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Copyright of Jurnal Ekonomi Manajemen Sistem Informasi (JEMSI) is the property of Dinasti Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Employing low-temperature drying methods instead of high-temperature methods can help to deal with the challenge of preserving the nutritional and functional qualities of cruciferous vegetables. In the current study, the effects of low-temperature vacuum drying (LTVD), vacuum drying (VD), convective drying (CD), infrared drying (IRD) and vacuum freeze drying (VFD) on the nutrient composition, color, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of cauliflower were determined. All drying methods significantly affected the color and proximate composition. LTVD stood out against CD and IRD because the samples retained a better total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant properties. VFD was the most suitable for preserving the total flavonoid content (TFC) and antiproliferative properties. Meanwhile, VD offered superior retention of the γ-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, TPC and antioxidant properties of the samples. In general, LTVD did not stand out compared to its VFD and VD counterparts, with VD providing the best nutritional–functional properties in cauliflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this research was to investigate the factors which influences the patient satisfaction in the context healthcare sector. To accomplish this objective this research tests the direct relationship of functional quality of hospital and preventive healthcare with the satisfaction with healthcare services. Moreover, this research further explores the direct relationship of functional quality of hospital and patients' satisfaction with healthcare services by using hospital anxiety and depression as a moderator and preventive healthcare as a mediator. Method: An overall sample of 146 outpatients from different hospitals was selected using chance sampling. Data was collected by using a standardized questionnaires and then Stata's SEM approach was used to assess the relationships of variable. Findings: Findings of this research indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship exists among the functional quality of hospital, preventive healthcare, and the satisfaction with healthcare services. Moreover, findings support the proposed moderation and mediation hypotheses by explaining that there is a significant relationship exists among these paths. It verifies that hospital anxiety and depression have a significant moderating effect and preventive healthcare has a significant mediating effect in the direct relationship. Originality/Implications: This study found that operational excellence, proactive preventive measures, and sensitive mental health treatment affect Saudi Arabian healthcare patient satisfaction. These findings can help healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and administrators enhance patient-centered care and regional healthcare delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Seed treatment can be carried out in two modalities: On-Farm or via industrial treatment (IST). Evaluating the quality of the treatment is crucial, considering the percentage of coating by the phytosanitary product and the adequacy of the dose. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of high-resolution computerized image analysis to assess the coating of treated soybean seeds. In addition, it was sought to characterize the quality profiles of coating and dose adequacy in treated seeds in the Brazilian agribusiness. 150 samples of seed treated in both modalities were collected from various soybean producers in Brazil and evaluated for the percentage of coating by means of color quantification in high-resolution image analysis and for the percentage of the active insecticide ingredient by means of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Image analysis was effective in quantifying coating, regardless of the dominant color. Coating correlated directly with dose effectiveness in the IST modality. Seeds treated via IST tended to have higher quality and homogeneity of treatment compared to On-Farm treated seeds, showing adequate coating and dose effectiveness. On-Farm treated seeds showed heterogeneity in treatment quality, with significant variation in coating and dose effectiveness.

Climate change and the degradation of ecosystems is an urgent issue to which the agricultural sector contributes through the overuse of productive inputs such as chemical fertilizers. A disproportionate use of nitrogenous fertilizers combined with low efficiency inevitably results in worsening environmental problems (greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, water eutrophication, and groundwater pollution). Nevertheless, increasing population growth puts additional pressure on the already struggling agricultural world. Awareness of these problems has pushed the world of research towards the development of more sustainable but equally efficient strategies in terms of production. The use of biostimulant substances and/or micro-organisms promoting yield, resilience to abiotic stresses in plants, and increasing the functional quality of products have been indicated as a valid strategy to improve the sustainability of agricultural practices. In modern horticulture, the use of vegetable–protein hydrolysates (V-PHs) is gaining more and more interest. These biostimulants could influence plants directly by stimulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism and interfering with hormonal activity, but also indirectly as V-PHs could improve nutrient availability in plant growth substrates and increase nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. By exploiting this aspect, it would be possible to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers without affecting potential yields. After a brief introduction to the issues related to the intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers, this review focuses on the use of V-PHs as a strategy to increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Starting with their heterogeneous origins and compositions, their effects on nitrogen metabolism, as well as the physiological and biochemical processes involved in these products, this review concludes with an in-depth discussion of the effects of V-PHs on major leafy vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uncovered the impacts of microwave (MW) treatments compared to conventional pasteurization (TP) on the quality of functional citrus–maqui beverages, with added sucrose or stevia. The influence of these thermal treatments on the microbiological burden and phytochemical composition was determined by processing under two MW power levels (600 W and 800 W) and TP at 85 °C for 15 s for 60 days at room temperature (20 °C). The results indicated that, beyond the microbiological quality achieved in the juices treated by both MW and TP technology, there were no differences among the treatments regarding the stability of vitamin C, anthocyanin, and flavanone concentrations. However, anthocyanins were more stable in those beverages with sucrose added, rendering a better red color. Besides, all treatments ensured microbiological stability throughout the entire storage time. In conclusion, MW treatment could be considered as an alternative to TP, which ensures microbial safety, protecting functional compounds associated with health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health-promoting antioxidant properties of virgin olive oil (VOO) are today considered priority targets in the new olive breeding programs. Given that these properties depend mainly on its phenolic fraction, whose origin lies in the phenolic compounds present in olive fruit, the objective of this study was to provide further insight into the accumulation dynamics of the main antioxidant compounds, including both polar phenolics and lipophilic tocopherols, during the ontogeny of the olive fruit. Data obtained show that, albeit with significant differences, all the studied genotypes share just after fruit set an intense increase in the synthesis of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol derivatives, by far the main phenolic compounds of the olive fruit, and a subsequent steady decrease along fruit development and ripening. The accumulation dynamics of flavonoids and tocopherols were different from those of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol derivatives, presenting a peak of synthesis just before the onset of fruit ripening, and then in general, their content decreases throughout the ripening phase. In the case of flavonoids, all genotypes also share a strong increase in the accumulation of anthocyanins in the final stages of fruit ripening, coinciding with the change in fruit color. Furthermore, the results during the fruit ripening process evidenced that the content of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol derivatives and tocopherols in the fruit largely determines the content of these groups of compounds in the oil. The information acquired could be useful for the selection of the most suitable moment in the ontogeny of the olive fruit for the search for key genes in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of the functional quality of red pepper requires appropriate packaging materials, storage duration, and condition. This study evaluated the effect of the packaging materials and the storage duration on the functional quality of the red hot pepper pod for ten months at ambient storage temperature (25±2 °C) in four packaging materials: Jute sacks, Fertilizer Liner Sheet (FLS), Fertilizer Woven Polypropylene + Liner Sheet (FWPP + LS), and PICS bags (Purdue Improved Crop Storage) using two-factor factorial designs. The samples were analyzed at two-month intervals for water activity (aw, extractable color, total phenolic compounds, pungency index and oleoresin content. Except for aw, other functional qualities of red hot pepper degrade with advanced storage in all packaging materials. At the end of storage, the maximum values of aw (0.76) and the minimum values of aw (0.38) were recorded in jute sacks and PICS bags. Extractable color (ASTA units) decreased from 225.42 to 133.11, 228.71–139.09, 274.29–171, and 288.91–218.98 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. Phenolic compounds (GAE mg/g dry samples) degraded from 2.32 to 1.02, 2.33–1.37, 2.4–1.35, and 2.59–1.85 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The pungency index (Abs/g dry samples) of the samples changed from 4.55 to 2.56, 5.49–4.00, 5.00–3.49, and 4.74–2.72 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. The oleoresin content (%) decreased from 12.88 to 7.18, 12.92–7.78, 13.19–8.45 and 13.58–9.88 in jute sacks, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The study revealed that the PICS bags retained the highest functional qualities compared to other packaging materials.

Abstract The changes in market dynamics, customer-to-customer interactions, and the use of artificial intelligence have created a great concern among marketers in understanding customer behaviours such as customer loyalty. Policymakers account for the provision of quality service in terms of subscription numbers. However, little explains the impacts of these dynamics. Drawing up the service quality model, theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and customer loyalty model, the study examined the influence of service quality, technical quality (TQ), functional quality (FQ), and reputational quality (RQ) on customer loyalty (CL). Specifically, the study focuses on moderating gender differences to enhance robustness. Data were collected from 379 respondents and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with smart PLS (partial least square). The results suggested that customer assessment of reputational quality was vital in m-payment services for both males and females. Female customers depicted a more significant positive relationship than male customers, meaning the former are more loyal than the latter. Technical quality negatively influences attitudinal customer loyalty, while functional quality affects behavioural loyalty. The study contributes towards understanding the role of the dimensions of service quality (dSQ), customer loyalty and gender differences. Theoretically, the foundation of this research adds up to the consideration of the moderation effect of gender and their differential assessment of technical and functional quality as predictors of customer loyalty. Implication to managers is improving marketing strategies, and policymakers provide a more enabling environment for m-payment service.

The meta-analysis of studies has become useful in the development of knowledge in the banking sector, producing important theoretical contributions to future research agendas. To generate theoretical contributions to the study of banking digital payment services, this research is a type of desk research based on a literature review of secondary data. The present study provides a meta-analysis of the generalizations in the relationships between the antecedents (functional quality, perceived value, trust, perceived risk, and service quality) and consequences of customer experience and satisfaction with digital payment services. The study conducted a weight analysis, in which the above -mentioned antecedents were considered for meta-analysis to see the impact on customer experience and satisfaction separately. According to the findings of this study, functional quality, perceived value, trust, perceived risk, and service quality are significant antecedents of customer experience and satisfaction toward digital payments in banks. Further, it has been found that the strongest indicator of consumer satisfaction is service quality, while trust is essential for both a pleasant customer experience and satisfaction. The study offers insights into how these antecedents improve the functionality of customers, their experience, and satisfaction. This meta-analysis study contributes to the existing literature by offering a set of empirical generalizations, including relationship coefficients and weight analysis.

The changes in market dynamics, customer-to-customer interactions, and the use of artificial intelligence have created a great concern among marketers in understanding customer behaviours such as customer loyalty. Policymakers account for the provision of quality service in terms of subscription numbers. However, little explains the impacts of these dynamics. Drawing up the service quality model, theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and customer loyalty model, the study examined the influence of service quality, technical quality (TQ), functional quality (FQ), and reputational quality (RQ) on customer loyalty (CL). Specifically, the study focuses on moderating gender differences to enhance robustness. Data were collected from 379 respondents and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) with smart PLS (partial least square). The results suggested that customer assessment of reputational quality was vital in m-payment services for both males and females. Female customers depicted a more significant positive relationship than male customers, meaning the former are more loyal than the latter. Technical quality negatively influences attitudinal customer loyalty, while functional quality affects behavioural loyalty. The study contributes towards understanding the role of the dimensions of service quality (dSQ), customer loyalty and gender differences. Theoretically, the foundation of this research adds up to the consideration of the moderation effect of gender and their differential assessment of technical and functional quality as predictors of customer loyalty. Implication to managers is improving marketing strategies, and policymakers provide a more enabling environment for m-payment service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato landraces have progressively faded into obscurity, making way for new hybrids and elite tomato cultivars. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the agronomic attributes, physicochemical properties, and functional traits across seven cultivars, comprising two high-pigment varieties, 'HLT−F81' and 'HLT−F82', as well as five underutilized ancient-tomato genotypes considered as landraces. Most of the studied genotypes exhibited satisfactory horticultural and processing traits. The average fruit weight ranged from 73.3 g in 'Rimone' to 91.83 g in 'HLT−F81', while the soluble solids content ranged from 4.66 °Brix in 'Justar' to 6.08 °Brix in 'HLT−F81'. The functional quality and the content of most antioxidants, as well as the antioxidant activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions, proved to be the most discriminating parameters among the tomato genotypes. The content of β−carotene and lycopene spanned from 2.94 mg kg−1 fw in 'Rio Grande' to 13.94 mg kg−1 fw in 'HLT−F82' and 227.8 mg kg−1 fw in 'HLT−F81', yielding large variations compared to 'Rio Grande'. The total phenolic content ranged from 139.83 mg GAE kg−1 fw in 'Rimone' to 352.41 mg GAE kg−1 fw in 'HLT-F81', while the flavonoid content varied from 136.16 mg RE kg−1 fw in 'Justar' to 311.23 mg RE kg−1 fw in 'HLT-F82'. The presence of tocopherol isomers was genotype-dependent, with a higher content in lines carrying the high-pigment mutations. Among the tested tomato genotypes, the high-pigment tomato line 'HLT−F81' achieved the highest hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity values. This study primarily focused on the recovery and valorization of tomato genetic resources and landraces. It also aimed to identify desirable horticultural (yield, low-input, and low-water demand), processing (°Brix and titratable acidity), and quality (rich antioxidant berries) traits for introgression into new tomato cultivars better suited to the evolving climate conditions of the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing conditions and seasonal fluctuations are critical factors affecting fruit and vegetable nutritional quality. The effects of two partially overlapping cropping seasons, early (ECS; January–May) and full (FCS; March–July), on the main carpometric traits and bioactive components of different watermelon fruits were investigated in the open field. Four watermelon genotypes, comprising of three commercial cultivars 'Crimson Sweet', 'Dumara', 'Giza', and the novel hybrid 'P503 F1', were compared. The carpometric traits varied significantly between genotypes. Soluble solids and yield were higher under FCS than ECS. The variation affecting colour indexes between the two growing seasons exhibited a genotype-dependent trend. The antioxidant components and radical scavenging activity of watermelon fruits were also significantly affected by differences in received solar energy and temperature fluctuations during the trial period. The average citrulline, total phenolics and flavonoid contents were 93%, 71% and 40% higher in FCS than in ECS. A genotype-dependent variation trend was also observed for lycopene and total vitamin C between cropping seasons. The hydrophilic and lipophilic radical scavenging activities of the pulp of ripe watermelon fruits of the different genotypes investigated varied between 243.16 and 425.31 µmol Trolox Equivalent (TE) of 100 g−1 of fresh weight (fw) and from 232.71 to 341.67 µmol TE of 100 g−1 fw in FCS and ECS, respectively. Our results, although preliminary, show that the functional quality of watermelon fruits is drastically altered depending on the environmental conditions that characterize the ECS and LCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jurnal Sosial Humaniora is the property of Universitas Djuanda and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Climate change and the degradation of ecosystems is an urgent issue to which the agricultural sector contributes through the overuse of productive inputs such as chemical fertilizers. A disproportionate use of nitrogenous fertilizers combined with low efficiency inevitably results in worsening environmental problems (greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, water eutrophication, and groundwater pollution). Nevertheless, increasing population growth puts additional pressure on the already struggling agricultural world. Awareness of these problems has pushed the world of research towards the development of more sustainable but equally efficient strategies in terms of production. The use of biostimulant substances and/or micro-organisms promoting yield, resilience to abiotic stresses in plants, and increasing the functional quality of products have been indicated as a valid strategy to improve the sustainability of agricultural practices. In modern horticulture, the use of vegetable–protein hydrolysates (V-PHs) is gaining more and more interest. These biostimulants could influence plants directly by stimulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism and interfering with hormonal activity, but also indirectly as V-PHs could improve nutrient availability in plant growth substrates and increase nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. By exploiting this aspect, it would be possible to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers without affecting potential yields. After a brief introduction to the issues related to the intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers, this review focuses on the use of V-PHs as a strategy to increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Starting with their heterogeneous origins and compositions, their effects on nitrogen metabolism, as well as the physiological and biochemical processes involved in these products, this review concludes with an in-depth discussion of the effects of V-PHs on major leafy vegetables.

Abstract: Seed treatment is important for protecting seed and seedling from pests and/or pathogens. Seed treatment can be performed generally in two ways: industrial seed treatment (IST), performed by seed companies, or on-farm treatment (OFT). These treatment technologies will affect the final quality of the process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the seed quality profile of ISTs and OFTs in Brazilian agribusiness in terms of functional quality and dose application effectiveness (DAE). Seed samples treated by both processes were collected in 6 producing states of Brazil, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Paraná, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina. To evaluate the functional quality of the treatments, the coating percentage was determined by high-resolution image analysis with GroundEye® equipment, and the insecticide active ingredient DAE amount was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Image analysis proved to be a promising technique to evaluate seed coating, in addition, samples treated with “on farm” technology had greater variation and heterogeneity in coating and active ingredient dose, while samples treated industrially showed greater homogeneity, uniformity, effectiveness of applied products. There was a strong positive correlation between coating with phytosanitary products and DAE in treated corn seeds, important parameters in the evaluation of the quality of the treatment.

Seed treatment is important for protecting seed and seedling from pests and/or pathogens. Seed treatment can be performed generally in two ways: industrial seed treatment (IST), performed by seed companies, or on-farm treatment (OFT). These treatment technologies will affect the final quality of the process. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the seed quality profile of ISTs and OFTs in Brazilian agribusiness in terms of functional quality and dose application effectiveness (DAE). Seed samples treated by both processes were collected in 6 producing states of Brazil, Mato Grosso, Goiás, Paraná, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina. To evaluate the functional quality of the treatments, the coating percentage was determined by high-resolution image analysis with GroundEye® equipment, and the insecticide active ingredient DAE amount was determined with highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Image analysis proved to be a promising technique to evaluate seed coating, in addition, samples treated with "on farm" technology had greater variation and heterogeneity in coating and active ingredient dose, while samples treated industrially showed greater homogeneity, uniformity, effectiveness of applied products. There was a strong positive correlation between coating with phytosanitary products and DAE in treated corn seeds, important parameters in the evaluation of the quality of the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uncovered the impacts of microwave (MW) treatments compared to conventional pasteurization (TP) on the quality of functional citrus–maqui beverages, with added sucrose or stevia. The influence of these thermal treatments on the microbiological burden and phytochemical composition was determined by processing under two MW power levels (600 W and 800 W) and TP at 85 °C for 15 s for 60 days at room temperature (20 °C). The results indicated that, beyond the microbiological quality achieved in the juices treated by both MW and TP technology, there were no differences among the treatments regarding the stability of vitamin C, anthocyanin, and flavanone concentrations. However, anthocyanins were more stable in those beverages with sucrose added, rendering a better red color. Besides, all treatments ensured microbiological stability throughout the entire storage time. In conclusion, MW treatment could be considered as an alternative to TP, which ensures microbial safety, protecting functional compounds associated with health effects.

The health-promoting antioxidant properties of virgin olive oil (VOO) are today considered priority targets in the new olive breeding programs. Given that these properties depend mainly on its phenolic fraction, whose origin lies in the phenolic compounds present in olive fruit, the objective of this study was to provide further insight into the accumulation dynamics of the main antioxidant compounds, including both polar phenolics and lipophilic tocopherols, during the ontogeny of the olive fruit. Data obtained show that, albeit with significant differences, all the studied genotypes share just after fruit set an intense increase in the synthesis of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol derivatives, by far the main phenolic compounds of the olive fruit, and a subsequent steady decrease along fruit development and ripening. The accumulation dynamics of flavonoids and tocopherols were different from those of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol derivatives, presenting a peak of synthesis just before the onset of fruit ripening, and then in general, their content decreases throughout the ripening phase. In the case of flavonoids, all genotypes also share a strong increase in the accumulation of anthocyanins in the final stages of fruit ripening, coinciding with the change in fruit color. Furthermore, the results during the fruit ripening process evidenced that the content of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol derivatives and tocopherols in the fruit largely determines the content of these groups of compounds in the oil. The information acquired could be useful for the selection of the most suitable moment in the ontogeny of the olive fruit for the search for key genes in the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds.

Tomato landraces have progressively faded into obscurity, making way for new hybrids and elite tomato cultivars. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the agronomic attributes, physicochemical properties, and functional traits across seven cultivars, comprising two high-pigment varieties, ‘HLT−F81’ and ‘HLT−F82’, as well as five underutilized ancient-tomato genotypes considered as landraces. Most of the studied genotypes exhibited satisfactory horticultural and processing traits. The average fruit weight ranged from 73.3 g in ‘Rimone’ to 91.83 g in ‘HLT−F81’, while the soluble solids content ranged from 4.66 °Brix in ‘Justar’ to 6.08 °Brix in ‘HLT−F81’. The functional quality and the content of most antioxidants, as well as the antioxidant activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions, proved to be the most discriminating parameters among the tomato genotypes. The content of β−carotene and lycopene spanned from 2.94 mg kg−1 fw in ‘Rio Grande’ to 13.94 mg kg−1 fw in ‘HLT−F82’ and 227.8 mg kg−1 fw in ‘HLT−F81’, yielding large variations compared to ‘Rio Grande’. The total phenolic content ranged from 139.83 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘Rimone’ to 352.41 mg GAE kg−1 fw in ‘HLT-F81’, while the flavonoid content varied from 136.16 mg RE kg−1 fw in ‘Justar’ to 311.23 mg RE kg−1 fw in ‘HLT-F82’. The presence of tocopherol isomers was genotype-dependent, with a higher content in lines carrying the high-pigment mutations. Among the tested tomato genotypes, the high-pigment tomato line ‘HLT−F81’ achieved the highest hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activity values. This study primarily focused on the recovery and valorization of tomato genetic resources and landraces. It also aimed to identify desirable horticultural (yield, low-input, and low-water demand), processing (°Brix and titratable acidity), and quality (rich antioxidant berries) traits for introgression into new tomato cultivars better suited to the evolving climate conditions of the near future.

Summary: The thermal instability of anthocyanins is a crucial challenge in processed food industries. To overcome this fact, biopolymer‐mediated purple potato (PP) formulations (BEFP) were developed by hot‐melt extrusion (HME). The BEFP were composed of PP+ whey protein concentrate (WPC) (F2), PP+ WPC+ ascorbic acid (AA) (F3), PP+ soy lecithin (LCT) (F4), and PP+ LCT+ AA (F5). The freeze‐dried and extrudate PP was treated as standard (F0) and control (F1), respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the extrudate BEFP was evaluated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that anthocyanins remained higher in aqueous media in F5 formulation. Chromatographic analysis showed many folds higher total anthocyanins (23 folds), cyanidin (7 folds) and malvidin (2 folds) in F5 compared to F1. Moreover, peonidin and delphinidin were found absent in all formulations except F4 and F5. Likewise, total phenolic (TP) content, total flavonoids (TF) and antioxidant capacity were significantly remained higher at 2, 4 and 2 times in F5 compared to F1, respectively. It is suggested that the F5 was found to be the compatible formulation to prolong the thermal stability of anthocyanins in extrudate PP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was prepared in order to reveal the role of the technical and functional quality of the health services provided in the hospitals of the Medical City in Baghdad in achieving patient satisfaction. The hospitals are (Baghdad Teaching hospital, Specialized Surgery Hospital, and Private Nursing Home). A random sample of (264) patients was selected by adopting the questionnaire tool as a measure of the study variables. The questionnaire was distributed to the hospitalized patients in the surveyed hospitals. SPSS Version 25 was used in the analysis. The results showed that the results showed that there is an effective and substantial relation between technical quality and patient satisfaction, as well as a positive and significant realtion between functional quality and patient satisfaction.

Growing conditions and seasonal fluctuations are critical factors affecting fruit and vegetable nutritional quality. The effects of two partially overlapping cropping seasons, early (ECS; January–May) and full (FCS; March–July), on the main carpometric traits and bioactive components of different watermelon fruits were investigated in the open field. Four watermelon genotypes, comprising of three commercial cultivars ‘Crimson Sweet’, ‘Dumara’, ‘Giza’, and the novel hybrid ‘P503 F1’, were compared. The carpometric traits varied significantly between genotypes. Soluble solids and yield were higher under FCS than ECS. The variation affecting colour indexes between the two growing seasons exhibited a genotype-dependent trend. The antioxidant components and radical scavenging activity of watermelon fruits were also significantly affected by differences in received solar energy and temperature fluctuations during the trial period. The average citrulline, total phenolics and flavonoid contents were 93%, 71% and 40% higher in FCS than in ECS. A genotype-dependent variation trend was also observed for lycopene and total vitamin C between cropping seasons. The hydrophilic and lipophilic radical scavenging activities of the pulp of ripe watermelon fruits of the different genotypes investigated varied between 243.16 and 425.31 µmol Trolox Equivalent (TE) of 100 g−1 of fresh weight (fw) and from 232.71 to 341.67 µmol TE of 100 g−1 fw in FCS and ECS, respectively. Our results, although preliminary, show that the functional quality of watermelon fruits is drastically altered depending on the environmental conditions that characterize the ECS and LCS.

The current research investigated the effects of endophytic fungi such as Trichoderma atroviride (Ta) or Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (An) and their combination on growth, yield, nutritive and functional features, and mineral profile of 'Birgah' F1 eggplant either ungrafted, self-grafted or grafted onto the Solanum torvum rootstock. Eggplant exposed to An or An+Ta had a significant increase in root collar diameter 50 days after transplanting (RCD50), total yield (TY), marketable yield (MY), ascorbic acid (AA) content, Mg, Cu, and Zn concentration, and a reduction in glycoalkaloids (GLY) compared with the control. Furthermore, grafted plants had a higher TY, MY, number of marketable fruits (NMF), RCD50, AA, Cu, and Zn and a lower SSC, GLY, and Mg than the ungrafted plants. The combination of grafting and An+Ta significantly improved mean weight of marketable fruits (MF), plant height 50 days after transplanting (PH50), number of leaves 50 days after transplanting (NL50), fruit dry matter (FDM), chlorogenic acid (ClA), proteins, and K and Fe concentration. This combination also produced fruits of high premium quality as evidenced by the higher AA and ClA concentration, the lower GLY concentration, and an overall improved mineral profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the impact of terroir, cultivar, seasonality, and farming systems on functional traits of tomato was hierarchically investigated. Untargeted metabolomics, antioxidant capacity, colorimetric assays, and enzyme inhibition were determined. The total phenolic and carotenoid contents significantly varied between growing years, whereas an interaction between the farming system and growing year (p < 0.01) was observed for total phenolics, carotenoids, and flavonoids, and for acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Hierarchical clustering showed that geographical origin and growing year were the major contributors to the differences in phytochemical profiles. Nonetheless, supervised modeling allowed highlighting the effect of the farming system. Several antioxidants (L-ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavone) decreased, whereas the alkaloid emetine and phytoalexin phenolics increased under organic farming. Taken together, our findings indicate that cultivar and pedo-climatic conditions are the main determinants for the functional quality of tomato, whereas the farming system plays a detectable but hierarchically lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the formation process of customer loyalty in hotel businesses with the cognitive affective and conative framework. In this context, price fairness, technical and functional quality are considered as the cognitive process through which customers obtain information about the hotel. Consumption emotions formed by the obtained cognitions were considered as affective process. Customer loyalty constituted by the effect of cognition and emotions was also considered as behavioral intention. A research model was developed by supporting with existing studies and tested with Partial Least Square structural equation model (PLS-SEM). 319 people staying in three different five-star hotels in Konya participated in the research. First, the convergent and discriminant validity of the model were examined and then the results were shown. As a result, it has been determined that price fairness, technical quality and functional quality effect the consumption emotions. In addition, it has been observed that consumption feelings have an effect on customer loyalty. Finally, recommendations developed within the scope of the findings were presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine and describe: 1) the influence of functional quality towards the image of the hospital, 2) the influence of technical quality towards the image of the hospital, 3) the influence of image towards the satisfaction of patients of the hospital, 4) the influence of functional quality towards satisfaction of patients at the hospital, 5) the influence of technical quality towards the satisfaction of patients of the hospital, 6) the influ-ence of functional quality to the satisfaction of patients mediated by the image of hospital, 7) the effect of technical quality to the satisfaction of patients mediated by the image of hospital. The approach of the study employed is survey method by collecting data through question-naires. The population was 495 patients of Bahteramas hospital. Sample was taken by random sampling with total sample of 88. Technique of data analysis to answer the problem of re-search hypotheses was partial least square (PLS). Results of the study show that the quality of functional had a positive and significant influence towards the image of the hospital yet in-significant to the satisfaction of the patients. The image of hospital has a positive and signifi-cant effect to the satisfaction of patients. In other side, the study also shows that the role of the hospital as a partial mediation between functional quality and the satisfaction of patients, but the image of hospital does not have any role as a partial mediation between technical quality and the satisfaction of patients.

In this work, the impact of terroir, cultivar, seasonality, and farming systems on functional traits of tomato was hierarchically investigated. Untargeted metabolomics, antioxidant capacity, colorimetric assays, and enzyme inhibition were determined. The total phenolic and carotenoid contents significantly varied between growing years, whereas an interaction between the farming system and growing year (p < 0.01) was observed for total phenolics, carotenoids, and flavonoids, and for acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Hierarchical clustering showed that geographical origin and growing year were the major contributors to the differences in phytochemical profiles. Nonetheless, supervised modeling allowed highlighting the effect of the farming system. Several antioxidants (L-ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, and 7,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavone) decreased, whereas the alkaloid emetine and phytoalexin phenolics increased under organic farming. Taken together, our findings indicate that cultivar and pedo-climatic conditions are the main determinants for the functional quality of tomato, whereas the farming system plays a detectable but hierarchically lower.

Sustainable products offered in today's marketplace are labelled with product-related green attributes (i.e. green core attributes) or non-product-related green attributes (i.e. green peripheral attributes). The current research investigates consumers' inferences about a product's functional quality when its core attributes are green (e.g. the ingredients) and when its peripheral attributes are green (e.g. the product packaging). Four experimental studies and an internal meta-analysis show that there is a sustainability liability effect in strength-dependent categories (for both core and peripheral attributes), and a sustainability asset effect in gentleness-dependent categories (for core attributes only). Our research contributes to the current understanding of how consumers make inferences about product quality when contemplating different types of green attributes. The findings have implications for how strength-dependent and gentleness-dependent products should be labelled as green. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar application of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate as a biostimulant was assessed for possible interaction with the ripening of diploid watermelon grafted onto interspecific hybrid rootstock. Assessment encompassed crop performance; fruit morphometric and sensory quality traits; soluble carbohydrates; macrominerals; and bioactive composition at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days post anthesis (dpa). The biostimulant effect on yield components was confounded by the vigorous rootstock effect. Pulp firmness declined precipitously with cell enlargement from 10 to 30 dpa, and the biostimulant phyto-hormonal potential on firmness and rind thickness was masked by grafting. Pulp colorimetry was determined solely by ripening and peaked at 40 dpa. The biostimulant effect reduced lycopene content by 8% compared to the control. Total sugars coevolved with soluble solids content, peaked at 30 dpa, and then stabilized. Fructose and glucose prevailed during rapid fruit growth from 10 to 30 dpa and sucrose prevailed at advanced ripeness between 40–50 dpa, whereas acidity peaked at 20 dpa and then decreased. Potassium, which was the most abundant micromineral, peaked before full ripeness at 30 dpa. The biostimulant effect on the watermelon fruit ripening process is not granted, at least regarding the conditions this study was carried out under. The absence of biostimulant effect might relate to rootstock vigorousness, the grafted watermelon physiology, or the type of biostimulant used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of the work was to study the effect of adding cucumber pomace powder (CP) to soft wheat flour used in noodle manufacture. CP is a rich source of minerals and fibres, having high contents of polyphenols and flavonoids were 1.6 mg g−1 GAE and 0.65 mg g−1 QE, respectively, besides its capability to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth and to scavenge DPPH˙ (74.44%). The dough rheological properties showed increased extensibility and water absorption but decreased elasticity with adding CP. CP addition significantly increased the mineral and polyphenols content in noodles, but decreased protein and carbohydrates. Noodles enriched with CP 6% have the best organoleptic properties and overall acceptability and were associated with high levels of essential minerals, reduced cooking time by 44% over the control and better nutritional value. No deteriorative changes in dried noodles occurred during 12 months. Cooked noodles enriched with CP 6% significantly reduced the microbial load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer support for keeping records of safety at work has become today a necessity and a prerequisite for quality management of this important and very complex issue. Accordingly, an increasing number of software solutions appear on the market to support the keeping of occupational safety records. The functionality of these programs and record formats in the Republic of Croatia is not fully defined nor is there a formal certification process. In order to determine the quality of these software solutions based on experience and customer satisfaction, we designed a framework assessment model organized in five measurement categories that include content assessment, functional quality, utilization, data security and actuality, and ergonomics of the software itself. The research was conducted online via an electronic questionnaire. Data analysis, reliability and validity of the questionnaire were performed. A relevant number of respondents was collected for two software solutions. In both cases, the overall quality assessments do not differ significantly, but indicate a very large area for further improvement of functional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have shown that a positive perception of service quality led to spectator satisfaction, which in turn led to positive behavioral intentions, such as repetition of purchase or consumption, loyalty, dedication, or even more payments. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between service quality (quality of outcome and functional quality) on the behavioral intention and the dedication of cinema spectators due to their satisfaction. The research method was descriptive and survey type. The research samples were selected from 598 spectators of Simorgh Cinema in Mashhad through available sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that was configured in a 5-point Likert scale. The hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling at the confidence interval level of 0.95. The results indicated that the quality of outcome and the functional quality had a positive effect on the satisfaction of the spectators. Also, the spectators’ satisfaction affected their behavioral intention and dedication. The findings confirmed the mediating role of satisfaction in the relationship between quality dimensions and behavioral intention, and the dimensions of quality and spectators’ dedication. This relationship was also significant in terms of quality of outcome and behavioral intention, as well as the quality of outcome and spectators’ dedication. But the spectators’ satisfaction did not mediate the effect of functional quality on dedication as well as their behavioral intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of solid lubricants in anhydrous grinding technologies is consistent in reducing the use of water to serve industrial needs, which is one of the leading global environmental dominants. It is proposed to carry out development and research of ecological anhydrous processes of abrasive finishing forming of difficult-to-process materials by the method of diamond-spark grinding, which is the founder of NTU "KPI" and which has proved its high innovative flexibility and efficiency by wide scientific and industrial practice. The technologically competitive environment and some hypotheses and bases for the development of a complex of patentable technical solutions, as well as scientific and practical recommendations on the choice and technological instructions for the implementation of solid lubricants in diamond-spark grinding operations are presented. The article announces the implementation of the project ID: 62437 (3002-5695) with international cooperation under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Education of Ukraine.

This study focuses on the effect of weather conditions during fruit growth and ripening on functional components and storage life of strawberry. Two newly adopted commercial strawberry cultivars Camarosa and Winter Dawn were tested for their bioactive compounds and storage life in relation to harvesting months February(winter) March(spring) and April(summer). Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity, packed in plastic punnets and stored at 5 ± 2 °C temperature and 85 ± 5% relative humidity up to 12 days. During storage, March–April harvested fruits showed higher retention of total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, functional components and consumer acceptability over winter produce. Between varieties, Camarosa showed better storage response over Winter Dawn in terms of overall quality. In conclusion. strawberries harvested during March–April have lower acidity, higher TSS, antioxidant capacity and consumer acceptability over February picking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carob is a predominantly rainfed tree crop of high nutritive value and a long history of adaptation to the edaphoclimatic stress conditions of the Mediterranean. However, declining attention to the carob tree in recent decades has aggravated genetic erosion. The extant in situ germplasm varies both in terms of pod morphology and composition, reflecting the genetic and physiological divide chiefly among grafted and non-grafted material, and possibly the impact of variable agro-environments. Accordingly, the present study aimed to establish a systematic categorization of the genetic and phenotypic diversity encountered across carob germplasm identified in situ throughout Cyprus, a historical center of production and genetic diversity for the species. Linking pod morphology, primary and secondary metabolite profiles with genotyped source material originating in different agro-environments and crop seasons would provide a framework for interpreting (a) the interaction of these factors in configuring carob pod physicochemical constitution, and (b) the relative stability of phenotypic traits against environmental and seasonal variation. Microsatellite analysis discriminated 36 genotypes out of the 124 trees located in nine traditional agro-environmental zones and revealed low genetic diversity within the grafted germplasm. Two landraces were identified: “Tillyria,” which is widespread and predominant, and “Kountourka,” which is mainly localized to the northeastern peninsula of Karpasia. Morphological traits, such as seeds-to-pod weight ratio, pod width and thickness were principally under genetic control. Contrarily, compositional traits, particularly total phenolic content—including condensed tannins, in vitro antioxidant capacity and to a lesser extent gallic acid, organic acids and minerals were under agro-environmental control. Agro-environmental zone also modulated principally fructose and glucose; sucrose was modulated equally by genotype and agro-environment, while total sugars were under genetic control. Statistically significant differences between seasons were detected for all traits except for the seeds-to-pod weight ratio, pod length and width. Hierarchical cluster analysis corroborates that Cyprus may be divided into two major agro-environmental zones modulating the compositional properties of the carob pulp. The present study provides a comprehensive insight into the extant carob genetic resources of Cyprus and advances our understanding of how genetic, agro-environmental and seasonal factors interact in shaping carob pod morphology and composition.

The current research investigated the effects of endophytic fungi such as Trichoderma atroviride (Ta) or Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (An) and their combination on growth, yield, nutritive and functional features, and mineral profile of ‘Birgah’ F1 eggplant either ungrafted, self-grafted or grafted onto the Solanum torvum rootstock. Eggplant exposed to An or An+Ta had a significant increase in root collar diameter 50 days after transplanting (RCD50), total yield (TY), marketable yield (MY), ascorbic acid (AA) content, Mg, Cu, and Zn concentration, and a reduction in glycoalkaloids (GLY) compared with the control. Furthermore, grafted plants had a higher TY, MY, number of marketable fruits (NMF), RCD50, AA, Cu, and Zn and a lower SSC, GLY, and Mg than the ungrafted plants. The combination of grafting and An+Ta significantly improved mean weight of marketable fruits (MF), plant height 50 days after transplanting (PH50), number of leaves 50 days after transplanting (NL50), fruit dry matter (FDM), chlorogenic acid (ClA), proteins, and K and Fe concentration. This combination also produced fruits of high premium quality as evidenced by the higher AA and ClA concentration, the lower GLY concentration, and an overall improved mineral profile.

Carob is a predominantly rainfed tree crop of high nutritive value and a long history of adaptation to the edaphoclimatic stress conditions of the Mediterranean. However, declining attention to the carob tree in recent decades has aggravated genetic erosion. The extant in situ germplasm varies both in terms of pod morphology and composition, reflecting the genetic and physiological divide chiefly among grafted and non-grafted material, and possibly the impact of variable agro-environments. Accordingly, the present study aimed to establish a systematic categorization of the genetic and phenotypic diversity encountered across carob germplasm identified in situ throughout Cyprus, a historical center of production and genetic diversity for the species. Linking pod morphology, primary and secondary metabolite profiles with genotyped source material originating in different agro-environments and crop seasons would provide a framework for interpreting (a) the interaction of these factors in configuring carob pod physicochemical constitution, and (b) the relative stability of phenotypic traits against environmental and seasonal variation. Microsatellite analysis discriminated 36 genotypes out of the 124 trees located in nine traditional agro-environmental zones and revealed low genetic diversity within the grafted germplasm. Two landraces were identified: "Tillyria," which is widespread and predominant, and "Kountourka," which is mainly localized to the northeastern peninsula of Karpasia. Morphological traits, such as seeds-to-pod weight ratio, pod width and thickness were principally under genetic control. Contrarily, compositional traits, particularly total phenolic content—including condensed tannins, in vitro antioxidant capacity and to a lesser extent gallic acid, organic acids and minerals were under agro-environmental control. Agro-environmental zone also modulated principally fructose and glucose; sucrose was modulated equally by genotype and agro-environment, while total sugars were under genetic control. Statistically significant differences between seasons were detected for all traits except for the seeds-to-pod weight ratio, pod length and width. Hierarchical cluster analysis corroborates that Cyprus may be divided into two major agro-environmental zones modulating the compositional properties of the carob pulp. The present study provides a comprehensive insight into the extant carob genetic resources of Cyprus and advances our understanding of how genetic, agro-environmental and seasonal factors interact in shaping carob pod morphology and composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of the functional quality of red pepper requires appropriate packaging materials, storage duration, and condition. This study evaluated the effect of the packaging materials and the storage duration on the functional quality of the red hot pepper pod for ten months at ambient storage temperature (25±2 °C) in four packaging materials: Jute sacks, Fertilizer Liner Sheet (FLS), Fertilizer Woven Polypropylene + Liner Sheet (FWPP + LS), and PICS bags (Purdue Improved Crop Storage) using two-factor factorial designs. The samples were analyzed at two-month intervals for water activity (aw, extractable color, total phenolic compounds, pungency index and oleoresin content. Except for aw, other functional qualities of red hot pepper degrade with advanced storage in all packaging materials. At the end of storage, the maximum values of aw (0.76) and the minimum values of aw (0.38) were recorded in jute sacks and PICS bags. Extractable color (ASTA units) decreased from 225.42 to 133.11, 228.71-139.09, 274.29-171, and 288.91-218.98 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. Phenolic compounds (GAE mg/g dry samples) degraded from 2.32 to 1.02, 2.33-1.37, 2.4-1.35, and 2.59-1.85 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The pungency index (Abs/g dry samples) of the samples changed from 4.55 to 2.56, 5.49-4.00, 5.00-3.49, and 4.74-2.72 in jute bags, FLS, FWPP + LS, and PICS bags, respectively. The oleoresin content (%) decreased from 12.88 to 7.18, 12.92-7.78, 13.19-8.45 and 13.58-9.88 in jute sacks, FLS, FWPP + LS and PICS bags, respectively. The study revealed that the PICS bags retained the highest functional qualities compared to other packaging materials., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (© 2024 The Authors.)