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The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky) is found throughout the world and is among the most destructive pests of stored grain and grain products. Maize weevil suppression is difficult and chemical insecticides are frequently employed. Stored grain insects can also be suppressed by physical disturbance which involves movement of individual kernels with respect to one another. Stirring grain in a silo disturbs individual kernels but we don't know of any study on the effects of stirring on maize weevils. The objective of this research was to determine the effects periodic stirring weevil-infested maize has on maize weevil population density and on maize quality. Six 0.12-m3 (4.2-ft3) steel experimental containers were used in this study. Three of the containers were equipped with Sukup Fastir®™ stirring machines. All containers were loaded with 30 kg of maize and unsexed adult weevils were placed in each container at a density of 25 live weevils per kg of maize. Stirring machines were programmed to travel one length of the stirred containers every 12 h. At 40 days and at 80 days, no live weevils were found in samples from the stirred containers, but at 80 days, reached 18 weevils per kg in control containers. Stirring increased BCFM in the stirred maize by seven percentage points and decreased maize moisture by 0.2 percentage points compared to control containers. Mechanical damage and bulk density changes were inconsequential. Stirring shows promise as an effective non-chemical method for suppression of maize weevils, but studies at silo scale are needed.
Tyler S. Rau; Carl J. Bern; Thomas J. Brumm; Rachel B. Barnes; Denis Bbosa; Dirk E. Maier. Evaluation of stirring to suppress weevils in stored maize. Journal of Stored Products Research 2021, 93, 101849 .
AMA StyleTyler S. Rau, Carl J. Bern, Thomas J. Brumm, Rachel B. Barnes, Denis Bbosa, Dirk E. Maier. Evaluation of stirring to suppress weevils in stored maize. Journal of Stored Products Research. 2021; 93 ():101849.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTyler S. Rau; Carl J. Bern; Thomas J. Brumm; Rachel B. Barnes; Denis Bbosa; Dirk E. Maier. 2021. "Evaluation of stirring to suppress weevils in stored maize." Journal of Stored Products Research 93, no. : 101849.
Several studies have evaluated the effects of postharvest technologies on postharvest loss (PHL) incurred at a single stage of a food value chain. However, very few studies have assessed the effect of multiple technologies on PHL incurred at various stages of a food value chain. This study evaluated the effect of five technologies (harvesting tools, cold stores, plastic crates, fruit fly traps, and ground tarps) promoted by the Rockefeller Foundation Yieldwise Initiative (YWI) in Kenya on PHL incurred at three mango value chain stages (harvest, transportation, and point of sale). After extensive screening of the YWI data, the Kruskal–Wallis statistical test was used to compare each YWI promoted technology to smallholder farmers (SHF) traditional practices. Results indicated that plastic crates used to transport or store mangos and fruit fly traps used to attract and kill fruit flies were statistically significant (p< 0.05) in reducing PHL at the point of sale. Meanwhile, no statistical evidence of PHL reduction was observed from SHF using harvesting tools, cold stores, and ground tarps. Cold stores were the least adopted of the promoted technologies due to their high costs of implementation and utilization. While this study asserts that increased technology adoption is associated with PHL reduction, further research is needed to identify additional factors that favor technologies’ efficacy in reducing PHL in similar food value chains.
Hory Chikez; Dirk Maier; Steve Sonka. Mango Postharvest Technologies: An Observational Study of the Yieldwise Initiative in Kenya. Agriculture 2021, 11, 623 .
AMA StyleHory Chikez, Dirk Maier, Steve Sonka. Mango Postharvest Technologies: An Observational Study of the Yieldwise Initiative in Kenya. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (7):623.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHory Chikez; Dirk Maier; Steve Sonka. 2021. "Mango Postharvest Technologies: An Observational Study of the Yieldwise Initiative in Kenya." Agriculture 11, no. 7: 623.
In Ghana, smallholder maize farmers continue to serve as the primary contributor to maize production. These farmers, however, still face challenges of access to appropriate, effective, and efficient drying systems. They continue to depend on open sun drying, which leads to high post-harvest losses. In this study, a 500 kg portable column dryer with a biomass burner heat source was evaluated using maize. Indicators such as drying rate, drying efficiency, and moisture extraction rate were used to assess its technical performance. The economic performance of the drying system was appraised using Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Payback Period (PBP). The results showed that the moisture content of maize was reduced from 22.3% to 13.4 ± 2.6% in 5 h at an average drying rate of 1.81%/h and drying efficiency of 64.7%. Utilization of the column dryer for the provision of drying services in a maize-growing community over a 10-year utilization period proved viable with an NPV and IRR of $1633 and 71%, respectively, PBP of less than two years, and BCR of 2.82. Adoption of such low-capacity mobile grain dryers in sub-Saharan Africa would be beneficial in providing timely drying services and improve the socio-economic status of smallholder maize farmers in the region.
George Obeng-Akrofi; Joseph Akowuah; Dirk Maier; Ahmad Addo. Techno-Economic Analysis of a Crossflow Column Dryer for Maize Drying in Ghana. Agriculture 2021, 11, 568 .
AMA StyleGeorge Obeng-Akrofi, Joseph Akowuah, Dirk Maier, Ahmad Addo. Techno-Economic Analysis of a Crossflow Column Dryer for Maize Drying in Ghana. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (6):568.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGeorge Obeng-Akrofi; Joseph Akowuah; Dirk Maier; Ahmad Addo. 2021. "Techno-Economic Analysis of a Crossflow Column Dryer for Maize Drying in Ghana." Agriculture 11, no. 6: 568.
The study was undertaken to identify the major mycotoxigenic fungi, aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in prepared poultry feeds in Ghana. Three hundred and fifty (350) prepared feed samples were randomly collected from 133 commercial poultry farms, 76 feed processors and eight (8) feed vendors in three major poultry producing regions of Ghana over two seasons. Fungi were isolated using the serial dilution method on potato dextrose agar and identified using standard methods of identification. Total aflatoxin and fumonisin levels were quantified using AgraStrip® Total Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Quantitative test Watex® from RomerLab, USA. Eight (8) different fungi were isolated from the feed samples with isolation frequency as follows: Aspergillus flavus (47%), A. niger (24%), A. fumigatus (17%), A. oryzae (3%), A. tamarii (2%), Penicillium sp. (3%), Colletotrichum sp. (4%) and Rhizopus sp. (0.1%). Feed samples collected during the rainy season recorded higher mean colony counts (3.39 ± 0.29) than that of the dry season (1.10 ± 0.18). Total aflatoxin and fumonisin levels ranged from 0 to 118 ppb with a mean of 57.25 ± 2.55 ppb, and 0.28–15 ppm with a mean of 1.54 ± 0.12 ppm, respectively. The study revealed co-occurrence of aflatoxin and fumonisin in all the feed samples. Significant correlations (r = 0.298, r = 0.694) (p < 0.05) were observed among the aflatoxin and fumonisin levels and the fungi isolated. Seventy-four percent (74%) of all the feed samples exceeded the 15 ppb Ghana Standards Authority threshold, the EU regulatory limit of 20 ppb and the FAO/WHO recommended maximum permissible limit of 30 ppb for poultry feeds. Although fumonisin levels were less than the EU guidance values of 20 ppm for poultry feeds, 20% of the samples were higher than the FAO/WHO maximum tolerable daily intake limit of 2 ppm. Proper handling of prepared feeds and ingredients could prevent or minimize toxigenic fungi contamination and lower the likelihood of mycotoxin development in poultry feeds.
Francis Aboagye-Nuamah; Charles Kodia Kwoseh; Dirk E. Maier. Toxigenic mycoflora, aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of poultry feeds in Ghana. Toxicon 2021, 198, 164 -170.
AMA StyleFrancis Aboagye-Nuamah, Charles Kodia Kwoseh, Dirk E. Maier. Toxigenic mycoflora, aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of poultry feeds in Ghana. Toxicon. 2021; 198 ():164-170.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancis Aboagye-Nuamah; Charles Kodia Kwoseh; Dirk E. Maier. 2021. "Toxigenic mycoflora, aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination of poultry feeds in Ghana." Toxicon 198, no. : 164-170.
Grain stored in silos in the United States of America is generally cooled with an aeration system to limit mold spoilage and insect infestation. Monitoring efficacy of aeration and real-time conditions of stored grain is generally done using temperature cables with fixed-spaced sensor locations that are hung from the roof of the silo. Numerous placement options exist in terms of the number of cables and their positions. However, little investigation has been done into the effects of cable placement on aeration system operation decisions and real-time monitoring of stored grain conditions. For a one-year period, the temperatures predicted by sensors in three recommended temperature cable configurations were evaluated for conditions in Ames, IA, USA. The average temperatures of each of the cable sensor configurations were lower than the average temperatures of the entire silo, with as much as an 11.4 °C difference. When sensor locations were used as inputs for aeration control, all cable sensor configurations predicted similar average temperatures. However, the temperature averages varied by as much as 3.6 °C depending on the temperature cable distribution chosen. Results demonstrated that temperature cables near the center or near the edges of the silos produce results that are not representative of the grain mass, resulting in less efficient aerations. Simulations were also conducted with randomized horizontal “wireless” sensor locations at fixed grain depths. The average temperatures were similar, but an increase in the number of sensors reduced variability between simulated storage years as the number of randomized sensors increased.
Benjamin Plumier; Dirk Maier. Effect of Temperature Sensor Numbers and Placement on Aeration Cooling of a Stored Grain Mass Using a 3D Finite Element Model. Agriculture 2021, 11, 231 .
AMA StyleBenjamin Plumier, Dirk Maier. Effect of Temperature Sensor Numbers and Placement on Aeration Cooling of a Stored Grain Mass Using a 3D Finite Element Model. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (3):231.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBenjamin Plumier; Dirk Maier. 2021. "Effect of Temperature Sensor Numbers and Placement on Aeration Cooling of a Stored Grain Mass Using a 3D Finite Element Model." Agriculture 11, no. 3: 231.
Several studies have been conducted for developing new dryers and improving existing ones to obtain a higher yield and maintain the quality of agricultural products. Thus, the objective of this study was to model and validate a new concept of a silo–dryer–aerator with a drying chamber and four storage compartmented cells in a fixed and thick layer with the application of high and low air-drying temperatures. To fit the experimental data to a mathematical model, nonlinear regression analysis was performed. To assess the fluid from the heated and cooling air in the silo–dryer–aerator, computational fluid dynamics was used. The experimental prototype of the fixed-bed dryer enabled a uniform distribution of the heated air in the drying cells. There was a uniform distribution of the air in the drying cells of the silo–dryer–aerator. The drying system achieved high operational performance and quality for soybeans. The different mathematical models could predict and adjust to the drying conditions in a fixed and thick layer. It was concluded that the drying model developed and validated is suitable for the new concept of a silo–dryer–aerator with a drying chamber and segregated storage to be applied to soybean drying. Graphical Abstract
Paulo Carteri Coradi; Ângelo Francisco Calegare Lemes; Amanda Müller; Lanes Beatriz Acosta Jaques; Ítala Thaisa Padilha Dubal; Nairiane Dos Santos Bilhalva; Paulo Eduardo Teodoro; Jonatas Ibagé Steinhaus; Dirk E. Maier. Silo–dryer–aerator in fixed and thick layer conceptualized for high quality of grains applied in different social scales post-harvest: modeling and validation. Drying Technology 2021, 1 -26.
AMA StylePaulo Carteri Coradi, Ângelo Francisco Calegare Lemes, Amanda Müller, Lanes Beatriz Acosta Jaques, Ítala Thaisa Padilha Dubal, Nairiane Dos Santos Bilhalva, Paulo Eduardo Teodoro, Jonatas Ibagé Steinhaus, Dirk E. Maier. Silo–dryer–aerator in fixed and thick layer conceptualized for high quality of grains applied in different social scales post-harvest: modeling and validation. Drying Technology. 2021; ():1-26.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaulo Carteri Coradi; Ângelo Francisco Calegare Lemes; Amanda Müller; Lanes Beatriz Acosta Jaques; Ítala Thaisa Padilha Dubal; Nairiane Dos Santos Bilhalva; Paulo Eduardo Teodoro; Jonatas Ibagé Steinhaus; Dirk E. Maier. 2021. "Silo–dryer–aerator in fixed and thick layer conceptualized for high quality of grains applied in different social scales post-harvest: modeling and validation." Drying Technology , no. : 1-26.
Foodborne disease poses several major threats toward attaining sustainable improvements in food and nutrition security (FNS), on a global scale. These threats have numerous rippling effects on public health, economic growth, and country development. This article—based on a review of literature and experience from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems (LSIL) research activities—seeks to explore and summarize current and ongoing efforts to improve safety of animal-source foods, as well as to identify the interconnected elements of food safety and FNS. This article focuses on emerging evidence for the disease and economic burdens of foodborne disease; source attribution; previous investments in food safety; and current challenges and opportunities.
Jessie L. Vipham; Kebede Amenu; Silvia Alonso; Jean-Baptiste Ndahetuye; Yacob Zereyesus; Kizito Nishimwe; Erin Bowers; Dirk Maier; Keshav Sah; Arie Havelaar; Delia Grace. No food security without food safety: Lessons from livestock related research. Global Food Security 2020, 26, 100382 .
AMA StyleJessie L. Vipham, Kebede Amenu, Silvia Alonso, Jean-Baptiste Ndahetuye, Yacob Zereyesus, Kizito Nishimwe, Erin Bowers, Dirk Maier, Keshav Sah, Arie Havelaar, Delia Grace. No food security without food safety: Lessons from livestock related research. Global Food Security. 2020; 26 ():100382.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJessie L. Vipham; Kebede Amenu; Silvia Alonso; Jean-Baptiste Ndahetuye; Yacob Zereyesus; Kizito Nishimwe; Erin Bowers; Dirk Maier; Keshav Sah; Arie Havelaar; Delia Grace. 2020. "No food security without food safety: Lessons from livestock related research." Global Food Security 26, no. : 100382.
Phosphine is a dangerous gas commonly used in fumigations of stored grains throughout the world. Grain that has not fully released the phosphine it absorbed during fumigation may continue to desorb phosphine into the headspace of a shipping container or storage. USOSHA standards for handling phosphine state the acceptable Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 0.3 ppm. In many cases, during grain transport and handling, the level of phosphine in work environments can exceed the 0.3 ppm TLV which resulted from desorption of phosphine from fumigated grains. It is also important to note that desorbing grain, with low concentrations of phosphine, can facilitate insect resistance. Therefore, it is important to understand the process of phosphine venting and desorption in order to ensure safe handling of fumigated grain. In order to achieve this, the venting and release of phosphine was studied on location in a well-sealed grain silo in Lake Grace, Western Australia. The data set served for verification of a 3D finite element ecosystem model and were compared to the predicted results. Results were calculated using two different fumigant desorption models based on previous literature, i.e., a reversed sorption model and an air-grain equilibrium model. Simulations reproduced accurate trends of desorption but did not accurately reproduce the quantity of fumigant, with 55.5% error for the model based on reversed sorption equations, and 86.3% error for the air-grain equilibrium based model. For both models, additional simulations were conducted to compare the effectiveness of existing grain venting regulations at producing grain that is within post-fumigation safe handling limits. Results revealed that current U.S. standards may be insufficient to guarantee safety based on minimum venting times needed. These results highlight the necessity for continued research into phosphine desorption and the importance for establishing realistic post-fumigation venting guidelines.
Benjamin M. Plumier; Matthew Schramm; Yonglin Ren; Dirk E. Maier. Modeling post-fumigation desorption of phosphine in bulk stored grain. Journal of Stored Products Research 2019, 85, 101548 .
AMA StyleBenjamin M. Plumier, Matthew Schramm, Yonglin Ren, Dirk E. Maier. Modeling post-fumigation desorption of phosphine in bulk stored grain. Journal of Stored Products Research. 2019; 85 ():101548.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBenjamin M. Plumier; Matthew Schramm; Yonglin Ren; Dirk E. Maier. 2019. "Modeling post-fumigation desorption of phosphine in bulk stored grain." Journal of Stored Products Research 85, no. : 101548.
Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that contaminate crops, food, and animal feeds. Aflatoxins and fumonisins are among the mycotoxins that have been increasingly reported to affect health and productivity of livestock globally. Given that the health and productivity of livestock can directly influence human food safety and security, a study was conducted to assess the levels and factors for aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in feed and feed ingredients in Rwanda. Aflatoxins and fumonisins were analyzed in 3328 feed and feed ingredient samples collected at six time points between March and October 2017 in all 30 districts of Rwanda. Of the 612 participants providing samples, there were 10 feed processors, 68 feed vendors, 225 dairy farmers, and 309 poultry farmers. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used for aflatoxin and fumonisin analyses. Mean aflatoxin levels of 108.83 µg/kg (Median (MD): 43.65 µg/kg), 103.81µg/kg (MD: 48.4 µg/kg), 88.64 µg/kg (MD: 30.90 µg/kg), and 94.95 µg/kg (MD: 70.45 µg/kg) were determined for dairy farmers, poultry farmers, feed vendors, and feed processors, respectively. Mean fumonisin levels were 1.52 mg/kg (MD: 0.71 mg/kg), 1.21 mg/kg (MD: 0.56 mg/kg), 1.48 mg/kg (MD: 0.76 mg/kg), and 1.03 mg/kg (MD: 0.47 mg/kg) for dairy farmers, poultry farmers, feed vendors, and feed processors, respectively. Aflatoxin contamination was significantly affected by time of sampling and district from which feed samples originated (p < 0.05). Fumonisins did not show any correlation trends. Ninety-two percent of survey participants were unaware of aflatoxins and fumonisins and their adverse effects. This study has provided the basic understanding of the extent of feed contamination across the country and has established a baseline for future interventions in Rwanda. Further studies are needed to explore strategies for mitigating mycotoxins in the feed value chain in Rwanda.
Kizito Nishimwe; Erin Bowers; Jean De Dieu Ayabagabo; Richard Habimana; Samuel Mutiga; Dirk Maier. Assessment of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination and Associated Risk Factors in Feed and Feed Ingredients in Rwanda. Toxins 2019, 11, 270 .
AMA StyleKizito Nishimwe, Erin Bowers, Jean De Dieu Ayabagabo, Richard Habimana, Samuel Mutiga, Dirk Maier. Assessment of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination and Associated Risk Factors in Feed and Feed Ingredients in Rwanda. Toxins. 2019; 11 (5):270.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKizito Nishimwe; Erin Bowers; Jean De Dieu Ayabagabo; Richard Habimana; Samuel Mutiga; Dirk Maier. 2019. "Assessment of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Contamination and Associated Risk Factors in Feed and Feed Ingredients in Rwanda." Toxins 11, no. 5: 270.
In order to improve fumigation effectiveness and address phosphine resistance concerns, fumigant concentrations and movement in a grain storage silo need to be understood. In a previous study a mathematically accurate fumigation model was developed that is capable of predicting fumigant concentration and movement throughout a grain storage silo by taking into account fumigant loss from leakage and sorption. This model was used to investigate the impact on a phosphine fumigation with changing operational variables and environmental conditions. These included modifying the initial values from the fumigation by ± 25% and 50% for leakage rates, air recirculation rates, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Reducing leakage rate to 50% and 75% of the original rate increased fumigant concentrations by 111% and 36% compared to −21% and −34% for 125% and 150% leakage rate changes, respectively. Likewise, by the end of the simulation, average phosphine concentrations changed by 118%, 41%, −28%, and −47% for the 50%, 75%, 125%, and 150% air recirculation rates, respectively. Results underline the importance of designing well sealed silos and the importance of monitoring fumigations during high wind speed weather events.
Benjamin M. Plumier; Dirk E. Maier. Sensitivity analysis of a fumigant movement and loss model for bulk stored grain to predict effects of environmental conditions and operational variables on fumigation efficacy. Journal of Stored Products Research 2018, 78, 18 -26.
AMA StyleBenjamin M. Plumier, Dirk E. Maier. Sensitivity analysis of a fumigant movement and loss model for bulk stored grain to predict effects of environmental conditions and operational variables on fumigation efficacy. Journal of Stored Products Research. 2018; 78 ():18-26.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBenjamin M. Plumier; Dirk E. Maier. 2018. "Sensitivity analysis of a fumigant movement and loss model for bulk stored grain to predict effects of environmental conditions and operational variables on fumigation efficacy." Journal of Stored Products Research 78, no. : 18-26.
To ensure fumigation effectiveness and address phosphine resistance concerns, fumigant concentrations and movement in a grain storage silo need to be understood. A mathematically accurate fumigation model was developed that is capable of predicting fumigant concentration and movement throughout a grain storage silo that takes into account fumigant loss from leakage and sorption, and was verified with experimental fumigation data. Equations estimating fumigant leakage and sorption were developed based on literature values and added to an existing finite element model. Fumigation data was used from a fumigation conducted on an Australian made silo filled with 45.5 tonnes of maize in Manhattan, Kansas. Two verifications were conducted based on phosphine concentration release times of 24 h and 30 h, with both verifications demonstrating accurate prediction of phosphine fumigant values and trends. The two verifications resulted in concentration-time products that were within 0.9% and 4.3% of the experimental values, respectively. The fumigation model is most accurate during the times of highest phosphine concentration. However, the model under predicted phosphine concentrations during the first 12 h of fumigation and over predicted phosphine concentrations beyond the first six days of fumigation. This fumigation model was found to be sufficiently accurate to allow for future experimentation on predicting fumigant concentrations as a function of environmental conditions and operational variable.
Benjamin M. Plumier; Matthew Schramm; Dirk E. Maier. Developing and verifying a fumigant loss model for bulk stored grain to predict phosphine concentrations by taking into account fumigant leakage and sorption. Journal of Stored Products Research 2018, 77, 197 -204.
AMA StyleBenjamin M. Plumier, Matthew Schramm, Dirk E. Maier. Developing and verifying a fumigant loss model for bulk stored grain to predict phosphine concentrations by taking into account fumigant leakage and sorption. Journal of Stored Products Research. 2018; 77 ():197-204.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBenjamin M. Plumier; Matthew Schramm; Dirk E. Maier. 2018. "Developing and verifying a fumigant loss model for bulk stored grain to predict phosphine concentrations by taking into account fumigant leakage and sorption." Journal of Stored Products Research 77, no. : 197-204.
The forces required to extricate a test mannequin from a grain mass when buried at different depths with and without a grain restraint system were determined. When there was no grain restraint system in place, the vertical force required to pull the mannequin from the grain when it was buried waist deep and to the underarms was 1259 and 1766 N (283 and 397 lb(f)), respectively. It increased to 1584 N (356 lb(f)) (+26%) and 2153 N (484 lb(f)) (+22%), respectively, with the restraint in place due to the changes in grain properties brought about by the insertion of the rescue tube. It was concluded that the use of a grain restraint during extrication of a victim does not reduce the forces required and that forcefully pulling an entrapped victim, especially with mechanical assistance, with or without a grain restraint system could result in severe injuries and possible death due to the forces exerted on the victim. The authors recommend that these findings be incorporated into current grain extrication training for emergency first responders.
M J Roberts; W E Field; D E Maier; R L Stroshine. Determination of Entrapment Victim Extrication Forces with and without Use of a Grain Rescue Tube. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health 2015, 21, 71 -83.
AMA StyleM J Roberts, W E Field, D E Maier, R L Stroshine. Determination of Entrapment Victim Extrication Forces with and without Use of a Grain Rescue Tube. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health. 2015; 21 (2):71-83.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM J Roberts; W E Field; D E Maier; R L Stroshine. 2015. "Determination of Entrapment Victim Extrication Forces with and without Use of a Grain Rescue Tube." Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health 21, no. 2: 71-83.
Paulo C. Coradi; Dirk E. Maier; Lakshmikantha H. Channaiah; Carlos Campabadal. Effects of the Processing on the Distribution of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Levels in Corn Fractions and Feeds. Journal of Food Process Engineering 2015, 39, 215 -225.
AMA StylePaulo C. Coradi, Dirk E. Maier, Lakshmikantha H. Channaiah, Carlos Campabadal. Effects of the Processing on the Distribution of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Levels in Corn Fractions and Feeds. Journal of Food Process Engineering. 2015; 39 (3):215-225.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaulo C. Coradi; Dirk E. Maier; Lakshmikantha H. Channaiah; Carlos Campabadal. 2015. "Effects of the Processing on the Distribution of Aflatoxin and Fumonisin Levels in Corn Fractions and Feeds." Journal of Food Process Engineering 39, no. 3: 215-225.
Grain kernels are finite and discrete materials. Although flowing grain can behave like a continuum fluid at times, the discontinuous behavior exhibited by grain kernels cannot be simulated solely with conventional continuum-based computer modeling such as finite-element or finite-difference methods. The discrete element method (DEM) is a proven numerical method that can model discrete particles like grain kernels by tracking the motion of individual particles. DEM has been used extensively in the field of rock mechanics. Its application is gaining popularity in grain postharvest operations, but it has not been applied widely. This paper reviews existing applications of DEM in grain postharvest operations. Published literature that uses DEM to simulate postharvest processing is reviewed, as are applications in handling and processing of grain such as soybean, corn, wheat, rice, rapeseed, and the grain coproduct distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Simulations of grain drying that involve particles in both free-flowing and confined-flow conditions are also included. Review of the existing literature indicates that DEM is a promising approach in the study of the behavior of deformable soft particulates such as grain and coproducts, and it could benefit from the development of improved particle models for these complex-shaped particles.
Josephine M. Boac; R. P. Kingsly Ambrose; Mark E. Casada; Ronaldo G. Maghirang; Dirk E. Maier. Applications of Discrete Element Method in Modeling of Grain Postharvest Operations. Food Engineering Reviews 2014, 6, 128 -149.
AMA StyleJosephine M. Boac, R. P. Kingsly Ambrose, Mark E. Casada, Ronaldo G. Maghirang, Dirk E. Maier. Applications of Discrete Element Method in Modeling of Grain Postharvest Operations. Food Engineering Reviews. 2014; 6 (4):128-149.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosephine M. Boac; R. P. Kingsly Ambrose; Mark E. Casada; Ronaldo G. Maghirang; Dirk E. Maier. 2014. "Applications of Discrete Element Method in Modeling of Grain Postharvest Operations." Food Engineering Reviews 6, no. 4: 128-149.
The feasibility of utilizing cellulosic biomass such as corn stover as an energy feedstock is dominated by factors such as facility location, feedstock availability, and transportation cost. Previous research showed the advantages of using a GIS-based method compared to a previously used concentric ring buffer method. Even though the GIS-based method proved to be more accurate because it precisely calculates the distance from the facility to the farms using a real road network and the hectares of crop-specific fields in a given service area, opportunities exist to further improve its accuracy. In this case study, two improvement parameters were implemented to the previously proposed GIS-based method to examine the effect of field-level yield variance and variable residue removal rates on the quantification of feedstock availability for a biorefinery. The new variable residue removal (VRR) method predicted on average 113,384 ±38,770 dry tons (DT) of additional residue per service area compared to the previous constant residue removal (CRR) method. The use of a constant removal rate of 3 DT ac-1 in the CRR method clearly underestimated feedstock availability, given that residue removal rates are highly variable and subject to location, erosive forces, soil characteristics, crop type, yield, and field management. However, to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil productivity, conservation tillage practices require that at least 30% of the soil surface must be covered with residue after planting the next crop. Even with a reduction in total feedstock availability, the VRR method estimated comparable residue availability per service area to the CRR method, with only a 4 ±6% decrease per service area on average. Consequently, the VRR method turned out to be the preferred approach in the quantification of biomass feedstock availability.
Adrian Martinez; Dirk E. Maier. Improvements in Quantification of Biomass Feedstock Availability to a Biorefinery Using a GIS-Based Method. Transactions of the ASABE 2014, 57, 533 -542.
AMA StyleAdrian Martinez, Dirk E. Maier. Improvements in Quantification of Biomass Feedstock Availability to a Biorefinery Using a GIS-Based Method. Transactions of the ASABE. 2014; 57 (2):533-542.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAdrian Martinez; Dirk E. Maier. 2014. "Improvements in Quantification of Biomass Feedstock Availability to a Biorefinery Using a GIS-Based Method." Transactions of the ASABE 57, no. 2: 533-542.
Janie D. McClurkin; Dirk E. Maier; Klein E. Ileleji. Half-life time of ozone as a function of air movement and conditions in a sealed container. Journal of Stored Products Research 2013, 55, 41 -47.
AMA StyleJanie D. McClurkin, Dirk E. Maier, Klein E. Ileleji. Half-life time of ozone as a function of air movement and conditions in a sealed container. Journal of Stored Products Research. 2013; 55 ():41-47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJanie D. McClurkin; Dirk E. Maier; Klein E. Ileleji. 2013. "Half-life time of ozone as a function of air movement and conditions in a sealed container." Journal of Stored Products Research 55, no. : 41-47.
Anne R. Rigdon; Ari Jumpponen; Praveen V. Vadlani; Dirk E. Maier. Impact of various storage conditions on enzymatic activity, biomass components and conversion to ethanol yields from sorghum biomass used as a bioenergy crop. Bioresource Technology 2013, 132, 269 -275.
AMA StyleAnne R. Rigdon, Ari Jumpponen, Praveen V. Vadlani, Dirk E. Maier. Impact of various storage conditions on enzymatic activity, biomass components and conversion to ethanol yields from sorghum biomass used as a bioenergy crop. Bioresource Technology. 2013; 132 ():269-275.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnne R. Rigdon; Ari Jumpponen; Praveen V. Vadlani; Dirk E. Maier. 2013. "Impact of various storage conditions on enzymatic activity, biomass components and conversion to ethanol yields from sorghum biomass used as a bioenergy crop." Bioresource Technology 132, no. : 269-275.
Integrated pest management has proved cost-effective in coping with crop pests. This article identifies characteristics of pests, controls and economic incentives that may make the development of an integrated joint pest management (IJPM) strategy – designed for simultaneous control of multiple pests – worthwhile. We demonstrate via a case study that an IJPM strategy may add considerable value for on-farm corn storage. Critical factors for an IJPM strategy are that the pests are affected by the same environmental variables, but with different thresholds and response functions; controls for one pest impact other pests; and the pests have similar economic importance.
Yigezu A. Yigezu; Corinne E. Alexander; Paul V. Preckel; Dirk E. Maier; Linda J. Mason; Charles P. Woloshuk; John Lawrence; Dale J. Moog. Integrated joint pest management strategies in the presence of control spillovers. European Review of Agricultural Economics 2013, 40, 785 -805.
AMA StyleYigezu A. Yigezu, Corinne E. Alexander, Paul V. Preckel, Dirk E. Maier, Linda J. Mason, Charles P. Woloshuk, John Lawrence, Dale J. Moog. Integrated joint pest management strategies in the presence of control spillovers. European Review of Agricultural Economics. 2013; 40 (5):785-805.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYigezu A. Yigezu; Corinne E. Alexander; Paul V. Preckel; Dirk E. Maier; Linda J. Mason; Charles P. Woloshuk; John Lawrence; Dale J. Moog. 2013. "Integrated joint pest management strategies in the presence of control spillovers." European Review of Agricultural Economics 40, no. 5: 785-805.
J. Lawrence; D. E. Maier; R. L. Stroshine. Three-Dimensional Transient Heat, Mass, Momentum, and Species Transfer in the Stored Grain Ecosystem: Part II. Model Validation. Transactions of the ASABE 2013, 56, 189 -201.
AMA StyleJ. Lawrence, D. E. Maier, R. L. Stroshine. Three-Dimensional Transient Heat, Mass, Momentum, and Species Transfer in the Stored Grain Ecosystem: Part II. Model Validation. Transactions of the ASABE. 2013; 56 (1):189-201.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. Lawrence; D. E. Maier; R. L. Stroshine. 2013. "Three-Dimensional Transient Heat, Mass, Momentum, and Species Transfer in the Stored Grain Ecosystem: Part II. Model Validation." Transactions of the ASABE 56, no. 1: 189-201.
J. Lawrence; D. E. Maier; R. L. Stroshine. Three-Dimensional Transient Heat, Mass, Momentum, and Species Transfer in the Stored Grain Ecosystem: Part I. Model Development and Evaluation. Transactions of the ASABE 2013, 56, 179 -188.
AMA StyleJ. Lawrence, D. E. Maier, R. L. Stroshine. Three-Dimensional Transient Heat, Mass, Momentum, and Species Transfer in the Stored Grain Ecosystem: Part I. Model Development and Evaluation. Transactions of the ASABE. 2013; 56 (1):179-188.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. Lawrence; D. E. Maier; R. L. Stroshine. 2013. "Three-Dimensional Transient Heat, Mass, Momentum, and Species Transfer in the Stored Grain Ecosystem: Part I. Model Development and Evaluation." Transactions of the ASABE 56, no. 1: 179-188.