Amount Of Moisture Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF A LINEAR REGRESSION MODEL BASED ON VEGETATION INDICES OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS

The article is devoted to the study of vegetation indices for assessing the productivity of agricultural crops of the North Kazakhstan Agricultural Experimental Station (NKAES) LLP. The research was carried out using a modern software package for processing satellite images, EOS Land Viewer. The work used images from the Landsat 8 (USA) and Sentitel 2 (European Space Agency) spacecraft. Digitized Earth remote sensing data for the last 3 years are presented, showing changes in the amount of moisture reserves on the territory of NKAES LLP. Time series of distribution of the studied coefficients were constructed according to different phases of active vegetation biomass in the study area. The resulting time series made it possible to identify annually repeating patterns, a linear trend of increasing and decreasing NDWI and NDVI on the territory of the NKAES LLP. Review of studies over the past 5 years, published in highly rated foreign journals, on various vegetation indices, including indices designed to assess moisture content in vegetation and soil. It is noted that the first normalized water index, NDWI, using the SWIR infrared channel, unlike the widely used NDVI vegetation index, actually penetrates 80% of the atmosphere. Analysis of the obtained NDWI allowed us to identify dry, moderately dry and fairly humid periods on the territory of the NKAES LPP from 2020 to 2023. Based on the research carried out, the feasibility of using normalized difference water indicators and normalized vegetation indices for further use in forecasting yields in the conditions of the North Kazakhstan region is substantiated. Next, using vegetation indices and additional agrometeorological factors, a linear model for predicting crop yields was developed. The coefficient of determination of the resulting model is 0.90 which indicates that the selected trend line reliably approximates the process under study.

A study of plant community diversity based on quantitative analysis model and prediction model

Plant community species diversity is the pivot that connects ecosystem multi functionality and environmental change. In order to explore the influence of community species number on drought adaptation, this paper uses logistic fitting and residual verification formed by grayscale accumulation to obtain the population dynamics change curve under ideal conditions, followed by selecting indicators such as soil moisture amount and plant growth rate, and establishing a prediction model based on the plant growth pattern of plant communities under different weather cycles and the interaction mechanism between different species, and The conclusions were drawn, which provided a theoretical basis of the subsequent research on the population size under drought conditions.

Properties of sepiolite clay soil as a natural material (Iran’s sources clay)

ABSTRACT Sepiolite is a fibrous clay mineral, which is mostly associated with a semi-arid to arid climate, with characteristics intermediate between kaolinite and montmorillonite minerals. An experimental study was conducted, with the goal of creating a substantial database of physical, microstructural, and geotechnical characteristics of sepiolite to develop its applications as a natural resource that is explored as the main deposit of Iran. It has been found that sepiolite soils were lightweight, porous, and cohesive with negligible settlement and swelling properties and almost high UCS values. Various analysis were performed to characterise the macroscopic behaviour (Atterberg limit, physical, and compressibility tests), microstructural, chemical, and mineralogical characterisations by chemical analysis, X-Ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. At first glance, sepiolite soils showed high liquid limits with medium to high plastic indices which can result in problems including creation of up and down movements in foundations. After mixing with silt and fine sand to decrease high liquid limit and optimum moisture amounts, sepiolite is suitable candidate for engineering applications (including clay liners, clay cores, etc.) due to its compressibility and strength characteristics. In conclusion, sepiolite soils are strongly recommended for geo-environmental structures due to their adsorption capacity, low permeability coefficient, and suitable strengths.

Vacuum drying of cherry varieties Lyazat, Merey and Aigerim growing in the southern regions of RK

This article presents the results of vacuum drying of cherry varieties: Lyazat, Merey and Aigerim. The dynamics of moisture evaporation shows that the largest amount of moisture evaporates in the time interval from the beginning to 4.0 hours of drying time. For example, in the Aigerim sweet cherry variety, in the considered period of time, for each hour of drying time, depending on the sweet cherry variety, an average of 3.21 g of moisture, and over the next drying time, the intensity of moisture evaporation monotonously decreases of 3,21 g to 1.5 g.Upon reaching the critical humidity in the product of evaporation, moisture drops sharply of 1.5 g to 0.75 g and below. Similar results with slight differences in moisture evaporation are observed for other varieties of cherries. Slight differences in the nature of moisture evaporation in the considered varieties of cherries are explained by the chemical composition, the form of moisture bonding in the product. Studies have established that when drying cherries, two periods of drying are observed. The duration of the first drying period for all studied varieties of cherries averages 6.10...6.25 hours, and the second period 4.50...4.35 hours. The critical humidity for all considered sweet cherry varieties aver-ages 30.5 ... 30.7%.The obtained experimental data on the kinetics of moisture evaporation and the curve of the drying rate of cherries at the next stage of the study make it possible to choose the optimal modes of their drying.

Artichoke Industrial Waste in Durum Wheat Bread: Effects of Two Different Preparation and Drying Methods of Flours and Evaluation of Quality Parameters during Short Storage.

'Violetto di Ramacca' is a local variety of artichoke grown in Sicily (Southern Italy), known for its purple color with green streaks. In this study, the effects of two different preparation and drying methods (method A, fresh sample oven-dried at 40 °C for 48 h then mixed and ground into flour; and B, minced and frozen sample oven-dried at 40 °C for 24 h then blended and ground into flour) for flours from different parts of the artichoke (bracts, stems, and mix), used at different percentages of integration (5, 7.5, and 10%), in combination with re-milled semolina, have been evaluated. The polyphenol contents of the flours produced with the two methods were measured. The results showed significant differences between the methods and samples, with a range from 9.09 mg GAE/g d.m. (bracts 100%, method A) to 2.62 mg/g (mix 100%, method B). The values were then lowered in the flour products with supplements ranging from 0.96 mg GAE/g (bract flour 10%, method A) to 0.11 mg GAE/g (mixed flour 7.5%, method B). As the amounts of polyphenols increased, the antioxidant activity increased, with a range that varied in the pure flour from 8.59 mg trolox eq/g d.m. (bract flour, method A) to 3.83 mg trolox eq/g d.m. (mixed flour, method B). These flours were also analyzed for color, highlighting a clear difference between methods A (greener) and B (browner). The flours thus obtained were used to produce breads, which were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics during 4 days of storage. The results showed a reduction in volumes and heights, an increase in the percentage of integration of the artichoke flours, a greater quantity of moisture in the integrated breads, and a lower reduction in the structural characteristics during storage compared to the control breads. The TPA was conducted on the breads from T0 to T4, highlighting that, although initially more compact, the integrated breads offered less alteration of the values during storage. The aw ranged from 0.63 (mix flour 5%, method B) to 0.90 (bract flour 5%, method B). The amounts of polyphenols (from 0.57 mg GAE/g in bread with bracts at 10% (method A) to 0.13 mg GAE/g in bread with mix 5% (method B)) and the antioxidant activity (from 0.55 mg trolox eq/g d.m. in bread with bract flour 10% (method A) to 0.14% mg trolox eq/g d.m. in bread with mix flour) were also evaluated, showing a trend similar to the values obtained in the flours. Colorimetric tests highlighted a color more similar to wholemeal bread in the loaves produced with method B. Statistical factor analysis and cluster analysis were conducted for all trials.

Nutritional Study of Various Cow Breeds from Bhatta Chowk Lahore (Punjab), Pakistan

The present study was conducted to investigate the nutritional study of cow's milk of various breeds from Bhatta Chowk Lahore. Different cow breeds were found to possess variable amounts of nutritional contents, i.e., highest moisture and ash in the Cholistani cow, highest fat in the Sahiwal cow, highest calcium and specific gravity in the Holstein cow and highest contents of protein, solid-not-fat and total solid in Red Sindhi. Red Sindhi cow’s milk was found to be more nutritious in terms of its richness in proteins, solid-not-fat and total solids whereas Holstein cow was rich in calcium. Calcium was found to be in a range of 550 to 630 ppm with the decrease of concentration in the following order: Sahiwal>Holstein Frisian= Red Sindhi>Cholistani. The Cholistani cow milk showed the presence of 3.126 % protein, 3.5 % fat, 88.2 % moisture, 8.3 % solids-not fat, 11.8 % total solids, 0.791 % ash, 30.5o lactometer reading and 1.0305 kg/m3 specific gravity. Sahiwal cow milk showed 3.318 % of protein, 4.1 % fat, 87.5 % moisture, 30.1o lactometer reading, 1.03 kg/m3 specific gravity, 8.4 % solids-not-fat, 12.5 % total solids and 0.79 % ash. Holstein Frisian’s milk demonstrated the presence of 3.33 % protein, 3.8 % fat, 87.35% moisture, 31o lactometer reading, 1.03 kg/m3 specific gravity, 8.85 % solids-not-fat, 12.65 % total solids and 0.77 % ash. Red Sindhi’s milk revealed the presence of 3.38 % protein, 3.95 % fat, 85.65 % moisture, 28o Lactometer reading, 1.028 kg/m3 specific gravity, 10.4% solids-not-fat, 14.35% total solids and 0.705% ash.

PENGARUH DURASI IRIGASI TETES TERHADAP REDUKSI LENGAS TANAH PADA LAHAN POLYBAG

Soil moisture is an important factor needed by plants for growth, and therefore the amount of soil moisture that can be stored depends on the type of soil or the composition of the soil-forming materials. Compost is one of the nutrients that is often used in the manufacture of planting media on land in the form of polybags, and the amount of compost composition on the soil is thought to greatly affect the ability to store water in the media, both the size and duration of storage. This study aims to examine the effect of using compost on storage of irrigation water in the form of soil moisture and how long it can be stored. in three-storey drip irrigation. The main data analyzed is soil moisture data (w) and the results of the analysis and discussion and conclusions are drawn descriptively. The results of the analysis show that the initial soil moisture content in the range of 19% -25%, can be given additional soil moisture by irrigation of about 12%. The average daily decrease in soil moisture that occurs in soil variation 1 (70%: 30% ) is 3% -4.4% and in soil variation 2 (50%: 50%), the average moisture reduction is around 3% -6%, soil moisture reduction in variation 2 is greater than soil variation 1 for all floors.

Monitoring rising damp in solid masonry walls: An experimental comparison of five different methods

This study focuses on the monitoring of rising damp, a widespread phenomenon that causes moisture-related damages in existing construction. Diagnosing moisture-related damages in construction can be difficult due to the many potential causes of moisture accumulation. The study aims to contribute to the understanding and diagnosis of moisture sources by evaluating and comparing different monitoring techniques for the diagnosis of rising damp in different types of masonry (brick, stone, and reinforced concrete). Five methods were evaluated and compared: gravimetric test, wall weighing, temperature and humidity sensors placed inside the wall, microwave instrumentation, and thermographic images. The results of the study showed that the gravimetric test is the only method that provides reliable and quantitative data, but it has limitations such as the need to ensure that the extracted powders consist of a single material and the potential for heat to cause moisture to evaporate quickly. The weighing method is time-consuming and limited to lab settings, and the use of sensors placed inside the wall is semi-invasive but has important limitations such as sensor reliability and different results in masonry with heterogeneous composition. The data obtained with microwave instruments cannot be easily correlated with the amount of moisture, and the method proposed for the analysis of thermographic images allows for the assessment of the evaporation area over time but has greater uncertainty in some replicas. As a result if the study, a combined approach with complementary methods is suggested to reach more accurate results.

THEORETICAL RESEARCH OF PROCESS REGULARITIES OF GRINDING STRUCTURAL-HETEROGENEOUS ORGANIC MATERIALS

For the efficient functioning and successful development of the animal production sector, the key condition is correct feeding of animals. This feeding is only possible if enough feed is produced, nutrient losses during harvesting are reduced, and feed is correctly prepared for feeding. The introduction of concentrated feed helps to achieve a balance between energy, protein and amino acid content in the animal ration. Technologists compose and select components of feed rations based on the species, age group, morphological and biological characteristics of animals, as well as other factors. Despite the chosen technology and feeding strategy, concentrated feeds such as processed cereals based on wheat, barley, corn and other crops continue to be the main source of nutrients for animals. The quality of grinding concentrated feed is important for animal productivity. This treatment results in the formation of numerous particles with a larger surface area, which promotes faster digestion and better absorption. Grinding is one of the most high-energy processes used in animal feed technology. Since plant residues are structurally uneven, this makes it difficult to use conventional grinding methods efficiently, which reduces their energy efficiency and requires the use of several grinding stages with appropriate equipment. In order to ensure efficient processing of agricultural plant residues, it is important to create an appropriate technical infrastructure, given the significant energy costs associated with traditional processes of preparing biomass for granulation. To do this, it is necessary to conduct research aimed at solving the problem of energy-efficient grinding of structurally heterogeneous materials, in particular materials that contain a large amount of moisture. This is what determines the relevance of this research topic.

Benzylviologen/N-hexyl phenothiazine based non-aqueous organic redox flow battery in inert condition

Generally, non-aqueous organic redox flow batteries (NAORFBs) operate in glove box conditions to stabilize the charged species generate during energy storage. Even a trace amount of moisture entering the system destabilizes the capacity of the battery. Such systems may not be commercially viable due to stringent ambient requirements. To address this issue, we demonstrate a NAORFB capable of running in inert condition (without glovebox) using a mixed electrolyte of 0.2 M benzylviologen hexafluorophosphate [BV(PF6)2] and N-hexyl phenothiazine (HPT) at 40 mA cm−2 current density. This system exhibits cycling stability up to 100 cycles with 0.0051 % capacity fade per cycle and 6.09 % capacity fade per day.

Characterization and Comparative Insights on Agave Americana and Agave Sisalana Leaf Fibers for High-Performance Applications

ABSTRACT This work is focused on characterization and comparative study of agave americana and agave sisalana leaf fibers which can be used as potential alternative for synthetic fibers in engineering applications. Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of agave fibers were determined using different analytical procedures and instruments. According to the experimental data, the mean length and diameter of agave americana fibers were maximum of 1.76 m and 411 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the particular fibers possess larger amount of hemicellulose (17.4%) and moisture (~8%) which confirmed they are relatively hydrophilic in nature. Conversely, agave sisalana fibers possess larger amount of cellulose (66.4%) and ligni10.1080/10942912.2023.2246677n (~16%) compared to agave americana fibers. Meanwhile, SEM microstructure also proved surface of agave americana fibers was comparably rough, full of cracks and linings. EDAX analysis showed presence of significant amount of C and O, including trace amount of Ca, K, Si and S. Similarly, the semicrystalline agave americana fibers are longer and thicker possessing greater mean linear density (29.68 Tex). Agave sisalana fibers recorded maximum breaking tensile strength and elongation at break (512 MPa) and (~6%), respectively. These findings strongly suggested that agave fibers possess interesting features which can be used as potential reinforcement fibers for composite engineering.

Safety Evaluation on Antinutritional, Bacterial Properties with Sensory Acceptability of Processed Shea (Vitellaria Paradoxa) Pulp Juice

The processing of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) pulp juice plays a crucial role in its nutritional and sensory attributes, as well as its bacterial composition. This study aims to investigate the antinutritional factors, sensory properties, and microbial activity in processed Shea pulp juice. The study utilized various analytical methods, including proximate analysis, sensory evaluation, and microbial analysis. The findings provide valuable insights into the nutritional quality, taste profile, and microbial composition of Shea pulp juice after processing. The nutritional analysis revealed a substantial amount of moisture of 84.39 to 93.01%, as well as high carbohydrate and caloric values of 5.84 to 8.96% and 33.51 to 67.31%, respectively. It also had a high vitamin C concentration (16.45 - 38.99%). The anti-nutritional analysis shows the presence of phytate (42.80±1.42mg), and oxalate (0.42±0.22mg), it was also found to be very high in tannin (338.80± 1.36mg). Saponin has a low content of 16.59±0.14mg and Cyanide had the lowest quantity (13.23±0.13). Cyanide, oxalate, and phytate concentrations were found to be lower than the reference toxic standard level. In terms of sensory evaluation, all samples were accepted favorably with Sample A and B most preferable to C. This research contributes to the understanding of Shea pulp juice as a potential food source and highlights the importance of optimizing processing techniques to enhance its beneficial properties.

Dielectric‐Breakdown Properties of Ester Oil Prepared from Thermally Degraded Rice Oil

The vegetable‐insulating oils are used in electrical systems recently. Most of vegetable‐insulating oils are manufactured from new oils. In this paper, we propose to develop the insulating oils from the used cooking oil. The used cooking oils that means thermal degraded—vegetable oil has high kinematic viscosity that does not meet the JIS values. In this study, the kinematic viscosity of thermal degraded oil was decreased using ester exchange reaction. We simulated the thermally‐degraded rice ester oil as used cooking oil, and investigated the potential of used cooking oil as insulating oil. We manufactured rice ester oil after thermal degradation before and after the ester‐exchange reaction and measure kinematic viscosity, AC breakdown voltage, moisture amount and volume resistivity for oil samples. We evaluated the degree of thermal degradation of the sample oil using total polar molecule (TPM). The results are described as follows. (1) The kinematic viscosity and volume resistivity of the rice oil increased with the thermal degradation progress (increase in TPM). The kinematic viscosity of the rice ester oil at each TPM value decreased after the ester‐exchange reaction. (2) After vacuum deaeration (2 h at 80°C and 22 h at room temperature), the moisture content of the rice oil before and after the ester‐exchange reaction was almost the same. (3) The AC breakdown strength after ester‐exchange reaction was higher than that of the untreated oil. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Sub-surface drip irrigation reduced N2O emissions via inhibiting denitrification pathways in northern China

Water-saving irrigation has become an important method for alleviating water scarcity in semi-arid regions. However, the lack of knowledge about the effects of different water-saving irrigation techniques on soil nitrogen conversion limits the understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in soil N2O emissions. To determine the effects of different irrigation methods on N2O emissions, we conducted a two-season experiment under four different irrigation methods (DI, surface drip irrigation; SDI, sub-surface drip irrigation; PRI, partial rootzone irrigation; FP, flood irrigation). Also, we studied the dynamics of nitrifier and denitrifier community structures and compositions and their associations and effects on N2O emissions. The results showed that seasonal N2O emissions were affected by irrigation practices and significantly correlated with the amount of irrigation and soil moisture. Drip irrigation significantly reduced N2O emissions, with 38–45 % (DI), 51–59 % (SDI), and 64–68 % (PRI) decreases compared to FP treatment. Under SDI, the copy numbers of ammonia-oxidizing archaea amoA significantly decreased and nirK displayed an increase compared to FP. The abundance of unclassified_Proteobacteria dominant among nirK-type denitrifiers under FP was observed to be strongly and positively correlated with N2O emissions, and the dominant bacteria shifted to Bosea under drip irrigation. Irrigation practices had a strong effect on the Shannon and ACE indexes of five key genes. PRI showed a similar effect under SDI treatment on nitrifier and denitrifier community structures. Furthermore, PRI, with only a 38 % reduction of irrigation water consumption, produced a 4.4–11.3 % lower yield than SDI. Therefore, SDI treatment can inhibit the denitrification process led by nirS-type denitrifiers and reduce the abundance of the dominant genus of nirK and promote nosZ abundance, thus decreasing N2O emissions. Our findings indicate that (i) drip irrigation increased ammonia-oxidizing bacteria amoA abundance and diversity but decreased nirS abundance, which led to N2O mitigation and (ii) SDI might be the best method for maintaining high crop yield with lower N2O emissions in intensively farmed fields.

Moisture supply of the sown winter common and durum wheat

The current study was carried out in the southern part of the Rostov region in the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” in 2019–2022. The purpose of the study was to determine the moisture content of the winter common and durum wheat sown after various forecrops. There has been found that during the study, precipitation fell unevenly over the seasons. The amount of useful precipitation during the vegetation period of winter wheat (mean for three years) was 319.80 mm. There has been established that when sown in weedfree fallow, the total moisture consumption both over the years (278.90–445.00 mm) and on average over three years (381.40 mm) exceeded the amount of useful precipitation. On the formation of grain yield winter wheat has spent, in addition to precipitation, the productive moisture accumulated from the soil. There has been found that when sown after non-fallow forecrops, in the absence of reserves of productive moisture in the soil, the productivity formation proceeded mainly due to precipitation. When sowing winter wheat, the total moisture consumption (mean in 2019–2022) was 322.00 mm after peas and 315.50 mm after sunflower. There has been determined that the highest grain yield of the varieties ‘Zodiak’ (7.90 t/ha) and ‘Yantarina’ (6.28 t/ha) was obtained when sown in weedfree fallow, while they spent the least amount of moisture per yield unit, being 487.10 and 649, 70 m3/t respectively. When sown after sunflower, grain yield of the varieties was the lowest, and the total moisture consumption per ton of grain was the highest, being 5.60 t/ha and 599.20 m3 (the variety ‘Zodiak’); 4.02 t/ha and 869.70 m3 (the variety ‘Yantarina’). The forecrop ‘peas’ occupied an intermediate position between weedfree fallow and sunflower both in terms of productivity and total moisture consumption per ton of grain, being 6.36 t/ha and 528.60 m3 (the variety ‘Zodiak’) and 4.92 t/ha 823, 60 m3 (the variety ‘Yantarina’).

Влияние изменений климата на урожайность культур и запасы почвенной влаги

Abstract. The aim of the research is to study the influence of the changed climatic conditions of the Belgorod region on the reserves of productive moisture in the soil and the yield of field crops using various methods of basic tillage. Research methods. Based on our own long-term research, the analysis of the effect of the increase in air temperature and the decrease in precipitation per year on soil moisture reserves and crop yields under various methods of basic tillage is made. Scientific novelty. An overview of the changes in the climatic conditions of growing field crops in the Belgorod region that have occurred in recent decades is given. Results. Agrometeorological observations have shown that in the period from 2006 to 2021, the air temperature in the surface layer increased, and the amount of precipitation decreased. Cases of extreme weather manifestations have become more frequent. Observations of the dynamics of moisture in a meter layer of soil in a stationary experiment determined that the climate changes that have occurred have affected its reserves. So at the time of sowing crops, there was a decrease in the amount of moisture in the soil by 15% of the average over the years, and when the crops were fully ripe, it decreased by 35-43%, without significant connection with the methods of basic tillage. The influence of extreme weather manifestations during the period of crop formation on crop yields is noted. According to the results of the research, it was concluded that there is a steady trend of decreasing moisture reserves in the meter layer of the soil, both at the time of sowing and during harvesting, regardless of the method of its main processing. There is no direct connection between the yield of field crops and the reserves of moisture available to plants at the time of their sowing and harvesting in the meter layer of soil and the method of its main processing.

Effect of Eco-Processed Pozzolan (EPP) Mixed with Calcium Oxide to Dry Density and Physicochemical of Peat Soil

Peat is a problematic soil, and it is a common problem faced by engineers in construction. The characteristics that have been noted before are high moisture content, poor shear strength, great compressibility, and long-term settlement. For this research study, it focuses on stabilizing peat soil using EPP and CaO. There are three main tests that were conducted in this research study: index properties testing, compaction testing, and For Index Properties testing, five (5) experiments were conducted to study the index properties of disturbed peat soil, which are moisture content, fiber content, liquid limit, organic content, pH, and specific gravity. Next, for the Compaction Test, using a 4.5 kg rammer, define the optimum mixture of stabilizer that is mixed with different volumes of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of stabilizer. In this study, the expected result is to inspire an in-depth study of the use of EPP material and chemical CaO as peat soil stabilizers for better utilization of problematic soil. The main finding was that the mixture with the exact amount of moisture, EPP, and CaO helped stabilize the soil and cure peat soil. Thus, this study confirms the idea of treating peat with EPP and CaO, enhancing the properties of peat soil, and sustaining the settlement over loading for a period of time accordingly. 20% mix of EPP and CaO produces the highest dry density, showing that dry density increases linearly with the amount of mixture to stabilize peat. The crystallization process between peat and EPP was pronouncedly observed where smaller particles identified as EPP filled the gaps in between the pores identified from SEM. The silicon (Si content developed from each spectrum ranged from 14.4% to 17.7%. The EDX results show significant results where mineral crystallization occurred in the coagulation process. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2023-09-07-011 Full Text: PDF

DYNAMICS OF DAMAGE TO FOREST PLANTATIONS BY SPONTANEOUS FOREST FIRES (ON THE TERRITORY OF THE BAIKAL FORESTRY OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA)

The article provides an analysis of the indicators of the actual burning of forest plantations on the territory of the Baikal forestry (Republic of Buryatia) in the period from 2011 to 2021. The maximum fire danger for the study period was observed in 2015, when 93847.97 (15.3%) hectares of forest land were destroyed by fire, 14 small fires and 19 large fires were recorded. The factors of formation of forest fires were identified, it was found that one of the main factors of increased fire hazard in 2015 was a prolonged dry period, high temperatures of the surface air layer, a small amount of atmospheric moisture, and a decrease in the level of groundwater. Based on the results of processing satellite imagery data and using data from the Information System for Remote Monitoring of Forest Fires of the Federal Forestry Agency, maps of the boundaries and sizes of fires and burnt areas were compiled. It was revealed that the areas that burned earlier are most often subject to fires. It was established that the main types of forest fires in the years under study were ground runaway fires and ground steady fires.

Creation of a methodology for determining the moisture diffusion coefficient within vacuum drying of fruits

As the drying zone deepens, outer surface layer of the product does not have time to be moistened, due to a small amount of moisture coming from the inside. It becomes dry, its temperature rises. The intensity of moisture transfer from the inner layers of the product depends on many parameters, including a moisture diffusion coefficient. The study aim is to create a methodology for determining the moisture diffusion coefficient within vacuum drying of fruits, by taking into account cracks, channels and capillaries formed in the dry layer of the product through the resistance coefficient to evaporation. The work essence consists in the determining of the moisture diffusion coefficient as a driving force, a difference between water activity and air humidity, by considering the resistance coefficient to evaporation, characterizing the effect of hydrodynamic resistance of the dried dry layer of the product. This approach was used to determine the moisture diffusion coefficient during vacuum drying of the Baiterek apple sort and the Zhazdyk pear sort of Kazakhstani selection. It was established that in the first period of drying the moisture diffusion coefficient decreases on average from 24,4∙10‒7 m2/s to 13,2∙10‒7 m2/s. The critical humidity for pear is 37.4 %, and for apple 35.1 %. As result of the formation of dry layer on the surface and subsequent layers, the moisture diffusion coefficient gradually decreases. In the second drying period, the moisture diffusion coefficient decreases from 5,42∙10-8 m2/s to 2,12∙10‒8 m2/s. The work practical significance is related with the application of the obtained results in the determination of the optimal drying regime with maximum preservation of the product original quality. The proposed methodology can be used in the practice to study the moisture diffusion coefficient within vacuum drying of fruits, by considering the product properties and the hygroscopic parameters of the drying matter

Moisture sources of summer heavy precipitation in two spatial patterns over Northeast China during 1979–2021

AbstractThis study classifies the spatial distribution of heavy precipitation in summer (June–August) from 1979 to 2021 in the three provinces of Northeast China (TPNC) into two patterns by using the self‐organizing maps (SOM) neural network, and then quantitatively analyzes their moisture transport channels and sources using the Lagrangian model. The results show that the summer heavy precipitation in TPNC can be divided into the northern and southern patterns according to the distribution of the heavy precipitation. Both patterns of heavy precipitation are affected by the low‐level vortex west of TPNC, but the strength and shape of the low vortex are different. The northern pattern is mainly influenced by the westerly flow in the vortex in the mid‐high latitudes, which transports moisture from the upstream westerly region into TPNC. The southern pattern is mainly affected by the southerly jet stream southeast of TPNC, which conveys a large amount of moisture from the East Asian summer monsoon region into TPNC. In terms of the summer climatological mean, the northern pattern has a higher precipitation recycling rate, while the southern pattern has a lower recycling rate.