Comparison of X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to detect pest-infested fruits: A pilot study

Non-destructive visualization of internal structural changes in humidified magnesium oxide tablets using X-ray computed tomography

Detailed examinations of the internal structure of tablets are imperative for comprehending their formulation, physical attributes, and ensuring their safe utilization. While X-ray computed tomography (CT) is valuable for noninvasively analyzing internal structural changes, the influence of humidity on these structural changes remains unexplored. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the viability of X-ray CT in non-destructively evaluating the internal structure of humidified magnesium oxide (MgO) tablets. MgO tablets were subjected to conditions of 40 °C and 75% humidity for 7 days, weighed pre- and post-humidification, and subsequently stored at room temperature (22-27 °C) until day 90. Their internal structure was evaluated using X-ray CT. We observed a substantial increase in the weight of MgO tablets concomitant with moisture absorption, with minimal changes observed upon storage at room temperature. The skewness reduced immediately post-moisture absorption, remained almost the same post-storage at room temperature, and failed to revert to pre-humidification levels during the storage period. These findings highlight the utility of X-ray CT as an effective tool for non-destructive, three-dimensional, and detailed evaluation of internal structural transformations in MgO tablets.

Intelligent detection for fresh-cut fruit and vegetable processing: Imaging technology

Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are healthy and convenient ready-to-eat foods, and the final quality is related to the raw materials and each step of the cutting unit. It is necessary to integrate suitable intelligent detection technologies into the production chain so as to inspect each operation to ensure high product quality. In this paper, several imaging technologies that can be applied online to the processing of fresh-cut products are reviewed, including: multispectral/hyperspectral imaging (M/HSI), fluorescence imaging (FI), X-ray imaging (XRI), ultrasonic imaging, thermal imaging (TI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), terahertz imaging, and microwave imaging (MWI). The principles, advantages, and limitations of these imaging technologies are critically summarized. The potential applications of these technologies in online quality control and detection during the fresh-cut processing are comprehensively discussed, including quality of raw materials, contamination of cutting equipment, foreign bodies mixed in the processing, browning and microorganisms of the cutting surface, quality/shelf-life evaluation, and so on. Finally, the challenges and future application prospects of imaging technology in industrialization are presented.