Utsunomiya University

About: Utsunomiya University is a education organization based out in Utsunomiya, Japan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Laser & Holography. The organization has 4139 authors who have published 6812 publications receiving 91975 citations. The organization is also known as: Utsunomiya daigaku.

Tabu search optimization of horizontal and vertical alignments of forest roads

Abstract: This article describes a program for optimizing horizontal and vertical alignments of forest roads using Tabu search, a modern heuristic technique. Once a series of intersection points (IPs) is selected manually, the program generates alternative horizontal and vertical alignments. The program precisely generates ground profile and cross sections using a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) derived from light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. It accurately calculates earthwork volumes for curved roadways using the Pappus-based method. The program also estimates construction and maintenance costs. Tabu search optimizes forest road alignments based on the total costs. The application of the program to part of Capitol State Forest in Washington State, USA, indicated that the program successfully found better alignments than manually selected initial alignments. The effect of initial solutions and the number of iterations on the Tabu search process was examined. The result showed that the solutions were improved using the best solutions with the smaller number of grade change points as the initial solutions. It also showed that a small number of iterations could be used to reduce computation time due to the fact that Tabu search is based on a gradient search technique. Finally, the Dijkstra method was examined to find initial solutions without manually initialized solutions. The program, when combined with the Dijkstra method, could find similar-quality solutions from manually initialized solutions. The program will become useful with further tests and verifications.

Effect of γ-radiation on development, yield and quality of microtubers in vitro in Solanum tuberosum L.

Abstract: Explants obtained from in vitro-propagated plantlets of two potato cultivars, Shepody and Atlantic, were treated with five doses of γ-radiation (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 Gy) to investigate the stimulating effects of low irradiation on the production and quality of microtubers in vitro. Microtubers of both cultivars treated with γ-radiation initiated 5 d earlier than in the non-irradiated control. The whole period of microtuberization was prolonged by 10 - 15 d with 4, 6 and 8 Gy irradiation treatment for cv. Atlantic. Irradiation of the plantlets (4 Gy) led to a significant increase not only in the microtuber number (116.7 and 34.5 % over the control) but also in the fresh mass (77.6 and 23.2 % in Shepody and Atlantic, respectively). Low dose irradiation (2 - 4 Gy) increased the starch content of microtubers. High doses (6 - 8 Gy) enhanced ascorbic acid and reducing sugar contents. 4 - 6 Gy doses also effectively increased the protein contents of microtubers.

Study on finishing characteristics of magnetic abrasive finishing process using low-frequency alternating magnetic field

Abstract: This paper describes a new ultra-precision magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) process using alternating magnetic field. The process principle and the finishing characteristics are described. Specifically, the effects of finishing parameters such as cutting fluid, rotational speed of magnetic pole, and current frequency on change in material removal and surface finish are investigated respectively. Experimental results indicate that neat cutting oil is more suitable for this processing, which can obtain higher material removal and smoother finished surface compared with water-soluble cutting fluid and silicone fluid. The finishing force and material removal are gradually increasing with the increase of rotational speed of magnetic pole. It is confirmed that the angle variation of magnetic particles is decreasing with the increase of current frequency, and the few nanometer surface can be acquired in the condition of low frequency.

Seasonal changes and altitudinal variation in deer fecal pellet decay

Abstract: Surveying dung pellet groups to estimate population size requires knowledge of the dung decay rates in different environmental conditions. We evaluated seasonal and elevational differences in the decay rates of fresh deer pellets in the Ashio–Nikko Mountains, Japan. At each of four sites (1,500, 1,200, 900, and 600 m above sea level), we set out four replicates of 50 fresh deer pellets each month from September 2008 to August 2009. Dung pellet groups were evaluated after 24 h and again monthly. We also monitored the dung beetle fauna monthly using pitfall traps. Dung beetle activity was positively correlated with temperature, and the rate of dung decay was strongly correlated with dung beetle dry weight. Decay was most rapid during summer and at lower altitudes; pellets set out during winter did not decay until the following spring. Resource managers who use dung surveys to estimate population sizes in mountainous regions should consider the decay rates at different altitudes.