Influence of Fuel System Variations on Performance and Emission Characteristics of Combined Air-Wall Guided Mode Modified GDI engine with Alcoholic Fuels and Exhaust Gas Recirculation

GDI engines commercially existed with spray guided mode where the fuel injector placed almost vertically and sprayed fuel is occupied throughout the volume of combustion chamber. With the advanced emission norms, NOx and Soot emissions control is the major task along with lower fuel consumption. To achieve the advanced emission norms, further modifications are required before or during combustion. Combined air-wall guided mode combustion chamber modification is the advanced stage required for further improvement in mixing and superior combustion. Air-wall combined mode involved piston crown shape modification so that the modified shape should impart turbulence effects and divert the fuel/mixture flow towards the spark plug tip to initiate the combustion process. In this study, the combined air-wall guided mode gasoline direct injection engine was tested with gasoline blends using Ethanol, Methanol and N-Butanol at 20, 35 and 50% proportions under specific fixed conditions: 1500 rpm speed, 10% EGR and FIP of 150 bars with three split injections at 320˚, 220˚ and 100˚ before TDC. Tests were conducted over these gasoline blend proportions for engine performance and emission characteristics and achieved beneficial results with E20 gasoline blend over the entire applied torque values.

Features of Growth Processes of Sweet Cherry Trees of Various Ripening Terms in the Conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

One of the main requirements of the new stone fruit varieties recommended for commercial cultivation is a compact crown shape that allows for greater plant density and easier crown maintenance. The aim of the research was to establish the growth processes of the above-ground parts of cherry trees in varieties of different ripening periods. The article presents the results of studies of the features of apical and lateral growth of sweet cherry trees. Biological and varietal features of tree growth strength, growth and total length of annual shoots are determined. The dependence of tree trunk growth on apical growth force is established. According to the results of research, sweet cherry varieties are grouped according to the strength of growth: the vigorous varieties are Amazonka, Dar Mliyeva, Zoryana, Mliyivska zhovta; the semi dwarf are Aboryhenka, Alyonushka, Drohana zhovta, Mirazh; the dwarfing are Biryuza, Donetskyy uholyok, Melitopolska krapchasta, Meotida. The smallest increase in trunk diameter was found for the dwarfing variety Biryuza, and the largest – for the variety Drohana zhovta. The highest yield load per unit cross-sectional area of the trunk was recorded for the variety Donetskyy uholyok, the lowest – for Drohana zhovta. The amount of growth in the trunk diameter was inversely dependent on a load of trees with the crop and the strength of apical growth of sweet cherry trees. The features of shoot-forming ability allow characterising the shape of the crown of cherry trees: round – Donetskyy uholyok, Amazonka; high-round – varieties of Aborigenka, Dar Mliyeva, Zoryana; wide-pyramidal – Alyonushka, Drohana zhovta, Melitopolska krap-chasta; pyramidal – Mliyivska zhovta, Mirazh; low – Meotida, Biryuza. Dar Mliyeva, Zoryana, Mirazh, Melitopolska krapchasta and Drohana zhovta varieties have high shootability; the Mliyivska zhovta, Aboryhenka, Meotida, Amazonka varieties have medium shootability; Alyonushka, Biryuza, Donetskyy uholyok varieties have low shootability

Winter resistance and frost resistance of representatives of the genus Cotinus Mill. in the conditions of the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Aim. The goal is to assess the winter and frost resistance of plants of representatives of the genus Cotinus Mill. from the collection of the National Dendrological Park "Sofiyivka" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Botanical Garden named after Academician Alexander Fomin of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Methods. The frost resistance of plants was investigated in the laboratory of plant physiology of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, by the method of direct freezing of shoots during the period of forced dormancy of plants. The intensity of damage (browning) of tissues on transverse sections of shoots was assessed using a six-point scale by M. A. Solov'eva (1982). The objects of study were plants C. obovatus Raf., C. coggygria Scop., C. coggygria 'Royal Purple', C. coggygria 'Purpurea'. Winter hardiness was assessed visually on an eight-point scale by S. Ia. Sokolov, (1957). Results. According to estimates of the general freezing of plants in the winter period of 2014–2020, minor injuries were found in all representatives of the genus Cotinus, which were estimated at 1–2 points. The results of experimental studies of plant frost resistance showed that in most variants of the experiment, the tissues of the upper internode and buds froze more. The tissues of the medial part of the shoot turned out to be the most resistant to freezing. According to the results of artificial freeze testing of cut shoots of C. coggygria and C. coggygria 'Royal Purple", sampled in the period of forced dormancy of plants, insignificant tissue damage was revealed at freezing temperature of –25 °С and –30 °С (0.63–1.70), only at temperature of –35 °C, the score of bark damage was 2.3–2.5 points. Conclusions. The low temperatures of the winter period of the study area cannot be considered as limiting abiotic factors that limit the widespread use of the studied representatives of the genus Cotinus in landscape construction. The high potential of frost and winter hardiness of the studied taxa gives grounds to test them in the more northern regions of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine to create garden and park compositions, because due to high decorative flowering and specific crown shape they have an attractive appearance in both group and solitary plantations.

Promising clonal apple rootstocks in Crimea

Современная экономика диктует необходимость быстрой и эффективной окупаемости затрат, вложенных в производство продукции садоводства, что требует интенсификации отрасли. Одним из путей решения поставленных задач является закладка садов на клоновых подвоях, обеспечивающих высокое, стабильное плодоношение, с плодами отменных вкусовых качеств, подбор новых подвоев, приспособленных к условиям Крыма и не уступающих по комплексу хозяйственно-биологических свойств районированным в регионе. В статье освещены результаты многолетнего изучения 14 клоновых подвоев в сочетании с двумя сортами яблони. Определена сила роста изучаемых привойно-подвойных комбинаций в почвенно-климатических условиях Предгорного Крыма. Комбинации сортов Аскольда и Ренет Симиренко с подвоями ЕМ-IX, КД 4, КД 5 по показателям параметров кроны относятся к слаборослой группе. Деревья на К 104 по силе роста занимают положение промежуточное между ЕМ-IX и ММ-106, но имеют хорошо развитую корневую систему и компактную форму кроны. Выделенные комбинации рано вступают в плодоношение (на 2-3-й год). Средний урожай таких насаждений равен 24,4-30,6 т/га. Отобранные подвои обладают большим биологическим потенциалом и эффективными хозяйственно-биологическими свойствами, и представляют интерес для южного садоводства. Modern economy necessitates quick and effective return of costs invested in the horticultural production, which requires the intensification of the industry. One of the ways to solve the assigned tasks is to establish gardens on clonal rootstocks ensuring high and consistent fruiting with crops of excellent palatability traits, selection of new rootstocks adapted to the conditions of Crimea and not inferior in terms of the range of economic and biological properties to those released in the region. This paper highlights the results of long-term study of 14 clonal rootstocks in combinations with two apple varieties. The growth power of the studied scion-rootstock combinations in the soil and weather conditions of the Piedmont Crimea was determined. Combinations of ‘Ascolda’ and ‘Renet Simirenko’ varieties with rootstocks EM-IX, KD 4, and KD 5 in terms of crown parameter values belong to a dwarf group. Trees on K 104 are intermediate between EM-IX and MM-106 in terms of growth power, but have a well-developed root system and a compact crown shape. The above mentioned combinations enter into fruiting very early (on the 2nd-3d year). The average yield of such plantations is 24.4- 30.6 t/ha. The selected rootstocks are of great biological potential and effective economic and biological properties, so they are promising for southern horticulture.

The effect of the crown shape on qualitative indicators of picking maturity and keeping capacity of apple fruits in the conditions of Crimea

В современных условиях развития интенсивного садоводства актуальной проблемой является подбор менее затратных и трудоемких систем формирования крон с соблюдением всех агротехнических мероприятий для получения высоких урожаев хорошего качества. Цель исследований направлена на изучение влияния разных способов формирования кроны на показатели съемной зрелости и лежкость плодов. Работа выполнялась в отделении «Крымская опытная станция садоводства» ФГБУН «НБС-ННЦ РАН» по методикам полевых исследований с плодовыми культурами. Объектами исследований являлись четыре формы кроны на подвое ЕМ-IХ (4 х 1 м, 2500 дер./га) и плоды сортов зимнего срока созревания: Джалита, Бреберн, Ренет Симиренко. Проведенные исследования позволили выявить наиболее эффективные формы кроны и достаточно устойчивые сорта для закладки интенсивных садов с высокой плотностью посадки, дающие высококачественную товарную продукцию, как в саду, так и в период хранения. Изменчивость показателей съемной зрелости в плодах зависит от сорта, погодных условий выращивания и формы кроны. Установлено, что плоды сортов Джалита, Бреберн (французская ось) и Ренет Симиренко (стройное веретено, безлидерная уплощенная, трехлидерная) в период хранения не имеют физиологических заболеваний. Дегустационная оценка вкуса составляет - 4,5-5,0 баллов, а естественная убыль не превышает 5,1%. Установлено также, что при хранении плоды сорта Джалита (стройное веретено, трехлидерная крона) повреждаются до 20% разными плодовыми гнилями, а плоды сорта Бреберн (стройное веретено) - подкожной пятнистостью - до 30%. Отмечено, что в период хранения происходит снижение плотности мякоти плодов в 1,4-2,2 раза, а также изменение вкуса в зависимости от сорта и формы кроны. In modern conditions of intensive gardening development, the actual problem is the selection of less costly and labor-intensive systems of crown shaping in compliance with all agrotechnical actions in order to obtain heavy yield of good quality. The goal of the research is aimed at studying the effect of different methods of crown shaping on the indicators of picking maturity and keeping capacity of fruits. The work was carried out in the department "Crimean experimental gardening station" of the FSBSI NBS-NSC RAS using methods of field research with fruit crops. The objects of research were four crown shapes on the EM-IX rootstock (4 x 1m, 2500 trees/ha) and the fruits of winter ripening varieties ‘Dzhalita’, ‘Brebern’, ‘Renet Simirenko’. The studies provided allow us to identify the most effective crown shapes and sufficiently resistant varieties for establishing intensive gardens with a high density of planting, giving high-quality marketable products, both in the garden and during storage. The variability of indicators of fruit picking maturity depends on the variety, weather conditions of growing and the crown shape. It was established that fruits of varieties ‘Dzhalita’, ‘Brebern’ (French axis) and ‘Renet Simirenko’ (slender spindle, leaderless flattened, three-leader) did not have physiological diseases during storage. Tasting assessment is 4.5-5.0 points, and the natural loss does not exceed 5.1%. It is also established that fruits of the ‘Dzalita’ variety (slender spindle, three-leader crown) during storage are subject to damage by various fruit rot up to 20%, and fruits of the ‘Brebern’ variety (slender spindle) by subcutaneous spotting - up to 30%. It is noted that during the storage period there is a decrease in the density of fruit pulp by 1.4 - 2.2 times, and a change in flavor depending on the variety and crown shape.

Genetic Path of the Emergence of SARS-CoV-2

Context: SARS-CoV-2 is the seventh coronavirus that has humans as the host. Because of its highly infectious nature, toward the end of January 2020, the WHO declared it a public health emergency of international concern. The present review is about understanding the journey of SARS-CoV-2 to its present form with an attempt to assess the genetic basis of its pandemic-causing abilities. Evidence Acquisition: The data for the present review were accessed through different publications and preprint repositories. Results: SARS-CoV-2 is a beta-coronavirus, and is approximately 60 - 140 nm in size. The appearance of its structure as a crown shape under an electron microscope led to the coining of its name ‘Coronavirus’. Comparative genome and proteome analysis exhibits similarities and differences with reference to SARS-CoV. The Open Reading Frames (ORFs) found on the SARS-CoV-2 genome, and their corresponding proteins have been discussed. Bats may act as reservoir hosts but not exclusively. The possibility of snakes as the host, as well as other intermediate hosts, before reaching humans seems plausible. This has been supported by ACE2 receptor diversity and conservation across different tissues and organisms. The role of spike glycoprotein and its interaction with the receptor through specific residues for invading host cells makes a perfect therapeutic target, but the variations therein and the resulting impact on interactions pose challenges for the same. Conclusions: Though the differences between the MERS, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 genomes indicate amino acid changes, leading to the present pandemic situation, the fact that new variants are still emerging signifies that the journey is an ongoing one, which requires monitoring.

Effects of Plant Crown Shape on Microwave Backscattering Coefficients of Vegetation Canopy

A microwave scattering model is a powerful tool for determining relationships between vegetation parameters and backscattering characteristics. The crown shape of the vegetation canopy is an important parameter in forestry and affects the microwave scattering modeling results. However, there are few numerical models or methods to describe the relationships between crown shapes and backscattering features. Using the Modified Tor Vergata Model (MTVM), a microwave scattering model based on the Matrix Doubling Algorithm (MDA), we quantitatively characterized the effects of crown shape on the microwave backscattering coefficients of the vegetation canopy. FEKO was also used as a computational electromagnetic method to make a complement and comparison with MTVM. In a preliminary experiment, the backscattering coefficients of two ideal vegetation canopies with four representative crown shapes (cylinder, cone, inverted cone and ellipsoid) were simulated: MTVM simulations were performed for the L (1.2 GHz), C (5.3 GHz) and X (9.6 GHz) bands in fully polarimetric mode, and FEKO simulations were carried out for the C (5.3 GHz) band at VV and VH polarization. The simulation results show that, for specific input parameters, the mean relative differences in backscattering coefficients due to variations in crown shape are as high as 127%, which demonstrates that the crown shape has a non-negligible influence on microwave backscattering coefficients of the vegetation canopy. In turn, this also suggests that investigation on effects of plant crown shape on microwave backscattering coefficients may have the potential to improve the accuracy of vegetation microwave scattering models, especially in canopies where volume scattering is the predominant mechanism.

Constrained Multi-Objective Optimization of Simulated Tree Pruning with Heterogeneous Criteria

Virtual pruning of simulated fruit tree models is a useful functionality provided by software tools for computer-aided horticultural education and research. It also enables algorithmic pruning optimization with respect to a set of quantitative objectives, which is important for analytical purposes and potential applications in automated pruning. However, the existing studies in pruning optimization focus on a single type of objective, such as light distribution within the crown. In this paper, we propose the use of heterogeneous objectives for discrete multi-objective optimization of simulated tree pruning. In particular, the average light intake, crown shape, and tree balance are used to observe the emergence of different pruning patterns in the non-dominated solution sets. We also propose the use of independent constraint objectives as a new mechanism to confine overfitting of solutions to individual pruning criteria. Finally, we perform the comparison of NSGA-II, SPEA2, and MOEA/D-EAM on this task. The results demonstrate that SPEA2 and MOEA/D-EAM, which use external solution archives, can produce better sets of non-dominated solutions than NSGA-II.

Growth features of apple varieties and forms with natural and compact crown types

This research explores the compactness of apple varieties and forms with different types of crown. Orchards on semi-vigorous rootstocks with density and high density planting systems are cost-effective in modern horticulture. For making such gardens, it is necessary to have trees with special compact crown shape. They ensure the high-quality fruits production, meeting the requirements of world standards. To date the most perspective apple varieties and forms for domestic intensive gardening from the rich gene pool of the Selection and Genetic Center of Federal State Scientific Institution «I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center» are identified. Varieties of folk domestic and foreign breeding took part in the creation of new genotypes. Apple varieties and promising forms (more than 160 genotypes), including from near and far abroad selection, were used as materials for crown features studying. We conducted our study by the following indicators: tree height, crown volume, “degree of compactness” and the shoot-forming ability. We found that the genotypes Sholokhovskoye, Zvezda Artemyeva, 25-7(11), 40-9(8), 36-8(21), 40-9(6), 8-7(72), 40-9(7), 36-8(17), 62-5(140) have optimal crown parameters. We recommend their use for industrial horticulture and further breeding to create restrained growth, low-volume crown, and a high degree of compactness varieties.