Abstract Lunar regolith is a potential substrate for plant cultivation in future bioregenerative life-support systems; however, its distinct physicochemical properties pose challenges for plant growth. In this study, white mustard was grown in mare (LMS) and highland-type (LHS) regolith simulants, each separated into fine and coarse particle-size fractions, with perlite as a control. Germination was successful across all treatments. Biomass production and reproductive performance were generally lower in regolith simulants compared with the control. Plants grown in LMS produced slightly lighter seeds than those grown in LHS, with statistically significant differences observed in the LMS coarse fraction. These results likely reflect differences in simulant chemistry, as LMS contains higher concentrations of Fe, Mg, and trace elements that may influence plant physiological responses. Particle-size distribution also affected substrate behavior, with fine fractions showing higher water retention and coarse fractions improving aeration but reducing moisture availability. These results clarify that both substrate chemistry and particle size critically affect plant productivity in lunar regolith-based agriculture.
Abstract The potential of grape seed flour (GSF) and grape seed cake (GSC) as functional ingredients for the enrichment of white wheat bread was investigated at substitution level of 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0%. Their incorporation into dough significantly affected the technological and quality characteristics of the final product. At the same time, the addition of GSF and GSC increased the antioxidant potential of the breads, indicating their suitability for the development of functional bakery products. Total phenolic content increased with increasing additive level, and total antioxidant activity, determined by both DPPH and FRAP assays, was notably higher in the enriched samples than in the control. These findings support the use of grape seed by-products as promising ingredients for improving the functional value of white wheat bread.
Abstract Ensuring high-quality peanut seeds is essential for achieving optimal germination performance and improving agricultural productivity. This study aims to design and develop an automated peanut seed detection system (APSDS) by integrating YOLOv8 with a high-speed Delta robot for real-time defect detection and removal, improving seed quality, and reducing reliance on manual labor. The system consists of a hopper-conveyor assembly for continuous feeding, a Delta robot for high-speed pick-and-place manipulation, a suction-based end-effector, and a control system coordinating real-time detection and actuation. YOLOv8 was used for peanut seed detection, classifying seeds into “good” or “bad”. A dataset of about 80,000 annotated peanut instances from 2,000 images was used for model training. Experimental results demonstrated high detection performance, with precision and recall ranging between 90 and 100% across trials. Integrated system evaluation showed detection and suction efficiencies exceeding 93%, while hopper feeding exhibited higher variability due to changes in seed flow behavior. The results confirm the effectiveness and dependability of the YOLOv8 with a Delta robot for automated peanut seed detection and sorting, reducing labor requirements and improving processing accuracy in seed quality management.
Abstract The objective of this investigation was to develop a salad dressing using tofu processing wastewater (soymilk whey), flaxseed oil and polymeric carbohydrates through membrane emulsification technology. Soymilk whey was obtained via citric acid-induced protein precipitation and treated with papain to reduce its allergenic activity. The effect of papain concentration on allergen reduction in soymilk whey was evaluated. In later exercise, membrane emulsification was employed to formulate the salad dressing, where flaxseed oil and polymeric carbohydrates in soymilk whey were considered as the dispersed phase and the continuous phase, respectively. The effect of different carbohydrate proportions in the continuous phase on emulsion stability was investigated. Results demonstrated that enzymatic hydrolysis significantly reduced the allergenic activity of soybean proteins. An optimal formulation was achieved using 116.8 g L −1 gum Arabic and 29.2 g L −1 modified starch, with a flaxseed oil to carbohydrate ratio of 2.2, resulting in minimal phase separation and improved emulsion stability.
Abstract In this study, we evaluated the distribution of trunk-injected insecticides (acetamiprid and flupyradifurone) in sweet cherry fruits in relation to the injected dosage and canopy position. Trunks were injected in a cherry orchard in Hungary, where trees were either pruned by 30% or left unpruned. Fruit and leaf samples were collected and analyzed for pesticide residue levels using UHPLC-MS/MS, with the results showing that the pruned trees had no significantly higher active ingredient residues in their leaves compared to the unpruned trees, and no differences were observed in the fruits. However, active ingredient residues were significantly concentrated in the lower branches compared to the higher ones. We conclude that the effectiveness of trunk injection depends, in addition to dosage, on complex physiological and physical factors governing pesticide translocation in the xylem, including adsorption to lignin, and canopy height-related differences in transpiration and temperature.
Abstract This study evaluated four regression models—Demeyer, simplified Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB), reduced Bizot, and Double-Log Linear (DLL)—to estimate water activity ( ) in fast-ripening salami under industrial production conditions. Three product types (snack, mild, paprika) were monitored over a 20-day ripening period across two batches each. Analytical performance was assessed using two distinct approaches: a laboratory scenario utilizing all measured compositional data, and an industrial scenario where only moisture and water activity were monitored continuously, while other components were estimated via Monte Carlo simulations based on initial batch values. Results indicated that, under laboratory conditions, the DLL model provided the most favorable fit when composition-predicted coefficients were used, while the reduced Bizot and DLL models remained most robust during industrial simulations involving propagated uncertainty. Conversely, the Demeyer model demonstrated the lowest accuracy. Significant batch effects were observed, suggesting that inter-batch variability influences prediction more than model selection, highlighting the necessity of composition-based modeling and uniform mixing.
Abstract Smart farming is constitutes a means of facilitating the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy. However, credible sustainability results require measurable and validatable indicators, verifiable data and automation that is reliable even under field conditions. This overview study presents developments in IoT-based sensing, artificial intelligence-based analysis and autonomous robotics, and links them to EU target areas. The peer-reviewed studies (2000–2025) were retrieved from the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases and supplemented with key EU legal and strategic documents. The article proposes a policy-driven digital agroecological management (PDAM) framework that establishes adaptable indicators based on past trends in EU targets (pesticides, nutrients, soil, biodiversity and climate) and then develops a system of perception-analysis-implementation based on these indicators. The most effective tools support GNSS-based machine control, variable rate application, and remote sensing, while AI-based decision support tools, autonomous weed control, and digital twin field validation are still weaker. Interoperability, data governance, cybersecurity and safety regulation emerge as critical scaling constraints for auditable smart farming systems.
Abstract This paper aimed to assess a kiln system with an integrated condenser using citrus branches and palm fronds residues to produce biochar and wood vinegar (WV) at pyrolysis temperatures of 350, 400, and 450 °C. The citrus branches surpassed palm fronds in producing biochar with lower electrical conductivity (0.99–2.19 dS m −1 vs. 13.43–16.23 dS m −1 ), ash content (7.17–17.19% vs. 24.72–30.98%), and higher carbon retention efficiency (58.8–61.6% vs. 39.0–43.6%). At 400 °C, the biochar yielded the best results for citrus branches, with 65.90% yield, pH 7.28, and 1.09 dS m −1 EC, and a yield of 0.625% and ash of 2.58% with WV, meeting soil amendment. Palm fronds' biochar required washing to achieve an EC below 4 dS m −1 , and WV required a 1:15 dilution to mitigate phytotoxicity risks posed by ash content. The results revealed that using citrus branches at 400 °C yielded optimal biochar and WV for soil amendments without post-processing.
Cassava is one of the most widely produced agricultural commodities; however, its utilization has primarily focused on the tuber flesh, while the peels remain underutilized and are treated as waste. Cassava peel waste, with their low glycemic index, has a great potential as raw material for glucose syrup production. Sustainability is demonstrated through product development that considers social, economic, and environmental impacts. This study uses the Life Cycle Assessment technique with the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint H Assessment method and eco-efficiency calculations for investigating the economic and environmental effects towards the manufacturing of glucose syrup from cassava peel waste. The data analysis results show that the total environmental cost was IDR 336.93 while the eco-efficiency ratio rate was 93.492%. This glucose syrup production has low environmental impacts; however, these numbers can be reduced by minimizing water consumption by employing microbubble wash faucet, supplementing it with quicklime, and installing air filters.
In the context of increasing water scarcity in arid regions, including Eastern Kazakhstan, where average annual precipitation amounts to only 300–350 mm, the development of effective water-saving technologies is becoming critically important. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of biocomposite hydrogels containing a polymer matrix, chitosan, cellulose, and biostimulants in improving water retention and enhancing crop productivity. Laboratory methods (gravimetric and thermogravimetric analysis) and field trials involving soil moisture and crop yield measurements were employed. The results demonstrated that Hydrogel G-3, comprising 70% polymer matrix, exhibited the highest water absorption capacity (500% of its mass) and thermal stability (T_(50%) = 350 °C), although it showed low biodegradability (20% over six months). The practical significance lies in demonstrating the effectiveness of biocomposite hydrogels as a promising solution for arid regions, which is particularly important for farmers in Eastern Kazakhstan facing severe water shortages.
Apricot cultivation is growing in importance worldwide, especially in regions where gaps in the fresh market supply can be exploited. Hungary is located at the northern edge of economical cultivation area, which presents both challenges and opportunities. Yields in Hungary's 5,300 hectares of apricot production area shows a deviation from 6,000 to 34,000 tons, mainly due to spring frosts and outdated technology. At the same time, due to the late ripening and excellent nutritional value of domestic fruit, premium prices can be achieved on the market, especially for exports to Western Europe. Frost protection is a decisive factor from an economic point of view. In the case of high production standards (intensive cultivation), even less modern, semi-intensive apricot orchards show acceptable income-generating capacity and profitability, while orchards with much higher capital requirements, equipped with crop protection technologies, either in part or in whole, have a much higher income-generating capacity. Based on the results of the investment analysis, at the end of its useful life cycle, a semi-intensive orchard generates an NPV of almost EUR 25,400 per hectare, a super-intensive orchard generates 2.5 times that amount, and a super-intensive orchard equipped with frost protection generates 3.6 times that amount.
Minimal processing technologies can extend the shelf-life and increase food safety and quality of fresh fruit products. This study investigated using mild heat (50, 55, 60 °C) and mild high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) (150, 200, 250 MPa) treatments individually or in combination to improve the safety and shelf-life of a strawberry-almond milk-banana-avocado smoothie. The research included a challenge study using Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Hartford, alongside analysis of total colony counts. Samples were stored for two weeks at 6 and 15 °C. Results demonstrated that combining HHP below 300 MPa with mild heat significantly extended the smoothie's shelf life, even at the higher 15 °C storage temperature. Notably, the 250 MPa and 60 °C combination kept total colony counts below 10 4 CFU mL −1 after two weeks even at 15 °C and effectively inactivated pathogenic bacteria. This approach shows potential for a promising industrial preservation.
To improve agricultural productivity, precision agriculture requires a deeper understanding of plant and soil mechanical behaviour. This study applies a mass-spring method (MSM), introduces a tear model, and couples MSM with the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate plant deformation, tearing, and soil–plant interactions. A mustard plant geometry was digitalised, and its stem underwent a uniaxial tension test, which was then simulated with the MSM and tear model. After parameter calibration the measured macromechanical behaviour could be reproduced under 1% relative error with four iteration steps and the adjustment of the micromechanical parameters, however, the macromechanical behaviour was found to be dependent on the geometry and discretisation of the geometry too. Additional bending simulations were conducted, and the root-pulling process was modelled using the coupled DEM-MSM approach. The bending and root-pulling simulations also showed consistent behaviour, indicating that the proposed methods effectively model plant mechanics and soil–plant interactions.
This study was conducted to investigate drying modelling, effective moisture diffusivity, and the sensory profiles of dried oyster mushroom. The mushrooms were separated into stipes and caps, then shredded, seasoned and dried at four different temperatures (65, 70, 75 or 80 °C). The results and data analysis demonstrated that the Midilli model was the best fit model. The mean effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 6.5079 × 10 −10 to 9.2805 × 10 −10 m 2 s −1 for stipes and from 1.8392 × 10 −10 to 2.7692 × 10 −10 m 2 s −1 for caps. For sensory profile, samples at lower drying temperatures preserved the characteristics of fresh mushrooms like fatty mouthfeel, umami and earthy aroma, while samples dried at higher temperatures had darker color, crispy texture, spicy, and astringent flavor. These findings provide insights for the production of sustainable mushroom-based dried foods.
With growing interest in sustainable solutions, olive pomace—a byproduct of olive oil production—has emerged as a source of bioactive compounds. This study investigates ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) as a green method for recovering antioxidant-rich polyphenols. A central composite design assessed the effects of extraction time (5–15 min), solid-to-solvent ratio (2–12 g per 100 mL), and ultrasound head size (small, medium, large) on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA). TPC ranged from 3.87 to 19.50 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight, while AA ranged from 3.31 to 11.15 mg ascorbic acid equivalents per gram dry weight. Solid-to-solvent ratio and head size had the strongest influence on TPC, with the large head at lower intensity producing the highest yield. The analysis revealed a positive link between TPC and AA ( r = 0.85, P < 0.001). UAE demonstrates efficiency and sustainability in valorizing olive pomace.
Storage temperature plays a crucial role in determining the quality of fresh meat by influencing microbial growth, biochemical alterations, and shelf life. Although refrigeration helps slow spoilage, temperature fluctuations during transportation or retail can hasten deterioration. This study examined vacuum-packed chicken breast fillets maintained at constant and fluctuating temperatures. Untrained consumer panellists evaluated the fillets based on appearance, odour, and overall impression, while instrumental analyses measured colour (L*, a*, b*, ΔE*) and texture (TPA). Sensory changes in odour occurred before visible signs of deterioration, demonstrating a high sensitivity to spoilage. Instrumental colour measurements, especially ΔE* and a*, correlated with decreasing appearance ratings, indicating their predictive ability. Changes in texture were less pronounced, with chewiness being the only texture aspect significantly affected by storage duration. These results support the use of sensory and instrumental techniques, particularly for monitoring colour and odour.
Consumer expectations toward beef quality are increasingly driven by sensory attributes and perceived eating quality rather than by traditional carcass classification alone. This study evaluated the extent to which the EU SEUROP fat-cover classification reflects consumer-relevant sensory and instrumental quality attributes in beef sirloin. Samples were collected from Hungarian Spotted heifers classified into five SEUROP fat-cover categories (f1–f5). Sensory properties, including texture, juiciness, fattiness, flavour, and overall impression, were evaluated by a trained expert panel under standardized conditions, while instrumental measurements included Warner–Bratzler shear force, pH, colour parameters (CIELAB system), dry matter content, water-holding capacity, and cooking loss. Multivariate statistical analyses and correlation tests were applied. SEUROP fat-cover class showed a strong positive linear relationship with visually assessed marbling ( R 2 = 0.85). Significant correlations were observed between fat-cover class and sensory texture, fattiness, flavour, and overall impression, as well as instrumental hardness, pH, and colour parameters (L* and a*). In contrast, no significant relationships were found for juiciness, dry matter content, or water-holding capacity. Cut position within the sirloin had no significant effect on most measured attributes. These results indicate that while SEUROP fat-cover classification is associated with several quality traits its ability to predict overall sensory enjoyment remains limited. The findings highlight the need for complementary quality indicators to improve consumer-oriented beef qualification. This paper is available in two parts. The online version contains a link to the other part.
Marbling is widely recognized as a key determinant of beef eating quality; however, its effectiveness as a standalone indicator of sensory enjoyment remains debated. This study investigated the relationships between USDA sensory marbling scores and both sensory and instrumental quality attributes in beef sirloin, using the same experimental material as a companion study on SEUROP classification. Samples from Hungarian Spotted heifers were evaluated for marbling using the USDA visual scale. Sensory attributes (texture, juiciness, fattiness, flavour, and overall impression) were assessed by a trained expert panel under standardized conditions, alongside instrumental measurements including Warner–Bratzler shear force, pH, colour parameters (CIELAB system), dry matter content, water-holding capacity, and cooking loss. Correlation analyses and multivariate statistical methods were applied. USDA marbling scores showed only weak or non-significant correlations with most sensory attributes, with the exception of colour parameters. Similarly, limited associations were observed between marbling scores and instrumental quality traits. These results suggest that visual marbling assessment alone has restricted predictive value for sensory eating quality in beef sirloin. The findings underline the limitations of subjective marbling-based classification and support the development of objective, measurement-based approaches—such as spectroscopic or imaging techniques—to enhance the reliability and transparency of beef quality qualification. This paper is available in two parts. The online version contains a link to the other part.
Pectin is a plant cell wall structural polysaccharide. It exhibits a variety of properties, including stabilizing, emulsifying, and thickening effects. Consequently, it is widely utilized in the food industry. Pectin extraction is commonly done by conventional method, which includes the use of mineral acids with heating, and obtains varying pectin yield and quality. Ultrasound technique is one of the novel methods for pectin recovery, that has improved its properties. Therefore, this paper presents a brief review about the pectin sources, structure, widespread applications, extraction possibility based on using ultrasound technique within and without the combination with other non-conventional techniques (enzymes, microwaves), and evaluation of the yield and physicochemical characteristics of the extracted pectin. As indicated by the cited literature, the application of hybridized methodologies generally exhibits higher extraction efficiency, considering the need for the associated variables to be optimized.
To determine whether stimuli, such as advertisements, evoke the intended emotional response, emotion measurement tools are essential. Among these, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) is a reliable physiological indicator that reflects changes in skin conductivity, linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. In this study, GSR sensors were used to assess emotional reactions triggered by advertisements with diverse themes. Data collected from 44 participants, resulting in 51,000 data points, underwent cluster analysis, which grouped responses into homogeneous categories. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) further demonstrated that different advertisements elicited distinct emotional responses, highlighting their varying effectiveness. While the method effectively measured emotional intensity and structural impact, additional refinement is required to pinpoint the specific direction of emotions. This research underscores the value of GSR as an objective emotional measurement tool in advertising, offering insights for optimizing marketing strategies and enhancing consumer engagement.
