The task of my thesis was to automate the process of 3D stacking. The work includes design of complex control board, that will serve as a control unit and provide a comprehensive function of mechanical displacement in combination with digital image acquisition. In addition, the electronics for controlling a stepper motor, PCB and the design. The result of this is a facility that provides automatic acquisition of images with different depth of field.

The master’s thesis is focused on project management in Trade Company engaged in export of capital equipment. The Company expanded its offered product portfolio and now is focused to small cogeneration unit market. This work proposed a solution of project management in this new market area. The proposed solution is applied to a specific project of installation of small cogeneration unit.

Unter dem Druck der ökonomischen Rahmenbedingungen entstehen in der Landwirschaft immer grössere Betriebe. Familienbetriebe von 500 ha sind keine Seltenheit mehr. In Verbindung mit den ökonomischen Anforderungen hat sich die Anzahl der Arbeitskräfte ebenfalls reduziert. All diese Faktoren haben die Entwicklung von leistungsfähigen Maschinen beschleunigt. Auf dem Gebiet der Mädruschtechnik wurden Maschinen mit beträchtlichen Flächenleistungen entwickelt, die unterschiedliche Dreschsysteme besitzen. Das tangentiale Dreschwerk mit Wendtrommel wurde weiter entwickelt und besitzt gegenwärtig noch weitere rotierende Abscheideelemente. Es entstand das axiale Dreschsystem, das sich in Mitteleuropa auch durchgesetzt hat. Das Hybridsystem stellt eine Kombination von Tangential- und Axialdreschwerk dar. Durch die Optimierung der Arbeitselemente der einzelnen Systeme sind gegenwärtig kaum noch Leistungssteigerungen möglich. Leistungsreserven gibt es nach wie vor bei der Gestaltung des kontinuiertlichen Gutflusses, der Verringerung der Strohzerstörung und der Vergrößerung der Abscheidefläche. Ausgehend von diesen Zielstellungen werden zwei Dreschtrommeln mit Schlagleisten übereinander angeordnet. Dabei soll das Dreschgut möglichst tangential zugeführt werden. Durch die Anordnung der Dreschtrommeln werden große Umschlingungswinkel und große Abscheideflächen erreicht. Als Versuchparameter wurden der Zuführwinkel des Dreschgutes, die Korbabstände und der Durchsatz festgelegt. Gemessen wurden das Drehmoment an der ersten Dreschtrommel, die Kräfte am Dreschkorb, die Korn- und die Beimengungsabscheidung in 5 verschiedenen Klassen. Gleichzeitig erfolgte die Ermittlung des Körnerrestes nach dem Dreschwerk. Aus den Untersuchungen und komplexen Betrachtungen können folgende Ergebnisse formuliert werden: 1. Die Anordnung von zwei Dreschtrommeln hintereinander ermöglicht eine tangentiale Gutzuführung bei beiden Dreschtrommeln. 2. Durch eine zweckmäßige Anordnung ist keine Wende- oder Abweisertrommel notwendig. 3. Die tangentiale Gutzuführung bei beiden Trommeln bewirkt, dass die Strohzerkleinerung gering bleibt und der spezifische Energieverbrauch kann gesenkt werden. 4. Es wird durch die zwei Dreschtrommeln ohne großen technischen Aufwand ein Korbumschlingungswinkel von 270° erreicht. 5. Mit großem Korbumschlingungswinkel werden große Abscheideleistungen erreicht. Damit ist eine Leistungssteigerung möglich. 6. Durch den großen Korbumschlingungswinkel kann mit großen Korbabständen schonend gedroschen werden. Der Körnerbruch wird geringer. 7. Durch die geringere Strohzerkleinerung wird die NKB-Abscheidung kleiner und die Reinigungsbelastung geringer. 8. Die Kräfte am Dreschkorb lassen sich als eine Kraft zusammenfassen. Die Kraftrichtung schwankt um die horizontale Ebene im Bereich von – 5° bis +6°. 9. Weitere Untersuchungen, wie das Korn-NKB-Gemisch zur Reinigung des Mähdreschers transportiert wird, sind erforderlich. Aus den Untersuchungen kann geschlussfolgert werden, dass ein derartiges Dreschsystem zur weiteren Leistungssteigerung beitragen kann, wobei die Gesamtkonzeption der gegenwärtigen Mähdrescher zu verändern ist.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第22784号 / 農博第2427号 / 新制||農||1081(附属図書館) / 学位論文||R2||N5304(農学部図書室) / 京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻 / (主査)教授 飯田 訓久, 教授 近藤 直, 教授 中嶋 洋 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

NFL teams spend massive sums to ensure they are prepared for the future, but how should they determine whom that future includes? This study set out to find what predicts NFL success more accurately – collegiate in-game performance or the NFL Draft Combine. In the sample of 2007-2012 first-round picks, 191 athletes were measured in three NFL Draft Combine drills, two physical components, and a varying amount of ingame collegiate and NFL performance statistical categories, dependent on position. Secondarily, this work examined Power 5 and non-Power 5 players to determine if attending a more prolific program was predictive of NFL success. Findings included that 40-yard dash and vertical jump are predictive of offensive linemen and cornerback NFL success, that in-game collegiate statistics are most indicative of NFL success amongst defensive players, and that Power 5 prospects are no more prepared for NFL success than those coming from non-Power 5 schools.

The research explored strategies to improve cover crop (CC) establishment and nitrogen (N) uptake in response to the time constraints commonly faced by Mid-Atlantic farmers. The first study examined whether broadcasting CCs at corn harvest—using various incorporation techniques—can reduce nitrate leaching and enhance biomass production, compared to broadcasting or drilling CCs 4-weeks post-harvest. Four seeding methods were tested across a range of CC species, including cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), and their mixture. Over two years, data revealed that CCs planted at corn harvest achieved significantly higher fall biomass (721 to 846 kg ha-1) than those seeded four weeks later (134 to 200 kg ha-1). Year 2 data showed a reduction in fall soil nitrate levels with at-harvest planting (5.2 mg kg-1), compared to post-harvest CC planting (11.4 to 11.8 mg kg-1). Additionally, certain at-harvest treatments, particularly those with hairy vetch and the mix, increased aboveground N accumulation (181 to 208 kg ha-1) and, in Year 1, improved corn yield (10,113 to 11,586 kg ha-1). The second study focused on a combine-mounted seeder's capacity to address similar N management goals in corn-soybean systems, allowing for seeding CCs directly at harvest and bypassing the need for additional field passes. Results from one year demonstrated that the combine-mounted seeder produced equal or greater biomass and N accumulation compared to delayed drilling. Following corn, the combine seeded treatments increased fall biomass tenfold (205 kg ha-1 vs. 1116 to 1314 kg ha-1) and nearly doubled spring biomass (2345 kg ha-1 vs. 5867 to 6323 kg ha-1). The effectiveness of at-harvest broadcasting was also evident even in late-season drought conditions following soybean, showing comparable results to drilling two weeks post-harvest (4528 kg ha-1 vs. 4434 kg ha-1). Both studies highlight that earlier CC establishment, whether by broadcast seeding with or without incorporation or utilizing combine-mounted seeders, offers a promising approach for enhancing biomass production and reducing fall nitrate leaching in Mid-Atlantic farming systems. / Master of Science / This research examined ways to aid Mid-Atlantic farmers in establishing earlier cover crops (CCs) and improving CC nitrogen (N) uptake. The first part of the study compared broadcasting CCs at corn harvest with waiting four weeks to either broadcast or drill them after harvest. Four species of CCs were tested, including cereal rye, hairy vetch, rapeseed, and a mixture of these. Results over two years showed that broadcasting CCs at corn harvest resulted in significantly more biomass growth in the fall, with levels ranging from 721 to 846 kg per hectare (643 to 755 lb per acre), compared to just 134 to 200 kg per hectare (120 to 178 lb per acre) with later planting. Additionally, soil nitrate levels were lower when CCs were planted at harvest—5.2 mg/kg, compared to 11.4 to 11.8 mg/kg when planted later. Certain combinations, especially those including hairy vetch, led to higher N accumulation and improved corn yields. The second part of the study evaluated a new combine-mounted seeder that allows farmers to plant CCs during cash crop harvest, reducing the number of times they need to work the fields. Results after one year showed that the combine-seeded method produced similar or greater biomass and N accumulation than conventional post-harvest drilling. Following corn, fall biomass increased tenfold and spring biomass nearly doubled compared to delayed drilling. Even with drought conditions in soybeans, the combine-seeded method yielded results comparable to drilling CCs two weeks later. The second year of the study is still in progress. Overall, both studies suggest that starting cover crops earlier, whether by broadcasting or using the combine seeder, can significantly boost biomass growth while reducing nitrate leaching in farming systems throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Future research is needed to test the effectiveness of the combine-mounted cover crop seeder in different soil types and climates.

This research investigates the impact of multi-source real-time information and mileage-based user fee (MBUF) on individuals' mode choice behavior. It examines the interaction between MBUF and socio-demographic variables for different trip purposes. This research designs two separate web-based surveys. Each survey has revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) components. The SP components consist of hypothetical scenarios to capture individuals' mode choice behavior based on real-time information and MBUF. The research develops a series of advanced econometric models using the collected survey data to understand the factors influencing individuals' mode choice behavior. The findings indicate that daily parking costs significantly impact individuals' mode choices and tend to discourage driving. Real-time information, such as parking space availability at workplaces and metro stations, encourages people to prefer drive and park & ride modes. Information on road closures and road accidents discourages people from driving, riding as auto-passengers, or taking TNC (Uber/Lyft) for trip purposes. Regarding MBUF, the results reveal that individuals are less likely to prefer motorized modes with the increased rate of MBUF. Full-time workers show more sensitivity towards MBUF for work trips, whereas college students are more sensitive to MBUF for recreational trips. Older adults are more sensitive to MBUF for work trips, and young individuals are more sensitive to MBUF for work and grocery/shopping trips. The results show that increased fuel costs, toll costs, bus fares, and delays reduce the likelihood of driving alone, carpooling, and transit. The findings of this research provide critical insights, supporting the implementation of evidence-based strategies to promote alternative sustainable transportation modes in the presence of real-time information and MBUF. / The research work was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) (Award \#2200633) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). / Master of Science / This research investigates how real-time information and mileage-based user fee (MBUF) influence individuals' mode choice behavior. This research designs two separate web-based surveys. Each survey has revealed preference (RP) and stated preference (SP) components. The SP components consist of hypothetical scenarios to capture individuals' mode choice behavior based on real-time information and MBUF. Using the collected data, the research estimates a series of models to understand the factors influencing mode choice behavior. The findings indicate that daily parking costs significantly impact individuals' mode choices and tend to discourage driving. Real-time information, such as parking space availability at workplaces and metro stations, encourages people to prefer drive and park & ride modes. Information on road closures and road accidents discourages people from driving, riding as auto-passengers, or taking TNC (Uber/Lyft) for trip purposes. Regarding MBUF, the results reveal that individuals are less likely to prefer motorized modes with the increased rate of MBUF. Full-time workers show more sensitivity towards MBUF for work trips, whereas college students are more sensitive to MBUF for recreational trips. Older adults are more sensitive to MBUF for work trips, and young individuals are more sensitive to MBUF for work and grocery/shopping trips. This research is crucial as it provides insights into understanding mode choice behavior and improving road congestion.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第24913号 / 農博第2576号 / 新制||農||1103(附属図書館) / 学位論文||R5||N5476 / DFAM / 京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻 / (主査)教授 飯田 訓久, 教授 近藤 直, 教授 野口 良造 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

A produção de cereais constitui uma das atividades de maior importância para o Brasil. O país ocupa posições de liderança na produção mundial, e é um dos principais exportadores. Para que tal desempenho seja cada vez mais superado, o mercado requer custos de produção competitivos e esse se constitui em um dos grandes desafios atuais da agricultura brasileira. Quanto à participação no custo final de produção da tonelada, a operação de colheita é destaque dentre as etapas que compõem o processo produtivo das principais culturas de cereais. Nas culturas do milho e da soja, o custo de suas atividades oscila entre 30 a 40% do total das operações. Mediante tal significância, estratégias de otimização que visem a redução de seu custo operacional, e que ofereçam subsídios para o seu adequado planejamento tornam-se cada vez mais necessárias. Tendo em vista a aplicação de conceitos logísticos no planejamento e coordenação da operação de colheita como um recurso potencial para a redução de seu custo e para a melhoria da qualidade de sua realização, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar estratégias logísticas em sistemas de colheita de cereais. Em função da complexidade das inter-relações que os caracterizam, e do número envolvido de variáveis, optou-se por realizar as análises com base em um modelo computacional de simulação. SisColhe foi o nome escolhido ao programa de logística e simulação de colheita de cereais desenvolvido. As simulações características do estudo ocorreram a partir de três cenários hipotéticos. A partir do desenvolvimento dos cenários, norteou-se a avaliação das estratégias de colheita por seis distintas análises, compreendendo a definição do problema inicial e o desenvolvimento do algoritmo de simulação, a validação dos resultados do programa, a identificação dos parâmetros de maior contribuição para a formação do custo final da tonelada colhida e o entendimento das estruturas de custo e do desempenho operacional da maquinaria. Os resultados demonstraram que a parcela fixa dos custos possui maior participação na formação do custo final da tonelada colhida do que os variáveis, e que o fator de maior contribuição ao aporte de capital é o valor com o qual as colhedoras são adquiridas no mercado. A capacidade de colheita da frota de colhedoras é o parâmetro no qual residem os maiores potenciais de redução de custo. Essa regeu, inclusive, o desempenho dos demais equipamentos, carretas de transbordo e veículos de transporte, demonstrando um comportamento sistêmico entre os componentes da maquinaria. Em se tratando do custo de movimentação de produção, as atividades de carga e descarga dos veículos foram as responsáveis pela maior parcela na formação dos custos de transporte. No planejamento da colheita, o correto dimensionamento da frota, em conjunto com adoção de estratégias alternativas de incremento de desempenho operacional, mostraram-se estratégias viáveis em sistemas caracterizados pela retirada de grandes produções em curtos intervalos de tempo. Os resultados das simulações demonstraram que o SisColhe está apto a auxiliar a análise e a avaliação da colheita mecanizada de cereais. A lógica de comportamento da maquinaria e de suas inter-relações pôde ser reproduzida. As diferenças de validação mostraram-se aceitáveis face às simplificações impostas ao algoritmo e à variabilidade intrínseca ao ambiente agrícola. / Cereals production constitutes one of the most important agricultural activities to Brazil. The country occupies leadership positions in the world production, and it is one of the main exporters. So that such performance be each time more overcame, the market requests competitive production costs, and this is one of the brazilian agriculture great current challenges. Focusing the ton final production cost percentages distribution, the harvest operation is prominence among the main cereals cultures productive process stages. For corn and soybeans cultures, the cost of their activities oscillates among 30 to 40% of the total operations costs. By such significance, optimization strategies that seek for the reduction of its operational cost, and that create conditions for an better harvest planning become more and more necessary. Considering the application of logistical concepts in the harvest operation planning and coordination as a potential resource to the reduction of its cost and improvement of its accomplishment, the present work had for objective to analyze logistical strategies in cereals harvest systems. Due to the complexity of their interrelations, and to the involved variables number, it was decided to base the analyses on a computational simulation model. SisColhe was the chosen name to the logistics and cereals harvest simulation developed software. The simulations that compose the study happened taking in granted three hypothetical sceneries. The evaluation of the harvest strategies was oriented by six different analyses, comprising the initial problem definition and the development of the simulation algorithm, the program results validation, the most cost composition parameters identification and the cost structures and machinery operational performance behavior understanding. The results demonstrated that the fixed components have more participation in the harvest final cost composition than the varied ones, and the larger contribution factor to the capital a port is the value with which the harvesters are acquired. The fleet harvesters operational capacity is the parameter of largest cost reduction potential, since its influenced, besides, the performance of the others fleet equipments, demonstrating a systemic behavior among them. Taking in granted the cost of the production movement, the vehicles charge and discharge activities were the responsible for the largest transport costs portion. In the harvest planning, the correct fleet dimensioning, together with the adoption of performance increment alternative strategies were viable strategies in high productions and small time intervals characterized systems. The simulations results demonstrated that the SisColhe software is capable to aid the analysis and the evaluation of the cereals mechanized harvest. The machinery behavior logic and its interrelations could be reproduced. The validation differences were acceptable due to the algorithm simplifications imposed and to the intrinsic agricultural environmental variability.

Orientador: Kléber Pereira Lanças / Banca: Silvio José Bicudo / Banca: Saulo Philipe Sebastião Guerra / Banca: Alberto Kazushi Nagaoka / Banca: Antonio Gabriel Filho / Resumo: A colheita é uma das atividades mais importantes na agricultura devido ao seu alto valor agregado, compreendendo operações custosas do processo produtivo, devido a alta demanda energética. Sua boa execução contribui para o retorno dos investimentos realizados em todo o ciclo produtivo de uma cultura. Informações dos desempenhos operacional, energético e ergonômico são de grande importância no gerenciamento de sistemas mecanizados agrícolas, auxiliando nas decisões a serem tomadas, visando a racionalização operacional. O objetivo do presente estudo consistiu na avaliação de três colhedoras de soja, sendo a primeira com plataforma de 7,62 m, motor de 176,4 kW e tanque graneleiro de 7.200 L, a segunda com plataforma de 7,01 m, motor de 161,7 kW e tanque graneleiro de 6.700 L e a terceira com plataforma de 6,71 m, motor de 165,4 kW e tanque granaleiro de 6.000 L com seus respectivos mecanismos atuadores, para identificar os sistemas mais eficientes quanto à racionalização da demanda energética, ergonomia e desempenho operacional relativos a perdas quantitativas e qualitativas de soja, em área de plantio direto na palha. O experimento foi realizado no campo de produção da fazenda Igreja Velha, Município de Tibagi/PR e as análises laboratoriais no Núcleo de Ensaio de Máquinas e Pneus Agroflorestais (NEMPA) da FCA-UNESP, Campus de Botucatu/SP e no laboratório de Análise de Sementes do Departamento de Fitotecnia da FEIS-UNESP, Campus de Ilha Solteira/SP. A avaliação do consumo energético foi realizada através da utilização de um fluxômetro, em condições normais de operação da colhedora, e para o desempenho operacional foram obtidos todos os tempos de operação das máquinas. Para a análise das perdas de grãos foram determinadas as perdas de pré-colheita; na plataforma; na trilha, separação e limpeza; e as totais...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstrac: The harvest is one of the most important operation in agriculture due to its high cost, energy demand and its good execution depends the return of investment made in the crop season. Information concerning the operational and ergonomic performance is of great importance in management of agricultural machinery systems to rationalize mechanized operations in agricultural farm. The objective of the present study consisted of evaluating three soybean combine harvesters, the first one with 7,62 m width header, 176,4 kW engine power and 7.200 L grain tank size, the second one with 7,01 m width header, 161,7 kW engine power and 6.700 L grain tank size and the third one with 6,71 m width header, 165,4 kW engine power and 6.000 L grain tank size with its respective mechanisms actuators, to identify the most efficient system in rationalization energy demand, ergonomics and operational performance. The combine harvest test was done at Igreja Velha farm, Tibagi/Parana State, the data analysis were done at Sao Paulo State University - Botucatu and the seed analysis at Sao Paulo State University - Ilha Solteira. The fuel consumption evaluation was made through the use of fluxometer in normal combine operation conditions and for the operational performance was determined all the running machine times. For the grain losses analysis, it was obtained previous losses before harvest; in the headers; in the separation and cleaning system; and total. In all treatments had been...(Complete abstract, click electronic access below) / Doutor