Initial MC Research Articles

Optimization and quality evaluation of functional pasta made from germinated finger millet, buckwheat, and black gram.

The investigation was conducted to optimize process variables to manufacture functional pasta from composite flour. The selected grains were steeped, germinated, dried, and milled to produce flour. The flours were mixed at optimized proportions (57.31% buckwheat flour, 12.68% finger millet flour, and 30% paheli dal flour) to produce composite flour. The full factorial experimental design opted for optimization of process variables namely, moisture content (mc) (28, 30, 32, and 34%) and mixing speed (60, 80, 100, and 120 rpm). The optimized multi-grain pasta showed shorter processing time, in-range cooking loss, and higher cooking weight and water absorption capacity (WAC). The highest overall acceptability was recorded for multi-grain pasta processed at 60 rpm with an initial mc of 32%. Proximate analysis of optimized multi-grain pasta showed that pasta contained protein (13.95%), crude fiber (5.05%), ash (2.05%), a lower amount of fat (0.74%), and carbohydrates (71.71%).

Thermal conditioning of remoistened wheat straw to produce durable pellets

Agricultural biomass like wheat straw is known to be lacking natural binders to form durable pellets. Our previous research had shown that steam explosion of wood improved the durability of pellets. However, treated wood required drying prior to pelletization. Thermal conditioning is practiced in the animal feed industry to modify the ingredients of animal feed to produce high quality pellets. We hypothesized that thermal treatment of straw would result in biomass pellets with improved durability when compared to pellets made from untreated biomass. To test this hypothesis, the moisture content (mc) of the straw samples was adjusted to 5%, 10%, and 15% (wet basis). The moistened samples were subjected to dry heat in a sealed reactor set at 80, 100, and 120 °C for 5, 10, and 15 min. The treated straw samples were pelletized by using a single piston cylinder system. The highest durability 91.5% belonged to the treatment of 10% mc straw at 100 °C for 5 min. A response surface method confirmed that the initial mc 10%, treatment temperature 100 °C, and treatment time 5 min, produced the most durable pellets with the lowest unit energy input in forming pellets.

Imperative Seasoning Characteristics of Yushania alpina (Highland Bamboo) Culms Grown in Dire-Inchini, Ethiopia

Bamboo is the world's fastest-growing plant and the finest conceivable substitute for future wood. It has a wide range of applications, from traditional use to industrial manufacture in many countries. Bamboo has been traditionally used in Ethiopia for the construction of huts and fencing, furniture, containers, beehives, and other small-scale objects. Lack of proper processing practices such as seasoning among the reasons for its low use. When bamboo culms are not properly seasoned, they have a high split and shrinkage rate that led to biological and physical degradations. 3–5year-old samples of Yushania alpinia culms were gathered from Dire-Inchni (Oromia Region). After harvesting culms, were cut into three portions (bottom, middle and top) to investigate the imperative characteristics of the material during the drying process. Kiln and air-drying procedures were used to dry the culms. Regression analysis was used to describe the functional relationship between moisture loss in the kiln and air drying. They had an average initial MC 103.67%, final MC 12.33%, and basic density 0.69 g/cm3. Bamboo culms dried in the kiln took 7.7 days to attain about 12 % final MC, while air-seasoned culms took 97 days. proper stacking, drying, and handling is critical for improving the quality, productivity, and service life of bamboo culms-based constructions and goods in the future.

The use of an internal airtight membrane in CLT external wall in terms of hygrothermal performance

This study focused on the dry-out capacity of the vapor-permeable CLT (cross-laminated timber) external wall and the impact of using an internal airtight membrane. The results of the work were obtained first from the field measurements, after which the simulation model was created and validated, and the hygrothermal performance of the wall was analyzed by a stochastic approach. The results of this showed that the CLT dries out quickly and safely in a wall assembly with a high water vapor permeability, even with the large range of initial CLT MC (13-25%). When an additional airtight layer with high vapor diffusion resistance (Sd of 244 m) is added between the insulation and the CLT, the dry-out capacity of the CLT decreases significantly and there is a high probability of mold growth on the CLT surface. The risk of mold growth can be prevented when the vapor resistance (Sd) of the airtight layer is reduced to 1.5 m in a case where initial CLT MC is up to 25% and in a case where initial MC is up to 20%, the vapor resistance of an airtight layer must be reduced to 3 m.

Effects of knife-incising and longitudinal kerfing pretreatments on high-temperature drying of red pine and pitch pine timbers

Effects of knife-incising and longitudinal kerfing pretreatments were analyzed relative to the high-temperature drying of red pine and pitch pine timbers with cross-sections less than 15 cm. Specimens were prepared as round and square timbers with thicknesses of 9, 12, and 15 cm. They were divided into four groups: control, longitudinal kerf, knife-incised, and a combination of knife-incised and longitudinal kerf. Some results from this study, such as commercial availability and application methods of drying schedules, have immense commercial importance. The incising and kerfing treatment can be used not only to improve drying quality but also as a tool for deriving an optimal drying schedule. The kerfing treatment noticeably reduced the surface checks in square timber. However, the incising treatment caused a phenomenon in which the incisions connect to each other and develop into surface checks. The wood characteristics, such as species, type, thickness, and initial MC, had more influence on determining the drying defects than the pretreatments. For the commercial use of the drying schedule used in this study, it can be useful to determine the appropriate drying time in the third step according to the species, thickness, and shape.

Exploring Substrate Water Capture in Common Greenhouse Substrates through Preconditioning and Irrigation Pulsing Techniques

Particles in a substrate create a network of pore pathways for water to move through, with size and shape determining the efficacy of these channels. Reduced particle size diversity can lead to increased leachate, poor substrate hydration, and an inefficient irrigation practice. This research examined the hydration characteristics of three greenhouse substrate components at three preconditioned initial moisture contents using subirrigation under five different irrigation durations and three water depths (2 mm, 20 mm, and 35 mm). Sphagnum peatmoss, coconut coir, and aged pine bark were tested at 67%, 50%, and 33% initial moisture (by weight). The objectives were to determine the impact of varying irrigation event durations (5, 10, 20, 30, 60 min) over a 60-min period, and the further influence of water depth and initial moisture, on the water capture abilities of peat, coir, and pine bark. The number of irrigation events depended on the irrigation event time of that experimental unit divided by the total time of 60 min, varying from 12, 6, 3, 2, and 1 event. Hydration efficiency was influenced by initial moisture content (IMC), water depth, pulsing duration, and inherent substrate characteristics (hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity). Initial MC had the largest impact on peat, regardless of water level or irrigation duration. Lower IMCs increased the hydrophobic response of peat, further reducing the amount of water the substrate was able to absorb. Pine bark had a 5–10% decrease in initial hydration between 67%, 50%, and 33% IMC, while coir’s hydrophilic nature reduced any IMC affects. At 50% IMC or less, coir had the highest volumetric water content (VWC) across all substrates, pulsing durations, and water depths. Water depth was found to increase initial hydration and final hydration 6–8% across all substrates. These three materials had altered and varied water capture responses depending on the combination of treatments employed. This work demonstrated the effects of intensity and exposure on substrates and the need for more integrated research for improving water use efficiency on container crops.

Assessing efficacies of insect pest management methods to preserve nutritional composition of bagged maize in storehouses located in markets in Nigeria

Maize needs to be stored using effective and safe postharvest management measures to prevent physical insect damage as well as ensure stability of nutritional quality during storage. In this study, conducted in February–December 2016, insect pest management methods for bagged maize preservation in storehouses located in markets in Nigeria were evaluated for their ability to preserve nutritional quality. Study locations were in three grain markets, namely Eleekara market in Oyo town and Arisekola market in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria, and Ago market in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Treatments comprised Piper guineense(Botanical), Bularafa diatomaceous earth (DE), permethrin powder(Rambo™) (Permethrin), PICSbags(hermetic)and ZeroFly® bags(non-hermetic). The study also had negative control(Control)comprising untreated maize in polypropylene bags. In general, as a result of insect infestation, protein content increased in all treatments except PICS which had the least infestation. After 11 months of storage, Permethrin and PICS treatments had the lowest insect infestation levels and the highest energy levels. Energy level in the Botanical treatment was also high and similar to levels in Permethrin and PICS treatments most likely due to fats and essential oils in P. guineense being adsorbed and/or absorbed by kernels. Fat content was lower in the Control and DE treatments likely due to the Control having the highest insect infestation and the DE adsorbing and/or absorbing fat from kernels. During storage carbohydrate content decreased in all treatments except the Control. However, even in the Control, there was a clear trend of decrease in carbohydrate content. Because the Control had the highest insect (Sitophilus zeamais) infestation and insect damaged kernels (IDK), this trend in decrease in carbohydrate content may be insect related. Ash content increased in the ZeroFly treatment, was unchanged in Botanical, Control, and PICS treatments, and decreased in DE and Permethrin treatments. Nutritional quality variables in this study were within or close to the known value ranges for maize. Therefore, use of maize that had been fumigated well and had a relatively low initial grain MC (9.1%), in addition to the effects of the treatments most likely slowed down population growth of the several insect species that were found and contributed to preserving nutritional quality. The relatively low insect populations in all treatments, including the Control, during the February–September period probably reduced the clarity of effects of infestation on nutritional composition reported in this study.

Drying of oak wood lamellas: Part 1. Analysis of the process in a dehumidification kiln

The subject of this paper is to analyse the drying process of oak lamellas, which are the solid wood top layer of engineered wood flooring. The focus of the first part of the paper is on dehumidification kilns. Drying in a dehumidification kiln is an interesting alternative to conventional drying of thin solid oak wood with the aim of reaching high drying quality in a reasonable time. Drying tests were done in an industrial dehumidification kiln, and drying parameters were compared with the drying in the conventional kiln. Simultaneously, a drying test at a higher temperature was done in the programmable climate chamber. It was demonstrated that thin oak lamellas (approx. 5 mm thick) could be successfully dried in a dehumidification kiln in a relatively short time and with high drying quality. With the applied drying schedule (initial temperature of 36?C, final temperature of 46?C), the drying cycle will last 2 to 5 days, depending on the amount of wood and the initial MC. Due to the high rate of water evaporation and the inability of the kilns to remove it fast enough, the drying of lamellas in both dehumidification and conventional kilns takes place at a higher equilibrium moisture content than the set values.

Evaluation of the fracture strength of porcelain sectional veneers made from different sintered feldspathic porcelains: An in vitro study.

Porcelain sectional veneers with no preparation (no-prep) are an ultra-conservative choice for the esthetic treatment of the anterior teeth. They can be made from a sintered feldspathic porcelain, which gives a great appearance with small thickness, but there are still concerns about the fracture strength of this material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fracture strength of porcelain sectional veneers made from 2 different sintered feldspathic porcelains. Twenty recently extracted human incisors were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the porcelain material (n = 10). The 1st group was applied the IPS Style® Ceram feldspathic porcelain and the 2nd group - GC InitialTM MC. The porcelain sectional veneers were fabricated following the manufacturers' instructions. After the veneers bonded with resin cement (Variolink® N), the fracture strength was measured using a universal testing machine (Instron®1195) at 1 mm/min until failure occurred. Failure modes were determined under a stereomicroscope. The mean fracture strength for group IPS Style Ceram was higher than that for group GC Initial MC (182.7 N and 155.7 N, respectively). The lowest value was observed in group IPS Style Ceram (78 N) and the highest value - also in the group IPS Style Ceram (294 N). Student's t-test demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the fracture strength of the porcelain sectional veneers for the 2 types of sintered porcelain used in this study. Cohesive failure within the porcelain sectional veneer was the most common mode of failure.

Color Characteristics of Red False Heartwood and Mature Wood of Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Determining by Different Chromacity Coordinates

Structure of wood can affect intensity of color change in remarkable ways. This article was focused on the analysis of the color changes red false heartwood and mature wood by different methods such as ΔE* (Total color difference), h* (Hue angle), C*ab (Color saturation) and Sab (Saturation). The aim of this study was to evaluate the color properties of red false heartwood and mature wood by using different chromacity coordinates. Our observations suggested that the density in the absolute dry state was equal between the red false heartwood and mature wood. The biggest difference was in the area of the free water domain, thus from an initial MC value to the fiber saturation point (FSP). The shorter drying time of the red false heartwood samples was caused by their lower initial MC. Due to the different MC, the temperature created a different color intensity of the compared samples. Mature wood samples achieved more saturated color in the drying process than did the samples of red false heartwood.

A NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF GREEN-STATE MOISTURE CONTENT ON STRESS DEVELOPMENT IN TIMBER BOARDS DURING DRYING S Florisson, S Ormarsson, J Vessby

Timber boards manufactured with a traditional sawing pattern often contain both heartwood and sapwood. The difference in moisture content between heartwood (30-60%) and sapwood regions (120-200%) result in a radial moisture variation that can cause internal constraints during drying. However, the green state moisture content is seldom considered when evaluating kiln drying schedules. The developed numerical model is able to simulate stress development in timber boards, which are dried from green state to equilibrium moisture content. The model studied the effect of initial moisture content on stress development in timber boards during drying. The model operates on continuum level and consists of a coupled transient non-linear orthotropic moisture flow analysis, while a stress analysis considers elastic, hygroscopic and mechano-sorptive strain behaviour with use of the finite element method. The simulations were performed on four different timber board configurations, each defined by a unique pith location. The study shows that the green state moisture content does not necessarily lead to significant constraints, but has a positive effect on the maximum tensile stress found in tangential direction at the exchange surfaces in the beginning of the drying process. In this stage, stress development is mainly governed by shrinkage close to the surface, which is partly prevented due to regions still above the fibre saturation point. The initial MC can also influence the time when the maximum stress occurs, but not necessarily the location.

Effect of Rewetting on Smouldering Combustion of a Tropical Peat

Probability of land and forest fire in Indonesia is quite high. Peat land is one of the highest contribute of the fire disaster. Indonesia is the country with the highest peat land in Southeast Asia, with more than 50 % of tropical peat species. Combustion of peat produced carbon emission with large quantities and affect to global warming. Characteristic of smoldering combustion of peat cause detection and extinction be difficult. Moreover, there are another impact such as high erosion potential, structural collapse and soil layer damage. Flameless on peat smoldering causes peat restoration institution build fire prevention method. Regulation of water table on peat land with rewetting method aims to maintain and restore the moisture of peat. The experiment aims to understand characteristic of smoldering combustion of rewetting peat. Sample used in the experiments was taken from Bagaiserwar village, Sarmi, Papua (01°55’14, 11”, E: 138°6’17, 35”). A set of thermocouples were used to explore horizontal spread rate at 80 mm intervals. Mass loss rate indicates derivation caused by evaporation on wet peat. Author discovered a fire risk is higher than natural combustion in experiments with rewetting peat. Spread rate of smoldering is high on rewetting peat with initial MC before rewetting is ≤ 10 %. Hydrophobic of peat cause retention of water on peat changes. This phenomenon causes evaporation process being faster and total combustion time occur rapidly, start from preheating until self extinction.

Marginal Discrepancy and Fracture Resistance of CAD/CAM Ceramill Sintron Metal Copings with Different Porcelain Materials

Background: This study was performed to compare the marginal fit changes and facture resistance of metal ceramic crowns constructed from Ceramill Sintron metal coping veneered with three different porcelain veneering materials (Vita Master Koromikos VMK, Willi Geller Creation CC and GC initial MC), also to evaluate the influence of thermocycling on load at fracture. Materials and Methods: Master brass die was scanned ,then metal coping was designed and milled from Ceramill Sintron blank to get 60 metal copings, then divided randomly into three groups(20 sample), then veneered with porcelain: VITA, Creation or GC. The marginal gaps were measured before and after porcelain veneering then marginal fit changes was calculated. Fracture resistance test was done by Instron®, the master die was duplicated to sixty analogs then each analog was fixed into acrylic base. After that each crown was cemented onto the corresponding die analog. Ten samples of each group were subjected to compressive loading to fracture and other ten subjected to thermocycling followed by compressive loading to fracture. Result and Conclusion: The result of marginal fit changes showed that GC group had the lowest marginal gap follow by VITA and Creation. While VITA group showed the highest fracture resistance follows by GC then Creation. Thermocycling process did not significantly reduce the load at fracture for all groups.

Mathematical Modeling of a Cross-Flow Rice Dryer

Abstract. Cross-flow dryers are the most popular industrial-scale rice dryers used in the U.S., yet few mathematical models have been developed and rigorously validated for such dryers. In addition, the glass transition states of rice kernels have never been predicted using a deep-bed drying model. In this study, a mathematical model was developed that describes the distribution of grain and air properties throughout a cross-flow dryer column. The model was validated by performing experiments in a lab dryer that was fabricated to simulate cross-flow drying. The model predictions of grain and air properties were observed to be very close to the measured values in the drying experiments; the root mean square error between the predicted and measured values of rice MC, air temperature, and air RH were less than one percentage point, 5°C, and ten percentage points, respectively. The model was then used to predict the glass transition state of starch present in rice kernels throughout the dryer column. The impact of initial MC on the glass transition states of rice kernels during cross-flow drying was also illustrated. Such predictions of rice kernel material states allow the model to be used for rice fissuring research. Additionally, the model could be applied to optimize drying operation parameters as well as improve dryer design, so as to achieve greater drying capacity, milling quality, and energy efficiency in a commercial drying operation. Keywords: Cross-flow drying, Glass transition, Mathematical model, Rice drying.

Mupirocin 2% Cream in Acne Vulgaris

Background side Mild 9 (28.7%) came follow up at week 8 right side Mild 10 (28.55%) left side Mild 11 (31.4%). Results of DBS study are of patients who came for follow up at week 4 Mupirocin 2% cream MC (Active) Good 16 (53.3%) Placebo cream (PC) Good 6 (20%). MC Good 39 (54.9%) PC Good 16 (22.5%). Patients who came for follow up at week 8 MC Good 23 (76.7%) PC Good 12 (40%). For DBS Study regarding Grading of Acne at Initial Visit MC Mild 3 (4.2%) PC Mild 9 (12.7%) came for follow up at week 4 MC Mild 13 (18.3%) PC Mild 14 (19.7%) came for follow up at week 8 MC Mild 9 (30%) PC Mild 7 (23.3%). Conclusion: MC is of help in AV.

Application of simulation in determining suitable operating parameters for industrial scale fluidized bed dryer during drying of high impurity moist paddy

A systematic approach has been developed for selecting the suitable drying parameters to be used for drying of high moisture and high impurity paddy with an industrial fluidized bed paddy dryer (10–20 t h−1 capacity) based on targeted specific air flow rate and residence time during two typical paddy drying seasons. A mathematical model was developed by modifying an existing model and was simulated and validated with observed industrial drying data as well as data reported in the literature. Comparison between the observed and simulated results showed that the mathematical model is capable of predicting outlet paddy moisture content and air temperature well. Suitable operating parameters were determined for reducing any initial paddy moisture content (mc) down to 24–25% dry basis (db), the safe mc level after fluidized bed drying to maintain rice quality, to achieve maximum possible throughput capacity of the dryer with corresponding energy consumption. Based on these criteria, bed thickness at 10 cm, specific air flow rate of 0.05 kg kg−1 s−1 (for corresponding bed air velocity of 2.3 m s−1), air temperature of 150 °C and residence time of 1.0 min were found to be suitable drying conditions for reducing paddy mc from 30 to 24.30% (db) in one season while the maximum throughput capacity of 15.7 tonne per hour (t h−1) might be achieved. The specific electrical and thermal energy were 0.48 and 6.15 MJ kg−1 water evaporated, respectively. On the other hand, the dryer capacity was found to be limited to 7.4 t h−1 during drying paddy of higher initial mc (35% db). This approach might provide easy and comprehensive guidelines for selecting suitable sets of operating parameters for any industrial fluidized bed dryer at its possible maximum throughput capacity for drying of freshly harvested high moist paddy with a high level of impurities.

Fabrication and Evaluation of a Solar Dryer Made From Twin-Wall Clear Polycarbonate Sheets

This study evaluated the newly designed and fabricated solar dryer based form the following design criteria 1) made of locally available materials, 2) easy to maintain and low maintenance cost, 3) portable, 4) products to be dried should not be exposed to rain and foreign elements (should be clean), and 5) able to dry faster than sun drying method. A solar dryer was fabricated and made mainly of twin-wall polycarbonate sheets with angle bar framing, with 3 layers of removable aluminum screen trays with aluminum framing. It has 3 solar heat collectors that provided additional heat to the drying chambers. Results of the evaluation showed that the maximum average drying temperature attained in the chambers of the solar dryer was 67.6⁰C or an increase of 32.2⁰C from the average highest average outside temperature of 35.4⁰C. When the solar heat collectors were removed, the solar dryer was able to attain an average maximum temperature of 57.5⁰C or an increase of 24.5⁰C from an average outside temperature of 33.0⁰C. When evaluated to dry fresh saluyot (Corchorus olitorius L) leaves (Initial MC of 89.58%) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) tops (Initial MC of 94.50%), the solar dryer in 2.33 hours reduced the moisture content, wet basis, of the to an average saluyot of 26.54% as compared to the sun drying method which reduced it to an average of 47.14% The performance of the dryer will be evaluated further using other available products in the uplands.

Air Circulating Oven-drying Characteristics of Hollowed Round-post for Korean Main Conifer Species Part 3: Effects of Water-vapor Dam and Heartwood Coating Treatments

In this study the effect of heartwood-coating (HCO), vapor-dam (VD), bark-remaining (BR) and bark-remaining-coating (BRC) treatments on the air circulating oven-drying characteristics of Japanese larch hollowed round-post was evaluated. The drying times of the hollowed round-posts for control, VD, HCO and BR specimens were 72, 168, 204 and 240 hours, respectively, from the initial MC to about 8% MC, which was recommended as the indoor in-use MC. The temperature in the hole of the VD specimen was lower than that of wood and the difference between air temperature in the hole and wood temperature became large during drying period. The vapor pressure of air in the hole was higher than that of inside wood for all specimens except VD specimen. The surface checks on all specimens were observed in increasing order of BR, BRC, UC, HCO and VD specimens.

Effect of Outer Surface Sealing Treatment on the Reduction of Surface Check Occurrence During the Drying of Center-Bored Round Timber

A significant amount of time and energy is required to dry green timber with a large cross-section. Due to long-lasting internal moisture gradients, internal stress is high during the drying of large cross-sectional timber, and the potential for check occurrence is significant. Although many researchers have aimed to develop a method for drying large pieces of wood without the occurrence of drying defects, a procedure for rapidly drying wood without cracks has not yet been developed. In the present study, an outer surface sealing method and center-boring process (i.e., drilling a hole along the central longitudinal axis) was developed to dry timber with a large cross-section without the occurrence of checks. The proposed center-boring procedure reduces the movement of heat and moisture inside the wood and expedites the drying process by sustaining a small MC gradient. Moreover, the outer surface sealing treatment changes the drying stress direction and controls check occurrence. By kiln drying center-bored (80-mm diameter) and outer-surface-sealed round timber pitch pine (Pinus rigida) with an initial MC of 30% and an outer diameter of 140 mm, a final MC of 6% was obtained within 40 hours without the occurrence of any drying defects.

Energy and rice quality aspects during drying of freshly harvested paddy with industrial inclined bed dryer

The performance evaluation of any industrial dryer regarding energy consumption and product quality should be assessed to check its present status and to suggest for further efficient operation. An investigation was carried out to evaluate the impact of drying temperature and air flow on energy consumption and quality of rice during paddy drying with industrial inclined bed dryer (IBD) with average holding capacity of 15 ton in the selected complexes of Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS)-the national paddy custodian of Malaysia. In reducing paddy moisture content (mc) from 22% to 23% wet basis (wb) down to around 12.5% wb, the final mc, the specific electrical (in terms of primary energy) and the specific thermal energy consumption were found to be varied between 1.44 to 1.95MJ/kg water evaporated and 2.77 to 3.47MJ/kg water evaporated, respectively. Analysis revealed that the specific electrical energy consumption was around 20% lesser and the specific thermal energy consumption of IBDs was around 10% higher during drying with air temperature of 41–42°C than drying with 38–39°C in reducing paddy mc from 22% to 23% (wb) down to around 12.5% (wb). However, paddy being with almost same initial mc dried using drying temperature of 38–39°C, IBDs yielded 1–4% higher head rice yield while milling recovery and whiteness were comparable at acceptable milling degree and transparency. The bed air flows between 0.27 and 0.29m3m−2s−1 resulted in higher head rice yield slightly while its effect on drying time was not prominent so much. For paddy with initial moisture content below 23% wb, it is recommended that drying air temperature should not be higher than 39°C in order to maintain rice quality at reasonable energy consumption.