Truck Activity Pattern Classification Using Anonymous Mobile Sensor Data

To construct, operate, and maintain a transportation system that supports the efficient movement of freight, transportation agencies must understand economic drivers of freight flow. This is a challenge since freight movement data available to transportation agencies is typically void of commodity and industry information, factors that tie freight movements to underlying economic conditions. With recent advances in the resolution and availability of big data from Global Positioning Systems (GPS), it may be possible to fill this critical freight data gap. However, there is a need for methodological approaches to enable usage of this data for freight planning and operations. To address this methodological need, we use advanced machine-learning techniques and spatial analyses to classify trucks by industry based on activity patterns derived from large streams of truck GPS data. The major components are: (1) derivation of truck activity patterns from anonymous GPS traces, (2) development of a classification model to distinguish trucks by industry, and (3) estimation of a spatio-temporal regression model to capture rerouting behavior of trucks. First, we developed a K-means unsupervised clustering algorithm to find unique and representative daily activity patterns from GPS data. For a statewide GPS data sample, we are able to reduce over 300,000 daily patterns to a representative six patterns, thus enabling easier calibration and validation of the travel forecasting models that rely on detailed activity patterns. Next, we developed a Random Forest supervised machine learning model to classify truck daily activity patterns by industry served. The model predicts five distinct industry classes, i.e., farm products, manufacturing, chemicals, mining, and miscellaneous mixed, with 90% accuracy, filling a critical gap in our ability to tie truck movements to industry served. This ultimately allows us to build travel demand forecasting models with behavioral sensitivity. Finally, we developed a spatio-temporal model to capture truck rerouting behaviors due to weather events. The ability to model re-routing behaviors allows transportation agencies to identify operational and planning solutions that mitigate the impacts of weather on truck traffic. For freight industries, the prediction of weather impacts on truck driver’s route choices can inform a more accurate estimation of billable miles

Manufacturing of biocomposite shell mimetic via the powder compaction method

Natural sea shells are used in the treatment of waste air-streams in biofitration process, however this industry requires new methods of fabricating synthetic shell media to perform in the way natural shell performs. This present study investigates the manufacturing of seashells-like bioceramic/biocomposites as a filter bed with optimum porosity and compressive load capacity using uniaxial die compaction method. According to the structure of natural sea shell, calcium carbonate bioceramics/biocomposites were designed and manufactured in three steps. In the first step, optimisation of the process parameters and their effects on the porosity (Pr) and compressive load (Cs) of bio-ceramic 1 have been studied. Statistical analyses of the data indicates that only the weight fraction of the pore former and the compaction load influenced significantly the porosity and the compressive load. The compaction speed has no significant influence on the properties of the artificial bioceramic. Higher weight fraction of pore former and lower compaction load leads to high porosity and low compressive load. In the second step, the effect of the particle size of the pore former on porosity and compressive load of calcium carbonate bioceramic 2 was investigated and optimised. The particle size of the pore former has a significant effect on compressive load. No substantial effect of the particle size of the pore former has been found to vary the porosity of the bioceamic 2. In the third step, the effect of the addition of biopolymers on compressive load of calcium carbonate biocomposite has been analysed. The mixing of individual or both biopolymers together increased the compressive load of the calcium carbonate biocomposites significantly. This new synthetic bioceramic/composites were also examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and their behaviour under compression test was also determined. Porosity and compressive load of the natural seashells were compared with artificial calcium carbonate bioceramic/biocomposites. The biocomposite performed well mechanically under dry conditions however more research is required to identify the problems that occurred under wet conditions

Effect of stocking density on growth performance of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with Indian spinach (Basella alba) in a recirculating aquaponic system

An experiment was conducted to compare effect of stocking density on growth performance of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with Indian spinach (Basella alba) in a recirculating aquaponic system. The experiment was set-up for 8 weeks under 4 treatments with three replications, where stocking density of tilapia were 30, 50, 70 and 90 fish/tank (300 litre) in treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Water from the tank was recirculated through a vegetable growing tray. Each of the tray was 0.15 m3in size, which was planted with 12 plants (Indian spinach). The fish of all the treatments was fed two times a day. During the experimental period,the range of water temperature was 27.1 to 31.50 C, pH 7.48 to 8.28, ammonia 0.2 to 2.0 mg/l and dissolve oxygen 5.11 to 6.58 mg/l. At the end of the experiment, average weight gain, final length, specific growth rate (%/day), survival rate was significantly higher in T1 (30 fish/tank) treatment while the net yield of fish and plant biomass was higher in T2 (50 fish/tank) treatment.Therefore, the study suggests that stocking density of 50 fish/tank for tilapia, i.e. 167 fish/m3, is suitable for production of both plant and fish in a recirculating aquaponic system

EFFECT OF GIBBERELLIC ACID AND SPACING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa L.)

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE SHER-E-BANGLA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY DHAKA-1207In the present study the effect of both Gibberellic Acid (GA ) and plant spacing on growth and yield of lettuce was examined at Horticulture Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period from October 2013 to January 2014. During cultivation, three levels of Gibberellic Acid (GA 3 ), (G 0 = 0 mg/L, G 1 3 =25 mg/L and G =50 mg/L) and four levels of plant spacing’s as S 1 = 15x20 cm, S 2 =20x25 cm, S 3 =25x25 cm, S 2 =25x30 cm were evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. In case of different factors the maximum gross fresh yield (29.05 t/ha) was recorded from G , whereas the minimum gross fresh yield (16.27 t/ha) was recorded from G 0 4 1 . The spacing of S recorded the maximum gross fresh yield (23.8 t/ha) due to highest fresh weight of plants, while the minimum gross fresh yield (14.82 t/ha) was obtained from the widest spacing’s S due to lowest number of plants at 45 DAS. In case of combined effect the highest gross fresh yield (27.73 t/ha) was obtained from G 1 S where as the lowest gross fresh yield (16.27 t/ha) was recorded from G 0 S 4 3 . Cost benefit analysis indicate that the highest benefit ratio (2.04) was obtained from G 1 S 3 , where as the lowest benefit ratio (1.16) was obtained from G . On the basis of overall effect and economic analysis it can be concluded that GA concentration (25 mg/L) and plant spacing (25x25 cm) on growth and yield proved to be the most promising 3 for getting optimum yield in lettuce and it is apparent that it was suitable for lettuce 0 3 S 4 1A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Horticulture Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN HORTICULTUR

EFFECT OF SEED SIZE AND SPACING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MUNGBEAN

A Thesis Submitted to Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN AGRONOMY SEMESTER: JANUARY-JUNE, 2015An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy field, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during March to May, 2014 to study the effect of seed size and spacing on the growth and yield of mungbean. The experiment was consisted of three seed sizes; viz., small (3.2mm), medium (3.2 mm to 4mm) and large ( >4mm) and four row spacings (20cm, 25cm, 30cm and 35cm). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) (factorial) with three replications. The results showed that growth, yield and yield attributes of mungbean significantly influenced by seed sizes, spacings and their combinations. At harvest, medium seed sized gave the longest plant height (44.8 cm), maximum number of leaves plant (10.0), the highest leaf dry weight plant -1 (7.6g), flower and pod dry weight plant -1 (3.4g), total plant dry weight (15.5g), biological yield plant (3.0g), harvest index (0.38) and seed yield (1.58t ha gave the highest seed yield (1.57t ha -1 -1 -1 ). The plant of 30cm spacing ), biological yield (3.8 t ha index (0.39). The combined effect of medium seed size (3.2-4mm) and sowing at 30 cm spacing showed maximum grain yield (2.4 t ha ) with higher value of harvest index (40.00%). -1 -1 ), harvest -

A STUDY ON MAKING SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEM ECONOMICALLY VIABLE AND SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE IN BANGLADESH

Solar power is at the forefront of sustainable development discussions due to the global movement toward renewable energy. In Bangladesh, where agriculture is vital to the economy, sustainable irrigation is crucial. This thesis investigates the economic viability and socio-economic acceptability of solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Bogra, Bangladesh. Several approaches have been proposed to make solar power irrigation in Bangladesh more profitable. High-value crops like summer tomatoes and hybrid vegetables highlight the economic benefits and increased profitability of solar-powered irrigation systems. Furthermore, it is imperative to decrease the expenses associated with these systems. Partnering with government agencies to make vital equipment affordable and accessible can achieve this goal. Researching new methods and localized production can also lower solar panel prices. A collaborative technique between marginal and large-scale farmers can help small-scale farmers afford solar power irrigation by distributing costs fairly. Government backing, expanded R&D, localized manufacture, training, and subsidies can also help solar-powered irrigation become economically sustainable. To improve socio-economic acceptability, solar power irrigation benefits must be promoted and communicated. Training, informed advertising, and successful case studies help build faith in the technology and motivate farmers to employ it. Community involvement and practical examples in Bogra can boost social approval as farmers see the benefits of solar-powered irrigation. Sharecroppers, a large part of Bangladesh's agricultural community, need subsidies or reasonable financing. This paper examines the economic viability and socio-economic acceptability of solar-powered irrigation systems in Bangladesh, specifically in Bogra. The goal is to sustainably enhance agriculture in the region by examining many options and strategic methods. This field addresses the critical need for environmentally friendly and sustainable irrigation solutions.  Article visualizations

EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea var. italica L)

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN HORTICULTUREA field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh, during November 2021 to March 2022 to find out the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer managements for the growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). The experiment comprised 9 different treatments of organic and inorganic fertilizer and their combination viz., T 0 : Control (without fertilizer); T 1 : Cow dung (CD) @ 15 ton/ha; T 2 : Recommend fertilizer dose @ CD 10 t N 150 kg P 150 : Vermicompost @ 10 ton/ha and Trichoderma @ 22 kg/ha; T 4 : Vermicompost @ 10 ton/ha and biochar 150 kg/ha; T 5 : Kitchen compost @ 8 ton/ha; T 6 kg K 120 kg/ha : Mushroom compost @ 5 ton/ha; T 7 : Vermicompost (50%) + Cowdung (50%) and T 8 : Mushroom Spent compost @ 5 ton/ha (60%) + Vermicompost (20%) + Trichoderma (20%) and experiment was setup in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A positive impact of each fertilizer was observed on vegetative growth and yield of the crop. Early curd initiation (44.33 days after transplanting), maximum curd diameter (13.58 cm), maximum weight of primary curd (344.2 g), maximum number of secondary curd (6.67), maximum weight of secondary curd (210 g), maximum dry matter content (9.86%) of curd, highest yield plant -1 (550 g), yield plot -1 (4.95 kg) and yield ha (26.76 t) were found from T 2 treatment, while the control treatment gave the lowest. The highest benefit cost ratio (3.40) was noted from T 2 and the lowest (1.21) from T 4 . Considering the differences between different organic fertilizers with the recommended dose, the lowest differences of plant height (1.57 cm) at 60 DAT, diameter (0.33 cm) of primary curd, weight (26.1 g) of primary curd, per plant yield (21.9 g) and yield (1.07 t/ha) of broccoli over the recommended dose was observed in T 8 treatment. Considering the sustainable yield, application of recommend fertilizer dose @ CD 10 kg/ha seemed to be more promising for broccoli cultivation and among the organic fertilizers, the combination Mushroom Spent compost @ 5 ton/ha (60%) + Vermicompost (20%) + Trichoderma (20%) was best in respect of plant growth and yield

Travel mode choice behavior analysis using multinomial logit models towards creating sustainable college campus: a case study of the University of Toledo, Ohio

By employing descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression models, the paper investigates factors that affect the travel mode choice behavior of a college community for both commuting to the campus from their residences and commuting on campus from one facility to another. Results show that car ownership, travel distance, age, gender, academic status, income, perception of safety, number of weekly trips, and weather conditions affect people’s mode choice decisions significantly. The study finds that increasing travel distance, age, and being a staff member positively impact car mode choice, faculty members are more likely to bike and walk compared to undergraduate students, and unlike the authors’ predictions, the higher-income people are more likely to walk on campus. Results also reveal that car users change travel modes more often than active transport mode users based on semesters and that although women are less likely to bike to the campus, they are more likely to walk and bike on campus. If the number of trips increases, people prefer cars to walk, bike, and ride a bus to commute to the campus while they prefer walking to driving a car on campus. The study contributes to help create pollution-free and healthy urban college campuses that, on larger scales, will further contribute to developing sustainable cities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals as described by the United Nations, particularly goal number 11, “to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable,” and thereby contribute to improving urban living conditions

Voice mail application for visually impaired persons

Technology-based applications are developed day by day in the whole world. But more of those are unusable for the visually impaired people. One of such applications, email has become an important and significant part of formal communication in the professional world. Thus, Voice Mail turns out to be an application through which visionless people can easily send or receive emails. The application uses “Voice to Text” and “Text to Voice” conversion to be usable for the visually impaired people. The system at first takes voice signals from the users as inputs, processes the signals and then converts that voice signals into the text. After that a text processing method is applied to convert the text into voice. Finally, the gmail server is used to connect the server with generating address to send or receive any mail. This application is useful for not only blind people but also for the normal people who always remain busy and doesn’t have time to type in keyboard. Moreover, this application is very much helpful and efficient in time utilization