Preservation Of Quality Research Articles

Supercooling Phenomenon of Magnetic Field-Assisted Freezing and its Impacts on Quality Preservation of Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Supercooling Phenomenon of Magnetic Field-Assisted Freezing and its Impacts on Quality Preservation of Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Effects of Different Pretreatments on Hot Air Drying Characteristics, Nutrition, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tartary Buckwheat Sprouts.

In order to enhance the quality of hot air drying for Tartary buckwheat sprouts and minimize the loss of active substances, this research explored the impact of Color Protection(CP), Osmosis(OM), Blanching (BC), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and Ultrasound (US) in conjunction with hot air drying on the color, nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and other attributes of Tartary buckwheat sprouts. The findings revealed that as the drying temperature increased from 50 °C to 70 °C, the drying duration for Tartary buckwheat sprouts decreased across all treatment groups, leading to a higher dehydration rate. Treatments involving CP, US, and BC effectively reduced the drying time of Tartary buckwheat sprouts. Sprouts subjected to CP, β-CD, and US treatments exhibited elevated L* values and decreased a* values and displayed a more vibrant green color. When exposed to a hot air setting of 60 °C, the total flavonoid content in the CP, OM, β-CD, and US groups increased by 8.76%, 6.76%, 12.34%, and 4.25%, respectively, compared to the Control Group (CK). The application of the CP, OM, β-CD, and US treatments enhanced the sprouts' ability to combat ABTS and DPPH free radicals. Notably, under hot air conditions of 60 °C, the β-CD treatment demonstrated the most effective quality preservation during the hot air drying process for sprouts. This study provides valuable insights into the drying behavior of Tartary buckwheat sprouts and offers guidance for optimizing the drying procedures in industrial settings. Tartary buckwheat sprouts contain a variety of polyphenols and have a high water content. The study of changes in active components such as polyphenols and their alteration mechanisms in Tartary buckwheat sprouts under different processing methods is particularly important for the development of sprout processing.

AB012. A phase III randomized trial of gross total resection versus possible resection of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity lesion on magnetic resonance image for newly diagnosed supratentorial glioblastoma (JCOG2209).

Complete resection of contrast-enhanced lesions [gross total resection (GTR)] without severe neurological deficits has been generally accepted as the goal of surgery. However, it remains unclear if additional resection of surrounding fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyper-intense lesions combined with GTR (FLAIRectomy) has survival advantage of primary glioblastoma patients. Multicenter, open-label, randomized phase III trial was commenced to confirm the superiority of FLAIRectomy to GTR alone followed by radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide in terms of overall survival (OS) for primary glioblastoma IDH-wildtype patients. This trial investigates not only survival but also postoperative neurological and neurocognitive deficits in detail. We assumed a 2-year OS of 50% in the GTR arm and expected a 15% improvement in the FLAIRectomy arm. A total of 130 patients is required with a one-sided alpha of 5%, power of 70%, and will be accrued from 49 Japanese institutions in 4 years and follow-up will last 2.5 years. Patients aged 18-75 years will be registered and randomly assigned to each arm with 1:1 allocation. The primary endpoint is OS, and the secondary endpoints are progression-free survival, frequency of adverse events, proportion of Karnofsky performance status preservation, proportion of National Institutes of Health stroke scale preservation, proportion of mini-mental state examination preservation and proportion of health-related quality of life preservation. The Japan Clinical Oncology Group Protocol Review Committee approved this study protocol in May 2023. Ethics approval was granted by the National Cancer Center Hospital Certified Review Board. Patient enrollment began in July 2023. If FLAIRectomy is superior to GTR alone, aggressive surgery will become a standard surgical treatment for glioblastoma with resectable contrast-enhanced lesion. Registry number: jRCT1031230245. Date of registration: 19/July/2023. Date of first participant enrollment: 28/July/2023.

Exploring the In-Vitro anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties of pomelo fruit extract in goat meat: A promising alternative for preservative and health benefits

This study investigates the potential nutritional benefits of pomelo fruit (Citrus maxima) and its application in preserving complex food matrices, focusing on its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The in vitro antioxidant activities of pomelo fruit extract (PFE) was evaluated using various assays, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, H2O2 scavenging, reducing power, and total phenolic content analysis. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of PFE was assessed against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella Typhi. The study further examined the preservation quality of minced goat meat during refrigeration storage (4 ± 1 ºC) for 15 days by treating it with varying concentrations (0.1 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 3 %, and 5 %) of PFE (15 % v/w). Changes in physico-chemical and microbial properties were analyzed. The results revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the antioxidant and antimicrobial efficacy of PFE with increase in concentrations. Moreover, the addition of PFE (up to 5 %) effectively reduced pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxide levels, free fatty acids, and microbial load (total plate count and coliform count) in goat meat (P < 0.05) during refrigeration storage. Importantly, the sensory quality of the meat remained unaffected by the addition of PFE (up to 1 %). These findings highlight the abundant presence of antioxidants and antimicrobials in PFE, suggesting its potential as a natural preservative for complex meat matrices. The study demonstrates that the undesirable effects of prolonged storage on goat meat quality can be mitigated by incorporating PFE (up to 1 %), without compromising sensory attributes.

Wavelet-based Filter Bank Approach for Image Compression and Enhancement in Alzheimer\'s Disease Diagnosis Using Medical Imaging

Abstract: This research presents a wavelet-based filter bank approach for image compression and enhancement in the context of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis using medical imaging. The proposed system leverages the PyWavelets and OpenCV libraries in Python to implement Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Inverse Discrete Wavelet Transform (IDWT) algorithms. The primary objective is to develop an efficient image compression technique while preserving visual quality and enhancing relevant features for improved diagnostic accuracy. The system utilizes filter banks to process wavelet coefficients, enabling selective enhancement of patterns or biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. Results show that the decompressed images closely resemble the originals, with low Mean Squared Error (MSE) and high Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) values. Visual inspection and quantitative metrics confirm the successful preservation of image quality and structural details. The wavelet coefficients visualization highlights the captured significant features crucial for reconstruction

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.

Assessing the resilience of coral reefs against macroalgae invasion in the Sempu Island Nature Reserve, Malang District, Indonesia

Abstract. Isdianto A, Yorarizka PD, Aliviyanti D, Sari SHJ, Yanuar AT, Asadi MA, Setyanto A, Bintoro G, Lelono TD, Atikawati D, Fathah AL, Putri BM, Supriyadi, Luthfi OM. 2024. Assessing the resilience of coral reefs against macroalgae invasion in the Sempu Island Nature Reserve, Malang District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2877-2887. The living coral cover in the Sempu Strait is known to be stuck in the range of 37% due to average data from 2009-2016. Several coral diseases have been documented in this region, which can result in the transformation of coral reefs into algae-dominated communities. This study examines the dynamic interplay between coral reefs and macroalgae within the marine ecosystems of the Sempu Island Nature Reserve, Malang District, Indonesia. Conducted across five research stations, our analysis utilized the Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) method, combined with image analysis tools CPCe and Image-J, and statistical analysis through SPSS. The findings indicate a persistent competition between corals and macroalgae, exacerbated by sedimentation from port activities and river discharges, and significant nutrient loads from human settlements. The average living coral coverage varied significantly, with a range from 12% to 53% across the study period, while macroalgae coverage showed an increase, especially in turf algae. The correlation analysis revealed a 'quite strong' relationship (r=0.783 between coral and macroalgae coverage, suggesting that increases in coral cover could potentially facilitate macroalgae proliferation under current environmental conditions. Notably, the study highlighted the critical role of water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, and salinity, which were within optimal ranges yet facilitated competitive interactions. This research underscores the complexity of coral-macroalgae relationships and the pressing need for integrated management strategies focusing on water quality and habitat preservation to ensure the resilience of these critical marine ecosystems.

Влияние параметров сушки некоторых видов овощей на продолжительность процесса и органолептическую оценку

Abstract. Vegetables are an important part of the people's diet, and their production is also increasing as the population grows. However, vegetables have a relatively short shelf life and are also sensitive to storage and transportation conditions. Because of this, losses of the harvested crop can reach significant values, and in order to reduce them, a quality preservation method such as drying can be used. There are various drying methods with their own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, when organizing the process, it is important to select optimal conditions that would quickly achieve the required humidity and microbiological safety indicators, and would not be accompanied by excessive energy consumption and excessive deterioration in the quality of raw materials. In the course of the study, the influence of drying parameters of certain types of vegetables (red beet, carrots, courgettes, eggplants, tomatoes, white cabbage, parsley) on the duration of the process and the organoleptic assessment of the resulting product was studied. Optimal drying parameters were determined (allowing to obtain a product with the best organoleptic characteristics and minimal process time) of vegetables of selected varieties / hybrids, depending on the drying method: for example, for carrots – drying in a dehydrator for 180 minutes at a temperature of 65 °C and 150 minutes at a temperature of 70 °C; for eggplants – drying for minutes at a temperature of 60 °C; for tomatoes – drying in a dehydrator for 220 minutes at a temperature of 60 °C and for 200 minutes at a temperature of 65 °C. The data obtained can be used to improve existing methods of drying the abovementioned vegetables. Key words: red beet, carrot, courgettes, eggplants, tomatoes, white cabbage, parsley, drying, organoleptic characteristics

Recent Advances in the Application of Natural Products for Postharvest Edible Mushroom Quality Preservation.

Edible mushrooms are favored by consumers for their excellent nutritional value and pharmacological properties. However, fresh mushrooms are highly perishable and undergo rapid quality deterioration induced by a series of intrinsic and extrinsic factors during postharvest storage. In recent years, the application of natural products derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, and other sources in mushroom quality preservation has drawn increasing attention. Compared to chemical preservatives, natural products show similar or higher biological activity and have few side effects on human health. This review summarizes the recent advances in the application of natural products used for quality maintenance of postharvest mushrooms. These natural substances mainly include essential oils, polyphenols, polysaccharides, bacteriocins, and other extracts. They have the potential to inhibit mushroom weight loss, softening, and browning, reduce the count of pathogenic microorganisms, and retain nutrients and flavor, effectively improving the quality of mushrooms and extending their shelf-life. The preservation techniques for natural products and their preservation mechanisms are also discussed here. Overall, this review provides current knowledge about natural products in edible mushroom preservation and aims to inspire more in-depth theoretical research and promote further practical application.

Chlorogenic Acid as a Promising Tool for Mitigating Chilling Injury: Cold Tolerance and the Ripening Effect on Tomato Fruit (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has a very brief storability, displaying chilling injury (CI) when stored in cold conditions used to delay ripening. For this reason, in this study, different concentrations (10, 50, and 100 mg L-1) of chlorogenic acid (ChA) were assayed to evaluate its effectiveness in maintaining fruit quality traits and mitigating CI symptoms in tomatoes. Our results showed that ChA treatments effectively delayed weight loss and maintained fruit firmness, with optimal results observed at 50 mg L-1. In general, higher concentrations did not result in significant quality improvements. Additionally, ChA-treated tomatoes exhibited reduced values in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage (EL), indicating improved membrane integrity and reduced oxidative damage. ChA treatments also maintained a higher total phenolic content (TPC) during storage, with significant levels of individual polyphenols such as rutin, neochlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity and better preservation of fruit quality. This is the first time the potential of ChA to reduce CI has been evaluated in any fruit species, and its impact in tomato ripening is shown to uphold fruit quality during cold storage, prolonging the storability of tomatoes. In particular, we highlight its natural origin and effectiveness as a postharvest treatment.

No tillage and organic fertilization improved kiwifruit productivity through shifting soil properties and microbiome

AbstractThe preservation of edaphic quality and productivity is critical for the ecological sustainability of vine orchards. The heavy utilization of intensified tillage and singular chemical fertilizers can shift changes in edaphic physicochemical and biological features, thus exerting significant pressure on agroecosystems. In current research, we assessed the shifts in soil physicochemical features and soil microbiome composition over 11 years carrying out no tillage and organic fertilizer substitution in a typical Chinese Guanzhong kiwifruit production area, and explore the fundamental factors that contribute to alterations in the microbial community and the influence on kiwifruit performance. Results showed that long‐term no tillage and organic fertilizer improved the soil condition by significantly increasing the proportion of soil macroaggregates, bulk density, and nutrient content (e.g., organic matter, nitrogen, and ammonia), as compared to conventional tillage with chemical fertilization. Moreover, no tillage significantly increased soil bacterial α‐diversity but had no significant effects on fungal. No tillage also enhanced the abundance of potential beneficial soil bacteria (e.g., Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Nitrospira), while decreasing the abundance of Proteobacteria, Pseudomonas, and Fusarium. In addition, no tillage and mixed fertilized soil microbial network exhibited higher complexity (i.e., node and edge numbers, and positive edge proportion) and connectivity (i.e., average number of neighbors) than conventional tillage and chemical fertilization group. Changes in nitrate, ammonia, available phosphorus, and pH values accounted for the variation in the structure of soil microbial community. Hence, the utilization of both no tillage and organic fertilization practices could serve as a suitable and sustainable approach for managing kiwifruit production in the fragile environmental conditions of the Chinese Guanzhong region, and lead to an improvement in soil nutrient levels and help regulate the soil microbial community.

Global Research Network Analysis of Edible Coatings and Films for Preserving Perishable Fruit Crops: Current Status and Future Directions.

Edible coatings and films have gained substantial attention as a promising and sustainable technology for fruit preservation. This study employed a bibliometric analysis to identify core research areas, research gaps, and emerging trends, thus providing a comprehensive roadmap for future research on the use of edible coatings and films for fruit quality preservation. The study involved 428 research articles related to edible coatings and films for fruit preservation published in the Scopus database before 06 October 2023. Utilizing Vosviewer and R for network analysis, we generated network visualization maps, research performance statistics, and identified key contributors and their collaborations. The results show the evolution of this field into three distinct phases: Initial Exploration (1998-2007), Growing Interest (2008-2015), and Rapid Expansion (2016-2023). The study revealed contributions from 1713 authors, with the first article appearing in 1998. Brazil and China emerged as the most productive countries in this domain. The core research areas focus on biomaterials, functional properties, and natural substances. Identified research gaps include pilot and industrial-scale applications, the lack of a regulatory framework and safety guidelines, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning and machine learning, in this field of edible coatings and films for fruit preservation. Overall, this study offers a scientific understanding of past achievements and ongoing research needs, thus aiming to boost a broader adoption of edible coatings and films by consumers and the food industry to preserve fruit quality, thereby enhancing their societal and environmental impact.

Mixed planting of subtropical Chinese fir in South China improves microbial carbon source metabolism and functional diversity through the accumulation of nutrients from soil aggregates.

Soil microbial functional traits are key indicators of soil microbial ecological traits; however, how mixing patterns of Chinese fir and broadleaved trees drive soil microbial functional trait variation at the aggregate scale and how soil microbial functional traits are linked to soil fertility factors have largely not been determined. In this study, soil from the 0-20 cm depths in three Chinese fir plantations was collected, and the soil samples were separated into >2 mm (large macro-aggregate), 0.25-2 mm (macro-aggregate) and <0.25 mm (micro-aggregate) by complying with an optimal moisture sieving procedure. The metabolic activities, functional diversity and different carbon sources utilization characteristics of the soil microorganisms were determined by the Biolog Eco microplate method. In all Chinese fir plantations, micro-aggregates (<0.25 mm) consistently exhibited the highest levels of microbial metabolic activity, a more uniform carbon source utilisation capacity, and the highest microbial diversity. Micro-aggregates also showed elevated levels of soil organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and higher ratios of C/N and C/P compared to large macro-aggregates and macro-aggregates, indicating that micro-aggregates contain more resources available to soil microorganisms. Soil OC, TN, and TP content were enhanced by integration with Michelia macclurei, suggesting that this combination promotes relatively favourable soil conditions for microbial growth and multiplication. This, in turn, promotes microbial metabolic activity. Furthermore, redundancy and correlation analyses showed that soil OC, TN, and TP were identified as principal determinants of soil microbial functional properties in Chinese fir plantations. In summary, mixed cultivation and aggregate size influenced microbial functional properties via soil nutrient alterations. Consequently, adopting a mixed cultivation approach of Chinese fir and broadleaved trees is advocated in the subtropical regions of Guangxi. Employing a diversity of tree species, including M. macclurei, is recommended for optimal soil quality preservation.

Development of a compliant gripper for safe robot-assisted trouser dressing-undressing

In recent years, many countries, including Japan, have rapidly aging populations, making the preservation of seniors' quality of life a significant concern. For elderly people with impaired physical abilities, support for toileting is one of the most important issues. This paper details the design, development, experimental assessment, and potential application of the gripper system, with a focus on the unique requirements and obstacles involved in aiding elderly or hemiplegic individuals in dressing and undressing trousers. The gripper we propose seeks to find the right balance between compliance and grasping forces, ensuring precise manipulation while maintaining a safe and compliant interaction with the users. The gripper's integration into a custom-built robotic manipulator system provides a comprehensive solution for assisting hemiplegic individuals in their dressing and undressing tasks. Experimental evaluations and comparisons with existing studies demonstrate the gripper's ability to successfully assist in both dressing and dressing of trousers in confined spaces with a high success rate. This research contributes to the advancement of assistive robotics, empowering elderly, and physically impaired individuals to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Importance of L-carnitine as Biochemical Marker for Semen Quality Preservation after Cryopreservation in Stallions

Background: The aim of this work is to study the significance of carnitine fractions and NO metabolites for the assessment of spermatozoa resistance to cryopreservation, for which purpose these parameters were investigated in seminal plasma of animals divided according to the indices of spermatozoa of stallions subjected to cryopreservation. Methods: There were 18 breeding stallions with an average age of 11.28±5.46 years, all 18 were of Arabian breed. Using cluster analysis of indicators of semen quality, animals were identified into two groups: with high and low sperm resistance to cryopreservation-thawing. We assessed standard quality parameters in fresh and cryopreserved sperm, as well as carnitine and its fractions and NO metabolites in stallions’ seminal plasma, steroid hormones level and carnitine fractions in blood serum. Data were analyzed using JASP. Differences at p less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: Seminal plasma obtained from animals from the cluster with low motility after cryopreservation-thawing was characterized by a lower concentration of nitric oxide metabolites in 1,79 time (p=0.0415) and free carnitine in 1,64 time (p=0.0349). Positive moderate strength correlation were established between the level of seminal plasma free carnitine and the percentage of live spermatozoa after sperm cryopreservation-thawing.

Hybrid pasteurization strategy for energy conservation and quality preservation in cloudy apple juice processing

The study investigates the combination of microfiltration (MF) with traditional thermal pasteurization (TP), high-pressure processing (HPP), and electron beam irradiation (EBI) in the production of cloudy apple juice. Using 0.22 μm MF membranes instead of 0.45 or 0.1 μm, the highest flux was achieved, the permeate and retentate exhibited minimal deviation from raw apple juice (RAJ) in terms of physicochemical indicators. MF divided RAJ into a cloudy retentate containing microorganisms and a clarified permeate in a 1:4 vol ratio. The retentate was then pasteurized by HPP, TP, and EBI, after which it was mixed with the permeate to create cloudy apple juice. This innovative process reduced processed juice volume by 80% compared to single pasteurization method, decreased the loss of volatile compounds by 20.05%–33.52%, and cut energy consumption by 72.29%–75.35%. Overall, the hybrid pasteurization strategy approach shows great promise pasteurization technique for producing high-quality cloudy apple juice.

Moisture‐modulated thermo‐physical analysis of sweetsop seed (Annona squamosa L.): A potential biofuel feedstock plant

AbstractSweetsop seed holds significant economic value as an oil seed, with ca. 25% oil content that finds applications as a feedstock for energy generation. The moisture‐modulated thermophysical properties of the seed were determined at varying moisture contents (8.0%–32.5%). Physical properties (length [L], width [W], thickness [T], arithmetic [Amd], and geometric mean diameters [Gmd], sphericity [Sty], surface area [SA], and bulk density [ρd]) were determined using standard methods while the thermal properties (specific heat capacity [SHC], thermal conductivity [Tcd], and thermal diffusivity [Tdf]) were analyzed using a TEMPOS thermal analyzer. The results showed that the seed L, W, T, Amd, and Gmd, Sty, SA, and ρd ranged from 13.22–14.95 mm, 7.32–7.95 mm, 5.25–5.35 mm, 8.60–8.75 mm, and 7.96–8.11 mm, 0.61–0.60, 196.72–205.28 mm2, and 210.00–270.00 kg m−3, respectively. The SHC, Tcd, and Tdf ranged from 0.14–0.52 J kg−1 K−1, 0.17–0.35 W m−1 K−1, and 0.10–0.20 m2 s−1, respectively. The ANOVA results indicated that the thermo‐physical properties studied were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected by moisture content. By utilizing the determined properties, engineers can develop efficient machines to harness the economic potential of sweetsop seed oil in various industries, including biofuel generation.Practical applicationsThe thermal and physical properties of sweetsop seed are needed by agricultural and mechanical engineers and food scientists to explore the potential application of the seed and the seed product, like oil for industrial and commercial purposes. Data obtained on the specific heat capacity of the seed would be valuable in designing of heating compartment of an oil expeller, thermal conductivity and diffusivity would be needed to design drying systems that balance efficiency and quality preservation, facilitate efficient removal of moisture from the seed while minimizing the risk of over‐drying or under‐drying. Thus, affects the design of the seed storage systems. Data on the seed axial dimensions, sphericity, mean diameters, surface area, and bulk density would be useful in the design and fabrication of agricultural equipment like sheller, grinder, packaging machines, discharge chute, aperture, and planter, to ensure proper seed placement, flow and to determine machine throughput capacity.

Spatial distribution of physicochemical parameters and drinking and irrigation water quality indices in the Jhelum River, Pakistan.

Sustainable management of river systems is a serious concern, requiring vigilant monitoring of water contamination levels that could potentially threaten the ecological community. This study focused on the evaluation of water quality in the Jhelum River (JR), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and northern Punjab, Pakistan. To achieve this, 60 water samples were collected from various points within the JR Basin (JRB) and subjected to a comprehensive analysis of their physicochemical parameters. The study findings indicated that the concentrations of physicochemical parameters in the JRB water remained within safety thresholds for both drinking and irrigation water, as established by the World Health Organization and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency. These physicochemical parameters refer to various chemical and physical characteristics of the water that can have implications for both human health (drinking water) and agricultural practices (irrigation water). The spatial variations throughout the river course distinguished between the upstream, midstream, and downstream sections. Specifically, the downstream section exhibited significantly higher values for physicochemical parameters and a broader range, highlighting a substantial decline in its quality. Significant disparities in mean values and ranges were evident, particularly in the case of nitrates and total dissolved solids, when the downstream section was compared with its upstream and midstream counterparts. These variations indicated a deteriorating downstream water quality profile, which is likely attributable to a combination of geological and anthropogenic influences. Despite the observed deterioration in the downstream water quality, this study underscores that the JRB within the upper Indus Basin remains safe and suitable for domestic and agricultural purposes. The JRB was evaluated for various irrigation water quality indices. The principal component analysis conducted in this study revealed distinct covariance patterns among water quality variables, with the first five components explaining approximately 79% of the total variance. Recommending the continued utilization of the JRB for irrigation, we advocate for the preservation and enhancement of water quality in the downstream regions.

Rapid and non‐destructive determination of total phenolic contents using UV–NIR spectroscopy of dehydrated mushroom (Lentinus edodes)

AbstractMultispectral imaging (MSI) is an emerging technique that ranges from light spectrum of UV–NIR (405–970 nm) used for rapid determination of phenolic contents. The current study focuses on the determination of total phenolic content (TPC) in a fast and non‐invasive way in hot‐air dehydrated Lentinus edodes. The spectral information of MSI has been combined with various chemometrics like partial least squares (PLS), back propagation neural networks (BPNN), and least squares‐support vector machines (LS‐SVM) for the quantitative prediction of phenolic contents. Fresh mushrooms possessed 1.49 and 1.73 GAE g kg−1 TPC in processed samples at 10% moisture content. Comparing models, PLS acquired significant Rp with a lower RMSEP of 0.9980 and 0.1039 and was considered an outstanding algorithm, followed by LS‐SVM of 0.9777 and 0.1417 coefficient of determination and error of prediction data set, respectively. It is concluded that MSI spectroscopy produces highly significant results to determine functional food properties in a rapid and non‐destructive way. The present study will provide a strong platform for the fast online determination of phenolic profile of agricultural commodities.Practical applicationsUtilization of spectroscopy for non‐destructive detection of phenolic contents is defined through the combination of chemometrics with spectra of multispectral imaging system and emphasizes control processing of postharvest horticulture produces. Prediction results R2 above 80% describe that these chemometrics are successfully capable of estimating total phenolic contents in control processing for quality preservation.

Production and preservation quality assessment of canned beef

The present study was undertaken to produce canned beef along with the determination of its preservation quality. Kalojira oil (Nigella sativa), Na-nitrite (NaNO2 ) and common salt (NaCl) were added in beef and treated as preservative groups namely T1 , T2 and T3 treatment group respectively. Beef without addition of any preservative kept as control group (T0 ) and each group or treatment containing three (03) replications. Data from both fresh raw beef and canned beef were compared statistically in an ANOVA of a Completely Randomized Design using General Linier Model Procedures of SPSS, 20 computer software packages. Beef was purchased from local market immediate after slaughter and brought at meat processing laboratory of BLRI. The physicochemical properties and microbiological properties of both raw beef and canned beef were recorded. The physical properties viz, pH, drip and cook loss of fresh raw beef were 6.40, 5.55% and 27.71%, respectively. The moisture and CP content in raw beef were 74.61 and 25.39%, respectively. The total viable bacteria count and Coliform count in raw beef were 8.8 × 106 and 4.3 × 104 cfu/g, respectively. The pH of canned beef was higher (p &lt; 0.05) in meat preserved with NaNO2 and Kalojira oil than that of NaCl and control group. Preservatives, however, had no effects (p &gt; 0.05) on moisture or DM and CP content in canned beef. Though, there was no significant (p &gt; 0.05) effect, but Kalojira oil performed as impressive preservative compared to others. In microbiological aspects of canned meat, the TVC, TCC, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were entirely absent in Kalojira group. In case of NaNO2 and NaCl group, only a very few numbers of viable bacteria were found (1 × 102 ). On the other hand, only the Staphylococcus bacteria were found in case of control group. Considering the physico-chemical and microbiological aspects in canned beef, it may be concluded that the Kalojira oil could be a suitable value-added preservative in meat canning.