Final Grain Research Articles

Cultivar Coefficient Estimator for the Cropping System Model Based on Time-Series Data: A Case Study for Soybean

HighlightsSoftware was developed for estimation of DSSAT CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean cultivar coefficients.Phenology-related coefficients were estimated based on observed phenological events.Growth-related cultivar coefficients were estimated based on time-series observations.Cultivar coefficients were optimized based on single- and multiple-experiment data sets.Abstract. The Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) is one of the most popular software solutions for predicting crop growth and yield while capturing the effects of management practices and interactions between the crop and the environment. Accurate estimation of the crop cultivar coefficients that govern in-season growth and development is critical for correct yield estimates. The manual cultivar coefficient estimation process is time-consuming and results in user-dependent, subjective optimums that are difficult to reproduce. Typically, end-of-season observations (point-based) are used for estimating dynamic in-season biomass accumulation rates. The objective of this study was to develop a time-series estimator (TSE) capable of using multiple in-season observations for estimating the coefficients that define in-season growth and biomass partitioning. Using the TSE, cultivar coefficients were estimated based on multiple in-season observations of leaf area index (LAI) and shoot, leaf, and grain dry matter weights. The cultivar coefficients were estimated from single- and multiple-treatment (seasons and locations) in-season observations. This was done for two cultivars for six management × environment combinations. Estimated multiple-treatment based cultivar coefficients were evaluated with an independent data set and compared to DSSAT standard (manual) coefficients and the cultivar coefficients estimated with the GLUE method. The average normalized root mean squared error (nRSME) for LAI and shoot, leaf, and grain weights was 26% lower for one cultivar and about the same for the other cultivar when compared to the DSSAT standard. Because GLUE uses end-of-season point-based cultivar coefficient estimation, the grain weight over time was underestimated in earlier phases and more accurate toward harvest. The TSE-estimated cultivar coefficients based on 346 in-season observations across multiple target variables and six experiments more accurately reflected in-season growth and grain weight without compromising final grain weight predictions. Keywords: . CROPGRO-Soybean, DSSAT, Genetic coefficients, Normalized root mean square error minimization, Time-seris observations.

Improving the reliability of metal structures of transport and technological machines during operation in the Arctic

In the course of the study, we analyzed the main factors affecting the brittle fracture of the elements of welded structures made of structural steels, associated with its unexpectedness and the absence of noticeable plastic deformations at metal stresses much lower than the yield point. During experiments, the relationship between the magnetic parameter Hp and the structure of structural steels during thermal cycling was revealed. This became possible due to the high sensitivity of passive magnetic flux leakage testing when monitoring the structural transformations of metal during cyclic heating and cooling. We provide examples of the formation of ultrafine-grain structures in industrial structural steels based on the results of thermal cycling and analyze factors affecting the final grain size. It is shown that the degree of steel microstructure refinement depends on the chemical composition and initial structure of steels as well as the number of thermal cycling cycles. It was established that an increase in the number of thermal cycling cycles and the degree of steel alloying, the presence of a finer-grain initial structure, and preliminary cold plastic deformation during stage-by-stage monitoring using passive magnetic flux leakage testing contribute to the formation of a finer-grain structure. A decrease in the average grain size shifts the temperature of metal transition from ductile to brittle fracture to the region of lower temperatures, which increases the reliability of welded metal structures of transport and technological machines used in the Arctic.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN STRUCTURAL STEELS DURING THERMAL CYCLING

Introduction: During experimental studies of structural steels responsible for the reliability of metal structures used, for example, in hoisting and transporting machinery, we established a correlation between the magnetic parameter Hp and characteristic changes in the metal microstructure during thermal cycling. It is shown that the Нр parameter depends on the initial structural state of steel, the amount and mass fraction of alloying elements, and the number of heating/cooling cycles. Methods: We found that an increase in the number of heating/cooling cycles and the amount of alloying elements, as well as preliminary cold plastic deformation with stage-by-stage control of structural changes using passive magnetic flux leakage testing results in a finer-grained structure, which was confirmed by metallographic analysis. Results: The paper considers specifics of structural changes in steels with different initial structures during thermal cycling. It is shown that the final grain size depends on the number of treatment cycles, the amount of alloying elements, and the initial microstructure. It is the fine-grain structure that improves the most important performance characteristics of steels: strength, cyclic strength, and cold brittleness.

Energy demand of a mechanized unit for the implementation of common bean crops

ABSTRACT Adequate soil managements and use of agricultural machinery are essential for the economic viability of these practices and for the environmental preservation. In this context, sowing and fertilizer application practices are the most important activities, since they affect crop development and present high energy demand. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the energy demand of a tractor-planter-fertilizer unit for the sowing of common bean seeds in no-tillage system as a function of three soil water contents (28.7, 36.4, and 47.6%) and three soil fertilizer placement depths (0.06; 0.11 and 0.15 m). The final common bean grain yield was also evaluated. The lowest energy demand was found for the highest soil water content combined with the lowest soil fertilizer placement depth. The highest common bean grain yield was found for plants under soil water content of 36.4% and fertilizer placement depth of 0.11 m, reaching 4,186 kg ha-1.

Variation of texture anisotropy and hardness with build parameters and wall height in directed-energy-deposited 316L steel

Directed energy deposition (DED) is an emerging technology with repair applications in critical aerospace components. Mechanical properties of DED components have been shown to vary significantly through a part, making it difficult to achieve the level of process control required for these applications. Using thermal data captured in-situ, cooling rates and melt pool dimensions were calculated and related to the final grain structure, captured by EBSD. The changes in cooling rate explain the microstructural variation between different processing parameters and through the build height. A new approach, using a cumulative anisotropy factor was implemented and correlates the variation in hardness with grain structure. Two regimes were found depending on the linear heat input in 316L, with high linear heat input resulting in great amounts of mechanical anisotropy on the component level. The relationships between thermal signature and mechanical properties suggest close control of anisotropy could be achieved by monitoring and controlling the melt pool size using a coaxial camera. • Walls built with high heat input shown to have significantly increased grain structure anisotropy. • Grain structure explained through cooling rate and melt pool size, varying with both processing parameters and build height. • Hardness shown to be directly related to grain structure, suggesting it can be controlled using the thermal signature.

Forage and grain yields of dual-purpose triticale as influenced by the integrated use of <em>Azotobacter chroococcum</em> and mineral nitrogen fertilizer

The utilization of dual-purpose cereals is encouraged in the Mediterranean environments to fill a feed gap during the winter season. Triticale is a promising dual-purpose crop for forage and grain production. Studies on the variations in productivity and quality of dual-purpose triticale under variable fertilization management are scarce. This study was carried out during winter 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, in Northern Egypt, to evaluate the performance of triticale grown in dual-purpose and grain-only production systems under variable mineral N (mN) rates (zero, 25, 50, 75% of the recommended), accompanied with Azotobacter chroococcum (AC) seed inoculation, as well as 100% mN application without AC. The application of 50% mN with AC seed inoculation resulted in an average of 7.23, 7.27 t ha–1, forage and grain yields, respectively. Moreover, forage and grain crude protein reached 125.57, and 200.60 g kg–1, respectively. Forage fibre fractions were non-significantly variable among the fertilizer treatments. Azotobacter chroococcum seed inoculation, thus, allowed for the reduction of the used amount of mN to 50% without sacrificing the forage and grain yields and protein content. In the dual-purpose system, an average of 7.23 t ha–1 forage yield was obtained with little reduction in the grain yield (19% reduction in average). Meanwhile, grain crude protein content was higher in dual-purpose system (201.38 g kg–1) than in grain-only system (182.98 g kg–1). In similar conditions to the current study, it is recommended to expand the production of dual-purpose triticale in the winter while reducing mN fertilizer rate to 50% in combination with AC seed inoculation.
 Highlights - Triticale is a promising dual-purpose crop that can be utilized for forage and grain production under irrigated Mediterranean conditions. - Around 7.23 t ha–1 forage yield was obtained from the dual-purpose triticale with a slight decrease (19% in average) in final grain yield. - Dual-purpose production system was profitable due to the good prices of triticale green forage in the region. - Azotobacter chroococcum seed inoculation allowed for the reduction of mineral nitrogen rate to 50% without sacrificing the forage and grain yields. - The integrated use of Azotobacter chroococcum seed inoculation with mineral nitrogen resulted in 43% decrease in fertilization costs.

Improving Grain Micronutrient Content of Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) through Agronomic Biofortification to Alleviate the Hidden Hunger

Improvement of durum wheat grain quality through agronomic biofortification becomes a priority research area and an effective route to combat malnutrition. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of micronutrient application to different varieties of durum wheat and seeding rate on final harvest grain quality under different growing locations. The treatments were arranged in split-split plot design where the varieties were assigned in the main plot, micronutrients into the subplots, and seeding rate into the sub-subplots. Each variety was sown at four levels of seeding rates and treated with ZnSO₄ and FeSO4 applied foliarly, both at a rate of 25 Kg ha−1 during flowering. Micronutrients were applied in the form of ZnSO₄ 7H2O and FeSO₄ 7H2O. The study confirmed that application of 25 Kg ha−1 ZnSO₄-containing fertilizer has increased mineral content from 33.04 mg Kg−1 to 56.73 mg kg−1. The tested durum wheat varieties significantly differ in their capacity to accumulate grain Zn and Fe concentrations. Higher amount of Zn (20 mg kg−1) and Fe (10 mg kg−1) were accumulated by the landrace 208304 than by Asassa, an improved commercial variety. Increasing seeding rate from 100–175 Kg ha−1 has reduced grain Zn and Fe concentrations. Grain mineral concentration was significantly lower at the Mekelle location than at the Melfa location. It can be concluded that foliar application of ZnSO₄ and FeSO4 to the landrace, acc.208304, combined with 125 Kg seeds ha−1 can produce better Zn and Fe denser durum wheat grain. This will help to combat the hidden hunger, especially in resource poor countries, where fortified foods are limited in access and unaffordable by small-scale farmers.

Ammonium fertilization increases pearl millet yield by promoting early root growth, higher tillering, and water use during grain filling in a low P Sahelian soil

AbstractBackground: Adaptation of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] to low soil phosphorus (P) at early seedling stages and efficient P fertilizer application are crucial for its survival in the West African Sahel. While addition of to P in the microdose technique has been reported to stimulate early growth of pearl millet, there is little information regarding root length (RL) at different timings.Aims: Our study aimed at assessing the effects of added and to P on (1) pearl millet agronomic traits such as root and shoot growth and (2) the water use dynamics during the cropping cycle.Methods: Twenty‐four “RhizoTubes” filled with P‐deficient soil were used to grow pearl millet under three treatments: (T1) placed P addition alone at 0.4 g per seed hole, Pplaced, (T2) Pplaced + , and (T3) Pplaced + . At 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS) we took non‐destructive measurements of RL. Water use (transpiration) was measured from 3.5 to 9 WAS.Results: At early growth, roots in the topsoil of T2 were longer than T3 and T1 roots (at 4 WAS: 129.3 cm for T2, 87.5 cm for T3, and 93.3 cm for T1, p < 0.05). Total RL at 2 WAS correlated positively with seedling height and final grain yield. Fertilization with reduced the time to flowering and increased the number of tillers and grain yield, whereas addition of increased vegetative dry matter at harvest and water use efficiency.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that fertilization with plays a critical root stimulating role at early growth stages, seemingly by increasing lateral root initiation, which carries through to a larger water use during grain filling and higher grain yield.

Impact of gravity on directional solidification of refined Al-20wt.%Cu alloy investigated by in situ X-radiography

Gravity effects such as natural convection in the liquid phase and buoyancy forces acting on the solid phase have a strong influence on the grain structure and microstructure formation dynamics during the solidification of metal alloys. It is thus very useful to undertake experimental studies that will provide benchmark data for a deeper understanding of the role of such gravity effects. In this paper, we study the formation of the equiaxed grain structure during refined Al-20wt.%Cu solidification in a temperature gradient for three different configurations: horizontal, vertical upward and vertical downward solidification. The key grain characteristics, namely grain size, grain elongation and grain growth orientation, were determined for all experiments. A comparative analysis was performed to identify the dominant effects of gravity using the experiment in horizontal configuration as reference case. The impact of buoyancy on the grain structure formation was highlighted for the experiment in vertical upward configuration, inducing a final grain structure with a wider grain size distribution. For the experiment in vertical downward configuration, the final grain structure is composed of thinner and longer grains. The origin of these differences was linked to the impact of grain flotation and solute flows on the equiaxed microstructure development.

N Partitioning between Gluten Fractions in a Set of Italian Durum Wheat Cultivars: Role of the Grain N Content.

Grain protein content constitutes a key quality trait for durum wheat end-products and may also impact grain protein composition. A total of sixteen durum wheat cultivars were analyzed in a field trial during two seasons at two nitrogen (N) levels to evaluate whether and to what extent the variation in total grain N was associated with variation in the quantity of the various protein fractions and grain quality parameters. Genotypic variation in grain N content correlated with the variation in the content of all three protein fractions, although the strength of the correlation with gliadin and albumin-globulin was higher than that with glutenins. Genotypic variation in gliadin and glutenin content was more tightly correlated with the variation in the sulfur (S)-rich protein groups than with the S-poor protein groups and subunits. The variation in the percentage of unextractable polymeric proteins (UPP%) among genotypes was independent of their glutenin allelic composition. The significant genotypic differences in UPP% and in the ratios between protein groups and subunits were not influenced by the corresponding variation in grain N content. The final grain N content can only account for part of the variation in quality parameters and in the partitioning of total grain N between protein fractions since genotypic differences other than grain N content also contribute to these variations.

Tillage practices affects the grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize by regulating soil water content and photosynthetic capacity

Poor grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize is a major challenge restricting grain yield of summer maize, especially under higher plant densities. Much work so far has proved that tillage practices could regulate soil properties and grain yield of maize effectively. In order to explore the effect of tillage practice on grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize, field experiments were conducted over two consecutive years (2016–2017), and three tillage practices (T1, no tillage; T2, no tillage with subsoiling; T3, deep horizontal rotary tillage) were assessed. The grain filling parameter showed that final grain weight (A), the time reaching the maximum grain filling rate (Tmax), the dry matter accumulation under the maximum grain filling rate (Wmax), the mean grain filling rate (Gmean), and the active grain filling period (D) of T2 were usually higher than that of T1 and T3, and significant difference was observed between T2 and T1. Compared with T1, T2 and T3 reduced the soil bulk density and increased the soil porosity, and significantly increased the root dry matter accumulation in the 0–40 cm soil profile by 13.4% and 28.7%, respectively. Soil water content decreased among tillage practices in the order T2 > T1 > T3. However, T2 and T3 increased the water consumption, compared to that of T1. Moreover, T2 and T3 increased post-anthesis photosynthetic capacity, including the photosynthetic rate, leaf area duration, and chlorophyll content, and further improved the post-antheisis and total dry matter accumulation. The enzyme activities of SuSase, StSase, and ADPG-PPase of inferior and superior kernel in T2 and T3 were also higher than that of T1. In conclusion, the present results indicate that subsoiling could promote the grain filling of inferior kernel of summer maize by regulating soil water content, soil water consumption, and photosynthetic capacity.

Phase evolution and mechanical properties of an intercritically-annealed Fe–10Ni–7Mn (wt. %) martensitic steel severely deformed by high-pressure torsion

Experiments were conducted on an Fe–10Ni–7Mn (wt. %) martensitic steel processed by high-pressure torsion (HPT) after intercritical annealing in the dual phase (α+γ) region at 600 °C for 2 h. Microstructural examination and phase analysis using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) confirmed that post-HPT processing led to a phase transformation of austenite to α′-martensite (γ→α′ and γ→ε→α′) such that after 20 turns of HPT the microstructure included multi-phases of α′-martensite, austenite and ε-martensite. The HPT processing also produced a significant reduction in the α′-martensite and austenite grain sizes from initial values of ~3.8 and ~3.9 μm to ~225 and ~60 nm after 20 HPT turns, respectively, while the ε-martensite final grain size was ~44 nm. Micro-hardness measurements and tensile testing showed a significant increase in hardness and in the ultimate tensile strength to about 680 Hv and 2235 MPa after 20 turns, respectively. Finally, the fracture surfaces of samples after HPT processing showed a combination of dimples, cracks and shear bands which confirmed a transition in fracture behavior from ductile to a mixture of a ductile and brittle mode.

Co-utilization of reactivated cement pastes with coal gangue

The disposal of cement-based construction waste and the reduction in cement consumption are two bottlenecks for the cement and concrete industry. However, these two issues can be tackled simultaneously through reactivating hydrated cement paste (HCP) to be used as new cementitious materials. Moreover, the reactivated HCP can be used together with other solids waste, such as coal gangue (CG), to improve the grinding effect and reactivity. This study aims to investigate the co-utilization of HCP and CG with special focus on its flowability, mechanical properties, phase composition and hydration mechanism. It has been found that the addition of CG could increase the grinding time before agglomeration happened (from 6 min at 0% CG to 15 min at 15% CG and 35 min at 30% CG). Therefore, the final grain size of solid particles was decreased after CG addition. Partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement with HCP and CG could lead to a decrease in the flowability (between 2.3% and 7.1% depending on the HCP to CG proportion). The flowability was further decreased after the calcination. The strength of the mortar was also decreased after HCP + CG replacement (between 21.6% and 36.6%). However, the calcination activation promoted strength development. XRD and FT-IR results indicate the HCP calcination led to the generation of lime and β-C2S, the content of which had a positive correlation with the calcination temperature. The addition of CG resulted in a decrease of the lime content and the generation of new mineralogical phases, including quartz and mayenite.

Effects of fertilizer micro-dosing in nursery on rice productivity in Madagascar

ABSTRACT Currently, most rice farmers in the central highlands of Madagascar do not apply mineral fertilizer in their fields and we investigated whether a fertilizer micro-dose applied to the seedling nursery could serve as an entry point for intensification. Effects of nursery applications of a micro-dose of mineral (P and NPK) or locally produced sources of fertilizers (Guanomad, Vermicompost) on seedling vigour were evaluated, as was final grain yield after transplanting to main fields that were either not fertilized (farmers’ practice) or received combinations of mineral N, P and K fertilizer. Applying only P to the nursery had minor effects and we conclude that early seedling vigor is more limited by N than P, while grain yield in the main field was more limited by P than N. Carry-over effects of the nursery application of NPK and of guano on final grain yield were observed under farmers’ practice and when only urea was applied. The nursery NPK application significantly increased agronomic nitrogen use efficiency of urea application. We conclude that the low cost of micro-dosing NPK in the nursery makes this a profitable option for small-scale farmers cultivating rice on poor-fertility soils. Sole urea application in the main field is not a profitable option but would at least need additional nursery NPK application as an insurance against losing investments in N fertilization. Longer-term sustainability would require direct nutrient inputs into the main plot and additional low-cost nutrient management options should therefore be considered.

Tolerance of Combined Drought and Heat Stress Is Associated With Transpiration Maintenance and Water Soluble Carbohydrates in Wheat Grains.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is increasingly challenged by simultaneous drought and heatwaves. We assessed the effect of both stresses combined on whole plant water use and carbohydrate partitioning in eight bread wheat genotypes that showed contrasting tolerance. Plant water use was monitored throughout growth, and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and starch were measured following a 3-day heat treatment during drought. Final grain yield was increasingly associated with aboveground biomass and total water use with increasing stress intensity. Combined drought and heat stress immediately reduced daily water use in some genotypes and altered transpiration response to vapor pressure deficit during grain filling, compared to drought only. In grains, glucose and fructose concentrations measured 12 days after anthesis explained 43 and 40% of variation in final grain weight in the main spike, respectively. Starch concentrations in grains offset the reduction in WSC following drought or combined drought and heat stress in some genotypes, while in other genotypes both stresses altered the balance between WSC and starch concentrations. WSC were predominantly allocated to the spike in modern Australian varieties (28–50% of total WSC in the main stem), whereas the stem contained most WSC in older genotypes (67–87%). Drought and combined drought and heat stress increased WSC partitioning to the spike in older genotypes but not in the modern varieties. Ability to maintain transpiration, especially following combined drought and heat stress, appears essential for maintaining wheat productivity.

Unveiling the Actual Functions of Awns in Grasses: From Yield Potential to Quality Traits.

Awns, which are either bristles or hair-like outgrowths of lemmas in the florets, are one of the typical morphological characteristics of grass species. These stiff structures contribute to grain dispersal and burial and fend off animal predators. However, their phenotypic and genetic associations with traits deciding potential yield and quality are not fully understood. Awns appear to improve photosynthesis, provide assimilates for grain filling, thus contributing to the final grain yield, especially under temperature- and water-stress conditions. Long awns, however, represent a competing sink with developing kernels for photosynthates, which can reduce grain yield under favorable conditions. In addition, long awns can hamper postharvest handling, storage, and processing activities. Overall, little is known about the elusive role of awns, thus, this review summarizes what is known about the effect of awns on grain yield and biomass yield, grain nutritional value, and forage-quality attributes. The influence of awns on the agronomic performance of grasses seems to be associated with environmental and genetic factors and varies in different stages of plant development. The contribution of awns to yield traits and quality features previously documented in major cereal crops, such as rice, barley, and wheat, emphasizes that awns can be targeted for yield and quality improvement and may advance research aimed at identifying the phenotypic effects of morphological traits in grasses.

Estimating Organ Contribution to Grain Filling and Potential for Source Upregulation in Wheat Cultivars with a Contrasting Source–Sink Balance

Grain filling may be limited by the joint source and sink capacity in modern wheat cultivars, indicating a need to research the co-limitation of yield by both photosynthesis and the number and potential size of grains. The extent to which the post-anthesis source may be limiting final grain size can be estimated by partial degraining of spikes, while defoliation and shading treatments can be useful to estimate if any excess photosynthetic capacity exists. In the current study, degraining was applied to a set of 26 elite spring wheat cultivars from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)’s core germplasm (CIMCOG) panel, while lamina defoliation and shading through stem-and-leaf-sheath covering treatments were applied to a subset of the same cultivars. Responses to source treatments in grain weight, pre-anthesis reserve contribution to grain weight, dry-matter translocation efficiency, and flag-leaf and spike photosynthetic rate were measured and compared to an unmanipulated control treatment. Grain weight responses to degraining among cultivars ranged from no response to increases of 28%, suggesting a range of responses from sink limitation, to probable source and sink co-limitation of grain growth. Grain weight’s response to degraining increased linearly with the years of cultivar release from 1966 to 2009, indicating that the current highest yield potential CIMMYT spring wheats have a co-limitation of grain growth by source and sink. This may have been due to an increase in grain sink strength with years of cultivar release with no commensurate increase in post-anthesis source capacity. The relatively low decreases in grain weight with defoliation compared to decreases in light interception by defoliation indicated that sink limitation was still likely predominating in the cultivars with co-limitation. The stem-and-leaf-sheath covering treatment decreased grain weight by nearly 10%, indicating that stem-and-leafsheath photosynthesis plays a key role in grain growth during grain filling. In addition, pre-anthesis reserve contribution to grain weight was increased by ca. 50% in response to lamina defoliation. Our results showed that increasing the post-anthesis source capacity, through increases in stem-and-leaf-sheath photosynthetic rate during grain filling and pre-anthesis reserve contribution to grain weight, is an important objective in enhancing yield potential in wheat through maintaining a source–sink balance.

Effect of Processing Conditions on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Behavior of Two Austenitic Stainless Steels for Bioimplant Applications

Hot torsion tests were carried out to simulate the industrial thermomechanical processing of two austenitic steels for bioimplant applications, namely ISO 5832-9 and ASTM F138. The former has Ti, Nb, and V in the composition, being N-rich. However, the latter is Ni-richer and without extra alloying element additions. Special attention was paid to the effect of interpass times, particularly to the soaking temperature, which was reduced to decrease processing times and costs. Optical and electron microscopy, corrosion tests, and hardness measurements were used to characterize the effect of the above processing parameters on both alloys. No significant increase in processing loads was noticed after the reduction of the reheating temperature. This was explained in terms of the balance between partial particles dissolution and the increment in the solute drag effect provided by the elements put into solution. Such an increment in solid solution favored the dynamic recovery process, delaying the dynamic recrystallization one. However, strain-induced precipitation took place at lower temperatures, by using the extra N and Cr delivered to the matrix, and limiting the recrystallization softening. The rolling schedule promoted abundant grain refinement. The final grain size ranged from 2.5 to 11 µm, depending on reheating temperature, interpass time, presence of alloying elements, and N. In general terms, the corrosion resistance of the ISO steel soaked at the lowest temperature (1200 °C) was better than when reheated to the highest one (1250 °C). On the contrary, the F138 steel had worse corrosion behavior.

Effect of the initial moisture content of the paddy drying operation for the small community

After the harvest, the paddy would contain high and unequal initial moisture content, depending on the season and harvest time. As a result, the dehydration was caused by using the dryer while feeding the paddy grain unequal moisture content, the dryer should be properly adjusted to retain the final moisture content as per the rice mill and storage requirements and low specific energy consumption (SEC) were used for the drying operation per one cycle product. The objective of this paper was to study the paddy drying operation by using a continuous cross-flow dryer at a different initial grain moisture content. The research was divided into two steps, the first step began with the drying operation with levels of the initial moisture content 20.0%wb that involved the adjustment of the parameters of an average hot-air temperature 150°C, the speed rotation of an eccentric set of 11.52 rad s–1, the airflow rate 0.016 m3 s–1, and speed rotation of rotary valve 0.21 rad s–1 (approximately feed rate 36 kg h–1), by the application of these parameters, from the obtained results, it was found that grain moisture content of paddy was reduced from 20.0%wb to 14.3%wb as desired, and SEC of 3.60 MJ kg–1 water was evaporated. Then the second step, these parameters were tested in terms of the drying operation that the initial grain moisture content decreased and increased 18.1%wb and 23.0%wb, respectively. The results showed that when the initial grain moisture content decreased, the paddy drying operation reduced the moisture of the paddy until the final grain moisture content became 12.9%wb which was lower than the desired expectation, On the contrary, when the initial moisture content increased, the final grain moisture content became 16.1%wb. This was not sufficient for storage or planting in the next crop year which required re-drying operation as well. Furthermore, the results can be used as reference data and a guideline for small communities in Thailand to appropriate decisions with the drying cost and the value-added tax.

The Influence of Normalization Temperatures on Different Texture Components and Magnetic Properties of Nonoriented Electrical Steels

The effects of normalization on different texture components and magnetic properties in G50W600 nonoriented electrical steel are studied by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results show that normalization can coarsen surface {110}‐oriented grains and recrystallized rotated cube or {114}<481>‐oriented grains in the center. Moreover, the highest texture intensity change from original rotated cube texture to the {114}<481> texture with the increase of normalization temperature. Just after the completion of recrystallization in final sheets corresponding to hot‐rolled samples, {111}<112> is the main texture component, while that in final sheets corresponding to normalized samples is {114}<481>. The final sheets normalized at 920 and 980 °C have a higher iron loss and higher magnetic induction than the final sheets corresponding to hot‐rolled samples, which is caused by the fact that normalized samples show finer final grain size, higher volume faction of {100} and {110}, and lower volume fraction of γ‐fiber than hot‐rolled samples. With the increasing of annealing temperature and time, the magnetic induction and iron loss of normalized samples decrease. Furthermore, the final sheets normalized at 940 °C have the best magnetic properties. During final high temperature annealing, the non γ‐fiber oriented grains show a higher growth ability than γ‐fiber oriented grains.