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Water retention properties of wood fiber based growing media and their impact on irrigation strategy
(2024)
Distribution of water and air in growing media during ebb-and-flow irrigation depends on water storage properties (water retention curve) and water transport properties (hydraulic conductivity) of the materials. Growing media with their high number of coarse pores are known to exhibit strong hysteresis, i.e., differences in the water retention properties during drying and wetting cycles. To account for potential ecological disadvantages of peat, wood fibers are commonly used as substitutes for peat in growing media. However, the wood fibers generally have higher air capacities and hydraulic conductivities and lower water capacities compared to peat which may results in necessary adaptions of the irrigation strategy. Tools to optimize irrigation systems are physically based water transport models, such as HYDRUS-1D, which is commonly used to describe water transport in soils, but not often for growing media. In this study, white peat and pure wood fibers were used to describe differences in their water retention behavior. Water retention curves (drying cycles) and hydraulic conductivities were measured with standard analytical procedures. Hysteresis of the water retention curves was analytically determined based on their capillary rise properties. The results were used with a modified HYDRUS-1D model to test model quality against measured water contents during ebb-and-flow irrigation cycles and to optimize the irrigation strategy for the different materials. The results showed that the model quality was sufficiently good only if the strong hysteresis of the water retention curves was considered during the simulation process. Different strategies were tested to modify ebb-and-flow irrigation (irrigation frequency, irrigation duration and irrigation height) in that way that the water suction in the root zone was similar to that of the peat material. Simulation results showed that significant improvements could only be reached by increasing the flooding depth in ebb-and-flow systems to ensure an optimum water supply of plants in the wood fiber based growing media.
The development of base metal electrodes that can act as active and stable oxygen generating electrodes in water electrolysis systems, especially at low pH levels, remains a challenge. The use of suspensions as electrolytes for water splitting has until recently been limited to photoelectrocatalytic approaches. A high current density (j=30 mA/cm2) for water electrolysis has been achieved at a very low oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potential (E=1.36 V vs. RHE) using a SnO2/H2SO4 suspension-based electrolyte in combination with a steel anode. More importantly, the high charge-to-oxygen conversion rate (Faraday efficiency of 88% for OER at j=10 mA/cm2 current density). Since cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments show that oxygen evolution starts at a low, but not exceptionally low, potential, the reason for the low potential in chronoamperometry (CP) tests is an increase in the active electrode area, which has been confirmed by various experiments. For the first time, the addition of a relatively small amount of solids to a clear electrolyte has been shown to significantly reduce the overpotential of the OER in water electrolysis down to the 100 mV region, resulting in a remarkable reduction in anode wear while maintaining a high current density.
While recent studies have demonstrated that events are fundamentally climate sensitive, this seems to not be fully considered in event research or corporate event practice. Thus, this study aims to identify the influencing factors that affect the acceptance of climate adaptation measures among decision-makers in the event industry. The analysis was divided into three main parts. First, the existing literature related to climate change in an events context was reviewed. Using 15 semi structured interviews, the findings from this review were then critically discussed with stakeholders in Germany involved in event planning. Finally, explicit climate adaptation measures were proposed and discussed. Based on all findings, there appears to be a low level of awareness of and interest in climate adaptation amongst German event industry players. There is an imminent need for further research on climate adaptation and for decision-makers to better prepare for climate change in order to counteract resulting negative impacts.
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises transformative impacts on society, industry, and agriculture, while being heavily reliant on diverse, quality data. The resource-intensive "data
problem" has initialized a shift to synthetic data. One downside of synthetic data is known as the "reality gap", a lack of realism. Hybrid data, combining synthetic and real data, addresses this. The paper examines terminological inconsistencies and proposes a unified taxonomy for real, synthetic, augmented, and hybrid data. It aims to enhance AI training datasets in smart agriculture, addressing the challenges in the agricultural data landscape. Utilizing hybrid data in AI models offers improved prediction performance and adaptability.
The 3GPP release 16 integrates TSN functionality into 5G and standardizes various options for TSN time synchronization over 5G such as transparent mode and bridge mode. The time domains for the TSN network and the 5G network are kept separate with an option to synchronize either of the networks to the other. The TSN time synchronization over 5G is possible either by using the IEEE 1588 generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP) based on UDP/IP multicast or via IEEE 802.1AS based on Ethernet PDUs. The INET and Simu5G simulation frameworks, which are both based on the OMNeT++ discrete event simulator, are widely used for simulating TSN and 5G networks. The INET framework comprises the 802.1AS based time synchronization mechanism, and Simu5G provides the 5G user plane carrying IP PDUs. We modified the 802.1AS-based synchronization model of INET so that it works over UDP/IP. With that, it is possible to synchronize TSN slaves (connected to 5G UEs), across a 5G network, with a TSN master clock, present within a TSN network, that is connected to the 5G core network. Our simulation results show that 500 microseconds of synchronization accuracy can be achieved with the corrected asymmetric propagation delay of uplink and downlink between the gNodeB (gNB) and the User Equipment (UE). Furthermore, the synchronization accuracy can be improved if the delay difference between uplink and downlink is known.
Recent real-time networking developments have enabled ultra reliability, very low latency and high data rates in wired networks. Wireless networking developments have also shown that they can achieve very high data rates with consistency, but they still lack in providing ultra reliability and extremely low latency. Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) developments have brought these capabilities in Industry automation and Automotive industry too. Although TSN is standardized for wired networks for a long time, for wireless networks it will be standardized within the IEEE 802.11be standard for Wi-Fi and 3GPP Release 17 for 5G in the near future. This paper provides an overview of TSN in wired and wireless networks with the aim of comparing different simulators and presenting their offered functionality and shortcomings. These tools can be used to make oneself familiar with TSN algorithms, standards, and for the development and testing of time sensitive networks. Afterwards, the paper discusses open research questions for using TSN over wireless networks.
Response of petunia to wood fibre amended peat substrate under ebb-and-flow irrigation (Abstract)
(2024)
The objective of this article is to prepare for the initial certification according to IFS Global Markets Food V3 at the Landshuter Brauhaus AG private brewery at the Ellermühle site, which is expected in August 2025, and to create the basis for a potential follow-up certification according to IFS Food. The IFS Global Markets Food Program V3 is a standardized, voluntary and non-accredited assessment program for food companies, both for retail and manufacturer brand products (IFS 2023, p. 10 f.). It is based on the specifications of the Global Markets Program developed in 2008 (GFSI 2023a; VDOE 2020, p. 620).
The methodology of the target/actual analysis was used to work on the topic in order to be able to carry out a conformity check with regard to the requirements of IFS Global Markets Food V3 (see Appendix 3; IFS 2023). Observations, document analyses and employee surveys were carried out to obtain the most meaningful information possible. These have been recorded and evaluated within the target-performance analysis. A total of 65 deviations (equivalent to 53.7%) were identified at the basic level, and 60 deviations (equivalent to 82.2%) at the intermediate level. These were either processed as directly implemented corrective actions or formulated as recommendations for continuous improvement in the form of an action plan (see Appendix 15). The presentation of the action plan shows the deviations, the resulting measures, the associated responsibilities, the time period with the starting point and end point of the measures, and the current status. In addition a subdivision into "Basic" and "+Intermediate" was made for a better overview in the subsequent processing by the brewery.
A review as well as assessment of relevant requirements with regard to processes and significant violations after completion of the new building and commissioning at the Ellermühle site with regard to correlation with a potential "major" rating is recommended on the part of the operations manager or brewmaster (IFS 2023, p. 30).
While the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in multinational enterprises has been receiving attention for some time, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have recently begun to recognize the potential of this new technology. However, the focus of previous research and AI applications has therefore mostly been on large enterprises. This poses a particular issue, as the vastly different starting conditions of various company sizes, such as data availability, play a central role in the context of AI. For this reason, our systematic literature review, based on the PRISMA protocol, consolidates the state of the art of AI with an explicit focus on SMEs and highlights the perceived challenges regarding implementation in this company size. This allowed us to identify various business activities that have been scarcely considered. Simultaneously, it led to the discovery of a total of 27 different challenges perceived by SMEs in the adoption of AI. This enables SMEs to apply the identified challenges to their own AI projects in advance, preventing the oversight of any potential obstacles or risks. The lack of knowledge, costs, and inadequate infrastructure are perceived as the most common barriers to implementation, addressing social, economic, and technological aspects in particular. This illustrates the need for a wide range of support for SMEs regarding an AI introduction, which covers various subject areas, like funding and advice, and differentiates between company sizes.
Background
Beta-blocker (BB) therapy plays a central role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. An increasing number of patients with cardiovascular diseases undergoe noncardiac surgery, where opioids are an integral part of the anesthesiological management. There is evidence to suggest that short-term intravenous BB therapy may influence perioperative opioid requirements due to an assumed cross-talk between G-protein coupled beta-adrenergic and opioid receptors. Whether chronic BB therapy could also have an influence on perioperative opioid requirements is unclear.
Methods
A post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data from a multicenter observational (BioCog) study was performed. Inclusion criteria consisted of elderly patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing elective noncardiac surgery as well as total intravenous general anesthesia without the use of regional anesthesia and duration of anesthesia ≥ 60 min. Two groups were defined: patients with and without BB in their regular preopreative medication. The administered opioids were converted to their respective morphine equivalent doses. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the morphine-index to identify independent predictors.
Results
A total of 747 patients were included in the BioCog study in the study center Berlin. 106 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 37 were on chronic BB. The latter were preoperatively significantly more likely to have arterial hypertension (94.6%), chronic renal failure (27%) and hyperlipoproteinemia (51.4%) compared to patients without BB. Both groups did not differ in terms of cumulative perioperative morphine equivalent dose (230.9 (BB group) vs. 214.8 mg (Non-BB group)). Predictive factors for increased morphine-index were older age, male sex, longer duration of anesthesia and surgery of the trunk. In a model with logarithmised morphine index, only gender (female) and duration of anesthesia remained predictive factors.
Conclusions
Chronic BB therapy was not associated with a reduced perioperative opioid consumption.
The development of non-precious metal-based electrodes that actively and stably support the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis systems remains a challenge, especially at low pH levels. The recently published study has conclusively shown that the addition of haematite to H2 SO4 is a highly effective method of significantly reducing oxygen evolution overpotential and extending anode life. The far superior result is achieved by concentrating oxygen evolution centres on the oxide particles rather than on the electrode. However, unsatisfactory Faradaic efficiencies of the OER and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) parts as well as the required high haematite load impede applicability and upscaling of this process. Here it is shown that the same performance is achieved with three times less metal oxide powder if NiO/H2 SO4 suspensions are used along with stainless steel anodes. The reason for the enormous improvement in OER performance by adding NiO to the electrolyte is the weakening of the intramolecular O─H bond in the water molecules, which is under the direct influence of the nickel oxide suspended in the electrolyte. The manipulation of bonds in water molecules to increase the tendency of the water to split is a ground-breaking development, as shown in this first example.
Wood fibers can contribute to replacing peat in growing media and thus help to protect peatlands. As domestic, renewable raw materials, they represent a sustainable option for this purpose. To date, however, wood fibers are usually used as a peat substitute at a maxi-mum of 30% (v/v). A main reason for this limitation is the insufficient microbial stability of wood fibers, which favors nitrogen immobilization and can thus impair nitrogen supply of plants. To address this drawback, in this study wood fibers were subjected to different thermal or thermal-hydrolytic treatments. Seedling tests with napa cabbage were conducted to determine whether treated wood fibers were free of phytotoxic substances. Mixtures with 50% (v/v) wood fiber and white peat each were used. In addition, three wood fiber varieties were evaluated in the cultivation of petunia. Two wood fiber proportions (30 and 60% v/v) and two nitrogen fertilization rates (common and increased supply) were included in each case. In the seedling trial with napa cabbage, no phytotoxic effects were detectable in any of the wood fiber variants investigated. However, when cultivating petunias, both shoot mass growth and number of flowers decreased with increasing wood fiber content. In substrates with a wood fiber content of 60% (v/v), plant development was inhibited so severely that the petunias no longer achieved marketable quality. Increased nitrogen fertilization was able to compensate for this negative effect only in few cases. This suggests that other factors than nitrogen limited plant growth in wood fiber-rich substrates. Among others, physical proper-ties such as the lower water capacity of wood fibers may be a cause. More in-depth investigations are still required in this regard.
Enhancing the nutritional value of pears through agronomic biofortification with iodine (Abstract)
(2024)
Purpose
This study operationalizes risks in stakeholder dialog (SD). It conceptualizes SD as co-produced organizational discourse and examines the capacities of organizers' and stakeholders' practices to create a shared understanding of an organization’s risks to their mutual benefit. The meetings and online forum of a German public service media (PSM) organization were used as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors applied corpus-driven linguistic discourse analysis (topic modeling) to analyze citizens' (n = 2,452) forum posts (n = 14,744). Conversation analysis was used to examine video-recorded online meetings.
Findings
Organizers suspended actors' reciprocity in meetings. In the forums, topics emerged autonomously. Citizens' articulation of their identities was more diverse than the categories the organizer provided, and organizers did not respond to the autonomous emergence of contextualizations of citizens' perceptions of PSM performance in relation to their identities. The results suggest that risks arise from interactionally achieved occasions that prevent reasoned agreement and from actors' practices, which constituted autonomous discursive formations of topics and identities in the forums.
Originality/value
This study disentangles actors' practices, mutuality orientation and risk enactment during SD. It advances the methodological knowledge of strategic communication research on SD, utilizing social constructivist research methods to examine the contingencies of organization-stakeholder interaction in SD.
The demands placed on companies in terms of up-to-date quality and sustainability management as well as health and safety measures are high and are becoming increasingly complex. Increased legal requirements, additional industry standards and derived customer requirements constantly present companies and value chains with new challenges. The integrated approach to the implementation of these different requirements has already taken place in companies in recent years. However, small businesses still find it difficult to face the complexity of requirements on their own without an accompanying consultation. Qualint is a support tool, which is currently available in the 3rd version. The tool supports companies in setting up and continuously developing their integrated management system with coordinated hybrid service bundles. The focus is on combining the fields of action of quality, environmental and sustainability management as well as occupational safety and health.The article illustrates how quality management can be used as a basis for building up digital and organizational structures in companies and value chains. The focus is on sustainability aspects and ethical requirements that are closely related to people, such as occupational health and safety. Compliance with human rights is required in ISO 26000 and is also part of occupational safety and health. Furthermore, compliance with human rights and corresponding working conditions is also regulated by the new Supply Chain Duty Act (LkSG). It shows how demands on companies have grown and how the consulting tool Qualint has developed accordingly.
Compliance of agricultural AI systems : app-based legal verification throughout the development
(2024)
Significant advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been achieved; however, practical implementation in agriculture remains limited. Compliance with emerging regulations, such as the EU AI Act and GDPR, is now vital, even for non-critical AI systems. Developers need tools to assess legal compliance, which is complex, often requiring full legal advice. To address this issue, we are developing a support app that simplifies the legal aspects of AI system development, covering the entire lifecycle, from conception to distribution. The current app, which covers the key legal area of copyright and will soon include GDPR and the AI Act, aims to bridge the gap between AI research and agriculture. An evaluation of our app by experts from both the legal and the IT domains shows that the app assists the developers so that they make legally correct statements. Consequently, it promotes legal compliance and awareness among developers, contributing to the seamless integration of AI into agriculture. The need for compliant AI systems in various industries, including agriculture, will only increase as regulations evolve.
Introduction: Patients undergoing revision total hip surgery (RTHS) have a high prevalence of mild and moderate preoperative anemia, associated with adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions (ABT) and postoperative complications in preoperatively mild compared to moderate anemic patients undergoing RTHS who did not receive a diagnostic anemia workup and treatment before surgery. Methods: We included 1,765 patients between 2007 and 2019 at a university hospital. Patients were categorized according to their severity of anemia using the WHO criteria of mild, moderate, and severe anemia in the first Hb level of the case. Patients were grouped as having received no ABT, 1–2 units of ABT, or more than 2 units of ABT. Need for intraoperative ABT was assessed in accordance with institutional standards. Primary endpoint was the compound incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included major/minor complications and length of hospital and ICU stay. Results: Of the 1,765 patients, 31.0% were anemic of any cause before surgery. Transfusion rates were 81% in anemic patients and 41.2% in nonanemic patients. The adjusted risks for compound postoperative complication were significantly higher in patients with moderate anemia (OR 4.88, 95% CI: 1.54–13.15, p = 0.003) but not for patients with mild anemia (OR 1.93, 95% CI: 0.85–3.94, p < 0.090). Perioperative ABT was associated with significantly higher risks for complications in nonanemic patients and showed an increased risk for complications in all anemic patients. In RTHS, perioperative ABT as a treatment for moderate preoperative anemia of any cause was associated with a negative compound effect on postoperative complications, compared to anemia or ABT alone. Discussion: ABT is associated with adverse outcomes of patients with moderate preoperative anemia before RTHS. For this reason, medical treatment of moderate preoperative anemia may be considered.