bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY AND EXPANDING THE TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES OF THE UNIVERSAL EARTH-MOVING MACHINERY BY IMPROVING THE KINEMATICS OF THE MOVEMENT OF THEIR OPERATING ELEMENT IN THE SOIL
Authors:   National Transport University, Musiiko Volodymyr , Koval Andrii ,   National Transport University, Lazaruk Yuri ,   Military Unit A4629, Pasenko Yuri ,   National Transport University
Published: December 2023

This article addresses the creation and optimization of designs for Universal Continuous-Action Earthmoving Machines (UCAEM) capable of excavating extensive trenches of various widths, depths, and shapes without structural changes to the operating equipment. The paper provides a detailed rationale for the relevance and practical feasibility of developing continuous-action universal earthmoving machines. Analytically, the required trajectory of movement for the soil excavation operating element of UCAEM in the process of constructing wide trenches (excavations) in the soil is determined. This trajectory resembles a Bernoulli lemniscate, along which the operating element of UCAEM moves to excavate the soil in evenly thick planar chips. This enables the construction of trenches in the soil with maximum work productivity, minimizing external loads on the earthmoving machine's operating element. To implement the above, a physical model of the rotary operating equipment of UCAEM was created, and experimental studies were conducted. The design of the UCAEM operating element movement drive is based on a two-circuit lever mechanism with fifth-class rotary pairs, providing the delivery of the soil-excavating operating element to the soil face. Soil excavation is carried out in the mode of fan-linear feed of the operating element to the face. The movement of the operating element in the face is performed by a lever mechanism with three degrees of freedom, each link of the mechanism is provided with an individual turning drive using a pair of hydraulic cylinders relative to the hinge of its attachment. An algorithm for the operation of the drive for the movement to the face of the two-circuit soil-excavating rotary operating equipment of continuous-action UCAEM has been synthesized, providing soil excavation with chips of uniform thickness in plan, regardless of the width of the trench, and consequently, increasing the productivity of the machine's operation. Equalization of the chip thickness in plan is achieved by turning the intermediate frame of the operating element at the end of each half-cycle of the working process. An algorithm for the movement of the operating element during the construction of entry and exit ramps during the construction of trenches in the soil over several passes of the operating element has been justified.
FEATURES OF THE FORMATION OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF MOTOR TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES
Authors:   National Transport University, Grechan Alla , Bilik Volodymyr ,   National Transport University
Published: December 2023

The article considers the key aspects of the formation of competitive advantages by motor transport enterprises. In particular, the features that determine the success and sustainability of motor transport companies on the market of transport services are investigated. The purpose of the article is to reveal the key factors that, taking into account the specifics of the industry, ensure the formation of competitive advantages by motor transport enterprises. The authors substantiated the basis of the properties of competitive advantages of enterprises (relative efficiency, uniqueness, sustainability) and summarized the system of factors that influence them. The factors are presented with a division into external and internal, as well as depending on the result of the impact - the formation of permanent or temporary advantages. The modern trends in the formation of competitive advantages by road transport enterprises are defined and characterized, which include: an efficient fleet of vehicles, professional staff, efficient logistics, modern information technologies, flexible tariffs and services, the development of partnership relations, marketing and branding, high quality of service, environmental sustainability, innovative activity. The important role of infrastructure, technologies, management efficiency and development strategies in the context of the formation of competitive advantages is indicated. The article provides practical advice for motor transport enterprises on optimizing business processes, adapting to changes in regulation and implementing innovations that contribute to increasing efficiency and strengthening their competitiveness.
FORMATION OF BUSINESS CULTURE AS A MEANS OF ACHIEVING ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITY
Authors:   National Transport University, Shvets Lyudmila , Dudka Tamara ,   National Transport University, Kryvosheeva Svitlana ,   National Transport University, Pivnenko Yuliya ,   National Transport University, Mykhailiuk Alina ,   National Transport University
Published: December 2023

The article examines the essence and features of business culture as a means of achieving the economic efficiency of entrepreneurial activity. The object of research is business culture as a part of the intangible economy that determines relationships in the business environment on the basis of general corporate, national labor values. The purpose of the research is to study the peculiarities of the formation of business culture to achieve the economic efficiency of entrepreneurial activity. The research method is analytical. Business culture is a system of values and priorities of an enterprise regarding its behavior on the market, relationships with members of the labor team, consumers, suppliers, and other business entities. The components of business culture are superficial culture, reference and universal values. The production activity of any employee of the organization is inextricably linked to his compliance with ethical norms, rules of conduct and relationships with his external environment. Adherence to the ethics of business relations is one of the main criteria of professionalism of both an individual employee and the organization as a whole. Entrepreneurial culture determines the way a businessman communicates with his clients, partners, subordinates and other persons in the process of carrying out his own business. The conducted research proves that business culture is a part of the intangible economy, which determines relationships in the business environment based on labor, general corporate, national values and is able to influence the success and development of the business entity, and increase the efficiency of entrepreneurial activity.
SERVICE QUALITY MANAGEMENT OF TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES
Authors:   National Transport University, Lozhachevska Elena , Tretinichenko Mykola ,   National Transport University
Published: December 2023

The article examines the current state of the transport industry. A comparative analysis of the existing state and parameters of the transport infrastructure was carried out. The survey conducted in October 2022 showed that 66% of transport industry enterprises suffered direct losses as a result of hostilities, of which 55% assessed the level of damage as significant, 42% as insignificant, and 3% considered recovery impossible or impractical. results, it was established that the quality management of transport services is a determining aspect for raising the competitiveness of the transport sector of Ukraine. Businesses that provide high-quality services usually have an advantage in the market. The competitiveness of the enterprise can be ensured by the quality of its products and services. The article defines the parameters of effective management of the quality of transport services. Effective management of the quality of transport services requires taking into account various parameters to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, optimize production processes and increase competitiveness. It was determined that service quality management is aimed at meeting the needs and expectations of customers. Providing high-quality services helps to increase the level of customer satisfaction, which in turn increases their loyalty and the possibility of repeated use of services. Based on this, criteria for evaluating the quality of transport services were formed.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE PRODUCTS IN OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS ENTERPRISES
Authors:   National Transport University, Snizhko Larisa
Published: December 2023

The article is dedicated to the study of quality management features in transport and logistics enterprises in Ukraine. The research object is the process of quality management of service products in transport and logistics enterprises. In order for Ukraine's transport industry and transport logistics enterprises to survive, effectively compete, and thrive in the global, European, and national markets in conditions of wartime and in the post-war period, their service products must meet international quality standards and customer expectations. The quality of service products produced and delivered by the operational system is one of the most important arguments in the fight for customers. The article comprehensively examines the theoretical and practical aspects of quality management as one of the main means of ensuring the competitiveness of service sector enterprises. It describes the main components of quality management, taking into account the specific features of the operational activities of transport and logistics enterprises: quality management objects, quality goals, factors influencing the quality of the process of providing transport and logistics services, quality assessment indicators for service products, existing quality needs, quality management processes, structural subdivisions and positions involved in quality management, recruitment of personnel, their training and assessment of competence; planning of costs for the performance of quality assurance tasks and distribution of financial resources by types of work and structural subdivisions, etc. The most significant components of quality management theory and practice that are currently included in quality management are studied. The research results can be further used in quality management in the operational activities of enterprises in both the transport sector and other service sectors of the economy, contributing to the improvement of their economic efficiency and competitiveness.
DIDITAL - TECHNOLOGIES IN AUTO TRANSPORT ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
Authors:   National Transport University, Zayats Olga , Ivanchuk Svitlana ,   National Transport University, Vysochilo Oksana ,   National Transport University
Published: December 2023

The article examines the Internet - technologies that are currently used in the marketing activities of enterprises. Modern types of Internet technologies are installed. The conceptual apparatus between Internet technologies and Internet marketing is established. Internet technologies have become a key tool for the development and effective marketing activities of enterprises. They open up many opportunities to promote products and services, interact with customers and build a strong brand. Internet technologies and Internet marketing interact and interact with each other, creating an integrated approach to business development and promotion of goods or services. These areas are closely related and interact to achieve strategic business goals. The use of modern Internet technologies helps businesses effectively promote their products or services, interact with the audience, and improve marketing strategies. The advantages and disadvantages of using modern Internet technologies are revealed. It has been established that the number of Internet users is increasing every year. The tendency to increase the number of users is also observed in the Ukrainian segment of the Internet. In 2021, the Internet Association of Ukraine published the results of a quarterly survey of the Ukrainian Internet audience. According to the research, 21.6 million users use the Internet in Ukraine. Among modern European countries, Ukraine ranks 9th, 15.3% of the population actively uses the capabilities of the global network. In relation to neighboring countries, this indicator is low, because almost a quarter of the population of Poland (22.5%) actively use the Internet for commercial and personal purposes. The overall rate of Internet access has increased from 30% in 2007 to more than 63% in 2021. The study of scientific works shows the interest of the scientific world in conducting modern business with the help of Internet technologies. Many authors determine that the use of Internet technologies is the key to effective management of enterprises. The article defines the main features of the traditional market of conducting business and through Internet technology channels. The main features of the traditional market of doing business and the market through Internet technology channels can be quite different due to the difference in approaches, interaction with customers and characterization of doing business in these two environments. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them often depends on the specifics of the business, the target audience and the strategic goals of the company. In today's world, many companies combine both strategies, thus creating an integrated business model.
INFORMATION SPACE: FAKES AND DEEP-FAKES. DISINFORMATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF ENTERPRISES IN MODERN WAR CONDITIONS
Authors:   National Transport University, Kompanets Kateryna , Horodetskyi Mykola ,   National Transport University, Gonchar Tetyana ,   National Transport University
Published: December 2023

The article examines the current state of business conduct by enterprises in the information space. The positive and negative impact of information on the activities of enterprises was studied. At the current stage of development of society and technology, the information space has become a complex and dynamic environment with numerous challenges and opportunities. The modern information space requires attention to many issues, including security, transparency, ethics, and protection of users' rights and freedoms. The search for effective strategies and solutions to ensure a sustainable and ethical information sphere continues. The article defines disinformation and its types. The most threatening of them, namely, deepfake, has been determined. To combat these threats, it is important to improve deepfake detection technologies, develop cyber defenses, increase public information literacy, and improve legislation to take into account the challenges these technologies pose to us. Threats and risks of each type of disinformation are established. Definite ways to overcome. To combat these threats, it is important to improve deepfake detection technologies, develop cyber defenses, increase public information literacy, and improve legislation to take into account the challenges these technologies pose to us. It is important to improve technologies for detecting and blocking bots, develop algorithms for recognizing artificial activity on the network, and involve the community and users in supporting the fight against automated manipulation.
THE MANAGEMENT OF ROAD WORK COST BY THE DIRECT CALCULATION METHOD
Authors:   National Transport University, Lykhostup Mykola , Usychenko Olena ,   National Transport University
Published: December 2023

The article outlines provisions for the establishment of a road works cost management system throughout all stages of project development and implementation. Such a system can be established by accurately determining the complete and actual cost structure of production and subsequently monitoring its adherence during the execution of labor processes that shape the project. It is recommended to ascertain the actual production cost structure using the principles of what is known as direct costing, where calculations are based on information related to the labor processes organization. Information concerning the real planned cost structure of production and the recording of actual costs of its components is conducted within the framework of the method for determining production costs and the existing accounting and reporting system. Based on a further analysis of data regarding planned and actual costs for each cost component, management decision-making procedures are implemented to adjust the development and implementation of labor processes with the goal of achieving a high-quality and loss-free project execution.
PENGARUH WAKTU DAN SUHU PIROLISIS TERHADAP MUTU BRIKET DARI LIMBAH PADAT GONDORUKEM
Authors: Ramadha Nabilla Sagita , Azizah Rizkia Rismalina Nur , Mufid Mufid
Published: December 2023

Kebiasaan masyarakat menggunakan satu jenis sumber energi fosil masih sering dijumpai di Indonesia. Industri penghasil gondorukem dari getah pinus menghasilkan limbah padat yang belum diolah secara maksimal. Limbah padat gondorukem terdiri dari dedaunan, ranting, serpihan kayu, getah, dan terpentin. Adapun solusi untuk mengolah limbah ini dan untuk mengganti kebiasaan masyarakat tersebut adalah dengan mengubahnya menjadi energi terbarukan berupa briket. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu menentukan pengaruh lamanya waktu dan suhu pirolisis terhadap mutu briket dari limbah padat gondorukem, serta menentukan perbandingan mutu briket dengan SNI 01-6235-2000. Pembuatan briket dilakukan dengan pengeringan bahan selama 12 jam, pengarangan dengan metode pirolisis, penghancuran arang, dan pencetakan. Variabel yang digunakan yaitu waktu (30 menit, 60 menit, 90 menit) dan suhu (250°C, 300°C, 350°C) pirolisis. Dari hasil percobaan didapatkan semakin tinggi suhu pirolisis, maka semakin tinggi kadar abu, kadar zat terbang, dan nilai kalor, serta semakin rendah kadar air dan kadar karbon terikat Semakin lama waktu pirolisis, maka semakin tinggi kadar abu dan kadar zat terbang, serta semakin rendah kadar air, kadar karbon terikat, dan nilai kalor. Beberapa briket memenuhi standar mutu SNI 01-6235-2000. Pada mutu kadar air, kadar zat terbang, dan nilai kalor briket limbah padat gondorukem telah memenuhi standar. Sedangkan pada mutu kadar abu dan karbon terikat briket tidak memenuhi standar.
ANALISIS KELAYAKAN PRODUKSI PAKAN IKAN NILA SKALA PABRIK
Authors: Prasetyo Sandy , Sa’diyah Khalimatus
Published: December 2023

Pabrik pakan ikan nila memiliki potensi strategis dalam memenuhi kebutuhan pakan ikan yang semakin meningkat. Dengan budidaya yang relatif mudah ikan nila dapat menjadi motor penggerak ekonomi masyarakat. Keberhasilan dan kelayakan pembangunan pabrik tersebut perlu dikaji secara menyeluruh untuk memastikan dampaknya terhadap ekonomi, lingkungan, dan masyarakat sekitar. Evaluasi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kelayakan pembangunan pabrik pakan ikan nila. Metodologi analisis yang dilakukan antara lain menganalisis aspek sumber daya, analisis pasar, aspek teknik, serta analisis finansial dengan jangka waktu selama 5 tahun. Pabrik ini didirikan di Kabupaten Tuban, Jawa Timur. Total Capital Investment (TCI) Pabrik ini sebesar Rp 18.251.509.239 sedangkan Total Production Cost (TPC) sebesar Rp 98.233.359.071. Break Even Point (BEP) sebesar 59,3%, Shut Down Point (SDP) sebesar 43,22%, dan Internal Rate of Return (IRR) sebesar 23,44%. Pabrik pakan ikan nila ini dapat memberikan suku bunga tahunan yang lebih tinggi daripada bank sehingga nilai IRR dapat dikatakan baik. Kesimpulan yang didapat pabrik pakan ikan nila layak didirikan.
ANALISIS KEBUTUHAN LUAS PERMUKAAN PEMANAS JUICE HEATER II PADA STASIUN PEMURNIAN PABRIK GULA KREBET BARU II MALANG
Authors: Mahendra Ananda Rizky , Mufid  , Ramadhan Pandu Jati , Handayani Melly
Published: December 2023

Juice heater merupakan sebuah perangkat yang digunakan dalam stasiun pemurnian di pabrik gula untuk memanaskan nira mentah. Fungsinya untuk meningkatkan suhu nira mentah agar mencapai suhu yang optimal untuk proses pemurnian. Juice heater umumnya menggunakan pemanas berbasis uap, dimana pada proses pemanasan ini membantu dalam penghilangan kandungan air yang berlebihan dari nira mentah, meningkatkan konsentrasi gula, dan memperbaiki kualitas sebelum dilanjutkan ke tahap pemurnian selanjutnya. Juice heater biasanya terdiri dari beberapa unit yang bekerja secara berurutan untuk mencapai peningkatan suhu jus tebu secara bertahap. Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis nilai luas permukaan pemanas yang optimal pada proses produksi pada Pabrik Gula dengan alat pemurnian menggunakan juice heater atau heat exchanger shell and tube dengan aliran co-current karena dengan pengaktifan alat yang berlebihan akan dapat meningkatkan pengeluaran energi dan biaya produksi. Analisis perhitungan dilakukan dengan menggunakan aplikasi MS-Excel dan data diperoleh dari pengamatan langsung di lapangan. Setelah dilakukan analisa, hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa berdasarkan perhitungan secara teoritis data masih memenuhi untuk digunakan 3 sampai 4 unit juice heater dengan 2 unit sebagai cadangan apabila terjadi masalah atau sedang dilakukan pembersihan.
PEMBUATAN MINYAK ATSIRI BUNGA MAWAR MENGGUNAKAN METODE ULTRASONIK
Authors: Fariha Gian Faris , Hardjono Hardjono
Published: December 2023

Bunga mawar tidak hanya bermanfaat sebagai tanaman hias, namun juga memiliki manfaat lain, salah satunya mahkota bunga mawar bisa menjadi produk dengan nilai jual tinggi yaitu dimanfaatkan untuk membuat minyak bunga mawar. Minyak bunga mawar dapat diproduksi dengan menggunakan berbagai macam metode, diantaranya menggunakan metode ekstraksi dengan bantuan ultrasonik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh ekstraksi ultrasonik terhadap yield minyak atsiri bunga mawar yang dihasilkan. Bahan baku yang digunakan yaitu mahkota bunga mawar yang sudah dipotong kecil – kecil sebanyak 100 gram, kemudian dilakukan perendaman dalam pelarut etanol dengan variasi konsentrasi etanol 50%, etanol 70%, dan etanol 96% menggunakan perbandingan 1:3. Selanjutnya dilakukan ekstraksi ultrasonik selama 35 menit dengan frekuensi 30 kHz. Hasil ektraksi berupa ekstrak mawar dipisahkan dengan cara penyaringan menggunakan filtrasi vakum dan pemerasan bunga. Filtrat yang mengandung minyak bunga mawar dievaporasi menggunakan rotary vacuum evaporator pada suhu 65oC, untuk memisahkan pelarut dengan minyak bunga mawar yang didapat. Setelah didapatkan minyak bunga mawar, dihitung yield dan dilakukan analisis karakteristik minyak atsiri bunga mawar berdasarkan ISO 9842:2003. Yield hasil ekstraksi minyak bunga mawar dengan variasi etanol 50%, 70% dan 96% berurutan adalah sebesar 19,8%, 22,48%, dan 24,68%. Analisis densitas dan indeks bias menggunakan pelarut etanol 70% dan 96% yang dihasilakan sudah sesuai dengan standar ISO 9842:2003 yaitu nilai densitas sebesar 0,87 dan 0,861 gr/ml, serta hasil nilai indeks bias sebesar  1,4678 dan 1,457.
CFRP Conical Grid Space Structure with Embedded Fiber Optics: Design, Manufacturing and Test
Authors: Totaro Giovanni , De Nicola Felice , Spena Paola , Giusto Giovangiuseppe , Ciminello Monica , Weissberg Ilan , Carmi Yehonatan , Arviv Daniel , Lalazar Nir
Published: December 2023

This article discloses the activity developed in the framework of the research project “GRID” aiming at the feasibility demonstration of a fiber optic sensing system (FOS), based on fiber Bragg gratings (FGB), embedded in the ribs of a conical grid structure demonstrator in composite material (CFRP), manufactured by means of dry robotic winding, liquid resin infusion and oven curing. This structure represents an optimized and highly efficient conical adapter for satellite applications that was designed under the same requirements of a conventional CFRP benchmark solution in order to evaluate possible mass savings. Specific interfaces were conceived in order to facilitate the insertion of the fiber optics in the center of helical ribs—pausing the automated deposition phase of the dry preform—and secure them to the structure. Representative grid articles were produced and tested to select the materials and evaluate the preliminary feasibility of the integrated system in conjunction with the infusion process. The proper functioning and use of the sensing system were finally proven during the various phases of the mechanical testing campaign of the demonstrator. Such a campaign included stiffness and strength evaluations and culminated with the catastrophic failure of the structure. The significant amount of data collected from several sensors embedded in the ribs and from conventional sensors glued outside the ribs helped us to better understand the structural behavior and to validate the design and analysis models. The main steps of the design, manufacturing and tests of this project are here addressed.
Calculation and Selection of Airfoil for Flapping-Wing Aircraft Based on Integral Boundary Layer Equations
Authors: Qi Ming , Zhu Wenguo , Li Shu
Published: December 2023

The flight of a migratory bird-like flapping-wing aircraft is characterized by a low Reynolds number and unsteadiness. The selection of airfoil profiles is critical to designing an efficient flapping-wing aircraft. To choose the suitable airfoil for various wing sections, it is necessary to calculate the aerodynamic forces of the unsteady two-dimensional airfoil with a Reynolds number in the range of 105. While accurate, calculating this by solving the Navier–Stokes equations is impractical for early design stages due to its high consumption of computing resources and time. The computational demands for extending it to 3D aerodynamic calculations are even more prohibitive. In this paper, a relatively simple method is proposed. The two-dimensional unsteady panel method is utilized to derive the inviscid flow field, the unsteady integral boundary layer method is utilized to solve the boundary layer viscous flow, and the eN transition model is adopted to predict the position of the transition. These models are coupled with the semi-inverse interaction method to solve the aerodynamics of the unsteady low-Reynolds-number two-dimensional airfoil. The unsteady aerodynamics of the symmetric and cambered airfoils at different wing sections are calculated respectively by the proposed method. Mechanism analysis of the calculation results is conducted, and a symmetrical airfoil or a slightly cambered airfoil is recommended for the wing tip, a moderately cambered airfoil is suggested for the outer-wing section, and a highly cambered airfoil is suggested for the inner-wing section.
Delay-D: Research on the Lifespan and Performance of Storage Devices in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Kang Donghyun
Published: December 2023

Despite the technological achievements of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) growing in academia and industry, there is a lack of studies on the storage devices in UAVs. However, this is an important aspect because the storage devices in UAVs have a limited lifespan and performance and are rarely replaced due to a system-on-chip architecture. In this paper, we study how UAVs impact the lifespan and performance of the underlying storage device while capturing images during overflight. We also propose a new lifespan and performance-saving mechanism, called Delay-D, which is designed at the kernel level to efficiently utilize the features of NAND flash-based storage devices. To confirm the effectiveness of Delay-D, we implement a simulator that replays realistic write patterns on UAVs and evaluate quantitative experiments in two different experimental environments. In our evaluation, Delay-D demonstrates the dramatic extension possibility of the lifespan by reducing the number of extra writes inside the storage device and improving the overall performance by up to 2.1× on the commercial NVMe SSD.
Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization Design of Elliptical Double Serpentine Nozzle
Authors: Zhang Saile , Yang Qingzhen , Wang Rui , Wang Xufei
Published: December 2023

The use of traditional optimization methods in engineering design problems, specifically in aerodynamic and infrared stealth optimization for engine nozzles, requires a large number of objective function evaluations, therefore introducing a considerable challenge in terms of time constraints. In this paper, this limitation is addressed by using a sample-efficient multi-objective Bayesian optimization that takes Kriging as a surrogate model and Expected Hypervolume Improvement as the infill criterion. Using this approach, the probabilistic model is continuously established and updated, and the approximate Pareto front is obtained at a relatively small computational budget. The objective of this work is to evaluate the applicability of employing a multi-objective Bayesian optimization framework for the aerodynamic-infrared shape optimization of an elliptical double serpentine nozzle at 6 km flight condition, where the objective functions are evaluated by means of high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics and reversed Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations. We achieve good results in both infrared radiation signature reduction and aerodynamic performance improvement with a reasonable number of evaluations, indicating that the proposed method is effective and efficient for tackling the computationally intensive optimization challenges in the aircraft design.
Bacterial Strategies for Improving the Yield, Quality, and Adaptability of Oil Crops
Authors: Ma Lige , Luo Yu , Chen Chen , Luo Huan , Wang Shuqi , Yuan Yue , Yang Wenhua , Liu Can , Cao Xulv , Li Nannan
Published: December 2023

Oil crops are the second most cultivated economic crop in the world after food crops, and they are an important source of both edible and industrial oil. The growth of oil crops is limited by biotic and abiotic stresses, which hinder their yield and quality. Among all the agronomic measures, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) play a crucial role in improving the yield, quality, and adaptability of oil crops. In this review, we considered the recent research on the sources of beneficial bacteria and their interactions with and influences on host plants, with a focus on summarizing the important roles and molecular mechanisms of PGPB in promoting growth and resisting biotic and abiotic stresses in oil crops. Finally, we outlined the current opportunities and challenges of microbial strategies for the improvement of the yield, quality, and adaptability of oil crops, providing a theoretical basis for the future use of microbial inoculants in these crops.
Critical Period of Weed Control in Maize as Influenced by Soil Tillage Practices and Glyphosate Application
Authors: Adamič Zamljen Sergeja , Leskovšek Robert
Published: December 2023

Increasing evidence on environmental and economic benefits has raised farmers’ interest in adopting alternative, less intensive soil management practices. To evaluate the influence of weed-competitive ability in response to a different tillage regime, a field study was conducted in maize under humid Central European climatic conditions in Slovenia. This study was established as a split-plot arrangement with three tillage practices (TPs) as the main plot: conventional (CN), conservation (CS), and no tillage (NT); this was combined with glyphosate application and the weed removal timing as the subplot. The weed removal timings were at the V3, V6, V9, V15, and R1 maize stages, with weed-free and weed season-long monitoring. The beginning and the end of the critical period of weed control (CPWC), based on a 5% maize yield loss rate, were determined by fitting the four-parameter log-logistic equations to the relative maize dry grain yield. The weed dry biomass from maize germination until the R1 growth stage in the NT TP was consistently lower than that in the CN and CS TP. Moreover, the NT TP resulted in a shorter CPWC (39 days after emergence (DAE)) compared to the CN (57 DAE) and CS (58 DAE). The results of CTWR (critical timing of weed removal) showed that less intensive tillage operations in the CS resulted in an earlier need for weed control (V2 and 23 DAE) compared to the CN (V3 and 39 DAE) and NT (V3 and 40 DAE). Our study suggests that the intensive tillage operations performed in the CN TP and the pre-sowing use of non-selective burndown herbicide in the NT delay the CTWR by more than 2 weeks, thus reducing the need for early post-emergence herbicide application in maize.
An Improved Rotating Box Detection Model for Litchi Detection in Natural Dense Orchards
Authors: Li Bin , Lu Huazhong , Wei Xinyu , Guan Shixuan , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhou Xingxing , Luo Yizhi
Published: December 2023

Accurate litchi identification is of great significance for orchard yield estimations. Litchi in natural scenes have large differences in scale and are occluded by leaves, reducing the accuracy of litchi detection models. Adopting traditional horizontal bounding boxes will introduce a large amount of background and overlap with adjacent frames, resulting in a reduced litchi detection accuracy. Therefore, this study innovatively introduces the use of the rotation detection box model to explore its capabilities in scenarios with occlusion and small targets. First, a dataset on litchi rotation detection in natural scenes is constructed. Secondly, three improvement modules based on YOLOv8n are proposed: a transformer module is introduced after the C2f module of the eighth layer of the backbone network, an ECA attention module is added to the neck network to improve the feature extraction of the backbone network, and a 160 × 160 scale detection head is introduced to enhance small target detection. The test results show that, compared to the traditional YOLOv8n model, the proposed model improves the precision rate, the recall rate, and the mAP by 11.7%, 5.4%, and 7.3%, respectively. In addition, four state-of-the-art mainstream detection backbone networks, namely, MobileNetv3-small, MobileNetv3-large, ShuffleNetv2, and GhostNet, are studied for comparison with the performance of the proposed model. The model proposed in this article exhibits a better performance on the litchi dataset, with the precision, recall, and mAP reaching 84.6%, 68.6%, and 79.4%, respectively. This research can provide a reference for litchi yield estimations in complex orchard environments.
Desertification Reversal Promotes the Complexity of Plant Community by Increasing Plant Species Diversity of Each Plant Functional Type
Authors: Qiu Kaiyang , Li Zhigang , Xie Yingzhong , Xu Dongmei , He Chen , Pott Richard
Published: December 2023

Desertification reversal is globally significant for the sustainable development of land resources. However, the mechanisms of desertification reversal at the level of plant community are still unclear. We hypothesized that desertification reversal has clear effects on plant community composition, plant functional types (PFTs), and other vegetation characteristics, including plant diversity and biomass, and their changes in the early stages of reversal are more dramatic than in later stages. We investigated the vegetation of four to five different stages of desertification reversal at each of seven large study sites in southwestern Mu Us Sandy Land, China. The results show that the dominant species in very severe desertification areas were replaced by perennial grasses in potential desertification areas. The importance values of annual forbs and perennial sub-shrubs decreased dramatically (from 42.59 and 32.98 to 22.13 and 5.54, respectively), whereas those of perennial grasses and perennial forbs increased prominently (from 13.26 and 2.71 to 53.94 and 11.79, respectively) with the reversal of desertification. Desertification reversal increased the complexity of plant community composition by increasing plant species in each PFT, and C3 plants replaced C4 plants to become the dominant PFT with reversal. Plant species richness and species diversity rose overall, and aboveground plant biomass significantly (p < 0.05) increased with the reversal of desertification. Most vegetation characteristics changed more strikingly in the early stages of desertification reversal than in later stages. Our results indicate that the type and composition of the plant community were dramatically affected by desertification reversal. Anthropogenic measures are more applicable to being employed in early stages than in later stages, and Amaranthaceae C4 plants are suggested to be planted in mobile dunes for the acceleration of desertification reversal. This study is useful for designing strategies of land management and ecological restoration in arid and semiarid regions.
Estimation of Spring Maize Planting Dates in China Using the Environmental Similarity Method
Authors: Sheng Meiling , Zhu A-Xing , Ma Tianwu , Fei Xufeng , Ren Zhouqiao , Deng Xunfei
Published: December 2023

Global climate change is a serious threat to food and energy security. Crop growth modelling is an important tool for simulating crop food production and assisting in decision making. Planting date is one of the important model parameters. Larger-scale spatial distribution with high accuracy for planting dates is essential for the widespread application of crop growth models. In this study, a planting date prediction method based on environmental similarity was developed in accordance with the third law of geography. Spring maize planting date observations from 124 agricultural meteorological experiment stations in China over the years 1992–2010 were used as the data source. Samples spanning from 1992 to 2009 were allocated as training data, while samples from 2010 constituted the independent validation set. The results indicated that the root mean square error (RMSE) for spring maize planting date based on environmental similarity was 10 days, which is better than that of multiple regression analysis (RMSE = 13 days) in 2010. Additionally, when applied at varying scales, the accuracy of national-scale prediction was better than that of regional-scale prediction in areas with large differences in planting dates. Consequently, the method based on environmental similarity can effectively and accurately estimate planting date parameters at multiple scales and provide reasonable parameter support for large-scale crop growth modelling.
The Effects of Different Organic Materials and Cover Thicknesses on the Early Growth and Antioxidant Response of Direct-Seeded Rice
Authors: Zeng Bohan , Yu Jiajia , Liu Muhua , Liu Junan , Yu Guodong , Liu Zhaopeng , Xiao Liping , Wang Xiao , Mo Zhaowen , Chen Xiongfei
Published: December 2023

Direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) (DSR) is gaining increasing acceptance worldwide because it saves both time and labor. A covering treatment is a simple method to improve early plant growth under direct-seeding conditions. Herein, field experiments were conducted to study the effects of different powdered organic covering materials, i.e., organic fertilizer, seedling substrate, nutrient soil A, and nutrient soil B. In addition, the effects of different covering thicknesses were studied, including 5, 10, 15, and 20 mm, on the germination and early growth of DSR varieties. The two rice varieties Wufengyou 286 and Zhongjiazao 17 were used for this study. The seedling substrate at 15 mm and nutrient soil A at 5 mm covering thickness significantly increased the rate of germination of Wufengyou 286 by 43.93% and 40.26%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Organic fertilizer, seedling substrate, and nutrient soil A at covering thicknesses of 5 mm significantly increased the germination rate by 42.57%, 38.62%, and 40.10%, respectively, compared to the control. Notably, all the treatments increased the emergence rate, with Wufengyou 286 exhibiting the most pronounced effect. The seedling substrate at 10 mm covering thickness significantly increased the rate of emergence of Wufengyou286 by 15.42% compared to the control. Similarly, the seedling substrate at 10 mm covering thickness gave the best results by increasing the rate of emergence of Zhongjiazao 17 by 10.85% compared to the control. On average, the rate of emergence of Wufengyou 286 and Zhongjiazao 17 under the experimental treatment increased by 11.81% and 6.45%, respectively, compared to the control. The appropriate cover treatment enhanced the early growth of DSR by improving its morphological attributes, such as plant height and dry weight, and regulating the physio-biochemical responses, such as the production of antioxidants and photosynthetic pigments. The seedling growth rate of both varieties decreased as the thickness increased. This study elucidated the effects of different covering materials on the early growth of DSR, which can further guide their actual production.
Limited Advantages of Green Manure Planting on Soil Nutrients and Productivity in Intensive Agriculture: A Case Study of Wheat–Maize–Sunflower Rotation in Hetao Irrigation District
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhang Jun , Li Xiaohong , Ma Jun , Cao Jufeng , Liu Hanjiang , Wang Xiquan , Bai Lanfang , Wang Zhigang
Published: December 2023

Crop diversification has been proposed as a promising strategy for transitioning towards sustainable agricultural systems. The Hetao Irrigation District faces multiple challenges in ensuring food security and farmer livelihood. A diversified green manure inclusive cropping system was designed to evaluate the influences of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) incorporation on soil nutrients, yield, and economic benefit compared to the existing wheat–maize–sunflower rotation system in the Hetao Irrigation District. The specific method was as follows: spring wheat (Triticum-durum L.)–vetch rotation in the first year, maize (Zea mays L.)/vetch intercropping in the second year, and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)/vetch relay intercropping in the third year. Over a 6-year experimental observation, green manure incorporation significantly increased soil alkaline hydrolyzed nitrogen and exchangeable potassium levels. Although the effect of green manure incorporation on the yield of rotated spring wheat and intercropped maize was not prominent, it improved sunflower yield in the second rotation cycle by 11%. Consequently, only the sunflower led to an increase in income of 235 CNY ha−1 in the second rotation cycle. This indicates that the soil-property-building and yield-enhancing effects of green manure incorporation require time to accumulate. However, the benefits derived from increased yield were not sufficient to offset the production costs associated with green manure cultivation, resulting in less-than-desirable economic returns.
Annual Urea Nitrogen Contribution to the Nutrition of Cabernet Sauvignon Grapevine Grown in Sandy and Clayey Soil
Authors: Brunetto Gustavo , Ceretta Carlos Alberto , Kaminski João , de Melo George Wellington Bastos , Welter Paola Daiane , Girotto Eduardo , Lorenzi Cledimar Rogerio , Vieira Renan Costa Beber , De Conti Lessandro , Tiecher Tadeu Luis
Published: December 2023

The timing of nitrogen fertilizer application in vineyards can determine the amount of nitrogen (N) absorbed, distributed, and accumulated in grapevine organs. The study aimed to evaluate the annual contribution of N from urea, applied at different times in Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in sandy and clayey soil in a subtropical climate. The sandy soil received 21.42 kg N ha−1 and the clayey soil 30 kg N ha−1, both enriched with 3% excess 15N atoms, applied at different times. The N derived from the fertilizer in grapevines, at all times of N application, and in sandy and clayey soil did not exceed 8%, with the highest values being observed in annual organs, especially in the leaves. The application of N marked at the phenological stages of IBB (50% at beginning of budbreak + 50% at full budbreak) enabled greater absorption of N derived from the fertilizer by the vines grown in both sandy and loamy soil. The N present in the annual organs (leaves, berries, stalks, and shoots) and in the perennial organs (stems and canes) of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in sandy and clayey soil was derived in greater percentages from the soil.
Assessment of Durum Wheat Cultivars’ Adaptability to Mediterranean Environments Using G × E Interaction Analysis
Authors: Ninou Elissavet , Tsivelika Nektaria , Sistanis Iosif , Katsenios Nikolaos , Korpetis Evangelos , Vazaneli Eirini , Papathanasiou Fokion , Didos Spiros , Argiriou Anagnostis , Mylonas Ioannis
Published: December 2023

Aside from plant breeding and agricultural inputs, understanding and interpreting the Genotype × Environment (G × E) interaction has contributed significantly to the increase in wheat yield. In Central Macedonia, Greece, fifteen commercially important durum wheat cultivars and one landrace were tested in six cultivation environments classified into high- and low- productivity environments. This study aimed to identify the most productive and stable durum wheat genotypes across Mediterranean farming systems through a comparative examination of genotype plus genotype by environment (GGE) biplot alongside fifteen parametric and non-parametric stability models. In the organic (low productivity) environment, cultivar Zoi and the landrace Lemnos showed remarkable results, indicating a potential solution for biological agriculture. For the late-sowing (low productivity) environment, some widespread varieties such as Mexicali-81, Meridiano, and Maestrale had excellent performance, showing potential to overcome more adverse conditions during critical grain filling periods such as higher air temperature and deficient soil moisture, i.e., conditions that correlate with climate change. Evaluation of genotypes in all environments for a combination of high yield and stable production, showed that the best genotypes were G8 (Simeto), G2 (Canavaro), and G12 (Elpida). In the subgroup with the three high-productivity environments, G12 (Elpida), G8 (Simeto), and G6 (Mexicali-81) were the best genotypes, followed by G2 (Canavaro), while in the low-productivity subgroup, the G2 (Canavaro), G13 (Zoi) and G8 (Simeto) genotypes were the best.
Long-Term Responses to a 5.3-ka BP Climate Event and the Absolute Dominance of Foxtail Millet in Early Longshan (4800–4300 BP), Southern Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Sun Zejuan , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Xiaojuan , Wang Qingzhu , Liu Yang , Wang Bingyan , Guo Lin , Chen Xuexiang
Published: December 2023

Abrupt climate events profoundly impact human societies, both environmentally and socially. However, existing research predominantly concentrates on immediate responses, overlooking long-term consequences. This study, centered on the Guojiazaoyuan site in the southern Loess Plateau, explores the enduring effects of a 5.3-ka BP climate event that transformed the local subsistence system. Through detailed analysis of archaeobotanical evidence, specifically floral remains dating to 4800–4300 BP obtained via flotation, significant post-event shifts in agricultural practices and food strategies are revealed. Notably, there is a clear prioritization of foxtail millet cultivation, a shift towards diversified food sources, and the introduction of new livestock. These changes represent strategic adaptations aimed at bolstering resilience and reducing vulnerability to future climatic challenges. The southern Loess Plateau developed an agricultural pattern with foxtail millet as the dominant crop, although different patterns were observed in surrounding regions during the early Longshan period (4800–4300 BP). Emphasizing the importance of a long-term perspective, particularly in agriculture and food security, the findings contribute to a broader understanding of how ancient societies coped with environmental changes. These insights are pertinent to ongoing discussions on climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.