Low Moisture Research Articles

Variable soil moisture responses to rainfall events in fields under different management practices

AbstractSoil moisture response to rainfall is a key factor that dictates how well a landscape can support crop growth as well as its susceptibility to water runoff and leaching, however, few studies have investigated how agricultural management impacts this important soil function. This study compares two common agricultural soil treatments (cover crops and soil compaction) and their soil moisture response to rainfall in comparison to a control. In a humid temperate climate during March to November, individual rainfall events were delineated over two growing seasons and corresponding soil moisture responses were identified using in situ soil moisture sensors at four soil depths (20, 30, 40, and 60 cm). Results suggest that hydrological responses differed with both event type and management treatment. Not all rainfall events triggered a response: those that triggered responses at shallower soil depths were typically characterized by higher total event rainfall, and higher maximum and average rainfall intensity. In contrast, rainfall events triggering responses at deeper soil depths were characterized by longer event duration as well as higher 10‐day antecedent rainfall (AR). Soil moisture responses for the cover crop treatment were characterized by relatively lower initial and peak soil moisture at shallower depths but higher values at 60 cm depth, whereas soil moisture responses for the control and compacted soil treatments demonstrated the opposite. Matrix flow was most often generated for rainfall events with high magnitude and was not preferentially associated with any particular soil treatment. However, specific conditions were needed to generate vertical preferential flow, namely high total event rainfall for both horizons, or high AR for preferential flow in the Ap horizon, or high rainfall intensity for preferential flow in the Bt horizon. Our findings demonstrate the potential for detailed event‐based soil water process analysis using high‐frequency, multi‐depth soil moisture data.

Determination of insoluble (INSOL) calcium content in Cheddar, Feta, Juustoleipa, and Mozzarella cheeses using acid-base buffering curves

The amount of colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP) complex associated with caseins (INSOL Ca) determines the body, texture, flavor and breakdown of cheese constituents during aging. The continuous pH decline during cheese making because of lactic acid fermentation results in solubilization of insoluble (INSOL) calcium. Measuring INSOL Ca in such a dynamic and wide range pH system (6.6 to 5.3) is challenging. The purpose of this study was to test utility of acid-base auto-titration method in differentiating INSOL Ca content in cheeses with a wide range of pH (i.e., Juustoleipa 6.6, Mozzarella 5.6, Cheddar 5.3, Feta 4.8) and also to understand the relationship between pH, protein content, and INSOL Ca. A positive relationship was obtained for pH (R2 = 0.62) and protein content (R2 = 0.85) with INSOL Ca, suggesting concomitant release of CCP content at lower pH values and association of higher amount of CCP with higher protein content. Despite having a pH slightly closer to Mozzarella (pH 5.56), Cheddar cheese (pH 5.25) had more INSOL Ca (0.67%) owing to the highest amount of protein (26%) and low moisture content (33%). Feta had the lowest amount of INSOL Ca (0.15%) owing to a low pH (4.79), higher moisture content (55%), and low protein content (14%). Juustoleipa had the highest percentage of INSOL Ca out of total calcium (88%) due to higher pH (6.62) and more intact casein. It was evident that the acid-base titration method was able to differentiate INSOL Ca between different types of cheeses with varying pH and protein content. Findings of this work will help tracking the proportion of INSOL Ca at various stages of cheese making and understanding kinetics of INSOL Ca solubilization and its role in causing pH variation in the early stage of cheese ripening.

Dielectric properties during the heating process of savory and sweet coconut‐/almond‐based bread in the microwave region

AbstractFor microwave‐assisted heating, accurate knowledge of the dielectric properties (DPs) plays a key role for optimizing the heating process. In this paper, the DPs of four different bread dough formulations are presented from 300 MHz to 20 GHz. The base dough was prepared with almond powder, coconut powder, eggs, cashew nut powder, ghee butter, and cardamom. In addition, three more honey‐sweetened formulations were prepared with honey, goat milk and cacao. The DPs were measured during the complete baking process, from room temperature up to 80°C. It is shown that in all cases, ε′ and ε″ decrease as frequency increases. In addition, a second‐order Debye equation was extracted for all formulations showing two relaxation times (τ1 and τ2), which can be seen in the Cole–Cole plot. Moreover, it is shown that in all formulations, as temperature increases, ε′ and ε″ also increase, which is a typical trend for low moisture foods. Finally, the penetration depths are calculated for all formulations.Practical ApplicationsThe dielectric properties (DPs) of four different bread dough formulations are provided covering a wide band in the microwave range from 300 MHz to 20 GHz. DPs are useful for the development of microwave‐assisted heating applications, where prior knowledge of the DPs permits the optimization of the heating process. In addition, penetration depth is necessary as this parameter allows to calculate the maximum depth that the microwave energy will heat up the sample.

Meta-analysis of retrogradation effect on starches of white rice, and comparative study of different cooking oils and cooking methods on in vitro glucose release from white rice

Cooling is a technique employed to reduce the high glucose release from white rice by altering the proportion of rapidly digestible (RDS), slowly digestible (SDS), and resistant (RS) starches. Retrogradation of the gelatinised starches to a crystalline structure increases the RS content that does not spike blood glucose on consumption. The meta-analysis showed that following different retrogradation durations, there were significant mean differences (MD), viz. an increase in RS (MD: 4.17 g/100 g, p < 0.00001) and decrease in RDS (MD: -7.09 g/100 g, p < 0.0001). The addition of cooking oil to rice retards the release of glucose due to the formation of an amylose-lipid complex (ALC), and together with retrogradation, further lowers glucose release. In the present work, palm oil (PO) and coconut oil (CO) were added to steamed rice by three methods: (A) stir-frying raw rice with oil before steaming, (B) adding oil in cooking water during steaming, and (C): stir-frying the steamed rice with oil, following by refrigeration at 4°C for 12 h. For nutritional composition, the moisture, fat, and carbohydrate contents of white rice were affected upon treatments. Besides, oil-treated rice released glucose slower than control in the in vitro digestibility test, showing increased RS and decreased RDS. Moreover, rice with CO added by Method A might serve as a potential prebiotic as it increased the growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus in tandem with the decrease in oligosaccharides over 24 h. Coconut oil was the better cooking oil for reducing glucose release from white rice due to its greater ability to form ALC. The addition of CO via Method C is recommended as the lower moisture content in the rice aided formation of perfectly crystalline starch during retrogradation.

Intraspecific variation in Janzen-Connell effect is mediated by stress and plant-soil feedbacks.

Janzen-Connell (JC) effects, hypothesized to be partially driven by negative plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs), are considered to be a key mechanism that regulates tropical forest plant diversity and coexistence. However, intraspecific variation in JC effects may weaken this mechanism, with the strength of PSFs being a potentially key variable process. We conducted a manipulated experiment with seedlings from two populations of Pometia pinnata (Sapindaceae), a tropical tree species in southwest China. We aimed to measure the intraspecific difference in PSF magnitude caused by inoculating the soil from different P. pinnata source populations and growing seedlings under differing light intensity and water availability treatments, and at varying plant densities. We found negative PSFs for both populations with the inoculum soil originating from the same sites, but PSFs differed significantly with the inoculum soil from different sites. PSF strength responded differently to biotic and abiotic drivers; PSF strength was weaker in low moisture and high light treatments than in high moisture and low light treatments. Our study documents intraspecific variation in JC effects: specifically, P. pinnata have less defenses to their natively-sourced soil, but are more defensive to the soil feedbacks from soil sourced from other populations. Our results imply that drought and light intensity tended to weaken JC effects, which may result in loss of species diversity with climate change.

Analisis Spasial Indeks Kekeringan di Daerah Bandar Lampung

Drought is a routine case of natural disasters. Drought in a region can disrupt human activities. Drought occurs due to reduced rainfall, temperatures that are too high than normal, low soil moisture and insufficient surface water supply. The aim of this research is to obtain the distribution of rain and analyze the drought value index in the Bandar Lampung area. The cause of this drought is a step to predict the drought that will occur by analyzing the rain and temperature. This analysis is done by calculating the water balance and determining the drought level using drought index table by thorthwaite mather. The drought analysis is conducted in Bandar Lampung area, where the Bandar Lampung area is the capital city of Lampung province with an area of ± 160 km2 with an average population density of 8,316 people/km2. From the Drought Value Index, the level of drought in the Bandar Lampung area is predominantly low and the level of drought is moderate in the Peace District area. Keywords: Drought, Spatial Analysis, Water Balance

Effects of foaming agent types and ratio with red flesh pitaya puree on physicochemical properties of foam-mat dried powder

Red flesh pitaya (Hylocereus sp.) is a highly perishable fruit with a high content of bioactive compound. It has short shelf life due to high moisture content and water activity. In this study, red flesh pitaya (RFP) powder was produced via foam mat drying method (FMD) with egg albumen (EA) and whey protein isolate (WPI) as the foaming agents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of foaming agent types and its ratio with RFP puree on physicochemical properties of foam-mat dried RFP powder. RFP fruit was incorporated and foamed with EA and WPI at 0 %, 5 %, 15 % and 30 % w/w concentrations. The foam was dried at 65 ?C for 5 hours. The powders were analysed for its moisture content, water activity, solubility, density, colour, fiber and total soluble solid (TSS). Decreasing the puree concentration from 85% to 55% while increasing the concentration of foaming agents (0% to 30%) has decreased the value of moisture content, water activity, crude fiber and colour properties. Meanwhile, the solubility, density and TSS of the foam-mat dried RFP powder was increased with increasing the concentration of both foaming agents (decreasing the ratio of RFP puree) used. The quality of powder foamed with WPI has produced the lowest in moisture content (2.86 %) and water activity (0.18), high in solubility (71.03 %), densities (0.56 g/cm3 and 0.84 g/cm3) and high in TSS (9.61). Meanwhile, the quality of samples foamed with 5% EA and 80% of RDF puree observed high in fiber content (3.38 %) and mostly retains the colour properties. FMD technique may be applied as the preservation technique of fruit powder as it has produced the powder with low moisture content and good colour properties within a short time and is more economical.

KARAKTERISTIK LIMBAH BATANG SINGKONG SEBAGAI BIOMASSA CO-FIRING UNTUK PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK

This study evaluates the potential of wet cassava stems, dry cassava stems, and dry cassava stem powder as biomass fuels for co-firing in power plants. The analysis includes proximate testing, calorific value, and ultimate analysis to determine the quality and combustion efficiency of each material. Proximate test results show that dry cassava stems have lower moisture content and higher ash content compared to wet cassava stems, which can affect residue and slagging in power plant equipment. The high volatile matter content and significant increase in fixed carbon from wet to dry conditions indicate a greater extractable energy potential. The gross calorific value shows a significant increase from 2676.11 kcal/kg (AR) to 4929.44 kcal/kg (DAF) for wet cassava stems, and from 3910.64 kcal/kg (AR) to 5046.48 kcal/kg (DAF) for dry cassava stems. Dry cassava stem powder shows a very high calorific value, reaching 4272 kcal/kg (DB). The best ultimate analysis results for cassava stem powder are carbon (C) 48.44%, hydrogen (H) 6.61%, oxygen (O) 43%, sulfur (S) 0.15%, and nitrogen (N) 1.80%.

Influence of Soil Type and Moisture on Pupal Development of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) at Two Different Temperatures.

The present study investigates the developmental process of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) pupae and their dependency on soil composition, moisture levels, and temperature changes. This research holds implications for forensic and veterinary applications, providing crucial insights for estimating minimum postmortem intervals and managing myiasis-causing flies in diverse environments. Specifically, the study explores the impact of five moisture content levels in loam and sandy soils (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) on the pupal development of Ch. rufifacies under two distinct constant temperature regimes (24 ± 1 °C and 30 ± 1 °C). A significant correlation was observed between soil type and temperature regarding the time required to complete the pupal stages; however, moisture had no significant impact. Larvae exhibited varying survival rates across the two temperatures and five moisture levels in the two types of soils, particularly under extremely lower moisture conditions (0%) at 30 ± 1 °C, failing to progress to the pupariation stage. Additionally, growth parameters such as pupal length and width of the fully formed puparia were significantly impacted by temperature, soil type, and moisture level. Adult head width was systematically measured across different moisture levels and soil types, revealing distinct temperature-dependent responses. Furthermore, a sex-specific analysis highlighted that female Ch. rufifacies consistently displayed larger head widths and higher emergence rates compared to their male counterparts. This research enhances our understanding of the intricate interrelationship among three environmental variables: soil type, moisture level, and temperature, elucidating their collective impact on the pupation processes of dipterans.

Advancements and challenges in natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites: A comprehensive review

AbstractNatural fiber‐reinforced composites have emerged as a promising alternative in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and civil engineering, owing to their eco‐friendly nature and favorable mechanical properties. However, challenges such as low thermal stability and high moisture absorption limit their widespread use. To overcome these limitations, surface modifications such as mercerization, benzoylation, silane treatment, and acetylation have been extensively explored. Hybrid composites (HCs), combining natural and synthetic fibers, offer a compelling solution by harnessing the unique properties of both materials. This review comprehensively examines the types of fibers and polymers utilized in HCs, along with various chemical treatments to enhance their properties. Additionally, a detailed analysis of different manufacturing processes for HCs is provided, including hand lay‐up, vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding, autoclave molding, injection molding, and compression molding. Furthermore, this review highlights recent advancements in HCs and their applications. Significant outcomes include a deeper understanding of the synergistic effects between natural and synthetic fibers, improved mechanical and thermal properties, and enhanced applications in diverse industries. The potential of HCs as a sustainable and high‐performance material solution emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and innovation in this field to overcome existing challenges and unlock new possibilities for composite engineering.Highlights Surface modifications such as mercerization, benzoylation, and silane treatment enhance the properties of natural fibers in composite materials. Hybrid composites (HCs) offer unique advantages by combining natural and synthetic fibers, including improved thermal, mechanical, and damping properties. Various chemical treatments and manufacturing processes contribute to enhancing the properties and applications of HCs. Recent advancements in HCs have led to an improved understanding and utilization of composite engineering across multiple industries. The review discusses challenges, opportunities, and future prospects for HCs, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and innovation in this field.

PO-MU-MA Emergency food bar: nutritional, microbial, sensorial, and cost analysis

In 2015, 62.6 million women and children received food assistance in emergencies. However, they are usually provided with foods containing sufficient energy rather than a balanced diet. A nutrient-dense emergency food bar (PO-MU-MA) was made from local ingredients: potato (Solanum t.), mung bean (Vigna radiata l.), and malunggay (Moringa o.) to optimize local foods and aimed to evaluate its sensorial acceptability, nutrient content, microbial load, moisture content, and cost analysis. An experimental design was used for the three (3) formulations with 25D consisting of 18g of potato and mung bean flour, 5.15 g of malunggay-infused water, and other ingredients. 99Z and Q2Y have the same ingredients but with potato flour and mung bean flour in different ratios, namely, 27g potato flour and 9g mung bean flour for 99Z and 9g potato flour and 27g mung bean flour in Q2Y. For appearance (color) and aroma, 99Z is the most acceptable. The acceptability in terms of taste is the same. For texture, Q2Y was chosen, as well as for overall acceptability. Nutrient analysis of the most acceptable product formulation showed an energy content of 461 kcal per 100g, sufficient to provide 22% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for energy. The carbohydrate content per 100g is 56.25g, protein is 8.30g, and fat is 22.6g. For microbial load, yeast and mold are low (40 CFU/g), while E. coli and Salmonella are both negative, making the product safe for consumption. Furthermore, the food bar has a low moisture content (11%). For product costing, it shows that 100g of the product costs PHP 28.36. Generally, the PO-MU-MA Emergency Food Bar is recommended for food and nutrition needs in emergencies.

Effects of the spray-drying process using maltodextrin on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of the pulp of the tropical fruit açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

Aҫai fruit is characterized by the properties of its bioactive compounds; however, this fruit is highly perishable and its compounds are sensitive when exposed to non-optimal environmental factors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to encapsulate the fruit pulp by spray drying to improve the nutritional value and extend the shelf life of the products derived from acai fruit. Maltodextrin was used as a wall material and the process was optimized to obtain the desirable values of the response variables. For this, a central compound design (CCD) was developed to determine the influence of temperature (110–170 °C) and the wall material proportion (5–15 %) on dependent variables: the retention of ascorbic acid, moisture percentage, hygroscopicity, solubility, water activity, and yield. Furthermore, the effects of spray drying on bioactive compounds (AA, TPC, TFC, TA, TCC, GA, CT, and QC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC) were evaluated. The maximum design temperature (170 °C) and wall material proportion (15 %) significantly influenced the response variables where encapsulation was applied, with high ascorbic acid retention (96.886 %), low moisture (0.303 %), low hygroscopicity (7.279 g/100 g), low level of water activity (0.255), a water solubility index of 23.206 %, and a high yield of 70.285 %. The bioactive compounds analyzed and the antioxidant capacity presented significant retention values for AA (96.86 %), TPC (65.13 %), TFC (82.09 %), TA (62.46 %), TCC (7.28 %), GA (35.02 %), CT (49.03 %), QC (37.57 %), ABTS (81.24 %), DPPH (75.11 %), and ORAC (15.68 %). Therefore, it is concluded that the powder obtained under these conditions has desirable physical properties, and the drying process preserved a notable retention of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activities.

Nb-based AxNbOFy:Mn4+ (A=Na, Cs; x=2, 3; y=5, 6) red phosphors with excellent water resistance and enhanced luminescence by W6+/Mo6+ charge compensation

Mn4+ activated fluoride red phosphors are used in warm white light emitting diodes (WLEDs). However, their inherently low moisture resistance is a major barrier to their use in high humidity conditions. In this work, the Nb-based oxyfluoride phosphors AxNbOFy:Mn4+ (A = Na, Cs; x = 2, 3; y = 5, 6) were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The crystal structure, morphology, and luminescence properties are investigated with composition variation. The non-equivalent replacement of Nd5+ ions by Mn4+ results in bright red emission under blue light excitation. These phosphors showed very good moisture resistant luminescence. The best performance was achieved by the Na3NbOF6:0.1%Mn4+, which retained 98 % of the initial fluorescence intensity after immersion in water for 60 min. In addition, the W6+ and Mo6+ are used to compensate for the charge difference between Mn4+ and Nd5+ in Na3NbOF6:Mn4+. The compensated phosphors have shown large enhancements of 169 % (W6+) and 168 % (Mo6+) in luminescence intensity. This strategy of non-equivalent doping approach of Mn4+ into the Nb-based oxyfluoride materials and the charge compensation by W6+/Mo6+ to enhance the luminescence intensity provides a new way to realize high performance red phosphors for WLEDs.

Characterization of natural organic matter in Wyoming-type bentonites irradiated at varied moisture levels

Wyoming-type bentonite clay (MX-80; Wyoming, USA) will be used in a deep geological repository (DGR) for the long-term storage of used nuclear fuel in Canada. The natural organic matter (NOM) found in bentonite may serve as a microbial nutrient source and potentially compromise the performance of the used fuel containers. Previous investigations indicate that NOM is present in low concentrations in MX-80 and has undergone extensive diagenetic alteration, though limited knowledge is available regarding NOM chemistry under simulated DGR conditions. Of particular concern is the possibility for gamma-radiation to alter NOM dissolution and reactivity due to the presence of reactive species generated by water radiolysis in Wyoming-type bentonites. In this study, NOM chemistry was investigated using complementary molecular-level techniques following exposure to a total gamma-radiation dose of 100 kGy (1.08 kGy/h for 93 h) at varied moisture levels (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) and room temperature. Treated samples exhibited relatively low total organic carbon concentrations (0.074–0.232%), with no evidence of any major changes in total, organic, and inorganic carbon concentrations. Solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy detected no changes in solid-phase NOM chemistry after irradiation. Solubilization of NOM increased significantly with radiation exposure at 80% moisture, suggesting higher levels of water saturation may enhance dissolved organic matter (DOM) production. Solution-state 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and UV–Vis analyses did not identify any significant differences in DOM composition. More sensitive, targeted compound analysis revealed significant decreases in total n-alkanol concentration at lower moisture content levels (20% and 40%). Several individual compound concentrations also differed significantly at the nanogram-level, including n-octacosanol and several n-alkanoic acids at elevated moisture levels (60% and 80%). These findings suggest the majority of NOM in MX-80 remains chemically stable under the anticipated initial conditions of the proposed DGR.

Efficiency of freeze- and spray-dried microbial preparation as active dried starter culture in kombucha fermentation.

Kombucha is a widely consumed fermented beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The dynamic nature of microbial communities in SCOBY may pose challenges to production scale-up due to unpredictable variations in microbial composition. Using identified starter strains is a novel strategy to control microorganism composition, thereby ensuring uniform fermentation quality across diverse batches. However, challenges persist in the cultivation and maintenance of these microbial strains. This study examined the potential of microencapsulated kombucha fermentation starter cultures, specifically Komagataeibacter saccharivorans, Levilactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, through spray-drying and freeze-drying. Maltodextrin and gum arabic-maltodextrin were employed as carrier agents. Our results revealed that both spray-dried and freeze-dried samples adhered to physicochemical criteria, with low moisture content (2.18-7.75%) and relatively high solubility (65.75-87.03%) which are appropriate for food application. Freeze-drying demonstrated greater effectiveness in preserving bacterial strain viability (88.30-90.21%) compared to spray drying (74.92-78.66%). Additionally, the freeze-dried starter strains demonstrated similar efficacy in facilitating kombucha fermentation, compared to the SCOBY group. The observations included pH reduction, acetic acid production, α-amylase inhibition and elevated total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Moreover, the biological activity, including antioxidant potential and in vitro tyrosinase inhibition activity, was enhanced in the same pattern. The freeze-dried strains exhibited consistent kombucha fermentation capabilities over a three-month preservation, regardless of storage temperature at 30 or 4 °C. These findings highlight the suitability of freeze-dried starter cultures for kombucha production, enable microbial composition control, mitigate contamination risks and ensure consistent product quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nanostructure and interfacial mechanical properties of PEG/cellulose nanocomposites studied with molecular dynamics

Our starting hypothesis is that Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be utilized to mix with the biopolymers for consolidating fiber-reinforced composites without deteriorating their hygro-mechanical properties. The effect of PEG on the shear strength during pull-out of crystalline cellulose (CC) fiber out of an amorphous cellulose matrix is simulated with molecular dynamics. The interfacial shear stress shows a stick-slip behavior and is weakened with increasing moisture content. Shear strength increases at low moisture content, manifesting a slight strengthening of interfacial mechanical property due to cohesive forces exerted by the water molecules. At higher moisture content, shear strength is reduced due to breakage of the hydrogen bonds between CC and matrix by water molecules. When adding PEG, amorphous cellulose around the crystalline fiber is replaced by PEG, forming a mixture with amorphous cellulose. It is found that PEG-treated CC-AC composite maintains its shear strength and the presence of PEG does not deteriorate the dependence of the shear strength on moisture content. A shear strength model based on the number of hydrogen bonds between the fiber and the matrix is developed, which validates our initial hypothesis by unraveling the fundamental mechanisms at play. The model reveals that, although the shear strength per hydrogen bond between the fiber and PEG is lower than the shear strength per hydrogen bond between the fiber and amorphous cellulose, the final shear strength is partly compensated by an increase in the total number of hydrogen bonds with increasing PEG ratio. Since PEG reduces the moisture content in the composite at low relative humidity, PEG treated wood in museum conditions will show enhanced shear strength. The framework is a basis for further investigation of realistic archaeological wood with PEG-treatment.

EFFECT OF CRYO-STORAGE ON STORABILITY OF PAPAYA SEEDS

A fruit crop of significant economic importance, papayas are often propagated from seeds. Based on their freezing injury even at low moisture content, papaya seeds are classified as "intermediate seeds"; and rapid loss of viability in storage is assumed to be the primary cause of poor germination; thus, the development of appropriate technology is necessary to prolong the storability of papaya seeds. One such effective technology for prolonged seed storability is cryo-storage. The purpose of the current study was to investigate how cryostorage affects papaya seed storability. For this investigation, TNAU Papaya variety CO 8 seeds were utilised. Five distinct treatments were applied to the seeds, which were then kept for approximately six months at liquid nitrogen's vapour phase (-140°C). The biochemical parameters such as protein content, free amino acid, total carbohydrates, free sugars, total lipids, and dehydrogenase activity were measured on a monthly basis along with seed germination and seedling vigour in the cryopreserved papaya seeds. Results indicated that papaya seeds that had been vitrified (seeds with a 10% moisture content that had been soaked in loading solution for 20 minutes, then immersed in Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) for another 20 minutes, packed in cryovials and kept in cryo-storage at -140°C) compared to papaya seeds that were packed in cloth bags and stored in ambient conditions had higher seed germination, dry matter production and vigour index at six months after storage. In comparison to fresh seeds, the results also showed that, after six months of cryo-storage, biochemical proximate, protein content, total carbohydrate content, total lipid content, and dehydrogenase activity were maintained in the aforementioned treatment with minimum reduction, while electrical conductivity, free amino acid content, and free sugar content gradually increased with the storage period at minimum rate. In crux, vitrified papaya seeds packaged in cryovials and kept in cryo-storage at -140°C preserved their quality for six months, meeting Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards. This could be useful for storing papaya seeds for longer periods of time. Keywords: Papaya, vitrification, differential scanning calorimetry, liquid nitrogen, cryo-storage

Comparison of various single-disc type furrow openers used in no-till seeders in terms of furrow properties and acting forces

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of various single-disc type furrow openers used in no-till seeders on furrow aspects and forces acting on the discs at various soil moisture contents, soil compaction levels, and seeding depths in soil bin. Factors included plain, notched, wavy, concave, and fluted types of disc coulters, two soil moisture levels (12-18%), two soil compaction levels (2-3 MPa), and two seeding depths (50-75 mm). According to the results, the plain, notched, and fluted type discs had the lowest vertical, draft, and side force, while the wavy type disc had the maximum vertical force, draft force, and side force and the concave type disc had the highest side force. The vertical, draft, and side force requirements of all furrow openers were found to be lower in loose soils with low moisture content and greater in compacted soils with high moisture content. Fluted, concave, and wavy-type discs produced the best results in terms of the specific vertical, specific draft, and specific side forces, respectively. While the highest furrow cross-sectional area was obtained in the wavy disc, this furrow opener was followed by concave, notched, fluted, and plain-type furrow openers, respectively.

Pinpointing Moisture: The Capacitive Detection for Standing Tree Health.

the feasibility of the capacitance method for detecting the water content in standing tree trunks was investigated using capacitance-based equipment that was designed for measuring the water content of standing tree trunks. In laboratory experiments, the best insertion depth of the probe for standing wood was determined by measurement experiments conducted at various depths. The bark was to be peeled when specimens and standing wood were being measured. The actual water content of the test object was obtained by specimens being weighed and the standing wood being weighed after the wood core was extracted. A forecast of the moisture content of standing wood within a range of 0 to 180% was achieved by the measuring instrument. The feasibility of the device for basswood and fir trees is preliminarily studied. When compared to the drying method, the average error of the test results was found to be less than 8%, with basswood at 7.75%, and fir at 7.35%. It was concluded that the measuring instrument has a wide measuring range and is suitable for measuring wood with low moisture content, as well as standing timber with high moisture content. The measuring instrument, being small in size, easy to carry, and capable of switching modes, is considered to have a good application prospect in the field of forest precision monitoring and quality improvement.

Damage and failure mechanisms of carbon fiber reinforced composite thin-walled bushings under hygrothermal-mechanical loadings

Numerous thin-walled bushings, injection-molded from AS4 short carbon fiber reinforced polyetherketone (AS4/PEK) composites, are employed in the chains of stenter heat-setting machines. These bushings rapidly deteriorate under the hygrothermal-mechanical loadings prevalent in their service conditions. This necessitates regular replacements, critically limiting machine efficiency. In this paper, considering hygrothermal-mechanical loadings, the macro–micro dual-scale damage model of composite bushings is established. The wet and thermal effects are introduced into constitutive models and damage criteria based on the macro–micro mechanics of composites and their constituents. The micro-damage and macro-destruction phenomena in the bushing are analyzed, and the related measures are proposed to delay its failure. Comparing the simulation results with the test, the macro–micro damage and failure behavior are discussed for the failed bushing. It reveals that stress concentrations near AS4 fibers initiate interfacial damage and microcracks in the PEK matrix, inciting interface debonding and matrix fragmentation, ultimately provoking composites failure. Increasing the interface thickness can delay the onset of damage. Fiber tension failure, matrix tensile, and compressive failure induce destruction at the component extremities. According to the influence of hygrothermal performance, within the glass transition temperature range of 160 °C to 240 °C, selecting composites with higher glass transition temperatures can enhance the failure strength of bushings by 19 %. Conversely, within a moisture absorption range of 0.5 % to 0.8 %, opting for materials with lower moisture absorption decreases the failure strength of bushings by 37 %. Optimal failure strength is achieved with composites having a 0.5 % moisture absorption rate and a 240 °C glass transition temperature.