Search Results (108)

The occurrence of pesticide residues in pome fruits and their implications for consumer health remain critical concerns in food safety. In this study, 222 pesticide residues were analysed in 155 samples of apples, pears, and quinces collected from Türkiye between October 2025 and March 2026 using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Residues were detected in 76.4% of apples, 86% of pears, and 30% of quinces, with frequent multi-residue patterns and notable occurrences of non-approved compounds. Pear samples exhibited the highest contamination levels, with maximum residue level (MRL) exceedance rates reaching 30%, compared to 14.5% in apples and 2% in quinces. Quality assessment based on the index of quality for residues (IqR) indicated that 96% of quince samples were classified as excellent or good, demonstrating the most favourable profile among the evaluated commodities. Risk ranking analysis further indicated that acetamiprid was the only high-risk pesticide in apples, whereas residues in pears were predominantly medium risk, and all detected compounds in quinces fell within the low-risk category. Deterministic risk assessment indicated that chronic exposure remained well below levels of concern for both adults and children. Under combined pome fruit consumption, acetamiprid and spirodiclofen were identified as the main contributors to chronic hazard index (HIc), accounting for 33% and 13% of HIc, respectively. However, acute exposure exceeded the safety threshold (HQa > 1) in children for acetamiprid in both apples and pears. Probabilistic modelling confirmed right-skewed exposure distributions and highlighted increased risk under cumulative consumption scenarios. Full article

Fruit pomace derived from traditional distillation has emerged as a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds in sustainable food systems. This study investigated the nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of plum, peach, sour cherry, and quince pomace generated during the production of traditional Romanian fruit distillates. Samples were characterized in terms of proximate composition, color parameters, mineral composition, and B-complex vitamin content. Carbohydrates were the predominant macronutrients (59.97–69.30 g/100 g dw), while quince and peach pomace exhibited the highest fiber contents, reaching values of 27.47 ± 0.55 g/100 g dw and 27.37 ± 0.50 g/100 g dw, respectively. Sour cherry pomace showed the highest protein (10.83 ± 0.20 g/100 g dw) and ash levels (5.41 ± 0.11 g/100 g dw), whereas peach pomace was richest in lipids (2.98 ± 0.06 g/100 g dw). Color analysis revealed distinct chromatic characteristics among samples. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium were the dominant minerals, with plum pomace presenting particularly high potassium and calcium concentrations. In addition, peach pomace exhibited the highest levels of vitamins B2 (1987.73 ± 20 µg/100 g dw), B7 (906 ± 8 µg/100 g dw), and B9 (14.18 ± 0.1 µg/100 g dw). These findings support the valorization of fruit pomace as a nutritious functional ingredient within circular economy frameworks. Full article

Croatia’s diverse agroecological zones, from Mediterranean coastal areas to continental lowlands, enable the cultivation of a broad portfolio of traditional fruit species that contribute simultaneously to biodiversity conservation, rural livelihoods, and the development of value-added food and beverage products. This review compiles and harmonizes evidence on six economically and culturally relevant crops and product chains—grapevine and wine, apple, pear, quince, sour cherry, mulberry, and plum with the traditional spirit šljivovica—focusing on genetic resources and cultivar diversity, agronomic and environmental performance, bioactive composition and potential health relevance, processing routes and by-product valorization, and the socio-economic roles of geographical indications, gastronomy, and tourism. Across species, the literature highlights recurring sustainability levers: safeguarding indigenous and old cultivars as reservoirs of adaptive traits under climate change; reducing chemical inputs through cultivar choice, organic and low-input systems, cover crops, and resistant genotypes; strengthening circularity by converting pomace and other residues into spirits, vinegars, functional ingredients, feed, compost, or energy carriers; and increasing rural value capture through branding, protected origin schemes, and experiential tourism. At the same time, production systems face shared constraints, including fragmentation of holdings, labour shortages, phytosanitary pressures, and the need to optimize processing technologies to preserve sensory and bioactive quality while meeting safety and regulatory requirements. By integrating crop-specific evidence with cross-cutting sustainability themes, this review outlines a coherent framework for positioning traditional Croatian fruit resources and their derived products within contemporary sustainable food system transitions. Full article

Background: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy affects up to 80% of pregnant women and may progress to hyperemesis gravidarum, leading to maternal morbidity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological options, the comparative efficacy and safety of these interventions remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The databases searched included CENTRAL, PubMed, and EMBASE (up to 28 May 2024). Eligible trials compared interventions with a placebo in pregnant women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. The primary outcomes were symptom severity, assessed using validated tools. Safety outcomes included adverse effects. Data were pooled using frequentist pairwise and network meta-analyses. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the CINeMA framework. Results: Of 9844 records screened, 24 randomized controlled trials (3017 participants) met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 16 intervention categories. Network analysis ranked quince, vitamin B6 with pomegranate and mint, acupressure P6, dimenhydrinate, and acupuncture combined with doxylamine–pyridoxine as the most effective interventions for reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, with considerable uncertainty and low-to-moderate quality of evidence. Reporting of adverse events was limited. Risk of bias was low to moderate. Discussion: Most interventions demonstrated significant benefit over a placebo. However, high heterogeneity and sparse reporting of adverse effects warrant caution when translating these results into clinical practice. Conclusions: This study indicates that both pharmacological (vitamin B6, metoclopramide, dimenhydrinate) and non-pharmacological (ginger, quince, acupressure, acupuncture) interventions might be effective in reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Full article

Rising consumer demand for functional beverages has accelerated the development of health-promoting, fruit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) products. This study investigated the effects of incubation temperature (50–80 °C) and time (60–240 min) on pectinase-assisted extraction (0.1% v/v) of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L., Bahi variety) juice and subsequently formulated antioxidant-rich RTD beverages by blending the optimized extract with quince and jujube juices. The optimal extraction condition (50 °C, 60 min) was selected based on maximizing bioactive compound recovery rather than yield, achieving total phenolic content of 326.33 mg GAE/100 mL, total carotenoid content of 1.08 mg β-carotene equivalents/100 mL, and strong antioxidant activity (DPPH: 514.06; FRAP: 595.38 µmol TE/100 mL). Although maximum yield (81.25%) was obtained at 60 °C for 240 min, functional quality was prioritized. Six RTD formulations were developed using a constrained simplex-lattice mixture design. All blends exhibited significantly enhanced phenolic content, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity compared to the control, while pH and acidity remained stable (p > 0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that the formulation containing 70% date palm, 15% quince, and 15% jujube achieved the highest acceptability (6.50). These findings highlight the potential of this tri-fruit blend as a functional RTD beverage, warranting further studies on shelf-life stability. Full article

(1) Background: Exploring regional foods can help consumers expand their options for consuming diverse food products in various forms. This could enhance human health in local populations. (2) Methods: The present study evaluated the physicochemical composition of quince powder using standard analytical methods. Color parameters were determined using a PCE-CSM colorimeter equipped with a xenon lamp; the antioxidant activity via DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods; the sorption capacity (at 10 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C and a_w from 0.1 to 0.9) through the static gravimetric method; and monolayer moisture content (MMC) with the BET model. The isotherms were fitted via modified Chung–Pfost, Halsey, Henderson and Oswin models. (3) Results: The approximate physico-chemical composition of laboratory-produced quince powder (dried at 45 °C for 10 h) was: proteins—1.27 g, carbohydrates—75.80 g, fats—0.49 g, fibers—21.50 g, ash—2.31 g, and nutritional value—355.65 kcal. The color analysis indicated limited non-enzymatic browning. Antioxidant activity was confirmed by all four methods. The three-parametric Halsey model is recommended to describe the representative S-shaped isotherms from type II. The MMC for the adsorption process ranged from 14.41% d.b. to 7.09% d.b., and for the desorption process, it ranged from 13.11% d.b. to 7.80% d.b.; (4) Conclusions: This study presents a quince powder as a convenient form for both storage and consumption, emphasizing its value as a rich source of bioactive compounds and its suitability for home production and regular inclusion in a healthy daily diet. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of Chaenomeles japonica fruit juice (CJFJ) on energy balance and biochemical and histological parameters in rats with diet-induced MS. Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were allocated into five groups. For ten weeks, the Control group received a standard laboratory diet and tap water, while the other groups were given a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. The Control and MS groups were treated with distilled water, while the other three groups were treated with CJFJ at increasing doses. Results: Rats on an HFHF diet consumed less food and more liquids and had a higher caloric intake than the Control group. Among the CJFJ-treated animals, an increased food consumption, as well as an increased total caloric intake, and no difference in body weight gain were observed in comparison with the MS group. CJFJ did not affect glucose tolerance or the triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. CJFJ prevented an HFHF-induced decrease in superoxide dismutase and caused a decrease in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in serum. The medium CJFJ dose prevented an HFHF-induced increase in adipose tissue indices. Liver and adipose tissue histology revealed a protective effect of CJFJ. Conclusions: CJFJ may exert beneficial effects on visceral adiposity, oxidative status, and histopathological changes in the liver and adipose tissue in rats with diet-induced MS. Full article

This study explores the potential of seeds from fruit and vegetable processing waste as feedstocks for biodiesel biocomponent production. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), obtained through a transesterification reaction, were extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. A total of 31 to 34 individual FAME compounds were identified across all samples. The fatty acid profiles varied both quantitatively and qualitatively depending on the raw material; however, unsaturated FAMEs predominated over saturated ones in all cases. The highest proportions were observed for γ-linolenic acid (C18:3n6), particularly in apple, melon, lemon, and pumpkin seeds. Substantial contributions of oleic acid (C18:1n9c) were found in apple, quince, cherry, and melon seeds, while linolelaidic acid (C18:2n6t) dominated in melon, pumpkin, quince, and cherry seeds. The highest total FAME contents were recorded for apple, melon, lemon, and pumpkin seeds, while the lowest values were observed in apricot and pepper seeds. Among the materials studied, grape seeds proved to be the most promising feedstock, exhibiting a favorable cetane number and a beneficial fatty acid profile characterized by high monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content, low polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, and a moderate fraction of saturated fatty acids (SFAs). Plum and peach seeds also showed significant potential, but their higher PUFA levels may compromise oxidative stability and could require antioxidant supplementation or blending with MUFA-rich feedstocks. Full article

This research is interdisciplinary in nature and supports the process of selecting individual plants to achieve sustainable visual and ecological effects in the urban landscape. The importance of this study is further emphasised by climate change, which necessitates modifications to the existing selection of ornamental plants. These individuals must be capable of adapting to urban ecosystems in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change on humans and other organisms and to maintain a high level of biodiversity. Accordingly, this paper highlights, at the individual level, the significance of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach) as an element of urban green infrastructure in the Balkan Peninsula. Based on a real case study conducted over the period 2007–2025 and through an integrative approach involving 3841 phenological observations and climate parameters over 19 consecutive years, local phenological flowering patterns were identified, upon which the species’ functional potential depends. The key patterns and abundance of flowering are the result of interactions with daily maximum and minimum air temperatures and precipitation levels, as confirmed by correlations with percentile-based classifications of climatic variables for the study years. The statistical non-significance of the trends points to the influence of extreme climatic events but also to the adaptability of the selected genotype compared with other Japanese quince genotypes in the vicinity. Regression analysis determined the optimal daily air temperatures for continuous flowering during 2024 and 2025. The results confirm that the selected individual is sustainable, and it is, therefore, proposed for inclusion in the assortment of ornamental plants important for preserving ecosystem services in urban landscape design, particularly in view of its demonstrated utilitarian benefits. Full article

Feedback is an integral part of the learning process. However, delivering feedback effectively remains challenging, particularly within massified higher education systems that are characterised by large cohorts and increasingly diverse student populations. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) enables new ways of embedding feedback into educational offerings, some of which may be highly beneficial. In this paper, we introduce Abundant Feedback as a conceptual lens for examining the new capabilities that may be enabled by GenAI. We present a four-dimensional framework identifying the dimensions of GenAI feedback as abundance of Volume, of Availability, of Relevance and of Character. Through a systematic literature search, we describe how these dimensions manifest in recent empirical studies, and identify two educational domains, Computer Programming and Foreign Languages, as early adopters of AI-generated feedback. Beyond merely digitising existing scarce feedback processes, we discuss the emergence of new learner-driven feedback practices that are enabled by abundance, that both stimulate and demand student feedback literacy. Our multi-dimension abundance framework provides a lens, as well as the vocabulary and conceptual tools, to guide the implementation of GenAI feedback in ways that help realise the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance student learning. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable active packaging necessitates the development of bio-based films with enhanced functional properties. This study aimed to functionalize a quince (Cydonia oblonga) by-product film, formulated in clove (Syzygium aromaticum) hydrosol by casting, incorporating varying concentrations (0–10% w/v) of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by-product extract. Increasing the extract concentration led to increments in film thickness (102.2 to 120.2 µm), elongation at break (112.5 to 117.3%), tensile strength (1.5 to 4.2 MPa), opacity (20.2 to 24.0%), and water vapor permeability (2.0 to 2.3 × 10⁻⁸ g s⁻¹ m⁻¹ Pa⁻¹). The total phenolic content also increased from 17.6 to 24.3 mg GAE/g film, correlating with a decrease in transmittance. While Fourier-Transform Infrared spectra profiling revealed stable intermolecular interactions across all samples without chemical disruption; scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed distinct morphological differences resulting from broccoli extract incorporation. Notably, while 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity remained stable across treatments, the 2.5% w/v extract concentration provided the highest antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus puulaauensis (15.7%), A. jensenii (8.2%) and Penicillium nordicum (5.8%) by the agar diffusion method. These results were comparable with a commercial natamycin-containing coating used as a positive control. The synergy of clove hydrosol and broccoli extract resulted in a quince-based film with superior mechanical and bioactive properties. Full article

The codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) is a major pest of pome fruits worldwide, guided by semiochemicals to locate hosts and oviposition sites. Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), although less studied, is also affected by this pest. This study aimed to identify behaviorally active compounds for codling moth by characterizing the volatilome of quince cultivars. Volatile profiles were analyzed across four phenological stages (flowering, unripe, growth, and ripe fruit) using solid-phase microextraction and GC–MS. The cultivars evaluated were Champion, INTA 37, INTA 117, and INTA 147. Female oviposition behavior and neonate larval host choice were also assessed. Identified volatiles included esters, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, and norisoprenoids. Among monoterpenes, limonene, consistently detected across all cultivars and stages, emerged as a key kairomone. Volatile composition varied across phenological stages, with the fruit growth stage exhibiting the highest diversity and abundance of compounds previously reported as behaviorally active. This pattern coincided with peak female oviposition and larval host selection. Females oviposited mainly on leaf surface, whereas during ripening, eggs were deposited on fruit lacking pubescence. Overall, INTA 147 was the most preferred cultivar. These findings highlight quince volatiles, particularly Limonene, as potential candidates for the development of semiochemical-based tools to improve codling moth management. Full article

Background: Powdered mucilages are increasingly being used as natural excipients in pharmaceutical formulations, functioning as binders, disintegrants, thickeners, suspending agents, and film formers. Their swelling, viscosity-enhancing, and biocompatible properties also make them useful in controlled-release systems and tablet production. This study aimed to produce spray-dried Cydonia oblonga (CO) mucilage, examine how drying parameters influence yield, and determine its physicochemical and rheological characteristics to evaluate its suitability for pharmaceutical applications. Methods: Powdered CO mucilage was obtained by spray drying. The obtained powders were characterized on yield, particle size and morphology, moisture content, loss on drying, flow properties and swelling index. Results: The obtained powders show yields of 10.6–16.4%, particle sizes of 4.5–5.39 μm, and moisture contents of 2–3%. Their flowability is limited despite satisfactory angle of repose, Hausner ratio, and Carr index values, yet all powders exhibit excellent swelling properties. Conclusions: Model CM6 of the obtained powdered CO seeds hydrocolloid stands out as the best spray-dried hydrocolloid, combining high drying efficiency, low residual moisture, uniform particle formation, and excellent swelling capacity despite its limited flowability. These properties make it a strong candidate for use as a biopolymer or excipient in pharmaceuticals. Full article

Nowadays, consumer demand for functional foods with health benefits has grown significantly. In response to this trend, a variety of potentially probiotic foods have been developed—most notably kefir and kefir-like beverages, which are highly appreciated for their tangy flavor and health-promoting properties. Traditionally, kefir is made by fermenting cow’s milk with milk kefir grains, although milk from other animals—such as goats, ewes, buffalo, camels, and mares—is also used. Additionally, non-dairy versions are made by fermenting plant-based milks (such as coconut, almond, soy, rice, and oat) with the same type of grains, or by fermenting fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., apple, carrot, fennel, grape, tomato, prickly pear, onion, kiwifruit, strawberry, quince, pomegranate) with water kefir grains. Despite their popularity, many aspects of kefir production remain poorly understood. These include alternative production methods beyond traditional batch fermentation, kinetic studies of the process, and the influence of key cultivation variables—such as temperature, initial pH, and the type and concentration of nutrients—on biomass production and fermentation metabolites. A deeper understanding of the fermentation process can enable the production of kefir beverages tailored to meet diverse consumer preferences. Full article

Shots are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and concentrated nutrient content. In this study, innovative shots were developed as herbal-enriched formulations designed to improve bioaccessibility, bioavailability, and health-promoting properties. To achieve this, pear–flowering quince juice was enriched with a mixture of herbal infusions and evaluated for its physicochemical characteristics, including bioactive compounds, as well as its functional and sensory properties. Additionally, the products were subjected to a three-stage in vitro digestion model (oral–gastric–small intestine) to assess bioaccessibility and bioavailability. The results revealed that the shot containing mint and nettle had the highest polyphenolic content (579 mg/100 mL), while the shot enriched with white mulberry and common yarrow had the highest mineral content (28 mg/100 mL). The developed formulations also exhibited strong inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase and lipoxygenase. It was demonstrated that the addition of selected herbs, particularly those rich in rosmarinic acid, can enhance both bioaccessibility and bioavailability, and that menthol may further potentiate these effects. In conclusion, the study showed that incorporating different types of herbs into pear–flowering quince juice enables the development of novel products with tailored health-promoting and sensory properties, primarily through the synergistic action of the individual ingredients. Full article