Effect of corn stigma extract on physical and antioxidant properties of biodegradable and edible gelatin and corn starch films

Incorporation of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracts of NADES into chitosan/soybean isolate protein films: Impact on sweet cherry storage quality

This study developed a biodegradable food film, incorporating bioactive components of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracted using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) into a matrix of chitosan and soy protein isolate. The films containing varying concentrations (0 %-5 %) of P. cyrtonema extract (PCE) were characterized. The addition of PCE improved the mechanical (+25.9 MPa for tensile strength), optical (+11.29 mm-1 for opacity), and thermal stability (-14.39 % for weight loss) of the films. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates increased by approximately 1.1 times and 0.5 times, respectively, and malondialdehyde formation reduced by 8 %. The films also effectively inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. The films showed complete biodegradability after 7 days. Using the NADES-PCE coated film reduced the weight loss of sweet cherries by 41.04 % while significantly decreasing the loss of hardness, total phenols, vitamin C, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity, thereby considerably extending the storage life of the sweet cherries. Overall, this study developed a new environmentally friendly packaging material and improved the functionality of the packaging film by leveraging natural plant extracts, demonstrating tremendous potential in the field of food preservation and packaging.

Ageing behavior of starch-based food packaging bioplastics in riparian sediments and sediment-derived dissolved organic matter in the soil environment

Riparian sediment (RS) is a translational zone separating aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To this date, the bioplastic's UV ageing and biodegradation features in these contaminated sediments remain unknown. It is a considerable concern to investigate whether a food packaging film can interact with RS and riparian sediment-derived Dissolved Organic Matter (RS-DOM) during biodegradation and UV ageing respectively, after disposal in a natural environmental setting. To address this research gap, for the first time, this study investigates the biodegradation and UV ageing of starch/PPst/GTR films intended for food packaging applications in RS and RS-DOM respectively. The findings revealed that RS comprises major fulvic acid DOM components. Remarkably, research demonstrates the leaching of humic acid-like DOM from the film promotes aromaticity and humification as UV ageing progresses from the third to the tenth day. Comparable DOM samples were darkly analysed, revealing aromatic proteins I and II. Furthermore, an elevated carbonyl carboxyl index confirmed significant degradation of films during UV ageing. Lesser humification, aromaticity, and higher biological activity were confirmed by a HI < 10 and BIX > 0.6 respectively. In comprehension, these findings reveal that the starch/PPst/GTR food packaging film will have a lesser adverse environmental impact after disposal, offering a hopeful outlook for the future of bioplastics.

Antioxidant packaging films based upon starch-montmorillonite with forsythia flower extract: characterization and application

Plastic pollution is one of the most acute environmental problems in the world, so active packaging materials made from biodegradable natural polymers have received widespread attention in recent years. In this paper, forsythia flower extract, serving as an active ingredient, was integrated into the starch-sodium alginate-montmorillonite composite film. The physicochemical properties and functional packaging applications of the composite films were investigated. The results demonstrate the formation of a tightly-knit network structure through molecular interactions among forsythia flowers, starch, sodium alginate, and montmorillonite. Notably, the addition of forsythia flower extracts conferred better UV resistance (from 200 nm to 400 nm) and outstanding antioxidant properties to the composite films. After 18 days of storage, in comparison with the control group, the decay rate of fresh cherry tomatoes packaged with the composite film containing forsythia flower extract showed a significant reduction of 40%, the hardness increased by 25%, and the content of vitamin C was enhanced by 33%. Hence, the forsythia flower extract composite film offers a novel perspective for the design and development of bio-based packaging films for preserving fresh fruits. The results serve as a foundation for the subsequent advancement and application of forsythia flower in the field of packaging.

Properties of Antioxidant Film Based on Protein Isolate and Seed Coat Extract from Bambara Groundnut

Bambara groundnut (BG)-based films containing seed coat extract at different concentrations were prepared and characterized. BG seed coat extract (BGSCE) had a total phenolic content of 708.38 mg GAE/g dry extract. BGSCE majorly consisted of quercetin 3-galactoside, rutin, and azaleatin 3-arabinoside. BGSCE exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities (ABTS-RSAs and DPPH-RSAs), a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of 66.44, 4.98, 4.42, and 0.91 mmol Trolox equivalent/g dry extract, respectively. When BGSCE at various concentrations (0-8%, w/w, protein content) was incorporated into the BG protein isolate (BG-PI)-based films, film containing 4% BGSCE exhibited higher thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor and UV-light barrier properties, and a*-value (redness) than the control film (p < 0.05). Films containing BGSCE had greater ABTS-RSA, FRAP, and ORAC than the control film (p < 0.05). An FTIR analysis elucidated that the proteins interacted with phenolic compounds in BGSCE. Nonetheless, less thermal stability was attained in films added with BGSCE. Hence, the addition of BGSCE possessing antioxidant activity exhibited an important role in properties and characteristics of BG-PI-based film. The developed active film could be applied as packaging material possessing antioxidant property for food applications.

Molecular changes and interactions of wheat flour biopolymers during bread-making: Implications to upcycle bread waste into bioplastics

This study aims to understand the molecular and supramolecular transformations of wheat endosperm biopolymers during bread-making, and their implications to fabricate self-standing films from stale white bread. A reduction in the Mw of amylopectin (51.8 × 106 vs 425.1 × 106 g/mol) and water extractable arabinoxylans WEAX (1.79 × 105 vs 7.63 × 105 g/mol), and a decrease in amylose length (245 vs 748 glucose units) was observed after bread-baking. The chain length distribution of amylopectin and the arabinose-to-xylose (A/X) ratio of WEAX remained unaffected during bread-making, suggesting that heat- or/and shear-induced chain scission is the mechanism responsible for molecular fragmentation. Bread-making also resulted in more insoluble cell wall residue, featured by water unextractable arabinoxylan of lower A/X and Mw, along with the formation of a gluten network. Flexible and transparent films with good light-blocking performance (<30 % transmittance) and DPPH-radical scavenging capacity (~8.5 %) were successfully developed from bread and flour. Bread films exhibited lower hygroscopicity, tensile strength (2.7 vs 8.5 MPa) and elastic modulus (67 vs 501 MPa) than flour films, while having a 6-fold higher elongation at break (10.0 vs 61.2 %). This study provides insights into the changes in wheat biopolymers during bread-making and sets a precedent for using stale bread as composite polymeric materials.

Triple synergistic sterilization of Prussian blue nanoparticle-doped chitosan/gelatin packaging film for enhanced food preservation

To mitigate food spoilage caused by microbial contamination and extend the shelf life of food, antibacterial and eco-friendly biological packaging materials as an alternative to petroleum-based plastics is encouraged. Herein, an innovative and green composite film with triple antibacterial activity has been fabricated by introducing prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) into chitosan (CS)-based films blended with gelatin (Gel) for the preservation of food, named CS/Gel/PB film. Due to the incorporation of PBNPs, CS/Gel/PB film exhibits enhanced mechanical, barrier and water resistance, and thermal abilities. The inherent bacterial trapping and killing capabilities of CS (contact killing), photothermal/photodynamic killing based on the excellent photothermal property of PBNPs under NIR irradiation synergistically facilitate the sterilization against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (antibacterial ratio = 99.99 %). The film exhibits outstanding preservation capability in product storage, significantly extending the shelf life of strawberry and pork to 15 and 7 days, respectively. Meanwhile, the cytotoxicity assessment of CS/Gel/PB against HepG2 cells ascertains a cell viability exceeding 96 %, indicating a negligible toxicity level. Additionally, this film also exhibits superior biodegradability (preliminary degradation on the 10th day and completion on the 40th day) compared with PE film. Overall, these properties demonstrate great potential of CS/Gel/PB film as a novel packaging material.

A comprehensive review on starch-based sustainable edible films loaded with bioactive components for food packaging

Biopolymers like starch, a renewable and widely available resource, are increasingly being used to fabricate the films for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Starch-based edible films offer significant advantages for food packaging, including biodegradability and the ability to extend shelf life. However, they also present challenges such as moisture sensitivity and limited barrier properties compared to synthetic materials. These limitations can be mitigated by incorporating bioactive components, such as antimicrobial agents or antioxidants, which enhance the film's resistance to moisture and improve its barrier properties, making it a more viable option for food packaging. This review explores the emerging field of starch-based sustainable edible films enhanced with bioactive components for food packaging applications. It delves into fabrication techniques, structural properties, and functional attributes, highlighting the potential of these innovative films to reduce environmental impact and preserve food quality. Key topics discussed include sustainability issues, processing methods, performance characteristics, and potential applications in the food industry. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current research and developments in starch-based edible films, presenting them as promising alternatives to conventional food packaging that can help reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.

Nelumbo nucifera flower extract incorporated alginate/polyvinyl alcohol films as a sustainable pH indicator for active food packaging applications

In recent years, there has been a growing demand for environmentally friendly smart packaging materials. Therefore, in this study, we developed an eco-friendly pH-sensitive indicator film through the solvent casting process, incorporating alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, garlic, and Nelumbo nucifera flower extract. The effect of extract on the chemical and physical properties of the film were extensively studied using various characterization techniques. XRD and FTIR reveal the strong interaction between the polymers and the extract. The incorporation of the extract influenced various parameters such as swelling behavior, water solubility, and moisture content, while also improving the film's thermal stability, biodegradability, as well as its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Interestingly, the film exhibited a color change in response to pH change. During shrimp storage, the film showed a visible transition from purple to green, indicating shrimp spoilage. Additionally, the film's ability to detect freshness was confirmed by measuring total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN). These findings suggest that the PVA/alginate/garlic/Nelumbo nucifera film shows promise as an intelligent packaging material for real-time food monitoring applications.

Synthesis of Starch-Based Ag2[Fe (CN)5NO] Nanoparticles for Utilization in Antibacterial and Wound-Dressing Applications

Bacterial infections can lead to the formation of chronic wounds and delay the wound-healing process. Therefore, it is important to explore safe and efficient antimicrobial agents that have wound-healing and biocompatible properties. In this study, novel starch-fabricated silver nitroprusside nanoparticles (S-AgNP NPs) were prepared for biocompatible wound-healing applications. The study showed that S-AgNP NPs are spherical, with an average size of 356 ± 22.28 d. nm and zeta potential of -27.8 ± 2.80 mV, respectively. Furthermore, the FTIR and XRD results showed that S-AgNP NPs have functional groups and crystal structures from the silver nitroprusside nanoparticles (AgNP NPs) and starch. Additionally, S-AgNP NPs showed excellent bacterial and biofilm inhibition on B. cereus (15.6 μg/mL), L. monocytogenes (15.6 μg/mL), S. aureus (31.3 μg/mL), E. coli (31.3 μg/mL) and S. enterica (62.5 μg/mL). Moreover, S-AgNP NPs promoted cell migration and proliferation at a concentration of 62.5 μg/mL compared to AgNP NPs. Meanwhile, S-AgNP NPs had good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity compared to AgNP NPs. Therefore, this study provided new ideas for the development of wound-healing agents with bacteriostatic properties in chronic wounds.

Extrusion-blown oxidized starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) biodegradable active films with adequate material properties and antimicrobial activities for chilled pork preservation

Food safety concerns from spoilage and non-degradable packaging risk human health. Progress made in biodegradable plastic films, but limited study on biomass composite films with favorable morphological, mechanical, and inherent antibacterial properties for fresh meat preservation. Herein, we present a versatile packaging film created through the extrusion blowing process, combining oxidized starch (OST) with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). SEM analysis revealed even distribution of spherical OST particles on film's surface. FTIR spectra revealed new intermolecular hydrogen bonds between OST and PBAT. While combining OST slightly reduced tensile properties, all composite films met the required strength of 16.5 ± 1.39 MPa. Notably, films with 40 % OST showed over 98 % antibacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus within 2 h. pH wasn't the main cause of bacterial growth inhibition; OST hindered growth by interfering with nutrient absorption and metabolism due to its carboxyl groups. Additionally, OST disrupted bacterial membrane integrity and cytoplasmic membrane potential. Remarkably, the OST/PBAT film excellently preserved chilled fresh pork, maintaining TVB-N level at 12.6 mg/100 g on day 6, microbial count at 105 CFU/g within 6-10 days, and sensory properties for 8 days. It extended pork's shelf life by two days compared to polyethylene film, suggesting an alternative to a synthetic material.

Starch-gelatin blend films: A promising approach for high-performance degradable food packaging

Packaging plays a vital role in safeguarding food from environmental factors and contamination. However, the overuse and improper disposal of non-biodegradable plastic packaging materials have led to environmental concerns and health risks. To address these challenges, the development of degradable food packaging films is crucial. Biodegradable polymers, including natural biopolymers like starch (ST) and gelatin (GE), have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional plastics. This review focuses on the utilization of ST-GE blends as key components in composite films for food packaging applications. We discuss the limitations of pure ST-GE films and explore methods to enhance their properties through the addition of plasticizers, cross-linkers, and nanoparticles. The blending of ST-GE, facilitated by their good miscibility and cross-linking potential, is highlighted as a means to improve film performance. The review also examines the impact of various additives on the properties of ST-GE blend films and summarizes their application in food preservation. By providing a comprehensive overview of ST-GE hybrid systems, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable and effective food packaging solutions.

Fabrication, performance, and potential environmental impacts of polysaccharide-based food packaging materials incorporated with phytochemicals: A review

Although food packaging preserves food's quality, it unfortunately contributes to global climate change since the considerable carbon emissions associated with its entire life cycle. Polysaccharide-based packaging materials (PPMs) are promising options to preserve foods, potentially helping the food industry reduce its carbon footprint. PPMs incorporated with phytochemicals hold promise to address this critical issue, keep food fresh and prolong the shelf life. However, phytochemicals' health benefits are impacted by their distinct chemical structures thus the phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs generally exhibit differential performances. PPMs must be thoughtfully formulated to possess adequate physicochemical properties to meet commercial standards. Given this, this review first-time provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in the fabrication of phytochemicals incorporated PPMs. The application performances of phytochemicals-incorporated PPMs for preserving foods, as well as the intelligent monitoring of food quality, are thoroughly introduced. The possible associated environmental impacts and scalability challenges for the commercial application of these PPMs are also methodically assessed. This review seeks to provide comprehensive insights into exploring new avenues to achieve a greener and safer food industry via innovative food packaging materials. This is paramount to preserve not only food shelf life but also the environment, facilitating the eco-friendly development of the food industry.

Hybrid biodegradable materials from starch and hydrocolloid: fabrication, properties and applications of starch-hydrocolloid film, gel and bead

The potential for utilizing starch and hydrocolloids as sustainable biomaterials has garnered significant attention among researchers. The biodegradability and functional properties of composite films, gels, and beads, as well as their environmental friendliness, make them attractive options for a variety of applications. However, the hydrophilicity, brittleness, and regeneration limitations of starch materials can be addressed through the incorporation of non-starch hydrocolloids. This article summarizes the formation mechanisms and interactions of starch-hydrocolloid films, gels, and gel beads, evaluates the factors that affect their structural and functional properties, and presents an overview of the progress made in their physicochemical and functional applications. The structure of starch-hydrocolloid composites is primarily formed through hydrogen bond interactions, and the source, proportion, and preparation conditions of the components are critical factors that affect the properties of the biomaterials. Starch-hydrocolloid films are primarily used for extending the shelf life of food products and detecting food freshness. Starch-hydrocolloid gels are utilized as adsorption materials, wound dressings, and flexible sensors, and starch-hydrocolloid beads are primarily employed for the controlled release of bioactive substances. It is clear that starch-hydrocolloid composites have the potential to develop novel advanced materials for various applications in the food, biological, and materials industries.

Potential Challenges of the Extraction of Carotenoids and Fatty Acids from Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) Oil

Pequi is a natural source of bioactive compounds with wide versatility for fresh or processed fruit consumption, but it is still little explored economically. Functional foods are the subject of diverse scientific research since, in addition to being nourishing, they contain bioactive compounds capable of promoting several benefits to the human body. Pequi is a fruit species native to the Brazilian Cerrado, which is rich in oil and has components with a high nutritional value, such as unsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, EPA, and DHA), antioxidants (carotenoids and phenolic compounds), and vitamins. Therefore, the present narrative review aims to compile and critically evaluate the methods used to extract oil from the pulp and almonds of pequi and describes the carotenoid separation from the oil because carotenoids are natural pigments of great interest in the pharmaceutical and food industries. It is emphasized that the main challenges linked to bioactive compound extraction are their susceptibility to degradation in the processing and storage stages of pequi and its derived products.

Design of Biodegradable Films Using Pecan Nut Cake Extracts for Food Packing

The excessive consumption of plastic packaging and its consequent disposal and accumulation in the environment have aroused the interest of researchers in developing packaging that can cause less harm to nature. In this sense, this article presents research on the addition of antioxidant extracts from pecan nut cake in biodegradable packaging made with a polymeric mixture of gelatin and corn starch. The films produced were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thickness, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, water contact angle, optical properties, in vitro bioactive activity, and biodegradability. A higher concentration of total phenolic compounds (101.61 mg GAE/g) was found for the condition where alcohol content and extraction time were 65% and 20 min, respectively. Pecan nut cake (PNC( extracts did not influence the film’s tensile strength, and elongation at break was tightly increased by adding 10–20% extracts. The film’s characterization pointed to more than 67% solubility, and adding PNC extract implied more hydrophilic surfaces (contact angles lower than 65°). Furthermore, the film opacity showed a linear relation with PNC extract concentration, and a higher luminosity (L*) was observed for the film without extract. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the films was enhanced with the addition of PNC extracts, and complete biodegradation was observed until the ninth day. Therefore, biodegradable films prepared from a mixture of gelatin starch and enriched with PNC extracts showed excellent mechanical properties and potential as carriers of antioxidant compounds, allowing us to propose their use as active packing.

Novel gellan gum-based probiotic film with enhanced biological activity and probiotic viability: Application for fresh-cut apples and potatoes

A novel probiotic film based on gellan gum (GN), cranberry extract (CE), and Lactococcus lactis (LA) was developed in the present study. The fluorescence and SEM image results showed that GN/CE film containing LA was successfully fabricated. The incorporation of LA significantly enhanced the antibacterial activity of the film. The presence of CE strengthened the antioxidant activity and LA survivability in the film. The combination of LA (0-1.0 %) and CE (0.5-1.0 %) improved the mechanical property of the film through the formation of density structure. The best comprehensive properties were obtained with the film containing 2.0 %LA and 0.5 %CE. The GN/2.0 %LA/0.5 %CE film also showed the optimal preservation effect on fresh-cut potatoes and apples. Hence, GN/2.0 %LA/0.5 %CE probiotic film has proved to be suitable for fruit and vegetable preservation.

Accelerated Shelf-Life and Stability Testing of Hydrolyzed Corn Starch Films

Nonbiodegradable food packaging films are made from plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and create environmental hazards. On the other hand, biodegradable food packaging films are made from renewable materials such as corn starch or cellulose, that degrade within a few weeks or months and prove to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In this work, we used corn starch hydrolyzed (CSH) with α-amylase to prepare a film with biodegradable properties. The film was tested for 60 days at different accelerated temperatures and relative humidity (RH), 13 ± 2 °C and 65 ± 5% RH, 23 ± 2 °C and 45 ± 5% RH, and 33 ± 2 °C and 30 ± 5% RH, to test its durability and stability. Soil biodegradation of the CSH film was evaluated by visual appearance, microscopic observation, weight loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) every 6 days. The film was found to have strong hygroscopic properties and was able to last up to 10 months if it is maintained at 20 ± 5 °C and 45 ± 5% RH. After the biodegradability test for at least 30 days, the film showed a significantly higher weight loss rate and microbial activity on the surface of the film, which indicates that the film is biodegradable. The present work recommends biodegradable CSH films as an excellent environmentally friendly choice for dried foods packaging, due to their good shelf life at room temperature, which is beneficial when shipping and storing products, but these films are not suitable for foods with high moisture content.

The physiochemical and photodynamic inactivation properties of corn starch/erythrosine B composite film and its application on pork preservation

This study explored the effect of erythrosine B (EB) as a photosensitizer in corn starch (CS) film and its physicochemical properties and photodynamic bacteriostatic ability against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella both in vitro and inoculated on pork under the irradiation of D65 light-emitting diode (LED) (400-800 nm). The study revealed that the physiochemical properties of CS films: moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor transmission were improved with the addition of EB. In addition, the elasticity and the thermal stability of the film were enhanced. The results showed that the CS-EB films stimulated a maximum of 26.36 μg/mL hydrogen peroxide and 74.5 μg/g hydroxyl radical under irradiation. The CS composite films with a 5 % concentration of EB inhibited the bacterial growth by 4.7 Log CFU/mL in vitro after 30 min of illumination, and 2.4 Log CFU/mL on the pork samples under the same experimental condition. Moreover, the antibacterial ability was enhanced with the increase in EB concentration. Overall, the CS-EB composite films can inhibit the growth of bacteria through photodynamic inactivation and has the potential to become a new type of environmentally friendly packaging material.

Comparison of Physical and Thermal Properties of Mulching Films Made of Different Polymeric Materials

The development of polymer materials causes their huge expansion into various areas of everyday life, as well as plant and animal production. Their chemical resistance, good physical properties, and ease of processing result in an increasing use of this group of materials. Outdoor plant production both in open plantations and greenhouses requires various types of materials supporting the vegetation process as well as protecting against pests and weeds. A large group here are various types of materials used for covers of field crops, the main role of which is to prevent uncontrolled and excessive growth of weeds and thus reduce the use of herbicides as plant protection products. Cover films also have other important functions, such as reducing direct water evaporation, better moisture retention around the root system, increasing soil temperature (faster vegetation), etc. However, as always, the problem of introducing new material into agriculture production and the difficulty of its disposal arises. In recent times, farmers' interest in various forms of mulch to protect crops and increase yields has grown significantly. In the publication, the authors attempted to analyze selected commercial properties, but also mulch produced on a laboratory scale, based on biodegradable and petroleum-derived materials.

Preparation, properties, and applications of gelatin-based hydrogels (GHs) in the environmental, technological, and biomedical sectors

Gelatin's versatile functionalization offers prospects of facile and effective crosslinking as well as combining with other materials (e.g., metal nanoparticles, carbonaceous, minerals, and polymeric materials exhibiting desired functional properties) to form hybrid materials of improved thermo-mechanical, physio-chemical and biological characteristics. Gelatin-based hydrogels (GHs) and (nano)composite hydrogels possess unique functional features that make them appropriate for a wide range of environmental, technical, and biomedical applications. The properties of GHs could be balanced by optimizing the hydrogel design. The current review explores the various crosslinking techniques of GHs, their properties, composite types, and ultimately their end-use applications. GH's ability to absorb a large volume of water within the gel network via hydrogen bonding is frequently used for water retention (e.g., agricultural additives), and absorbency towards targeted chemicals from the environment (e.g., as wound dressings for absorbing exudates and in water treatment for absorbing pollutants). GH's controllable porosity makes its way to be used to restrict access to chemicals entrapped within the gel phase (e.g., cell encapsulation), regulate the release of encapsulated cargoes within the GH (e.g., drug delivery, agrochemicals release). GH's soft mechanics closely resembling biological tissues, make its use in tissue engineering to deliver suitable mechanical signals to neighboring cells. This review discussed the GHs as potential materials for the creation of biosensors, drug delivery systems, antimicrobials, modified electrodes, water adsorbents, fertilizers and packaging systems, among many others. The future research outlooks are also highlighted.