Quality Of Components Research Articles

Nondestructive detection of multiple qualities of dried jujube in different storage periods based on hyperspectral imaging combined with deep learning

Moisture content and sugar content are characteristic substances that determine the quality of dried jujubes. In this study, we collected visible/near-infrared and near-infrared hyperspectral data (Vis-NIR and NIR) from three dried jujubes samples with different storage periods, and established recognition models for different storage periods of jujubes using Random Forest (RF), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Deep Learning Methods (LeNet, ResNet, DenseNet, MobileNet and EfficientNet). Then, we constructed a dried jujubes storage period classification model based on feature bands using Successive projections algorithm (SPA) and Principal component analysis (PCA) methods, the results showed that the classification results based on Vis-NIR were better than those based on NIR, and the classification model based on SPA method was more accurate. In addition, the internal quality attributes of moisture content and total sugar during a single storage period of jujube were also predicted, and a quality prediction model for multiple storage periods was established based on NIR. This study provides a fast and non-destructive method for detecting the storage and quality components of jujube, in order to control the quality of jujube at different storage periods.

Changes in Patient Safety Knowledge During Undergraduate Nursing Education: A Scoping Review Protocol.

Patient safety is a critical component of healthcare quality, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding how patient safety knowledge progresses among nursing students throughout their educational journey. This scoping review aims to map and analyze the existing literature on the development of patient safety knowledge in undergraduate nursing education. This study will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and adhere to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be employed across multiple databases, including CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The review will include studies published from 2019 to 2024 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Two independent reviewers will conduct study selection and data extraction. The data will be synthesized narratively, with quantitative data summarized using descriptive statistics and qualitative data analyzed thematically. The review is expected to identify key patterns in the progression of patient safety knowledge among nursing students, including critical periods for knowledge acquisition, challenges in translating theoretical knowledge into practice, and effective educational strategies. The findings will be presented in both tabular and narrative forms, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of patient safety education in nursing programs. The anticipated outcomes of this review have significant implications for nursing education, healthcare policy, and clinical practice. For educators, the findings will inform curriculum development and the design of targeted interventions to enhance patient safety competencies. From a policy perspective, the results could support the standardization of patient safety education across nursing programs. In clinical practice, the study may emphasize the importance of continuous professional development in patient safety. This scoping review aims to fill a critical gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of how patient safety knowledge progresses among nursing students. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of nursing education and patient safety, ultimately fostering a culture of safety that benefits both healthcare providers and recipients.

Habitat management interventions for a specialist mid- successional grassland butterfly, the Lulworth Skipper

Evidence-based management is needed to reverse declines in insect abundance. The Lulworth Skipper Thymelicus acteon is a range-restricted and declining species in the UK and northern Europe associated with mid-successional grassland, which presents management challenges because interventions are necessary to prevent long-term habitat deterioration but can result in short-term reductions in quality. In addition, site management should be compatible for the focal species and for wider plant and insect diversity. We conducted factorial experimental management trials to understand effects of cutting and rotovation on the height and structure of vegetation containing the larval host plant Tor-grass Brachypodium rupestre. We monitored vegetation height, B. rupestre cover and plant diversity, and T. acteon larval presence over four years. Rotovation and cutting differed in their effects on habitat structure and larval occupancy relative to controls. Vegetation height and host plant cover, the most important components of habitat quality for T. acteon, were faster to recover to suitable levels on cut plots. However, larval occupancy increased more quickly on rotovated plots, where plant species diversity was also higher. Results suggest that due to initial negative impacts of interventions on T. acteon occupancy, low frequency or low-intensity management, such as managing sections of a site every three years, is advisable. Our results show that rotovation or cutting the sward can be suitable for mid-successional grassland species such as Lulworth Skipper on sites where grazing might be problematic. Rotational grazing or rotovation can maintain suitable conditions for habitat specialist insects requiring a range of different grassland conditions, serving wider conservation goals.

Bone Material Strength index is low in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome even after long-term remission.

Hypercortisolism in endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) results in decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. Although after remission BMD improves, fracture rate remains elevated, suggesting that BMD may not adequately reflect fracture risk in this group. The aim was to evaluate bone material properties, another component of bone quality, using Impact Microindentation (IMI) in patients with CS in remission. Cross-sectional study in 60 patients and 60 age-, sex-, and BMD-matched controls at a tertiary referral center between 2019 and 2021. Bone material strength index (BMSi) was measured by IMI using the OsteoProbe® device at the tibia. In addition, laboratory investigation, BMD, and vertebral fracture assessment were performed. By design, patients and controls were comparable for age (median age 56.5 years), sex (48 women), BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. They were also comparable regarding the number of fragility fractures (21 vs. 27, p=0.22). Median time of remission in patients was 6 years (range 1 to 41). Despite comparable BMD, BMSi was significantly lower in patients compared to controls (76.2±6.7 vs 80.5±4.9, p<0.001). In patients, BMSi was negatively correlated with BMI (r= -0.354, p=0.01), but not related to the presence of fracture, physiological hydrocortisone replacement use, other pituitary insufficiencies, or time since remission. Bone material properties remain altered in patients with endogenous CS, even after long-term remission. These abnormalities, known to be associated with fractures in other populations, may play a role in the persistent bone fragility of steroid excess.

Core Components of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: 2024 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The science of cardiac rehabilitation and the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease has progressed substantially since the most recent American Heart Association and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation update on the core components of cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs was published in 2007. In addition, the advent of new care models, including virtual and remote delivery of cardiac rehabilitation services, has expanded the ways that cardiac rehabilitation programs can reach patients. In this scientific statement, we update the scientific basis of the core components of patient assessment, nutritional counseling, weight management and body composition, cardiovascular disease and risk factor management, psychosocial management, aerobic exercise training, strength training, and physical activity counseling. In addition, in recognition that high-quality cardiac rehabilitation programs regularly monitor their processes and outcomes and engage in an ongoing process of quality improvement, we introduce a new core component of program quality. High-quality program performance will be essential to improve widely documented low enrollment and adherence rates and reduce health disparities in cardiac rehabilitation access.

Lived experiences of lymphoma patients with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment

PurposeSexual dysfunction is often experienced by lymphoma patients during the disease trajectory and even during survivorship. However, lymphoma patients’ perceptions about sexual challenges and dysfunction experienced during cancer treatment are not well known. The purpose of the study was to explore lymphoma patients’ lived experiences with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment.MethodsA narrative qualitative approach of inquiry was used, with individual semi-structured interviews. Twenty lymphoma patients were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences with sexual dysfunction and related sexual distress during cancer treatment. We followed a systematic, inductive approach to the qualitative data that moved analysis from concrete description to thematic interpretation.ResultsEight themes emerged: (1) sexual functioning before lymphoma diagnosis and treatment; (2) sexual functioning after lymphoma diagnosis and during treatment; (3) emotional responses to sexual changes; (4) psychological effects; (5) emotional and social support from loved ones; (6) attitudes toward discussing sexual changes with healthcare professionals; (7) coping mechanisms; and (8) participants’ expectations of sexual health after lymphoma treatment.ConclusionsCancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can have a negative impact on sexual health. Therefore, further research is recommended to continue exploring the lived experiences of lymphoma patients.Implications for cancer survivorsHealthcare professionals should routinely assess sexual functioning in lymphoma patients as sexual health is a component of quality of life.

Development and Validation of a Measure of the Resolution Phase of the Sexual Response Cycle: The Sexual Resolution Scale (SRS)

ABSTRACT We developed and validated a measure of the depth of the resolution experience – the Sexual Resolution Scale (SRS). Portuguese-speaking participants responded to an online survey including the SRS whose eight items were derived from the literature on post-sex states: 1) deeply relaxed, 2) with elevated heart rate, 3) with intensified emotions, 4) more aware of body, 5) in a profound peace, 6) more imaginative, 7) more predisposed to talk about emotionally charged topics, 8) more predisposed to listen to emotionally charged topics. They also reported the intensity of satisfaction, desire, arousal, and orgasm, during the last sexual activity, and completed the Perceived Relationship Quality Components Inventory, and the Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function. Principal Component Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed two dimensions: Internal Experience (items 1 to 6) and Openness to Communication (items 7 and 8). The two dimensions had good reliability. Invariance was confirmed between women and men. Nomological validity evidence was demonstrated: the two dimensions correlated with better sexual function during the last sexual activity and over the past 4 weeks. The SRS appears to be usable to measure the enjoyable aspects of the resolution phase of sexual intercourse.

Impact of Mediterranean Diet Pattern Adherence on the Physical Component of Health-Related Quality of Life in Middle-Aged and Older Active Adults.

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) has numerous health benefits, particularly in preventing chronic diseases and improving well-being. Given the ageing population, understanding its impact on older adults' physical health is essential. This study examines how adherence to the MedDiet influences the physical component (Comp-p) of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across various age groups, providing insights for tailored dietary interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with active adults aged 41-80, categorised into four age groups (41-50, n = 116; 51-60, n = 225; 61-70, n = 135; 71-80, n = 44). Data were collected using the SF-36 and MEDAS questionnaires. Com-p scores were analysed based on MedDiet adherence (poor or good) and age. Results: In the 71-80 age group, a significant correlation was found between Comp-P and MedDiet adherence (r = 0.367, p = 0.014), with significantly higher Com-P scores in the good adherence group (50.10 ± 7.39) compared to the poor group (44.46 ± 7.73; p = 0.015; d = 0.74). The loss of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in this age group was attributed to low consumption of vegetables (36.36%), tree nuts (47.73%), legumes (50.00%), fish (52.27%), and fruit (56.82%). Conclusions: In individuals aged 71-80, lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a decline in self-perceived physical health, attributed to the reduced intake of fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, and fruit. These findings emphasise the importance of promoting Mediterranean dietary adherence in later life to maintain optimal physical well-being.

Assessment of psychometric properties of the Dari version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among Afghans

BackgroundSleep helps in improving the functions of all systems of human body. Disturbance in sleep can cause immediate adverse effects on normal human physiologic functions. Main objective of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Dari version of the of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among general adult population of Afghanistan.MethodsThis methodological study has been conducted during July to November 2023. Reliability and validity of PSQI were evaluated using Cronbach’s Alpha and confirmatory factor analysis, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the convergent validity of the components of PSQI, comparing results with those obtained from the DASS-21 subdomains.ResultsIn this cross-sectional study, 965 Afghan adults were studied during five months of duration between July and November, 2023. Mean age of the study participants was 35.2 years. The prevalence of sleep disturbance was 44.6% (430/965). Among them, 59.3% (572/965) reported experiencing subjective sleep quality disturbances less than once a week, 36.2% (349/965) had sleep latency issues less than once a week, 17.6% (170/965) had sleep duration disruption once or twice a week, while 36.3% (350/965) had daytime dysfunction less than once a week. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the seven-component scale was 0.677, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Substantial and statistically significant positive correlations were present among the component of PSQI subjective sleep quality and sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, daytime dysfunction, DASS-Depression, DASS-Anxiety, and DASS-Stress. The overall PSQI exhibited favorable fit indices, supporting the proposed single-factor structure among adult Afghan population.ConclusionPrevalence of sleep disturbance was very high among adult population of Afghanistan. This study provided useful information that will help policy makers (such as ministry of public health as well as international donor agencies like WHO, USAID, and UNICEF) to design a better strategy to reduce the prevalence of sleep disturbance that affects health of the Afghan community at large.

The impact of short-term exposure to criteria air pollutants on sleep disturbance among young adults: A nationwide analysis in 261 Chinese cities

BackgroundsEvidence concerning the short-term acute effect of air pollution on sleep health is quite limited. This study aims to examine the association between short-term exposure to ambient criteria air pollutants (CAPs) and sleep disturbance among young adults. MethodsA nationwide retrospective study was conducted across 261 Chinese cities from 2023 to 2024. Participants’ sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and air pollutant concentrations were collected during the study period. Distributed lag nonlinear models were utilized to assess the effect of CAPs on sleep disturbance and seven sleep quality components over the seven days preceding the survey (lag 0–7). Stratification analyses involving gender, cigarette smoking, and hazardous drinking behavior were performed. ResultsOf 12,279 young adults, 39% were identified as having sleep disturbances. Increases of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2 exposure were linked to a heightened risk of sleep disturbance, with the maximum single-day percentage changes being 8.3% (95% confidence intervals: 1.9–15.2%), 10.0% (1.2–19.6%), 6.0% (2.3–9.8%), and 23.6% (4.5–46.0%), respectively. A 10 μg/m3 elevation in PM2.5, PM10, and O3 were associated with 18.4%–34.8% of cumulative increase in sleep disturbance risk. Additionally, a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations prolonged sleep latency by 3 and 4.8 min, respectively. Each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 and O3 shortened sleep duration by 5.4 and 5.7 min. NO2 exposure increased scores on the daytime dysfunction component of the PSQI, resulting in a percentage change of 23.9%. The association between PM2.5, O3, and NO2 exposure and sleep disturbance was stronger in subpopulations with cigarette smoking behavior. ConclusionShort-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2 is significantly associated with sleep disturbance among young adults. Sustained improvements in air quality may help improve sleep health.

Effectiveness and safety of exercise training and rehabilitation in elderly patients after heart valve intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of exercise rehabilitation in older adults undergoing intervention for heart valve disease. MethodPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Ovid Medline, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang were systematically searched until January 2024. Risk-of-bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A meta-analysis of the following indexes was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsNine trials involving 631 patients were ultimately included. Exercise rehabilitation significantly reduced the risk of adverse events, increased the 6-minute walk distance, improved the physical component of quality of life, and shortened the length of postoperative hospitalization. However, exercise rehabilitation did not affect all-cause mortality, left heart ejection fraction, or peak oxygen uptake. ConclusionsExercise rehabilitation may enhance exercise capacity, reduce the incidence of adverse events, and shorten the length of postoperative hospitalization in older adults undergoing intervention for heart valve disease.

Evaluation of the Stronger Together Peer Mentoring Model Among Patients With Breast and Gynecologic Cancer in Viet Nam.

Stronger Together is a peer mentoring model that seeks to address the severe lack of mental health and psychosocial support for patients with cancer in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This article presents the results of the Stronger Together pilot study among patients with breast and gynecologic cancer in Viet Nam (VN). Eligible participants comprised women age 25 years or older with a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancers and receiving treatment at four participating hospitals. Participants were asked whether they wanted to proceed with usual care or be matched with a trained and supervised peer mentor (a cancer survivor). Surveys were administered at baseline (0) and 2, 4, and 6 months and assessed depression, anxiety, stress, mental health and physical health components of quality of life (QOL), self-efficacy, and social support. We computed and compared 2-, 4-, and 6-month changes in scores from baseline and conducted difference-in-difference analyses to estimate the intervention effect at 6 months. The sample size included N = 186 participants. Mentees (n = 91) exhibited improvements in depression, anxiety, stress, and mental health QOL across all time points, whereas usual care participants (n = 95) experienced these improvements at later periods (4 and 6 months). Compared with usual care participants, mentees reported greater improvements in depression at 2 and 4 months, mental health QOL at all time points, and self-efficacy and social support at 4 and 6 months. Greater improvements in stress were also seen in the breast cancer subsample. Stronger Together is a promising model to improve mental health and psychosocial outcomes among patients with breast and gynecologic cancer in VN and can help fill gaps in cancer peer support interventions in many LMICs.

Home-Based HIFT Altered Quality of Life and Health Related Fitness Parameters in Women

The effects of high intensity functional training (HIFT) on health related components of fitness and quality of life were studied in the gym environment, but there has not been any study on examining the effects of HIFT by using bodyweight exercises at home environment on health related components of fitness and quality of life in women. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of home-based bodyweight HIFT on health related components of physical fitness and quality of life in women. Twenty-one recreationally active female participants (age 26.3 ± 3.7 years) were included in the study. After completing the pretest, participants applied HIFT at home with bodyweight exercises three times a week for a duration of eight weeks. Cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition and quality of life assessments were carried out in both pretest and posttest applications. Significant differences were observed between the pretest and posttest results of cardiovascular endurance (p=0.042), muscular strength (p&amp;lt;0.001), muscular endurance (p&amp;lt;0.001) and flexibility (p=0.001) parameters. No significant difference was observed between the pretest and posttest results of body composition analysis. Significant improvement (p=0.045) was found on the quality of life scale. Home-based bodyweight HIFT altered quality of life in recreationally active women and enhanced health related components of fitness, which could prevent the increase of health-related risk factors caused by inactivity.

Effect of Calcium Formulations to Increase Yield and Shelf Life of Manjri Naveen Grapes

The application of Calcium at veraison stage maintain the quality of grapes. Hence to evaluate the effect of Calcium formulations for increasing yield and the shelf life of Manjri Naveen grapes. The experiment was designed as randomized block design (RBD) having seven treatments and four replications (1 replicate = 4 vines). Three calcium formulations were used i.e. CaCl2, CaO, Ca(No3)2 as a dose of (2.5 g/l) and (5 g/l). Foliar application of calcium was done 10 days before harvest at veraison stage. Results obtained from the experiment showed the lowest weight loss was found in bunches of calcium oxide and calcium chloride spray treatments (8.14 %), (8.61 %) respectively, while the highest weight loss (10.36 %) occurred in untreated control. The PLW increased significantly at successive from 1.32 % on 1st day to 10.36 % on 7th day of storage at room temperature. CaO at 5 g/l recorded the lowest fallen berries 2.70 (%), followed by Ca(NO3)2 at 2.5 g/l recorded 3.38 (%). It might be due to calcium accumulated mostly in the rachis and less in the flesh during grape berry development. Yield and quality components like bunch weight, berry weight, total yield/vine, TSS, TSS/Acidity ratio were significantly influenced by calcium spray. Hence from this study it is concluded that the foliar application of CaO at 5 g/l was found to be effective for increasing the shelf life and yield of Manjri Naveen grapes.

Effect of institute and LMS service quality on HEI Brand Equity: an empirical investigation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the education service quality factors, for online education context, that drive the brand equity of a higher education institute. In the times of emerging online education programmes by otherwise traditional institutes, assessing the service quality of educational institutions and its effect on the institute’s brand represents an extant research gap. Design/methodology/approach This study addresses the gap by empirically measuring higher education institution (HEI) service quality and explores its impact on student engagement, satisfaction and brand equity. This research analyses structured data from 250 students, through partial least squares-based structural equation modelling, to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings Within the overall service quality of an HEI, all components of institutional service quality are found to affect student engagement strongly; however, only some dimensions of learning management system service quality do. Student engagement is found to positively impact student satisfaction which, in turn, strongly affects all elements of HEI brand equity. Originality/value This study adds value to the extant research in higher education service quality by adding a layer of online platform service quality and offers actionable insights for HEI administrators.

The effects of service quality on relationship quality and loyalty in business-to-business electrical and electronics industry

PurposeThis study investigates the relationships between service quality, relationship quality (i.e. satisfaction, trust and commitment) and loyalty in the business-to-business (B2B) context.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was developed from a comprehensive literature review. It was verified by experts and statistical techniques. The data were collected from senior purchasing officers in 232 electrical and electronics companies in Thailand. Path analysis of structural equation modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized model.FindingsIt was found that service quality has a significant positive direct effect on satisfaction, trust and commitment. Commitment significantly affects loyalty, while service quality, satisfaction and trust do not.Originality/valueThis is one of the first examples of empirical research to examine the links between service quality, components of relationship quality and loyalty in the B2B electrical and electronics context.

Study on an Integrated Water Treatment System by Simultaneously Coupling Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and Powdered Carbon with Ultrafiltration

The process of using powdered activated carbon (PAC) in conjunction with ultrafiltration (UF) has been widely adopted for the treatment of various types of water and wastewater. However, during the application of this integrated PAC-UF process, PAC tends to adhere significantly to the surface of the UF membrane, which exacerbates membrane fouling. To tackle this issue, this study proposed an innovative water treatment approach that simultaneously integrated granular activated carbon (GAC) and PAC/biochar with UF. In this setup, PAC/biochar was intended to enhance water quality, while the fluidized GAC particles were aimed at reducing membrane fouling and the deposition of PAC/biochar on the membrane surface. We systematically analyzed the operational performance of the integrated systems concerning fouling formation, PAC/biochar attachment, effluent quality, and foulant components. The results indicate that both PAC and biochar effectively improved effluent quality in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and hardness, although they significantly deposited on the membrane surface during operation. Notably, PAC was more prone to attach to the membrane than biochar, and the fouling in biochar-UF systems was primarily attributed to the attachment of organic foulants rather than biochar itself. By combining with GAC, up to 46.01% of membrane fouling and 96.11% of PAC/biochar attachment were mitigated due to the strong mechanical action of the fluidized GAC particles. Importantly, the inclusion of fluidized GAC did not significantly affect effluent quality. Consequently, the GAC-PAC/biochar systems proposed in this study demonstrated dual benefits of improving effluent quality and ensuring stable operation, thereby providing a viable solution for efficient and sustainable water treatment.

HALAL GASTRONOMY: HANDLING FOOD PRODUCTS’ QUALITY IN THE LOCAL TOURISM MARKET

Abstract: The demand for halal products that adhere to consumers’ moral and religious standards is causing the halal business to expand quickly. Halal gastronomy has garnered considerable attention in the travel and hospitality industries, as it involves producing, preparing, and ingesting high-quality halal foods according to Islamic principles. The study examines the quality of halal products and their impact on the local tourism industry by analyzing data and literature that are already available. The analysis explores the quality components of halal gastronomy through qualitative descriptive analysis. This approach allows in-depth investigation, which results in a comprehensive understanding of the subject. This study looks at the quality of halal products and how it affects the regional tourism sector. The research examines the key components influencing the quality of halal cuisine, comprehends stakeholders’ challenges in preserving and enforcing quality standards, and investigates strategies to enhance halal cuisine aimed at Muslim tourists. The article examines the importance of ensuring quality in halal cuisine and emphasizes the challenges and opportunities associated with meeting the expectations of halal-aware travelers. By examining the impact of halal cuisine on the local tourism market, this study contributes to a greater understanding of how the quality of halal products is perceived, evaluated, and enhanced to meet the requirements of Muslim tourists. This research fills the gap in understanding the quality of halal gastronomy in the local tourism market. It provides insights and recommendations for stakeholders to navigate the challenges and opportunities of maintaining and improving halal products for Muslim travelers. Keywords: Halal gastronomy; Quality assurance; Local tourism market; Halal products; Hospitality

How have breeders adapted rice flowering to the growing region?

Flowering time is a crucial rice trait that influences its adaptation to various environments, cropping schedules, and agronomic characteristics. Rice breeders have exploited spontaneous mutations in heading date genes to regulate the flowering time. In the present study, we investigated how breeders in Fukui Prefecture regulated days to heading while developing promising rice varieties. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified Hd1, Hd16, and Hd18 as the major genes controlling days to heading in the population. However, we suspected that this highly bred population might exhibit genomic stratification, which could lead to spurious or false correlations in the GWAS. Thus, we also conducted correlation and partial correlation analyses, which uncovered another key heading date gene, Hd17, that GWAS failed to detect because of its linkage disequilibrium with the major effect gene Hd16. Examination of haplotype frequencies across different breeding periods revealed that the early-heading Hd16 (Hd16(E)) and late-heading Hd17 (Hd17(L)) were increasingly co-selected in the Hd1 functional population. Varieties carrying this Hd16(E)/Hd17(L) combination exhibited days to heading in the range of 70-80, which corresponds to the peak temperature and sunshine period and is also optimal for grain quality and yield components in the Fukui environment. The present study highlights that it is imperative to remain vigilant for Type I (false positives) and Type II (false negatives) errors when performing GWAS on highly bred populations and to implement appropriate countermeasures by accounting for gene-by-gene interactions established through the breeding process. We also discuss the effectiveness of Hd16(E), which is not used outside Japan for subtle days to heading control but is widely used in Japan at certain latitudes.

Integrated Analysis of Metabolites and Microorganisms Reveals the Anthracnose Resistance Benefits from Cyanidin Mediated by Proteobacteria in Tea Plants.

Anthocyanins, key quality components of tea, act as an important bridge between plants and the environment due to their function on protecting plants from biotic and abiotic irritants. This study aimed to assess the interactions between anthocyanins metabolism and the environment. Purple (P) and green (G) leaves with different anthocyanin contents were inoculated with tea plant anthracnose. High-throughput metabolomics and 16S microbial diversity sequencing methods were used to screen the anthocyanin fractions of tea plant leaves responsive to anthracnose. The interconnections between metabolites and the resistance of phyllosphere microorganisms to fungal pathogens were then analyzed. The results showed that leaves with high anthocyanin content (0.14% of diseased area ratio) were less impacted by anthracnose infestation than leaves with low anthocyanin (3.12%). The cyanidin content decreased after infection in purple leaves (PR) and increased in green leaves (GR). The relative abundance of Cyanobacteria was suppressed by the significant enrichment of Proteobacteria after anthracnose infection in green leaves. However, there were no significant differences between these two groups of microorganisms in purple leaves. Collinear network analysis revealed a strong correlation between Cyanobacteria and Dihydrosorbinol and between Proteobacteria and cyanidin metabolites. Among them, OTU456 (Bosea) was identified as the key taxonomic group of bacterial communities in the green-infected leaf network. In summary, the anthracnose resistance benefits from cyanidin mediated by proteobacteria in tea plants. These results deepen our understanding of the regulation of secondary metabolism in tea plants and the formation of plant resistance.