• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.309-315
• /
• 2013

Fruit drop is a serious problem in plum trees during fruit development after pollination and fertilization. In order to increase fruit yields, physiological fruit drop in plum trees at the early stages of fruit development must be reduced. In this study, the effect of gibberellic acid paste (GA paste 2.7%) applied on 'Formosa' plum was determined to reduce fruit drop. GA paste was applied one time on one set of the fruit stalk at 3 days after full bloom (DAFB), and on another set of the fruit stalk at 13 DAFB, and then the fruit-set rate was observed at 70 DAFB. GA paste application increased the fruit-set rate up to 61%. In 'Formosa', the time of GA application had a strong influence on reducing fruit drop. GA application increased the fruit-set rate up to 61% in treatments at 3 DAFB, and to 15% in treatments at 13 DAFB when the fruit-set rate was 5% in the control group. The same results were observed in 'Honey Red' and 'Akihime' plums. GA application impacted on fruit enlargement in the 'Formosa' cultivar, compared with the control trees, which had no GA application. The rate of fruit enlargement with GA application was similar to that of the control fruits until 70 DAFB, whereas the enlargement rate was slightly higher in the GAtreated trees than the control from 70 DAFB until harvest. In GA-treated fruit, fruit weight increased more than in the control, while total acidity and firmness was lower than in the control group. Additionally, GA application accelerated sucrose increase in maturing fruit. Our data indicated that GA paste application can reduce fruit drop, and subtly promote fruit enlargement and maturation in plum trees.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.106-110
• /
• 2016

In this study, a planting density-growth-harvest (PGH) chart was developed to easily read the growth and harvest factors such as crop growth rate, relative growth rate, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, harvesting time, marketable rate, and marketable yield of common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.). The plants were grown in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system in a closed-type plant factory using fluorescent lamps with three-band radiation under a light intensity of $140{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ and a photoperiod of 12 h. Growth and yield were analyzed under four planting densities ($15{\times}10cm$, $15{\times}15cm$, $15{\times}20cm$, and $15{\times}25cm$). Shoot fresh and dry weights per plant increased at a higher planting density until reached an upper limit and yield per area was also same tendency. Crop growth rate, relative growth rate and lost time were described using quadratic equation. A linear relationship between shoot dry weight and fresh weights was observed. PGH chart was constructed based on the growth data and making equations. For instance, with within row spacing (= 20 cm) and fresh weight per plant at harvest (= 100 g), we can estimate all the growth and harvest factors of common ice plant. The planting density, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, lost time, shoot dry weight per plant, harvesting time, and yield were $33plants/m^2$, $20g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}d^{-1}$, $0.27g{\cdot}g^{-1}{\cdot}d^{-1}$, 22 days, 2.5 g/plant, 26 days after transplanting, and $3.2kg{\cdot}m^{-2}$, respectively. With this chart, we could easily obtain the growth factors such as planting density, crop growth rate, relative growth rate, lost time and the harvest factors such as shoot fresh and dry weights, harvesting time, marketable rate, and marketable yield with at least two parameters, for instance, planting distance and one of harvest factors of plant. PGH charts will be useful tools to estimate the growth and yield of crops and to practical design of a closed-type plant production system.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.83-88
• /
• 2016

In this study, previously reported surplus solar energy-related study result and current status of fan coil unit (FCU) for cooling and heating installed in the current sites were briefly examined and then a method to determine the number of FCUs required to recover surplus solar energy was schematically proposed to provide basic data for researchers and technical engineers in this field. The maximum, mean, and minimum outside temperatures during the experiment period were about $28.2^{\circ}C$, $4.4^{\circ}C$, and $-11.5^{\circ}C$, respectively. The horizontal surface solar radiation level outside the greenhouse was in a range of $0.8-20.5MJ{\cdot}m^{-2}$ and mean and total solar radiation were $10.8MJ{\cdot}m^{-2}$ and $1,187.5MJ{\cdot}m^{-2}$. The mean temperature and relative humidity in the greenhouse during the daytime were in a range of 18.8-45.5 and 53.5-77.5%. The total surplus solar energy recovered from the greenhouse during the experiment period was approximately 6,613.4MJ, which could supplement about 6.7% of the total heating energy 98,600.2 MJ. In addition, the number of FCUs installed for heating varies case to case, although similar FCUs are used. Thus, it is necessary to study the installation height, orientation and installation distance as well as the appropriate number of FCUs from the efficient and economical viewpoints. The required numbers of FCUs for surplus solar energy recovery were 8.4-10.9units and 6.1-8.0units based on air mass and circular flow rate that passed through the FCUs. Considering calculation methods and the risks such as efficiency and use environments of FCUs, it was found that about nine units (one unit per $24m^3$ approximately) needed to be installed. The required number of FCUs for surplus solar energy recovery was around one unit per $24m^3$ approximately.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2012

The objective of the present study is to provide data needed to find double covering method to be able to improve environment of temperature, humidity and PPF in tomato greenhouse. The distribution charts of temperature, humidity and PPF which were measured in environment control conditions such as thermal insulation, air heating, roof ventilation and air fog cooling in conventional and air inflated double layers greenhouses were drawn and analysed. The thermal insulation effect of the air inflated greenhouse was the same as that of conventional greenhouse because the temperature between insulation curtain and roof covering material was equal in heating season. The ventilation effect of the air inflated greenhouse was superior to the conventional greenhouse. The temperature distribution in the fog cooled greenhouse was uniform and the cooling effect was about $3.5^{\circ}C$. The condensation on the roof covering surface could be controlled by removing the moisture between insulation curtain and roof covering by using humidifier. The PPF of conventional greenhouse was more decreased than the air inflated greenhouse as time went by because the transmittance of conventional greenhouse declined by dust collected on the inside plastic film owing to rolling up and down operation for ventilation.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 2013

In order to provide basic data for the development of a controlled environment cultivation system and standardization of the structures, structural status and improvement methods were investigated for the fruit tree greenhouses of grape, pear, and peach. The greenhouses for citrus and grape cultivation are increasing while pear and persimmon greenhouses are gradually decreasing due to the advance of storage facilities. In the future, greenhouse cultivation will expand for the fruit trees which are more effective in cultivation under rain shelter and are low in storage capability. Fruit tree greenhouses were mostly complying with standards of farm supply type models except for a pear greenhouse and a large single-span peach greenhouse. It showed that there was no greenhouse specialized in each species of fruit tree. Frame members of the fruit tree greenhouses were mostly complying with standards of the farm supply type model or the disaster tolerance type model published by MIFAFF and RDA. In most cases, the concrete foundations were used. The pear greenhouse built with the column of larger cross section than the disaster tolerance type. The pear greenhouse had also a special type of foundation with the steel plate welded at the bottom of columns and buried in the ground. As the results of the structural safety analysis of the fruit tree greenhouses, the grape greenhouses in Gimcheon and Cheonan and the peach greenhouses in Namwon and Cheonan appeared to be vulnerable for snow load whereas the peach greenhouse in Namwon was not safe enough to withstand wind load. The peach greenhouse converted from a vegetable growing facility turned out to be unsafe for both snow and wind loads. Considering the shape, height and planting space of fruit tree, the appropriate size of greenhouses was suggested that the grape greenhouse be 7.0~8.0 m wide and 2.5~2.8 m high for eaves, while 6.0~7.0 m wide and 3.0~3.3 m of eaves height for the pear and peach greenhouses.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.162-168
• /
• 2011

This study was carried out to investigate the plant growth of several Carex L. plants according to light intensity and soil depth planted on a green wall and roof, and to show basic data for the use of Carex L. plants in various forms. The temperature was dropt more in the green container compared to the normal especially during the genial weather from August to September. The plant growth of Carex testaceae, Carex oshimensis Evergold, and Carex ciliatomarginata Nakai was excellent at light intensity from 0 to $1799\;{\mu}M{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$, and that of Carex siderosticta Hance, Carex flagellifera Bronzita, Carex ornithopoda Variegata, and Carex morrowii Ice Dance were best in lower light intensity from 0 to $786\;{\mu}M{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$. The leaf color of the plants changed vividly as the light intensity grew lower and the visible value of the plants increased. There must be more considerations about the pattern changes in additory experiments. The water content in the soil depth of 10 cm was maintained higher than the other treatments because of no drainage layer. Most Carex L. plants grew excellent in the soil depth of 10 cm. However, Carex oshimensis Evergold, Carex siderosticta Hance, and Carex testaceae showed the best plant growth in soil depth 20 cm, and Carex morrowii Ice Dance and Carex ciliatomarginata Nakai in soil depth of 40 cm. Therefore, Carex L. plants could be recommended as materials for green roof because they also grew well in light soil depth of 10~20 cm.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.226-234
• /
• 2015

To provide the data necessary to determine exposure coefficients used for calculating the snow load acting on a greenhouse, we compared the exposure coefficients in the greenhouse structure design standards for various countries. We determined the exposure coefficient for each region and tried to improve on the method used to decide it. Our results are as follows: After comparing the exposure coefficients in the standards of various countries, we could determine that the main factors affecting the exposure coefficient were terrain roughness, wind speed, and whether a windbreak was present. On comparing national standards, the exposure coefficients could be divided into three groups: exposure coefficients of 0.8(0.9) for areas with strong winds, 1.0(1.1) for partially exposed areas, and 1.2 for areas with dense windbreaks. After analyzing the exposure coefficients for 94 areas in South Korea according to the ISO4355 standard, all of the areas had two coefficients (1.0 and 0.8), except Daegwallyeong (0.5) and Yeosu (0.6), which had one coefficient each. In South Korea, the probability of snow is greater inland than in coastal areas and there are fewer days with a maximum wind velocity > $5m{\cdot}s^{-1}$ inland. When determining the exposure coefficients in South Korea, we can subdivide the country into three regions: coastal areas with strong winds have an exposure coefficient of 0.8; inland areas have a coefficient of 1.0; and areas with dense windbreaks have an exposure coefficient of 1.2. Further research that considers the number of days with a wind velocity > $5m{\cdot}s^{-1}$ as the threshold wind speed is needed before we can make specific recommendations for the exposure coefficient for different regions.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.153-160
• /
• 2015

The objectives of this study were to determine optimal length of off-time between irrigation cycles to improve irrigation efficiency using a frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) sensor-automated irrigation (FAI) system for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation aimed at minimizing effluent from coir substrate hydroponics. For treatments, the 5-minute off-time length between 3-minute run-times (defined as 3R5F), 10-minute off-time length between 3-minute run-times (defined as 3R10F), or 15-minute off-time length between 5-minute run-times (defined as 5R15F) were set. During the 3-minute or 5-minute run-time, a 60mL or 80mL of nutrient solution was irrigated to each plant, respectively. Until 62 days after transplant (DAT) during the autumn to winter cultivation, daily irrigation volume was in the order of 3R5F (858mL) > 5R15F (409mL) > 3R10F (306mL) treatment, and daily drainage ratio was in the order of 3R5F (44%) > 5R15F (23%) > 3R10F (14%). Between 63 and 102 DAT, daily irrigated volume was in the order of 5R15F (888mL) > 3R5F (695mL) > 3R10F (524mL) with the highest drainage ratio, 19% (${\pm}2.6$), at the 5R15F treatment. During the spring to summer cultivation, daily irrigation volume and drainage ratio per plant was higher in the 3R5F treatment than that of the 3R10F treatment. For both cultivations, a higher water use efficiency (WUE) was observed under the 3R10F treatment. Integrated all the data suggest that the optimal off-time length is 10 minutes.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.6
• /
• pp.495-503
• /
• 1999

Background: We tested the technical feasibility of fetal cardiac bypass and collected baseline data on the fetal hemodynamics and placental functions related to the cardiopulmonary bypass in the fetal lamb model. Material and Method: Eleven fetuses at 120 to 150 days of gestation were subjected to bypass via trans-sternal approach with a 12 G pulmonary arterial cannula and 14 to 18 F venous cannula for 30 minutes. All ewes received general anesthesia with ketamine. In all the fetuses, no anesthetic agents were used except muscle relaxant. Eight served as a group in which placenta was excluded from the extracorporeal circulation by clamping the umbilical cord during the bypass(the oxygenator group) and in the remaining three, the placenta worked as the only source of oxygen supply(the placenta group). Observations were made every 10 minute during a 30-minute bypass and 30-minute post bypass period. No prostaglandin inhibitors were used both in ewes and in fetuses. Result: Weights of the fetuses ranged from 1.9 to 5.2 kg. In the oxygenator group, means of arterial pressure, PaO2, atrial pressure, heart rate, and bypass flow rate ranged 69.8 to 82.6 mmHg, 201.7 to 220.9 mmHg, 4.1 to 4.3 mmHg, 169 to 182/min, and 140.3 to 164.0 ml/kg/min, respectively during bypass, but rapid deterioration of the fetal cardiac functions and the placental gas exchange was observed after the cessation of bypass. In the placenta group, means of arterial pressure decreased from 44.7 to 14.4 mmHg and means of PaCO2 increased from 61.9 to 129.6 mmHg during bypass. Flow rate was suboptimal(74.3 to 97.0 ml/kg/min) during bypass. All hearts fibrillated immediately after the discontinuation of bypass. Conclusion: In this study, the technical feasibility of fetal cardiopulmonary bypass was confirmed in the fetal lamb model. However, further studies with modifications of the bypass including an addition of prostaglandin inhibitor, an application of the total spinal anesthesia on the fetus, a creation of more concise bypass circuit, and a use of active pump are mandatory to improve the outcome.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.293-302
• /
• 2014

This study was carried out to develop rain shelter which can make an appropriate size and environment for Chinese cabbage rainproof cultivation. Fifty three farms with chinese cabbage rainproof cultivation system have been investigated to set up width and height of rain shelter. Mostly the width of 6m was desired for rain shelter and the height of 1.6m for their eaves, so these values were chosen as the dimensions for rain shelter. After an analysis of their structural safety and installation costs by the specifications of the rafter pipe, Ø$25.4{\times}1.5t$ and 90cm have been set as the size of rafter that such size costs the least. This size is stable with $27m{\cdot}s^{-1}$ of wind velocity and 17cm of snow depth. Therefore it is difficult to apply this dimension to area with higher climate load. In order to sort out such problem, the rain shelter has been designed to avoid damage on frame by opening plastic film to the ridge. Once greenhouse band is loosen by turning the manual switch at the both sides of rain shelter and open button of controller is pushed then switch motor rises up along the guide pipe and plastic film is opened to the ridge. Chinese cabbage can be damaged by insects if rain shelter is opened completely as revealed a field. To prevent this, farmers can install an insect-proof net. Further, the greenhouse can be damaged by typhoon while growing Chinese cabbage therefore the effect of an insect-proof net on structural safety has been analyzed. And then structural safety has been analyzed through using flow-structure interaction method at the wind condition of $40m{\cdot}s^{-1}$. And it assumed that wind applied perpendicular to side of the rain shelter which was covered by insect-proof net. The results indicated that plastic film was directly affected by wind therefore high pressure occurred on the surface. But wind load on insect-proof net was smaller than on plastic film and pressure distribution was also uniform. The results of structural analysis by applying pressure data extracted from flow analysis indicated that the maximum stress occurred at the end of pipe which is the ground part and the value has been 54.6MPa. The allowable stress of pipe in the standard of structural safety must be 215 MPa or more therefore structural safety of this rain shelter is satisfied.