Abstract: An apparatus and embodiments of a method for using the apparatus to evaluate crop lodging resistance are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a body having a height adjustable force bar coupled thereto and a force sensor configured to detect forces acting on the force bar. Further, the apparatus includes or is configured to be coupled to a movement mechanism that enables movement of the force bar through a plot of stems. The force sensor generates force signals that can be utilized to generate force data. The force data, along with stem density data, stem height data, force bar height data, can be input into one or more models to generate flexural stiffness data. The one or more models can include an Interacting Model and/or a Non-Interacting Model.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining, specifying, or associating a unique identifier with a machine in a machine-to-machine communications network. The approach includes specifying a unique identifier for a machine attached to a sub-network of an aggregator, wherein the machine and the aggregator comprise at least a portion of a machine-to-machine deployment. The approach also includes associating the unique identifier with a message directed to or originating from the machine via the aggregator, wherein the unique identifier is exposed beyond the sub-network for determining a connectivity status of the machine.