Search results

1 – 3 of 3
Article
Publication date: 12 November 2024

Yukun Cao, Yuanxin Fang and Sharareh Hekmat

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (LGR-1) when combined with four prebiotic-rich fruit powders – apple…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the viability of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1 (LGR-1) when combined with four prebiotic-rich fruit powders – apple, papaya, mango, and red beetroot – in probiotic yogurt. Additionally, the study aims to assess customer acceptability of the yogurt fortified with these fruit powders through a sensory evaluation using a nine-point hedonic scale.

Design/methodology/approach

The yogurt samples, inoculated with the LGR-1 probiotic strain, underwent fermentation at 38 °C for 0, 2, 4 and 6 h. Following fermentation, the samples were stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C for 1, 15 and 30 days. Throughout the study, microbial counts and pH level measurements were performed to assess the viability of LGR-1. A sensory evaluation consisted of 89 participants. A nine-point hedonic scale, ranging from 1 (dislike extremely) to 9 (like extremely), along with a questionnaire were used to assess criteria such as appearance, flavor, texture and overall acceptability of the samples.

Findings

All treatments at all time points maintained a minimum viable microbial count of 107 CFU/mL (colony-forming units per mL), which indicated that the addition of fruit powders supported the growth and survival of LGR-1 in yogurt. Treatment 5, fortified with papaya powder, was the only group that exhibited a significant change of microbial count after 30 days of fermentation (p = 0.018). Although there were no statistically significant differences in pH values at the 0- and 2-h time points within each treatment, the pH remained relatively stable after day 15, with an average mean pH of 4.29. Treatment 2 fortified with mango powder obtained the highest overall acceptability score because of its smooth and firm texture as well as mild mango-sweet flavor.

Originality/value

This study explored the viability of probiotics and the sensory properties of yogurt fortified with various fruit powders, while also examining the potential prebiotic effects of fruit powders in enhancing overall sensory appeal. The findings suggested that papain may play a role in increasing probiotic viability in yogurt. Given the inconvenience and inaccessibility of fresh fruits and the generally inadequate prebiotic intake, this research addressed the gap in prebiotic consumption by offering novel ideas for health-enhancing dairy products.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 November 2024

Yuanxin Zhang, Liujun Xu, Xiaolong Xue, Zeyu Wang and Miroslaw Skibniewski

With the uptake of prefabricated construction (PC) facing serious obstacles in China, networked innovation can break the technical constraints while also containing the risks in…

Abstract

Purpose

With the uptake of prefabricated construction (PC) facing serious obstacles in China, networked innovation can break the technical constraints while also containing the risks in individual innovation. However, the construction community has paid little attention to PC innovation, especially networked innovation. This study aims to gain deep insights into what impacts the formation and dynamics of a prefabricated construction innovation network (PCIN). With the uptake of PC facing serious obstacles in China, networked innovation can break the technical constraints while also containing the risks in individual innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design follows a sequential mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. It first conceptualizes the PCIN based on the quadruple helix model and formulates a corresponding system dynamics model based on causality analysis. After validating the PCIN model using empirical data, simulations are carried out using Vensim PLE software. Finally, this study identifies key factors that promote the formation of PCIN in China through sensitivity analysis.

Findings

The results show that PC predicts a continuous increase in practice as of 2030. The tested drivers all positively influence the formation of the PCIN, with market demand and risk sharing having the greatest influence, followed by competitive pressure, profit government support, scientific and technological advancement and collaborative innovation strategy.

Originality/value

The study makes three major contributions. First, it provides a novel angle for a deeper understanding of the PC innovation. Second, it proposes a new approach for probing the formation and dynamics of the PCIN. Finally, it offers a theoretical reference for promoting the formation of innovation networks and the development of PC.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 October 2020

Ting Luo, Xiaolong Xue, Yongtao Tan, Yuna Wang and Yuanxin Zhang

This paper aimed to introduce a systematic body of knowledge via a scientometric review, guiding the sustainable transition from conventional construction to prefabricated…

1731

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aimed to introduce a systematic body of knowledge via a scientometric review, guiding the sustainable transition from conventional construction to prefabricated construction. The construction industry currently faces a challenge to balance sustainable development and the construction of new buildings. In this context, one of the most recent debates is prefabricated construction. As an emerging construction approach, although existing knowledge makes contributions to the implementation of prefabricated construction, there is a lack of a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the critical knowledge themes and gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the scientometric analysis to review the state-of-the-art knowledge of prefabricated construction. It retrieved data from the Web of Science core collection database. CiteSpace software was used to conduct the analysis and visualization; three analysis methods identify the knowledge hotspots, knowledge domains and knowledge topics. Finally, according to integrating the hidden connections among results, a body of knowledge for prefabricated construction application can be inferred.

Findings

The results show that 120 knowledge hotspots, five critical knowledge domains and five prominent knowledge topics are vital for promoting implementation of prefabricated construction. Based on the afore analysis, a body of knowledge for prefabricated construction that can systematically cover a broad knowledge of prefabricated construction-related research and activities are integrated and proposed in this paper.

Originality/value

Body of knowledge systematically covers a broad knowledge of prefabricated construction applications and is vital to guide researchers and practitioners to conduct related research and activities, thereby promoting the sustainable transition to prefabricated construction implementation.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

1 – 3 of 3