SEM Images Research Articles

Effectiveness of luliconazole vs ketoconazole topical formulation in reversing damaged hair cuticle

Azole antifungal agents are effective agents for treating scalp ailments such as seborrheic dermatitis. Luliconazole (LZ) is a new azole with unique effects against clinically important dermatomycotic fungi. This study examines the impact of different topical formulation of Luliconazole vs Ketoconazole (KZ) on damaged hair cuticle repair after 5 and 10 washes, using SEM images and sensory Analysis.In this in-vitro study,twelve damaged hair tresses were divided into two groups, and treated with LZ and KZ formulations. Both groups underwent pretreatment with 20% Sodium Laureth sulfate (SLES) and damage induction using 9% HO and 20% ammonium solution, followed by respective LZ (Lupizol ZS, manufactured by Lupin Ltd, India) and KZ therapies. SEM imaging and expert sensory analysis were conducted at baseline, after 5, and 10 washes to evaluate surface characterization like cuticle upliftment, smoothness, and softness.After five washes, LZ-treated hair exhibited smooth, intact cuticles with no upliftment, improving to grade 1 cuticle damage. In contrast, KZ-treated hair continued to show substantial upliftment without damage grade improvement. After ten washes, LZ maintained grade 1 damage and 0 µm upliftment, while KZ-treated strands persisted in showing considerable cuticular distress. Sensory analysis supported these results, with LZ improving hair smoothness and softness by 2.42x and 2.72x respectively, after ten washes, significantly outperforming KZ. Visually, LZ-treated hair appeared smoother and healthier, indicating its greater effectiveness in enhancing hair integrity post-washing.The botanical conditioner-based formulation of LZ is more efficacious in enhancing hair integrity post-washing compared to the Ketoconazole formulation. Well-controlled human studies are required to further establish the clinical effects on human participants.

Clinical effect of chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride on corrosion behavior and surface topography of nitinol orthodontic archwires

BackgroundAlterations in the mechanical properties of the materials utilized in orthodontic appliances could affect the working properties of the appliances, thereby affecting clinical progress and outcome. Numerous studies have confirmed the correlation between alloy corrosion and raised surface roughness, which has a direct impact on the working characteristics of orthodontic archwires.MethodsThirty nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires were utilized in this study. Patients were randomly selected and allocated into three groups according to the randomization plan; (The control group): subjects practiced regular oral hygiene; (The fluoride group): subjects used fluoride for intensive prophylaxis; (The chlorhexidine group): subjects used chlorhexidine. Representative samples were evaluated by SEM, and then SEM images with high resolution were examined using Image J software to determine the surface roughness and obtain the results for further statistical analysis.ResultsOur findings indicated a significant difference was found between the three groups regarding the anterior and posterior parts between the control and the two other groups and a non-significant difference between NaF and CHX groups. Overall, the p-value for group comparisons was 0.000 for both parts, indicating a highly significant difference especially between the control and NaF groups.ConclusionMouthwashes containing sodium fluoride demonstrated more significant surface alterations than the control and CHX groups and should be prescribed in accordance with orthodontic materials to reduce side effects.

Review of Senopterina Macquart (Diptera, Platystomatidae) from Brazil, with description of two new species

A review of Senopterina Macquart, 1835, a Nearctic and Neotropical genus with 21 species, is presented. Senopterina brevipes (Fabricius, 1805), the type species of the genus, and S. macularis (Fabricius, 1805), are redescribed. Two new species are listed for Brazil: S. canina sp. nov., and S. flavifemoris sp. nov., from the following states: Amapá, Goiás, Maranhão, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, Rondônia and Tocantins. SEM images of the male and female terminalia of the redescribed species and of the new species are presented. An updated identification key to species is also provided.

The antimicrobial synergy of polymer based nanofiber mats reinforced with antioxidants intercalated layered double hydroxides as a potential active packaging material

Abstract Perishable food post-harvest loss is a major global concern, and research is currently concentrated on creating active packaging materials. This research is focused in multiple antioxidants intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) that are combined in one matrix, and their overall effect that defines as synergism, which successfully preserves perishable food by releasing antioxidants slowly. For this purpose, a hybrid LDH material of ascorbic-LDH, salicylic-LDH, and citric-LDH was synthesized, characterized and incorporate into electrospun nanofiber mat to be used as a potential active packaging material. Antioxidants intercalated Mg/Al LDH was synthesized and successfully characterized by PXRD, FTIR, XPS, Raman, SEM and EDS. The shifts in the LDHs' peaks in PXRD indicated the successful incorporation of antioxidants into LDH. FTIR, Raman and XPS data clearly indicated the establishment of metal-oxygen bonds by observing the characteristic peaks. Morphological features and layered structure were clearly observed by SEM images. Antioxidants were slowly released from LDHs, and it was evaluated for time intervals up to 24 hrs. The hybrid LDH material exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 132.5µg/mL, where 234.1, 354.5, and 402.2µg/mL were reported for ascorbic-LDH, salicylic-LDH, and citric-LDH respectively. The hybrid LDH material incorporated electrospun mats showed the best antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria and clearly evidenced the synergistic activity of the combination of the nanohybrids. It has showed a minimal bacterial growth compared to other control samples (∼2.41 log CFU/mL). The shelf life of cherry tomatoes was studied at different physiochemical parameters with and without hybrid LDH material incorporated electrospun mats. The mat showed an extended shelf life of 42 days for cherry tomatoes, whereas the control sample showed a shelf life of 17 days. It is concluded that hybrid LDH material exhibited synergistic performance and the best antioxidant activity when comparing with mono LDH materials.

SEM Image Processing Assisted by Deep Learning to Quantify Mesoporous γ-Alumina Spatial Heterogeneity and Its Predicted Impact on Mass Transfer

SEM Image Processing Assisted by Deep Learning to Quantify Mesoporous γ-Alumina Spatial Heterogeneity and Its Predicted Impact on Mass Transfer

Structural, vibrational and optical characterisations of Li2Ba3(P2O7)2:Cr3+ by solid-state reaction method

ABSTRACT Cr3+ doped Li2Ba3(P2O7)2 pyrophosphate nanopowder was successfully synthesised by solid-state reaction technique. The nanopowder was characterised by several techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals orthorhombic crystal structureand average crystallite size values 34.21 and 28.41 nm are determined by Debye Scherrer’s formula and Williamson-Hall (W-H) method. The morphology displayed both SEM and HR-TEM images are irregular stone-like shapes. EDS analysis confirms the constituted elements. The SAED patterns of HR-TEM with well matched with XRD data. FT-IR and Raman spectra analysis confirmed incorporation of Cr3+ in the Li2Ba3(P2O7)2 pyrophosphate nanopowder. The EPR spectrum exhibited signal at g = 1.968 which is attributed to interaction between Cr3+ and Cr3+ exchange pair. The site symmetry of Cr3+ ions occupy a distorted octahedral. Photoluminescence spectrum exhibited bands correspond to ultraviolet, blue and green regions. The evaluated CCT of 6517 K indicates yellowish-green emission near cold light which reveals that the present prepared sample is useful for LEDs applications.

Effect of nano-carbon black content and dispersibility on the properties of cement paste

In this study, we analyzed the microstructure, pore structure, and changes in electromagnetic parameters of cement paste with nano-carbon black (CB) added. The following conclusions were drawn: The addition of CB significantly influenced the pore structure of the cement paste, increasing the content of pores less than 100 nm and improving the overall pore structure. The use of the dispersant further enhanced the dispersion of CB and increased its filling effect. Additionally, adding CB had a significant impact on the compressive strength of the cement paste; the presence of certain CB aggregates reduced the compressive strength. However, when the CB content was 0.5wt%, the use of the dispersant decreased the size of CB aggregates and effectively increased the compressive strength. SEM images displayed the dispersion state of CB aggregates within the cement paste, demonstrating that the size and quantity of aggregates could be reduced through the use of the dispersant. The change in the CB dispersion state also slightly affected the electromagnetic parameters and wave absorption properties of the cement paste. The research results presented in this paper offer valuable insights for the design and application of CB cement paste.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Ammonium Nitrate Using Al Structures, Fabricated by Laser Processing of AlN Ceramic

This work presents results on laser-induced surface structuring of AlN ceramic and its application in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The laser processing is performed by nanosecond pulses in air and vacuum. Depending on the processing conditions, different surface morphology can be obtained. The ablation process is realized by ceramic decomposition as the formation of an aluminium layer is detected. The efficiency of the fabricated structures as active substrates in SERS is estimated by the ability of the detection of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). It is conducted for Raman spectrometer systems that operate at wavelengths of 514 and 785 nm where the most common commercial systems work. The obtained structures contribute to enhancement of the Raman signal at both wavelengths, as the efficiency is higher for excitation at 514 nm. The limit of detection (LOD) of ammonium nitrate is estimated to be below the maximum allowed value in drinking water. The analysis of the obtained results was based on the calculations of the near field enhancement at different conditions based on Finite Difference Time Domain simulation and the extinction spectra calculations based on Generalized Mie scattering theory. The structures considered in these simulations were taken from the SEM images of the real samples. The oxidation issue of the ablated surface was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presented results indicated that laser structuring of AlN ceramics is a way for fabrication of Al structures with specific near-field properties that can be used for the detection of substances with high social impact.

The hemp-reinforced polypropylene composite: Effect of the alkaline and coupling agents treatment

The hemp-reinforced polypropylene composite was produced by the twin-screw extrusion in the presence of polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) and silane as coupling agents and subsequence by the compression molding. The hemp fiber was obtained by sodium hydroxide treatment prior to the twin-screw extruder. The PP/Hemp composite was analyzed using a universal testing machine, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of the PP/MA/Hemp demonstrated a better result than that of PP/Si/Hemp in most hemp contents. The SEM images of the PP/MA/Hemp exhibited excellent interfacial bonding in PP/MA/Hemp30 without fiber pullouts. However, the fiber breakage and some fiber pullout with gaps around the fiber of PP/Si/Hemp indicate the poor bonding of the PP matrix. The functional group of the PP/Hemp composite showed the –OH cellulose result peak of the reaction between hemp fibers and polypropylene.

Analysis of morphological properties of fibrous electrospun polyurethane grafts using image segmentation

The concentration of the polymer in the electrospinning solution greatly influences the mechanical behaviour of electrospun vascular grafts due to the influence on scaffold morphology. The scaffold morphology (fiber diameter, fiber orientation and inter-fiber voids) of the grafts plays an important role in their behaviour during use. Even though manual methods and complex algorithms have been used so far for characterisation of the morphology of electrospun architecture, they still have several drawbacks that limit their reliability. This study therefore uses conventional, statistical region merging and a hybrid image segmentation algorithm, to characterise the morphology of the electrospun vascular grafts. Consequently, vascular grafts were fabricated using an in-house electrospinning equipment using three polymer material concentration levels (14%, 16% and 18%) of medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (Pellethane®). The image thresholding and segementation algorithms were then used for segmentation of SEM images extracted from the polymer grafts and then morphological parameters were investigated in terms of fiber diameter, fiber orientation, and interfiber spaces (pore area and porosity). The results indicate that electrospun image segmentation was "best" when the hybrid algorithm and the conventional algorithm was used, which implied that fiber property values computed from the hybrid algorithm were closed to the manually measurements especially for the 14% PU with fiber diameter 2.2%, fiber orientation 7.6% and porosity at 1.9%. However there was higher disperity between the manual and hybrid algorithm. This suggests more fiber uniformity in the 14%PU potentially affected the accuracy of the hybrid algorithm.

Anomalous hydraulic fluid absorption by carbon fiber/PEKK composites: Physical and mechanical aspects

AbstractCarbon fiber (CF)/polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) composites are exposed to Skydrol, a hydraulic fluid made of phosphate esters widely used in the aviation field. The present study investigates Skydrol absorption of CF/PEKK composite layups and the associated PEKK matrix. A significant unexpected increase of Skydrol uptake is observed for cross‐ply composites (0.50%) compared to unidirectional ones (0.06%), independently of ply number. The use of ‘model’ fluids like water and ethanol allows to identify the origin of this anomalous Skydrol absorption in the case of cross‐ply layup. We propose that the latter involves an imbibition process governed by the fluid surface tension and the presence of submicronic cavities. SEM imaging of composite cross‐section after ion beam polishing confirms fiber‐matrix submicronic debonding in the interlaminar region in the cross‐ply composite. SEM–EDX confirms the presence of Skydrol into the submicronic cavities. Despite this anomalous absorption, off‐axis tensile testing as well as ILSS testing show no significant impact of Skydrol on CF/PEKK mechanical properties with less than 10% difference compared to the initial values.Highlights Absorption by diffusion of Skydrol in neat PEKK and CF/PEKK composites Link between fluid surface tension and anomalous Skydrol absorption Evidence of submicronic cavities in CF/PEKK composites by means of SEM–EDX Low impact of Skydrol on CF/PEKK mechanical properties

Influence of the concentration of KOH-based aqueous electrolyte on the electrochemical behavior of NiO thin film

In this research, we explored the influence of varying concentrations of KOH electrolyte (0.5, 1, and 2 M) on the electrochemical characteristics of Nickel Oxide (NiO) thin film. The deposition of NiO material onto glass and Fluor Tin Oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates was achieved through the chemical spray pyrolysis method. Subsequent examinations encompassed structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical assessments, employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. XRD analysis unveiled a polycrystalline cubic structure of NiO with a preference for orientation along the (111) plane. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the NiO phase, whereas SEM images depicted the emergence of interconnected nanograins with occasional minor cracks. EDS examination and elemental mapping further substantiated a homogeneous dispersion of elements. Optical analysis disclosed a band gap energy of 3.54 eV and an average transmittance of 71 % in the visible range. Electrochemical analysis indicated that the specific capacitance reached its peak at [1 M] (70 F. g−1). The [2 M] electrolyte exhibited the highest optical modulation (29 %), the most substantial charge density (Qi = 9.5 mC/cm2), and the most favorable switching kinetics. However, the coloration efficiency slightly decreased from 30.94 cm2/C in [1 M] to 30.47 cm2/C in the [2 M] solution, despite these improvements.

Experimental measurement and molecular dynamics simulation analysis of thermal aging performance in composite solid propellants

As a complex mixed system, the aging mechanism of high-energy composite materials involves the aging of each component itself, interactions between components, and transformation of microstructural and thermodynamic properties. The study of a single component or performance parameter has great limitations for elaborating the cognitive complexity of aging processes, making it difficult to reveal the underlying principles of physicochemical property transformation. Thus, it can only be applied as an empirical summary. In view of this, this study comprehensively utilized numerical analysis and experimental detection to explore the evolution of micromolecular conformation and changes in macro aging performance from four aspects of composite systems, including binder aging, plasticizer migration, bond interface debonding, and mechanical property transformation. There was good consistency observed between molecular simulation and thermal aging experiments, indicating that there was basically no post curing process for HTPB propellants using TDI as the curing agent. In the early stage of aging, scission chain was the main process and, in the later stage of aging, oxidation crosslinking the main process. Oxidative crosslinking increased the mean square radius of gyration and glass transition temperature of the binder system, reduced the peak value of radial distribution function, and revealed the reason for the change of propellant hardness and CC and CO double bond content. However, chain degradation increased the number of polar groups, enhanced intermolecular polarity, reduced the solubility parameter, and increased the free volume fraction of the mixed system and the dioctyl sebacate diffusion coefficient. This resulted in an increase in the tangent value of the HTPB propellant loss angle from 0.43 to 0.44° and a decrease in the glass transition temperature from 203.3 to 202.0 K. The binding energy at the interfaces of AP/HTPB and Al/HTPB increased first and then decreased, which was consistent with SEM images of bonding interfaces. The joint effect of binding energy and mechanical properties of the binder system promoted the transformation of the stress-strain curve of aging propellant.

Deep learning-based semantic segmentation for morphological fractography

Fractographic analysis poses a significant challenge for field researchers without specialized training in fractography. To address this issue, this study introduces a comprehensive integrated workflow that encapsulates the entire process from dataset preparation and data enhancement to leveraging the SegFormer model for deep learning-driven semantic segmentation. An extensive collection of fractography images is formulated and augmented to train the SegFormer model, enabling precise semantic segmentation of morphological fracture regions including cleavage, ductile, dimple, fatigue striations, and others. To accommodate the demanding SEM imaging conditions which frequently include distortions, noise, and aberrations, we developed a two-stage method with diverse data augmentation strategies. This method resulted in a robust model demonstrating exceptional performance, as evidenced by a high mean Intersection over Union (mIOU) score of 59.7 and other metrics. The findings validate the potential of deep learning techniques, particularly the SegFormer model's efficacy in morphological fractography image segmentation for the first time. Our work offers a cost-effective, and efficient alternative deep learning approach to traditional experimental fracture analysis, thereby expanding opportunities for a broader range of professionals in the engineering domain.

Sustainable approach to dye adsorption: hemp-based activated carbon as an effective adsorbent

ABSTRACT In industry, the use of dyes that threaten human health is increasing day by day. RB 19 (Reactive Blue 19, Remazol brilliant blue R), one of the most common dyes that adversely affect natural life, is the subject of this article. In this article, the waste parts of the hemp plant (root, stem and other) were evaluated for use in scientific studies. Hemp wastes were carbonised at 500°C at a heating rate of 10°C/min for 1 hour in the N2 atmosphere. Chemical activation was then carried out with 1:4 potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 800°C under the same conditions. Activated carbon (AC) used as an adsorbent was characterised by elemental analysis (73.3% C, 0.3% H, 0.46% N, 0.02% S and 25.92% O), XRD, SEM, BET and FT-IR analysis. Activated carbon (AC) with 850 μm size, 1858.70 m2/g surface area was obtained by chemical activation of carbonised hemp waste with KOH. SEM images showed that the activated carbon is structurally similar to a honeycomb. Kinetic parameters were analysed with six different equations (Intra Particle Diffusion, Pseudo First, Pseudo Second, Elovich, Avrami, Bangham) and adsorption mechanism with eight different equations (Henry, Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich, Koble-Corrigan, Flory-Huggins, Harkin-Jura). According to the calculated diffusion coefficient (19.299), it is concluded that diffusion is externally controlled. The Intra-Particle Diffusion constant (75.34) indicated that the outer adsorption layer of activated carbon was thick. When the correlation coefficients of the equations were examined according to the kinetic analysis results, the highest correlation coefficient was observed in the Pseudo-First kinetic model for all temperatures. However, it was determined that it also fits the Bangham and Avrami models. Since Bangham and Avrami models have high regression coefficients (0.96–0.99), it can be said that adsorption also fits these models. Also, the negative Gibbs Free Energy values indicate that adsorption can occur spontaneously and is thermodynamically favourable.

DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF RABEPRAZOLE CHRONO-MODULATED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Objective: Development and optimization of chrono-modulated pulsatile drug delivery systems (CPDDS) loaded with Rabeprazole for treating nocturnal acid breakthrough in ulcer patients was set as the major objective of this work. Methods: CPDDS were developed to provide drug release as two pulses with predetermined gap. Separate microparticles for delayed instant release (DIR) and delayed extended-release (DER) were formulated. Through the optimization of several formulation and process parameters, ER microparticles were created as matrix microspheres. Central composite design was used to understand how the factors affected the responses. The optimized ER microspheres and plain drug were separately subjected to enteric coating to obtain DER and DIR portion microparticles, respectively. Results: With the exception of stirring speed's impact on drug release, every other factor was found to have a significant influence (p<0.05) on every response. The mechanism underlying the Rabeprazole's delayed prolonged release was explained by the SEM images. The microspheres made with Eudragit RSPO at 0.72 g and polyethylene oxide at 0.5 g for 1 g of Rabeprazole at 400 rpm were shown to be the optimal formulation based on the graphical optimization results. After being coated with a terminal enteric coating, this formulation showed delayed release for a duration of 6 h. Conclusion: After oral administration of equal doses of DIR microcapsules along with the optimized DER microspheres could release Rabeprazole effectively as two different pulses at the desired time intervals.

Different effects of pea protein on the properties and structures of starch gel at low and high solid concentrations

In the context of starch–protein composite gels, the influence of protein on gel formation significantly shapes the textural attributes of starch gels, leading to distinct outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate how different ratios of pea protein (PP) affect the properties and structures of starch–protein composite gels at low (10 wt%) and high (40 wt%) solid concentrations. The addition of PP had opposite effects on the two gels. Compared to the pure starch gel, the low-concentration composite gel (LCG) with 20 % PP experienced a 48.90 ± 0.33 % reduction in hardness, and the storage modulus (G′) decreased from 14,100 Pa to 5250 Pa, indicating a softening effect of PP on LCG. Conversely, the hardness of the high-concentration composite gel (HCG) with 20 % PP exhibited a 62.19 ± 0.03 % increase in hardness, and G′ increased from 12,100 Pa to 41,700 Pa, highlighting the enhancing effect of PP on HCG. SEM and fluorescence microscopy images showed that PP induced uneven network sizes in LCG, while HCG with a PP content of 20 %, PP, together with starch, formed a three-dimensional network. This study provides valuable insights and guidance for the design and production of protein-enriched starch gel products with different textural properties.

Evaluating the ATR-SEIRAS Performance of Electrodeposited Copper CO2 Reduction Catalysts using a Flow-Through Spectroelectrochemical Cell

The ATR-SEIRAS (attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy) activity of electrodeposited Cu nanoparticles on indium tin oxide (ITO)-modified Si internal reflection elements is reported. The solution in the cell is easily, and repeatedly, exchanged between a copper deposition bath and a solution containing 4-methoxypyridine through the use of a flow-through spectroelectrochemical cell. 4-methoxypyridine is a convenient SEIRAS probe molecule exhibiting potential dependent adsorption/desorption on the copper surface. Successive amounts of copper are deposited and then evaluated for electrochemical SEIRAS activity without the need to expose the Cu surface to ambient conditions. It is found that copper deposition charge densities of approximately 60 mC cm-2 exhibit the largest amplitude and most symmetric IR absorption peaks of the investigated electrodeposition conditions. SEM images of the different Cu charge density films are correlated with the SEIRAS results and establish that close-packed two-dimensional, percolated arrays of oblate, ellipsoidal Cu nanoparticles are responsible for ideal SEIRAS performance and three-dimensional aggregates of larger particles should be avoided. Textured films of Cu nanoparticles are used to determine the adsorbed species present on the copper surface during CO2 electroreduction at low overpotentials. Evidence of adsorbed CO and COH is found at lower overpotentials than those described in previous reports.

Enhancing Quality Control: Image-Based Quantification of Carbides and Defect Remediation in Binder Jetting Additive Manufacturing

While binder jetting (BJ) additive manufacturing (AM) holds considerable promise for industrial applications, defects often compromise part quality. This study addresses these challenges by investigating binding mechanisms and analyzing common defects, proposing tailored solutions to mitigate them. Emphasizing defect identification for effective quality control in BJ-AM, this research offers strategies for in-process rectification and post-process evaluation to elevate part quality. It shows how to successfully process metallic parts with complex geometries while maintaining consistent material properties. Furthermore, the paper explores the microstructure of AISI M2 tool steel, utilizing advanced image processing techniques like digital image analysis and SEM images to evaluate carbide distribution. The results show that M2 tool steel has a high proportion of M6C carbides, with furnace-cooled samples ranging from ~2.4% to 7.1% and MC carbides from ~0.4% to 9.4%. M6C carbides ranged from ~2.6% to 3.8% in air-cooled samples, while water-cooled samples peaked at ~8.52%. Sintering conditions also affected shrinkage, with furnace-cooled samples showing the lowest rates (1.7 ± 0.4% to 5 ± 0.4%) and water-cooled samples showing the highest (2 ± 0.4% to 14.1 ± 0.4%). The study recommends real-time defect detection systems with autonomous corrective capabilities to improve the quality and performance of BJ-AM components.

Effect of harvest-to-cooling delay and precooling on Kufri Jyoti (Solanum tuberosum) potato quality

Precooling is the rapid removal of field heat in harvested crops to preserve their quality and increase their shelf life. The following study was conducted to understand the importance of precooling and to optimize the precooling condition to extend the storage life of potatoes. Therefore, the study was divided into two components. In the first part, the Kufri Jyoti potatoes were subjected to field heat for 0–64 h, then were precooled for 48 h before sending to cold storage for 60 days. The results demonstrated that when the time delay was doubled, starch content (SC) decreased by 15.86%, reducing sugar content (RSC) increased by 32.71%, ascorbic acid content (AAC) decreased by 5.94% and total plate count (TPC) increased by 20.06%. Microstructural changes in potatoes due to the exposure to field heat were visible in SEM images. These results suggested a decrease in the quality of potatoes with an increase in time delay between harvest and cooling. In the second part of the study, the potatoes were precooled for 48 h at different temperatures (T) (6 °C, 8 °C, and 10 °C) and relative humidity (RH) (87%, 91%, and 95%), and their effect was studied on the same quality parameters after storage. Regression models were developed for each response, and models with non-significant lack of fit were selected for optimization. The analysis of the observations has shown that precooling aided in better quality retention of potatoes during cold storage.