Specific Production Environment Research Articles

Participatory and Conventional Investigation of Tick Infestation in Camels and Cattle of Somali Pastoral Areas, Eastern Ethiopia.

Ticks are a common parasite that affect many animals by causing slowed growth, reduced milk output, and financial losses for industries that depend on animal hides and skins. From June to December 2017, participatory and conventional investigations on tick infestation in camels and cattle were conducted in Kebribayah and Afdem districts of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and density of ticks in these animals and establish strategic control measures to enhance livestock productivity and livelihoods in pastoral areas. The current study found that the prevalence of tick infestation in Kebribayah and Afdem districts was 83.3% and 86.8%, respectively. Rhipicephalus pulchellus (48.9%) was identified as the most common tick species in camels and cattle, followed by Amblyomma gemma (26.3%), Hyalomma truncatum (11.6%), Amblyomma lepidum (6.7%), and Amblyomma variegatum (6.5%). Among the variables considered, age and body condition score were significant risk factors (p < 0.001). Tick density varied depending on the recorded months and seasons (p < 0.001), with the highest mean tick density occurring in November (32.69 ± 21.750) and during the wet season (28.56 ± 19.750). Livestock owners in Kebribayah and Afdem ranked topical acaricide application as the most effective tick control method, followed by ivermectin injections, with the traditional hand removal method being the least effective. These rankings were consistent across both districts, and there was moderate agreement among livestock keepers from both regions regarding the best method. Afdem livestock keepers had slightly weak agreement on high tick burden in spring (W = 0.475, p = 0.127), and Kebribayah livestock keepers showed slightly strong agreement in tick burden across seasons (W = 0.700, p = 0.038), with spring having a significantly higher burden than winter. Consequently, participatory appraisal indicated that ticks were important and prevalent ectoparasites in the study area. Finally, strategic tick control appropriate for specific management and production environments should be implemented biannually in wet seasons.

ІНЖЕНЕРНА МЕТОДИКА РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ КВАЛІМЕТРІЇ У СИСТЕМІ МЕТРОЛОГІЧНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЕТАПІВ ПРОЕКТУВАННЯ АВІАКОНСТРУКЦІЙ ІЗ ПОЛІМЕРНИХ КОМПОЗИЦІЙНИХ МАТЕРІАЛІВ

In connection with the permanent growth worldwide, including in the domestic aircraft industry, of the use of polymer composite materials in the structures of civil aircraft, the problem of analyzing the effectiveness of the use of composites at all stages of the life cycle of the corresponding structures becomes relevant. An engineering method for the implementation of qualimetry in the system of metrological support for the main stages of designing structures made of polymer composite materials in civil aircraft of the transport category, based on the use of integrated quality indicators and expert assessment of the characteristics of the main design stages, is proposed and justified. General key tables for the synthesis of significance levels of the main stages of designing composite structures for expert evaluation of the effectiveness of operations have been developed. The main (defining) principles of integral indicators of quality of the components of design levels are established. The reliance of experts on the main features of the quality indicators of the design stages ensures the minimization of errors in establishing the significance ranks of these stages. The decomposition of the classifier of the type "Design of aircraft structures from polymer composite materials" was carried out, which systematizes the analysis and synthesis of the main steps for implementing the proposed engineering methodology for qualimetric support for the design of aircraft structures from polymer composite materials, the sequence and implementation by an expert group.A criterion for the effectiveness of an engineering methodology for qualimetric support for the implementation of design stages has been implemented in the form of an additive model of the ratio of the effect of each design stage, expressed as the sum of quality indicators to the total cost of funds for its provision, taking into account the coefficient of significance of the indicators. A hypothetical example of the implementation of the proposed engineering methodology for analyzing the effectiveness at the initial stages of its development at an enterprise that predicts a promising increase in the volume of use of composites in domestic aircraft of the transport category and their modifications is given. The proposed engineering method for the implementation of qualimetry in the system of metrological support for the stages of designing composite structures of domestic aircraft, after practical testing and refinement in a specific production environment, can become an effective tool for increasing the effectiveness of predicting the growth in the volume of use of polymer composite materials in the domestic aircraft industry.

The contribution of numerical models to Lamb wave driven NDT processes – part I: model building

Components made of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) may suffer from various types of damages, such as cracks or delamination. In order to monitor the structures’ material condition, non destructive testing (NDT) methods have emerged – among them, the use of ultrasonic waves. Inter alia, research focused on Lamb waves (LW), which offer promising conditions for NDT processes. However, prior implementation in a specific production environment, practitioners are faced with many open questions such as excitation frequencies to be used or which mode to select for defect identification. Therefore, the study aimed at demonstrating how a finite element analysis (FEA) can assist the experimental design of an LW driven NDT process. For that, a numerical model was developed, capable of computing LW propagations in an exemplary component: Stringer-stiffened C-FRP panels. The study was divided into two parts: In this part, all information regarding the model building is presented and principal functionality demonstrated. In the second part, the FEA is validated and then used to perform parameter studies, highlighting important conditions for practical application. The results of the present paper showed that stiffeners provoke varying interactions with LW modes – effects that increase wave field complexity but do not limit defect identification within or behind the stringer.

376 Genetic Approaches to Improve Reproductive Performance in the U.S. Sheep Industry

Abstract The U.S. sheep industry has experienced many changes over the last 50 years, the most prominent being a 75% reduction in the national breeding ewe inventory. Wool now accounts for ~10% of enterprise returns compared to ~80% from the sale of market lambs. Most breeding objective work indicates greatest emphasis should be placed on traits associated with ewe reproductive efficiency [e.g., number of lambs born/weaned (NLB/NLW), lamb survival]. Still, average NLB across the U.S. (1.07 lambs/ewe) and within geographic regions (East = 1.13, Midwest = 1.25, West = 1.09, Southwest = 0.79 lambs/ewe) remains low. Several genetic technologies are available to improve reproductive performance. Introgression of large effect gene variants, such as those within BMPR-1B, have increased NLB by ~1.0 and ~1.5 lambs in heterozygous and homozygous ewes, respectively. However, without joint improvement in maternal ability and/or husbandry, advantages in NLW are less pronounced and few U.S. producers utilize such variants in practice. Reproductive efficiency traits present challenges in selection programs as they are lowly heritable (&amp;lt; 0.15) and sex-limited. Previous single-trait selection experiments had modest improvement in NLB (0.01 – 0.02 lambs/yr). Selection accuracy is greatly improved by including pedigree and/or genomic relationships when deriving estimated breeding values (EBV). Since 2000, NLW EBV have increased by 0.01 lambs/yr with concurrent improvement in direct (0.02 kg/yr) and maternal (0.04 kg/yr) weaning weight for Polypay flocks enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). Still, NSIP flocks represent &amp;lt; 1% of production-oriented U.S. flocks so considerable expansion is needed to realize within-breed genetic improvement at a national level. Perhaps most importantly, large differences in reproductive efficiency traits exist across breeds and should be utilized to a greater extent in strategic crossbreeding systems. Optimizing reproductive performance for specific production environments is essential for the sustainability of the U.S. sheep industry.

Utilization of Plant Architecture Genes in Soybean to Positively Impact Adaptation to High Yield Environments.

Optimization of plant architecture by modifying stem termination and timing of flowering and maturity of soybean is a promising strategy to improve its adaptability to specific production environments. Therefore, it is important to choose a proper stem termination type and to understand morphological differences between each stem termination type under various environmental conditions. Variations in abruptness of stem termination have been generally classified into three classical genetic types, indeterminate (Dt1), determinate (dt1), and semi-determinate (Dt2). However, an additional stem termination type, termed tall determinate, and its genetic symbol, dt1-t, were introduced about 25 years ago. The tall determinate soybean lines show delayed cessation of apical stem growth and about 50% taller plant heights than the typical determinate soybeans, even though the genetic control of the tall determinate phenotype was found to be allelic to dt1. Despite the potential agronomic merits of the alternative stem termination type, knowledge about the tall determinate soybean remains limited. We clarified the molecular basis of the tall determinate stem termination type and examined potential agronomic merits of the alternative stem type under three different production environments in the US. Sequence analysis of the classical tall determinate soybean lines revealed that the dt1-t allele responsible for tall determinate stem architecture is caused by two of the identified independent missense alleles of dt1, dt1-t1 (R130K), and dt1-t2 (R62S). Also, from the comparison among soybean accessions belonging to each of the genotype categories for stem termination types, soybean accessions with tall determinate alleles were found to have a high discrepancy rate in phenotyping. Newly developed tall determinate late-maturing soybean germplasm lines had taller plant heights and a greater number of nodes with a similar stem diameter and similar pod density at the apical stem compared to typical determinate soybeans having dt1 (R166W) alleles in Southern environments in the US. The phenotype of increased pod-bearing nodes with lodging resistance has the potential to improve yield, especially grown in high yield environments. This study suggests an alternative strategy to remodel the shape of soybean plants, which can possibly lead to yield improvement through the modification of soybean plant architecture.

Multiple Stressors in Vegetable Production: Insights for Trait-Based Crop Improvement in Cucurbits.

Vegetable production is a key determinant of contribution from the agricultural sector toward national Gross Domestic Product in a country like India, the second largest producer of fresh vegetables in the world. This calls for a careful scrutiny of the threats to vegetable farming in the event of climate extremes, environmental degradation and incidence of plant pests/diseases. Cucurbits are a vast group of vegetables grown almost throughout the world, which contribute to the daily diet on a global scale. Increasing food supply to cater to the ever-increasing world population, calls for intensive, off-season and year-round cultivation of cucurbits. Current situation predisposes these crops to a multitude of stressors, often simultaneously, under field conditions. This scenario warrants a systematic understanding of the different stress specific traits/mechanisms/pathways and their crosstalk that have been examined in cucurbits and identification of gaps and formulation of perspectives on prospective research directions. The careful dissection of plant responses under specific production environments will help in trait identification for genotype selection, germplasm screens to identify superior donors or for direct genetic manipulation by modern tools for crop improvement. Cucurbits exhibit a wide range of acclimatory responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses, among which a few like morphological characters like waxiness of cuticle; primary and secondary metabolic adjustments; membrane thermostability, osmoregulation and, protein and reactive oxygen species homeostasis and turnover contributing to cellular tolerance, appear to be common and involved in cross talk under combinatorial stress exposures. This is assumed to have profound influence in triggering system level acclimation responses that safeguard growth and metabolism. The possible strategies attempted such as grafting initiatives, molecular breeding, novel genetic manipulation avenues like gene editing and ameliorative stress mitigation approaches, have paved way to unravel the prospects for combined stress tolerance. The advent of next generation sequencing technologies and big data management of the omics output generated have added to the mettle of such emanated concepts and ideas. In this review, we attempt to compile the progress made in deciphering the biotic and abiotic stress responses of cucurbits and their associated traits, both individually and in combination.

Identification of adaptable rice genotypes under diverse production environments using a multivariate statistical model

Basmati rice is sold at a higher price in both local and international markets due to its superior grain qualities. Identification of high performing and adaptable genotypes under multi-environmental conditions is very crucial to sustain rice production. In the present research, sixteen Basmati rice genotypes were evaluated under three diverse production environments i.e. transplanted (TPR), direct seeded (DSR), and system of rice intensification (SRI) during two consecutive kharif seasons. The experiment was laid down in randomized block design with three replications. The primary objective of this research was to identify stable genotypes adaptable to different production environments with a high mean using the GGE biplot model. Genotypes explained a higher proportion (44.25 to 60.71 %) of the total sum of squares while environment attributed only (7.71 to 23.26%). Genotype by environment interaction contributed 31.58% to 36.77% of the total variation for studied traits. Under DSR, Haryana Basmati-1 for hulling%, milling%, and head rice recovery% while Improved Pusa Basmati 1 for amylose content were identified as specifically adapted genotypes. Likewise, under SRI, HKR 98-476 for hulling% and milling%, Pusa Basmati-1 for head rice recovery%, and Improved Pusa Basmati -1 for amylose content were found suitable genotypes. These genotypes can be recommended for commercial cultivation for specific production environments.

JUSTIFICATION OF A RATIONAL METHOD FOR RESTORING AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT PARTS

The article proposes a way to optimize the technological process of updating parts according to the energy criterion. The rational development of technological processes for the restoration of specific parts of agricultural machinery is mainly determined by the choice of a method that ensures the greatest durability of the part at the lowest cost of their restoration. Currently, repair companies have a significant number of ways to restore parts used to eliminate various defects – (wear, mechanical damage, cracks, etc.). Rationale for choosing the best way to restore a part or group of parts in a set of technical, economic and organizational issues. For different types of recovery methods, such as surfacing and iron, when capital investment is significantly different, the technical and economic criteria should be determined through the above costs. However, even in this case, in practice, as a rule, many factors are not taken into account. To restore the same part, several methods are suitable, often unequal in their technical and economic indicators. Thus, to assess the renewal of a specific part in a specific production environment, they are refined. The energy criterion is especially important to use when decisions are made about the development of a new production, the construction of a plant or a large workshop for the restoration of parts. This is due to the fact that today the main parameter is the cost of restoring parts or costs, which in practice are largely influenced by prices, and real production costs, the novelty of the technological process, all energy costs, including , living labor for the production of products (energy criterion).

Suitability of FTIR to distinguish pure cultures of problematic mould species from closely related species in the meat industry.

The aim of the study was to apply Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as a rapid screening method for moulds in a specific food production environment (cured meat) and to evaluate whether the method was sufficiently accurate to distinguish Penicillium species that constitute a hazard for the food quality and safety (Penicillium solitum and Penicillium nordicum) from closely related species. FTIR was applied to classify the indigenous mycobiota of two production sites for dried and cured meat products in Norway. Results showed that FTIR was suitable to analyse large amounts of data. While correct classification rates varied depending on the species, overall results indicated that FTIR was able to distinguish the undesired mould species P. solitum and P. nordicum from other species and may hence present an option for rapid screening of large numbers of samples to identify changes in mould composition on site. FTIR presents a potential method for detecting changes in levels of undesired fungi in meat-processing environments. This is the first study that applies FTIR to a specific food production environment and it increases the knowledge on both possibilities and limitations of the method in classification of fungi.

QTL mapping for grain yield and three yield components in a population derived from two high-yielding spring wheat cultivars

Key messageFour genomic regions on chromosomes 4A, 6A, 7B, and 7D were discovered, each with multiple tightly linked QTL (QTL clusters) associated with two to three yield components. The 7D QTL cluster was associated with grain yield, fertile spikelet number per spike, thousand kernel weight, and heading date. It was located in the flanking region of FT-D1, a homolog gene of Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T, a major gene that regulates wheat flowering.Genetic manipulation of yield components is an important approach to increase grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum). The present study used a mapping population comprised of 181 doubled haploid lines derived from two high-yielding spring wheat cultivars, UI Platinum and LCS Star. The two cultivars and the derived population were assessed for six traits in eight field trials primarily in Idaho in the USA. The six traits were grain yield, fertile spikelet number per spike, productive tiller number per unit area, thousand kernel weight, heading date, and plant height. Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis of the six traits was conducted using 14,236 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated from the wheat 90 K SNP and the exome and promoter capture arrays. Of the 19 QTL detected, 14 were clustered in four chromosomal regions on 4A, 6A, 7B and 7D. Each of the four QTL clusters was associated with multiple yield component traits, and these traits were often negatively correlated with one another. As a result, additional QTL dissection studies are needed to optimize trade-offs among yield component traits for specific production environments. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers for the four QTL clusters were developed and assessed in an elite spring wheat panel of 170 lines, and eight of the 14 QTL were validated. The two parents contain complementary alleles for the four QTL clusters, suggesting the possibility of improving grain yield via genetic recombination of yield component loci.

Terminal inventory level constraints for online production scheduling

We study online production scheduling, that is, the iterative solution of scheduling optimization problems taking into account feedback, to ensure high quality of implemented, as opposed to predicted, production schedules. While the addition of terminal constraints on inventory levels can be used to obtain high quality implemented schedules, traditional approaches based on safety stocks may be ineffective. Accordingly, we first propose a framework for the analysis of general classes of terminal constraints, and then propose new classes of linear terminal constraints for specific production environments. We provide proofs on the validity of these constraints as well as extensions to more general environments. Finally, through a computational study, we show that the implementation of the proposed constraints leads to better implemented solutions.

Method of accelerated industrial testing of hydroabrasive wear of polymer coatings of steel pipes

The article is devoted to the discussion of the problem of choosing a protective coating for the inner walls of the slurry pipeline of mining enterprises. For the correct choice among the many polymer coatings, it is necessary to test various coatings for water-jet wear. Standardized test methods are not entirely suitable for assessing the durability of coatings in a specific production environment, they do not take into account the nature of the slurry flow, temperature, etc. Solid inclusions of a different particle size and chemical composition are often used in ready-made and published studies, which makes them irrelevant for mining specialists. Often, for a comparative assessment of the wear resistance of various coatings, enterprises conduct their own industrial tests for hydroabrasive wear, in which they recreate the same granulometric composition of the pulp and its concentration. However, they come with a significant investment of time and energy. The article proposes to use a method of accelerated wear testing based on a comparison of the wear of a straight section of a pipeline and a shaped one in the form of a rotary insert at an angle of 90°.

On the necessity of determining the dynamics of development of deformation during mechanical tests under conditions of cable production

The analysis of results of comparison of mechanical properties of polyolefin filled with fire retardants is carried out. Experimental data for evaluating the dynamics of the development of uniaxial tensile deformation during standard tests of cable polymer compositions under production conditions are presented. The organization of technological control of ensuring the mechanical strength of structural elements made of halogen-free plastics in a specific production environment is one of the urgent tasks in the manufacture of fire-safe cables. To analyze the dynamics of the development of deformation of halogen-free cable plastics and to determine a practically important quantitative characteristic, it is necessary to study the initial section of the relationship between deformation and time, at which the deformation of the polymer is limited by elastic and viscoelastic deformation. The characteristic dependences of the elongation deformation of the samples on the time of uniaxial tension at a constant rate of separation of the clamps are presented in the process of the standard procedure for determining the mechanical characteristics for halogen-free cable plastics. For all samples, an initial (up to 10 – 15 seconds) linear section is observed with a different growth rate of the total tensile strain.

20 Comparison of native warm-season grasses and bermudagrass for stocker calf grazing in the Black Belt Prairie region

Abstract Native grasses are touted for use in drought mitigation strategies for grazing cattle. It is important to determine how these forages compare in specific production environments to more widely used improved grasses such as bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] that they may replace as pasture. Native warm-season grasses including big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi Vitman), little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius), and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.) were evaluated against bermudagrass pastures in the Black Belt Prairie region of Mississippi for stocker cattle grazing. Objectives were to compare bermudagrass (BG), indiangrass (IG) and mixed-sward native warm-season grass (mix of big bluestem, little bluestem, and indiangrass) (NGMIX) pasture for forage nutritive value and steer ADG. Crossbred (Bos taurus) steers (n = 36 steers/year) were stratified by initial BW (339.7 ± 4.3 kg) to 2.02-ha pastures (3 replications) during 56-d grazing periods in June and July for 2 yr. Mean forage nutritive values on a DM basis were: BG [8.8% CP, 43.4% ADF, 67.3% NDF, 58.7% TDN, and 77 relative feed value (RFV)], IG (6.7% CP, 39.6% ADF, 68.3% NDF, 58.2% TDN, and 79 RFV) and MIXNG (7.3% CP, 40.5% ADF, 69.5% NDF, 58.1% TDN, and 77 RFV). A forage treatment x day x year effect existed (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for each these nutritive values. There was no effect (P = 0.47) of forage treatment on steer ADG (BG: 0.4 ± 0.1 kg/d; IG: 0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d; NGMIX: 0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d). Thus, no net advantage or disadvantage in steer growth rates was observed due to forage species. Other factors such as forage establishment cost and animal stocking rates supported may be relevant to consider in decisions to replace bermudagrass with warm-season native grasses.

ДІАГНОСТИЧНІ КРИТЕРІЇ ЧОЛОВІЧОЇ ІНФЕРТИЛЬНОСТІ: ОГЛЯД ЛІТЕРАТУРИ ТА РЕЗУЛЬТАТИ ВЛАСНИХ СПОСТЕРЕЖЕНЬ

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The main diagnostic criteria for determining male infertility are provided in the article. The authors considered the mechanisms of impaired spermogenesis under the influence of unfavourable professional factors on the example of the evaluation of endocrine status, spermogram indicators and ultrasound examination of blood flow in the main testicular vessels of 187 patients who were exposed to low (43) or high (38) temperatures during their professional activity, worked under conditions of prolonged stress (58 people), were in contact with agricultural fertilizers and toxic chemicals (48 people) and 25 healthy men (control group). The results of the study conducted by the authors indicate a number of disorders of the morpho-functional state of sperm in men, depending on the specific production environment. The data obtained can be further used to develop a scientifically proven algorithm for correction of the discussed pathology, which is of great practical importance for family doctors, specialists in reproductologists, urologists and doctors dealing with occupational diseases.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Nitrate leaching reduced with Dynamic‐Adaptive nitrogen management under contrasting soils and tillage

AbstractLarge temporal and spatial variability in soil nitrogen availability combined with economic risk avoidance leads many farmers across the United States to generally over‐apply N fertilizers in corn (Zea mays L.) production systems. Various static N rate calculators are promoted in the United States, but new dynamic model‐based decision tools allow for adaptive recommendations that account for specific production environments and weather. This field study quantified N leaching losses from a crossed design involving two tillage practices, plow and no‐till, and two N management tools: (i) the Corn N Calculator (CNC), a generalized static N tool for New York State, and (ii) Adapt‐N, a model‐based tool that uses soil, crop and management information with real‐time weather data. Corn was grown for four growing seasons on lysimeter plots on clay loam and loamy sand soil, and drain water samples were collected on 14 dates. Adapt‐N and CNC showed identical yields despite an overall higher N input of 66 kg ha−1 (46%) for CNC. Concentrations of NO3+NO2 in drainage water varied by sampling date, but overall were impacted by soil type (loamy sand &gt; clay loam) and N tool, with CNC‐associated N losses 58 and 68% higher than Adapt‐N for the clay loam and loamy sand, respectively. Plow till resulted in marginally higher NO3+NO2 concentrations in drainage water than no‐till. Overall, this study offers field‐based evidence on the agronomic and environmental benefits from N management that is adapted to growing environments (soil, management, weather).

Performance evaluation of pulled, pushed and hybrid production through simulation: a case study

Goal: This work aims to compare performance indicators of the pulled, pushed and hybrid production schedule, with those of a specific production environment of the printing industry, using computational simulation.&#x0D; Design / Methodology / Approach: Through a case study, it was possible to create a conceptual model, from which a computational model that was verified and validated as representative of the real productive system was developed. There are generated fictional models of the production environments to compare cycle time, work in process and attendance to the demand, varying the quantity of orders confirmed by the final clients.&#x0D; Results: The CONWIP (Constant Work in Process) system presented very high cycle times and failure to meeting the demand, although it was kept in the format of the work in process. The actual real system and the pushed system obtained the worst performances regarding the work in process, besides presenting failures to meeting the demand and very high cycle times. The pulled system obtained the best performance to meet the demand, and cycle times adequate to the production requirement and moderate work in process.&#x0D; Limitations of the investigation: The application of the methodology was limited to the study of a single productive system of a print industry and cannot be extended to the entire sector.&#x0D; Practical implications: This work presents a practical application of computer simulation tools applied to Production Planning and Controls which may be replicated by other organizations or educational institutions for system performance analysis in different scenarios.&#x0D; Originality / Value: The original contribution of this work is the application of computational simulation for a production system in a print industry without interference in a real system.

Information Flow-based Capability Matching Service for Smart Manufacturing

One of the main theories behind the worldwide ‘Factories of the Future’ movement is the idea that machines and systems, and thus the production system, are getting far more interconnected with each other to finally reach a certain level of self-organization and autonomy. We support this autonomy of the production system by introducing a matching framework that is based on a novel application of the theory of information flow (IF), also known as channel theory [1]. With the help of this IF matching framework, we support the decision of the production system on which machine is able to conduct a specific production step. A major component of this IF-based matching framework is what we define as the Capability Matching Service. This capability matching service relies on an iterative application of IF to reduce the complexity that arises when the requirements of different production steps have to be aligned with the production capabilities of the equipment and tooling that is available in a specific production environment and manufacturing system.

Genetic Traits of Relevance to Sustainability of Smallholder Sheep Farming Systems in South Africa

Sustainable livestock production is important to ensure continuous availability of resources for future generations. Most smallholder livestock farming systems in developing countries have been perceived to be environmentally, socially and economically unsustainable. Farming with livestock that is robust and adaptable to harsh environments is important in developing countries especially in semi-arid and arid environments. This review discusses the different sheep farming systems employed by smallholder farmers and associated sustainability problems facing them. The review also gives an overview of sustainability indicators and limitations to the sustainability for the different smallholder sheep production systems in South Africa. It is argued that genetic diversity is important for sustainability and needs to be maintained in sheep for sustainable production and reproduction performance. The application of traditional breeding and genomics to ensure sustainable production is explored. Animal breeding approaches, specifically genomics can be applied to improve areas of environmental sustainability of smallholder sheep farming systems but must be targeted to the specific production environments, challenges, and opportunities of smallholder production. The genetic traits important for sustainability, the role of genomics in improving these traits and linking these genetic traits to different farming systems in South Africa are discussed.

Dynamic Model Improves Agronomic and Environmental Outcomes for Maize Nitrogen Management over Static Approach.

Large temporal and spatial variability in soil nitrogen (N) availability leads many farmers across the United States to over-apply N fertilizers in maize ( L.) production environments, often resulting in large environmental N losses. Static Stanford-type N recommendation tools are typically promoted in the United States, but new dynamic model-based decision tools allow for highly adaptive N recommendations that account for specific production environments and conditions. This study compares the Corn N Calculator (CNC), a static N recommendation tool for New York, to Adapt-N, a dynamic simulation tool that combines soil, crop, and management information with real-time weather data to estimate optimum N application rates for maize. The efficiency of the two tools in predicting the Economically Optimum N Rate (EONR) is compared using field data from 14 multiple N-rate trials conducted in New York during the years 2011 through 2015. The CNC tool was used with both realistic grower-estimated potential yields and those extracted from the CNC default database, which were found to be unrealistically low when compared with field data. By accounting for weather and site-specific conditions, the Adapt-N tool was found to increase the farmer profits and significantly improve the prediction of the EONR (RMSE = 34 kg ha). Furthermore, using a dynamic instead of a static approach led to reduced N application rates, which in turn resulted in substantially lower simulated environmental N losses. This study shows that better N management through a dynamic decision tool such as Adapt-N can help reduce environmental impacts while sustaining farm economic viability.