Interference Utilization Precoding in Multi-Cluster IoT Networks

In Internet-of-Things, downlink multi-device interference has long been considered as a harmful element deteriorating system performance, and thus the principle of the classic interference-mitigation based precoding is to suppress the multi-device interference by exploiting the spatial orthogonality. In recent years, a judicious interference utilization precoding has been developed, which is capable of exploiting multi-device interference as a beneficial element for improving device’s reception performance, thus reducing downlink communication latency. In this review paper, we aim to review the emerging interference utilization precoding techniques. We first briefly introduce the concept of constructive interference, and then we present two generic downlink interference-utilization optimizations, which utilizes the multi-device interference for enhancing system performance. Afterwards, the application of interference utilization precoding is discussed in multi-cluster scenario. Finally, some open challenges and future research topics are envisaged.

Vanadium stimulates growth and flower production in tomato without affecting seed germination

Vanadium (V) is easily absorbed by plants and has been proposed as a novel beneficial element and inorganic biostimulant, since at low doses it can enhance plant metabolism. However, its effects on the biology of cultivated species have not been fully explored. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of V on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) during seed germination and initial seedling growth. We tested 0, 5, 10, and 15 µM V in seeds during the germination process and in 37-day-old plants over four weeks. The application of V did not alter seed germination percentage. Plant height increased with the application of 5 µM V at 21 days after treatment application (DAT), while root volume increased with the application of 10 µM V at 28 DAT. Stem diameter, number of leaves, and number of flower buds showed the highest values with 10 µM V, while 5 µM V produced higher means in number of leaves as well as fresh and dry biomass weight of flowers. However, the fresh and dry biomass of leaves, stems, and roots decreased significantly with the application of 15 µM V. The total concentrations of amino acids and sugars in leaves, stems, and roots decreased in the treatments with V. We conclude that V is a beneficial element with high potential to be used in the biostimulation of horticultural crops such as tomato.

Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) in Sustainable Agriculture: Major Emphasis on the Practicality, Efficacy and Concerns

Silicon (Si), a beneficial element for plants, is known for its prophylactic effect under stress conditions. Many studies have documented the role of biogenic silica (bulk-Si) in alleviating biotic and...

Agriculture increases the bioavailability of silicon, a beneficial element for crop, in temperate soils

Crops may take benefits from silicon (Si) uptake in soil. Plant available Si (PAS) can be affected by natural weathering processes or by anthropogenic forces such as agriculture. The soil parameters that control the pool of PAS are still poorly documented, particularly in temperate climates. In this study, we documented PAS in France, based on statistical analysis of Si extracted by CaCl2 (SiCaCl2) and topsoil characteristics from an extensive dataset. We showed that cultivation increased SiCaCl2 for soils developed on sediments, that cover 73% of France. This increase is due to liming for non-carbonated soils on sediments that are slightly acidic to acidic when non-cultivated. The analysis performed on non-cultivated soils confirmed that SiCaCl2 increased with the < 2 µm fraction and pH but only for soils with a < 2 µm fraction ranging from 50 to 325 g kg−1. This increase may be explained by the < 2 µm fraction mineralogy, i.e. nature of the clay minerals and iron oxide content. Finally, we suggest that 4% of French soils used for wheat cultivation could be deficient in SiCaCl2.

Documenting Practices in Human Service Organisations through Information Systems: When the Quest for Visibility Ends in Darkness

Over the last decades, transparency about what is happening on the ground has become a hot topic in the field of social work. Despite the importance of transparent social work, the realisation in practice is far from obvious. In order to create this transparency for a diversity of stakeholders, legislative bodies and human services increasingly rely on so-called electronic information systems. However, it remains unclear how frontline managers make use of these systems to create this transparent practice and which obstacles they might experience in doing so. Based on empirical data collected in Flanders (Belgium), we argue that frontline managers as well as practitioners, when confronted with the obligation to use electronic information systems to document their actions and create transparency, find a beneficial element in using such a tool for the purpose of transparency. However, we also argue that the idea of transparency through documenting human service practices by the use of electronic information systems seems to be nuanced, as tension or ambiguity occurs in daily practice. Our data show that many aspects of the service user’s life story become invisible because the documenting system is unable to grasp its complexity, resulting in a lack of transparency.