Tomato Value Chain Analysis in Yayo And Hurumu Districts of Ilu Aba Bor Zone, Ethiopia

Background: Tomato is one of the most important and widely grown vegetable in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at analyzing tomato value chain in Yayu and Hurumu districts of Ilubabor zone. The specific objectives of the study were to identify actors and their roles in the value chain, to estimate marketing margins of each actor and identifying determinants of market participation decision and level of participation of farm households in tomato market.Methodology: The study used both primary and secondary data. Descriptive statistics, value chain analysis and Heckman two-stage selection model were used to analyze the data.Results: The major tomato value chain actors in the study area are input suppliers, producers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. Producer received the maximum profit when they sell directly to consumers. The Heckman first stage model result showed that four variables such as family size, production experience, participation in non-farm activity and quantity produced significantly affect the tomato market participation decision. Heckman second stage model indicated that extension contact, quantity produced and perception of lagged price significantly influence the tomato level of market participation.Conclusion: in the study area Tomato is produced mainly as a source of food and income and it is one of the most important and widely grown vegetable. The market participation decision of the farmers is influenced significantly by family size, production experience, participation in non-farm activity and quantity produced. Similarly, extension contact, quantity produced and perception of lagged price were among determinants which affect significantly tomato producer’s level of market participation. Hence, these significant factors need to be intervening so as to enhance the possible gain that could be drawn from tomato value chain in the study area.

Aspects of the formation of a tractor fleet of agricultural enterprises

Studies and production experience show that with an increase in the mass and power-weight factor of tractors, the return on investment in this technical progress field decreases. The paper justifies that at the current stage, the priority is to reduce the energy consumption of mechanized processes and comply with agro-technological requirements in the changing natural and production conditions. It reflects the areas of designing tractors and the effectiveness of their operation. The compaction effect on the soil is shown, taking into account the types of movers. The authors propose to complete the tractor fleet for various agro-industrial organizations.

IMPORTANCE OF PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION, USE OF CONCRETE WEIGHTING AND INSULATION MEASURES, USED DURING PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION

It was determined that the advantages and importance of pipeline transportation are related to the priority of environmental measures, the fact that costs are within the norm, and the possibility of uninterrupted transportation regardless of the season. Of the transportation methods, special attention was paid to pipe transportation, which is considered to be the most efficient. At the design stage of the pipeline, the organization of repair work during the operation of the pipeline and the capital investment allocated for construction are referred to the criteria of optimality. Although there are many technologies for pipeline aggravation, the most common of these is aggregation with a concrete coating layer. It is known that pipes with a diameter of 530 mm and a wall thickness of 14 mm are used during pipe laying in offshore areas. For concrete treatment of these pipes, it is recommended to use 400-500 grade slag portland or putty cement, especially in the marine environment. Waterproofing is considered suitable for protecting submarine pipes from wear. For the implementation of the waterproofing layer, it is recommended to use either brizol or insulation in construction. An important factor is the provision of special insulation measures in the open part of the pipe after welding, which is explained in the article. Welding must be performed in accordance with the standard and welding materials must be licensed. There are many technologies for welding. Manual arc welding has the widest field of application. Prior to welding, there are important works that can affect the quality of work, including heating the pipe and sawing the pipe ring. The differences between the post-heated welding process of the pipe and the unheated welding process are known from production experience. During operation, the pipeline is affected by climate change and loads (various shock effects; seismic; as well as ripples if submerged; underwater currents, etc.). If the weld is as strong as the base metal, it will continue to do so. This strength can also be achieved by the absence of temperature differences during welding. Keywords: pipe, pump, concrete coating, insulation, welding.

The method of expert assessments as applied to the ranking of technical solutions in the design of a tractor gearbox

The purpose of this work is to select a rational concept of the transmission of the tractor being created on the basis of an objective quantitative comprehensive assessment of the considered possible design options. The object of research is the transmission of wheeled tractors of 4 and 6-8 traction classes and forest machines based on their chassis. Making a decision on the principles of building a transmission is an important stage that requires a proper analysis of known theoretical developments, production experience, competitors’ achievements, market conditions and other factors. The decision is based on the ranking of the options available for implementation of the object. It is advisable to support such a ranking with the results of an objective quantitative comprehensive assessment of the compared options. The key points in this case are the formation of a nomenclature of objective private performance indicators and the choice of a data processing method. The paper considers the issue of applying the method of expert assessments when choosing the concept of constructing a transmission and the type of transforming mechanism of a tractor. The algorithm of the method, initial data, and evaluation results are presented. The main solutions for the construction of the transmission of tractors of 4 and 6-8 traction classes have been formulated.

New level comprehensive approach: living water engineering

Опыт и компетенции на рынке водоснабжения и водоотведения, накопленные компанией ЭКОС Групп за более чем 30 лет развития и профессионального роста, бесценны. Опираясь на многолетнюю историю реализованных проектов, собственный научно-технический, проектный и производственный потенциал, ЭКОС Групп предлагает сегодня инновационные решения актуальных и сложных задач, оперативно реагирует на быстро изменяющиеся условия на рынке очистки и повторного использования сточных вод, следует новым тенденциям профессиональной среды, учитывает кризисные процессы в экономике и конкретные нужды клиентов с заботой о планете, о людях, о будущем, о профессии. Комплексный подход в реализации проектов обеспечивает на каждом этапе выполнение своих обязательств, исключая риски неоправданных затрат и сокращая вред, наносимый окружающей среде. The experience and competencies in the water supply and wastewater disposal market gained by ECOS Group over more than 30 years of development and professional growth, are invaluable. Based on the long history of implemented projects, scientific, technical, design and production and production experience, ECOS Group today offers innovative solutions to urgent and challenging tasks, quickly responds to rapidly changing conditions in the wastewater treatment and effluent reuse market, follows new trends in the professional environment. Ecos Group takes into account crisis processes in the economy and the specific needs of clients with care for the planet, people, the future, and the profession. A comprehensive approach to the implementation of projects ensures at every stage the fulfillment of the commitments eliminating the risks of unjustified costs and reducing damage to the environment.

We Dare You

In this article, we present a lifecycle study of We Dare You , a substitutional reality installation that combines visual and tactile stimuli. The installation is set up in a center for architecture, and invites visitors to explore its facade while playing with vertigo, in a visual virtual reality environment that replicates the surrounding physical space of the installation. Drawing on an ethnographic approach, including observations and interviews, we researched the exhibit from its opening, through the initial months plagued by technical problems, its subsequent success as a social and playful installation, on to its closure, due to COVID-19, and its subsequent reopening. Our findings explore the challenges caused by both the hybrid nature of the installation and the visitors’ playful use of the installation which made the experience social and performative—but also caused some problems. We also discuss the problems We Dare You faced in light of hygiene demands due to COVID-19. The analysis contrasts the design processes and expectations of stakeholders with the audience’s playful appropriation, which led the stakeholders to see the installation as both a success and a failure. Evaluating the design and redesign through use on behalf of visitors, we argue that an approach that further opens up the post-production experience to a process of continuous redesign based on the user input—what has been termed design-after-design —could facilitate the design of similar experiences in the museum and heritage sector, supporting a participatory agenda in the design process, and helping to resolve the tension between stakeholders’ expectations and visitors’ playful appropriations.

EVALUATION OF KARAKUL LAMB BY PHENOTYPE IN CASE OF A LARGE NUMBER OF BREEDING TRAITS

Methods for assessing krimmer lamb productivity, constitutional and reproductive characteristics used in Karakul sheep breeding have been studied. It has been established that there are several dozens of krimmer breeds, except karakul, as well as crossbreeds with them, from which karakul is also obtained in the world. Sheep selection of these breeds differs significantly from selection of other breeds by the fact that decisions on animal production purpose are made as soon as this animal is born. The selection is carried out according to a large number of characteristics, mainly parameters of krimmer lamb skin quality. Such techniques are numerous and have certain differences in different breeds and different countries, however, there are also common properties. Most of the selection parameters are determined subjectively, and the only decision is made - whether to leave the lamb for breeding or to remove the krimmer. Obviously, a method is needed which includes all the selected traits and it would be expressed in one complex parameter. In the course of this study, a new, suitable for automation method for increasing the objectivity of phenotype assessing of Karakul sheep by a complex of traits was designed and described. Specifically, a special card is proposed and shown in the appendix, which facilitates the collection of individual data from a newborn lamb and their processing using spreadsheet application. From our own observations and production experience, the practicability of obtaining marketable milk from krimmer sheep, free from suckling lambs, is shown. Folk traditions of improving sheep milk yield that exist in sheep-breeding countries are described. Examples of successful use of Romanov sheep on karakul ewes and creation of multiparous karakul on their basis are shown.

How Many Wells? Exploring the Scope of Shale Gas Production for Achieving Gas Self-Sufficiency in Poland

Poland has been estimated to possess large volumes of technically recoverable shale gas resources, which has raised national hopes for increasing energy security and building export capacity. In this paper, we aim to examine political claims and hopes that Poland could achieve natural gas self-sufficiency and even become a gas exporter by harnessing domestic shale potential. We do so by relying on well-by-well production experience from the Barnett Shale in the USA to explore what scope of shale gas extraction, in terms of the number of wells, would likely be required to achieve such national expectations. With average well productivity equal to the Barnett Shale, at least 420 wells per year would be necessary to meet the domestic demand of 20 Bcm in 2030. Adding Poland’s potential export capacity of five Bcm of gas per year would necessitate at least 540 wells per year. Such a significant amount of drilling and hydraulic fracturing would require reconsideration and verification of national energy security plans and expectations surrounding shale gas production. A more informed public debate on technical aspects of extraction would be required, as extensive fracking operations could potentially have implications in terms of environmental risks and local land-use conflicts.

Patriotic Education Of Youth In The Pre-Conscription Stage Of Preparation For Military Service

This article examines the patriotic education of youth in the pre-conscription stage of preparation for military service. Since it is the youth that is the link through which the continuity of generations is practically realized, the accumulation of production experience and the intellectual potential of society takes place.