Validation of a Characteristics Dimensions for Transfers during Convective Drying of Sweet Potato Cubic, Cylindrical and Spherical Shapes

This present work solves the problem of initial shape influence on transfer during convective drying. A characteristic dimension is found for the cubic, cylindrical and spherical-shaped samples of the sweet potato. This characteristic dimension corresponds to the diameter D for the sphere, to the edge a for the cube and the diameter = height D = H for the cylinder. Unlike the sphere where this characteristic dimension is perfect, the cubic and cylindrical shapes have space factors which are, among other things, angles and borders. By fixing the same characteristic dimensions, we end up with overlapping curves, showing identical and uniform transfers.

Short Communication: Enhancing the Drying Process of Microbial-Based Products with a Dehumidifier

The development of microbial-based products requires certain criteria for them to be successfully commercialized. The product must meet the following desirable criteria: effectiveness, contamination free, stability, cost-effectiveness, and a prolonged shelf life. Controlling the drying process is crucial for ensuring the stability and durability of the product. The traditional approach, which involved mechanical and natural drying, led to decreased productivity and quality. The objective of this research endeavour was to achieve a dry process enhancement while preserving the microbial quality of Trichoderma asperellum (M103). The temperature and relative humidity during the drying period were monitored under two conditions: with and without a dehumidifier. The results demonstrate that the dehumidifier increases drying period efficiency by up to 63%.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Dry Eyes Syndrome in Glaucomatous Patients on Anti-Glaucoma Eye Drops Followed up at the Garoua Regional Hospital-Northern Cameroon

Background: Dry eye and glaucoma are two common pathologies in the elderly, and are very often associated. This association suggests a link between them and between their treatments. Our purpose for this study is to determine the prevalence of dry eye in our glaucoma patients treated with eye drops and deduce the factors associated with it. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, analytical study from October 2022 to September 2023 in the ophthalmology department of Garoua Regional Hospital in glaucoma patients aged over 15 years able to answer the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires and treated with antiglaucoma eye drops for more than 3 months. These patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination and a tear film break-up time test. Results: A total of 73 patients (146 eyes) were examined. The average age of the patients was 47.2 ± 16.5 years, with a male predominance of 54.8%. The prevalence of dry eye syndrome in our patients according to the OSDI score was 56.2% (95% CI) (44.8;67.6). The prevalence of dry eye syndrome on clinical examination of the BUT in the right eye was 83.7% (95% CI) (75.1;92.1) and 79.4% (70.2;88.7) in the left eye. The duration of antiglaucoma treatment was the factor associated with dry eye syndrome (p < 0.05) in glaucoma patients in our setting. Conclusion: Dry Eye Syndrome is common in glaucoma patients on drops in our setting. Treatment duration of more than 1 year seems to be associated with dry eyes.

Effect of Supplementary Irrigation on the Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in the Context of Climate Change in the Dry Savannahs of Togo

Under the current context of climate change, supplementary irrigation may be needed for crop production resilience. We determined the effects of supplementary irrigation on sorghum grain yield in the dry Savannah region of Togo. A two-year trial was conducted in a controlled environment at AREJ, an agro-ecological center in Cinkassé. The plant material was sorghum variety Sorvato 28. The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Block with three replications and three treatments as follows: T0 control plot (rainfed conditions);T1 (supplementary irrigation from flowering to grain filling stage) and T2 (supplementary irrigation from planting to grain filling stage). Two irrigation techniques (furrow and Californian system) were used under each watering treatment. The results showed that irrigation technique significantly affected panicle length with no effect on 1000 grains mass. Panicle length and grain yields varied from 15.59 to 25.71 cm and 0.0 to 2.06 t∙h−1, respectively, with the highest values (25.66 cm and 2.06 t∙h−1, respectively) under the T2 treatment with the California system-based supplementary irrigation. The comparison of results obtained on treatment T0 and T2, shows that supplementary irrigation increased the yields by at least 68.62%. Supplementary irrigation during sowing and growing season (T2) improved sorghum yields in the dry savannahs of Togo, with a better performance of the California irrigation system.

The Impact of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria, Iron, and Zinc Foliar Application on Dry Land Yellow Mustard (Brassica juncea) Grain and Oil Production

The study, conducted at the Research Farm of the College of Agriculture, University of Tabriz in 2021, focused on the effects of various nitrogen-fixing bacterial isolates, biofertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as iron and zinc foliar applications on mustard growth under rainfed conditions. The results indicated that biofertilizers, whether used alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers, produced comparable grain and oil outputs compared to chemical fertilizers alone. Additionally, the application of iron and zinc through foliar spraying significantly enhanced both grain and oil production. These findings suggest that integrating nitrogen-fixing bacteria and biofertilizers could reduce reliance on chemical nitrogenous fertilizers, leading to decreased production expenses, improved product quality, and minimized environmental impact. This study highlights the potential for sustainable agricultural practices in dry land farming as a viable alternative to traditional chemical-intensive methods. Substituting chemical nitrogenous fertilizers with nitrogen-fixing bacteria or biofertilizers could result in cost savings in mustard grain and oil production while promoting environmental sustainability.

Determination of Natural Logarithm of Diffusion Coefficient and Activation Energy of Thin Layer Drying Process of Ginger Rhizome Slices

This study is an extension of the previous work done with ARS-680 Environmental Chamber. Drying is a complex operation that demands much energy and time. Drying is essentially important for preservation of ginger rhizome. Drying of ginger was modeled, and then the effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy were determined. For this purpose, the experiments were done at six levels of varied temperatures: 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C and 60°C. The values of effective diffusion coefficients obtained in this work for the variously treated ginger rhizomes closely agreed with the average effective diffusion coefficients of other notable authors who determined the drying kinetics and convective heat transfer coefficients of ginger slices.

Modeling the Drying Kinetics of Pigeon Pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh]

We set out to model the oven-drying kinetics of a legume known as pigeon pea, harvested in the Bouenza department in the south-west of the Republic of Congo. The drying kinetics of pigeon peas was carried out in an oven under experimental conditions using temperatures of: 50°C, 60°C and 70°C. Seven mathematical models were used to describe pigeon pea drying. During drying, water loss was faster and shorter at 70°C [10.446 g/25 g wet weight (wwb) for 320 min (5.3 h)] compared to 50°C [10.996 g/25 g wet weight (wwb) for 520 min (8.6 h)] and 60°C [10.616 g/25 g wet weight (wwb) for 420 min (7.0 h)] where it was slower and longer. With regard to modeling, and based on the principle of choosing the right model focusing on the high value of R2 and low values of χ2 and RMSE, two models were selected, the Midili model for temperatures of 50°C and 60°C and the Henderson and Pabis model modified for temperature of 70°C showed better results. The R2, χ2 and RMSE values calculated for pigeon pea are 0.99985, 3.93404E-5 and 0.00627;0.9997, 9.245E-5 and 0.00962;0.99996, 1.56332E-5 and 0.00395 respectively at 50°C, 60°C and 70°C.

Comparative Study of the Types of Photovoltaic Panels Used in Solar Pumping Systems in Dry Tropical Zones: Case of Adamawa Region in Cameroon

In the dry tropical zone where access to water is increasingly difficult for populations, solar pumping units are increasingly installed to provide water to population. In the local market, there are essentially two types of solar panels, namely monocrystalline and polycrystalline. However, the part of the local market is more dominated by the polycrystalline panel. In this work, comparative studies are carried out in order to characterize the two types of solar panels with regard to local constraints. Tests were carried out over the course of the sun to establish the performance of each type. The panels used have the same electrical characteristics and are connected to loads with same characteristics. Under the set operating conditions, the monocrystalline panel presents more performance than the polycrystalline panel. Although the local market is dominated by the polycrystalline panel, dust deposition tests on the surface of the panels show that the performance of the polycrystalline panel is more affected compared to the performance of the monocrystalline panel.

Change in Grain-Size Composition of Lignite under Cyclic Freezing-Thawing and Wetting-Drying

The paper presents the change in grain-size composition of lignite under cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC). The article shows that in the spring and autumn periods the lignites can be subjected to repeated freezing-thawing and wetting-drying, which determines the possibility of changing their grain-size composition and structure. Experimental studies in laboratory conditions on the influence of cyclic freezing-thawing (FTC) and wetting-drying (WDC) on the quality indicators of lignites have been carried out, their granulometric (fractional) composition has been studied. Freezing-thawing cycle conditions are as follows (FTC): minimum exposure temperature: -20°C;maximum: +5°C;relative humidity: 30%;number of processing cycles: 3. Wetting-drying cycles are as follows (WDC): drying temperatures are +20, +40, +60, +80°C, drying time 90 minutes, the coals are further subjected to rain (soaking) for a period of water saturation to humidity of 30% - 40% and dry again. The number of wetting-drying cycles is 3 times. The tests have revealed the destructive effects of FTC and WDC on the samples of lower metamorphic grade coal, and the cycles of wet-dry lead to the much higher yield of fine sizes (-6+0;-13+0 mm) than the cycles of freeze-thaw. Furthermore, it is found that the increase in the yield of fines depends on the heating temperature: coal disintegration proceeds more intensively at a higher temperature of drying.

Optimisation of Thermal Comfort of Building in a Hot and Dry Tropical Climate: A Comparative Approach between Compressed Earth/Concrete Block Envelopes

Compressed earth blocks (CEB) are an alternative to cement blocks in the construction of wall masonry. However, the optimal architectural construction methods for adequate thermal comfort for occupants in hot and arid environments are not mastered. This article evaluates the influence of architectural and constructive modes of buildings made of CEB walls and concrete block walls, to optimize and compare their thermal comfort in the hot and dry tropical climate of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Two identical pilot buildings whose envelopes are made of CEB and concrete blocks were monitored for this study. The thermal models of the pilot buildings were implemented in the SketchUp software using an extension of EnergyPlus. The models were empirically validated after calibration against measured thermal data from the buildings. The models were used to do a parametric analysis for optimization of the thermal performances by simulating plaster coatings on the exterior of walls, airtight openings and natural ventilation depending on external weather conditions. The results show that the CEB building displays 7016 hours of discomfort, equivalent to 80.1% of the time, and the concrete building displays 6948 hours of discomfort, equivalent to 79.3% of the time. The optimization by modifications reduced the discomfort to 2918 and 3125 hours respectively;i.e. equivalent to only 33.3% for the CEB building and 35.7% for the concrete building. More study should evaluate thermal optimizations in buildings in real time of usage such as residential buildings commonly used by the local middle class. The use of CEB as a construction material and passive means of improving thermal comfort is a suitable ecological and economical option to replace cementitious material.

Drying characteristics, functional properties and in vitro digestion of purple potato slices dried by different methods

The drying characteristics,physico-chemical and functional properties,as well as starch digestibility,of purple potato slices dried using different methods(such as,vacuum freeze-drying,VFD;hot-air drying,HAD;air-impingement jet drying,AIJD;and far-infrared assisted heat-pump drying,FIHPD)were investigated.Drying rate was the highest(3.0 g 100 g^-1 min^-1)using AIJD,followed by FIHPD and HAD,and the rate of VFD was the lowest one(0.3 g 100 g^-1 min^-1).Drying data were fitted to 12 thin-layer drying models,with the Midilli model giving the best predictions.Moreover,AIJD showed higher diffusivity(5.5×10^-10 m^2 s^–1)and energy efficiency(55 J g^-1)than any other drying method used in this study.With reference to the samples dried by VFD,the starch granules of the samples obtained by HAD,FIHPD,and AIJD exhibited different extent of disruption,which significantly increased their water absorption capacity,swelling power,and in vitro digestibility,but decreased the peak viscosity.The sample resulting from AIJD had the greatest water absorption capacity(7.9 g g^-1)and solubility(21.6%),but the smallest syneresis rate(48%).Good correlation coefficients(R^2>0.98)implied that the pseudofirst order kinetic model adequately described the rate and extent of starch digestion of dried potato flours.Samples from AIJD and FIHPD showed the highest digestibility percentages,reaching to 72.4 and 72.5%.Based on the drying rate,specific energy consumption,functional properties and digestibility,AIJD appeared to be quite effective and suitable to be transferred on the industry scale.

Drying Temperature Effect on Kernel Damage and Viability of Maize Dried in a Solar Biomass Hybrid Dryer

Though several maize varieties have been developed and introduced over the years in Ghana, farmers still face challenges of access to quality seed maize. Among the major constraint is lack of proper drying systems to guarantee quality of seed produced. As in most parts of Africa, drying of maize in the open, on bare ground along shoulders of roads is still a common practice in Ghana. In this study, a 5-tonne capacity hybrid solar biomass dryer was developed for drying maize for seed and food/feed in Ghana. Effect of air temperature in the dryer on the physiological quality and germination of maize kernels was investigated. Maize grains were dried in the open sun simulating farmers practice and using the dryer at 4 varying levels (L1, L2, L3 and L4) with corresponding heights (0.6 m, 1.2 m, 1.8 m and 2.4 m, respectively) from the ground. Harvested maize at 22.8% moisture content was dried at the varying levels until reaching the final desired moisture content of 12.8% ± 0.2% (wb). Results showed that, air temperatures in the dryer increased in accordance with height with lowest mean temperature of 44.4&degC ± 4.6&degC recorded at L1 and mean maximum of 52.8&degC ± 5.4&degC at L4. Drying temperatures recorded at L1 - L3 and ambient had no significant effect (p < 0.05) on kernel damage and viability. Drying conditions at L1-L3 were considered optimum (<50&degC) for kernel drying compared to the topmost tray, L4. Kernel stress crack index (multiple and checked) was therefore reduced on average by 14% while kernel germination increased by 33%. This satisfies the dryer’s potential to be used for commercial drying of maize grains for seed production for smallholder farmers in Ghana.

Hydric Properties Evolution of <i>Spirulina platensis</i>during Drying: Experimental Analysis and Modeling

Hydric properties evolution during drying differs from one product to another and has been the subject of various studies due to its crucial importance in modeling the drying process. The variation of these parameters in the solid matrix and in time during the drying of Spirulina platensis has not known an advanced understanding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the evolution of the water content profile, the mass flow, the concentration gradient and the diffusion coefficient during the drying of Spirulina platensis taking into account the shrinkage. Modeling and experimental analysis (at 50°C and HR = 6%) by the cutting method a cylinder 20 mm in diameter and 40 mm thick were carried. The water content profiles of two different products grown in semi-industrial farms from Burkina Faso and France with initial water contents respectively of the range from 2.73 kgw/kgdb and 3.12 kgw/kgdb were determined. These profiles have been adjusted by a polynomial function. Identical water behavior is observed regardless of the origin of the samples. Water distribution is heterogeneous. Mass flow and concentration gradient are greater at the edge than inside the product. The water transport coefficient, ranging from 1.70 × 10?10 to 94 × 10?10 m2/s, is determined from a linear approach.

苹果丁冷冻-热风联合干燥体积收缩机制

为降低冻干苹果能耗,同时获得具有良好外观的脱水产品,该研究将冷冻-热风联合干燥应用于苹果脱水加工,并从水分迁移角度探究此过程中产品的收缩机制。选取4个水分转换点(干基含水率分别为1.00、0.76、0.53和0.33 g/g)对苹果进行联合干燥处理,并对脱水产品的收缩率、质构特性、微观结构、孔隙分布及样品在热风干燥阶段的水分迁移与分布进行测定及分析。结果表明,联合干燥样品的收缩情况显著(P<0.05)优于单一热风干燥样品,且转换点对样品收缩率影响较大(收缩率6%~45%),当转换点干基含水率低于0.53 g/g时,联合干燥样品没有出现明显的体积收缩现象。随着转换点干基含水率的升高,样品的收缩程度增大,并出现不同程度的中心塌陷,且孔隙率逐渐减小,但相应能耗降低。产品收缩主要发生在热风干燥过程的升速阶段,在此阶段样品自由水含量大幅减少,结合水与不易流动水未发生明显改变,样品内部水分在湿度差的作用下向表面迁移,这是导致联合干燥样品发生体积收缩的关键机制。该研究结果可为冷冻-热风联合干燥高效生产良好外观的脱水苹果提供数据支撑及理论参考。

Methodology for the Study of the Quality of CFRP Dry Drilling Based on Macrogeometrical and Dimensional Deviations

Commonly, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) aerospace elements need to be machined (drilling) for subsequent assembly operations, mainly riveting, taking a critical importance the quality requirements of the holes. Some of the adjustment defects that can be produced during the dry drilling of CFRP are related to macrogeometrical (diameter, D, and cylindricity, DC) deviations. This paper reports on the results of a study of the influence of the cutting parameters V (cutting speed) and f (feedrate) on the D and DC deviations in the dry drilling of CFRP. A particular procedure based on plastic hole replicas has been performed. Diameters deviations were acceptable in all the cases studied. Because of this, DC is the controlling factor for accepting the drilled holes. In the studied range, lowest cutting speeds and highest feedrates have allowed obtaining the minimum cylindricity deviation.

Green Microstructural Visualization of Dry-Pressed Spray-Dried Alumina (Al₂O₃)

Slurry parameters were controlled prior to spray-drying to visualize and govern an understanding of which parameters govern hollow coring and granule morphology during spray-drying. An aqueous alumina using a polyvinyl alcohol binder (PVA) system was analyzed and granules were processed by altering the slurry specific gravity and viscosity value prior to spray-drying. Spray-dried granules were uniaxial dry-pressed at varying moisture contents to show the plasticizing effects of moisture during compaction. A novel characterization method using a field emission electron microscope (FESEM) was implemented to image the green microstructures of the granules and compacted samples. Slurries with a higher specific gravity and viscosity resulted in denser granules with spherical shapes. Viscosity affected the binder segregation during the spray-drying process. Granules stored at higher moisture contents resulted in denser compacts with fewer intergranular pores and cracks along granule boundaries. Using a FESEM resulted in higher resolution for green microstructural characterization.

Influence of Temperature and Water Vapour Pressure on Drying Kinetics and Colloidal Microstructure of Dried Sodium Water Glass

Industrially produced sodium water glasses were dried in climates with controlled temperature and humidity to transparent amorphous water containing sodium silicate materials. The water glasses had molar SiO2:Na2O ratios of 2.2, 3.3 and 3.9 and were dried up to 84 days at temperatures between 40&degC and 95&degC and water vapour pressures between 5 and 40 kPa. The materials approached final water concentrations which are equilibrium values and are controlled by the water vapour pressure of the atmosphere and the microstructure of the solids. The microstructure of the dried water glasses was characterized by atomic force microscopy. It has a nanosized substructure built up by the silicate colloids of the educts but deformed by capillary forces. In the final drying equilibrium, the water vapour pressure of the atmosphere in the drying cabinet is equal to the reduced vapour pressure of the capillary system built up by the silicate colloids. Their size scale can be explained by the deformation of colloidal aggregates due to capillary forces.

复合助剂对低温喷雾干燥蓝靛果粉理化性质的影响

为保证低温喷雾干燥后蓝靛果粉品质,采用黄金分割法研究复合助剂(麦芽糊精、β-环糊精和乳清蛋白)对喷雾干燥蓝靛果粉理化性质的影响,分析低温进风温度(50~90℃)对蓝靛果粉花青素保留率、集粉率和含水率的影响规律。结果表明,在麦芽糊精、β-环糊精的质量比例为85.4%、14.6%时,集粉率高达37.96%;随进料溶液中麦芽糊精质量比例增加,蓝靛果粉玻璃化转变温度、水溶性指数、堆积密度、亮度L^(*)值、红度a^(*)值和色差值ΔE呈增加趋势,含水率、花青素含量和黄度b^(*)值呈下降趋势;在麦芽糊精、β-环糊精和乳清蛋白质量比例为72.9%、12.5%、14.6%时,集粉率达到最高(40.11%);随料液中乳清蛋白质量比例增加,蓝靛果粉含水率、花青素含量呈上升趋势,其玻璃化转变温度、水溶性指数、亮度L^(*)值、红度a^(*)值、黄度b^(*)值和色差值ΔE等指标呈下降趋势;复合助剂显著提高蓝靛果粉集粉率(P<0.05),对其中的花青素起到较强保护作用,其含水率、水溶性指数、堆积密度等理化指标均接近于最优水平。低温喷雾干燥研究发现,随进风温度上升,集粉率和含水率呈负相关,在进风温度90℃时,集粉率最高的配方中可实现较高花青素保留率(89.94%)。低频核磁共振波谱以及质子密度图像信息分析表明,加入的助剂与蓝靛果果汁中水分通过氢键、静电结合力和疏水作用等分子间作用力,形成稳定性高水合物、增强液滴聚结抵抗力,提高料液玻璃态转换温度,从而实现高集粉率和高花青素保留率的蓝靛果果粉低温喷雾干燥;红外光谱分析表明,复合助剂可在蓝靛果果粉中形成分子间氢键,并对花青素等活性物质进行固定包埋保护。研究结果可为蓝靛果粉喷雾干燥加工生产提供理论支撑和参考依据。

干燥方式对铁棍山药片挥发性风味成分的影响

采用顶空固相微萃取结合气相色谱-质谱联用技术(HS-SPME-GC-MS)和电子鼻,分别测定热风干燥、微波干燥、真空干燥、真空冷冻干燥、联合干燥5种干燥方式加工的铁棍山药片的挥发性风味成分,并结合主成分分析,研究干燥过程中山药片风味的变化。结果表明,在5种干燥方式制得的山药片中,共检出95种挥发性成分,主要包括烃类、醛类、酮类、醇类、酯类、苯类和杂环化合物等。壬醛、癸醛、2,6,10-三甲基十四烷、香叶基丙酮是山药片中的主要风味物质。热风干燥、真空干燥、微波干燥所得山药片的主要挥发性物质有烃类、苯类和醛类;真空冷冻干燥、联合干燥所得山药片的主要挥发性物质有烃类、醛类和酮类。电子鼻检测结果表明,5种干燥方式制得的山药片风味存在一定差异,其中热风干燥和真空干燥所得山药片的风味在醇、部分芳香族化合物上具有相似性,真空冷冻干燥山药片与其它干燥方式山药片的风味差异主要是含氮化合物、含硫化合物。这与GC-MS分析结果一致。根据主成分分析法建立了山药片香气品质评价模型,得出联合干燥方式制得的山药片综合得分最高,香气品质最好,其次为真空冷冻干燥、微波干燥、热风干燥、真空干燥。

不同干燥方式对杜仲雄花品质特性及挥发性成分的影响

为探究干燥方式对杜仲雄花品质特性及挥发性成分的影响,选择5种不同干燥方式(真空冷冻干燥、微波真空冷冻干燥、热风干燥、远红外辐射干燥和热泵干燥)对新鲜杜仲雄花进行脱水处理。测定了杜仲雄花干制品的干燥特性与品质特性,并对干制品的挥发性成分进行了分析。结果表明,真空冷冻干燥所需时间最长,为14.1 h,能耗最高,为231.27 kJ/g,微波真空冷冻干燥效率最高,与真空冷冻干燥相比,干燥时间缩短57%,干燥能耗节省76%。与其他3种干燥方式相比,真空冷冻干燥和微波真空冷冻干燥条件下杜仲雄花干制品的总色差最小,与新鲜样品最接近,表面结构更为平整,活性成分含量最高且自由基清除能力最强。在挥发性成分检测中,干燥前后共检测出27种挥发性成分,其中微波真空冷冻干燥产品挥发性成分种类最多,为18种,是新鲜杜仲雄花挥发性成分种类的1.8倍。综合分析,微波真空冷冻干燥为杜仲雄花的适宜干燥方式,该研究为杜仲雄花的干燥及加工提供理论依据。