Average Height Research Articles

Biodegradable alginate hydrogel incorporated of selenide polysaccharide to improve slow-release and selenium enrichment of vegetable.

Selenium fertilizers (Se-fertilizers) were applied to promote the growth of plant and improve the Se content in crops. However, traditional Se-fertilizers have low utilization efficiency of Se due to adsorption or leaching. Herein, Alg-g-Polyacrylamide/Se orange peel polysaccharide (AP/SeOPP) hydrogel was prepared and characterized by FT-IR, SEM, XRD and XPS. The swelling behaviors of AP8/SeOPP3 in different saline solution were investigated. Meanwhile, the rheological properties of AP8/SeOPP3 were studied. The water-retention ratio of AP8/SeOPP3 at -0.08 MPa were 84.9 %. The water-holding capacities of soil with AP8/SeOPP3 (1 wt%) was 33.8 % at 20th day. The pot experiments showed that the Se content of Chinese cabbage treated by AP8/SeOPP3 of 2 wt% was 2.67 mg/kg. Compared with control treatment, the average stem height and fresh weight of Chinese cabbage fertilizered by AP8/SeOPP3 were higher than that treated by AP8 hydrogel. The release mechanism indicated that there was the ion exchange between Cl-, PO43-, SO42- in sandy soil and SeO32- in AP8/SeOPP3 hydrogel. This work provides a feasible strategy for promoting vegetable growth and achieving Se-enrichment of crops in arid and semi-arid region.

Assessing the influence of green space morphological spatial pattern on urban waterlogging: A case study of a highly-urbanized city.

The extensive expansion of impervious surfaces encroaches on green spaces and causes frequent urban waterlogging disasters. Previous studies have focused mainly on the influence of green space landscape pattern on waterlogging, with less attention given to green space morphological spatial pattern (MSPA). MSPA can be used to differentiate various types of land use morphologies from a microscopic perspective and reveal visualized spatial characteristics. Therefore, this study selected Shenzhen, a city with serious waterlogging problems, as the study area. The anthropogenic/natural environments and green space morphological spatial pattern were considered. Pearson correlation analysis and random forest regression were combined to investigate the influence of these drivers on the density of waterlogging hotspots and quantify the degree of importance for each driver. The results were supplemented with explanations using SHapley Additive exPlanations and Partial Dependence Plots. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that green space morphological spatial pattern, the proportion of green spaces, and the proportion of impervious surfaces were the dominant drivers. Additionally, the random forest regression showed that incorporating green space morphological spatial pattern and average tree height as potential drivers could strengthen the model's goodness-of-fit. While the proportion of impervious surfaces, the proportion of green spaces, and population density were important drivers, the green space morphological spatial pattern, specifically the "loop", "edge", and "core", was even more crucial and had an optimal design range. Therefore, green space morphological spatial pattern should be emphasized during the planning of "sponge cities" to maximize the ability of green spaces to mitigate waterlogging. In summary, our findings are expected to provide feasible suggestions for waterlogging control and green space planning.

Chlorhexidine-loaded microneedles for treatment of oral diseases.

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a gold standard therapeutic agent against clinical oral pathogens. However, its oral use is limited due to unpleasant taste, alteration in taste buds, staining of teeth and mucous membranes. Therefore, CHX-loaded PLGA microneedles (MNs) were fabricated for local and controlled release in the oral cavity, using a casting mold method. The MNs were well-formed with sharp MN tips and flat baseplates, showing quadrangular pyramidal shapes with average needle height and base width of about 500 and 200µm, respectively. CHX was successfully incorporated into the PLGA-based MNs, exhibiting high encapsulation efficiency. CHX-PLGA MNs were further characterized in terms of ATR-FTIR and DSC, indicating intermolecular interactions between CHX and PLGA. In vitro CHX release exhibited an initial burst release within the first 24h, accompanied by a slower release rate, reaching cumulative release of ca. 56% after 10days. The antibacterial effect of CHX-PLGA MNs on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) was evaluated using different techniques. In agar diffusion assay, the MNs displayed sustained antimicrobial activity over 8days, while they significantly reduced the bacterial growth of S. mutans on the first 4days in a planktonic experimental setup. No antibacterial effect was recorded for the blank PLGA MNs that served as a control group. Interestingly, CHX-PLGA MNs eliminated biofilm formation and metabolic activity for 3days compared with biofilm formed in the presence of blank MNs. Then, a rebound effect was recorded. A weak antibiofilm effect and anti-metabolic activity was observed when MNs tested against pre-formed biofilm. Taken together, CHX-PLGA MNs hold promise as a viable delivery modality for localized and sustainedantimicrobial activity in the oral cavity. Further research is required to optimize the formulation and assess efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

Wave-powered water pump for upwelling in aquaculture: Numerical model and ocean test

Wave-powered upwelling can increase the productivity and survivability of several aquaculture species. This enhancement is due to transporting cold, nutrient-rich ocean water, typically found lower in the water column, to the surface. Macroalgaes, like kelp, exhibit increased growth from these altered conditions.The University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) wave-powered water pump (wave pump) is a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) that uses ocean waves to create relative motion between a spar buoy and a concentric float which drives an internal pump. A numerical model of the wave pump was developed using WEC-Sim to predict device performance in the ocean. Wave pump performance was evaluated during a five day ocean test near Appledore Island in Maine in March 2023, where volumetric flow rate, relative distance between spar and float, and wave conditions were measured. These data were then used for numerical model validation.The ocean deployment recorded the device’s performance in a variety of sea states, with average significant wave heights up to 0.7 m. The ocean test data were compared to the WEC-Sim numerical model of the device with favorable results. Average values of device stroke period, stroke height, and flow rate agreed between the ocean test and model data to within approximately 16 to 22%. The validated numerical model provides a valuable tool for improving the design and developing a commercial-scale, wave-powered water pump for use in aquaculture.

Fixed and mixed effects hypsometric equations for Pinus taeda L. stands with different spacing

The objective of this study was to analyze three strategies for fitting hypsometric models for Pinus taeda stands with different spacings. Data from a forest inventory containing 100 trees (5 stands x 4 plots x 5 trees) were used. Four hypsometric models were tested at the plot-level. The selected model was used in the individual adjustment, verifying the significance of the inclusion of the variables of sociological position, uniformity index and number of trees per hectare (strategy 2). In the model selected in strategy 2, the inclusion of a random effect parameter at the plot level was verified. The validation of the recommended model was carried out using the bootstrap method. All adjustments resulted in accurate estimates of total height, with RMSE and MAE values lower than 1.20 m and 0.98 m, respectively, considering an average total height of 20.1 m. In strategy 1, model (1) was selected. In strategy 2, the inclusion of sociological location and number of trees per hectare was significant and improved the estimates. In strategy 3, the inclusion of the random effect at the plot level further improved the model of strategy 2. The generalized mixed effects model was validated by the bootstrap method, and accurate estimates were presented in a short range. It is concluded that generalized mixed modeling is recommended and provides a unique fit for the five planting distances considered.

The resistance of some cassava lines/varieties to Sri Lanka cassava mosaic virus in Quang Binh province

Six lines or varieties of cassava, including three potential lines or varieties (HL-KM94, HL-S14, KM505-54) and three lines resistance to the Sri Lanka cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) (HN1, HN5, and HN97), were evaluated in 2022 in Quang Binh province. The aim of this study was to select cassava lines/varieties with high yield, high starch content and resistance to SLCMV disease, suitable for local conditions. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with 3 replications. The research results showed that the cassava lines/varieties used in the study had an average germination time of 16.7 - 22.0 days; the average height of the plant was 277.4 - 363.4 cm, and an average growth time of 277.4 - 363.4 cm and the average growth duration was from 272 - 300 days. The average tuber weight ranged from 190 - 850 g/tuber. The skin color of the tuber was from white to light - yellow and the tuber flesh was white (except HN97 which had yellow tuber flesh). Regarding SLCMV, the study showed that 3 cassava lines including HN1, HN5, and HN97 did not show any signs of SLCMV disease at the seedling stage and after 6 months planting, the SLCMV disease appeared at a low average rate of 3.1 - 5.2%. Based on these results, two cassava lines/varieties HN1 and HL-KM94 were selected for their good growth, resistance to SLCMV, and high fresh tuber yield of 48.0 - 54.9 tons/ha. Their harvest index ranged from 64.4 - 67% and they had starch content over 28%.

Investigation of the effects of fabric structural parameters on the roughness of coated fabrics

In this study, the effects of the weave structures used in the base fabric on the surface roughness parameters of coated polyester fabrics were investigated. 100% polyester fabrics woven with different weft yarn densities in the basket, twill, and sateen weave patterns were coated with calcite (CaCO3), a widely used and economical filler in the textile coating. The surface properties of the fabrics were examined by evaluating various surface roughness parameters such as arithmetic average height (Ra), mean height of peaks (Rpm), and mean depth of valleys (Rvm). Warp yarn properties were kept constant to investigate the effect of changes in weave pattern and weft yarn density. Experimental results indicated that surface roughness values changed depending on the weave pattern of the base fabric, warp and weft directions, and weft yarn density. Overall, after the coating process, the Ra, Rpm, and Rvm values decreased in both the weft and warp directions.

Effects of Different Organic Fertilizers on Yield and Yield-Related Characteristics in Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Cultivation Under the Ecological Conditions of Tokat, Türkiye

This research was carried out during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons on Agricultural Research and Application Fields of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University. The study aimed to investigate the effects of different organic fertilizers and application rates on the yield and yield-related characteristics of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.). The experiment was designed using a split plot arrangement in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The main plots were assigned to five organic fertilizer types: Leonardite, Vermicompost, Solid Humus, Chicken Manure and Sheep Manure, while the subplots included in the same way in all fertilizer forms four fertilizer doses (0, 150, 300 and 600 kg/da). The study utilized “Çameli” variety, the only registered Nigella sativa L. variety in Turkiye. Key parameters examined over both years included plant height (cm), number of branches per plant (number), number of capsules per plant (number), number of grains per capsule (number), thousand seed weight (g), seed yield (kg/da). The results; revealed that the average plant height ranged from 39.76 to 54.33 cm, the number of branchers per plant, ranged from 6.22 to 6.35, the number of capsules per plant ranged from 13.43 to 14.88, the number of seed per capsule ranged from 98.56 to 104.00, thousand seed weight varied between 2.50 and 3.11 g, seed yield ranged from 135.26 to 135.41 kg/da. Statistically significant differences (p<0.01) were observed for all examined characteristics. Based on the two-year results the application of chicken manure at 300 kg/da was identified as the most effective treatment, significantly enhancing plant height, capsule number and thousand seed weight. This finding reveals that the use of organic fertilizer in black cumin cultivation is an important alternative for farmers who want to both increase yield and prefer a natural production method.

Multiexposure Grayscale Patterns with Low-Energy Electrons.

High-energy electron beam exposure is generally recognized as the standard for achieving high-precision nanofabrication. Low-energy electron beam exposure techniques offer advantages in 3D manufacturing; however, they have received limited attention in traditional processes due to precision limitations and insufficient exposure, leading to an underestimation of their potential. In this article, we introduce a nanofabrication strategy using low-energy electrons in ice-assisted electron-beam lithography (iEBL) alleviating the compatibility issue between resolution and quasi-3D manufacturing. With in situ alignment and correction in the iEBL process, our optimized exposure strategy enables the creation of complex grayscale structures, demonstrated by 30-layer ladder formations with an average step height of 10 nm and width of 300 nm as well as line patterns with resolution below 30 nm. To further expand the utility of the low-energy exposure strategies, we demonstrate the transformation of grayscale ice sculptures into metal nanostructures, providing a pathway for the fabrication of contamination-free metal nanostructures. This work expands the potential of low-voltage techniques and enhances the manufacturing capabilities of iEBL, which is particularly significant for its applications in quasi-3D manufacturing.

The Effect of Differing Potentiation Modalities on Acute Performance in Collegiate Athletes

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Reflexive Performance Resets (RPR) compared to a dynamic warm-up and contrast training on acute athletic performance. Methods: Participants were athletes competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) collegiate athletes (male: 7, female: 2; average height: 180.64 ± 5.89 cm; average body mass: 76.29 ± 6.57 kg; age: 21.22 ± 1.71years; 1RM trap bar deadlift: 153.95 ± 28.35 kg; deadlift/body mass ratio: 2.02 ± 0.41). Participants in the study completed four different potentiation protocols: control (cycling), contrast training, dynamic warm-up, and RPR. The participants completed each protocol on separate days before performing a countermovement jump, which assessed mean peak displacement, acceleration, velocity, and power on a force plate, and a T-test assessed the change of direction performance. Results: A repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-tests were used to assess interactions and main effects between the protocols. A significant main effect was found when comparing the dynamic warm-up and RPR protocols in mean peak displacement (Dynamic: 0.42 ± 0.05 m; RPR: 0.36 ± 0.06 m; p = 0.001; d = 1.41; 95% Cl [-0.66,0.76), velocity (Dynamic: 2.85 ± .17 m/s; RPR: 2.7 ± .19 m/s; p =0.003; d = 1.41; 95% Cl [-0.03,0.33], and power (Dynamic: 4258 ± 541.4 w; RPR: 3964 ± 597.91 w; p = 0.005; d = 1.41; 95% Cl [-275.74,864.20]). There was also a significant main effect when comparing mean peak power between the dynamic warm-up and control protocols (Dynamic: 4258.24 ± 541.4 w; RPR: 4063.56 ± 474.41 w; p = 0.04; d = 0.38; 95% Cl [-314, 508.7]) There were no significant differences between the dynamic warm-up and RPR protocols in mean peak acceleration (Dynamic: 13.32 ± 2.4 m/s2; RPR: 13.12 ± 3.28 m/s2; p = .310 or mean peak T-test (Dynamic: 10.31 ± .78 s; RPR 10.1 ± .77 s; p = .464. Conclusions: A dynamic warm-up was shown to be most effective for improving acute countermovement jump performance when compared to RPR, contrast training, and a control protocol.

Crecimiento del “shihuahuaco” Dipteryx ferrea (Ducke) Ducke en plantaciones bajo diferentes espaciamientos y tipos de suelo en Ucayali, Amazonía peruana

The results of experimental trials with Dipteryx ferrea (Ducke) Ducke, a forest species commonly known as "shihuahuaco", established under four different forest and agroforestry systems at the Alexander von Humboldt Experimental Center, Ucayali, at an altitude of 225 meters above sea level, are presented. These systems were differentiated by spatial arrangement, initial spacing, soil type, and were 11 years old. Measurements of total height, diameter at breast height (DBH), basal area, and timber volume of the plantations were obtained. The results demonstrate the growth potential, survival, and productivity of D. ferrea in both pure and mixed open-field plantations. System 1, on Plinthic acrisol soil, flat physiography, and 5 × 5 m spacing, showed the highest average DBH, total height, and dominant height, with values of 20.23 cm, 13.9 m, and 16.8 m, respectively. These results are statistically superior (p < 0.05) to those of other analyzed plantations and indicate promising performance. In terms of productivity, system 3, on Plinthic gleysol soil, flat physiography, and 2 × 2 m spacing, exhibited the highest values of basal area and roundwood volume, with 38.40 m2 /ha and 243.3 m3 /ha, respectively, statistically superior to the other systems, but also heavily influenced by the high plantation density. These findings suggest encouraging prospects for establishing D. ferrea plantations in forestry settings.

Cultural and urban city living expectations of knee motion in a Southeast Asian city: implications on total knee arthroplasty outcomes.

The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in Southeast Asia has increased steadily over the years. When conservative management options fail, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a reliable surgical option. Despite over 90% post-operative satisfaction, the high volume of TKAs performed means that even a small percentage of dissatisfied patients holds significance. Dissatisfaction often arises from unmet expectations, which are influenced by cultural and urban factors specific to the region. Surgeons must counsel patients on likely post-operative activities, but limited data on knee range of motion (ROM) for daily tasks in Southeast Asia renders personalised guidance challenging. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the minimum knee ROM required for daily activities (walking, stair climbing, squatting, kneeling, and sitting cross-legged) in a healthy Southeast Asian urban population. The secondary aim was to determine the association between anthropometric measurements and knee ROM required for the activities. This information is useful in managing patient expectations after TKA. An email describing the study was sent to hospital staff to recruit them as volunteers for the study. Enrolled participants were required to be between the ages of 21 and 65 years and capable of providing informed consent. Interested volunteers with a past medical history involving the lower limbs and spine were excluded. Those with a history of lower limb joint pain or back pain within the last 1 year were also excluded. The KINEXCS KIMIA device (KIMIA Recover System, 2022 edition v1.0) was used to measure the knee ROM. The overall characteristics of participants were summarised using descriptive statistics. Anthropometric measurements and their association with knee ROM during the various activities were analysed. Variables with p-values <0.3 in univariate analysis were included in the multivariable analysis. Fifty participants (32 men, 18 women) were enrolled in the study. The average age of participants was 28.5 years (SD 5.57). The average height was 168 cm (SD 0.0870), and the average body mass index was 23.02 kg/m2 (SD 2.82). The average knee ROM requirements for various activities are as follows: walking on flat ground and stair climbing required less than 90°, squatting and kneeling required at least 127°, and sitting cross-legged required 106°. Lower limb length, leg length, and calf circumference were significantly correlated with the knee ROM required to perform the activities. The findings of this study, combined with an understanding of cultural expectations, might prove valuable for counselling and managing patients undergoing TKA in an urban Southeast Asian country.

Evaluation of the Palatal Features in Relation to Graft Harvesting in the Saudi Population.

Background and Objectives: The palate's morphological characteristics are of great importance, especially in periodontology, where the palatine tissue represents a source of tissue graft for multiple mucogingival surgeries. This study aimed to estimate the amount of donor tissue available through the average palatal height and average location of the greater palatine artery in the Saudi population according to age and gender. Materials and Methods: Digital casts for adult Saudi patients at the age of 18-60 years old with a mean age of 37.76 ± 12.68 years were collected and analyzed using EXOCAD software. The digital casts were evaluated, and measurements of arch width at molars and canines, palatal vault height (PVH), palatal height index (PHI), and extension of the palatal rugae were registered. Finally, the amount available for soft tissue graft harvesting was calculated. Results: Overall, 109 maxillary casts for Saudi patients, 52 (47.7%) males and 57 (52.3%) females, were analyzed. The maxillary inter-molar arch width, inter-canine width, and palatal vault height significantly differed between males and females (p < 0.05). The mean PHI was 45.51% ± 8.12%, and 27.5% were classified as orthostaphyline, while 72.5% were categorized as hypsistaphyline, with no significant difference between the genders. The mean maximum graft width was 11.45 mm, and the graft width was significantly different between males and females (p < 0.005), while the mean maximum graft length was 17.78 mm, and the graft length showed no significant difference. Conclusions: The results of this study provide specific clinical guidelines for periodontal procedures by emphasizing the importance of gender-specific anatomical considerations. Data on graft dimensions and palatal measurements will enable the exact planning of soft tissue harvesting to minimize surgical risks and optimize mucogingival surgery outcomes in the Saudi population.

Can Viewing Modality Affect Frontal Mandibular Bone Height Measurement? A Comparison Between 3D Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine Viewer and Printed Portable Document Format Cone Beam Computer Tomography Reports.

Objectives: Buccal cortical bone dimensions are crucial in dental radiology, as they impact orthodontic treatment outcomes. Changes in alveolar bone dimensions can result in malocclusion and require interdisciplinary approaches for correction. The accurate quantification of buccal bone dimensions is crucial for appropriate treatment planning and avoiding medico-legal issues. This study aimed to compare buccal bone height measurements between three-dimensional (3D) digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data and portable document format (PDF) cone beam computer topography reports for mandibular frontal teeth, testing the hypothesis of no difference in values between the two modalities. Methods: Each of the five observers performed a total of 720 height measurements (360 by DICOM and 360 by PDF), yielding a total of 3600 measurements overall. Results: Compared with the DICOM format, using PDF files was associated with a significantly greater rate of inability to carry out the measurements (8.8% vs. 3%, respectively, p < 0.001, chi-square). The average buccal bone height measured in the DICOM was 11.51 mm, which was significantly greater than the 10.35 mm measured in the PDF (p < 0.001). The mean height measured by the DICOM was consistently greater than that measured by the PDF, with highly significant differences in the findings of four of the examiners (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Viewing modality significantly affected the height of the buccal bone in the frontal mandibular area. Compared with the generated PDF reports, the 3D DICOM viewer performed better than the printed PDF and enabled more measurements in the target area.

Remediation of a diesel contaminated soil by means of anionic and non-ionic surfactants: Effect on soil phosphorus availability and Vicia Faba L. growth.

In the present study, the effectiveness of two surfactants (Polysorbate 80 - Tween 80 and Sodium Dodecyl Benzensulphonate - SDBS) was investigated for the remediation of a hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. Moreover, it was elucidated the impact of surfactants on soil phosphorus (P) availability and phytotoxic effect on the growth of Vicia Faba L. An experimental laboratory-scale apparatus (bench and pilot scale) was set up for the simulation of a soil flushing intervention. Different surfactant concentrations and flushing flow rates were investigated. Hydrocarbon extraction efficiency was evaluated after treatment and phytotoxicity tests were performed by means of germination index (GI). The treated soil with the pilot scale apparatus was then used for Vicia Faba (faba beans) cultivation in pots. The growth of Vicia Faba plants was monitored and, at the end of the growth period, the plants were uprooted and subjected to biometric and chemical analyses. Results highlighted that the use of surfactants significantly increased the efficiency of hydrocarbons extraction compared to flushing test with water (19.6%, 53.9%, and 65.6% for water, 0.1% by weight of Tween 80 and SDBS, respectively, at pilot scale). Referring to Vicia Faba L., the plants grown in the blank control and in the soil treated with Tween 80 reached the same average height thus suggesting that this surfactant does not inhibit plant growth. In contrast, the lowest plant growth occurred in the soils treated with SDBS; this suggests a negative impact on plant growth. Due to the reduced plant growth, total P uptake was the lowest in plants grown in SDBS-treated soils, although such soils experienced a 20% increase of soil available P. This increase could be ascribed to P supplied by the surfactant or high P availability as a consequence of soil pH decrease.

Bipedal static postural stability in children with achondroplasia compared to typically developed children in the age range of 9-12 years - A pilot study.

Postural stability is a key factor in maintaining an upright standing position. Children with average height (CAH) have elaborate general postural stability up to the age of seven years. Children with achondroplasia (ACH) face body disproportions like shorter arms and legs, bowing of the legs as well as hyperlordosis and hypokyphosis in the spine. These misalignments might affect the postural stability of children with achondroplasia. Therefore, this study aims to investigate if there are differences between children with ACH and CAH in four different bipedal static balance tasks. 23 children (11 ACH & 12 CAH) participated in this study. Every subject performed four static balance tasks: bipedal standing on the ground (eyes open/closed) and bipedal standing on a foam pad (eyes open/closed). All trials were recorded on a force plate (AMTI) with 1000 Hz and a duration of 30 seconds for each condition. Parameters of interest are the length of CoP (mm), surface area 95 (mm2) as well as three defined ranges of frequency (low: 0.02 - 0.1 Hz, medium: 0.1 - 1 Hz, and high: 1 - 10 Hz) for anterior-posterior (AP) and mediolateral direction (ML). A Mann-Whitney U test was used to investigate the parameters length of CoP (AP & ML) and surface area 95 %. One-way ANOVA was used for the area under the curve parameter for each frequency range. Nonsignificant differences were found for all parameters. However, non-significant medium and strong effect sizes were detected for certain parameters of the frequency analysis. Understanding strategies to maintain postural stability for ACH and CAH during a bipedal stance at a deeper level using frequency analysis helps to detect in which way disturbances might occur and how both cohorts react to those. Knowing the challenges of maintaining postural stability can help to develop therapeutic interventions to reduce disturbances.

Sensor-Based Furrow Irrigation System (SBFIS) for Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Production

The need to constantly monitor over-irrigation was one of the many challenges farmers confronted in their daily farming activities. Frequently, the farmer must travel a considerable distance to access their fields and irrigation pumps. This study further developed the feedback mechanism and program of the Central Luzon State University -Automated Furrow Irrigation System (CLSU-AFIS). The performance of the sensor-based furrow irrigation system (SBFIS) was determined in this study through the growth and yield of the sunflower. The study considered four treatments which were sensor-based furrow irrigation system with mulch (T1), sensor-based furrow irrigation system without mulch (T2), conventional furrow irrigation system with mulch (T3), and conventional furrow irrigation system without mulch (T4). The CLSU sunflower variety named CLSF-1 was used in this study. Results showed a significant difference between sensor-based and conventional furrow irrigation. Growth and yield parameters of the sunflower in a sensor-based furrow irrigation system with mulch obtained the highest value with average plant height of 74.14 cm, leaf number of 22.82, sunflower head weight of 184.87 g, sunflower head diameter of 17.23 cm, and yield of 80.14 kg. Mulch also reduced the irrigation frequency. Thus, it used less water but obtained the highest yield, increasing water productivity. The water productivity of using SBFIS without mulch in comparison with Conventional was found 54% higher while in SBFIS with mulch in comparison to Conventional with mulch was 72% higher. The water productivity of using SBFIS with mulch compared to SBFIS without mulch was found 39% higher while the Conventional with mulch compared to Conventional without mulch was also found 39% higher.

In-situ reconstruction of step phase based on orthogonal holograms

Filtering technology is the key to accurate phase reconstruction in off-axis digital holography. Due to the limitations of CCD resolution and off-axis digital holography itself, the filtering process of the step-phase objects is often accompanied by spectral loss, spectral aliasing and spectral leakage when non-integer periods are intercepted. At present, much research has been done on adaptive filtering in the frequency domain, but the above problems cannot be fundamentally solved. In this paper, the influence of spatial filtering on the accuracy of step-phase reconstruction is first analyzed theoretically. The analysis shows that even if the size of the filter window is equal to the sampling frequency of the CCD, the reconstructed object cannot retain all the spectral information of the object due to the limitation of the resolution power of the CCD itself. In addition, in the off-axis holographic recording process, considering the interference of zero-order terms and conjugate terms, the actual filter width is usually only 1/24 of the sampling frequency of the CCD, at which the average absolute error of the step is about 10% of the height of the step, the oscillation is relatively severe, and the details of the object are lost after further smoothing filtering, the edge is blurred and the tiny structure cannot be resolved. Second, according to the definition of discrete Fourier transform, the one-dimensional Fourier transform of a two-dimensional function is only integrated in one direction, leaving the other dimension unchanged. When the one-dimensional Fourier transform is performed along the direction perpendicular to the hologram interference stripe, and the one-dimensional full-spectrum filtering is performed, the distribution of the reconstructed object light wave in the direction parallel to the stripe follows the original distribution, which is not affected by the filtering, and is highly accurate. Therefore, an accurate two-dimensional differential phase can be obtained by combining the reconstructed light waves after one-dimensional full-spectrum filtering of two orthogonal off-axis holograms, which provides a fundamental guarantee for the accurate phase unwinding of the Poisson equation. Based on this, the spectral lossless phase reconstruction algorithm based on orthogonal holography and optical experiment method are proposed. In this paper, the ideal sample simulation, including irregular shapes such as gear, circle, V, diamond, drop, hexagon and pentagram, and the corresponding experiment based on USFA1951 standard plate and silicon wafer are carried out. The AFM-calibrated average step height of the standard plate is 100 nm, and that of the silicon wafer is 240 nm. The experimental results show that compared with the currently widely used adaptive filter phase reconstruction, the proposed method naturally avoids spectrum loss, spectrum aliasing and spectrum leakage caused by filtering, the reconstruction accuracy is high, and it is suitable for 3D contour reconstruction of any shape step object, which provides a practical way for high-precision phase reconstruction of off-axis holography.

Bioacoustic Assessment of Mangrove Health: Influence of Habitat Characteristics on Bird Richness

ABSTRACTMangroves play a vital role in coastal ecosystems, providing numerous ecosystem functions and services as well as supporting high levels of biodiversity. Using a bioacoustic approach, we assessed the influence of mangrove habitat variables on birds in four sites in Peninsular Malaysia. We set up 20 bioacoustic audio recorders across Telok Gong, Kapar Tambahan, Banjar Utara Forest Reserves, and Kuala Selangor Nature Park. The recorders operated for 30 min every hour over a period of 24 h for seven consecutive days. We assessed the habitat characteristics at each site by establishing one 20 m × 20 m quadrat at each of the recording points. Generalized linear mixed models indicated that the percentage of canopy cover, average tree height, forest age, number of saplings, forest size, and ground cover positively influenced bird richness. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining these habitat features to support higher bird species richness in mangroves. This study demonstrated the possible use of bioacoustics to assess mangrove restoration recovery progress via birds as bioindicators.Abstract in Malay is available with online material.

Development of Tractor Drawn Single Row Irish Potato Planter with Fertilizer Applicator

Irish potato planting in Nigeria has been accomplished by traditional method of planting potato tubers on the field, which is labor intensive, time consuming and produce low yields of potato per hectare. This is due to lack of suitable row planting machine. In order to solve the above problem, this study aimed to develop a prototype of Irish potato planter with fertilizer applicator which is capable of planting potato tubers in rows at desired depth and spacing and applying fertilizer simultaneously. The developed tractor drawn single row Irish potato planter with fertilizer applicator consists of main frame, tuber hopper, fertilizer hopper, cup feed seed metering mechanism, shovel type furrow opener, ground wheel, seed tube and spring loaded furrow cover. This machine has an edge over existing irish potato planting machine with additional of spring loaded furrow opener, rubber coated metering cup to avoid injuring of the tubers and incorporation of fertilizer applicator which saves the farmer additional cost of applying fertilizer after planting. The performances of tractor drawn single row Irish potato planter with fertilizer applicator was evaluated in the laboratory and field at a tractor walking speed of 3.5 km/hr and moisture content of 13.41%. At the tractor speed of 3.5 km/hr when the moisture content was 13.41%; the average depth of planting was 133.3 mm, the average intra row spacing of the planted potato seedling was 291.2 mm, the average number of potato per drop of the planted potato seedling was 1, quantity of fertilizer per drop was 10.6 g, the average percentage of missing was 2.46%, the average height of ridge was 285.7 mm, the average depth of fertilizer dropping was 133.3 mm, the average fuel consumption was 10.3 l/ha and the average field efficiency was 75.04%. The implement is recommended for small scale and medium scale farmers.