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The Prespa–Ohrid lake system in the southwest Balkan region is the oldest permanent lake system in Europe and a global hotspot of biodiversity and endemism. Its smaller component, Lake Macro Prespa (or simply called Prespa), shared by North Macedonia, Albania and Greece has suffered a dramatic water-level fall (nearly 10 m since the 1950s). It was greater in the periods 1987–1993 and 1998–2004 and has further accelerated in the last 5 years. Analysis of satellite images (remote sensing) revealed that over the period 1984–2020 Prespa Lake lost 18.87 km2 of its surface (6.9% of its size, dropping from 273.38 km2 to 254.51 km2), with a decline in the volume of water estimated as about 54%, even reaching 56.8% in 2022. The environmental status of the lake has also been compromised and the process of its eutrophication is enhanced. The aim of this study is to summarize the current understanding of the diminishing trend in the water level and the factors that have contributed to it. The lake is highly sensitive to external impacts, including climate change, mainly restricted precipitation and increased water abstraction for irrigation. Importantly, nearly half of its outflow is through karst aquifers that feed Ohrid Lake. Of note, the hydrology and especially hydrogeology of the catchment has not been studied in sufficient detail and accurate data for the present state are missing, largely due to a lack of coordinated investigations by the three neighboring countries. However, recent estimation of the water balance of Prespa Lake, elaborated with the consideration of only the natural sources of inflow (precipitation and river runoff) and outflow (evaporation and loss of water through the karst channels) suggested a negative balance of 53 × 106 m3 annually. Our study also offers an estimated projection for the water level in the future in different climate scenarios based on linear regression models that predict its complete loss before the end of the present century.

Challenges in global food supply chains include preserving postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The utilization of edible coatings (ECs) combined with biocontrol agents (BCAs) represents a promising strategy to enhance the postharvest quality and shelf life of these commodities. This review analyzes the most recent developments in EC technologies and their combination with BCAs, highlighting their synergistic effects on postharvest pathogen control and quality maintenance. Various types of ECs, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, are discussed alongside coating fundamentals and the mechanisms through which BCAs contribute to pathogen suppression. The review also highlights the efficacy of these combined approaches in maintaining the physicochemical properties, sensory attributes, and nutritional value of fruits. Key challenges such as regulatory requirements, consumer acceptance, and the scalability of these technologies are addressed. Future research directions are proposed to optimize formulations, improve application techniques, and enhance the overall efficacy of these biocomposite coatings and multifunctional coatings. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of using ECs and BCAs for sustainable postharvest management.

This study presents a new visual-based method that uses a thermal tracer and infrared thermography to detect sink points in shallow flooded areas. Laboratory experiments were conducted in a 2 × 2 m2 soil flume where different scenarios with varying sink characteristics (e.g., permeability) were examined. To detect the sink point, hot water was continuously applied to create a temperature gradient across the flooded area, and multiple tracer discharges were tested. A portable infrared video camera was used to obtain high-resolution thermal imaging. The sink detection method was based on tracking the leading edge of the tracer’s plume over time. This method successfully identified water sink points in most experimental scenarios and provided valuable insights into surface flow processes. Specific combinations of tracer discharge and sink characteristics (e.g., location and saturated hydraulic conductivity) could influence the method’s effectiveness in detecting the sink location.

Makeup water constitutes a key component in the water management of microalgal cultivation systems. However, the effect of makeup water addition on microalgal growth remains largely unexplored. This study compared two deionized water addition intervals (1 day and 4 days) for their effect on the growth of Scenedesmus dimorphus (S. dimorphus hereafter) in 2000 mL Pyrex bottles under controlled conditions. Cell counts and dry algal biomass (DAB) were measured to characterize the microalgal growth rate. Water addition intervals impacted algal cell counts but had little effect on DAB. Adding makeup water every day resulted in a higher growth rate (8.80 ± 1.46 × 105 cells mL−1 day−1; p = 0.22, though) and an earlier occurrence of the peak cell count (day 9) than adding it every 4 days (6.95 ± 1.68 × 105 cells mL−1 day−1 and day 12, respectively). It is speculated that water loss over an extended period and the following makeup water addition posed stress on S. dimorphus. Surpassing the peak cell count, S. dimorphus continued to grow in DAB, resulting in an increased cell weight as a response to nutrient starvation. Optical density at 670 nm (OD670) was also measured. Its correlation with DAB was found to be affected by water addition intervals (R2 = 0.955 for 1 day and 0.794 for 4 days), possibly due to a water loss-induced change in chlorophyll a content. This study is expected to facilitate the makeup water management of photobioreactor and open pond cultivation systems.

Pericarp browning is the key factor for the extension of shelf life and the maintenance of the commercial value of harvested litchi fruit. Water loss is considered a leading factor of pericarp browning in litchi fruit. In this study, based on the distinct structure of litchi fruit, which is a special type of dry fruit with the aril as the edible part, the effects of water supply via pedicel (WSP) treatment on pericarp browning and the fruit quality of litchi were investigated. Compared with the packaging of the control fruit at 25 °C or 4 °C, the WSP treatment was found to significantly reduce pericarp browning and the decay of litchi fruit. The WSP-treated fruit had a higher L* value, total anthocyanin content, and pericarp water content, and the pericarp was thicker. The WSP treatment significantly suppressed the increase in the electrolyte leakage of the pericarp and maintained higher ascorbic acid (AA) contents in the aril. In addition, the WSP treatment was effective in reducing the activity and gene expression of browning-related genes Laccase (ADE/LAC) and Peroxidase (POD) during the storage period. In conclusion, the WSP treatment could be an effective method to delay pericarp browning and maintain the quality of harvested litchi fruit, and this further supports that litchi fruit has dry fruit characteristics.

In a chamber-based digital PCR (dPCR) chip fabricated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), bubble generation in the chambers at high temperatures is a critical issue. Here, we found that the main reason for bubble formation in PDMS chips is the too-high saturated vapor pressure of water at an elevated temperature. The bubbles should be completely prevented by reducing the initial pressure of the system to under 13.6 kPa to eliminate the effects of increased-pressure water vapor. Then, a cavity was designed and fabricated above the PCR reaction layer, and Parylene C was used as a shell covering the chip. The cavity was used for the negative generator in sample loading, PDMS degassing, PCR solution degassing in the digitization process and water storage in the thermal reaction process. The analysis was confirmed and finally achieved a desirable bubble-free, fast-digitization, valve-free and no-tubing connection dPCR.

The water and sewage sector is responsible for approximately 3.5% of energy consumption in the European Union (EU). Leaks causing water losses in water distribution systems (WDSs) are responsible for approximately 24% of water consumption in the EU, which contributes to additional energy losses and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The implementation of the Directive of the European Parliament and the EU Council on the quality of drinking water (Directive (EU) 2020/2184) introduces the obligation to report water losses by large water utilities in EU Member States. The reported indicator will be the infrastructure leakage index (ILI) which is the ratio between current annual real loss (CARL) and unavoidable annual real loss (UARL). The paper presents a comparative analysis of selected water loss performance indicators calculated for 12 Polish WDSs. Results show that values of calculated indicators were diverse. The overestimation of both the reported value of operating pressure and total length of service connections may lead to the overestimation of UARL and thus to the underestimation of ILI. Obtaining a satisfactory, but incorrect, value of ILI may result in the abandonment of activities aimed at water loss reduction. Water losses in water distribution systems (WDSs) contribute to a significant increase in both energy consumption and GHG emissions. Total approximated electrical energy related to CARL consumed in 2021 by eleven utilities (except for one company) amounted to 3.276 GWh and total approximated carbon emissions amounted to 2807.84 MgCO2eq. In the case of four WDSs, reduction of ILI to the value of 1.5 may reduce GHG emissions by 31–54%. It can be concluded that the implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 will require unification of methodology for calculation of parameters used in ILI evaluation in all EU Member States.

Water and energy are the main natural resources, and their rational use is the basis for sustainable development. Therefore, the energy efficiency of water supply networks is one of the priorities for the management system of water utilities. Many methods and indicators can be used to assess the energy efficiency of water distribution networks (WDNs), and their choice should be adapted to the characteristics of a WDN. This paper presents an energy audit of WDNs that are supplied from five reservoirs located above the supply area, to which water is supplied from four underground and surface water intakes. In the analysis of the system operation, a hydrodynamic computer model of the water distribution network was used to estimate the operating parameters that are necessary to determine the energy efficiency indicators. A new method for calibrating the emitter coefficient used for water loss modeling is also proposed. The conducted audit showed that more than 70% of the energy supplied to the WDS was “lost”, mainly due to friction (37%) and water losses (27%). Thanks to hydraulic modeling, it was possible to indicate that 34% of the energy lost in the system was related to the use of pressure-reducing valves (PRV), and that only 3% was directly related to friction. In turn, the majority of leaks are attributed to service connections (17.4% vs. 8.8% in the water distribution network).

Challenges in global food supply chains include preserving postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The utilization of edible coatings (ECs) combined with biocontrol agents (BCAs) represents a promising strategy to enhance the postharvest quality and shelf life of these commodities. This review analyzes the most recent developments in EC technologies and their combination with BCAs, highlighting their synergistic effects on postharvest pathogen control and quality maintenance. Various types of ECs, including polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, are discussed alongside coating fundamentals and the mechanisms through which BCAs contribute to pathogen suppression. The review also highlights the efficacy of these combined approaches in maintaining the physicochemical properties, sensory attributes, and nutritional value of fruits. Key challenges such as regulatory requirements, consumer acceptance, and the scalability of these technologies are addressed. Future research directions are proposed to optimize formulations, improve application techniques, and enhance the overall efficacy of these biocomposite coatings and multifunctional coatings. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of using ECs and BCAs for sustainable postharvest management.

Basil (Ocimum sp.) is one of the world’s most famous culinary fresh herbs, characterized by rapid growth that makes it particularly suitable for hydroponic cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the adaptability of six types of basil to a closed-loop hydroponic system (floating raft system) and their post-harvest performance. Twenty-three days after transplantation, productivity, morpho-physiological performance, and mineral profile (by ion chromatography) were evaluated. At 3, 6, and 9 days after harvest, the loss of water from the from leaves stored at 10 °C in the dark was evaluated. Although the total fresh production of Thai, Mexican, and Genovese did not differ significantly, the latter provided a higher fresh leaf weight (16.52 g of plant−1) despite a lower leaf number (30.06 n. of plant−1). Nine days after harvest, Thai and Mexican showed the lowest water loss. Although Mexican Purple had the lowest net CO2 assimilation, it accumulated the highest concentration of ascorbic acid (909.41 mg 100 g fw−1).

Hydrogen gas (H2) is considered as a signaling molecule and plays multiple roles in plant growth. However, the effect of H2 on postharvest physiology in lily scales during storage has not been reported. In this study, the regulatory roles of hydrogen-rich water (HRW, a H2 donor, a concentration of 0.45 mM for 100% HRW) in water status, ion balance, and nutrients in Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) scales were investigated. The scales were soaked in HRW for 12 d, and sampling was performed every 3 d for a total of 5 times. The results show that HRW (0, 10, 50, and 100%) increased the fresh weight, dry weight, relative water content, and water loss rate in lily scales, with maximum biological response at 50% HRW. Treatment with 50% HRW significantly increased the K+ content and K+/Na+ ratio in lily scales and decreased Na+ content. The Na+ K+-ATPase, and PM H+-ATPase activities were also increased by 50% HRW treatment. Meanwhile, 50% HRW up-regulated the expression of AKT1 and HA3 genes and down-regulated the expression of NHX2 and SOS1 genes. In addition, 50% HRW treatment significantly increased the expression level of PIP1;5, PIP2A, TIP1;3, and TIP2;2 genes. Treatment with 50% HRW significantly increased the content of water-soluble carbohydrate, sucrose, glucose, and fructose in lily scales, and decreased the content of starch. In addition, 50% HRW treatment significantly increased the activity of α-amylase, β-amylase, total amylase, sucrose synthase, and sucrose phosphate synthase. Collectively, H2 might enhance the water retention capacity and nutrient content in lily scales by maintaining ion balance, regulating aquaporin, and increasing sugar-metabolizing enzyme activity, thereby prolonging the storage period of postharvest scales of Lanzhou lily.

Drought stress is a serious abiotic factor limiting the quality and yield of maize (Zea mays). To produce maize plants with enhanced drought tolerance, we generated transgenic maize plants overexpressing OsPYL/RCAR7, encoding an abscisic acid receptor. We crossed the selected lines with maize variety B73 and obtained F1 hybrid seeds. Initial screening suggested that the transgenic lines were more drought tolerant than wild-type plants. Analysis using the DroughtSpotter platform indicated that expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 enhanced drought resistance in transgenic maize seedlings by reducing water loss. In addition, the stomatal conductance of the leaf surface was 30% lower in OsPYL/RCAR7-overexpressing plants than in wild-type ones. After drought treatment, OsPYL/RCAR7-overexpressing maize showed a much higher survival rate than the wild type, suggesting that expressing OsPYL/RCAR7 reduced the negative effects of drought exposure on stomatal conductance and enhanced water use efficiency. Furthermore, the expression levels of drought-tolerance–related abscisic acid–signaling genes ABP2 and RAB16A were higher in the transgenic plants than in the wild type. Taken together, our data indicate that the seedlings of transgenic maize expressing the gene OsPYL/RCAR7 showed increased tolerance to drought stress, raising the possibility that stress-related genes from monocotyledonous crops could be used as genetic resources to improve the agricultural traits of maize.

Gannan navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) is an economically important fruit, but postharvest loss occurs easily during storage. In this study, the effects of different temperatures, light illuminations, and low-temperature plasma treatments on the water loss and quality of the Gannan navel orange were investigated. The fruit began to rot after 90 d of storage at 5 °C and 20–45 d at 26 °C. Navel oranges stored at 26 °C had 7.2-fold and 3.1-fold higher rates of water loss at the early and late storage stages, respectively, as compared with those stored at 5 °C. Storage at 5 °C decreased the contents of total soluble solids at the early storage stage and the contents of titratable acids at the late storage stage, whereas storage at 26 °C decreased the contents of total soluble solids at the late storage stage and the contents of titratable acids at the early storage stage, respectively. Application of low-temperature plasma produced by air ionization for 6 min, or continuous blue or red light illumination significantly inhibited water loss within 7 and 21 d of storage at 22 °C, respectively, but exhibited no significant effect on fruit quality. Furthermore, the low-temperature plasma treatment protected against fruit rot. Thus, treatment with low-temperature plasma followed by storage at a low temperature under continuous red or blue light illumination was of potential value as a green technology for preserving Gannan navel orange during storage.

This work investigates the relationships between leaf traits and olive response to water stress through two complementary field experiments in order to screen genotypes for drought tolerance. The first experiment consisted of the phenotyping of 32 olive varieties for 11 leaf morpho-physiological traits during a fruit set phase under well-watered conditions. In the second experiment, the yield and vegetative responses of five representative varieties to the withholding of irrigation during the whole fruit growth period were assessed to identify leaf traits that are associated with olive resilience plasticity and that could be used as drought tolerance markers. The results highlighted large phenotypic variability for leaf area (LA, 2.9–9.5 cm2), petiole elasticity (8.0–36.0°), water loss in detached leaves (WLDL, 3.6–11.6%), stomatal density (222.6–470.1 no mm−2), stomatal length (11.4–18.7 µm), trichome density (120.5–204.4 no mm−2), trichome width (103.6–183.4 µm), leaf contents in cuticular wax (CWC, 44.7–606.2 µg cm−2), and soluble sugars (SSC, 15.8–536.9 mg gdw−1). Among these leaf traits, WLDL displayed a significant correlation with the yield stability index (r = −0.973) and water use efficiency (r = −0.939), suggesting its use as relevant drought tolerance phenotypic marker. Likewise, LA, SSC, and CWC were singled out as second-level drought tolerance markers, being strongly correlated with stability of leaf size and leafing intensity in response to water stress. Cluster analysis highlighted 12 distinct levels of drought tolerance within the studied olive collection. Based on the four identified phenotypic markers, “Lechin de Sevilla” alongside “Picholine Marocaine” were found to be the most drought-tolerant varieties, while Frantoio was the most sensitive. This study provides the first, unprecedented, insights into the usefulness of leaf phenotyping in olive drought tolerance screening, with a focus on structural and functional leaf traits.

The paper focuses on water losses in the turbine condenser cooling system of the 905 MW power unit in Opole Power Plant (Opole Poland). The evaporative and drift losses are determined for various operating and atmospheric conditions. The drift loss is found to be 0.125–0.375% of the cooling water flux and some increase in this loss is noticed with increase in unit power and ambient temperature. The studies have shown that the presence of wind increases the total water loss related to the power generated by the power unit. This effect is analysed for selected constant air temperature values Tamb. The increase of the cooling water loss stream, related to the power of the unit, is at the level of 14.8% for Tamb equal to 7 °C, 23% for 15 °C, and approximately 10% at 22 °C. These increases are related to the level of losses in almost no wind conditions. It is investigated how the change in the cooling water flux affects the power unit operation and the amount of water loss. For the power unit under consideration, the reduction of the cooling water flux from 80,000 to 60,000 ton/h raises the temperature of water behind the condenser and lowers the temperature of the cooled water tw2 within the range of 0.75–1.5 °C, depending on the unit power and the ambient temperature. Reducing the cooling water flux in the analysed range results in an increase in condenser vapour pressure, within 0.5 kPa at Tamb = 25 °C. This increase is lower at lower ambient temperatures. Within the range of variations analysed, the effect of cooling water flux on evaporative losses is negligibly small. The increase in condenser steam pressure significantly affects the power generated by the turbine generator unit. The calculations show that it is possible to optimize the size of the cooling water flux for the analysed power unit and condenser cooling system. This optimization would allow (within a limited range of load variability) an increase in the net power generated by the power unit.

The paper presents the results of measurements and calculations concerning the influence of weather conditions on the operation of wet cooling towers of 905 MWe units of the Opole Power Plant (Poland). The research concerned the influence of temperature and relative humidity of air, wind and power unit load on the water temperature at the outlet from the cooling tower, the level of water cooling, cooling efficiency and cooling water losses. In the cooling water loss, the evaporation loss stream and the drift loss stream were distinguished. In the analyzed operating conditions of the power unit, for example, an increase in Tamb air by 5 °C (from 20–22 °C to 25–27 °C) causes an increase in temperature at the outlet of the cooling tower by 3–4 °C. The influence of air temperature and humidity on the level of water cooling ΔTw and cooling efficiency ε were also found. In the case of ΔTw, the effect is in the order of 0.1–0.2 °C and results from the change in cooling water temperature and the heat exchange in the condenser. The ε value is influenced by air temperature and humidity, which determine the wet bulb temperature value. Within the range of power changes of the unit from 400 to 900 MWe, the evaporated water stream m˙ev, depending on the environmental conditions, increases from 400–600 tons/h to the value of 1000–1400 tons/h. It was determined that in the case of the average power of the unit at the level of 576.6 MWe, the average values of the evaporation and drift streams were respectively 0.78% and 0.15% of the cooling water stream. Using statistical methods, it was found that the influence of wind on the level of water cooling, cooling efficiency and cooling water losses was statistically significant.

Plasticizers and the water migration of edible protein films during storage can result in changes in film properties, while specific changing processes need to be further explored. In this study, glycerol-plasticized soy protein isolate (SPI) films were stored at 25 °C, 4 °C, and −18 °C for 6 weeks (relative humidity (RH), 40–50%). The glycerol migration was monitored by the glycerol migration rate and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Water content, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to analyze the water state. The results showed that significant pores and cracks were observed after storage at 25 °C. The proportion of bound water gradually increased, and the glycerol migration rate also reached 1.3% and 0.7% at 25 °C and 4 °C, respectively. The results proved that increasing the storage temperature accelerated the loss of water and glycerol, and decreased the mechanical properties of the SPI film.

The factors of brine time, concentration, and temperature, affect the high-quality production of brined cabbage used in Kimchi. Although changes in Kimchi cabbage quality depending on brine time and concentration have been reported, changes in brine temperature have not been explored. Here, we optimized the brine process considering specific conditions of temperature (15–25 °C), concentration (10–14%), and osmosis duration (14–18 h) affecting the characteristics such as pH, titratable acidity, soluble solid content, glucose, fructose, and lactic acid bacteria and mass transport (salt gain, water loss, and weight reduction). The optimal parameters were determined using multivariate statistical analysis using the Box–Behnken design combined with response surface methodology. For each response as qualitative characteristics, second order polynomial models were developed using multiple regression analysis. Analysis of variance was performed to check the adequacy and accuracy of the fitted models. The brine temperature and concentration affected salt gain and water loss; the optimal brining temperature, concentration, and time were 19.17 °C, 10.53%, and 15.38 h, respectively. Statistical regression analysis indicated that standardized brined cabbage can be produced efficiently using a brining tank at controllable temperature.

This study investigates the influence of polyol compounds (sorbitol and erythritol) on the osmotic dehydration process of pomegranate seeds. The efficacy of the osmotic dehydration process was estimated based on the determination of water loss, weight reduction, solid gain, and effective diffusivity and also through a comparison of the results obtained between sucrose and polyol osmotic solutions. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the osmotic process. Quality attributes of pomegranate seeds were determined through the assessment of physical (texture and color) characteristics. This innovative research applies alternative solutions in the osmotic process, which until now, have not been commonly used in the osmotic dehydration of pomegranate seeds processing by researchers worldwide. Results revealed the excellent correlation of experimental values with the model. Erythritol and sorbitol exhibit stronger efficiency than sucrose. However, erythritol was not satisfactory due to the high solid gain. Therefore, the sorbitol osmotic agent seems to be the most suitable for the osmotic dehydration of pomegranate seeds. The optimal condition for maximum water loss (38.61%), weight reduction (37.77%), and effective diffusivity (4.01 × 10−8 m2/s) and minimum solid gain (−0.37%) were 13.03 min, 27.77 °Brix, and 37.7 °C, using a sorbitol solution. Results of texture and color revealed the major impact of erythritol and sorbitol osmotic agents on seed characteristics during the osmotic dehydration process.

Weight loss and decay are common physiological disorders during postharvest handling and storage of pomegranates. The study focused on relating the ability of plastic liners as internal packaging to modify both gaseous and moisture atmosphere around the fruit to moisture dynamics and physical and physiological quality of pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful) during storage. Fruit were packed with no-liner, non-perforated ‘Decco’, non-perforated ‘Zoe’, micro-perforated Xtend®, 2 mm macro-perforated high density polyethylene (HDPE), and 4 mm macro-perforated HDPE plastic liners. After 84 days of storage at 5 °C and 90–95% relative humidity (RH), fruit packed with no-liner lost 15.6 ± 0.3% of initial weight. Non-perforated (Decco and Zoe) liners minimised losses to 0.79 and 0.82% compared to Xtend® micro-perforated (4.17%) and 2 mm HDPE (2.44%) and 4 mm macro-perforated HDPE (4.17%) liners, respectively. Clearly, micro- and macro-perforation of liners minimised moisture condensation, fruit decay, and shrivel severity. Micro-perforated Xtend® and macro-perforated 4 mm HDPE were the best treatments in minimising postharvest losses that are often associated with inadequate environment control inside packaging compared to the use of non-perforated liners.

Osmotic dehydration (OD) performed in concentrated fruit juices used as osmotic solution (OS) comes with some limitations resulting from the material cell structure and is not entirely recognized at the moment. Filtration of the juice could provide some insight into the phenomena occurring throughout the OD. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to recognize the mechanism of selective penetration during OD and evaluate the effect of filtration on physical and chemical properties of osmo-dehydrated material. For this purpose, OD of pumpkin in non-filtrated and filtrated (filters 0.2, 0.45, 0.8, 1.2, 3, 5 and 8 μm) concentrated chokeberry juice was carried out in the study. Moreover, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were provided. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity measured by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC ABTS) of OS and the material were determined. It was found that even though filtration of osmotic solution had a moderate influence on the mass transfer, it greatly affected the chemical composition of dehydrated material. The best option, considering both chemical and physical properties of the dehydrated material, is the use of non-filtrated solution. However, when shorter time of OD is considered, much better results are obtained for filtrated solutions.

Respiratory water loss during metabolic gas exchange is an unavoidable cost of living for terrestrial insects. It has been suggested to depend on several factors, such as the mode of gas exchange (convective vs. diffusive), species habitat (aridity), body size and measurement conditions (temperature). We measured this cost in terms of respiratory water loss relative to metabolic rate (respiratory water cost of gas exchange; RWL/V˙CO2) for adults of two insect species, the speckled cockroach (Nauphoeta cinerea) and the darkling beetle (Zophobas morio), which are similar in their mode of gas exchange (dominantly convective), habitat (mesic), body size and measurement conditions, by measuring gas exchange patterns using flow-through respirometry. The speckled cockroaches showed both continuous and discontinuous gas exchange patterns, which had significantly a different metabolic rate and respiratory water loss but the same respiratory water cost of gas exchange. The darkling beetles showed continuous gas exchange pattern only, and their metabolic rate, respiratory water loss and respiratory cost of gas exchange were equivalent to those cockroaches using continuous gas exchange. This outcome from our study highlights that the respiratory water cost of gas exchange is similar between species, regardless of gas exchange pattern used, when the confounding factors affecting this cost are controlled. However, the total evaporative water cost of gas exchange is much higher than the respiratory cost because cuticular water loss contributes considerably more to the overall evaporative water loss than respiratory water. We suggest that the total water cost of gas exchange is likely to be a more useful index of environmental adaptation (e.g., aridity) than just the respiratory water cost.

Strata movement due to extraction of a longwall panel is of great significance both in terms of environment and ground control. Thick coal seam extraction is expected to severely disturb the overburden, which is critical. Most studies use only one or two methods to investigate strata movement that are not thorough or comprehensive. This paper presents a detailed comprehensive case study of strata movement in extraction of a longwall top coal caving panel of a composite coal seam with partings in the Baozigou Coal Mine. The caved zone and fractured zone development were captured through physical modeling by incorporating the digital image correlation method (DICM), universal distinct element code (UDEC) numerical modeling, and field observation with the method of high-pressure water injection. The result of the physical modeling is 90 m. The numerical modeling result is 84 m. Field data show that the fractured zone is 81 m. Therefore, it demonstrates that the results from different methods are consistent, which indicates that the results from this comprehensive study are reliable and scientific.

Electromagnetic-based hyperthermic therapies induce a controlled increase of temperature in a specific tissue target in order to increase the tissue perfusion or metabolism, or even to induce cell necrosis. These therapies require accurate knowledge of dielectric and thermal properties to optimise treatment plans. While dielectric properties have been well investigated, only a few studies have been conducted with the aim of understanding the changes of thermal properties as a function of temperature; i.e., thermal conductivity, volumetric heat capacity and thermal diffusivity. In this study, we experimentally investigate the thermal properties of ex vivo ovine liver in the hyperthermic temperature range, from 25 °C to 97 °C. A significant increase in thermal properties is observed only above 90 °C. An analytical model is developed to model the thermal properties as a function of temperature. Thermal properties are also investigated during the natural cooling of the heated tissue. A reversible phenomenon of the thermal properties is observed; during the cooling, thermal properties followed the same behaviour observed in the heating process. Additionally, tissue density and water content are evaluated at different temperatures. Density does not change with temperature; mass and volume losses change proportionally due to water vaporisation. A 30% water loss was observed above 90 °C.

Plant proteases, the proteolytic enzymes that catalyze protein breakdown and recycling, play an essential role in a variety of biological processes including stomatal development and distribution, as well as, systemic stress responses. In this review, we summarize what is known about the participation of proteases in both stomatal organogenesis and on the stomatal pore aperture tuning, with particular emphasis on their involvement in numerous signaling pathways triggered by abiotic and biotic stressors. There is a compelling body of evidence demonstrating that several proteases are directly or indirectly implicated in the process of stomatal development, affecting stomatal index, density, spacing, as well as, size. In addition, proteases are reported to be involved in a transient adjustment of stomatal aperture, thus orchestrating gas exchange. Consequently, the proteases-mediated regulation of stomatal movements considerably affects plants’ ability to cope not only with abiotic stressors, but also to perceive and respond to biotic stimuli. Even though the determining role of proteases on stomatal development and functioning is just beginning to unfold, our understanding of the underlying processes and cellular mechanisms still remains far from being completed.

The aim of this work was to analyse the effect of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration of apples v. Elise on mass transfer parameters, water activity, and colour changes. Ultrasound treatment was performed at a frequency of 21 kHz with a temperature of 40 °C for 30−180 min using four osmotic solutions: 30% concentrated syrups of erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The efficiency of the used solutes from the polyol groups was compared to reference dehydration in 50% concentrated sucrose solution. Peleg’s model was used to fit experimental data. Erythritol, xylitol, and DHA solutions showed similar efficiency to sucrose and good water removal properties in compared values of true water loss. The application of ultrasound by two methods was in most cases unnoticeable and weaker than was expected. On the other hand, sonication by the continuous method allowed for a significant reduction in water activity in apple tissue in all tested solutions.

Water loss, gain or transfer results in a decline in the overall quality of food. The aim of this study was to form a uniform layer of sodium alginate-based edible coating (1.25% sodium alginate, 2% glycerol, 0.2% sunflower oil, 1% span 80, 0.2% tween 80, (w/w)) and investigate the effects on the water barrier characteristics of fresh-cut cantaloupe and strawberries. To this end, a uniform and continuous edible film formation was achieved (0.187 ± 0.076 mm and 0.235 ± 0.077 mm for cantaloupe and strawberries, respectively) with an additional immersion step into a calcium solution at the very beginning of the coating process. The coating application was effective in significantly reducing the water loss (%) of the cantaloupe pieces. However, no significant effect was observed in water vapor resistance results and weight change measurements in a climate chamber (80%→60% relative humidity (RH) at 10 °C). External packaging conditions (i.e., closed, perforated, and open) were not significantly effective on water activity (aw) values of cantaloupe, but were effective for strawberry values. In general, the coating application promoted the water loss of strawberry samples. Additionally, the water vapor transmission rate of stand-alone films was determined (2131 g·100 µm/(m2·d·bar) under constant environmental conditions (23 °C, 100%→50% RH) due to the ability to also evaluate the efficacy in ideal conditions.

The purpose of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, we verify effectiveness of alternatives solutes to sucrose solution as osmotic agents, while on the other hand we intend to analyze modeling transfer parameters, using different models. There has also been proposed a new mass transfer parameter—true water loss, which includes actual solid gain during the process. Additional consideration of a new ratio (Cichowska et al. Ratio) can be useful for better interpretation of osmotic dehydration (OD) in terms of practical applications. Apples v. Elise were dipped into 30% concentrated solutions of erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to remove some water from the tissue. To evaluate the efficiency of these solutes, 50% concentrated sucrose solution was used as a control. All of the tested osmotic agent, except maltitol, were effective in the process as evidenced by high values in the true water loss parameter. Solutions of erythritol and xylitol in 30% concentrate could be an alternative to sucrose in the process of osmotic dehydration. Peleg’s, Kelvin–Voigt, and Burgers models could fit well with the experimental data. modeling of mass transfer parameters, using Peleg’s model can be satisfactorily supplemented by Kelvin–Voigt and Burgers model for better prediction of OD within the particular periods of the process.

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of osmotic solutions and temperature on the osmotic dehydration (OD) of two cultivars of kiwiberry. OD was carried out in sucrose, xylitol and maltitol solutions at 30 °C and 50 °C, respectively. The process of osmotic dehydration was described by the means of water loss (WL), solid gain (SG), weight reduction (WR), and water content changes. Moreover, dehydration was described by mathematical models often used in the literature. The highest WL, WR and SG values were observed for samples treated by xylitol and maltitol at 50 °C. The statistical analysis of the mathematical modelling of the process showed that in most cases, the Peleg’s equation exhibits better fitting for the experimental data.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of selected compounds from the polyol group, as well as other saccharides, on the osmotic dehydration process of apples. The following alternative solutions were examined: erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, inulin and oligofructose. Efficiency of the osmotic dehydration process was evaluated based on the kinetics of the process, and through comparison of the results obtained during the application of a sucrose solution. This innovative research utilizes alternative solutions in osmotic pretreatment, which until now, have not been commonly used in fruit processing by researchers worldwide. Results indicate that erythritol and xylitol show stronger or similar efficiency to sucrose; however, the use of inulin, as well as oligofructose, was not satisfactory due to the insufficient, small osmotic driving forces of the process, and the low values of mass transfer parameters.

Basil ( Ocimum sp.) is one of the world's most famous culinary fresh herbs, characterized by rapid growth that makes it particularly suitable for hydroponic cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the adaptability of six types of basil to a closed-loop hydroponic system (floating raft system) and their post-harvest performance. Twenty-three days after transplantation, productivity, morpho-physiological performance, and mineral profile (by ion chromatography) were evaluated. At 3, 6, and 9 days after harvest, the loss of water from the from leaves stored at 10 °C in the dark was evaluated. Although the total fresh production of Thai, Mexican, and Genovese did not differ significantly, the latter provided a higher fresh leaf weight (16.52 g of plant -1 ) despite a lower leaf number (30.06 n. of plant -1 ). Nine days after harvest, Thai and Mexican showed the lowest water loss. Although Mexican Purple had the lowest net CO 2 assimilation, it accumulated the highest concentration of ascorbic acid (909.41 mg 100 g fw -1 ).

Gannan navel orange ( Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) is an economically important fruit, but postharvest loss occurs easily during storage. In this study, the effects of different temperatures, light illuminations, and low-temperature plasma treatments on the water loss and quality of the Gannan navel orange were investigated. The fruit began to rot after 90 d of storage at 5 °C and 20-45 d at 26 °C. Navel oranges stored at 26 °C had 7.2-fold and 3.1-fold higher rates of water loss at the early and late storage stages, respectively, as compared with those stored at 5 °C. Storage at 5 °C decreased the contents of total soluble solids at the early storage stage and the contents of titratable acids at the late storage stage, whereas storage at 26 °C decreased the contents of total soluble solids at the late storage stage and the contents of titratable acids at the early storage stage, respectively. Application of low-temperature plasma produced by air ionization for 6 min, or continuous blue or red light illumination significantly inhibited water loss within 7 and 21 d of storage at 22 °C, respectively, but exhibited no significant effect on fruit quality. Furthermore, the low-temperature plasma treatment protected against fruit rot. Thus, treatment with low-temperature plasma followed by storage at a low temperature under continuous red or blue light illumination was of potential value as a green technology for preserving Gannan navel orange during storage.

The factors of brine time, concentration, and temperature, affect the high-quality production of brined cabbage used in Kimchi. Although changes in Kimchi cabbage quality depending on brine time and concentration have been reported, changes in brine temperature have not been explored. Here, we optimized the brine process considering specific conditions of temperature (15-25 °C), concentration (10-14%), and osmosis duration (14-18 h) affecting the characteristics such as pH, titratable acidity, soluble solid content, glucose, fructose, and lactic acid bacteria and mass transport (salt gain, water loss, and weight reduction). The optimal parameters were determined using multivariate statistical analysis using the Box-Behnken design combined with response surface methodology. For each response as qualitative characteristics, second order polynomial models were developed using multiple regression analysis. Analysis of variance was performed to check the adequacy and accuracy of the fitted models. The brine temperature and concentration affected salt gain and water loss; the optimal brining temperature, concentration, and time were 19.17 °C, 10.53%, and 15.38 h, respectively. Statistical regression analysis indicated that standardized brined cabbage can be produced efficiently using a brining tank at controllable temperature.

Plasticizers and the water migration of edible protein films during storage can result in changes in film properties, while specific changing processes need to be further explored. In this study, glycerol-plasticized soy protein isolate (SPI) films were stored at 25 °C, 4 °C, and -18 °C for 6 weeks (relative humidity (RH), 40-50%). The glycerol migration was monitored by the glycerol migration rate and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Water content, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to analyze the water state. The results showed that significant pores and cracks were observed after storage at 25 °C. The proportion of bound water gradually increased, and the glycerol migration rate also reached 1.3% and 0.7% at 25 °C and 4 °C, respectively. The results proved that increasing the storage temperature accelerated the loss of water and glycerol, and decreased the mechanical properties of the SPI film.

Weight loss and decay are common physiological disorders during postharvest handling and storage of pomegranates. The study focused on relating the ability of plastic liners as internal packaging to modify both gaseous and moisture atmosphere around the fruit to moisture dynamics and physical and physiological quality of pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful) during storage. Fruit were packed with no-liner, non-perforated 'Decco', non-perforated 'Zoe', micro-perforated Xtend ® , 2 mm macro-perforated high density polyethylene (HDPE), and 4 mm macro-perforated HDPE plastic liners. After 84 days of storage at 5 °C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH), fruit packed with no-liner lost 15.6 ± 0.3% of initial weight. Non-perforated (Decco and Zoe) liners minimised losses to 0.79 and 0.82% compared to Xtend ® micro-perforated (4.17%) and 2 mm HDPE (2.44%) and 4 mm macro-perforated HDPE (4.17%) liners, respectively. Clearly, micro- and macro-perforation of liners minimised moisture condensation, fruit decay, and shrivel severity. Micro-perforated Xtend ® and macro-perforated 4 mm HDPE were the best treatments in minimising postharvest losses that are often associated with inadequate environment control inside packaging compared to the use of non-perforated liners.

Respiratory water loss during metabolic gas exchange is an unavoidable cost of living for terrestrial insects. It has been suggested to depend on several factors, such as the mode of gas exchange (convective vs. diffusive), species habitat (aridity), body size and measurement conditions (temperature). We measured this cost in terms of respiratory water loss relative to metabolic rate (respiratory water cost of gas exchange; RWL/V˙CO2) for adults of two insect species, the speckled cockroach ( Nauphoeta cinerea ) and the darkling beetle ( Zophobas morio ), which are similar in their mode of gas exchange (dominantly convective), habitat (mesic), body size and measurement conditions, by measuring gas exchange patterns using flow-through respirometry. The speckled cockroaches showed both continuous and discontinuous gas exchange patterns, which had significantly a different metabolic rate and respiratory water loss but the same respiratory water cost of gas exchange. The darkling beetles showed continuous gas exchange pattern only, and their metabolic rate, respiratory water loss and respiratory cost of gas exchange were equivalent to those cockroaches using continuous gas exchange. This outcome from our study highlights that the respiratory water cost of gas exchange is similar between species, regardless of gas exchange pattern used, when the confounding factors affecting this cost are controlled. However, the total evaporative water cost of gas exchange is much higher than the respiratory cost because cuticular water loss contributes considerably more to the overall evaporative water loss than respiratory water. We suggest that the total water cost of gas exchange is likely to be a more useful index of environmental adaptation (e.g., aridity) than just the respiratory water cost.

Plant proteases, the proteolytic enzymes that catalyze protein breakdown and recycling, play an essential role in a variety of biological processes including stomatal development and distribution, as well as, systemic stress responses. In this review, we summarize what is known about the participation of proteases in both stomatal organogenesis and on the stomatal pore aperture tuning, with particular emphasis on their involvement in numerous signaling pathways triggered by abiotic and biotic stressors. There is a compelling body of evidence demonstrating that several proteases are directly or indirectly implicated in the process of stomatal development, affecting stomatal index, density, spacing, as well as, size. In addition, proteases are reported to be involved in a transient adjustment of stomatal aperture, thus orchestrating gas exchange. Consequently, the proteases-mediated regulation of stomatal movements considerably affects plants' ability to cope not only with abiotic stressors, but also to perceive and respond to biotic stimuli. Even though the determining role of proteases on stomatal development and functioning is just beginning to unfold, our understanding of the underlying processes and cellular mechanisms still remains far from being completed.