This article addresses the issue of whether it is advisable to include a literature review in a manuscript reporting original empirical research. It is noted that, in academic practice, the review is often perceived as a mandatory genre component; however, its functional relevance depends on the research objective and the overall architecture of the article. Based on an analysis of the rhetorical functions of the literature review as a structural element of empirical research papers, the study demonstrates that it plays a critical role when there is a need to establish a theoretical context, justify a research niche, or formulate a well-grounded research question. The literature review becomes an effective argumentative tool when it is thematically organized, analytically rich, and integrated into the logical structure of the manuscript. The author illustrates the distinctions between the introduction, the literature review, and the theoretical framework. The conclusion provides practical recommendations for authors on how to assess the necessity of including a Literature Review section in their manuscripts. The article is intended for researchers, journal editors, and instructors of academic writing.

Introduction: The issue of determining the magnetic characteristics of small particles remains problematic, and therefore can restrain the solution of scientific and scientific-applied problems (among the most important of them is the removal of ferrous impurities from agricultural products) and requires special consideration, including with the involvement of original approaches and ideas.

Purpose: Using the example of ferro impurities isolated during the production of crushed tea leaf and sugar, give a description of the method of a sparse sample (sparse ferroparticle powder) to obtain magnetic susceptibility data first of the sample, and then of individual particles. Compare the characteristics of these particles and magnetite particles.

Materials and Methods: Experimental dependencies of the magnetic susceptibility of dispersed samples on the volume fraction of magnetoactive particles extracted from crushed tea leaf and granulated sugar (as well as magnetite particles for comparison) were obtained. The samples were prepared by diluting the original powder (consisting solely of magnetoactive particles) with a non-magnetic filler, under a fixed magnetic field strength of H = 45 kA/m.

Results:  In the course of the experiment, quantitative dependencies of the magnetic susceptibility of dispersed samples on the volume fraction of ferro-particles extracted from crushed tea leaf and granulated sugar were obtained; magnetite particles were additionally examined as a reference material. For all sample types, a linear region was identified in the initial concentration range, which was interpreted as informative with respect to the magnetic susceptibility of individual particles.

Conclusion: The obtained values of magnetic susceptibility for ferro-impurity particles extracted from tea, sugar, and magnetite differ significantly, indicating heterogeneity in their magnetic properties. These differences provide a basis for the targeted selection of magnetic separation parameters depending on the characteristics of a specific medium, thereby enhancing the efficiency of removing ferro-impurities from food and other dispersed systems.

Introduction: In Russia, 7-8 million tons of potatoes are produced industrially per year, and further production growth of this crop in the near future will occur mainly due to the development of the processing sector. The most popular potato products are French fries, chips, dry mashed potatoes, quick-frozen and vacuum-packed potatoes. Their quality is determined mainly by the varietal characteristics of the potato, which are manifested in the tubers starch and reducing sugars content. However, the grouping of potato products depending on the biochemical composition of tubers, as well as the assessment of the suitability of cultivars for certain types of processing, has so far been carried out only intuitively and based on general considerations, i.e. without strict mathematical proof.

Purpose: Conduct a scientifically based grouping of potato products into clusters taking into account the variety-specific biochemical composition of tubers, develop requirements for raw materials that ensure the production of high-quality processed products, identify and recommend universally suitable potato cultivars for production.

Materials and Methods: The studies were conducted on 58 potato cultivars of different ripening periods. Potato products (French fries, chips, dry mashed potatoes, quick-frozen and vacuum-packed potatoes) were assessed according to the guidelines for assessing potato cultivars for processing and storage suitability. The starch content was determined by the gravimetric method based on the specific gravity of potato tubers in air and water, and the content of reducing sugars was determined by the Sumner spectrophotometric method. Mathematical data processing was performed using the methods of dispersion, correlation, regression and cluster analysis.

Results: For the first time, a scientifically based grouping of potato products into clusters was carried out with a justification of the requirements for raw materials in terms of starch and reducing sugar content. Cluster analysis using the K-means method for industrial processing purposes has proven the advantage of potato cultivars with later ripening periods; out of 58 studied varieties, 10 best universal potato cultivars have been identified and recommended for production: Babyninsky, Farn, Artur, Vostorg, Evpatiy, Kavaler, Nadezhda, Orlan, Rozyvny Charodey, Chaika.

Conclusion: The obtained data will serve as a basis for targeted selection of potato cultivars for industrial processing with specified biochemical parameters, and for large commodity producers will allow to systematize and simplify the use of existing and recommended cultivars for certain purposes.

Introduction: Maintaining the quality of perishable vegetables, such as sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), throughout all stages of the cold chain is a pressing challenge in the context of expanding food logistics. Despite the existence of regulatory standards for storage temperature, a significant proportion of postharvest losses persists in practice, primarily due to short-term temperature deviations occurring during transportation, unloading, and retail. While numerous studies have examined the effects of stable temperature conditions on vegetable preservation, empirical data remain limited regarding the cumulative impact of real, sequential temperature fluctuations that occur across the entire supply chain—from distribution center to retail shelf. The moderating role of packaging type under these conditions has been particularly underexplored.

Purpose: To experimentally identify the critical points in the cold chain that exert the most significant influence on the preservation of sweet pepper. Particular attention is given to the interaction between two key factors: the nature of the temperature profile (constant vs. fluctuating) and the type of packaging (open vs. closed).

Materials and Methods: Several storage regimes were simulated to reflect real-life conditions, including product storage at a distribution center, transportation to the retail location, and shelf storage. Two of the regimes maintained a constant temperature (7–9 °C), as recommended by the producer. The remaining three included variable temperatures typical of actual cold-chain conditions: temperature rises to 11 °C during loading and unloading, up to 14 °C during transportation, and up to 24 °C during retail display. The duration of storage under these regimes ranged from 4 to 11 days. Pepper quality was assessed using approved quality passports and relevant regulatory documentation.

Results: Short-term temperature increases during storage and transportation were found to have a significant impact on the quality characteristics of sweet pepper. The greatest deterioration was observed in samples stored in open packaging. The use of packaging materials slowed down spoilage to a limited extent. Nevertheless, none of the tested samples met the required quality standards after the producer’s stated shelf-life, underscoring the importance of strict temperature control throughout all stages of the cold chain, including transport to and storage at distribution centers.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that even short-term temperature deviations in real-world logistics significantly degrade the market quality of sweet pepper, regardless of packaging type. To ensure the retention of nutritional and commercial value, existing cold-chain protocols should be revised, with the implementation of real-time temperature monitoring systems and the optimization of storage intervals.

Introduction: When implementing the country's food security doctrine, one of the most important tasks is to overcome import dependence in providing seeds for domestic crop production. The problem of import substitution is particularly acute in vegetable growing, which operates using more than 80% of imported seeds, which is a consequence not only of the low level of breeding activity, but also of the lack of an effective technological base for preparing seeds for sowing.

Purpose: Theoretical and experimental substantiation of the expediency of fractionation of seeds of crops with complex architectonics of the seed plant by weight and stimulation of the mechanisms of their physiological activity using biological phytostimulants.

Materials and methods: Carrot seeds with high heterogeneity of agrobiological properties due to the complex architectonics of the seed plant were used as the object of research. For the fractionation of seeds according to agrobiological properties, separation of seed material by weight using the effect of quasi-diffusion separation in a fast shear gravitational flow of material on a rough slope is proposed. Under conditions of rapid shear deformation, the granular medium transforms into a "gas of solid particles" state, in which particles perform chaotic quasi-diffusion movements. In the presence of a void fraction gradient in the medium, collisions of particles with different masses are accompanied by their quasi-diffusion separation, which consists in the oncoming movement of light and heavy particles along the void fraction gradient. To enhance the effect, the principle of multi-stage separation with a counterflow of inhomogeneous particles is used. In order to activate the mechanisms of physiological activity, the seeds were treated with a biostimulator "Gumasporin" containing inoculants in the form of a concentrated freeze-dried mixture of Bacillussubtilis strains. To assess the agrobiological properties of seed fractions and the effect of biostimulating their physiological activity, a standard method for studying germination and germination energy was used.

Results: Using the effect of quasi-diffusion separation, carrot seeds, previously separated into two parts by seed volume, were divided by weight into four fractions of equal volume with a mass of one thousand grains: 1.6; 0.9: 0.8 and 0.7g. An assessment of the agrobiological properties of seed fractions reveals their low values in the absence of significant correlation with the mass of seeds, which is explained by the phenomena of dormancy and pre-development of the embryo. Stimulation of the physiological activity of seeds using inoculants provides increased activity for all fractions of seeds. A high stimulating effect is achieved for seeds with high density, both large and small. The effect of biostimulating the mechanisms of physiological activity is most pronounced when inoculating seeds with the highest mass, contributing to an increase in their germination rate and germination energy by 30 percentage points.

Conclusion: In order to increase the effectiveness of stimulating the mechanisms of physiological activity of seeds by inoculation, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the architectonics of the seed plant of the crop. The variety of morphometric parameters of seeds reflecting the peculiarities of the architectonics of the seed plant can be taken into account by fractionating seeds by weight using the effect of quasi-diffusion separation in a fast shear gravity flow. The greatest effect of improving agrobiological properties is achieved by inoculating the fraction of seeds with the highest mass.

Introduction: Interest in functional proteins derived from food sources has increased due to their potential therapeutic effects across a wide range of diseases. Studying the biological activity of food proteins with antihypertensive properties through conventional methods is costly and labor-intensive. Therefore, computational approaches capable of predicting the formation of bioactive peptides from animal-derived sources, as well as analyzing the relationship between protein structure and function, have gained new significance in the scientific domain. The use of in silico proteomic analysis methods may help address the global challenge of providing sufficient high-quality protein by enabling the development of functional food products.

Purpose: To identify the structure and functional domains of a low-molecular-weight protein from porcine stomach using in silico methods (UniProt and STRING) in order to evaluate its antihypertensive potential.

Materials and Methods: A protein with a molecular weight of approximately 10.7 kDa, isolated from porcine stomach, was characterized using in silico approaches based on UniProtKB (for functional annotation) and STRING (for protein–protein interaction network analysis), followed by structural modeling.

Results: Protein P01284, belonging to the glucagon family and consisting of 75 amino acids (with a molecular weight of 8.5 kDa), was identified. Based on domain analysis and protein–protein interaction profiling, the protein is presumed to exhibit vasoactive properties.

Conclusion: The findings support the utility of in silico analysis for predicting the bioactivity of food-derived proteins and justify further in vivo investigation of P01284 as a nutraceutical antihypertensive agent.

Introduction: Vegetable oils are widely used in various industries, which stimulates the growth of oilseed production. Rapeseed crops are expanding especially rapidly, for which Russia is one of the ten world leaders. At the same time, by-products of rapeseed processing (oilcakes and meal) containing more than 40% protein remain an underestimated resource for obtaining protein preparations. The study of rapeseed protein hydrolysates containing biologically active peptides is of particular interest to the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries.

Purpose: To summarize and systematize current scientific data on rapeseed protein hydrolysates, including production methods, identified biological activities, and potential areas of application. The analysis places particular emphasis on studies reporting peptides with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, DPP-IV-inhibitory, and anticancer activities. 

Materials and Methods: The systematic review is based on an analysis of scientific publications published between 2014 and 2025 in peer-reviewed journals indexed in international and national databases. Sources were selected using search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI). The inclusion criteria comprised thematic relevance, scientific novelty, and publication in journals recognized by established citation indices. The review incorporates both experimental studies conducted in vitro and in vivo, as well as research based on in silico modeling methods. The process of source identification, selection, systematization, and analysis is presented using a PRISMA flow diagram.

Results: It has been established that rapeseed protein hydrolysates can serve as valuable functional ingredients in food products, aquaculture feeds and sources of bioactive compounds. The influence of hydrolysis methods on their functional and technological properties, as well as the potential for replacing traditional protein components, is discussed. Promising areas of further research have been identified, including the use of new enzyme preparations and bioinformatics approaches for the identification of biologically active peptides.

Conclusion: Rapeseed protein hydrolysates have significant potential for use in various industries. Further research should be aimed at optimizing the methods of their preparation, in-depth study of the mechanisms of biological activity and expanding the areas of practical application. The development of new rapeseed protein processing technologies can contribute to the creation of innovative products with improved functional properties.

Introduction: Organic livestock waste represents both a valuable resource and a source of environmental risk. Its effective utilization reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigates epidemiological threats, and contributes to soil fertility restoration. The processing of horse manure with high wood bedding content, typical for equestrian facilities, remains insufficiently studied. Given the resistance of lignocellulosic materials to microbial degradation, there is a need to select and validate microbial preparations capable of accelerating composting of such substrates.

Purpose: To conduct a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of microbial preparations based on decomposition rate, agronomic value of composted substrates, and the concentration of water-soluble nutrient elements.

Materials and Methods: The experiment involved piles of fresh horse manure with sawdust bedding treated with microbial preparations: “Ferkon D,” “Ferkon DN,” “Biolatic Universal,” and “Baikal EM-1,” as well as an untreated control. Temperature dynamics, pile shrinkage, seed germination, and growth of cress and spinach were evaluated. Water-soluble forms of potassium and phosphorus were measured using capillary electrophoresis (“Kapel-105M”). Statistical data processing was performed using Microsoft Excel (2021).

Results: All treatments with microbial preparations enhanced the thermophilic phase of composting and improved compost quality compared to the control. The most pronounced effects were observed in the “Ferkon DN” variant: maximum temperature (41 °C), highest shrinkage, increased germination, significant shoot length (up to 15.54 cm for cress and 3.86 cm for spinach, p < 0.001), and the highest concentrations of potassium (0.19%) and phosphorus (0.28%).

Conclusion: The study confirmed the effectiveness of microbial preparations in accelerating the decomposition of horse manure with wood bedding. “Ferkon DN” showed the best performance, likely due to the action of its enzymatic complex containing cellulase and Bacillus thuringiensis. These findings support the potential of using this preparation in small-scale manure recycling systems, particularly for lignocellulose-rich substrates.

Introduction: The relevance of developing recipes for plant-based confectionery products is due to the need to reduce the content of saturated fats and eliminate animal-based components. In the context of increased demand for functional foods, special attention is drawn to emulsion systems that can replace traditional fats while maintaining the dispersed structure and organoleptic properties of the product.

Purpose: To develop a recipe for soft caramel mass using emulsion gels containing sunflower oil encapsulated in hydrocolloid shells based on soy protein isolate and triple polysaccharide complexes.

Materials and Methods: Four variants of polysaccharide complexes were used in the experiment: (A + C + G), (A + C + P), (A + G + P), (C + G + P), where A is sodium alginate, C is carboxymethyl cellulose, G is gum arabic, P is pectin. Emulsion gels based on BPS were formed with sunflower oil and used in the caramel recipe instead of milk fat and proteins. The evaluation included determination of foaming and emulsifying capacity, analysis of droplet size distribution, density and moisture measurement, organoleptic evaluation, X-ray tomography, as well as temperature and physicochemical parameters during the boiling process.

Results: It was found that the most effective in terms of the combination of parameters is the polysaccharide complex (A + G + P), forming dispersions with an oil droplet radius of 1-2 μm. The introduced emulsion gel ensured a 25% reduction in boiling time and a stable structure of the foam-emulsion gel. Organoleptic evaluation of the test samples showed comparable or better performance compared to the traditional recipe. Microstructural analysis confirmed a uniform distribution of oil droplets and the absence of signs of coalescence. Conclusions: The use of protein-polysaccharide emulsion gels allows replacing dairy components in the recipe for soft caramel, providing the desired technological properties and opening up prospects for creating functional plant-based products.

Introduction: Over the past decade, the food industry has faced the challenge of extending the shelf life of semi-finished products while maintaining their sensory and microbiological quality. At the same time, there has been a growing interest in the use of biodegradable packaging materials that ensure consumer safety and minimize negative environmental impacts. The implementation of innovative biodegradable packaging capable of preserving the freshness of food products contributes to the reduction of food waste. This approach aligns with the objectives of the “Strategy for Improving the Quality of Food Products in the Russian Federation until 2030,” which includes the development and adoption of new packaging solutions for maintaining food quality.

Purpose: To conduct a comprehensive assessment of the quality and safety of meat-based semi-finished products packaged in a biodegradable film based on collagen-containing ichthyosubstance and chitosan as an antimicrobial agent, and to determine the degree of biodegradability of the developed film in soil.

Materials and Methods: The biodegradable film was evaluated through organoleptic (appearance, odor, color) and microscopic methods, as well as for its stability during storage and its biodegradation potential. Two groups of 200 g semi-finished products were formed: control samples (in commercial packaging) and experimental samples. Both groups were stored under conditions specified by GOST and technical standards. Microbiological safety indicators were monitored over an eight-week period, including total viable counts (GOST 10444.15-94), coliform bacteria (GOST 31747-2012), yeasts and molds (GOST 10444.12-2013), Listeria monocytogenes (GOST 32031-2012), Salmonella spp. (GOST 31659-2012), and S. aureus (GOST 31746-2012). Biodegradability was assessed both visually and microscopically. For this purpose, film samples (5×2 cm) were placed in containers with garden soil at 60% humidity ±5% (according to section 7.2.2.3 of GOST R ISO 11266-2016) and mounted on sterile microscope slides. Organoleptic tests were carried out in accordance with GOST 9959-2015 “Meat and Meat Products. General requirements for sensory evaluation” using a five-point scale. The peroxide and acid values were measured according to GOST 34118-2017 and GOST R 55480-2013.

Results: Experimental data demonstrated that meat semi-finished products stored in the developed biodegradable film at –10 ± 1 °C retained high sensory quality scores (≥ 4 out of 5) for up to 60 days. The total viable count (TVC) remained within permissible limits for the same period, exceeding the threshold only by day 72. Under simulated environmental conditions, the film fully degraded within two weeks, confirming its environmental friendliness. The use of collagen–chitosan biodegradable film significantly slowed lipid oxidation in frozen products. Throughout the storage period, the peroxide value in the experimental samples remained within acceptable limits, whereas in the control group it exceeded the threshold by day 30. The acid value increased more slowly in the coated samples compared to the control, further indicating the protective properties of the packaging against fat oxidation.

Conclusion: This study confirms that the collagen-chitosan-based biodegradable film effectively extends the shelf life of meat semi-finished products up to 60 days at –10 ± 1 °C, while preserving their microbiological and sensory quality and slowing lipid oxidation. The film completely degrades in soil within eight weeks, confirming its environmental safety. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing secondary aquatic bioresources for the production of environmentally friendly packaging materials.