Multisource information fusion method for vegetable disease detection.

Automated detection and identification of vegetable diseases can enhance vegetable quality and increase profits. Images of greenhouse-grown vegetable diseases often feature complex backgrounds, a diverse array of diseases, and subtle symptomatic differences. Previous studies have grappled with accurately pinpointing lesion positions and quantifying infection degrees, resulting in overall low recognition rates. To tackle the challenges posed by insufficient validation datasets and low detection and recognition rates, this study capitalizes on the geographical advantage of Shouguang, renowned as the "Vegetable Town," to establish a self-built vegetable base for data collection and validation experiments. Concentrating on a broad spectrum of fruit and vegetable crops afflicted with various diseases, we conducted on-site collection of greenhouse disease images, compiled a large-scale dataset, and introduced the Space-Time Fusion Attention Network (STFAN). STFAN integrates multi-source information on vegetable disease occurrences, bolstering the model's resilience. Additionally, we proposed the Multilayer Encoder-Decoder Feature Fusion Network (MEDFFN) to counteract feature disappearance in deep convolutional blocks, complemented by the Boundary Structure Loss function to guide the model in acquiring more detailed and accurate boundary information. By devising a detection and recognition model that extracts high-resolution feature representations from multiple sources, precise disease detection and identification were achieved. This study offers technical backing for the holistic prevention and control of vegetable diseases, thereby advancing smart agriculture. Results indicate that, on our self-built VDGE dataset, compared to YOLOv7-tiny, YOLOv8n, and YOLOv9, the proposed model (Multisource Information Fusion Method for Vegetable Disease Detection, MIFV) has improved mAP by 3.43%, 3.02%, and 2.15%, respectively, showcasing significant performance advantages. The MIFV model parameters stand at 39.07 M, with a computational complexity of 108.92 GFLOPS, highlighting outstanding real-time performance and detection accuracy compared to mainstream algorithms. This research suggests that the proposed MIFV model can swiftly and accurately detect and identify vegetable diseases in greenhouse environments at a reduced cost.

Bio-manure substitution declines soil N2O and NO emissions and improves nitrogen use efficiency and vegetable quality index.

Substituting mineral fertilizer with manure or a combination of organic amendments plus beneficial soil microorganisms (bio-manure) in agriculture is a standard practice to mitigate N2O and NO emissions while enhancing crop performance and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Here, we conducted a greenhouse trial for three consecutive vegetable growth seasons for Spinach, Coriander herb, and Baby bok choy to reveal the response of N2O and NO emissions, NUE, and vegetable quality index (VQI) to fertilization strategies. Strategies included solely chemical nitrogen fertilizer (CN), 20 (M1N4) and 50% (M1N1) substitution with manure, 20 (BM1N4) and 50% (BM1N1) substitution with bio-manure, and no fertilization as a control and were organized in a completely randomized design (n = 3). Manure decreased N2O emissions by 24-45% and bio-manure by 44-53% compared to CN. Manure reduced NO emissions by 28-41% and bio-manure by 55-63%. Bio-manure increased NUE by 0.04-31% and yields by 0.05-61% while improving VQI, attributed to yield growth and reduced vegetable NO3- contents. Improvement of root growth was the main factor that explained the rise of NUE; NUE declined with the increase of N2O emissions, showing the loss of vegetable performance under conditions when denitrification processes prevailed. Under the BM1N1, the highest VQI and the lowest yield-scaled N-oxide emissions were observed, suggesting that substitution with bio-manure can improve vegetable quality and mitigate N-oxide emissions. These findings indicate that substituting 50% of mineral fertilizer with bio-manure can effectively improve NUE and VQI and mitigate N-oxides in intensive vegetable production.

Advances in research on the main nutritional quality of daylily, an important flower vegetable of Liliaceae.

Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina) is a perennial herb of the genus Hemerocallis of Liliaceae. It is also an economically important crop and is widely cultivated. Daylily has nutritional, medicinal and ornamental values. The research literature shows that daylily is a high-quality food raw material rich in soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, dietary fiber, carotenoids, mineral elements, polyphenols and other nutrients, which are effective in clearing heat and diuresis, resolving bruises and stopping bleeding, strengthening the stomach and brain, and reducing serum cholesterol levels. This article reviews the main nutrients of daylily and summarizes the drying process of daylily. In addition, due to the existence of active ingredients, daylily also has a variety of biological activities that are beneficial to human health. This article also highlights the nutritional quality of daylily, the research progress of dried vegetable rehydration technology and dried daylily. In the end, the undeveloped molecular mechanism and functional research status of daylily worldwide are introduced in order to provide reference for the nutritional quality research and dried processing industry of daylily.

Associations of 24-hour movement guidelines adherence with fruit and vegetable intake in university students.

Background: Unhealthy eating habits, such as low vegetable and fruit intake, are associated with many health problems. 24-h movement behaviors have been reported to be positively associated with numerous health-related outcomes. Despite the importance of these two modifiable lifestyle behaviors in building healthy habits in university students, there is a paucity of relevant research in this population. Therefore, this study aims to examine the correlation between compliance with 24-h movement guideline (24-h MG) and intake of fruits and vegetables (IFV) in Chinese university students. Methods: This study investigated the relationship between the compliance with 24-h MG and IFV in 1,793 Chinese university students using a convenience sampling method online. Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, while sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The Chinese version of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was used to measure IFV. Generalized linear models were applied to examine the correlation between compliance with the 24-h MG and eating habits. Results: The proportion of participants who routinely consumed vegetables and fruits was 24.6% and 43.1%, respectively, while the proportion of meeting the three 24-h MG and a combination of any two guidelines was 27.8% and 40.1%, respectively. Meeting all three guidelines was associated with a greater IFV intake compared to not meeting either guideline. Meeting all three guidelines (OR = 2.42 [1.63, 3.58]) and the combination of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and sleep (OR = 2.06 [1.37, 3.10]) were positively associated with the frequency of vegetable consumption (p < 0.05). As well, meeting all three guidelines (OR = 2.06 [1.37, 3.10]), the combination of MVPA and sleep (OR = 1.72 [1.04, 2.84]), and sleep only (OR = 1.88 [1.21, 2.92]) were positively associated with fruits consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Almost a third of the university students met the three 24-h MG, and compliance with all three guidelines was associated with a higher frequency of IFV. Furthermore, meeting the sleep guideline alone or in conjunction with the PA, and meeting the entire 24-h MG was associated with greater consumption of fruits.

Application of radio frequency energy in processing of fruit and vegetable products.

Thermal processing is commonly employed to ensure the quality and extend the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. Radio frequency (RF) heating has been used as a promising alternative treatment to replace conventional thermal processing methods with advantages of rapid, volumetric, and deep penetration heating characteristics. This article provides comprehensive information regarding RF heating uniformity and applications in processing of fruit and vegetable products, including disinfestation, blanching, drying, and pasteurization. The dielectric properties of fruits and vegetables and their products have also been summarized. In addition, recommendations for future research on RF heating are proposed to enhance practical applications for fruits and vegetables processing in future.

Multiclass Analysis for the Determination of Pharmaceuticals and Their Main Metabolites in Leafy and Root Vegetables.

The irrigation of soils with reclaimed contaminated wastewater or its amendment with sewage sludge contributes to the uptake of pharmaceuticals by vegetables growing in the soil. A multiresidue method has been devised to determine five pharmaceuticals and nine of their main metabolites in leafy and root vegetables. The method employs ultrasound-assisted extraction, clean-up via dispersive solid-phase extraction, and analysis through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Box-Behnken design was used to refine variables such as extraction solvent volume, time of extraction, number of extraction cycles, and the type and amount of d-SPE sorbent. The method achieved linearity (R2) greater than 0.994, precision (relative standard deviation) under 16% for most compounds, and detection limits ranging from 0.007 to 2.25 ng g-1 dry weight. This method was applied to a leafy vegetable (lettuce) and to a root vegetable (carrot) sourced from a local market. Parent compounds were detected at higher concentrations than their metabolites, with the exception of carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide.

Factors Associated with Participation in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) among Low-Income Households: A Scoping Review.

Households with limited financial resources often struggle with inadequate access to healthy, affordable food. Community supported agriculture (CSA) has the potential to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables, yet low-income households seldom participate due to cost and other barriers. Cost-offset (or subsidized) CSA reduces financial barriers, yet engagement varies widely among those who enroll. This scoping review explored factors associated with CSA participation among low-income households in the United States. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria, quantitative and qualitative data were extracted, the evidence was synthesized, and themes were developed. The findings suggested that women may be more likely than men to enroll in CSA. A lack of familiarity with CSA may hinder enrollment, whereas more education and self-efficacy for food preparation may facilitate participation. In terms of share contents, high-quality produce, a variety of items, more fruit, a choice of share contents, and a choice of share sizes may facilitate participation. In terms of CSA operations, a low price, good value, acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, close pick-up locations on existing travel routes, delivery of shares, clear communication, fostering a sense of belonging and trust, and educational support may support participation. Together these findings support 13 recommendations for cost-offset CSA implementation to engage low-income households.

Polyphenols: Secondary Metabolites with a Biological Impression.

Polyphenols are natural compounds which are plant-based bioactive molecules, and have been the subject of growing interest in recent years. Characterized by multiple varieties, polyphenols are mostly found in fruits and vegetables. Currently, many diseases are waiting for a cure or a solution to reduce their symptoms. However, drug or other chemical strategies have limitations for using a treatment agent or still detection tool of many diseases, and thus researchers still need to investigate preventive or improving treatment. Therefore, it is of interest to elucidate polyphenols, their bioactivity effects, supplementation, and consumption. The disadvantage of polyphenols is that they have a limited bioavailability, although they have multiple beneficial outcomes with their bioactive roles. In this context, several different strategies have been developed to improve bioavailability, particularly liposomal and nanoparticles. As nutrition is one of the most important factors in improving health, the inclusion of plant-based molecules in the daily diet is significant and continues to be enthusiastically researched. Nutrition, which is important for individuals of all ages, is the key to the bioactivity of polyphenols.

Use of Interactive Food Labels to Increase Confidence in Preparing Produce among College Students.

College students may have limited access to produce and may lack confidence in preparing it, but cooking videos can show how to make healthy dishes. The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning suggests that learning is enhanced when visual and auditory information is presented considering cognitive load (e.g., highlighting important concepts, eliminating extraneous information, and keeping the video brief and conversational). The purpose of this project was to pilot test a food label for produce grown at an urban university and assess whether student confidence in preparing produce improved after using the label and QR code to view a recipe video developed using principles from the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. The video showed a student preparing a salad with ingredients available on campus. Students indicated the label was helpful and reported greater perceived confidence in preparing lettuce after viewing the label and video (mean confidence of 5.60 ± 1.40 before vs. 6.14 ± 0.89 after, p = 0.016, n = 28). Keeping the video short and providing ingredients and amounts onscreen as text were cited as helpful. Thus, a brief cooking video and interactive label may improve confidence in preparing produce available on campus. Future work should determine whether the label impacts produce consumption and if it varies depending on the type of produce used.

Phytochemical Index and the Risk of Gastritis/Gastric Ulcer among Korean Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods have potential protective effects against various diseases, including gastric disorders. This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal association between phytochemical intake and the risk of gastritis/gastric ulcer in Korean adults. This was a prospective cohort study, a community-based cohort conducted as part of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, examining the association between phytochemical intake and the risk of gastritis/gastric ulcer in Korean adults. Dietary information was collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the phytochemical index (PI) was calculated. The study included 7377 Korean men and women aged 40-69 years without gastritis/gastric ulcer at baseline of the Korea Association Resource study in Korea. The incidence of gastritis/gastric ulcer was determined using a survey questionnaire administered by trained staff. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval to determine the association between PI and risk of gastritis/gastric ulcer. During the median follow-up period of 9.50 years, 729 cases were reported. The fully adjusted model showed a significantly lower risk of gastritis/gastric ulcer in the highest PI quartile compared to the lowest (hazard ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.98), and this association was linear (p for trend = 0.01). This research indicates that incorporating foods abundant in phytochemicals into one's diet could be associated with a reduced risk of developing gastritis/gastric ulcers. These findings underscore the importance of further investigating the role of phytochemical-rich diets in gastrointestinal health, as demonstrated in this study.

Differential uptake and translocation of perfluoroalkyl substances by vegetable roots and leaves: Insight into critical influencing factors.

Crop contamination of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may threaten human health, with root and leaves representing the primary uptake pathways of PFASs in crops. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the uptake characteristics of PFASs by crop roots and leaves as well as the critical influencing factors. In this study, the uptake and translocation of PFASs by roots and leaves of pak choi and radish were systematically explored based on perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Additionally, the roles of root Casparian strips, leaf stomata, and PFAS structures in the aforementioned processes were elucidated. Compared with pak choi, PFASs are more easily transferred to leaves after root uptake in radish, resulting from the lack of root Casparian strips. In pak choi root, the bioaccumulation of C4-C8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) showed a U-shaped trend with the increase of their carbon chain lengths, and the translocation potentials of individual PFASs from root to leaves negatively correlated with their chain lengths. The leaf uptake of PFOA in pak choi and radish mainly depended on cuticle sorption, with the evidence of a slight decrease in the concentrations of PFOA in exposed leaves after stomatal closure induced by abscisic acid. The leaf bioaccumulation of C4-C8 PFCAs in pak choi exhibited an inverted U-shaped trend as their carbon chain lengths increased. PFASs in exposed leaves can be translocated to the root and then re-transferred to unexposed leaves in vegetables. The longer-chain PFASs showed higher translocation potentials from exposed leaves to root. PFOS demonstrated a higher bioaccumulation than PFOA in crop roots and leaves, mainly due to the greater hydrophobicity of PFOS. Planting root vegetables lacking Casparian strips is inadvisable in PFAS-contaminated environments, in view of their higher PFAS bioaccumulation and considerable human intake.

Effects of thermal processing on natural antioxidants in fruits and vegetables.

Research on the content of polyphenolic compounds in fruits and vegetables, the extraction of bioactive compounds, and the study of their impact on the human body has received growing attention in recent years. This is due to the great interest in bioactive compounds and their health benefits, resulting in increased market demand for natural foods. Bioactive compounds from plants are generally categorized as natural antioxidants with health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, etc. Thermal processing has been used in the food sector for a long history. Implementing different thermal processing methods could be essential in retaining the quality of the natural antioxidant compounds in plant-based foods. A comprehensive review is presented on the effects of thermal blanching (i.e., hot water, steam, superheated steam impingement, ohmic and microwave blanching), pasteurization, and sterilization and drying technologies on natural antioxidants in fruits and vegetables.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria contaminating leafy vegetables in Saudi Arabia's eastern region.

BACKGROUND: Food-associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause infections that may critically impact human health. The objectives of this study were to determine the microbial contamination level of green leafy vegetables and their antibiotic resistance pattern. METHODS: Sixty-three samples of leafy vegetables were collected from Dammam Central Fruit and Vegetables Market from January to June 2023. The vegetables included lettuce (Lactuca sativa), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale). Samples were tested by standard microbiological techniques for identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. RESULT: Eight types of bacteria belonging to six different genera were detected. Enterobacteriaceae family was represented by four genera: Klebsiella, Proteus, Morganella, and Enterobacter. The other two genera were Pseudomonas and Aeromonas. Enterobacter cloacae was the most abundant organism, followed by Pseudomonas putida and Aeromonas sobria. On the other hand, Morganella morganii, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Proteus mirabilis were the least abundant. The three vegetable types had different levels of bacterial contamination. All isolated organisms were sensitive to penicillin, cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, and fluoroquinolone. However, Klebsiella oxytoca, M. morganii, and K. pneumonia showed resistance to ampicillin. A. hydrophila, Morganella morganii, and E. cloacae showed resistance to amoxicillin. M. morganii and E. cloacae were found to be resistant to cefalotin. Moreover, A. hydrophila, M. morganii, and E. cloacae were resistant to cefoxitin. Again, A. hydrophila was found to be resistant to imipenem. Only M. morganii was resistant to Ciprofloxacin. Two isolates, P. mirabilis and M. morganii were resistant to tigecycline. Another two, M. morganii and P. mirabilis were resistant to Nitrofurantoin. Only M. morganii was found to be resistant to trimethoprim. CONCLUSION: This study aligns with the broad consensus in the literature about the significance of bacterial contamination in vegetables and the public health implications. The unique focus on antibiotic resistance patterns adds an essential dimension to the existing body of knowledge.

Determination of hexachlorophene residue in fruits and vegetables by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) -LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of hexachlorophene in fruits and vegetables. Samples were extracted by acetonitrile and then salted with an acetate buffer system. Extractants neutral alumina (Al-N), strong cation exchange silica gel bonded adsorbent (SCX) and graphitized carbon black (GCB) were used for sample purification. The method demonstrates excellent accuracy and reproducibility. Under optimized conditions, the correlation coefficients of hexachlorophene were higher than 0.995 in the range of 0.5-20 ng/mL. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 2.0 µg/kg. The average recoveries, assessed at three spiked levels (2.0, 4.0, and 20.0µg/kg) across various matrices including cabbage, celery, tomato, eggplant, potato, radish, cowpea, chives, apple, peach, grape, citrus, bitter melon, banana and hami melon ranged from 72.0 to 100.5% with relative standard deviations from 3.2 to 9.8% (n = 6).

Solid electrochemiluminescence sensor by immobilization luminol in Zn-Co-ZIF CNFs for sensitive detection of procymidone in vegetables.

A solid-state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was fabricated by immobilizing luminol, a classical luminescent reagent, on a Zn-Co-ZIF carbon fiber-modified electrode for the rapid and sensitive detection of procymidone (PCM) in vegetable samples. The sensor was created by sequentially modifying the glassy carbon electrode with Zn-Co-ZIF carbon fiber (Zn-Co-ZIF CNFs), Pt@Au NPs, and luminol. Zn-Co-ZIF CNFs, prepared through electrospinning and high-temperature pyrolysis, possessed a large specific surface area and porosity, making it suitable as carrier and electron transfer accelerator in the system. Pt@Au NPs demonstrated excellent catalytic activity, effectively enhancing the generation of active substances. The ECL signal was significantly amplified by the combination of Zn-Co-ZIF CNFs and Pt@Au NPs, which can subsequently be diminished by procymidone. The ECL intensity decreased proportionally with the addition of procymidone, displaying a linear relationship within the concentration range 1.0 × 10-13 to 1.0 × 10-6 mol L-1 (R2 = 0.993). The sensor exhibited a detection limit of 3.3 × 10-14 mol L-1 (S/N = 3) and demonstrated outstanding reproducibility and stability, making it well-suited for the detection of procymidone in vegetable samples.

Designed fluorescence "on-off-on" probe based on cobalt, zinc, and nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots: A case of quinalphos sensing.

In this study, we developed a new fluorescence "on-off-on" sensor utilizing water-soluble cobalt/zinc-nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots (Co/Zn-N-GQDs) to recognize quinalphos pesticide in vegetable and fruit samples. Primarily, the synthesis method employed a one-pot hydrothermal approach, using betel leaves as a natural precursor and cobalt ("Co"), zinc ("Zn"), and urea ("N") as dopant sources. The Co/Zn-N-GQDs probes underwent comprehensive analytical characterization. The Co/Zn-N-GQDs were synthesized with a remarkable luminescence yield of 31.49%, exhibiting excitation at 320 nm and emission peak at 393 nm. Interestingly, the luminescence of Co/Zn-N-GQDs was selectively "Turned Off" by Cu2+ via a static quenching setup. Remarkably, quenched fluorescence was surprisingly reactivated upon adding quinalphos to the quench setup, indicating a direct correlation between luminescence reactivation and quinalphos concentration. Briefly, this phenomenon is ascribed to the functional groups in quinalphos, such as quinoxalinyl and phosphorothioate, which chelate with Cu2+ ions, disrupting the nonfluorescent Cu2+-Co/Zn-N-GQDs complex. The design sensor demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.11 µM and a broad linear span of 0.5 to 200 µM. In conclusion, Cu2+-Co/Zn-N-GQDs sensor showed immediate applicability, stability, and reproducibility, making it highly effective for quinalphos sensing in various samples.

Unveiling risks in healthy food: Vegetables and fruits are linked to the distribution chain of protozoan parasites.

Vegetable and fruit contamination is recognized as a significant parasite transmission route. This review presents the current state of vegetables ad fruits contamination with food-borne parasitic protozoa worldwide. We consider the methodologies and strategies for detecting parasitic stages developed in the last decade and the contamination data. Asia had the highest number of reports (94 studies), followed by Africa (74 studies). At the country level, with 41 studies, Iran had the most reports among other countries, followed by Nigeria (28 studies). According to the studies included in the current review, 41.22% of vegetables and fruits were contaminated with different species of protozoan parasites. Among different continents, Asia accounted for the highest contamination rate of protozoan parasites (57.12%). Giardia spp. (10%) had the highest contamination rate in vegetables and fruits, followed by Entamoeba coli (8%), E. histolytica/dispar (7%), and Cryptosporidium spp. (6%). This study provides essential data for health authorities to develop food safety programs. The presence of protozoan parasites in fruits and vegetables highlights the critical need for maintaining rigorous food safety measures across the entire production and distribution process, particularly in countries that are major producers and distributors of these food items.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content of food, water and vegetables and associated cancer risk assessment in Southern Nigeria.

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of water (four surface water, six underground water (borehole water), seven sachet water), barbecued food and their fresh equivalents (barbecued beef, fish, plantain, pork, yam, chicken, chevon, potato, corn), oil (three palm oil, nine vegetable oil), and fresh vegetable samples (water leaf, bitter leaf, cabbage, carrot, cucumber, pumpkin, garlic, ginger, green leaf, Gnetum Africana, onion, pepper) were determined by GC-MS analysis. The current study also determined the estimated lifetime cancer risk from ingesting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated food. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of water, oil, vegetable, and food samples were within the United States Environmental Protection Agency/World Health Organization safe limits. The naphthalene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and benzo(k)fluoranthene levels in surface water were significantly higher than in borehole samples (P = 0.000, 0.047, 0.047). Vegetable oils had higher anthracene and chrysene compared to palm oil (P = 0.023 and 0.032). Significant variations were observed in levels of naphthalene, acenaphthylene, phenanthrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene among the barbecued and fresh food samples (P <0.05). Barbecued pork, potato, and corn had significantly higher naphthalene compared to their fresh equivalents (P = 0.002, 0.017, and <0.001). Consumption of barbecued food and surface water may be associated with higher exposure risk to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which may predispose to increased cancer health risk. The current work explores in depth the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different dietary categories that pose direct risk to humans via direct consumption. These findings add knowledge to support future considerations for human health.

Clean labelling sodium nitrite at pilot scale: In-situ reduction of nitrate from plant sources and its effects on the overall quality and safety of restructured cooked ham.

Growing health and environmental concerns have increased demand for all-natural products, with a focus on clean labelling. Sodium nitrite is the most widely used additive in the meat industry because it imparts the typical cured flavour and colour to meat products and, most importantly, their microbiological safety. However, due to health concerns, the European Commission is proposing revised regulations to reduce nitrate and nitrite levels in meat products. As a result, the meat industry is actively seeking alternatives. This study explored the production of four cooked hams utilising nitrate-rich vegetable sources combined with two different nitrate-reducing commercial food cultures, alongside a control ham prepared with sodium nitrite (150 ppm). Microbiological, physico-chemical (pH, water activity, nitrate and nitrite concentration, lipid profile, lipid oxidation) and sensory (texture and colour profile) characterisation of the products was carried out. Challenge tests for Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium sporogenes and Clostridium perfringens have been performed to assess the growth of pathogens, if present in the products. Results revealed comparable microbiological and physico-chemical profiles across ham formulations, with minor differences observed in colour parameters for sample C. The sensory analysis showed that for the pilot ham formulations A and D, there were no significant differences in consumer perception compared to the control ham. In the challenge tests, L. monocytogenes levels were similar in both control and tested hams. There were no significant differences in C. sporogenes and C. perfringens counts at any temperature or between test and control samples. These results indicate that this technology has a potential future in the cured meat sector, as regulators mandate the reduction of added synthetic chemicals and consumers seek healthier and more natural ingredients in their daily diets.

Experiment and analysis of physical, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of the roots and stalks of green leafy vegetables.

Green leafy vegetables are an essential component of Chinese leafy vegetables. Due to their crisp stems and tender leaves, orderly harvester generally causes significant mechanical clamping damage. The physical and mechanical properties of green leafy vegetables are one of the important basis to design the orderly harvester. At the same time, they provide important parameters for the simulation and optimization of harvester. So, this paper measured the physical characteristic parameters of roots and stems of green leafy vegetables. Then, based on the TMS-Pro texture analyzer, the elasticity modulus of the roots and stems of green leafy vegetables were measured. The static friction coefficient, dynamic friction coefficient, and restitution coefficient of green leafy vegetables root-root, stem-stem, root-steel, and stem-steel were measured separately using a combination method of inclined plane and high-speed photography. Uniaxial compression creep experiments were carried out on whole and single leaf of green leafy vegetables using the TA.XT plus C universal testing machine. The constitutive equation of the four-element Burgers model was used to fit the deformation curve of the sample with time during the constant-pressure loading stage. The fitting determination coefficients R2 were all higher than 0.996, which verified the reasonable validity of the selected model. The above experimental results provide a parameter basis and theoretical support for the design and discrete element simulation optimization of orderly harvester critical components of green leafy vegetables.