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Moisture and temperature are the main factors that affect the life expectancy of liquid-immersed power transformers. These factors speed up the aging process of cellulose insulation, worsening its physio-chemical properties and increasing the risk of faults in the transformer. Recently, a multi-physical modeling approach was reported aimed at estimating the temperature and moisture dynamics of transformer insulation for different loading conditions. The model objective was to evaluate how the moisture dynamics between oil and paper insulation might affect the loading capability of the transformer. Although the model is based on the representation and analysis of concrete regions of the oil–paper insulation, it could also be useful for the estimation of the moisture content of the solid insulation in moisture monitoring systems; however, the modeling had not been experimentally validated due to the difficulty of measuring the moisture in cellulose insulation during transformer operation. In this work, an experiment was designed and developed to carry out the experimental validation of the model and to evaluate the possibility of applying it for moisture monitoring purposes. Moisture dynamics experiments were carried out in an experimental test plant; the evolution of the moisture content throughout the experiment was assessed by direct measure and with dielectric response measurements. The experimental conditions were simulated with the model, and the estimated and measured moisture contents were compared. A detailed analysis was carried out to evaluate the precision of the model and to identify possible sources of error and improvements that may be implemented to improve its accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2 concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was conducted on fixed bed combustion in a one-dimensional bench. The effects of ash and moisture content on the combustion characteristics of corn straw were determined. The two parameters directly relate to the burning rate and affect combustion efficiency and the release of gas. The bed temperature distribution, mass loss rate and gas composition were measured in the bed. The results show that the optimum char combustion efficiency was achieved at 10% moisture content of corn combustion. A slight increasing the moisture content to 10% can obtain a higher bed temperature and accelerate the ignition rate in the char oxidation stage, while there is also a slight decrease in the conversion ratio of C to CO. The conversion rate of S to SO 2 for 10% moisture content was higher with the temperature zone above 1000 °C. With the increased ash content, there was a slight increase in the average ignition rate; the bottom bed temperature increased with a serious ash slagging. C was converted to CO and presented a slightly increasing trend for higher ash content and the conversion of N to HCN. This work provides an overall understanding of corn combustion for large boiler system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of moisture on biophysical characteristics of different chickpea cultivars, a factorial experiment was conducted with two factors in a completely randomized block design. Factors included chickpea cultivars (Bionij, Azad and Hashem) and humidity at 4 levels (15%, 20%, 25% and 30%). This study was done with 50 repetitions in Gonbad-e Kavous University in 2013. Measured characteristics were length, width, thickness, geometric diameter, sphericity coefficient, volume and the coefficient of static friction. Results showed that, there are significant differences between the chickpea cultivars at all moisture levels for all studied characteristics. Also significant difference was found between moisture levels in different cultivars among all characteristics (except sphericity coefficient). Mean comparison of traits showed that, the highest amount of geometric diameter, the highest volume and maximum sphericity coefficient in different cultivars related to moisture content of 30%, 20% and 20% respectively. With increasing moisture, all measured parameters increased except sphericity coefficient. In addition Hashem cultivar is strongly influenced by increasing moisture in terms of grain volume and the geometric diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important factor in hop growing is the process of drying. For this purpose belt dryers with follow-up conditioning are the most widespread but they are not ideal. In this respect, an analysis of the drying process was carried out in the belt dryer of Agrospol Velká Bystřice Co., Ltd. for the 'Saaz' hop variety. Drying parameters were monitored by means of fixed sensors, continuously sensing data loggers and samples taken for laboratory analysis (hop moisture, alpha and beta bitter acids, Hop Storage Index (HIS). The process of drying showed that hops are practically dry (10 ± 2.0% of moisture) already at the end of the second belt or possibly at the beginning of the third belt. It was also proved that hops are over-dried (moisture of 4 to 8%) and then they are adjusted by conditioning to the final moisture content of 8-10%. Excessive drying leads to cone disintegration, which makes any manipulation with hops for purposes of further processing difficult and results in greater losses of lupulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofiltration is a proven method to reduce odor and gas emissions from swine buildings and manure storage units. Biofilter media selection and moisture content fluctuations significantly influence biofilter performance. The purpose of this study was to test corn cobs as an alternative biofilter media because wood chips may become less available in the future due to the spread of emerald ash borer disease. In addition, a naturally occurring adsorbent (diatomaceous shale) was tested as an additive to manage biofilter media moisture content. Five 1 m × 1 m × 1 m biofilter cells were built to treat pit fan exhaust air from a swine finishing barn. A semi-continuous sampling system was used to measure the biofilters' inlet and outlet gas concentrations. Results showed that all of the biofilters were effective, reducing H2S emissions on average by 7.3% to 50.1% and reducing NH3 emissions on average by 9.8% to 86.3%. The corn cobs were less dense and more porous than the wood chips and had lower pressure drop per unit depth. Adding 15% diatomaceous shale to the corn cobs helped manage media moisture and improved H2S and NH3 reduction efficiencies. However, after 16 months of media aging, high levels of N2O generation were observed during two sampling days. The estimated media cost with 15% diatomaceous shale was $0.52 per m³ h-1 ($0.89 per cfm) of air treated. The corn cobs cost (100% corn cob biofilter) was $0.03 per m³ h-1 ($0.05 per cfm) of air treated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The live fuel moisture content is an important factor in estimating the risk of forest fires and their rate of spread. However, due to a lack of research, the FMC values in the Mediterranean region of Andalusia, Spain, must be obtained by sample collection. This study is therefore the first to provide tools for estimating the moisture content of the most widespread plant species in Andalusia. First, samples were collected to estimate the moisture content of the plants; these data were collected from May 2007 to the present. Each species has its own range of moistures that depend on the time of year and the physiological state in which they are found. Secondly, an extensive database was obtained for each day of sample collection from the nearest weather station with free access. The statistics are performed at 12 solar hours on the day of sample collection and 24 h before collection, and then at 7 days, 14 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months before the day of collection. Finally, this database was statistically analyzed in two ways: Multiple linear regressions and random forest for each species. The predictive capacity of random forest is superior (R2 > 0.89) to that obtained in linear regression (R2 < 0.86). The highest root mean square error obtained in the case of the random forest is 0.74479 while in the linear regressions it was 1.29184. Consequently, uncertainty regarding fire behavior in the case of forest fires is reduced. • Moisture samples collected from May 2007 to April 2021. • Substantial improvement of the estimates of LFMC through Random Forest. • LFMC is a fundamental variable for flammability and rate of fire spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The aim was to determine the moisture, ash and extract contents in Leontopodiumfranchetii Beauv. from different localities. [Methods] The contents of moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and extract in L francCetii from diiferent localities were determined according to the methods described in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 Edition). [Results] In the 10 samples, the contents of moisture were all less than or equal to 15.0%; the contents of total ash were all below 12.0%; and the contents of acid-insoluble ash were all less than 3.0%. The contents of water-soluble extract (by cold-soaked extraction method) in the samples were all below 12. 0% except those from Hongyuan Prairie of Sichuan Province and Xinglong Mountain in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province. [Conclusions] The contents of the four indicators measured in this experiment varied by smail margins, indicating that the quality was relatively stable. This study provides theoretical data for the revision of the quality standards for L franchetii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, moisture content, total fat content and fatty acid composition were evaluated in brown (TR 77705) and yellow (TR 73572) flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum L.) and their sprouts (at 5-13 day). Total fat content of brown and yellow flaxseeds reduced 68.72 and 76.61% after 5 days germination whereas, moisture content of seeds significantly increased as 14 and 17 fold respectively (P<0.05). Total fat in 5-day-old brown and yellow seed sprouts were determined as 13.23 and 10.54% on dry matter respectively and similarly 3.20 and 3.36% in 13-day-old sprouts. Highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acid in brown and yellow seed sprouts were determined as 89,80 and 86.20% at 5 days and similarly a-linolenic acids were calculated as 52.58 and 45.15% respectively. The palmitic acids in noticeably increased during germination and the highest levels were obtained as 18.96 and 16.73% in yellow and brown seed sprouts at 11 days respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a high-energy consumption per unit in the milling industry, it is necessary to make a rigorous study on the grinding process and implicit on the methods for achieving the grist. The main goal of researchers in recent decades has been finding ways to reduce this energy consumption. In order to reduce energy consumption studies were made researches to highlight the influence of external load application rate on energy consumption in the grinding process. For this purpose, experimental research has been conducted on individual maize kernels at three different speeds 25 mm min-1, 50 mm min-1 and 100 mm min-1, maintaining constant moisture value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quantitatively analyze the response of distributions and hydrogen isotopic compositions (δD) of plant leaf wax to moisture, and to better understand their implications for paleoclimatic reconstruction, we measured average chain length (ACL) and δD values of n-alkanes and n-fatty acids ( n-FAs) from Orinus kokonorica, a typical and representative plant in Lake Qinghai area, along a distance transect extending from lakeshore to wetland to dryland in the arid ecosystem. The results showed that the ACL values of n-alkanes and n-FAs were negatively correlated with soil water content (SWC) with R=0.593 and R=0.924, respectively. This is as a result of plant's response to water loss with more abundance in long-chain n-alkyl lipids under increasing aridity by analyzing relationships between the molecular ratios of long-chain n-alkyl lipids ( n-alkanes and n-FAs) from O. kokonorica and SWC. The δD values of C n-alkane and C n-FA were also negatively correlated with SWC with R=0.778 and R=0.760, respectively, which may due to enhanced D-enrichment in leaf water by evapotranspiration (soil water evaporation and leaf water transpiration) with increasing aridity. Our results demonstrated that moisture exerts a significant control on the ACL and δD values from O. kokonorica in an arid ecosystem. This preliminary study on a modern single plant ( O. kokonorica) sets a foundation for comprehending these values as quantitative proxies for paleo-humidity reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To compare the content of moisture, ash and extract of stem and root bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver and Euonymus grandiflorus Wall. f. grandiflorus. [Methods] According to the first method of aquametry (over-drying method) in the 2010 edition Chinese Pharmacopoeia appendix IX H, ash determination in appendix IX K, and extract measurement in appendix X A. [Results] Moisture content of stemand root bark of Euonymus grandiflorus Wall. f. grandiflorus was between 5. 38% and 6. 33%, while thatof Eucommia ulmoides Oliver was between 5.36% and 6.90% (both in line with the stipulation in Chinese Pharmacopoeia that moisture content of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver herbs should at most be 13.0%); total ash content of stem and root bark of Euonymus grandflorus Wall. f. grandiiorus was between 15. 88% to 19.43%, while that of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver was between 5. 45% and 7. 30% (The average content of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver was 6. 29%, and it was in line with the stipulation in Chinese Pharmacopoeia that of total ash content of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver should at most be 10%; and the average content of stem and root bark of Euonymus gandiiorus Wall. f. grandiflorus was 17. 36%, and it was higher than the stipulated level.); the acid-insoluble ah content of stem and root bark of Euonymus grandflorus Wall. f. grandiflorus was between 1. 88% and 2. 64%, lower than that of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (3.58% - 4.10%); the content of 75% hot ethanol extract of Euonymus grandiflorus Wall. f. grandflorus was the highest of 26. 51%; and under the extract condition, the content of stem and root bark of Euonymus grandiiorus Wall. f. grandflorus was between 19. 36% and 26.45%, obviously higher than that of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (14.96% - 16.70%) (Both of that were in line with the stipulation in Chiiese Pharmacopoeia, and the ethanol-soluble extract content of stem and root bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver should be at least 12.0%); there was little difference in ether volatile extract content of Euonymus gandiiorus Wall. f. grandiflorus and Eucommia ulmoides Oliver, respectively in the range of 0.33% - 0.5 1% and 0.33% - 0.5 6 %.[Conclusions] The appropriate moisture content of Euonymus grandflorus Wall. f. grandflorus should not exceed 13%. Euonymus grandflorus W a.f. grandflorus are widely used by of Yi nationality clinic, however it was few research on chemical components, bioactivity and the action mechaism of toxicology and pharmacology. Moreover results of this experiment showed that the content of ethanol-soluble extract of Euonymus grandflorus Wall. f. grandiflorus was higher than that of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver by hot 75% ethanol extraction, while content of ether volatile extract in the two materials were similar. Therefore, bio-screening of main constituents and relevant researches on effects of toxicology and pharmacology should be done to testify and ensure the safety and validity of Yi Nationality clinic, developed and medical used scientificaUy and properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Physical properties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds were determined as a function of moisture content. Several properties were studied in the moisture range from 13.15 to 45.82% dry basis, the length increased from 8.10 to 8.62mm, the width from 3.42 to 3.74mm, the thickness from 2.61mm to 2.84mm, the arithmetic and geometric diameter of seeds from 4.71 to 5.07mm and from 4.16 to 4.50mm, respectively. Besides, the 1000-seed mass increased from 39.46 to 51.13g, the surface area increased from 54.60 to 63.79mm2, the porosity increased from 42.69% to 44.44%, the angle of repose increased from 18.18° to 27.31°, and the static coefficient of friction showed an increase of 60.17%, 38.41% and 59.35% for the surfaces of plywood, galvanized steel and aluminum, respectively. From the experimental determinations it could be observed that only the apparent and true density decreased from 699.38 to 647.04kgm−3 and from 1220.30 to 1164.62kgm−3 respectively. In the range of evaluated moisture, all these properties – except length – showed moisture dependence according to linear relationships; the length exhibited a behavior of second-order polynomial. Finally, the sphericity behaves differently presenting a maximum of 53.15% for a moisture content of 35.29%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Splitting or cracking of the outer skins reduces the garlic storage life-time and its marketability. To determine the parameters which affect the mechanical properties of garlic skin, white and pink bulbs were taken for this study. Bulbs were harvested in 3 stages, namely 10, 20 and 30 days after cutting off the irrigation. Bulbs were cured in shade at 23±1°C for 2, 9, 16 and 23 days. Then, dried skins were treated for 5 days at the ambient temperature of 23°C and relative humidity (RH) of 17%, 38%, 55%, 77% and 95%. The moisture content, thickness and strength, stiffness, stress and strain at breakage were measured. Results showed that at later harvesting and during curing, moisture content, thickness and burst pressure decreased. It was revealed that the multi-directional strength reached its maximum when the skin moisture content of white ecotype and pink cultivar reached 21.28% and 31.72%, respectively. The irrigation having been cut off, the skin strength reduced rapidly after 28 days for white ecotype and 18 days for pink cultivar. The skin strain increased and consequently stiffness decreased when moisture contents were higher than 20%. Moreover, moisture content, thickness, burst pressure and strain at breakage of skins increased with the increase of incubation in relative humidity while the stress and stiffness decreased. Furthermore, pink cultivar skins as compared to white skin were broken with less force easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the immunomodulators of plant origin, a number of very popular formations are prepared from the purple coneflower ( Echinacea purpurea Moench.). One type of medicinal plant material prepared from Echinacea purpurea is the fresh herb. The total ash and moisture contents of fresh Echinacea purpurea herb were studied in relation to structures of the above-ground part and the age of the plants harvested over two years. The leaves and inflorescences were found to be the parts of fresh Echinacea purpurea herb with the highest moisture contents, i.e., 75% and 78% respectively. Total ash content in the fresh herb was about 3%, with the maximum quantities found in stems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]