Dry Storage Conditions Research Articles

Prevalence of Seed-Borne Fungi on Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Seeds Stored Under Medium-Term Cold Room Facilities: Implications for Genebanks

This study examined the prevalence of seed-borne fungi in polyethylene plastic-packaged soybean seeds stored in a genebank and identified factors influencing their incidence. Twenty-four seed lots were sampled from the collection stored at 10 °C in the World Vegetable Center genebank in Arusha, Tanzania. The seeds used were those regenerated and harvested in 2015, 2016, and 2017. A seed health test was conducted for sterilized seeds on potato dextrose agar, sterilized seeds on top of the paper, and unsterilized seeds on top of the paper. Seven-year-old sterilized seeds plated on top of the paper exhibited the highest germination percentage (74 ± 7.09%) and lowest fungal incidence (7.00 ± 4.41%). Conversely, seven-year-old unsterilized seeds plated on top of the paper had the lowest germination (22.00 ± 6.97%) and highest fungal incidence (79.00 ± 8.31%). Older seed lots showed significantly higher equilibrium seed moisture content (Eqmc), though seed age had no significant influence on germination percentage or fungal incidence. Seed germination percentage showed a significant negative relationship with Eqmc, though Eqmc had no significant effect on fungal incidence. Meanwhile, germination percentage showed a significant negative relationship with fungal incidence. Six fungi isolates were identified using their morphological features from soybean seed samples: Absidia glauca, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Mucor hiemalis, Pestalotiopsis versicolor, and Sordaria macrospora. It is concluded that high fungal incidence negatively affects seed germination but is not significantly correlated with seed moisture content. The dry and cold storage conditions in the genebank, while effective in extending seed longevity, can unintentionally allow seed-borne mycoflora to persist. Although fungi may not actively proliferate under these conditions, they may do so when favorable conditions are restored, such as during germination tests, and consequently may compromise seed viability. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of increased systematic seed health checks before storage in genebanks to ensure optimal seed quality, and the replacement of all polyethylene plastic bags to aluminium foil packaging.

Estimation of hydrides structure and mechanical properties of irradiated E110 alloy after thermomechanical tests imitating dry storage conditions

Safety assurance of spent nuclear fuel dry storage requires reliable prediction of mechanical properties of fuel element cladding depending on structural changes at all stages of nuclear fuel handling. In this work investigations of hydrides structure in irradiated fuel element cladding made of E110 alloy have been conducted in irradiated state as well as after tests simulating dry storage conditions. Using the program code, the coefficients that best correlate with mechanical properties have been found.

Seed Dormancy and After-ripening Mechanisms in Seed Germination: A Comprehensive Review

A review on seed dormancy and after-ripening mechanism on seed germination was conducted. After-ripening is an important post-harvest phase in seeds that causes physiological and biochemical changes that reduce dormancy and promote germination. It is a time based and environment regulated process that occurs in dried seeds and determines germination potential. This post-harvest period is characterized by a series of biochemical and molecular changes that modify the seeds internal environment, ultimately breaking dormancy and enabling germination. The process of after ripening is mediated by several key mechanisms, including hormonal balances, particularly the reduction of abscisic acid levels and the increase in gibberellins and reactive oxygen species serve a dual function in both signalling and oxidative damage repair, contribute to dormancy associated barriers. Unlike other dormancy breaking methods, such as stratification, which requires external factors like light or temperature fluctuations, after-ripening primarily occurs under dry storage conditions. Molecular studies have shown that after-ripening involves gene expression with transcriptional regulation of dormancy related genes and activation of germination promoting genes are observed. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications also contribute to the regulation of these genes during after-ripening. Understanding the after-ripening mechanism is very important for improving seed storage, enhancing germination rates and optimizing crop yields and helps in management of seed banks, minimizing unwanted in-situ germination before harvest and also elucidates the complication of seed dormancy and germination, providing valuable information for both basic plant biology and applied agricultural sciences. Hence, understanding the interaction of external factors, internal seed biology, and after-ripening conditions are critical for optimizing seed germination rates and crop productivity.

Development of CFD porous model parameters of Korean PWR spent nuclear fuel assemblies for thermal analysis

Development of CFD porous model parameters of Korean PWR spent nuclear fuel assemblies for thermal analysis

Derivation of seed viability constants (KE and CW) and prediction of longevity of Solanum aethiopicum seeds

The seed viability equation uses species viability constants to predict seed longevity under different storage conditions. There are already established universal values of constants that account for the effect of temperature on seed longevity (CH and CQ) which can be applied to different crop species. However, constants accounting for the effect of seed moisture (CW) and genotype (KE) are species-specific. This study aimed to derive viability constants and predict seed longevity for African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) under genebank conditions. The seeds were subjected to experimental storage at 40°C and different seed moisture contents (6, 8, 10 and 12%) for 120 days to derive survival curves and hence, CW and KE. CW and KE values for S. aethiopicum were 3.32 and 7.4978, respectively. The validation of the derived constants show that they can be used to predict seed longevity of other seed lots within the same species. The genebank curators and other commercial seed technologists may be able to accurately predict longevity of African eggplant seeds under cold dry storage conditions using the improved viability equation and the constants established in this research.

Effect of the Drying Method and Storage Conditions on the Quality and Content of Selected Bioactive Compounds of Green Legume Vegetables.

This study aimed to determine the effect of the drying method (freeze-drying, air-drying), storage period (12 months), and storage conditions (2-4 °C, 18-22 °C) applied to two legume species: green beans and green peas. The raw and dried materials were determined for selected physical parameters typical of dried vegetables, contents of bioactive components (vitamin C and E, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, β-carotene, and total polyphenols), antioxidative activity against the DPPH radical, and sensory attributes (overall quality and profiles of color, texture, and palatability). Green beans had a significantly higher content of bioactive components compared to peas. Freeze-drying and cold storage conditions facilitated better retention of these compounds, i.e., by 9-39% and 3-11%, respectively. After 12 months of storage, higher retention of bioactive components, except for total chlorophyll, was determined in peas regardless of the drying method, i.e., by 38-75% in the freeze-dried product and 30-77% in the air-dried product, compared to the raw material.

Observations of Atmospheric Corrosion Testing on Heated Austenitic Stainless Steel Surfaces: Exploring the Role of Inert Dust Particulates and Seawater

Relevant atmospheric corrosion laboratory testing environments were developed to explore the influence of inert dust and seawater on the corrosion susceptibility of stainless steel in spent nuclear fuel dry storage conditions. Measurements from dust collected on in-service dry storage canisters were applied to develop exposure conditions. Three atmospheric exposure conditions, two static and one cyclic, were examined with three different surface coverages: co-deposited large dust and seawater, co-deposited small dust and seawater, and solely seawater. Stainless steel coupons representative of spent nuclear fuel dry storage canister material were subjected to the various corrosion environments, with the results from exposures up to 1 year presented here. Post exposure, corrosion damage was analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Initial observations are presented herein, and potential implications with respect to the influence of inert dust particles on corrosion susceptibility are summarized. In general, the co-deposition of dust and salt resulted in larger pits and exhibited mixed modes of corrosion that were not observed in the no-dust conditions (i.e., crevicing, filiform, and pits within pits). The presence of the inert dust may influence brine spreading and/or act as crevice formers, leading to enhanced corrosion. This study highlights the significance of incorporating dust particulate(s) beyond the deliquescent chemistries to fully evaluate atmospheric corrosion severity.

Changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of Zr – 1 % Nb (E110) alloy cladding during thermal tests of VVER-1000 fuel elements simulating dry storage conditions

Changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of Zr – 1 % Nb (E110) alloy cladding during thermal tests of VVER-1000 fuel elements simulating dry storage conditions

Metallographic examinations and hydrogen measurements of high-burnup spent nuclear fuel cladding

Metallographic examinations and hydrogen measurements of high-burnup spent nuclear fuel cladding

The SPIZWURZ project – Experimental investigations and modeling of the behavior of hydrogen in zirconium alloys under long-term dry storage conditions

The SPIZWURZ project – Experimental investigations and modeling of the behavior of hydrogen in zirconium alloys under long-term dry storage conditions

Practicality of non-invasive glucagon-loaded dissolving microneedle for life-saving treatment of severe hypoglycemia in a diabetic rat model

Practicality of non-invasive glucagon-loaded dissolving microneedle for life-saving treatment of severe hypoglycemia in a diabetic rat model

Variable Control and Its Influence Before Urine Sample Analysis in a Field Environment.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to store urine samples at different temperatures and humidity levels and analyze common biochemical test results and point-of-care testing (POCT) indicators according to different storage times and evaluate whether the samples should be centrifuged to study the best storage conditions for urine samples. Methods: Random midstream urine samples (100 mL) were collected from 10 healthy individuals. A portion of the samples was centrifuged. The remaining samples were not centrifuged and were stored under different temperature and humidity conditions for different periods. We measured urine indicators ([Na+], [K+], [Cl-], gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [GGT], urea, and creatinine [Cr]) at 2, 4, 24, and 72 hours and 7 and 55 days, and we used POCT to measure myoglobin (Mb) and microalbumin (mAlb) concentrations. Results: Centrifugation of urine samples decreased the measured GGT and increased the measured Mb. In urine samples stored at 4°C and room temperature, electrolyte concentrations were scarcely affected by storage time. After storage at 50°C for 24 hours, the measured [Na+] and [Cl-] levels changed. Metabolites (urea and Cr) underwent no obvious change across temperatures. GGT did not change during long-term storage at 4°C. The mAlb level changed significantly only after storage at 4°C. When stored at 4°C, Mb changed little within 4 hours. Under humid conditions, [Na+] and [Cl-] increased significantly after 24 hours, and urea decreased significantly after 7 days of storage. Under dry storage conditions, urinary Cr and GGT decreased, and under humid conditions, these concentrations increased. At high humidity, mAlb increased significantly after 72 hours. Conclusions: Electrolyte and amino acid metabolite concentrations were less affected by storage time at 4°C and room temperature than at other temperatures. Some proteins are sensitive to environmental changes; samples collected for quantification of these proteins can be stored briefly at 4°C after centrifugation. Normal humidity conditions meet most physiological testing requirements.

Storage Time Affects the Viability, Longevity, and Germination of Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth Seeds

The effects of storage time on Eriochloa villosa (Thunb.) Kunth seed longevity and germination were investigated. A number of physiological and biochemical indexes, such as germination indexes, seed viability, storage materials, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and α-amylase (AMS) activity, were determined to investigate the mechanisms behind E. villosa seed longevity. The longevity of E. villosa seeds under indoor dry storage conditions was more than eight years. The vitality of E. villosa seeds decreased dramatically with increasing storage time. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of the seeds increased dramatically with an increase in the storage period. The SOD, POD, CAT, and AMS activities significantly decreased over time, while the soluble sugar content first increased and then decreased. Storage duration significantly affected the soluble protein content of E. villosa seeds. The germination index of the seeds correlated with their physiological and biochemical indices and showed a significant positive correlation with the soluble sugar content, SOD, POD, and AMS activity, and a significant negative correlation with the MDA concentration. This study is of great importance for understanding the characteristics of the field seed bank of E. villosa and for implementing integrated weed control measures to contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

Controlled ethylene-releasing from V-type starch coated with sodium alginate for banana ripening via changing the humidity of environment

Controlled ethylene-releasing from V-type starch coated with sodium alginate for banana ripening via changing the humidity of environment

Identification of the rice Rc gene as a main regulator of seed survival under dry storage conditions.

Seed deterioration during storage results in poor germination, reduced vigour, and non-uniform seedling emergence. The aging rate depends on storage conditions and genetic factors. This study aims to identify these genetic factors determining the longevity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seeds stored under experimental aging conditions mimicking long-term dry storage. Genetic variation for tolerance to aging was studied in 300 Indica rice accessions by storing dry seeds under an elevated partial pressure of oxygen (EPPO) condition. A genome-wide association analysis identified 11 unique genomic regions for all measured germination parameters after aging, differing from those previously identified in rice under humid experimental aging conditions. The significant single nucleotide polymorphism in the most prominent region was located within the Rc gene, encoding a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor. Storage experiments using near-isogenic rice lines (SD7-1D (Rc) and SD7-1d (rc) with the same allelic variation confirmed the role of the wildtype Rc gene, providing stronger tolerance to dry EPPO aging. In the seed pericarp, a functional Rc gene results in accumulation of proanthocyanidins, an important sub-class of flavonoids having strong antioxidant activity, which may explain the variation in tolerance to dry EPPO aging.

Natural and engineered mediators of desiccation tolerance stabilize Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII in a dry state

Biologics, pharmaceuticals containing or derived from living organisms, such as vaccines, antibodies, stem cells, blood, and blood products are a cornerstone of modern medicine. However, nearly all biologics have a major deficiency: they are inherently unstable, requiring storage under constant cold conditions. The so-called ‘cold-chain’, while effective, represents a serious economic and logistical hurdle for deploying biologics in remote, underdeveloped, or austere settings where access to cold-chain infrastructure ranging from refrigerators and freezers to stable electricity is limited. To address this issue, we explore the possibility of using anhydrobiosis, the ability of organisms such as tardigrades to enter a reversible state of suspended animation brought on by extreme drying, as a jumping off point in the development of dry storage technology that would allow biologics to be kept in a desiccated state under not only ambient but elevated temperatures. Here we examine the ability of different protein and sugar-based mediators of anhydrobiosis derived from tardigrades and other anhydrobiotic organisms to stabilize Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII under repeated dehydration/rehydration cycles, thermal stress, and long-term dry storage conditions. We find that while both protein and sugar-based protectants can stabilize the biologic pharmaceutical Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII under all these conditions, protein-based mediators offer more accessible avenues for engineering and thus tuning of protective function. Using classic protein engineering approaches, we fine tune the biophysical properties of a protein-based mediator of anhydrobiosis derived from a tardigrade, CAHS D. Modulating the ability of CAHS D to form hydrogels make the protein better or worse at providing protection to Human Blood Clotting Factor VIII under different conditions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of tardigrade CAHS proteins and other mediators of desiccation tolerance at preserving the function of a biologic without the need for the cold-chain. In addition, our study demonstrates that engineering approaches can tune natural products to serve specific protective functions, such as coping with desiccation cycling versus thermal stress. Ultimately, these findings provide a proof of principle that our reliance on the cold-chain to stabilize life-saving pharmaceuticals can be broken using natural and engineered mediators of desiccation tolerance.

The Effect of Storage Time on the Dimensional Stability of Zinc Oxide Eugenol Impression Material Under Dry and Moist Conditions - An In- Vitro Study

Introduction: Accurate impression is an important factor to fabricate accurate dental casts and ultimately accurate dental prostheses. Due to time constraints, sometimes there is need of storing impression for some time which may alter the dimension. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dimensional stability of zinc oxide eugenol impression paste at different time intervals and in twoconditions, dry and wet storage. Methods: Sixty study molds of zinc oxide eugenol impression material were prepared according to American dental Association specification no 19 for non-aqueous elastic dental impression materials and the distance between two specific lines were measured at different time intervals. The paired t test was utilized to assess the difference in mean dimension of the molds from specified time to the original measurement immediately after setting. Results: In dry storage condition, the dimensional changes were not seen up to 24 hours, but at 36 hours, there is statistically significant dimensional change. In wet condition, there was significant change in dimension after 6 hours onwards. Conclusion: The dimensional change was not significant up to 24 hours in dry condition. Thus, it can be poured up to 24 hours after setting. Dimensional stability was not seen after 6 hour and hence is recommended to pour within 30 minutes if kept under wet condition.

(Digital Presentation) The Effect of Tartaric-Sulfuric Acid (TSA) Anodizing on the Corrosion Resistance of the AA7475-T761

The microstructure of the high strength aluminum alloy, AA7475–T761, in the as-received condition was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and statistical analyses of grain size and micrometer precipitates distribution and density were performed. An anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) film was potentiostatically grown on the alloy in tartaric sulfuric acid (TSA). The anodizing behavior of the alloy and the mechanisms of localized corrosion initiation and propagation in bare (not anodized) and anodized conditions were discussed. The alloy corrosion behavior was investigated in sodium chloride solutions using electrochemical techniques (cyclic potentiodynamic polarization) and the morphology and extent of corrosion propagation was investigated through optical microscopy, optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy analyses. It was observed that the two alloy surface conditions (bare and anodized) play different roles in the propagation of the localized corrosion process. The bare alloy presented lower localized corrosion potentials and the propagation of the localized corrosion was shallower, but more heavily distributed, than in the anodized condition. However, the alloy in the anodized condition presented lower repassivation potentials due to the deeper pits formed. In addition, the variability of pitting potentials for the anodized condition was high, due to the heterogenous structure of the AAO film formed, and dependent on the time and drying storage conditions previous to electrochemical characterizations. The electrochemical results were correlated with the microstructural characteristics of the oxide surface film of the alloy in both conditions, bare (not anodized) and anodized.

Oxidation of Spent Nuclear Fuel from Flawed RBMK-1000 Fuel Rods under Dry Storage Conditions

Oxidation of Spent Nuclear Fuel from Flawed RBMK-1000 Fuel Rods under Dry Storage Conditions

Effects of polymer addition on the non-strongly interacting binary co-amorphous system carvedilol-tryptophan

Co-amorphous systems have been developed to address the solubility challenge of poorly water-soluble crystalline drugs. However, due to the thermodynamic instability of amorphous forms, amorphization may result in recrystallization during manufacturing, storage, or dissolution, which is one of the main challenges in the pharmaceutical development of amorphous systems. This could also be the case in some co-amorphous systems with only non-strong interactions between the drug and the co-former (such as hydrogen bond formation and π-π interactions). In this study, a small amount of polymer was added to the binary co-amorphous mixture carvedilol (CAR) - tryptophan (TRP) at a molar ratio of 1:1 and subjected to mechanical activation by ball milling to produce amorphous systems, in order to investigate the effect of co-formulated polymer on the physical properties (solubility, stability, etc.) of non-strongly interacting binary co-amorphous mixtures. After co-formulating polymer to the binary co-amorphous system, stronger interactions were found between CAR and polymer than between CAR and TRP in the ternary polymer containing co-amorphous systems. Compared to the corresponding binary co-amorphous systems, larger areas under the dissolution curves were achieved, indicating an improvement in dissolution behaviour due to a more gradual increase in dissolved drug concentration and a longer period of maintaining drug supersaturation. There was no negative effect of polymer addition on physical stability at room temperature under dry storage conditions for 6 months. Therefore, it is possible to design ternary co-amorphous drug delivery systems with optimized dissolution characteristics by adding a small amount of polymer into co-amorphous binary systems.