In-field Measurements Research Articles

Genetic variation in surface temperature measured using infra-red thermography and genetic associations with production traits in grazing dairy cattle

ABSTRACT Increasing global temperatures and the incidence of extreme weather conditions will result in heat stress becoming a greater issue in production animals. Genetic selection and breeding for heat-tolerant animals have been promoted as a possible mitigation strategy in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to obtain in-field skin temperature measurements of the eye, muzzle and udder using infra-red thermography to examine the genetic variation in skin temperature within cows of a dairy herd and to estimate the genetic correlations between skin temperature and production traits. Thermal images and herd test records were obtained for the dairy herd at Massey University’s dairy farm 1. Estimates of (co)variances were obtained using the JWAS program with univariate and bivariate animal models. The heritability estimates for the eye, muzzle and udder temperature were low to moderate at 0.20, 0.24 and 0.39, respectively. All genetic correlations between production and temperature traits were positive except for eye temperature with milk yield and protein yield which was negative and weak. These results indicate that it may be possible to select for a greater skin temperature, however, these results need to be validated using a larger sample size.

Estimation of tree height using UAV photogrammetric data

Dimensional characterization of trees plays important roles in phytoremediation project of precision agriculture and environmental protection. The dimensional characterization can be evaluated by using UAV-based geomatic surveys. The work in this study applies low-cost UAV photogrammetry for tree height estimation, particularly for a phytoremediation project on contaminated soils. Two locations that had differing mean tree heights (7m and 4m) were used for the purpose of study. Three different UAV flights were carried out at 40m, 50m, and 60m altitudes in Area 1, an olive grove, and two different flights at 45m and 52m altitudes in Area 2, which has poplar species. The Structure from Motion (SfM) method, Vegetation Filter (VF), Digital Surface Models (DSMs), and Raster computational tool were used to process the UAV point clouds in order to produce Canopy Height Models (CHMs) for a local maximum driven extraction of tree height. Relatively, the results obtained from the tree height estimation experiment for the locations using UAV are higher than the results obtained using in-field measurement, thereby justifying the suitability of UAV photogrammetric data for tree height estimation.

Exploring sound diffusion in learning environments through experimental and wave-based analysis

Acoustic design guidelines in learning environments generally involve specific requirements of reverberation time (T20), speech clarity (C50), and speech transmission index (STI) to ensure adequate quality for spoken communication. Predictive formulas recommended by international standards rely on ideal diffuse field theory as a crucial factor for meeting adequate room acoustics criteria. However, such theoretical assumptions are barely encountered in real-world rooms, undermining the predictions' accuracy. The present work explores the main factors influencing sound diffusion in classrooms by means of in-field acoustic measurements and numerical models. In detail, different desk configurations and the installation of materials with varying acoustic impedances at the suspended ceiling have been studied to evaluate the associated increase in sound diffusion. Among the several metrics to quantify sound diffusion, the standard deviation of measured reverberation time values has been selected in the present study. Experimental and simulated data findings reveal that the furniture layout with a single desk arrangement and the suspended ceiling's treatment with porous and perforated ceiling tiles increase sound diffusion by exploiting edge diffraction and material discontinuities, respectively.

Improved flux pinning properties of Mg exceed MgB2 ceramics with B4C and Dy2O3 additions

In this study, MgB2 polycrystals were synthesized via the addition of B4C and Dy2O3. X-ray diffraction confirmed that MgB2 was the predominant phase in all the samples. The superconducting properties of the samples were characterized by in-field temperature-dependent resistivity and magnetization measurements. The upper critical field (Hc2) and the critical current density (Jc) of each sample were estimated. The results indicate significant enhancements in Hc2 and Jc with the optimal addition levels of B4C and Dy2O3. According to collective pinning theory, δl pinning was identified as the dominant pinning type in the fabricated samples. The dominant pinning mechanism was determined to be core surface pinning induced by grain boundaries, which is consistent with predictions made by the Dew–Hughes model.

Developing a reference method for indirect measurement of pasture evapotranspiration at sub-meter spatial resolution

To establish an indirect method for estimating and partitioning pasture evapotranspiration, it is vital to develop a direct reference method that aligns with the required temporal and spatial resolution. An evapotranspiration chamber offers an effective solution as it is easy to deploy and operates at an appropriate measurement scale. In this study, we prepared and tested a closed hemispherical chamber for on-site measurements of evaporation and/or transpiration. Advanced data monitoring and logging techniques were integrated to enhance the precision and reliability of direct in-field evapotranspiration measurements. During laboratory testing, vapor accumulation within the chamber was monitored to identify the best representative segment of the vapor accumulation curve. Results indicated that the instrument stabilizes its readings within 5 to 10 s post-deployment in laboratory settings. The subsequent 15 s produce stable readings that best represent actual vapor accumulation. The optimal fan speed, producing an air speed of 5.36 ms−1 at the vicinity of the fan within the chamber, paired with a wire mesh above the vapor-producing surface, yielded the best results. The study established a calibration factor (C) of 1.02 based on the actual water loss and vapor accumulation readings from the sensors at this fan speed. Advanced data analytics were applied to derive the calibration factor and to calculate the values of evapotranspiration from the changing microclimate within the chamber. Direction towards complete automation and the limitations of the chamber in field measurement are provided. The chamber was also tested under field conditions, and the paper examines its practical application and necessary adjustments for field measurements.

Can we reach consensus on the dominant sulfate formation pathway in China's haze?

Atmospheric sulfate aerosols contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change. Sulfate formation mechanisms during winter haze events in northern China have recently received considerable attention, with more than 10 studies published in high-impact journals. However, the conclusions from in-field measurements, laboratory studies, and numerical simulations are inconsistent and even contradictory. Here, we propose a physically based yet simple method to clarify the debate on the dominant sulfate formation pathway. Based on the hazes evolving in the synoptic scale, first, a characteristic sulfate formation rate is derived using the Eulerian mass conservation equation constrained by in situ observations. Then, this characteristic value is treated as a guideline to determine the dominant sulfate formation pathway with a 0D chemical box model. Our observation-derived results establish a linkage between studies from laboratory experiments and chemical transport model simulations. A convergent understanding could therefore be reached on sulfate formation mechanisms in China's wintertime haze. This method is universal and can be applied to various haze conditions and different secondary products.

Electrochemical sensing at the fingertips: Wearable glove-based sensors for detection of 4-nitrophenol, picric acid and diazepam

A wearable glove-based sensor is a portable and practical approach for onsite detection/monitoring of a variety of chemical threats. Herein, we report a flexible and sensitive wearable sensor fabricated on the nitrile glove fingertips by stencil-printing technique. The working electrodes were modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) for sensitive and real-time analyses of hazardous or chemical treats, as picric acid (PA) explosive, diazepam (DZ) as drug-facilitated crimes and the emerging pollutant 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The multi-sensing platform towards PA, 4-NP, and DZ offers the ability of in-situ qualitative and quantitative analyses of powder and liquid samples. A simple sampling by touching or swiping the fingertip sensor on the sample or surface under investigation using an ionic hydrogel combined with fast voltammetry measurement provides timely point-of-need analyses. The wearable glove-based sensor uses the square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique and exhibited excellent performance to detect PA, 4-NP, and DZ, resulting in limits of detection (LOD) of 0.24 μM, 0.35 μM, 0.06 μM, respectively, in a wide concentration range (from 0.5 μM to 100 μM). Also, we obtained excellent manufacturing reproducibility with relative standard deviations (RSD) in the range of 3.65%–4.61% using 7 different wearable devices (n = 7) and stability in the range of 4.86%–6.61% using different electrodes stored for 10 days at room temperature (n = 10), demonstrating the excellent sensor-to-sensor reproducibility and stability for reliable in-field measurements. The stretchable sensor presented great mechanical robustness, supporting up to 80 bending or stretching deformation cycles without significant voltammetric changes. Collectively, our wearable glove-based sensor may be employed for analyses of chemical contaminants of concern, such as explosives (PA), drugs (DZ), and emerging pollutants (4-NP), helping in environmental and public safety control.

Evaluation of different methods for reference evapotranspiration assessment: A case study for Ukraine

The paper presents the results of the study devoted to the examination of the accuracy and reliability of the temperature-based approach of the ‘Evapotranspiration Calculator (Ukraine)’ application for the reference evapotranspiration assessment in Ukraine. The objective of the study was to determine the level of reliability and accuracy of modern alternative temperature-based algorithms for the reference evapotranspiration assessment in Ukraine compared to internationally recognized methods. The study was carried out for the territories of Ukraine, based on the meteorological data for the period 2021–2023. The basic methodology was compared to the standard Penman-Monteith method and the method of Hargreaves. The comparison was performed using the values of MAPE, RMSE, and correlation coefficient. Statistical analysis testified that there is a strong correlation and subtle difference between the Hargreaves method and the ‘Evapotranspiration Calculator (Ukraine)’ application, with an average MAPE of 30.3%, the correlation coefficient of 0.92, and RMSE of 1.46 mm. The difference between the Penman-Monteith method and the studied methodology was greater, as the MAPE averaged 41.0%, the correlation coefficient was 0.87, and the RMSE value was 2.05 mm. However, the high variation of the results by the regions of the country and the years of the study did not allow us to draw solid conclusions on whether the methodology embedded in the ‘Evapotranspiration Calculator (Ukraine)’ application is inferior to the method of Penman-Monteith. Further studies are required to clarify this issue through the improvement in the dataset, involvement of in-field reference evapotranspiration measurements, and application of adjustment guidelines for the ‘Evapotranspiration Calculator (Ukraine)’ application.

Multi-year aboveground data of minirhizotron facilities in Selhausen

Improved understanding of crops’ response to soil water stress is important to advance soil-plant system models and to support crop breeding, crop and varietal selection, and management decisions to minimize negative impacts. Studies on eco-physiological crop characteristics from leaf to canopy for different soil water conditions and crops are often carried out at controlled conditions. In-field measurements under realistic field conditions and data of plant water potential, its links with CO2 and H2O gas fluxes, and crop growth processes are rare. Here, we presented a comprehensive data set collected from leaf to canopy using sophisticated and comprehensive sensing techniques (leaf chlorophyll, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis, canopy CO2 exchange, sap flow, and canopy temperature) including detailed crop growth characteristics based on destructive methods (crop height, leaf area index, aboveground biomass, and yield). Data were acquired under field conditions with contrasting soil types, water treatments, and different cultivars of wheat and maize. The data from 2016 up to now will be made available for studying soil/water-plant relations and improving soil-plant-atmospheric continuum models.

Calibrating lab and field reflectance spectra for nutrient estimation in potato plants using local support vector regression models

This study presents a methodology based on multiple local support vector regression (SVR) to calibrate the spectra taken in the field in relative to lab-derived spectra. Laboratory based foliar spectral measurement is a common method to provide lab-derived spectra as a service where a grower sends sample leaves collected manually. The drawback of this method is being time-consuming when the samples are collected and analyzed. In contrast, in-field spectral measurements can be an alternative method capable of providing immediate readings. While both methods work based on the same priniciple, the insturmental differences as well as the conditional difference under which the instruments operate may cause differences in the spectral patterns of the same target. In this work, after developing the calibration method, we validated it by estimating NPK measurements in potato plants using in-field, lab, and field calibrated spectral measurements over two testing modes: dried and fresh. The results showed that the calibration using SVR models could minimize the percentage relative error (PRE) between lab and field spectra within the visible range by considering the influence of the neighboring wavebands up to 32 nm width which improved the alignment of the local maxima of the specral curves. Also, a substantial PRE reduction from 120 % to 20 % for some wavebands in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region of the fresh mode was observed due to the influence of scaling within the SVR method. The calibration improved the alignment of NPK estimated values between lab and field calibrated spectra of both modes with an emphasis on its necessity to estimate nutrients in the fresh mode as the root mean square error was < 0.1 for the three elements.

Evaluation of hydrological parameters and sediment dynamics in the Borçka Dam watershed using the SWAT model

Various human-originating interventions and/or activities have been playing the major role for substantially impacting natural flow regime, water quality, and sediment transport amounts of running waters (streams, creeks etc.) in a negative way. While many studies using in-field measurements of such impacts have proven these changes, applying modeling methods in order to assess such effects are still improving. This study used the SWAT model to assess annual changes in water regime, quality, and sediment yield for Murgul, Hatila, Fabrika, and Godrahav Creeks based on field measurements. The model estimated the highest annual surface flow at Murgul Creek (2.41 m3/s) and the lowest at Fabrika Creek (0.19 m3/s). Sediment yields were 61855 t/yr at Murgul, 29826 t/yr at Hatila, 3165 t/yr at Fabrika, and 7835 t/yr at Godrahav. The model also provided reliable predictions for most sub-creeks, with R2 values between 0.85 and 0.91 and NSE values between 0.72 and 0.84. For run-off, Hatila, Fabrika, and Godrahav showed high reliability with R2 and NSE values around 0.85 and 0.80, respectively, while Murgul had lower scores (R2: 0.53, NSE: 0.22). Sediment yield was reliable in Hatila and Fabrika with R2 around 0.82, but less so in Godrahav and Murgul, with NSE values showing significant variability. Water quality predictions for NO3 were acceptable across all creeks, with R2 values around 0.82 and varied NSE values, indicating generally reliable outcomes. However, the model predicted less favorable outcomes for Murgul Creek due to significant human-induced alterations. While the SWAT model was generally promising, the study emphasizes the need for detailed, long-term data to improve prediction accuracy.

UAV Photogrammetric Surveys for Tree Height Estimation

In the context of precision agriculture (PA), geomatic surveys exploiting UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) platforms allow the dimensional characterization of trees. This paper focuses on the use of low-cost UAV photogrammetry to estimate tree height, as part of a project for the phytoremediation of contaminated soils. Two study areas with different characteristics in terms of mean tree height (5 m; 0.7 m) are chosen to test the procedure even in a challenging context. Three campaigns are performed in an olive grove (Area 1) at different flying altitudes (30 m, 40 m, and 50 m), and one UAV flight is available for Area 2 (42 m of altitude), where three species are present: oleander, lentisk, and poplar. The workflow involves the elaboration of the UAV point clouds through the SfM (structure from motion) approach, digital surface models (DSMs), vegetation filtering, and a GIS-based analysis to obtain canopy height models (CHMs) for height extraction based on a local maxima approach. UAV-derived heights are compared with in-field measurements, and promising results are obtained for Area 1, confirming the applicability of the procedure for tree height extraction, while the application in Area 2 (shorter tree seedlings) is more problematic.

Distributed IMU Sensors for In-Field Dynamic Measurements on an Alpine Ski.

Modern ski design is an inherently time-consuming process that involves an iterative feedback loop comprised of design, manufacturing and in-field qualitative evaluations. Additionally consumers can only rely on qualitative evaluation for selecting the ideal ski, and due to the variation in skier styles and ability levels, consumers can find it to be an inconsistent and expensive experience. We propose supplementing the design and evaluation process with data from in-field prototype testing, using a modular sensor array that can be ported to nearly any ski. This paper discusses a new distributed Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) suite, including details regarding the design and operation, sensor validation experiments, and outdoor in-field testing results. Data are collected from a set of spatially distributed IMUs located on the upper surface of the ski. We demonstrate that this system and associated post-processing algorithms provide accurate data at a high rate (>700 Hz), enabling the measurement of both structural and rigid ski characteristics, and are robust to repetitive testing in outdoor winter conditions.

Methodology of Spatial Data Acquisition and Development of High-Definition Map for Autonomous Vehicles – Case Study from Wrocław, Poland

Autonomous drive systems are a dynamically developed sector of the automotive industry. The key problem in such technological solutions is to provide a reliable navigation system, which is typically based on high-definition (HD) maps supporting the identification of the position of a maneuvering vehicle. HD maps should include possibly up-to-date and detailed information on traffic lanes and on the traffic rules and regulations on such lanes. An effective development of an HD map should be based on the geodetic measurement methods, which ensure efficient and accurate acquisition of spatial data. This article presents the results of an experiment consisting in the manipulation of data obtained with the use of the mobile laser scanning method and further in employing this data in the development of an HD map in an open-source environment. The applied measurement technology and the processing method allowed data of high resolution (frequently above 1000 points per m2) and of high accuracy (3D accuracy down to less than 5 cm). The obtained data were processed in the Vector Map Builder environment (which is accessible from the level of an internet browser) and the final product - HD map was created in the Lanelet2 open-source environment. The above-described experiments allowed two main conclusions. Most importantly, they demonstrate the importance of planning and performing in-field mobile laser scanning measurements. They also point to the important role of the human analyst who needs to manually vectorize the key elements of road infrastructure and to define traffic rules.

Incidence of circular refurbishment measures on indoor air quality and comfort conditions in two real buildings: Experimental and numerical analysis

The application of Circular Economy to construction sector is a key to attain carbon neutrality, since it is responsible of 40 % of natural resource consumption. In this frame the importance of an efficient building refurbishment process throughout recycled material and renewable energy is fundamental. From an overview about building refurbishment emerges the need to investigate aspects related to Indoor Environmental Quality and the comparison between in-field measurements with output of dynamic simulation models. The present study aims to fill these two gaps by means an energy renovation of two real buildings in Greece. The work develops within the European project “Drive 0″, born to promote deep environmentally friendly retrofitting by means of circular renovation concepts. The methodological approach involves on-site monitoring of a series of parameters describing the energy, microclimate environmental and air quality, before and after the energy requalification. In addition, a numerical model developed in Building Energy Simulation program is calibrated and a Computational Fluid Dynamics is developed. From the in-field measurements emerges that, on one hand, the refurbishment of heating system shows a great improvement of indoor thermal conditions, with Total Volatile Organic Compounds concentration that sometimes exceed 3.0 mg/m3; on the other hand an integrated thermal insulation reduces infiltrations and changes the envelope behaviour, with a global energy saving of 30 % during winter and autumn periods.Another result of the study shows that a numerical model developed in Building Energy Simulation program and calibrated on energy consumption can greatly fit the local thermal comfort distribution of the occupant zone and predict the indoor air quality, if it outputs are used as input data in a Computational Fluid Dynamics study. These results can be beneficial to decision makers and designers for evaluating emitters positioning, opening design and mechanical ventilation strategies, aimed at reducing energy costs.

Low-temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy: Evaluation of cation distribution in CoFe2O4

We hereby present methodological study of Mössbauer spectroscopy used to determine the site distribution of cations in well-crystallized CoFe2O4 powders with an average size of 100 nm. Understanding the distribution of Co and Fe in octahedral and tetrahedral sites of spinel lattice is of crucial importance in defining magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanopowders. The purpose of this report is to find both the optimal experimental conditions and the most reliable fitting model (as simple as possible) for estimating the actual cation distribution. Various fitting models were tested for measurements carried out over a wide range of temperatures and an applied magnetic field. Moreover, we show that the Mössbauer spectrum at room temperature is not suitable for reliably estimating the cation distribution, meaning that measurements at low temperatures are necessary. Given that zero field measurements carried out at 80 K provide the same quantitative information as zero field and in-field measurements at 5 K, we argue that in-field measurements as well as liquid He are not required to obtain reliable fit results. The conclusions of Mössbauer method are consistent with the results obtained by vibrating sample magnetometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the l-edges of Fe and Co.

Phosphorus supply and floodplain design govern phosphorus reduction capacity in remediated agricultural streams

Abstract. Agricultural headwater streams are important pathways for diffuse sediment and nutrient losses, requiring mitigation strategies beyond in-field measures to intercept the transport of pollutants to downstream freshwater resources. As such, floodplains can be constructed along existing agricultural streams and ditches to improve fluvial stability and promote deposition of sediments and particulate phosphorus. In this study, we evaluated 10 remediated agricultural streams in Sweden for their capacity to reduce sediment and particulate phosphorus export and investigated the interplay between fluvial processes and phosphorus dynamics. Remediated streams with different floodplain designs (either on one side or both sides of the channel, with different width and elevation) were paired with upstream trapezoidal channels as controls. We used sedimentation plates to determine seasonal patterns in sediment deposition on channel beds and floodplains and monthly water quality monitoring. This was combined with continuous flow discharge measurements to examine suspended sediment and particulate phosphorus dynamics and reduction along reaches. Remediated streams with floodplains on both sides of the channel reduced particulate phosphorus concentrations and loads (−54 µg L−1, −0.21 kg ha−1 yr−1) along reaches, whereas increases occurred along streams with one-sided floodplains (27 µg L−1, 0.09 kg ha−1 yr−1) and control streams (46.6 µg L−1). Sediment deposition in remediated streams was five times higher on channel beds than on floodplains and there was no evident lateral distribution of sediments from channel to floodplains. There was no effect from sediment deposition on particulate phosphorus reduction, suggesting that bank stabilization was the key determinant for phosphorus mitigation in remediated streams, which can be realized with two-sided but not one-sided floodplains. Further, the overall narrow floodplain widths likely restricted reach-scale sediment deposition and its impact on P reductions. To fully understand remediated streams' potential for reductions in both nitrogen and different phosphorus species and to avoid pollution swapping effects, there is a need to further investigate how floodplain design can be optimized to achieve a holistic solution towards improved stream water quality.

Mathematical modeling and extraction of parameters of solar photovoltaic module based on modified Newton–Raphson method

This paper presents a numerical method for estimating four physical parameters of a single-diode circuit model based on manufacturer’s datasheet. A system of four non-linear equations are formed based on three key points of PV characteristics. The photocurrent, saturation current, ideality factor and the series resistance are solved iteratively using the proposed method. The suggested method is validated using RTC France solar cell, Chloride CHL285P and Photowatt PWP210 modules and the results are verified with respect to the in-field outdoor measurements. The proposed method shows a good agreement with the experimental data. Lastly, The model chosen is simulated under MATLB environment to assess the effects of external physical weather conditions, that is, temperature and solar irradiance. The advantage of the proposed method with respect of existing numerical techniques is that it converged faster than the widely used Newton method. Modeling of PV cell/module is essential in predicting performance of photovoltaic generators at any operating condition.

In-field monitoring and numerical parametric analysis of a small size adsorption solar cooling plant in Italy

Solar cooling of small buildings represents a very interesting potential market, still underdeveloped and characterized by a wide range of uncertainties, both on the technological and the economical side. Actually, there are a few low size ready-to-market adsorption/absorption chillers and their costs are significantly higher than technically mature compression systems. The combination of solar thermal systems with solar assisted chillers needs a thorough design stage to be correctly optimized and this may turn out unaffordable for a low size project. A monitoring campaign has been carried on a new building (PUEEL – Prototipo Uffici ad Elevata Efficienza in Legno, High Efficiency Wooden Office Prototype) realized at the facilities of IPLA1 in Turin, Italy. The building has a wooden highly insulated envelope, controlled mechanical ventilation with thermodynamic heat recovery, radiant heating/cooling. A solar thermal collector field is integrated in the building roof (Fig.1), used both for the building heating and cooling demand, thanks to a 9kW adsorption chiller. Dynamic simulations of the system, using software Polysun © for solar cooling plant and EnergyPlus © for building demand assessment, have also been carried on and compared with in-field measurements. The validated model has been used for a parametric evaluation of the effects of the installation of different components and control strategies.

Three-Point Hitch Dynamometer for Measuring Tractor-Implement Forces

Highlights A double-frame dynamometer for the three-point hitch of the tractor was presented. The dynamometer offers three-dimensional force measurement of tractor-implement force up to 400 kN. Dynamometer was tested during the in-field measurement using two tillage implements. Maximum achieved tractor-implement force during the in-field measurement was 164 kN. Abstract. Determination of the traction forces between the tractor and its implement is important due to optimal utilization of tractor power and its connected implement, estimation of soil properties or strength, and fatigue studies. The working width of agriculture implements is increasing, which demands higher traction forces. The article presents the design and test in-field measurement of a double-frame dynamometer for the three-point hitch of the tractors, which can measure forces up to 400 kN. The dynamometer is equipped with six force transducers positioned so that force measurement on all axes is possible. The connection of the dynamometer follows the standard ISO 730. The design of the dynamometer and force calculations are presented. The in-field measurement was performed using disc and chisel tillage implements at different tillage depths. The increasing magnitude of the resultant traction force with increasing tillage depth and the effect of the geometry of tillage machines were found. Keywords: Dynamometer, Force measurement, Soil tillage, Three-point hitch, Traction force, Tractor.