CIGR Newsletter No 42

CIGR-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES

A chronological list of events in the field of agricultural engineering can also be found in our Calendar of Events which can be consulted on CIGR's Web site:

http://wwworg.nlh.no/CIGR/

3rd International Workshop on Minor Rural Roads

This workshop which will be a cooperation between CIGR-Section I (Land and Water Use) and PIARC (Permanent International Association of Road Congresses) will be held in Jozefov, near Warsaw, in Poland on 19-21 May 1998.

The theme of the workshop is: Optimisation of Rural Road Networks.

The workshop has the following objectives:

to facilitate exchange of technology and state-of-the-art reports on secondary rural road planning, design, construction management, financing and administration,
to lead to synthesis of ‘best practice’ principles (guidelines, handbooks, etc.) for these aspects and encourage international cooperation for this purpose,
to increase awareness of the vital role of these roads for economic development, especially in countries with developing economies or economies in transition.

The main theme is therefore subdivided into five specific themes: *socio-economic impacts of rural roads *rural road design *rural road construction *rural road maintenance * institutional organisation, financing and legal aspects, privatisation.

The workshop will consist of two days of presentations of papers and posters and discussions. A field excursion will be organised for the third day.

For further information, please contact the secretary of the organising committee: GDDP, General Directorate of Public Roads, c/o Mrs. Magdalena Ataman, ul. Wspolna 1/3, 00-921 Warsawa, Poland. Fax.: +48 22 625 3467.

International Symposium on Agro-Environmental Issues and Future Strategies towards the 21st Century

The Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology of the University of Agriculture of Faisalabad , Pakistan organises an international symposium ‘Agroenviron ‘98’ on May 25-30, 1998.

Topics will include: *agro-chemicals and groundwater contamination *agricultural machinery related noise pollution *soil compaction *erosion *agro-industrial pollution and acid rain *agro-environmental impact assessment and legislation *industrial/sewage irrigation and soil pollution *modelling agro-environmental systems *farm wastes *recycling and energy generation *mountainous deforestation and management *any other topic

For further information please contact Prof. Jehangir Khan Sial, Symposium Director, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Fax.: +92 41 33214 / 647846 / 30679

E-mail : iqrar@ptccuaf.fsd.brain.net.pk (attn. J.K. Sial)

Second International Workshop on Control Applications in Post-Harvest and Processing Technology

This event is organised by the Department of Physics and Process Control of Gödöllö University of Agricultural Sciences, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and GUAS Process Control Research Group. It is sponsored by IFAC, ISHS, EurAgEng and CIGR.

The workshop will be held on June 3-5, 1998 in Budapest, Hungary.

The scope of the workshop is to give the state-of-the-art and application of control methods in storage and processes of agricultural and horticultural products. Furthermore future developments will be discussed on intelligent control and on the use of artificial intelligence in combination with on-line observations of plants or processed products.

Topics will include: *optimal control, intelligent control, fuzzy control *measurement and modelling of crop or produce responses for quality enhancement during storage or processing *identification of control structures based on plant responses *intelligent, crop based decision criteria *effect of product variability on control strategy *compartments and instruments for controls in processing and storage *artificial intelligence applications in post-harvest technology *systems engineering in post-harvest, storage and processing technology *man-machine interaction in post-harvest technology *economic and management evaluation of advanced control systems in post-harvest *social effects of automatic control in storage and processing.

Further information from: Prof. I. Farkas, Dept. Physics & Process Control, University of Agricultural Sciences of Gödöllö, Pater K. u. 1, H-2103 Hungary.

Fax.: +36 28 310 804 E-mail: IFARKAS@FFT.GAU.HU

1st IFAC/CIGR Workshop on Control Applications and Ergonomics in Agriculture

This event is organised by the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece on behalf of the Technical Chamber of Greece, sponsored by the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC) and co-sponsored by CIGR and ASAE. The workshop will be held in Athens, Greece, on 14-17 June 1998.

Scope:

A wide ranging programme is planned, covering the principal areas where the fusion of control engineering and ergonomics may have a major impact on agricultural processes, their management, safety and efficiency and the well-being of the labourer. Emphasis will be placed on applications of control technologies in agriculture. Stands will also be available for companies to present their products.

Papers are solicited in all aspects of theory and applications of systems, including decision-making, control, adaptation, optimisation, process and machine automation, man-machine interfacing and farm management systems.

Topics include:

Generic developments

Use of emerging technologies (ANNs, genetic algorithms, fuzzy methodology, neurofuzzy control)
Sensor fusion for estimation, detection, quality assessment, interpretation
Generic tools and new methods for the design & development of control systems, intelligent machines, supervision, human interfaces
Models and model methodology (plants, animals, buildings, processes) for optimal control or management

Implementation of control and management (in production agriculture & processing of agricultural products)

Control and management of agricultural systems at farm or regional level (irrigation, greenhouses, water resources, energy, environment, etc.)
Post-harvest process control
Internet, Intranet and local nets, GIS, GPS, for farm management
Machine automation, harvesting and robotics
Methodology and standardisation of :

Control requirements and assessment
Networks and communications in agricultural systems
Data & knowledge exchange (application layer)

Sensors and data acquisition

Image sensors and sensor fusion
Biosensors and qualitative sensors
Data acquisition, processing, DSP and storage

3. Ergonomics and human interfaces

Labour aids, man-in-the-loop systems and human welfare
Safety, man-machine interfacing (contact and contactless voice, sound, video, tele-operation, display and monitoring design, UI)
Labour efficiency enhancements, fatigue detection

Future prospects of control applications in agriculture

Optimal climate control by integration of plant or animal responses
New network techniques for control in agriculture
New ideas or concepts for disease control
(Proposals for topics of new sessions are encouraged).

One of the poster sessions will be devoted to presenting ideas and proposals where presenters can stimulate partnerships.

The meeting will be structured to maintain maximum interaction between participants and to permit presentations across a wide range, from control methodologies and technology advances to practical implementation of models. Plenary sessions and panel discussions will be in the programme.

Language: English

Further information from:

Prof. Nick Sigrimis, Agricultural University of Athens, Dept. of Agricultural Engineering, Iera odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece.

Fax. : +30 1 529 40 39

E-mail (1) : n.sigrimis@computer.org

E-mail (2) : ifac@auadec.aua.ariadne-t.gr

http://www.aua.ariadne-t.gr/ns

1st Inter-Regional Conference on Environment-Water: Innovative Issues in Irrigation and Drainage

This Conference is scheduled on 16, 17 and 18 September 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal and is organised by the Portuguese National Committee of ICID and co-sponsored by Section I of CIGR ‘Land and Water Use’.

Themes that will be treated are:

Combating pollution

*Knowledge-based development models *Indicators, measurement and monitoring *Environmental impact, impact on the aquatic biosphere *Health concerns *Socio-economic aspects *Cropping techniques to prevent pollution with agro-chemicals and fertilisers *Irrigation techniques favouring pollution control *Drainage to control soil and aquifers contamination *Soil rehabilitation

Demand management

*Minimising water losses in conveyance and distribution systems *Improved regulation and control *Irrigation scheduling and delivery scheduling *Systems monitoring and evaluation *Water saving irrigation techniques *Combined irrigation scheduling and water application techniques *Re-use of return flows *Water conservation practices *Socio-economic incentives *Water saving impact *Participatory issues *Organisational requirements

Combating chronic water deficits

*Demand and availability assessments *Land use impact, cropping patterns *Impact of inter-basin transfer *Forecasting, planning and management methodologies *Financial incentives *Organisational and institutional arrangements *Trans-regional and trans-national policies *Case studies

Prevention and management of crisis

*Information systems and networks *Forecasting methodologies and models *Impact of global changes *Causes and effects of natural catastrophes *Drought *Floods *Management tools *Emergency measures *Organisational and institutional aspects *Case studies

Languages: English, Portuguese and French translation will be provided during the conference.

Information from : Portuguese National Committee of ICID, Instituto da Agua, Av. Almirante Gago Coutinho 30, 1000 Lisboa, Portugal.

Fax.: +351 1 847 30 23 E-mail : lenamar@inag.pt

International Conference on Engineering in Agriculture

This event will be held on 27-30 September 1998 in the Conference Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands (a suburb of Perth), Perth, Western Australia 6009 and is organised by the Australian Society for Engineering in Agriculture (SEAg). Co-sponsors are CIGR, ASAE, AAAE. The aim of the International Conference is to service members of the profession primarily from Asia, South Africa and Pacific rim countries.

Conference theme is: Engineering Better Agricultural Environments.

Contact: Glen Riethmuller, Agriculture WA, Drylands Research Institute, Merredin, Western Australia 6415, Australia.

Fax.: +61 8 90 41 11 38

E-mail : Riethmul@merredin.agric.wa.gov.au

International Agricultural Engineering Conference 1998

This event will be held in the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand on 7-10 December 1998. It is co-sponsored by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), AAAE, ASAE, the Chinese Society of Agricultural Machinery (CSAM), the Japanese Society of Agricultural Machinery (JSAM) and CIGR.

The following topics will be treated: *Power and machinery *Food and process engineering *Soil and water *Energy in agriculture *Agricultural systems *Structures and environment *Electronics in agriculture *Agricultural waste management *Agro-industry *Agricultural engineering education *Ergonomics *Terramechanics *New materials *Emerging technologies.

Language: English.

Registration fees:

Before 31 August 1998:

Participant: 330 USD, Accompanying person: 180 USD

After 31 August 1998:

Participant: 350 USD, Accompanying person: 200 USD.

The registration fee is inclusive the cost of proceedings, refreshments, lunches, field trips and banquet. It will also cover the regular membership fee of AAAE for the year 1999.

A full social programme for accompanying persons will be provided.

For more information please contact:

Prof. V.M. Salokhe, Agricultural and Food Engineering Programme, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.

Fax.: +66 2 524 6200 E-mail : salokhe@ait.ac.th

AIT homepage: http://www.ait.ac.th

Chilean Congress CIACH ‘99

The next congress of the Chilean Association of Agricultural Engineering CIACH’99 will be held on 5, 6 and 7 May 1999 in Chillan, Chile.

Further information can be obtained from Dr. Alejandro Valenzuela A., Universidad de Concepcion, Facultad de Ingenieria Agricola, Departamento De Riego Y Drenaje, Avenida Vicente Méndez 595, Casilla 537, Chillan, Chile.

Fax.: +56 42 228 360 E-mail : driego@halcon.dpi.udec.cl

International Symposium on Dust Control in Animal Production Facilities

This event, sponsored by CIGR, EurAgEng, NJF (Scandinavian Association of Agricultural Scientists) and DJS (Danish Society for Agricultural Medicine) and organised by the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS) will be held in Jutland, Denmark on 31 May - 2 June 1999.

The following topics will be discussed at the symposium:

Sources of dust and their characterisation,
Measurement of dust concentration and particle size,
Dose response and control standards,
The impact of dust on animals,
Health risks for humans,
Effect of dust emissions on the environment,
Modelling of dust concentration distribution indoors and in the surroundings,
Dust reduction techniques.

The seminar will be held in Aarhus, Scandinavian Congress Centre and an excursion tour to the Research Centre Bygholm (FCB), Horsens (abatement techniques), and Research Centre Foulum (FCF), near Viborg (animal science) will be offered on Wednesday 2 June.

Language: English.

Abstracts, not exceeding 300 words should be submitted before 1 September 1998. Notification of acceptance will be given before December 1998. The proceedings will be available at the symposium.

General correspondence:

Dust Symposium 1999, Research Centre Bygholm, P.O.Box 536, DK-8700 Horsens, Denmark.

Fax: +45 75 624 880 E-mail : sp6@sh.dk

AgEnergy ’99 - Energy & Agriculture towards the Third Millennium

This Conference will be held on 2-5 June 1999 in Athens, Greece. It is jointly organised by the European Commission DG XII and DG XVII, the Greek Secretariat of Research and Technology, CIGR Section IV, EurAgEng SIG 23, FAO-Network on Sustainable Rural Environment and Energy and UNESCO.

The conference will cover the latest news and developments in Energy and Agriculture in scientific sessions, posters, videos and special interest group meetings.

Scope: A wide-ranging programme is planned, covering the principal areas in which renewable energy and energy-saving technologies can have a major impact on agriculture. Emphasis will be placed on biomass production and biomass energy technologies. Water desalination technologies utilising renewable energy technologies will also have a special position in the programme.

Topics include:

Solar applications: thermal, photovoltaics, passive and active systems, solar drying, solar desalination
Wind applications: power production, water pumping, water desalination, stand alone and hybrid systems
Hydro power: small-scale hydro power, pumped water storage in combination with hydro power
Biomass: biomass production, biomass conversion, biofuels, biogas
Energy saving: heating and refrigeration, drying, co-generation of heat and electricity
Energy and the environment: integrated energy systems, environmental protection in rural areas with energy technologies, agricultural waste treatment and reuse, water purification
Energy and agricultural development policies: markets and marketing strategies, legislation, tariffs duties and taxes, financing, local and regional development.

Deadlines:

Submission of abstracts and registration forms: 15 September 1998

Notification of acceptance: 15 December 1998

Submission of full papers: 15 March 1999

Call for papers: Abstract of 1-2 pages (500-1000 words) in English explaining the intended content of the presentation, the novelty of the research and the relevant applications.

A printed copy of the proceedings will be delivered to each participant at the registration desk.

Conference fee: 350 EURO - Members of CIGR & EurAgEng: 250 EURO - FAO-SREN members and participants from countries of Central Europe, the New Independent States and the developing countries: 100 EURO.

Conference languages: English and Greek with simultaneous translation. Hard copies must be mailed or faxed to:

Prof. George Papadakis, AgEnergy ’99, Agricultural University of Athens, Dept. Agricultural Engineering, 75 Iera Odos Str., GR-118 55 Athens, Greece.

Fax.: +30 1 529 40 23 E-mail: agenergy@auadec.aua.gr

http://www.aua.gr/conferences/agenergy

CIOSTA-CIGR V - XXVIII International Congress on: Work Sciences in Sustainable Agriculture

This Congress will be held in the Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park across the road to the Research Centre Bygholm on 14-16 June 1999.

Topics of the congress include:

Systems engineering
Development and use of computer applications
Work environment
Integrated farming
Miscellaneous topics related to the main themes.

The aim of the congress is to present the latest scientific results, ideas and possibilities of converting present agriculture to sustainable agriculture and to give the delegates the opportunity to meet each other for exchange and discussion of ideas and research results.

The congress language will be English.

An attendants and an accompanying persons programme will be provided together with a post-congress tour.

Contributions can be given as papers, posters, videos or computer programs.

Key dates are:

Preliminary registration: 1 June 1998

Second announcement: July 1998

Title plus 1 page abstract: 1 October 1998

Full papers 15 March 1999.

More information from: CIOSTA-CIGR V Congress, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Research Centre Bygholm, P.O. Box 536, DK-8700 Horsens, Denmark.

Fax: +45 75 62 48 80

E-mail: mph6@sh.dk or Villy.Nielsen@sh.dk

Internet information: http://www.sh.dk/~cgs/ciosta/

The XIV Memorial CIGR World Congress 2000

The XIV CIGR World Congress will be held on 28 November - 1 December 2000 at the University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.

This Congress is sponsored by CIGR and the Science Council of Japan and organised by the Japan Association of the International Commission of Agricultural Engineering and the University of Tsukuba in cooperation with AAAE, ALIA, ASAE, EurAgEng and SEASAE.

Tentative programme:

Monday 27 November: Technical tour A

Tuesday 28 November: Technical tour A, registration, reception

Wednesday 29 November: Opening, plenary special presentations, special sessions

Thursday 30 November: oral and poster sessions, exhibition, banquet

Friday 1 December: oral and poster sessions, exhibition and closing

December 2-4 Technical tours B1 & B2

Abstracts: a one page abstract (A4 size, 500 words) is awaited not later than 31 December 1999.

Topics will include:

Land and water use
Farm buildings, equipment, structures, environment
Equipment engineering for plant production
Rural electricity and other energy sources
Management, ergonomics and systems engineering
Processing
New agricultural technologies in the 21st century: informatics, life support systems, plant factories
Global agriculture in the 21st century: paddy field agriculture, upland field agriculture, small-scale farming, sustainable bio-production and processing.

Language: English

Proceedings: will be published and provided to all participants at the registration desk.

Tentative schedule:

October 1999: Second announcement

December 1999: Abstract submission

May 2000: Final announcement

July 2000: Full paper submission.

Preliminary registration: no later than 31 August 1999.

Please consult our website at:

http://bee2.en.a.u-tokyo.ac.jp/cigr2000/

Further information from:

Dr. H. Nishina, Dept. Biomechanical Systems, Ehime University, Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan.