Area Of Management Research Articles

The Controversy of Social Forestry Policy: Public Reaction on the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Decree No. 287/2022/KHDPK in Java, Indonesia

Social forestry in Java, Indonesia, refers to policies and practices aimed at involving local communities in management and protection of forest areas. The study focuses on the controversy surrounding Decree No. 287/2022/KHDPK of the social forest policy which was rejected by local forest communities and public. The primary contribution of this research is to investigate the reasons behind the rejection on the Ministry of Environment and Forestry regarding Forest Areas with Special Management (KHDPK) policy, particularly the reduction in the forest area it entails. The main stakeholder involved in this controversy include Perum Perhutani, which has a vested interest in maintaining control of 2.4-million-hectare of forest land in Java. A qualitative research method was employed, using a case study approach applied for content analysis. Data were gathered from online newspapers and social media reports published between April 2022 and October 2022. The results indicates that the ongoing controversy reflects a disharmonious relationship between regulators and operators in implementing Agrarian Reform and Social Forestry policies on Java Island. The data suggest that the failure to manage the dialogue between stakeholders can create a challenging environment for the sustainability of both people and forests. Furthermore, involvement of stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of new environmental policies can foster better relationships. This study also highlights the critical role of dialogue and collaboration among regulators, operators, local communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders.

Village Asset Management Innovations Through Application-Based Systems

Background: Effective asset management in rural areas is vital for transparency and accountability in village governance. Specific Background: This study examines the management of village assets through the Village Asset Management System (SIPADES). Knowledge Gap: Despite its implementation, many villages struggle with systematic asset management, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and efficiency. Aims: The research aims to analyze current asset management practices using SIPADES and identify challenges faced by local administrators. Results: Findings reveal that while SIPADES offers a structured framework, issues with data collection and adherence to regulations hinder its effectiveness. Novelty: This study highlights the need for improved training for local operators in digital asset management. Implications: Enhancing administrators' capacity in SIPADES can lead to better asset management outcomes, promoting accountability in rural governance and aligning practices with national regulations, crucial for sustainable development. Highlights : Structured Framework: SIPADES provides a systematic approach to asset management in villages. Training Needs: Enhanced training for local administrators is essential for effective system utilization. Regulatory Alignment: Addressing compliance issues is crucial for promoting accountability and sustainable development. Keywords: asset management, rural governance, SIPADES, regulatory compliance, transparency

Perceived social, economic, environmental and health effects of solid waste management practices in logia town, afar, ethiopia

Improper solid waste management in urban and semi-urban areas has led to adverse impacts on the environment, public health, and the economic well-being of communities. Therefore, this study analyzes the status of household solid waste management practices and their effects in Logia Town, Afar, Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study utilizes both descriptive and econometric models (binary logistic regression model). The descriptive results of the study revealed that there is general awareness of the importance of solid waste management (SWM) and its impact on the environment, economy, and human health among the respondents. Regarding respondents’ attitudes, the majority of households understand the responsibility of proper waste disposal and its impact. However, in terms of solid waste management practices, 80% of households do not properly segregate their waste, 59.3% do not separate solid waste (SW) before disposal, and 74% of households engage in improper disposal practices. About 95.9% of respondents were aware that improper waste management can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. Around 65% of the sampled households considered solid waste as a source of wealth, and, as a result, 56% of them reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. This indicates that solid waste has economic value for society. Regarding the environmental impact of SW, about 89% of respondents argued that SW adversely affects the environment by polluting rivers, lakes, wells, and air. This environmental impact negatively affects the well-being and economic status of the community. The binary logistic regression model found that having adequate solid waste landfills, access to door-to-door solid waste collection, knowledge of SWM rules and regulations, treating waste as a resource, and understanding the 3Rs (recycle, reuse, reduce) had positive and significant effects on the adoption of proper solid waste management practices in the study area. Therefore, to reduce undesirable effects and improve the value of SW, the relevant authorities should provide adequate solid waste landfills and door-to-door collection services, create awareness about SWM rules and regulations, and promote knowledge of the 3Rs.

Knowledge Sharing vs. Knowledge Appropriation: A Case Study of Contingent Relationships in the Role of Boundary Spanners in Asian Subsidiaries of Japanese Multi-National Enterprises

In recent decades, Asian subsidiaries of Japanese manufacturing multi-national enterprises (MNEs) have faced heightened competitions from local firms to underscore the strategic importance of developing competent “host country nationals” (HCNs) to overcome their liability of foreignness. In addition, in recent literature on global MNEs, the importance of “boundary spanners” (BSs) has been pointed out in facilitating knowledge sharing across intra-organizational boundaries. Given these discussions, this study focuses on an interesting contingent relationship in the role of BSs observed in author’s interviews. i.e., In cases of “bad BSs,” “knowledge appropriation” can take place where newly promoted HCNs would monopolize their knowledge and information, and the mitigating processes of notion gap problem in grey areas management are heavily stagnated. Whereas in cases of “good BSs,” “knowledge sharing” would take place where newly promoted HCNs would be willing to share them with other members, and the mitigating processes of the notion gap problem are steadily progressed. The study proposes a framework illustrating conditions under which HCNs choose knowledge sharing over appropriation. The analysis identifies two key factors influencing this choice: dependence on personal skills and prospects for growth opportunities. The findings suggest a dynamic relationship where knowledge sharing leads to effective control and efficient knowledge transfer, fostering virtuous cycles, while knowledge appropriation results in inefficiencies, creating vicious cycles. The study calls for further research on dynamic aspects of this contingent relationship and suggests practical strategies for shifting from knowledge appropriation to sharing, thereby enhancing organizational performance in foreign subsidiaries.

Improving long-term kidney allograft survival by rethinking HLA compatibility: from molecular matching to non-HLA genes.

Optimizing immunologic compatibility in organ transplantation extends beyond the conventional approach of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) antigen matching, which exhibits significant limitations. A broader comprehension of the roles of classical and non-classical HLA genes in transplantation is imperative for enhancing long-term graft survival. High-resolution molecular HLA genotyping, despite its inherent challenges, has emerged as the cornerstone for precise patient-donor compatibility assessment. Leveraging understanding of eplet biology and indirect immune activation, eplet mismatch calculators and the PIRCHE-II algorithm surpass traditional methods in predicting allograft rejection. Understanding minor histocompatibility antigens may also present an opportunity to personalize the compatibility process. While the application of molecular matching in deceased donor organ allocation presents multiple technical, logistical, and conceptual barriers, rendering it premature for mainstream use, several other areas of donor-recipient matching and post-transplant management are ready to incorporate molecular matching. Provision of molecular mismatch scores to physicians during potential organ offer evaluations could potentially amplify long-term outcomes. The implementation of molecular matching in living organ donation and kidney paired exchange programs is similarly viable. This article will explore the current understanding of immunologic matching in transplantation and the potential applications of epitope and non-epitope molecular biology and genetics in clinical transplantation.

The Effects of Native Grass and Shrub Restoration on Nesting and Fall Migrant Songbirds in Central Kentucky

While native grass and shrub restoration is often promoted for bird conservation, evaluations are necessary to understand the effects of habitat change on songbird vital rates and migratory stopover use. We evaluated the effects of native vegetation restoration on the species richness, productivity, and capture rate of breeding and fall migrating songbirds at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, in central Kentucky, USA. From 2009 to 2022, we conducted constant effort mist netting, resulting in 8418 captures of 110 bird species. In 2012–2013, we implemented management in the study area, which began as an old field, to restore native grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Effects on the vital rates of breeding species included higher Spizella pusilla (field sparrow) and Spinus tristis (American goldfinch) productivity post restoration. Restoration of native vegetation also led to significantly higher fall capture rates for pooled cohorts of both long-distance and medium-distance migrants. Our results demonstrate that the restoration and management of native vegetation can enhance stopover habitats for fall migrating songbirds including neotropical migrants and the field sparrow, a common bird in steep decline. We recommend prioritizing areas for native grass and shrub restoration that initially lack structural heterogeneity (a well-developed grass component with diverse forbs and interspersed shrubs).

Bibliometric Analysis and Ecological Challenges in the Era of Climate Change for Seagrass Conservation Research in Indonesia

Seagrass ecosystems in Indonesia provide essential ecological services, including carbon sequestration, marine biodiversity support, and coastal protection. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities, climate change, and pollution. This study was conducted due to the lack of comprehensive analysis on seagrass conservation research trends in Indonesia, aiming to address this gap and provide insights that can enhance conservation strategies. This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to examine research trends in seagrass conservation in Indonesia from 2007 to 2024, identifying 118 publications with an annual growth rate of 18.53%. Key research topics include biodiversity conservation, seagrass roles in climate change mitigation, and the management of protected areas. This analysis highlights the need to address research gaps, such as limited studies on community-based conservation approaches and the impact of local policies on seagrass management. The findings indicate a growing awareness of seagrass functions, such as carbon storage and support for fisheries, but highlight ongoing challenges related to limited financial resources and public awareness. By applying bibliometric analysis, this study provides a crucial tool for evidence-based decision-making, enabling more targeted and effective conservation policies. Community perceptions and participation, especially through community-based conservation initiatives, are crucial for the success of seagrass conservation efforts. This study uniquely contributes to the field by offering a clear map of research trends and gaps, guiding future research and policy to more effectively address seagrass conservation challenges in Indonesia. The study emphasizes the need for adaptive management strategies and collaboration among stakeholders to overcome the challenges of seagrass conservation in Indonesia.

Spatio-temporal dynamic of forest cover distribution in Omo-Shasha-Oluwa Tropical Forest Complex, Nigeria, (2014 – 2022)

: Forest Reserves (FRs) constitute a significant portion of the forested lands within protected areas, and their conservation is essential for Nigeria to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our study conducted an analysis of the dynamics of forested lands in the study area to evaluate and rank management performance over the period of 2014-2022. The forest bloc in OSO witnessed an expansion by 1.39% (3,929.67 ha) from 27.73% to 29.12% forest cover in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Forest fragments declined from 16 to 10 units for the forest bloc (>201.1 ha) with a proportionate increase in the Largest Patch Index (LPI) from 5,815.53 ha to 39,234.15 ha, in the period 2014 -2022, respectively. Omo, Ago-Owu, Ife and Shasha FRs all witnessed negative changes in the percent forest cover representing a decline of about -0.43% (529.52 ha), -37.62% (9028.8 ha), -8.54% (1217.43 ha) and -0.29% (89.55 ha), respectively. Oluwa FR had an increase in the forest cover by 17.64% or 14,596.38 ha in the period 2014 - 2022. The forest cover retention rates in the period 2014 – 2022, ranks Oluwa FR ahead of other FRs in terms of Protected Area (PA) management efficiency. The results highlight the existence of a relatively better and effective forest management system in the reserve. Landsat data are capable of providing near real-time forest cover information that can be integrated into existing tracking tools for periodically gauging management efficiency and performances across the PAs of Nigeria.

Genetic Stock Identification Reveals Mismatches Between Management Areas and Population Genetic Structure in a Migratory Pelagic Fish.

Sustainable fisheries management is important for the continued harvest of the world's marine resources, especially as they are increasingly challenged by a range of climatic and anthropogenic factors. One of the pillars of sustainable fisheries management is the accurate identification of the biological units, i.e., populations. Here, we developed and implemented a genetic baseline for Atlantic herring harvested in the Norwegian offshore fisheries to investigate the validity of the current management boundaries. This was achieved by genotyping > 15,000 herring from the northern European seas, including samples of all the known populations in the region, with a panel of population-informative SNPs mined from existing genomic resources. The final genetic baseline consisted of ~1000 herring from 12 genetically distinct populations. We thereafter used the baseline to investigate mixed catches from the North and Norwegian Seas, revealing that each management area consisted of multiple populations, as previously suspected. However, substantial numbers (up to 50% or more within a sample) of herring were found outside of their expected management areas, e.g., North Sea autumn-spawning herring north of 62° N (average = 19.2%), Norwegian spring-spawning herring south of 62° N (average = 13.5%), and western Baltic spring-spawning herring outside their assumed distribution area in the North Sea (average = 20.0%). Based upon these extensive observations, we conclude that the assessment and management areas currently in place for herring in this region need adjustments to reflect the populations present. Furthermore, we suggest that for migratory species, such as herring, a paradigm shift from using static geographic stock boundaries towards spatial dynamic boundaries is needed to meet the requirements of future sustainable management regimes.

Source Minerals for the Release of Salinity in the Groundwater: A Case Study of Pratapgarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to determine the salinity of groundwater, identify the nature of its sources, and to understand the physicochemical conditions that cause high level of salinity to be discharged into groundwater. There are several factors that influence groundwater salinity, including water quality, soil type, irrigation techniques, and groundwater depth. A total of 40 ground water samples were collected from dug wells, tube wells, and hand pumps in salinity-affected areas and analysed using physicochemical variables. A total of 11 sediment samples were collected and analysed for lithology and mineralogy. Due to high level of cations and anions in the groundwater, the study area is highly contaminated. It was observed that the leaching of salt is highly dependent on sediment types and salt-bearing minerals. Attempts were also made to determine the various depth zones responsible for release of salt in shallow aquifers. For sedimentological and mineralogical studies, a piezometer was installed at a maximum depth of 33 m below the ground surface. Based on the results of the study, it was observed that groundwater chemistry is primarily influenced by water-rock interactions, ion exchange processes, weathering (carbonate and silicate), and evaporation. These research findings will contribute to more effective sustainable groundwater management in areas with water scarcity and it will also boost the Indian economy.

Exploring and depicting information pathologies

This study addresses two information pathologies: information technology anxiety (ITA) and information overload (IO). This research aims to determine the level of both ITA and IO amongst the undergraduate students of Information Science of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Coimbra, Portugal, and to ascertain how both phenomena correlate with students’ gender, age, number of enrolments in the degree and average frequency of use of the university’s libraries throughout the academic year. Concerning the research methodology, we opted for exploratory and descriptive research with a quantitative approach and adopted the case study and questionnaire survey methods. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used as methods of data analysis. The findings, concerning 39\% of the population under study (N = 88; n = 34), reveal a considerably low prevalence of ITA but a substantial occurrence of IO. Both ITA and IO correlate positively with the female gender. Students aged 19 and 24 years are the least likely to manifest both ITA and IO; in turn, students aged 22 years are the most likely to simultaneously show ITA and IO. Both phenomena tend to increase as students progress through the degree. Last, a higher frequency of use of the university’s libraries is associated with a higher level of ITA and IO. Our findings emphasize the high incidence of IO in university students and the need for increased skills in all dimensions of the human-information-technology relationship/system, particularly in the information filtering and management areas.

Multisource geoscience data-driven framework for subsidence risk assessment in urban area

Land subsidence, especially in developed cities, poses significant risks to human life, social property, and urban sustainability. Taking Liwan District in southern China as an example, this study proposed an acceptable framework for regional land subsidence risk assessment while complying with current national assessment system. With integrating the multi-source geospatial data from remote sensing and various geology surveys into ArcGIS, the subsidence risk assessment was carried out based on the subsidence susceptibility mapping, hazard and vulnerability surveying by using a series of data-driven methods. The results showed that, (i) although not all surface deformations detected by InSAR technology were caused by subsidence, they were instrumental in updating subsidence records; (ii) with the help of spatial correlation analysis using weight evidence as well as multi-source data fusion in high spatial resolution, the Random Forest-based classification models effectively identified the land use types and accurately mapped the land subsidence susceptibility; (iii) the hazard and vulnerability surveying based on a series of newly developed combined weight methods, improved the reliability of risk assessment; (iv) the extremely high- and high-risk areas from the zoning of the land subsidence, provided target areas for further management and prevention of land subsidence. This comprehensive and quantitative assessment framework highlights the need for continued monitoring in subsidence-prone regions, helping to propose strategies for risk mitigation and adaptive planning in urban areas.

Predicting landslide extent of satellite images based on image classification extraction

Abstract Landslide is a common geological disaster and the most destructive natural disaster at home and abroad. Therefore, automatic interpretation of landslide high-risk areas and potential landslide areas through different models and methods is one of the basic ways to prevent and reduce possible disasters. In this study, we improve the NDWI method by using the multispectral image data from the French satellite SPOT 5. Combined with infrared band sensors, the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) of large exposed landslides is extracted by improving the NDWI index method by utilizing the characteristics of near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands and replacing the green-wave band or the mid-infrared (MIR) band with the short-wave infrared (SWIR) band, which can be applied to the water resources management of high-risk areas, potential landslide areas, and potential landslide areas, and the water environment monitoring of water resources and disaster emergency management. We calculate the 2014 satellite images with a total area of 11351.6 ha, and after the NDWI index, the dark blue color represents the high-risk landslide area of 1609.1 ha (14175%), the light blue color represents the potential landslide area of 3971.773 ha (34.989%), and the brown color represents the vegetation area of 5770.727 ha (50.836%).

Estimation of Carbon Stock in Chinese Fir Stands Based on Stacking Ensemble Learning and LSTM Models

Abstract Forest carbon sinks, a critical component of the global carbon cycle, constitute nearly half of the total terrestrial carbon pool. This study employed correlation analysis and factor effect analysis to quantify the influences of various factors on the volume of Chinese fir stands. A novel modeling framework was developed using the stacking ensemble learning and LSTM (LongShort-TermMemory) models. This framework incorporated diverse base learners, including XGBoost, Adaboost, KNN, and DT, which are intelligently ensemble via GBDT as a meta learner. The model was further optimized by comparing activation functions and optimizers, with ReLU selected as the activation function and Adam as the optimizer. Model accuracy was evaluated using RMSE, MAE, and R2 metrics, significantly enhancing its learning ability and generalization performance. The findings are as follows: (1) Stand stocking showed strong positive correlations with depression, age group, average diameter at breast height (ADBH), average tree height (ATH), slope, and elevation. Conversely, it exhibited significant negative correlations with origin, stand density, and slope position. In investigating Chinese fir growth on slopes, no significant growth differences were observed between downslopes and midslopes; however, both differed significantly from upper slopes. (2) The stacking ensemble learning method constructed here surpassed all existing single models in terms of estimation and assessment indices, demonstrating superior comprehensive performance. (3) Among the LSTM models, Adam-LSTM performed the best (R2=0.844), followed by Sigmoid-LSTM (R2=0.656), while the RMSprop-LSTM model performed the worst (R2=0.618). Combined with artificial intelligence methods, our optimized carbon stock estimation model can help to improve the ability of forest land management and provide a theoretical basis for the scientific management of forest areas.

Characterizing Ecological Sensitivity of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China

Ecological sensitivity, as one of the most important indicators to evaluate regional environmental issues, holds significant implications for ecological governance and management in the related area. This study utilized remote sensing imagery of Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) from the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in 2014 and 2018, combined with field surveys and socio-economic data. Considering the local ecological and environmental conditions in the region, nine factors related to seven aspects, soil erosion, topography, humidity, habitat, water environment, human interference, and climate, were selected to create an ecological sensitivity evaluation framework for the YRD urban agglomeration. The coefficient of variation method was applied to determine factor weights, while the zonal statistics and spatial overlay methods were used for a comprehensive analysis of ecological sensitivity in a geographic information system (GIS). The YRD urban agglomeration was categorized into five ecological sensitivity levels: extremely sensitive, highly sensitive, moderately sensitive, slightly sensitive, and insensitive. The analysis results revealed spatial variations in the distribution of ecological sensitivity across the YRD urban agglomeration, with the overall ecological sensitivity level being slightly sensitive. The proportions of the total area occupied by extremely sensitive, highly sensitive, moderately sensitive, slightly sensitive, and insensitive zones were 14.30%, 12.02%, 25.29%, 30.34%, and 18.05% in 2014, and 14.30%, 24.01%, 16.33%, 27.32%, and 18.05%, respectively, in 2018. Based on these results, relevant ecological vulnerabilities for the YRD urban agglomeration were discussed.

Spatiotemporal conversion and mechanism between production-living-ecological space and ecosystem service in the canal area

Rapid industrialization and urbanization in canal areas have led to significant conversion in production-living-ecological space (PLES), yielding short-term social-economic benefits but causing serious ecological degradation. However, the complex and dynamic interactions between PLES and ecosystem function remain underexplored, despite their importance for guiding sustainable canal development. Therefore, we analyzed the dynamic changes in PLES and ecosystem service value (ESV) in the Jiangsu section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, along with their interrelationships. By optimizing the ESV evaluation model to incorporate natural, social, and economic factors, we examined the spatiotemporal evolution of PLES and ESV from 2000 to 2020. Finally, we quantified the dynamic response of ESV to PLES using contribution rate factors and identified trade-offs and synergies among ESV indicators. Over the past two decades, ecological space (ES) expanded by only 5.31 %, yet contributing 94.36 % of total ESV growth. Despite fluctuations during 2005–2010, synergies among various ESV types remained largely stable. The regulation service shows the most significant response to the conversion of PLES, with an increase in ES’s ESV of CNY 67.87 billion over 20 years, representing 75.34 % of total ESV growth. Notably, the hydrologic regulation contributes substantially, with an increase in ES’s ESV of CNY 60.87 billion, accounting for 67.57 % of total ESV growth. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development and resource management in canal areas.

Innovative Timber Upcycling: Digital Strategies for Prolonging Timber Lifespan and Promoting Reuse.

Abstract This paper explores the intersection of digital and ecological transitions, crucial for achieving the European Green Deal’s sustainability targets. The construction sector, traditionally reliant on a linear “take-make-dispose” model, is gradually integrating timber, favored for its lower environmental impact compared to steel and concrete. Our research enhances the reuse of timber from demolition sites, leveraging digital technologies to extend the lifespan of timber elements and improve its carbon sequestration capabilities. This research is part of a broader initiative, the DeDa research, at the School of Architecture and Design, University of Camerino, focusing on sustainable material management in post-disaster areas. These areas, seen as ‘material banks,’ pose unique challenges due to the abundance of materials that are difficult to manage. The research comprises three integrated phases: establishing a digital material bank of timber elements, design optimization with available elements and their automated assembly. This system is underpinned by an ecosystem of digital technologies, including photogrammetric surveying, computational design, and robotic manufacturing. Considering the currently low technological level of conventional building processes, this work maintains a highly experimental character. However, presenting this research provides an opportunity to explore how digital technologies might promote circular-based building processes and encourage a shift in perspective and practices within the building industry.

Impact of textural layers in soils on irrigation infiltration processes in an oasis farmland, northwestern China

AbstractThe Hexi Corridor Oasis in China is an important agricultural area supported by extensive irrigation. The sandy soil in the area exhibits textural layering, which has marked effects on its properties. Textural layered soils play an important role in distributing and regulating water regimes in irrigated fields. However, little is known about the textural layering‐dependent variability in soil water infiltration characteristics following irrigation and the potential effects on soil hydrology and water regimes in these soils. The objective of this study was to determine water infiltration processes and their influencing factors for six soil profile types in an oasis farmland. Six in situ constant‐head infiltration measurements (with three replications in each of six sites) were conducted with a single‐ring infiltrometer in different soil texture configurations, and Hydrus‐2D model was applied to evaluate soil water distribution. The results showed that the wetting front depth for all treatments was in the following order: ST‐1 > ST‐5 > ST‐6 > ST‐3 > ST‐2 > ST‐4; the stable infiltration rate ranged from 1.2 to 3.3 cm/min during the investigation period in all treatments. The presence of a finer‐textured soil layer decreased water infiltration rates through the profiles, and the thickness and burial depth of textured layers had obvious effects on infiltration, compared with homogeneous sand profiles. Presence of a medium‐textured layer affected the infiltration characteristics and soil water spatial variability; driven by increased field capacity and the wilting point, hydraulic conductivity was correlated with soil variables that were related to soil structure, such as wilting point and field capacity, and less so with variables that were related to soil texture, such as the clay fractions (p < 0.001). These results suggested that textural layering altered the soil structure and caused heterogeneous infiltration of water, with implications for the distribution of irrigation water and prevention of deep percolation in this oasis farmland. The result of this study offers a new analysis of ponded single‐ring water infiltrometer data that the soil water infiltration is also influenced by the type of textural layered than just the irrigation system, which supports crop irrigation management in study area and other regions with similar soil regimes.

Beyond Morbidity and Mortality Conference: How Do We Learn From Special Cases?

Physicians experience scary cases in the course of usual medical practice. Cases of near misses, legal and ethical dilemmas, or unique clinical challenges are great sources of education. However, there is no format for presentation and dissemination of cases that do not meet criteria for morbidity and mortality (M&M) conferences. The Scary Cases Conference is an innovative educational forum for scrutiny and analysis of these challenging clinical cases. Scary Cases differs from traditional Morbidity and Mortality conferences as it explores outcomes beyond the scope of medical or surgical errors. From 2011 to 2021: 11 regional and 10 national "Otolaryngology Scary Cases" conferences and mini-seminars were held. The cases presented were analyzed for case specialty, area of management deemed troublesome, and compared to M&M conference criteria. 187 cases were presented. 62% percent of cases included traditional medical problems, whereas 21% involved legal issues, and 17% focused on ethical dilemmas. For the cases with medical problems, 31% involved airway obstruction, 17% nerve injuries, and 17% malignancy. 49% of cases would have met criteria for presentation at traditional M&M conferences. Of all the "scary cases," 25% were near misses and 26% represented ethical or legal dilemmas which would not be classified as morbitidy, mortality, or near miss. The Scary Cases provides a forum conducive to learning amongst peers and experts. It allows medical and surgical specialties to share the cases deemed most impactful. The M&M conference would only include half of such cases, but could be expanded beyond the traditional scope in the future.

Refinements in Clinical and Behavioral Management for Macaques on Infectious Disease Protocols.

Providing optimal clinical and behavioral care is a key component of promoting animal welfare for macaques and other nonhuman primates (NHPs) in research. This overlap between critical areas of management is particularly important for NHPs on infectious disease protocols, which often have unique challenges. For example, traditionally these NHPs were often housed alone, which can have behavioral and clinical consequences. However, in the past decade or so, considerable effort has been directed at modifying procedures in an effort to improve animal welfare for this group of NHPs. In this review, we examine some refinements that can positively impact the clinical and behavioral management of macaques on infectious disease studies, including increased social housing and the use of positive reinforcement techniques to train animals to cooperate with procedures such as daily injections or awake blood draws. We also discuss ways to facilitate the implementation of these refinements, as well as to identify logistical considerations for their implementation. Finally, we look to the future and consider what more we can do to improve the welfare of these animals.