Predictive modeling of dielectric heating in porous foods is challenging due to their nature as multiphase materials. To explore the relationship between the topological structure of multiphase foods and the accuracy of dielectric mixture models, the degree of anisotropy of two cooked rice samples with 26 and 32 % porosity was determined, and their dielectric properties were estimated using the Lichtenecker (LK), Landau-LifshitzLooyenga (LLL), and Complex Refractive Index Mixture (CRIM) equations. These properties were used in a predictive finite-element model for reheating an apparent homogeneous rice sample on a flatbed microwave (MW) for 120 s. The results were compared with experimental data and a validated two-element model. Unlike LK and LLL equations, the CRIM equation predicted heat accumulation towards the edges of the container at the two values of porosity ratio evaluated, in accordance with the experimental results and the isotropic nature of the sample. The simulated temperature distributions suggest that the three evaluated equations could predict the MW heating behavior of rice to some extent, but that in order to obtain more accurate results, it could be useful to obtain an empirical topology-related parameter specific for this sample. These results can provide insight on the relationship between the topology of the porous structure in the sample and the adequacy of different dielectric mixture models.

Between 1925 and 1930, 11 or 12 non-native mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) were translocated from Alaska and British Columbia to the foothills of the Olympic Range. By 1970, descendants of these goats had colonized the entire range and concerns about the management of this introduced species developed as damage to alpine soil and vegetation occurred. A series of removals reduced the population from 1175 in 1983 to 389 by 1990, eventually growing to 584 in 2016. We used demographic and genetic data to parameterize a population genetics individual-based simulation model of the Olympic Range mountain goats. We calibrated the model to replicate the population trajectory for Olympic mountain goats from establishment in the 1920s through the 1983 first census. As expected, modeled population dynamics from 1928 to 1983 mimicked parameter initialization from expanding populations. However, simulated heterozygosity did not align with observations, suggesting a process not accounted for within the simulation model, such as a bottleneck or founder effect. Sensitivity analyses showed changes in annual reproductive rate, juvenile mortality, and adult female mortality influencing population trajectories, but variation in male mortality revealed no changes. Evaluating the population dynamics of the model after removals showed that approximately 80% of the total animals removed during the 1980s needed to be female in order for the observed population estimates to occur. This model has the potential to be used more widely with established or introduced mountain goat populations, as well as to provide an approach for studying other introduced species and their population dynamics.

To address the challenges of digging deep-rhizome Chinese herbal medicines in northwest China's hilly terrain, including difficulty, incompleteness, and herb damage, a specialized self-propelled digger with interlocking teeth has been developed. Designed for complex topography, small fields, and resistant soil, this digger provides an efficient and precise alternative to traditional methods. The prototype features in-place reverse differential steering, 360-degree digging capability, and minimized root and soil damage to promote future planting. Key components, including the digging mechanism, vibratory system, crawler chassis, hydraulic transmission system, and worm gear rotary hydraulic reducer, were analyzed and optimized through theoretical, graphical, and simulation studies using RecurDyn. Field tests demonstrated the digger's effectiveness, achieving depths exceeding 600 mm with minimal herb damage and loss. The digger successfully navigated steep slopes and operated within noise regulations, surpassing industry standards, with less than 1.4% herb damage and a loss rate under 3%. The digger was capable of ascending gradients over 20 degrees with driver noise levels below 92 dB. This innovative solution offers a valuable reference for developing specialized diggers for harvesting traditional Chinese medicinal materials in challenging conditions.