Interoperability enhancement at remote locations using thread protocol with UAVs

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)In 21st century, interoperability in remote locations has always been a matter of contention. Interoperability is very closely related to internet and an efficient process saves a lot of time and money. With the advent of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), Native Internet Protocol (NIP) is considered as one of the most pragmatic solutions in market to address interoperability challenges and is gaining more attention in research. However, challenges like reliability, security of data, power consumption, range and maintenance, and accessibility of such internet in remote locations still remain a matter of concern, creating further barriers for interoperability. This research aims at proposing a viable solution to interoperability issues at remote locations, irrespective of its network or payload size, by integrating more advanced Wireless Sensor Protocols like Thread Protocol with a proposed Over The Air (OTA) file transfer functionality, into UAVs. Furthermore, this study analyzes power consumption, reliability, latency and scope of the proposed system and their applications in health care and industries

Incorporation of carbon dioxide production and transport module into a Soil-Plant-Atmosphere continuum model

Carbon dioxide release from agricultural soils is influenced by multiple factors, including soil (soil properties, soil-microbial respiration, water content, temperature, soil diffusivity), plant (carbon assimilation, rhizosphere respiration), atmosphere (climate, atmospheric carbon dioxide), etc. Accurate estimation of the carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes in the soil and soil respiration (CO2 flux between soil and atmosphere) requires a process-based modeling approach that accounts for the influence of all these factors. In this study, a module for CO2 production via root and microbial respiration and diffusion-based carbon dioxide transport is developed and integrated with MAIZSIM (a process-based maize crop growth model that accounts for detailed soil and atmospheric processes) based on a modularized architecture. The developed model simulates root respiration based on root mass, root age, soil water content, and temperature. Microbial respiration is based on the soil microbial processes by accounting for the carbon dynamics in the litter, humus, and organic fertilizer pools as moderated by the soil water content, temperature, microbial synthesis, humification, and decomposition of the carbon pools. Case studies presented include scenarios with different soil, climate, and carbon pools that simulated the soil respiration with an average index of agreement of 0.73 and root mean squared error of 11.4 kg carbon ha-1 between the measured and simulated soil respiration. The modular architecture used in the model development facilitates easy integration with other existing crop models and future modifications

Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis: Synchronous Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare chronic granulomatous destructive process of the renal parenchyma. It is caused by a chronic inflammatory process due to recurrent urinary tract infections and/or obstructing renal calculi. Rarely, it presents with advanced complications including abscesses and fistula formations. In this article, we report a unique presentation of XGP with simultaneous upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of XGP with reno-gastric and reno-colic fistulas

Improving the cotton simulation model, GOSSYM, for soil, photosynthesis, and transpiration processes

GOSSYM, a mechanistic, process-level cotton crop simulation model, has a two-dimensional (2D) gridded soil model called Rhizos that simulates the below-ground processes daily. Water movement is based on gradients of water content and not hydraulic heads. In GOSSYM, photosynthesis is calculated using a daily empirical light response function that requires calibration for response to elevated carbon dioxide ( CO2). This report discusses improvements made to the GOSSYM model for soil, photosynthesis, and transpiration processes. GOSSYM’s predictions of below-ground processes using Rhizos are improved by replacing it with 2DSOIL, a mechanistic 2D finite element soil process model. The photosynthesis and transpiration model in GOSSYM is replaced with a Farquhar biochemical model and Ball-Berry leaf energy balance model. The newly developed model (modified GOSSYM) is evaluated using field-scale and experimental data from SPAR (soil–plant–atmosphereresearch) chambers. Modified GOSSYM better predicted net photosynthesis (root mean square error (RMSE) 25.5 versus 45.2 g CO2 m−2 day−1; index of agreement (IA) 0.89 versus 0.76) and transpiration (RMSE 3.3 versus 13.7 L m−2 day−1; IA 0.92 versus 0.14) and improved the yield prediction by 6.0%. Modified GOSSYM improved the simulation of soil, photosynthesis, and transpiration processes, thereby improving the predictive ability of cotton crop growth and development

Transpiration Response of Cotton to Vapor Pressure Deficit and Its Relationship With Stomatal Traits

Many studies have demonstrated that the cotton in warm environments is vulnerable to water-limitations thus reducing the yield. A number of plant traits have been recommended to ameliorate the effects of water deficits on plant growth and yield. Limitation on maximum transpiration rate (TR) under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), usually occurs during midday, is often considered as a water conservation trait. The genotypes with this trait are desirable in high VPD environments where water deficits commonly develop in the later part of the growing season. Our objective of the study was to find the genotypic variation for the trait limited TR under high VPD and also to study leaf temperature, water potential, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance responses. Also, our objective was also to study the structural changes in the stomatal traits when exposed to long term high VPD conditions and involvement in such responses. In the present study, 17 cotton genotypes were studied for their (TR) response to various VPD environments under well irrigated conditions. Out of 17, eight genotypes limited TR after approximately 2 kPa VPD and rest of them increased their TR with increased VPD. Five selected genotypes with different TR response to increasing VPD were further studied for gas exchange and stomatal properties. All genotypes, irrespective of exhibiting limited TR at high VPD, reduced stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and water potential at high VPD of 3.3 kPa. The genotypes with limited TR modified their stomatal traits mostly on the adaxial surface with frequent and small stomata under high VPD. The genotypes with limited TR also exhibited an increase in epidermal cell expansion and stomatal index at contrasting VPD gradients to effectively balance the liquid and vapor phase conductance to limit TR at high VPD

Sustainable energy saving alternatives in small buildings

Day lighting significance in architectural designs is well established for enhancing visual comfort, energy-efficiency and low carbon buildings development. Practising the atrium element in the modern architectures has been increasingly popular in recent years because of the fact that the transitional space with good environmental elements can improve the quality of the buildings and reduce extra energy utilisation. The present study explores the advantages and effectiveness of the atrium on the energy performance of small buildings, a case study of ‘The Azuma Row House’. Based on local micro-climate data Autodesk Ecotect Analysis was performed to calculate the daylight factors and the energy demand of the building. A comparison was made with atrium and without atrium in the building to evaluate overall energy savings. The results show a higher annual heating energy demand with atrium 3443 kWh compared without atrium 2526 kWh. The annual cooling energy demand without atrium 2516 kWh is significantly greater than with atrium 912 kWh. The total energy requirements under no atrium case is about 5042 kWh which is considerably higher than the total annual energy demand with atrium 4355 kWh. The total amount of energy saved is about 15.7% per year by introducing the sunlight through the atrium. Along with the increasing issue of the energy crisis, environmental problem and the beautiful design of atrium, the development of atrium in modern architecture designing is feasible to have a good future

Phosphorus Nutrition Affects Temperature Response of Soybean Growth and Canopy Photosynthesis

In nature, crops such as soybean are concurrently exposed to temperature (T) stress and phosphorus (P) deficiency. However, there is a lack of reports regarding soybean response to T × P interaction. To fill in this knowledge-gap, soybean was grown at four daily mean T of 22, 26, 30, and 34°C (moderately low, optimum, moderately high, and high temperature, respectively) each under sufficient (0.5 mM) and deficient (0.08 mM) P nutrition for the entire season. Phosphorus deficiency exacerbated the low temperature stress, with further restrictions on growth and net photosynthesis. For P deficient soybean at above optimum temperature (OT) regimes, growth, and photosynthesis was maintained at levels close to those of P sufficient plants, despite a lower tissue P concentration. P deficiency consistently decreased plant tissue P concentration ≈55% across temperatures while increasing intrinsic P utilization efficiency of canopy photosynthesis up to 147%, indicating a better utilization of tissue P. Warmer than OTs delayed the time to anthesis by 8–14 days and pod development similarly across P levels. However, biomass partitioning to pods was greater under P deficiency. There were significant T × P interactions for traits such as plant growth rates, total leaf area, biomass partitioning, and dry matter production, which resulted a distinct T response of soybean growth between sufficient and deficient P nutrition. Under sufficient P level, both lower and higher than optimum T tended to decrease total dry matter production and canopy photosynthesis. However, under P-deficient condition, this decrease was primarily observed at the low T. Thus, warmer than optimum T of this study appeared to compensate for decreases in soybean canopy photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation resulting from P deficiency. However, warmer than OT appeared to adversely affect reproductive structures, such as pod development, across P fertilization. This occurred despite adaptations, especially the increased P utilization efficiency and biomass partitioning to pods, shown by soybean under P deficiency

Developing functional relationships between waterlogging and cotton growth and physiology-towards waterlogging modeling

Cotton crop is known to be poorly adapted to waterlogging, especially during the early growth stages. Developing functional relationships between crop growth and development parameters and the duration of waterlogging is essential to develop or improve existing cotton crop models for simulating the impact of waterlogging. However, there are only limited experimental studies conducted on cotton specifically aimed at developing the necessary functional relationships required for waterlogging modeling. Further research is needed to understand the effects of waterlogging on cotton crops and improve modeling capabilities in this area. The current study aimed to conduct waterlogging experiments and develop functional relationships between waterlogging and cotton growth and physiology. The experiments were conducted in pots, and the waterlogging was initiated by plugging the drain hole at the bottom of the pot using a wooden peg. In the experiments, eight waterlogging treatments, including the control treatment, were imposed at the vegetative growth stage (15 days after sowing). Control treatment had zero days of water-logged condition; other treatments had 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days of waterlogging. It took five days to reach zero oxygen levels and one to two days to return to control after the treatment. After a total treatment duration of 14 days (30 days after sowing), the growth, physiological, reproductive, and nutrient analysis was conducted. All physiological parameters decreased with the number of days of waterlogging. Flavonoid and anthocyanin index increased with increased duration of waterlogging. Photosynthesis and whole plant dry weight in continuously waterlogged conditions were 75% and 78% less compared to 0, and 2-day water-logged plants. Plant height, stem diameter, number of main stem leaves, leaf area, and leaf length also decreased with waterlogging duration. When waterlogging duration increased, leaf, stem, and root macronutrients decreased, while micronutrients showed mixed trends. Based on the experimental study, functional relationships (linear, quadratic, and exponential decay) and waterlogging stress response indices are developed between growth and development parameters and the duration of waterlogging. This can serve as a base for developing or improving process-based cotton models to simulate the impact of waterlogging

A piecewise analysis model for electrical conductivity calculation from time domain reflectometry waveforms

Electrical conductivity (EC) represents a material’s ability to conduct electric current. Soil EC has been used as a soil quality attribute related to soil pH, nutrient availability, crop suitability and soil microbial activity. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) estimates soil water content and EC based on the propagation/reflection and energy attenuation of voltage signals along a waveguide. To maximize the data use efficiency, waveform interpretations for simultaneous water content and EC determination are needed. A tangent line/bounded mean oscillation (TL-BMO) model is available to estimate soil water content from TDR waveforms, but an associated EC model is not yet available. The objectives of this study are (1) to introduce a piecewise analysis method for TDR waveform interpretation, and (2) to develop a model for EC computation along a TDR waveguide under homogeneous water content. The proposed model sequentially fits a TDR waveform for the coaxial cable, the connection, and the waveguide according to the transmission line equation. A TDR waveguide can be discretized into multiple successive pieces for the determination of EC variations along the waveguide. Simplifications of the fitting procedures via (1) existing models, e.g., TL-BMO and Topp et al. (1988) models, and (2) analysis of waveforms obtained from controlled conditions, e.g., in distilled water under room temperature (~20 °C) and air pressure (~101 kPa), are also applied. Accuracy and stability of the proposed model are tested via observed TDR waveforms obtained under uniform EC conditions but perturbated with a range of noise levels. EC values computed with only one discretized piece (i.e., no discretization along the waveguide) are consistent with the theoretical EC values, and the results are robust for all of the tested noise levels. As the number of discretized pieces and the noise levels increase, numerical oscillations in the results increase. The maximum relative errors are \u3c20%, occurring when the mean power of noise is as large as the mean power of waveforms (0 dB noise). Flexibility of the proposed model is tested using waveforms simulated under spatially varying EC, and the EC variations along a TDR waveguide can be detected by the proposed model. In summary, the proposed model provides reliable EC estimations, and it can evaluate uniform or varying EC distributions along a TDR waveguide under uniform moisture conditions. This model can be imbedded into the TL-BMO model for integrated water content and EC determination for commonly measured (251-scanning point) TDR waveforms

Combined effects of phosphorus nutrition and elevated carbon dioxide concentration on chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis, and nutrient efficiency of cotton

To examine the combined effects of phosphorus (P) nutrition and CO2 on photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence (CF), and nutrient utilization and uptake, two controlled-environment experiments were conducted using 0.01, 0.05 and 0.20 mM external phosphate each at ambient and elevated CO2 (aCO2: 400 and eCO2: 800 mmol mol–1, respectively). The CF parameters were affected more by P nutrition than by CO2 treatment. Photoinhibition of photosystem II (PSII) was due to increased minimal CF (Fo\u27) and decreased maximal CF (Fm\u27), and efficiency of energy harvesting (Fv\u27/Fm\u27). In addition, reduced electron transport rate (ETR), the quantum yield of PSII (FPSII) and CO2 assimilation (FCO2 ), and overall photochemical quenching in the P-deficient leaves led to reduction in the efficiency of energy transfer to the PSII reaction center. Stimulation in the FPSII/FCO2 and photorespiration (ETR/Pnet) was found under P deficiency, whereas the opposite was the case under CO2 enrichment. On average, photosynthetic rate (Pnet) and stomatal conductance declined by 50–53% at 0.05 mM P and by 70–72% at 0.01 mM P as compared to the 0.20 mM P treatment. However, P deficiency, especially at eCO2, tended to increase the intrinsic water-use efficiency. In the P-deficient plants, the decline in the P and N utilization efficiency (up to 91%) of biomass production was mainly associated with greater reduction in the biomass relative to the tissue P concentration as the P supply was reduced. However, it was significantly stimulated by eCO2 especially at higher P supply. The CO2 · P interaction was observed for some parameters such as Fo\u27, Fm\u27, P utilization efficiencies of photosynthesis and biomass production that might be attributed to the irresponsiveness of these parameters to eCO2 under low P treatment. Thus, P deficiency limited the beneficial effect of eCO2. A close relationship between total biomass and photosynthesis with the P and N utilization or uptake efficiencies was found. The P utilization efficiency of Pnet appeared to be stable across a range of leaf P concentrations, whereas the N-utilization efficiency markedly increased with leaf P and differed between CO2 levels. An apparent effect of both the treatments (P and CO2) on N-uptake and utilization efficiency also indicated the alteration in N acquisition and assimilation in cotton plants