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1 – 10 of 65Pankaj B. Pathare, Mai AL-Dairi and Adil Al Mahdouri
This study aims to determine the influence of bruise damage generated from the impact test on the physical, chemical and nutritional responses of tomato fruit.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the influence of bruise damage generated from the impact test on the physical, chemical and nutritional responses of tomato fruit.
Design/methodology/approach
The impact loading was applied from different heights. The impact energies for 20, 40 and 60 cm drop heights were 129.59, 259.18 and 388.77 mJ, respectively. The injured samples were kept for 48 hours at low (10 °C) and ambient (22 °C) storage temperatures. Weight loss, firmness, color, total soluble solids (TSS), lycopene and carotenoids were measured before the impact test (day 0) and after 48 hours of the impact and storage.
Findings
The drop height of 60 cm and storage at 22 °C showed the highest values in the bruised area. The impact from the 60 cm drop height significantly reduced weight, lightness, yellowness, hue, firmness, lycopene and carotenoids, particularly at 22 °C storage condition. Redness (a*) and color index (CI) showed a remarkable increase (p < 0.05) at 22 °C on tomatoes affected from the highest impact level (388.77 mJ) after 48 hours of storage. No pronounced significance was seen between TSS and drop heights. This study has confirmed that tomato bruising for a short-term storage period induces physiological changes at different storage temperature conditions.
Originality/value
The study can confirm the crucial role of inappropriate handling in increasing fresh produce loss within short-term storage. Also, this research can be considered as a guideline for transporters, handlers, processors, distributors and horticulture researchers in the fresh produce supply chain during postharvest operations.
R. Rathinamoorthy, T. Sharmila Bharathi, M. Snehaa and C. Swetha
Mycelium is an upcoming bio-based alternative material that has various applications in different industries. Mycelium materials used as composites, leather, construction…
Abstract
Purpose
Mycelium is an upcoming bio-based alternative material that has various applications in different industries. Mycelium materials used as composites, leather, construction materials and some are even available for commercial purposes. However, there was not much research found when it came to the application of mycelium as a textile alternative. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of mycelium in the textile industry and its possible applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This review consolidates literature that refers the two major methods used in fungal mycelium production namely; as a composite and as a pure self-grown mycelium sheet. The study compared the current research status in this respective field and reported the scope in the pure mycelium development.
Findings
The results of the review reported that several research works are performed in composite production with different feedstock. The production methods and product development steps were well established for several applications from home utilities to construction materials. Whereas, in the case of self-grown mycelium sheet production only limited research works were found. Though the possibilities of engineered composite sheets are developed with various properties, research on self-grown pure mycelium sheets are at infant stage. Sensitive production methods, lower tensile, tearing, poor handle properties with brittle structure and non-uniformity in thickness are noted as limitations. Sustainable nature, self-grown three-dimensional nano-fibril network with porous structure are found to be advantageous.
Originality/value
The solid culture method was identified as a potential method to develop a sheet-like self-grown mycelium with different dimensions. The review results clearly show the lack of research in the direct application of self-grown pure mycelium area concerning feedstock material, fungal species selection and characterization of the developed product. Addressing the existing limitations will yield a sustainable textile material for fashion and textile industry with great potential.
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The paper discusses the notion of information with regard to its carriers, representatives (or structural carriers) and carried-related processes of transmission, accumulation and…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper discusses the notion of information with regard to its carriers, representatives (or structural carriers) and carried-related processes of transmission, accumulation and processing through the developmental periods of the inorganic and organic world. In the first period, information is contained in a representation of the outcome of physical, chemical and other processes in the physical, chemical and other structures of the non-living world and refers to environmental information. In the second period, information begins to be used to create the physical and chemical structures of the living world and is contained in instructions of the genetic code. In the third period, with the evolution of cognitive systems and intelligence of living beings, in addition to those listed, information is finally being used to build its own structures, which in this paper are called knowledge structures.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to the usual scientific methods in conceptual papers of this type (analysis, synthesis, etc.), the methodology of the paper also relies on the method of analogy, which was used to detect the carriers and representatives of information in the processes of transmission, accumulation and processing of information and the method of classification in order to propose a new taxonomy related to the concept of information.
Findings
The paper shows that information carriers and information representatives appear in each of the three mentioned processes - transmission, accumulation and processing of information - and that they need to be distinguished from the information itself. This insight opened a new perspective in observing this concept and led to the proposal of a new taxonomy related to the concept of information in a given context, eliminating seemingly incommensurable approaches to its study in different scientific fields.
Originality/value
The conducted synthesis results in information being recognized as a transmittable/transmissible documentation of reality inseparable from its carrier and its representative.
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Zhaozhao Tang, Wenyan Wu, Po Yang, Jingting Luo, Chen Fu, Jing-Cheng Han, Yang Zhou, Linlin Wang, Yingju Wu and Yuefei Huang
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have attracted great attention worldwide for a variety of applications in measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters. However…
Abstract
Purpose
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have attracted great attention worldwide for a variety of applications in measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters. However, stability has been one of the key issues which have limited their effective commercial applications. To fully understand this challenge of operation stability, this paper aims to systematically review mechanisms, stability issues and future challenges of SAW sensors for various applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This review paper starts with different types of SAWs, advantages and disadvantages of different types of SAW sensors and then the stability issues of SAW sensors. Subsequently, recent efforts made by researchers for improving working stability of SAW sensors are reviewed. Finally, it discusses the existing challenges and future prospects of SAW sensors in the rapidly growing Internet of Things-enabled application market.
Findings
A large number of scientific articles related to SAW technologies were found, and a number of opportunities for future researchers were identified. Over the past 20 years, SAW-related research has gained a growing interest of researchers. SAW sensors have attracted more and more researchers worldwide over the years, but the research topics of SAW sensor stability only own an extremely poor percentage in the total researc topics of SAWs or SAW sensors.
Originality/value
Although SAW sensors have been attracting researchers worldwide for decades, researchers mainly focused on the new materials and design strategies for SAW sensors to achieve good sensitivity and selectivity, and little work can be found on the stability issues of SAW sensors, which are so important for SAW sensor industries and one of the key factors to be mature products. Therefore, this paper systematically reviewed the SAW sensors from their fundamental mechanisms to stability issues and indicated their future challenges for various applications.
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Shivani Rustagi, Sheeba Khan, Tanu Jain, Ranjana Singh and Vinod Kumar Modi
Gluten is a triggering factor for gluten-related disorders. However, the present market provides expensive, less varied and poor nutritional products. Therefore, this study aims…
Abstract
Purpose
Gluten is a triggering factor for gluten-related disorders. However, the present market provides expensive, less varied and poor nutritional products. Therefore, this study aims to develop gluten-free muffins and improve their nutritional profile, as well as evaluate the physical, chemical and sensorial aspects of them.
Design/methodology/approach
A combination of pearl millet, buckwheat and amaranth was used to formulate gluten-free muffin using central composite rotatable design of response surface methodology for optimization of selected parameters (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose [HPMC], baking temperature and baking time). The optimized muffins were incorporated with Moringa leaves powder. Finally, the final products were compared with the wheat muffins.
Findings
The optimization range of selected variables was 1% HPMC, 170°C baking temperature and 30.33 min baking time with a desirability function of 0.75. The incorporation of 5% Moringa leaves powder enhanced the nutritional profile of gluten-free muffins – increased protein (38%), fiber (208%), iron (224%) and calcium (25%) values. However, the overall acceptability reduced due to decrease in flavor and odor.
Originality/value
Nonetheless, the ease of accessibility of these convenience gluten-free muffins as well as the nutritional density can help the food research and nutritionists to bridge the gap in current gluten-free market. This puts focus on the use of underutilized crops such as millets and buckwheat which are nutritionally dense.
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There is a rising demand for high-performance 3D printed objects that have established potential applications in the sector of dental, automotive, electronics, aerospace, etc…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a rising demand for high-performance 3D printed objects that have established potential applications in the sector of dental, automotive, electronics, aerospace, etc. Thus, to meet the requirements of high-performance 3D printed objects, this study has synthesized, formulated and applied a resorcinol epoxy acrylate (REA) oligomer to a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer.
Design/methodology/approach
Different formulations were developed by blending reactive diluents in the concentration of 10%, 15% and 20%, along with the fixed quantity of photo-initiators in the REA oligomer. The structure of synthesized REA oligomer was confirmed using 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the rheological properties for prepared REA formulations were also evaluated. The ultraviolet (UV)-cured specimens of all REA formulations were thoroughly examined based on physical, chemical, optical, mechanical and thermal properties. The best suitable formulation was selected for SLA 3D printing.
Findings
As perceived, UV cured REA specimens exhibit superior mechanical, chemical and thermal properties, portraying the ability to use as a high-performance material. The increase in the concentration of reactive diluents indicated a significant improvement in the properties of REA resin. The 20% diluted formulation achieved excellent compatibility with a SLA 3D printer; thus, 3D objects are cast with good dimensional stability and printability.
Originality/value
Resorcinol-based resins have always been a key additive used to enhance properties in the coating and tire industry. In a new attempt UV, curable REA has been applied to a SLA 3D printer to cast high-performance 3D printed objects.
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Gustavo Schiavo and Annibal Scavarda
This study aims to evaluate how corporate governance focused on meeting the legal requirements applied in poultry slaughterhouses contributes to the advancement of the Sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate how corporate governance focused on meeting the legal requirements applied in poultry slaughterhouses contributes to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the environmental pillar and identify vulnerabilities in this governance framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was qualitative and was structured with the following steps: literature review, selection of companies and documentary research on licenses applied to these companies.
Findings
The assessment demonstrates that the governance strategy based on legal aspects contributes to progress in indicators related to SDGs such as clean water, climate action, life below water and life on land. However, it falls short when addressing SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy. Another vulnerability of this governance model is that legislation establishes metrics and indicators individually for each link in the poultry industry chain.
Research limitations/implications
Assessment of the corporate governance of poultry slaughterhouses, focusing on legality and analyzing vulnerabilities in the legal aspects of the poultry industry concerning the SDGs that encompass the environmental pillar.
Practical implications
The results provide valuable information for policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders in the segment, suggesting the need to align legislation with SDGs or adopt incentive policies to encourage the spontaneous advancement of SDGs in the poultry industry.
Originality/value
Considering the need for progress toward a more sustainable world and the trend of organizations focusing their efforts on complying with local legislation, this study aims to contribute to understanding how the legal requirements applied in practice are prepared to support the advancement of the SDGs.
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Vinicius Claudino Bica, Vera Lúcia Milani Martins, Mauricio Raymundo Belleza, Fernando Henrique Lermen and Márcia Elisa Soares Echeveste
This study aims to identify the appropriate combination of attributes that must be present to deliver value in a new product for a pharmaceutical enterprise.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the appropriate combination of attributes that must be present to deliver value in a new product for a pharmaceutical enterprise.
Design/methodology/approach
The application object was the Metronidazole analytical standard, using choice experiments to product attributes and price.
Findings
The practical results indicate that consumer value anticipation allows entry into the market with higher competitiveness.
Originality/value
Conceptually, it uses a value delivery approach, generally applied to large companies, in a case aimed at enterprises. In practice, for the enterprise studied, the value anticipation by the consumer allows entry into the market with higher competitiveness.
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Madalena Ventura, Ilídio S. Dias, Inês Flores-Colen and Ana Silva
This research proposes the study of the pathology in floor finishes, focussing on proactive maintenance strategies to promote the durability of these elements. A model to assess…
Abstract
Purpose
This research proposes the study of the pathology in floor finishes, focussing on proactive maintenance strategies to promote the durability of these elements. A model to assess the floorings' performance levels was designed to support decision-making regarding maintenance activities to be carried out, in order to prevent the defects and extend the floors' service life.
Design/methodology/approach
The model to measure the floorings' level of performance was developed based on the literature and applied in fieldwork, focussed on visual inspections of floor finishes. Photographs were taken and standardized inspection forms were used to collect the data about the defects in the floors.
Findings
This study provides a simple classification model to assess floorings' performance levels, capable to define priorities and help decision-makers in adopting maintenance activities. The model was validated through a case study, which showed that occasionally the choice of the floor finishes is incorrectly made only based on aesthetic criteria and not taking into account the main criteria, i.e. the use of space.
Originality/value
This work contributes to a development of methodologies to assess floorings' performance levels, to study the behavior of different floor finishes, to propose maintenance strategies to improve their performance in service and adopt better solutions in the buildings' design phase.
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Fatma Bakal Gumus and Ahmet Yapici
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of doping element on the structural, thermal properties, mechanical performance and the failure mechanism of hexagonal nano…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of doping element on the structural, thermal properties, mechanical performance and the failure mechanism of hexagonal nano boron nitride (h-BN)-reinforced basalt fabric (BF)/epoxy composites produced by hand lay-up and vacuum bagging technique. h-BN particles doped to composite materials increased the tensile, bending and impact strength of the composite at certain rates while 1 Wt. % h- BN addition shows the highest tensile and flexural strength.
Design/methodology/approach
The epoxy resin was doped with h-BN nanopowder at the certain rates (0, 1, 2 and 4 Wt.%) and the epoxy: hardener ratios used in the study were selected as 80%: 20% by weight. Then, with the aid of a roller by hand lay-up method, a mixture of epoxy + hardeners containing nanoparticles and nanoparticle-free were fed onto BFs, 12 layers of each dimension 30 cm × 30 cm. The surplus epoxy resin was moved away from the composite sheets using the vacuum bagging process and left to cure at room temperature for 24 h. ASTM D3039 for tensile, D7264 for three-point bending and D256 for Izod impact test were performed for the mechanical tests. After the tensile test, the morphologies of the fracture surface were examined with a stereomicroscope and various failure mechanisms are highlighted.
Findings
In this study, a series of basalt/epoxy composites with h-BN nanopowders have been prepared to identify the effect of filler ratio on mechanical properties. It has been known from the results of mechanical experiments that the addition of h-BN improves the mechanical performance of materials at a certain rate. The tensile and flexural strengths of h-BN doped composites, increase for concentrations of 1 Wt.% h-BN, but decrease with the increasing content of it. The basalt/epoxy resin composite with higher mechanical properties could be a potential material in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Originality/value
The aim of this study is to contribute to literature within the context of this new combination of composites and their mechanical properties, failure mechanisms. It presents detailed characterization of each composite by using X-ray differaction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy.
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