Water Availability Research Articles

Sea spray allows for the growth of subaerial microbialites at the driest desert on Earth

Due to its extreme conditions, microbial life in the Atacama Desert is known to survive in well-protected micro-habitats (hypolithic, endolithic, etc.), but rarely directly exposed to the environment, that is, epilithic habitats. Here we report a unique site, La Portada, a cliff confronting the Pacific Ocean in the Coastal Range of this desert, in which the constant input of water provided by the sea spray allows for the growth of a black-colored epilithic subaerial microbial ecosystem. Formed by a complex community of halophilic microorganisms belonging to the three domains of life, this ecosystem displays the typical three-dimensional structure of benthic microbialites, coherent with the presence of a diversity of cyanobacteria (including species from the genera that are known to form them), a constant high water activity and an ample availability of carbonate ions. From these microbialites we isolated Hortae werneckii, a fungal species which by producing melanin, not only explains the dark color of these microbialites, but may also play the role of protecting the whole community from extreme UV radiation. A number of biosignatures not only confirmed sea spray as the main source of water, but also suggests that one place to consider for the search of evidences of life on Mars would be on the paleo-coastlines that surrounded vanished oceans such as that on Aeolis Dorsa.

Aromatic Herbs of the Lamiaceae Family as Functional Ingredients in Wheat Tortilla

The rationale for this research is the investigation of the potential health benefits as well as the antibacterial and antifungal properties of selected aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family, which may lead to the development of improved functional foods. The present study investigated the effects of incorporating dried aromatic plants Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus × citriodorus, Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis at a concentration of 1% in refined wheat flour and wholemeal flour on the production of functional tortillas. Sensory analysis was employed to identify the optimal 1% addition, with the objective of achieving a favorable flavor and aroma profile. It was hypothesized that this addition would affect water activity, moisture, texture, color, antioxidant content and phenolic content, thereby enhancing the tortillas as a source of bioactive compounds. The results indicated that the type of flour used had a significant impact on the water activity of the tortillas, with wholemeal flour resulting in higher water activity than refined flour. The water activity ranged between 0.735 and 0.821, while the water content remained relatively stable. The water activity in whole-grain tortillas was significantly higher than that of refined flour tortillas, with a value exceeding 0.8, which makes them susceptible to mold growth and the production of mycotoxins. The sensory evaluations indicated that the enriched refined flour tortillas with common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were rated highly; a similar result was observed for the whole-grain tortillas enriched with wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and lemon thyme. The whole-grain tortillas with rosemary were rated the highest of all the tortillas. The addition of aromatic plants increased the phenolic content and the antioxidant potential, depending on the flour type and the plant used. The addition of wild thyme and rosemary resulted in a significant increase in the phenolic content of wheat tortillas, while all enriched whole-grain tortillas exhibited a higher phenolic content than the control samples. The highest phenolic content in whole-grain tortillas was found in those fortified with rosemary, oregano and wild thyme. The highest antioxidant content was recorded in tortillas prepared with rosemary, irrespective of whether the flour used was refined or wholemeal. Fourteen phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in aromatic plants tested. The main phenolic compounds in Origanum vulgare were flavonoids. Rosmarinic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in rosemary and all thyme species, reaching the highest level in rosemary. Such high levels of rosmarinic acid may be responsible for the high antioxidant and total phenolic contents observed in rosemary extracts and also in tortillas when this plant is included in the recipe. The results of this study indicate that selected aromatic plants, particularly rosemary, have the potential to be utilized as functional ingredients in bakery products. By incorporating dried aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family into wheat flour tortillas, food manufacturers can create products that not only taste better but also provide added health benefits. The use of selected herbs can improve the nutritional profile of tortillas by increasing antioxidant properties and, due to the properties of herbs, extend the shelf life of the product.

Unraveling the ecological niche signals of Verticillium dahliae: Insights from Mediterranean landscapes.

Verticillium wilt (VW), caused by the soil-borne plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a major disease impacting olive crops globally. In view of the lack of effective post-infection treatments, exclusion and avoidance strategies are essential in disease management. Assessing the risks posed by this pathogen is essential to prevent the spread and to ensure selection of suitable sites for new plantations. This study aimed to elucidate the environmental factors driving V. dahliae establishment in the Andalusia region, in southern Spain, an emblematic Mediterranean landscape for olive cultivation. To this end, we explored ecological niche signals for this fungal pathogen by analyzing 62 environmental variables across 1.6 million hectares dedicated to olive and cotton cultivation, using a 15-yr survey data on VW incidence on presence-absence from both olive and cotton fields. To ensure robust identification of ecological niche signals, we employed randomization-based, non-parametric univariate tests to compare presence records with the broader sampling universe (including absence records). Our findings identified key environmental variables that are associated significantly with V. dahliae presence, including temperature range seasonality (including mean diurnal and annual ranges), summer temperature (maximum of the warmest month, mean of the warmest quarter), and moisture and water availability (near-surface humidity, potential evapotranspiration, vapor pressure) as core niche variables for V. dahliae. Our results replicated the pathogen's known distribution, identifying the Guadalquivir Valley as a particularly high-risk area in view of its mild winters and distinct rainy seasons, providing new insights into the specific environmental conditions that facilitate the pathogen's survival and spread. Furthermore, this study introduces a novel approach to niche modeling that prioritizes variables with consistent effects and significant impact on the presence and distribution of V. dahliae and identifies potential data artifacts. This approach enhances our understanding of ecological requirements in V. dahliae and informs targeted management strategies.

The Use of Beetroot Juice as an Impregnating Solution to Change Volatile Compounds, Physical Properties and Influence the Kinetics of the Celery Drying Process.

The effect of different methods of drying celery root enriched with beet juice by vacuum impregnation (VI) was studied. The process of convection drying, vacuum drying and freeze drying was carried out. Compared to dried indigenous celery, dry impregnated tissue was characterized by lower values of dry matter, L* and b* color parameters, as well as higher values of water activity, density and a* color parameter. In addition, VI reduced the drying time. Forty Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were found in celery, while fifty-one VOCs were found in the profile of celery with beetroot juice. The innovative method of vacuum impregnation made it possible to produce a new type of product with changed properties and a variable VOCs profile. The best fit of the drying process kinetics was achieved by using the logistic model. Increasing the temperature during convection drying resulted in shorter drying time, increased values of dry matter, reduced the water activity value and altered VOCs.

Thermodynamic modelling of gas hydrate dissociation conditions in porous medium in the presence of NaCl/methanol aqueous solution

AbstractDue to the growing significance of the existence of gas hydrates in natural media like the ocean floor/permafrost regions and the extraction of natural gas from hydrate reservoirs using thermodynamic hydrate inhibitors, investigating the dissociation of gas hydrates in porous media in the presence of inhibitors is crucial. This work examines a broad range of laboratory data on the dissociation conditions of gas hydrates in the porous mediums when salt/alcohol aqueous solutions are present. The temperature of gas hydrate dissociation in the presence of pure water is calculated using the van der Waals–Platteeuw solid solution theory. The water activity in the porous medium is then calculated by taking into account a number of variables, including the radius of the porous medium, molar volume, shape factor, wetting angle, and surface tension. The Pitzer and Margules activity coefficient models are used to determine the water activity in the presence of salt and alcohol, respectively. Lastly, the gas hydrate dissociation temperature in a porous medium in the presence of salt and/or alcohol aqueous solution is determined by combining Piereon's model with an enthalpy‐based correlation that was proposed by Azimi et al. The selected package can consistently correlate the gas hydrate dissociation conditions in a porous medium in the presence of alcohol or salt aqueous solution. The average absolute deviation (AAD) of 0.67 K for the whole data bank (90 experimental data points) shows the precision of the model.

Halal Labels and Religious Commitment: Their Impact on Bottled Water Purchases

Research Aims: To determine how halal labelling affects purchasing decisions for bottled drinking water products among Muslim students in Solo Design/methodology/approach: The study used quantitative descriptive analysis with primary data. The data analysis method used multiple linear regression analysis with independent variables, namely halal labelling (X1) and religiosity (X2). The number of samples in the study was 183 respondents. This study uses a purposive sampling technique with specific criteria. The study's dependent variable (Y) is the decision to purchase bottled drinking water Research Findings: halal labelling and religiosity have a positive and significant effect on customer decisions to buy bottled mineral water drinks. The value of the coefficient of determination concluded that the contribution of the independent variables in the regression model can explain the variation of the dependent variable by 48,6%. In contrast, the rest is explained by other variables outside the regression equation model. Based on the analysis results, actual steps need to follow up on purchasing decisions for halal bottled drinking water products, one of which is that the university can provide and facilitate the availability of bottled drinking water (AMDK) products on the campus. Besides increasing awareness of halal drinking water, it can also positively impact the development of halal products in universities in Solo. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: The research highlights the simultaneous and partial influence of halal labelling and religiosity on purchasing decisions for bottled drinking water in universities in Solo. This adds a nuanced understanding of consumer behavior in a specific religious and educational context. The study emphasizes the need for further research into the urgency of providing halal AMDK, suggesting that such products are crucial for consumer assurance. This calls attention to a potentially underserved market segment. Keywords: Halal Label, Religiosity, Purchase Decision, Bottled Drinking Water.

Determinants of household income and livelihood sustainability of coastal regions: evidence from south-western Bangladesh

The coast of south-western Bangladesh has been facing an increasing severity of climate stressors, thereby affecting the livelihoods of households. This has necessitated the importance of understanding the complex aspects of their sustainability. This study investigates factors influencing household income and livelihood sustainability of coastal residents in southwestern Bangladesh. A survey was carried out among 300 heads of households from the Kailashganj and Laudubi villages under Dacope sub-district of Khulna district (a climate-sensitive region) in Bangladesh. We utilized the composite livelihood sustainability index (LSI) and multiple linear regression to identify the factors influencing coastal households’ income. Findings revealed that the overall LSI among the households was 0.663 (moderate sustainability). Additionally, the highest LSI was found in terms of social capital and the lowest LSI was identified in terms of financial capital. The findings of the regression analysis indicated that monthly household income was positively and significantly influenced by its close linkages to local leaders (p < 0.05) and association with non-governmental organizations (p < 0.01). Moreover, economically active members (p < 0.01), more accessibility of commuting transportation (p < 0.01), and availability of water for irrigation (p < 0.01) were positively and significantly derived the monthly household income. Policymakers can use these results as a basis for formulating policies (e.g., enhancing the training and skill development programs as well as prioritizing investment in expanding irrigation systems) that can address the essential livelihood and income requirements of the community that is affected by climate change.

Enhancing Efficiency of the Minipe Left Bank Canal Irrigation System: A Strategic Approach

Minipe left bank canal faces a head-tail water imbalance due to insufficient water availability and inefficiency in water distribution. To address this issue, Minipe anicut is raised by 3.5m. Though ample water could be released, irrigation water would not be dispersed adequately along the canal due to mis-usage and mismanagement. The study aims to establish an operational pattern for the canal to deliver adequate water to the entire command area during both the Yala and Maha seasons. Simulation models were used to model the canal's operational pattern, including inflows and irrigation demands. Catchment areas, which bring water to the Minipe Left Bank canal, were delineated using ArcGIS software, and inflows were estimated using HEC-HMS software. Crop water requirements were estimated using CROPWAT program. A system simulation model developed usingWEAP software was used to simulate irrigation system operation. Nine management scenarios were evaluated, including introducing new cropping patterns, shifting sowing dates, increasing Minipe anicut discharges, and reducing the command area. The study found that introducing a 70% paddy crop pattern, advancing the sowing date by two weeks, and raising the Minipe anicut discharge by 15% significantly reduce unmet demands. Implementing these improvements could result in a 75% reduction in unmet demand.

FACTOR FOR CORRECTING THE RAINFALL OF CHIRPS SATELLITE DATA AGAINST OBSERVATION DATA ON THE CILIWUNG WATERSHED(CASE STUDY OF KEMAYORAN METEOROLOGI STATION)

The hydrological and environmental cycles in a river area strongly affect rainfall intensity and seasonal patterns. To accurately assess water resource capacity, precise rainfall data from each observation station is crucial. However, unevenly distributed rain gauges often challenge researchers, as insufficient data can hinder their analysis. In these situations, satellite images can provide valuable additional information.Aims: The objective of this study was to analyze the accuracy of CHIRPS satellite rainfall data from observation stations in the Ciliwung watershed, especially in the DKI Jakarta Province area, over the last 30 years (1993–2022).Methodology and results: Statistical analysis such as multiple linear regression with the stepwise method is used to analyze CHIRPS rainfall against observed rainfall data according to the location of the rain station. The validation results in this study show that the average results of the two observation stations have a value of R2 = 0.91 and NSE = 0.9068.Conclusion, significance and impact study: CHIRPS data can be categorized as very good if used as an alternative to limited observational rainfall data, which can then be used in analyzing water availability in the Ciliwung watershed (Jakarta).

A machine-learning enabled digital-twin framework for next generation precision agriculture and forestry

This work utilizes the modern synergy between flexible, rapid, simulations and quick assimilation of data in order to develop next-generation tools for precise biomass management of large-scale agricultural and forestry systems. Additionally, when integrated with satellite and drone-based digital elevation technologies, the results lead to digital replicas of physical systems, or so-called digital-twins, which offer a powerful framework by which to optimally manage agricultural and forestry assets. Specifically, this enables the investigation of inverse problems seeking to ascertain ideal parameter combinations, such as the number of plants/trees, plant/tree spacing, light intensity, water availability, soil resources, available planting surface area, initial seedling size, genetic variation, etc. to obtain optimal system performance. Towards this goal, a digital-twin framework is developed, consisting of a rapid computational physics engine to simulate an agricultural installation, containing thousands of growing, interacting, plants/trees. This model is then driven by a machine-learning algorithm to obtain optimal parameter sets that match observed statistical representations of a time series of growing agricultural canopy surfaces, measured by digital elevation models. Model simulations are provided to illustrate the approach and to show how such a tool can be used for large-scale biomass management.

Climate Regimes across the Habitable Zone: A Comparison of Synchronous Rocky M and K Dwarf Planets

M and K dwarf stars make up 86% of the stellar population and host many promising astronomical targets for detecting habitable climates in the near future. Of the two, M dwarfs currently offer greater observational advantages and are home to many of the most exciting observational discoveries in the last decade. But K dwarfs could offer even better prospects for detecting habitability by combining the advantages of a relatively dim stellar flux with a more stable stellar environment. Here we explore the climate regimes that are possible on Earth-like synchronous planets in M and K dwarf systems, and how they vary across the habitable zone. We focus on surface temperature patterns, water availability, and implications for habitability. We find that the risk of nightside cold trapping decreases with increased orbital radius and is overall lower for K dwarf planets. With reduced atmospheric shortwave absorption, K dwarf planets have higher dayside precipitation rates and less day-to-night moisture transport, resulting in lower nightside snow rates. These results imply a higher likelihood of detecting a planet with a moist dayside climate in a habitable “eyeball” climate regime orbiting a K dwarf star. We also show that “terminator habitability” can occur for both M and K dwarf land planets, but would likely be more prevalent in M dwarf systems. Planets in a terminator habitability regime tend to have slightly lower fractional habitability, but offer alternative advantages including instellation rates more comparable to Earth in regions that have temperatures amenable to life.

Osmodehydrofreezing of Tomatoes: Optimization of Osmotic Dehydration and Shelf Life Modeling.

The objective was to review, using an integrated approach, all parameters related to osmotic dehydration, freezing, and frozen storage when assessing the advantages of the osmodehydrofreezing-ODF process. Peeled cherry tomatoes were treated at (T) 25, 35, and 45 °C (t) up to 180 min in glycerol-based OD-solution (50, 60, 70% w/w). OD was studied and optimized by applying the Response Surface Methodology, combined with selected desirability criteria to define the optimum process parameters. Water loss-WL, solid gain-SG, water activity reduction-aw, texture and color changes were monitored during the process. Untreated and OD-treated at optimal OD conditions (C = 61.5%, T = 36 °C; t = 72 min) samples were frozen and stored at isothermal (T, -5, -8, -14, -23 °C) and non-isothermal temperature conditions (Teff, -7.3 °C). OD samples presented acceptable color, increased firmness, low drip loss and high vitamin C/lycopene retention during frozen storage. OD increased the shelf life of frozen cherry tomato (up to 3.5 times based on sensory quality loss). The kinetic models obtained for vitamin and lycopene degradation and sensory quality loss were validated at non-isothermal conditions.

Deep desert aquifers as an archive for Mid- to Late Pleistocene hydroclimate: An example from the southeastern Mediterranean

Many efforts have been made to illuminate the nature of past hydroclimates in semi-arid and arid regions, where current and future shifts in water availability have enormous consequences on human subsistence. Deep desert aquifers, where groundwater is stored for prolonged periods, might serve as a direct record of major paleo-recharge events. To date, groundwater-based paleoclimate reconstructions have mainly focused on a relatively narrow timescale (up to ∼40 kyr), limited by the relatively short half-life of the widely used radiocarbon (5.73 kyr). Here we demonstrate the usage of deep regional aquifers in the arid southeastern Mediterranean as a hydroclimate archive for earlier Mid-to-Late Pleistocene epochs. State-of-the-art dating tools, primarily the 81Kr radioisotope (t1/2 = 229 kyr), were combined with other atmosphere-derived tracers to illuminate the impact of four distinguishable wetter episodes over the past 400 kyr, with differences in climatic conditions and paleo-recharge locations. Variations in stable water isotope composition suggest moisture transport from more proximal (Mediterranean) and distal (Atlantic) sources to different parts of the region at distinct times. Large variability in the computed noble gas-based recharge temperature (NGT), ranging ~15–30 °C, cannot be explained by climate variations solely, and points to different recharge pathways, including geothermal heating in the deep unsaturated zone and recharge from high-elevation (colder) regions. The obtained groundwater record complements and enhances the interpretation of other terrestrial archives in the arid region, including a contribution of valuable information regarding the moisture source origin as reflected in the deuterium-excess values, which is unattainable from the common practice analysis of calcitic cave deposits. We conclude that similar applications in other deep (hundred-m-order) regional groundwater systems (e.g., the Sahara desert aquifers) can significantly advance our understanding of long-term (up to 1 Myr) paleo-hydroclimate in arid regions, including places where no terrestrial remnants, such as cave, lake, and spring sediments, are available.

Optimizing plasma-activated water for enhanced microbial control in agricultural produce processing

The study utilized a pinhole plasma jet discharge system to generate plasma-activated water (PAW) for the removal of microbes on bird's eye chili. Optimal conditions for PAW generation were determined using response surface methodology, achieving maximum microbial inactivation. The novelty of this study lies in designing a PAW system model for agricultural cooperatives using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology, which integrates customer and engineer/designer perspectives. The results demonstrate a maximum 82.54% microbial removal rate on bird's eye chili under optimal conditions (e.g., exposure time = 20 min, Ar gas flow rate = 5 L/min, and O2 mixture = 2% Ar gas), indicating effective antimicrobial activity of plasma-activated water. Furthermore, a model of the PAW system for agricultural cooperatives, including cost and electrical power usage estimates, is proposed based on the correlation matrix of QFD. This conceptual PAW model for agricultural cooperatives warrants further investigation to assess its consistency in sterilization efficiency and long-term effects on treated agricultural products.

In Vitro Antifungal Efficacy of Allium Cepa And Allium Sativum: A Comparative Study with Commercial Drugs

In Vitro Antifungal Efficacy of Allium Cepa And Allium Sativum: A Comparative Study with Commercial Drugs

Spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of urban-rural water use from the production and domestic perspectives: A case study of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, China

Water scarcity is becoming serious with economic growth, causing water competition across various sectors. Previous studies have mostly explored water use in specific sectors, yet little is known about the water reallocation between urban and rural areas. Here, we investigate urban-rural water use from the production (agriculture and industry) and domestic (urban and rural household) perspectives during 2000–2022 in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, and identify their potential drivers. We find that urban water use changes little due to the offset of industrial and urban domestic use, while rural water use decreases significantly with the trend of 0.387 ± 0.026 billion m3/yr. Water use changes derive from the joint effects of accelerated human activities and decelerated water use intensity. Urbanization explains more variability in water use changes than water resource endowment. Population urbanization, accompanied with rural-to-urban water reallocation, is a primary cause for enlarged urban-rural gap in water use. Urban-rural gap in water use intensity is narrowing, mainly due to the greater decline in agriculture. This study concludes that urban system often withdraws the neighbor agricultural water when the local water availability cannot meet its growing demand, and our findings offer references for regional water resource management and urban-rural environmental justice.

Estimating exploitable groundwater for agricultural use under environmental flow constraints using an integrated SWAT-MODFLOW model

Traditionally, the impact of groundwater abstraction on streamflow and aquifers has been assessed primarily in terms of water availability and depletion, often neglecting critical environmental flow (Eflow) requirements. To address this gap, our study employed an Eflow perspective to evaluate exploitable groundwater for agricultural use at a watershed scale using an integrated modeling approach. We used the SWAT-MODFLOW model, integrating the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Modular Finite-Difference Flow Model (MODFLOW), to analyze water balance segments and stream-aquifer interactions in the study region. Eflow for different management classes was determined using the flow duration curve (FDC) approach. The FDC method classifies Environmental Flow Management Classes (EMC) from “A” (natural or minor alteration) to “F” (critically modified). The relationship between the selected EMC and simulated streamflow, under the pressure of agricultural groundwater pumping, served as a constraint in evaluating exploitable groundwater alongside groundwater level fluctuations. As the traditional approach depends on average recharge for determining exploitable groundwater, this study also assessed the spatiotemporal distribution of groundwater recharge. Simulation periods were aligned with agricultural pumping schedules. Results indicated that groundwater pumping significantly impacts streamflow at the start of the irrigation period. Under moderately affected EMC and with an average groundwater level fluctuation of one meter, the exploitable groundwater during the irrigation period can reach up to 2.96 Mm3/day. With this amount of pumping, the average groundwater discharge to streams declined by around 13 %. While groundwater level fluctuations near the watershed outlet were minimal, in the upstream area, levels could decrease by as much as 2.5 m. The groundwater level fluctuation underscores the necessity of accounting for both spatial and temporal factors, particularly in highly affected regions.

Preventing Fungal Spoilage from Raw Materials to Final Product: Innovative Preservation Techniques for Fruit Fillings.

Spoilage fungi are a significant cause of financial loss in the food and beverage industry each year. These fungi thrive in challenging environments characterized by low acidity, low water activity and high sugar content, all of which are common in fruit fillings used in pastry products. Fruit fillings are therefore highly susceptible to fungal spoilage. Fungal growth can cause sensory defects in foods, such as changes in appearance, odor, flavor or texture, and can pose health risks due to the production of mycotoxins by certain mold species. To reduce food loss and waste and extend product shelf-life, it is critical that we prevent fungal spoilage. Synthetic chemicals such as sorbic acid and potassium sorbate are commonly used as preservatives to prevent fungal spoilage. However, with consumer demand for 'natural' and 'chemical-free' foods, research into clean-label preservative alternatives to replace chemical preservatives has increased. The objectives of this review are (i) to provide an overview of the sources of fungal contamination in fruit filling production systems, from pre-harvest of raw materials to storage of the final product, and to identify key control factors; and (ii) to discuss preservation techniques (both conventional and novel) that can prevent fungal growth and extend the shelf-life of fruit fillings.

Innovative approach in pistachio processing: Effect of explosion puffing drying on the quality characteristics of dried pistachios

The study examined the impact of explosion puffing (EP) drying at varying pressure levels (70, 140, and 210 kPa) followed by vacuum drying for 85, 100, and 115 min on pistachio quality. EP drying significantly reduced drying time, moisture content, and water activity. Samples dried at the pressure of 210 kPa for 85 min (P3T1) had a crispy texture of the kernel (p < 0.05). EP drying decreased the density of the pistachio kernels (p < 0.05), which led to a porous structure and a more favorable texture. Peroxide value (POV) decreased at lower pressure and drying time (p < 0.05), and the lowest POV was observed at 70 kPa for 100 min (P1T2). The EP had no significant effects on the free fatty acid (FFA), dimensions, and shell splitting degree of pistachios (p < 0.05). Among the sensory attributes, the sensory scores of texture and overall acceptance were significantly higher than those of the control (p < 0.05). In general, the textural and sensory characteristics of pistachio samples and the shorter drying time (2.5 times) in the EP with the 210 kPa pressure for 85 min (P3T1) were better than the control sample and other EP treatments, and it is suggested as a new drying method for pistachio processing.

“A quantitative analysis on the adoption of soil, water, and forest conservation technologies in the upper Gelana watershed, Northeast Ethiopian highlands”

Globally, the degradation of soil, water, and forests has had a significant impact on both livelihoods and the environment. This issue is particularly severe in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Despite extensive efforts to implement conservation measures for soil, water, and forests in the highlands of Ethiopia, there has been a lack of thorough evaluation and documentation regarding the adoption of these practices by rural households. It is crucial to have scientific and up-to-date information at various spatial scales in order to effectively monitor existing practices, scale up successful initiatives, and promote sustainable regional development. Therefore, this paper focuses on analyzing the adoption of soil, water, and forest conservation activities by households in the upper Gelana watershed, South Wollo zone, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. The field data collection for this study took place from January to March 2022, from 150 rural household heads. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics, Pearson bivariate correlation, and multinomial logistic regression were used. The survey findings revealed that 69 % of the respondents had implemented various soil, water, and forest conservation measures at different stages. The Pearson correlation results indicated a positive relationship between the adoption of soil, water and forest conservation practices. The multinomial logistic regression analysis has revealed that age, gender, access to credit, and access to extension services, significantly influenced the households’ decision behaviour to adopt soil conservation practices. Age, access to extension service, and access to water resource were significant predictors of adoption of water conservation practices; whereas age, educational status, and access to extension service were significant predictors of adoption of forest conservation practices. This study underscores the significance of institutional factors in driving the adoption of technology in the research area. It further recommends policies that prioritize the dissemination of information on effective strategies, improvement of access to extension services, water resources, and credit facilities to promote sustainable watershed management. This study is exceptional in its innovative approach, which explores the convergence of these vital conservation domains within the distinct setting of the upper Gelana watershed. Studying the adoption of these technologies is crucial for informing policy-making and designing effective interventions that promote sustainable watershed practices. In this case, the Ministry of Agriculture, and development agents should scale up the adoption of these practices and take remedial actions for those not yet adopted.