Introduction. Thermal treatment is a technology that ensures guaranteed quality of milk and dairy products in terms of pathogenic microorganisms and enzyme systems, under specific combinations of temperature regimes and heating times. The most effective is the “thermosiphon pasteurizer using direct or indirect electrical heating” with a closed cycle of vaporization and condensation. But it is important to reduce energy costs for heating milk and develop a calculation method for a tankless milk heater parameters for pasteurizing taking into account the hydro-thermodynamic and design characteristics of the electrode heater. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at developing the theoretical and experimental justification of a method for calculating the parameters of a tankless electrode thermosiphon heater to increase the efficiency of the milk heater in pasteurizing at a given final milk temperature and capacity in a steady-state equilibrium mode. Materials and Methods. There were used the basic provisions of the theory of hydrodynamics and thermodynamics, heat exchange and heat transfer, the methods of similarity theory, electrothermics and electrode resistance heating. Results. There has been described the technique for calculating parameters on the example of an electrode thermosiphon heater with a coil heat exchanger made of food-grade stainless steel. This technique includes the sequential determination of: the components of heat flows in a thermosiphon electrode heater under an isochoric thermodynamic regime; the flow rate of condensate; the heating area of a coil heat exchanger at given milk production rate; the power of an electrode heating device; the geometric dimensions of an electrode system. After this, experimental verification and testing of permissible values of electric field strength and current density are implied. Discussion and Conclusion. The presented calculation method allows in the equilibrium heat exchange mode agreeing the geometric and energy characteristics of the electrode system of the electro-technological heater with the parameters of the coil heat exchanger of known milk productivity, the results of the experimental verification of the proposed technology, taking into account the hydro- and thermodynamic parameters. The results of the study not contradict the results of the previous research conducted by the authors. The practical significance lies in the justified possibility of reducing the energy consumption for heating milk in thermal processing by 15–16% compared to the known technologies with a coefficient of efficiency of 84–88%. A promising area of research aimed at reducing energy consumption for milk heating, depending on the initial data of the technological process, is the study of the effect of self-regulation of the heater power using a compensatory capacity and the level of the aqueous solution.
Introduction. At present, developing the design of a multicomponent drum dispenser of a small-sized unit for preparing high-quality loose compound feed from home-produced grain fodder and industrial additives on farms and private farm households is very relevant and aimed at solving the problem of ensuring economical consumption, compliance with proportions, accuracy of dosing, and preparation of nutritionally balanced full- ration loose compound feed. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at the development of a design and experimental determination of rational design and operational parameters for a multi-component drum dispenser of loose compound feed components in a small-sized compound feed unit. Materials and Methods. There have been used the methods of determining the weight by volume and weighted average particle diameter, evaluating functional indicators, calculating and estimating the productivity errors, conducting a single-factor experimental study, and processing the measurement results to determine the rational design and operational parameters of the drum dispenser of a small-sized compound unit. There has been used a moisture meter Wile-65, a grain tester ПХ-1МЦ, a scale CAS MWP-3000, a scale MASTER MS-10, a set K505, a stopwatch СОСпр-2б-2, and a tachometer ТЧ 10-Р. Results. There have been determined the rational design and operational parameters of a five-component drum dispenser with the dosing process energy intensity of 0.2 kWh/t, and an average productivity of 111.3 kg/h for wheat, 47.4 kg/h for soybeans, 36.7 kg/h for additives, 47.9 kg/h for sunflower cake, 74.4 kg/h for corn, and 317.7 kg/h in general for loose compound feed. Discussion and Conclusion. The evaluation of the drum dispenser main performance indicators has showed compliance with the requirements for the operational process of dosing loose compound feed components. In the future, it will be possible to install a mesh drum with design parameters that depend on the specific recipe and the amount of loose feed components for different types and age groups of animals and poultry that will increase the efficiency of the direct-flow continuous operational process of producing loose compound feed with the use of the small-sized feed unit under developing compared to other designs.
Introduction. An essential component of the program for the modernization of the agroindustrial complex is the development of a federal system of technologies and machines for crop production aimed at ensuring the technological sovereignty and economic development of the country. Taking into account the experience of applying modern trends of technological progress in the agro ndustrial complex, there should be proposed the requirements for agricultural machinery in a certain factor space. In the proposed factor space structure, a person is a developer of conditions and requirements for ensuring highly efficient technological and technical support of agricultural production. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at analyzing scientific and methodological approaches and proposing an algorithm for creating the factor space structure in substantiating the differentiation system of machines for the development of innovative technical facilities and production processes in the agro-industrial complex. Materials and Methods. The functionally dependent block-factors were substantiated using the structural and functional analyses. The solution of the tasks of planning the optimal machine and tractor fleet for agricultural enterprises is based on using the methods of optimization and systematic approaches. Results. There has been proposed the factor space structure to characterize the differentiation of machines. There have been introduced and substantiated additional blockfactors, which have their own purpose, content and output indicators: Development strategy; the equipment user requirements; agricultural environment and background; complex of machines; working bodies; power supply; intelligent control technologies; predictive technologies; qualified personnel; machine and tractor fleet of enterprises. The proposed algorithm is shown by the example of the development of a plot combine for harvesting breeding plots. Discussion and Conclusion. The block-factors are interrelated and differ in the degree of their significance, which is accepted as the initial information. Each component of the proposed algorithm for creating the factor space structure was considered in accordance with the requirements of the Strategy for achieving food security indicators in the Russian Federation. The presented study continues the discussion about the selection and assessment of prospective directions for improving the methods of substantiating the machine system including territorial features. The proposed structure is universal and allows solving general industrial scientific problems of complex multifactorial character taking into account modern technologies and designs and using achievements in the field of digitalization, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Introduction. The characteristics of diesel fuel, including its chemical composition andphysico-chemical properties, directly correlate with the engine operation environmental aspects. They determine the soot formation intensity in combusting and soot emissions into the atmosphere with exhaust gases. When an engine operates using alternative biofuels in different load and speed modes, the fuel combustion conditions in the diesel cylinder vary depending on the injection and spraying parameters and the droplet size of the biofuel used that leads to the modification of the soot emission characteristics. The relevance of studying the soot formation in diesel biofuel-powered engines is caused by its direct effect on combustion efficiency, the level of toxic emissions, and on the economic and environmental engine characteristics. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at investigating the effect of methanol and methyl ester of rapeseed oil on formatting soot and reducing smoke content of diesel engine exhaust gases. Materials and Methods. The adequacy and topicality of experimental data processing methods is confirmed by experimental studies and analytical dependencies. Experimental studies were conducted according to the GOST 18509-88 methodology, the samples to determine the smoke content of exhaust gases were taken according to the GOST 24028-2013, GOST 17.2.2.02-98, GOST R 41.24-2003 methods. The parameters of the combustion process were determined according to the methods of the Central Scientific Research Diesel Institute, the calculated characteristics of soot were determined according to the Central Research Diesel Institute, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University methods and the Vyatka State Agrotechnological University programs. Results. There have been studied the morphology and microstructure of aggregate soot particles. There have been considered the physicochemical characteristics of the fuels used in a diesel engine. When operating in the main load and speed modes of a diesel engine running on methanol and methyl ether of rapeseed oil, there have been found exhaust smoke values, temperatures in the zones of soot formation and burnout, the number and diameter of soot particles, the mass content and concentration of soot. There have been also found their maximum values and has been determined the corresponding angle of crankshaft rotation. In the course of the study, the complete replacement of standard petroleum diesel fuel in diesel engines with methanol and methyl ester of rapeseed oil was successfully carried out. Discussion and Conclusion. The study confirms the possibility to replace completely the standard fuel for the diesel engine with methanol and methyl ester of rapeseed oil that reduces significantly exhaust smoke. The calculated values of the soot concentration in the cylinder correspond to current theoretical models describing the processes occurring inside the cylinder, and are confirmed by the experimental data of the exhaust smoke measurements. Further research areas may include adapting the alternative fuel used and optimizing the fuel supply system of a diesel engine to achieve the lowest possible level of exhaust smoke.
Introduction. To solve the problem of bringing together the results of different experimental designs into a single regression model it is necessary to develop the methods for designing experiments, assessing the influence of intervals and levels of variation of the studied factors on the possible behavior of changes in process indicators, and to have the ability to compile (combine) the results of several sequential series of studies into a single system. The use of numerical methods and calculation technologies, and computerized management of technological machines, will allow adjusting rapidly their operating parameters at complex interplay of factors. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at algorithmizing the methodology for developing interpolation models when used for automated processing of the results of experimental studies using the mathematical experiment design theory and compilation of the models. Materials and methods. In the study, there was used the methodology for the analytical substantiation of expressions of interpolation functions describing the nature of indicator changes within the boundaries under consideration based on the results of previously completed studies, the development of a procedure for carrying out activities related to planning an experiment and obtaining interpolation expressions and computer models. Results. There have been substantiated and implemented activities for developing a model combining a linear multifactor model and a particular function of one of the factors (the influence of the drum dispenser rotation frequency on its capacity). Discussion and Conclusion. The implemented activities allowed us to recommend the following sequence of actions: implementing a full-factorial design for several coded factors with developing the process linear model, determining the preferred zone of their use; implementing an additional series of single-factor experiments within the previously investigated coded interval of the factor under study and the subsequent finding of the functional dependence of the process indicator on this factor; developing a computer program for combining the functions of both series of studies for the substitution of partial functions of the natural indicators of the factors into a multifactorial linear model of coded factors; determining the nature and numerical values of the process indicator for all factor values in order to use the results for further calculations in the mathematical description of the studied device operation, for example, a continuous mixer. The combination of linear multifactorial design models and different versions of functions of specific variables (factors), implemented as a computer model, makes it possible to obtain a complicated multifactorial dependence, which looks linear in the coded coordinates of the factors, and the partial values of the process indicator within the section of the multifactorial experiment design (–1; +1) are described by partial functions with current natural coordinates.
Introduction. The use of the capabilities of the design of modern grain harvesters is limited by the human factor, in particular, by the significant information load on the operator. To increase the efficiency of harvesting operations and automate the process of adjusting agricultural machinery, it is relevant to develop an information system for adjusting harvesters. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at developing an approach to solving the problem of optimal adjustment of adjustable parameters of the combine harvester working bodies through using the introduction of intelligent information systems. Materials and Methods. The study subject is a decision support software system for preliminary adjustment of grain harvester adjustable parameters. To solve the problem, there were used the methods of system analysis, expert assessment, fuzzy simulation, and relational database design. Client-server architecture and an embedded Database Managemen. System SQLite were used as the hardware and software basis. Results. There has been proposed a hierarchical structure for the task of preliminary adjusting of agricultural machinery working bodies. This structure consists of layers and elements and is the basis for the software system architecture. The system can operate in two modes: an expert mode and user mode. The expert system knowledge base for adjustment is based on a remote relational Database Management System with the ability to store all data locally for expert work and relevant data selected by experts for user work. There has been collected and analyzed expert information, which is used to create an expert knowledge base. There have been considered various combinations of external factor values, for which a conclusion about specific values for adjustable parameters has been derived. Discussion and Conclusion. The developed information system allows formalizing the preliminary adjustment process for the harvester adjustable parameters and reducing the dependence of decision-making on the operator subjective experience. The practical importance of the study is in the ability to use the system to support experts and users when selecting initial parameter values in changing conditions of harvesting. Future studies are relevant, because of the necessity of expanding the knowledge base in the area under studying, taking into account a greater number of factors, and developing mechanisms for automatic adjustment of parameters in real time.
Introduction. Early diagnosis of diseases of cereal crops is a key task for precision ag- riculture, because late disease detection results in significant yield losses and inefficient use of plant protection products. Existing phytosanitary control systems mainly focus on offline data post-processing and require substantial computational resources that limits their use on board unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). In this context, a relevant scientific challenge is to ensure highly accurate real-time plant disease diagnosis under strict com-putational and energy constraints of onboard platforms. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at developing an energy-efficient onboard wheat disease detection system capable of real-time operation on embedded platforms. Materials and Methods. The object of the study was wheat crops under open-field con- ditions. The system was tested on the computer modules Jetson TX2, NavQ Plus and Raspberry Pi 4. To build the system, there was used a modified YOLO-based architecture integrating lightweight convolutional blocks (GhostConv, MBConv), attention modules (SE, CBAM), and an extended BiFPN feature aggregation structure. Training was based on a dataset of 7,500 annotated images of brown and yellow rust symptoms. Results. The developed model demonstrated high detection quality scores: F1-score up to 0.978 and average IoU of 0.82. Performance achieved 16.8 FPS on Jetson TX2 and 13.6 FPS on NavQ Plus, with energy efficiency up to 2.7 FPS/W. Discussion and Conclusion. The comparative analysis showed that the proposed model outperformed the baseline YOLOvSs according to all key metrics. The proposed architec-ture demonstrates high accuracy, robustness to noise, and real-time applicability. It can be used to create intelligent crop health control systems and automated plant protection control based on UAV platforms.
Introduction. Throughout the entire period of its development, agricultural machine engineering has paid special attention to the manufacture and improvement of cutting tools. Modern methods of coating create thin, uniform layers having high hardness and low friction coefficients. Optimal coating compositions are often selected empirically; therefore, developing new functional surface coating compositions for cutting tools requires theoretical prediction of their result parameters. Aim of the Study. The aim of the study is to investigate tribological characteristics of carbide end milling cutters manufactured by JSC Lepse under the conditions of dry sliding friction across the entire cutting part periphery through conducting express tests. Materials and Methods. The scanning electron microscope JEOL JSM-6510LV was used to study elemental compositions of the surface coating and tool material of the milling cutters. The friction force was determined using a unique laboratory setup for express tests of tribological characteristics. After testing, there has been assessed the degree of end milling surface wear using the direct laboratory research microscope Axio Scope.A1. Results. There has been determined the identical composition of the milling cutter coating. There has been found the dependence of the friction force on the tool operating time. At the beginning of operation (the first 30–300 seconds), the friction force reached its highest values and then it stabilized at different levels depending on the application of load: 2.5 N at 200 N, 3.5 N at 300 N, and 10 N at 400 N. Discussion and Conclusion. The increase in axial load causes increased wear and chipping formation. The size and propagation of chippings along the cutting edge increases and reaches a critical level at a load of 400 N. The obtained data can be used to create new surface coating compositions and architectures. The further research should be conduct to expand the experimental matrix through testing coatings of different architectures and elemental compositions, and implementing temperature control in the contact zone.
Introduction. Horticulture is one of the leading areas of agriculture, which has been demonstrating the increase in quantity and quality of products in recent years. To ensure long-term stability, it is necessary to modernize the technical and technological systems used for tree pruning. Currently, the ratio of manual and mechanized labor is 80 to 20%. High labor intensity when using manual or lever-driven pruners causes inefficiency of their use and low productivity of the operator. The most relevant is the development of pruning devices drivenby a linear electric motor. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at determining the effect of the number of non-magnetic stator spacers and their geometric dimensions on the armature pulling force. Materials and Methods. The subject of the study is the magnetic system of a linear electric motor. There have been determined the design characteristics of the magnetic system affecting the main parameter of the linear electric motor operation – armature pulling force. The study was conducted using the laws of electromechanics, the electrical engineering theoretical fundamentals, and computer modeling methods. Results. During computer modeling of the magnetic system, the length of the non-magnetic stator spacers changed from 8 to 18 mm and the number of spacers changed from 1 to 5 pcs. There have been found the dependences of the change in pulling force, the range of speed variation during armature movement on the length and number and of the non-magnetic spacers. In examining a non-magnetic spacer of 8 mm, it was found that the maximum armature pulling force of 50 N was achieved in 3 ms and for a non-magnetic spacer of 18 mm, the maximum pulling force is 40 N in 12 ms. Discussion and Conclusion. Decreasing the length of the non-magnetic stator spacers and increasing their number, leads to increases in the armature pulling force resulting in increased operation speed and improved quality of the branch cut surface. It is recommended to use the presented results for designing a linear electric drive for hand tools. Future studies suggest studying the influence of the shape of non-magnetic and magnetic spacers on the armature pulling force.
Introduction. The problem of corrosion damage to the working bodies of agricultural machinery during off-season storage remains a pressing one due to the ineffectiveness of traditional preservation methods. Solving this problem is necessary to reduce material losses, increase the service lifetime of equipment, and ensure uninterrupted operation during seasonal fieldwork. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at the theoretical and experimental substantiation for the use of alkali metal and ammonium tetraboron phosphates as highly effective corrosion inhibitors for protecting steel 65G. Materials and Methods. The object of the study was steel 65G, which is used to manufacture the working bodies of agricultural machines. The inhibitory effect of the synthesized lithium, sodium, potassium, and ammonium tetraborophosphates was assessed using the gravimetric (according to GOST 9.908–85, VLA-200 g-M scales), electrochemical (potentiostat P-5848, three-electrode cell), and corrosion fatigue (2·106 cycles) methods in a 3% NaCl solution. Results. When potassium tetraborophosphate was added to a 3% NaCl solution, the corrosion rate of steel 65G was 4.2·10–3g/(m2·h), while it was 44.6·10–3 g/(m2·h) in a solution without an inhibitor. According to electrochemical measurement data, the steel corrosion potential in the solution with potassium tetraborophosphate changed from −0.42 to −0.16 V. In the cleaning solution MS-8 with the addition of potassium tetraborophosphate (5 kg/m3) at a temperature of 60 °C and a washing period of 6 minutes, the surface cleaning degree reached 88.9%, and the contact angle was 25°. In carrying out corrosion fatigue tests based on 2·106 cycles, the steel fatigue limit in an aggressive environment with potassium tetraborophosphate increased by 6.5 MPa compared to a solution without an inhibitor. Discussions and Conclusion. The results obtained allow us to recommend the studied tetraboron phosphate compounds, particularly potassium tetraboron phosphate, as effective detergentpassivating additives to aqueous cleaning solutions and to corrosion protection compounds for agricultural machinery during off-season storage. This will ensure technological effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and increased lifetime of the equipment.
Introduction. At present, the workers of the agro-industrial complexes in the Russian Federation are faced with the task of ensuring the country food security and integrating into the global market of agricultural products. The successful implementation of these tasks depends on the solution of increasing the efficiency of agricultural units based on wheeled row tractors. When performing technological operations, the row unit moves with lateral wheel slip that negatively affects its traction and energy indicators and the quality of operating, because of the deviation in the lateral direction of the working bodies of agricultural machines unacceptable according to agrotechnical requirements. Improving the unit functional indicators during the cultivation of row-spacing of row crops can be ensured by installing tires having a rational value of lateral recovery resistance coefficients on the tractor wheels. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at reducing operating and energy costs and improving the quality of technological operation during the trajectory movement of agricultural row units through completing the wheels of running systems of universal row tractors with tires of rational lateral stiffness. Materials and Methods. The objects of field testing were standard tires 9.00R-20 and 15,5R-38, a row unit consisting of a tractor Belarus 80.1 and an attached cultivator KRN-5,6. The studies were conducted using a theoretical and experimental method based on simultaneous carrying out of analytical calculations and experimental worksResults. There have been determined rational values of the coefficients of resistance to the tire drift of the tractor Belarus 80.1. Discussion and Conclusion. When the tractor Belarus 80.1 generates a drawbar pull of about 9 kN and its slipping is 12–15%, it is necessary to equip its dirigible wheels with tires having a lateral rigidity of more than 18 kN/rad, and driving wheels with tires having a lateral rigidity of at least 50 kN/rad. The proposed technique can be used when equipping tires of running systems of any row agricultural units.
Introduction. The environmental deterioration in many regions of Russia, accompanied by food pollution with toxic substances and radionuclides, requires food safety and of preventative measures that determines the use of pectin as a natural detoxifier. The use of fruit crops taking into account local condition has a significant potential for developing pectin extraction technologies and producing pectin products, including milk-based ones for functional use. In the Crimea, such a fruit crop is dogwood containing a complex of biologically active components, in particular pectin substances. Research into improving the technology of producing yogurt enriched with dogwood puree is relevant, because of the dogwood inclusion into yogurt composition can improve its nutritional and biological value, taste and texture, and expand the range of dairy products. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at determining the effect of dogwood properties as a filler on the rheological parameters of a milk-based product (on the example of yogurt), and at determining the analytical characteristics of pectin substances contained in the studied dogwood fruits grown in the Republic of Crimea. Materials and Methods. The object of the study is producing yogurt enriched with dogwood puree. There was used the dogwood (Cornus mas L.) of two varieties: Krymsky and Azovsky. The dogwood fruits were harvested when they reached full maturity in the Simferopol district of the Republic of Crimea. When conducting the experiments, there were used chemical reagents, a centrifuge, a drying oven, and a thermostat. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the dogwood pectins was performed using a standardized conductometric method. The viscosity of the product was determined using the express consistency analyzer EAK-2M by constructing a calibration graph based on the values of distilled water. Results. It was found that water-soluble pectin content ranges from 0.25–0.32% of dry weight that is 10.8 g/kg for the Krymsky variety and 10.3 g/kg for the Azovsky variety. In quantitative terms, among native pectins, there are more esterified molecular structures, approximately 55.72–65.12%. There were studied the rheological properties of yogurt and samples containing 20% dogwood puree weight. The results of the experiment demonstrated an increase in the viscosity of the product with the addition of dogwood puree. Discussion and Conclusion. Quantitative characterization of dogwood pectin substances makes it possible to determine their functional and technological properties and demonstrates promise for using dogwood fruits as valuable local pectin-containing raw material. The graphical dependences show that compared to the control sample, the experimental yogurt sample with dogwood puree shows greater resistance to viscosity loss with increasing temperature due to the presence of highly esterified pectin substances. This improved enriched yogurt technology can be used in milk processing plants producing fermented milk products after minor production upgrades.
Introduction. A promising approach to the machine design is the development of adaptive design structures compensating for external influences by changing the stress-strain state of their elements. However, these structures have not been widely used in agricultural machinery design because of the type of loading and the specific of transported loads that cause intense corrosion and abrasive damage. Aim of the study. The study is aimed at analyzing the methods for changing the strength characteristics of the structures of parts and assembly units of agricultural machinery during their operation and at developing methods for determining their stress-strain state to use in the design control algorithm. Materials and methods. As an example, we have examined the side of a vehicle body. Based on the principles of automatic control theory, the load-carrying structure is designed as a multilayer rectangular plate made of a polymer composite material. The inner layers are honeycomb filled with a non-Newtonian dilatant fluid. The filler performs the function of a compensator for external impacts. There were used the methods of mathematical modeling based on the constructing boundary value problems of the statics of multilayer thin plates, and plates on an elastic foundation, and studying their stress-strain state by solving analytically differential equations expressed in displacements. Results. There was developed an algorithm for determining the stress-strain state of a multilayer rectangular composite plate with discrete support under a normal distributed load taking into account impact disturbances. There were determined maximum bending stresses and the stresses arising from the braking of a rigid body moving with acceleration by the inner part of the plate. Discussion and Conclusion. In the study, there have been analyzed existing structural materials, technologies and technical means used to compensate for control action arising from the machine operation. There has been developed the methodology for transitioning from traditional designs to advanced models featuring adaptive elements, which change their stress-strain state depending on changes in external load. There has been theoretically substantiated a multilayer composite vehicle body side structure, which can withstand not only distributed forces but also impacts. Its material consumption is significantly reduced (several times) compared to steel, and its service life is increased due to the chemical resistance of the materials used in its manufacture. This design approach allows the proposed methodology to be used for a wide range of applications in the production of new agricultural equipment.
Introduction. Early and reliable detection of tomato leaf diseases is critical for reduc-ing yield loss and enabling enal precision agriculture. Recent advances in deep learning have improved classification performance; however, challenges remain in interpretability and robustness under real-field conditions. Aim of the Study. This study aims to develop an accurate and explainable hybrid frame-work that integrates handcrafted spectral-texture descriptors with deep convolutional fea-tures to achieve high-performance multi-class classification of tomato leaf diseases across ten categories. Materials and Methods. A three-stage pipeline is proposed. Spectral features including Excess Green (ExG), Excess Red (ExR), HSV color channels, and vegetation indices are extracted from RGB images to simulate multispectral responses. Texture features derived from Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), Tamura descriptors, and FFT-based en-ergy and entropy capture lesion morphology and frequency-domain patterns. These fea-tures are classified using a Random Forest model. In parallel, an EfficientNetB0-based CNN is fine-tuned on augmented images to learn deep spatial representations. Model in-terpretability is achieved using SHAP for feature-level analysis and Grad-CAM for visual localization. A late-fusion ensemble strategy integrates both models. Results. The handcrafted feature-based Random Forest model achieves a baseline classifi-cation accuracy of 89.2%, while the fine-tuned Efficient NetB0 CNN attains 94% accuracy. The ensemble framework further improves overall performance to 96%, demonstrating enhanced robustness and generalization across all ten disease classes. Discussion and Conclusion. The proposed hybrid and explainable framework effectively combines domain-driven features with deep learning representations, delivering high ac-curacy and transparent decision-making Visual and feature-level explanations confirm that biologically meaningful regions, such as necrotic and discolored areas, guide model predictions. This approach provides a scalable and reliable solution for automated tomato disease diagnosis, supporting real-world deployment in smart farming and precision agri-culture systems.
Introduction. Large-fruited cranberries have therapeutic and prophylactic properties, which cause their wide consumption. Because of reducing the areas occupied by wild cranberry, it is necessary to increase industrial cultivation of cranberries to meet public demand. The main challenge in cultivating the cranberries on industrial plantations is the use of low-performance agricultural machinery for harvesting. Therefore, improving the machinery for harvesting large-fruited cranberries is a topical scientific and technical task. Upgrading this equipment involves conducting field experimental studies, which consist in simulating the operation of the units in various operating modes. During these studies, the being upgraded machine interacts with the being harvested cranberries, the mock-ups of which with properties identical to real cranberries can be created using additive technologies. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at expanding the capabilities of laboratory equipment and software by using additive technologies in experimental studies of the interaction between the working elements of harvesting machines and large-fruited cranberries Materials and Methods. The object of the study was the Stevens large-fruited cranberry variety. The method for determining the cranberry weight-size characteristics was based on the wet harvesting method. The weight of cranberries was determined by weighing on scales. A caliper was used to measure linear dimensions of cranberries, including length and two transverse dimensions in measurement planes positioned at 90° relative to each other. The volume of cranberries was determined by determining the volume of displaced cranberry liquid and with the use of the calculating method. 3D models were developed using FlashPrint 5 software, using a Flashforge Finder 3D printer and polylactide (PLA) plastic to print mock-ups. Results. Using additive technologies, there has been developed a method for calculating the parameters for large-fruited cranberry mock-ups. There have been created the mock-ups of cranberries maximally approximate to the originals. It has been found that an increase in the cranberry fraction size from 1 to 5 · 10–6 m3, the density of the created cranberry mock-ups decreases by 66.2% from 1367.37 kg/m3 to 461.98 kg/m3, and the volume increases by 5.3 times from 0.81 · 10–6 m3 to 4.26 · 10–6 m3. Discussion and Conclusions. The additive technologies made it possible to create from an inexpensive and long-life material highly accurate mock-ups of large-fruited cranberries fully replicate the properties of cranberries grown on a plantation. This could simplify laboratory research of the wet cranberry harvesting and reduce the financial costs of their sale.
Introduction. A promising means for cultivating the arable layer is vertical tillage using agricultural machinery with disc working tools. This agricultural machinery is used to crush and partially embed plant residues into the soil with minimal soil damage that results in increased yields. However, there have not enough studies been conducted on simulating the vertical tillage process using a turbodisc cultivator. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at simulating the process of vertical tillage with a developed turbodisc cultivator to increase the cultivator performance. Materials and Methods. The object of the study is the upgraded turbo-disc cultivator (RF Patent No. 2825223). The research method is based on the principles of theoretical mechanics and mathematics. There was used the Cochran criterion to confirm the reliability of the obtained dependences of the cultivator performance on the number of waves on a wave disc at a speed of 18 km/h and needle lengths of 0.2565 and 0.3195 m. Results. There is presented a block diagram of algorithms for vertical tillage with a developed turbodisc cultivator and the cultivator performance optimization. There have been found the projections of the point velocity. Discussion and conclusion. When the the tractor-machine unit speed is of 15 km/h, the needle length is 0.2565 m and the wave disc diameter is from 0.343 to 0.559 m, the productivity increases from 3.72 to 4.37 ha/h with 4 blades on the needle disc, from 5.46 to 6.41 ha/h with 6 blades and from 7.20 to 8.45 ha/h with 8 blades. The practical significance of the research is the substantiation of the rational performance of the turbo-disc cultivator for vertical tillage, as well as the block diagram of the algorithm, which will allow you to choose the optimal performance of the turbo-disc cultivator under various regime indicators and design parameters of the needle and wavy discs. The prospects of the research are the development and search for new technical solutions to improve the design of the working bodies of the turbo-disc cultivator, which will reduce its energy consumption and increase its productivity.
Introduction. An acute problem of modern industry is environmental pollution by plastic products, which are highly resistant to degradation and accumulate in ecosystems. This poses a threat to natural resources and requires the development of alternative materials combining strength and environmental safety. In this context, special attention is paid to wood-polymer composites (WPC), which are a promising class of biodegradable materials. Their drawback is the difficulty in ensuring a strong interaction between the hydrophilic wood filler and hydrophobic polymer matrix that directly affects the physical, mechanical and operational properties. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at investigating the effect of two-stage processing of wood filler (thermal modification followed by ozonation) on structural changes in its composition and the physicochemical properties of the obtained composites. Materials and Methods. The studies were carried out using pine wood flour subjected to two-stage processing. IR spectroscopy was used to analyze the molecular structure and chemical changes. Infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the molecular structure and chemical changes. There were also used water absorption analysis and determination of bending and tensile strength. Results. There have been determined the bending and tensile strength, and the degree of water absorption of the material. Thermal treatment resulted in degradation of cellulose and lignin, reduction of humidity and improvement of mechanical properties. Ozonation increased the content of oxygen-containing groups, strengthened adhesion with the polymer matrix and reduced water absorption by 50%. The tensile strength increased by 17.89% and the bending strength by 15.6%. Discussion and Conclusion. The proposed method of modifying wood filler allows improving significantly the performance characteristics of WPC. The material can be used to produce biodegradable containers for planting that opens up prospects for its application for environmentally friendly technologies. The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of the two-stage approach to filler modification and the feasibility of its use in industrial production.
Introduction. Controlling microclimates in the cabin of mobile energy vehicles is an important factor for ensuring operator comfort and productivity. Failure to conform to the microclimate standard values, resulting from uneven heat input from the cab enclosing surfaces and outside can negatively impact the operator health and performance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an adaptive algorithm of climate control system operation for forecasting the changes in heat input into the cabin and preadjusting cooling capacity. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at developing an adaptive algorithm for the climate control system operation in the cabins of mobile energy vehicles. Materials and Methods. The theoretical analysis of heat balance formation was used to study the creating process of microclimate conditions in the cabins of mobile energy vehicles, including the dependence of temperature changes in the tractor cabin. There was also used an experimental method involved temperature measurements in the cabin of a T-150K tractor. The exponential smoothing method was used as a forecasting method in the cabins of mobile energy vehicles. Results. As a result of the study, an adaptive algorithm for climate control system has been developed. There has been found an equation for forecasting the air temperature and cooling capacity of a climate control system. An adaptive algorithm for the operation of a climate control system using the exponential smoothing method has been theoretically substantiated and tested in practice. Discussion and Conclusion. The developed adaptive algorithm makes it possible to predict temperature changes in the range of one minute, while the discrepancy between theoretical and experimental values is 2%. When forecasting changes in the cooling capacity of the climate control system, the discrepancy between theoretical and experimental values was 5%. The theoretical basis of the algorithm includes a heat balance equation using the exponential smoothing method to forecast cabin air temperature. An experimental test carried out in the T-150K tractor showed a low prediction error that allows the use of an adaptive algorithm for the operation of climate control systems.
Introduction. With rising energy prices and stricter environmental regulations, it is critical to find hidden savings economy. Recently, for improving building energy efficiency the preference is given to intermittent operation heating systems among which low-frequency fluctuation of the coolant temperature in the heating system circuits occupies a special place. The Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at evaluating the effect of an increase in outdoor air temperature and the coolant temperature fluctuation on a decrease in the density of heat flow through the envelopes of an individual design constructed building. Materials and Methods. The experimental study was conducted during increasing outdoor air temperature under the influence of solar radiation and coolant temperature fluctuation. Low-frequency coolant temperature fluctuation mode in the building heating system was simulated using the patented technology. To the heating system circuits, there was periodically supplied hot or cooled coolant, the frequency of which varied within 0.001–0.003 Hz and amplitude varied within 10–20 °C depending on the coolant temperature, and the outdoor and indoor air temperatures in a separate room of the residential building. The heating system was additionally equipped with a three-way control valve, a control unit with sensors for measuring coolant temperature in the supply and return pipes, and outdoor air temperature. The parameters of the coolant, the temperatures of the outdoor and indoor air in the room at the measuring points were monitored using an automated measuring system. The Results of the Study. With the traditional method of coolant supplying to heating circuits, the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air decreases by 4.6 °C, and with a fluctuation of the coolant temperature by 6.9 °C. When using the traditional method of supplying coolant to the heating system circuits, in the zones of measuring the envelope surface temperatures the excess of the average values of the heat flux density over the average values of the heat flux during the coolant fluctuation ranges from 34.49% for the zone 2.5 m from the floor to 47.42% for the zone behind the heater. Discussion and Conclusion. During the study, it was found that the decrease in heat flux density during the coolant fluctuation depends on the temperature measurement zone of the surface of the building envelope; the maximum value is fixed behind the heating device. Therefore, heating devices should be located on the internal building envelope.
Introduction. Vertical tillage is a new resource-saving technology that allows increasing crop yields to 8.5 c/ha and improves soil structure with increased seeding depth for better root system development. For vertical tillage, there are used soil tillers such as turbodisc cultivators. The growing demand on environmental safety of technical means effect on the soil lead to the search for original solutions to reduce energy consumption and preserve soil fertility. Large volumes of crop residues in the fields are difficult to crush that leads to clogging the working bodies of machines (huskers, cultivators, plows, disc harrows) with crop residues and negatively affects the quality of crop residues crushing. Aim of the Study. The study is aimed at determining the placement height of the working bodies for breaking sunflower stubble to increase the efficiency of its embedding in the soil. Materials and Methods. А turbodisc cultivator design has been developed. The cultivator and the technological process of its operation have been examined. Theoretical mechanics was used to determine the degree of breaking plant residues by the working organs of the developed turbodisc cultivator. There was examined sunflower stubble in the form of an elastic vertical rod fixed from below. The force of impact on stubble was calculated. There were determined shear modulus and the impact force arm on the stubble. Results. There has been found obtained the expression for breaking sunflower stubble during vertical tillage with a developed turbodisc cultivator. There has been proposed a method for embedding stubble of tall-stemmed plants in the soil. Discussion and Conclusion. To increase the efficiency of embedding stubble of tall crops in the soil, it is necessary to use optimal placement height of the working organs, taking into account the initial breaking degree.
