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Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among adolescents has increased dramatically, creating a need for research to examine the consequences of e-cigarette use on adolescent health. Given the emergent state of the research literature, this integrative review sought to summarize what is currently known about the physical and mental health outcomes associated with e-cigarette use in an adolescent population, and to identify directions for future research. The methodology for this integrative review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A methodical search was conducted in February 2020 in PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to address e-cigarette use, have samples that were between 13 and 24 years of age, be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and examine health outcomes associated with e-cigarette use. After the screening process, 18 studies were included. Physical health outcomes associated with e-cigarette use included oral health and respiratory problems as well as nicotine dependence. Mental health outcomes included depression and suicidal ideation. In studies that compared e-cigarette use to conventional cigarette use and non-use, e-cigarettes tended to be associated with more problems than non-use, but fewer problems than conventional cigarette use. Dual use, that is, use of both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, was associated with the greatest harm. Although somewhat less harmful than conventional cigarettes, e-cigarette use is related to a variety of negative physical and mental health outcomes among adolescent users. • The implications of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use for adolescent health are not well known • An integrative review of health outcomes associated with adolescent e-cigarette use included 18 empirical studies. • Adolescent e-cigarette use was linked to adverse physical and mental health outcomes. • Longitudinal research is needed to identify consequences and mechanisms associated with adolescent e-cigarette use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bimetallic PtSe nanoparticles are prepared by means of dry plasma reduction. • The electrocatalytic activity as well as the electric conductivity are significantly enhanced. • The highest efficiency is recorded from a DSC with Pt 0.9 Se 0.1 CE. • The strategy presented here can be used to optimize the ratio of Pt x Se 1-x bimetallic nanoparticles in PV devices. This study reports on the synthesis of Pt x Se 1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanoparticles (NPs) with different volume ratios of Pt and Se in mixed precursor solutions on a transparent conducting oxide electrode using dry plasma reduction (DPR). DPR can work under atmospheric pressure without the use of any toxic chemicals and at a low temperature. The developed Pt x Se 1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) NPs immobilized on FTO glass substrates were first employed to the counter electrodes (CEs) for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The morphology and trends of Pt x Se 1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) NPs were observed by scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), while varying the ratio of platinum to selenium precursor. In addition, physical and chemical characteristics of Pt x Se 1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) NPs were analyzed by photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical properties for the catalytic activity of CEs were also measured and analyzed by Tafel, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). As a result, the CE prepared at the volume ratio of Pt 0.9 Se 0.1 exhibits the lowest charge transfer resistance of 0.85Ω. Therefore, the device fabricated with Pt 0.9 Se 0.1 alloy electrode shows the highest efficiency of 5.91% among all cells. This is also higher than the efficiency rates of 5.54% and 0.13% for cells fabricated with Pt NP and Se NP CEs, respectively. The obtained results indicate the potential use of PtSe alloy CEs in robust and efficient DSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a sharp increase in adolescent electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, and e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students. Frequent use among high school students was reported to be 27.7% in 2018, an increase of almost 8% from 2017. As yet we have only a limited understanding of adolescent perceptions of e-cigarettes and where adolescents receive information about them. Thirty-four adolescents from Western New York participated in semi-structured interviews. Both adolescents who had used e-cigarettes and never used e-cigarettes were included to capture a broad perspective. The interview data were analyzed using content analysis. Both adolescents who had used e-cigarettes and never used e-cigarettes acknowledged the popularity and acceptance of e-cigarettes among their peers. E-cigarettes were viewed as a healthy alternative to regular cigarettes that mimicked the appearance but were less harmful and more enjoyable. Reasons for not using e-cigarettes included harms to health, risk of addiction, and the gateway effects for other risky behaviors. Major information sources about e-cigarettes included advertisements, family, peers, social media, and the internet. Adolescent perceptions of e-cigarettes, which contribute to reasons for e-cigarette use or not use, and the sources of information that may influence those perceptions were identified. Our findings provide valuable information to guide prevention initiatives and develop interventions, particularly planning for preventive messages and effective communication methods to deliver for adolescents. • Adolescents would use e-cigarettes because of popularity, coolness, and attractive features. • Adolescents would not use e-cigarettes because of potential harmfulness, risk of addiction, and possible gateway effects. • Adolescents receive information about e-cigarettes from advertisements, family members, their peers, social media, and internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges in cultivar selection and availability has inhibited the expansion of the organic melon market. This study evaluated the sensory and physicochemical properties of four organically grown melon cultivars over a two-year period at three growing locations; two honeydew cultivars: ‘Dulce Nectar’ and ‘Jaune’, and two cantaloupe cultivars: ‘Athena’ and ‘Sivan’. Trained and consumer panels evaluated 17 sensory attributes, including appearance, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance. Physicochemical measurements included flesh color, texture, pH, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA). Results showed that ‘Sivan’ and ‘Athena’ were preferred by panelists for their flavor and overall eating quality; these cultivars also had relatively high SSC, high pH, and low TA. Conversely, ‘Jaune’ was the least preferred, with higher intensities of ‘veggie’ and ‘green’ flavors; this cultivar also had relatively low pH and high TA. Overall, ‘Sivan’ performed consistently better than all other cultivars both years, scoring highest in positive attributes, such as ‘sweetness’ and ‘juiciness’. This research can be used to support the organic melon industry in cultivar selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite important advances of longitudinal research in substance use behaviors, most studies stratify analyses by gender or race, which limits the ability to directly compare the likelihood of a particular developmental pathway across demographic groups. Thus, there is critical need for well-designed research to examine the associations of race/ethnicity with developmental trajectories of substance use behaviors across adolescence through adulthood.Methods: Using an accelerated longitudinal design, we examined behaviors across ages 12-31 from Waves I-IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We performed growth mixture modeling, resulting in estimated trajectories over time. Next, we assessed the association between race/ethnicity and trajectory membership using multinomial logistic regression.Results: Five trajectories resulted for marijuana use, four for cigarette smoking, three for smokeless tobacco use and number of days drunk, and two trajectories for heavy episodic drinking. Controlling for gender and family socioeconomic status, African Americans and Hispanics were less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to use cigarettes or smokeless tobacco early or to use alcohol heavily.Conclusions: Substance use behavior development follows different pathways for US adolescents and young adults, with some individuals experimenting earlier in adolescence and others beginning to use later in adolescence or in early adulthood. We extend developmental knowledge about these behaviors by demonstrating that the patterns of behavior vary by race/ethnicity; members of lower-risk trajectories (those involving later or no initiation of substance use) are more likely to be African American or Hispanic than to be non-Hispanic White. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the synthesis and immobilizing of bimetallic PtMo nanoparticles (NPs) on a Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using a dry plasma reduction under atmospheric pressure at a low temperature and without using toxic reagents. These alloys are placed as counter electrodes (CEs) for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). For this purpose, an experimental approach is designed for the co-reduction of Pt and Mo precursors with different volume ratios. The TEM, HRSEM, XRD and XPS measurements are also obtained in order to analyze the morphology and chemical composition of the PtMo alloys, respectively. Furthermore, the electrochemical catalytic activities are examined through CV, EIS and Tafel measurements. The effect of the CEs on the efficiency of the devices is further confirmed using photovoltaic measurements. It is confirmed that the bimetallic PtMo NPs, with a small particle size, are successfully immobilized and well distributed on the FTO surface without agglomeration. The electrochemical catalytic activity of the electrodes follows the sequence of Pt 0.52 Mo 0.48 > Pt 0.83 Mo 0.17 > Pt 1 Mo 0 > Pt 0.43 Mo 0.57 > Pt 0.19 Mo 0.81 > Pt 0.08 Mo 0.92 > Pt 0 Mo 1 . The improvement in the catalytic activity of the developed materials results from the electronic effect that originates from the upward shift of the platinum d -band to the Fermi energy level upon alloying. Thus, the highest efficiency of 8.51% is archived for the cell using the Pt 0.52 Mo 0.48 CE. Note that the efficiency of the device using a Pt CE is only 7.86%. The results also indicate the improved stability of the developed CEs in iodide electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This study tested whether a youth participatory video production program for smoking prevention is feasible and effective. Design and Methods A participatory video production program was implemented in eight twice-weekly sessions at a youth summer camp in a community center in a low-income neighborhood. Twenty-three youths participated. Descriptive statistics and a qualitative analysis were conducted to test the feasibility of the program by assessing attendance rates, the time and resources required, reasons for participation, and program satisfaction using checklists and interviews. Smoking intention was measured via pre- and post-intervention surveys and a quantitative analysis utilizing a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test to detect differences in intention for non-smoking. Results Participants worked in groups to produce four video clips containing anti-smoking messages. Three main themes (active engagement, participation for community health, and personal growth and healthy development) emerged from the qualitative interview data. > 75% of the participants considered the program excellent and stated that it met their expectations. Significant positive changes were also found from baseline to post-intervention in intention not to smoke. Conclusions This study demonstrated the effect of a participatory digital media production approach and confirmed its feasibility for youth health promotion and health education. Participants' active involvement in producing anti-smoking videos for a community health-promotion campaign decreased their intention to smoke and empowered them as advocates for a non-smoking community. Practice Implications These findings confirm the feasibility and utility of digital media use and interactive technology for actively engaging young people in health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To confirm the interhemispheric modulation induced by low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the primary motor cortex, real-time regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in the contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) and premotor cortex (PM). Methods Ten right-handed healthy subjects completed two experimental sessions that were randomly arranged for real or sham rTMS session. In the real rTMS session, fNIRS data were acquired from the right M1 and PM area, while the motor hot spot of the left M1 was stimulated with 1 Hz rTMS for 1200 pulses with two boosters. In the sham stimulation session, stimulation was delivered with a disconnected coil. Results During the real rTMS session, the concentration of oxyhemoglobin ([oxy-Hb]) in the right M1 increased continuously until the end of the stimulation. These changes lasted for 20 min, while the right PM did not show a change in [oxy-Hb] concentration. On the other hand, the concentration of deoxy-hemoglobin ([deoxy-Hb]) decreased continuously in the right M1 and PM during the real rTMS stimulation, and this change lasted for 20 min after the stimulation. The sham stimulation did not exhibit any significant change in both [oxy-Hb] and [deoxy-Hb] concentration during or after the stimulation. Conclusions Application of 1 Hz rTMS over M1 resulted in changes of rCBF in contralateral M1 and PM, which seemed to constitute a function of interhemispheric modulation of rTMS. The fNIRS data was able to detect this physiological change of neuromodulatory action of rTMS in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of dual-mode noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) with high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the primary motor cortex of the lower leg and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared with rTMS alone in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) with freezing of gait (FOG). Design Randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Setting Outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Participants Patients diagnosed as having PD with FOG (N=32). Interventions Patients in the dual-mode group underwent 5 consecutive daily sessions of dual-mode NIBS with high-frequency rTMS and tDCS simultaneously, whereas patients in the rTMS group underwent high-frequency rTMS and sham tDCS. Main Outcome Measures Assessments of FOG and motor, ambulatory, and cognitive function were performed 3 times: at baseline before NIBS, immediately after NIBS, and 1 week after cessation of NIBS. Results Serious adverse effects were not observed in either group. Significant changes over time were observed in FOG, motor function, and ambulatory function in each group; however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Executive function showed significant improvement after NIBS only in the dual-mode group. Conclusions These results suggest the potential for dual-mode NIBS to modulate 2 different cortices simultaneously. Dual-mode NIBS might be considered a novel therapeutic approach for patients with PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an efficient catalyst material for counter electrodes (CEs) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using an inexpensive and ecologically sustainable manufacturing method. For this purpose, bimetallic PtZn nanoparticles are synthesized on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using dry plasma reduction (DPR) under atmospheric pressure. High resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are used to analyze the morphology and chemical composition of the developed materials. In order to achieve high catalytic activity and excellent electrical properties in the developed material, the chemical composition of the Pt x Zn 1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) alloy is controlled through optimizing the volume ratio of the Pt and Zn precursors used to synthesize the PtZn alloy. It is found that the Pt 0.9 Zn 0.1 alloy exhibits the lowest value of R ct = 0.81 Ω among all PtZn alloy electrodes. As a result, an efficiency of 8.04% with J sc = 15.76 mAcm −2 , V oc = 725 mV, and FF = 70.34 is achieved. The obtained efficiency is higher than that of 7.00% for a device using a Pt 1 Zn 0 CE. The obtained results indicate that the PtZn alloy fabricated using DPR is an alternative CE material for highly efficient DSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a boundary layer analysis which fits a domain with corners. In particular, we consider nonlinear reaction–diffusion problems posed in a polygonal domain having a small diffusive coefficient ε > 0 . We present the full analysis of the singular behaviours at any orders with respect to the parameter ε where we use a systematic nonlinear treatment initiated in Jung et al. (2016). The boundary layers are formed near the polygonal boundaries and two adjacent ones overlap at a corner P and the overlapping produces additional layers, the so-called corner layers. It is noteworthy that the boundary layers are also degenerate due to the singularities of the solutions involving a negative power of the radial distance to the corner P which are present in the Laplace operator on a sector (sector corresponding to the part of the polygon near the corner). The corner layers are then designed to absorb both the singularities and the interaction of the two boundary layers at P . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Optimal protocol of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on post-stroke dysphagia remains uncertain with regard to its clinical efficacy. Objective The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of high-frequency rTMS at the bilateral motor cortices over the cortical representation of the mylohyoid muscles in the patients with post-stroke dysphagia. Methods This study was a single-blind, randomized controlled study with a blinded observer. Thirty-five stroke patients were randomly divided into three intervention groups: the bilateral stimulation group, the unilateral stimulation group, and the sham stimulation group. For the bilateral stimulation group, 500 pulses of 10 Hz rTMS over the ipsilesional and 500 pulses of 10 Hz rTMS over the contralesional motor cortices over the cortical areas that project to the mylohyoid muscles were administered daily for 2 consecutive weeks. For the unilateral stimulation group, 500 pulses of 10 Hz rTMS over the ipsilesional motor cortex over the cortical representation of the mylohyoid muscle and the same amount of sham rTMS over the contralesional hemisphere were applied. For the sham stimulation group, sham rTMS was applied at the bilateral motor cortices. Clinical swallowing function and videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were assessed before the intervention (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1) and 3 weeks after the intervention (T2) using Clinical Dysphagia Scale (CDS), Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS), Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), and Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS). Results There were significant time and intervention interaction effects in the CDS, DOSS, PAS, and VDS scores ( p  < 0.05). In the direct comparison of the changes in the swallowing parameters among the three groups, the change in CDS scores at T1 and T2 showed a significantly higher improvement in the bilateral simulation group than in two other groups ( p  < 0.05). There was a significantly larger change in the DOSS, PAS, and VDS scores at T1 in the bilateral stimulation group than in two other groups ( p  < 0.05). Conclusions The results of the present study provide substantial evidence that 10 Hz rTMS at the bilateral motor cortices over the cortical areas projecting to the mylohyoid muscles is effective as an additional treatment strategy to traditional dysphagia therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet C (UVC) photodetectors have attracted significant attention recently owing to the importance of UVC detection for preventing human skin damage, monitoring environmental conditions, detecting power facility aging, and military applications. The "solar-blindness" of UVC detectors ensures low noise levels, benefiting from lower interference than other environmental signals. In this study, a solution-processed PN heterojunction consisting of P-type polymer (poly(9-vinyl carbazole) (PVK)) and N-type metal oxide quantum dots (SnO 2 QDs) was used to develop a self-powered high-performance UVC photodetector. Reducing the size of the SnO 2 QDs significantly enhanced the selective absorption of the UVC wavelength range via quantum confinement. The device architecture and constituent film thickness were carefully controlled to enhance the performance of the PVK/SnO 2 QD UVC photodetector. Under the optimized conditions, the device exhibited remarkable responsivity (49.6 mA W−1 at 254 nm and 166 mA W−1 at 220 nm), detectivity (2.16 × 1010 Jones at 254 nm), UVC/ultraviolet A (UVA) rejection ratio (R 254 nm /R 365 nm and R 220 nm /R 365 nm of ~260 and 880, respectively), and stability over long-term self-powered on/off operations. Our solar-blind UVC photodetector can be used to inexpensively, simply, and precisely monitor hazardous UVC light in various applications. [Display omitted] • Solution processed PVK/SnO2 QD photodetector was fabricated for UVC detection. • Effect of device structure (PN vs NP) on the UVC sensing performance was studied. • PVK and SnO2 QD layer thicknesses were optimized to enhance sensing performance. • PVK/SnO2 QD displayed superb photoresponse, detectivity, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] tDCS on the contralateral side modulated the effects of subsequent rTMS on M1. [•] Preconditioning with cathodal tDCS enhanced the 10Hz rTMS effect. [•] Preconditioning with anodal tDCS eliminated the 10Hz rTMS effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has become more prevalent among adolescents, there is a growing body of evidence linking e-cigarette use to the initiation of other substances. Whether there is a threshold level of e-cigarette use that is predictive of other substance use is unknown. The current study examines patterns of e-cigarette use over time and determines whether different patterns of early adolescent e-cigarette use are concurrently and prospectively associated with alcohol and marijuana use in late adolescence.Method: Eight hundred and one adolescents (13-15 years old at baseline recruitment) completed five on-line surveys over a two-year period. Latent class growth analysis was used to model different developmental courses of e-cigarette, alcohol (drinking to intoxication), and marijuana use. Logistic regression was used to test the association between e-cigarette use trajectory patterns and alcohol and marijuana use trajectories.Results: Three developmental courses of e-cigarette use were identified: 1) high and increasing, 2) low and increasing, and 3) never. Compared to adolescents who had never used e-cigarettes, those in the other two groups were more likely to have been intoxicated and to be in the moderate and increasing marijuana use group.Conclusion: Both high and low levels of e-cigarette use patterns are associated with increasing use of other substances (alcohol and marijuana use) over time. Findings highlight the need for early intervention and prevention of e-cigarette use among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Water chemistry and product quality was compared between single-pass, flume systems. • Wash water organic load was consistent in the single-pass system during production. • No difference in bacterial counts between single-pass and flume washed produce. • Product from single-pass and flume stored for two-weeks at 1 °C had comparable quality. • Cutting may be a critical step to help prevent cross contamination, remove organics. Abstract Fresh-cut vegetable processing in the USA typically involves submerging produce in chlorinated water that is often reused and re-circulated. However, this washing practice is water and chemical intensive and subject to rapid decreases in free chlorine concentration, which may increase the probability of water mediated microbial cross-contamination. An immersion-free, single-pass produce washing system was recently developed to address these challenges by over-head spraying clean (retreated) water, rather than spent wash water. The objective of this study was to compare single-pass and flume systems during commercial processing of fresh-cut vegetables in terms of wash water physicochemical and microbiological quality and cut produce microbiological and sensorial quality. Two products, shredded iceberg lettuce and diced cabbage, were selected; processes were evaluated for each product on three separate days. Wash water and produce were sampled every 30 min during production for 2.7 h. Water that was used to wash the produce was collected from representative locations in the single-pass (input water, pre-wash, cutter, incline wash, vibra-wash) and flume (flume A, flume A catch tank, flume B, flume B catch tank) systems. Physicochemical (free chlorine, total chlorine, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), turbidity) and microbial analyses (aerobic plate count (APC)) were conducted on the wash water samples. Produce samples collected after cutting and after washing were analyzed onsite for APC immediately after collection. Final packaged products were analyzed weekly for sensorial quality (visual, olfactory, overall acceptability) during three weeks of storage at 1 °C by a trained panel using a 9-point hedonic scale. Results show that the organic load indicators in wash water samples from the single-pass system were consistent over time for most sampling locations, with no statistically significant increases in turbidity, TDS, or COD during production. In contrast, the organic load indicators in wash water samples from the flume system increased significantly during production by 13–45 NTU h−1 for turbidity, 382–1094 mg L−1 h−1 for TDS, and 597–2772 mg L−1 h−1 for COD. For the single-pass system, the wash water from the cutter had the largest APC of 3.8–4.2 log CFU/100 mL and the highest values of organic load indicators (152–186 NTU for turbidity, 623–904 mg L−1 for TDS, and 4420–4673 mg L−1 for COD) compared to the wash water from all the other processing stages (input water, pre-wash, incline, vibra-wash), which ranged from <0.6–2.4 log CFU/100 mL for APC, 0.3–97 NTU for turbidity, 245–471 mg L−1 for TDS, and 62–1942 mg L−1 for COD. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in APC between the single-pass and flume washed product samples; APC on the final product samples ranged from 3.2 to 3.4 log CFU g−1 for lettuce and 3.9–4.1 log CFU g−1 for cabbage. Panelists rated the quality of the products washed using the single-pass system as comparable to those washed using the flume system within the first two weeks and slightly better after three weeks of storage. Results from this study could be used by the produce industry to further optimize the single-pass system and develop additional processing innovations to improve the safety, efficacy, economics, and environmental impacts of produce washing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgreens are an emerging food product with scarce information pertaining to their sensory and nutritional properties. In this study, six species of microgreens, including Dijon mustard ( Brassica juncea L. Czern.), opal basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.), bull’s blood beet ( Beta vulgaris L.), red amaranth ( Amaranthus tricolor L.), peppercress ( Lepidium bonariense L.) and China rose radish ( Raphanus sativus L.), were evaluated for their sensory attributes and chemical compositions. Results showed that bull’s blood beet had the highest rating on acceptability of flavor and overall eating quality while peppercress the lowest. Chemical compositions also differed significantly among the six species. China rose radish had the highest titratable acidity and total sugars, while red amaranth had the highest pH value and lowest total sugars. Regarding the phytonutrient concentrations, the highest concentrations of total ascorbic acid, phylloquinone, carotenoids, tocopherols, and total phenolics were found in China rose radish, opal basil, red amaranth, China rose radish, and opal basil, respectively. The relationships between sensory–sensory attributes and sensory–chemical compositions were further studied. It was found that overall eating quality of microgreens was best correlated with flavor score and microgreen’s pH value and total phenolic content were strongly correlated with flavor attributes, e.g., sourness, astringency, and bitterness. In general, despite the differences among individual microgreens, all of the microgreens evaluated in this study demonstrated “good” to “excellent” consumer acceptance and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Packaged baby spinach subjected to different temperature abuse scenarios was evaluated for product quality. [•] Late shelf life temperature abuse had more detrimental effect on product quality than that occurring early in shelf life. [•] Products maintained at 1–4°C retained quality for at least 18 days. [•] Baby spinach subjected to temperatures of 8°C or above had significantly reduced shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co x Sn 1-x /RGO nanohybrids synthesized using the plasma-assisted reduction are employed as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. The optimization of the synthesis conditions has led to favorable morphology, which in turn resulted in higher catalytic activity. • Bimetallic CoSn alloy/RGO hybrids are synthesized using plasma reduction. • DSC employing the Co 0.9 Sn 0.1 /RGO counter electrode reveals the highest efficiency. • Electrocatalytic activity and electric conductivity are significantly enhanced. • CoSn alloy/RGO is an effective candidate for Pt-free counter electrodes in DSCs. The high cost of state-of-the-art Pt counter electrodes (CEs) hinders the large-scale applications of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The development of Pt-free catalysts while maintaining state-of-the-art catalytic activity for CE materials is one mean to reduce costs. Here, Co x Sn 1-x /reduced graphene oxide (RGO) (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) nanohybrids were synthesized and employed as inexpensive, stable, and earth-abundant CEs in DSCs. The synthesis was performed through the plasma-assisted reduction of the oxygen functional groups of the graphene oxide along with the immobilization of bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of RGO. The optimization of the composition of the alloy NPs for the highest efficiency of DSC yields the Co 0.9 Sn 0.1 /RGO nanocomposite. The highest device performance correlates well with the experimentally obtained lowest charge transfer resistance in conjunction with the highest electrocatalytic activity of the Co 0.9 Sn 0.1 /RGO CE. The DSC employed the synthesized CE showed good stability over long term operation. Both the developed CoSn/RGO nanohybrids and the strategy used for their synthesis are cost-effective. Our results provide economically implementable and green nanotechnology for efficient and stable DSCs required for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Effects of a novel process aid, SGL, in lettuce safety and quality were evaluated. • Laboratory testing resulted in a 3.15 log reduction in E. coli O157:H7. • Pilot-plant confirmed significant reduction in E. coli population. • Quality and shelf life of washed lettuce were unaffected by application of SGL. • SGL shows promise for improving the efficacy of the leafy green washing process. Outbreaks and product recalls involving romaine and iceberg lettuce are frequently reported in the United States. Novel technologies are needed to inactivate pathogens without compromising product quality and shelf life. In this study, the effects of a process aid composed of silver dihydrogen citrate, glycerin, and lactic acid (SGL) on Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes concentrations on lettuce immediately after washing and during cold storage were evaluated. Sensory and quality attributes of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce were also evaluated. Laboratory results indicated that application of SGL solution for 30 s as a first step in the washing process resulted in a 3.15 log reduction in E. coli O157:H7 immediately after washing. For E. coli O157:H7 a significant difference between SGL treatment and all other treatments was maintained until day 7. On day zero, SGL led to a 2.94 log reduction of L. monocytogenes. However, there was no significant difference between treatments with or without SGL regardless of storage time. Pilot-plant results showed that samples receiving SGL spray followed by chlorinated flume wash exhibited a greater reduction (1.48 log) in nonpathogenic E. coli populations at the end of shelf life than other treatments (p < 0.05). Additional pilot plant tests were conducted to investigate the hypothesis that SGL residues could continue to impact microbial survival on the final washed lettuce. Results show that pathogens introduced subsequent to flume washing of lettuce pretreated with SGL solution were not affected by antimicrobial residues. The final quality and shelf life of flume washed lettuce were also unaffected by pretreatment with SGL. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that this new technology has the potential to accelerate E. coli die-off on fresh-cut lettuce during cold storage and improve product safety, while not affecting quality throughout the shelf life of the finished products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]