Textural Changes Research Articles

Anisotropic compressive deformation behavior of hot-rolled Mg-3Al-0.5Ce alloy

This work investigates the anisotropic compressive deformation of hot-rolled Mg-3Al-0.5Ce alloy and correlates it with microstructure and texture. Hot-rolled alloy had elongated and equiaxed grains with long-aligned Al11Ce3 precipitates within the grain boundaries along rolling direction (RD) and basal texture along normal direction (ND). Analytical and crystal plasticity-based viscoplastic self-consistent predominant twin reorientation (VPSC-PTR) approaches were employed to simulate the flow curve and texture evolution for deeper insight into the deformation behavior. For compression direction (CD)∥to RD and transverse direction (TD), the basal texture was ∼⊥ to CD, which favored {101¯2}〈101¯1〉 extension twins (ET). The ETs nucleate, broaden and engulf the parent matrices with strain, rotating the lattice by ∼86.4∘ about 〈21¯1¯0〉 axes to a geometrically hard orientation with c-axis ∼∥toCD, leading to sigmoidal flow and increasing stage-II strain hardening rate (SHR). However, Al11Ce3 weakened the basal texture intensity, reducing the stage-II strain hardening compared to the single-phase Mg alloy investigated earlier. The presence of Al11Ce3 intermetallics delayed the ET nucleation event, which initiates at ε∼0.018. The ET fraction evolves to ∼0.85, lower than in the previous works on single phase Mg alloy. A reduction in the +ve SHR slope could be observed from ε = 0.03 to 0.06, indicating increased slip activities in this portion of stage-II. Beyond ε = 0.1, decreasing stage-III SHR was observed due to basal 〈a〉, and pyr 〈c + a〉-I and II slip activities in the ET orientation. The difference in the compressive behavior along RD and TD could not be observed due to Al11Ce3 precipitate's morphology with elongation along RD. For CD∥to ND, the compressive flow behavior was parabolic with decreasing SHR due to slip-based deformation. ET didn't form, and the texture change was negligible, with initial and final textures having basal texture ∼∥toCD, the geometrically hard orientation.

Preliminary safety and in vivo efficacy of Acmella oleracea extract‐loaded glycolipid emulsion serum—Effects on ocular irritation, dermal absorption, and facial skin biophysical and microrelief properties

AbstractObjectiveSubstantial efforts have been progressively devoted to developing innovative, safe, and effective topical anti‐aging products that not only improve the appearance of aged skin but also prioritize environmental sustainability and the responsible use of natural resources. Thus, the current study targeted to evaluate novel, natural emulsion/serum comprising new glycolipid emulsifier (lauryl glucoside/myristyl glucoside/polyglyceryl‐6 laurate) and Acmella oleracea plant extract as a model active.MethodsThe developed serum was assessed concerning its stability (freeze–thaw test, accelerated study), safety (in vitro screening of eye irritation potential, dermal absorption study) and efficacy (randomized, active/reference‐controlled, half‐face, in vivo study). Changes in skin biophysical properties, microrelief, roughness, texture, surface, and volume parameters were assessed in the periocular and perioral areas of human volunteers after 2 weeks of product application, utilizing several bioengineering and topography techniques.ResultsThe stability study demonstrated favourable stability profile of the developed serum, with practically unaffected stability‐indicating parameters (apparent viscosity, yield, flow point, storage and loss moduli, loss factor, pH, electrical conductivity) during freeze–thaw cycling and after 3 months of storage at 45°C. The hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chicken eggs confirmed the absence of ocular irritation potential of investigated serum; no effects of haemorrhage, lysis or coagulation were occurred. Skin permeation study using diffusion cells revealed no permeation of spilanthol from the tested A. oleracea extract‐loaded serum through the pig ear skin into the receptor medium, thus suggesting no absorption into systemic circulation. In vivo efficacy study corroborated beneficial effects of evaluated serum on the condition/appearance of facial skin, at both periocular and perioral areas—significant (p < 0.05) increase in skin hydration (10%–40%) and smoothness (~15%); significant (p < 0.05) decrease in roughness (20%–30%), scaliness (~30%), and wrinkles (~15%)—implying more hydrated, smoother, visibly milder skin.ConclusionThe present findings confirmed the stability, preliminary safety (no ocular irritation, no dermal absorption, and good skin tolerability), and efficacy (improved skin hydration and microrelief) of the A. oleracea extract‐loaded, glycolipid‐based serum, supporting its potential as a safe and effective topical anti‐aging product.

Effect of powder air polishing and ultrasonic scaling on the marginal and internal interface (tooth-veneer) of ceramic veneers: an in vitro study

ObjectivesThis study investigated the influence of prophylactic treatments and thermocycling on the marginal and internal veneering interface (tooth-veneer) as well as on the surface texture of ceramic veneers.Materials and methodsA total of 32 extracted human premolars were restored with veneers made of lithium disilicate (LDS) or zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS). An artificial aging of the specimens was conducted via five cycles of both thermocycling (5/55°C) and prophylactic treatment (powder air polishing or ultrasonic scaling). Changes in the marginal interface and in the surface texture were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The internal interface and the microstructure were investigated using micro X-ray computed tomography.ResultsArtificial aging resulted in a deepening of the marginal interface across all groups (mean height: 4.51–15.74 μm, maximum height: 10.42–22.71 μm, cross-section: 256.68–1525.84 μm², regardless of the veneer material or prophylaxis method. No change in surface texture was observed. The internal interface exhibited defects for all groups after artificial aging. ZLS showed cracks in five out of eight veneers after exposure to ultrasonic scaling and thermocycling.ConclusionCeramic veneers exhibited a high resistance to prophylactic measures in terms of surface durability, but a deepening of the marginal interface should be taken into account. With regard to the formation of cracks within the material, the use of ultrasonic scaling is not recommended for ZLS veneers.Clinical relevanceThe influence of artificial aging, including prophylactic treatments, plays a critical role in assessing longevity for veneers in defect-oriented and esthetic dentistry.

Change in hair texture with the use of pomalidomide for multiple myeloma: From straight to curly phenotype.

Pomalidomide is used for treating multiple myeloma in patients who have relapsed after prior treatment with lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. Common side effects include mild cytopenias, and deep vein thrombosis. While papulo-erythematous rash has been described, hair effects are rare with this class of agents. We describe a 56-year-old man who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma type IgD lambda six years prior. He responded very well to initial treatment with bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone. After two years, he had a recurrence that was treated with daratumumab-pomalidomide-dexamethasone, and he entered a stringent complete response (CR) within six months. Daratumumab was discontinued after twelve months, and he subsequently remained on maintenance therapy with pomalidomide. Three months into the maintenance regimen, he noticed a change in hair texture to curly, which continued to progress. Causality assessment linked this change to pomalidomide use via the Naranjo nomogram questionnaire, by scoring 5. Pomalidomide maintenance therapy was continued without any dose alterations given the excellent clinical outcome. A year later, multiple myeloma remains in stringent complete response. The patient remains with a curly hair phenotype, having fully embraced his new physical appearance. We report herein a unique hair texture alteration linked with pomalidomide use, not previously documented in literature. The observed hair texture change, from straight to curly, requires further investigation. Future studies may offer more insights into the mechanisms underlying this rare, yet intriguing side effect.

Study on The Impact of Gelatin Coating Containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri on Chicken Fillets Shelf Life

The purpose of this study is to assess how chicken fillet shelf life and sensory evaluation are affected by 1% Gelatin coating containing Lactobacillus acidophilus PTCC 1643 and Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 1655. Probiotic-containing cultures were introduced straight to the coating solution in this investigation. Measures were taken of the chemical (pH, TVB-N, peroxide value), microbiological (Total viable count (TVC), psychrotrophic count (PTC), Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas spp.), and sensory properties. During the storage of the chicken fillet, which was kept at 4° C for intervals of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days, the antimicrobial properties of the coating in the groups treated with gelatin, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus reuteri were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those in the control groups, despite the fact that the results showed the highest chemical properties and sensory score across all parameters. However, gelatin + Lactobacillus reuteri and gelatin + Lactobacillus acidophilus did not differ significantly (p<0.05). Additionally, samples treated with gelatin and probiotics showed no changes in color or texture, but their odor and taste scores decreased. We draw the conclusion that gelatin is an appropriate matrix for probiotic incorporation and long-term fillet storage.

Image processing and artificial neural network based determination of surface mean texture depth on lab-controlled chip seal pavement samples

Because surface texture is nearly the sole indicator of pavement functional properties and highly correlated with critical operational characteristics of roadways like traffic noise and safety, the change in pavement surface texture because of traffic loadings and environment has to be evaluated routinely. There are numerous direct or indirect evaluation techniques in the market. However, most of these methods have some limitations like requiring lane closure or being expensive. In this study, a 2D image processing method was established to estimate the surface mean texture depth (MTD) of chip sealed pavements. We produced chip sealed pavement samples in the laboratory with different aggregate type, shape, and size ranging between 2 and 19 mm to cover wide range of live conditions. Two well-known conventional test methods, Sand Patch (SP) and Hydrotimer (HT), were used to determine MTDs of chip seal samples. Subsequently numerous photos were taken on surface of the samples with a camera for 2-D image processing that was done based on surface void ratio (SVR) approach. With the image processing, SVR of all samples were determined. At the point of whether there is a relationship or not, correlation analysis was made between the MTDs obtained with SP and HT and the data obtained by SVR approach with the artificial neural network method. The results show that the proposed SVR approach construed on 2D image processing method can be a reliable alternative to evaluate the surface texture of pavements.

Midge Paleo-Communities (Diptera Chironomidae) as Indicators of Flood Regime Variations in a High-Mountain Lake (Italian Western Alps): Implications for Global Change

Sediments of alpine lakes serve as crucial records that reveal the history of lacustrine basins, offering valuable insights into the effects of global changes. One significant effect is the variation in rainfall regimes, which can substantially influence nutrient loads and sedimentation rates in lacustrine ecosystems, thereby playing a pivotal role in shaping biotic communities. In this study, we analyze subfossil chironomid assemblages within a sediment core from an alpine lake (western Italian Alps) to investigate the effects of rainfall and flood regime variations over the past 1200 years. Sediment characterization results highlight changes in sediment textures and C/N ratio values, indicating phases of major material influx from the surrounding landscape into the lake basin. These influxes are likely associated with intense flooding events linked to heavy rainfall periods over time. Flooding events are reflected in changes in chironomid assemblages, which in our samples are primarily related to variations in sediment texture and nutrient loads from the surrounding landscape. Increased abundances of certain taxa (i.e., Brillia, Chaetocladius, Cricotopus, Psectrocladius, Cricotopus/Orthocladius Parorthocladius) may be linked to higher organic matter and vegetation inputs from the surrounding landscape. Biodiversity decreased during certain periods along the core profile due to intense flood regimes and extreme events. These results contribute to our understanding of alpine lake system dynamics, particularly those associated with intense flooding events, which are still understudied.

Review of hemp components as functional feed and food ingredients: impact on animal product quality traits and nutritional value

This review examined the potential of hemp components as functional feed and food ingredients, focusing on their impact on the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Following hemp legalization, there was growing interest in its potential to enhance animal diets and processed animal products due to its rich nutritional profile, including high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential amino acids, and fibre. Incorporating hemp components into feed for monogastric animals, particularly poultry, improved lipid stability, sensory attributes, and the fatty acid composition of meat and eggs. Hemp supplementation for ruminants, especially in goats, increased PUFA and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in milk, improved meat tenderness, and enhanced oxidative stability. However, research on hemp supplementation for pigs and beef remained limited, indicating the need for further exploration of these species. Hemp cake, rich in protein, fibre, and essential fatty acids, was the most widely used hemp component due to its economic viability, nutritional benefits, and sustainability, contributing to improved meat and milk quality. Regulatory concerns about the transfer of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) residues in the produced animal products restricted the use of hemp biomass. In processed animal products, hemp components were studied for their potential to enhance nutritional value, replace animal fats, and serve as natural preservatives. Although they improved the fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties of meat products, challenges such as textural changes and increased lipid oxidation needed to be addressed for optimal use. Limited studies on dairy products indicated promising nutritional enhancements, but textural issues could impact consumer acceptance. In conclusion, hemp components show significant potential for improving the quality and nutritional value of animal products. Further research is necessary to address regulatory, sensory, and formulation challenges and to expand their application across different animal species and processed animal products.

Exploring Edible Insects: From Sustainable Nutrition to Pasta and Noodle Applications-A Critical Review.

Edible insects provide an alternative source of high-quality proteins, essential lipids, minerals, and vitamins. However, they lack the acceptability and consumption rates of more common staple foods. In contrast, pasta and noodles are globally appreciated foods that are consumed across various cultures. These products contribute greatly to the population's energy intake but generally lack essential nutrients. Recently, edible insects have gained in popularity due to their numerous benefits, both environmental and nutritional. Current research indicates that incorporating edible insect ingredients into pasta and noodle formulations enhances their nutritional quality by increasing protein and fiber content and reducing carbohydrates. However, adding new ingredients to enrich common foods often carries technological and sensory challenges, such as changes in processing parameters, texture, flavor, and appearance. Technology assessment, scientific research, information campaigns, and public policies can help overcome these issues. This review aims to summarize the benefits of entomophagy (the consumption of insects as food) for sustainability, nutrition, and health; highlight the potential of pasta and noodles as carriers of nutritious and bioactive ingredients, including insects; and critically address the advancements in insect-enriched pasta and noodle technology, identifying current challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities.

Ecosystem water limitation shifts driven by soil moisture in the Loess Plateau, China

In the context of climate change, the functionality of ecosystems is primarily influenced by the availability of water and energy supply. However, there is limited research that comprehensively uses energy indicators to explore how climate change affects the water and energy limiting states of ecosystems. Here we evaluated the historical and future water and energy limitations using the Ecosystem Limitation Index (ELI) derived from evapotranspiration (ET), soil moisture (SM), net radiation (Rn), and air temperature (Ta), and conducted an in-depth analysis of the dominant factors. The results indicate that: (1) The degree of water limitation deepened initially and then weakened. Over 68 % of the region became drier initially, while over 83 % became wetter later. (2) In terms of area, soil moisture emerged as a critical factor influencing the variations in water and energy constraints within the Loess Plateau. Further research revealed the range of critical soil moisture (CSM) for the transition of water-energy limitation state is 0.286 mm3mm−3, and it varies with changes in temperature, soil texture, vegetation cover, and season. (3) Future projections suggest a transition towards heightened water limitations across the Loess Plateau. These findings underscore the efficacy of ELI in assessing and predicting dynamic ecosystem changes, offering valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on water and energy cycles within semi-arid ecosystems.

High-Speed and Low-Noise Gear Finishing by Gear Grinding and Honing: A Review

AbstractGears are important mechanical parts for transmitting power and play an increasingly important role in the machinery industry. The electric vehicle industry developed rapidly and became a vital development field of the automotive industry over the past few years. The conversion of energy increases the requirements for electric vehicle transmissions, which promotes the development of high-speed and low-noise transmission gear. This paper elaborates on the research progress of high-speed and low-noise gear finishing methods. Firstly, this review analyses the machining requirements, finishing, and specific machining technologies of high-speed and low-noise gears. The importance of gear grinding and honing in high-speed and low-noise gear machining is highlighted. Secondly, the applications of gear grinding and honing in gear modification, error compensation, and texture control are analyzed. Furthermore, the role of precision machining technology in improving gear performance is clarified. Finally, the design and processing methods of the modified tooth flank for gear modification are summarized. In addition, the influence of tooth surface texture on noise is described, and the texture change methods are explored. The well-known open problems of gear finishing are finally identified, and some new research interests are also pointed out. This review will provide valuable references for further research on gear finishing.

Enhancing thermal stability of Nb nanowires in a NiTiFe matrix via texture engineering

Metallic nanowires, renowned for their high strength and large elastic strain limits, have shown significant potential in rendering extraordinary structural and functional properties in composites. However, their integrity at high temperatures is often compromised due to fragmentation and spheroidization, processes driven by excess interfacial energy. Here, we demonstrate in a NiTiFe/Nb nanocomposite that the fragmentation and spheroidization of Nb nanowires can be significantly suppressed by tailoring the interfacial crystallographic orientation relationship between the nanowires and the matrix. By doping Fe into NiTi, we inhibit the typical deformation-induced amorphization of the NiTi-based matrix during severe deformation processing. The common (111)NiTi//(110)Nb texture is inherently suppressed and (110)NiTiFe//(110)Nb texture is formed instead. Such a change in texture allows Nb nanowires to retain their integrity up to 700 °C in the NiTiFe matrix, in contrast to the 550 °C in the counterparts. Simulation results indicate that the enhanced thermal stability of Nb nanowires is attributed to the reduced interfacial energy between (110)NiTiFe and (110)Nb. Additionally, Fe doping elevates the migration energy barrier for Nb diffusion, imposing further resistance to fragmentation and spheroidization.

Ultrasound-Enhanced Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Alloy 6082: Advancements in Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Refinement

This study examines the effects of ultrasound-enhanced friction stir welding (USE-FSW) on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of aluminum alloy AA6082-T6, commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. The investigation included tensile and bending tests, as well as detailed microstructural evaluations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that USE-FSW led to an approximately 26% increase in tensile strength compared to similar samples produced by conventional friction stir welding (CFSW). Additionally, the elongation at break improved by around 52%, indicating better ductility. Flexural strength also showed a notable improvement of over 70%. Microstructural analysis revealed a finer grain structure in the stir zone, contributing to these mechanical enhancements. However, the changes in texture and grain orientation were relatively modest, as shown by EBSD and Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) analyses. Overall, USE-FSW offers incremental improvements in weld quality and mechanical performance, making it a promising technique for producing joints with slightly enhanced strength and ductility.

Menopause and Quality of Life Among Greek Women in Rural Areas.

Introduction The World Health Organization defines menopause as the permanent termination of ovarian function and the absence of menstruation for a minimum of 12 months. A woman's quality of life and health may be affected by menopause, a physiological condition that is typically accompanied by vasomotor, physical, and psychological disorders. Also, menopausal women experience a wide range of psychological symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, sadness, and depression. Additional factors such as her marital status, financial level, educational level, physical activity, temperament, and attitude toward life greatly influence the intensity and frequency of the menopausal symptoms she will experience, as well as the level of quality of her life. Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the symptoms of menopause and investigate their impact on women's quality of life. Materials and methods The research was carried out in the wider region of Southern Evia. One hundred fifty menopausal women participated, and the anonymous Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was used to collect the data, which refers to menopausal symptoms and how they affect the women's quality of life. Results Among menopausal symptoms, feeling anxious or nervous (64.7%) and changes in skin appearance, texture, or tone (8%) were the most and least common symptoms, respectively. Women taking medication for various health problems had higher levels of psychosocial (p = 0.005) and physical symptoms (p = 0.003) and a higher overall MENQOL score compared to women not taking medication. The results of the present study concerning the correlation of the vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual dimensions, both with each other and with the overall MENQOL score, were statistically significant. This means that an increase in one score causes the rest to increase, thus affecting the quality of life of menopausal women overall. Conclusions Menopause is associated with multiple symptoms that affect women's quality of life. Health professionals should inform menopausal women about methods and treatments that will help them have a better quality of life. More studies should be conducted to investigate the role of demographic and social factors that affect how women perceive the severity, intensity, and resolution of menopausal symptoms.

Role of chemistry in modern world: Boons and banes of chemical coating effects on human health

Water is the principal component of fresh fruits and Vegetable which constitutes between 80 to 90% of a produce's fresh weight. Fruits are covered by a layer of natural wax which acts as a barrier to reduce moisture loss and at the same times give the fruit a shiny surface. Besides orange shellac, other common materials used for these purposes include starch, carrageenan, alginates, wood rosin and various waxes. Panko breadcrumbs are crucial to the vegetables being very crispy. The coatings are typically made from natural materials, such as CHI, cellulose, and pectin that are safe for human consumption. The multilayer coating method has been shown to be effective in extending the shelf life of a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including apples, strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Both natural waxes (carnauba, shellac, beeswax or resin) and petroleum-based waxes (usually proprietary formulae) are used, and often more than one wax is combined to create the desired properties for the fruit or vegetable being treated. However, chemical treatments, such as copper sulfate, rhodamine oxide, malachite green, and deadly carbide, used on green vegetables to enhance coloration and freshness, are often counterproductive to their nutritional value. There is multiple health risks associated with these chemicals. This study reveals that food preservatives have made a big difference in eating food every day. They help keep the food safe because they add these chemicals to prevent spoilage and retard prevent or control undesirable changes in flavor, color, texture, or consistency of food and nutritive value of food which means the Control natural spoilage of food.

Impact analysis of ethylene antagonists, storage environments and storage periods on postharvest physiology of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple fruit

Ethylene management and manipulating storage conditions are crucial elements that impact the postharvest quality of apple fruit. This study demonstrated the optimal approach for preserving the quality of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple fruit during storage by minimizing ethylene production and action, respiration rate, physiological loss of weight (PLW), and textural changes. Ethylene antagonist treatment had the greatest impact on suppressing ethylene and respiration peaks, while storage duration notably influenced fruit firmness and PLW. Fumigation treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP), 1H-cyclopropabenzene (BC), and 1H-cyclopropa[b]naphthalene (NC) effectively reduced ethylene and respiration peaks. Storage conditions (cold, controlled atmosphere, and photocatalytic oxidation) affected ethylene production and respiration, with ozonized storage showing higher rates. Prolonged storage led to increased PLW, ethylene production, and decreased fruit firmness. The most effective treatment combination for ethylene action antagonism and maintaining fruit quality was MCP treatment in ozonized cold storage for 120 d.

Enhanced Olivine Reactivity in Wet Supercritical CO2 for Engineered Mineral Carbon Sequestration.

The success of CO2 mineralization as a potential solution for reducing carbon emissions hinges on understanding chemical interactions between basaltic minerals and CO2-charged fluids. This study provides a detailed analysis of olivine dissolution in CO2-water mixtures at 90 and 150 °C, 2-9 MPa, and for 8 and 24 h, in both water- and CO2-dominant conditions. By using olivine crystal sections instead of powders, surface agitation is prevented, closing the gap between laboratory studies and natural settings. Surface chemistry, texture, and cross-sectional properties were examined pre- and postreaction using a multiscale approach combining spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Results show that wet supercritical CO2 environments lead to significant olivine dissolution, forming Mg-depleted, Si-enriched etched surfaces, and under certain conditions, the formation of passivating silica precipitates. In contrast, reactions in aqueous fluids caused minimal changes in surface chemistry and texture with no silica precipitation. These observations indicate that reaction extent in the CO2-rich phase is greater relative to water-rich mixtures at equivalent temperature, pressure, and reaction duration. The presence of silica precipitates incorporating leached metals indicates limited transport of reactant away from reaction sites in a CO2-rich medium. This study semi-quantitatively evaluates reaction extents in both CO2-rich and aqueous systems across a wide range of parameters, demonstrating faster mineralization in CO2-rich environments and highlighting their potential for enhancing the CO2 storage efficiency.

Evaluation of moisture migration and microstructure of quick-frozen wet rice flour after freeze-thaw cycles and changes in texture, cooking, and sensory properties.

This study investigated the quality changes of quick-frozen wet rice flour before and after freeze-thaw cycles. As the freeze-thaw cycle was prolonged, the water mobility of quick-frozen wet rice flour decreased and the pore size and porosity of the microstructure increased. As a result, the hardness, cooking loss, water absorption, and water precipitation of the rice flour increased, while the sensory score and viscosity decreased. Correlation analysis showed that porosity was positively correlated with the hardness and water absorption of rice flour, and negatively correlated with structural properties such as shearing work and resilience. Water absorption and water precipitation rate were positively related to cooking loss. Thus, moisture migration in rice flour induced microstructural changes to cause alterations in texture, cooking, and sensory properties. Interestingly, quick-frozen wet rice flour still possessed good texture, cooking, and sensory qualities after two freeze-thaw cycles. This study laid the foundation for the development of high-quality quick-frozen wet rice flour.

Mechanism governing textural changes of low-moisture tofu induced by NaCl addition in soymilk

This study aimed to investigate the impact of NaCl (0–1 g/100 mL) on the textural properties of calcium-coagulated low-moisture tofu (LM-tofu) and explore the underlying mechanism governing the NaCl-induced changes of relevant properties. Increasing the NaCl level in soymilk led to higher yield (134.2–192.2 g/100 g soybean) of LM-tofu with higher water content (69.2–76.7%), reduced protein (11.3–16.3%) and lipid (6.87–9.22%) levels, and enhanced water binding capacity (WBC, 4.26–6.78 g H2O/g protein) and water holding capacity (WHC, 3.63–5.49 g H2O/g protein) of soy proteins. Although NaCl had a minor effect on the interactions between proteins and mobilized water or tightly bound water, it significantly improved the proteins' ability to bind loosely bound water due to electrostatic interactions between the charged groups of proteins and hydrated Cl− and Na+ ions. Moreover, the amounts of loosely bound water were highly correlated with both WBC and WHC of proteins (correlation coefficient: 0.999 and 0.995, respectively). The enhanced water binding capacity of proteins for loosely bound water due to an increased salt level resulted in LM-tofu with a less dense protein network structure, weaker strength and reduced deformation ability. This study provides insights for the development of high-calcium, soy protein-based foods to meet the growing demands for healthy and convenient plant-based snacks or meals.

Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Determining the Harvesting Time of Olive Fruit

The harvesting time of olive (Olea europaea L.) fruit, which significantly affects the characteristics of virgin olive oil, is mainly determined empirically based on the fruit’s skin color. Developing objective methods such as electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for assessing ripeness is essential. This study aimed to explore the potential of EIS as a rapid and objective technique for detecting the harvesting time of olives. Olive fruits from two varieties, ‘Picholine’ and ‘Buža momjanska’, were harvested in two periods and sorted into four color groups. EIS was applied to each color group to establish a relationship between fruit color and electrochemical properties. The distance of the coordinate at the top of the circular arc of the Cole–Cole plot from the origin (LTO) indicated tissue degradation. The LTO values varied depending on the olive variety, fruit color, and harvest date. The LTO values decreased from green to black fruits in both varieties, indicating textural changes in the olive fruit tissue. This study contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the electrical properties of olive fruit tissue during ripening. EIS shows potential as an innovative tool for determining the harvesting time of olives and for ‘in-field’ olive ripeness assessment.