BRIGHTNESS PRESERVING HISTOGRAM EQUALIZATION (BPHE) TECHNIQUE FOR CLASSIFICATION OF DATES

Brightness preserving histogram equalization (BPHE) technique was used to enhance the features to discriminate three dates varieties (Khalas, Fard and Madina). Mean, entropy and kurtosis features were computed from the enhanced images and used in an Artificial Neural Network classifier. The classification efficiency of 4 sets of hidden neurons (5, 10, 20, and 30) was tested and the network with 5 neurons yielded the highest classification accuracy of 95.2%

Theory of Algorithm Suitability on Managing Radio Resources in Next Generation Mobile Networks

Beyond 2020, wireless networking model will be radically changed and oriented to business-driven concept as foreseen by the next generation mobile network (NGMN) alliance. As the available spectrum granted to a given operator is physically limited, new radio resource management techniques are required to ensure massive connectivity for wireless devices. Given this situation, we investigate in this paper how the key network functionalities as self-optimizing network (SON) must be thought to meet NGMN requirements. We propose therefore, algorithm suitability theory (AST) combined to the notion of network operator infrastructure convergence. The approach is based on software-defined networking (SDN) principle that allows an adaptability of the load balance algorithm to the dynamic network status. Besides, we use the concept of network function virtualization (NFV) that alleviates the constraint of confining the wireless devices to their home network operator only. Relying on these two technologies, we build AST through a lexicographic optimality criterion based on SPC (Status, Performance, and Complexity) order. Numerical results demonstrate a better network coverage verified by the improvement of metrics such as call blocking rate, spectrum efficiency, energy efficiency and load balance index

Theory of Algorithm Suitability on Managing Radio Resources in Next Generation Mobile Networks

Beyond 2020, wireless networking model will be radically changed and oriented to business-driven concept as foreseen by the next generation mobile network (NGMN) alliance. As the available spectrum granted to a given operator is physically limited, new radio resource management techniques are required to ensure massive connectivity for wireless devices. Given this situation, we investigate in this paper how the key network functionalities as self-optimizing network (SON) must be thought to meet NGMN requirements. We propose therefore, algorithm suitability theory (AST) combined to the notion of network operator infrastructure convergence. The approach is based on software-defined networking (SDN) principle that allows an adaptability of the load balance algorithm to the dynamic network status. Besides, we use the concept of network function virtualization (NFV) that alleviates the constraint of confining the wireless devices to their home network operator only. Relying on these two technologies, we build AST through a lexicographic optimality criterion based on SPC (Status, Performance, and Complexity) order. Numerical results demonstrate a better network coverage verified by the improvement of metrics such as call blocking rate, spectrum efficiency, energy efficiency and load balance index

Phosphorus and potassium application improves fodder yield and quality of sorghum in Aridisol under diverse climatic conditions

Fodder yield and quality must be improved for sustainable livestock production. A lack of or low application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (P) are among the leading constraints of lower fodder yield and quality of sorghum [most cultivated fodder crop during kharif season (crop cultivation in summer and harvesting during winter] in Aridisol of Pakistan. Therefore, this two-year field study evaluated the role of different P and K levels on fodder yield and quality of sorghum cultivar ‘Ijar-2002’ planted in Multan and Okara districts, Punjab, Pakistan. Seven P-K (kg ha−1) levels, i.e., T1 (40–0), T2 (80–0), T3 (0–40), T4 (0–60), T5 (40–40), T6 (80–40), T7 (60–80) and an untreated T0 (control) were included in the study. Results indicated that individual effects of years, locations and P-K levels had a significant effect on fodder yield and quality. All treatments received an equal amount of nitrogen (i.e., 120 kg ha−1). Application of P-K in Aridisols at both locations significantly improved fodder yield, dry matter yield, and ether contents during both years. The T6 (80–40 kg ha−1) significantly improved yield and quality traits of sorghum fodder except for crude fiber (CF) and acid and neutral detergent fiber (ADF and NDF) at both locations during both years of study. Moreover, fodder harvested from Multan observed significantly higher CF, ADF, NDF, cellulose and hemicellulose contents than Okara. However, sorghum grown in Okara harvested more fodder yield due to more plant height and ether contents. In conclusion, planting sorghum in Aridisols, fertilized with 80–40 kg ha−1 P-K seemed a viable option to harvest more fodder yield of better quality

Biotic and Abiotic Stresses of Major Fruit Crops in Oman: A Review

Oman is located in an arid region of the world that is characterized by adverse climatic conditions, including heat and drought. In recent years, it has also been affected by climate turbulence and the occurrence of severe weather, such as cyclones and heat/cold waves affecting large agricultural areas of the country. Fruit cultivation area represents 31% of the total cultivated area (97,239.58 ha) in the country. However, the production share is only 17% of the total crop production in the country (2.6 million tons). About 90% of the fruit cultivation area is dominated by date palm, banana, lime, and mango. In addition to the abiotic stresses, such as drought, heat, and salinity, major fruit crops have declined in recent years due to various biotic stressors, primarily insect pests, and diseases. For several decades, the date palm has suffered from the Dubas bug and in recent years from Red Palm Weevil. Lime has been infected with Witch’s Broom Disease of Lime (WBDL) caused by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia’ that has led to the decline of production to 25% from its peak in the nineties. Banana is Oman`s second-largest fruit crop in production and export. It has also been the subject of studies due to losses incurred by farmers during pre-and post-harvest stages, in addition to several pests and diseases that affect bananas in Oman. Mango is another major fruit crop that is primarily cultivated in northern Oman. Severe infection with mango decline has led to the eradication of mango orchards from many regions of Oman, particularly in Batinah Coast, where increased salinity has led to a decline in mango yield. Research conducted in Oman has investigated several aspects of these challenges. This review paper summarizes the outcome from studies conducted in the country and proposes directions towards resolving current and future challenges to the fruit industry

Emulsan Analysis Produced by Locally Isolated Bacteria and Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus RAG-1

Growth of previously isolated bacteria from Iranian oil reservoirs on different carbon and energy sources and under varying conditions have been used to produce a class of extracellular microbial protein-associated lipopolysaccharides named emulsan.Several Bacteria were previously isolated from Iranian oil reservoirs and designated as; Ilam-1 and Paydar-4. In present study, the isolated strains were compared with standard sample of Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus RAG-1 from Persian Type Culture Collection (PTCC 1641), IROST. Among the isolated strains, two strains were found to produce an extracellular, emulsifying agent when grown in Mineral Salt Medium containing soya oil, ethanol or local crude oil. The isolated bacteria were cultured and further analysed using protein estimation, reducing sugar analysis, hemolytic activity, surface tension and emulsification activity tests. The crude emulsifier of RAG-1, PAYDAR-4 and ILAM-1 were concentrated from the cell-free culture fluid by ammonium sulfate precipitation to yield 1.89g, 1.78g and 1.69g of bioemulsan respectively. Emulsifying activity was observed over the entire production process. These investigations showed that emulsan produced by isolated Iranian crude oil reservoir were comparable with Acinetobacter Calcoaceticus RAG-1 which is made of carbohydrate backbone as its hydrophilic part (N-acetyl-D-galactoseamine, N-acetylgalactoseamine uronic acid, diamino-6-deoxy-D-glucose) and fatty acid chain as its hydrophobic portion

Nonlinear seismic assessment of steel moment frames using time–history, incremental dynamic, and endurance time analysis methods

AbstractA recent method in the seismic assessment of structures is Endurance Time Analysis (ETA). ETA is a time–history-based dynamic pushover procedure, in which structures are subjected to gradually intensifying acceleration functions called Endurance Time Acceleration Functions (ETAFs), and their performances are evaluated based on the equivalent intensity level that they can endure while satisfying required performance goals. In this paper, the accuracy of the ETA in the seismic assessment of steel moment resisting frames is compared with the Time History Analysis (THA) and Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) methods. For this purpose, a set of mid-rise and high-rise frames were selected as a case study. Three sets of second generation ETAFs were used as input in the ETA method, and seven scaled ground motions were used for THA and IDA. It was found that ETA can estimate THA results in an equivalent target time, and also the general trend of IDA curves, with acceptable accuracy, while ETA requires considerably less computational effort in comparison with THA, and, especially, the IDA method

Aspergillus terreus Inhibits Growth and Induces Morphological Abnormalities in Pythium aphanidermatum and Suppresses Pythium-Induced Damping-Off of Cucumber

The study investigated the efficacy of two isolates of Aspergillus terreus (65P and 9F) on the growth, morphology and pathogenicity of Pythium aphanidermatum on cucumber. In vitro tests showed that the two isolates inhibited the growth of P. aphanidermatum in culture. Investigating P. aphanidermatum hyphae close to the inhibition zone showed that the hyphae showed abnormal growth and loss of internal content. Treating P. aphanidermatum with the culture filtrate (CF) of A. terreus resulted in significant rise in cellular leakage of P. aphanidermatum mycelium. Testing glucanase enzyme activity by both A. terreus isolates showed a significant increase in glucanase activity. This suggests that the cell walls of Pythium, which consist of glucan, are affected by the glucanase enzyme produced by A. terreus. In addition, Aspergillus isolates produced siderephore, which is suggested to be involved in inhibition of Pythium growth. Also, the CFs of 65P and 9F isolates significantly reduced spore production by P. aphanidermatum compared to the control (P < 0.05). In bioassay tests, the two isolates of A. terreus increased the survival rate of cucumber seedlings from 10 to 20% in the control seedlings treated with P. aphanidermatum to 38–39% when the biocontrol agents were used. No disease symptoms were observed on cucumber seedlings only treated with the isolates 65P and 9F of A. terreus. In addition, the A. terreus isolates did not have any negative effects on the growth of cucumber seedlings. This study shows that isolates of A. terreus can help suppress Pythium-induced damping-off of cucumber, which is suggested to be through the effect of A. terreus and its glucanase enzyme on P. aphanidermatum mycelium

Role of grapevine rootstocks in mitigating environmental stresses: A review

Viticulture is one of the most important crop industry in the world and its cultivation is on the upward trend globally. Global water and soil resources continue to decline sharply and rampant extreme weather conditions are making serious threat to sustainable agriculture and food security. Further, the changes in climatic conditions are increasingly becoming favorable for rearing certain harmful biotic organisms which are hostile to sustained grapes and other crop  cultivation. The environmental changes have shown a projected impact on viticulture through increased biotic and abiotic stresses. Range of strategies can be employed to mitigate such scenarios, however integration of rootstocks to combat such challenges is of a sustainable nature. Grape rootstocks have exhibited their role in mitigating the problems raised due to a variety of environmental stresses. For example, certain Vitis species are used as rootstock against phylloxera and other harmful pests of grapes. Similarly, there are certain rootstocks developed which have their tolerance ability against salinity, drought, cold and iron chlorosis. Within changing environmental conditions, it is not necessary that the one rootstock performing better at a specific place may perform better on another place too. This review is presented to describe the role of grapes rootstock against biotic and abiotic environmental stresses