Standard Meter Research Articles

Continuous Ketone Monitoring via Wearable Microneedle Patch Platform.

Ketone bodies (KBs), especially β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), have gained tremendous attention as potential biomarkers as their presence in bodily fluids is closely associated with health and wellness. While a variety of blood fingerstick test strips are available for self-testing of BHB, there are major needs for wearable devices capable of continuously tracking changing BHB concentrations. To address these needs, we present here the first demonstration of a wearable microneedle-based continuous ketone monitoring (CKM) in human interstitial fluid (ISF) and illustrate its ability to closely follow the intake of ketone drinks. To ensure highly stable and selective continuous detection of ISF BHB, the new enzymatic microneedle BHB sensor relies on a gold-coated platinum working electrode modified with a reagent layer containing toluidine blue O (TBO) redox mediator, β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD) enzyme, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) cofactor, along with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), chitosan (Chit), and a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) outer protective layer. The skin-worn microneedle sensing device operates with a miniaturized electrochemical analyzer connected wirelessly to a mobile electronic device for capturing, processing, and displaying the data. Cytotoxicity and skin penetration studies indicate the absence of potential harmful effects. A pilot study involving multiple human subjects evaluated continuous BHB monitoring in human ISF, against gold standard BHB meter measurements, revealing the close correlation between the two methods. Such microneedle-based CKM offers considerable promise for dynamic BHB tracking toward the management of diabetic ketoacidosis and personal nutrition and wellness.

Presence and abundance of malaria vector species in Miami-Dade County, Florida

BackgroundMalaria outbreaks have sporadically occurred in the United States, with Anopheles quadrimaculatus serving as the primary vector in the eastern region. Anopheles crucians, while considered a competent vector, has not been directly implicated in human transmission. Considering the locally acquired Plasmodium vivax cases in Sarasota County, Florida (7 confirmed cases), Cameron County, Texas (one confirmed case), and Maryland (one confirmed case) in the summer of 2023. The hypothesis of this study is that major cities in the United States harbour sufficient natural populations of Anopheles species vectors of malaria, that overlap with human populations that could support local transmission to humans. The objective of this study is to profile the most abundant Anopheles vector species in Miami-Dade County, Florida—An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus.MethodsThis study was based on high-resolution mosquito surveillance data from 2020 to 2022 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Variations on the relative abundance of An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus was assessed by dividing the total number of mosquitoes collected by each individual trap in 2022 by the number of mosquitoes collected by the same trap in 2020. In order to identify influential traps, the linear distance in meters between all traps in the surveillance system from 2020 to 2022 was calculated and used to create a 4 km buffer radius around each trap in the surveillance system.ResultsA total of 36,589 An. crucians and 9943 An. quadrimaculatus were collected during this study by the surveillance system, consisting of 322 CO2-based traps. The findings reveal a highly heterogeneous spatiotemporal distribution of An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus in Miami-Dade County, highlighting the presence of highly conducive environments in transition zones between natural/rural and urban areas. Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and to a lesser extent An. crucians, pose a considerable risk of malaria transmission during an outbreak, given their high abundance and proximity to humans.ConclusionsUnderstanding the factors driving the proliferation, population dynamics, and spatial distribution of Anopheles vector species is vital for implementing effective mosquito control and reducing the risk of malaria outbreaks in the United States.

Development and evaluation of a machine vision-based cotton fertilizer applicator

Aim of study: To develop and assess a cotton fertilizer applicator integrated with a Machine Vision Based Embedded System (MVES) to achieve precise and site-specific fertilization. Area of study: The investigation was performed in the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Material and methods: The MVES included a cotton detection system with a web camera, processor (computer), and python-based algorithm, and a fertilizer metering control unit with a stepper motor, motor driver, power supply, and microcontroller. The python-based algorithm in the computer predicts the presence (or absence) of cotton plants, whenever an input image is received from the camera. Upon cotton detection, it transforms into a Boolean signal sent to the microcontroller via PySerial communication, which instructs the motor to rotate the metering unit. Motor adjusts the speed of metering unit based on machine speed measured through a hall sensor, ensuring site-specific delivery of metered fertilizer A developed lab setup tested the MVES, experimentally examining performance indicators. Main results: The MVES obtained a MAPE of 5.71% & 8.5%, MAD 0.74 g/plant & 1.12 g/plant for urea and DAP (di-ammonium phosphate), respectively. ANOVA revealed no statistically significant effect of forward speed on the discharge fertilizer amount (p>0.05). For urea, discharge rates ranged from 1.03 g/s (at 10 rpm, 25% exposure length of metering unit) to 40.65 g/s (at 100 rpm, 100% exposure). DAP ranged from 1.43 to 47.66 g/s under similar conditions. Research highlights: The delivered application dosage conformed the recommended dosage. The developed MVES was reliable, had a quick response, and worked properly.

ESO-based robust adaptive control for dual closed-loop fuel control system in aeroengine

To improve the flowrate control accuracy of fuel control system at high supply pressure and large flowrate working condition, this paper proposes a novel dual closed-loop control for fuel metering unit (FMU) to address issues related to unknown velocity, matched/unmatched disturbances, and parameter uncertainties. Firstly, for a comprehensive assessment in flowrate feedback method, a global sensitive analysis is utilized to research the effect ratio of factors affecting the discharge flowrate. Then, a novel dual closed-loop control is proposed, in which the outer loop is flowrate loop, and a novel extended-state-observer (ESO)-based robust adaptive control without velocity sensor is used as the internal displacement loop control. Specifically, ESO can effectively estimate the unknown velocity and unmatched disturbance, and the parameter estimations can be updated by the adaptive law determined only by spool displacement and reference signal. The novel robust control can address matched/unmatched disturbances and model uncertainties effectively. Through Lyapunov method, it follows that the novel ESO-based robust adaptive control can achieve asymptotic tracking performance when occurring time-invariant disturbances and bounded tracking performance when occurring time-varying disturbances. Comparative experiments verify the superiority of the proposed control, which provides a new method and glimpse for the advanced control strategy of aeroengine.

Fatigue vulnerability assessment of a steel arch bridge using the probabilistic weibull model and considering its remaining service life under localized corrosion effects

This study attempts to obtain the approximate fatigue vulnerability of a steel arch bridge from the Colombian national road network. It establishes the interaction between the demand and the available capacity through the Weibull probability equation, and an AASHTO remaining-time equation indicated in (FHWA, 2015). However, the available capacity in terms of the S-N curve obtained from available international references was modified to account for the effects of corrosion present in elements and/or joints in the bridge. The load demand was modeled as the controlled action of the fatigue truck reported in AASHTO, which was systematically located on a structural model represented by Shell and Frame type finite elements, which represented the information available in drawings (in the current Colombian bridge management system), and the one obtained from structural survey activities. The structural model was further calibrated by a parametric study on the modulus of elasticity of steel, which included the minimization of the error difference in the vertical deflections of a bridge load test, keeping the magnitude within the expected ranges established in a protocol. Such reports of actual deflections were achieved using distance meters at important points of the bridge. This model allowed for estimating the magnitude of stresses in the structural elements of the bridge, especially in an area of interest for the study where chemical and physical elements of structural deficiency were determined. The results show an inverse relationship between the probability of failure and remaining service life. The effect of corrosion on the remaining capacity and the probability of failure of the structural elements is clear.

Develop a seed metering unit by studying the physical properties of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) seeds

Develop a seed metering unit by studying the physical properties of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) seeds

Benefits of Planter Turn Compensation on Irregular Shaped Fields

Highlights For the production fields examined, turn compensation was actuated for between 4.7% and 12.1% of the area during planting operations. Seeding rate error without turn compensation ranged from 30.9% to 570.1% while with turn compensation seeding rate error was only 0.1% to 10.4%. A cost savings of $16 to $212 ha-1 can be realized when planting with a turn compensation feature. Abstract. Modern precision planters utilize advanced technologies such as electric seed metering units and hydraulic downforce systems, allowing for more precise control of seed placement during planting. This study focused on assessing the effectiveness of adopting turn compensation using electrically driven seed meters. Turn compensation refers to the ability of a planter to adjust seeding rates across the toolbar to account for the speed differential caused by planting around a turn or curvilinear pass. Significant research has been conducted on the accuracy of turn compensation implemented by electric driven seed meters, though no existing research could be found on the amount of ground covered in a production field when the technology is being utilized. Thus, the objectives of this study are: 1) to quantify the extent of area planted with turn compensation actuated on fields with varying size and shape and 2) to assess the potential cost savings when using a planter equipped with this technology. Results indicated that turn compensation could provide accurate adjustments of seed and fertilizer inputs while planting on curvilinear paths. In the production fields examined turn compensation would be actuated on between 4.7% and 12.1% of the area. Spacing data confirmed that the turn compensation accurately corrected the seed spacing when planting on curves. Seeding rate error without turn compensation ranged from 30.9% to 570.1% while with turn compensation seeding rate error was only 0.1% to 10.4%. Finally, results indicated a cost savings of $16 to $212 ha-1 when using a planter with a turn compensation feature.

Design and development of a manual groundnut planter for smallholder farmers

This article presents the design and development of a manual groundnut planter, specifically tailored for smallholder farmers cultivating less than two hectares of land. The planter serves as an intermediate technology between hand tools and tractor-drawn multi-row planters, addressing the financial constraints faced by a significant portion of the farming population. The planter’s design focuses on minimizing drudgery by eliminating continuous bending and standing up, ultimately improving efficiency and reducing time wastage. Key considerations during the design phase include affordability, ease of construction using locally available materials, and low technological complexity, requiring minimal training for operation and maintenance. Operational functionality involves a single-row tiller drawn type planter, utilizing a feed-in disc roller principle. Seeds are poured into the hopper, picked up by the metering plate, and introduced into the chute. The furrow opener continuously opens the soil, and the seeds fall into the furrow, simultaneously closed by the leveller. The planter achieves a continuous planting at a 30 cm intra-row spacing. The article further details the description of the groundnut planter, highlighting its components such as the handle, seed hopper, furrow opener, seed discharge tube, main body (frame), and metering roller housing. The planter’s power is derived from the rotation of the wheel, and motion is transmitted through the shaft to the metering unit. The methodology is outlined, including a flowchart illustrating the design process and the use of AutoCAD software for the 2D design. Mechanical factors considered for the planter design include uniformity of seed depth placement, distribution along rows, transverse displacement, and soil cover. Design considerations prioritize the ease of fabrication, operator safety, simplicity for small-scale farmers, and the use of locally available materials. The viability and nature of the seed, including orientation and moisture content, are also taken into account. The article concludes with a discussion on the collection of required materials, including the seed box, seed metering disc, seed transmission hose, and main frame. The presented manual groundnut planter aims to enhance the planting process for smallholder farmers, offering an affordable and efficient solution to improve agricultural practices.

A Practical Implementation of RESTful API and WebSocket Protocol for Power Efficiency Monitoring: A Case Study at Muhammadiyah Orphanage

Power efficiency needs to be monitored to avoid adverse effects on electricity users, particularly those with significant inductive loads. However, current monitoring devices are limited in their ability to continuously record data and represent outputs effectively. This study designs an IoT-based reactive power and power factor monitoring system using a RESTful API for electrical equipment at a Muhammadiyah orphanage. The proposed system utilizes the PZEM-004T as the power sensor, the ESP32 microprocessor as the data processing unit, and a web server as the interface for settings and data visualization. Measurement records for reactive power and power factor can be stored in internal data storage. Additionally, remote monitoring can be conducted via WebSocket protocol and the Telegram application. The system has been tested by comparing reactive power, power factor, kWh, and cost with a standard power meter. The results demonstrate that the sensor exhibits an error of 9.02% in current measurement and 1.106% in active power measurement, with an average delay of 0.137 seconds via WebSocket-based server and 1.359 seconds using Telegram application.

Analysis and correlation of the Six-Minute Walk Test and Two-Minute Step Test in an elderly population participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) and two-minute step test (2MST) are submaximal tests widely used in the elderly population functional capacity evaluation. Objective: To investigate whether the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program was able to promote an increase in these tests and if there was an association between them; and to compare the hemodynamic stress caused by each of the tests. Methods: Retrospective, observational study in elderly participants in CR program. 24 elderly people were evaluated and classified according to the Fried frailty phenotype. The 6MWT and the 2MST were applied, observing the mean distance walked and the number of steps performed, respectively, as well as the double cardiac product (DP) at the beginning and after 4 months of the CR program. Results: There was an increase of 57 meters in the mean distance covered by the 6MWT (364.31±108.01 vs. 421.65±108.73, P<0.001) and 14 steps performed in the 2MST (62.17±22.50 vs. 76.17±25.56, P= 0.011) after 4 months of CR and we found a significant correlation between the tests and their results (P <0.001). When comparing the DP, both tests had a significant reduction (14469.92±2497.91 vs. 13348.21±2839.36, P= 0.022 and 15744.17±3591.87 vs. 13222.29±2505.39, P<0.001; respectively). Conclusion: A relationship between the number of steps performed in the 2MST with the mean distance covered of 6MWT suggest the use of them as an effective indicator in CR program and the association between them offers greater possibilities for treatment and evaluation of an elderly population.

Comparative study on seed metering units for wet-direct seeding of rice

In sowing operation, seed metering units plays a crucial role in achieving the optimal plant spacing, uniform crop emergence, crop yield, resource efficiency, and overall farm profitability. This research was conducted to access performance of four metering mechanisms (drum type, fluted roller type, inclined plate type-I, and inclined plate type-II) with three distinct paddy varieties (IR-64, JR-206, and Kranti) and at three levels of operating speed (1, 1.5 and 2 km/h). A test rig was developed for conducting the lab experiments to measure the seed rate and mechanical damage for all four metering units. Across all types of metering units and seed varieties, a trend was observed where the seed rate tends to decrease as the operating speed increases and mechanical damage to seeds increases with increase in operating speed. For drum type, fluted roller type, inclined plate type-I, inclined plate type-II metering unit seed rate varies from 21.67 to 27.91 kg/ha, 47.44 to 55.98 kg/ha, 26.5 to 30.09 kg/ha, and 28.98 to 33.23 Kg/ha whereas, seed damage ranged from 1.1 to 2.1%, 8.89 to 12.8 %,0.09 to 0.17 %, and 2.21 to 3.54 %, respectively. Among the metering units, the inclined plate type-I emerges as the preferred choice, showcasing minimal mechanical damage alongside optimum seed rate. These findings have important implications in selecting metering unit for wet-direct seeding method of rice cultivation, with the potential to enhance rice production and productivity.

Estimating the Concentration of Cadmium in the Qayyarah and Kasak Sites and its Impact on the Environment

Cadmium recorded a significant superiority in the soil of the Qayyarah site with a peak of (491.744) mg/kg compared to the Kasak site, which showed its highest concentration in the soil of (D1) at (0) metres. The highest value was recorded at (520.217) mg/kg, which indicates high pollution. Compared to the rest of the dimensions, the lowest concentration of cadmium was in the soil (D2) at a distance of (50) meters, amounting to (428,050) mg/kg.
 While we note that the Qayyarah site recorded the lowest values of cadmium at the distance (S2D2) (50 metres), with a concentration rate of (450.867) mg/kg. As for cadmium, its highest concentration was at the distance (S2D3) (100 metres) and (S2D5). It reached (521.867) mg/kg.
 While the Kasak site recorded the highest value of cadmium at a distance of (S1D1) (0 metres) with a concentration of (527.667) mg/kg, while the lowest concentration of cadmium was at point (S1D2) (50 metres) with a value of (405.233) mg/kg.

ALGORITHM FOR DETERMINING THE VOLUME OF NATURAL GAS LOSSES UNDER CONDITIONS OF MEASURING ITS PARAMETERS AT THE GAS PIPELINE OUTLET

Gas pipeline networks are complex distributed systems consisting of hundreds of kilometers of pipelines of various configurations. Equipping all sections of the gas pipelines with gas accounting and gas parameter metering devices that would allow for the quick detection of pipeline damages and the determination of gas loss volumes requires significant funds. As a result, many transportation and distribution pipelines are not equipped with metering devices. Therefore, it is important to develop algorithms that can estimate the volume of gas losses based on information from existing metering units without the reconstruction of gas networks.The paper proposes an improved mathematical model for the stationary flow of natural gas in pipelines which considers the flow velocity changes along the pipeline. This model is supplemented with an equation for calculating the flowrate of gas flowing into the atmosphere through a hole in the damaged above-ground gas pipeline. The authors have developed an equation to determine the discharge coefficient for a pressure range in the pipeline from 0.1 to 1.2 MPa with a methodological error of no more than 1.7%. Based on the obtained mathematical models, an algorithm has been developed to calculate the gas volume lost because of damage for pipeline configurations with gas parameter metering units at the pipeline outlet. The developed algorithm has been validated, and an example of its application for analyzing the distributions of gas pressure and temperature in a pipeline with existing damage is presented. The paper presents the simulation results for gas leakage through pipeline damage and the iterative determination of gas parameters at the damage point, as well as the results of calculating the gas flowrate through the damage.The application of the developed algorithm allows for increased accuracy in determining the volume of gas losses through pipeline damage. Its hardware implementation in the future will reduce the time for damage detection, localization, and elimination.

Ensuring the aviation fuel quality when using anti-water crystallization fluids

The addition of anti-water crystallization fluids (AWCF) in aviation fuels (AF) is a radical and relatively simple method to prevent ice formation in the aircraft fuel systems and aviation engines (AE). The anti-water crystallization fluids use is extremely important for our country. However, failures of fuel systems components due to icing also occur when the anti-water crystallization fluids are added to aviation fuel. The article shows that one of the most significant causes is a decrease in standard concentration of the anti-water crystallization fluids in aviation fuels after refueling due to mixing loaded fuel with the standard-anti-water crystallization fluids content with the remaining fuel in aircraft tanks, both with and without the anti-water crystallization fluids. At the same time, the anti-water crystallization fluids content control in aviation fuels after refueling is not carried out. It is shown that the solution to this problem can be a transition to variable anti-water crystallization fluids metering in aviation fuels, taking into account the remaining fuel in the aircraft tanks and the fuel in the aviation fuel supply technological equipment. Developing metering units with the variable anti-water crystallization fluids supply to aviation fuels is not currently associated with issues. The formula is proposed, and the calculation of the required anti-water crystallization fluids metering is shown to ensure its standard value in aviation fuels after refueling. It is also shown that the required metering varies long-range: from 0.18 to 1.31% vol., and in all the cases, exceeds standard metering of 0,125 ± 0,025% vol. for civil aviation. The improvement of the anti-water crystallization fluids metering procedure in aviation fuel is feasible to ensure the reliability of aircraft fuel systems and aviation engines operation as well as flight safety.

WiPoTS: An Application Layer Protocol With Network Protocol Stack Enhancements For Wireless Power Transfer Networks

Abstract Nowadays, a far-field wireless power transfer (WPT) system aims to deliver wireless power over a distance of a few meters. Communication among devices for the purpose of WPT in the far-field WPT system is unique as its purpose is to establish, maintain and monitor a WPT session among devices in the system. For proper functionality of a WPT system, a number of communication-, control- and management-related challenges need to be addressed. Hence, here an application layer protocol specifically designed for a WPT system is presented. The protocol provides essential control, management and communication functionalities to establish, maintain and monitor a WPT session. Some features of a WPT system require low-latency communication, hence enhancements for a networking protocol stack are also proposed. To validate the effectiveness of the presented application layer protocol along with the enhancements proposed for the networking protocol stack, a set of experiments was carried out over a real WPT system. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed protocol possesses the features essential for a WPT system, and the proposed enhancements for the networking protocol stack provide low-latency communication along with lower control overhead compared with an existing state-of-the-art network protocol stack.

Development of a device to improve the precision of water surface identification for MeV electron beam dosimetry

The study aimed to develop a laser-based distance meter (LDM) to improve water surface identification for clinical MeV electron beam dosimetry, as inaccurate water surface determination can lead to imprecise positioning of ionization chambers (ICs). The LDM consisted of a laser ranging sensor, a signal processing microcontroller, and a tablet PC for data acquisition. I50 (the water depth at which ionization current drops to 50 % of its maximum) measurements of electron beams were performed using six different types of ICs and compared to other water surface identification methods. The LDM demonstrated reproducible I50 measurements with a level of 0.01 cm for all six ICs. The uncertainty of water depth was evaluated at 0.008 cm with the LDM. The LDM also exposed discrepancies between I50 measurements using different ICs, which was partially reduced by applying an optimum shift of IC's point of measurement (POM) or effective point of measurement (EPOM). However, residual discrepancies due to the energy dependency of the cylindrical chamber's EPOM caused remained. The LDM offers straightforward and efficient means for precision water surface identification, minimizing reliance on individual operator skills.

A little bit of Sargassum goes a long way: seafloor observations of Sargassum fluitans and Sargassum natans in the Western Atlantic Ocean

The North Atlantic Ocean features high seasonal productivity of the brown seaweed Sargassum, which floats on the ocean surface and accumulates in large numbers in the Sargasso Sea. Sargassum blooms can stretch from the west coast of Africa to the Gulf of Mexico, and have created the largest seaweed blooms ever observed. Sargassum blooms have increased in intensity in recent years, and can negatively impact coastal communities when they wash up onshore in large quantities and decay. While seaweed sinking from surface waters to the seafloor may be an important carbon sink by removing carbon from the atmosphere, the magnitude of carbon sequestration by Sargassum and other macroalgae remains poorly understood. Given the magnitude of Sargassum blooms in the North Atlantic, they may pose a significant mechanism for carbon sequestration in the deep sea, though direct observations are rare. In this study, we documented the presence and distribution of Sargassum seaweed on the seafloor using video from ten remotely operated vehicle dives conducted on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Locations included sites in the Gulf of Mexico, in the Caribbean Sea, and off the Southeastern United States. Sargassum was observed in numbers ranging from 0 to over 112 per dive, and a frequency of between 0-11.23 observations for every 100 meters of horizontal distance. These observations suggest that Sargassum does make its way to the deep sea in potentially significant amounts. Natural systems like Sargassum sinking could serve as natural laboratories for understanding and managing seaweed burial as a climate mitigation strategy. Long-term monitoring of the fate of sunken Sargassum on the seabed is needed in order to determine how much is ultimately sequestered rather than recycled back into the system. Such observations would inform the feasibility of Sargassum farming and/or facilitated sinking as potential carbon dioxide removal strategies.

PRACTICAL EXPLORATION OF LOW-COST YET HIGHLY ACCURATE 3D MAPPING TECHNIQUES FOR DOCUMENTATION AND CONSERVATION OF AN EGYPTIAN TOMB (THEBAN TOMB 45)

Abstract. This research presents the initial endeavour to perform geo-referenced 3D reconstruction of an ancient Egyptian tomb located on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, evaluating low-cost techniques. This study uses low-cost equipment in conjunction with simple geodetical principles to accurately map a tomb in 3D to empower archaeological teams with limited budgets to efficiently and effectively map their projects. Emphasizing the project goals of both high detail and high accuracy, one of our chosen techniques is photogrammetry with a standard system camera. Additionally, 3D mapping with a modern smartphone was explored in the tomb and was compared with results from the photogrammetry process. Geo-referencing the underground map in a global grid was also part of the project goals. This research shows that, within certain reasonable constraints, the chosen low-cost techniques successfully achieved all goals of producing a highly detailed, highly accurate, and georeferenced 3D map of the selected tomb (Theban Tomb 45). In this first season of mapping the tomb in 3D, various mapping methods were used and tried and where possible compared. Digitally mapping an ancient, underground Egyptian tomb requires a planned approach. In order to better plan when using low-cost scanning equipment, preliminary research was done for mapping a mostly underground, relatively small but complex to survey ancient Egyptian tomb. Data have been collected with the use of both devices and also with a total station, a laser distance meter and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) datalogger.

UHF Textronic RFID Transponder with Bead-Shaped Microelectronic Module

The idea of novel antennas and matching circuits, developed for radio frequency identification (RFID) passive transponders, and made on textile substrates, is presented in this paper. By manufacturing an RFID transponder by the means used in every clothing factory, we developed the concept of RFIDtex tags, which, as textronic devices, make a new significant contribution to the Internet of Textile Things (IoTT). The main feature of the device consists of the use of an uncommon inductively coupled system as the antenna feed element. The antenna is sewn/embroidered with a conductive thread, and the microelectronic module with an RFID chip is made in the form of a bead, using standard electronic technology. Finally, the construction of the RFIDtex tag is developed for easy implementation in production lines in the garment industry. The proposed inductive coupling scheme has not been considered anywhere, so far. The developed transponder is dedicated to operating in RFID systems of the ultra-high frequency band (UHF). The numerical calculations confirmed by the experimental results clearly indicate that the proposed coupling system between the antenna and the microelectronic module works properly and the RFIDtex device can operate correctly within a distance of several meters. The proposed design is based on the authors’ patent on the textronic RFID transponder (patent no PL 231291 B1).

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE DISPENSER OF THE SEEDING APPARATUS OF THE SELECTION SEEDER OF SMALL SEED CULTURES

A mock-up sample of the dispenser of the seeding device of the selection seeder as part of the laboratory stand was developed. The MG995 servo drive is used as a drive for the seeding machine dispenser. The experimental stand includes a conveyor belt that simulates the process of moving a planter. The drive of the conveyor belt is a stepper motor SY42STH38-1684A. The numerical modeling factors are the diameter of the seed Dμ (0.001–0.003 m), the angle of rotation of the flap α (0.3489–0.8028 rad), the time interval when the flap is open or closed Δt (0.2–0.4 s), the speed movement of the conveyor belt (planter) V (1–4 m/s). Quantitative evaluation criterion is seed sowing rate N. Qualitative evaluation criterion is sowing accuracy δ. As a result of experimental studies of the dosing device of the selection planter of small-seeded crops, the dependences of the seed sowing rate N and sowing accuracy δN on the average effective seed diameter Dμ, the flap rotation angle α, the time interval when the flap is open or closed Δt and the movement speed of the planter V for three options were established the shape of the holes. A visual and statistical comparison of theoretical and experimental dependences testifies to the adequacy of the obtained theoretical models and the reliability of the obtained experimental regularities. It was established that the accuracy of seeding δN for the 1st version of the hole (triangle) of the metering unit of the sowing device is in the range of 78.0–99.9%, for the 2nd version (semicircle) the range is 71.1–98.3%, for the 3rd version (rectangle) range 67.3–97.4%. Therefore, taking into account the theoretical conclusion and the obtained experimental data, in further studies we accept the 1st version of the holes (triangular).