scholarly journals Hoophouse Contributions to Economic Viability: Nine Michigan Case Studies

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 877-884 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Conner ◽  
Kurt B. Waldman ◽  
Adam D. Montri ◽  
Michael W. Hamm ◽  
John A. Biernbaum
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Construction Time ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Cold Tolerant

Relatively low-cost season extension structures have the potential to contribute to farm economic viability in temperate climates by providing a means to continue sales beyond the limits of outdoor-only field production. These structures, commonly called hoophouses, high tunnels, passive solar greenhouses, or unheated greenhouses, allow for the extension of heat-tolerant (warm season) crops on both ends of the production time frame and at winter harvesting of cold-tolerant (cool season) crops. In this study, results are presented from a multiyear investigation into the economic impacts of year-round production and harvesting, with a focus on profitability of the structure and crop production as a whole. The results of case studies from nine Michigan farms reveal a very broad range of outcomes across farms in construction time, labor allocation and returns, and gross and net revenue. The economic implications of farmer use, including projected investment payback time, are discussed.

POTENTIAL EVALUATION OF YELLOW COTTON (COCHLOSPERMUM REGIUM) PIGMENTS FOR DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS APPLICATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 16-21
Author(s):  
PHITCHAPHORN KHAMMEE ◽  
YUWALEE UNPAPROM ◽  
UBONWAN SUBHASAEN ◽  
RAMESHPRABU RAMARAJ
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells ◽  
Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Photoelectric Conversion ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Natural Pigments ◽  
Dye Sensitized ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Sensitized Solar Cells

Recently, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have concerned significant attention attributable to their material preparation process, architectural and environmental compatibility, also low cost and effective photoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, this study aimed to use potential plant materials for DSSC. This research presents the extraction of natural pigments from yellow cotton flowers (Cochlospermum regium). In addition, the natural pigments were revealed that outstanding advantages, including a wide absorption range (visible light), easy extraction method, safe, innocuous pigments, inexpensive, complete biodegradation and ecofriendly. Methanol was used as a solvent extraction for the yellow cotton flower. The chlorophylls and carotenoid pigments extractions were estimated by a UV-visible spectrometer. The chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and carotenoid yield were 0.719±0.061 µg/ml, 1.484±0.107 µg/ml and 7.743±0.141 µg/ml, respectively. Thus, this study results suggested that yellow cotton flowers containing reasonable amounts appealable in the DSSC production.

scholarly journals Economics of autonomous equipment for arable farms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Lowenberg-DeBoer ◽  
Kit Franklin ◽  
Karl Behrendt ◽  
Richard Godwin
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Crop Agriculture

AbstractBy collecting more data at a higher resolution and by creating the capacity to implement detailed crop management, autonomous crop equipment has the potential to revolutionise precision agriculture (PA), but unless farmers find autonomous equipment profitable it is unlikely to be widely adopted. The objective of this study was to identify the potential economic implications of autonomous crop equipment for arable agriculture using a grain-oilseed farm in the United Kingdom as an example. The study is possible because the Hands Free Hectare (HFH) demonstration project at Harper Adams University has produced grain with autonomous equipment since 2017. That practical experience showed the technical feasibility of autonomous grain production and provides parameters for farm-level linear programming (LP) to estimate farm management opportunities when autonomous equipment is available. The study shows that arable crop production with autonomous equipment is technically and economically feasible, allowing medium size farms to approach minimum per unit production cost levels. The ability to achieve minimum production costs at relatively modest farm size means that the pressure to “get big or get out” will diminish. Costs of production that are internationally competitive will mean reduced need for government subsidies and greater independence for farmers. The ability of autonomous equipment to achieve minimum production costs even on small, irregularly shaped fields will improve environmental performance of crop agriculture by reducing pressure to remove hedges, fell infield trees and enlarge fields.

scholarly journals Tower Crane Location Optimization for Heavy Unit Lifting in High-Rise Modular Construction

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Hosang Hyun ◽  
Moonseo Park ◽  
Dowan Lee ◽  
Jeonghoon Lee
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Algorithm Optimization ◽  
Location Selection ◽  
Project Completion ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Tower Crane ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Crane Selection

Modular construction, which involves unit production in factories and on-site work, has benefits such as low cost, high quality, and short duration, resulting from the controlled factory environment utilized. An efficient tower crane lifting plan ensures successful high-rise modular project completion. For improved efficiency, the lifting plan should minimize the reaching distance of the tower crane, because this distance directly affects the tower crane capacity, which is directly related to crane operation cost. In situations where units are lifted from trailers, the trailer-to-tower crane distance can have a significant impact on the tower crane operation efficiency. However, optimization of this distance to improve efficiency has not been sufficiently considered. This research proposes a genetic algorithm optimization model that suggests optimized tower crane and trailer locations. The case study results show that through the proposed model, the project manager can reflect the optimal location selection and optimal tower crane selection options with minimal cost.

scholarly journals Managing overlap of primary study results across systematic reviews: practical considerations for authors of overviews of reviews

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Lunny ◽  
Dawid Pieper ◽  
Pierre Thabet ◽  
Salmaan Kanji
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Overlapping Data ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Yield Trends

Abstract Background Overviews often identify and synthesise a large number of systematic reviews on the same topic, which is likely to lead to overlap (i.e. duplication) in primary studies across the reviews. Using a primary study result multiple times in the same analysis overstates its sample size and number of events, falsely leading to greater precision in the analysis. This paper aims to: (a) describe types of overlapping data that arise from the same primary studies reported across multiple reviews, (b) describe methods to identify and explain overlap of primary study data, and (c) present six case studies illustrating different approaches to manage overlap. Methods We first updated the search in PubMed for methods from the MOoR framework relating to overlap of primary studies. One author screened the studies titles and abstracts, and any full-text articles retrieved, extracted methods data relating to overlap of primary studies and mapped it to the overlap methods from the MOoR framework. We also describe six case studies as examples of overviews that use specific overlap methods across the steps in the conduct of an overview. For each case study, we discuss potential methodological implications in terms of limitations, efficiency, usability, and resource use. Results Nine methods studies were found and mapped to the methods identified by the MOoR framework to address overlap. Overlap methods were mapped across four steps in the conduct of an overview – the eligibility criteria step, the data extraction step, the assessment of risk of bias step, and the synthesis step. Our overview case studies used multiple methods to reduce overlap at different steps in the conduct of an overview. Conclusions Our study underlines that there is currently no standard methodological approach to deal with overlap in primary studies across reviews. The level of complexity when dealing with overlap can vary depending on the yield, trends and patterns of the included literature and the scope of the overview question. Choosing a method might be dependent on the number of included reviews and their primary studies. Gaps in evaluation of methods to address overlap were found and further investigation in this area is needed.

scholarly journals Can Enhancing Efficiency Promote the Economic Viability of Smallholder Farmers? A Case of Sierra Leone

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4235
Author(s):  
Silvia Saravia-Matus ◽  
T. S. Amjath-Babu ◽  
Sreejith Aravindakshan ◽  
Stefan Sieber ◽  
Jimmy A. Saravia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Structural Equation Models ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Smallholder Farming

By developing meta-frontier efficiency and structural equation models, the paper examines whether farm economic viability is positively associated with technical efficiency in a highly food insecure context, such as that of rural Sierra Leone. The findings show that technical efficiency can be a sufficient but not necessary condition in determining economic viability of smallholder farming. It is possible to breach reproductive thresholds at the cost of reduced technical efficiency, when the crop diversification strategy of smallholders includes market-oriented high-value crops. This calls for a dual policy approach that addresses farmers’ internal needs for self-consumption (increasing efficiency of food crop production) while encouraging market-oriented cash crop production (diversification assisted through the reduction of associated transaction costs and the establishment of accessible commercialization channels of export related crops and/or high-value crops). The work also calls out for a move-up or move-out strategy for small holders to create viable farming systems in developing world.

scholarly journals Barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Goldberger ◽  
Robert Emmet Jones ◽  
Carol A. Miles ◽  
Russell W. Wallace ◽  
Debra A. Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Biodegradable Plastic ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Specialty Crop ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Polyethylene Mulch

AbstractCommercial farmers have been using polyethylene plastic mulch since the 1950s. Despite the affordability and effectiveness of polyethylene mulch, the disposal process is financially and environmentally costly. Biodegradable plastic mulches, an ecologically sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch films, were introduced in the 1980s. Biodegradable plastic mulches can be tilled into the soil or composted at the end of the season, reducing the labor and environmental costs associated with plastic removal and disposal. However, research results are mixed as to the effectiveness, degradability and ease-of-use of biodegradable plastic mulches. In 2008–2012, researchers, funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, conducted surveys and focus groups in three different agricultural regions of the USA to better understand the barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for specialty crop production systems. Data on the experiences and views of specialty crop growers, agricultural extension agents, agricultural input suppliers, mulch manufacturers and other stakeholders showed that the major adoption barriers were insufficient knowledge, high cost and unpredictable breakdown. The major bridges to adoption were reduced waste, environmental benefits and interest in further learning. These findings are discussed with reference to the classic innovation diffusion model, specifically work on the innovation–decision process and the attributes of innovations. The study results can be used to guide the activities of those involved in the design, development and promotion of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production systems.

scholarly journals Using Commercial Physical Activity Trackers for Health Promotion Research: Four Case Studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy ◽  
Danielle E. Jake-Schoffman ◽  
Camelia Singletary ◽  
Marquivieus Wright ◽  
Anthony Crimarco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Sensewear Armband ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Tracking Devices

Background. Wearable physical activity (PA) trackers are becoming increasingly popular for intervention and assessment in health promotion research and practice. The purpose of this article is to present lessons learned from four studies that used commercial PA tracking devices for PA intervention or assessment, present issues encountered with their use, and provide guidelines for determining which tools to use. Method. Four case studies are presented that used PA tracking devices (iBitz, Zamzee, FitBit Flex and Zip, Omron Digital Pedometer, Sensewear Armband, and MisFit Flash) in the field—two used the tools for intervention and two used the tools as assessment methods. Results. The four studies presented had varying levels of success with using PA devices and experienced several issues that impacted their studies, such as companies that went out of business, missing data, and lost devices. Percentage ranges for devices that were lost were 0% to 29% and was 0% to 87% for those devices that malfunctioned or lost data. Conclusions. There is a need for low-cost, easy-to-use, accurate PA tracking devices to use as both intervention and assessment tools in health promotion research related to PA.

UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Determination of Lambda-Cyhalothrin Insecticide in Vegetables, Soil and Water Samples

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Deepak Kumar Sahu ◽  
Joyce Rai ◽  
Chhaya Bhatt ◽  
Manish K. Rai ◽  
Jyoti Goswami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Molar Absorptivity ◽  
Agricultural Field ◽  
Limit Of Quantification ◽  
Yellow Colour ◽  
Modern Age ◽  
Lambda Cyhalothrin

In modern age pesticide is used widely in agriculture. Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is one of the most used pesticides which are used as a insecticide to kill pest, tricks, flies etc in agricultural field and it is also used for crop production. We have developed new method to detect LCT insecticide in agriculture field and reduce its uses. In this method we found the maximum absorbance at 460 nm for yellow colour dye. We also calculated limit of detection and limit of quantification 0.001 mg kg-1 and 0.056 mg kg-1 respectively. Molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity was also calculated and obtained 1.782 ×107 mol-1 cm-1 and 9.996 ×10-6 µg cm-2 respectively. The obtained yellow colour dye obeyed Beer’s law limit range of 0.5 µg ml -1 to 16 µg ml-1 in 25 ml. This method is less time consuming, selective, simple, sensitive and low cost. Present method is successfully applied in various soil, water and vegetable samples.

scholarly journals Awheel Along Europe’s Rivers: Geoarchaeological Trails for Cycling Geotourists

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 413-440
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Hose
Keyword(s):  
Roman Empire ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Stone Age ◽  
Key Concepts ◽  
Review Study ◽  
Loess Deposits ◽  
River Valleys ◽  
Major Cycle ◽  
Current Provision

AbstractThis review study presents an overview of the potential for the development of geoarchaeological trails for leisure cyclists in Europe. It initially defines and discusses the underpinning key concepts and then examines the nature and main needs of leisure cyclists. It considers and recognises appropriate geo-interpretative themes, of geological/geomorphological and archaeological/historical interest, to employ in developing the trails. Noting that river valleys have long been natural route-ways for human expansion into Europe (as exemplified by the ‘Stone Age’ and the Roman Empire), and that many of today’s major cycle trails are beside rivers with loess deposits, a geoarchaeological geotourism strategy is considered in relation to them. Case studies of specific sites, from central southern England, the Middle Danube and Middle Rhine valleys, outline the current provision and the basis of the proposed trails. Finally, a common relatively low-cost, mixed media, geo-interpretative and promotional approach could generate the impetus to further develop the strategy is suggested.

scholarly journals Lumped damage mechanics as a diagnosis tool of reinforced concrete structures in service: case studies of a former bridge arch and a balcony slab

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (58) ◽  
pp. 21-32
Author(s):  
Rafael Cunha ◽  
Camila Vieira ◽  
David Amorim
Keyword(s):  
Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Damage Mechanics ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Concrete Structures ◽  
Structural Condition ◽  
Numerical Analyses ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Reinforced Concrete Structures ◽  
Diagnosis Tool

Reinforced concrete structures may need repair in order to ensure the designed durability. Such necessity vary in cause and effect, but the structural diagnosis serves as the basis for adopting intervention measures. The assessment of the structural condition usually is made in loco, but sometimes numerical analyses are required as a low cost and effective preliminary diagnosis. In general, numerical analyses use hundreds or thousands of finite elements and nonlinear theories that are not often used in engineering practice. As an alternative, lumped damage mechanics (LDM) uses key concepts of classic fracture and damage mechanics in plastic hinges throughout well-known quantities such as ultimate moment and cracking moment. Such theory describes the concrete cracking by a damage variable, which can be used as a diagnosis criterion. Therefore, this paper presents LDM as a diagnosis tool to analyse actual structures. The case studies presented in this paper are a former bridge arch tested in China and a balcony that collapsed in Brazil. The results show that LDM numerical response of those structures are quite close to laboratory observations (former bridge arch) and in loco measurements (balcony).

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