Loss Of Firmness Research Articles

Unraveling the Hidden Costs: How Cable Theft and Vandalism Fuel Soaring Energy Tariffs in Emerging Economies

Escalating utility costs and challenging financial circumstances make it increasingly difficult for consumers to afford essential services. This financial strain also spills over into the workplace, where employees resort to pilfering company assets, resulting in significant annual losses for these utility firms. Our study aims to identify the organizational factors and individual personality traits that motivate employees to engage in cable theft and vandalism, subsequently driving up tariffs. Utilizing the frameworks of the Reasoned Action Theory (TRA) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), we seek to elucidate the underlying motivations for such theft and destruction of property. Factors such as an unsatisfactory work environment, perceived unfair treatment by management, subpar wages, and easy opportunities for theft are identified as key motivators. To effectively mitigate these issues, targeted policy measures and strategies need to be implemented to influence employee attitudes and perceptions, thereby reducing incidents of theft and vandalism.

Optimization of aloe vera‐sodium alginate composite coating using L16 orthogonal design for extension of shelf life of mushroom

AbstractWhite button mushrooms are highly nutritive, rich in various macro and micro nutrients, however, have a short shelf life with weight loss (WL), enzymatic browning, and loss in firmness as the major quality defects. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of aloe vera‐sodium alginate (AV‐SA) composite coating on the quality attributes of mushroom. The development of coating formulations containing 2% sodium alginate along with varying concentration of aloe vera gel 20%–80% and storage time 4–16 days was planned using a 2‐factor 4‐level orthogonal array (L16) design of Taguchi technique. The influence of both the process parameters on the WL, total soluble solids (TSS), respiration rate (RR), browning index (BI), firmness, electrolyte leakage rate (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), ascorbic acid (AA), total phenolic content (TPC), enzymes activity (polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase), and yeast and mold count (YMC) were evaluated and the optimized level of parameters was determined on the basis of the highest S/N ratios of the responses. The results indicated that 60% AV‐SA composite coating could extend the shelf life of white button mushrooms for up to 8 days with retarded loss in weight, firmness, AA, and TPC and reduced increase in TSS, BI, EL, MDA with controlled enzymatic activity, RR, and YMC.

Extending Raspberry Shelf Life and Maintaining Postharvest Quality with CO2 Atmospheres

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruit are known for their extremely short shelf life. Decay, leakiness, and loss of firmness are the most common limiting factors contributing to their short storage life. However, storage in elevated CO2 and reduced O2 atmospheres can delay senescence in fruit by reducing softening, respiration and ethylene production rates, and pathogen growth. In this study, raspberries were exposed to four different CO2 atmospheres—15 kPa CO2 and 6 kPa O2 (15 kPa); 8 kPa CO2 and 13 kPa O2 (8 kPa); 5 kPa CO2 and 16 kPa O2 (5 kPa); or 0.03 kPa CO2 and 21 kPa O2 (0.03 kPa)—and were evaluated for their postharvest quality periodically during two weeks of storage in 2020 and 2021. Raspberry fruits kept in a 15 kPa CO2 atmosphere followed by 8 kPa CO2 had higher firmness, brighter red color, and the least fungal decay or leakiness. In all atmospheres, the total anthocyanin content increased over time, although the rate of increase was slowed by high CO2. The raspberries’ visual attributes deteriorated over time in all atmospheres, but high CO2 atmospheres slowed the rate of deterioration. After five days, the quality of air-stored raspberries was significantly degraded, while the raspberries stored in elevated CO2 maintained good quality for up to ten days.

Postharvest conservation of coquinho-azedo fruits under modified atmosphere

Coquinho-azedo (Butia capitata) fruits are highly valued for their rich content of fiber, minerals, vitamin C, and pro-vitamin A carotenoids. They are consumed in their natural state and used in various products, offering an alternative income source for rural communities. This study aimed to assess the postharvest characteristics of coquinho-azedo fruits stored under different modified atmosphere conditions. The fruits were stored at 13°C using PVC, PP, PET, and a Control group without packaging. Over 17 days, the fruits' physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. Packaging significantly improved senescence scores and reduced the loss of fresh mass, soluble solids, vitamin C, and firmness compared to the Control group. PVC packaging showed superior color and firmness performance, while PP packaging maintained consistent fruit color. PET packaging had the highest levels of soluble solids, vitamin C, and titratable acidity. Utilizing modified atmosphere packaging, particularly PVC, effectively preserved the quality of coquinho-azedo fruits during postharvest storage. These findings contribute to enhancing shelf life and marketability, benefiting both producers and consumers.

The effect of composite edible coatings on the postharvest quality of “Hass” avocado fruit treated at different harvest maturities

Edible coatings play a critical role in reducing postharvest losses during storage and supply chain of horticultural commodities. The present study evaluated the efficacy of different concentrations of moringa leaf extract (MLE) combined with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) edible coating in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of “Hass” avocado. Fruit were harvested at different stages of maturity and evaluated by dry matter content. Different concentrations of moringa (8 and 16%) extracted with chilled ethanol (100%) and functionalized with CMC (5%), were used to treat the fruit. Treated fruit were then stored at 5.5 ± 1°C and 90 ± 5% RH for 28 days plus an additional 7 days at 23°C. The changes in physicochemical and biochemical fruit attributes were evaluated at weekly intervals. The application of moringa and CMC-based edible coatings preserved the phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of “Hass” avocado. The treatments significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the loss of weight and firmness. Furthermore, treated fruits were found to have a delayed color change and reduction in sugar concentration, particularly mannoheptulose, compared to the control treatment. Therefore, edible coatings prepared by combining CMC and MLE could be the best alternative for substituting the currently used health-compromising synthetic chemicals.

Preparation and characterization of a konjac glucomannan-based bio-nanocomposite film and its application in cherry tomato preservation

Strategies to overcome the limitations of konjac glucomannan (KGM) films, including their poor mechanical properties, low water resistance, and limited bioactivity, are being developed. In this study, fucoidan-chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating tea polyphenols (TP-FCNPs) were prepared using an electrostatic self-assembly method. Subsequently, a novel bio-nanocomposite film was prepared by incorporating TP-FCNPs as fillers into a KGM-based membrane. The microstructural, physical, and biological properties of the nanocomposite films were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed that in the KGM/TP-FCNPs containing 1–7% TP-FCNPs, the TP-FCNPs were uniformly distributed throughout the KGM film matrix. The highest tensile strength of KGM/TP-FCNPs films was 33.05 ± 1.57 MPa, which was 404.53% that of pure KGM film. Incorporating TP-FCNPs also significantly enhanced the UV absorption ability and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the bio-nanocomposite films, while reducing their transmittance. In addition, KGM/TP-FCNPs used as packaging effectively reduced fruit mass loss and firmness loss, inhibited microbial growth, and significantly prolonged fruit shelf-life on day 21 of the cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme A. Gray) packaging trial. In conclusion, the KGM/TP-FCNPs bio-nanocomposite films exhibit satisfactory properties, and thus, show potential for applications in fruit preservation.

Strengthening the Skin Barrier by Using a Late Cornified Envelope 6A-Derived Biomimetic Peptide.

Changes in the expression of cornified envelope (CE) components are a hallmark of numerous pathological skin conditions and aging, underlying the importance of this stratum corneum structure in the homeostasis of the epidermal barrier. We performed a detailed characterisation of LCE6A, a member of the Late Cornified Envelope protein family. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot experiments confirmed that LCE6A is expressed late during epidermal differentiation. Crosslinking assays of recombinant LCE6A performed either insitu on human skin sections or invitro demonstrated that LCE6A is indeed a substrate of transglutaminases and crosslinked to CEs. LCE6A-derived peptides containing a glutamine-lysine sequence retained these properties of the full-length protein and reinforced the mechanical resistance of CE submitted to sonication. We designed P26, a LCE6A-derived biomimetic peptide that similarly reinforced CE invitro, and evaluated its protective properties exvivo, on human skin explants, and in two double blind and vehicle-controlled clinical trials. P26 was able to protect the skin from barrier disruption, to limit the damage resulting from a defective barrier, and could improve the signs of aging such as loss of skin firmness and increased skin roughness. Hence, our detailed characterisation of LCE6A as a component of the CE enabled us to develop a LCE6A-derived peptide, biologically active with a new and original mode of action that could be of great interest as a cosmetic ingredient and a pharmacologic agent.

Second Version on A Centralized Approach to Reducing Burnouts in the IT industry Using Work Pattern Monitoring Using Artificial Intelligence Using MongoDB Atlas and Python

Industry burnout is interlinked with cultural, individual, physical, or emotional exhaustion, and social factors, the resolution of which requires the technology-driven trends in the workplace and the technologies such as work pattern monitoring and Artificial Intelligence that can deal with large amounts of data. Industries face a gigantic problem i.e., employee burnout which can charge a firm loss in numerous hours and thousands of dollars every year. The more advanced companies use work pattern monitoring using Artificial Intelligence to make their employees work more professionally. In this research my attempts to understand the development and leadership, on the effects of work pattern monitoring using Artificial Intelligence technology on information technology organizations (Sasibhushan Rao Chanthati, 2022). In this updated second version, the data of the employees will be stored on a cloud server with governance & compliances. The study discussed the development of methods which are configured as two different system interfaces, which are of minimum valuable product (MVP) and the results obtained from the two approaches. The system will provide work pattern monitoring via the ‘Real-Time Database – MongoDB Atlas’ which will synchronize the employee burnout data to improve the employee experience. This research also illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solutions. “Burnout Detection Mechanism” that will help Industry management and Human Resource Management to manage the emotional state of the employees, understanding their real state. The study conducted a self-survey, and the outputs of the surveys are explained in this paper. The sample data we are using is mainly focused on information technology employment perception.

Understanding the Impacts on Automobile Leasing Firm Loss in China: An Analysis of Vehicle Residual Value Risk and Lease Price Patterns

ABSTRACTThe paper addresses vehicle depreciation and pricing issues in the automobile leasing industry in China. Under the current industry climate, operating lease firms face large residual value risk, and therefore, how to price contracts that minimises such risk is an important question. By analysing market data of used vehicles, an exponential decay function was developed to model the price dynamics across different brands and model series. Specifically, we estimate the depreciation rate directly from the data. In addition, by considering all revenue and cost components and converting them into present value terms, appropriate deposit and rents combintions were sought under different profit expectations. Length of contracts, age of vehicles and purchase cost factors were also considered to detect any further patterns in rents. The research outcomes will provide guidance on lease pricing given the current development of the industry, thereby improving firms’ profitability position as well as helping maintain their competitiveness and growth.

Understanding cybersecurity breach contagion effects: The role of the loss heuristic and internal controls

In this study, we seek to provide insights into the conflicting findings from prior research about whether the consequences of a cybersecurity breach spillover to non-breached bystander firms in the same industry − a phenomenon known as contagion effects. When considering the implications of a breach for a bystander firm, we suggest investors will rely on the loss heuristic and thus view loss (profit) bystander firms as more (less) likely to suffer a similar breach in the future. This will lead to greater cybersecurity breach contagion effects for loss firms than for profit firms. Furthermore, we propose that internal control quality will mitigate contagion effects and to a greater extent for loss firms than for profit firms. To test our hypotheses, we use a sample of cybersecurity breaches and identify a sample of non-breached bystander firms in the same subindustry as the breached firms. Our findings support our predictions and help explain the mixed findings from research on cybersecurity breach contagion effects. Results should also be informative to boards of directors and firm management considering ways to minimize costs associated with contagion effects.

Enhancing Shelf-life and Quality of Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) Using UV-C Radiation and Natural Preservatives

AbThe influence of UV-C radiation and garlic extract on the shelf life and storage of tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum L. cv. Arka Rakshak) was investigated in this study. Fresh tomatoes were subjected to four treatments: control (untreated), UV-C (1.2 kJ/m²), garlic (10% w/v aqueous extract), and UV-C (1.2 kJ/m²) + garlic (10% w/v aqueous extract). The treated tomatoes were preserved at 4°C for 14 days, and their physical, chemical, and microbial properties were analyzed at 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. The combination of UV-C and garlic treatments lowered the loss of firmness, maintained color, and minimized weight loss. The UV-C treatment enhanced the initial lycopene and total phenolic content, while the combination treatment showed the best retention of these bioactive compounds during storage. The garlic treatment contributed to the antimicrobial activity, and the combination treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total plate count and yeast and mold count compared to the control. Pathogenic bacteria were not detected in the samples throughout the storage period. The results demonstrate the potential of UV-C radiation and garlic extract as natural preservatives for improving the shelf life. The combination treatment can be an effective approach to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure the safety and nutritional value of the produce.stract

Investigating the Effect of High-Voltage Electrostatic Field (HVEF) Treatment on the Physicochemical Characteristics, Bioactive Substances Content, and Shelf Life of Tomatoes.

This study evaluated the ability of a high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment to extend the shelf life of tomatoes. Tomatoes were exposed to HVEF treatment for different lengths of time, and the physicochemical properties of tomatoes and bioactive compounds were monitored during 28 days of storage at 4 °C. The results indicated that the quality parameters of tomatoes were better maintained during storage by the HVEF treatment relative to the control treatment, extending their shelf life by 14-28 days. The HVEF treatment mitigated losses in firmness, weight, color changes, and bioactive substances, such as total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ascorbic acid, and lycopene. The activity of pectin-degrading enzymes was also inhibited. The best exposure times for the HVEF treatment were 90 and 120 min. While the measured parameters decreased in both the control and HVEF treatment groups, the decrease in all of these measured parameters was significantly less (p < 0.05) in the optimum HVEF treatment groups than in the control. While the physicochemical properties may vary between different tomato varieties, the HVEF treatment of harvested tomatoes for 90 or 120 min can mitigate the degradation of quality parameters and loss of bioactive compounds incurred during the postharvest storage of tomatoes, thus maintaining their commercial value.

Preharvest methyl jasmonate application delays cell wall degradation and upregulates phenolic metabolism and antioxidant activities in cold stored raspberries

The effects of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MeJA) spray application on the physicochemical quality, metabolism of phenolics, and cell wall components in raspberries were investigated during a 10-day cold storage period. MeJA spray reduced firmness loss, decay incidence, and weight loss, while maintained higher levels of soluble solids content, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and flavonoids in raspberries. Furthermore, MeJA application resulted in increased total pectin and protopectin levels, as well as lowered water-soluble pectin, and activities of pectin methyl esterase, polygalacturonase and cellulase enzymes. Additionally, MeJA treatment upregulated the phenylpropanoid pathway, leading to higher endogenous phenolics and activities of phenylalanine-ammonia lyase and shikimate dehydrogenase. In conclusion, preharvest MeJA spray application could be adopted to enhance the storage potential of cold-stored raspberries for 10 days by maintaining higher firmness, assuring better physicochemical quality, and increasing phenolic metabolism, while reducing cell wall hydrolysis.

Appraisal of cutting-edge techniques for prolonging fresh berries shelf life: innovations in essential oil nanoemulsion-based edible coatings

The high susceptibility of berries to fungal contamination during the postharvest phase and increasing demand from consumers for a safe preservative have prompted the need for a potential substitute. In this context, beyond their conventional use as flavouring agents, essential oils have been investigated for their preservative actions in berries to supplant traditional synthetic preservatives. However, high volatility, poor environmental stability, intense organoleptic properties, and low aqueous solubility limit their use as natural preservatives. To circumvent this problem, nanoemulsion has evolved as a feasible strategy. Incorporating essential oil nanoemulsion into a biopolymer matrix of an edible coating ameliorates the postharvest deterioration of berries. Nanoemulsions improve the functional properties of essential oil-incorporated edible coatings by creating an effective barrier that improves antimicrobial properties, decreases water loss, reduces the rate of respiration and loss of firmness, and subsequently enhances the shelf life of berries. This paper summarizes how the physiological characteristics of fresh berries are affected by essential oil-based nanoemulsions integrated into edible coatings and recommends using these nanoemulsions to preserve berries.

Sugar composition of pectin-containing cell wall fractions is altered in ‘Fuji’ apples in response to calcium dips and controlled atmosphere storage

Cell wall changes in untreated and calcium-treated ‘Fuji Kiku-8’ apples harvested at commercial maturity were examined after cold storage during 19 and 31 weeks under either air or ultra-low oxygen atmosphere (ULO), followed by 7 d at 20 ºC to simulate commercial shelf life. Postharvest calcium treatment was applied by immersion in a 2 % (w/v) CaCl2 solution prior to cold storage. Both ULO storage and calcium dips attenuated firmness loss in comparison with untreated fruit stored in air, particularly for the shorter period, in parallel to higher retention of both chelator- and sodium carbonate-soluble fractions. After hydrolysis, the analysis of these fractions revealed higher retention of arabinose and uronic acids in response to ULO storage and calcium treatment. Results indicate that the contents of uronic acids and arabinose in pectin-containing fractions were strongly correlated, suggesting that removal of arabinosyl residues from pectin sidechains be a key event in the process of postharvest pectin solubilization.

Impact of harvest time on cold storage performance in Kiwifruit

In the present study the fruits of the cultivar 'Hayward' kiwifruit were harvested at a total soluble solid content of 5–6 % (Harvest I, H1), 6.1–7.0 % (Harvest II, H2), 7.1–8.0 % (Harvest III, H3) and 8.1–9.0 % (Harvest IV, H4) and stored at 0±1°C temperature and 85–90 % relative humidity (RH) conditions for 6 months. Changes in fruit flesh color, flesh firmness, soluble solids content (%), titratable acidity (TA), individual sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose), ascorbic acid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), total phenolic content, weight loss and marketable fruit were observed at one month intervals. In kiwifruits, an increase was observed in health benefit compounds such as ascorbic acid and total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity by progressing of harvest times. However, early (H1) and late (H4) harvest times led to faster loss in fruit firmness, significant loss in titratable acidity and soluble solid content, higher weight loss rates in fruit. The results show that the second and third harvest times, when the soluble solids content of the fruit is 6.1–7.0 % (H2) and 7.1–8.0 %(H3), seem to be optimum in terms of quality preservation for 'Hayward' kiwis grown in the Black Sea Coast and provides health benefits with a higher marketable fruit rate after 180 days of cold storage. Finally, there was a positive correlation between SCC and sucrose, glucose, fructose. There was a negative relationship between fruit SSC and flesh firmness, TA, L*, C*, h° after 6 months of storage. And also there was a negative correlation between weight loss and marketable product quantity, fruit flesh firmness.

R&amp;D Cooperation and Absorptive Capacity of Russian Organizations

R&amp;amp;D cooperation is one of the main channels for new knowledge diffusion to create innovation. Therefore, it is important to understand exactly how enterprises use this channel. The purpose of this article is to identify the structure of R&amp;amp;D cooperation determined by both the heterogeneity of partners and the size of organizations. This structure is considered in dynamics. The analysis is based on Rosstat data characterizing the participation in joint R&amp;amp;D projects of innovation-active firms from 2019 to 2022. This approach allows us to find out how the structure of cooperation changes under the influence of crisis. However, unlike most Russian studies, this work also defines the relationship between the choice of R&amp;amp;D partners and the absorptive capacity of organizations in Russia. Differences in absorptive capacities (i.e. abilities of organizations to find, assimilate and apply new knowledge from external sources) largely determine the choice of partners in innovation activities and the results of cooperation. The article finds that despite government efforts the links between science and business are weakening in Russia, as not only small entities but even large companies have largely shifted their preferences to less risky projects. The persistence of such cooperation patterns leads to a decrease or even loss of Russian firms’ capacity to assimilate and use new knowledge to create radical innovations. Consequently, measures are needed not only to maintain the scale of R&amp;amp;D collaboration, but also to avoid negative changes in their structure. Such measures should also include incentives for enterprises to increase absorptive capacities. Unfortunately, these incentives have received little attention both in the practice of innovation management and in Russian economic literature.

Space electric field impacts on softening and cell wall modification of strawberry during cold storage

As an emerging non-contact cold chain preservation technology, the impact of the DENBA+ on plant cell wall metabolism and its mechanism of inhibiting softening have not been addressed. In this study, strawberries were used as an experimental model to investigate the effect of space electric field storage on cell wall metabolism. Compared with the control, 500 V DENBA+ treatment was able to reduce the firmness loss of strawberries by 18.3 % on 18 d. Additionally, the DENBA+ exhibited a pronounced ability to suppress fruit softening enzyme (FaPG1 and FaβGal4) expression, delay the rise in polygalacturonates (PG), pectin methyl esterase (PME), cellulase (Cx), and β-galactosidase (β-Gal) activities, postpone the decline in cell wall matrix (CWM), insoluble solid pectin (ISP), and colloidal soluble pectin (CSP) content along with hemicellulose and cellulose levels while attenuating water-soluble pectin (WSP) accumulation during cold storage period. These findings contribute to the maintenance of fruit cell wall structural integrity with the aim of sustaining strawberry firmness and retarding the progression of aging.

Cell wall disassembly events accompanying softening in the core and external zones of the strawberry fruit receptacle

Softening is one of the most important changes determining the quality and postharvest life of strawberry. Though some studies have characterized the cell wall modifications accompanying firmness loss during storage, the reports on polysaccharide disassembly are widely variable and in some cases contradictory. To further understand strawberry postharvest softening, conducted a comprehensive cell wall analysis including polymer solubilization, depolymerization and composition of the Core and External zones of fruit´s receptacle during storage. Core tissues were firmer and stiffer and softened more than the External receptacle zone. Wall dismantling was remarkably different depending on the region evaluated. Core tissues showed greater losses and size downshift of hemicelluloses as well as more extensive depolymerization of pectin. Instead, softening in the External region occurred with limited depolymerization and with massive loss of arabinose and xylose. Xyloglucans showed active turnover in the Core, whereas xylans were the most degraded hemicelluloses in the External region. Results show that each discrete region of the strawberry fruit receptacle has a unique sequence of biochemical wall dismantling events leading to postharvest softening.

The Valuation of Loss Firms: A Stock Market Perspective

The proportion of exchange‐listed firms with negative earnings has increased to over 40% in recent years. Previous research shows that the valuation of these loss firms is comparably difficult due to their uncertain future earnings path. Given these valuation issues, we argue that the stocks of loss firms should be particularly prone to mispricing such that simple firm value proxies might allow the prediction of subsequent stock returns. Supporting this hypothesis empirically, we find that book‐to‐market and revenue‐to‐price positively predict the cross‐section of loss firms’ stock returns. In particular, these value effects are significantly stronger compared to gain firms. Our further analyses support a behavioural mechanism for the empirical observations as the return predictability is disproportionately strong around earnings announcements and as analysts are too optimistic for loss firms with low values of book‐to‐market and revenue‐to‐price. Our analyses on short selling and option trading indicate that sophisticated investors are aware of the documented return predictability, but limits to arbitrage prevent an immediate correction of mispricing.