<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The present study was undertaken to determine the weight loss of pots made of different ratios of biomaterials and banana peels. Two types of biodegradable pots were produced using different ratios of biomaterials (B) and banana peels (BP). The ratios of B to BP tested in this study were B50% : BP50% and B30% : BP 70%. The weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B30% : BP70% was significantly higher than biodegradable pot with ratio B50% : BP50% after the empty biodegradable pots were left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This result suggests that higher content of banana peels increase the microbial decomposition of the biodegradable pot. On the contrary, the weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B50%:BP50% was higher when they were filled with soil and left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This is probably due to the lower content of banana peels, what decreased the tensile strength of biodegradable pot filled with soil, making it highly decomposable in such manner. In terms of degradability, biodegradable pot with ratio B30% : BP70% is more appropriate than pot with ratio B50% : BP50%.</abstract>

Effect of Different Ratios of Biomaterials to Banana Peels on the Weight Loss of Biodegradable Pots

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Solar photovoltaic power generation capacity is rising continuously as a result of various regional, sub-regional renewable energy policies and the impact of technology development, as well as the increasing environmental concerns. Characteristics of photovoltaic modules are provided by manufacturers after they have been tested indoors under standard test conditions. These parameters may vary under exterior conditions. It is thus imperative to establish the quantity of the energy produced by photovoltaic modules under real operation conditions. This study sought to assess the performance of different kinds of photovoltaic module technologies in the city of Gödöllő, Hungary, and ascertain the behaviour of the modules under real outdoor conditions. Modules include amorphous silicon (a-Si), monocrystalline silicon (mc-Si), polycrystalline silicon (pc-Si), transparent monocrystalline silicon module (mc-Si). Measurement of the module characteristics was performed and various meteorological parameters were obtained. Performance parameters such as performance ratio and efficiency are given and analysed. Module temperature was estimated and evaluated in comparison with experimental values. Energy conversion rates of the modules were determined as 9.4%, 4.4%, 10.3%, 8.2% and 10.4% for mc-Si module transparent glass (165 Wp), a-Si module (glass 40Wp), pc-Si module (105 Wp), pc-Si module (60 Wp) and mc-Si (PV-T 180 Wp), respectively. Under the given outdoor conditions, the highest average performance ratio of 85.2% was obtained for the mc-Si module (transparent glass, 165 Wp), exhibiting the best performance, while pc–Si module (60 Wp) showed the least average performance ratio of 71.8%.</abstract>

Efficiency Comparison of Different Photovoltaic Modules

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Maintenance plays an important role in reliability, availability, production quality, risk reduction, efficiency increasing, equipment security, etc. Therefore, maintenance strategies have a special position in industry. Simultaneously, effect of tractor power is considerable in agriculture; therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the probability of failure, repair time and causes of malfunctioning. Many variables, including cost, depreciation, breakdowns, annual performance, etc., have major impact on tselection of a maintenance strategy. Therefore, these variables were determined with the help of experts. Subsequently, these were clustered into several main criteria groups on the basis of factor analysis using SPSS software. Obtained results were used in a hierarchical structure to suggest the most appropriate maintenance strategy based on pair-wise comparison. According to the regional conditions and available facilities, results showed that the proactive maintenance strategy proved to be the best suggested option from four maintain strategies, namely emergency maintenance, proactive maintenance, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance.</abstract>

Choosing a Proper Maintenance and Repair Strategy for Tractors (in Urmia)

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Proposed paper is focused on description and observation of operational degradation of engine oil in agricultural technology. Engine oil is one of the most important liquids used in combustion engines. Correct function of any machine is based on the appropriate selection of lubricants; moreover, it is also important to care for the entire lubrication system. Determining the condition of the oil used in operational conditions is very important for potential further oil use. Previously, engine oil had to be changed after expiration of legally valid intervals regardless of its actual performance parameters. However, its usage may be extended if engine oil parameters meet the legal requirements. This can be achieved by removing engine oil samples from machines on a regular basis. By examining the samples taken, it is possible to determine the actual oil state. In such manner, it is possible to prolong interchange periods and save both the financial resources and environment.</abstract>

Operational Degradation of Engine Oil in Agricultural Technology

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Mortality of chickens during two summer fattening periods <italic>L</italic>1 and <italic>L</italic>2 in commonly used halls for chicken fattening in Slovakia have been evaluated in this paper. Effect of microclimatic conditions in housing area on recorded mortality has been analysed. Mortality was assessed in six halls, microclimate parameters and surface temperatures were continually measured only in one of the middle halls. It was documented that high mortality occurred during summer in the last phase (P3) of fattening period due to sudden hot weather waves. Daily mortality rate varied up to 447 birds in evaluated hall 3. During the last third of both fattening periods, it was significantly higher than during the first two phases (<italic>P</italic><italic>L</italic>1 = 0.0036; <italic>P</italic><italic>L</italic>2 = 1.4·10−6). Differences among halls were insignificant (<italic>P</italic><italic>L</italic>1 = 0.614; <italic>P</italic><italic>L</italic>2 = 0.413). In <italic>L</italic>1, average daily temperatures went beyond the recommended temperatures from 21st to 31st day. During <italic>L</italic>2, it was from 29th to 31st day and from 36th to 38th. The extra high mortality occurred in <italic>L</italic>1 on 31st day (447 birds) and during <italic>L</italic>2 on 36th day (88 birds), 37th day (96 birds) and 38th day (155 birds). High differential temperatures have been recorded and uninterrupted time periods (6 hours or more) with temperature higher than 30 °C and/or the relative humidity (<italic>RH</italic>) exceeding 70% were occurred during these days. In order to eliminate effect of sudden hot weather waves, modern digitally controlled microclimate regulation technologies (heat pumps, floor cooling, etc.) can be used, supported by data obtained from detailed microclimate analysis documented in this paper.</abstract>

Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

Mortality of Broiler Chickens During Summer Fattening Periods Affected by Microclimatic Conditions

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Research relevance is determined by the need of agricultural producers of Nizhny Novgorod Region to increase the profitability of sugar beet cultivation and to reduce seed losses at sowing. Another important factor is optimal energy efficiency of sowing machines, which can be achieved by reducing the draft force input required to operate the working parts. Leading approach to the research of this issue is to conduct a multifactorial laboratory experiment, taking into account several factors that have the greatest influence on the process of interaction of working parts with the soil. Virtual simulation methods were applied with use of Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) FlowVision®(TESIS Group) engineering analysis system, allowing creation of close-to-real controlled conditions. Relationships between the lift angle and the span angle of a duckfoot opener were identified; influence of soil moisture content, speed of working parts and their working depth on draft force input and quality of the formed seedbed was determined with justification of their optimal combination. Presented technology and the planting unit assure the technological process quality, they are of practical value for agricultural and engineering companies, as well as for research institutes for design of modern agricultural machinery.</abstract>

; Knyaginino; Nizhny Novgorod Region; Russia

Nizhny Novgorod State University of Engineering and Economics

Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy

Virtual Modelling and Laboratory Research of Parameters of Planting Unit’s Working Parts

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Acta Technologica Agriculturae

 Acta Technologica Agriculturae (ATA) is an international scientific journal focused on agricultural engineering. The journal is multidisciplinary and publishes a wide range of original research and review articles in engineering, agricultural and biological sciences, and materials science. All submitted articles considered suitable for ATA are subjected to rigorous double-blind peer review to ensure the highest levels of quality.  The journal Editorial Board welcomes manuscripts in both fundamental and applied research areas and encourages submissions which contribute novel and innovative insights to the field of agricultural engineering. Original papers which provide an important contribution to the development of agricultural engineering and report on significant developments in the field are encouraged.  Aims and Scope  ATA aims to advance the understanding of agricultural engineering by providing a platform for the publication of unique contributions in the field of agricultural engineering across a variety of topics, including, but not limited to:   agricultural and biosystems engineering;  machines and mechanization of agricultural production;  information and electrical technologies;  agro-product and food processing engineering;  physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil caused by tillage and field traffic, soil working machinery and terramechanics;  renewable energy sources and bioenergy;  rural buildings;  agricultural waste management and disposal;  related issues from applied physics and chemistry, ecology, economy and energy.    Rejection Rate   40 %   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 