Digitalization has nowadays raised interest in variable applications of farming.Increase of knowledge level,by means of unique identification,automation and control,farmers gain relevant business profit.This research ...Digitalization has nowadays raised interest in variable applications of farming.Increase of knowledge level,by means of unique identification,automation and control,farmers gain relevant business profit.This research is focused on the utilization of passive radio frequency identification(RFID)technology in silage bale application,both manual and automated level.Challenges arise due to silage conservation,varying environmental and seasonal conditions,different identification environments and RFID operation principle.Further maximum communication signal strength is limited by telecommunication standard regulations(e.g.,ETSI).The applicability of RFID technology with different commercial passive transponders is measured manually in a silage bale of 160 cm in diameter,covering 360 degrees around the bale.In addition,automated field tests are conducted in a real environment,where the data collection system is appended to a tractor and RFID reader antenna in a baler.Manual measurements are conducted as identification distance(meters)and transponder population(number of tags),while automated measurements are based on the number of successfully identified silage bales.Based on the manual measurement results,the most suitable tags for the automated field measurements were chosen,and the applicability to silage bale identification was verified.Field tests showed 100%success,with 151/151 uniquely identified silage bales.Achieved results prove that passive RFID operates well enough in silage bale identification,further enabling the development of digitalization of silage bale life cycle.展开更多
The loading ability of straw bale was tested by Electronical Testing Machine. The linear regression equations were proposed between failure density and loading ability, and failure density and compressing energy. Base...The loading ability of straw bale was tested by Electronical Testing Machine. The linear regression equations were proposed between failure density and loading ability, and failure density and compressing energy. Based on an exponent model, the testing coefficients of straw bale were estimated using Levenberg-Marquardt Method. The results of test showed that the relation between failure density and loading ability and compressing energy was linear in the phase of high density. The loading ability of straw bale could meet the building bill.展开更多
The study was conducted on Berbere Forest in Bale Zone of Oromia Regional State, south east of Ethiopia with the objective of determining the structural analysis and natural regeneration status of the forest. Systemat...The study was conducted on Berbere Forest in Bale Zone of Oromia Regional State, south east of Ethiopia with the objective of determining the structural analysis and natural regeneration status of the forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. Seventy two nest quadrat sizes of 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m) for trees and shrubs were used. Within the main quadrat, two opposite side of each sub-quadrat of 25 m2 (5 m × 5 m) for sapling, 4 m2 (2 m × 2 m) for seedling of woody plants. The diameter and height were measured for all individual trees and shrubs having DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) ≥ 10 cm thick and ≥2 m height by using a diameter tape or caliper and clinometer respectively. For description and analysis of vegetation structure Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, tree density, height, frequency and important value index were used. Structural analysis of some selected tree species was revealed four different population patterns (bell shaped, inverted J-shaped, irregular and U-shaped). The total basal area of Berbere forest was 87.49 m2/ha, but most of the basal area was contributed by few large sized Moraceae family (Ficus vasta, Ficus ovate and Ficus thonningii) plant species. Analysis of regeneration status of woody plants in the forest showed 37.09% trees/shrubs species exhibited “good”, 19.35% showed “fair”, 6.45% showed “poor” and 25.81% trees/shrubs species were “not regenerating” at all and 11.29% trees/shrubs species were available only in sapling or seedling stage. Studies on the structure and regeneration of the forest indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Therefore, based on the results of this study, we recommended detail regenerating studies of seed bank in relation to various environmental factors such as soil type and properties.展开更多
Loading ability of straw bales was tested by using an Electronical Testing Machine. Linear regression models were proposed to describe the loading ability as a function of failure density and compressing energy. Based...Loading ability of straw bales was tested by using an Electronical Testing Machine. Linear regression models were proposed to describe the loading ability as a function of failure density and compressing energy. Based on an exponent model, the testing compression coefficients of straw bales were estimated by using the Levenberg-Marquardt Method. Results showed that the relation among failure density, loading ability and compressing energy was linear in the phase of high density, Loading ability of straw bales could meet the requirement for building bills .展开更多
The Bale mountains ecoregion in Ethiopia provides a number of benefits for the local communities mainly in terms of water supply,power generation,tourism activity,and irrigation development.Notwithstanding,the ecoregi...The Bale mountains ecoregion in Ethiopia provides a number of benefits for the local communities mainly in terms of water supply,power generation,tourism activity,and irrigation development.Notwithstanding,the ecoregion has been characterized primarily by recurring floods and droughts,as well as crop failure due to a variety of natural and human-activity-driven change factors.As a matter of fact,the purpose of this study would be to examine long-term changes and fluctuation in precipitation(PCP),maximum temperature(T_(max)),and minimum temperature(T_(min))in the Bale mountains ecoregion using ensembles of three climate models with three representative concentration pathways(RCPs)scenarios from the coupled model inter-comparison project phase five(CMIP5)dataset.Statistical downscaling model(SDSM)was applied to project PCP,T_(max),and T_(min)in the forthcoming period considering three RCPs:low emission(RCP2.6),intermediate(RCP4.5),and high emission(RCP8.5).SDSM's performance in capturing historical daily PCP,T_(max),and T_(min)has been validated using standard statistical metrics such as coefficient of determination(R^(2)),Nash Sutcliff efficiency(NSE),and root mean square error(RMSE).SDSM has the potential to generate a statistical transfer function between large-scale variables and local climate,allowing PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) to be downscaled to a point scale for the ecoregion.The magnitude of mean yearly changes in PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) were investigated throughout three thirty-year time slices,corresponding to the 2020s,2050s,and 2080s.The Mann-Kendall non-parametric test was used to analyse trends in PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) from 2011 to 2100.Inter-annual variability in PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) were investigated for the aforementioned period,taking standard deviation into account under each RCP scenarios.The results reveal that mean annual PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) are rising in all three time slices and in all three CMIP5 RCP scenarios as compared to the baseline scenario.Mean annual PCP is projected to increase within the uncertainty range of 6.68% to 17.93%(RCP2.6),7.45% to 21.94%(RCP4.5),and 19.70% to 33.69%(RCP4.5)(RCP8.5).T_(max) increases from 0.04℃ to 0.24℃(RCP2.6),0.05℃ to 0.31℃(RCP4.5),and 0.04℃ to 0.42℃(RCP8.5),whereas T_(min) increases from 0.22℃ to 0.52℃(RCP2.6),0.23℃ to 0.67℃(RCP4.5),and 0.26℃ to 1.14℃(RCP8.5)(RCP8.5).For future projections at the end of the 21^(st) century,the mean annual PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) for all three analysed climate models and RCPs have shown a positive trend.The inter-annual variability of PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) is higher in the RCP8.5 than RCP4.5 and RCP2.6 in all climate models.The findings clearly implied that prior understanding of long-term climate change and variability need to be addressed to plan effective and efficient mitigation strategies,as well as to maintain adequate quantity and quality of water supplies to the communities residing in the ecoregion.展开更多
In order to reduce alfalfa losses, the effect of bale density and alfalfa moisture content on the losses of baled alfalfa during the baling and transportation process was determined in this study. Three ranges of mois...In order to reduce alfalfa losses, the effect of bale density and alfalfa moisture content on the losses of baled alfalfa during the baling and transportation process was determined in this study. Three ranges of moisture content including 14%-17%, 17% -20%, and 20%-23% （wb） were considered in this study. Bale densities considered in this research were 110-120, 120-130, 130-140, and 140-150 kg/m3. The study was conducted in the form of a split-plot experimental design with three replications and a small rectangular baler was used to bale the second cut alfalfa. Alfalfa losses were measured in the pickup system and compression chamber of baler and losses were separated to stems and leaves. Alfalfa losses were also determined during the bale transportation process. Results showed that alfalfa moisture content had significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process while; leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were not affected by alfalfa moisture content. Results also revealed that the bale density had no significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process but leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were significantly affected by the bale density.展开更多
This paper describes the hot-box testing(based on ASTM C1363-11)of seven straw bale wall panels to obtain their thermal conductivity values.All panels were con-structed with stacked bales and cement-lime plaster skins...This paper describes the hot-box testing(based on ASTM C1363-11)of seven straw bale wall panels to obtain their thermal conductivity values.All panels were con-structed with stacked bales and cement-lime plaster skins on each side of the bales.Four panels were made with traditional,2-string field bales of densities ranging from 89.5 kg/m^(3)-131 kg/m^(3) and with the bales on-edge(fibres perpendicular to the heat flow).Three panels were made with manufactured high-density bales(291 kg/m^(3)-372 kg/m^(3)).The fibres of the manufactured bales were randomly oriented.The key conclusion of this paper is that within the experimental error,there is no difference in the thermal conductivity value for panels using normal density bales and manufactured high density bales up to a density of 333 kg/m^(3).However,because of lack of precision of the hot-box,no conclusions can be made on the true thermal conductivity of the high density bale panels.In addition,the panels tested were found to have significant voids between bales,and this is believed to have con-tributed to higher measured thermal conductivity values compared to those reported in the literature for normal density bale panels.Thermal properties may be affected for bales with higher densities than 333 kg/m^(3),therefore further testing is suggested.展开更多
Specific to problems of the existing round bale wrapping machine in China,such as small application scope and failing to satisfy the wrapping demands of round bales of different specifications,a tumbler-type round bal...Specific to problems of the existing round bale wrapping machine in China,such as small application scope and failing to satisfy the wrapping demands of round bales of different specifications,a tumbler-type round bale wrapping machine based on wrapping silage with stretch film was designed.By theoretical analysis and preliminary experiments of the corresponding wrapping process,revolving speed of tumbler,speed ratio between tumbler and carrier rollers,and pre-load force of stretch film were determined as experimental factors,while wrapping time and consumption of stretch film per unit mass of round bale were determined as evaluation indexes.Furthermore,quadratic regression orthogonal rotational combination experimental design was adopted to carry out the wrapping experiment.The regression models were set up,and influencing rules of experimental factors on evaluation indexes were also analyzed.The optimal parameter combination scheme was revolving speed of tumbler of 31-32 r/min,speed ratio between tumbler and carrier rollers of 2.6,and pre-load force of stretch film of 20-22 N.Under such a circumstance,the corresponding wrapping time required was 37.7-38.9 s and consumption of stretch film per unit mass of round bale was 3.21-3.46 kg/t.The predicted values and the measured values of evaluation indexes basically coincided with each other and the relative error fell below 5%,which indicated that both the optimized regression models acquired through the wrapping experiment and the relevant parameter optimization results were reliable.To guarantee the quality of rice straw silage,the round bale should be wrapped by no less than five layers of stretch films through the utilization of the tumbler-type round bale wrapping machine.The study results could be used as references for research and development of the round bale wrapping machine.展开更多
In order to solve the problem of low productivity,unqualified segment length and high energy consumption during the process of crushing square bale straw caused by improper operation parameters,a 9FF square bale straw...In order to solve the problem of low productivity,unqualified segment length and high energy consumption during the process of crushing square bale straw caused by improper operation parameters,a 9FF square bale straw crusher was developed.In this study,by taking maize straw as the test material,the feeding speed,spindle speed of the crushing device and the state of the crushing device were taken as influence factors,and standard straw length rate,productivity per net working hour(hereinafter referred to as NWH)and energy consumption per ton of product as test indicators,the influence of the factors on the indicators were studied,and tests were carried out on the process of square bale straw crushing.By adopting the single factor test on the effect of the feeding speed,the spindle speed of the crushing device and the state of the crushing device on the test indicators,the suitable range of each factor was determined,respectively.Using the orthogonal test method,range method,variance method and comprehensive balance method,the experiment analyzed the significance of the influence of the three factors on various indicators and the order of priority.The test results showed that:the feeding speed was 5 m/min,spindle speed was 3000 r/min,and the state of the crushing device was a mixing cutter hammer,which was the best parameter combination(A1B1C1)for the processing technology of the square bale forage crusher.The standard straw length rate was 93.7%,and the productivity per NWH was 2.80 t/h,with energy consumption per ton of 4.72 kW·h/t,in which the standard straw length rate and productivity per NWH reached optimal values,and the energy consumption per ton of product was slightly higher than the optimal value in the experiment.The research results can provide a reference for the optimal design of the special crusher for square bale straw.展开更多
Introduction:Ecosystem change and respective conservation needs were at top priority areas in the globe especially at biodiversity hotspot zones and places of endemism like Bale eco-region.In this aspect,this study ha...Introduction:Ecosystem change and respective conservation needs were at top priority areas in the globe especially at biodiversity hotspot zones and places of endemism like Bale eco-region.In this aspect,this study had tried to assess historical landscape changes of afro-alpine forest ecosystem with its respective driving forces and effectiveness of different institutional arrangements to protect this ecosystem.Methods:The study utilized satellite imagery from Landsat series starting from 1986 to 2016,ground truth data from GPS-based field survey,focus group discussions,and reconnaissance field survey.Historical landscape maps were prepared with a mix of supervised and unsupervised image classification methods.Future landscape change simulation was undertaken by using cellular automata modeling on Dynamic Environment for Geoprocessing Objects(Dinamica EGO)software.Beyond areal change and transition of landscape elements,level of ecosystem fragmentation was assessed with FRAGSTAT software.Results:Results have shown that there is encroachment of human-induced land use patterns especially agriculture and grazing while closed canopy forest and woodland ecosystems have decreased in their extent.Simulation outputs for the coming three decades have also shown similar patterns with historical trends.Beyond changes in areal extent,landscape matrix analysis results indicated that there is increasing class and landscape level fragmentation both in its historical and future probable likelihoods.Effectiveness of different management strategies at different institutional arrangement were differ in their effectiveness that federal and regional government were not able to curve landscape change.Conclusions:In conclusion,increasing population pressure and weak policy implementation and legal enforcement has caused threats for alpine forest ecosystem in Bale eco-region.Except participatory forest management,management strategies at different institutional arrangements were failed to conserve forest.These calls reinnovated participatory forest management strategies that base community participation while simultaneously keeps livelihoods demands of local community.展开更多
Straw bale construction offers a renewable,sustainable and proven alternative to mainstream building methods;still,little is known about its airflow characteristics.To this end,the intent of this paper is to evaluate ...Straw bale construction offers a renewable,sustainable and proven alternative to mainstream building methods;still,little is known about its airflow characteristics.To this end,the intent of this paper is to evaluate airtightness of fully constructed and plastered straw bale walls as well as individual plain straw bales.The first experiment entailed measuring the influence of straw bale orientation on airflow characteristics with the finding that straw bale considered alone has poor air flow-retarding characteristics and that plaster is the primary air barrier.A second experiment involved thirty plastered straw bale specimens using three different plaster types.From this experiment,a crack grading system was developed and is herein proposed as a tool to evaluate plaster performance as an air barrier.A third experiment validated the crack grade system through application on four fully constructed straw bale walls.Practical use of the crack grading system was demonstrated on a case study straw bale house in Radomlje,Slovenia,where the predicted air tightness results were validated through comparison to results of blower door tests.展开更多
Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile’s Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in...Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile’s Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in Chile’s indigenous and vernacular architecture, could meet these demands when coupled with sufficient thermal mass in the form of earth renders and floor finishes. This article presents measurements of dry bulb temperatures and relative humidity, both in physical test chambers and Chilean straw bale homes. The results of these measurements confirm that straw bale construction could provide hygro-thermal comfort with heating demands 28% less than those of constructions that meet the Chilean thermal building regulations. Straw bale, therefore, could provide a viable solution for comfortable, energy efficient, rural dwellings in Chile’s Central Valley. Whilst over 40 private straw bale projects have been completed in Chile to date, restrictions applying to projects receiving government subsidies prevent this technology being available to those who need it most.展开更多
The search for more sustainable construction methods has renewed interest in straw-bale construction.Rectangular straw bales stacked in a running bond and plastered on the interior and exterior faces have been shown t...The search for more sustainable construction methods has renewed interest in straw-bale construction.Rectangular straw bales stacked in a running bond and plastered on the interior and exterior faces have been shown to have adequate strength to resist typical loads found in one-and two-storey structures.The straw bales provide excellent insulation,while possessing low embodied energy compared to conventional insulation materials.The structural behaviour of a load-bearing plastered straw-bale wall subject to uniform compressive loading has been the focus of a number of studies reported in the literature.However,in a typical building wall,there will be numerous locations(such as around window and door openings)where the load paths produce areas of concentrated stress.The behaviour in these regions cannot necessarily be predicted using tests from uniformly loaded wall assemblies.This paper describes experiments on plastered single bale assemblies subjected to three-point bending.These assemblies develop shear and flexural stresses,and so simulate the stresses that exist around door and window openings in a wall.The specimens were rendered with lime-cement plaster,and were either unreinforced,or contained steel“diamond lath”mesh embedded within the plaster.The specimens were pin-supported at various centre-to-centre distances(L)ranging from 200 mm to 500 mm.The height(H)of all specimens was constant at 330 mm.This gave a range of H/L values of 0.66 to 1.65.Two distinct types of failure were observed.For tests with H/L<1,failure was due to flexural tension cracks in the plaster which propagated through the depth of the plaster skin.For tests with H/L>1,failure was due to crushing of the plaster in compression under one of the loading points.It was shown that models based on simple mechanics were able to adequately predict the assembly strength.In particular,analysing the assemblies with H/L<1 as simple beams,and using the transformed section concept to deal with the straw and steel mesh,was adequate for predicting their strength.The results suggest that current practice for straw bale construction is generally appropriate.To avoid tensile cracking of plaster due to flexure,regions around doors,windows,and other openings should be designed such that H/L>1.In regions where H/L<1,the use of steel reinforcing mesh can increase the plastered bale strength by 30%on average.展开更多
Experimental studies on full-scale straw-bale walls have demonstrated the adequacy of straw-bale wall systems for resisting lateral loads from wind or seismic actions.Critical to the performance of the wall system is ...Experimental studies on full-scale straw-bale walls have demonstrated the adequacy of straw-bale wall systems for resisting lateral loads from wind or seismic actions.Critical to the performance of the wall system is the anchorage of mesh reinforcement to the bottom plate and to the roof bearing assembly or top plate.Reported in this paper are the results of experiments examining mesh strength,anchorage strength,and failure mode for a variety of reinforcement meshes(steel,plastic,and hemp)and anchorage details.Because of the potential for new wood preservative pressure treatments to cause corrosion,stainless steel staples driven pneumatically into pressure-treated sill plates were tested in addition to electro-galvanized staples driven pneumatically into untreated sill plates and a heavier gauge staple driven manually into an untreated sill plate.Recommended anchorage details are identified,considering not only the test results but also the many other factors that must be considered in developing reliable,economical,and constructible details.展开更多
文摘Digitalization has nowadays raised interest in variable applications of farming.Increase of knowledge level,by means of unique identification,automation and control,farmers gain relevant business profit.This research is focused on the utilization of passive radio frequency identification(RFID)technology in silage bale application,both manual and automated level.Challenges arise due to silage conservation,varying environmental and seasonal conditions,different identification environments and RFID operation principle.Further maximum communication signal strength is limited by telecommunication standard regulations(e.g.,ETSI).The applicability of RFID technology with different commercial passive transponders is measured manually in a silage bale of 160 cm in diameter,covering 360 degrees around the bale.In addition,automated field tests are conducted in a real environment,where the data collection system is appended to a tractor and RFID reader antenna in a baler.Manual measurements are conducted as identification distance(meters)and transponder population(number of tags),while automated measurements are based on the number of successfully identified silage bales.Based on the manual measurement results,the most suitable tags for the automated field measurements were chosen,and the applicability to silage bale identification was verified.Field tests showed 100%success,with 151/151 uniquely identified silage bales.Achieved results prove that passive RFID operates well enough in silage bale identification,further enabling the development of digitalization of silage bale life cycle.
基金Supported by the Returnee Foundation of Ministry of Education and Project (1054hz023)Supported by the Key Research Foundation of Ministry of Science in Heilongjiang Province
文摘The loading ability of straw bale was tested by Electronical Testing Machine. The linear regression equations were proposed between failure density and loading ability, and failure density and compressing energy. Based on an exponent model, the testing coefficients of straw bale were estimated using Levenberg-Marquardt Method. The results of test showed that the relation between failure density and loading ability and compressing energy was linear in the phase of high density. The loading ability of straw bale could meet the building bill.
文摘The study was conducted on Berbere Forest in Bale Zone of Oromia Regional State, south east of Ethiopia with the objective of determining the structural analysis and natural regeneration status of the forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. Seventy two nest quadrat sizes of 400 m2 (20 m × 20 m) for trees and shrubs were used. Within the main quadrat, two opposite side of each sub-quadrat of 25 m2 (5 m × 5 m) for sapling, 4 m2 (2 m × 2 m) for seedling of woody plants. The diameter and height were measured for all individual trees and shrubs having DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) ≥ 10 cm thick and ≥2 m height by using a diameter tape or caliper and clinometer respectively. For description and analysis of vegetation structure Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, tree density, height, frequency and important value index were used. Structural analysis of some selected tree species was revealed four different population patterns (bell shaped, inverted J-shaped, irregular and U-shaped). The total basal area of Berbere forest was 87.49 m2/ha, but most of the basal area was contributed by few large sized Moraceae family (Ficus vasta, Ficus ovate and Ficus thonningii) plant species. Analysis of regeneration status of woody plants in the forest showed 37.09% trees/shrubs species exhibited “good”, 19.35% showed “fair”, 6.45% showed “poor” and 25.81% trees/shrubs species were “not regenerating” at all and 11.29% trees/shrubs species were available only in sapling or seedling stage. Studies on the structure and regeneration of the forest indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Therefore, based on the results of this study, we recommended detail regenerating studies of seed bank in relation to various environmental factors such as soil type and properties.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Fund(50675071)Specialized Research Fund for Doctoral Program of Higher Education(20060564009)
文摘Loading ability of straw bales was tested by using an Electronical Testing Machine. Linear regression models were proposed to describe the loading ability as a function of failure density and compressing energy. Based on an exponent model, the testing compression coefficients of straw bales were estimated by using the Levenberg-Marquardt Method. Results showed that the relation among failure density, loading ability and compressing energy was linear in the phase of high density, Loading ability of straw bales could meet the requirement for building bills .
文摘The Bale mountains ecoregion in Ethiopia provides a number of benefits for the local communities mainly in terms of water supply,power generation,tourism activity,and irrigation development.Notwithstanding,the ecoregion has been characterized primarily by recurring floods and droughts,as well as crop failure due to a variety of natural and human-activity-driven change factors.As a matter of fact,the purpose of this study would be to examine long-term changes and fluctuation in precipitation(PCP),maximum temperature(T_(max)),and minimum temperature(T_(min))in the Bale mountains ecoregion using ensembles of three climate models with three representative concentration pathways(RCPs)scenarios from the coupled model inter-comparison project phase five(CMIP5)dataset.Statistical downscaling model(SDSM)was applied to project PCP,T_(max),and T_(min)in the forthcoming period considering three RCPs:low emission(RCP2.6),intermediate(RCP4.5),and high emission(RCP8.5).SDSM's performance in capturing historical daily PCP,T_(max),and T_(min)has been validated using standard statistical metrics such as coefficient of determination(R^(2)),Nash Sutcliff efficiency(NSE),and root mean square error(RMSE).SDSM has the potential to generate a statistical transfer function between large-scale variables and local climate,allowing PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) to be downscaled to a point scale for the ecoregion.The magnitude of mean yearly changes in PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) were investigated throughout three thirty-year time slices,corresponding to the 2020s,2050s,and 2080s.The Mann-Kendall non-parametric test was used to analyse trends in PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) from 2011 to 2100.Inter-annual variability in PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) were investigated for the aforementioned period,taking standard deviation into account under each RCP scenarios.The results reveal that mean annual PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) are rising in all three time slices and in all three CMIP5 RCP scenarios as compared to the baseline scenario.Mean annual PCP is projected to increase within the uncertainty range of 6.68% to 17.93%(RCP2.6),7.45% to 21.94%(RCP4.5),and 19.70% to 33.69%(RCP4.5)(RCP8.5).T_(max) increases from 0.04℃ to 0.24℃(RCP2.6),0.05℃ to 0.31℃(RCP4.5),and 0.04℃ to 0.42℃(RCP8.5),whereas T_(min) increases from 0.22℃ to 0.52℃(RCP2.6),0.23℃ to 0.67℃(RCP4.5),and 0.26℃ to 1.14℃(RCP8.5)(RCP8.5).For future projections at the end of the 21^(st) century,the mean annual PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) for all three analysed climate models and RCPs have shown a positive trend.The inter-annual variability of PCP,T_(max),and T_(min) is higher in the RCP8.5 than RCP4.5 and RCP2.6 in all climate models.The findings clearly implied that prior understanding of long-term climate change and variability need to be addressed to plan effective and efficient mitigation strategies,as well as to maintain adequate quantity and quality of water supplies to the communities residing in the ecoregion.
文摘In order to reduce alfalfa losses, the effect of bale density and alfalfa moisture content on the losses of baled alfalfa during the baling and transportation process was determined in this study. Three ranges of moisture content including 14%-17%, 17% -20%, and 20%-23% （wb） were considered in this study. Bale densities considered in this research were 110-120, 120-130, 130-140, and 140-150 kg/m3. The study was conducted in the form of a split-plot experimental design with three replications and a small rectangular baler was used to bale the second cut alfalfa. Alfalfa losses were measured in the pickup system and compression chamber of baler and losses were separated to stems and leaves. Alfalfa losses were also determined during the bale transportation process. Results showed that alfalfa moisture content had significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process while; leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were not affected by alfalfa moisture content. Results also revealed that the bale density had no significant effect on the leaf and stem losses of the baler pickup system and alfalfa losses during the transportation process but leaf and stem losses of baler compression chamber were significantly affected by the bale density.
文摘This paper describes the hot-box testing(based on ASTM C1363-11)of seven straw bale wall panels to obtain their thermal conductivity values.All panels were con-structed with stacked bales and cement-lime plaster skins on each side of the bales.Four panels were made with traditional,2-string field bales of densities ranging from 89.5 kg/m^(3)-131 kg/m^(3) and with the bales on-edge(fibres perpendicular to the heat flow).Three panels were made with manufactured high-density bales(291 kg/m^(3)-372 kg/m^(3)).The fibres of the manufactured bales were randomly oriented.The key conclusion of this paper is that within the experimental error,there is no difference in the thermal conductivity value for panels using normal density bales and manufactured high density bales up to a density of 333 kg/m^(3).However,because of lack of precision of the hot-box,no conclusions can be made on the true thermal conductivity of the high density bale panels.In addition,the panels tested were found to have significant voids between bales,and this is believed to have con-tributed to higher measured thermal conductivity values compared to those reported in the literature for normal density bale panels.Thermal properties may be affected for bales with higher densities than 333 kg/m^(3),therefore further testing is suggested.
基金The authors acknowledge that this work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51405076)the 13th Five Years Key Programs for Science and Technology Development of China(Grant No.2016YFD0701300).
文摘Specific to problems of the existing round bale wrapping machine in China,such as small application scope and failing to satisfy the wrapping demands of round bales of different specifications,a tumbler-type round bale wrapping machine based on wrapping silage with stretch film was designed.By theoretical analysis and preliminary experiments of the corresponding wrapping process,revolving speed of tumbler,speed ratio between tumbler and carrier rollers,and pre-load force of stretch film were determined as experimental factors,while wrapping time and consumption of stretch film per unit mass of round bale were determined as evaluation indexes.Furthermore,quadratic regression orthogonal rotational combination experimental design was adopted to carry out the wrapping experiment.The regression models were set up,and influencing rules of experimental factors on evaluation indexes were also analyzed.The optimal parameter combination scheme was revolving speed of tumbler of 31-32 r/min,speed ratio between tumbler and carrier rollers of 2.6,and pre-load force of stretch film of 20-22 N.Under such a circumstance,the corresponding wrapping time required was 37.7-38.9 s and consumption of stretch film per unit mass of round bale was 3.21-3.46 kg/t.The predicted values and the measured values of evaluation indexes basically coincided with each other and the relative error fell below 5%,which indicated that both the optimized regression models acquired through the wrapping experiment and the relevant parameter optimization results were reliable.To guarantee the quality of rice straw silage,the round bale should be wrapped by no less than five layers of stretch films through the utilization of the tumbler-type round bale wrapping machine.The study results could be used as references for research and development of the round bale wrapping machine.
基金The authors acknowledge that this work was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(Grant No.2018D01A60).
文摘In order to solve the problem of low productivity,unqualified segment length and high energy consumption during the process of crushing square bale straw caused by improper operation parameters,a 9FF square bale straw crusher was developed.In this study,by taking maize straw as the test material,the feeding speed,spindle speed of the crushing device and the state of the crushing device were taken as influence factors,and standard straw length rate,productivity per net working hour(hereinafter referred to as NWH)and energy consumption per ton of product as test indicators,the influence of the factors on the indicators were studied,and tests were carried out on the process of square bale straw crushing.By adopting the single factor test on the effect of the feeding speed,the spindle speed of the crushing device and the state of the crushing device on the test indicators,the suitable range of each factor was determined,respectively.Using the orthogonal test method,range method,variance method and comprehensive balance method,the experiment analyzed the significance of the influence of the three factors on various indicators and the order of priority.The test results showed that:the feeding speed was 5 m/min,spindle speed was 3000 r/min,and the state of the crushing device was a mixing cutter hammer,which was the best parameter combination(A1B1C1)for the processing technology of the square bale forage crusher.The standard straw length rate was 93.7%,and the productivity per NWH was 2.80 t/h,with energy consumption per ton of 4.72 kW·h/t,in which the standard straw length rate and productivity per NWH reached optimal values,and the energy consumption per ton of product was slightly higher than the optimal value in the experiment.The research results can provide a reference for the optimal design of the special crusher for square bale straw.
文摘Introduction:Ecosystem change and respective conservation needs were at top priority areas in the globe especially at biodiversity hotspot zones and places of endemism like Bale eco-region.In this aspect,this study had tried to assess historical landscape changes of afro-alpine forest ecosystem with its respective driving forces and effectiveness of different institutional arrangements to protect this ecosystem.Methods:The study utilized satellite imagery from Landsat series starting from 1986 to 2016,ground truth data from GPS-based field survey,focus group discussions,and reconnaissance field survey.Historical landscape maps were prepared with a mix of supervised and unsupervised image classification methods.Future landscape change simulation was undertaken by using cellular automata modeling on Dynamic Environment for Geoprocessing Objects(Dinamica EGO)software.Beyond areal change and transition of landscape elements,level of ecosystem fragmentation was assessed with FRAGSTAT software.Results:Results have shown that there is encroachment of human-induced land use patterns especially agriculture and grazing while closed canopy forest and woodland ecosystems have decreased in their extent.Simulation outputs for the coming three decades have also shown similar patterns with historical trends.Beyond changes in areal extent,landscape matrix analysis results indicated that there is increasing class and landscape level fragmentation both in its historical and future probable likelihoods.Effectiveness of different management strategies at different institutional arrangement were differ in their effectiveness that federal and regional government were not able to curve landscape change.Conclusions:In conclusion,increasing population pressure and weak policy implementation and legal enforcement has caused threats for alpine forest ecosystem in Bale eco-region.Except participatory forest management,management strategies at different institutional arrangements were failed to conserve forest.These calls reinnovated participatory forest management strategies that base community participation while simultaneously keeps livelihoods demands of local community.
基金supported in part by the Slovene Research Agency,No.252256-1/07the Slovene Human Resources Development and Scholarship Fund,No.11012-47/2012.
文摘Straw bale construction offers a renewable,sustainable and proven alternative to mainstream building methods;still,little is known about its airflow characteristics.To this end,the intent of this paper is to evaluate airtightness of fully constructed and plastered straw bale walls as well as individual plain straw bales.The first experiment entailed measuring the influence of straw bale orientation on airflow characteristics with the finding that straw bale considered alone has poor air flow-retarding characteristics and that plaster is the primary air barrier.A second experiment involved thirty plastered straw bale specimens using three different plaster types.From this experiment,a crack grading system was developed and is herein proposed as a tool to evaluate plaster performance as an air barrier.A third experiment validated the crack grade system through application on four fully constructed straw bale walls.Practical use of the crack grading system was demonstrated on a case study straw bale house in Radomlje,Slovenia,where the predicted air tightness results were validated through comparison to results of blower door tests.
文摘Dwellings in a Mediterranean climate, such as that of Chile’s Central Valley, must provide hygro-thermal comfort both during the cold winters, and the hot days and cool summer nights. Straw, once a material common in Chile’s indigenous and vernacular architecture, could meet these demands when coupled with sufficient thermal mass in the form of earth renders and floor finishes. This article presents measurements of dry bulb temperatures and relative humidity, both in physical test chambers and Chilean straw bale homes. The results of these measurements confirm that straw bale construction could provide hygro-thermal comfort with heating demands 28% less than those of constructions that meet the Chilean thermal building regulations. Straw bale, therefore, could provide a viable solution for comfortable, energy efficient, rural dwellings in Chile’s Central Valley. Whilst over 40 private straw bale projects have been completed in Chile to date, restrictions applying to projects receiving government subsidies prevent this technology being available to those who need it most.
文摘The search for more sustainable construction methods has renewed interest in straw-bale construction.Rectangular straw bales stacked in a running bond and plastered on the interior and exterior faces have been shown to have adequate strength to resist typical loads found in one-and two-storey structures.The straw bales provide excellent insulation,while possessing low embodied energy compared to conventional insulation materials.The structural behaviour of a load-bearing plastered straw-bale wall subject to uniform compressive loading has been the focus of a number of studies reported in the literature.However,in a typical building wall,there will be numerous locations(such as around window and door openings)where the load paths produce areas of concentrated stress.The behaviour in these regions cannot necessarily be predicted using tests from uniformly loaded wall assemblies.This paper describes experiments on plastered single bale assemblies subjected to three-point bending.These assemblies develop shear and flexural stresses,and so simulate the stresses that exist around door and window openings in a wall.The specimens were rendered with lime-cement plaster,and were either unreinforced,or contained steel“diamond lath”mesh embedded within the plaster.The specimens were pin-supported at various centre-to-centre distances(L)ranging from 200 mm to 500 mm.The height(H)of all specimens was constant at 330 mm.This gave a range of H/L values of 0.66 to 1.65.Two distinct types of failure were observed.For tests with H/L<1,failure was due to flexural tension cracks in the plaster which propagated through the depth of the plaster skin.For tests with H/L>1,failure was due to crushing of the plaster in compression under one of the loading points.It was shown that models based on simple mechanics were able to adequately predict the assembly strength.In particular,analysing the assemblies with H/L<1 as simple beams,and using the transformed section concept to deal with the straw and steel mesh,was adequate for predicting their strength.The results suggest that current practice for straw bale construction is generally appropriate.To avoid tensile cracking of plaster due to flexure,regions around doors,windows,and other openings should be designed such that H/L>1.In regions where H/L<1,the use of steel reinforcing mesh can increase the plastered bale strength by 30%on average.
文摘Experimental studies on full-scale straw-bale walls have demonstrated the adequacy of straw-bale wall systems for resisting lateral loads from wind or seismic actions.Critical to the performance of the wall system is the anchorage of mesh reinforcement to the bottom plate and to the roof bearing assembly or top plate.Reported in this paper are the results of experiments examining mesh strength,anchorage strength,and failure mode for a variety of reinforcement meshes(steel,plastic,and hemp)and anchorage details.Because of the potential for new wood preservative pressure treatments to cause corrosion,stainless steel staples driven pneumatically into pressure-treated sill plates were tested in addition to electro-galvanized staples driven pneumatically into untreated sill plates and a heavier gauge staple driven manually into an untreated sill plate.Recommended anchorage details are identified,considering not only the test results but also the many other factors that must be considered in developing reliable,economical,and constructible details.
