Publications
NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.
2016
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Torfinn Torp Guro Brodal Heidi Udnes Aamot Einar Strand Berit Nordskog Ruth Dill-Macky Simon G. Edwards Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
High concentrations of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by Fusarium graminearum have occurred frequently in Norwegian oats recently. Early prediction of DON levels is important for farmers, authorities and the Cereal Industry. In this study, the main weather factors influencing mycotoxin accumulation were identified and two models to predict the risk of DON in oat grains in Norway were developed: (1) as a warning system for farmers to decide if and when to treat with fungicide, and (2) for authorities and industry to use at harvest to identify potential food safety problems. Oat grain samples from farmers’ fields were collected together with weather data (2004–2013). A mathematical model was developed and used to estimate phenology windows of growth stages in oats (tillering, flowering etc.). Weather summarisations were then calculated within these windows, and the Spearman rank correlation factor calculated between DON-contamination in oats at harvest and the weather summarisations for each phenological window. DON contamination was most clearly associated with the weather conditions around flowering and close to harvest. Warm, rainy and humid weather during and around flowering increased the risk of DON accumulation in oats, as did dry periods during germination/seedling growth and tillering. Prior to harvest, warm and humid weather conditions followed by cool and dry conditions were associated with a decreased risk of DON accumulation. A prediction model, including only pre-flowering weather conditions, adequately forecasted risk of DON contamination in oat, and can aid in decisions about fungicide treatments.
Abstract
Winching is common in small-scale forest operations, especially on steep slopes, where tractors cannot reach the logs inside the forest. In this case, logs are dragged to the roadside with tractor-mounted winches, for later collection by transportation units. Winching is a heavy task, posing a high physiological stress on winching crew members. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between experienced workload, work conditions and operator fitness. The study confirmed the assumption that fit, young operators experience a lower workload than older ones. Workload depends on winching direction, and it is higher when winching downhill than when winching uphill. Results confirmed that gravity is the main factor, and it has a stronger effect than task type and tool weight. Walking uphill with no tools is heavier than walking downhill and carrying a steel cable. As a consequence, tool weight reduction can only palliate the problem, without solving it. Winching crews should be composed of fit, young workers. When the task is assigned to older workers, it is necessary to allow longer rest breaks, accepting a lower productivity. Keywords: steep terrain, winching, workload, heart rate
Authors
Jakob GeipelAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
The status of cereal cultivation in Iceland, northern Norway, Faroe Islands, Orkney and Newfoundland has been studied in a project supported by the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme (NPA). In Orkney, Iceland and northern Norway cereal cultivation is well established while the Faroe Islands are re-establishing, and Newfoundland is starting, cultivation. The project transfers knowledge between the regions and aims to increase the value of cereal products, indicate new innovative products and increase cultivation of cereals. In this report, the cereal value chain is described to inspire companies and initiators to identify new opportunities and create new jobs. Total cereal grain production in the five regions was about 38,000 tons in 2014 while imports were about 146,000 tons, just for Iceland, Orkney and Newfoundland. The population of the region is about 1.4 million and the annual number of visitors is above 2 million. Considerable amounts of cereal-based products are consumed in the regions. These include many different foods (bakery products, breakfast cereals, snacks, flour, porridges etc.) and beverages (e.g. beer and whisky) and offer many opportunities for using local cereals. Recent trends in the cereal food market are very conducive to the development of new products and greater local production within the project regions. Interest in local food and drinks is increasing and food producers need to respond to increasing demand from visitors. In all of the regions, barley is the most important cereal grown. Barley contains several health-enhancing nutritional components including β-glucan and antioxidants and, with growing awareness of the need for healthy eating, there is increased interest in it as a raw material for the food industry. Barley is also used for the production of malt which is a key ingredient for the production of beer and whisky. The number of microbreweries has grown and they are now found in remote regions. For breweries to distinguish themselves from competitors, product differentiation is becoming increasingly important and an attractive way of doing this is to use local ingredients (barley, malt and herbs). However, in order to utilise local barley for beverage production, it will usually be necessary to develop a local capacity for malting.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Helge BerglannAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Lampros LamprinakisAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
No abstract has been registered