Processes controlling the thermal regime of saltmarsh channel beds

Spatially and temporally continuous temperature measurements were collected over 32 h using a fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system deployed along 330 m of two intertidal saltmarsh channel beds in northern California. Measured temperature gradients imparted ecosystem-scale structure to the saltmarsh tidal channel thermal regime, which was punctuated by potential warm and cold refugia. Anomalous bed temperatures of 2-4 degrees C occurred throughout the 1.3 tidal cycles at some locations. Discrete locations of consistently warm temperatures characterized sustained seepage of recently infiltrated tidal waters. Low-variance temperature anomalies were typically collocated with hidden microtopographic tributaries that facilitated mixing of warm surface waters and cold groundwater. Bed temperature gradients (approximately 2 degrees C/100 m, average) decreased from high temperatures similar to bay water at the channel mouths to low inland temperatures comparable to groundwater. The trends were maintained by cold groundwater discharge throughout the channels, which affected bed temperatures in proportion to channel reach exposure time; the opposing effect, conductive bed-warming by tidal waters, was proportional to flood duration. DTS is a promising tool for identifying spatial and temporal temperature patterns of hydroecological importance amidst complex natural systems.     

CO2 emissions structure of Indian economy

This paper analyses carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of the Indian economy by producing sectors and due to household final consumption. The analysis is based on an Input–Output (IO) table and Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for the year 2003–04 that distinguishes 25 sectors and 10 household classes. Total emissions of the Indian economy in 2003–04 are estimated to be 1217 million tons (MT) of CO₂, of which 57% is due to the use of coal and lignite. The per capita emissions turn out to be about 1.14 tons. The highest direct emissions are due to electricity sector followed by manufacturing, steel and road transportation. Final demands for construction and manufacturing sectors account for the highest emissions considering both direct and indirect emissions as the outputs from almost all the energy-intensive sectors go into the production process of these two sectors. In terms of life style differences across income classes, the urban top 10% accounts for emissions of 3416 kg per year while rural bottom 10% class accounts for only 141 kg per year. The CO₂ emission embodied in the consumption basket of top 10% of the population in urban India is one-sixth of the per capita emission generated in the US.     

Darcy–Forchheimer electromagnetic flow of entropy optimized microrotating Casson–Carreau nanomaterials

It is apparent that non-Newtonian nanofluids (especially, Casson and Carreau) find their ubiquitous utilization in diverse industrial processes. The magnetohydrodynamics concept is significantly implemented in the engineering design process. Darcy–Forchheimer's effect characterized by inertia and boundary effects ameliorates the rate of heat transportation outstandingly in association with the flow of nanofluids. Entropy optimization analysis is accentuated as its minimization is the best measure to enhance the efficiency of thermal systems. In view of this, the present article is intended to investigate electromagnetic flow and thermal characteristics of Casson and Carreau nanofluids over the exponential stretched surface. Microrotation facets are entailed. Arrhenius pre-exponential factor law and Robin's condition are implemented. The nondimensional governing equations are solved by the spectral quasi-linearization method. The major outcomes of this study are that axial and transverse flow velocities and heat transfer rate get controlled due to strengthening Casson and microinertia density parameters. More thermal stratification augments the rate of heat transportation efficaciously. Amplification of the Weissenberg parameter intensifies the axial and transverse flow velocities and the associated boundary layer widths. Axial and transverse surface viscous drag enervate due to the rise in porosity, inertia, and magnetic parameters. The entropy generation rate is regulated by the varied Reynolds number.     

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters by monocaprylin alone or in combination with acetic acid

The antilisterial activity of monocaprylin (MC) and its combination with acetic acid (AA) on frankfurters was investigated. Each frankfurter was surface inoculated with a three-strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes to obtain an inoculation level of 4.0 log CFU per frankfurter, and then dipped for 35 s in sterile deionized water (45 or 50 degrees C) containing 1% ethanol (control), 50 mM MC plus 1% ethanol, 1% AA plus 1% ethanol, or 50 mM MC plus 1% AA plus 1% ethanol. Samples were vacuum packaged, stored at 4 degrees C for 77 days, and analyzed for L. monocytogenes. Sensory odor and color of frankfurters were evaluated using a 9-point hedonic scale. Color was also objectively measured using the Minolta Chroma Meter. From day 0 to day 77, population counts of L. monocytogenes on frankfurters dipped in antimicrobial solutions at 50 degrees C were consistently lower than the control counts. Similar results were observed for samples treated at 45 degrees C. However, L. monocytogenes grew readily on control samples at both temperatures. Dipping of frankfurters in antimicrobial solutions (45 or 50 degrees C) significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the populations of L. monocytogenes. After 70 days of storage, L. monocytogenes was completely killed in samples dipped in MC+AA solution at 50 degrees C. The antimicrobial treatments did not affect the odor or color of the samples (P > 0.05). Overall, results indicated that dipping of frankfurters with MC reduced L. monocytogenes, and inclusion of AA further enhanced MC antilisterial activity, without any negative effect on odor or color.     

Recent developments in cold plasma-based enzyme activity (browning,cell wall degradation,and antioxidant) in fruits and vegetables

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations reports, approximately half of the total harvested fruits and vegetables vanish before they reach the end consumer due to their perishable nature. Enzymatic browning is one of the most common problems faced by fruit and vegetable processing. The perishability of fruits and vegetables is contributed by the various browning enzymes (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) and ripening or cell wall degrading enzyme (pectin methyl-esterase). In contrast, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) assist in reversing the damage caused by reactive oxygen species or free radicals. The cold plasma technique has emerged as a novel, economic, and environmentally friendly approach that reduces the expression of ripening and browning enzymes while increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes; microorganisms are significantly inhibited, therefore improving the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This review narrates the mechanism and principle involved in the use of cold plasma technique as a nonthermal agent and its application in impeding the activity of browning and ripening enzymes and increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes for improving the shelf life and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables and preventing spoilage and pathogenic germs from growing. An overview of hurdles and sustainability advantages of cold plasma technology is presented.     

LSM–YSZ interactions and anode delamination in solid oxide electrolysis cells

Symmetric cells of the configuration air/LSM//YSZ//LSM/air have been fabricated and electrically tested under impressed voltage conditions to understand the anode delamination behavior commonly observed during the operation of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). Electrical performance degradation has been measured with time at various applied voltages ranging from 0 to 0.8 V with respect to OCV, and cell component microstructural and chemical changes have been examined. Post-test observations indicate the development of a weak anode–electrolyte interface leading to the delamination of the anode from the electrolyte surface. Microstructural analysis of the anode–electrolyte interface revealed extensive morphological and chemical changes including the formation of lanthanum zirconate, an uneven porous interface, and localized grain boundary porosity in the electrolyte. An anode delamination mechanism based on morphological change and compound formation at the anode–electrolyte interface is proposed.