Preservation Methods Research Articles

An adaptive trajectory compression and feature preservation method for maritime traffic analysis

Ship trajectory data extracted from Automatic Identification System (AIS) has been extensively used for maritime traffic analysis. Yet the enormous volume of AIS data has come with substantial challenges related to storing, processing, analyzing, transmitting, and transferring. Trajectory compression techniques have been widely investigated to remedy the challenge. However, conventional compression techniques such as Douglas-Peucker (DP) algorithm mainly depend on line simplification algorithms, falling short in accurately identifying and preserving crucial information within trajectories. Moreover, using kinematic information from AIS data has posed difficulties associated with compression threshold determination. Hence, an adaptive method capable of considering multiple information from AIS is required. In this paper, a Top-Down Kinematic Compression (TDKC) algorithm aimed at adaptive trajectory compression and feature preservation is proposed. By incorporating time, position, speed, and course attributes from AIS data, TDKC exploits a Compression Binary Tree (CBT) method to address the recursion termination problem and determine the threshold automatically. A case study was conducted to evaluate the performance of TDKC using AIS data from Gulf of Finland, where a comparison with conventional algorithms and their improved versions based on specific performance evaluation metrics was involved. The results demonstrate TDKC's superiority in facilitating maritime traffic analysis.

Fermentation starters and bacteriocins as biocontrol strategies for table olives preservation: a mini-review.

Biopreservation is a powerful strategy to prolong the shelf life of food products by applying naturally occurring microorganisms and/or their metabolites. Current food trends emphasise the need to develop alternatives for chemical or thermal preservation methods. In this line, different fermentation starters from table olives present the potential to control spoilage or pathogen-occurring microorganism in table olives storage. One of the most interesting family used as biopreservative culture is Lactobacillaceae and it has also been used in combination with yeasts as olive fermentation starter. Lactic acid bacteria, from Lactobacillaceae family, are characterised by the production of bacteriocins, proteins with the potential for preserving food by changing the organisation of the membrane of spoilage microorganisms. These bacteriocins-producing bacteria can be directly inoculated, although nanosystem technology is the most promising incorporation strategy. In table olives, the most commonly used starters are Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, among others. These strains with biopreservation characteristics, inoculated alone or in mixed cultures, ensure food safety by conferring the product added value and prolonging product shelf life. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Ultrasound Pre-Treatment on the Drying Kinetics and Quality of Chicken Breast-A Comparative Study of Convective and Freeze-Drying Methods.

Fresh meat has a limited shelf life and is prone to spoilage. Drying serves as a common method for food preservation. Non-thermal techniques such as ultrasound treatment (US) can positively affect the drying processes and alter the final product. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of US pre-treatment on the hot air (HA) and freeze-drying (FD) of chicken breast meat and the quality of the dried products. US pre-treatment had a varied impact depending on the drying method used. The contact US method extended the HA drying time (about 50%) but improved water removal during FD (about 30%) compared to the untreated samples. Both methods resulted in low water content (<8.3%) and low water activity (<0.44). While rehydration properties (RR) and hygroscopicity (H) were not significantly affected by US pre-treatment in HA drying (about 1.35% and about 1.1, respectively), FD noticed differences due to shrinkage and porosity variations (RR: 2.4-3.2%, H: 1.19-1.25). The HA-dried samples exhibited notably greater tissue shrinkage and a darker surface color than the FD meat. Ultrasonic processing holds substantial potential in creating dried meat products with tailored characteristics. Hence, meticulous consideration of processing methods and parameters is of utmost importance.

Enhancing Freshness: A Comparative Study of Innovative Preservation Methods for Berries and Leafy Greens

Berry and leafy greens are some of the most difficult types of food to preserve and ensure they be fresh for as long as possible. The present research assesses the impact of modern preservation procedures namely High Pressure Processing (HPP), Active Packaging, and Edible Coatings with the conventional preservation methods such as Refrigeration and Freezing on microbial load, textural properties, color, and nutrient retention of perishable produce. Purchased strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and spinach, lettuce and kale are possible candidates for preservation methods; the treatments employed in the study included a control no treatment group. Microbial load, texture firmness, colour, Vitamin C and Iron content and sensory evaluation parameters were used in this study. Those found out that HPP technology was the most efficient, cutting through microbial deposits to crops, and retaining texture, color, and nutrients in better ways than the ordinary washing techniques or even the control methods. Overall, the microorganism load was the lowest in HPP-treated produce, e. g., strawberries with 2. 5 × 10² CFU/g, while strawberries treated with HPP had the best texture firmness of 8. 5 N, and better retention of Vitamin C and Iron compared with other treatments. Both Active Packaging and Edible Coatings were also observed to be effective in a way that was superior to inactive packaging but not as effective as HPP. However, it was observed that sensory acceptability score was higher in HPP treated samples, so it enhances the quality as well as the appealing aesthetic value of fresh perishables. From this research, it becomes clear that there is a high possibility for innovative methods to extend the shelf life of the perishable crops while positive contributing to the widely useful methods and efficient preservation techniques of perishable crops.

Challenges on the Inheritance of Traditional Wool Felt Making Skills in Zhaotong Dashanbao Loop, China

The Dashanbao Loop is dominated by high mountainous and hilly landscapes and is located on the plateau where the Jinsha River meets the Nilan River in the western Zhaoyang District of Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province. There is a big temperature difference between day and night here. To keep out the cold, people will use wool to make daily necessities such as cloaks, mattresses and insoles. This material can keep moisture-proof and warm, so the traditional hand-made felt technology handed down from generation to generation is still retained. These traditional crafts not only show unique cultural value, but also become valuable local cultural heritage. However, today's globalization and the development of modern technology have brought unprecedented challenges to these traditional processes. The study systematically collects and organizes data on the traditional wool felt making techniques of the Dashanbao Loop from the perspective of intangible cultural heritage preservation, using both observation and interview methods. The study conducted field investigation and interviews with wool felt makers, and through the data obtained analyzed the transmission dilemmas faced by these traditional skills was analyzed, focusing on the challenges to their transmission and their potential solutions. According to the data, these traditional products have major challenges in these aspects: the product categories are not rich and rough, the inheritance method is single, the environment changes and the inheritor's income is low. In order to solve these problems, it is suggested to break through the existing product categories, diversify inheritance methods, improve the inheritance environment and improve the treatment of inheritors, which is more conducive to the inheritance and sustainable development of traditional crafts.

Tape Stripping Method in Dermatological and Pharmacological Research: Evaluating Fresh and Frozen-Thawed Porcine Skin.

Background The stratum corneum (SC) plays a crucial role in protecting the skin and regulating water loss. Tape stripping is a well-established method for studying skin barrier function and evaluating topical treatments. However, the behavior of fresh versus frozen-thawed skin during tape stripping has not been extensively compared. Objective This study aims to compare the removal of the stratum corneum from fresh and frozen-thawed porcine skin using tape stripping. It also aims to assess the reliability of tape weighing versus histological methods in quantifying SC removal. Methods Fresh and frozen-thawed porcine ears were obtained, cleaned, and subjected to tape stripping at varying numbers of strips from zero to 40. Tape weight and histological measurements were used to quantify SC removal. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare SC thickness and tape weight between the two types of skin. Results The study found that frozen-thawed skin exhibited a non-linear rate(r = 0.65) of SC removal per tape strip in the first five strips compared to a linear removal for fresh skin (r = 0.96). By the fifth tape strip, frozen-thawed samples had lost 80.6% of their SC, while fresh samples had only lost 33.5% (P < 0.03). Tape weighing and histological measurements showed strong correlations (r = 0.93 for fresh skin and r = 0.95 for frozen-thawed skin), indicating that tape weighing is a reliable alternative to histology for assessing SC removal on both sample types. Conclusions Fresh and frozen-thawed porcine skin respond differently to tape stripping, with frozen-thawed skin showing accelerated SC removal in the first five strips. The strong correlation between tape weighing and histological analysis supports the use of tape weighing as a practical tool for evaluating SC removal. These findings have implications for specimen selection and methodological standardization in dermatological and pharmacological research. Future research should explore alternative preservation and SC thickness measurement methods and their impact on tape stripping outcomes.

Optimization of pulsed electric fields-assisted thawing process conditions and its effect on the quality of Zhijiang duck meat

Freezing storage is a common preservation method for industrialized duck meat. However, both the frozen storage and thawing processes of meat can affect meat quality. Therefore, appropriate thawing methods are crucial for maintaining good meat quality. In this study, a pulsed electric field (PEF) was used for thawing zhijiang duck meat and the freshed duck meats were used as control. Optimization of the PEF-assisted thawing process and its effect on the quality of zhijiang duck meat were analyzed. Our data showed that the shear force in the 2 kV/cm PEF-assisted thawing group was the lowest in PEF-assisted thawing groups. The color of zhijiang duck meat in the 2 kV/cm PEF-assisted thawing group was optimal. The 2 kV/cm PEF-assisted thawing could improve the texture characteristics of zhijiang duck meat and enhance water holding capacity of zhijiang duck meat. PEF-assisted thawing could better maintain the microstructure of zhijiang duck meat. Our data showed that if the intensity or duration of PEF treatment is too high, the quality of duck meat will actually decrease. Therefore, appropriate parameters should be selected in practical applications, which will provide a reference for the application of PEF-assisted thawing on the market.

Optimising recovery of DNA from minimally invasive sampling methods: Efficacy of buccal swabs, preservation strategy andDNA extraction approaches for amphibian studies.

Studies in evolution, ecology and conservation are increasingly based on genetic and genomic data. With increased focus on molecular approaches, ethical concerns about destructive or more invasive techniques need to be considered, with a push for minimally invasive sampling to be optimised. Buccal swabs have been increasingly used to collect DNA in a number of taxa, including amphibians. However, DNA yield and purity from swabs are often low, limiting its use. In this study, we compare different types of swabs, preservation method and storage, and DNA extraction techniques in three case studies to assess the optimal approach for recovering DNA in anurans. Out of the five different types of swabs that we tested, Isohelix MS-02 and Rapidry swabs generated higher DNA yields than other swabs. When comparing storage buffers, ethanol is a better preservative than a non-alcoholic alternative. Dried samples resulted in similar or better final DNA yields compared to ethanol-fixed samples if kept cool. DNA extraction via a Qiagen™ DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit and McHale's salting-out extraction method resulted in similar DNA yields but the Qiagen™ kit extracts contained less contamination. We also found that samples have better DNA recovery if they are frozen as soon as possible after collection. We provide recommendations for sample collection and extraction under different conditions, including budgetary considerations, size of individual animal sampled, access to cold storage facilities and DNA extraction methodology. Maximising efficacy of all of these factors for better DNA recovery will allow buccal swabs to be used for genetic and genomic studies in a range of vertebrates.

Female fertility preservation for family planning: a position statement of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR).

This position statement by the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) aims to establish an optimal framework for fertility preservation outside the standard before oncological therapies. Key topics include the role of fertility units in comprehensive fertility assessment, factors impacting ovarian potential, available preservation methods, and appropriate criteria for offering such interventions. The SIFES-MR writing group comprises Italian reproductive physicians, embryologists, and scientists. The consensus emerged after a six-month period of meetings, including extensive literature review, dialogue among authors and input from society members. Final approval was granted by the SIFES-MR governing council. Fertility counselling transitions from urgent to long-term care, emphasizing family planning. Age, along with ovarian reserve markers, is the primary predictor of female fertility. Various factors, including gynecological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and prior gonadotoxic therapies, may impact ovarian reserve. Oocyte cryopreservation should be the preferred method. Women 30-34 years old and 35-39 years old, without known pathologies impacting the ovarian reserve, should cryopreserve at least 12-13 and 15-20 oocytes to achieve the same chance of a spontaneous live birth they would have if they tried to conceive at the age of cryopreservation (63% and 52%, respectively in the two age groups). Optimal fertility counselling necessitates a long-term approach, that nurtures an understanding of fertility, facilitates timely evaluation of factors that may affect fertility, and explores fertility preservation choices at opportune intervals.

Comparison of the structural integrity and quality of corneal endothelium stored in organ culture storage medium versus Eusol-C.

In this experimental study, we compared the structural integrity and cell quality of corneal endothelium stored in organ culture medium (OCS) and Eusol-C. The experiment included rabbit and human cornea experiments in vitro. Thirty rabbit corneas and thirty-two human corneas were collected and divided into two groups. All right corneas were allocated in experiment group and left corneas were placed in control group. The corneas in experimental group were stored in OCS at 34°C, and the corneas in control group were stored in Eusol-C at 4°C for 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35days, respectively. Endothelial cell morphology, cell count, and trypan blue staining for viability were assessed before storage (Day 0) and at days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. The structural integrity of human corneal endothelial cell was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The samples of storage solution for microbial culture were collected on the third day and at the end of storage. The results show that no bacterial and fungal infections were found in both groups. After 14days of storage, the morphology of endothelial cell was better in the experimental group than in the control group. The endothelial cell stored in OCS were better than those stored in Eusol-C at the end of storage times, except human cornea 14days storage group. The ZO-1 protein staining showed the typical polygonal morphology of endothelial cell stored in the OCS. Corneal endothelial cells stored in the OCS had better quality up to 28days. It can be applied to Chinese eye banks as a method of corneal preservation.

Trends and Regional Differences for Fertility Preservation Procedures in Women With Breast Cancer

IntroductionBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in women of reproductive age and chemotherapy protocols impair fertility, frequently necessitating fertility preservation (FP) referral. Embryo, oocyte, or ovarian tissue cryopreservation are established FP modalities in women with breast cancer but there are few data on their uptake over time. In this study our aim was to determine the regional time trends and utility differences for fertility preservation methods of reproductive tissue cryopreservation. MethodsThis multicenter study included 1623 women diagnosed with breast cancer from 7 tertiary centers in 6 countries (Brazil, Italy, Scotland, South Korea, Turkey, USA). Participant centers provided the details of FP cryopreservation approaches broken down annually from 2012 to 2021. Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, aged 18-45 years who were referred for FP at participating centers and had normal ovarian function at the time were included. ResultsWe found a mean increase of 7% per year (P = .002, adjusting for centers) in the number of women referred for FP. Of those who were referred (n = 1623), a mean 38.7% underwent FP (n = 629), with a range of 12% in South Korea) to 95% in Brazil. The number of women undergoing ovarian stimulation for FP continually increased until 2021, with oocyte cryopreservation being the most common procedure throughout the study period (P = .014 for time trend). The proportion of random start ovarian stimulation cycles increased each year from 58.3% in 2012 to 86.8% in 2021, (P = .005 for time trend, and P = .04 for 2012 vs. 2021). ConclusionsThe utility of FP has steadily increased for young women with breast cancer over the last decade, although regional differences significantly influence FP practices. The findings of our study could have value for policy making in FP care for young women with breast cancer at the local, regional, or global level.

Quality evaluation of Idli prepared from betel leaves essential oil nanoemulsion treated stored batter

The demand for clean-label, natural preservation in fermented foods requires innovative methods to extend shelf-life while maintaining quality. This study evaluates Idli quality from batter stored with and without 5% betel leaf essential oil-based nanoemulsion (BLEONE) at 30 °C and 4 °C. Color, texture, microbial growth, proximate composition and sensory attributes were assessed using standard methods, with statistical analysis via ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). BLEONE-treated Idli showed 30.2% reduced hardness, 17.1% better color retention, and 0.61 log CFU/g less microbial growth after 5 days, inhibiting harmful microbes and supporting beneficial lactic acid bacteria. At 30 °C, BLEONE-treated Idli maintained quality for 7 days versus 2 days for controls. Moisture, protein, and fat retention improved by 3.4%, 7.3%, and 6.2%. Sensory scores for taste, mouthfeel, and acceptability increased by 3.5%, 4.1%, and 3.8% after 10 days at 4 °C. BLEONE-treated batter produced acceptable Idli for up to 25 days at 4 °C, compared to 10 days for controls, extending shelf-life by 150%. This study shows BLEONE is an effective natural preservative for Idli, extending shelf-life and maintaining quality at ambient and refrigerated temperatures. These findings suggest potential for clean-label preservation methods for fermented foods, potentially revolutionizing the food preservation industry.

Extending Cucumber Shelf Life: A Comparative Study of Low-Cost Drip Cooling Systems Using Different Fabric Coverings

Aims: Postharvest losses of cucumbers pose significant challenges for small-scale farmers in developing regions due to limited access to modern cold storage. This study investigated the effectiveness of low-cost indigenous drip coolers with different fabric coverings as an alternative preservation method. Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Crop Science, Surigao del Norte State University – Mainit Campus, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, Philippines on March 1-20, 2024. Methodology: Cucumber fruits were stored in indigenous drip coolers constructed with various recycled fabric coverings. Treatment combinations were: T1 - Control ambient temperature, T2 - Alpha Gina fabric, T3 - Silk satin bedsheets, T4 – Cotton comforter, and T5 - Cotton Blanket. The study evaluated color change, firmness, shriveling index, visual quality rating, weight loss, and damage rate over 20 days storage period. Results: Significant differences in cucumber fruit quality emerged at different time points across various parameters. Differences in color change and firmness were observed on day 15 (p = 0.023), while shriveling and visual quality showed differences by day 20 of storage (p = 0.042 and p = 0.042, respectively). However, in terms of weight loss, the Alpha gina fabric significantly had the highest loss among fabric covers used (p = 0.038). Consistently, the control ambient group exhibited the poorest quality, while treatments like the cotton comforter and silk satin bedsheet were most effective in preserving cucumber quality. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of indigenous drip coolers in preserving cucumber quality, with silk satin bedsheets and cotton comforter coverings consistently outperforming other materials and ambient conditions. These coolers were effective in slowing color change, maintaining firmness, reducing shriveling, and preserving overall visual quality. The study highlights the importance of fabric selection in drip cooler design, with cotton comforter and silk satin bedsheet coverings likely offering better air circulation, moisture retention, and insulation.

Effect of drying on bioactive compounds in Eugenia uniflora fruit pulp

AbstractEugenia uniflora is a tropical species rich in bioactive compounds that are highly sensitive to processing conditions, particularly those involving heat. Drying is a widely used method for preserving fruit pulp which can affect the stability of these bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of drying at different temperatures on the retention of phenolic compounds and carotenoids present in the pulp of E. uniflora, with the goal of optimizing the drying process to preserve the pulp's quality. The E. uniflora pulp was dried in an oven with air circulation at three temperatures (45, 65, and 85°C). During the drying process, the moisture content and concentration of phenolics, β‐carotene, and lycopene were measured over time. After 260 min of drying, phenolic compounds decreased by 63.97% (45 and 65°C) and by 59.62% (85°C). Carotenoids losses were even more pronounced exceeding 89%, for all temperatures, with β‐carotene reductions of 92.91%, 90.72%, and 91.11%, at 45, 65, and 85°C, respectively. Several well‐established drying models were tested to represent the moisture content over time. Two models exhibited a high adherence to the experimental data. Zero‐order, first‐order, and second‐order degradation models were used to describe the concentrations of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. For total carotenoids, the model that showed the best results was temperature‐dependent. The first‐order model provided the best fit for β‐carotene and lycopene, with high R2 values of 0.9852 (45°C), 0.9776 (65°C), and 0.9681(85°C) for β‐carotene, and 0.9776 (45°C), 0.9715 (65°C), and 0.9659 (85°C) for lycopene. These results indicate that higher temperatures accelerate the degradation of bioactive compounds, following a predictable dynamic that can be optimized through adjustments to the drying process.Practical applicationsThe fruit of Eugenia uniflora contains phenolic and carotenoid compounds with significant nutraceutical potential. However, the production of this fruit is seasonal, necessitating effective preservation methods. Drying, which involves the removal of water from the pulp, is a common procedure aimed at extending the fruit's conservation and shelf life. Despite its benefits, the drying process poses a challenge, as bioactive compounds like phenolic and carotenoids are sensitive to thermal processing. Their degradation during drying can lead to a reduction in the fruit's bioactive potential. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the kinetics of drying and the degradation of these bioactive compounds to optimize the drying process and maximize the fruit's nutraceutical value.

Sample Preservation Solution Increases Nucleic Acid Yield and Environmental RNA Quality in Sediments Across an Estuarine Salinity Gradient

ABSTRACTEnvironmental nucleic acid‐based assessments are powerful tools for understanding microbial ecology, and environmental degradation in aquatic environments. This approach is particularly useful in guiding restoration in estuaries, some of the most degraded ecosystems in the world. The recent popularity of this approach has been accompanied by a parallel increase in the diversity of applied methods. A range of best practice methods exist across the field that can be employed and are selected based on environmental considerations such as physicochemical gradients, maximizing yield, and quality of nucleic acids sampled across sites within a study area. A consistent approach to intra‐study nucleic acid sampling also ensures accurate comparison between those sites. This study evaluates environmental nucleic acid (eNA) sampling methods across salinity gradients in aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the impact of preservation techniques on environmental DNA (eDNA) yield and environmental RNA (eRNA) yield and quality. Fieldwork was conducted at three sites within the Coorong estuary system in South Australia, representing low salinity, marine, and hypersaline conditions. Snap freezing and LifeGuard preservation solution treatments were applied in situ to compare their effects on nucleic acid yields and eRNA integrity. Snap freezing enhanced eDNA yield in low salinity sediments but negatively impacted eRNA integrity in marine and hypersaline conditions. Conversely, treatment with preservation solution consistently improved both eDNA and eRNA recovery across all salinity levels, which makes this approach a good candidate for preserving eNA molecules across environmental gradients. The study underscores the necessity of tailoring sample preservation methods to specific environmental conditions for accurate eNA‐based microbial community assessments in coastal ecosystems. These findings contribute to the development of robust eNA sampling protocols for benthic communities under varying salinity conditions.

Microbial Load and Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Microflora Isolated from Smoked Catfish and Mackerel Sold in Ghanaian Markets: A Potential Health Threat

Introduction: Smoked fish, particularly catfish and mackerel, plays a vital role in the Ghanaian diet, serving as a rich source of protein and essential nutrients. Smoking is a traditional preservation method widely used to extend the shelf life of fish, enhance flavor, and make it more palatable. However, despite the advantages of smoking, the process does not entirely eliminate the risk of microbial contamination, which can have significant health implications. Aim of Study: This study examined the microbial flora contamination of the smoked fish sold in Ghanaian markets. Methodology: The research was conducted in three markets: Kejetia Market, Ejura Market and Ejusu. A total of 75 different smoke-dried fish including Cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) and Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from the markets. The fish samples were collected and kept in sterile polythene bags and transported to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Result: The study revealed that out of 75 samples analyzed, approximately 23% (n=17) were found to be contaminated with microorganisms. Escherichia coli had the highest occurrence, detected in 35.2% (6/17) of the total samples. Additionally, Shigella flexneri and Salmonella arizonae were each found in 17.6% (3/17) of the total samples. Klebsiella oxytoca was 11.7% (2/17), and Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptobacillus monilliforms, and Fusobacterium necrophorus each constituted 5.8% (1/17) of the total samples. All the identified isolates were susceptible to gentamycin (100%), and all the isolates were resistant to lincomycin (100%). Overall resistance rates for each antibiotic for all the organisms identified are lincomycin (100%), penicillin (67%), ampicillin (81%), erythromycin (65%), tetracycline (63%), neomycin (61%), cloxaxillin (43%), kanamycin (24%), and sulphamethaxole (13%). All the isolates have 100% resistance to at least three antibiotics used except for Salmonella arizonae. Conclusion: To Address these findings, a collaborative effort is required among regulatory authorities, food producers, and healthcare providers to implement stringent food safety protocols and mitigate the risks associated with contaminated fish consumption.

Room temperature storage of myrtle (Eugenia gracillima Kiaersk.) tropical juice: Effects of physical and chemical preservation methods

Tropical fruit juices produced from native fruits have been widely marketed by small agribusinesses in the Brazilian semiarid region, necessitating a deeper understanding of the impact of preservation methods on quality parameters. This study aimed to prepare myrtle (Eugenia gracillima Kiaersk.) tropical juice and investigate the effects of physical preservation (90 °C for 60 s) and chemical preservation (potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate) methods. Tropical juice formulations were evaluated after preparation and every 15 days during 60 days of storage in high-density polyethylene bottles at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Microbiological parameters, optical microscopy, physicochemical and bioactive parameters, antioxidant capacity, and color parameters were determined. Heat-treated tropical juice showed low counts of all microbiological parameters, but optical microscopy revealed the presence of filamentous fungi after 60 days of storage. Combined use of potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate effectively prevented the development of total yeasts and molds up to 28 days of storage. Bioactive compounds in myrtle pulp contribute to storage stability, mainly total phenolics, estimated at 855.86 mg gallic acid equivalents 100 g−1. The results suggest that it is possible to harness the economic and agroindustrial potential of E. gracillima Kiaersk. fruits for the production of tropical juices, but it is recommended that other technologies be explored, such as aseptic processing or the combined use of physical and chemical methods.

Basic Theory of Ice Crystallization Based on Water Molecular Structure and Ice Structure.

Freezing storage is the most common method of food preservation and the formation of ice crystals during freezing has an important impact on food quality. The water molecular structure, mechanism of ice crystal formation, and ice crystal structure are elaborated in the present review. Meanwhile the methods of ice crystal characterization are outlined. It is concluded that the distribution of the water molecule cluster structure during the crystallization process directly affects the formed ice crystals' structure, but the intrinsic relationship needs to be further investigated. The morphology and distribution of ice crystals can be observed by experimental methods while simulation methods provide the possibility to study the molecular structure changes in water and ice crystals. It is hoped that this review will provide more information about ice crystallization and promote the control of ice crystals in frozen foods.

Ecological restoration of historical monuments (With a Focus on the Restoration of Chogha Zanbil)

Architecture has always been an art wherein one can observe the traces of human desires, goals, and behavioral patterns throughout history. Iran, a land of ancient heritage, is rich in architectural elements, historical spaces, and monuments, which not only hold a powerful presence in the realm of Iranian culture but also serve as a means to revive and expand historical and cultural connections with the past. This research employs a descriptive-analytical approach alongside field observations to address the subject of restoring historical monuments and its significance and necessity for preserving the historical fabric of Iranian architecture. The approach taken in this study is ecological restoration. We aim to illustrate not only the architectural characteristics and features of the unique earthen structure of Chogha Zanbil but also to assess the countless possibilities offered by this ecological method of preserving and maintaining historical structures. The findings indicate that the ecological restoration of the Chogha Zanbil ziggurat, on one hand, preserves the historical-cultural and religious authenticity of the site, and on the other hand, reflects the cultural relationship between the architectural space of the ziggurat and the surrounding environmental elements of these historical monuments.

Shelf‐life extension of fresh mushrooms: From conventional practices to novel technologies—A comprehensive review

AbstractMushroom is an edible fungus grown worldwide because of its nutritional and commercial value. The demand for mushrooms is rising annually because of increased awareness of the dietary benefits of mushrooms. Mushrooms are a perishable commodity as they respire continuously after harvesting. Adequate packaging or processing is required to increase mushrooms' shelf life. The quality of mushrooms continues to decline after harvesting, including browning, moisture loss, texture changes, increased bacteria, and loss of flavor and nutrients. Postharvest preservation methods, including physical, chemical, and thermal treatments, are necessary to preserve postharvest quality and increase the shelf life of mushrooms. The postharvest technology of mushrooms must be improved to fulfill the increasing demand for mushrooms. There are many conventional techniques to protect the quality and increase the shelf life of mushrooms. Conventional procedures frequently result in considerable nutritional, texture, and flavor losses and shorter shelf lives. In contrast, modern technologies preserve mushrooms with increased nutritional retention, improved texture and flavor profiles, and longer shelf life. This review covers not only the conventional technologies like drying and cooling but also elaborates on the shelf‐life extension of mushrooms through novel technologies like pulse electric field, pulsed light, electrolyzed water, etc.