Response of maize and common bean to spatial and temporal differentiation in maize-common bean intercropping

An experiment on maize (Zea mays)-common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping was conducted for two years (2014 and 2016) at two locations in North western Ethiopia with the objective of determining the spatial arrangement and planting date of common bean. Common bean intercropped with maize at three planting dates (simultaneously with maize, at emergence and knee height of maize) in two spatial arrangements (alternate and paired arrangements).The experimental design was factotrial randomized complete block design with three replications. Sole maize and common bean were included as a check. Results revealed that the spatial and temporal differentiation significantly affect only the agronomic attributes of common bean in common bean-maize intercropping. At Adet the grain yield of common bean (1.9 t ha-1), LER (1.99) and MAI (357) in maize-common bean intercropping was higher when common bean was planted at the same time with maize in paired planting pattern. On the other hand, maximum LER (1.61) and MAI (2.83) at Finoteselam were observed when common bean was intercropped with maize at maize emergence in paired planting pattern. Simultaneous intercropping of common bean with maize gave more stable total land output yield as compared to other intercropping systems but showed high variability as compared to the sole cropping. Thus, it can be concluded that planting common bean simultaneously with maize in paired planting pattern at Adet and planting common bean at maize emergence at Finoteselam in maize-common bean intercropping gave maximum land use efficiency and profitability of the cropping system without reducing the main crop yield (maize).This research also suggested further research on the compatibility of various maize and common bean varieties in different spatial and temporal differentiation.

Electronic Assistant for Impaired People

For people with serious visual impairments, a system is proposed that helps to identify obstacles and call for help in an emergency situation. The system is based on a microcontroller and optical, acoustic and electric sensors connected to it, as well as GPS and GSM modules. Modules interact with a person using voice communication. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 39 million people worldwide are blind and 246 million are visually impaired [1]. People with partial or complete loss of vision face many problems in their daily lives, especially the problem of movement and orientation in the field. A blind person usually uses a traditional stick to improve their mobility. However, the stick cannot provide a person with information beyond his reach. There are smart sticks that use one camera, or several video cameras mounted on the stick to capture images. Captured video images are resized, further processed and converted into acoustic or vibration signals. In such systems, the frequency of the warning signal correlates with the pixel orientation of the camcorder. There are also systems that use ultrasonic sensors to detect interference. The value of the distance to the obstacle, measured by a sound wave, is transmitted to the microcontroller, which sends a sound signal through the speaker. The disadvantages of such systems are the inability to detect hidden obstacles that are dangerous to the visually impaired, such as stairs, pits, puddles, and so on. The proposed system solves these problems by combining the capabilities of acoustic and optical sensors, as well as a water sensor. Support for a person in a difficult situation is also provided by establishing a telephone connection with a trustee. The GPS location information is received by the GPS module and the microcontroller sends this information via the GSM module to the specified contact number. The system consists of a microcontroller (control of the electronic assistant), a sensor system that receives information about the location of a person and obstacles in its path, an effector system that sends a person acoustic and vibration signals about detected obstacles, as well as a communication system. connects: 1) two ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles located in front at knee height and at head height; 2) infrared sensor to detect stairs and terrain; 3) water sensor to detect puddles. The sensors collect data in real time and send it to the microcontroller for processing. After processing the sensory information, the microcontroller sends vibrations and acoustic signals to the person, respectively, on the vibrators installed in the stick head, and on the Bluetooth headset. The system is powered by a recessed battery (not shown). This article proposes a system that helps a visually impaired person to reach their destination safely. The system uses a variety of sensors to detect interference and warn of interference with an audible signal and vibration. The intensity of the sound signal and vibration increase when a person approaches an obstacle. The GPS module tracks the user's location. In case of a dangerous situation, the GSM / GPRS module establishes a connection between a blind person and a trustee.

Is Arm-span an accurate measure of stature? A cross sectional study in North Indian population

Background: The estimation of inter-relationship between various body parameters and stature has been an important tool in anthropometric measurements. It is found to be of great importance in such cases where direct measurement of stature is not possible. A wide variety of parameters are used for estimation of stature including arm spam, hand length, foot length, demi span, knee height, sitting position etc. In this study arm span is used for stature estimation. Aims and Objective: To find the accuracy of arm-span in predicting standing height of both males and females in studied population. Materials and Methods: The study involved 600 participants (300 males and 300 females). The data for study collected from Rajasthan by means of community visits. The standing height and arm-span were measured for each individual and analyzed. Correlation coefficient and regression equation was generated. Results: A positive correlation was found to exist between the arm-span and stature. The correlation coefficient r was found to be 0.9. In the studied population, the arm span was found to be a strong predictor of Stature. Conclusion: It can be concluded that arm-span can be used in estimation of the height of both males and females. Arm span is reliable tool for obtaining the approximate stature of an individual. It can be used for the purpose of medico-legal cases too.

Algorithm and Implementation of Human Following Co-bot using 2D LiDAR

Co-bots - collaborative robots are designed to interact directly with humans in close proximity. Some human-robot collaborative applications like surveillance, clinical services, media outlets, defense, and social associations, may require an autonomous robot to have the ability to distinguish and track a person and to follow him around. Smart suitcases and smart trolleys are practical applications of human detection and following co-bots. Initially seen as a special case of object tracking, the task of person following with autonomous robots before long turned into a challenging task of its own especially when using a short-range sensor like laser range scanner. Therefore, we have proposed and implemented an effective algorithm forintelligent detection, tracking, and following a specified target person. The decision is being made by the control unit based on the information obtained from 2D LIDAR mounted at knee height, hence, enabling the mobile co-bot to follow the target in a dynamic environment without any collision.

Height Prediction Using the Knee Height Measurement Among Indonesian Children

Background: Height is essential for assessing growth and nutrition in children. Assessing height with appropriate measurement is important, although in certain physically disabled and hospitalized children direct height measurement is almost not possible. In these situations, segmental measurements can be used as proxy height. Knee height (KH) has been determined as the most reliable surrogate. Objective: This study aimed to establish a height-predicted equation using KH for use in both community and clinical practices. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study design that collected data from 1114 healthy children (596 boys and 518 girls) aged 7 to 12 years to develop the equations for predicting height from KH. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop the equations. Results: Two equations were established to predict height using KH: (1) for boys H = 29.895 + (0.081 × age [months] + (2.267 × KH)) and (2) for girls H = 26.297 + (0.110 × age [months] + (2.278 × KH)). The very high correlation between KH and actual height indicates a very strong agreement. Conclusions: Knee height can be used for prediction equations for height with a very good predictive power. The age variable using the month unit generates a more accurate equation.

Designing School Tables and Chairs based on Anthropometry of Elementary School Students in Surabaya

Introduction: School tables and chairs are needed amongst many other facilities which support the teaching and learning activities. Uncomfortable tables and chairs can cause health problems. The purpose of this study is to design school table and chair sizes in accordance with anthropometry of elementary school students, so the tables and chairs do not cause health problems for children. Methods: The population used in this study was 72 students of elementary school students in Surabaya, and the sample size was 61 students. The sampling method used in this research was a simple random sampling. The anthropometric data measured were shoulder height in the sitting position, elbow height in the sitting position, popliteal-buttock length, knee height, popliteal height, shoulder width, and distance from elbow to fingertips. Meanwhile, the dimensions of tables and chairs measured were chair height, chair width, back length, back height, table height, table width, and underneath desk height. Results: The results of the research show that the sizes of existing tables and chairs are mismatched with student anthropometry. There are 7 dimensions of proposed table and chair sizes which are based on anthropometric data. Specifically, the chair height is 33.25 cm, chair width is 33.25 cm, backrest length is 46.50 cm, backrest height is 49.60 cm, table height is 56.85 cm, table width is 39.05 cm, and underneath desk height is 47 cm. Conclusion: The sizes of existing tables and chairs still need improvement in all dimensions based on the students’ anthropometric measurements.Keywords: anthropometry, chair, elementary school students, table

Restoration after bush control in selected rangeland areas of semi-arid savannas in South Africa

Background: One of the main causes of land degradation in South Africa is bush thickening (BT) of mainly Senegalia or Vachellia species. Restoration methods are required to control BT, and to improve grass biomass production and soil conditions in South Africa.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of brush packing (BP) as a restoration method to increase grass biomass production, assess soil moisture after BP on different soil types, and document the perceptions of the local communities towards BP.Method: Methods included cutting the stems of woodies with a diameter of at least 10 cm at knee height by chainsaw and manual clipping after which an arborocide was applied to the stumps. A neutron probe was used to measure volumetric moisture content at two different soil depths. The grass biomass was analysed using ANOVA at a confidence level of 95%. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used to gather information about the perceptions of local communities towards restoration in group discussions.Results: The short-term data showed that the implementation of BP as restoration method increased grass biomass production. The soil texture influenced the volumetric soil moisture. Higher soil moisture content was found in the deeper clayey soils. The local participants’ interpretation towards the restoration project was positive.Conclusion: The project increased the grazing potential and contributed to job creation to improve the well-being of the people in the community.

Nutritional risk patients management in a stroke reference center

Introduction: Nutritional screening should be used as a tool nutritional risk early identification, aiming at intervention for the prevention of malnutrition and rehabilitation. Objectives: Report nutritional risk management protocol in patients admitted for suspected stroke. Methodology: Experience report on the working method of nutrition team at a stroke reference center. Results: Nutrition screening by a Dietist is applied within 72 hours of admission of all patients admitted to the acute/integral stroke unit. First, NRS-2002 tool is applied, in which the following items are considered: BMI < 20.5Kg/m²; weight loss in the past three months; reduction in food intake in the last week; metabolic stress and age (≥70 years old). Those with a speech-language diagnosis of dysphagia are also considered at nutritional risk. After, anthropometric measurements: weight and height are measured with walking patients, or knee height, brachial and calf circumference of those with cognitive and/or motor disabilities. Individualized nutritional therapy (oral/enteral) is prescribed. In addition, cases are discussed in a multiprofessional daily round to define actions during rehabilitation and in the discharge process (conter- referral to primary care, nutrition advice and continuity of nutritional therapy at home). Conclusions: Establishing a nutritional risk management protocol is important for early identification in post-stroke patients, since nutritional status is directly related to a good prognosis and long-term quality of life.