UAV-Based Mapping of Banana Land Area for Village-Level Decision-Support in Rwanda

Crop monitoring is crucial to understand crop production changes, agronomic practice decision-support, pests/diseases mitigation, and developing climate change adaptation strategies. Banana, an important staple food and cash crop in East Africa, is threatened by Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) disease. Yet, there is no up-to-date information about the spatial distribution and extent of banana lands, especially in Rwanda, where banana plays a key role in food security and livelihood. Therefore, delineation of banana-cultivated lands is important to prioritize resource allocation for optimal productivity. We mapped the spatial extent of smallholder banana farmlands by acquiring and processing high-resolution (25 cm/px) multispectral unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) imageries, across four villages in Rwanda. Georeferenced ground-truth data on different land cover classes were combined with reflectance data and vegetation indices (NDVI, GNDVI, and EVI2) and compared using pixel-based supervised multi-classifiers (support vector models-SVM, classification and regression trees-CART, and random forest–RF), based on varying ground-truth data richness. Results show that RF consistently outperformed other classifiers regardless of data richness, with overall accuracy above 95%, producer’s/user’s accuracies above 92%, and kappa coefficient above 0.94. Estimated banana farmland areal coverage provides concrete baseline for extension-delivery efforts in terms of targeting banana farmers relative to their scale of production, and highlights opportunity to combine UAV-derived data with machine-learning methods for rapid landcover classification.

Evaluation of the original forms of tomato for heterosis breeding

The aim of this work is to study tomato sorters with contrasting complementary in hybridization of morpho-biological properties favorable for the expression of the effect of heterosis. Novelty. Tomatoes as a culture are quite plastic and easily adapted to the most diverse soil-climatic conditions of cultivation. Detectable natural mutations were easily fixed by screenings and gave rise to new and new forms. These changes concerned many signs and properties and allowed practically to design tomato plants for specific human needs. Methods. The studies included stamp varieties: Shtambovyy 5 and Fonarik, medium-ripe Kuban 557 and medium late-ripe Volgogradskiy 5/95 and Krasnodarets 87. The test was carried out in comparison with the best districted varieties (standards) in irrigated conditions. Results. By the nature of growth, the greatest habitus was observed in the parent line LS 2/11 164.6, which is a consequence of the subsequent orders of branching and the inflorescences formed on them, providing the highest yield of this line. According to the analysis of interactions, the year and genotype for the conditions of the year strongly determine the mass of fruits from one plant (66.1 %), while the number of fruits and the average weight of the fruit are determined mainly by the genotype: 92.8 and 73.2 %, respectively. The number and size of fruits are signs with strong genetic determinancy, which are components of the mass of fruits, which shows a strong dependence of the latter indicator on the conditions of the year. When combining optimal productivity indicators, they also showed the least variability, which is of considerable practical interest.

Analisis Sistem Kerja untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas Pegawai Negeri Sipil dengan Pendekatan Macroergonomic Analysis and Design

The productivity of a job is influenced by many things, one of which is the work system. To get optimal productivity, it is necessary to design a good work system. A good work system at least provides security and comfort to workers when carrying out their work. Thus, workers can do work more actively and achieve the targets that have been set previously. This research is applied in the Community and Village Empowerment Service (DPMD) especially in the general and staffing sub-sections. The purpose of this study is to identify the work system applied to the DPMD, and evaluate the work system in order to get better conditions to increase productivity. The method of data analysis is using macroergonomy approach namely MEAD which is used in analyzing and evaluating work systems with structured and systematic steps. From the results obtained, it is known that the work system implemented by the DPMD has been running effectively and efficiently in accordance with the established vision and mission. While the factors that affect productivity are the physical environment, work equipment, working conditions, and organizational systems. From the calculation of % HR Reserve and Cardiovascular Load (% CVL) the value is 56.34% while the rest time is -0.083. From these results, it is known that the rest time given is sufficient and there is no need for additional rest periods.

Potentials of Wood, Bamboo and Natural Fibre-Reinforced Composite Products as Substitute Materials for Fabricating Affordable Agricultural Equipment and Processing Machines in Africa

Modern agriculture depends heavily on technology. Land clearing, irrigation, drainage, crop storage and processing all require technological input. By modernising her agriculture, through wise application of science and technology, Africa can make significant headway in economic growth. However, an agricultural technology that is too sophisticated for a particular country/region is beyond its absorptive capacity. Hence, to achieve the objectives of agricultural mechanisation in Africa, it is imperative to take into account prevailing socio-economic conditions and the level of mechanisation necessary for optimal productivity. One major constraint to agricultural mechanisation in sub-Saharan Africa is the relatively high cost of imported metallic machine and equipment fabrication materials. Taking full advantage of substitute non-metallic materials may lower the cost of production and concomitantly empower rural fabricators with limited access to electricity and welding facilities to engage in local manufacturing of sundry agricultural machines and equipment. This Chapter presents illustrative examples of full and partial substitution of metallic with non-metallic materials in the fabrication of affordable machines and equipment for agricultural production, agro-processing, irrigation and drainage, crop drying and storage. Ways of addressing identified critical challenges of technology diffusion are also discussed.

Shade lichens are characterized by rapid relaxation of non-photochemical quenching on transition to darkness

Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) plays an important role in protecting photosynthetic organisms from photoinhibition by dissipating excess light energy as heat. However, excess NPQ can greatly reduce the quantum yield of photosynthesis at lower light levels. Recently, there has been considerable interest in understanding how plants balance NPQ to ensure optimal productivity in environments in which light levels are rapidly changing. In the present study, chlorophyll fluorescence was used to study the induction and relaxation of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in the dark and the induction of photosynthesis in ten species of lichens, five sampled from exposed and five sampled from shaded habitats. Here we show that the main difference between sun and shade lichens is the rate at which NPQ relaxes in the dark, rather than the speed that photosynthesis starts upon illumination. During the first two minutes in the dark, NPQ values in the five sun species declined only by an average of 2%, while by contrast, in shade species the average decline was 40%. For lichens growing in microhabitats where light levels are rapidly changing, rapid relaxation of NPQ may enable their photobionts to use the available light most efficiently.

A Longitudinal Study of Cattle Productivity in Intensive Dairy Farms in Central Ethiopia

Ethiopia is witnessing an emergence of intensive urban dairy farming. The aims of this study were to capture cattle productivity parameters in selected intensive dairy farms in and around Addis Ababa (Central Ethiopia). The study is a pre-requisite and baseline for further economic analysis of diseases such as bovine tuberculosis (BTB) and to assess some of the current challenges faced by farm owners for optimal animal performances. Hence, a 3-year longitudinal observational study was conducted for the first time in Ethiopia, in 24 dairy farms with intensive husbandry, including a total of 1,705 dairy animals. Herd characteristics, animal movement, and productivity parameters (fertility, morbidity, mortality) were recorded in a herd-book. Whereas, half the farms saw their animals increase in number over the 3 years, 37.5% (mainly large farms) saw their herd size decrease. Offtakes accounted for 76.6% of all animal exits. One hundred and ninety (11.1%) animals died of natural causes. Highest mortality was observed in young stock (13.9%). Overall, diseases were the leading cause for death (57.5%). The majority of calves (69%) that died, did so within the first week of life. Mean calving interval (CI) was 483.2 days. Successful conception after artificial insemination (AI) was 66.1% with Addis Ababa and smaller farms faring worst. Mean time interval from calving to first service was 152 days. Date of birth to first service was 592.2 days and date of birth to first calving was 794.7 days. In conclusion, the study showed sub-optimal productivity performances in intensive dairy cattle and highlighted some of the current gaps and challenges in urban dairy productivity.

Effect of salinity and pH on growth, phycoerythrin, and non-volatile umami taste active compound concentration of Rhodomonas salina using a D-optimal design approach

The cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina is widely used in aquaculture due to its high nutritional profile. This study aims to investigate the effect of salinity and pH on the growth, phycoerythrin concentrations, and concentrations of non-volatile umami taste active compounds of R. salina, using a design of experiment approach. Rhodomonas salina was cultivated in a flat-panel photobioreactor in turbidostat mode in a range of salinity (20–40 ‰) and pH (6.5–8.5). The strain was able to grow steadily under all conditions, but the optimal productivity of 1.17 g dry weight L−1 day−1 was observed in salinity 30 ‰ and pH 7.5. The phycoerythrin concentration was inversely related to productivity, presenting higher values in conditions that were not optimal for the growth of R. salina, 7% of dry weight at salinity 40 ‰, and pH 8.5. The identification of the umami taste of R. salina was based on the synergistic effect of umami compounds 5′-nucleotides (adenosine 5′-monophosphate, guanosine 5′-monophosphate, inosine 5′-monophosphate) and free amino acids (glutamic and aspartic acids), using the equivalent umami concentration (EUC). The results indicated that an increase in pH induces the accumulation of 5′-nucleotides, resulting in an EUC of 234 mg MSG g−1 at a salinity of 40 and pH 8.5. The EUC values that were observed in R. salina were higher compared to other aquatic animals, a fact that makes R. salina promising for further research and application in the food and feed sectors.

PERCEPCIÓN DE LOS ESTUDIANTES DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS INTEGRADAS DEL CHACO SOBRE LA GESTIÓN EMPRESARIAL EN LAS EMPRESAS DE YACUIBA

La gestión empresarial es importante para una empresa, radica en planes estratégicos y tener buenos resultados a futuro para mejorar la competitividad y productividad. El éxito de las empresas se debe a un buen sistema de gestión empresarial y el fracaso empresarial conlleva a disminuir la productividad y las ventas. Las estrategias deben ser bien elaboradas dentro una planificación empresarial, para proyectar y dirigir, donde una misión, visión, valores y principios, serán parte de un camino a futuro y minimizar el riesgo, pero se debe fijar y programar metas y objetivos a nivel estratégico. Se debe tener la capacidad de organizar para asignar y coordinar diferentes tareas, definiendo quién, cómo y cuándo se van a ejecutar; implica establecer objetivos determinados para priorizar tareas. Una estructura organizacional adecuada beneficia para establecer la cantidad de talento humano necesario para llevar a cabo las funciones, delimitar responsabilidades y definir encargados de áreas o procesos. La representatividad tomando en cuenta las capacidades, el desarrollo, conocimiento, habilidades, destrezas, experiencias y liderazgo, para alcanzar los objetivos y metas que asistan a satisfacer necesidades y tener una productividad óptima. Por último, para realizar un control de gestión, se debe obtener la información necesaria y mejorar la toma de decisiones y la dirección de la empresa.PALABRAS CLAVESGestión, Gestión empresarial, Empresa, Planificación, Organización, Liderazgo, Personal, Control ABSTRACTBusiness management is important for a company, it lies in strategic plans and having good future results to improve competitiveness and productivity. The success of companies is due to a good business management system and business failure leads to lower productivity and sales. Strategies must be well developed within a business planning, to project and direct, where a mission, vision, values ​​and principles will be part of a future path and minimize risk, but goals and objectives must be set and programmed at a strategic level. . You must have the ability to organize to assign and coordinate different tasks, defining who, how and when they will be executed; It involves setting specific goals to prioritize tasks. An adequate organizational structure benefits to establish the amount of human talent necessary to carry out the functions, delimit responsibilities and define managers of areas or processes. The representativeness taking into account the capacities, development, knowledge, abilities, skills, experiences and leadership, to achieve the objectives and goals that assist in satisfying needs and having optimal productivity. Finally, in order to carry out a management control, the necessary information must be obtained and the decision-making and management of the company must be improved.KEYWORDSManagement, Business management, Company, Planning, Organization, Leadership, Personnel, Control

Compatibility of Ancestral and Innovative Agricultural Practices in the Kankuamo People of Colombia

The agricultural practices of the ancestral Latin American peoples hardly lead to optimal productivity integrated with adequate management of resources. This work evaluates the compatibility between the ancestral practices of the Kankuamo community in the vulnerable ecosystem Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, and innovative practices by the [AGROSAVIA] Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation, in biofortified beans of high nutritional value in the face of malnutrition and scarcity of the community’s own food. Methodologically, surveys were carried out that identify sustainability tracers and microbiological analysis of soils and the association among the variables evaluated. The results identify the incidence of education, health, self-care, gender and food supply in this vulnerability, verify the exclusion of agrochemicals in production, and show the need for a strategy of technological adoption with a differential approach.

Investigation of the effect of electro-hydraulic pulses on the combustion process of phosphorus sludge

The article considers the influence of electro-hydraulic pulses on the combustion of phosphorus sludge. Electric discharges in the environment of phosphorus sludge are sources of shock waves, which destroying the structure of phosphorus sludge and contribute to the intensification of the combustion process. A distinctive feature of the electro-hydraulic effect is the ability to control the parameters of pressure waves over a fairly wide range using the characteristics of the electric discharge circuit. For determine the optimal productivity and purity of the final product of the electric discharge unit’s operation mode, experiments were conducted on the effect of the discharge energy on the efficiency of the electric discharge method for extracting phosphorus from phosphorus sludge. The efficiency of the electric discharge process was estimated by the amount of phosphorus that was released after settling and expressed as a percentage of the total amount of phosphorus in a phosphorus sludge’s portion. The experiments were conducted out for sludges of different structures, with different phosphorus content and were conditionally divided into three groups: “rich” with phosphorus content — 70 %, “medium” — 50 % and “poor” — phosphorus content — 30 %.