Research Field Laboratory Research Articles

Soybean yield under different systems of nitrogen fertilization, use of nitrapyrin and seed inoculants

The use of mineral fertilizers to achieve maximum soybean yield involves specific considerations regarding the forms of applied nitrogen, its transformation into various compounds harmful to the environment, and the response of the symbiotic apparatus of this leguminous plant to mineral nitrogen. Field experiments were conducted in the Male Polissya area within the Western Forest-Steppe zone. The research aims to determine the impact of mineral fertilization systems, the application of the nitrification inhibitor N-LokTM, and seed inoculants on soybean grain yield. The soil is deep gley, sandy-loamy in texture. Traditional field research methods and laboratory analysis techniques were applied. It has been established that nitrogen rates, forms of nitrogen fertilizers, and nitrogen stabilization with nitrapyrin significantly impact the loss of gaseous nitrous oxide into the atmosphere and nitrates into the lower soil layers. Including seed inoculation in the fertilization system significantly conserves mineral fertilizers, ensures maximum yield, and enhances the environmental safety of production. On deep gley, sandy-loamy soil, the highest yield over the period from 2022 to 2024 was achieved in 2023 with the application of N30P60K60 (ammonium sulfate) combined with seed inoculation using HiCoat Super Soy (produced by BASF), which contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum, resulting in a yield of 4.12 tons/ha. The grain yield increase compared to the N30P60K60 control (ammonium sulfate) was 0.43 tons/ha (LSD05 = 0.16 tons/ha). The application of nitrapyrin with ammonium sulfate, both at the lower N30 rate and the higher N60 rate in two applications, resulted in a more significant yield increase compared to similar treatments with ammonium nitrate, yielding 0.11–0.35 tons/ha and 0.04–0.24 tons/ha respectively. With the N30P60K60 treatment (ammonium sulfate) and seed inoculation using HiCoat Super Soy (produced by BASF), which contains the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum, the soybean yield was 0.35 tons/ha. When combined with the phosphorus-mobilizing product Rhyzo P (produced by Agriteam), containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacteria, the yield increased further to 0.40 tons/ha. The fertilization system for soybeans, using minimal and double nitrogen rates in the form of ammonium sulfate with a nitrification stabilizer and bacterial inoculants, significantly reduced nitrate accumulation in the arable and subsoil horizons (by 21.1 % compared to the N30P60K60 control treatment with ammonium sulfate). Applying the nitrogen-fixing inoculant HiCoat Super Soy in this system did not significantly alter the nitrate reserves in the arable soil layer. Doubling the nitrogen fertilization rate from N30 to N60 increased nitrous oxide emissions into the atmosphere by 25 %. The N30P60K60 fertilization system with ammonium sulfate and N-mobilizing bacteria controlled gaseous nitrogen emissions at the level of the control system N30P60K60 (ammonium sulfate) without inoculant. The research confirms the effectiveness of the improved soybean fertilization system in preserving environmental quality within the agricultural sector.

Transgressive variation in productivity traits in F2 naked oat hybrids

One of the most effective methods for increasing yield and resistance to abiotic and biotic factors in the environment is genetic selection and improvement of varieties. Solving these tasks is possible using positive transgressions, which are of great practical importance at this stage of selection. The aim of the research was to determine the coefficient of heritability in the broad sense (H2 ) and the degree and frequency of transgressions for productivity traits in second-generation hybrids of naked oat, created by crossing based on the eco-geographical principle and selection of economically valuable biotypes for further breeding work. During 2021, research was conducted on 15 intervarietal hybrids. F2 and parental components were analysed for traits such as plant height, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spikelet, and grain weight per spikelet. Field research methods (phenological observations), laboratory methods (structural analysis of the material under study), and mathematical-statistical methods (objective evaluation of the experimental data obtained) were used. A prominent level of the coefficient was observed for the trait “grain weight per spikelet”, ranging from 0.66 to 0.88 in hybrid populations OM 11-3007/Abel, OM 2803/Abel, Percy Can/Inermis, Percy Can/Abel. The analysis of the second-generation F2 intervarietal hybrids of naked oat allowed the identification of transgressions for all the studied traits. The highest number of positive transgressions was found for the following productivity traits: spike length (Tf 31.82 – 59.09%, Td 7.53 – 15.49%); number of spikelets per spike (Tf 27.30 – 54.50%, Td 8.85 – 26.49%); number of grains per spikelet (Tf 45.50 – 77.27%, Td 16.63 – 27.62%); and grain weight per spikelet (Tf 63.64 – 81.80%, Td 18.12 – 25.36%). The selection-genetic analysis of studying the nature of heritability, frequency, and degree of transgressive variation in spikelet productivity traits of F2 naked oat hybrids allowed the identification of a considerable number of transgressive forms, in which productivity elements vary widely, indicating successful selection work in creating promising high-yielding breeding material

Characteristics of Ultramafik Rock and Nickel Laterite Distribution in Siuna Area, Pagimana, Banggai, Central Sulawesi

The geology of Sulawesi Island, especially the eastern arm, is known to be composed of extensive ultramafic rocks with mineral deposit potential, including nickel laterite. The research area is located at PT. X Siuna, Pagimana District, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. This study purpose to determine the characteristics of ultramafic rocks in the study area and to determine the distribution of laterite nickel and the relationship between ultramafik rock characteristics in the study area. The research methods used are field research methods and laboratory analysis (Petrography and XRF Analysis). Field research was conducted to collect field data in the form of rock samples and soil samples where there were 9 stations for rock samples and 4 stations for soil samples. Furthermore, laboratory analysis in the form of petrographic analysis will be carried out to determine the mineral composition of the rock, then XRF (X-Ray Flourescence) analysis is carried out to determine laterite nickel content which is then processed using ArcGIS 10.5 software, then interpolated using the Inverse Distance Weight (IDW) method. Based on the results of field and laboratory analysis, the rock characteristics in the study area have 3 rock types, namely serpentinized peridotite units, serpentinized dunite units and serpentinite units. The three rocks have been serpentinized with intermediate to strong intensity, the constituent minerals have been dominated by serpentine, opaque mineral, pyroxine, and olivine. Based on IDW interpolation results, the distribution of nickel laterite in the western part of the study area has nickel (Ni) content of 0.50 – 1.2%, while in the southern – eastern part of the research area it has nickel (Ni) content of 0.20 – 0.5%

Phylogenomic and mitogenomic data can accelerate inventorying of tropical beetles during the current biodiversity crisis.

Conservation efforts must be evidence-based, so rapid and economically feasible methods should be used to quantify diversity and distribution patterns. We have attempted to overcome current impediments to the gathering of biodiversity data by using integrative phylogenomic and three mtDNA fragment analyses. As a model, we sequenced the Metriorrhynchini beetle fauna, sampled from ~700 localities in three continents. The species-rich dataset included ~6500 terminals, ~ 1850 putative species delimited at 5% uncorrected pairwise threshold, possibly ~1000 of them unknown to science. Neither type of data could alone answer our questions on biodiversity and phylogeny. The phylogenomic backbone enabled the integrative delimitation of robustly defined natural genus-group units that will inform future research. Using constrained mtDNA analysis, we identified the spatial structure of species diversity, very high species-level endemism, and a biodiversity hotspot in New Guinea. We suggest that focused field research and subsequent laboratory and bioinformatic workflow steps would substantially accelerate the inventorying of any hyperdiverse tropical group with several thousand species. The outcome would be a scaffold for the incorporation of further data from environmental sequencing and ecological studies. The database of sequences could set a benchmark for the spatiotemporal evaluation of biodiversity, would support evidence-based conservation planning, and would provide a robust framework for systematic, biogeographic, and evolutionary studies.

A complete check-up of European eel after eight years of restocking in an upland river: Trends in growth, lipid content, sex ratio and health status

By combining field research and careful laboratory analysis of samples over the course of an eight-year study, we met the challenge of assessing the life history traits and health status of eels restocked in freshwater ecosystems. We found that restocked eels exhibited good growth performance; moreover, the stocks were female-dominated, showed a good Fulton's condition factor (K) and lipid stores and had high survival probability estimated using the best model of Jolly-Seber stock assessment method for open populations. A necropsy revealed the absence of internal lesions. A swim bladder examination revealed the absence of the parasite Anguillicola crassus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses revealed an increase of Anguillid herpesvirus-1 (AngHV-1) prevalence throughout the study. Most positive subjects expressed viral loads compatible with a latent infection and correlated positively with K. All restocked eels were contaminated by at least one of the organic pollutant congeners studied, but the pollution loads corresponded to the lowest range of pollutant concentrations reported in the available literature for European eels and did not exceed the maximum residue and contaminant limits in food and feed of several national and international regulations. Pollutant loads were negatively correlated with K, lipid content and eel density for polychlorinated biphenyls PCB 138, 153 and 180 and K for pesticides p.p’-DDE, p.p’-DDD, p.p’-DDT and PBDE47. This study highlights the potential role played by upland aquatic ecosystems in enhancing riverine silver eel production from the perspective of species conservation. To be successful, restocking must be accompanied by improved ecosystem quality and migration routes for eels in inland freshwaters. We also provide some recommendations for future research to improve the management of restocking programmes.

Mining-contaminated estuaries of Cornwall – field research laboratories for trace metal ecotoxicology

AbstractA century or so after the cessation of almost all mining in Cornwall, certain estuaries still have extremely high sediment concentrations of toxic trace metals, particularly copper and arsenic, but also lead and zinc. These high trace metal loadings in the sediments are to a large degree bioavailable to the local infauna, especially sediment-ingesting invertebrates. Some sediment trace metal bioavailabilities are so high as to be of ecotoxicological concern, with deleterious effects on the local biota at levels of biological organization up to and including changed community structure. The estuaries of interest here are those of the Rivers Carnon (Restronguet Creek), Tamar (and Tavy), Gannel, West Looe and Hayle. These estuaries are especially attractive field sites for comparative trace metal ecophysiology and ecotoxicology research for they lack the confounding presence of other anthropogenic contaminants inevitably present in most estuaries in the developed world. The estuaries also offer a range of combinations of different trace metals and a comparative gradient of sediment bioavailabilities of these trace metals.

Laboratory field studies of the process of dividing the rhizomes of miscanthus into parts

Annotation Purpose. The results of field research of the process of digging miscanthus rhizomes with their division into parts and rhizomes are given. Methods. Research methods are experimental with subsequent processing of results on a PC by statistical methods. Results. The results of studies of the mechanized digging of rhizomes of Miscanthus by technical means with their separation into parts and rhizomes are presented. The degree of division of miscanthus rhizomes into parts and the degree of separation of soil from planting material at different structural variants of the location of the fingers of the drum is established. The degree of separation of rhizomes of Miscanthus into parts and rhizomes was determined, and the percentage of damage to planting material was determined. Conclusions 1. A technical means for mechanized digging of miscanthus rhizomes with their division into parts and rhizomes has been made. The division of the rhizomes of miscanthus into parts and rhizomes provides an adapter, which provides adjustment the distance between the fingers in the first and second rows of the drum and the gaps between the drum and the fingers of the first and second rows of the drum. 2. Technical means for mechanized harvesting of miscanthus rhizomes on industrial plantations provides division of miscanthus rhizomes into parts and rhizomes. The percentage of undivided rhizomes is 18.5%, the degree of soil separation – 82.7% at an absolute humidity of 22.6%. The ratio of divided rhizomes of miscanthus into parts and rhizomes is 39:61. The amount of damage to miscanthus planting material is 2.5%. Keywords: laboratory field research, mechanized digging, technical means, miscanthus, division of rhizomes, parts, rhizomes.

Збирання незернової частини урожаю соняшнику на енергетичні цілі

The aim of the research is to increase the efficiency of harvesting the non-grain part of the sunflower crop for energy purposes by developing technology and substantiation of technical means. The analysis of sunflower harvesting technologies is carried out; the method of harvesting the crushed mass of the non-grain part of the sunflower crop with the formation of windrows of high linear mass at the edge of the field is substantiated. The results of laboratory field research of harvesting, selection and pressing of the crushed mass of the non-grain part of the sunflower crop are presented. Directions of improvement of the baler for harvesting of a non-grain part of sunflower harvest are noted. The constructional-technological scheme of the trailed hopper and windrow-former to the combine harvester for formation of windrows of a non-grain part of a crop of sunflower with the increased running weight is offered. The results of laboratory field studies confirmed the hypothesis of the possibility of selecting the rolls of the crushed mass of the non-grain part of the sunflower crop with a running weight of more than 20 kg per meter at a level of losses not exceeding 20%. The efficiency of harvesting the non-grain part of the sunflower crop for energy purposes can be increased by collecting the crushed mass passed through the combine harvester in a trailed digger and forming rolls with high running weight at the edge of the field for drying and subsequent selection by serial balers. It is established that at the level of yield of sunflower seeds within 3 ton per ha the volume of harvesting by the combine harvester of the crushed weight of non-grain part makes 7.5-8.5 center per ha. When picking with a baler, rolls with a density of 75-90 kg per m3 were formed at an average humidity of 23%.

Development and research of the mechanism for improvement of soil processing instruments

Annotation Purpose. Improving the quality of tillage with implements with disk working bodies. Methods. Analytical and experimental laboratory-field research using the developed mechanism, installed on the serial disk Harrow. Results. The mechanism of automatic regulation of soil tillage in disc instruments has been elaborated and developed. It was established that the developed mechanism ensures the improvement of soil processing quality by disk instruments by automatic alignment of the instruments in relation to the unit movement direction. Conclusions. As a result of research, the mechanism of automated soil tillage quality control instruments was elaborated and developed. It was established that the experimental mechanism of the provisionis to increase the quality of soil tillage by means of automatic instrument alignment with regard to movement direction of the unit. With the soil cultivation depth of 138–139 mm, the automatic control mechanism improves the processing quality, which indicates a decrease in the average quadratic deviation of the depth from ±36.1 mm to ±23.8 mm and a decrease in the depth variation coefficient from 26.2% to 17.2%. Keywords: soil tillage, disk tools, automatic adjustment mechanism.

Grapevine abiotic stress assessment and search for sustainable adaptation strategies in Mediterranean-like climates. A review

Foreseen climate change points to shifts in agricultural production patterns worldwide, which may impact ecosystems directly, as well as the economic and cultural contexts of the wine industry. Moreover, the combined effects of environmental threats (light, temperature, and water relations) at different scales are expected to impair natural grapevine mechanisms, decreasing yield and the quality of grapes. Hence, the interaction between several factors, such as climate, terroir features, grapevine stress responses, site-specific spatial-temporal variability, and the management practices applied, which represents and effective challenge for sustainable Mediterranean viticulture, allowed researchers to develop adaptive strategies to cope with environmental stresses. Here, we review the effects of abiotic stresses on Mediterranean-like climate viticulture and the impacts of summer stress on grapevine growth, yield, and quality potential, as well as the subsequent plant responses and the available adaptation strategies for winegrowers and researchers. Our main findings are as follows: (1) environmental stresses can trigger dynamic responses in grapevines, comprising photosynthesis, phenology, hormonal balance, berry composition, and the antioxidant machinery; (2) field research methodologies, laboratory techniques, and precision viticulture are essential tools to evaluate grapevine performance and the potential quality for wine production; and (3) advances in the existing adaptation strategies are vital to maintain sustainability and regional wine identity in a changing climate. Also, these topics suggest that rational and focused management of grapevines may enlighten grapevine summer stress responses and improve the resilience of agro-ecosystems under harsh conditions. Despite the challenge of developing different strategic responses, winegrowers should clearly define their objectives, so applied research can provide rational technical support for the decision making process towards sustainable viticulture.

PENERAPAN SISTEM INFORMASI PERPUSTAKAAN PADA SMA NEGERI 2 MUARA BUNGO MENGGUNAKAN BAHASA PEMROGRAMAN JAVA DAN DIDUKUNG DATABASE MARIADB

Computers are an electronic device that is not strange to every human being because it serves as a tool in all things. The computer has an application program capable of processing various types of data quickly, precisely and accurately. Therefore, many agencies that use computer services as a tool that can help in the activities of the company. Based on the research that has been done in the Library of SMA Negeri 2 Muara Bungo by using field research methods, libraries and laboratories, it is known that the system used in borrowing and returning books is still done manually and simply. With the design of Library information systems supported by Java programming language will provide better solutions to the problems encountered. The level of error in doing the calculations can be minimized, the information produced more accurately and the data can be stored safely
 Keywords : Library, SMA Negeri 2 Muara Bungo, Java, MariaDB, Library Information System

On-going and Future Research at the Sulcis Site in Sardinia, Italy – Characterization and Experimentation at a Possible Future CCS Pilot

National Italian funding has recently been allocated for the construction of a 350 MWe coal-fired power plant / CCS demonstration plant in the Sulcis area of SW Sardinia, Italy. In addition, the recently approved EC-funded ENOS project (ENabling Onshore CO2 Storage in Europe) will use the Sulcis site as one of its main field research laboratories. Site characterization is already ongoing, and work has begun to design gas injection experiments at 100-200 m depth in a fault. This article gives an overview of results to date and plans for the future from the Sapienza University of Rome research group.

IMPLEMENTASI SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI PADA KOPERASI ANGGREK II JORONG PANDAN KECAMATAN TANJUNG RAYA KABUPATEN AGAM DIDUKUNG DENGAN MENERAPKAN APLIKASI SISTEM MULTIUSER PADA BAHASA PEMROGRAMAN JAVA DAN DATABASE MYSQL

Savings and loan activities at the cooperative is one of the routine activities. In accordance with the role of cooperatives that aim to maintain the welfare of its members. Management of bad savings and loan activities will lead to chaos in the operational activities of the cooperative. Based on the research that has been done on Cooperative Orchid II Jorong Pandan using field research methodology, library research and laboratory research, it is known that the financial data processing system is still done manually and simply. With the design of Accounting Information Systems are supported Java programming language will provide a better solution to the problems encountered. The level of error in doing the calculations can be minimized, the information produced more accurately and the data can be stored safely.
 Keywords: SIA, Cooperatives, Services

Laboratory feasibility tests improve decision support for wetland eco-engineering; Lake Bartków Ług (Poland) as test case

Many lakes worldwide are exposed to high anthropogenic impacts including the influx of polluted surface water and groundwater, fish production and nutrient run-off from agriculture in the catchment. We selected the shallow Lake Bartków Ług in Poland, receiving eutrophic River Chodelka water and currently used for fish farming as a case study for decision support with respect to inexpensive ways to improve water quality and facilitate higher biodiversity after fish stock removal. We selected four scenarios: (1) complete isolation from eutrophic water, (2) inflow of P-stripped surface water, (3) temporary water table drawdown, and (4) in-lake P sequestration. For financial reasons, dredging was not an option.The study started with an ecohydrological field survey to investigate the first scenario: isolation from river water inflow and restoration of the discharge of nutrient-poor, Fe-rich groundwater. Although groundwater appeared to be much less eutrophic, it contained low concentrations of Fe and high concentrations of SO42−, which would lead to higher risks of phosphate mobilization from the sediment. Moreover, local hydrology showed almost no discharge of groundwater with the exception of spring.To reduce the risk of failure and avoid high costs without benefits, we pre-tested the other three scenarios using small-scale laboratory experiments. The first experiment, which tested the effects of the influx of water stripped of P (scenario 2), showed that water quality would not improve due to high P-mobilization rates from the sediment to the water layer (internal eutrophication). We therefore investigated two alternative mitigation measures: temporary water table drawdown (scenario 3) and the addition of Fe (scenario 4), both in order to increase P-sorption in the sediment. Temporary lowering of the water table indeed decreased P concentrations in pore water, but not in surface water because sediment Fe concentrations were insufficient. The addition of Fe to the sediment strongly improved water quality by P sequestration leading to almost complete disappearance of P in both pore water and surface water.For the studied lake, successful improvement of the water quality and biodiversity can therefore only be achieved by scenario 4, internal P fixation, after the cessation of fish production. The removal of fish only will not lead to improvement, because of the strong mobilization of P in the sediment. We show that the combination of field research and small-scale laboratory feasibility tests strongly reduces the risks of failure, and avoids less efficient and more costly approaches based on trial and error in the field. We therefore recommend the inclusion of such tests in decision support systems for ecological engineering.

New 25 T Cryogen-Free Superconducting Magnet Project at Tohoku University

The new high magnetic field research laboratory network is recognized as one of the Japanese Master Plans of Large Research Project by the Science Council of Japan. Recently, the project of the 25 T cryogen-free superconducting magnet (25 T-CSM), which is operated under a conductive cooling condition by cryocooler, was approved under the high magnetic field research laboratory network. We adopted a high strength CuNb/Nb3Sn Rutherford cable with a prebending treatment for the middle section coils of the 25 T-CSM. The central magnetic field of 14 T is generated by the operational current of 851 A by the Nb3Sn middle section and NbTi outer section coils in a 300 mm bore. The induced maximum hoop stress in the CuNb/Nb3Sn section is about 250 MPa. In addition, the 11.5 T high temperature superconducting insert coil is also designed using Gd123 tapes. Therefore, a total central magnetic field of 25.5 T can be achieved.

First Report of Resistance to QoI Fungicides in North American Populations of Zymoseptoria tritici, Causal Agent of Septoria Tritici Blotch of Wheat.

The G143A mutation in cytb (cytochrome b gene) is associated with high levels of resistance to quinone outside inhibitor (QoI or strobilurin) fungicides that disrupt electron transport during cellular respiration (1). The G143A mutation in Zymoseptoria tritici (synonyms: Mycosphaerella graminicola and Septoria tritici), the causal agent of septoria tritici blotch of wheat (Triticum aestivum), was first reported in Europe in 2001 (1). Although Z. tritici has a global distribution (3), G143A mutants of Z. tritici have not been reported outside of Europe. We used PCR-RFLP (4) to estimate the frequencies of G143A mutants in Z. tritici populations at two locations in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon: the Hyslop Crop Science Field Research Laboratory (Hyslop Farm, HF), Benton County (44°37'52.85″ N, 123°11'55.19″ W) and research plots planted in a commercial wheat field in Washington County (45°33'58.53″ N, 123°00'11.78″ W) (North Valley Farm, NVF). Isolates originated from flag leaf collections from two cultivars ('Bobtail' and 'Tubbs 06') made in April and June of 2012 from plants in a replicated fungicide-treatment experiment, with isolates collected from both sprayed and unsprayed plots. Sixteen of the 169 isolates (9.5%) from HF possessed the G143A mutation (7 of 132 isolates from plots not receiving a QoI fungicide and 9 of 37 isolates collected from plots receiving two applications of the QoI azoxystrobin). One hundred forty six of the 175 isolates (83.4%) from NVF were G143A mutants (101 of 129 isolates from plots receiving no QoI fungicide and 45 of 46 isolates from plots receiving two applications of azoxystrobin). Results of phenotypic assays of a subset of 10 isolates from each location (5 mutants, 5 wild types from each location; 20 isolates altogether) supported a high level of resistance to azoxystrobin only in the G143A mutants. All 10 G143A mutants developed colonies after 8 days of growth on YMA plates amended with SHAM (2) and 1 ppm or 10 ppm azoxystrobin, with nine and eight G143A mutant isolates developing colonies on plates amended with 1 ppm and 10 ppm azoxystrobin, respectively. None of the wild-type isolates developed colonies on plates amended with SHAM and 1 ppm azoxystrobin, nor on plates amended with SHAM and 10 ppm azoxystrobin. All 20 isolates developed colonies on YMA plates lacking azoxystrobin, and treatments produced identical results across three replicates. These results are consistent with findings of higher levels of azoxystrobin resistance in G143A mutants compared to wild types in European populations (1). Isolates from HF and NVF differ in their previous exposure to QoI fungicides. The majority of the wheat area at HF is planted to breeding plots that are not sprayed with fungicide. Plots at NVF were planted in a commercial wheat field in a county where most wheat fields were treated with two to three applications of strobilurins each year over the past 4 years. Future monitoring for G143A mutants of Z. tritici throughout its range in North America will be necessary to assess whether strobilurin resistance will spread via wind-dispersal of ascospores or emerge de novo in treated fields. In Europe, stobilurins were first applied to wheat in 1996. G143A mutants of Z. tritici emerged de novo several times (4) and were widespread by 2007.

Nutritional Studies on Production of Antibacterial Activity by the Zebra Mussel Antagonist, Pseudomonas fluorescens CL0145A

Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CL0145A was discovered at the New York State Museum Field Research Laboratory as an effective agent against the environmentally destructive zebra mussel, which has contaminated US waters. Dried cells of the microbe are being commercialized as an environmentally friendly solution to the problem. We found that antibiotic activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is produced and excreted by this strain. We have carried out studies to optimize production of the antibiotic. Studies were begun in a complex corn meal medium. Activity was found in both cells and culture supernates and was maximal after one day of fermentation. Static fermentation conditions were found to be superior to shaken culture. Production of extracellular antibiotic in complex medium was found to be dependent on the content of sucrose and enzymehydrolyzed casein. Indeed, production was greater in sucrose plus enzyme-hydrolyzed casein than in the complex medium. Of a large number of carbon sources studied as improvements over sucrose, the best was glycerol. An examination of nitrogen sources showed that production was improved by replacement of enzymehydrolyzed casein with soy hydrolysates. Production in the simple glycerol-Hy-Soy medium was not improved by addition of an inorganic salt mixture or by complex nitrogen sources, with the exception of malt extract. In an attempt to keep the medium more defined, we studied the effect of amino acids and vitamins as replacements for malt extract. Of 21 amino acids and 7 vitamins, we found tryptophan, glutamine, biotin, and riboflavin to be stimulatory. The final medium contained glycerol, Hy- Soy, tryptophan, glutamine, biotin, and riboflavin.

Compact CPLD Board Designing and Implemented for Digital Clock

ABSTRACT The work describes the design and implementation of Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) board for many digital applications in the educational and research field laboratory in the university. The objective of designed board is to implement the digital logic, which can be used for any digital application and take advantages of CPLDs features like reconfigurable architecture, high speed operation, pin locking, in-system programming (ISP) for digital system design. This CPLD board size is relatively compact; so it can be easily mounted. On board power supply and variable frequency oscillator improves functionality of overall board. The design includes some cost effective embedded control and communication interface to build digital application to work more efficiently in the market. Keywords Reconfigurable architecture, CPLD, Digital Design, Digital Clock, PLDs. 1. NTRODUCTION The process of designing digital hardware has changed dramatically over the past few years. Unlike previous generations of technology, in which board-level prototype designs included large numbers of SSI chips containing basic gates, virtually every prototype digital design produced today consists mostly of programmable logic devices [7]. This applies not only to digital logic circuits, but also for robotics applications like sensing, actuation, manipulation. Programmable logic offers the digital circuit designer the possibility of changing design function even after it has been built. A programmable logic device (PLD) can be programmed, erased, and reprogrammed many times, allowing easier prototyping and design modification. PLDs can be programmed from personal computer (PC) or workstation running special software. This software is often associated with a set of programs that allow us to design circuits for various PLDs [2]. For successful implementation of digital design and, it is essential to have suitable CPLD board for teaching and learning CPLD programming as well as for real time application development. It should be affordable, user friendly and flexible. The following sections describe the design of the CPLD board, application of the board, the benefits of the board, and finally concluding remarks. The implementation of the CPLD board used here is digital clock. The complete module consists of many sub modules of onboard and in CPLD chip like power supply, variable frequency crystal oscillator and I/Os are onboard and counter, multiplex, decoder, and comparator are designed inside the CPLD chip. The time displayed is in the form of binary coded decimal and seven segments.

Modern Wireless Telecommunication Technologies and Their Electromagnetic Compatibility with Life-Supporting Equipment

Hospitals rely on pagers and ordinary telephones to reach staff members in emergency situations. New telecommunication technologies such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), the third generation mobile phone system Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) might be able to replace hospital pagers if they are electromagnetically compatible with medical devices. In this study, we sought to determine if GPRS, UMTS (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access-Frequency Division Duplex [WCDMA FDD]), and WLAN (IEEE 802.11b) transmitted signals interfere with life-supporting equipment in the intensive care and operating room environment. According to United States standard, ANSI C63.18-1997, laboratory tests were performed on 76 medical devices. In addition, clinical tests during 11 operations and 100 h of intensive care were performed. UMTS and WLAN signals caused little interference. Devices using these technologies can be used safely in critical care areas and during operations, but direct contact between medical devices and wireless communication devices ought to be avoided. In the case of GPRS, at a distance of 50 cm, it caused an older infusion pump to alarm and stop infusing; the pump had to be reset. Also, 10 cases of interference with device displays occurred. GPRS can be used safely at a distance of 1 m. Terminals/cellular phones using these technologies should be allowed without restriction in public areas because the risk of interference is minimal.

Handheld Computer Terminals: Starting off Right the First Time

Advances in miniaturization and wireless communications are providing the computer industry with the impetus to design handheld, portable computer terminals. Until enough research and experience evolves from handheld terminals to build a literature on design factors and to develop design guidelines and standards that would provide starting points for product design, the human factors community must rely on its user-centered design approach of designing, prototyping, and testing to ensure a safe and usable form factor for such terminals. The methodology that was used in establishing the design criteria for such a terminal included literature research, focus groups with potential users, contextual field research, expert testimony, and primary laboratory research, including a grasp analysis and screen viewability, data entry, signature capture, and holsterability testing. The user-centered design process described here provided the information required to establish the basic design criteria that would assure user safety and task efficiency. It also revealed informational needs for the human factors community involved in the development of handheld computer terminals.