Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Weger Author-Workplace-Name: Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, Průhonice, Czech Republic Author-Name: P. Hutla Author-Workplace-Name: Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Bubeník Author-Workplace-Name: Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, Průhonice, Czech Republic Title: Yield and fuel characteristics of willows tested for biomass production on agricultural soil Abstract: Short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations of fast growing trees in Czech Republic may be grown on approximately 120,000 ha in future, as indicated in the Czech Action Plan for Biomass. Until now, 2,800 ha of SRC were established using predominantly poplar non-native hybrid clone Max-4. The aim of this experiment and article is evaluation of promising domestic clones of willow species and their natural hybrids, to discover their yield parameters and fuel characteristics in field conditions. The experiment was established in Průhonice in 2005 and it was harvested two times in triennial rotation (2008, 2011). For the test of fuel properties biomass was used from three willow species: common osier (Salix viminalis) S-337, Smith's willow (S.× smithiana) S-218 and white willow (S. alba). Mean hectare yield of biomass in oven dry tonnes (o.d.t) of all the observed clones after first harvest was 3.9 o.d.t/ha/year, and after second harvest 10.4 o.d.t/ha/year. Observed willow clones had comparable or better yields as well as selected fuel properties (content of ash, melting point) in comparison with poplar clones used in the experiment. Keywords: short rotation coppice, emissions, native willow Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 155-161 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/12/2014-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/12/2014-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201604-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:12-2014-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J.C. Ehiem Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria Author-Name: V.I.O. Ndirika Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria Author-Name: U.N. Onwuka Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria Title: Effect of moisture content on some physical properties of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. fruits Abstract: The effect of moisture content on some physical properties of three varieties of Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. fruits (small, large and long) was studied at 40.91%, 34.92%, 23.44%, 18.5% and 11.03% moisture content on wet basis in order to solve problems associated with designing and development of processing and handling equipment for these fruits. The physical parameters investigated were major, intermediate, minor diameters, geometric mean diameter, unit mass, volume, sphericity, density, bulk density, roundness, aspect ratio, porosity, surface and specific surface area. The results obtained showed that the physical parameters decreased linearly with a decrease in moisture content. Major diameter and true density of all the fruit varieties were not affected significantly (P < 0.05) by moisture content. Canarium schwein-furthii Engl. fruits are not round but spherical and oblong, hence, they can rather roll than slide. Among the studied varieties, small Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. is less bulky, has the highest specific surface area and is more porous. Keywords: sphericity, area, density, porosity, variety Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 162-169 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/11/2015-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/11/2015-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201604-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:11-2015-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: R.A. Chayjan Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Author-Name: M. Kaveh Author-Workplace-Name: Young Researchers and Elite Club, Urmia (Sardasht) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia (Sardasht), Iran Title: Drying characteristics of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) slices under microwave-convective drying Abstract: A laboratory scale microwave-convection dryer was used to dry the eggplant fruit, applying microwave power in the range of 270-630 W, air temperature in the range of 40-70°C and air velocity in the range of 0.5-1.7 m/s. Six mathematical models were used to predict the moisture ratio of eggplant fruit slices in thin layer drying. The results showed that the Midilli et al. model had supremacy in prediction of turnip slice drying behavior. Minimum and maximum values of effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) were 1.52 × 10-9 and 3.39 × 10-9 m2/s, respectively. Activation energy values of eggplant slices were found between 13.33 and 17.81 kJ/mol for 40°C to 70°C, respectively. The specific energy consumption for drying eggplant slices was calculated at the boundary of 86.47 and 194.37 MJ/kg. Furthermore, in the present study, the application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for predicting the drying rate and moisture ratio was investigated. Microwave power, drying air temperature, air velocity and drying time were considered as input parameters for the model. Keywords: energy, modelling, microwave, effective moisture diffusivity, artificial neural network Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 170-178 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/13/2015-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/13/2015-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201604-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:13-2015-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Velebil Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Technological Equipment of Buildings, Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Malaťák Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Technological Equipment of Buildings, Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Bradna Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Technological Equipment of Buildings, Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Title: Mass yield of biochar from hydrothermal carbonization of sucrose Abstract: In this article, the effect of increasing dry matter content and reaction time of hydrothermal carbonization on mass yield of biochar was studied. Carbonization took place in batch experiments in a pressure vessel. Results have confirmed the assumption that the mass yield of biochar would increase with growing dry matter content in the initial solution and also with reaction time at reaction temperature of 200°C. It was found that components of the liquid product that remain in the biochar have a measurable impact on its mass yield. Mixing of the reactor proved to have a considerable effect on the mass yield as well. Biochar produced in absence of mixing had higher pore volume and higher yield. This was evident even after subtracting the equivalent liquid phase dry matter in the biochar after drying. Keywords: HTC, wet torrefaction, reaction time, mixing, process liquid Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 179-184 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/73/2015-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/73/2015-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201604-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:73-2015-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M. Pšenka Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic Author-Name: M. Šístková Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural, Transport and Handling Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czech Republic Author-Name: Š. Mihina Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic Author-Name: R. Gálik Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Production Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovak Republic Title: Frequency analysis of noise exposure of dairy cows in the process of milking Abstract: In the environment of farms and farm buildings, cattle are exposed to various unnatural influences. Such an impact is also noise always arising with a certain energy conversion. In cattle farms, the sources of noise are represented by various mechanical equipment and machines that are used for enabling farm operations. The aim of the paper was to analyse the noise levels in dairy cattle production in the environment, during their day routine. Noise levels were measured at two farms with a different technological layout of milking parlour, with a different way of milking. The noise exposure of dairy cows was measured in three locations, namely in the milking parlour, during standing in the area before milking (in the so-called collection room) and directly in the stabling area. Noise exposure was measured during milking and when the milking parlour was turned off. The values were compared with the hearing sensitivity of cattle at selected frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 kHz). Keywords: hearing sensitivity, welfare, cattle, milk production, milking parlour Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 185-189 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/4/2015-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/4/2015-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201604-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:4-2015-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: P. Zabloudilová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Pecen Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Sustainable Technologies, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Češpiva Author-Workplace-Name: Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Prague, Czech Republic Title: Some causes of differences in the NH3 concentration measured with the semiconductor sensors by one manufacturer Abstract: The paper deals with continuous monitoring of NH3 desorption from material used as bedding in animal breeding establishments, using five semiconductor sensors SP-53 (FIS Inc.). In lab experiments, two groups of sensors from two categories, to which the manufacturer divided the sensors based on the value of their resistance RS, were used. Also the influence of air humidity over the values of NH3 concentrations measured by individual sensors was monitored. The study ascertained statistically relevant differences between NH3 concentration values measured by both groups of sensors, in the range from 8.5% to 23.1%. The biggest differences were confirmed for relative air humidity around 85%. It was verified that setting a convenient value of the load resistance RL with regard to the RS of each sensor, along with the selection of limited range of measured temperatures and relative air humidity, leads to satisfactory correction of the sensor output data, regardless of the division of sensors in categories pursuant to the value of their resistance in manufacturing. Keywords: load resistence, sensor resistence, air humidity, continuous NH3 monitoring Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 190-197 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/80/2015-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/80/2015-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201604-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:80-2015-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M. Brožek Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Material Science and Manufacturing Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Title: Bonding of plywood Abstract: The contribution contains results of bonded joints strength tests. The tests were carried out according to the modified standard ČSN EN 1465 (66 8510):2009. The spruce three-ply wood of 4 mm thickness was used for bonding according to ČSN EN 636 (49 2419):2013. The test samples of 100 × 25 mm size were cut out from a semi-product of 2,440 × 1,220 mm size in the direction of its longer side (angle 0°), in the oblique direction (angle 45°) and in the direction of its shorter side (crosswise - angle 90°). The bonding was carried out using eight different domestic as well as foreign adhesives according to the technology prescribed by the producer. All used adhesives were designated for wood bonding. At the bonding the consumption of the adhesive was determined. After curing, the bonded assemblies were loaded using a universal tensile-strength testing machine up to the rupture. The rupture force and the rupture type were registered. Finally, the technical-economical evaluation of the experiments was carried out. Keywords: adhesive, spruce three-ply wood, bonded joints testing, cost of bonding Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 198-204 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/39/2015-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/39/2015-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-201604-0007.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:39-2015-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: editors Title: INDEX OF VOLUME 62 Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: X1 Volume: 62 Issue: 4 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/9359-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/9359-RAE.html File-Format: text/html Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:62:y:2016:i:4:id:9359-RAE