Variation Of Diameter Research Articles

Prediction of optimal dimensions and arrangements of circular tubes of a fin and tube heat exchanger for an improved thermal-hydraulic performance

In the present work, the thermal-hydraulic performance of a fin and tube compact heat exchanger (FTHE) with different spatial arrangements of tubes and variations of tube diameter is investigated numerically. The three types of spatial arrangement of the tubes, namely inline, staggered row (SR), and staggered column (SC) arrangements, and five different tube diameters starting from Dc = 6.51 mm to Dc = 10.51 mm considered with a constant increment of 1 mm, are investigated for the augmentation of the heat transfer. The entire analysis is conducted under the low inlet velocity ranging from 0.7 m/s to 1.1 m/s. The results indicate that FTHEs (flow-through heat exchangers) have better thermal-hydraulic performance when arranged in staggered column configurations compared to inline and staggered row arrangements. However, it was observed that the pressure drop increased in staggered column arrangements compared to inline and staggered row arrangements. The performance ranking method MOORA is applied to optimize the spatial arrangements of tubes. The study’s findings suggest that the performance of FTHE is better in the case of staggered column arrangements, which offer a fair agreement with performance evaluation criteria (PEC3 = Q/(Pf +Pp )). After achieving the staggered column arrangement as an optimum spatial arrangement of the tubes, the influence of tube diameter on the performance of FTHEs is investigated for this arrangement only. The findings indicate that when the tube diameter is increased, there is a corresponding increase in both the characteristics like heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop penalty. The performance ranking method MOORA is applied to get an optimum tube diameter, which is cross-checked by the TOPSIS method. Based on PEC3 and two optimization approaches, MOORA and TOPSIS, it is revealed that a larger tube diameter leads to better overall performance of the FTHEs.

Analysis of the vortex-induced vibration response characteristics of riser under the soft suspension evacuation condition

This paper establishes a nonlinear dynamic model for a suspended riser under the condition of considering realistic configurations, based on the principles of virtual work and Hamilton's variational principle. The nonlinearity of the model is manifested by considering vortex-induced vibration in the cross flow (CF) and in-line (IL) directions, as well as large deformations, taking into account the variable diameter of the riser in the compliant riser system. The model is discretized using the finite element method and solved using the Newmark-β method. Experimental validation is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the model. Utilizing the parameters of a riser in a well in the South China Sea, the paper explores the influence of different environmental and structural parameters on the VIV response characteristics of a compliant riser. Results show that the vibration frequency is controlled by both the bare tube and buoyant block when the buoyant block coverage rate is 25%, which can significantly inhibit VIV. With the increase of flow velocity, the VIV energy jumps from low order to high order, and the riser mode also transitions from low order to high order. The increase in suspension length transfers the vibration energy from high to low frequency, thus realizing energy transition and mode shape transformation. With the increase in LMRP weight, the vibration and natural frequencies of the riser increase synchronously, the vibration amplitude decreases, and the mode shape remains unchanged.

Damage Detection in FRP-Reinforced Concrete Elements.

Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional steel reinforcements in concrete structures owing to their benefits of corrosion resistance, higher strength-to-weight ratio, reduced maintenance cost, extended service life, and superior durability. However, there has been limited research on non-destructive testing (NDT) methods applicable for identifying damage in FRP-reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) elements. This knowledge gap has often limited its application in the construction industry. Engineers and owners often lack confidence in utilizing this relatively new construction material due to the challenge of assessing its condition. Thus, the main objective of this study is to determine the applicability of two of the most common NDT methods: the Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Phased Array Ultrasonic (PAU) methods for the detection of damage in FRP-RC elements. Three slab specimens with variations in FRP type (glass-, carbon- and basalt-FRP, i.e., GFRP, CFRP, and BFRP, respectively), bar diameter, bar depths, and defect types were investigated to determine the limitations and detection capabilities of these two NDT methods. The results show that GPR could detect damage in GFRP bars and CFRP strands, but PAU was limited to damage detection in CFRP strands. The findings of this study show the applicability of conventional NDT methods to FRP-RC and at the same time identify the areas with a need for further research.

The Effect of Porous Media Grain Size on non-Darcy Flow Behavior using Pore Scale Simulation

The impact of grain size of the porous media of the 3D images of a beadpack on the permeability values and non-Darcy flow behaviour is analyzed using pore-scale flow modelling utilizing the finite volume method. In this study, the sample used was a 3D image from random tight packing of spheres (beadpack) with a size of 250×250×250 voxels and a porosity of 0.36. Variation in grain size is carried out by upscaling the 3D image sample, so that this treatment affects the specific surface area value but does not change the porosity and tortuosity of the sample. Several variations of grain diameter include 100 μm, 125 μm, 150 μm, 175 μm, and 200 μm. In this study, we adopted PIMPLE algorithm, which combines SIMPLE and PISO algorithms to accomplish the Navier-Stokes equations of fluid dynamics in such porous media. The simulation results show that the permeability value exhibits an inverse relationship with the specific surface area. This correlation is in accordance with the Kozeny-Carman equation. In addition, the initiation of non-Darcy flow occurs at the reference length-based Reynolds number of 2.06 and the permeability-based Reynolds number of 0.049.

Multi-objective optimization of heat charging performance of phase change materials in tree-shaped perforated fin heat exchangers

To enhance the convective heat transfer and overall thermal performance of horizontal latent heat storage (LHS) units, an innovative tree-shaped fin structure with perforations was introduced. A numerical simulation study examined the impact of perforation layers on the unit's overall performance. For a comprehensive analysis of the perforations' cumulative effect on the LHS unit, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized to assess the influence of variations in perforation diameter and number on material consumption and heat exchange targets, deriving predictive correlations. The results indicated that compared to a non-perforated structure, the maximum improvement was observed with three layers of perforations, reducing material usage by 0.93%, while increasing the Nusselt number (Nu) and heat exchange by 10.19% and 36.51%, respectively. Moreover, the average temperature of the phase change material (PCM) in one and three perforated layers was higher than in the non-perforated tree-shaped fins, with complete melting times reduced by 5.37% and 2.51%, respectively. RSM results showed a negative linear correlation between increased perforation diameter and number with reduced material consumption, with the number of perforations having a more significant impact on heat exchange than their diameter. The Pareto optimal points obtained using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) demonstrated lower material usage and higher heat exchange. Compared to the non-perforated tree-shaped fins, the Pareto-optimized solutions reduced material consumption by 2%–2.68% and increased heat exchange by 79.42%–94.45%. Analysis of the flow field, temperature field, and phase change process revealed that perforations significantly enhanced the mixing of PCM in different areas of the tree-like fins and secondary flow, with temperatures near the perforations increasing by 5–7K and flow velocity by 3–4 times, significantly promoting convective heat transfer.

Variable diameter pile foundations – advantages and disadvantages

Variable diameter pile foundations can be an efficient foundation solution used for special structures, mainly for the ones with increased heights. For economic efficiency in land use, especially in urban areas, there is a tendency to build very high constructions with very small footprint related to their height, which transmit large loads to the foundation soil. Based on these aspects, it is necessary to consider pile foundations in order to ensure the desired safety and stability requirements. The technologies for piles constructions evolved a lot and a main objective was to better use the interaction between the soil and the pile. From this point a view the paper presents a comparison between the bearing capacities of a constant diameter pile and a variable diameter pile, considering different soil conditions. All the calculations were performed using finite element analyses.

Efecto de mordientes sobre la variación de diámetro y tono de color en hilos de fibra de alpaca teñidos con flores de colli (Buddleja coriacea)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mordants on the variation of mean fibre diameter (MFD), spinning fineness (SF), and colour tone in alpaca fibre threads dyed with colli flowers (Buddleja coriacea). The dye was extracted using boiling water, followed by immersion of the thread in 160 ml of extract and post-mordanting with collpa, alum, and lemon salt at boiling temperature. MFD was measured using S-Fiber Med equipment. Colorimetry parameters were obtained using a spectrometer, and FT-IR spectrophotometer was used for identification of functional groups. MFD in colli-dyed and post-mordanted threads significantly increased with the addition of mordants, with the highest change observed with lemon salt (30.09 μm). The same trend was observed for SF. Dyeing with colli flower extract and subsequent mordant application produced different shades and hues of yellow colour in alpaca thread with significant variations in colorimetry parameters and FT-IR spectrum intensity. The reflectance spectrum R (%) showed a typical yellow colour curve with small differences in intensity due to the mordants used. In conclusion, MFD in colli-dyed thread increased by 0.44 µm; collpa mordanted by 2.78 µm; alum by 3.31 µm, and lemon salt by 3.51 µm compared to white thread, also producing different shades and hues of yellow colour with significant variations in colorimetry parameters and K/S. The sample dyed with colli without mordant presented the highest intensity, and lower intensity was observed in post-mordanted samples in FT-IR.

Assessing intra-annual growth dynamics in climatically contrasting years, sites, and tree species using dendrometers and wood anatomical data

Detecting the intra-annual dynamics and courses of secondary tree growth enables the accurate identification of crucial steps in the forming of a new tree ring. Furthermore, comparing the high-resolution recordings of tree growth with environmental conditions allows assessment of the influence of weather on wood formation processes. This study investigates the intra-annual growth performance of conifer species and European beech at two high- and two low-elevation sites in Bavaria, southeast Germany. We measured stem circumference changes with electronic band dendrometers and cambial dynamics by collecting microcores at biweekly intervals. We analyzed growth variations between the consecutive years 2020 and 2021, which showed distinct climatic differences during the growing seasons. While warm and dry conditions prevailed in spring and summer in 2020, spring in 2021 was comparatively cold, and summer precipitation was high. Different tree growth patterns were observed in the contrasting years 2020 and 2021. Distinct growth reductions occurred in the drier year 2020 for most of the studied tree species, while trees showed wider tree rings in 2021 despite of low growth rates at the beginning of the growing season. Climate-growth correlations exposed the intraseasonal influence of climatic conditions, particularly available soil water, water vapor pressure deficit, and soil temperature, on short-term tree responses. Wood anatomical analysis and daily stem diameter variations proved to be valid monitoring methods to assess individual wood formation processes and to identify species-specific tree responses to the influence of climatic conditions. However, combining both methods represents the most reliable approach due to the mutual ability to compensate for each other’s deficiencies. While dendrometers provided a very accurate and high-resolution record of intra-annual tree growth, wood anatomical analyses were more reliable in determining the exact onset and cessation of wood formation. For this reason, combining both is recommended for assessing prospective tree growth performance in the context of climate change.

Unpacking the point of no return under drought in poplar: insight from stem diameter variation.

A specific, robust threshold for drought-induced tree mortality is needed to improve the prediction of forest dieback. Here, we tested the relevance of continuous measurements of stem diameter variations for identifying such a threshold, their relationship with hydraulic and cellular damage mechanisms, and the influence of growth conditions on these relationships. Poplar saplings were grown under well-watered, water-limited, or light-limited conditions and then submitted to a drought followed by rewatering. Stem diameter was continuously measured to investigate two parameters: the percentage loss of diameter (PLD) and the percentage of diameter recovery (DR) following rewatering. Water potentials, stomatal conductance, embolism, and electrolyte leakage were also measured, and light microscopy allowed investigating cell collapse induced by drought. The water release observed through loss of diameter occurred throughout the drought, regardless of growth conditions. Poplars did not recover from drought when PLD reached a threshold and this differed according to growth conditions but remained linked to cell resistance to damage and collapse. Our findings shed new light on the mechanisms of drought-induced tree mortality and indicate that PLD could be a relevant indicator of drought-induced tree mortality, regardless of the growth conditions.

Radial Variation of Wood Anatomical Characteristics and Maturation Ages of Six Korean Oak Species

The objective of this study was to examine and compare radial variation of the anatomical characteristics and the transition age from juvenile to mature wood of the six Korean oak wood species: Quercus variabilis (Qv), Quercus serrata (Qs), Quercus mongolica (Qm), Quercus dentata (Qd), Quercus aliena (Qal), and Quercus acutissima (Qac). Quantitative anatomical features were observed from the pith to the bark at five growth-ring intervals using optical microscopy. A segmented regression model was used to evaluate the transition from juvenile wood to mature wood. The clearest transition from juvenile to mature wood was observed in the radial variation of the earlywood vessel diameter and fiber length. The maturation age of the six Korean oak species ranged from 19 to 44 years. Qv exhibited the highest values for latewood vessel diameter, fiber length, and fiber diameter. Qac displayed the highest values for earlywood vessel diameter and fiber wall thickness. The highest fiber lumen diameter was observed for Qm. The differences in earlywood and latewood vessel diameters and fiber lengths could be utilized as identification keys for these species. Earlywood vessel diameter and fiber length have emerged as the most reliable indicators for estimating the transition from juvenile to mature wood.

The Design of A Robot for Laser Cladding of Inner Walls of Pipes

This paper presents a design scheme of an adaptive laser cladding robot for the inner wall of variable diameter pipes. The robot is in the shape of a capsule, with an adaptive walking system, a mechanical support and balance system, a laser cladding system and a water cooling system, which can achieve efficient laser cladding and strengthening of the inner walls of different pipes. Among them, innovative designs such as pressure overload protection device and beam focusing lens adjustment motor have significantly improved the stability and accuracy of robot operation. Compared with traditional equipment, the robot is simple in structure, easy to disassemble, reliable in performance, high in automation, easy to maintain, and low in energy consumption. It provides an effective solution for laser cladding of pipe inner wall under complex and changeable working conditions, and helps to promote the wide promotion and application of laser cladding technology.

Effect of potassium fertilization on storage root number, yield, and appearance quality of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.).

Increasing storage root number is a pivotal approach to enhance both storage root (SR) yield and appearance quality of sweet potato. Here, 2-year field experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of 0 (K0), 120 (K1), 240 (K2), and 360 (K3) kg ha-1 potassium fertilizer (K2O) on lignin metabolism, root growth, storage root yield, and uniformity. The results demonstrated that potassium (K) application led to a decrease in the activities of key enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis, including phenylalanine deaminase (PAL), 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4-CL), cinnamic acid dehydrogenase (CAD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD). This resulted in a significant reduction in lignin and G-type lignin contents in potential SRs compared to K0 treatment within 10-30 days after planting (DAP). BJ553 exhibited a significant decrease in PAL activity, as well as lignin and G-type contents at 10 DAP, whereas YS25 showed delayed effects until 20 DAP. However, the number and distribution of secondary xylem conduits as well as the mid-column diameter area in roots were increased in K2 treatment. Interestingly, K2 treatment exhibited significantly larger potential SR diameter than other treatments at 15, 20, and 25 DAP. At harvest, K2 treatment increased the SR number, the single SR weight, and overall yield greatly compared with K0 treatment, with an average increase of 19.12%, 16.54%, and 16.92% respectively. The increase of SR number in BJ553 was higher than that of YS25. Furthermore, K2 treatment exhibited the lowest coefficient of variation for both SR length and diameter, indicating a higher yield of middle-sized SRs. In general, appropriate potassium application could effectively suppress lignin biosynthesis, leading to a reduction in the degree of pericycle lignification in potential SRs. This promotes an increase in the number of storage roots and ultimately enhances both yield and appearance quality of sweet potato. The effect of potassium fertilizer on lignin metabolism in BJ553 roots was earlier and resulted in a greater increase in the SR number compared to YS25.

Age and sex-dependent sensitivity analysis of a common carotid artery model

The common carotid artery (CCA) is an accessible and informative site for assessing cardiovascular function which makes it a prime candidate for clinically relevant computational modelling. The interpretation of supplemental information possible through modelling is encumbered by measurement uncertainty and population variability in model parameters. The distribution of model parameters likely depends on the specific sub-population of interest and delineation based on sex, age or health status may correspond to distinct ranges of typical parameter values. To assess this impact in a 1D-CCA-model, we delineated specific sub-populations based on age, sex and health status and carried out uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis for each sub-population. We performed a structured literature review to characterize sub-population-specific variabilities for eight model parameters without consideration of health status; variations for a healthy sub-populations were based on previously established references values. The variabilities of diameter and distensibility found in the literature review differed from those previously established in a healthy population. Model diameter change and pulse pressure were most sensitive to variations in distensibility, while pressure was most sensitive to resistance in the Windkessel model for all groups. Uncertainties were lower when variabilities were based on a healthy sub-population; however, the qualitative distribution of sensitivity indices was largely similar between the healthy and general population. Average sensitivity of the pressure waveform showed a moderate dependence on age with decreasing sensitivity to distal resistance and increasing sensitivity to distensibility and diameter. The female population was less sensitive to variations in diameter but more sensitive to distensibility coefficient than the male population. Overall, as hypothesized input variabilities differed between sub-populations and resulted in distinct uncertainties and sensitivities of the 1D-CCA-model outputs, particularly over age for the pressure waveform and between males and females for pulse pressure.

Spatiotemporal Expression and Haplotypes Identification of KRT84 Gene and Their Association with Wool Traits in Gansu Alpine Fine-Wool Sheep.

Keratin (K) is a major protein component of hair and is involved in hair growth and development. In this study, we analysed the expression, localization, and polymorphism of the K84 gene (KRT84) in Gansu Alpine Fine-wool sheep using immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and PARMS (penta-primer amplification refractory mutation system). Haplotypes of KRT84 were also constructed and their relationship with wool traits analysed. It was revealed that KRT84 was highly expressed in hair follicles, including the inner root sheath, outer root sheath, and hair medulla and at all six lamb ages investigated from 1 to 270 days of age. Three SNPs were detected in KRT84 exon 1, and they formed three haplotypes (named H1, H2, and H3) and six genotypes. Analyses revealed an association between haplotype combinations (diplotypes) and the mean fibre curvature, mean staple length, mean staple strength, mean fibre diameter, the coefficient of variation of fibre diameter, and comfort factor for these sheep. These results suggest that KRT84 is of importance in determining several key traits in Gansu Alpine Fine-wool sheep and that the gene could possibly be used as a genetic marker for wool trait selection in these sheep.

Highly Efficient Inverted Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Vertically Aligned CdSe/CdS Nanorod Layers Fabricated by Electrophoretic Deposition.

Inverted colloidal-nanocrystal-based LEDs (NC-LEDs) are highly interesting and invaluable for large-scale display technology and flexible electronics. Semiconductor nanorods (NRs), in addition to the tunable wavelengths of the emitted light (achieved, for example, by the variation of the NR diameter or the diameter of core in a core-shell configuration), also exhibit linearly polarized emission, a larger Stokes shift, faster radiative decay, and slower bleaching kinetics than quantum dots (QDs). Despite these advantages, it is difficult to achieve void-free active NR layers using simple spin-coating techniques. Herein, we employ electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to make closely packed, vertically aligned CdSe/CdS core/shell nanorods (NRs) as the emissive layer. Following an inverted architecture, the device fabricated yields an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 6.3% and a maximum luminance of 4320 cd/m2 at 11 V. This good performance can be attributed to the vertically aligned NR layer, enhancing the charge transport by reducing the resistance of carrier passage, which is supported by our finite element simulations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time vertically aligned NR layers made by EPD have been reported for the fabrication of NC-LEDs and the device performance is one of the best for inverted red NR-LEDs. The findings presented in this work bring forth a simple and effective technique for making vertically aligned NRs, and the mechanism behind the NR-LED device with enhanced performance using these NRs is illustrated. This technique may prove useful to the development of a vast class of nanocrystal-based optoelectronics, including solar cells and laser devices.

The Structural Features of MlaD Illuminate its Unique Ligand-Transporting Mechanism and Ancestry.

The membrane-associated solute-binding protein (SBP) MlaD of the maintenance of lipid asymmetry (Mla) system has been reported to help the transport of phospholipids (PLs) between the outer and inner membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Despite the availability of structural information, the molecular mechanism underlying the transport of PLs and the ancestry of the protein MlaD remain unclear. In this study, we report the crystal structures of the periplasmic region of MlaD from Escherichia coli (EcMlaD) at a resolution range of 2.3-3.2 Å. The EcMlaD protomer consists of two distinct regions, viz. N-terminal β-barrel fold consisting of seven strands (referred to as MlaD domain) and C-terminal α-helical domain (HD). The protein EcMlaD oligomerizes to give rise to a homo-hexameric ring with a central channel that is hydrophobic and continuous with a variable diameter. Interestingly, the structural analysis revealed that the HD, instead of the MlaD domain, plays a critical role in determining the oligomeric state of the protein. Based on the analysis of available structural information, we propose a working mechanism of PL transport, viz. "asymmetric protomer movement (APM)". Wherein half of the EcMlaD hexamer would rise in the periplasmic side along with an outward movement of pore loops, resulting in the change of the central channel geometry. Furthermore, this study highlights that, unlike typical SBPs, EcMlaD possesses a fold similar to EF/AMT-type beta(6)-barrel and a unique ancestry. Altogether, the findings firmly establish EcMlaD to be a non-canonical SBP with a unique ligand-transport mechanism.

Cortical cell size regulates root metabolic cost.

It has been hypothesized that vacuolar occupancy in mature root cortical parenchyma cells regulates root metabolic cost and thereby plant fitness under conditions of drought, suboptimal nutrient availability, and increased soil mechanical impedance. However, the mechanistic role of vacuoles in reducing root metabolic cost was unproven. Here we provide evidence to support this hypothesis. We first show that root cortical cell size is determined by both cortical cell diameter and cell length. Significant genotypic variation for both cortical cell diameter (~1.1- to 1.5-fold) and cortical cell length (~ 1.3- to 7-fold) was observed in maize and wheat. GWAS and QTL analyses indicate cortical cell diameter and length are heritable and under independent genetic control. We identify candidate genes for both phenes. Empirical results from isophenic lines contrasting for cortical cell diameter and length show that increased cell size, due to either diameter or length, is associated with reduced root respiration, nitrogen content, and phosphorus content. RootSlice, a functional-structural model of root anatomy, predicts that an increased vacuolar: cytoplasmic ratio per unit cortical volume causes reduced root respiration and nutrient content. Ultrastructural imaging of cortical parenchyma cells with varying cortical diameter and cortical cell length confirms the in silico predictions and shows that an increase in cell size is correlated with increased vacuolar volume and reduced cytoplasmic volume. Vacuolar occupancy and its relationship with cell size merits further investigation as a phene for improving crop adaptation to edaphic stress.

Characteristics of pulsating heat pipe with variation of tube diameter, filling ratio, and SiO2 nanoparticles: Biomedical and engineering implications

Pulsating heat pipe (PHP) is an implicit technique through a passive two-stage heat transfer system. This paper presents the experimentations on PHP contrived using copper with different inner tube diameters of 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mm, respectively. The PHP is accused of acetone as a functional liquid with filling proportions varying from 50 to 90% of its volume with an increment of 10%. The effects of filling proportion and tube diameter on the thermal performance of PHP were investigated. The evaporator zone is electrically heated using a mica heater in the range of 20–80 W, and the condenser area is kept cool by the water circulation method. The results show that a 2 mm inner tube diameter performs best compared to other tube diameters, with a lower rate of thermal resistance of 0.49 K/W. Also, the performance of PHP is enhanced at a filling proportion of 60% for all the tube diameters. Further, CFD analysis was carried out for different filling ratios for a 2 mm diameter pipe at a constant heat input of 80 W, and it revealed that test outcomes were in line with CFD results. The deviation between the experimental and numerical studies was 10%. Considering the optimized parameters, i.e., tube diameter and filling ratio, the work was extended by adding SiO2 nanoparticles to the base fluid with 1–5 % mass concentration. The results showed a lower thermal resistance value of 0.3 W/K and a higher heat transfer coefficient of 828.64 W/m2 °K was obtained at 2% mass concentration of SiO2. Also, the proportional rise in heat transfer coefficient at 60 W is 11.46, 17, 14, 4.15, and 1.94% for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% mass concentration of SiO2 nanoparticles, respectively. Hence, the PHP operates better at a 2 mm diameter with a 60% filling ratio and 2% mass concentration of SiO2 nanoparticles.

High-throughput Phenotyping of Maize Roots Using Digital Image Analysis

Recent research on maize root architecture has made significant progress, but further research is needed to optimize methods for efficient and accurate acquisition of root architecture data. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of digital imaging for root phenotyping of Zea mays L. Field experiments were carried out at two locations in the province of Antioquia, Colombia, in 2019 and 2020 to analyze root architecture variables of 12 genotypes of maize. Two methodologies were used: manual phenotyping and digital image analysis. Pearson’s correlation coefficients among variables were estimated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to summarize and uncover clustering patterns in the multivariate data set. The results indicated correlations between diameter (r = 0.94) and manually measured root diameter. The manually measured right and left root angles correlated with image-derived root angle at r = 0.92 and 0.88, respectively, and root length at r = 0.62. The PCA highlighted that the digital method explained the highest proportion of variation in root areas and diameters, while the manual method dominated in root angle variables. These results corroborate a feasible method to optimize root architecture phenotyping for research questions. This protocol can be adopted under the automatic analysis with REST software for acquiring images of variables associated with roots’ angle, length, and diameter.

Performance of a low-cost hydraulic ram pump as a function of variations in feed height and inlet pipe diameter

Access to water in rural areas is extremely important in the different activities that occur daily on agricultural properties, whether for human consumption, animal watering, irrigation and other purposes. This access is often difficult and costly, especially for small rural producers who do not have the financial capacity to purchase an electric pump, or do not have electricity on their property. In this sense, alternative water pumping, without the need to use electrical energy or energy from the burning of fossil fuels, can be a good alternative and deserves to be studied. Based on these premises, the objective of this research was to study the performance of the repressed flow, obtained by a low-cost hydraulic ram, installed in different hydraulic scenarios. The methodology consisted of installing equipment built in the Irrigation, Hydraulic and Hydrology Laboratory of the Agricultural Sciences Center of the State University of the Tocantina Region of Maranhão (LIHH/CCA/UEMASUL), for this, different hydraulic scenarios were created depending on the interaction of different feeding heights and different pipe diameters, which constituted the experimental treatments. The results found allowed us to conclude that the highest average pressure flow was obtained in the hydraulic scenario that presented the greatest geometric difference between the water source and the hydraulic ram with the largest diameter of the inlet pipe, with an average of 9,539.21 L.d-1 of repressed water. It was also possible to prove that this equipment constitutes a good alternative for pumping water on small rural properties.