Conventional Plots Research Articles

Rice residue management alternatives and nitrogen optimization: impact on wheat productivity, microbial dynamics, and enzymatic activities

In response to the degraded soil health and lack of improvement in the yield of rice–wheat cropping systems in South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic Plains, an experiment was formulated in a split-plot design. Four rice residue management practices were the primary factor, alongside two nitrogen levels (150 and 180 kg/ha) and two nitrogen split levels (two and three splits) as sub-treatments. The findings revealed a notable increase in soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial count, and enzymatic activity in plots subjected to conservation tillage and residue treatment compared to those in plots subjected to partial residue (anchored stubbles) and conventional methods (residue incorporated with chopping). The collective analysis demonstrated a significant influence of rice residue management practices and nitrogen application levels on wheat yield attributes and productivity. Specifically, zero tillage with full residue (unchopped) in wheat exhibited a 5.23% increase in grain yield compared to conventional tillage with full residue (chopped), concurrently boosting the soil microbial count by 19.80–25%, the diazotrophic count by 29.43–31.6%, and the actinomycete count by 20.15–32.99% compared with conventional tillage. Moreover, applying nitrogen in three splits (at sowing, before the 1st irrigation, and after the 1st irrigation) led to a 6.25% increase in grain yield than that in two splits (at sowing and after the 1st irrigation), significantly impacting wheat productivity in the soil. Furthermore, the zero tillage-happy seeder with full residue elevated dehydrogenase activity from 77.94 to 88.32 μg TPF/g soil/24 h during the study year, surpassing that in the conventional plot. This increase in enzymatic activity was paralleled by a robust positive correlation between the microbial population and enzymatic activity across various residue retention practices. In conclusion, the results underscore the efficacy of crop residue retention following conservation tillage, in tandem with nitrogen optimization and scheduling, in enhancing wheat yield within the rice–wheat cropping system.

Effect of long term conservation agriculture and nitrogen management on soil nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur fractions under maize–wheat–mungbean cropping system

Conservation agriculture (CA) covers nearly 3.5 mha in Indian. And there is lack of studies on the CA effects soil nutrient dynamics. So, this study examines the effects of nine years of conservation agriculture on soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) fractions in an Inceptisol under maize–wheat–mungbean cropping system. Different tillage and nitrogen management practices were evaluated to understand how nutrient management in CA, contrasts with conventional methods. The CA practices and N fertilizer addition significantly enhanced the soil mineral N, alkali-permanganate N, potentially mineralizable N and microbial biomass N. The CA and N fertilization enhanced soluble and loosely bound P by dissolving the iron-bound, aluminum-bound, reductant soluble and calcium-bound P. All the soil S fractions i.e. available S, total water-soluble S, heat soluble S, sodium bicarbonate extractable S, inorganic sulfur, organic sulfur and total sulfur was positively affected by CA and N fertilization practices over conventional tillage and control plots, respectively. It is important to note that the green seeker-based N management options especially with urea super granules showed tendency in enhancing the available nutrient pools of N, P and S compared to recommended dose of N (RDN) applied and control plots indicating that in due course of time it may reduce the amount of RDN without hindering any soil nutrient dynamics. These findings contribute crucial knowledge for sustainable development by offering valuable perspectives on N, P and S management strategies.

Organic Management and Intercropping of Fruit Perennials Increase Soil Microbial Diversity and Activity in Arid Zone Orchard Cropping Systems

Organic farming encourages soil management practices that can improve soil health and fertility by increasing soil organic matter inputs and system sustainability. This study evaluated the effect of three years of continuous organic farming and intercropping orchard treatments on soil microbial diversity, microbial enumeration, respiration, soil fertility and fruit yields. Organic management resulted in higher soil organic matter content, Olsen P, and water holding capacity, but did not affect soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), K, or Na levels. Growth parameters measured on all fruit trees were not significantly different among treatments. The enumeration of bacteria was significantly higher in organic plots when compared to conventionally managed plots. Soil respiration and substrate-induced respiration were significantly higher in the organic diverse plots in comparison to both conventional systems. The genomic analysis of prokaryotes (16S rRNA) and eukaryotes/fungi (ITS) revealed a significantly higher number of taxa, Shannon H index, and Equitability index in the organic systems for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, in comparison to conventional farming, all of which are indicators of system sustainability. The relative abundance of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) previously reported as diazotrophs, denitrifiers, or involved in the sulfur cycle, as well as Arbuscular Mychorrizae Fungi (AMF)/glomeromycotan, were highest in the organically managed soils than in the conventional plots. A multivariate correlation network clustering revealed that the microbial communities within the organic and conventional soils had strong dissimilarities regarding soil microbial niches. Our work provides evidence that organic management can be used for increasing soil microbial diversity and soil health, leading to higher levels of sustainability in fruit orchard systems.

Enhancing pest management - Utilizing supplementary food spray to harness predatory insects against fall armyworm in maize crop of Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam

The effect of supplementary food spray on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and beneficial insects (predominantly predatory insects) was studied in commercial maize field experiments from 2020 to 2022. The food spray formulation was developed from local ingredients in Vietnam, both with and without neem extract. The sugar-based rice dough product attracted and sustained beneficial insects, significantly reducing fall armyworm populations. Compared to conventional insecticide treatments, the net margin achieved in plots treated with food spray was higher ($3,467) to $3,394 in the conventional insecticide-treated plots demonstrating its economic viability (1 AUD=17.28 VND). Our study observed an average predator-to-prey ratio of 9.2:1 per plant in the food-spray-treated plots, and that was effective in managing the fall armyworm throughout the season. We propose that this ratio can serve as a valuable parameter and decisionmaking tool in food spray-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs against fall armyworm in maize fields. Therefore, we suggest that food sprays can be incorporated into IPM strategies to successfully manage fall armyworm infestation in maize crop.

Conservation agriculture compared to conventional tillage improves the trade-off between ground-dwelling arthropod trophic groups for natural pest regulation in cotton cropping systems

Conservation agriculture is an innovative approach based on minimal soil disturbance, soil cover with crop residues, and crop rotation, which increases the biodiversity of soil macrofauna thus contributing to nutrient cycling and soil aggregation. In addition, macrofaunal abundance may play a role at regulating insect pest populations. The study aims to predict the effects of soil management practices (conventional tillage and conservation agriculture) on the abundance of soil macrofauna and herbivore predation in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) based cropping systems. We conducted a field experiment with a randomized complete block comprising two treatments, Conventional Tillage (CT) and Conservation Agriculture (CA), and six replications in a cotton-maize rotation system from 2020 to 2023. Soil monoliths and pitfall traps were installed in both treatments to collect ground-dwelling arthropods, to analyse the influence of soil management practices on their abundance, their trophic groups, and the rate of pest predation by generalist predators. Pest predation rates were assessed using artificial caterpillars made from plasticine. The results showed significant positive effects of soil management practices on herbivory rate, herbivore abundance, predator abundance, omnivore-predator abundance and pest predation rate. The average herbivory rate was 9.8 % in the conservation agriculture plots and 11.6 % in the conventional tillage plots. Overall, the predation rate was 58.9 % in the conservation agriculture plots and 21.8 % in the conventional tillage plots. The abundance of predators and of omnivore-predators were significantly higher in conservation agriculture than in conventional tillage. These findings suggest that conservation agriculture practices improve soil macrofauna and pest regulation, with potential benefits on soil quality and sustainability in cotton cropping systems.

Penerapan prosedur operasional standar budi daya tanaman jeruk ramah lingkungan untuk menekan infestasi kutu perisai merah Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Jeruk merupakan tanaman hortikultura yang sudah dikembangkan diberbagai daerah di Indonesia. Setiap tahun permintaan buah jeruk selalu meningkat, namun tidak terpenuhi karena produksi rendah. Permasalahan ini disebabkan oleh adanya serangan organisme penggangu tanaman, yaitu hama kutu perisai merah Aonidiella aurantii (Maskel). Upaya yang dilakukan untuk menekan infestasi A. aurantii, yaitu dengan penerapan prosedur operasional standar (SOP) pada budi daya tanaman jeruk ramah lingkungan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektifitas penerapan SOP dalam menekan populasi dan intensitas serangan hama kutu perisai merah A. aurantii pada tanaman jeruk. Penelitian dilaksanakan bulan Januari sampai Agutus 2020 di kebun jeruk milik petani di Kota Batu. Penelitian eksperimen ini menggunakan metode teori research design. Perlakuan terdiri atas petak penerapan SOP berupa pemangkasan pemeliharaan, sanitasi kebun, dan aplikasi pupuk organik; dan petak konvensional kebiasaan petani yang tidak melakukan pemangkasan, membersihkan gulma di seluruh kebun, penggunaan pupuk anorganik NKP Mutiara 16-16-16. Luas setiap petak perlakuan adalah 1.500 m2. Pada setiap pelakuan diambil 10 tanaman sampel secara sistematik. Pengamatan setaiap tanaman dilakukan pada ranting atau cabang yang tersebar pada 4 arah mata angin. Pengamatan meliputi jumlah buah terserang, kelimpahan musuh alami, populasi, dan intensitas serangan A. aurantii. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan penerapan SOP budi daya jeruk mampu menurunkan kepadatan populasi dan intensitas serangan hama A. aurantii secara nyata serta mampu meningkatkan kelimpahan musuh alami dan kualitas buah jeruk apabila dibandingkan dengan cara budi daya jeruk pada perlakuan konvensional.

Waveform optimization for future wireless communication: numerical simulation under mobile and vehicular scenarios in 5G and beyond

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) are multicarrier regulating systems developed for quick communication. OFDM and its improved multi-carrier regulation technique employ equally distributed orthogonal sub-carriers for the transmission of data. These sub-carriers are modified using a conventional tweak plot, maintaining full information rates comparable to single carrier regulation schemes. The research also compares the two 5G modulation techniques, FBMC and UFMC, to OFDM, the 4G communication modulation technology. To evaluate the benefits of each contender, we compare important characteristics of different modulation approaches. The research compares the 5G modulation techniques FBMC and UFMC to OFDM, focusing on factors like power spectrum density, spectral efficiency, Bit Error rate, and Peak to Average Power Radio. To boost channel capacity and decrease interferences, the approach merges three alternative 5G waveforms under the LTE-V paradigm which is a specialized mode or configuration of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology designed specifically for vehicular communication. MATLAB simulations show that FBMC performs better in terms of BER and capacity. In scenarios characterized by high interference due to power domain multiplexing and vehicular environment, FBMC demonstrates a maximum capacity that is 3.5 times greater than OFDM. However, in low-interference conditions, FBMC’s capacity exceeds UFMC’s by only a marginal 5%.

The probe of current conduction mechanisms, interface states, and the forward bias intersection point of the al/Al2O3/Ge/p-Si heterostructures depending on temperature

The current conduction mechanisms (CCMs), temperature-sensitivities (S), energy-dependent interface traps (Nss), and origin of the intersection points in the forward bias (IF−VF) plots of the Al/Al2O3/Ge/p-Si heterostructure were investigated in wide temperature range of 90–420 K. Firstly, main electrical parameters, including reverse-saturation current (Io), ideality factor (n), zero-bias barrier-height (ΦBo), and series-resistance (Rs) values, were extracted for each temperature. The lnIF-VF curves illustrate two distinct linear regimes at low and intermediate bias voltages. Despite the observed decline in n values as temperature rises, the corresponding ΦBo values exhibit an upward trend. The conventional Richardson plots deviated from linearity at low temperatures, and the Richardson-constants (A*) value obtained from its linear part is quite lower than its theoretical value. Hence, ΦBo−q/2 kT, ΦBo−n, and n(kT)/q−(kT/q) correlations were plotted to seek indications of the Gaussian distribution (GD) of barrier heights (BHs) and tunneling mechanism. Temperate sensitivity (S = dV/dT) for 0.01, 0.10, 0.50, and 1 μA was found as 2.30, 2.33, 2.34, and 2.35 mV/K, which indicated that the fabricated Al/Al₂O₃/Ge/p-Si heterostructure is highly sensitive to temperature, rendering it suitable for use in temperature sensor applications. The observed crossing point at about 2.4V was explained by an increase in the apparent BH with temperature and the presence of Rs.

Assessment of cluster front line demonstration on yield and economics of summer sesame

Sesame is one of the most important oilseed crops which play a major role in increasing the income of small and marginal farmers of the Kutch region of Gujarat. To promote the improved cultivation technology of sesame with high yielding variety ‘GT4’ and ‘GJT5’, 123 cluster front line demonstrations (CFLDs) were conducted in 63.2 ha area during summer, at ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kukma, Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat during summer 2017 to 2020. The four years data revealed that the average yield increased to 16.34% over the existing practice due to adoption of improved practice. The average technology gap, extension gap and technology index were 270.5 kg/ha, 121 kg/ha and 24.95%, respectively. Furthermore, the economics of the demonstrations and farmers practice showed an increased net return of ₹39,319/ha with benefit: cost ratio (BCR) of 2.47 in demonstrated plots over conventional plots where it was ₹30,700/ha and 2.19, respectively. By conducting front line demonstration of the proven technologies, yield potential of sesame crop could be enhanced to a greater extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.

Fault root cause analysis using degree of change and mean variable threshold limit in non-linear dynamic distillation column

The chemical industrial processes are both dynamic and complex. The presence of instability and danger in the production process poses significant challenges to safety management. Early and accurate fault diagnosis is essential to ensure a sustainable and stable chemical process performance. Most studies in literature do not provide detailed information about diagnosing the root cause of faults in distillation columns using contribution plots. Using principal component analysis (PCA) in conventional contribution plots leads to a large number of contributing variables, making it difficult to identify the root cause of a specific fault. In this study, the authors suggest employing the Degree of Change of Contribution Values (DCC) and Mean Variable Threshold Limit (LMVT) techniques alongside the Wavelet Transform-Principal Component Analysis (WT-PCA) method to decrease the quantity of fault identification variables in a non-linear system (distillation column). The Aspen Plus software is utilized to perform a dynamic simulation of a distillation column, generating data for both normal and faulty operations. Two distinct types of faults are considered, which include loss of feed flow and feed temperature changes. This study aims to analyze the results obtained from the Hotelling T2 and SPE contribution plots by calculating the average difference between the normal and faulty conditions using the Degree of Change in Contribution Values. This procedure is performed to determine the extent of deviation from the standard state. Subsequently, the variables that have surpassed the threshold limit for means variables (LMVT) are designated as the variables that serve as the primary underlying cause of the fault. The technique was employed in a case study involving a nonlinear distillation column, and the results indicate that only one "dominant" variable intersects the LMVT by Hotelling T2, which represents the true underlying cause of the corresponding fault.

Examining the Percent Canopy Cover and Health of Winter Wheat in No-Till and Conventional Tillage Plots Using a Drone

The percent canopy cover and health of winter wheat are important crop performance indicators. Thus, understanding how tillage management practices affect these indicators is beneficial for improving crop performance and consequently yield. The availability of high-resolution drone data with spectral characteristics provides an opportunity to examine the percent canopy cover and health of winter wheat in different tillage systems. This is because the use of drones provides real-time high spatial resolution and temporal images to effectively monitor winter wheat conditions throughout the growing season. Nonetheless, very limited studies have utilized drone data for assessing the percent canopy cover and health conditions of winter wheat for different tillage practices. This study aimed to examine the percent canopy cover and health of winter wheat in no-till and conventional tillage plots using a drone. We used the mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) ± Standard Deviation (SD) (0.89 ± 0.04) of winter wheat for the growth stages of tillering, jointing, and boot/heading to generate the percent wheat canopy cover. The Normalized Difference Red-Edge (NDRE) produced for winter wheat at the middle and late growth stages was used as a proxy for wheat health condition. We found that the mean percentage canopy cover of winter wheat was about 4% higher in no-till compared to conventional tillage plots in most of the growing season. The mean NDRE ± standard error (SE) of winter wheat was about 0.44 ± 0.01 and 0.43 ± 0.01 for no-till and conventional tillage plots, respectively, during the mid- and late growth stages. There was no significant difference in either the percent canopy cover or health of winter wheat between no-till and conventional tillage plots. The results generated in this study could be used to support farmers’ decision-making process regarding tillage practices and wheat crop performance.

Coexistence field trials between MON810 and conventional maize in Mallorca as a basis for a regional regulatory proposal based on scientific evidence in the times of genome editing

This paper reports the first coexistence field trials between transgenic and conventional maize carried out under Mediterranean island conditions. Their purpose was to assess the local validity of pollen barriers and sowing delays as coexistence strategies as a basis for a regional regulation on the subject. Two field trials were performed in two agricultural states of Alcudia and Palma, in Mallorca (Spain). In the first one, two adjacent plots were synchronously sown with conventional and transgenic maize, respectively. In the second trial, the previous design was replicated, and two additional plots sown with GM maize were added, paired with their respective conventional recipient plots sown 2 and 4 weeks later. All conventional plots were located downwind from their respective GM plots. Of the two conventional plots in sowing synchrony, only one of them required a 2.25 m pollen barrier to meet the 0.9% labeling threshold. A 4-week sowing delay between GM and non-GM plots proved to be enough to keep the GM content of the recipient plots below the legal threshold. However, with a 2-week sowing delay additional coexistence measures such as pollen barriers might be needed, as suggested in the literature. Results are consistent with previous research conducted in the northeast of Spain, thus validating in the island’s agroclimatic conditions a model successfully tested in that peninsular region which allows to accurately estimate the need and width of pollen barriers. The results presented here could perhaps be extrapolated to other islands, coastal areas, and regions with stable prevailing winds during the maize flowering season.

Partial Cross Mapping Based on Sparse Variable Selection for Direct Fault Root Cause Diagnosis for Industrial Processes.

Root cause diagnosis of process industry is of significance to ensure safe production and improve production efficiency. Conventional contribution plot methods have challenges in root cause diagnosis due to the smearing effect. Other traditional root cause diagnosis methods, such as Granger causality (GC) and transfer entropy, have unsatisfactory performance in root cause diagnosis for complex industrial processes due to the existence of indirect causality. In this work, a regularization and partial cross mapping (PCM)-based root cause diagnosis framework is proposed for efficient direct causality inference and fault propagation path tracing. First, generalized Lasso-based variable selection is performed. The Hotelling T2 statistic is formulated and the Lasso-based fault reconstruction is applied to select candidate root cause variables. Second, the root cause is diagnosed through the PCM and the propagation path is drawn out according to the diagnosis result. The proposed framework is studied in four cases to verify its rationality and effectiveness, including a numerical example, the Tennessee Eastman benchmark process, the wastewater treatment process (WWTP), and the decarburization process of high-speed wire rod spring steel.

Pendampingan Demplot Teknik Budidaya Bawang Merah pada Musim Hujan Secara Ramah Lingkungan

Background: Shallot cultivation in the rainy season faces the constraints of more severe plant disease problems. Utilization of mixed biopestisda Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus sp. B8 and Pseudomonas flourescens P8 as well as proper cultivation techniques have not been adopted by farmers. It is necessary to assist farmers in implementing the technology The objectives of the activity are: assisting farmers in implementing the shallot cultivation technology package appropriately, increasing the quantity and quality of crop production, and increasing farmers' income through increasing farm efficiency. Method: The farmers participating in the activity are members of the farmer group "Lestari" Tambak Sogra Village, Sumbang District, Banyumas Regency. Technology transfer method through demplot assistance. The biopesticide technology package and environmental manipulation are compared to the conventional package of synthetic chemical pesticides. Data on the growth and yield of technological plot crops compared to conventional plots. The large number of farmers who can independently apply the technology is observed. Results: mentoring activities showed that farmer group members were able to independently implement technology packages. The use of biopesticides and proper cultivation techniques can produce growth and yield equivalent to the use of synthetic chemical pesticides. Conclusion: 80% partner farmers can apply technology packages, the use of biopesticides is able to substitute the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, technology packages are able to increase 5.9% of shallot bulbs and reduce 75% production costs.

Exploring Plastic Mulching as a Strategy for Mitigating Drought Stress and Boosting Maize Yield in the Ecuadorian Andes

Global food security faces a substantial risk stemming from water scarcity, particularly in regions heavily dependent on rainfall for agricultural purposes. In the Andean region, which is grappling with water scarcity, innovative and sustainable approaches are imperative for securing food sources. Plastic mulching has emerged as a potential solution to address water scarcity challenges by conserving soil moisture and optimizing growing conditions. A two-year field experiment was conducted that evaluated the efficacy of plastic mulching in preserving soil water content and reducing drought stress for maize. Two maize cultivars were grown with plastic mulching and conventional practices using a randomized completed block design with three replicates. The results demonstrated that employing plastic mulch led to a rise in the soil water content, particularly within the initial 30 cm of depth, resulting in variances of up to 4.71% humidity between the 20 and 30 cm depths. For the 2019 and 2020 evaluation years, plastic mulching elevated the volumetric water content in the first 30 cm of the soil by 8.39% and 14.18%, respectively. Additionally, it elevated the soil temperature by 1.26 °C and reduced the maize flowering time. Plastic mulching substantially enhanced the fresh corn yield, reaching a 162% increase compared to conventional plots. These findings underscore the potential benefits of plastic mulching in conserving the soil water content, alleviating drought and cold stress for crops in the Andean region.

Risk identification of salts and heavy metals in water by multivariate statistical techniques and GIS based interpolation: A case study of Saeedabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Underground water is the most common source for drinking and depends on environmental functions in the ecosystem. In Pakistan water demand is increasing and quality of water is decreasing due to contaminations of salts and heavy metals. Total of 45 water samples were collected form Taluka Saeedabad, District Matiari, Sindh and evaluated for physicochemical parameters, anions, essential and trace metals. The study was examined for multivariate statistical integrated approaches along with conventional plots of geographic mapping employed to classify hydrological study of groundwater. The geochemical modelling using GIS map of the study area were drawn for TDS, F, As and WQI to classify groundwater quality. TDS results ranged from 245 to 1926 mg/L with mean 923.45 mg/L. TDS of 17 (38%) samples exceeded WHO limit and were not fit for drinking. Higher samples concentration range for anions and cations above the permissible limits of WHO were found in the order of HCO3− >NO3− >SO42− >PO43− >Cl− and Na+ >K+ >Mg2+ >Ca2+. Toxic elements of fluoride and arsenic were in 31% and 18% samples exceeding the WHO limit. The calculated values for WQI were found in the categories good (27%), poor (49%), very poor (20%) and unfit (4%) for drinking. The hydrochemical investigation in Piper diagram indicated similar characteristics with mixed type water. Gibbs diagram indicated most samples were found in evaporation dominancy and rock weathering dominancy for cations and anions. Health risk assessments are reported in hazard quotient, chronic daily intake and contamination index. Groundwater quality for irrigation were also analyzed and moderately suitable for agriculture.

1D-Guided Differential Rescaling of a Contour Plot in Comprehensive 2D Gas Chromatography.

A 1D-guided differential rescaling algorithm for a contour plot is developed based on our recently proposed comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) system with a first-dimensional (1D) detector added. Chromatograms obtained from 1D and second-dimensional (2D) detectors are both incorporated during the data processing. As compared to the conventional contour plot methods using only 2D data, our algorithm can significantly improve precision and consistency of GC × GC results in terms of retention times, peak widths, and peak areas or volumes, regardless of modulation time selection, modulation phase shift fluctuations, and modulation duty cycle. The peak identification, quantification, and capacity can therefore be enhanced. Furthermore, the 1D-guided differential rescaling method is shown to better handle the coelution and missing peak issues often encountered in the conventional methods. Finally, the new method exhibits high versatility in 1D and 2D detector selection, which greatly broadens GC × GC utility. Our method can easily be adapted to other two-dimensional chromatography systems that have direct access to 1D chromatograms.

Struktur dan Fungsi Sosial Cerita Rakyat Legenda Kapa Si Mikin di Kabupaten Solok

The purpose of this research is to identify the structure of the folklore legend of Kapa si Mikin and explain the social function of the folklore legend of Kapa si Mikin. This research is a qualitative research using folklore studies. Data collection was done by interview method accompanied by note-taking and recording techniques and complemented by field observation method. The source of data in this study is the folklore of the legend of Kapa si Mikin found in Kanagarian Koto Sani District X Koto Singkarak Solok Regency obtained from native speakers. The data in this study were analyzed using three stages, namely: (1) data identification stage; (2) classification stage; (3) discussion and conclusion stage of data analysis results. The results showed that the structure of the folklore of the legend of Kapa si Mikin consists of: language style in the folklore of the legend of Kapa si Mikin using the dialect of Kanagarian Koto Sani District X Koto Singkarak Solok Regency which is easily understood by the community where the owner of the story; the number of characters and characterizations is minimalist; consists of a conventional plot using three stages of storytelling namely the initial stage, middle stage and final stage; the setting in the story includes place setting, time setting and social setting; themed family stories namely the relationship between mother and child. The social functions of the folklore of the legend of Kapa si Mikin are as a means to entertain, a means to educate, a tool to pass on oral traditions, and as a means to show identity,

Visualisations for Bayesian Additive Regression Trees

Tree-based regression and classification has become a standard tool in modern data science. Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) has in particular gained wide popularity due its flexibility in dealing with interactions and non-linear effects. BART is a Bayesian tree-based machine learning method that can be applied to both regression and classification problems and yields competitive or superior results when compared to other predictive models. As a Bayesian model, BART allows the practitioner to explore the uncertainty around predictions through the posterior distribution. In this paper, we present new Visualisation techniques for exploring BART models. We construct conventional plots to analyse a model’s performance and stability as well as create new tree-based plots to analyse variable importance, interaction, and tree structure. We employ Value Suppressing Uncertainty Palettes (VSUP) to construct heatmaps that display variable importance and interactions jointly using colour scale to represent posterior uncertainty. Our new Visualisations are designed to work with the most popular BART R packages available, namely BART, dbarts, and bartMachine. Our approach is implemented in the R package bartMan (BART Model ANalysis).

Optimizing extreme limited entry design for lateral heterogeneous reservoirs

Extreme limited entry (XLE) method can enhance hydraulic fracture uniformity by elevating wellbore pressure to overcome reservoir heterogeneity. However, it increases surface pressure and decreases hydraulic fracturing efficiency. In this paper, the effects of stress shadow and heterogeneity of the lateral breakdown pressure on fracture propagation are numerically studied, from which an optimization method is proposed for the XLE design with the minimal requirement of fracturing pressure. Initially, the unconventional fracture model is applied to analyze fracture propagation in formations with homogeneous geomechanical parameters and various perforation designs. Fracture length distribution is correlated with perforation friction, revealing insights into the influence of geomechanical parameters and fracture spacing. Then, the uniformity of fracture propagation is assessed for different XLE designs by varying lateral breakdown pressures. Simulation results are utilized to develop a cross-plot of fracture length distributions vs normalized perforation frictions for optimizing an XLE design. In homogeneous reservoirs, decreasing perforation spacing and increasing perforation hole erosion rate slow down the reduction in the fracture length distribution span with perforation friction, necessitating a higher perforation friction for uniform fractures. In all simulated cases, a similar trend is observed when the distribution of fracture lengths is plotted vs the normalized perforation friction to the difference of breakdown pressure within one fracturing stage. It is recommended that this normalized value be maintained above 2 in an XLE design. This new plot makes the conventional horn-shaped plot more applicable to reservoirs with heterogeneous lateral breakdown pressures.