the Riss glacial. This explains the absence of any significant loess cover of the area. The sand dunes and aeolian sands occurring there have been known for a long time, and their mostly late glacial age origin can be stratigraphically inferred. During the Holocene there were repeated phases of aeolian remobilisation, each of them related to an overexploitation of the carrying capacity of the landscape. It can be excluded that remobilisation was caused by changing climate. Today the dune fields, up to 10 m high, have partly been set aside as nature reserves, or are being used for agriculture and forestry. Based on geophysical prospection, at four selected dune chains and their surroundings, a distinction has been made between the underlying aeolian sand sheet, the dune cores, and younger aeolian accumulation bodies, and they have been sedimentologically characterised. The dune sands have been dated by OSL, macro-remains and the humous material of fossilised soil horizons by the radiocarbon method. Forest clearing of much of the landscape began during the Neolithic period, related to the operation of a flintstone mine at Arnhofen. Two significant phases of sand dune growth have been dated to the Bronze Age and the High Middle Ages, largely determining the aspect of the present dune landscape. There is evidence of younger remobilisation phases up to the 1950s. With reduced settlement pressure, each time the dune landscape returned to a phase of morphodynamic stability, without any evidence of directed reforestation or dune stabilisation measures of the sands. Today, under the name of Durnbucher Forest, the former hunting preserve of the Wittelsbach noble family, the Abensberg/Siegenburg dune landscape is one of the largest contiguous forest areas of Bavaria.

Evaluation einer Pilotstudie zu Masern-Impfraten in bayerischen Kindergärten

Several areas of Bavaria show measles vaccination coverage in preschool children below 95%. Repeated outbreaks could be attributed to this situation. A recollection model in nurseries was tested in order to document the vaccination rate in this age group and to measure the percentage of vaccinations due to intervention. Parents of new entrants to nurseries in a randomly selected rural district were asked to provide measles vaccination records of their kids and to fill in a questionnaire. 121 out of 144 vaccination records (85%) documented a complete immunisation status for measles. 12 children had not been vaccinated against measles, 10 children had received one vaccination. Eight out of these 22 children obtained supplementary measles immunisation at the time of ascertainment. The results provided are of limited statistical significance due to the small sample size. Further intervention studies have to be conducted and should even include measures supported by legal regulations.

Kleinräumige Prävalenzunterschiede von Atemwegserkrankungen bei Kindern: Grenzen der Erkenntnismöglichkeiten einer von Eltern angeregten Studie

The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory diseases in children living in a rural area in Bavaria in a systematic and standardised way to clarify whether a disease cluster exists. Reports from a parents' initiative claiming an increase of diseased children and assuming an association with air pollution due to nearby industrial sources and heavy traffic were the reason for the study. Parents of all children living in small towns specified by the parents' initiative as affected region (central area) and parents of those children aged 6-7 or 13-14 years living in adjacent areas (control area) were asked to complete a written questionnaire. In bivariate analysis, differences in prevalences between the central area and the control area were assessed by the chi (2) test. In multivariate analysis, confounder-adjusted odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were calculated by logistic regression. In addition, generalized linear mixed models were used to control for potential clusters in families. The response rate was rather low (total 46 %, central area 53 %, control area 34 %). The study population comprised 121 girls and 141 boys. There was a pattern of increased prevalences of cough, wheeze and respiratory diseases caused by infections in children living in the central area compared to the control area. However, statistical significance was rarely observed. No systematic differences were observed for the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Selection bias due to varying response rates in the central versus the control area and information bias introduced by the preceding intensive public discussion could not be excluded. The comparison of prevalences detected in the small area with published data from other epidemiological studies in Germany did not indicate a systematically increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms or physician-diagnosed respiratory diseases in children from the whole area as well as in children from the central area only. This study exemplifies the challenges of small area investigations initiated by the residential community to clarify an assumed disease cluster caused by environmental pollution. The prior comparison of small area prevalence data with results of other epidemiological studies aids the decision making as to whether a detailed study with comprehensive assessment of individual exposure is justifiable.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Germany--epidemiological data, development of risk areas and virus prevalence in field-collected ticks and in ticks removed from humans.

In Germany, 100-300 autochthonous clinical TBE cases have been recorded annually. There are high-risk areas in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg and ongoing low-risk areas in Hesse, Thuringia, and the Rhineland-Palatinate and single cases in Saxony. In order to be able to evaluate the epidemiological changes described here, it must be mentioned that a new definition of TBE risk areas was introduced on the district level in 1998 in Germany and in 2001 with the new Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz) which states that TBE is a notifiable disease. This led to the replacement of earlier surveillance systems and to many changes to data collection. In 1998 63 country and town districts were TBE risk areas, in 2001 79 and in 2002 86. There were new risk districts within Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg and outside these regions in Thuringia, Hesse and the Rhineland-Palatinate. An interesting trend was observed in TBE epidemiology. The TBE incidence in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg has been stable on a high level for years; outside these areas it has steadily been climbing (Odenwald, Thuringia). On the basis of epidemiological data on TBE from the eastern part of Germany since 1960, it is obvious that major changes in virus activity in TBE risk areas also occurred in the past, the explanation of which has remained a matter for speculation. The epidemiological situation in the different risk areas for TBE in Germany was found to vary considerably, if one considers the surveillance data of the last 40 years. 1. Establishment of completely new low-risk areas. 2. Reactivation of formerly active areas with endemic latency. 3. High-risk areas with stable viral activity over long periods. 4. High-risk areas which have expanded and merged with low-risk areas. 5. High-risk areas which have developed into endemic areas or become inactive. High-risk TBE areas from 1960-1975 (i.e. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) have since completely disappeared. There were, at the same time, high-risk areas in Thuringia which had only become latent and have now obviously become active again. The Odenwald demonstrated growing virus activity in the 1990s. These changes in TBE activity in German risk areas over more than the last 40 years are presented schematically. This ongoing number of risk areas is certainly linked to the notification obligation and greater public awareness. Nevertheless, any effects of ecological and climatic changes on the natural foci cannot be ruled out nor can changes in human leisure behaviour. Local weather conditions also have a major effect on the TBE incidence. Warm and dry summers may cause low tick activities, rainy summers may lead to low exposure rates of human beings. Even changes in forms of agricultural production prompted by different political structures probably have an impact as do economic constraints which may lead to lower vaccination and higher exposure rates. Regular, systematic virus prevalence measurements from 1997 to 2002 in field-collected ticks in German high-risk areas do not indicate any risk increase nor do they suggest a downward trend. Studies on virus prevalence in questing versus partially engorged ticks indicate that we neither exactly know nor understand the real quantitative relations between the virus and the host. In a first study, virus prevalence in Ixodes ricinus removed from humans was examined. Humans which were exposed in some districts near Passau in Bavaria. In the autumn of 2001, virus prevalence of unengorged free-living nymphs (n = 820) in this area was 0.38 (0.08-1.1)% and of adults (n = 90) 1.17 (0.03-6.38)%. Surprisingly, virus prevalence in partially engorged ticks from the same area collected during the same period was significantly higher (nymphs, n = 86, 6.9% and adults, n = 129, 9.3%). Virus-positive partially engorged ticks were only found in districts known as risk areas. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequence data of the PCR products have confirmed the presence of virus prototype Neudoerfl only.

Sequencing batch reactors with continuous inflow for small communities in rural areas in Bavaria

For over two years, special investigations and practical experiences were evaluated at small wastewater treatment plants with SBR-technology in rural areas in Bavaria. The plants are designed for advanced wastewater treatment with extended aeration. Plants of this type are suitable for small treatment plants, which have to cope with stringent treatment requirements and little available land. The machinery and controlling equipment are constructed with highly sophisticated technology. The constant cycles with time fixed process phases have been proved to be sufficient, but the phases should be optimized and adapted individually to an empirically analysed load line for each plant. The composition of the biocenosis was stable and efficient. The amount of filamentous bacteria was not high. The biocenosis of the ciliated protozoa was dominated by free-swimming species. Plants with two reactors and cycle durations of 10 hours should have a buffer tank in front of the reactors in order to equalize the loading of each reactor. A polishing pond should always be built before discharge into the receiving body of water. The investment costs are comparatively low, but the current energy consumption is higher than in activated treatment plants with continuous operation. Although the automatically controlled process requires little continuous assistance, skilled operators are needed for operation, maintenance and manual control.

Sequencing batch reactors with continuous inflow for small communities in rural areas in Bavaria

For over two years, special investigations and practical experiences were evaluated at small wastewater treatment plants with SBR-technology in rural areas in Bavaria. The plants are designed for advanced wastewater treatment with extended aeration. Plants of this type are suitable for small treatment plants, which have to cope with stringent treatment requirements and little available land. The machinery and controlling equipment are constructed with highly sophisticated technology. The constant cycles with time fixed process phases have been proved to be sufficient, but the phases should be optimized and adapted individually to an empirically analysed load line for each plant. The composition of the biocenosis was stable and efficient. The amount of filamentous bacteria was not high. The biocenosis of the ciliated protozoa was dominated by free-swimming species. Plants with two reactors and cycle durations of 10 hours should have a buffer tank in front of the reactors in order to equalize the loading of each reactor. A polishing pond should always be built before discharge into the receiving body of water. The investment costs are comparatively low, but the current energy consumption is higher than in activated treatment plants with continuous operation. Although the automatically controlled process requires little continuous assistance, skilled operators are needed for operation, maintenance and manual control.

Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in bavarian forest workers

The sera of 496 forest workers (fw), 44 customs officials and 20 other persons in outdoor professions from different areas of Bavaria were tested for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi (strain B 31) by indirect immunofluorescence. In sera previously absorbed with Treponema phagedenis ultrasonicate, significantly elevated IgG antibody titers were found in 69 cases, in 68 fw (13.7%) and 1 custom agent. In accordance with previous observations the distribution of positive results showed a distinct age dependance: under 24 years (y) 1.6% (n = 64), 25-34 y 0 (n = 30), 35-44 y 10.1% (n = 79), 45-54 y 17.4% (n = 190). Infections without manifest illness seem to predominate. In 1 area the number of positive persons was significantly higher than in the other: In Donauries near Illertissen 14 (45%) of 31 probands had elevated IgG titers. This area and the high level regions excepted, no significant differences were demonstrable amongst the 13 regions of Bavaria included in this investigation.

Ein Beitrag zur Prognose der Populationsentwicklung von Mäusen in Forstkulturen

In the years 1976–1981 the density of mice and voles was estimated by snaptrapping in 65 cultivations in different woodland areas in Bavaria. The trapping procedure was repeated at the same places after 3 and 6 months. All the trapped specimens were frozen in the field and later dissected in the lab. 21 different parameters of population structure and of morpho-physiological condition of the animals were compared with the development of the density of each species in the different areas. All together 1447 redbacked voles (Clethrionomys glareolus), 869 common voles (Microtus agrestis) and 873 yellownecked field mice (Apodemus flavicollis) were taken into the analysis. It was observed that the fertility resp. the weight of testes was significantly correlated with the change of density of all three species. In all cases also the percentage of pregnant females and the percentage of embryoes related to the total number of trapped specimens, was positively correlated with the development of density. It is suggested that these correlations can help to forecast the development of population density of mice and voles in forest plantations.

The Occurrence and Life History of the Leaf Tier, Cnephasia virgaureana Treit. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and Its Parasites in Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island

AbstractThe leaf tier or webworm, Cnephasia virgaureana Treit., was first reported in Newfoundland in 1916, but no further records were noted from that area until 1957 when it was found causing severe damage to certain crops. An infestation of this webworm was discovered in Prince Edward Island in 1955, and severe infestations were reported in areas of Bavaria and Boden, Germany, in 1954. It was assumed that importations of the pest must have been made into Canada about 1954 or 1955. The life history of the pest is discussed and the parasites found during the period of study are listed.