Search Results (5)

The fruiting bodies of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are highly susceptible to postharvest quality deterioration due to their loose tissue, high moisture, and active metabolism. Low-dose ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation, a green, safe, low-cost, and efficient physical treatment especially suitable for high-moisture and metabolically active produce, offers a promising solution to this problem for the postharvest preservation of shiitake mushrooms. In this study, the effects of different doses of UV-C irradiation (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kJ·m⁻²) on the postharvest quality of shiitake mushrooms were systematically compared by measuring weight loss, respiration intensity, cap opening percentage, firmness, color (L*, a*, b*), electrolyte leakage, MDA content, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD, PAL), chitin content, chitinase activity, and the expression of LeCHI and LeCDA genes. The results showed that UV-C irradiation at 5 kJ m⁻² significantly delayed the increase in weight loss (by approximately 32% at day 15 compared to control) and reduced respiration rate (by 25–35% during days 3–9) and cap opening rate (27.3% vs. 48.0% in control at day 15) while maintaining higher firmness and better color retention over the control group. Furthermore, this treatment effectively inhibited electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde accumulation, enhanced the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and PAL, maintained chitin content, and downregulated the expression of chitinase and cell wall degradation-related genes. Thus, 5 kJ m⁻² UV-C irradiation is effective in maintaining postharvest quality and extending the storage time of shiitake mushrooms. Full article

Transient analyses of liquid-fueled molten salt reactors involve strong coupling among neutronics, delayed neutron precursor transport, thermal–hydraulics, and solid heat transfer, leading to high computational costs for repeated high-fidelity simulations. To enable fast multi-physics prediction at unseen operating conditions, a parametric non-intrusive reduced-order model (ROM) combining proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and higher-order dynamic mode decomposition (HODMD) is developed. Coupled full-order snapshots generated from an OpenFOAM-based one-eighth symmetric core model based on a simplified MSRE benchmark configuration are used to construct reduced representations for 11 physical fields. The POD truncation rank, HODMD delay dimension, and interpolation model are selected using leave-one-out cross-validation, with polynomial, radial basis function, and Gaussian process regression models considered as interpolation candidates. For unseen parameter points, the model maintains high accuracy in both the interpolation stage and the temporal extrapolation stage. In the temporal extrapolation stage, the highest mean relative $L_2$ error for the inlet-temperature-step case is $2.112\%$, whereas all mean relative $L_2$ errors for the inlet-velocity-step case remain below $0.177\%$. The results indicate that, under the present cases and parameter settings, the proposed framework provides an accurate and rapid surrogate for multi-physics transient prediction. Full article

Agrivoltaics (APV) offers a promising dual land-use solution for food and energy production, yet empirical data regarding its impact on leguminous crops in tropical monsoon climates remain limited. This study evaluated the microclimate, growth, and yield of soybean (Glycine max) under an APV system compared to an open-field control during the wet and dry seasons in Bogor, Indonesia. The APV structure reduced incident solar radiation by approximately 35%, significantly lowering soil temperatures and maintaining higher soil moisture across both seasons. In the wet season, the APV treatment significantly increased grain yield (3528.8 vs. 1708.3 kg ha⁻¹, +106%) relative to the open field by mitigating excessive heat and radiative loads, which enhanced pod retention. In the dry season, APV maintained a yield advantage (2025.6 vs. 1724.4 kg ha⁻¹, +17%), driven by improved water conservation and a higher harvest index. Notably, shading did not delay phenological development or hinder vegetative growth in either season. These findings demonstrate that APV systems can contribute to sustainably higher yields and stability in tropical environments by buffering against season-specific environmental stresses, suggesting a viable pathway for sustainable agricultural intensification in equatorial regions. Full article

This study utilized high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment combined with cold storage to preserve Agaricus bisporus, characterized by high water content and susceptibility to browning, cap opening, and mechanical injury. Key quality indicators, such as surface and flesh color, weight loss, respiration rate, hardness, and soluble solids, were monitored to determine optimal HVEF intensities. Transcriptomic, physiological, and biochemical analyses were used to reveal the underlying preservation mechanisms. This study demonstrates that high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment at 30 kV m⁻¹ combined with cold storage effectively delays browning, weight loss, and respiration rate in A. bisporus while maintaining color, texture, and flavor. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HVEF modulates key metabolic pathways, including ATP synthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and redox enzyme activity, leading to reduced ATP levels, suppressed respiration, and delayed senescence. Additionally, the treatment enhances antioxidant capacity through increased ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content and membrane electrical conductivity, thereby preserving membrane integrity. The suppression of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities reduces pigment formation and browning. Furthermore, the active metabolism of osmoprotectants such as proline improves cold resistance. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for HVEF-based preservation strategies for A. bisporus, supporting its application in postharvest technology. Full article

The impact of pod storage (PS) and two drying temperatures of fermented cocoa beans was investigated in Ecuador. Therefore, four variations were simultaneously carried out three times at two locations, independently: 0, 3, and 5 days of PS, dried at 60 °C and 0 days of PS, dried at 80 °C. Pod weight during storage, pulp content, pH, temperature, microbial counts, total free amino acids, protein profiles, sugars, organic acids, cut-test, fermentation index, and sensory profiles were analyzed. Minor differences in fermentation dynamics and bean quality were found between variations with and without PS. A rather accelerated fermentation with pod-stored beans was observed (e.g., faster color change, slightly lower pH in cotyledon after 48 h), along with a significantly higher maximal temperature during 24–42 h (43.1 ± 3.2 °C compared to 39.2 ± 2.0 °C without PS). More well-fermented beans were reached with PS (52.3 ± 22.6%) than without (62.7 ± 9.2%). Differences during fermentation were observed between the locations (e.g., pH, acids, sugars), but sensory evaluation indicated that the impact of location was mitigated with PS. Drying at 80 °C showed no adverse effects, as evidenced by the results of the cut-test and fermentation index. However, sensory evaluations revealed significant differences between 80 °C and 60 °C, with the former exhibiting more bitter and astringent cocoa liquor. Full article