Conventional Grain Research Articles

Effect of Trichoderma harzianum in the Protection of Wheat Grains from Infestation with Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab) During the Store

Abstract: Currently, the economic losses generated by the attack of pests on the storages constitute a severe problem. Conventional grain protection methods based on the application of chemical pesticides to control these undesirable insects have also formed to represent an annoyance since the excessive usage of these compounds is linked to contamination problems and serious harm to consumers' health. This research aims to possibility of creating a means to protect the grain stores from infestation with Rhyzopertha dominica through testing for the efficiency of Trichoderma harzianum with three concentrations (7x104, 7x106, 7x108 and spores /ml) in the protection of grains in jute sacks from infection by this pest after three months of storage period and the effect of T. harzianumon . The results showed that the high efficiency of T. harzianumon in protecting the grain stores from infestation by these insect sacks was measured when treated in the bags with the highest concentration of 7x108 spores/ml of fungi, and the total weight loss was 2.0269. while the control treatment gave 6.4012-gram weight losses. also shows the total weight loss was 4.054 when the grains were treated with the highest concentration of 7x108 spores/ml of fungus. in contrast to 8.0629-gram weight decreases with the control treatment. and treated the bags and grains with 7x108 spores/ml of fungi, the total percentage of weight losses was 1.7033 after three months from storage. while the control treatment gave 11.475 grams of weight loss.

Trimodal Grain Structured Aluminum Matrix Composites Regulated by Transitional Hetero-Domains

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) with hetero-grains exhibit high strength with good ductility. A trimodal grain structure composed of ultrafine grains (UFGs), fine grains (FGs) and coarse grains (CGs) prevents the pre-mature cracking of hetero-zone boundaries in conventional bimodal grain structures; thus, it is favored by AMCs. However, the design of the size and distribution of hetero-domains in trimodal AMCs is tough, with complicated multi-scale deformation mechanisms. This study tunes the distribution of FG domains elaborately via altering the volume fraction of FG from 10 vol.% to 60 vol.% and investigates the distribution effect of FG domains on strength–ductility synergy. The optimized 2024 Al matrix composites with 30 vol.% FG exhibited a tensile strength of over 700 MPa and an elongation of 7.5%, respectively, realizing a good combination of high strength and ductility. This work enlightens the heterostructure design with a balance between heterogeneous deformation induced (HDI) strain hardening and high-content soft phase induced strain homogenization.

Enhanced precision lapping techniques for fused quartz optical elements: Synergistic integration of mechanical and mechanochemical processes

Fused silica is a material of great importance in the field of precision optical equipment due to its excellent optical properties, e.g. photolithography, laser fusion devices, etc. However, the material's inherent hardness and brittleness render it a challenging material to process. Therefore, an enhanced precision lapping technique was proposed, i.e., a synergistic integration of mechanical and mechanochemical lapping processes. Firstly, a synergistic lapping tool with an outer layer of porous diamond abrasive and an inner layer of CeO2 abrasive was fabricated by hot press forming method. The reduction of layer thickness due to abrasion and detachment of the porous diamond abrasive layer was analyzed, and the lapping mechanism of porous diamond on fused silica materials was revealed. The surface creation mechanism of the CeO2 abrasive layer on fused silica material was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation and the results were validated by enhanced precision lapping experiment. The results demonstrated that the surface atoms of fused silica are removed in a ‘remote disordered’ manner by conventional diamond abrasive grains, whereas the surface atoms of fused silica are removed in a ‘proximally ordered’ manner by the fine porous diamond abrasive grains through the micro-multi-flute cutting. Consequently, the grinding of a porous diamond abrasive layer can significantly reduce the processing damage, with the surface roughness of the lapping Ra reaching 199 nm. The lapping of CeO2 induces the formation of an oxygen bridge on the surface of fused silica, which then produces bending vibration. This is followed by the adsorption and diffusion of oxygen atoms, which form the -Ce-O-Si intermediate with the oxygen atoms shared with the fused silica. This process results in the formation of CeSiO3 and CaSiO3 compounds. The final surface quality with a surface roughness of Ra 21 nm was obtained by mechanochemical lapping of the cerium oxide abrasive layer. The single mechanical-mechanochemical composite ultra-precision lapping process provides technical support for the efficient and low-damage processing of hard and brittle components.

Elemental profile of wheat in the las vegas market: Geographic origin discrimination and probabilistic health risk assessment

This study investigates concentrations of toxic and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in organic and conventional wheat flour and grains marketed in Las Vegas. Geographic origins of the samples were evaluated using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Monte Carlo Simulation technique was also employed to evaluate non-carcinogenic risk in four life stages. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following hot block-assisted digestion. Obtained results showed non-significant differences in contents of toxic and PTEs between conventional and organic wheat grains/flour. Using LDA, metal (loid)s were found to be indicative of geographical origin. The LDA produced a total correct classification rate of 95.8% and 100% for US and West Pacific Region samples, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that the estimated non-carcinogenic risk associated with toxic element intakes across the four life stages were far lower than the threshold value (Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) > 1). However, the probability of exceeding the threshold value for Mn is approximately 32% in children aged between 5 and 8 years. The findings of this study can aid in understanding dietary Mn exposure in children in Las Vegas.

Dynamic collapse and regrowth of the Antarctic Ice Sheet in the Weddell Sea sector during the middle Miocene: A novel multi-proxy sedimentary provenance approach using in-situ87Rb/87Sr dating of detrital K-feldspar

The latest generation of Antarctic paleo-ice sheet models, incorporating bedrock paleo-topography, reconstruct the development of substantial ice-sheet embayments during the Mid-Miocene Climate Optimum, a warm period between ∼17–15 Ma ago. Here, we test these models using ice-rafted debris (IRD) recovered from the central Weddell Sea (Ocean Drilling Program Site 113–694). These IRD are entrained by the ice-sheet expanding into the embayment during the cooling associated with the subsequent Mid-Miocene Climate Transition and ultimately delivered to the deep marine sink by iceberg armadas during higher-frequency instability events. Due to the near-absence of heavy minerals in these volumetrically small samples, we utilise the novel in-situ K-feldspar 87Rb/87Sr provenance technique by laser-ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometer equipped with a mass-filtered reaction cell. We combine these single-grain ages with in-situ Pb-isotope analysis, as well as 40Ar/39Ar dating of a subset of grains. Results identify the Antarctic Peninsula and southern Dronning Maud Land as key sediment sources, including grains sourced from within the Recovery subglacial basin. These findings support ice sheet instability consistent with reconstructions of major ice sheet embayments formed by climatic conditions analogous to those predicted by modern anthropogenic warming trajectories. Additionally, in-situ87Rb/87Sr and Pb-isotope analysis of detrital K-feldspar provide a high-throughput alternative to conventional single grain U-Pb or 40Ar/39Ar analysis, especially in small samples where the heavy mineral fraction is limited or absent.

Combustion Characteristics of Vat-Photopolymerized Fuels with a Spiral Star Port for Hybrid Propulsion.

Despite hybrid rocket motors offering distinct advantages over solid or liquid rocket motors, their low regression rate and insufficient combustion efficiency remain significantly unimproved. This study focuses on the effects of the helix lead on the regression rate distribution and combustion efficiency of vat-polymerized fuel grains with a spiral star port for a hybrid rocket. Both experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to study the combustion characteristics and regression rate distribution of three-dimensional (3D) print grains. Spiral star grains with varying helix leads of 60, 90, and 120 mm were fabricated using light-curing 3D printing technology. A 3D simulation model was developed to obtain the temperature distribution, species mass distribution, and combustion efficiency. Furthermore, firing tests were performed on a two-dimensional radial hybrid combustion test stand to measure the regression rate. Digital image processing of computed tomography images was used to determine the regression rate. Simulation results indicated that the spiral star grain port helps to improve the combustion efficiency compared with those seen with round tube and straight star port grains. With an increase in the axial distance, the flame zone gradually shrinks, and the smaller the helix lead, the faster the shrinkage. At a mass flow rate of 1.50 g/s for oxygen, the regression rate of the spiral star grains is significantly higher than that of the straight star grain and the conventional round tubular grains, and the regression rate gradually increases with a decrease in the helix lead. This finding is expected to solve the problem of the low regression rate of solid fuels with spiral star pore-shaped grains prepared by the light-curing 3D printing method.

Mycotoxin contamination in organic and conventional cereal grain and products: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

There is still considerable controversy about the relative risk of mycotoxin exposure associated with the consumption of organic and conventional cereals. Using validated protocols, we carried out a systematic literature review and meta-analyses of data on the incidence and concentrations of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium, Claviceps, Penicillium, and Aspergillus species in organic and conventional cereal grains/products. The standard weighted meta-analysis of concentration data detected a significant effect of production system (organic vs. conventional) only for the Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol, with concentrations ∼50% higher in conventional than organic cereal grains/products (p<0.0001). Weighted meta-analyses of incidence data and unweighted meta-analyses of concentration data also detected small, but significant effects of production system on the incidence and/or concentrations of T-2/HT-2 toxins, zearalenone, enniatin, beauvericin, ochratoxin A (OTA), and aflatoxins. Multilevel meta-analyses identified climatic conditions, cereal species, study type, and analytical methods used as important confounding factors for the effects of production system. Overall, results from this study suggest that (i) Fusarium mycotoxin contamination decreased between the 1990s and 2020, (ii) contamination levels are similar in organic and conventional cereals used for human consumption, and (iii) maintaining OTA concentrations below the maximum contamination levels (3.0μg/kg) set by the EU remains a major challenge.

Oxide/metal interface enhancement for improved dispersion strengthening mechanism in oxide-strengthened tungsten

The addition of secondary ceramic particles has shown to be effective in enhancing the mechanical properties of tungsten alloys. The diverse strengthening effects observed with various secondary particles necessitate further investigation. Herein, three ultrafine-grained, oxide-dispersed-strengthened tungsten alloys were prepared using solution combustion synthesis combined with low-temperature sintering. We thoroughly investigated the influence of Al2O3, La2O3, and Y2O3 on the microstructure and mechanical properties of tungsten, as well as their respective strengthening mechanisms. A detailed comparison revealed discrepancies between the yield strength experimentally measured and the theoretically predicted strength based on conventional grain refinement strengthening and dispersion strengthening theories, highlighting the significance of the intrinsic nature of dispersed oxides. Electron microscopy analysis and density functional theory calculations revealed that, compared to other oxides, the heterogeneous interface of Al2O3 with W exhibited minimal lattice distortion and the highest work of separation, resulting in a robust interface bonding. The prepared W–Al2O3 alloy showed exceptional performance with Vickers hardness HV0.2 of 698.9 and yield strength of 2488 MPa. Its yield strength surpassed that of W–Y2O3 and W–La2O3 alloys, as well as other commonly reported refractory metal materials.

Neutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Potential of Fagopyrum esculentum (Linn.) Moench.

Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudocereal grown annually in hilly regions of India. It belongs to family Polygonaceae and genus Fagopyrum. Buckwheat is adaptable to extreme cold temperature, stress conditions of water making it a sustainable crop. In India, twenty species of buckwheat are cultivated across various hilly regions. Out of these only nine species have desirable nutritional value and two are commonly grown. They are Fagopyrum esculentum (Common buckwheat) and Fagopyrum tartaricum (Tartary buckwheat). Buckwheat has good amount of nutrients and many health benefits. Buckwheat has been used in the gluten free diet for those suffering from celiac disease. It can be used for the prevention of obesity and diabetes as they have high total dietary fibre and soluble dietary fibre. It is commonly used grain in the name of Kuttu in Indian society during fasting. The present study aims at establishing the Neutraceutical and Pharmaceutical utility of potential alternative to conventional food grains as mentioned in the contemporary texts.

Investigation of the Effect of Duct Geometry on Drying Air Flow in Conventional Grain Dryers by Porous Media Approach

It is a traditional practice to store many agricultural products after drying, ensuring that they are used all year round. Mixed counter flow air drying is one of the most common and traditional methods in the bulk drying process. In this application, the air flow produced by the air channels placed in the dryer bed is forced to flow through the grains in the opposite direction to the grain flow. The moisture contained in the grains is thrown out of the dryer through forced convection. However, it is expected that the air ducts installed in the dryers should not obstruct the flow of grain and provide the best possible drying performance. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling for a counter-flow grain dryer was performed and the effect of the geometry of the drying channels on the process was investigated. Fluent 2020 R2 commercial software was used for 2-D flow modeling through the dryer. The airflow in the grain zone, modeled as porous media, was included in the calculation for three different geometries of the dryer air ducts (circular, angular, and straight). A constant temperature boundary condition (37°C) was applied for the air ducts in which the drying air circulated without mixing with the grain. As an output of the analysis, the dryer outlet temperature and differential pressure variation along the flow were calculated for 5 different inlet velocities (between 0.005-0.25) to determine the behavior of different air flow rates in the drying process. The increase in the inlet velocity increased the pressure difference and consequently the stability of the flow for all models. The outlet temperature decreased by about 2.5 °C with a 5-fold increase in velocity. The results showed that the sufficient outlet air for moisture removal depends on the structure of the porous medium and the flow geometry. For this analysis, the best flow was found to be for the circular cross-section model and the outlet temperature could be at acceptable levels.

Ultrastrong and Deformable Aluminum-Based Composite Nanolaminates with Transformable Binary Intergranular Films.

Nanostructured metals with conventional grain boundaries or interfaces exhibit high strength yet usually poor ductility. Here we report an interface engineering strategy that breaks the strength-ductility dilemma via externally incorporating graphene oxide at lamella boundaries of aluminum (Al) nanolaminates. By forming the binary intergranular films where graphene oxide was sandwiched between two amorphous alumina layers, the Al-based composite nanolaminates achieved ultrahigh compressive strength (over 1 GPa) while retaining excellent plastic deformability. Complementing experimental results with molecular dynamics simulation efforts, the ultrahigh strength was interpreted by the strong blocking effect of the binary intergranular films on dislocation nucleation and propagation, and the excellent plasticity was found to originate from the stress/strain-induced crystalline-to-amorphous transition of graphene oxide and the synergistic deformation between Al nanolamellas and the binary intergranular films.

Biochemical analyses in the ICARDA collection of unique dried materials of lentils

Background: Among conventional grains, lentils stand out as a rich source of nutrients, boasting high levels of protein and low levels of carbohydrates. They serve as an excellent meat alternative and are abundant in macronutrients, micronutrients, and bioactive phytochemicals. The red lentil seed coat surpasses other legumes in phenol content, showcasing remarkable antioxidant activity. Recognized as a high-level functional crop, lentils demonstrate efficacy in mitigating various health issues, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Objective: This study aims to analyze the biochemical and bioactive components, such as proteins and monosaccharides, in selected lentil varieties that thrive in the conditions of the Ararat Valley and hold economic value. The objective is to evaluate their potential as functional foods. Methods: This study was conducted at the Scientific Centre of Vegetables and Industrial Crops in Darakert, Armenia, from 2021 to 2022, and used a block-randomized design with 4 replications. Lentil seeds were planted in mid-May, with proper care and optimal spacing. Harvested in mid-July, lentil fruits underwent biochemical analysis in the laboratory. Investigated lentil varieties included those from ICARDA collection and locally bred ones. Total protein, protein nitrogen, and carbohydrate content were determined using Kjeldahl’s, Bernstein’s, and Ofner's iodometric methods, respectively. Results: The investigation into the biochemical properties of the selected lentil varieties revealed protein levels ranging from 20.5% to 23.9%, non-protein content between 1.2% and 1.6%, and monosaccharides ranging from 6.2% to 6.7%. Conclusions: Economically valuable lentil varieties, both sourced from the ICARDA collection (Flip 2007-12L, Flip 2007-3L, Flip 2007-30L, EP-54, Sell from1767L) and locally bred varieties that are registered in the State Register of Breeding achievements of Armenia (Talini-6, Haykakan88), exhibit high concentrations of key biochemical properties such as proteins, non-proteins, and monosaccharides. When considering their potential as functional foods with various health benefits, these varieties align well with contemporary nutritional trends emphasizing the inclusion of health-promoting ingredients in diets. Further research and development in this area hold the promise of not only expanding the agricultural and culinary landscape in Armenia but also contributing to the broader conversation around nutrition and functional foods around the world. Keywords: lentils, biochemical properties, protein, non-protein, monosaccharides

Millets for Food and Nutrition Security: A Review

Millets are a species of grass plants with small grains that have a remarkable ability to endure severe drought and play an important role in many regions of the country's dietary patterns. Millets possess an abundance amount of minerals, dietary fibre and phytochemicals which makes them nutritionally superior to conventional food grains. Millet also has a high antioxidant capacity and nutraceutical content, which can help prevent oxidative stress-related disorders like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Millets have been shown to provide a variety of physiological benefits such as free radical scavenging activity, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anti-diabetic properties. Soaking, germination, malting, decortication, and boiling of millets serve to reduce anti-nutritional elements while improving digestibility and nutritional content. Millet is a potentially tremendous crop but under-explored as compared to cereals. Enhancing the consumption of millets would help in addressing the problem of nutritional security, hidden hunger and combating oxidative stress-induced disorders in developing countries.

Promoting effects of alternating current and input power on grain growth behavior of cubic ZrO2 polycrystals

AbstractThe grain growth behavior during an AC flash event was examined in 8 mol% yttria‐stabilized cubic zirconia (8Y‐CSZ) polycrystals. The effects of current/power densities on the grain growth behavior were investigated in 8Y‐CSZ samples with different specific surface areas at a constant sample temperature and applied field strength. The grain growth rate of flash‐treated 8Y‐CSZ was 300 times faster than that of heat‐treated 8Y‐CSZ at the same sample temperature in the absence of an electric current/field, suggesting that the promoted grain growth cannot be ascribed only to a thermal effect but also to an athermal effect occurring during the AC flash event. Moreover, the grain growth during the flash treatment strongly depends on the applied current/power densities and grain size; in particular, the grain growth showed enhancements with increasing applied current/power densities and for relatively small grain sizes. This result suggests that the grain boundary diffusivity of cations, which are regarded as the rate‐controlling species for grain growth, could be accelerated by tuning the current/power densities during the flash event. The grain growth mechanism was characterized using a grain growth exponent (n) value of 4.8 for the flash treatment at high current/power densities and using a conventional value of n = 3 under normal heat treatment conditions. The dependence of the grain growth behavior on the AC current/power density suggests that because the cation diffusivity is accelerated due to the formation of numerous point defects during the AC flash event, the grain growth mechanism might depend on the current/power densities and differ from that of conventional grain growth.

Storability of organic and conventional sorghum grains at constant relative humidity, and varied temperatures

Storability of organic and conventional sorghum grains at constant relative humidity, and varied temperatures

Storability of organic and conventional sorghum grains at constant relative humidity, and varied temperatures

Storability of organic and conventional sorghum grains at constant relative humidity, and varied temperatures

Circulation of nutrients through bio-based fertilizer products: perspectives from farmers, suppliers, and civil society

Closing nutrient cycles by bio-based fertilizer products (BFPs) can improve the environmental sustainability of food systems and facilitate a more circular economy. Although the theoretical potential for nutrient recycling has been explored in detail, BFPs still seldom replace mineral fertilizer products in practice. The aim of the present study was to explore the critical enabling and limiting factors for the use of BFPs as seen from the perspective of farmers, suppliers, and civil society. To this aim, qualitative interviews were conducted with seven conventional grain farmers, six suppliers of BFPs, and five representatives of civil society, limited to environmental non-governmental organizations. The presented results illustrate a mismatch between demand and supply. On the one hand, the interviewed farmers were only interested in using BFPs if they are practical to use, balanced with respect to nutrient contents, and potentially provide the same earnings as mineral fertilizers. Positive effects for soil quality were an important driver for many of the farmers. On the other hand, the suppliers of BFPs were generally not able to offer products that fulfilled the farmers’ demands without economic losses, and they emphasized that they have faced several regulatory challenges. Representatives of regional civil society organizations expressed concern that new technical solutions could cause new environmental challenges, and that BFPs could enable further intensification of livestock production. The central-level representatives from the same NGOs, however, were positive about that BFPs can solve environmental problems. Policy instruments will be needed to increase the adoption of PFPs. Fostering BFPs’ that contribute to a sustainable agriculture is important to consider when formulating these polices.

A new strategy for improving the Tb utilization efficiency in sintered NdFeB magnets through pressure-assisted grain boundary diffusion

Improving the utilization efficiency of heavy rare earth is currently a research hotspot in the field of rare earth permanent magnets. In this article, the effect and mechanism of pressure-assisted grain boundary diffusion (PGBD) on improving Tb utilization efficiency was investigated. The magnetic properties, microstructure, and magnetic domain morphology of the PGBD magnets were compared and analyzed in relation to conventional grain boundary diffusion (CGBD) magnets. The results shows that the PGBD process promoted Tb diffusion into the magnets. The residual layer thickness of the PGBD magnets was thinner than that of the CGBD magnets, demonstrating that the PGBD process could allow more Tb to diffuse into the magnets. The formation of a more complete and deeper core-shell structure in the PGBD magnets significantly enhances their resistance to demagnetization fields, thereby resulting in an increased coercivity. The PGBD process exhibits a reduction in TbH3 usage by approximately 0.2 wt% compared to the CGBD process, while maintaining an equivalent level of coercivity increment. These findings highlight the efficacy of the PGBD process in enhancing Tb utilization efficiency and conserving Tb resources.

Analyzing and Extending Cellular Automaton Simulations of Dynamic Recrystallization

A polycrystalline system corroborating experimentally observed microstructure is developed in this paper by employing cellular automata techniques. Moreover, through appropriate transition functions, microstructural changes accompanying dynamic recrystallization, a manufacturing technique associated with the production of a wide range of components, is simulated. The grain growth that characterizes this change is analyzed to explicate the trend in the temporal evolution of mean grain size and its kinetics. As opposed to a progressive increase in mean grain size, which generally typifies a conventional grain growth, in dynamic recrystallization it is observed that the mean grain size increases and decreases sequentially, thereby rendering an oscillating pattern. A perceptive investigation of the fluctuating trend unravels individual growth events, characterized by monotonic increase in mean grain size, whose kinetics follows the third-order power law. Additionally, the existing approach of modeling dynamic recrystallization is extended to facilitate unrestricted yet energetically favored growth of defect-free nuclei across their neighboring grains.

Comparative utility of hermetic and conventional grain storage bags for smallholder farmers: a meta-analysis.

Postharvest management is critical to attaining household food, nutrition, and income security. Hermetic grain storage bags offer an effective pesticide-free way to protect stored grain against fungal and insect infestation. We evaluated articles indexed in the Web of Science that included experiments comparing the storage efficacy of conventional and hermetic storage bags based on grain germination rate, insect infestation, physical damage, mycotoxin contamination, and changes in weight and moisture content. Compared with grain stored in hermetic bags, grain stored in conventional bags lost 3.6-fold more seed viability, contained 42-fold more insects, had 11-fold more physical damage, and lost 23-fold more grain weight, while grain moisture levels were similar for both hermetic and conventional storage bags. Mycotoxin contamination levels were not as frequently assessed. Levels could be low in grain stored in both types of bags, or levels could be low in hermetic bags and significantly higher in conventional bags. The improved properties of grain stored in hermetic bags can increase food security and household income by providing safe storage options for maintaining seed germinability, and for consumption and/or sale when food supplies are high, or when prices are low. Hermetic bags are economically feasible for use by subsistence farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa for grain for household consumption and for carrying-over seed for planting in the next season. Additional studies are needed to verify the mycotoxin contamination results and to determine if there are differences in functional food characteristics, e.g. flavor and cooking properties, that have not been as comprehensively studied. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.