Quantitative assessment and optimization of parallel contact model for flexible paddy straw: a definitive screening and central composite design approach using discrete element method.

To simulate the bending behaviour of paddy straw at varied moisture contents after crop harvesting, we created a flexible paddy straw specimen model based on the Hertz-Mindlin with parallel contact bonding model using the discrete element model (DEM) approach. The research presented in this study aims to investigate a new approach called Definitive Screening Design (DSD) for parameterizing and screening the most significant parameters of the DEM model. This investigation will specifically focus on the three-point bending test as a means of parameterization, and the shear plate test will be used for validation purposes.

A residue management machine for chopping paddy residues in combine harvested paddy field.

Nowadays, Combine Harvesters are the most commonly used device for harvesting crops; as a result, a large amount of plant material and crop residue is concentrated into a narrow band of plant material that exits the combine, challenging the residue management task. This paper aims to develop a crop residue management machine that can chop paddy residues and mix them with the soil of the combined harvested paddy field. For this purpose, two important units are attached to the developed machine: the chopping and incorporation units.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib suppresses the growth and induces apoptosis of human glioblastoma cells via the NF-κB pathway.

Gliomas are devastating primary tumors of the central nervous system and tend to recur even after standard therapy. Celecoxib, the selective COX-2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has anti-neoplastic activity against several malignancies. Accumulating evidence suggests that several COX-2-independent mechanisms may also be involved in the anti-tumor effects of celecoxib.