Burning Spots Research Articles

Integrating Microwave Heating with Foam-Mat Drying: Drying Kinetics and Optimization for Thick Foamed Mango Pulp

This study addresses the challenge of processing undersized or overripe mangoes by integrating microwave heating with traditional foam-mat drying technique. The study aims at investigating drying kinetics coupled with thin-layer drying modeling and influences of microwave power (300 - 600 W) and hot-air temperature (55 - 75 °C). Among ten drying models, the so-called Midilli equation fitted well with experimental data. Results showed enhanced drying process associated with microwave heating, providing reduced drying time from 600 - 700 min (for conventional hot-air mode) to 30 - 100 min (for microwave-assisted mode). Standard deviations of moisture content and dried foam thickness measured at various points revealed uneven heat distribution when using high microwave energy, evidenced by burnt spots at 600 W. Additionally, foam collapse was observed under the mild process with low microwave powers, possibly due to prolonged drying periods. Response surface methodology demonstrated that microwave power was more important factor, positively affecting effective diffusivity coefficient (Deff) while inversely influencing specific energy consumption (SEC) and color difference (DE). Deff value increased from 5.41´10-6 m²×s-1 at 300 W and 55 °C to 18.43´10-6 m²×s-1 at 600 W and 75 °C, confirming enhance drying performance. As assisted with microwave heating, drying foamed mango sample consumed less energy up to 92 %. Optimal drying parameters were determined based on balancing the enhancement of drying performance and color alteration, suggesting drying the thick foamed mango pulp at temperature of 55 °C combined with microwave heating at 520 W, which can be served as a basis for further industrial scale-up. HIGHLIGHTS Novel method for thick mango pulp snacks. Reduced drying time from 600 - 700 to 30 - 100 min. Lowered energy use to 5.83 kWh×kg-1. Optimal conditions at 520 W, 55 °C, desirability 0.669. Applied Midilli model with 99 % accuracy. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The lifetime improvement of organic light‐emitting diodes with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate on indium‐tin‐oxide surface and deuterated dopant in emitting layer

AbstractIn this study, the PEDOT:PSS conductive polymer material was spin‐coated on the ITO surface to improve the surface roughness of the ITO and reduce the spikes on the ITO surface, so as to avoid the burning spots generated in the green organic light emitting diode (OLED) when the voltage was applied to light it up. The OLED emitting is successfully survived. Deuterium atoms (isotopes of hydrogen) with heavier atomic weights can strengthen C‐D bonds, slow down the kinetic rate for unwarranted chemical reactions, and improve the performance and stability of OLEDs. In this study, deuterated D‐Ir (mppy)3 was employed as the dopant in the emitting layer of green OLED to replace the general Ir (mppy)3 to improve the optoelectronic properties and extend the lifetime of green OLED. At a constant voltage of 4 V, the initial luminance and half lifetime of general Ir (mppy)3 doped and deuterated D‐Ir (mppy)3 doped OLEDs are 188.1 cd/m2, 7.2 h and 438.3 cd/m2, 42.8 h, respectively. It is shown that doping the deuterated D‐Ir (mppy)3 material in the emitting layer has the effect of prolonging the lifetime of OLED. Compared with the general Ir (mppy)3, the lifetime of deuterated D‐Ir (mppy)3 doped OLED achieved an extension by 5.9 times.

Heavy metal contamination of soil and plants by emissions from the Ridder zinc plant

The article presents the results of a study of the soil and vegetation cover of the territory adjacent to the production complex of the zinc plant. According to the results of the studies, it was found that industrial emissions have a significant negative impact on soil and plants. The object of research: the soil cover is devoid of vegetation, erosive processes occur intensively. Large-scale appearance of brown burn spots is observed on the leaves of tree and shrub vegetation outside the territory of the industrial deposit, the main emissions of zinc plants polluting the soil, vegetation and affecting the biota are heavy metals harmful to the environment. Zinc, lead, copper and cadmium are the predominant polluting heavy metals as the main toxic metals in the object of study. The total forms of these elements in the soil exceed the MPC by hundreds of times, mobile - by 6-7 times.

Peaberry shape and size influence on different coffee postharvest processes

AbstractIn many coffee‐producing countries, the ellipsoidal‐shaped seeds called peaberries are often labeled as a defect because of their shape and reduced size, going against the market demand for large‐sized standard coffee beans. Nevertheless, the peaberry natural occurrence on the coffee plantations is significant, accounting for 5%–7% of the total harvested coffee for Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora, the most planted species worldwide. Nevertheless, recent growth in the peaberry market has happened due to exceptional cupping scores for this specific bean type; however, the relationship between these scores and the shape of the bean was not yet recorded in the literature. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of the shape and size of the peaberry against the standard beans in different postharvest processes: Drying, roasting (colorimetry and inner roasting profiles), grinding (compressive and shear force tests) and overall quality by cupping analysis. Coffea arabica L. var. Cenicafé 1 was used throughout all the experiments, where advanced methods were used to increase the accuracy of the results and deeply characterize the process behavior. The results of this research allow to understand the peaberry postharvest behavior better and add significant value to this often‐underrated bean condition. The peaberries demonstrated shape influence in the different evaluated parameters, allowing them to dry faster, roast evenly, avoid burnt spots, and collapse at homogeneous forces while attaining the same high cup scores as a standard coffee bean.Practical applicationsUnderstanding the peaberries' shape and size influence different postharvest processes is crucial to comprehend their value. By gaining insights, into how these unique beans interact with stages of processing, producers can control and predict their behavior leading to more consistent and optimized results. The findings of this research provide an opportunity to fully incorporate peaberries into the coffee product without considering them as defective beans or expanding market trends. Generally, peaberries were often seen as undesirable because they did not match the bean size and shape. However, their exceptional performance in drying, roasting, grinding and cupping dispels these misconceptions, highlighting their value and contribution to coffee quality. As a result, coffee producers can embrace peaberries as valuable beans without discarding or downgrading them. This newfound appreciation for peaberries does not only reduce waste, but it also diversifies coffee offerings to meet consumer preferences and enriches the industry.

Проблемы верхнего палеолита предгорий Северного Тянь-Шаня: новейшие открытия и дальнейшие перспективы

Introduction. This work is devoted to the assessment of the Upper Paleolithic sites of the Northern Tien Shan. Materials and methods. Plains and foothills of Kazakhstan occupies a large western part of Central Asia and stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east. There are many Paleolithic sites, the vast majority of which are open-air (surface) sites. Recently several multilayer Upper Paleolithic sites have been discovered in the Northern Tien Shan. Among them are the sites of Maibulak, Rakhat, Uzynagash 1–3, Saryzhazyk and some others. The sites have been studied intermittently since 2004. A new research phase began in 2018. Results and discussion. The sites are located in similar geomorphological conditions. The cultural layers of the sites are nested in loess-like loams covering the northern foothills of the Zailiysky Alatau Range. Most of the cultural layers are interpreted as habitation levels with preserved hearths, burn spots, charcoal spots, and storage pits. Accumulations of lithic artefacts and sometimes animal bone remains are tightly linked with those features of cultural layers. This is an interdisciplinary research. Conclusion. The chronology of these sites covers the Early Upper Paleolithic, the Middle Upper Palaeolithic and the beginning of the Late Upper Paleolithic. The development of the Northern Tien Shan Upper Paleolithic took place within the framework of a single cultural vector, characteristic for the western part of Eurasia. There are cultural horizons with Aurignation-like, Gravettian-like lithic industries, as well as a culture with geometric microliths (scalene triangles). At the same time, lithic industries show considerable originality. Further work is aimed at studying the classification, typology of lithic collections and their correlation with each other.

Верхний палеолит предгорий Северного Тянь-Шаня: вопросы хронологии и культурной атрибуции

The study of the Upper Paleolithic in the foothills of the Northern Tien Shan has no long history. The first discoveries of archaeological sites of that period were carried out only in the early 21st century. Nevertheless, several sites of the Upper Paleolithic found here are being studied with varying degrees of intensity. The most studied of them are the Maibulak and Rakhat sites. Both sites are multi-layered. The sequences of cultural deposits mutually complement each other. The cultural layers of the sites lie in multi-meter deposits of loess-like loams. The specificity of sedimentation significantly influenced the high degree of preservation of cultural remains. At different levels such features as: charcoal spots, burn spots, hearths, storage pits were found. This fact, with a high degree of probability, indicates the undisturbed pattern of the archaeological complexes in each of the cultural layers. The remains of settlements of the Early Upper Paleolithic (~40,000-28,000 years ago) are most clearly represented on the Maibulak site. The Rakhat site was actively populated in the Middle Upper Paleolithic and at the beginning of the Late Upper Paleolithic (~28,000-19,000 years ago). Based on the archaeological data, it can be concluded that the development of the Upper Paleolithic in the region as a cultural unit lies in the same stream of evolutionary direction with the western part of Eurasia. The significant originality is noted in the lithic assemblages of different stages of the Upper Paleolithic. Thus, the study of the Upper Paleolithic in this territory, located between the large cultural areas of Europe, Western Asia, on the one hand, and Siberia, East Asia, on the other, is of great scientific importance.

Повреждение растительности выбросами автотранспорта на основных дорогах Азербайджана

The influence of vehicle pollutants on the introduced tree and shrub plants along the central roads was investigated. It was revealed that acid gases are dominant among the exhaust gases of gasoline and diesel fuel, which directly destroy the chloroplast of the leaf and form burn spots. A group of plants resistant to pollutants has been determined. They have damaged areas of no more than 10–15% in approximately stable plants, and in unstable plants the damages are up to 23–30%, which are not recommended for landscaping alongside the roads. The distance of planting from the road is set at 4 to 10 m. It is proposed to exclude the European olive (Olea europaea L.) from the composition of landscaping, which accumulates ions of heavy metals in the leaves and fruits, namely lead ethylate. When using the olives growing on the roads, it causes severe poisoning, using them even in canned form can cause deep poisoning.

Temperature control for high-quality oil-free sweet potato CHIPS produced by microwave rotary drying under vacuum

Healthy and convenient foods have drawn consumers' attention and represent an opportunity for the food industry. This study is about the production of sliced sweet potato snacks by microwave vacuum drying (MWVD) in a rotary container with temperature control by power modulation. The average temperature of samples' surfaces was measured with an infrared sensor and controlled at 60 °C by a PID controller. The resulting product properties were compared to those from freeze- (FD), air- (AD), and conductive multiflash (KMFD) drying. Rotary container coupled to the temperature control guaranteed uniform heating and resulted in chips without burnt spots in MWVD.MWVD and KMFD produced sweet potato chips in less than 3 h, while AD and FD required 16 h. The drying method influenced chips' porosity: 58% (FD), 44% (MWVD), 39% (KMFD), and 18% (AD). AD chips had a compact structure, while FD chips were spongy with small pores. MWVD and KMFD expanded the material during fast water evaporation under vacuum, creating large and irregular pores. The puncture tests of these chips resulted in jagged force-penetration curves, typical of crispy products, with higher acceptance. Therefore, MWVD and KMFD have the potential for the industrial production of high-quality oil-free and crispy chips.

Effect of Needle Heating on the Sewing of Medical Textiles.

Medical textiles, such as gowns, scrubs, and even disposable uniforms, are all stitched by sewing machines. These garments are mostly made from polypropylene (PP) and polyester due to their durability, antibacterial performance, and functionality. Demand for these garments has significantly risen in the last few years, and sewing machines are able to stitch at extremely high speeds. However, higher sewing speeds can cause burnt spots on the fabric, lower seam strength, and a decrease in production due to thread breakage. In this paper, I have deeply discussed how medical textiles lose their strength and functionality due to higher sewing speeds; this problem is often neglected due to high production demands. This research is based on PP medical gowns, stitched with polyester (PET) threads, sewn at different speeds. The experimental work is also followed by a theoretical explanation of needle heating during the stitching of medical textiles.

Effect of Paper and Aluminum Bagging on Fruit Quality of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.).

Bagging regulates the fruit microenvironment and improves the quality and market value of fruits. It is a safe and ecofriendly technique to protect fruits from insect/pest infestation and multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. In the current study, the influence of fruit bagging was evaluated on the development and quality of loquat fruits. Fruits from a healthy loquat orchard (Cv. Zaozhong No.6), located in Fujian, China, were enveloped in paper (T1), aluminum (T2), and aluminum–polyethylene bags (T3), while unbagged fruits were maintained as control (T0). In general, fruit bagging improved fruit quality in terms of fruit physiological and biochemical attributes and protected fruits from physical damage. In particular, aluminum–polyethylene bagging enhanced fruit weight, length, and width by 1.37-, 1.18-, and 1.13-fold, respectively. Loquat fruits bagged with paper bags exhibited the maximum soluble sugar and lowest titratable acid content. Fruits treated with paper and aluminum–ethylene bags showed twofold higher sugar–acid ratio as compared to control. Aluminum–polyethylene bagging caused 66.67%, 55.56%, and 33.33% reductions in skin burn, fruit rotting, and black spot of loquat. The fruits bagged in aluminum and aluminum–polyethylene did not show insect or bird damage, while unbagged fruits had 14.70% and 17.65% insect and bird damage, respectively. Overall, the results suggest that paper, aluminum, and aluminum–polyethylene bagging improved fruit health by 75%, 131%, and 144%, respectively, as compared to control. To delineate bagging type-dependent effects, principal component analysis was performed. Paper bagging was positively correlated with fruit firmness, rotting, soluble sugars, sugar–acid ratio, and proline content. Aluminum bagging was highly associated with improvements in titratable acids, cystine, and methionine. Aluminum–polyethylene bags were correlated with fruit weight, size, peel thickness, edible rate, and certain amino acids.

Evaluation of a 3.8-µm laser-induced skin injury and their repair with in vivo OCT imaging and noninvasive monitoring.

To explore a 3.8-µm laser-induced damage and wound healing effect, we propose using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and a noninvasive monitoring-based in vivo evaluation method to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze the time-dependent biological effect of a 3.8-µm laser. The optical attenuation coefficient (OAC) is computed using a Fourier-domain algorithm. Three-dimensional (3-D) visualization of OCT images has been implemented to visualize the burnt spots. Furthermore, the burnt spots from the 3-D volumetric data was segmented and visualized, and the quantitative parameters of the burnt spots, such as the mean OACs, areas, and volumes, were computed. Then, OCT images and histological sections were analyzed to compare the structural changes. Within a certain radiation range, there is a linear relationship between radiation dose and temperature. Dermoscopic images, OCT images, and histological sections showed that, within a certain dose range, as the radiation doses increased, the cutaneous damage became more serious. One hour after laser radiation, the mean OACs increased and then decreased; the areas of burnt spots always increased and were 0.95 ± 0.07, 1.01 ± 0.06, 1.025 ± 0.07, 0.99 ± 0.07, 0.98 ± 0.07, 1.00 ± 0.07, 0.96 ± 0.05, and 0.98 ± 0.06mm-1, respectively; the areas were 2.10 ± 0.63, 3.75 ± 1.85, 5.95 ± 1.62, 8.35 ± 0.88, 9.44 ± 1.28, 10.29 ± 0.49, 12.27 ± 0.96, and 13.127 ± 1.90 mm2; and the volumes were 1.54 ± 0.41, 2.86 ± 0.09, 3.73 ± 0.49, 4.14 ± 0.80, 7.21 ± 0.52, 6.77 ± 0.45, 8.36 ± 0.25, and 10.65 ± 0.51 mm3; and 21days after laser radiation, the volumes were 0.67 ± 0.18, 1.64 ± 0.08, 1.87 ± 0.12, 2.57 ± 0.34, 3.43 ± 0.26, 3.64 ± 0.04, 3.84 ± 0.15, and 4.16 ± 0.53 mm3, respectively. We investigated the time-dependent biological effect of 3.8-µm laser-induced cutaneous damage and wound healing using the quantitative parameters of OCT imaging and noninvasive monitoring. The real-time temperature reflects the photothermal effect during laser radiation of mouse skin. OCT images of burnt spots were segmented to compute the mean OACs, burnt area, and quantitative volumes. This study has the potential for in vivo noninvasive and quantitative clinical evaluation in the future.

The effect of laser beam transmission on the thermoplastic composite joint formation

The goal of this work was to analyse the influence of laser welding process parameters using different plastic transparency. To achieve this task the elemental composition of plastic PPAGF40 with 20 % and 30 % transparency parts were examined using EDS analysis and cross-sections were evaluated by using optical microscope. Burst pressure was performed to evaluate the strenght of welded joints produced with different laser welding process parameters. Studies showed that welded joints with 20 % of transparency possessed burn spots on the surface of samples. Cross-section analysis revealed tendency, that plastics with 30 % transparency led to higher temperatures in welding seam using the same process parameters used for 20 % transparency, which caused pores to form inside joint. Laser power of 390 W, scan-speed 1000/800 mm/s and 3000 N of clamping force used for 20 % transparency plastic parts are not suitable for 30 % transparency plastic parts. Welding process optimization achieved by using 1400/1200 mm/s scan-speed and 2700-3000N clamping force, which showed improved burst pressure values from 7.2 to 7.9 bar. Reduced welding cycle-time achieved from 2.2 to 2.3 s with 30 % transparency of polymer PPAG40 material.

Molecular identification of burn spot disease syndrome agent Fusarium avenaceum in Turkish crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus populations.

In this study, we aimed to isolate and identify the causative agent of burn spot disease syndrome from crayfish populations within Turkish water bodies. Crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus samples were captured from Bayramşah Reservoir, Karaidemir Reservoir and Keban Reservoir (Turkey). Fungi samples were taken from symptomatic crayfish and cultured in potato dextrose agar, and DNAs were extracted. Species-specific PCR primers (FAF1 and FAR) were used in order to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of fungal DNA. Sequences obtained from the amplified regions were analyzed using GenBank and identified. As a result, a molecular diagnosis of the fungi samples was made, and the pathogen was identified as Fusarium avenaceum. In addition, a challenge test with healthy crayfish was conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of the fungi. F. avenaceum was reisolated from experimentally infested individuals, and thusly we confirmed the disease. It was concluded that F. avenaceum causes burn spot disease syndrome in P. leptodactylus.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in indoor dust from urban dwellings of Lahore, Pakistan: Congener profile, toxicity equivalency, and human health implications.

This study is the pioneer assessment of the PCBs in indoor dust particles (from air conditioners) of an urbanized megacity from South Asian. The ∑35 PCB concentration ranged from 0.27 to 152.9ng/g (mean: 24.84±22.10ng/g). The tri- and tetra-PCBs were dominant homologues, contributing 57.36% of the total PCB concentrations. The mean levels of Σ8 -dioxin-like (DL), Σ6 -indicator PCBs and WHO2005 -TEQ for DL-PCBs were 2.22±2.55ng/g, 9.49±8.04ng/g and 4.77±4.89pg/g, respectively. The multiple linear regression indicated a significant correlation of dusting frequency (p=1.06×10-04) and age of the house (p=1.02×10-06) with PCB concentrations in indoor environment. The spatial variation of PCB profile revealed relatively higher concentrations from sites near to illegal waste burning spots, electrical locomotive workshops, and grid stations. Human health risk assessment of PCBs for adults and toddlers through all three exposure routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact) demonstrated that toddlers were vulnerable to high cancer risk (4.32×10-04 ), while adults were susceptible from low to moderate levels of risk (3.16×10-05 ). Therefore, comprehensive investigations for PCBs in the indoor settings, focusing particularly on the sensitive populations with relationship to the electronic devices, transformers, and illegal waste burning sites, are recommended.

Spatiotemporal variation and distribution characteristics of crop residue burning in China from 2001 to 2018.

In this study, we integrated a remote-sensing fire product (MOD14A1) and land-use product (MCD12Q1) to extract the number of crop-residue burning (CRB) spots and the fire radiative power (FRP) in China from 2001 to 2018. Moreover, we conducted three trend analyses and two geographic distribution analyses to quantify the interannual variations and summarize the spatial characteristics of CRB on grid (0.25°×0.25°) and regional scales. The results indicated that CRB presents distinctive seasonal patterns with each sub-region. All trend analyses suggested that the annual number of CRB spots in China increased significantly from 2001 to 2018; the linear trend reached 2615 spots/year, the Theil-Sen slope was slightly lower at 2557 spots/year, and the Mann-Kendal τ was 0.75. By dividing the study period into two sub-periods, we found that the five sub-regions presented different trends in the first and second sub-periods; e.g., the Theil-Sen slope of eastern China in the first sub-period (2001-2009) was 1021 spots/year but was-1599 spots/year in the second period (2010-2018). This suggests that summer CRB has been effectively mitigated in eastern China since 2010. Further, the average FRP of CRB spots presented a decreasing trend from 27.5 MW/spot in 2001 to only 15.8 MW/spot in 2018; this may be attributable to more scattered CRB rather than aggregated CRB. Collectively, the fire spots, FRP, and average FRP indicated that spring, summer, and autumn CRB had dropped dramatically over previous levels by 2018 due to strict mitigation measures by local governments.

Microwave vacuum drying of foods with temperature control by power modulation

Microwave power modulation during drying was evaluated to guarantee mild temperatures, reducing burning spots when producing sweet potatoes snacks. Samples were peeled, sliced, blanched, and microwave vacuum dried with (MWVDc) and without (MWVD) controlling the temperature (60 °C) with a PID system. MWVD used constant power, while MWVDc adjusted the power input based on samples' temperature target. Moisture content was reduced from 4.5 g g−1 (db) to 0.4 g g−1 (db), resulting in water activity lower than 0.55. MWVD processing time was about 80, 15, and 10 min at 300, 1500, and 2700 W, respectively, resulting in dried samples with dark areas due to hot spots. The power modulation in MWVDc resulted in intermediary drying time (50 min) and uniform color products without burnings. This study demonstrated that automated temperature control leads to high-quality sweet potato chips by microwave processing.

Evolution of the physicochemical properties of oil-free sweet potato chips during microwave vacuum drying

The demand for healthy and convenient foods is a worldwide trend. Sweet potato attracted great attention due to its carbohydrates with a low glycemic index. Dehydrated sweet potatoes can be an excellent alternative for using and adding value to this raw material. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties of sliced sweet potato during the microwave vacuum drying (MWVD) for producing crispy oil-free chips. Fresh sweet potato samples were selected, peeled, sliced, blanched, and then dehydrated using a microwave oven adapted with a vacuum chamber and a rotation system to operate under vacuum. It was measured the evolution of moisture, water activity, temperature, color, apparent specific mass, porosity, and acoustic/mechanical analysis of the texture during the MWVD. Crispy sweet potato chips were obtained in <30 min, presenting low moisture (0.028 g g−1 db) and water activity (0.262). The dehydrated samples showed high porosity (67.5%) and a low apparent density (0.456 g cm−3). Optical micrographs and acoustic/mechanical properties showed an expanded (puffed) product structure with large pores, which resulted in irregular acoustic/mechanical signals, characteristics of a crispy food matrix. Colorimetric analyses indicated a little change between fresh and dried samples, with an absence of burnt spots. In conclusion, MWVD is a suitable process to produce highly porous sweet potato chips, adding value, and extending the vegetable's shelf life.

Italian acacia honey exhibits lytic effects against the crayfish pathogens Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum.

This study purpose was to evaluate the invitro inhibitory properties of Italian acacia honey extracts against pathogenic aquatic oomycete/fungal isolates that cause different diseases in crayfish, resulting in an elevated mortality rate. The antimycotic activity of acacia honey aqueous extracts was evaluated against the strain UEF88662 of Aphanomyces astaci (oomycete) and the strain SMM2 of Fusarium avenaceum (fungus). The extracts preparation was carried out with water by a cheap, not complex and organic solvent-free procedure, with low environmental impact and the higher possibility of large-scale reproducibility. The anti-oomycete and antifungal activities were quantitatively evaluated by growth, survival and sporulation microbiological assays. The extracts displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory efficacy on oomycete and fungal growth and survival, as well as on the production of oomycete and fungal spores. Supported by future invivo studies, our results encourage the use of natural extracts like honey as innovative tools to counteract mycotic infections. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The continuous spread of aquatic fungal disease as the 'crayfish plague' and the 'burn spot disease' has severe ecological and commercial repercussions. Critical factor to prevent further spread is the availability of effective antifungals possibility derived from local natural resources to use in innovative strategies of control and eradication of these diseases. This study provides relevant information about the invitro anti-oomycete and antifungal activity of Italian acacia honey aqueous extracts against two highly infectious and dangerous pathogenic species, Aphanomyces astaci and Fusarium avenaceum, that are responsible for important crayfish diseases.

Understanding the Influence of Crop Residue Burning on PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations in China from 2013 to 2017 Using MODIS Data.

In recent years, particulate matter (PM) pollution has increasingly affected public life and health. Therefore, crop residue burning, as a significant source of PM pollution in China, should be effectively controlled. This study attempts to understand variations and characteristics of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations and discuss correlations between the variation of PM concentrations and crop residue burning using ground observation and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. The results revealed that the overall PM concentration in China from 2013 to 2017 was in a downward tendency with regional variations. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the PM10 concentration was more closely related to crop residue burning than the PM2.5 concentration. From a spatial perspective, the strongest correlation between PM concentration and crop residue burning existed in Northeast China (NEC). From a temporal perspective, the strongest correlation usually appeared in autumn for most regions. The total amount of crop residue burning spots in autumn was relatively large, and NEC was the region with the most intense crop residue burning in China. We compared the correlation between PM concentrations and crop residue burning at inter-annual and seasonal scales, and during burning-concentrated periods. We found that correlations between PM concentrations and crop residue burning increased significantly with the narrowing temporal scales and was the strongest during burning-concentrated periods, indicating that intense crop residue burning leads to instant deterioration of PM concentrations. The methodology and findings from this study provide meaningful reference for better understanding the influence of crop residue burning on PM pollution across China.

Understanding Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Crop Residue Burning in China from 2003 to 2017 Using MODIS Data

Crop residue burning, which is a convenient approach to process excessive crop straws, has a negative impact on local and regional air quality and soil structures. China, as a major agricultural country with a large population, should take more effective measures to control crop residue burning. In this case, a better understanding of long-term spatio-temporal variations of crop residue burning in China is required. The MODIS products MOD14A1/MYD14A1 were employed in this research. Meanwhile, due to the vast territory of China, we divided the study area into seven regions based on the national administrative divisions to examine crop residue burning in each region, respectively. The temporal analysis of crop residue burning in different regions demonstrates a fluctuated, but generally upward, trend from 2003 to 2017. For monthly variations of crop residue burning in different regions, detected fire spots in June mainly concentrated in Central China (CC), East China (EC), and North China (NC). A majority of detected fire spots in Northeast China (NEC) and Northwest China (NWC) appeared in April and October. For other months, a small number of fire spots were distributed in all regions in a scattered manner. Furthermore, from a spatio-temporal perspective, this research revealed that crop residue burning in NEC was the most active among all regions both in spring and autumn. For summer, EC holds a larger proportion of burning spots than other regions. For winter, the number of burning spots in most regions was close. This research conducts a comprehensive analysis of crop residue burning in China at both a national and regional scale. The methodology and results from this research provide useful reference for better monitoring and controlling crop residue burning in China.