Effect Of Moisture Research Articles

Moisture dependent bending mechanical properties of Chinese fir

ABSTRACT Predicting the long-term deformation and failure of wood under varying environmental conditions is challenging due to the complex rheological behaviour of wood. In this study, the bending failure mechanism and moisture-dependent viscoelastic creep behaviours of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata [Lamb.] Hook.) were explored. The digital image correlation technique was used to monitor strain field changes during the bending process. The results revealed that wood in a dry state was more brittle than in a moist state. Strain field variations showed that the tensile load on the tension side primarily governs bending failure. There are distinct differences between tension and compression regions by fracture morphology analysis. The study further developed the time-moisture-stress superposition principle to integrate the effects of time, moisture, and stress on wood's creep behaviour in bending. These findings provide critical insights into how moisture affects wood’s mechanical behaviour, guiding more efficient design and manufacturing practices for long-term structural performance in the timber-construction industry.

Recognizing and reducing effects of moisture-salt coexistence on soil organic matter spectral prediction：From laboratory to satellite

Soil organic matter (SOM) mapping in salinized areas is crucial for scientific guidance on soil salinization. However, accurately mapping SOM is challenging due to the intricate interplay between soil moisture content (SMC) and soil salt content (SSC), which significantly influences soil spectra. Unlike prior research that has separately examined the impacts of moisture or salinity, this study delves into the combined effects of these factors on SOM spectra. The objective of this study is to develop and validate several spectral optimization algorithms at both the laboratory and satellite levels. In October 2020, a study was conducted using 291 ground-truth data to examine the impact of various moisture-salt stages (seven moisture stages, five salt stages) on hyperspectral data. Spectrum mechanism responsive for soil moisture and salinity were analyzed through spectral curves, correlation, and analysis of variance (Anova, AOV), and spectrum mechanism responsive for soil moisture and salinity model were built. Following that, the spectra were optimized using piecewise direct normalization (PDS)-AOV, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF)-AOV, and orthogonal signal correction (OSC)-AOV. The SOM prediction models were then built by integrating these optimized spectra with Stacking ensemble machine learning algorithms (RF, GBM, ANN). Eventually, the lab-optimized spectra were merged with satellite multispectral images to create new image (named REC) for SOM mapping. The results indicated varying impacts of SMC and SSC on spectra, particularly between 1400 nm to 2000 nm, revealing the influence of moisture-salt interaction; the best optimization algorithm (OSC-AOV) with Stacking mitigated the effect of moisture-salt coexistence on spectra (the R2 and RPD of the best models elevated by 0.005–0.267, 0.020–0.374 respectively, RMSE reduced by 0.137–1.817 g/kg); implementing this algorithm on REC significantly improved the accuracy of SOM mapping (R2 elevated by 0.185–0.259, RMSE reduced by 2.615–3.203 g/kg). This study extensively investigated the effects of moisture and salinity on spectra, spanning from laboratory to satellite, offering a novel approach to understanding and addressing the complexities in SOM mapping in salinized environments.

Design and development of wire-mesh packed bed liquid desiccant dehumidifier to reduce pressure-drop and carryover

In response to the high air-pressure drop and desiccant carryover experienced in liquid desiccant-packed bed dehumidifiers, which adversely affect the room environment and system economics, this study explored various modified wire-mesh packed bed designs. It experimentally evaluated dehumidification efficiency, and thermal performance across different corrugated wire-mesh packings, introducing a new design for cost-effective moisture removal while reducing pressure drop and desiccant carryover. Three specially designed packings (P-1, P-2, and P-3) were tested against standard commercial options like Celdek (7090, 6090, 5090) and Mellapak 250Y, focusing on optimizing performance. At a constant optimal concentration of the desiccant solution, the effects of airflow rates (ma), solution flow rates (ms), and solution temperatures (Ts) on the performance of the system was analyzed. The findings indicated that P-1 performed better than others, particularly in terms of condensation rate (CR) and moisture effectiveness (εm). Specifically, it outperformed the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) (benchmark) packing by 22.1 % and 8 % respectively at a solution concentration of 40 wt% and ma of 0.025 kg/s under ambient conditions of nearly 0.02921 kg/kg specific humidity and 31 °C temperature. Increasing the void fraction led to a reduction in air pressure drop while enhancing the wettability, and dehumidification efficiency. The packing, P-1, made of stainless steel (SS340) with 0.3 cm mesh was finally proposed to obtain better performance for dehumidification applications in buildings. Additionally, its potential to reduce air-pressure drop and desiccant carry-over can provide improved energy efficiency and enhanced air quality, making it a practical choice for sustainable building cooling solutions.

Effect of temperature and moisture on soil pathogen Fusarium solani of lemon in Adjara, Georgia

The research was conducted in the 2022 and 2023 seasons in the agrometerology and plant protection laboratory and citrus greenhouse of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, the aim of which was groupe and unit role of temperature and soil moisture (SM) content on aggressive soil pathogen F. solani on lemon, also effects of pathogen density and soil moisture on belowground and aboveground morphological traits. In our study, we could find that the both temperature and soil moisture played a decisive role in influencing the root rot disease scenario. As per the disease susceptibility index (DSI), a combination of high temperature (35°C) and low SM (60%) was found to elicit the highest disease susceptibility in lemon. High pathogen colonization was realized in lemon root tissue at all time-points irrespective of genotype, temperature, and SM. Interestingly, this was in contrast to the DSI where no visible symptoms were recorded in the roots or foliage during the initial time-points. For each time-point, the colonization was slightly higher at 35°C than 25°C, while the same did not vary significantly with respect to SM. Shoot biomass was not affected by either pathogen density or soil moisture. However, the two experimental factors have additive effects on the severity of leaf damage. Leaf damage increased with the density of F. solani in the soil, being significantly higher at 60 CFU/g and 120 CFU/g than in control seedlings. Leaf damage was higher at the two extreme soil moisture levels (15% and 100% WHC) than at the two intermediate levels (40% and 50%). In addition, differential expression studies revealed the involvement of defense-related genes, such as endochitinase and chitinase, in the resistant lemon cultivar Meyer, which contribute to retarding root rot disease progression in lemon. In the early stages of infection, especially with low SM. That can be beneficial for farmers and researchers who involve in Citrus

Rainfall and Soil Moisture Jointly Drive Differences in Plant Community Composition in Desert Riparian Forests of Northwest China

Extreme rainfall and soil moisture play important roles in the survival, community composition, and ecosystem function of desert plants. This study focused on arid desert riparian forests ecosystems in the Ebinur Lake Basin of Xinjiang, China. We analyzed the effects of rainfall and soil moisture on species composition, indicator species, β diversity, species turnover, and nestedness using three consecutive years of community surveys. A zero-model combined with a Bayesian framework was used to explore the response of species turnover and nestedness to soil moisture and rainfall, and variance decomposition was used to quantify the relative importance of spatial distance, rainfall, and soil factors in determining species composition. The results indicated the following: (1) when rainfall was high, the richness and abundance of annual herbaceous plants increased. The proportion of the community based on richness (32%) and abundance (58.1%) of annual herbaceous plants in 2016 was higher than that in 2015 and 2017. The Jaccard, Bray–Curtis, and Chao indexes of the community in years with higher rainfall were significantly higher than in years with lower rainfall; however, a lag effect was also observed. (2) Soil factors explained 5% of the changes in community composition, rainfall explained 12% of the changes in community composition, and spatial distance, soil factors, and rainfall jointly explained 32% of the changes in community composition. (3) We also showed that high soil moisture leads to greater β diversity than low soil moisture. Rainfall had the greatest explanatory power on the measured values of β diversity (19.6%) and species turnover (38%), and the factor with the greatest explanatory power for species nestedness was the interaction between rainfall and soil moisture (26.2%). Our findings indicate that drought and rainfall drive differences in plant community composition, with rainfall playing a dominant role. These results provide a basis for understanding the impact of extreme rainfall events on arid ecosystem functions.

Low corrosive dual desiccant air conditioning: Antimicrobial activity, performance characteristics, and economic valuation with traditional VCRS

Liquid desiccant dehumidification systems (LDDS) serve as an energy-efficient alternative to conventional vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) systems, providing enhanced control over both temperature and humidity levels. However, the broader implementation of LDDS is limited due to the corrosive effects of the liquid desiccants on metal components. In response, this study introduces an economical blend of potassium formate (HCOOK) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) designed to minimize corrosion while maintaining energy efficiency and performance. Selection of mixture ratio and solution concentration and determination of thermo-physical properties were conducted by initial lab-scale tests. Significant bactericidal effects against E. coli and S. Aureus were observed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the developed solution were experimentally tested by a comparative investigation in a large-scale solar-integrated liquid desiccant dehumidification system against standard HCOOK (63.5 wt%). The cyclic performance of the novel desiccant solution was examined under varying operational conditions for tropical climates. Results demonstrated that the corrosion levels of the new mixture are comparable to those observed with a standard 63.5 wt% HCOOK solution, while the dehumidification efficiency showed significant improvements, with moisture removal and effectiveness enhanced by 8.7–14.3 % and 5.8–15.2 %, respectively. Significant regeneration occurred between 45 °C and 55 °C. Regeneration efficiency improved by a maximum of 12.5 % relative to the standard HCOOK solution. Notably, the deployment of a solar-assisted regeneration system led to energy cost reductions by 22.8 % compared to traditional VCR systems, achieving a return on investment within 1.8 years.

A comparative analysis of antimicrobial agents in artificial saliva: Scoping review

Background: Artificial saliva should be formulated to mimic the physical properties and composition of the natural saliva. In addition to its moisturizing effects, artificial saliva should also include buffering and antimicrobial properties to adequately substitute the physiological functions of natural saliva. Most artificial saliva products focus on lubrication and moisture retention, with limited exploration of antimicrobial components. The optimal antimicrobial agents in artificial saliva have yet to be determined. Purpose: To identify antimicrobial agents used in artificial saliva. Methods: Article searches were conducted using the PRISMA flow chart in October 2024 using three databases: Scopus, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect. Selected articles were then evaluated for risk of bias using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Results: Six quasi-experimental studies met the inclusion criteria and included in this review. Conclusion: Antimicrobial agents used in artificial saliva are xylitol, sorbitol, lysozyme, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase with potassium thiocyanate, hinokitiol, protamine, whey protein, dried egg yolk, system of enzymes, fluoride ions, hydroxyethylcellulose, and core-shell magnetic nanoparticles. Various other active ingredients may also serve as antimicrobial agents.

Implementation of Fuzzy Logic to Control Soil Moisture Level in Arduino-Based Rice Fields

In Indonesia, where the agricultural sector is pivotal in the economy and most of the population are farmers, effective soil moisture control is crucial for optimizing crop production. This study investigates the application of modern technology, particularly Arduino microcontrollers utilizing Fuzzy Logic, to enhance irrigation management in rice fields. Given the challenges of irregular water supply due to geographical and temporal variations, additional infrastructure such as waterways, dams, and pumps are indispensable for regulating water distribution. By integrating Arduino microcontroller technology with Fuzzy Logic, precise and adaptive soil moisture management can be achieved, ensuring optimal water usage and improving crop yields. This research contributes to advancing sustainable agriculture in Indonesia, addressing the pressing need for food security amidst a growing population.

Feasibility of Recovering and Recycling Polymer Composites from End-of-Life Marine Renewable Energy Structures: A Review

Over the last few decades, several marine renewable energy (MRE) technologies, such as wave energy converters (WECs) and current energy converters (CECs), have been developed. As opposed to traditional materials such as metal alloys, the structure of these technologies is made up of polymer and polymer composite materials. Most structures have been made using thermoset polymer composites; however, since thermoset polymer composites are not recyclable and lack sustainability, and with recent innovations in recyclable resins, bio-based resins, and the development of additive manufacturing technologies, thermoplastic polymers are increasingly being used. Nevertheless, the methodologies for identifying end-of-life options and recovering these polymer composites, as well as the recycling and reuse processes for MRE structures, are not well-studied. Specifically, since these MRE structures are subjected to salinity, moisture, varying temperature, biofouling, and corrosion effects depending on their usage, the recyclability after seawater aging and degradation needs to be explored. Hence, this review provides an in-depth review of polymer composites used in marine applications, the hygrothermal aging studies conducted so far to understand the degradation of these materials, and the reuse and recycling methodologies for end-of-life MRE structures, with a particular emphasis on sustainability.

Effect of Graphene Reinforcements on the Natural Frequencies of Metal Foams Sandwich Spherical Panels Situated on Kerr Elastic Foundation Considering Moisture Changes

The existing study examines the moisture-dependent vibrational behavior of a metal foam spherical panel that is positioned between two composite layers reinforced with graphene platelets (GPL). The Kerr foundation, a three-parameter elastic foundation, supports the model. Based on specified functionalities, the pores’ arrangement and the GPL dispersion throughout the core and face sheets, respectively, are taken into consideration. The Halpin–Tsai and extended rule of mixture micromechanical models are utilized to ascertain the face sheets’ effective hygromechanical property values. After the motion equations are determined, the frequencies are extracted using the analytical technique, which is particularly effective for shells with simply supported edges. The impacts of various influences on the natural frequencies are considered and addressed over the course of the inquiry. It is shown that natural frequencies drop with increasing porosity coefficient. Furthermore, a small amount of GPL is shown to have a strong reinforcing effect on the stiffness of the structure, hence enhancing natural frequencies. The outcomes of this investigation can be beneficial to a variety of industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and civil engineering, where spherical shells are commonly employed. Furthermore, the outcomes might function as a standard for subsequent research. These results not only advance the understanding of moisture effects on composite structures but also provide a foundation for future research aimed at optimizing material properties for specific applications. Additionally, this study offers practical insights for the design and manufacturing of more resilient and efficient spherical components in real-life engineering scenarios.

Solution‐Processed Zinc‐Tin‐Based Ternary Oxide Electron Transport Layers for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have acquired popularity owing to their high efficiency, ease of fabrication, and affordability. In this context, the development of electron transport layers (ETLs) for highly efficient planar photovoltaic devices has received considerable attention. This study investigates the potential of zinc‐tin‐based ternary metal oxide ETLs for application in planar PSCs. Solution‐processed methods are used to fabricate crystalline zinc stannate (Zn2SnO4), amorphous zinc‐tin oxide (ZTO), and Zn2SnO4/ZTO‐based bilayer films, and their structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties are thoroughly studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show enhanced crystallite size and better surface morphology of perovskite films deposited on bilayer ETL. Photoluminescence (PL) studies and Hall effect measurements reveal superior charge extraction, improved charge carrier mobility (21.84 cm2 V−1 s−1) and enhanced n‐type conductivity in the bilayer ETL. Moreover, contact angle analysis of perovskite layer deposited on bilayer ETL shows increased resistance to moisture erosion (52.20°), which is particularly significant given the detrimental effects moisture can have on the performance of PSCs.

Microwave-vacuum drying behavior of rosehips: Experimental investigation and mathematical modeling

In this study, the microwave-vacuum drying of rosehips (Rosa canina) was investigated and the effect of different drying conditions during the microwave vacuum drying process on the drying kinetics of rosehips was determined. For this purpose, microwave vacuum drying experiments were carried out until a moisture content less than 10 % by weight was attained at three power (50, 100, and 150 W) and three pressure (40, 75, and 110 mBar (abs)) levels. The drying times ranged from 75 to 195 min depending on the power level and vacuum degree applied. Seven different mathematical models, which are most commonly used in the literature, were fitted to the experimental data, and among these models, the most suitable model was selected by considering the statistical criteria of the highest regression coefficient (R2), the lowest chi-square (χ2), total squared error (SSE) and root mean square error (RMSE). The drying rate (DR) increased with increasing microwave power levels under all pressure levels. The Midilli model was proposed as the best-fit model for predicting the drying behavior of rosehip plants under all drying process conditions. The effective moisture diffusion (Deff) of rosehips under different drying conditions during the MVD process ranged from 5.81⨮10−8-17.32⨮10−8 m2/s and increased with the increasing microwave power at constant pressure.

Comparison of the Distribution of Evapotranspiration on Shady and Sunny Slopes in Southwest China

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a significant role in the surface water cycle, particularly within the unique geographical context of Southwest China. The region’s different topography, driven by mountain uplift and variations in slope direction, alters regional hydrothermal conditions, thereby affecting local ecoclimatic patterns. ET characteristics, shaped by slope orientation, can also serve as important indicators of climate variability in the study area. While most existing ET research on shady and sunny slopes has been conducted at the point scale, this study employed Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) ET products to estimate the average ET for shady and sunny slopes across five provinces in Southwest China between 2003 and 2018. The driving factors behind the variation in ET across different regions were also explored. Key results include the following: (1) Annual ET in Southwest China ranges between 200 mm and 800 mm, with Tibet exhibiting the lowest values and Yunnan the highest. (2) ET decreases gradually with increasing altitude in the altitude range of 0 m to 5000 m. The ET is higher on the sunny slopes than on the shady slopes. Notably, when the altitude is higher than 5000 m, ET on shady slopes in Tibet is greater than that on sunny slopes as the altitude increases. (3) ET initially increases with slope inclination before decreasing. Notably, in areas with slopes exceeding 35° in Yunnan, the ET value is found to be significantly higher on shady slopes compared to sunny slopes. (4) The effects of soil moisture, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, relative humidity, and land surface temperature on ET are more substantial on shady slopes than sunny slopes, whereas air temperature has a stronger impact on ET on sunny slopes. These results provide valuable data for research on regional climate change and contribute to strategies for ecological and environmental protection.

Stretchable and body conformable electronics for emerging wearable therapies

AbstractWearable therapy represents a research frontier where material science, electrical engineering, and medical disciplines intersect, offering significant potential for remote and portable healthcare. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on rigid materials, the ability to stretch is crucial for therapeutic devices to achieve enhanced mechanical adaptability. Moreover, the conformable integration of these devices into the body is pivotal in establishing reliable interfaces for long‐term treatment. These emerging devices provide an attractive platform for developing new therapeutic protocols that do not disrupt daily activities. This review comprehensively overviews recent progress in stretchable and body‐conformable electronics for wearable therapeutic applications. The discussion begins with the design and fabrication of these devices through structural designs and material innovation. The therapeutic mechanisms adopted by these devices are then systematically explored. Furthermore, the article delineates the crucial characteristics of wearable therapeutic devices, such as biocompatibility, secure skin attachment, and effective moisture management. This review article is poised to inspire innovative device designs and treatment protocols for future medical technology.

Crystallization dynamics of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells via solvent engineering methods

Perovskite materials have attracted interest in solar cells due to ease of processing from salts. However, the complex crystal formation of perovskite from solvents is poorly understood. Solvent engineering approach to determine the crystallization dynamics and orientation of MAPbI3 films using grazing incidence wide angle x-ray scattering (GIWAXS) and micro diffraction measurements were studied. The study further probes the effect of moisture, PTAA and PEDOTS: PSS hole transport layers on the stability of MAPbI3 films. Precursor solutions were prepared by dissolving MAI and PbI2 in pure DMF and mixture of DMF: DMSO in 4:1 v/v. Chlorobenzene and Ethyl acetate were used as antisolvent. Films prepared from DMF: DMSO mixture showed no PbI2 signature while those prepared from DMF only, showed PbI2 signature at q= 0.9 A-1. This was attributed to solvent engineering of DMF/DMSO that leads to the formation of MAI/PbI2/DMSO intermediate that delays the crystallization and promotes vertical growth of films. q= 0.9 A-1 signal was associated with high volatility of DMF which led to faster but discrepant nucleation and crystallization rate. Microdiffraction results showed insignificant influence of antisolvent on the perovskite structure. Humidity has a strong influence on the stability of MAPbI3 films. PbI2 intensity in the GIWAXS maps increased with increasing humidity while MAPbI3 intensity decreased. This implied increased degradation of MAPbI3 film with humidity due to recombination of charge carriers. A band gap of 1.57 eV, efficiency of 8.5% and Et of 26 meV were obtained. Films with good crystallization are desirable in solar cells.

Understanding soil and ecosystem respiration in a dune-meadow cascade ecosystem

Arid and semi-arid regions, which account for more than 30% of the Earth's land area, increasingly dominate the spatiotemporal trends in global carbon fluxes. The Horqin Sandy Land is a typical semi-arid fragile ecosystem in northern China. Understanding the components of the carbon budget in ecosystems under conditions of extreme soil moisture limitations provides a foundation for comprehending the carbon balance in semi-arid ecosystems. The seasonal and diurnal variations in soil respiration (Rs) in semi-mobile dune (SD) and meadow wetland (MW) ecosystems of the Horqin Sandy Land were examined, and the sources of CO2 emissions from Rs were identified using stable carbon isotopes. The responses of Rs and ecosystem respiration (Reco) to environmental temperature, moisture and leaf area index (LAI) were revealed. The results showed that on a seasonal scale, in SD with soil moisture content (Ms) below field capacity (FC), Ms had a greater influence on Rs than soil temperature (Ts) during the growing season. Changes in the LAI during the middle and late growth period affected Rs by altering root carbon supply. In MW, the most favorable Ms for Rs was near FC. The increase in LAI before mowing could effectively promote root and soil microbial respiration, and the decomposition of litter driven by Ts was the main form of Rs at this time. After mowing, root respiration and soil microbial respiration were the main processes contributing to CO2 emissions. On a daily scale, relative humidity (RH) dominated the Rs variation under dry conditions, whereas in other conditions, the Rs was adequately explained by temperature in SD and MW. The overall Reco was larger than Rs, but occasionally Rs was greater than Reco. The effects of temperature, moisture and LAI on Reco and Rs varied with growing season. Adding factors, such as ecosystem type, vegetation growth, water, and heat, to the carbon cycle model can improve predictions of carbon emissions, and aid in further management decisions in arid and semi-arid areas.

Moisturizing and antioxidant factors of skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo and vitamin E in human keratinocyte cells.

Moisturizers are integral to daily skincare routines, reflecting the increasing trend among people towards cosmetic products, particularly for skin care. They significantly contribute to preserving skin health, particularly by regulating the epidermal barrier and moisture levels within the skin. This study aims to explore the moisturizing and antioxidant effect of skin barrier restoring cream Moiz MM (MZ) with shea butter, silkflo and vitamin E by investigating its protective effect against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and therapeutic mechanisms in human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT). The invitro antioxidant activity of MZ was evaluated by DPPH, ABTS and NO assays. For the cell culture study, HaCaT cells were cultured and stimulated using H2O2 and then treated with different concentrations of MZ. Then, it was subjected to DCFH-DA staining, reverse transcriptase PCR and western blot analysis for the evaluation of various skin-moisture-related components in human keratinocyte cells. Type I procollagen was examined using ELISA technique. The results highlighted that oxidative stress in HaCaT cells decreased type I procollagen synthesis, while MZ treatment significantly increased the synthesis. Moreover, the viability of HaCaT cells was not affected in the presence of MZ, which demonstrates its non-toxic effect. Furthermore, MZ can counteract H2O2-mediated oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activity such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and decrease reactive oxygen species generation in skin cells. Additionally, MZ greatly promotes hyaluronic acid production by enhancing the expression of the hyaluronic acid synthase-1 gene and Aquaporin 3 protein. This study suggests that MZ has the potential to serve as a moisturizing and antioxidant skincare formula.

Process Modeling and Convective Drying Optimization of Raspberry Pomace as a Fiber-Rich Functional Ingredient: Effect on Techno-Functional and Bioactive Properties.

This study aimed to transform raspberry pomace, a by-product of the berry industry, into a sustainable, fiber-rich functional ingredient using convective drying. Drying experiments were conducted at temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 °C to identify the optimal conditions that balance process efficiency and preservation of functional and bioactive properties. The best results were achieved at 70 °C, where a high drying rate (DR) of 0.46 kg H2O·kg-1 db·min-1, effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of 1.53 × 10-10 m2·s-1, and activation energy (Ea) of 34.90 kJ·mol-1 were observed. The Page model accurately represented the drying behavior (R2 = 0.9965-0.9997). Total dietary fiber (TDF) content remained stable across temperatures (52.52-64.76 g·100 g-1 db), while soluble dietary fiber (SDF) increased by 43.40%, resulting in a solubility (SOL) of 71.8%, water-holding capacity (WHC) of 8.2 mL·g-1 db, and oil-holding capacity (OHC) of 3.0 mL·g-1 db. High retention of bioactive compounds was achieved at 70 °C, including phenolics (32.10 mg GAE·g-1 db) and anthocyanins (25.84 mg C3G·g-1 db), resulting in significant antioxidant activities (DPPH: 33.29 mg AAE·g-1 db, IC50 0.016 mg·mL-1; ABTS: 35.85 mg AAE·g-1 db, IC50 0.029 mg·mL-1). These findings demonstrated the potential of convective drying at 70 °C to efficiently transform raspberry pomace into a high-quality functional ingredient. This process promotes sustainable production and waste reduction in the berry industry.

Effect of moisture on mechanical and physical properties of coals: a uniaxial compression study

The estimation of mechanical and physical properties of coal reservoirs is important for the successful exploration and development of coalbed methane (CBM). Unlike conventional sandstone reservoirs, coal reservoirs exhibit greater sensitivity to stress, resulting in distinct mechanical and physical behaviors. In this study, uniaxial compression tests were performed on both low-rank and high-rank coal samples under different moisture conditions to reveal the mechanical and physical property changes with stress. The results indicate that during axial stress loading (up to 2.8 MPa), axial strain initially increases rapidly and subsequently at a slower rate, with an axial strain of 0.13–0.25% observed at the maximum axial stress. The instantaneous Young’s modulus increases linearly before stabilizing, ranging from 618.01 to 4861.10 MPa, while the Poisson’s ratio remains relatively constant or increases linearly, ranging from 0.002 to 0.165. This results in a negative exponential decrease in both porosity and permeability, with maximum reductions of 1.77–4.21% and 5.38–12.25%, respectively. The mechanical properties of coal are influenced by both the cementation effect of water at low water saturation and the softening effect at high water saturation, which results in axial strain decreases and then increases as the water saturation increases. Concurrently, the elastic modulus initially increases and then decreases, while the Poisson’s ratio exhibits a less pronounced change or tends to increase. Consequently, there is a trend in which porosity and permeability first increase and then decrease. In addition, during stress unloading, the influence of water in coal induces a notable strain hysteresis phenomenon in water-containing coal samples, and this phenomenon is more obvious in the low-rank coals.

Study on Natural Characteristics of Coal Gangue Oxidation under the Action of Water.

The exposed accumulation of coal gangue undergoes changes when it is soaked by rainwater, exhibiting varying tendencies for spontaneous combustion in different precipitation regions. This study investigates the effects of moisture on the oxidation and spontaneous combustion of coal gangue in high-sulfur coal gangue from the Qipanjing area of Inner Mongolia. Initially, coal gangue samples were subjected to soaking and air-drying treatments at different moisture contents. The dried coal gangue samples were then placed into a self-designed programmable heating furnace for thermal experiments, during which the gases generated were collected and characterized using gas chromatography. By comparing the oxygen consumption and volume fractions of gases such as CO, CH4, and C2H6 produced from coal gangue treated at different moisture contents, it was found that the low-temperature oxidation characteristics were optimal at a moisture content of 25%. At this level, the initial formation temperatures of gases like CO, CH4, and C2H6 were the lowest, with peak concentrations observed at 390 °C. Conversely, when the moisture content exceeded 70%, a significant amount of combustible material in the coal gangue was dissolved and dispersed by water, leading to a marked decrease in the concentrations of indicator gases produced at 390 °C. In fact, these concentrations fell below those of the control group, which was not subjected to water soaking or subsequent drying. The water immersion treatment also lowered the initial temperature points for the generation of various indicator gases by approximately 15 °C, making spontaneous combustion more likely.