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The composition of the soil is essential for higher yields in agriculture. The assessment of agrochemical soil indicators is carried out in laboratories using standardized chemical methods, which are time-consuming and relatively expensive. In the present study, an approach for predicting agrochemical indicators (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, humus and acidity) using spectral characteristics of soil samples was investigated. 110 soil samples from fields in the area of the city of Ruse, Bulgaria were analysed. The classification with the SIMKA method is carried out in the Pirouette software platform, and three procedures for pre-processing the data - first derivative, second derivative and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) - have been compared. The results obtained for the standard error of validation show that for the nitrogen the minimum SEV is for MSC and 10 factors. For phosphorus - 2-nd derivative and 6 factors. For potassium - MSC and 9 factors. For humus - MSC and 10 factors. For acidity - 2-nd derivative and 10 factors. The future work will be focus on models for prediction of the indicators and assessment of the accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyper-spectral imaging provides an opportunity for high-precision and detailed spectral measurements of the object of study with a wide range of applicability - from laboratory imaging of samples through field to remote satellite measurements. The paper presents a study in which the average spectral characteristics for each sample were obtained from the hyperspectral images of soil samples from three different pre-treatment fields. Spectral data were processed in the Pirouette software environment and principal component analysis was applied. Using the first three principal components, the soil fields are clearly separable. Interclass distances were also calculated. From the resulting discriminating power, wavelengths can be derived that are informative about the content of the soil fields. The sections that were determined from the modelling power from 1200 to 1250 nm; 1300 to 1350 and 1400 to 1450 nm, the wavelengths can be defined that would be used as inputs to the classifiers. The future work is developing of models for predicting micro- and macro-elements in soil using hyperspectral images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, alternative tools for determining agrochemical parameters of soil - content of organic matter (humus), pH, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, obtained from colour characteristics of digital images from optical devices by statistical methods are proposed. Regression models were developed using two methods: single factor linear regression analysis LR and multifactor linear regression analysis MLR Stepwise. The models were compared and evaluated using accuracy assessment criteria - coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and residual prediction deviation (RPD). With the resulting models from data from the camera device, pH can be determined with an accuracy of 99% and phosphorus P with an accuracy of 90%. With the camera of a mobile phone, the content of organic matter can be determined with the accuracy of 96%. The proposed tools could be used in modern smart agriculture as a proposed method for express monitoring of soil agrochemical indicators, as well as implemented in programming mobile, webbased applications for determining the content of organic matter (humus), phosphorus, pH and potassium. Future work involves using other linkage modelling methods to increase the accuracy rate for nitrogen determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process management using proportional integral differential controller, also referred as 'PID controller' has become standard practice for control of various systems and robotic systems in particular. PID controllers could be used for robotic system autonomous movement management. It is the best combination of theoretical training and practical implementation for specific object movement controlling. The optimization methods used for PID controller realization will improve PID regulator drastically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscosity class of motor oils is one of the most important indicators for their quality and identification. This paper describes a fast, inexpensive, non-destructive, image-based approach to analyzing and determining the viscosity grade. Two groups of motor oils of different viscosity class SAE XW-30 & SAE XW-40 were analyzied. For each sample of its digital image, the values of the three RGB components of the basic color model are obtained. The obtained images were converted to HSV and Lab color models in MATLAB. The digital images of the samples were obtained using digital camera, document camera and colorimeter. The obtained values of the color components were analyzed statistically. The correlation coefficient was used to assess the informativeness of the characteristics in relation to the viscosity of the oil. The selection of the camera and algorithm for obtaining the color digital images of the oils a comparative analysis was made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A structure of graphical tool for hybrid fuel cell modelling, simulation and optimization is presented in the paper. The model of the tool combines Simulink modelling and simulation, statistical approaches, optimizing procedures of hybrid systems for different types of vehicles – cars, buses or boats. Modelling of the hybrid fuel cell is based on parameters of the used vehicle. Simulation visualize different characteristics of the hybrid system parameters. Optimization of different parameters and energy management system will be based on fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms. The tool is based on different modules and could be upgrade with other additional functions. A software graphical tool is developed in a form of Graphical user interface, based on the presented model, using MATLAB@7.1 GUIDE template editor and systems functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents approach for egg defects assessment using image analysis. An algorithm for indirect egg defect recognition using image processing is proposed. The values of the egg samples are collected by image processing. HSV and YIQ color spaces are used for egg defects recognition. The paper presents also a developed graphical user interface for recognizing defective eggs in the MATLAB environment, based on computer vision. The interface is modular, which allows upgrade of the procedures and algorithms that are used. The experimental results show that the accuracy with YIQ color model is better than the HSV color model for the purpose of recognition. Accuracy ranges is less than 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a research of the influence of external factors on the measurement of a basic soil quality parameter. Developed system based on Arduino platform is used for measurement of basic soil parameter acidity. Research of the influence of temperature and soil type on the measurement of soil acidity is carried out. The system has been experimentally tested with soil samples from two main types of soil in Bulgaria. The results for the soil parameters obtained with the Arduino based system are compared with a reference measuring instrument. The presented Arduino based system for soil parameters measurements shows good measurement accuracy sufficient for engineering research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents web based microprocessor system for measurement of soil quality parameters (pH, electrical conductivity and soil moisture). The system is implemented by selecting suitable devices to measure the quantities and transmit and record the information based on Arduino platform. The software of the controller and a graphical user mobile applications interface have been developed for system setup, visualization and processing of the collected data. The developed program code is based on modules which makes it easy for using of additional sensors. Laboratory tests have been made to investigate the system's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual instrument for measuring the operational characteristics of hydrogen-powered hybrid vehicles – trolleybus and ship is presented in the paper. Module based on driving cycle from Global Position System (GPS) information is developed. LabView is used as a software platform for development of the virtual instrument. Operational characteristics that are measured and visualized on graphical user interface are the speed of the trolleybus and ship, altitude and working voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educators in higher education must reinvent their learning environments so that digitalization augments and enhances instruction and learning. The widespread use of digital devices and applications makes this possible. We argue that educators must therefore develop their digital skills and adopt more innovative instructional strategies. Using available technological instruments for pedagogical purposes, instructional technology permits the development of engaging, effective learning experiences. However, the implementation of instructional technology in practice is difficult. It is complex, multifaceted and fraught with challenges, and consequently, educators struggle to realize the potential benefits. This exploratory study aims to uncover key challenges to implementing instructional technology faced by educators in order to better understand their needs and requirements. To do this, we conducted a comprehensive qualitative study involving 41 higher education educators via focus groups in Ireland, Turkey, Bulgaria and Portugal. Our analysis uncovers many challenges and we curate and discuss a prioritized list in this paper. The findings present pertinent challenges for educators and institutions across four countries and suggest how to overcome them. This study also offers insight into future research and development needed to expand instructional technologies to accommodate and address respondents' concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]