Row Position Research Articles

Influence of micro-environment on the growth characteristics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with reference to row positions

Influence of micro-environment on the growth characteristics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with reference to row positions

Efficient multi-branch segmentation network for situation awareness in autonomous navigation

Real-time and high-precision situational awareness technology is critical for autonomous navigation of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). In particular, robust and fast obstacle semantic segmentation methods are essential. However, distinguishing between the sea and the sky is challenging due to the differences between port and maritime environments. In this study, we built a dataset that captured perspectives from USVs and unmanned aerial vehicles in a maritime port environment and analysed the data features. Statistical analysis revealed a high correlation between the distribution of the sea and sky and row positional information. Based on this finding, a three-branch semantic segmentation network with a row position encoding module (RPEM) was proposed to improve the prediction accuracy between the sea and the sky. The proposed RPEM highlights the effect of row coordinates on feature extraction. Compared to the baseline, the three-branch network with RPEM significantly improved the ability to distinguish between the sea and the sky without significantly reducing the computational speed.

DOI- and TOF-capable PET array detector using double-ended light readout and stripline-based row and column electronic readout.

We investigate a highly multiplexing readout for depth-of-interaction (DOI) and time-of-flight PET detector consisting of an N×N crystals whose light outputs at the front and back ends are detected by using silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). The front N×N SiPM array is read by using a stripline (SL) configured to support discrimination of the row position of the signal-producing crystal. The back N×N SiPM array is similarly read by an SL for column discrimination. Hence, the detector has only four outputs. We built 4×4 and 8×8 detector modules (DM) by using 3.0×3.0×20 mm3 lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicates. The outputs were sampled and processed offline. For both DMs, crystal discrimination was successful. For the 4×4 DM, we obtained an average energy resolution (ER) of 14.1%, an average DOI resolution of 2.5 mm, a non DOI-corrected coincidence resolving time (CRT), measured in coincidence with a single-pixel reference detector, of about 495 ps. For the 8×8 DM, the average ER, average DOI resolution and average CRT were 16.4%, 2.9 mm, and 641 ps, respectively. We identified the intercrystal scattering as a probable cause for the CRT deterioration when the DM was increased from 4×4 to 8×8.

Modified Odd–Even–Prime pattern for effective dispersion of shade over the PV array under partial shading conditions

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays are extensively used for power generation being the most abundant renewable energy sources available. Partial shading of the PV array leads to mismatch between the modules and decrease in output power. A new Modified Odd–Even–Prime (MOEP) method of module arrangement for total cross tied (TCT) connection is presented in this paper to mitigate the effects of partial shading. The proposed MOEP method is a physical relocation method where the modules of PV array are relocated without altering the electrical connections. MOEP method of module rearrangement is based on row positions of the PV array. In this method, the row positions of PV modules in the first column are filled with odd, even and prime numbers in ascending order. The row positions of further columns are formed based on MOEP method. The proposed MOEP method is implemented on 9 × 9 and 8 × 8 PV arrays under various shading patterns. Further, the results are compared with TCT, Odd Even (OE) and Odd–Even–Prime (OEP) patterns. MATLAB/Simulink is used to validate the results. An experimental setup of 9 × 9 and 8 × 8 PV array is developed and tested in real time environment to validate the effectiveness of MOEP method over TCT, OE and OEP methods. The performance of proposed MOEP method is evaluated in terms of GMPP, mismatch power loss (MPL), Fill Factor (FF), Efficiency (η) and Shade Dispersion Ratio (SDR). A detailed study on energy savings from the proposed MOEP method is made on hourly, daily and yearly basis. From the experimental results obtained, it is observed that MOEP method generates a significant improvement in GMPP, efficiency and reduces the mismatch loss compared to TCT, OE and OEP methods.

Sugarcane green harvest management influencing soil phosphorus fractions

Few researchers have evaluated phosphorus (P) fractions in soils from humid tropical regions in which sugarcane (Saccharum spp) is harvested without prior burning. Aiming to evaluate if that practice may promote substantial changes in the availability of soil P, we analyzed the differences in total P, organic P (Po), and extractable inorganic P (Pi) fractions in soil samples collected from an Oxisol. A long-term (14 years) randomized block design was employed with six replicates and two treatments: green-harvest (GH) and burned-harvest (BH) in a sugarcane plantation. Soil samples, with six replicates, were collected at depths of 0–0.05 m, 0.05–0.1 m, 0.1–0.2 m, 0.2–0.3 m, and 0.3–0.4 m from the planting row, 0.25 m perpendicular to the row, and in the inter-row. The total Po fraction had the greatest variation between the GH and BH systems. Total Po concentration was lower in the 0–0.05 m soil layer of the GH system than that of the BH system. Total Po had also accumulated in the 0.2–0.3 m layer, which is where P fertilizer was applied at planting. These differences were observed in the planting row and 0.25 m from the planting row, but not in the inter-row. There was also no relationship between Pi fractions and row position or sampling depth in the two harvest systems. Long-term GH management rather than conventional BH sugarcane promoted greater cycling of Po in the soil, while concentrations of Pi fractions did not differ between harvest systems.

Controlled traffic farming maintains soil physical functionality in sugarcane fields

The disorderly machinery traffic has been one of the main causes of soil physical degradation in sugarcane fields. In this sense, the adoption of strategies for machinery traffic control has been a viable alternative to reduce the risk of soil compaction and minimize physical restrictions to plant growth. However, the impact of traffic control on soil physical properties is still unknown in sugarcane fields. In this study, we investigated the impacts of machinery traffic control on soil physical properties and functions under contrasting soil textures (clayey and sandy clay), assessed at row and inter-row sugarcane planting positions. Bulk density, soil porosity, soil penetration resistance, the weighted average diameter of aggregates and visual assessment of soil structure (VESS) were measured. In addition, the soil physical quality index (SPQI) was assessed for the following soil functions: support root growth, ability to resist erosion and physical degradation, water supply for plants, edaphic fauna, and its relationship with the exchange of gases between soil and atmosphere. The results revealed that uncontrolled traffic farming increased bulk density, soil penetration resistance, and VESS scores as well as reduced total porosity mainly in the 0–10 cm soil layer. Controlled traffic farming supported soil functions in relation to uncontrolled traffic. Uncontrolled traffic caused a reduction by 12% on the SPQI at row position in both clayey and sandy clay soils, whereas for inter-row position, no difference was observed between the treatments. Controlled traffic in sugarcane fields was able to reduce soil physical degradation induced by agricultural machinery traffic, whose mitigation of compaction occurs mainly at row-position. These results suggest that controlled traffic farming may be a strategy to reduce soil physical restrictions for root growth in sugarcane fields.

Quantification of Intra- vs. Inter-Row Leaching of Major Plant Nutrients in Sloping Vineyard Soils

Nutrient leaching from agricultural soils presents an economic loss for farmers and can degrade the quality of the surrounding environment. Thus, leachates from 18 in situ wick lysimeters, installed at 40 cm soil depth at the vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope intra- and inter-row area (SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia) were collected monthly over two years and analyzed for major plant nutrient ions. Our objectives were to quantify nutrient losses via leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and to the footslope, and to compare leaching from vine plant rows (intra-row) with grassed areas between vine rows (inter-row). We found that the concentrations of nitrate, orthophosphate, and potassium were significantly higher in leachates collected at the footslope as compared to the hilltop and backslope only at intra- and not at inter-row positions, while ammonium was independent of the slope and row positions. The vineyard intra-row is identified as the probable spatial origin of nutrient leaching along the slope, thus confirming spatially different contributions of overall hillslope to major plant nutrients leaching. The experimental field scheme used in this study, which separately analyses vineyard intra- and inter-row, was confirmed to be an adequate approach for optimizing vineyard management practices.

Analysis of axial fretting mode and mechanical model for a four-row tapered roller bearing

Studies show that relative sliding of small amplitude may result in fretting wear or fatigue of the contact surface between the roller and the raceway. Generally, fretting mode in a ball-on-flat contact include tangential, radial, torsional and rotational modes. In the present study, the new concept of axial fretting mode and the corresponding mechanical model are proposed for the study of a four-row tapered roller bearing (FTRB) in the roughing mill. The mechanical models of axial thrust and radial load causing axial fretting phenomenon are established and the coupled load distributions are calculated by considering the pre-displacement principle and the elastic contact theory. Moreover, an engineering test rig is built to collect the vibration signals caused by axial fretting phenomenon. The improved multivariate variational mode decomposition (IMVMD) combined with multivariate composite multiscale weighted permutation entropy (MCMWPE) are applied to process the vibration signals in order to provide better maintenance strategy about the FTRBs. The analysis results indicate that the axial fretting regime and slip region of contact surface are affected by axial thrust, friction coefficient, and roller position angle. The axial thrust under different cross angles varies nonlinearly and the radial load of the contact surface varies with the row number and position angle of the roller. The MCMWPE of fretting bearing is significantly lower than that of healthy bearing, and there is a regular impact phenomenon.

Preconsolidation stress of gibbsitic and kaolinitic Oxisols under a multipractice conservationist coffee system

Our goal was to analyze the impact of a multipractice soil conservationist system on coffee production in tropical soils (LATOSSOLO VERMELHO-AMARELO caulinítico/kaolinitic Haplustox and LATOSSOLO VERMELHO-gibbsítico/gibbsitic Acrustox) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In the experimental area, the soil management involved a set of multiple conservationist practices during cultivation for more than 3.5 yrs. Soil samples were collected at 0-5, 10-15, and 20-25 cm depths at two positions: planting rows and between rows. The soil physical and mechanical properties were determined, with a focus mainly on the preconsolidation stress model (preconsolidation stress versus matric tension). For the purpose of analysis, a split-split plot experimental design was implemented. A linear mixed regression model (LMR) was fitted, and Wald’s test was performed (P < 0.05). An improvement of soil physical quality for both Oxisols was observed at the planting row position. The effects of multipractice soil management after 3.5 yrs of cultivation in association with increased gibbsite content could promote new soil structure organization, as revealed by LMR, resulting in more resilient soils (between rows) and increasing the resistance to external pressures on gibbsitic Acrustox. Overall, the findings herein are in concordance with global trends towards conservationist practices that may alleviate soil compaction in agricultural systems to maintain environmental sustainability.

Transforming Malta Orchard into Agroforestry System with Different Crops for Improving Productivity, Profitability and Land Uses

Sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry systems are being advocated to overcome various problems of farming. A young malta (Citrus sinensis) orchard (3 years old) was transformed into a fruit tree-based agroforestry system in which the performances of summer (okra and Indian spinach) and autumn (mungbean and kangkong) crops and year-round spices (ginger and turmeric) were evaluated following randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replication each and eventually compared between agroforestry systems and respective sole cropping (control) from March 2018 to February 2019 at BSMRAU field. The experimental results revealed that the yields of the associated crops deprived when grown at the closest row position from the bed of malta tree and spices. Yields of okra, Indian spinach, mungbean, kangkong, turmeric and ginger were reduced by 7.57, 6.52, 14.86, 13.26, 9.70 and 16.23%, respectively under agroforestry system as compared to control. However, malta yield was increased by 5.35% in agroforestry system than control trees. The findings also indicated that the crops in agroforestry system was less hindered by the shade effect of malta trees due to less dense canopy of young malta trees. In comparison to sole cropping system, the higher benefit-cost ratio (BCR) (2.93) and land equivalent ratio (LER) (2.83) were obtained in the studied agroforestry system that explicated higher system productivity and land uses. Notable improvement of total nitrogen and organic matter were obtained in the soil under agroforestry system. Therefore, malta-based agroforestry system can be a promising alternative to provide higher economic benefits, boosting food and nutritional security, improving soil nutrient status and utilization of land.
 Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(1) : 113-125

Soil carbon dioxide emissions in a sorghum field: Row position and growth stage effects

AbstractSoil carbon dioxide emission (SCE) is known to be impacted by multiple factors including sources of respiration, environmental factors, and crop and soil management practices, yet few reports exist on how crop row position and growth stage affect SCE in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] fields. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of row position and growth stage on SCE dynamics in a field under grain and sweet sorghum production in northern Alabama. Soil CO2 emissions were measured weekly during the growth period using a closed soil CO2 survey chamber system. The results showed that SCEs increased steadily from approximately 4 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1 during the vegetative stage and reached maximum values of approximately about 5 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1 and 6 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1 for grain sorghum and sweet sorghum, respectively. Soil CO2 emissions then decreased to approximately 2 μmol CO2 m–2 s–1 at the maturity and post‐maturity periods for both sorghum types. Significant differences in SCE were observed between row positions. Soil CO2 emissions at the row (R) positions were 19% greater than at interrow (I) positions during the entire growing season under grain sorghum production. Significant difference occurred only during the vegetative stage (SCE at R was 9% greater than at I position) under sweet sorghum production. Additionally, a significantly greater response of SCE to soil temperature (Ts) during the vegetative stage was observed under sweet sorghum production but not grain sorghum production. This study provides evidence that SCE is affected by row position, growth stage, and crop type and suggests that crop row position and growth stage should be taken into consideration for SCE estimation.

Enhancing the kinetic complexity of 2-D digital coupled chaotic lattice

A 2-dimensional coupled logistic map lattice model and a 2-dimensional Logistic-nested-Sine map are proposed in this paper. In order to strengthen complexity of 2-dimensional coupled logistic map lattice, chaotic sequences are transformed to binary sequences, and new decimal sequences are constructed by perturbed binary sequences. Numerical experimental results demonstrate that this method can increase the complexity and ergodicity of 2-dimensional coupled logistic map lattice effectively. The initial values of the 2-dimensional coupled logistic map lattice are determined by utilization of the SHA 512 hash function. The row and column positions of pixels are shuffled completely in permutation process. Unlike 1-dimensional linear diffusion operation, we have adopted two-dimensional space diffusion began from random semi-surround. Keys security, correlation coefficient, information entropy, and ability of defending differential attack are analyzed to confirm the security of our encryption scheme. Experimental results confirm that the proposed algorithm can encrypt image effectively.

Cross-plane colour image encryption using a two-dimensional logistic tent modular map

Chaotic systems are suitable for image encryption owing to their numerous intrinsic characteristics. However, chaotic maps and algorithmic structures employed in many existing chaos-based image encryption algorithms exhibit various shortcomings. To overcome these, in this study, we first construct a two-dimensional logistic tent modular map (2D-LTMM) and then develop a new colour image encryption algorithm (CIEA) using the 2D-LTMM, which is referred to as the LTMM-CIEA. Compared with the existing chaotic maps used for image encryption, the 2D-LTMM has a fairly wide and continuous chaotic range and more uniformly distributed trajectories. The LTMM-CIEA employs cross-plane permutation and non-sequential diffusion to obtain the diffusion and confusion properties. The cross-plane permutation concurrently shuffles the row and column positions of pixels within the three colour planes, and the non-sequential diffusion method processes the pixels in a secret and random order. The main contributions of this study are the construction of the 2D-LTMM to overcome the shortcomings of existing chaotic maps and the development of the LTMM-CIEA to concurrently encrypt the three colour planes of images. Simulation experiments and security evaluations show that the 2D-LTMM outperforms recently developed chaotic maps, and the LTMM-CIEA outperforms several state-of-the-art image encryption algorithms in terms of security.

The effects of cocksfoot cover crop on soil water balance, evapotranspiration partitioning, and system production in an apple orchard on the Loess Plateau of China

Cover cropping in orchards has been advocated on the Loess Plateau of China to prevent soil erosion and provide additional forage production; however, the effects of cover crops on water use processes in orchards have not been fully investigated and soil water sustainability in the system is still unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of intercropping cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerataL.) and cocksfoot cutting management on soil water balance, evapotranspiration (ET) and its partitioning, and production in an apple orchard (Malus pumila M.). Field experiments were conducted at Qingyang experiment station in 2016-2018. The apple trees were at a spacing of 4 m × 4 m, and three soil management patterns were applied: clean tillage (CT), 2.4 m-wide cocksfoot strips set up between tree rows that were harvested with a high frequency (HF), and cocksfoot strips harvested with a low frequency (LF). The results showed that decline in soil water content in the dry season was promoted in the cover crop treatments. In tree interrow positions the soil water depletion was increased only in the 0–100 cm soil layer while in tree row positions the depletion in both the 0–100 and 100–200 cm soil layers was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Soil water replenishment in the 200–300 cm soil layer in the rainy season was reduced in the cover crop treatments. Increasing the harvesting frequency of cocksfoot could reduce its negative effects on soil water content in dry periods. The total system ET in LF was 477.7, 441.0 and 540.5 mm in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, which was significantly greater than that in HF and CT in the dry year of 2016 and was comparable with two other treatments in 2017 and 2018. ET under the tree canopy was increased after sowing cocksfoot, but large amounts of water were saved by converting soil evaporation to cocksfoot transpiration. Sowing cocksfoot did not exert a significant negative effect on apple production in any of the three years (P > 0.05), and 2.07–6.32 t ha-1 additional forage biomass was produced. Cocksfoot with greater harvesting frequency is suggested to be applied to conserve soil and water in apple orchards in our study area.

A novel model for evaporator structural design in the multi-effect evaporation plant

In this paper, a novel model called Evaporator Structural Design (ESD) model is introduced. The model not only predicts the three-dimensional distribution of heat transfer coefficient under different operation conditions but also guides the evaporator structural design. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient decreases with the decline of the spray density from 0.08 to 0.015 and with the increase of the tube length from 2 m to 10 m. The heat transfer coefficient exhibits higher values for the evaporation zone than the preheating zone, almost twice or more. Either in the preheating zone or in the evaporation zone, the heat transfer coefficient in different row positions have small differences. A forward-feed MEE (multi-effect evaporation) plant with 14 effects is calculated using the ESD model. Compared with the experimental data, the relative error of the accumulated vapor mass flow rate in each effect ranged between 1% and 8%, that of the evaporator area is about 7%. The ESD model is accurate and convenient in engineering design.

Differences in soil evaporation between row and interrow positions in furrowed agricultural fields

AbstractAlthough large‐scale center pivot sprinkler irrigation has replaced surface irrigation in many locations, the agricultural practice of growing crops in furrows remains common. Still, how the presence of elevated soil rows under sprinkler irrigation influences evaporation losses remains unclear, even while quantifying nonproductive water losses becomes increasingly important for informing new water conservation and irrigation strategies. In this study at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hermiston, OR, soil evaporation from the row and interrow positions within potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) fields of contrasting irrigation timing (daytime vs. nighttime) was estimated based on hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios. Samples collected throughout the 2016 growing season were analyzed and used to calculate soil evaporation (E) losses relative to applied irrigation (I). On average, row positions were more enriched in heavy isotopes than interrow positions, indicating that the evaporated fraction of applied irrigation (E/I) depends on the position. Within the day‐irrigated field, the estimated (mean ± standard deviation) E/I ratios determined from both stable isotopes for May, July, and September were 18 ± 8%, 10 ± 3%, and 19 ± 5% for row and 15 ± 6%, 7 ± 2%, and 12 ± 4% for interrow samples. Within the night‐irrigated field during these same months, the E/I ratios were 13 ± 12%, 16 ± 7%, and 13 ± 5% for row and 12 ± 7%, 9 ± 2%, and 6 ± 2% for interrow samples, respectively. For these fields, these results reveal that there is more evaporation from row, as compared with interrow, positions. Therefore, management practices for water conservation should account for larger nonproductive evaporation from within rows in order to minimize evaporative losses.

How the position of trees planting can improve the near-road air quality exposed to CO&lt;SUB align="right"&gt;2 emission from transportation

This research focuses on evaluating the row position of trees planting to the near-road air quality exposed to CO2 emitted from transportation. Since emission spread quickly to the roadside, it caused highly concentrated CO2 in ambient air that may harm human health, meanwhile the roadside is public space for pedestrians. The design of trees planting is necessarily critical in controlling air quality. This research provides four positions of trees planting simulated in Surabaya City, Indonesia, and created the physical condition according to the actual condition in a real 3D environment. CO2 emission was also calculated based on real data, simulated it using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The result displayed that the position of trees planting impact on the air quality was caused by CO2 dispersion. Planting the trees as a barrier between roadside and road in double-row position is an effective way of decreasing CO2 dispersion.

Tillage system influences hydrophobicity but not water repellency of a clay loam soil in southwestern Ontario

A 21 yr field study comparing zone tillage (ZT), no-tillage (NT), and moldboard plow tillage (MP) was used to elucidate tillage effects on soil hydrophobicity (SH) and soil water repellency index (RI) in a cool, humid clay loam soil in southwestern Ontario. The SH was 38% (P ≤ 0.05) greater for ZT and NT than MP, and it was similar between crop row (0.34) and crop inter-row (0.37) for ZT. The RI values were not different among tillage systems, or between the crop row versus crop inter-row positions under the three tillage systems.

Novel and Bizarre Abnormalities of the Tooth Row in Side-Blotched Lizards (Uta) and Rock Lizards (Petrosaurus).

Multiple tooth rows along the dentary or maxilla are present in many bony and cartilaginous fishes but occur infrequently in amniotes. Although two partially overlapping rows of teeth or a few doubled tooth positions were both previously reported in extant and extinct lizards, multiple rows of teeth across the entire dental or maxillary shelf were not previously documented in any lizard taxon. Here, we report one specimen of the side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana and two specimens of the rock lizard Petrosaurus mearnsi that have two or more marginal tooth rows that overlap for most of the dental shelf. We also describe several other phrynosomatid lizard specimens with one or two doubled tooth positions per marginal tooth-bearing skeletal element. We examined 520 total specimens of pleurodont iguanian lizards and verified that aberrant tooth row and tooth position morphologies were almost exclusively present in phrynosomatid lizards. We hypothesize that developmental irregularities in the number of odontogenic bands or in the function of zones of inhibition may have resulted in the observed tooth row abnormalities. The expression of multiple tooth rows or doubled tooth positions may be phylogenetically informative morphologies of phrynosomatid lizards. This bears further investigation from developmental, genetic, ecological, and phylogenetic perspectives. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:2014-2025, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Incidencia y etiología de las lesiones deportivas en jugadores de voleibol

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica de la incidencia de lesiones derivadas de la práctica del voleibol y su relación con variables sociodemográficas y de entrenamiento. Se analizaron veinte artículos, en español o en inglés, derivados de la búsqueda en PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge y SportDiscus. Se encontró que las lesiones son de carácter predominantemente agudo, destacando el esguince del ligamento peroneo-astragalino anterior; la rotura del ligamento cruzado anterior; y las luxaciones, esguinces y fracturas de los dedos y la muñeca. En las lesiones por sobreuso, destacó la tendinosis e inestabilidad de hombro; espondilólisis de la zona lumbar; y tendinopatía rotuliana. Se produjeron más lesiones en competición, de carácter leve o moderado, en las posiciones más cercanas a la red. En conclusión, en voleibol existe una incidencia destacada en las lesiones de tobillo, rodilla, hombro y dedos. Se ha encontrado una estrecha relación entre estas lesiones, la posición del jugador y las acciones de juego realizadas.