Canadian Biosystems Engineering / Le Genie des biosystems au Canada最新文献

{"title":"Remote supervision of autonomous agricultural sprayers: The farmer’s perspective","authors":"Uduak Edit, Eric Hawley, D. Mann","doi":"10.7451/CBE.2018.60.2.19","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7451/CBE.2018.60.2.19","url":null,"abstract":"The autonomous agricultural machine may soon be a reality. For it to be commercially viable, designers must also consider the design of the interface that will be used to remotely supervise the operation of the autonomous machine. Before the interface can be designed, however, it is necessary to understand the information required by the individual supervising the machine from a remote location Hence, the goal of this study was to determine the expectations of farmers regarding autonomous agricultural machines (specifically, an autonomous sprayer), and to determine the essential information that should be provided on the interface to enable the farmer to supervise the operation of an autonomous sprayer remotely. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to farmers and agriculture students attending western Canadian universities. In a follow-up study, experienced, operators were then asked to rank each parameter that was recommended from the survey using a five-point Likert scale. Findings indicated that sprayer operators are willing to accept an autonomous sprayer. However, to increase the ease of adoption, certain conditions need to be met. Parameters and features that were recommended varied in their level of importance and frequency of usage. These results will help designers minimize the chance of overcrowding the interface with irrelevant information. It will also assist designers with organization of information based on the needs of the farmer and in a way that will increase the situation awareness of the farmer.","PeriodicalId":34955,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Biosystems Engineering / Le Genie des biosystems au Canada","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46612594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-destructive and rapid discrimination of hard-to-cook beans using hyperspectral imaging","authors":"Lina M. Diaz-Contreras, C. Erkinbaev, J. Paliwal","doi":"10.7451//CBE.2018.60.7.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7451//CBE.2018.60.7.1","url":null,"abstract":"Dry beans stored under sub-optimal conditions tend to develop hard-to-cook (HTC) defect, which extends the cooking time making them less palatable while reducing their nutritional value. The current methods of identifying HTC beans are time-consuming, destructive, and unreliable. A rapid non-destructive inspection technique for pre-screening beans could help identify and discard HTC beans prior to processing. To this end, the potential of hyperspectral imaging technique covering the entire visible to near infrared (NIR) spectral range (400‒2500 nm) was evaluated for rapid and non-destructive identification of HTC beans. The HTC phenomenon was artificially induced in healthy white beans using two different combinations of suboptimal storage conditions of temperature and relative humidity (35℃, 75% RH for 45 days and 60℃, 75% RH for 10 days). Subsequently, the beans were cooked for specified durations and their hardness measured using a texture analyzer. The HTC and control (i.e. easy-to-cook (ETC)) beans were scanned with push-broom hyperspectral imaging systems. Results indicate that both sets of storage conditions rendered the beans HTC but the phenomenon induced by the two different methods was detected in different spectral ranges using hyperspectral imaging. Wavelengths across the entire visible and NIR ranges of electromagnetic spectrum were found useful in detecting HTC as beans stored at 35℃ and 75% RH for 45 days were identified mainly in the 1000‒2500 nm range and those stored at 60℃ and 75% RH for 10 days were identified in the 400‒1000 nm region. The degree of HTC defect could not be ascertained using this technique and requires further investigation.","PeriodicalId":34955,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Biosystems Engineering / Le Genie des biosystems au Canada","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47066787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the requirements for a blind-spot monitoring system on tractors from the operator’s perspective","authors":"Xin Chen, D. Mann","doi":"10.7451/cbe.2018.60.2.33","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7451/cbe.2018.60.2.33","url":null,"abstract":"Unintentional run-overs occur because the operator of a tractor is unable to physically see all around the machine. Therefore, there is a need to devise an effective blind-spot monitoring system for tractors to prevent unintentional run-overs. The purpose of the study was to identify the locations of blind spots around two types of tractors (i.e., with and without a front-end loader), with the ultimate goal of conceptualizing a blind-spot monitoring system capable of eliminating all existing blind spots. Grids were constructed around all four sides of the tractors to determine the presence of blind spots for drivers of varying sitting height (i.e., 5th, 50th and 95th percentile male for erect and slumped postures) at four horizontal planes representing people of varying stature who might be in the vicinity of the tractor (i.e., standing male, standing female, standing child, kneeling adult). Generally, the proportion of markers not visible decreased as the sitting height increased. Differences between erect and slumped sitting postures were not statistically different suggesting this variable could be ignored in the assessment of blind spots around tractors. The proportion of the markers not visible to the operator varied from 0 to 34%, with higher values observed for the tractor with the front-end loader installed. Values were as high as 42% of the markers not visible for the condition where a passenger was present in the passenger/trainer seat. Use of the existing rear-view mirrors eliminated only a small fraction of the blind spot area around the tractors. Through trial and error, it was determined that five and eight cameras would be required to fully detect the entire blind spot area around the two tractors selected for this study. A blind-spot monitoring system composed of five or eight cameras would create substantial additional monitoring burden for the tractor operator and, therefore, is not a feasible solution. A hybrid blind-spot monitoring system consisting of cameras and proximity sensors warrants further investigation.","PeriodicalId":34955,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Biosystems Engineering / Le Genie des biosystems au Canada","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47183629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predicting the Impact of Drainage Ditches upon Hydrology and Sediment Loads Using KINEROS 2 Model: A Case Study in Ontario.","authors":"A. Gupta, R. Rudra, Bahram Gharabahi, P. Daggupati, P. Goel, Rituraj Shukla","doi":"10.7451/CBE.2018.60.1.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7451/CBE.2018.60.1.1","url":null,"abstract":"Hydrologic models are calibrated and validated with an existing drainage network/drainage pattern (DNDP). However, in present times water could be routed through alternative DNDPs. The main objective of thispaper was to explore the performance of KINEROS 2 model in predicting streamflow and sediment yield in response to alterations in DNDP. Adopting the existing DNDP as an input, the model was calibrated for three events (18 April 2013, 12 June 2012, and 12 June 2013) and validated for two events (12 April 2014, and 30 August 2013) for flow at the watershed outlet. Further, the model was calibrated for eight events and validated for seven events for sediment content at the watershed outlet. Thereafter, the model was driven with a modified DNDP, and its response upon peak flow, direct runoff and sediment yield were investigated for two events (12 April 2014 and 18 April 2013) and a synthetic design storm (2-year-24 hour) at a sub-basin outlet (GUL_RSD). Three DNDPs: DNDP_M (road-side ditches with the same Manning’s n), DNDP_MV (road-side ditches lined with medium vegetation), and DNDP_HV (road-side ditches lined with thick vegetation) were considered. KINEROS 2 results revealed that peak flow, direct runoff, and sediment yield increased by 47.36 %, 31.39 %, and 26.96 % respectively for 12 April 2014 event for DNDP_M. Similar results were obtained for 18 April 2013 and synthetic design storm events. However, when road-side ditches were lined with a thicker vegetation (DNDP_MV and DNDP_HV), a reduction in peak flow, direct runoff, and sediment yield was observed. RÉSUMÉ Les modèles hydrologiques sont étalonnés et validés au moyen de configurations de drainage ou de réseaux de drainage existants (DNDP). Toutefois, à un moment donné l’eau pourrait s’écouler à travers des DNDPs différentes. L’objectif principal de cette étude était d’explorer la performance du modèle KINEROS 2 pour prédire un écoulement et un rendement de sédimentation en réponse à des changements de DNDPs. En considérant la DNDP existante comme donnée entrante, le modèle a été étalonné à l’aide de trois évènements (18 avril 2013, 12 juin 2012 et 12 juin 2013) et validé avec deux évènements (12 avril 2014 et 30 août 2013) pour évaluer l’écoulement à la sortie du bassin versant. De plus, le modèle a été étalonné à l’aide de huit évènements et validé avec sept évènements pour évaluer le contenu en sédiments à la sortie du bassin versant. Par conséquent, le modèle était attribuable à un DNDP modifié, et sa réponse après l’écoulement de pointe, le ruissellement direct et la production de sédiments ont été étudiés pour deux évènements (12 avril 2014 et 18 avril 2013) ainsi qu’avec un évènement pluvieux synthétique (2 ans – 24 h) à la sortie d’un sous-bassin (GUL_RDS). Trois DNDPs : DNDP_M (fossés de route avec le même n de Manning), DNDP_MV (fossés de route recouverts d’une végétation moyenne) et DNDP_HV (fossés de route avec une végétation dense) ont été considérées. Les résultats obtenus ","PeriodicalId":34955,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Biosystems Engineering / Le Genie des biosystems au Canada","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44982693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of conditioning treatment parameters of cellulases solution on milling characteristics of brown rice","authors":"Qiang Zhang, Nian Liu, Mingmei Tu, Shuangshuang Wang","doi":"10.7451/CBE.2018.60.3.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7451/CBE.2018.60.3.1","url":null,"abstract":"A new enzymatic pre-treatment method for improving milling characteristics was studied by spraying cellulases solution on brown rice. The effects of enzymatic pre-treatment parameters on milling characteristics of brown rice were analyzed by response surface methodology. The optimum milling characteristic was obtained under cellulases concentration of 117.4 mg/mL, interval time of 77.2 min and temperature of 35.5 °C. Validation experiments indicated that head rice yield and milling energy consumption were respectively 4.59% higher and 32.95% lower than the values for untreated samples, 1.83% higher and 8.10% lower than those of moisture conditioning treatment. The breaking force and surface structure of the brown rice by enzymatic pre-treatment were studied to reveal the mechanism of change for milling characteristics.","PeriodicalId":34955,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Biosystems Engineering / Le Genie des biosystems au Canada","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41912081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable re-use of dairy cow manure as bedding and compost: Nutrients and self-heating potential","authors":"J. Ackerman, E. Khafipour, N. Cicek","doi":"10.7451/CBE.2018.60.6.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7451/CBE.2018.60.6.1","url":null,"abstract":"Dairy farm operations rely on a continuous supply of bedding material for cow comfort and hygiene. The re-use of liquid manure for this purpose has become possible after solid/liquid separation of the manure stream and 24 h processing of the separated solids through a tumbling drum composter. The finished bedding solids are reported to produce superior bedding to regular straw and the separated liquid stream can be retained as crop fertilizer. Off-farm export as bedding is only possible if the material is stable to prevent re-heating if bagged or piled. The nutrient value of the retained liquid and the quality of solids for export were investigated on a Canadian dairy farm by examining nitrogen and phosphorus distribution, as well as the self-heating potential of the composted solids. The effect of curing the solids for an additional 4 weeks during both summer and winter operations was evaluated. Results showed that the solids separation and 24 h drum composting process did not result in a compost that could be classified as mature and stable. However, further curing the solid product in ambient temperature piles for 4 weeks reduced compost re-heating from 26.2°C above ambient to 7.7°C (winter curing) and 3.8°C (summer curing). Nitrogen and phosphorus analysis revealed little difference between the liquid stream (post solid separation) and the incoming raw manure on a wet weight basis. The use of either of these products as plant fertilizer is similar and solid separation does not impact the agronomic value of the liquid manure.","PeriodicalId":34955,"journal":{"name":"Canadian Biosystems Engineering / Le Genie des biosystems au Canada","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2018-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47989050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}