Short Processing Time Research Articles

Human Service Organizations’ Participation in the Paycheck Protection Program: A Cross-Sector Comparison

ABSTRACT The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was passed during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist small and medium-sized organizations. However, only a fraction of eligible nonprofits applied for and received loans. Using a contract failure lens, we posit that nonprofits are more likely to have higher per-employee loan amounts and use funds for payroll than for-profits. Analyzing a sample of 174,496 first-draw loans across human service sub-fields, results suggest differences by size, particularly among single-employee organizations, and by nonprofit and for-profit recipients. Single-employee organizations represent nearly half of HSO recipients, suggesting an unintended consequence of prioritizing short processing times over more scrutiny.

Real-time production scheduling using a deep reinforcement learning-based multi-agent approach

In the real-time scheduling (RTS) research field, it has been shown that employing multiple dispatching rules (MDRs) for the components in a flexible manufacturing system will improve production performance much more than a single dispatching rule (SDR). To fulfill the goal of Industry 4.0 in production control and improve production performance, this study deploys a deep reinforcement learning-based multi-agent (DRLBMA) approach for real-time scheduling. The proposed approach uses the MDRs strategy by integrating two main methodologies: an off-line learning module and a Deep Q-learning-based multi-agent module. The proposed method employs a two-level self-organizing map (SOM) to determine the system’s states. The proposed methodology determines the best MDRs decision. The approach is applied to a case study of a smart manufacturing system. The results of the proposed method are compared to different scheduling strategies, such as reinforcement learning (RL)-based real-time scheduling, two-level self-organized map (SOM), and continuous rescheduling using a single dispatching rule, such as earliest due date (EDD), shortest processing time (SPT), and longest processing time (LPT). The findings reveal that, in terms of the total weighted tardiness, throughput, and mean cycle time performance criteria, the proposed DRLBMA-based real-time scheduling is more efficient than these scheduling strategies.

Mapping Art: 3D geo-visualization and virtual worlds in cultural heritage

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the use of digital mapping and GIS in combination with 3D geo-visualization in depicting landscapes and cultural heritage sites. As computers evolve in their processing capabilities (graphics card, processor, memory speed), so does the graphical output representing our world that can be done in less time. Short processing times and available highly sophisticated software create conditions to test existing models of our 3D world or best create alternative renderings of monuments and landscapes. A study area has been chosen to present such a methodology. Ancient Pylos was selected as the study area due to the abundance of bibliographic references available, facilitating the creation of a cartographic representation of the region based on archaeological discoveries and historical sources. The advantages of employing 3D geo-visualizations in archaeology are numerous and are examined within this article. Visual imaging aids archaeologists in elucidating intricate or deficient details pertaining to a monument, simultaneously streamlining archaeological data for easier comprehension by the general public. The use of 3D geo-visualization to represent data and other non-photorealistic details is expected to dominate in the near future.

Platform for surface-enhanced Raman scattering in layered quantum materials

Raman spectroscopy has been used to study transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), quantum materials with promising properties. However, monolayer (1L) TMDs have limited observable Raman modes due to low light absorption. In this study, we propose a potential platform that can effectively enhance Raman scattering and increase the number of observable Raman modes in 1L TMDs. To enhance Raman scattering in 1L TMDs, a platform was fabricated by forming large-scale periodic arrays of gold micropillars (MPs) using conventional photolithography followed by gold film deposition. 1L WSe2 was transferred onto the Au MPs and Raman scattering was observed. The Raman intensity of 1L WSe2 on Au MPs was 19 times higher than that of 1L WSe2 on SiO2 plates, and Raman modes difficult to detect in typical 1L WSe2 are observed. Confocal Raman spectroscopic mapping revealed that the strong local Raman enhancement at the edge of the Au MP resulted in the amplification of Raman scattering in 1L WSe2 on Au MP. This local field enhancement was theoretically verified using finite difference time domain (FDTD). The platform has industrial advantages and wide applicability due to its low cost, simple process, large controllable area, and short process time.

Development of queue management model for effective service delivery in automobile repair shops

In this study, a queue management model/software was developed for automobile repair shops. This software minimizes both waiting time of customers, and idle time of workers. The software groups all jobs done in an automobile repair shop into three sections: mechanical, electrical and air conditioning (A/C) sections. The developed software prioritizes all jobs performed in a typical automobile repair shop in terms of urgency, using the ‘shortest processing time’ scheduling approach. The jobs are then ranked and assigned to workers based on number of available workstations. Also, expected time of delivery of the job is estimated by the software. The software was tested using data obtained over a two weeks period and percentage reduction in waiting time was found to range between: 0.889-0.122, 0.895-0.25 and 1-0.167 for the mechanical, electrical and A/C sections respectively. In the mechanical section, servicing/replacement of piston and rings and changing/servicing of gear box were discovered to be the jobs with maximum delivery time (15 hrs) while changing of engine belt was seen as the job with the least delivery time (0.3 hrs). For the electrical section, changing of alternator, with delivery time of 3 hrs 30 mins and changing of headlamp and fuse breakage with delivery time of 0.15 hrs are the jobs with maximum and minimum delivery times respectively. For the A/C section, changing of freezer with delivery time of 10 hrs and refilling of gas with delivery time of 0.10 hrs are the maximum and minimum respectively. Implementation of this research will reduce time wastage experienced by customers, idle time at service facilities, frustration caused by unnecessary queue, and encourage allocation of resources accordingly.

Dispersion of silica nanoparticles in water/ethanol/PEG mixtures for stimuli-responsive aggregation to prepare improved fused silica glass

The preparation of bulk-fused silica glass using stimuli-responsive silica nanoparticle (SiNP) aggregation methods is a promising research topic. For instance, the use of a SiNP/polyethylene glycol (PEG)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) system for thermoplastic nanocomposite preparation, followed by heat-treatment sintering, has emerged as a highly precise and scalable method for obtaining fused silica glass with a short processing time. In this study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and rheological analysis were used to investigate the dispersion of SiNPs in water, ethanol, water/ethanol, and water/ethanol/PEG mixtures. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of the different solvents on regulating external stimuli in the preparation of a SiNP slurry. Our results indicate that water/ethanol mixtures have a greater ability to obtain dispersed and thin slurries than water or ethanol alone, while the inclusion of PEG can further enhance this effect.The feedstocks obtained by this method is favorable for obtaining defect-free fused silica glass. In addition, agglomerates formed by SiNPs in a liquid environment can be rearranged and partially disassembled under the action of mechanical (shear) forces. Finally, optical profilometry tests showed that the sintered fused silica glass exhibited good surface quality replication, with a roughness Sa of only 148 nm. The finding in this study provides an idea for the preparation of commercial slurry for sintering fused silica glass.

Aceclofenac loaded microspheres: Formulation and evaluation of novel preprogrammed drug delivery for the treatment of arthritis

Arthritis is a widespread joint disorder globally, the patient completely dependent on NSAIDs which are administered after a fixed interval to subside the pain. This work aims to establish a preprogrammed drug delivery system of aceclofenac with a predetermined lag time for the treatment of arthritis. This new preprogrammed formulation microsphere reduces the time-dependent dose administration as it steadily releases the drug in the blood circulation reducing side effects and increasing patient compliance. Aceclofenac (ACF) loaded polymer microspheres were prepared by a new emulsification and crosslinking method using glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent. Microspheres were prepared in 6 batches using different polymers like sodium alginate, guar gum and chitosan, alone, as well as in combinations. The type and quantity of polymers were changed in every batch while the amount of aceclofenac was unvarying. The microspheres were then evaluated for the particle size, drug content, percentage yield, percentage entrapment efficiency and percentage drug release followed by noting the lag time. The microsphere loaded with aceclofenac were formulated and evaluated, the result showed that all the preparations showed a good lag time (2–3 ​h), but chitosan (alone) gave the highest lag time, which fulfills the aim of pre-programmed drug delivery system. Preprogrammed drug release has been achieved from the microspheres over a period of 0–7 ​h, consistent with the demand for chronotherapeutic drug delivery for the treatment of arthritis. The major signification of the preparation technique includes short processing time and the lack of exposure of the ingredients to high temperatures. Aceclofenac-loaded microspheres offer a promising avenue for arthritis treatment, ensuring sustained drug release. Their potential clinical implications include enhanced therapeutic efficacy, reduced side effects, and improved patient compliance. Future directions may involve personalized formulations, targeted delivery systems, and exploring applications beyond arthritis, expanding the scope of this innovative drug delivery approach.

Process intensification of chemical phosphorus removal in a microreaction system

Serious problems including excessive ferric salt dose, high effluent phosphorus concentration and long handling time are encountered for chemical phosphorus removal by ferric salt in batch processes due to poor mixing performance. In this work, we develop a microreaction system to intensify phosphorus removal process using ferric chloride by achieving rapid mixing. Phosphorus residual is remarkably reduced by optimizing mixing-related factors, including flow rate, contacting mode, device structures and flow rate ratio which is justified by CFD simulation. The results show that phosphorus removal performance is not sensitive to flow rate ratio. Phosphorus residual can be lower than 0.20 mg/L at [P]0 = 6 mg/L, pH = 6.0, Fe/P = 1.8 and residence time = 42.8 s. Compared with batch processes, the microreaction system has several advantages including much lower phosphorus residual, lower ferric salt dose, shorter processing time and larger handling capacity. Moreover, a machine learning model is established to predict the device performance with high accuracy.

Stability Comparison Between Microglassification and Lyophilization Using a Monoclonal Antibody

Producing solid-state formulations of biologics remains a daunting task despite the prevalent use of lyophilization and spray drying technologies in the biopharmaceutical industry. The challenges include protein stability (temperature stresses), high capital costs, particle design/controllability, shortened processing times and manufacturing considerations (scalability, yield improvements, aseptic operation, etc.). Thus, scientists/engineers are constantly working to improve existing methodologies and exploring novel dehydration/powder-forming technologies. Microglassification™ is a dehydration technology that uses solvent extraction to rapidly dehydrate protein formulations at ambient temperatures, eliminating the temperature stress experienced by biologics in traditional lyophilization and spray drying methods. The process results in microparticles that are spherical, dense, and chemically stable. In this study, we compared the molecular stability of a monoclonal antibody formulation processed by lyophilization to the same formulation processed using Microglassification™. Both powders were placed on stability for 3 months at 40 °C and 6 months at 25 °C. Both dehydration methods showed similar chemical stability, including percent monomer, charge variants, and antigen binding. These results show that Microglassification™ is viable for the production of stable solid-state monoclonal antibody formulations.

Effect of Microwave Hybrid Heating on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu/Cu Solder Joints

Microwave hybrid heating (MHH) has become soldering’s alternative method for lead-free solder alloys due to its benefits towards modern microtechnology, such as shorter processing time, lower energy consumption and lower defect rate. Nonetheless, it still requires susceptors to improve its heating performance, such as SiC, which is known for its high loss factor under low microwave frequencies. In this study, the effect of microwave hybrid heating on mechanical properties, as well as the microstructure of solder joint between Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC305) solder alloy and Cu substrate was investigated. Solder joint was created using MHH with different soldering parameters (amount of SiC in a range of 3-7g and exposure time in a range of 7-10min) between SAC305 solder alloy (in the form of wire and paste) and Cu substrate. Then, a lap shear test was carried out following a standard of ASTM D1002 to determine solder joint strength. Characterization was made using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that solder wire produced the highest solder joint strength with the value of 115.45 MPa when using 3.05g of SiC for 8.92min soldering time. Meanwhile, the solder paste produced 109.76MPa solder joint strength when using 3.03 g of SiC for 9.39 min soldering time. The intermetallic compound (IMC) form was scallop-like Cu6Sn5, both solder/substrate joints with a thickness of 2.87 μm for solder wire and 3.62 μm for solder paste. Nonetheless, an excessive amount of SiC would generate more heat in MHH and increase the IMC thickness as well as reduce shear strength, which eventually decreases the solder joint stability.

Influence of increased voltage on the nitriding zone during plasma nitriding

AbstractPlasma nitriding is an established process for increasing the corrosion and wear resistance of steel. However, the possibilities of modern developments in the field of high‐voltage plasma power supplies have been hardly investigated. For example, modern plasma generators allow improved arc management, which enable plasma nitriding at higher voltages.In the present work, the influence of increased voltage (up to 800 V) on the nitriding of a ferritic steel X38CrMoV5‐1 was investigated. It was found that the thickness of the compound layer increases with increasing voltage. Especially at short process times the increased voltage leads to increased growth. An increase in the nitriding depth was also observed.Furthermore, the increased voltage has an effect on the composition of the compound layer too. A moderate increase in ϵ‐nitride in the compound layer was observed.One explanation for the observed behavior is the over proportional increase in power with increasing voltage, indicating an increased ionization rate of the plasma. Due to this, more diffusible species would be available for nitriding.The presented results could be used to reduce process times, particularly where the formation of a compound layer is the aim of the process. An example of such a process is oxy‐nitriding.

Biobeneficiation of Langkat quartz sand by using indigenous Aspergillus niger fungus

Purpose. This research aims to characterize the Langkat quartz mineral, especially its impurities, and to study the effectiveness of fungal-based leaching methods to purify the mineral in order to improve the quartz quality for high-tech industrial applications. Methods. Quartz was firstly analyzed to identify the mineral and chemical impurities. Quartz purification and beneficiation was performed by direct bioleaching using live indigenous Aspergillus niger, indirect bioleaching using metabolic lixiviant of the fungus, and chemical leaching using analytical grade oxalic acid. Findings. The mineral composition of the Langkat quartz deposit is dominated by quartz mineral (93%) with minor amounts of orthoclase feldspar (KAlSi3O8, 5%) and calcite (CaCO3, 2%). The chemical composition comprises 98.1% SiO2 with metal impurities of 0.8% Fe2O3, 0.29% Al2O3, 0.03% NiO, 0.028% Cr2O3 and 0.063% CuO, indicating that quartz is still not enough for advanced material production industry. The bioleaching process removes up to 98% of iron (Fe2O3) from the original quartz sample, and completely removes other metals within eight days of the process by direct bioleaching and eight hours by indirect bioleaching. The content of Fe2O3 and other metals in the treated quartz meets the specifications of high purity quartz (≤ 0.05%) for advanced material production industry. Meanwhile, chemical leaching using 0.2 M oxalic acid removes 96.9% of iron and 92.8% of aluminium. Originality. Comparison of the bioleaching potential of present indigenous Aspergillus niger with some of the previous studies shows that this strain has a higher ability to remove metal impurities from quartz in a much shorter processing time (8 hours instead of weeks or months) than most of the previously published microorganisms. Practical implications. The experimental result of this research provides significant potential for using a fungus-based purification approach to obtain high-purity quartz to be used in a high-value-added modern commercial product.

Solid-Phase Microextraction Techniques and Application in Food and Horticultural Crops.

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a sample preparation technique which utilizes small amounts of an extraction phase for the extraction of target analytes from investigated sample matrices. Its simplicity of use, relatively short sample processing time, and fiber reusability have made SPME an attractive choice for many analytical applications. SPME has been widely applied to the sampling and analysis of environmental, food, aromatic, metallic, forensic, and pharmaceutical samples. Solid phase microextraction is used in horticultural crops, for example, to determine water and soil contaminants (pesticides, alcohols, phenols, amines, herbicides, etc.). SPME is also used in the food industry to separate biologically active substances in food products for various purposes, for example, disease prevention, determining the smell of food products, and analyzing tastes. SPME has been applied to forensic analysis to determine the alcohol concentration in blood and that of sugar in urine. This method has also been widely used in pharmaceutical analysis. It is a solvent-free sample preparation technique that integrates sampling, isolation, and concentration. This review focuses on recent work on the use of SPME techniques in the analysis of food and horticultural crops.

A hybrid RSM-GA-PSO approach on optimization of process intensification of linseed biodiesel synthesis using an ultrasonic reactor: Enhancing biodiesel properties and engine characteristics with ternary fuel blends

The depletion of fossil fuels necessitates the development of sustainable and energy-efficient techniques for biodiesel production. In recent years, cavitation reactors have emerged as a viable alternative to conventional biodiesel synthesis methods due to their superior conversion rates and shorter processing times. These reactors possess a high surface-to-volume ratio and facilitate efficient heat and mass transfer. This study aims to optimize the production of biodiesel from linseed oil using a novel ultrasonic cavitation reactor through a hybrid approach. In order to achieve this, an L50 orthogonal array with five factors and three levels was developed using a Box-Behnken design based on response surface methodology (RSM). These factors included the molar ratio (4:1, 6:1, and 8:1), ultrasonic power (100, 125, and 150 W), temperature (25, 35, and 45 °C), time (3, 6, and 9 min), and ultrasonic frequency (25, 30, and 35 kHz). The parameters were optimized using RSM-based desirability, genetic algorithm (GA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) approaches. The results indicated that the RSM-based optimization approach outperformed the other methods. The optimal combination of parameters obtained through RSM consisted of molar ratio of 6.58:1, ultrasonic power of 133.65 W, temperature of 37.44 °C, time of 7.71 min, and pulse frequency of 26.29 kHz. This combination resulted in a biodiesel yield of 95.25%. Furthermore, this study explored the impact of different linseed oil methyl ester, octanol, and diesel blends (B10, B20, B30, B10 (O-10), and B20 (O-10)) on engine performance and emission characteristics. The B20 (O-10) blend exhibited significant potential for simultaneously reducing emissions and enhancing engine performance. When used as engine fuel, the B20 (O-10) blend increased brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 0.848%, decreased brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 0.607%, and decreased CO, HC, and NOx emissions by 18.75%, 6.55%, and 0.72%, respectively, compared to pure diesel at rated power.

Scalable Processing of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) Microfluidic Biochips.

Microfluidics evolved with the appearance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an elastomer with a short processing time and the possibility for replication on a micrometric scale. Despite the many advantages of PDMS, there are well-known drawbacks, such as the hydrophobic surface, the absorption of small molecules, the low stiffness, relatively high cost, and the difficulty of scaling up the fabrication process for industrial production, creating a need for alternative materials. One option is the use of stiffer thermoplastics, such as the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), which can be mass produced, have lower cost and possess excellent properties. In this work, a method to fabricate COC microfluidic structures was developed. The work was divided into process optimization and evaluation of material properties for application in microfluidics. In the processing step, moulding, sealing, and liquid handling aspects were developed and optimized. The resulting COC devices were evaluated from the point of view of molecular diffusion, burst pressure, temperature resistance, and susceptibility to surface treatments and these results were compared to PDMS devices. Lastly, a target DNA hybridization assay was performed showing the potential of the COC-based microfluidic device to be used in biosensing and Lab-on-a-Chip applications.

Hydrolysis hydrogen generation behavior of Mg10Ni10Ce alloy catalytic modified by isomeric carbon materials

Hydrolysis hydrogen generation from Mg-based alloys is considered as a potential energy carrier for global low-carbon and growing energy challenges. At present, it is a key problem to explore an efficient modification method for Mg-based alloys to obtain rapid initial hydrolysis kinetics and high H2 yield in short time. In this work, carbon-based isomeric catalysts were creatively employed to activate Mg10Ni10Ce alloy. Based on the rapid initial hydrolysis kinetics, the effects of carbon nanostructured catalysts on the hydrogen production of Mg10Ni10Ce were studied. Herein, the catalytically modified Mg10Ni10Ce samples with point-like carbon black (SP), one-dimensional tubular carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and two-dimensional layered graphite (GP) are simply prepared by short-time high-energy ball milling process. Due to the significant structural characteristics, the catalytically modified Mg10Ni10Ce samples have higher H2 yields at the initial hydrolysis stage, Mg10Ni10Ce-SP, Mg10Ni10Ce-CNTs and Mg10Ni10Ce-GP samples are 17.3%, 25.2% and 36.2% at 313 K for 30 s, which are higher than that of Mg10Ni10Ce (10.4%). The above work provides an effective strategy for hydrogen production by modifying Mg-based alloys with nanostructured catalysts, and lays a foundation for the application of portable hydrogen production devices.

Effect of nano-TiC/TiB2 on recrystallization, texture and mechanical properties of Al–Cu–Li alloy during solid-solution treatment

The evolution of the microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of the Al–Cu–Li alloy sheets by nanoscale TiC + TiB2 ceramic particles during solid solution treatment was systematically investigated by characterization, texture measurements and mechanical performance tests. The yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the A1 alloy with the addition of nanoscale TiC + TiB2 ceramic particles under T4P conditions were 312 MPa, 420 MPa, and 21.9%, respectively, which were 35.6%, 27.6%, and 2.8% higher than those of the A0 alloy, respectively. The recrystallization mechanism of both alloys was mainly the particle stimulated nucleation (PSN) mechanism, but the nanoscale TiC + TiB2 in the A1 alloy led to a stronger Zener dragging effect, which hindered the growth of CubeND nuclei, and P-oriented grains dominated. Thus, the A0 alloy sheet was dominated by CubeND components, while the A1 alloy sheet was dominated by P recrystallized grains, which led to the two alloy sheets showing opposite variation trends of the deep drawing properties with increasing solid solution treatment time. The short-time solid-solution process is more likely to provide better properties to the alloy with TiC + TiB2 added particles better properties in terms of various aspects, such as microstructure, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity.

Microscale Engineering of n-Type Doping in Nanostructured Gallium Antimonide: AC Impedance Spectroscopy Insights on Grain Boundary Characterization and Strategies for Controlled Dopant Distribution.

This paper investigates the microscale engineering aspects of n-type doped GaSb to address the challenges associated with achieving high electrical conductivity and precise dopant distribution in this semiconductor material. AC impedance spectroscopy is employed as a reliable technique to characterize the microstructural and electrical properties of GaSb, providing valuable insights into the impact of grain boundaries on overall electrical performance. The uneven distribution of dopants, caused by diffusion, and the incomplete activation of introduced dopants pose significant obstacles in achieving consistent material properties. To overcome these challenges, a careful selection of alloying elements, such as bismuth, is explored to suppress the formation of native acceptor defects and modulate band structures, thereby influencing the doping and compensator formation processes. Additionally, the paper examines the effect of microwave annealing as a potential solution for enhancing dopant activation, minimizing diffusion, and reducing precipitate formation. Microwave annealing shows promise due to its rapid heating and shorter processing times, making it a viable alternative to traditional annealing methods. The study underscores the need for a stable grain boundary passivation strategy to achieve significant improvements in GaSb material performance. Simple grain size reduction strategies alone do not result in better thermoelectric performance, for example, and increasing the grain boundary area per unit volume exacerbates the issue of free carrier compensation. These findings highlight the complexity of achieving optimal doping in GaSb materials and the importance of innovative analytical techniques and controlled doping processes. The comprehensive exploration of n-type doped GaSb presented in this research provides valuable insights for future advancements in the synthesis and optimization of high-conductivity nanostructured n-type GaSb, with potential applications in thermoelectric devices and other electronic systems.

Advancements in Nickel-Phosphate/Boron Based Electroless Composite Coatings: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanical Properties and Recent Developments.

Nickel-Phosphate/Boron (Ni-P/B) electroless coatings have been widely used to improve physical and mechanical properties in various industrial applications, including the automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, food, oil and gas, electronic, textile, and printing industries. Electroless nickel coatings are one of the most popular surface-coating methods due to their low cost and short processing time. The purpose of this review is to look at several coating materials and the existing processes for making electroless coatings on different materials. The improvement of Ni-P/B composite coatings by the incorporation of secondary particles into an alloy matrix at the macro, micro, and nano levels is explained in detail. Process parameters like type of surfactant, annealing temperature, size of the reinforcement material, and reducing-agent percentage on mechanical characteristics like hardness, high-temperature oxidation behaviour, friction, coefficient, wear, and corrosion have been broadly researched and illustrated clearly.

Effect of low current cold atmospheric plasma on grains surface structure and water absorption capacity

The use of preparatory electrophysical methods of influencing food raw materials is one of the main trends in the development of innovative processes and technologies in the food and processing industry. Based on the physical effect of electron emission from a thermal emission source, a cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was obtained, which was successfully applied to the grain material. Physical characteristics and evolution of low-temperature atmospheric plasma were considered as the main methods of analysis of electrophysical effects. To assess the effect of low-temperature plasma on grain material, measurements of water absorption capacity and analysis of surface modification by electron scanning microscopy were carried out. It has been experimentally established that CAP treatment contributes to a more intensive process of water absorption due to changes in the surface structure of the grain material. The total duration of the process of water absorption of grain material after processing of CAP decreased by more than three times until the equilibrium moisture content was reached. Scanning electron microscopy has shown that the processing of CAP leads to the appearance of a fine-mesh structure of the surface of the grain material. The effect of CAP treatment leads to modification of the seed surface, which consists in the manifestation of a fine-meshed structure on the surface of the seeds. Taking into account the advantages of CAP technology, namely the absence of the need for vacuuming and short processing time, the technology has a high practical potential.