Quality Properties Research Articles

Using Brown Algae in the Plant–Soil System: A Sustainable Approach to Improving the Yield and Quality of Agricultural Crops

The growing demand for food production and increasing stress scenarios increase the crucial need for sustainable alternatives to achieve increased crop yield and quality without affecting the environment. The use of brown macroalgae, being a renewable resource, is a promising option with various application options in agricultural systems, mainly in the form of extracts, direct applications, and compost. Brown algae are a source of active biomolecules and minerals that are currently used as agricultural biostimulants, since they increase crop productivity. This type of biostimulants derived from brown algae improve seed germination, increase the accumulation of plant biomass by accelerating cell division and elongation, activating the antioxidant system of plants, making them more resistant to stress, and contributes to the absorption and translocation of nutrients present in the soil. These products are also compatible with other agricultural inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which makes them ideal for comprehensive applications and maintaining a balance in agroecosystems. This review incorporates fundamental and applied aspects of brown seaweeds that impact yields, biochemical quality, physiology, stress mitigation, and soil properties. Based on the above, the review is divided into different Sections that show the formulation of brown seaweed products; their effect on crop yield, quality, and physiology; their effect on biotic and abiotic stress mitigation; and their impact on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties.

The Renaissance of Polyamines: New Roles in Crop Yield and Quality Properties in Freshly Fruit

Polyamines (PAs) are low-molecular-weight compounds that contain amino groups. PAs are present in a variety of organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms. In plants, the main PAs are putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM). They play crucial physiological roles in plant development, including flowering, fruit set, growth, ripening and metabolic processes. In addition, PAs are components of the diet and have a role in health and disease. Furthermore, PAs have been demonstrated to help overcome the negative effects of adverse environmental factors of both biotic and abiotic stresses. Thus, the main objective of this review was to examine the recent literature regarding the mentioned effects of PAs apart from the impact of preharvest PAs treatments, applied at different stages of fruit development, on fresh fruit crop yield and fruit quality properties at harvest, and in their maintenance during storage, with a special emphasis on the fruit content in bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. Moreover, this review addressed the impact of PAs on other physiological processes affecting crop yield such as flowering and fruit set.

Evaluating the structural parameter on the forming quality and tensile property of CFRP bolted joints with one‐sided connected rivet nut

AbstractAs a kind of one‐sided connected rivet nut, the elliptical‐head non‐lug self‐locking (EHNL) rivet nut can ensure the gap‐free connection and realize the long life and reliable assembly connection of the aircraft. In this paper, the effect of the countersink angle and hole diameter of the nut on the forming quality and static tensile property of the joint is systematically studied. The results show that the effect of the countersink angle on the residual stress and damage of the CFRP plate is caused by the special mechanism that the material is easy to flow to the short‐axis barrel wall area when the nut is formed, and is also affected by the layup. While the effect of hole diameter on the residual stress and damage of CFRP plate is determined by the different deformation behavior of the rivet nut. As for the static tensile strength, the effect of the countersink angle is determined by the residual stress of the CFRP plate caused by the nut forming. But the effect of the hole diameter is small. Only when the hole diameter is 8.58 mm, the tensile strength is slightly reduced by 5.48% due to the large residual stress caused by the nut forming. Considering the forming quality and tensile property, the countersink angle of 45° and hole diameter of 8.46 mm are recommended for the specimen in this study.Highlights Structural parameters on forming quality and tensile property is studied. The influence mechanism on forming quality and tensile property is revealed. Recommended values of structural parameters are provided.

Grazing-Induced Habitat Degradation: Challenges to Giant Panda Survival Resulting from Declining Bamboo and Soil Quality

Grazing is the primary human-induced disturbance affecting giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitats and has a severe impact on the long-term sustainability of the giant panda population. To address the lack of quantitative studies on grazing’s impact on habitat quality, we selected China’s most heavily grazed giant panda nature reserve. Utilizing the Maxent model and stoichiometric analysis, we investigated habitat quality degradation caused by grazing and quantified changes in bamboo nutritional quality and soil physicochemical properties. The results indicate that grazing has significantly reduced the suitable habitat area for giant pandas from 101.87 km2 to 80.64 km2. Specifically, high-suitability habitats declined by 14.14%, moderate-suitability habitats declined by 22.70%, and low-suitability habitats declined by 22.88%. Grazing has forced pandas to move to higher altitudes (2650–3057 m) with taller (12–20 m) trees, denser (28–55 plants) shrubs, and sparser (30–69%) bamboo. Additionally, the soil water content has decreased, while soil bulk density, total N, available N, and pH have significantly increased. Reductions in crude protein and ether extract, along with increased crude fiber and ash, have lowered bamboo’s nutritional value and palatability. This study elucidates how grazing degrades giant panda habitat quality and provides a scientific basis for its conservation management.

Predicting Color Development and Texture Changes in Tomatoes Treated With Hot Water and Exposed to High-Temperature Ethylene Using Support Vector Regression.

This study investigated the impacts of hot water treatment (HWT) at 50°C or 25°C for 5 min and high-temperature ethylene (HTE) exposure at varying temperatures (20°C, 30°C, or 35°C) and durations (24, 48, or 72 h) on the postharvest quality and antioxidant properties of mature green tomatoes (MG). Color changes, physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant compounds, and overall antioxidant ability were assessed. HWT increased β-carotene levels and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) while preserving color metrics, despite later HTE exposure. Exposure to HTE delayed ripening, increased titratable acidity, and reduced dry matter content. The effects on antioxidant compounds varied depending on temperature and duration of exposure. A support vector regression (SVR) model predicted color parameters with high performance (R2 > 0.85) for lightness (L*), greenness-redness (a*), blueness-yellowness (b*), chroma, and hue values. The findings highlight the potential of HWT in postharvest quality management and underscore the complex interplay between HWT and HTE on tomato quality parameters.

An overview of recent progress in cultured meat: focusing on technology, quality properties, safety, industrialization and public acceptance.

Cultured meat technology represents an innovative food production approach that enables the large-scale cultivation of animal cells to obtain muscle, fat, and other tissues, which are then processed into meat products. Compared to traditional meat production methods, cell-cultured meat may significantly reduce energy consumption by 7% to 45%, greenhouse gas emissions by 78% to 96%, land use by 99%, and water use by 82% to 96%. This technology offers several advantages, including a shorter production cycle and enhanced environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and overall sustainability. However, numerous technical challenges remain, such as the development of serum-free media, maintenance of seed cell functionality, large-scale cell culture techniques, three-dimensional (3D) culture methods, and innovations in scaffold materials. These hurdles must be addressed to achieve low-cost, high-efficiency industrial production in the cultivated meat sector. Furthermore, as a supplement or substitute for traditional meat, cultured meat products must possess similar sensory characteristics and nutritional value, ensure high food safety standards, and maintain low production costs to enhance market competitiveness. Therefore, achieving the industrialization of cultured meat necessitates careful consideration of several additional challenges related to sensory attributes, nutritional quality, food safety, and consumer acceptance. This review systematically examines these aspects to provide a theoretical and practical foundation for the sustainable biomanufacturing of cultured meat.

The effect of using wheat species on the quality and sensory properties of rice pudding

The effect of using wheat species on the quality and sensory properties of rice pudding

Sustainable Fertilization of Organic Sweet Cherry to Improve Physiology, Quality, Yield, and Soil Properties

Sustainable Fertilization of Organic Sweet Cherry to Improve Physiology, Quality, Yield, and Soil Properties

Combining Controlled-Release and Normal Urea Enhances Rice Grain Quality and Starch Properties by Improving Carbohydrate Supply and Grain Filling.

Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers are gaining popularity in rice (Oryza stavia L.) cultivation for their ability to increase yields while reducing environmental impact. Grain filling is essential for both the yield and quality of rice. However, the impact of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer on grain-filling characteristics, as well as the relationship between these characteristics and rice quality, remains unclear. This study aimed to identify key grain-filling characteristics influencing rice milling quality, appearance, cooking and eating qualities, and physicochemical properties of starch. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted that included four nitrogen management practices: zero nitrogen input (CK), a local high-yield practice with split urea applications (100% urea, CU), a single basal application of 100% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (CRNF), and a basal application blend of 70% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer with 30% urea (CRNF-CU). The results showed that a sufficient amount of carbohydrates for the rice grain-filling process, as indicated by a higher sugar-spikelet ratio, is essential for improving grain quality. An increased sugar-spikelet ratio enhances the grain-filling process, resulting in an elevated average grain-filling rate (Gmean) and the peak grain-filling rate (Gmax), while also reducing the overall time required for grain filling (D). Compared to CU, CRNF and CRNF-CU treatments did not significantly change milling qualities, but reduced the chalky kernel rate and chalkiness, thereby enhancing the appearance quality. These treatments increased the amylose and amylopectin contents while reducing protein content, though the proportion of protein constituents remained unchanged. These treatments led to larger starch granules with notably smoother surfaces. Additionally, CRNF and CRNF-CU reduced relative crystallinity and structural order, while increasing the amorphous structure in the outer region of starch granules, which lowered rice starch crystal stability. The treatments also increased viscosity and improved the thermodynamic properties of starch, resulting in enhanced eating and cooking quality of the rice. In conclusion, the CRNF-CU is the most effective strategy in this study to enhance both grain yield and quality. This practice ensures an adequate carbohydrate supply for grain filling, which is essential for efficient grain filling and improved overall quality.

Pasta with grape leaves and hops extract: effect on quality properties, predicted glycemic index and in vitro bio-accessibility of phenolics

Pasta with grape leaves and hops extract: effect on quality properties, predicted glycemic index and in vitro bio-accessibility of phenolics

Selective growth of ZnO micro- and nano-structures on fs-laser processed metallic Zn substrates for large area applications

The synthesis of large area micro- and nano-structured ZnO surfaces has been successfully achieved through a two-step process. It involves the irradiation of Zn metal sheets with femtosecond laser pulses (350 fs at 1030nm) at high repetition rates (100 - 500kHz), and fast scanning speeds (cm/s). Subsequently, the irradiated sheets are thermally treated in an Argon flux at 380 oC, a temperature significantly lower than that typically required for growing micro- and nanostructures in ZnO. Fs-laser irradiation promotes the initial development of topography and the localized oxidation of the metal. This enables the further growth of micro- and nanostructures at preferential sites with good crystalline quality and luminescent properties. Analysis of the material at different processing steps shows that the initial laser-induced oxidation is crucial in defining ZnO growth mechanisms upon thermal treatment, and determining the final properties. We have tested the potential use of these structures as reusable photocalyst. The ease of catalyst recovery in photocatalysis experiments and the degree of degradation achieved may be considered as key performance indicators. Photocatalytic activity tests performed with a Rhodamine B solution showed degradation values up to 43% over 90min. The morphology of the samples remains unaltered after photocatalysis experiments.

Influence of annealing temperature on the performance of RF magnetron sputtered Sn-doped Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> films and its solar-blind photodetector

In this study, Sn-doped Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> thin films are prepared on sapphire substrate by RF magnetron sputtering at ambient temperature, and then annealed at different temperatures (400–800 ℃) in nitrogen atmosphere. The corresponding metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) solar blind photodetectors (PDs) are prepared based on those films before and after annealing to explore the influence of annealing temperature on the characteristics of the films and device properties. The results show that the as-deposited Sn-doped Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> film displays amorphous structure. With the increase of annealing temperature, the proportion of O<sub>L</sub>, Ga<sup>3+</sup> and Sn<sup>4+</sup> ions in the film increase, and the band gap of the film decreases slightly, indicating that the conductivity of the film is enhanced and the quality of the film is improved. When the annealing temperature increases to 700 ℃, the <i>β</i>-Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (<inline-formula><tex-math id="Z-20241218145251">\begin{document}$\overline {402} $\end{document}</tex-math></inline-formula>) crystal surface diffraction peak appeares, indicating that the film begins to crystallize. As the annealing temperature increases to 800 ℃, the proportion of O<sub>L</sub>, Ga<sup>3+</sup> and Sn<sup>4+</sup> decreases, and the quality and conductive properties of the film deteriorate, which may be attributed to Sn surface segregation and Al diffusion into the film from the substrate. In addition, the average particle size and surface roughness of the film surface increase with annealing temperature increasing, which is consistent with the changing trend of film characteristics. Then, based on Sn-doped Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> thin films before and after annealing, the MSM solar blind PDs are prepared to explore the influence of annealing temperature on device performance. The quality of the film and its conductive characteristics play a role in regulating the performance of Sn-doped Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> solar blind PD. The optimal device performance can be obtained when the annealing temperature is 700 ℃, with a low dark current of 89.97 pA, a responsivity of 18.4 mA/W, a light-dark current up to 1264, and the rise/fall time of 0.93 s/0.87 s. In summary, the annealing temperature has an important effect on the characteristics of Sn-doped Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> films and the performance of solar blind PDs, which has certain guiding significance for the preparation of high-quality Sn-doped Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> films and high-performance solar blind PDs.

Immunoinformatics design of a novel multiepitope vaccine candidate against non-typhoidal salmonellosis caused by Salmonella Kentucky using outer membrane proteins A, C, and F.

The global public health risk posed by Salmonella Kentucky (S. Kentucky) is rising, particularly due to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes in human and animal populations. This serovar, widespread in Africa, has emerged as a notable cause of non-typhoidal gastroenteritis in humans. In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach to develop a peptide-based vaccine targeting epitopes from the outer membrane proteins A, C, and F of S. Kentucky. Additionally, we employed flagellin protein (fliC) from Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) as an adjuvant to enhance the vaccine's effectiveness. Through this approach, we identified 14 CD8+ and 7 CD4+ T-cell epitopes, which are predicted to be restricted by various MHC class I and MHC class II alleles. The predicted epitopes are expected to achieve a population coverage of 94.91% when used in vaccine formulations. Furthermore, we identified seven highly immunogenic linear B-cell epitopes and three conformational B-cell epitopes. These T-cell and B-cell epitopes were then linked using appropriate linkers to create a multi-epitope vaccine (MEV). To boost the immunogenicity of the peptide construct, fliC from S. Typhimurium was included at the N-terminal. The resulting MEV construct demonstrated high structural quality and favorable physicochemical properties. Molecular docking studies with Toll-like receptors 1, 2, 4, and 5, followed by molecular dynamic simulations, suggested that the vaccine-receptor complexes are energetically feasible, stable, and robust. Immune simulation results showed that the MEV elicited significant responses, including IgG, IgM, CD8+ T-cells, CD4+ T-cells, and various cytokines (IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-2, IL-10, and IL-12), along with a noticeable reduction in antigen levels. Despite these promising in-silico findings, further validation through preclinical and clinical trials is required to confirm the vaccine's efficacy and safety.

Regulation of solution treatment to improve the interfacial bonding quality and mechanical properties of 7B52 laminated aluminum alloy

Regulation of solution treatment to improve the interfacial bonding quality and mechanical properties of 7B52 laminated aluminum alloy

Upcycling Supercritical-CO2-Defatted Tiger Nut Milk Co-Products into Pork Burgers: A Sustainable Fat Replacer with Enhanced Quality Properties

Upcycling Supercritical-CO2-Defatted Tiger Nut Milk Co-Products into Pork Burgers: A Sustainable Fat Replacer with Enhanced Quality Properties

Effects of mycelium post-ripening time on the yield, quality, and physicochemical properties of Pleurotus geesteranus

This study determined the effects of the mycelium post-ripening time on the growth of Pleurotus geesteranus and the substrate metabolism. The characteristic indexes and timing reflecting the physiological maturity of P. geesteranus mycelium were identified to facilitate precise cultivation in factories. The effects of seven mycelium post-ripening times (20–50 d) on the characteristics, yield, and nutrients of P. geesteranus and the substrate physicochemical properties were investigated using the “Jinxiu” strain. Prolonging the mycelium post-ripening time initially increased and then decreased the yield, high-quality mushroom rate, hardness, and elasticity. Mycelium post-ripening time and yield were positively correlated with the high-quality fruiting rate, total sugar content, and chromatic value, and negatively correlated with the lightness value. Moreover, the mycelium post-ripening time was positively correlated with ergosterol content and catalase activity and negatively correlated with C/N, cellulose content, and superoxide dismutase activity. The most suitable mycelium post-ripening time of P. geesteranus was 35–45 days. The pH and acid protease activities can be indicators for the end of P. geesteranus substrate colonization.

Изучение функционально-технологических свойств мясорастительного продукта для геродиетического питания

The results of research on the determination of technological and safety indicators of semi-finished meat products enriched with a 5% additive of amaranth flour for gerodietic nutrition are presented. It has been experimentally established that the introduction of amaranth flour into the formulation of culinary meat products increases the nutritional and biological value and can be recommended for use by the elderly. Key words: SEMI-FINISHED MEAT PRODUCTS, AMARANTH FLOUR, TECHNOLOGY, FORMULATION, QUALITY, FUNCTIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES, HERODIETIC NUTRITION

Eco-friendly Cultivation of Annual Chrysanthemum for Enhancing Seed Quality and Soil Properties

Sustainable agriculture is the cultivation of healthy soil and seedlings which are essential for producing high-quality yields that meet the nutritional needs of living organisms. The soil and its microenvironment are crucial for significantly improving plant growth and promotion of sustainable agriculture practices. This focus on sustainability aims for long-term crop and livestock production while minimizing negative environmental impacts. Therefore, for eco-friendly cultivation of annual chrysanthemum a study was carried out in the open field of the Department of Seed Science and Technology at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P) India for two years (2019-2021). The field experiment consisted of nine different formulations of jeevamrit arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications for each treatment. Notably, the use of T6 (Drenching with jeevamrit @30% at 15 days interval) and T7 (Drenching with jeevamrit @35% at 15 days interval) significantly enhanced the production while also enriching the soil with the considerable increase in beneficial microbial count like bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. Hence, this seeks to identify an environmentally friendly method to improve seed production quality in annual chrysanthemum and enhance soil nutrients.

The Effect of Honey Powder Addition on Chosen Quality Properties of Model Chicken Products.

The objective of our paper was to evaluate the effect of honey powder addition on the quality of model chicken products over 14 days of refrigerated storage. Three model chicken product variants were produced: C-control, HP1%, HP2%-with 1 or 2% of honey powder addition. The cooking loss, basic chemical composition, water activity, texture, color, lipid oxidation (TBARS and PDSC), microbiological and sensory quality, and volatile compounds profile were determined. The adverse changes in lipids were slower in products with honey powder added compared to control product, revealing lower TBARS index values and longer oxidation induction times. After 14 days of storage, HP2% products showed significantly lower (up to 50%) TBARS values than control products. Furthermore, honey powder addition reduced the growth of psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria for up to 14 days of storage in comparison to the control products. However, deterioration of the volatile compounds profile (presence of alcohols and sulfur compounds) and occurrence of storage odor and flavor had an impact on the poorer sensory desirability of the control and HP1% products. Additional research is necessary aiming to improve the sensory quality of products with honey powder addition.

Efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth and Silicic Acid on Leaf Quality and Biochemical Properties in Mulberry

A study on ‘Diatomaceous earth (DE) and silicic acid as a source of silicon on mulberry leaf quality and biochemical attributes’ was conducted during 2022-24. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with thirteen treatment combinations and three replications. Diatomaceous earth (DE) was applied to soil in five split doses at 18 days after pruning (DAP) along with RDF and foliar silicic acid (FSA) spray was given at 28 DAP for five crops at varied levels. Observations were recorded at 30th, 45th and 60th DAP and pooled data of five crops were analysed. Among different treatments, combined application of 450 kg ha-1 DE + 4ml L−1 FSA (T10) recorded highest moisture content (73.45 ± 3.01 %), highest moisture retention capacity (77.62 ± 5.28 %), crude protein (22.50 ± 1.28 %), crude fibre (12.59 ± 0.42 %) and crude fat (4.76 ± 0.17 %) content whereas, T11 (600 kg ha-1 DE + 4ml L−1 FSA) exhibited maximum carbohydrate (19.87 ± 0.19 %), total phenols (15.46 ± 0.51 mg GAE g-1 dw), chlorophyll ‘a’ (1.58 ± 0.05 mg g-1), chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.98 ± 0.03 mg g-1), total chlorophyll (2.56 ± 0.02 mg g-1) and ash content (9.57 ± 0.21 %) in mulberry leaves. Further, T11 (600 kg ha-1 DE + 4ml L−1 FSA) and T8 (600 kg ha-1 DE + 2ml L−1 FSA) exhibited on par results with T10 for all the leaf biochemical attributes of mulberry.