5 research outputs found
Sensing Technologies for Measuring Grain Loss during Harvest in Paddy Field: A Review
No full textA combine harvester has been widely employed for harvesting paddy in Malaysia. However, it is one of the most challenging machines to operate when harvesting grain crops. Improper handling of a combine harvester can lead to a significant amount of grain loss. Any losses during the harvesting process would result in less income for the farmers. Grain loss sensing technology is automated, remote, and prospective. It can help reduce grain losses by increasing harvesting precision, reliability, and productivity. Monitoring and generating real-time sensor data can provide effective combine harvester performance and information that will aid in analyzing and optimizing the harvesting process. Thus, this paper presents an overview of the conventional methods of grain loss measurements, the factors that contribute to grain losses, and further reviews the development and operation of sensor components for monitoring grain loss during harvest. The potential and limitations of the present grain loss monitoring systems used in combine harvesting operations are also critically analyzed. Several strategies for the adoption of the technology in Malaysia are also highlighted. The use of this technology in future harvesting methods is promising as it could lead to an increase in production, yield, and self-sufficiency to meet the increasing demand for food globally
Evaluation of field performance and energy consumption of a medium-sized combine harvester for harvesting glutinous rice in Malaysia
No full textA medium-sized combine harvester has been recently deployed to harvest newly introduced high-value glutinous rice in Malaysia. Thus, efficient utilisation of combine harvesters during harvest is essential to minimise operating costs and grain loss. This study evaluated a medium-sized combine harvester’s performance and energy consumption for harvesting glutinous rice. The experiment was carried out on a one-hectare paddy field with three sub-plots using a central composite design (CCD). A time-motion study was conducted during the harvesting operation to determine the combine harvester’s performance parameters, which included field operating speed (FS), field efficiency (FE), theoretical field capacity (TFC), effective field capacity (EFC), grain throughput capacity (GTC), fuel consumption (FC) and field machine index (MI). The energy expended during the operation, which included machinery energy (ME), fuel energy (FCE), human energy (HE), and total energy (TE) input, were also computed. The average FS, FE, TFC, EFC, FC, and MI values were 2.42 km/h, 59.78%, 0.56 ha/h, 0.33 ha/h, 14.89 l/ha, and 0.30, respectively. The mean values of ME, FCE, HE, and TE were 305.35, 711.69, 3.62, and 1020.66 MJ/ha, respectively. The combine harvester achieved an average grain throughput capacity (GTC) of 1796.91 kg/h, demonstrating its effectiveness in handling glutinous rice harvesting. The average time distribution for the harvesting operation, such as effective harvesting time, turning/reversing time, and unloading time, was 1.85 h/ha, 0.38 h/ha, and 1.05 h/ha, respectively. Based on the results, it is concluded that the medium-sized combine harvester is technically and economically suitable for harvesting glutinous rice
Experimental analysis of a sensitive plate for grain loss monitoring system
No full textThe ability to monitor grain loss from a combine harvester during harvest is an important element in rice production to minimize grain loss. In this study, an experimental modal analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the dynamic behavior of a stainless-steel plate at four different thicknesses to determine the desirable plate thickness for developing a sensitive plate for a grain-loss monitoring system. The plates were 250 mm long and 180 mm wide, and their respective thicknesses were 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mm with each plate containing 78 measurement points. Modal analysis was performed using an impact hammer, piezoelectric accelerometer sensor, national instrument data acquisition device, and MEscope analysis software. For the experiment, the piezoelectric accelerometer sensor was fixed to the center of the plate as the output device, whereas the impact hammer was set to strike three impacts per measuring point on the plate as the input device. The recorded sensor signals were imported into modal analysis software for the extraction of modal parameters. The findings were further evaluated using a Bode plot to determine the frequency response performance of the plates, and polynomial model fitting analysis to compare the significance of the modal properties of the plates. According to the results of the analysis, a 1.5 mm plate thickness was chosen as the appropriate plate thickness for the grain loss monitoring system
Prevalence of Boko Haram crisis related depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology among internally displaced persons in Yobe state, North East, Nigeria
No full textBackground: Conflicts and disasters often result in large-scale population displacement due to destruction of properties, means of livelihood and the environment. Internal displacement has a significant effect on the mental health of affected populations. Depression and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increase from 10% in the general population to 15%-20% in the crisis-affected population. Aim: To determine the Prevalence depression and PTSD symptomatology and factors that predispose to symptomatic depression and PTSD. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 450 internally displaced persons (IDPs) was conducted, using a multistage sampling technique. The Hopkins symptom checklist was used to screen participants for symptoms of depression, and the Harvard trauma questionnaire was used to diagnose PTSD. Result: The mean age of the IDPs was 35± 15years.With 55.1% being females. About 94.2% met the criteria for symptoms of PTSD while 98.4% met the criteria for symptomatic depression. Some factors that predispose to both depression and PTSD were female gender and having symptoms of depression while having non-overcrowded accommodation has a protective effect. However only having symptoms of depression remained statistically significant. Conclusion: The study revealed that, PTSD and depression symptomatology were highly prevalent among the internally displaced persons. It is recommended that, Yobe State Government through Emergency Management Agency should develop psychosocial intervention program aimed to reach out to those IDPs for rehabilitation to avoid complications such as suicidal attempts
