This paper analyses the influence of the applied microwave power output on the intensification of drying in the context of process kinetics and product quality. The study involved testing samples of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.). Wood samples were dried in the microwave chamber at: 168 W, 210 W, 273 W, 336 W and 378 W power output level. For comparison, wood was dried convectively at 40 ◦C and 87% air relative humidity. The analysis of drying process kinetics involved nonlinear regression employing the Gompertz model. Dried samples were subjected to static bending tests in order to specify the influence of the applied microwave power on modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rapture (MOR). The obtained correlations of results were verified statistically. Analysis of drying kinetics, strength test results and Tukey’s test showed that the applied microwaves of a relatively low level significantly shortened the drying time, but did not cause a reduction in the final quality of dried wood, compared with conventional drying.
Thirty four specimens of bony fishes (5 species) and four specimens of skates (2 species) were examined. Skates were infected with adult representatives of Phyllobothrium sp. (Tetraphyllidea) and Macrobothridium sp. (Diphyllidea). Bony fishes were infected with three morphological forms of tetraphyllidean cercoids (with mono- and bilocular bothridia, and bothridia undivided with hook-like projections), diphyllobothrid plerocercoids and one pseudophyllidean species, Bothriocephalus antarcticus sp.n. This species, as well as two species found in skates, seems to be endemic for the Kerguelen subregion.