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BACKGROUND: Nowadays, when discussing agri‐food products, it is important to talk about sustainable production methods. Environmental sustainability has become a production issue, especially when it comes to the design of a product, service, or process. Using frozen fresh cauliflower gnocchi marketed in different packaging and in different global areas as a case study, we aim to highlight the importance of the impact of product eco‐design on the entire life cycle. RESULTS: The environmental impact of cauliflower gnocchi was assessed based on the life cycle assessment methodology. With the cradle‐to‐gate approach, the most influential factors are the cultivation, distribution, and packaging phases. Considering the cradle‐to‐grave approach, home storage has proven to be the most influential factor for a quarter of the entire life cycle of cauliflower gnocchi. The eco‐design of packaging has demonstrated how, by analysing only the packaging, it is possible to achieve significant reductions in impact (−47%), but when compared with the entire life cycle these actions have no significant responsibility (approximately 10%). If, however, the field of action is broadened and eco‐design solutions are sought to reduce the impact deriving from the conservation phase, the consumer has the ability, through their decisions, to reduce the impact relating to conservation as much as possible or to double the impact of the product life cycle. CONCLUSION: Overall, to promote prosperity while protecting the environment, according to Agenda 2030, the agri‐food system must analyse the supply chains without neglecting any step involved in the life cycle of the product. The eco‐design must go beyond the usual factors analysed and shall include downstream activities to aim for more sustainable products, including consumer behaviours, following the cradle‐to‐grave approach. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables due to their nutritional properties since they are known as sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Moreover, a substantial growth in fresh-cut fruits and vegetables has been noticed because of their ease to use; in fact changes in human life styles have led consumers to move towards ready-to-eat products. In this context, product quality must be preserved at each step of product handling, processing, and storage, and therefore rapid methods should be available to provide useful information in process management. In this review an overview of the applications of widely used non-destructive techniques, namely, electronic nose and visible/near infrared spectroscopy, for measuring quality of fruits and vegetables is presented. A brief description of spectroscopic and electronic devices and a selection of applications are provided. Future perspectives about the simplification/application of these non-destructive techniques are finally explored.

During the last two decades, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has been one of the most studied and applied techniques in the field of nondestructive monitoring systems for the fruit and vegetable supply chain. This review provides HSI technical aspects (i.e., device features) and data analysis approaches (i.e., data processing and qualitative/quantitative modeling) for fresh-cut products, focusing on the different applications which the literature offers and the possible scale-up for process monitoring. Moreover, new frontiers in the development of possible process analytical technologies of cost-effective and hand-held HSI devices are presented and discussed. Even though the performance of these new proximal sensing tools needs to be carefully evaluated, new applicative research perspectives in the development of a proximal sensing approach based on HSI sensor networks are ready to be studied and developed for finding field applications (i.e., precision agriculture, food processing, and more) and enabling faster and more convenient analysis while maintaining the accuracy and capabilities of traditional HSI systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the Study: in humans, spatial orientation consists of the ability to move around the environment through memorized and pre-programmed movements, according to the afferent sensory information of the body and environmental analysis of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The purpose of this study is to analyze the abilities of professional athletes, such as footballers, to use mental navigation systems, cognitive maps, and memorized motor patterns in order to obtain better physical performance and to obtain useful information for training both non-sports subjects and vestibular patients for rehabilitation purposes. Materials and Methods: all the motor performances of sportsmen, healthy non-sporting subjects, or vestibular patients are based on the acquisition of visual–spatial and training information. In this study, we analyzed the visual–spatial performance of 60 trained sportsmen (professional footballers), 60 healthy non-sports subjects, and 48 patients affected by chronic unilateral vestibular loss by means of the Navigation Ability Test 2.0. A score based on the number of targets correctly reached in the various tests quantifies the degree of performance of the subjects. Results: NAT 2.0 scores progressively improve from vestibular subjects to healthy non-sporting subjects to footballers. NAT 2.0 scores improve in all three subject groups as the number of tasks performed in all patient groups increases, regardless of gender and age. Conclusions: the analysis of performance data through NAT 2.0 in athletes (footballers) opens new perspectives for rehabilitation purposes, regardless of age, sex, and training conditions, both in healthy non-sporting subjects to improve their sporting potential and in patients affected by chronic vestibular dysfunction, in order to optimize their motor skills and prevent falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The work shows the results of the application of a vis/NIR prototype used to measure qualitative parameters of Chardonnay grapes by building predictive regression models. In this paper, a cost-effective visible/near infrared optical prototype was tested for grape maturity monitoring. The device was used to quantify the qualitative parameters of Chardonnay grapes, based on the combination of spectroscopic data and the creation of predictive models. The optical acquisitions were performed directly in the field through the use of 12 wavelengths in the vis/NIR range, i.e., 450, 500, 550, 570, 600, 610, 650, 680, 730, 760, 810 and 860 nanometers. The prediction of the qualitative parameters was carried out through a multivariate model, partial least square (PLS) regression technique and built knowing the real values of the parameters, i.e., total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and pH measured through the reference laboratory analyses. Sampling included two harvest years. The most efficient model was the one for TSS evaluation that gave a R2 = 0.87 (independent test set validation). The results demonstrated that the optical device is able to provide useful information about the ripening parameters of Chardonnay grapes directly in the field in order to predict its correct maturation stage and, therefore, support operators in rapid and objective decision making. Overall, the use of the prototype promotes a sustainable approach and viticulture 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss and chronic vestibular pathologies require brain adaptive mechanisms supported by a cross-modal cortical plasticity. They are often accompanied by cognitive deficits. Spatial memory is a cognitive process responsible for recording information about the spatial environment and spatial orientation. Visual-spatial working memory (VSWM) is a kind of short-term working memory that allows spatial information to be temporarily stored and manipulated. It can be conditioned by hearing loss and also well-compensated chronic vestibular deficit. Vestibular rehabilitation and hearing aid devices or training are able to improve the VSWM. We studied 119 subjects suffering from perinatal or congenital hearing loss, compared with 532 healthy subjects and 404 patients with well-compensated chronic vestibular deficit (CVF). VSWM was evaluated by the eCorsi test. The subjects suffering from chronic hearing loss and/or unilateral or bilateral vestibular deficit showed a VSWM less efficient than healthy people, but much better than those with CVF, suggesting a better multimodal adaptive strategy, probably favored by a cross-modal plasticity which also provides habitual use of lip reading. The sport activity cancels the difference with healthy subjects. It is therefore evident that patients with this type of deficit since childhood should be supported and advised on a sport activity or repeated vestibular stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial development leads to a consumption of natural resources and an increase of environmental impacts. The protection of human well-being and ecosystem are essential to obtain sustainable products. In this scenario, the reduction of environmental impact required for food productions collides with the population increase. A key aspect is the increase of the productivity and the reduction of the greenhouse gases emissions to allow continuity to the industrial development respecting the environmental system. The "Legume Genetic Resources as a tool for the development of innovative and sustainable food Technological system" (LeGeReTe) project is focused on the environmental impact of food products considering in particular legumebased food, which could represent an alternative to the traditional food. The object of the study is the comparison between the environmental impact of the legume-based burger production chain and of the traditional meat burger production chain. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was applied to assess the environmental sustainability of the analysed case studies. A "from cradle to grave" approach was used, therefore agricultural phase, industrial process and domestic preparation were considered. The functional unit considered is 1 burger (100 g of product). The results of the environmental impact analysis for both the burger typologies showed that the agricultural phase is the most impacting one for most of the impact categories. Analysing the two food chains, the industrial process of legume-based burger provides the higher environmental impact respect to the meat burger. Moreover, the impact assessment of meat burger production chain, for most of the impact categories, reaches a value of 3-4 times greater than a legumes-based burger. Finally, with the aim of considering nutritional aspects to compare the impact values, a quantity of 15 g of protein (corresponding to the protein content of a meat burger of 100 g) was considered as a nutritional functional unit. To reach the same protein content for the meat burger, it's necessary an intake of two legumebased burgers. Nevertheless, doubling the environmental damages of legume-based burger, the environmental impact related to meat burger remains higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olive oil industry is an important sector in Europe, the related production process is characterized by different practices and techniques associated to several adverse effects on the environment, both for the agricultural procedures and for olive oil extraction process. The goal of this work is to develop a new packaging solution to better preserve the oil quality trying to reduce food losses and environmental impact. In detail, a comparison between traditional and innovative packaging was carried out. This work is part of a larger project "Sustainability of olive oil System project (S.O.S.)", financed by AGER - Agroalimentare e Ricerca, whose purpose is to improve the environmental sustainability in the olive-oil production system. The traditional packaging considered for the study is a three layers packaging: polyethylene (PE), aluminum, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Instead, the new solution considered is a three layers packaging made from two bio-based polymers: polylactic acid (PLA) treated with metallization and Bio-polyethylene (BIO PE). To calculate the environmental impact of each packaging, raw materials, instruments and relative energy used to create the films, and material disposal phase were considered. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), "from cradle to grave" was used to assess the environmental impact of studied packaging. The functional unit was defined in the single-use packaging (olive oil content equal to 10 ml). Respect to traditional packaging, the innovative one has obtained better performances in the human health impact categories (e.g. climate change - 44% CO2 eq). On the other hand, the fermentation process of sugar cane, even if is considered a biological process, showed higher impacts in the ecosystem quality impact categories (e.g. water resource depletion, freshwater ecotoxicity and land use). The final comparison between the two packaging shows that the improvement of environmental sustainability of the innovative packaging is not confirmed for all the impact categories used to assess the environmental impact. This work shows how the bio-based product does not always represent the better way in term of environmental sustainability, especially nowadays where recycling processes have become an important topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The development of pneumolabyrinth without previous head trauma is a rare event; the associated symptoms may be nonspecific, and they can simulate various cochleo-vestibular pathological entities. The aim of the present study is to describe one of these rare occurrences, characterized by a peculiar onset. Methods: We report a case of stapes fracture secondary to ear pick penetration into the middle ear with a pneumolabyrinth that caused a recurrent paroxysmal positional vertigo (PPV) mimicking a canalolithiasis. Results: The patient developed a profound left sensorineural hearing loss and an intractable PPV with "migrant" features. A pneumolabyrinth was visualized with high-resolution computed tomography. A perilymphatic fistula (PLF) with stapes fracture was found while performing an explorative tympanotomy. After the surgical treatment of the PLF, the patient no longer complained of vestibular symptoms. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the fifth case of traumatic pneumolabyrinth simulating a canalolithiasis without previous history of temporal bone trauma and/or middle ear surgery. A pneumolabyrinth should be suspected in case of patients presenting recurrent intractable PPV after ear trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driving is not only a physical but also a mental task. Human errors such as misperception, information processing errors, and poor decision making are frequently identified as causes of accidents. Objective: to reduce numbers of saccadic movements (SM) and antisaccadic movements (ASM) while driving because they involve a problem of visual perception. During each one of them, the visual scene sweeps across the retina with high-speed motion with an inevitable blurring of the image, as the retina is sweeping the visual field. Object positions in retinal coordinates change, the entire visual image is not updated and humans become effectively blind but usually we are not aware of this blur during the eye movement. Therefore, reducing the number of SM allows greater precision in visual information and thus increases safety. Study Design: in collaboration with the Directorate of Specialties of the State Police of Italian Ministry of the Interior and the Autodrome of Modena we have submitted to saccadic training 23 policemen of Italian traffic police. We used Visual Exploration Training System (VET by SVEP®) which consists in: personal computer, eyetracking system (120 Hz of frequency analisys) and new specific application software. Subjects were evaluated before and after 15 days of home training. Results: In the overall 23 cases the training significantly reduced the number of SM in driving simulation. Conclusions: our fast and easy-to-use method of saccadic training seems to be able to improve significantly both the function of visual exploration and the safety in driving. Abbreviations ADI: Number of saccades not directed towards the target point or rather attention deficit index; ASMs: anti-saccadic movements; AT: attentional test: the subject had to maintain fixation on a target point that appeared randomly on the monitor in 50 different positions in 50 s even during the recurrent appearance of new distracting images; CORSI: score of eCorsi Span Test; GROUP A and GROUP B: groups of policemen; ORD: ordinary road drivers; RD: racing drivers; RT: average start time of ocular movements; ST: saccade test: the subject had to fix a target point that appeared randomly on the monitor in 31 different positions in 23 s; SM: saccadic movements; ST: saccade test; TIME: the time on the lap during real driving; TRT: target reaching time; VET: visual exploration training system; VETT 1: visual exploration test for evaluate SM and ASM; VETT 2: visual exploration test for evaluate the number of SM during simulated driving [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The market for fruits and vegetables is mainly controlled by the mass distribution channel (MDC). MDC buyers do not have useful instruments to rapidly evaluate the quality of the products. Decisions by the buyers are driven primarily by pricing strategies rather than product quality. Simple, rapid and easy‐to‐use methods for objectively evaluating the quality of postharvest products are needed. The present study aimed to use visible and near‐infrared (vis/NIR) spectroscopy to estimate some qualitative parameters of two low‐price products (carrots and tomatoes) of various brands, as well as evaluate the applicability of this technique for use in stores. RESULTS: A non‐destructive optical system (vis/NIR spectrophotometer with a reflection probe, spectral range 450–1650 nm) was tested. The differences in quality among carrots and tomatoes purchased from 13 stores on various dates were examined. The reference quality parameters (firmness, water content, soluble solids content, pH and colour) were correlated with the spectral readings. The models derived from the optical data gave positive results, in particular for the prediction of the soluble solids content and the colour, with better results for tomatoes than for carrots. CONCLUSION: The application of optical techniques may help MDC buyers to monitor the quality of postharvest products, leading to an effective optimization of the entire supply chain. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Increasing attention is being paid to non‐destructive methods for water status real time monitoring as a potential solution to replace the tedious conventional techniques which are time consuming and not easy to perform directly in the field. The objective of this study was to test the potential effectiveness of two portable optical devices (visible/near infrared (vis/NIR) and near infrared (NIR) spectrophotometers) for the rapid and non‐destructive evaluation of the water status of grapevine leaves. Moreover, a variable selection methodology was proposed to determine a set of candidate variables for the prediction of water potential (Ψ, MPa) related to leaf water status in view of a simplified optical device. RESULTS: The statistics of the partial least square (PLS) models showed in validation R2 between 0.67 and 0.77 for models arising from vis/NIR spectra, and R2 ranged from 0.77 to 0.85 for the NIR region. The overall performance of the multiple linear regression (MLR) models from selected wavelengths was slightly worse than that of the PLS models. Regarding the NIR range, acceptable MLR models were obtained only using 14 effective variables (R2 range 0.63–0.69). CONCLUSION: To address the market demand for portable optical devices and heading towards the trend of miniaturization and low cost of the devices, individual wavelengths could be useful for the design of a simplified and low‐cost handheld system providing useful information for better irrigation scheduling. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Wineries need new practical and quick instruments, non-destructive and able to quantitatively evaluate during withering the parameters that impact product quality. The aim of the work was to test an optical portable system (visible near-infrared ( NIR) spectrophotometer) in a wavelength range of 400-1000 nm for the prediction of quality parameters of grape berries during withering. RESULTS A total of 300 red grape samples ( Vitis vinifera L., Corvina cultivar) harvested in vintage year 2012 from the Valpolicella area (Verona, Italy) were analyzed. Qualitative (principal component analysis, PCA) and quantitative (partial least squares regression algorithm, PLS) evaluations were performed on grape spectra. PCA showed a clear sample grouping for the different withering stages. PLS models gave encouraging predictive capabilities for soluble solids content ( R2val = 0.62 and ratio performance deviation, RPD = 1.87) and firmness ( R2val = 0.56 and RPD = 1.79). CONCLUSION The work demonstrated the applicability of visible NIR spectroscopy as a rapid technique for the analysis of grape quality directly in barns, during withering. The sector could be provided with simple and inexpensive optical systems that could be used to monitor the withering degree of grape for better management of the wine production process. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NIR spectroscopy has proven to be one of the most efficient and ready to transfer tools to monitor product's quality. Portable VIS/NIR instruments are particularly versatile and suitable for field use to monitor the ripening process or quality parameters. The aim of this work is to develop and evaluate a new simplified optoelectronic system for potential measurements on fruit and vegetables directly in the field. The development, characterization and validation of an operative prototype is discussed. LED technology was chosen for the design, and spectral acquisition at four specific wavelengths (630, 690, 750 and 850 nm) was proposed. Nevertheless, attention was given to the modularity and versatility of the system. Indeed, the possibility to change the light sources module with other wavelengths allows one to adapt the use of the same device for different foreseeable applications and objectives, e.g., ripeness evaluation, detection of particular diseases and disorders, chemical and physical property prediction, shelf life analysis, as well as for different natures of products (berry, leaf or liquid). Validation tests on blue dye water solutions have shown the capability of the system of discriminating low levels of reflectance, with a repeatability characterized by a standard deviation proportional to the measured intensity and in general limited to 2%-4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of diseases during long-term storage of apples is a well-known issue causing loss of product for warehouses. Non-destructive characterization of fruit can be helpful in order to reduce waste and maximize apple quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy to monitor and manage lots of apples during long-term storage in a cold room. A bench-top VIS-NIR apparatus (600-1200 nm) was used to classify apples from two different cultivars, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious, based on their total soluble solids content (TSS). The evolution of the originally created classes was analyzed during 7 months of storage by monitoring TSS and firmness (peak force and penetration energy), and the estimation ability of the VIS-NIR device was evaluated. The results indicate that the spectroscopic technique allows for an accurate estimation of chemical-physical parameters for non-destructive classification of apples in homogeneous lots. Regarding the estimation ability of the compact VIS-NIR spectrophotometer, the results show good prediction ability both for total soluble solids content and firmness indices. The use of the instrument for on-line selection and classification of fruits is therefore desirable. This can lead to better management of postharvest storage and the destination of lots, with a consequent reduction in fruit wastage. This approach is important to plan the opening sequence of storage rooms during the winter season, providing the market with the best available products all year round. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to deepen the assessment of the environmental impacts of a white wine produced in Sardinia (FU 750ml), performing an attributional LCA. The system boundaries were extended, from ‘cradle to gate’ (partial LCA) of a previous study, to ‘cradle to grave’ (total LCA), in order to identify the environmental impacts occurring along the wine life cycle stages (vine planting, grape production, wine production, bottling and packaging, distribution, final disposal of the glass bottle). Some assumptions were made in order to quantify the environmental impact of the transportation phase, regarding the few data which were available. Inventory data were mainly collected through direct communication with the Company involved in the study. Results showed that the environmental performance of wine was mostly determined by the glass bottle production (for all impact categories except ozone layer depletion). The second contributor was the agricultural phase, which included two sub-phases: vine planting and grape production. Results showed that the vine planting sub-phase was not negligible given its contribution to the agricultural phase, mainly due to diesel fuel consumption. Transportation impact was found to be relevant for long distance distribution (USA); the impact categories more affected by transport were acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidation and global warming potential. Suggested opportunities to reduce the overall environmental impact were the introduction of a lighter glass bottle or the substitution of the glass bottle with a polylaminate container. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper validates a simultaneous heat and mass transfer model proposed to describe the discontinuous biscuit baking process. The mathematical model includes the moving evaporation front and the development of the crust observed during the baking process. The problem is solved over a two-dimensional geometry using the finite element method. Thermo-physical properties were computed by means of continuous functions. Variations in temperature and water content during baking were predicted with high to discrete accuracy using this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing food waste as well as converting waste products into second-life products are global challenges to promote the circular economy business model. In this context, the aim of this study is to quantify the environmental impact of lab-scale food preparations enriched with phenolic extracts from olive oil mill waste, i.e., wastewater and olive leaves. Technological (oxidation induction time) and nutritional (total phenols content) parameters were considered to assess the environmental performance based on benefits deriving by adding the extracts in vegan mayonnaise, salad dressing, biscuits, and gluten-free breadsticks. Phenolic extraction, encapsulation, and addiction to the four food preparations were analyzed, and the input and output processes were identified in order to apply the life cycle assessment to quantify the potential environmental impact of the system analyzed. Extraction and encapsulation processes characterized by low production yields, energy-intensive and complex operations, and the partial use of chemical reagents have a non-negligible environmental impact contribution on the food preparation, ranging from 0.71% to 73.51%. Considering technological and nutritional aspects, the extraction/encapsulation process contributions tend to cancel out. Impacts could be reduced approaching to a scale-up process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olive oil industry is a significant productive sector in the European Union and the related production process is characterised by practices and techniques associated with several adverse effects on the environment. In the literature, many works on the environmental impact assessment of the olive oil chain have been carried out but the effects of the analytical analyses procedures were considered to be negligible. Currently, the reduction of solvents and of energy consumption in the laboratory has become a crucial aspect to be investigated. In this scenario, non-destructive optical methods based on visible/near-infrared (vis/NIR) spectroscopy represent a simple, rapid, and easy-to-use method to predict olive and olive oil quality parameters. Therefore, the aim of the work was to evaluate the environmental impact of the use of optical vis/NIR technologies for analytical assessment in comparison to chemical analyses on olive oil. The life cycle assessment method (LCA) was used. The functional unit defined for this study was the analysis and a "from cradle to grave" approach was applied. The vis/NIR technology results were distinctly better, by 36 times on average, than the chemical methods. Attention must be paid to the calibration phase of the vis/NIR instrumentation: In this case, the two methods must coexist for this initial procedure to obtain the required reference data for a reliable chemometric model. In conclusion, the vis/NIR spectroscopy gives very reliable results and can be considered a green technology, representing a choice among applications of low environmental impact analytical technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last years, increasing attention has been paid to environmental concerns related to food production and potential solutions to this issue. Among the different strategies being considered to reduce the impact food production has on the environment, only moderate has been paid to the extension of shelf life; a longer shelf life can reduce food losses as well as the economic and environmental impacts of the distribution logistics. The aim of this study is to assess the environmental performance of whole-wheat breadsticks with extended shelf lives and to evaluate whether the shelf-life extension is an effective mitigation solution from an environmental point of view. To this purpose, the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was applied from a “cradle-to-grave” perspective. Rosmarinic acid was used as an antioxidant to extend the shelf life. To test the robustness of the results and to investigate the influence of the choices made in the modelling phase, a sensitivity and uncertainty analysis were carried out. The achieved results highlighted how, for 10 of the 12 evaluated impact categories, the shelf-life extension is a proper mitigation solution, and its effectiveness depends on the magnitude of product loss reduction that is achieved. The shelf-life extension doesn't allow for the reduction of environmental impact in the categories of human toxicity, cancer effects and freshwater eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]