Sensory Quality Descriptors Research Articles

Gummy confections from cactus pear: chemical characteristics, texture profile and sensory quality

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physico-mechanical, chemical and sensory properties of purple cactus pear gummy confections (GC). The GC were prepared with purple cactus pear pulp, unflavored gelatin, sugar and water according to previous trials. The mechanical properties of the GC were assessed by two different tests: texture profile analysis (TPA) and puncture test. Soluble solids (°Brix), moisture, water activity (aw), color parameters (L, a*, b*, C* and hab), betalains by HPLC (mg betanin eq. 100 g(‑1)), total phenolic content (mg GAE 100 g(‑1)), and antioxidant capacity (ORAC) as µm eq. Trolox 100 g(‑1), were also measured. A focus group determined the sensory quality descriptors and a non-structured scale (0-15) was used by a trained panel to evaluate these parameters. Chemical and physical analyses were carried out in triplicate. The average force obtained from the puncture test was 1.36 N and 0.19 N mm‑1 for elasticity, while the TPA test showed an average gumminess of 111, and an average hardness of 143 N. The GC showed a dark purple brilliant and attractive color (a*=26±4.9, and hab=15±1.3), 2.3±0.02 mg betanin eq. 100 g(‑1) and a high antioxidant capacity (1796 µm eq. Trolox 100 g(‑1)) compared with similar foodstuffs. Moisture content (21.5±0.6%) and aw (0.755±0.05), allowed the classification of the GC as an intermediate-moisture food. The trained panel described the GC with a high intensity color (11), medium hardness (8), medium cactus pear aroma (7.4) and medium cactus pear flavor (8.5). This preliminary study shows that there are ample possibilities to produce this kind of product at a low-scale level, thus providing a real alternative for small-scale farmers involved in the production of cactus pear fruits.

Sensory Profiling and Hedonic Evaluation of Attiéké from Local and Improved Cassava Varieties

Attieke is fermented cassava semolina steamed and consumed with proteins and vegetables. From Ivorian traditional origin, its popularity is increasing in Africa and production networks are developing. However, the growth of attieke industry is still curbed by lack of technical skills of producers and irregular quality, depending on cassava variety, processing and inoculum. In the present study, a traditional inoculum and four cassava varieties (two improved local (IAC and Bonoua) and two improved sweet ones from Nigeria (Olekanga and TMS 4 (2) 1425)) were used for producing attieke Ebrie. For the sensorial evaluation of prepared attieke, qualitative sensory profiling was used. The sensory quality descriptors where quantitatively measured by a trained sensory panel. With this method the most important quality criteria of attieke were judged. These quality criteria were selected with the aid of surveys on its production and consumption. The relationships between sensory attributes of the four attieke prepared of the different cassava varieties and biochemical characteristics were studied. Sensory analysis revealed that the four attieke were cream-colored products with sweet and/or sour tastes, made of cohesive and well-formed grains of different sizes, with an odor of fermentation specific to attieke and showing a firm texture. The differences between sensory profiles of the four attieke produced from four cassava varieties (12 months growth) concern only some descriptors of quality. Pearson correlation coefficients between physicochemical descriptors of quality showed that biochemical parameters may help predict organoleptic characteristics of attieke Ebrie (pH-size of grains: r = 0.99; pH-acidity: r = −0.92; acidity-rounded grains: r = −0.98: starch-cohesion between grains: r = −0.96; starch-sweet: r = −0.95; starch-granulous: r = 0.97, total sugar-yellow color: r = 0.96; total sugar-aroma of attieke: r = 0.96; reducing sugar-odor of attieke: r = 0.95; cyanide-fibrous: r = 0.95).

Validation of a three-factor measurement model of dyspnea in hospitalized adults with heart failure

Objective The purpose of this study was to validate a 3-factor measurement model of dyspnea sensory quality (WORK-EFFORT, TIGHTNESS, SMOTHERING-AIR HUNGER) originally derived in patients with exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods In this validation study, adult patients with heart failure were enrolled after hospital admission (median hospital day 1) and asked to rate the intensity of dyspnea sensory quality descriptors on the day of enrollment (study day 1; N = 119) and in a recall version for the day of admission (study day 0; n = 97). Results Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good model fit for both days. Cronbach’s α for each factor was greater than .87 for both study days. Conclusion This is the first study to validate a previously specified measurement model of dyspnea sensory quality in an independent sample. Results indicate that measurement of dyspnea sensory quality in exacerbated cardiopulmonary disease does not necessarily require disease-specific questionnaires.

Sensory Quality and Consumer Liking of Carrot Cultivars of Different Genotype

Sensory Quality and Consumer Liking of Carrot Cultivars of Different Genotype The aim of this work was to determine sensory quality differentiation in various carrot cultivars of different genotype - with orange, purple and yellow storage roots. Consumer's test for liking carrots was performed in order to find consumer's preference level for carrots types and to determine the relationship between sensory profiles and consumer's attitude to carrots. An approach was also done to find correlations between descriptors of sensory quality and liking level, and to determine which sensory quality descriptors significantly affect overall sensory quality impression. The two-year studies were carried out in Warsaw Agricultural University in 2005-2006. Carrots were grown on the experimental field of the University. Eight cultivars of different storage root colour and shape were chosen: 'Perfekcja', 'Interceptor', 'Vita Longa', 'Nebula', 'Deep Purple', 'Purple Haze', 'Mello Yello', 'White Satin'. The trained panel, consisting of 12 persons, carried out the evaluation, using the quantitative descriptive analysis method (QDA). At the first part of QDA procedure, experts generated a set of 13 descriptors for odour, appearance, texture and flavour/taste of carrot. Consumer test of carrots liking was also performed by 65-person group of volunteers in different age of both sexes. For this evaluation non-structural scale was also used, with anchoring points: 'I do not like it' - 'I like it very much'. Consumer liking for colour, flavour and overall liking was evaluated. Principal component analysis and regression analysis were performed on obtained data. Results show large differentiation of sensory traits of investigated cultivars. The biggest influence on overall quality exerted off-odour intensity, flesh firmness, flavour of raw carrot intensity, bitter taste and off-flavour intensity. Consumer's preference was also differentiated and highest scores for liking got orange coloured cultivars. In respect of flavour liking, 'Perfekcja', 'Interceptor' and 'Nebula' were the most desired cultivars by consumers of both sexes, and 'Mello Yello' was the lowest desired cultivar. There were small differences in preference between females and males. Flavour liking of carrots was strongly and positively correlated with flesh juiciness and crunchiness of roots.

Dyspnea duration, distress, and intensity in emergency department visits for heart failure

Background: Dyspnea is the most common symptom among patients with heart failure (HF) who present to the emergency department (ED), but it is not clear which dimensions of the symptom prompt ED visits, or whether dyspnea characteristics are related to visit disposition. Purpose: The goal of this study was to explore the influence of dyspnea duration, distress, and intensity on decisions of patients with HF to come to an ED and the disposition of visits. Methods: The study population consisted of patients treated for HF in an urban university hospital ED (N = 57) who were interviewed retrospectively. Open-ended questions pertained to symptoms in general and dyspnea at the time of the visit. Subjects rated recalled dyspnea distress (0 = not at all bothered by breathing; 4 = bothered very much by breathing) for when they decided to come to the ED (Decision) and a week before the visit (Week Before), as well as duration—the number of days before the visit that dyspnea was recalled as having been as severe as at Decision. After the interviews, a subsample (n = 34) rated the intensity of a set of dyspnea sensory quality descriptors for Decision and Week Before (0 = not endorsed; 1 = very mild; 10 = very severe). Charts were also reviewed. Results: Seventy percent recalled dyspnea as the most distressing symptom at Decision, or the primary reason for the visit; 88% were admitted. Dyspnea duration was unrelated to admission. Duration was 3 days or less for 65% of the sample, but 6 days or more for 35%. There was no duration-related difference in dyspnea distress or intensity at Decision, but subjects with a duration ≤3 days reported lower levels of both dimensions for Week Before with significant increases from Week Before to Decision. Those with longer episodes reported high levels of distress and intensity in both time frames with no significant change in either dimension. Conclusion: Subjects reported high levels of distress and intensity at Decision, regardless of dyspnea duration. Differences in recalled duration were associated with 2 distinct patterns in distress and intensity ratings but were not associated with admission. Dyspnea duration does not appear to be a valid criterion for judging condition severity in HF-related visits to the ED. (Heart Lung® 2001;30:47-56.)

Reliability and validity of dyspnea sensory quality descriptors in heart failure patients treated in an emergency department

Background: Sensory qualities of dyspnea are known to differ by diagnosis. Less is known about whether sensory qualities vary with changes in health status in a given diagnosis. Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the reliability, validity, and factor structure of dyspnea sensory quality descriptors in patients with heart failure (HF) treated in an emergency department (ED) and to investigate whether change in sensory quality influences HF patients to seek care in an ED. Methods: HF patients (N = 57) treated in an ED were interviewed retrospectively. Open-ended characterizations of dyspnea at the time of the ED visit were analyzed qualitatively. A subset of subjects (n = 34) rated the intensity of 13 dyspnea descriptors (0 = not endorsed; 1= very mild; 10 = very severe) as the descriptors applied to the time at which they decided to come to the ED (Decision) and a week before the visit (Week Before). Descriptor ratings were analyzed for congruence with open-ended characterizations, endorsement frequency, internal consistency, factor structure, and correlations (by descriptor and within subjects) between the 2 time frames. Results: Open-ended characterizations of dyspnea provided support for the content validity of most descriptors. Internal consistency of numerical ratings was high (α >0.90) in both recalled time frames. Factor analysis of descriptor ratings was unifactorial for Week Before, but suggested multiple sensory quality factors at Decision (suffocation, air hunger, effort/impedance, and, possibly, rate). Within-subject concordance and descriptor-by-descriptor correlations across time frames were mostly low, suggesting change in sensory quality from Week Before to Decision. Correlations in descriptor ratings were lowest among subjects who reported duration of dyspnea (as severe as at Decision) of 3 days or less. Subjects who recalled a duration of 6 days or more gave highly concordant ratings across both time frames. Conclusion: Sensory quality descriptor-based ratings were internally consistent and content valid. Low correlations in ratings of sensory quality for most subjects across recalled time frames suggest that change in sensory quality may be an aspect of perceived increases in dyspnea severity before an ED visit. Results require replication and extension with larger samples and other diagnoses. (Heart Lung® 2001;30:57-65.)