Dry Rate Research Articles

Preparation and characterization of porcupine-fish-spine-inspired AZ91/SiC composites with radial lamellar structures

There is a growing demand for lightweight, damage-tolerant, and wear-resistant structural materials, and it is difficult to produce such materials with conventional methods. In this work, we prepared AZ91/SiC composites with a porcupine-fish-spine-inspired structure through radial freeze casting and pressureless infiltration, and investigated the effect of the thermal conductivity of the freezing mold (copper, brass, and stainless steel molds) on the structure and mechanical properties of the composite prepared. Owing to a higher axial-radial temperature gradient ratio, scaffolds prepared with the steel mold had a stronger orientation of ceramic layers, and the corresponding composites had higher flexural strength and fracture toughness compared with those prepared using the copper mold. The main toughening mechanisms were crack deflection and uncracked-ligament bridging. In particular, a radially frozen composite had a lower dry wear rate (by 20%) at cross-sectional surfaces than a conventional axially frozen composite. This paper presents an economical and scalable method for the preparation of high-performance lightweight metal matrix composites.

Research on Rotor Sleeve Winding Techniques for High-Speed Permanent Magnet Motors via NOL Ring Testing

Surface-mounted high-speed permanent magnet motors are known for their small size, high power factor, and reliable control and operation. However, these motors may have low mechanical strength and weak tensile strength in their rotor magnet, which necessitates the adoption of an external sleeve for protection. Currently, carbon fiber composite sleeves are garnering increasing attention for their durable and reliable protective capabilities. Despite the apparent benefits of carbon fiber composite protective sleeves, systematic research on the relevant parameters such as winding angle, fiber type, resin type, winding tension, and curing method is currently lacking in the literature for high-speed permanent magnet motors. In this context, this paper employs an innovative approach, utilizing the Taguchi method, the National Ordnance Laboratories (NOL) ring failure test, and a resin content test, to investigate the winding process parameters of carbon fiber composite protective sleeves for high-speed permanent magnet motors. The results indicate that the tensile strength of the composite sleeve with a winding angle of 45 and 30° is reduced by 20~25% compared with the sleeve with a pure hoop winding angle. The loss of strength caused by the manufacturing process accounts for 30%. When the wet winding tension is 130 N, the tensile and shear strength of the sleeve decreases by 13 and 12%, respectively, compared with that of 70 N. When the dry winding temperature rise rate is 3 min/°C, the strength of the sleeve decreases by 16% compared with that of 1 min/°C. For a small-thickness sleeve with a thickness of 1.5 mm, two-layer curing can increase the tensile strength of the sleeve, while three-layer curing or more can decrease the strength. By studying the process parameters of the sleeve, this article prepared a composite sleeve for a high-speed permanent magnet motor with a line speed of 200 m/s. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the manufacturing process parameters of the rotor sleeve, which is helpful for the design and performance optimization of high-speed permanent magnet motors.

Establishment of Flavonoid Fingerprint of TMR Diet and Optimization Factor Analysis Strategy and In Vitro Fermentation Parameters Based on Spectrum–Effect Relationship

Nutricines, the nutritionally active substances in feed, play a vital role in enhancing immune function, antioxidant activity, and feed efficiency in dairy cows. Identifying nutricines in total mixed ration (TMR) provides insights into feed quality and their impact on dairy cow health. However, due to the structural diversity of nutricines, data mining using multivariate variable models faces challenges in exploring their relationships. To address this, this study established a hierarchical clustering and optimization factor strategy for 13 common flavonoid peaks detected using apparent data and HPLC-DAD. The establishment of the flavonoid fingerprint of TMR diet in dairy cows detected 13 common peaks, five of which were found using standard products: p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, tricin, and diosmetin. In vitro fermentation results using different TMR samples in substrate fermentation indicated that the dry matter disappearance rate, NH3-N, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate changes varied significantly (p < 0.05). In spectrum–activity relationship studies, P2, P6, P8, P9, P10, and P11 were all considered possible factors causing this effect. In the analysis of optimization factor strategy, the peak spectrum model of four fermentation parameters, i.e., pH, dry matter digestibility, NH3-N, and acetate, was constructed after optimization (p < 0.05), and the data model is listed in the main text. In structure–activity relationship studies, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, methyl sinapic acid, methyl 4-hydroxycinnamate, and p-hydroxybenzalacetone may serve as candidate references for compound 10 and may play an important role in affecting the digestibility of dry matter in in vitro fermentation. These findings highlight the role of flavonoids in TMR feed as key factors in maintaining dairy cow health and differentiating nutritional value. This study proposes a novel method for future TMR diet formulation and quality evaluation, with potential implications for improving dairy cow health and performance. Further research is needed to validate these findings and elucidate the mechanisms underlying nutricine effects on dairy cow nutrition and health.

Stimulation of systemic resistance in strawberries against gray mold disease caused by Botrytis Cinerea using amino butyric acid and melatonin

The study aimed to isolate and diagnose the fungus that causes gray mold disease in strawberries, and the study showed the spread of the fungus Botrytis cinerea in all areas of sample collection (Baghdad - Anbar - Babylon - Salah al-Din). Reducing the infection rate to (28%, and 32.33%) in the strawberry plant compared to the control treatment contaminated with the pathogenic fungus (82.67). The results showed a significant effect of the above induction factors in reducing the diameter growth rate and the dry weight rate of the biomass of the fungus, which reached (2.80 cm, 4.67 cm) and (0.253, 0.357 mg) respectively, compared to the control treatment with a diameter of (9 cm, 0.423 mg). For the inducing factors BABA and Melatonin, the results showed a significant increase in the rate of peroxidase enzyme activity, as it reached Melatonin (48.248 minutes gm fresh weight-1) and BABA (37.330 minutes gm fresh weight-1). Accumulated total phenols achieved BABA (3.203 mg fresh weight-1) and Melatonin (2.635 mg fresh weight-1). Keywords: Stimulate; Botrytis cinerea; BABA; Melatonin; Strawberry

Drying of Compact and Porous NCM Cathode Electrodes in Different Multilayer Architectures: Influence of Layer Configuration and Drying Rate on Electrode Properties

Porous, nanostructured particles ensure the wetting of electrolyte up to the particle core and shortened diffusion paths, which is relevant not only for lithium‐ion batteries but also for postlithium systems like sodium‐ion batteries. The porous structure leads to a high C‐rate capability. However, compared to conventional compact NCM, porous NCM shows a reduced adhesion force but no or only slight negative influence on C‐rate capability by binder migration at higher drying rates. Herein, a multilayer concept is used to increase the adhesion force with equal or better electrochemical performance compared to single‐layer electrodes. Compact particles of high volumetric energy density and porous particles with high C‐rate capability are combined in a simultaneously coated multilayer electrode. Multilayers with compact NCM toward the current collector and porous NCM with reduced binder content toward the separator side show an about 16‐times higher adhesion force at lower drying rate and an about ten‐times higher adhesion force at increased drying rate compared to electrodes produced of porous NCM only. The specific discharge capacity of the multilayers is increased by 88% at the lower and 67% at the higher drying rate for a discharge rate of 3C compared to a single layer with compact NCM.

Differences in Dry Matter Accumulation and Distribution Patterns between Pre-Elite Seed and Certified Seed of Virus-Free Potato

Virus-free seed potatoes are generally divided into pre-elite seeds and certified seeds. To study the differences in dry matter accumulation and distribution between pre-elite seeds and certified seeds through a field randomized block two-factor experiment, pre-elite seeds and certified seeds of four varieties were selected to explore the differences in growth characteristics between the two levels of virus-free potatoes and to find a way to improve potato seed expansion efficiency. The results showed that the growth process of pre-elite seeds was slower and the growth period was longer than certified seeds. The dry matter accumulation of pre-elite seeds in various organs was lower than in certified seeds, and the distribution ratio in the roots and stems of each variety was also lower than the certified seed, while there was no significant difference in the leaf and tuber distribution ratio. The average dry matter accumulation rate in both pre-elite and certified seeds was sorted by size of tubers > leaves > stems > roots; however, it was significantly lower in pre-elite seeds than in certified seeds. Tuber fresh weight, tuber volume, tuber number, and the theoretical yield of certified seeds were higher than those of pre-elite seeds. Experiments have shown that appropriately prolonging the harvest time of virus-free potatoes, especially pre-elite seeds, and increasing the proportion of dry matter allocated to roots and stems by pre-elite seeds in the early growth stages can effectively increase yield.

Decomposition and elemental release of leaf litter in Kandelia obovata mangrove forests under different sea level rise scenarios

Leaf litter decomposition is an important source of carbon and nutrients to mangrove soil and fauna, and adjacent costal ecosystems. Mangrove forests are extremely sensitive to sea level rise which may affect leaf litter decomposition. Seasonal decomposition and elemental release (i.e., carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous) of leaf litter were investigated at three Kandelia obovata mangrove sites with different tidal elevations, such as RSL (rising sea level) 0 cm, RSL 40 cm and RSL 80 cm, simulating the sea level rise scenarios by 0 cm, 40 cm and 80 cm, respectively. Half-time (T50) of leaf litter decomposition was 31.4 d in spring, 17.3 d in summer, 15.1 d in autumn and 35.1 d in winter. Mean decomposition rate and dry weight loss rate of leaf litter at site RSL 0 cm were obviously higher than values at sites RSL 80 cm and RSL 40 cm, with annual mean T50 values of 21.4 d, 30.7 d and 30.3 d at sites RSL0 cm, RSL 40 cm and RSL 80 cm, respectively. Elemental releases of leaf litter were very similar to dry weight loss rate and site RSL 0 cm had significantly higher elemental releases. These indicated that sea level rise will decrease decomposition and elemental release of mangrove leaf litter.

From the peaks to the plains: Investigating the role of elevation in governing drought dynamics over the Indus river basin

Drought is referred as a natural calamity which negatively affects various sectors especially water resources, food security and the economy of the country. High altitude regions as compared to low-lying areas, are more vulnerable and sensitive to changing climate. In order to comprehend the entire drought phenomena, analyzing drought trends with respect to elevation for different time scales is of great significance. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to investigate the spatiotemporal variation of meteorological droughts and to explore the relationship between elevation and drought dynamics over the Indian extent of Indus river basin, which is an important drainage system of the Indian sub-continent as far as agricultural productivity and water supply is concerned. Heterogeneity of the elevation spread over the basin ranging from 93 to 8489 m, makes it suitable for exploring the elevation relationship with drought characteristics. For this purpose, gridded monthly precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature data of 0.120 × 0.120 spatial resolution (1956 grids) for a time period of 42 years (1979–2020) is utilized to study the drought characteristics. Drought events are identified based on Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Computation of SPEI-annual and SPEI-seasonal (pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter) is done on the basis of climatic water balance, connecting to the droughts. Modified Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope method have been used to detect significant trends in the region. Results show that the trends in the drought indices have very high heterogeneity across different seasons. Overall, 13% (14%) grids show drying (wetting) trends for annual SPEI time series analysis. However, seasonally, it is found that monsoon and post- monsoon seasons have larger areas in the basin with wetting trends. Moreover, the pre-monsoon season has a larger area with drying trends. The study region has experienced 0%–10% and 0%–5% severe and extreme drought frequency respectively, over the time period 1979–2020. A relationship between drought and elevation is observed, depicting wetting trend is associated with elevations up-to around 2000 m with decreasing rate of wetting whereas, for the altitudes from 2000 to 6000 m drying trends prevails. However, a lesser rate of drying is observed for the higher elevations above around 4000 m as compared to altitudes between 2000 and 4000 m. The plausible causes of this certain behavior of SPEI trend with elevation is determined by further analysis of the trend of meteorological parameters (precipitation and PET) which were utilized for the computation of SPEI. Both precipitation and PET trends are found to be responsible for the SPEI trends along the elevation gradient.

Experimental and Modeling Study of Abrasive Wear of Tungsten Carbide Drilling Bit in Wet and Dry Conditions

The results of theoretical and experimental investigations carried out to study the effect of load and relative sliding speed on the abrasive wear behavior in drilling bit teeth surfaces of an insert tungsten carbide bit have been presented. Experimentally, an apparatus for abrasive wear tests conducted on the modified ASTM-G65 was modified and fabricated to facilitate loading and measurement of wear rate for the sand/ steel wheel abrasion test, which involves two cases of contact; first is at dry sand and second is under wet condition. These tests have been carried under varied operating parameters of normal load and sliding speed. A theoretical model based upon the Archard equation has been developed for predicting wear simulation by using ANSYS12.1 program for dry and wet abrasive wear rates. The general trend for all the results of wet tests is that an increase in the applied load as well as wheel rotational speed produces an increase in wear rate, while at the dry tests the behavior shows an increase and fluctuating in wear rate due to the transition in wear mechanism. As compared to the dry tests, the volume losses in wet tests have much higher values, that is because the presence of water which causes high adhesion between sand particles and specimen surface as well as wear-corrosion interaction which accelerate the wear rates. The percentage errors between theoretical and experimental results are more stable with the wet than dry tests due to the stability in wear rates.

Biomass production of Chlorella pyrenoidosa by filled sphere carrier reactor: Performance and mechanism

Microalgae-based Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage is vital for mitigating global climate change. A filled sphere carrier reactor was developed to achieve high biomass production and carbon sequestration rate of Chlorella pyrenoidosa. By introducing air (0.04% CO2) into the reactor, the dry biomass production achieved 8.26 g/L with the optimized parameters of polyester carrier, 80% packing density, 5-fold concentrated nutrient combining 0.2 mol/L phosphate buffer. At simulated flue gas CO2 concentration of 7%, the dry biomass yield and carbon sequestration rate reached up to 9.98 g/L and 18.32 g/L/d in one day, which were as high as 249.5 and 79.65 times comparing with those of suspension culture at day 1, respectively. The mechanism was mainly attributed to the obvious intensification of electron transfer rate and remarkable increase of RuBisCO enzyme activity in the photosynthetic chloroplast matrix. This work provided a novel approach for potential microalgae-based carbon capture and storage.

A New Mode of a Natural Convection Solar Greenhouse Dryer for Domestic Usage: Performance Assessment for Grape Drying

It is known that the natural convection (NC) solar drying process is a simple and cheap method for drying foodstuffs, but it is not preferable for common users in the case of drying high-moisture content agro-products due to the slow rate of drying. Meanwhile, the forced convection (FC) drying process is most appropriate for such products, but its economic feasibility may be affected due to high initial and maintenance costs. Therefore, the present study proposed a controlled natural convection (CNC) drying mode using a solar greenhouse dryer (SGD) for drying grapes with two types of cover materials, glass and Plexiglas, through intermittent operation with a PV system to save energy as a simple and inexpensive domestic dryer instead of the common forced convection SGD and the conventional natural convection SGD. The obtained results of the new CNC drying mode using a Plexiglas SGD showed a higher drying rate than the NC drying mode and are close to the FC drying mode using the same cover material. The initial moisture content of the grapes was reduced from 5.91 g water/g dry matter to the final moisture content of 0.15 g water/g dry matter within 12 h and 15 h for the CNC and NC drying modes, respectively, using the Plexiglas SGD. Moreover, the thermal drying efficiency for the two mentioned drying modes was 12.5 and 9.7%, respectively. The Page model was found to be the most appropriate model to predict the kinetics of the SGD in all drying modes, regardless of the cover type. The new CNC drying mode using the Plexiglas SGD achieved the lowest cost per kg of dried grapes (1.26 USD/kg), the highest total saved costs over the lifespan of the dryer (USD 245.46) and the shortest payback period (1.08 years) compared to the other two dryers, NC-SGD and FC-SGD. Generally, the CNC-SGD had good performance over the NC-SGD because it is not affected by the fluctuation in the volume, velocity and direction of the inlet ambient air/wind during drying grapes as a high-moisture content product without external heating sources or complicated parts. Thus, the proposed drying system has the advantage in terms of simplicity, cheapness and saving energy compared to FC-SGD.

Pachychoroid neovasculopathy has clinical properties that differ from conventional neovascular age-related macular degeneration

To determine the clinical properties of pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) that differ from conventional neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and suggest that they are different clinical entities. To accomplish this, we reviewed the medical records of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with nAMD. All of the patients were Japanese, and their mean age was 75.5 years. There were 72 men and 28 women. For the bilateral cases, only the right eye was analyzed. An eye was diagnosed with PNV when a macular neovascularization (MNV) was detected just above the dilated choroidal vessels. The Indocyanine green angiographic (ICGA) and en face optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images were used to assess the vertical symmetry of the medium and large choroidal vessels. The subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was also measured manually in the OCT images. After reclassification, there were 29 (29%) patients with typical nAMD (25 with type 1 MNV, 4 with type 2 MNV), 43 (43%) with PNV, 21 (21%) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and 7 (7%) with retinal angiomatous proliferation. Of the 43 PNV, 17 (39.5%) had polypoidal lesions and 26 (60.5%) had no polypoidal lesions. The percentage of eyes with vertical asymmetry of the medium and large choroidal vessels was significantly greater in the 35 PNV (81.4%) than in the 16 non-PNV (28.1%; P < 0.01) cases. The mean SCT was significantly thicker in the PNV eyes than in the non-PNV eyes (298 ± 96 μm vs. 228 ± 82 μm; P < 0.01). The response of PNV to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments was better than that of non-PNV eyes [higher dry macula rate after the loading period (90.9% vs. 59.1%), fewer total number of injections (11.0 ± 2.9 vs. 13.4 ± 3.2), and longer treatment intervals for the anti-VEGF therapy (8.4 ± 3.1 vs. 13.4 ± 3.2 weeks) at 2 years (all P < 0.01)]. These differences in the morphology and response to anti-VEGF treatments suggest that PNV is a separate clinical entity to conventional nAMD.

Inactivation of Salmonella Typhimurium during low heat convection drying of winged kelp (Alaria esculenta)

Processing of seaweed often includes low-temperature drying to stabilise the product by inactivation and inhibition of the growth of microorganisms due to the low water activity. Salmonella is known to resist dry conditions, persist in low-moisture food, and has been linked to foodborne outbreaks from seaweed. Yet, no information is available on the inactivation kinetics of Salmonella during the convection drying of seaweed. Here, we present experimentally obtained drying and desorption models for thawed Alaria esculenta and a model to describe the inactivation kinetics of S. Typhimurium during low heat (<40 °C) convection drying. To describe the drying process, the best-fitting drying models were Weibull (α 20.0, β 0.513) and Page (k 0.215, n 0.513). The Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (C 1.031, k 0.958, X0 0.265) was the best-suited desorption model. The Geeraerd inactivation model with a tail best described the inactivation kinetics of S. Typhimurium (N0 0.04, kmax −0.13, Nres −3.98). These findings can be applied to predict the rates of drying of kelp and inactivation of S. Typhimurium. With no other control measures, pre-drying contamination of the seaweed with levels of S. Typhimurium >2.6 log(CFU g−1) could present a risk due to the potential survival of the pathogen during drying.

Cracking during freeze‐drying in dense freeze cast ceramics: Role of drying rate

AbstractCracks can form during the freeze‐drying of freeze cast ceramic suspensions while attempting to produce dense ceramics. The suspensions contain alumina particles dispersed in cyclohexane. The rate of drying is controlled by the pressure and temperature during drying (slow drying at atmospheric pressure and −15°C and fast drying under vacuum while the temperature slowly increases from −80°C to room temperature). X‐Ray micro‐computed tomography was used to characterize internal crack formation. Cracks were found to occur during freeze‐drying rather than during freezing. Both slow and fast drying produced cracks, although two different morphologies were observed. Mechanistic models are proposed for the formation of both types of cracks. The rate of freezing was found to influence the formation of cracks. Slow freezing tended to reduce the formation of drying cracks because the slower freezing produced a more heterogeneous distribution of particles and porous regions, which tends to allow stress to be relieved by opening up existing pores rather than forming cracks in the more homogeneous fast frozen bodies.

Initial outcomes using a novel bedwetting alarm (Gogoband®) that utilizes real time artificial intelligence to wake users prior to wetting

A quality assurance study was conducted on data retrieved from our servers, of initial users of the GOGOband® which includes a heart rate monitor, moisture sensor, bedside PC-tablet, and a parent app. There are three sequential modes beginning with Training, Predictive mode and Weaning mode. Outcomes were reviewed and data analysis was done with SPSS and xlstat. All 54 subjects who used the system from Jan 1, 2020, to June 2021 for more than 30 nights were included in this analysis. The mean age of the subjects is 10.1±3.7yrs. Subjects wet the bed a median of 7 (IQR6-7) nights per week prior to treatment. Severity and number of accidents per night had no impact on the ability to achieve dryness with GOGOband®. A crosstab analysis was performed which indicated that high compliant users (>80%) can remain dry 93% of the time compared to the whole group 87.7%. Overall ability to achieve 14 dry nights in a row was 66.7% (36/54) with some achieving a median of 16 14-day periods of dryness (IQR 0-35.75). We found 93% dry night rate in high compliance users in Weaning, this translates to 1.2 wet nights per 30 days. This compares to all users who wet 26.5 nights prior to treatment and 11.3 wet nights per 30 days during Training. The ability to achieve 14 days straight of dry nights was 85%. Our findings indicate that GOGOband® provides a significant benefit to all its users reducing nocturnal enuresis rates.

Research on cleaning technology and damage assessment of single-stage compressor rotating blades with dry ice as agent

Numerical investigations based on the Euler-Lagrange approach were carried out first to verify the efficiency of the on-wing cleaning of the compressor blades of aero engines by taking dry ice instead of aqueous solvents as agent. The coupling between particles and the gas phase as well as the interaction between particles and blades were considered by means of comprehensive simulations of the movement of dry ice in the blasting device and the rotating blade channel of the single-stage compressor. Then, the factors that influence dry ice cleaning efficiency were verified and analyzed through dry ice cleaning test on single-stage compressor rotating blades. Finally, the damage assessment of the blade surface and coating under low temperature and impact force was completed. According to the results, the erosion rate cloud map obtained by simulation calculations and the cleaning effect image obtained by the test both showed that the interaction between particles and blades was mainly in the area near the leading edge of the blade. The main variables that affected the cleaning efficiency were the blade rotating speed, the dry ice mass flow rate and the cleaning angle. Furthermore, the highest cleaning efficiency was acquired when the blade rotational speed was 2500 r/min, the dry ice mass flow rate was 6 kg/min and the cleaning angle was 90°. Under these conditions, the blade surface and the coating are not damaged. Dry ice cleaning is a feasible technology in terms of on-wing aero engines, which has broad prospects of applications.

Heat recovery scheme design and thermodynamic analysis of closed-cycle heat pump drying system

In order to improve the specific moisture extraction rate (SMER) of the closed-cycle heat pump drying (CHPD) system applied to paddy drying, three types (Heating evaporator outlet moist air with drying chamber outlet moist air, heating evaporator outlet refrigerant with condenser outlet refrigerant, heating evaporator outlet moist air with condenser outlet refrigerant) of heat recovery schemes are designed based on the CHPD system. Thermodynamic models of various CHPD systems are established, and their thermodynamic characteristics are calculated through sensitivity analysis and exergy analysis. The results indicate that using drying chamber outlet moist air and condenser outlet refrigerant to heat evaporator outlet moist air can improve the SMER of the CHPD system, with the improvements of 0.46 kg/kWh and 0.50 kg/kWh, respectively. And these two can achieve a benign combination to form an optimal heat recovery scheme, resulting in a 35.59% improvement in the SMER of the CHPD system from 2.61 kg/kWh to 3.54 kg/kWh. Moreover, the exergy loss of the CHPD system with the optimal heat recovery scheme is mainly in the auxiliary condenser, compressor, drying chamber, and evaporator, accounting for 32.38%, 17.62%, 15.28% and 13.33%, respectively.

Physical Properties of Moist, Fermented Corn Kernels

A novel approach to producing corn stover biomass feedstock has been investigated. In this approach, corn grain and stover are co-harvested at moisture contents much less than typical corn silage. The grain and stover are conserved together by anaerobic storage and fermentation and then separated before end use. When separated from the stover, the moist, fermented grain had physical characteristics that differ from typical low-moisture, unfermented grain. A comprehensive study was conducted to quantify the physical properties of this moist, fermented grain. Six corn kernel treatments, either fermented or unfermented, having different moisture contents, were used. Moist, fermented kernels (26 and 36% w.b. moisture content) increased in size during storage. The fermented kernels’ widths and thicknesses were 10% and 15% greater, respectively, and their volume was 28% greater than the dry kernels (15% w.b.). Dry basis particle density was 9% less for moist, fermented kernels. Additionally, the dry basis bulk density was 29% less, and the dry basis hopper-discharged mass flow rate was 36% less. Moist, fermented grain had significantly greater kernel-to-kernel coefficients of friction and angles of repose compared to relatively dry grain. The friction coefficient on four different surfaces was also significantly greater for fermented kernels. Fermented corn kernels had lower individual kernel rupture strengths than unfermented kernels. These physical differences must be considered when designing material handling and processing systems for moist, fermented corn grain.

Development of an Algorithm for Calculating the Moisture Content and Time of Forest Fire Maturation of Forest Combustible Materials for Determining Forest Fire Hazards

Nowadays, forests play an important role in stabilizing the ecological balance, being one of the most important components of the biosphere. Due to the vital activity of forests, the gas composition of the atmosphere is normalized. Mass forest fires have the opposite effect. They cause irreparable damage to flora and fauna, contribute to the melting of Arctic ice, an increase in the Earth’s temperature, and destabilization of the carbon balance. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm for calculating the moisture content and time of forest fire maturation of forest combustible materials. To achieve this goal, the main factors determining a forest fire hazard have been studied, as well as a review of existing methods for assessing forest fire danger and scientific papers on forest pyrology. As a result of the analysis of the research aimed at studying the rate of drying of forest combustible materials (FCM), depending on the physical properties and environmental parameters, a dependency of changes in moisture content over time was obtained. With its help, knowing the initial moisture content of FCM, it is possible to calculate the periods of fire maturation for each component of the forest plantation. Cooperative use of the resulting algorithm with a digital twin of a forest stand makes it possible to identify the most fire-hazard forest areas and estimate the period of their fire-prone maturation.

Effect of co-inoculation of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri on aerobic stability and microbial community composition of perennial sorghum silage

In the present study, the aerobic stability of perennial sorghum (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum propinquum) silage following exposure to air was evaluated, which was pretreated with either Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L group) or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum + Lentilactobacillus buchneri (M group). Samples from the M group had lower dry matter loss rates and higher acetic acid content after exposure to air. Furthermore, samples from the M group showed high levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (2.79–6.55% in dry matter) and crude protein (3.82–9.02% in dry matter) after exposure to air. Moreover, M pretreatment led to the inhibition of the growth of Debaryomyces hansenii whereas it promoted the growth of Levilactobacillus and Clavispora sp. Overall, M pretreatment of perennial sorghum during storage hindered aerobic deterioration and promoted the formation of total fermentation products that act as precursors for biogas production.