HANDY: A Device for Assessing Resistance to Mechanical Crushing of Maize Kernel

Abstract Background: How to reduce the physical damage during maize kernel harvesting is a major problem for both mechanical designers and plant breeders. A limitation of addressing this problem is the lack of a reliable method for assessing kernel damage susceptibility. Previous methods of testing kernel strength lack in make a comparative discussion from the viewpoint of threshing. The design, construction and testing of a portable tool called “HANDY”, which can assess the resistance to mechanical crushing in maize kernel. A device is designed and developed that can impact the kernel with a special accelerator at a given rotating speed and then cause measurable damage of maize kernel. These factors are varied to determine the ideal parameters for operating the HANDY. Results: Baseline testing of the HANDY is performed to determine the initial range of testing parameters. The result shows that the optimum number of test times is one for one group of maize kernels. Breakage index (BI, target index of HANDY), decreased as the moisture content of kernel increased or the rotating speed decreased within the tested range. Furthermore, the HANDY exhibited a greater sensitivity in testing kernels at higher moisture level influence on susceptibility of damage maize kernel than that in Breakage Susceptibility tests, particularly when the centrifugation speed is about 1800 rpm and the disc is curved type centrifugal disc. Considering that the mechanical properties of kernels vary greatly as the moisture content changes, a subsection linear (average goodness of fit is 0.87) to predict the threshing quality is built by piecewise function analysis, which is divided by kernel moisture. Specifically, threshing quality is regarded as a function of the measured result of the HANDY.Conclusions: The HANDY provides a quantitative assessment of mechanical crushing resistance of maize kernel. The BI is demonstrated to be a more robust index than breakage susceptibility (BS) when evaluating threshing quality in harvesting in terms of both reliability and accuracy. This study also offers a new perspective for evaluating the mechanical crushing resistance of grains, and provides technical support for breeding maize varieties which are suitable for mechanical harvesting.

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HANDY: a device for assessing resistance to mechanical crushing of maize kernel

Plant Methods ◽

10.1186/s13007-021-00729-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuan Su ◽

Yang Xu ◽

Tao Cui ◽

Xiaojun Gao ◽

Guoyi Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Function Analysis ◽

Physical Damage ◽

Maize Kernel ◽

Rotating Speed ◽

Maize Cultivars ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

New Perspective ◽

Mechanical Crushing

Abstract Background How to control the physical damage during maize kernel harvesting is a major problem for both mechanical designers and plant breeders. A limitation of addressing this problem is lacking a reliable method for assessing the relation between kernel damage susceptibility and threshing quality. The design, construction, and testing of a portable tool called “HANDY”, which can assess the resistance to mechanical crushing in maize kernel. HANDY can impact the kernel with a special accelerator at a given rotating speed and then cause measurable damage to the kernel. These factors are varied to determine the ideal parameters for operating the HANDY. Results Breakage index (BI, target index of HANDY), decreased as the moisture content of kernel increased or the rotating speed decreased within the tested range. Furthermore, the HANDY exhibited a greater sensitivity in testing kernels at higher moisture level influence on the susceptibility of damage kernel than that in Breakage Susceptibility tests, particularly when the centrifugation speed is about 1800 r/min and the centrifugal disc type is curved. Considering that the mechanical properties of kernels vary greatly as the moisture content changes, a subsection linear (average goodness of fit is 0.9) to predict the threshing quality is built by piecewise function analysis, which is divided by kernel moisture. Specifically, threshing quality is regarded as a function of the measured result of the HANDY. Five maize cultivars are identified with higher damage resistance among 21 tested candidate varieties. Conclusions The HANDY provides a quantitative assessment of the mechanical crushing resistance of maize kernel. The BI is demonstrated to be a more robust index than breakage susceptibility (BS) when evaluating threshing quality in harvesting in terms of both reliability and accuracy. This study also offers a new perspective for evaluating the mechanical crushing resistance of grains and provides technical support for breeding and screening maize varieties that are suitable for mechanical harvesting.

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HANDY: a device for assessing resistance to mechanical crushing of maize kernel

10.21203/rs.3.rs-48772/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yuan Su ◽

Yang Xu ◽

Tao Cui ◽

Xiaojun Gao ◽

Guoyi Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Function Analysis ◽

Optimum Number ◽

Physical Damage ◽

Maize Kernel ◽

Rotating Speed ◽

Maize Cultivars ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Mechanical Crushing

Abstract Background: How to control the physical damage during maize kernel harvesting is a major problem for both mechanical designers and plant breeders. A limitation of addressing this problem is lacking a reliable method and model for assessing the relation between kernel damage susceptibility and threshing quality. The design, construction, and testing of a portable tool called “HANDY”, which can assess the resistance to mechanical crushing in maize kernel. HANDY can impact the kernel with a special accelerator at a given rotating speed and then cause measurable damage to the kernel. These factors are varied to determine the ideal parameters for operating the HANDY. Results: Baseline testing of the HANDY is performed to determine the initial range of testing parameters. The result shows that the optimum number of test times is one. Breakage index (BI, target index of HANDY), decreased as the moisture content of kernel increased or the rotating speed decreased within the tested range. Furthermore, the HANDY exhibited a greater sensitivity in testing kernels at higher moisture level influence on the susceptibility of damage kernel than that in Breakage Susceptibility tests, particularly when the centrifugation speed is about 1800 r/min and the centrifugal disc type is curved. Considering that the mechanical properties of kernels vary greatly as the moisture content changes, a subsection linear (average goodness of fit is 0.9) to predict the threshing quality is built by piecewise function analysis, which is divided by kernel moisture. Specifically, threshing quality is regarded as a function of the measured result of the HANDY. Five maize cultivars are identified with higher damage resistance among 21 tested candidate varieties. Conclusions: The HANDY provides a quantitative assessment of the mechanical crushing resistance of maize kernel. The BI is demonstrated to be a more robust index than breakage susceptibility (BS) when evaluating threshing quality in harvesting in terms of both reliability and accuracy. This study also offers a new perspective for evaluating the mechanical crushing resistance of grains and provides technical support for breeding and screening maize varieties that are suitable for mechanical harvesting.

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Aflatoxigenic contamination of freshly harvested white maize (Zea mays L.) from some selected Ugandan districts

10.7287/peerj.preprints.27888 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Timothy Omara

Keyword(s):

Zea Mays ◽

Moisture Content ◽

Ochratoxin A ◽

Zea Mays L ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Total Aflatoxin ◽

Strategic Adaptation ◽

Maize Varieties ◽

Agroecological Zones

The moisture content and total aflatoxin (AF) content of 27 samples of freshly harvested white maize (Zea mays L.) from Mubende (n = 3), Ibanda (n = 3), Jinja (n = 3), Mayuge (n = 3) , Buikwe (n = 3), Hoima (n = 3), Mpigi (n = 3), Masindi (n = 3) and Bugiri (n = 3) districts of Uganda representing the agroecological zones: Lake Victoria crescent, Western Highlands, South East and Lake Albert Crescent were determined in the second season harvest of January 2019 to March 2019. Moisture content ranged from 12.9 to 18.8% (mean moisture content varied from 13.9±0.35-17.2±1.55%) with the highest moisture recorded in maize from Ibanda. The highest mean AF contamination of 11.0±3.01 μg/kg was recorded in maize from Hoima while the lowest AF content of 3.8±1.30 μg/kg was recorded in maize from Mpigi. Despite the fact that all the samples had detectable aflatoxins, none of the maize samples had aflatoxin greater than WHO regulatory limit of 20 μg/kg. White maize in Uganda are precontaminated by aflatoxins prior to harvest. Whereas the spectre of aflatoxigenic contamination of foods remains a ticklish challenge to address, strategic adaptation and deployment of appropriate interventions can help secure a safe harvest. Farmers should plant maize varieties with established maturity periods to ensure timely harvesting. Further research should assess the presence of other mycotoxins as zearalenone, sterigmatocystin, ochratoxin A, citrinin, vomitoxin and diacetoxyscirpenol that may co-occur with aflatoxins in freshly harvested maize.

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An empirical study of the antecedents and consequences of brand engagement

Marketing Intelligence & Planning ◽

10.1108/mip-08-2014-0145 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 33 (4) ◽

pp. 575-591 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Ho Yin Wong ◽

Bill Merrilees

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Goodness Of Fit ◽

Fit Indices ◽

Brand Performance ◽

Content Type ◽

Explanatory Variables ◽

Brand Engagement ◽

Consumer Perspective ◽

Antecedents And Consequences ◽

New Perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and empirically test a model of brand engagement. More specifically, the aim is to evaluate both antecedents and consequences of brand engagement, from a management perspective. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative survey of 403 firms is undertaken to test the model. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is used to estimate the parameters of the model. Findings – A reliable and valid measure of brand engagement is established. The SEM model works well, in terms of goodness of fit indices. The results demonstrate that there are major brand performance benefits (consequences) of brand engagement. Additionally, and important for the practical implications, the results show that brand orientation is a major antecedent to brand engagement. Research limitations/implications – The study needs to be replicated in other countries, with scope to add other explanatory variables for influencing brand engagement. The results have considerable practical benefits for guiding the introduction of measures to enhance brand engagement. Originality/value – The study builds on earlier (mainly consumer) conceptual approaches to brand engagement, but goes further in that it provides empirical evidence about the nature, antecedents and consequences of brand engagement and further, offers a management rather than consumer perspective. Essentially, the study reveals a new perspective of factors that encourage firms to connect/engage their brands with consumers. Brand engagement is a dual concept, reflecting both a consumer and a firm perspective.

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New perspective for evaluating the main Camellia oleifera cultivars in China

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-77609-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Quanen Deng ◽

Jianan Li ◽

Chao Gao ◽

Junyong Cheng ◽

Xianzhen Deng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Correlation Analysis ◽

Membership Function ◽

Function Analysis ◽

Pollen Viability ◽

Flowering Phenology ◽

Plant Introduction ◽

Camellia Oleifera ◽

Spongy Tissue ◽

New Perspective ◽

Vegetative And Reproductive Growth

AbstractTo assess the adaptability of Camellia oleifera for introduction in new growth locations, this study evaluated 10 representative C. oleifera cultivars from the main areas in China where this oil-producing evergreen crop is grown. Cluster analysis, correlation analysis, and membership function analysis were used to evaluate various indices of the selected C. oleifera cultivars, including flowering phenology, cold tolerance, leaf structure, pollen characteristics, and pollen viability. The correlation analysis identified the full blossoming time, leaf palisade and spongy tissue thickness, pollen deformity rate, and pollen activity as key indices for determining the adaptability of the cultivars to new areas. The membership function analysis of the 10 C. oleifera cultivars revealed the following order of adaptability: ‘XLC25’ > ‘Changlin4hao’ > ‘Ganzhouyou8hao’ > ‘Ganzhouyou6hao’ > ‘Tiechengyihao’ > ‘Eyou465’ > ‘XLC10’ > ‘Changlin3hao’ > ‘Changlin18hao’ > ‘QY235.’ When introducing C. oleifera cultivars to new regions, the higher-ranked cultivars are more likely to be successful. The results of this study may provide a new direction for the comprehensive assessment of plant introduction and domestication potential, i.e., the assessment of the vegetative and reproductive growth, adversity resistance, and blossoming time of plants.

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POU2F1 Promotes Cell Viability and Tumor Growth in Gastric Cancer through Transcriptional Activation of lncRNA TTC3-AS1

Journal of Oncology ◽

10.1155/2021/5570088 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Jixu Wang ◽

Ke Xiao ◽

Futao Hou ◽

Lusheng Tang ◽

Dan Luo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Transcriptional Activation ◽

Function Analysis ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Pou Domain ◽

New Perspective ◽

Transcription Factor 1 ◽

Normal Controls

POU domain, class 2, transcription factor 1 (POU2F1) is involved in the development of gastric cancer (GC). However, the molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA named TTC3-AS1 that was potentially regulated by POU2F1 and investigated their roles in GC progression. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that high expression of POU2F1 predicted poor prognosis in patients with GC. We further screened out an lncRNA TTC3-AS1 that may be transcriptionally activated by POU2F1 according to the JASPAR database, and POU2F1 and TTC3-AS1 were highly expressed in GC cells and tissues compared with normal controls (NCs). Function analysis revealed that both POU2F1 and TTC3-AS1 played oncogenic roles by promoting cell viability, migration, and invasion in GC. qRT-PCR analysis showed that POU2F1 improved the expression of TTC3-AS1 in GC cells, while TTC3-AS1 knockdown or overexpression had no effect on POU2F1 expression. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA-affinity precipitation assays indicated that POU2F1 directly bound to the promoter region of TTC3-AS1 and activated its transcription. TTC3-AS1 knockdown neutralized the protumor effects of POU2F1 overexpression in GC cell lines as well as mouse models of GC, which suggested that TTC3-AS1 mediates the oncogenic function of POU2F1. In summary, POU2F1 promoted GC progression by transcriptionally activating TTC3-AS1; thus, this study provided a new perspective for the mechanism of GC progression.

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Genome-wide identification of ZF-HD gene family in Triticum aestivum: Molecular evolution mechanism and function analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0256579 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. e0256579

Author(s):

Hongli Niu ◽

Pengliang Xia ◽

Yifeng Hu ◽

Chuang Zhan ◽

Yiting Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Family ◽

Function Analysis ◽

Expression Patterns ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Whole Genome Analysis ◽

Wheat Evolution ◽

New Perspective ◽

Almost All ◽

And Function

ZF-HD family genes play important roles in plant growth and development. Studies about the whole genome analysis of ZF-HD gene family have been reported in some plant species. In this study, the whole genome identification and expression profile of the ZF-HD gene family were analyzed for the first time in wheat. A total of 37 TaZF-HD genes were identified and divided into TaMIF and TaZHD subfamilies according to the conserved domain. The phylogeny tree of the TaZF-HD proteins was further divided into six groups based on the phylogenetic relationship. The 37 TaZF-HDs were distributed on 18 of 21 chromosomes, and almost all the genes had no introns. Gene duplication and Ka/Ks analysis showed that the gene family may have experienced powerful purification selection pressure during wheat evolution. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that TaZF-HD genes had significant expression patterns in different biotic stress and abiotic stress. Through subcellular localization experiments, we found that TaZHD6-3B was located in the nucleus, while TaMIF4-5D was located in the cell membrane and nucleus. Our research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the TaZF-HD family, provides a new perspective for further research on the biological functions of TaZF-HD genes in wheat.

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SAMPLING METHODS AND NUMBER OF ROUNDWOODS FOR DETERMINING THE MOISTURE CONTENT

Revista Árvore ◽

10.1590/1806-90882018000400001 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 42 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Danilo Barros Donato ◽

Renato Vinícius Oliveira Castro ◽

Angélica de Cássia Oliveira Carneiro ◽

Ana Márcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho ◽

Benedito Rocha Vital ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Random Sampling ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Optimal Allocation ◽

Sampling Methods ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Optimum Number ◽

Average Standard Deviation ◽

Proportional Allocation ◽

Allowable Error

ABSTRACT This study had the objective of comparing two methodologies of sampling, Simple Random Sampling (ACS) and Stratified Random Sampling (ACE) to determine the optimum number of roundwood samples to obtain the moisture content of the population. In order to achieve this goal, different percentages of allowable error (5,10,15 and 20%) were considered for each sampling methodology. In the conduction of this study, the samples were randomly taken from a lot of 250 steres of wood, 144 roundwood of three meters of length and distributed in four classes of diameter. Later, the moisture content of these samples was determined. And, from these values, the population estimates (average, standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variation, and standard error) by ACS and ACE methods, helped to determine the optimum number of roundwood (n) to be sampled from different percentages of allowable error adopted in this study at 95% probability. According to the results, the amount of roundwood to be sampled from ACS for each allowable error 5, 10, 15 and 20% was respectively 214, 55, 25 and 14. For the ACE (proportional allocation) the amount of roundwood was 141, 35, 16 and 9 for ACE (optimal allocation) this number was 136, 34, 15 and 8. It was concluded that the most indicated sampling method for this study, considering the allowable error, was the ACE method.

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