Water Availability Research Articles

Middle ear ventilation tubes and water precautions: A survey of otolaryngologists and pediatricians on their recommendations.

Introduction. Middle-ear ventilation tubes are commonly placed in pediatric patients because of the high frequency of otitis media. Although avoidance of water activity has been recommended to prevent otorrhea, studies indicate that exposure to water does not increase these episodes. However, a survey in the northwestern United States showed low adherence to these guidelines. This study evaluates the current recommendations of otolaryngologists and pediatricians on water exposure in patients with ventilation tubes. Population and methods. We surveyed 235 health professionals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and other countries, including general otolaryngologists, pediatric otolaryngologists, otologists, residents, and pediatricians. The questionnaire addressed tubing preferences, swimming recommendations, and depth limits. Results. A total of 87.62% of respondents preferred diabolos as ventilation tubes. Regarding swimming, 54% recommended protection, such as earplugs or caps, while 28.5% prohibited aquatic activity. Permissiveness varied according to age and specialty; residents and pediatricians were the most permissive. One-third allowed only shallow swimming, and 20% imposed no limits. Conclusion. Young professionals and pediatricians were the most permissive concerning water exposure. Within the subspecialties, pediatric otolaryngologists and pediatricians were the respondents who indicated the least restrictions on their patients.

Counteracting greenhouse gas and aerosol influences intensify global water seasonality over the past century

Variations in water availability seasonality significantly impact society and ecosystems. While many studies have focused on mean or extreme precipitation, the response of water availability seasonality, influencing yearly water distribution beyond individual extremes, to human-induced climate change remains underexplored. Here we examine global and regional water availability seasonality changes from 1915 to 2014, quantifying how anthropogenic greenhouse gases and aerosols have influenced these variations using reanalysis and simulations from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. Despite large spatiotemporal uncertainties due to regional variability and model assumptions, we find that greenhouse gases significantly amplify the seasonality, while aerosols reduce it. Given that the positive effects of greenhouse gases surpass the aerosols’ negative effects, the counterbalancing influences have led to an overall enhancement in seasonality of water availability over the past century. This trend is expected to continue in the future as greenhouse gases-induced warming continues to rise and aerosol levels decline.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Flavor Quality Analysis of Fermented Jerky from Yanbian Beef Cattle

Beef jerky is a traditional meat product. It is uses beef as the main raw material, and is processed through multiple procedures such as curing, maturing, drying, sterilization, and packaging. However, changes in raw materials, curing solution, the choice of fermenter, and fermentation conditions affect the quality and flavor of beef jerky. Therefore, we investigated the effects of inoculation with Pentosaccharomyces schizococcus and Staphylococcus veal, both pre- and post-fermentation, on the physicochemical characteristics and flavor quality of Yanbian beef jerky. Key parameters, including pH, water activity, fundamental nutrients, and color, were measured, while qualitative and flavor characteristics were assessed using a texture meter, an electronic nose, and an electronic tongue. The results indicated that samples inoculated with the composite fermenter exhibited significant increases in ash content, hardness, total free amino acid concentration, and levels of specific flavor-enhancing amino acids compared to unfermented jerky (p < 0.05). In contrast, moisture content, pH, and water activity were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Three fatty acids—heptadecenoic acid, trans-oleic acid, and arachidonic acid—were identified for the first time in the fermented beef jerky. Furthermore, during the fermentation process, saturated fatty acid content was reduced by 21.88%, while polyunsaturated fatty acid content increased by 29.58% (p < 0.05).

Symbiotic fungi alter plant resource allocation independent of water availability.

The ability of plants to adapt or acclimate to climate change is inherently linked to their interactions with symbiotic microbes, notably fungi. However, it is unclear whether fungal symbionts from different climates have different impacts on the outcome of plant-fungal interactions, especially under environmental stress. We tested three provenances of fungal inoculum (originating from dry, moderate or wet environments) with one host plant genotype exposed to three soil moisture regimes (low, moderate and high). Inoculated and uninoculated plants were grown in controlled conditions for 151 days, then shoot and root biomass were weighed and fungal diversity and community composition determined via amplicon sequencing. The source of inoculum and water regime elicited significant changes in plant resource allocation to shoots versus roots, but only specific inocula affected total plant biomass. Shoot biomass increased in the high water treatment but was negatively impacted by all inoculum treatments relative to the controls. The opposite was true for roots, where the low water treatment led to greater proportional root biomass, and plants inoculated with wet site fungi allocated significantly more resources to root growth than dry- or moderate-site inoculated plants and the controls. Fungal communities of shoots and roots partitioned by inoculum source, water treatment, and the interaction of the two. The provenance of fungi can significantly affect total plant biomass and resource allocation above- and belowground, with fungi derived from more extreme environments eliciting the strongest plant responses.

Mare’s and Cow’s Milk Fortified with Flaxseed Oil Through Freeze-Drying Microencapsulation: Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties

The microencapsulation via freeze drying of flaxseed oil in cow and mare milk was analyzed. The physicochemical and nutritional properties of the four obtained freeze-dried powder products were comparatively analyzed: microencapsulated and fortified with flaxseed oil cow milk (CMFO) and mare milk (MMFO), as well as pure cow milk (CM) and pure mare milk (MM). The moisture content, water activity, particle size distribution (PSD), loose and tapped bulk densities, flowability, color, and fatty acid profiles of the freeze-dried powders as well as the PSD of reconstituted emulsion droplets were investigated. For both types of milk, the fortified products achieved lower moisture content and water activity, higher loose and tapped bulk densities, better flowability, and lower particle sizes for the reconstituted emulsion droplets. The PSDs of the powders and reconstituted emulsion droplets showed significantly lower levels for the mare milk products than the cow milk products. The atherogenic index (AI) and thrombogenic index (TI) of cow milk products were three and six times higher than those for mare milk products, respectively. In both types of milk, fortified products did not show differences in their AI and TI values, except for the TI for cow milk (where CMFO < CM). The hypercholesterolemia fatty acid index (HcFA), hypocholesterolemic acids (DFAs), hypercholesterolemic acids content (OFA), and n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio showed greater health benefits from mare milk products. Fortification with flaxseed oil showed increased health-promoting properties in the case of the DFA and OFA parameters (for mare milk) and n-6/n-3 ratio (for cow milk).

Water Balance and Climate of the Ipojuca River Water Basin – Pernambuco, Brazil

The objective is to carry out the analysis of the climatic water balance and make a comparison between the municipalities surrounding the Ipojuca River basin, using the applications of climatic indices and aridity. The study area is the Ipojuca River – Pernambuco river basin, made up of twenty-seven municipalities. The rainfall data were provided by the Water and Climate Agency of the State of Pernambuco and thermal data were estimated by the Estima_T software corresponding to the years 1962 to 2018. For the climatic and agricultural suitability analysis, climatic indices of aridity and water availability were applied to the vegetation. The aridity index was calculated using the UNEP formulation, the climatic classifications, using the aridity index or dry month, recommended by Gaussen. Municipalities with higher altitudes provide conditions for better natural development of vegetation followed by greater potential for the development of agricultural activities, when compared to municipalities at lower altitudes. A marked change was observed between the climatic conditions of municipalities with high and low altitudes in the basin area, with emphasis on water deficits and high temperatures. Marked disputes between climate variability in municipalities at higher and lower altitudes were recorded in water deficits and inter-municipal thermal fluctuations.

Water Reuse: Contribution of a Decision Support Model

Sustainability seeks to strike a balance between preserving the environment and meeting human needs without compromising future generations. In this context, and considering the effects of climate change on water availability, water reuse is emerging as an alternative to conventional water sources for various purposes, contributing to sustainability. Water reuse projects are, in general, not simple to implement due to different technical, environmental, social and economic aspects. In this paper, a support decision model for water reuse projects is presented, identifying relevant indicators and parameters. Based on a literature review, four indicators or dimensions (technical, social, environmental and economic) and twelve parameters (e.g., WWTP safety, transport complexity, existence of legislation, risk to health and environment, energy consumption, degree of acceptance and required investment and operation and maintenance costs) are proposed. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method is used as a component of the model to determine the weights of the indicators and parameters in order to allow the calculation of a reuse feasibility index (RFI). The developed model was applied to the city of Aquiraz, Ceará, Brazil, and the RFI found was 82%, which means that the water reuse project had very high viability. The results underwent a sensitivity analysis, which confirms the consistency of the conclusions.

Modeling Temperature and Moisture Dynamics in Corn Storage Silos: A Comparative 2D and 3D Approach

Grain storage in silos plays a fundamental role in preserving the quality and safety of agricultural products. This study presents a comparative evaluation of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) mathematical models to predict the temperature and moisture distribution during unventilated corn storage in cylindrical silos with conical roofs. The models incorporate external temperature fluctuations, solar radiation, grain moisture equilibrium with air humidity via sorption isotherm (water activity), and grain respiration to simulate real-world storage conditions. The 2D model offers computational efficiency and is suitable for preliminary assessments but simplifies natural convection effects and underestimates axial temperature gradients. Conversely, the 3D model provides a detailed representation of heat and moisture transfer phenomena, capturing complex interactions such as buoyancy-driven flow and localized effects of solar radiation. The results reveal that temperature and moisture accumulation are more pronounced in the upper regions of the silo, driven by solar radiation and natural convection, with significant implications for large-scale silos where thermal inertia plays a key role. This dual modeling approach demonstrates that while the 2D model is valuable for quick evaluations, the 3D model is essential for comprehensive insights into thermal and moisture gradients. The findings support informed decision-making in silo design, optimization, and management, enhancing grain storage strategies globally.

Warming accelerated phosphorus release from the sediment of Lake Chaohu during the decomposition of algal residues: A simulative study.

Algal decomposition plays an important role in affecting phosphorus (P) release from sediments in eutrophic lakes under global warming. Yet how rising air temperature affect endogenous P release from sediments during the algal decomposition is poorly understood. In this study, effect of increasing air temperature on endogenous P release was investigated. A 22-day laboratory warming simulation experiment was conducted, with the overlying water and sediments collected from Lake Chaohu incubated in microcosms at three temperatures (21, 28 and 37°C). Dynamics of P fractions and related physiochemical properties in water and sediments were measured, and P release rate from sediments was calculated. Rising air temperature significantly reduced redox potential, but elevated pH, dissolved organic carbon (C) and alkaline phosphatase activity in water. For the average value during incubation, rising temperature significantly elevated P release rate and soluble reactive P by 3 times in overlying water, and greatly reduced total organic P (by 19.0%) in sediments, while did not affect total inorganic P in sediments. The NH4Cl-Po and NaHCO3-Po concentrations in sediments showed the greatest decrease (accounting for 97.6% of total decrease) during the experiment. Dynamics of P release rate, soluble reactive P, dissolved organic C in water and organic P, total organic C in sediments during incubation were also differed among different temperatures. The P release rate was significantly and negatively correlated with dissolved organic C and redox potential at all temperatures, negatively correlated with sediment inorganic P at 21°C, while negatively correlated with sediment organic P at 37°C. The results revealed that rising temperature strongly stimulated endogenous P release from sediments during the decay of algal residues, which was mainly due to the acceleration of organic P mineralization Warming-induced changes in the amount and dynamics of dissolved organic C played the dominant role in accelerating P release from sediments.

Metal–Organic Framework-Assisted Atmospheric Water Harvesting Enables Cheap Clean Water Available in an Arid Climate: A Perspective

Extracting water directly from the atmosphere seems to be a perfect way to solve the water scarcity facing 2 billion people; however, traditional Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) lacks the ability to adsorb water molecules in an arid climate. Porous materials are capable of assisting water adsorption; however, currently, only certain customizable Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are able to meet the standard of adsorbing water molecules at low humidity and releasing water at low temperatures at certain times that can realize assisted AWH’s practical and energy-efficient use (Energy consumption < 5kWh/L-water). From this perspective, we offer a concise review of the advancements in enhanced AWH technologies, delve into the attributes of appropriate MOFs, and offer insights into the potential and future directions of MOFs–AWH. In conclusion, we underscore that that the development of designable MOFs holds the key to the widespread practical implementation of AWH, promising the availability of affordable clean water anywhere in the world.

Ensuring Africa’s Food Security by 2050: The Role of Population Growth, Climate-Resilient Strategies, and Putative Pathways to Resilience

Africa is grappling with severe food security challenges driven by population growth, climate change, land degradation, water scarcity, and socio-economic factors such as poverty and inequality. Climate variability and extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, are intensifying food insecurity by reducing agricultural productivity, water availability, and livelihoods. This study examines the projected threats to food security in Africa, focusing on changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events. Using an Exponential Growth Model, we estimated the population from 2020 to 2050 across Africa’s five sub-regions. The analysis assumes a 5% reduction in crop yields for every degree of warming above historical levels, with a minimum requirement of 225 kg of cereals per person per year. Climate change is a critical factor in Africa’s food systems, with an average temperature increase of approximately +0.3 °C per decade. By 2050, the total food required to meet the 2100-kilocalorie per adult equivalent per day will rise to 558.7 million tons annually, up from 438.3 million tons in 2020. We conclude that Africa’s current food systems are unsustainable, lacking resilience to climate shocks and relying heavily on rain-fed agriculture with inadequate infrastructure and technology. We call for a transformation in food systems through policy reform, technological and structural changes, solutions to land degradation, and proven methods of increasing crop yields that take the needs of communities into account.

Utilization of Encapsulated Seabuckthorn and Spirulina for the Development of Functional Bread

Bread is one of the staple foods and largely consumed throughout the globe. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds possess numerous health benefits. Spirulina also known as ‘Food of the future’ is source of good quality protein, fiber and other nutrients. The aim of the study was to develop bread from encapsulated seabuckthorn and spirulina powder and to evaluate the proximate composition of bread. The result showed that the colour L*, a* and b* value of bread increases with increases encapsulated seabuckthorn at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15%. The loaf weight and volume also increase while the specific volume and crust to crumb ratio decreases with addition of encapsulated seabuckthorn (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15%) and spirulina powder (3%) in the bread. The addition of encapsulated seabuckthorn (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15%) and spirulina powder (3%) in the bread increased the crude protein content, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate whereas the moisture, water activity and energy decreased. The study has shown that the functional bread can be developed from encapsulated seabuckthorn and spirulina powder which would enhance the nutrition and prevent malnutrition.

Effects of banana peel flour (Musa paradisiaca AAB (sub-group Pisang Nangka)) substitution on physicochemical and sensory properties of bun

This study focused on the utilisation of banana peel flour (BPF) as a potential substitute for wheat flour in buns, addressing both agriculture waste reduction and enhanced bun nutritional value. The widespread cultivation of bananas results in surplus by-products, particularly discarded peels, contributing to organic waste accumulation. Given the recognition of valuable compounds within banana peels and concerns surrounding wheat consumption, investigating BPF's feasibility as an alternative flour is paramount. The specific aims encompass assessing BPF's physicochemical attributes relative to wheat flour and evaluating sensory and physicochemical characteristics of BPF-incorporated buns compared to conventional wheat flour buns. Analysis of BPF revealed reduced moisture and water activity, and increased ash, minerals, crude fibre, and total soluble solids compared to wheat flour. The intensified red-yellow hues in BPF, attributed to the Maillard browning reaction, signify potential sensorial alterations. Upon substitution, bun hardness, gumminess, chewiness, mineral content, and crude fibre increased, while L* and b* values declined in both crumb and crust. The incorporation of 5% BPF had a milder impact on overall bun acceptance than a 10% substitution level. This gradual integration of BPF suggests a plausible way to replace wheat flour, effectively addressing waste reduction, enhancing environmental sustainability, and bolstering nutritional composition. Future research could delve into exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of BPF, unlocking innovative possibilities for utilising agricultural by-products, thereby advancing sustainable and nutritionally enriched food production.

New Evidence for Cotinus coggygria Scop. Extracts Application in Gastrointestinal Ailments

Background/Objectives: Cotinus coggygria Scop. is traditionally used for treatment of various gastrointestinal ailments. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical profile and biological activities of leaves, bark and flowers extracts of C. coggygria. Methods: Phytochemical analysis was performed using HPLC. The antimicrobial activity of water and methanolic extracts of C. coggygria leaves, bark and flowers towards various oral fungal and bacterial strains of clinical origin was tested by use of a microdilution assay. Additionally, their cytotoxic activity was determined against different gastrointestinal carcinoma cell lines (CAL27, FaDu, SW480, HCT116 and MRC-5) in concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 400 µg/mL for 48 and 72 h. Results: The presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as sulfuretin, gallic acid, rutin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrine was detected. Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus parasanguinis, and Candida tropicalis were the most sensitive microbiological species, with MICs of 0.12 mg/mL for the most effective extracts. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity of the samples against different gastrointestinal carcinoma cell lines (CAL27, FaDu, SW480, HCT116, and MRC-5) was determined in concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 400 µg/mL. Among the tested samples, the methanolic leaf extract exhibited the highest cytotoxic capacity, and the possible mechanism could be related to its inhibitory effect on the release of proinflammatory cytokine in CD4+ cells. Conclusions: The traditional use of C. coggygria for gastrointestinal diseases may be substantiated by its ability to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms and its promising cytotoxic properties. The methanolic leaf and flower extracts show significant potential for future clinical applications, and further studies are warranted to explore their mechanisms and applications in medical treatments.

Assessing the Impacts of Water Diversion Project on Water Resource System Sustainability

ABSTRACTInterbasin water diversion project has been considered as an effective way to assure water resource system sustainability. In order to assess the impacts of water diversion on sustainability, we propose a framework in terms of reliability, resilience, and vulnerability. The estimated water availability from hydrological models and the projected water demand are input to a water resource allocation model. The water resource allocation model allocates the two available water sources (i.e., the local and the diverted water) in the water‐receiving areas. The differences of the allocated water resources between these two water sources are figured out to quantify the impacts of water diversion on water resource system sustainability. The water‐receiving area of Bailong River Water Diversion Project, located in Gansu, China, was selected as a case study. The results show that compared to the reference planning years, the runoff in future planning years will be reduced, while their water demands will almost increase under all scenarios. Although the current designed water diversion scheme is effective in increasing resilience, there is still potential for increasing resilience through optimizing the designed scheme. Further, the more unfavorable the water supply and demand conditions are, the larger the space for optimizing the system sustainability. This study can help understand the impacts of water diversion on water resource system sustainability in a changing environment.

Occurrence of <i>Salmonella</i> and presumptive <i>Bacillus cereus</i> in sesame products from Swiss retail stores

Sesame products such as tahini (tahin) or halva (halwa or helva), originating from Arabic cuisine, are becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. Pathogens, such as Salmonella, can contaminate sesame products, as evidenced by various product recalls. In this study, the occurrence of Salmonella and Bacillus cereus group members was investigated in 100 sesame products (25 sesame seeds, 16 halva, 19 different sesame pastes, 7 sesame bars, 25 hummus, and 8 other products containing sesame) collected from Swiss retail stores. None of the products were positive for Salmonella, whereas B. cereus group members could be detected with bacterial counts between 1×102 and 9×102 CFU/g in 11 out of 100 (11%) products. The 11 isolates identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight were whole-genome sequenced with Illumina technology to confirm the identity of the pathogen, determine its toxin gene profile, and perform panC typing. Most of the isolates harbored genes encoding the enterotoxins Nhe, Hbl, and CytK. The isolates were assigned to diverse B. cereus group members, including one identified as B. cytotoxicus. In addition, one of the isolates matched genetically with the Thurigiensis strain used in biopesticide products. In conclusion, none of the investigated sesame products contained significant levels of Salmonella or B. cereus group members. However, as B. cereus with pathogenic potential was detected in multiple samples, proper storage is crucial to prevent its growth and ensure consumer safety, especially for products with high water activity such as hummus.

Effects of Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato Lyophilized Powder on the Physicochemical Properties, Lactic Acid Bacteria Viability, Microstructure, and Textural Properties of Stirred Yogurt

This study proposes the use of lyophilized powder of purple-fleshed sweet potato (LP) as a new multifunctional ingredient to improve the identity and quality parameters of stirred yogurts. The physical and chemical properties, color, monomeric anthocyanin content, lactic acid bacteria viability, water retention capacity, microstructure, and texture were evaluated for yogurts enriched with LP at the levels of 2% (YLP2), 4% (YLP4), and 6% (YPL6), stored for 30 days under refrigeration (4 °C). The results indicated that LP provided different intensities and shades of pink coloration to yogurt, in addition to increasing (p < 0.05) the water retention capacity and reducing the water activity. No post-acidification processes were observed during storage. YLP2, YLP4, and YLP6 showed higher stability regarding the number of viable lactic acid bacteria cells compared to the control sample (without enrichment) during storage. Interstitially, adding LP improved the microstructures of the yogurts, promoting more cross-linked networks, with greater uniformity and smaller empty zones, regardless of the level used; in addition, the yogurts (YLP4 and YLP6) were firmer and creamier. These findings demonstrate that LP can be used as a multifunctional ingredient to promote technological/functional improvements, being underscored as a promising natural colorant, stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener for yogurts.

Water Activity as an Indicator for Antibody Storage Stability in Lyophilized Formulations.

Lyophilization remains a key method for preserving sensitive biopharmaceuticals such as monoclonal antibodies. Traditionally, stabilization mechanisms have been explained by vitrification, which minimizes molecular mobility in the lyophilized cake, and water replacement, which restores molecular interactions disrupted by water removal. This study proposes a novel design strategy that combines water activity and glass-transition temperature as the main indicators to predict long-term stability in lyophilized formulations. The water activity, calculated as the product of water activity coefficient and (residual) water content, serves as a mutual indicator of molecular interactions and influence of residual water content in the lyophilizate. By predicting beneficial excipient combinations through activity coefficient calculations using the perturbed-chain statistical association fluid theory model and calculating Tg using the Gordon-Taylor equation, the study identifies favorable excipient systems, such as sucrose/ectoine mixtures, providing formulation windows that offer broad stability ranges. The approach was validated with stability studies, confirming that formulations within a water activity range of 0.025-0.25 exhibit high (long-term) stability. This work advances formulation development by integrating water-excipient interactions and residual moisture content into a predictive model, moving beyond traditional empirical methods and offering a robust pathway to the design of stable biopharmaceutical formulations. This makes it possible to achieve high/favorable water activities despite low residual moisture (thus, high glass-transition temperatures) with plausible excipient concentrations and combinations.

Storage Stability and Probiotic Viability of Foxtail Millet Probiotic Powder Enriched with High Protein and Fiber

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the storage stability of foxtail millet probiotic powder enriched with high protein and dietary fiber under two storage conditions: room temperature (27 ± 1°C) and refrigeration temperature (7 ± 1°C). Study Design: This was an experimental, laboratory-based study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Science College, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, between January 2024 and October 2024. Methodology: Foxtail millet probiotic powder enriched with high protein and dietary fiber was stored in polypropylene sachets under two storage conditions: room temperature and refrigeration temperature. Samples were systematically drawn at 7-day intervals and analyzed for key quality parameters, including probiotic viability, microbial contaminants, water activity, moisture content, alcoholic acidity, and pH. Statistical analyses were performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with a 5% significance level. A critical difference (CD) value was employed to determine the statistical significance of observed variations between treatments over the storage period. Results: The storage stability of the optimized foxtail millet probiotic dry mix was assessed at both room temperature (27 ± 1°C) and refrigeration (7 ± 1°C) until spoilage or decline in probiotic viability below the threshold value. Probiotic viability declined significantly under both conditions, with a reduction from 11.04 log₁₀ CFU/g to 8.88 log₁₀ CFU/g at room temperature and 8.81 log₁₀ CFU/g under refrigeration. Water activity and moisture content increased over time, reflecting the hygroscopic nature of the mix, while alcoholic acidity rose significantly in both storage conditions. Despite these changes, the mix maintained probiotic viability above the therapeutic threshold (9 log₁₀ CFU/g) for 84 days at room temperature and 105 days under refrigeration, demonstrating its potential as a stable functional food product. Conclusion: The storage study of foxtail millet probiotic powder demonstrated its stability under both refrigeration and ambient conditions, with probiotic viability exceeding the 1 billion CFU/g threshold for up to 105 days and 84 days, respectively. Significant changes in water activity, moisture content, alcoholic acidity, and pH were observed, highlighting the product’s dynamic response to storage conditions.These results support the feasibility of developing shelf-stable, high-protein, high-fiber probiotic millet powders for the health-conscious market.

Simulation of the heat mitigation potential of unsealing measures in cities by parameterizing grass grid pavers for urban microclimate modelling with ENVI-met (V5)

Abstract. Many urban areas are characterized by both a growing population and an intensification of summer heat events in the context of climate change. Thus, more and more people are exposed to heat stress and corresponding health consequences. Measures for climate change adaptation, such as unsealing strategies, are needed in the existing urban fabric to reduce sensible heat flux by increasing latent heat flux to cool down the urban environment without requiring additional space or changing the basic function of the area. Unsealing measures like grass grid pavers (GGPs) can also help to reduce flooding risks due to increased infiltration and water storage capacities. Up to now, a parameterization of GGPs for microclimatic simulations is not available. To fill this research gap, we present a new GGP model parameterization developed for the fluid dynamics microclimate ENVI-met model based on field measurements with double-ring infiltrometers, etc., which can also be implemented in other microscale models in the field of urban climatology. To analyse the microclimatic effects and the cooling potential of this GGP parameterization, scenario analyses were performed using a validated ENVI-met model setup for an urban high-density study area in Cologne, Germany. An extreme scenario was designed to address the maximum cooling potential of the GGPs in comparison to the dominant sealed asphalt surfaces in the study area, along with a more realistic scenario with a usage-compatible installation of GGPs in the model domain only in side streets and inner courtyards while main streets remain sealed. We found a maximum cooling potential of up to −20.1 K for ground surface temperature and up to −7.1 K for air temperature at 1 m above ground level for the hottest hour of a simulated 3 d heat wave in summer 2022, which represents a 20-year heat event in Cologne. On spatial average, a decrease of up to −11.1 K for surface temperature and up to −2.9 K for air temperature was determined. On temporal average for the 3 d heat event, statistically significant mean temperature differences of −5.8 K for surface temperature and −1.1 K for air temperature were simulated. Cooling effects are more pronounced during the daytime for surface temperature, especially in unshaded areas, while cooling effects for air temperature are strongest during the nighttime. Model results also show that the entire air volume in the study area is cooled down due to this adaptation measure, even in areas of the domain where no surfaces have been unsealed in the scenario design. The more realistic GGP scenario shows cooling effects of a comparable magnitude to the extreme GGP scenario. Thus, even partial GGP unsealing is an effective adaptation measure for reducing extreme temperatures in cities if water availability is not limited.