Ecological Considerations Research Articles

A Brief Analysis of The Production of Building Materials Utilizing Waste-Based Reinforcements and Recycled Textiles

The utilization of composite materials in construction has recently exerted a significant impact on society, particularly concerning ecological responsibility and environmental considerations. On a daily basis, proposals advocating the use of emerging materials crafted from discarded or repurposed items are put forth to transcend the limitations posed by conventional resources. One notable aspect of this movement revolves around textile components, encompassing fibres such as wool, cotton, cannabis, and flax. Over the past decade, there has been a heightened focus on worn clothing, as it represents an unprocessed product that holds both commercial viability and ecological benefits. Approximately 1.5 percent of the global waste generated daily comprises textile scraps, with blue jeans, crafted from cotton, standing out as the most prevalent type of apparel worldwide. Textile scraps find new life through recycling, serving various purposes such as the creation of electrical wires, the production of pulverized substances for temperature and acoustic insulation materials, and the incorporation as filler or reinforcement in concrete construction. This paper delves into multiple themes, covering (i) the adverse environmental impacts stemming from the extensive use of clothing; (ii) the recycling and reclamation of textile waste; and (iii) the utilization of waste and reclaimed materials from textiles as building components.

Digital economy structuring for sustainable development: the role of blockchain and artificial intelligence in improving supply chain and reducing negative environmental impacts

In the current global context of environmental degradation and resource constraints, the pursuit of sustainable development has become an imperative. One avenue that holds promise for achieving this objective is the application of digital technologies, which have the potential to decouple economic growth from its carbon footprint. However, it is crucial to ensure that these technologies are designed and governed in a prudent manner, with a strong alignment to environmental priorities. This study focuses on exploring the potential roles of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) in supply chain coordination and impact mitigation. Furthermore, they have the capacity to incentivize recycling and circular business models, as well as facilitate carbon accounting and offsetting. To fully realize these benefits, it is essential to deploy these technologies within inclusive collaborative frameworks that take into consideration social and ecological considerations. The study also offers policy recommendations that highlight key leverage points for digital innovation, enabling countries to embark on smart and green industrial transformation pathways. By harnessing the potential of blockchain and AI in supply chains, governments can promote transparency, traceability, and accountability, thereby fostering sustainable practices and reducing environmental impacts. Incorporating blockchain and AI technologies into supply chain approaches leads to a substantial improvement in efficiency, as demonstrated by a numerical analysis. In conclusion, the integration of innovative digital technologies offers significant opportunities to optimize production systems and economic activity while prioritizing sustainability objectives for the betterment of society and the environment. These technologies have the potential to mitigate environmental externalities by addressing information imbalances within global supply chains. However, it is essential to prioritize inclusive governance that emphasizes democratic participation to mitigate any unintended negative consequences, especially for vulnerable communities. By ensuring inclusive decision-making processes, we can maximize the positive impact of these technologies while minimizing potential harm.

Collateral benefits: River flow normalization for endangered fish enabled riparian rejuvenation

AbstractLike most rivers worldwide, the transboundary North American Kootenay/i River has experienced multiple impacts including watershed developments, river channelization, and floodplain clearing, draining, and diking. Construction of Libby Dam was authorized by the 1964 Columbia River Treaty (CRT) between the United States and Canada, and in 1975 began regulating downstream flows for flood risk management and hydropower generation. Following cumulative impacts, the endemic Kootenai River White Sturgeon population collapsed and was designated as endangered in 1994 (U.S. Endangered Species Act). Subsequent Biological Opinions from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prescribed Libby Dam operations to provide springtime flow pulses for sturgeon spawning. These provided the unanticipated benefit of substantial seedling recruitment of native and introduced riparian cottonwoods and willows. The regulated flow regime was further adaptively managed to provide a more normative (natural) regime, to balance ecological functions with flood risk management and hydropower generation. The broadened ecological considerations would be consistent with the proposed priorities for the modernization of the international CRT. The observed responses revealed that (1) diverse aquatic and riparian organisms are dependent on common river flow characteristics; (2) a normalized flow regime provided substantial ecological benefits; and (3) due to multiple influences, hybrid ecosystems develop along regulated rivers, with a blending of natural and altered processes and communities. For other regulated rivers, we recommend that (1) high springtime flows be allowed, as feasible; (2) followed by the gradual post‐peak recession; and (3) the maintenance of sufficient flows through the warm and dry interval of mid to late summer.

Analyzing the Research Progress of Campsites in China and Internationally: A CiteSpace-Based Approach

This study leverages CiteSpace to create a keyword co-occurrence network for camping site research, aiming to outline the current state and development trends in this field, both globally and in China. The analysis highlights that international research focuses on camper behaviors, experiences, and the ecological and managerial aspects of camping sites. In contrast, Chinese research centers on industry status, market positioning, and development strategies, with a greater emphasis on specific site planning and management. The study reveals a notable gap between Chinese and international research in terms of breadth and depth. Chinese studies are predominantly qualitative and lack a focus on ecological and humanistic considerations, leading to limited generalizability of findings. This comparison underscores the need for a more integrated and quantitative approach in Chinese camping site research, aligning with global standards and incorporating a stronger emphasis on ecological preservation and humanistic values.

Scalability Challenges in Blockchain Networks: A Comparative Analysis

Blockchain technology, originating with Nakamoto's seminal whitepaper in 2008, has evolved into a transformative force, promising decentralized, transparent, and secure digital transactions. However, the burgeoning impact of blockchain is accompanied by inherent scalability challenges that impede its widespread adoption and efficiency. This study conducts a comparative analysis of scalability challenges within prominent blockchain networks Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Smart Chain. Rooted in a holistic understanding of blockchain evolution, the analysis focuses on transaction throughput, latency, consensus mechanisms, network congestion, and resource utilization. Consensus mechanisms, serving as the bedrock of blockchain networks, play a pivotal role in scalability dynamics. The study dissects the implications of diverse mechanisms Proof of Work (PoW), Proof-of-Stake (PoS), and Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) to unravel their impact on transaction efficiency. Network congestion emerges as a critical hurdle, affecting transaction confirmation times and overall system efficiency. Balancing this congestion requires a nuanced understanding of network dynamics, block sizes, and transaction prioritization. Resource utilization, particularly in terms of computing power and memory, becomes a focal point for sustainable growth. The study scrutinizes the efficiency of resource allocation and its implications for scalability, acknowledging the delicate balance between network performance and ecological considerations. By juxtaposing these blockchain networks, the comparative analysis aims to discern patterns, evaluate the effectiveness of consensus mechanisms, and provide actionable insights to address scalability challenges. Ethical considerations underpin the study, ensuring responsible data usage, user privacy, and adherence to ethical standards in blockchain research. This exploration into scalability challenges within blockchain networks contributes to the broader discourse on decentralized technologies. The findings are poised to inform future developments, providing a roadmap for enhancing scalability while maintaining the core tenets of decentralization, security, and sustainability.

A Stylistic Study of Natural Philosophical Considerations in Selected Qur'ānic Verses

This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of selected Qur'ānic verses, employing stylistic and semiotic analysis to uncover and explore the natural philosophical considerations inherent within them. Simultaneously, the researcher develops a significant aspect of this stylistic and philosophical study aiming to substantiate Bruce MacLennan's philosophical theory, Modern Natural Philosophy, which focuses on our/human beings' sensitivity to our environments, bodies and interior states. The study comes up with stating that the selected Qur'ānic verses require our physical and mental abilities to contemplate and establish connections between verses related to human nature and the ecological reality of our environments. The study identifies the modernization of Qur'ānic truths that are connected to our physical and mental realities and the ecological reality of our natural and constructed environments, signifying that the Holy Qur'ān epitomizes essentially continuously the reason and wisdom of the existence of human nature. Key words: Natural Philosophy, Signs, Human Nature, Ecological, Physical, and Spiritual Considerations, Qur'ānic Verses, Wisdom, Semiotics, Stylistics

Temporal Trends of Great Lakes Legacy Contaminants: Ecological and Biological Considerations Applying the Age-Trend Model.

The USEPA Great Lakes Fish Monitoring and Surveillance Program (GLFMSP) has been monitoring top predator lake trout and walleye contaminant concentrations since the early 1970s. Our research revealed that select legacy contaminant groups (∑PCBs, ∑DDTs, ∑chlordanes, and ∑5PBDEs) have similar t1/2 and k2 values across the Great Lakes, with the exception of both Lake Erie sites and the Lake Superior─Keweenaw Point site. The slower halving times determined at both Lake Erie sites are consistent with legacy contaminant remobilization due to extreme weather climate effects and past remedial actions on the Detroit River, whereas the Lake Superior─Keweenaw Point site demonstrates contaminant halving times approaching the exponential minimum. Overall, Great Lakes select contaminant groupings have decreased between 25.8 and 97.9% since 2004. An age-normalized Great Lakes Contaminant Index (GLCI) was devised, indicating both Lake Michigan sites as the most highly impacted. The mean absolute deviation statistic was applied, documenting the need to age-correct contaminant trends due to highly variable age profiles. With the noted exceptions, the uniformity of age-corrected trend modeling suggests that a combination of the fundamental biological and physicochemical mechanisms of natural contaminant sequestration, declining dissolved water concentrations, accumulation/metabolism/depuration, and the overall reduction of legacy contaminant loading are driving the generally consistent rates of declines in the Great Lakes. Many of the biological and ecological stressors currently associated with climate change appear to be accounted for by the age-trend model.

Ecosystem Services and Urban Planning

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to explore ecosystem services and urban planning.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to ecosystem services and urban planning. Preliminary empirical review emphasized the need for sustainable urban planning practices that integrate ecological considerations, prioritize green infrastructure and biodiversity conservation, and address disparities in access to ecosystem services. Urban planners and policymakers are key actors in ensuring the well-being of urban populations and the environment, making informed decisions about land use, transportation, and sustainability practices crucial. These findings have implications for environmental advocacy groups and policymakers, as they underscore the importance of advocating for eco-friendly urban development to protect and enhance critical ecosystem services, ultimately creating more resilient and equitable cities that benefit both people and the environment.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Urban Political Ecology Theory (UPE), Ecological Modernization Theory and Resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on ecosystem services. The study provided recommendations to enhance urban planning practices. It suggests integrating ecosystem services into planning processes, emphasizing the importance of green infrastructure and biodiversity conservation within cities, and promoting community engagement and collaboration among stakeholders. These recommendations aim to create more resilient and sustainable urban environments that prioritize the well-being of residents while safeguarding and enhancing the valuable ecosystem services urban areas provide.

Moving beyond fish: working towards integrating human dimensions into sustainable seafood guides from South African perspectives

Traditionally, seafood assessments and subsequent ratings have guided choice and responsible sourcing of sustainable seafood based primarily on environmental concerns, with limited to no consideration to multi-faceted human dimensions that form an integral part of these complex social-ecological systems. For wild-capture marine fisheries around the world, and particularly in developing countries, human dimensions remain underrepresented in sustainability ratings, where the focus has traditionally been on larger, data-rich commercial fishery components that report predominantly on ecological and management considerations. Yet, addressing the diverse and complex nature of marine social-ecological systems remains critical to achieve global sustainable seafood systems that balance ecological and societal needs to benefit both nature and people. This paper champions the integration of human elements into seafood sustainability guides, building on work reviewing how best to integrate human dimensions into traditional seafood assessments under the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – drawing on examples from South Africa. While the paper does not prescribe a blueprint for implementation, this review highlights challenges and opportunities to include human rights violations and small-scale fisheries in existing sustainable seafood guides from a South African perspective. There is a need for sustainability considerations to move beyond fish to better represent how these social-ecological systems feed into oceanic cultural norms and nutrition. This translates to shifting from an ecological focus to include human dimensions to better represent complex marine social-ecological systems and drive equitable change within local and global seafood industries.

EVALUATION OF THE OXIDATIVE THERMAL STABILITY OF FISH OIL WITH THE ADDITION OF PUMPKIN SEED OIL OR ROSEMARY EXTRACT

The present study investigates the thermal stability of the commercial fish oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and compares the sensory properties of pure fish oil with a mixture of fish oil and added rosemary extract (RE), as well as roasted and unroasted pumpkin seed oil, at a concentration of 5 %. All samples were monitored using FTIR spectroscopy to measure the specific absorptivity of conjugated dienes (CDs) and conjugated trienes (CTs), as well as the peroxide value. Additionally, GC/FID was employed to evaluate the oxidative degree of the fish oil and compare the antioxidative effect of roasted pumpkin seed oil, specifically in comparison to rosemary extract. For this purpose, the oil stability was optimized by comparing the oxidation levels of fish oils exposed to range of temperature, including 23°C, 50°C, 70°C, 90°C, and 110°C. This was done in the presence of a low percent of rosemary extract, unroasted pumpkin seed oil (UPSO), and roasted pumpkin seed oil (RPSO). Based on the obtained results, a clear difference is observed in the blended samples, particularly when roasted pumpkin seed oil is used. This difference is evident in the ultraviolet chemical parameters, fatty acid profile, and most notably in the optimized FTIR vibrational bands. The ratios of area peaks such as 3444/2854, 1745/2854 and 3010/2854 are considered important parameters for monitoring the chemical changes and lipid stability. All the chemical parameters confirm the possibility of enhancing the stability of fish oil by blending it with healthy pumpkin seedoil. The composition of pumpkin seed oil increases the stability of fish oil. Consequently, it is evident that pumpkin seed oil, known for its high healthy benefits, can successfully be used to improve the thermal and oxidative stability of fish oil lipids. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to define clusters, which revealed a wide range of both chemically changed and unchanged samples. The application of FTIR spectroscopy as an alternative method provides excellent parameters for easy operation, affordability, and ecological considerations, making in an efficient tool for controlling the quality of edible oils.

Advancements and Applications of Life Cycle Assessment in Slope Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Life cycle assessment (LCA) plays an increasingly important role in environmental management, particularly in promoting energy and carbon-conscious practices across various disciplines. This review provides an overview of the latest innovations and potential benefits of integrating LCA into ecological slope treatment strategies. This study explores new developments in LCA methodology and its application to slope treatment, aiming to improve the integration of infrastructure development and environmental stewardship. Through an extensive review of over 120 peer-reviewed journal articles and a critical analysis of the intersection of LCA with slope treatment, this paper identifies innovative techniques that have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of slope management. The review emphasizes advanced LCA practices that quantify and mitigate carbon emissions throughout the life cycle stages of slope treatments. Key findings demonstrate that LCA enhances the methodological rigor in assessing ecosystem services and impacts, and reveals new strategies that emphasize the importance of ecological considerations in infrastructure projects. Future research directions focus on refining LCA data acquisition and promoting a standardized knowledge base to support precision in ecological impact assessments. In conclusion, the adoption of LCA in slope treatment is imperative for aligning industry practices with global sustainability targets, emphasizing the importance of integrating uncertainty analysis and long-term impact assessments to bolster the credibility of LCA outcomes.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis on the dyeing process to increase sustainable production in batik SMEs

Satrio Utomo SME is a batik small and medium enterprise located in Kedunggudel, Sukoharjo, which was established in 2010. This business specializes in producing two types of batik, written batik and stamped batik. Both production processes utilize Remazol as the raw material for synthetic dyes. Notably, while written batik exclusively employs 100% Remazol dye, stamped batik incorporates recycled Remazol dye. This study aims to calculate, analyze, and offer recommendations for enhancing eco-efficiency in the utilization of Remazole dye by employing the Life Cycle Assessment method with SimaPro 9.3 software to evaluate the environmental impact of both batik production methods. The results indicate that the eco- efficiency index for written batik stands at 1.03, whereas stamped batik boasts an index of 1.07, signifying superior eco-efficiency. This underscores the greater environmental impact of written batik, while stamped batik demonstrates a more favorable balance between economic and ecological considerations. The study proposes an enhancement strategy: increasing the production of stamped batik employing recycled Remazol dye due to its higher net value. For written batik, the recommendation involves transitioning from synthetic dyes to natural dyes, known for their environmental friendliness and ability to yield classic batik results.

Trends in Hybrid Cultured Meat Manufacturing Technology to Improve Sensory Characteristics.

The projected growth of global meat production over the next decade is attributed to rising income levels and population expansion. One potentially more pragmatic approach to mitigating the adverse externalities associated with meat production involves implementing alterations to the production process, such as transitioning to cultured meat, hybrid cultured meat, and meat alternatives. Cultured meat (CM) is derived from animal stem cells and undergoes a growth and division process that closely resembles the natural in vivo cellular development. CM is emerging as a widely embraced substitute for traditional protein sources, with the potential to alleviate the future strain on animal-derived meat production. To date, the primary emphasis of cultured meat research and production has predominantly been around the ecological advantages and ethical considerations pertaining to animal welfare. However, there exists substantial study potential in exploring consumer preferences with respect to the texture, color, cuts, and sustainable methodologies associated with cultured meat. The potential augmentation of cultured meat's acceptance could be facilitated through the advancement of a wider range of cuts to mimic real muscle fibers. This review examines the prospective commercial trends of hybrid cultured meat. Subsequently, the present state of research pertaining to the advancement of scaffolding, coloration, and muscle fiber development in hybrid cultured meat, encompassing plant-based alternatives designed to emulate authentic meat, has been deliberated. However, this discussion highlights the obstacles that have arisen in current procedures and proposes future research directions for the development of sustainable cultured meat and meat alternatives, such as plant-based meat production.

Using Q-methodology to Understand The Human Interactions with Pollinating Insects in Mayotte (French Island, Indian Ocean of East Africa)

In 2021, the French government launched a five-year national action plan aimed at fighting the decline in pollinator insect populations. The application of this plan to Mayotte (Indian Ocean) presents a real chance to enhance scientific knowledge of these living creatures and the connections that humans have with them. This part of the world has not conducted any research on this topic yet. The Q methodology is used to determine our results, which are based on a preference ranking of thirty-nine photos that illustrate five themes related to pollinating insects. The sorting conducted by respondents (n = 29) identified four profiles that integrate ecological, economic, and cultural considerations to varying degrees. The profile that emphasizes ecology is probably only applicable to a small part of Mayotte's population since it has been developed by respondents with higher education qualifications. In other profiles, pollinating insects are ignored, otherwise dreaded or hated. The honey bee is a special species, not only because it provides people with honey, a natural product whose medicinal properties are recognised locally, but also because a verse in the Koran is dedicated to it. With 95% of the population declaring themselves to be Muslim, religion probably contributes to the value of honey bees.

Investigation and Analysis of Fish Assemblages within The Berau Bay Ecosystem, West Papua, and Their Utilization Potential

Fisheries resource assessment is pivotal for grasping marine ecosystem dynamics and guiding sustainable management practices. This study focuses on exploring the fisheries resources within Berau Bay, situated in the biodiverse-rich West Papua Province, known for its significant marine biodiversity and importance to local livelihoods. Despite its importance, there is a notable absence of comprehensive assessments concerning the bay’s fisheries resources and their utilization potential. This research endeavors to fill this gap by providing a detailed analysis to inform sustainable management strategies. Our findings reveal a diverse range of fish families dominating Berau Bay, with significant contributions from Carangidae and Scombridae. Moreover, acoustic surveys uncover substantial Fisheries Resource Potential (FRP) across three zones: Zone 1 at 501.555 tons, Zone 2 at 854.634 tons, and Zone 3, primarily designated as a conservation area, at 678.188 tons. The cumulative FRP potential amounts to 2.034.377 tons, encompassing various species categories, with an estimated annual utilization rate of around 1.627.502 tons. These results challenge previous assumptions regarding the bay’s fisheries composition and potential, emphasizing the necessity of updated assessments. Additionally, they enhance our understanding of the region’s marine biodiversity, underscoring the urgency of targeted conservation efforts for sustainable resource management. This study emphasizes the significance of holistic approaches to fisheries management, integrating ecological, socioeconomic, and conservation considerations. Such interdisciplinary efforts are paramount for safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide.

Steer Towards Sustainability: The roadmap to Cost and Eco-Efficient Transportation via AI-Enhanced Routing

Abstract: In the realm of modern transportation, the introduction and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stand as a monumental shift, heralding new possibilities for efficiency and sustainability. This study delves deeply into the transformative impact of AI, specifically through the lens of AI-enhanced routing algorithms, and their profound implications in revolutionizing transportation systems. Our research presents a meticulous analysis of how these advanced algorithms contribute significantly to improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental footprints. The study embarks on a journey that interlaces the realms of cutting-edge technology with the practical realities of economic constraints and ecological considerations. We begin by exploring the theoretical underpinnings of AI in transportation, elucidating the principles and mechanisms that drive these sophisticated algorithms. This exploration includes an examination of the advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, and how they collectively contribute to the development of more efficient and adaptive routing strategies.

Trade competitiveness and sustainable energy practices: The moderating role of ecological footprint

The existing literature regarding the deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between trade competitiveness, sustainable energy practices, and environmental sustainability is scare in emerging economies. In this regard, this study aims to examine the relationship between trade competitiveness, sustainable energy practices, and the moderating role of ecological footprints in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Using the panel data from 1990 to 2021 by applying Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributive Lag Model (CS-ARDL). The findings of our study reveal that trade competitiveness plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy practices, with countries demonstrating high trade competitiveness exhibiting more robust and favourable approaches to sustainability. Furthermore, the ecological footprint was identified as a critical moderator in this relationship, indicating that countries with strong trade competitiveness can have an even more significant impact on sustainable energy practices when they operate within sustainable ecological boundaries. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to integrate ecological considerations into trade policies, enforce environmental regulations, and promote eco-friendly technologies to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Çocuk Edebiyatına Posthümanist Ekoeleştirel Bir Yaklaşım: José Saramago'nun "Beklenmedik Işık, "Kertenkele" ve "Dünyanın En Büyük Çiçeği"

Children’s literature plays a significant part in children’s imaginative and socio-emotional development, as it facilitates the shaping of their worldview, nurtures their imagination, fosters empathy, and cultivates environmental consciousness. Examining children’s literature within the framework of posthumanist ecocriticism entails the process of (re)evaluating these literary works via the lens of posthumanist theories and ecocritical perspectives, with the aim of uncovering the ecological themes present within them. This sort of reading involves the posthumanist perspective, which challenges the conventional anthropocentric standpoint by interrogating the dichotomy between human and nonhuman entities and delving into the connectivity and interdependence that exists among all forms of life. Conversely, the ecocritical viewpoint investigates the interplay between literature and the environment, with a particular focus on ecological considerations, depictions of the natural world, and humans’ influence on the ecological balance. Currently, the convergence of children’s literature and posthumanist ecocriticism aims to elucidate the portrayal of nature, technology, and the interplay between humans and the environment within children’s literary works. This analysis examines the portrayal of nature in José Saramago’s literary works, namely “An Unexpected Light,” “The Lizard,” and “The World’s Largest Flower.” The focus of this examination is to determine if human and nonhuman entities are shown as distinct entities or as interconnected entities within the narrative. This analysis will explore whether Children’s Literature challenges the dichotomy between humans and nonhumans, and if it presents alternative viewpoints that promote empathy, responsibility, and interconnectedness between humans and nonhumans.

What is Post-Criticism? Reconstructive Interpretive Strategies

This introductory article examines the transition from conventional criticism to post-critical methodologies in literary and cultural studies. It discusses Bruno Latour's compositionist approach for cultural preservation and Rita Felski's advocacy for a postcritical, curatorial method focusing on the unique qualities of texts. The paper highlights the significance of surface reading, object-oriented criticism, and their influence in contemporary ecocriticism and intermedial studies, underscoring a reevaluation of critical practices in light of aesthetic and ecological considerations.

Combined Unit for Tillage with Pulsed Shock Wave Action

The paper shows that incorporating a multifunctional combined unit with pulsed shock wave action into soil tillage presents a pertinent and promising advancement in the soil cultivation system. (Research purpose) The research aims to develop a multifunctional combined unit for soil tillage integrating pulsed shock wave action. The objectives include enhancing productivity, refining tillage quality and promoting ecological considerations. (Materials and methods) The unit consists of a main frame, two side-folding sections, and a central section, which is made featuring a carriage, support and transport wheels. Additionally, it incorporates a frame in the shape of a hollow shaft, connected to a compressed air cylinder. The front frames of each section are equipped with rigidly fixed working bodies taking the form of cultivator paws with embedded pneumatic tubes. These tubes have outlet holes positioned at the ends of the wings of the paws, with a compressed air effective radius of 5-10 centimeters. (Results and discussion) The established ratio between the depth of surface tillage using a cultivator paw and the depth of subsoil tillage through pulsed blows of compressed air is 1:2. The tillage devices are supplemented by disc cutters with a diameter ranging from 25 to 30 centimeters, along with harrows designed for processing to a depth of 5-7 centimeters. (Conclusions) Enhanced by this modification, the design of the multifunctional combined unit enables the simultaneous execution of multiple operations, including cultivation with weed destruction, soil loosening using high-pressure air flow, and surface milling and grinding.