Effect of Basil Seed and Xanthan Gums Coating on Colour and Surface Change Kinetics of Peach Slices During Infrared Drying

The article presented conducts the research of infrared radiation power effect on the colour and surface changes of peach slices coated with basil seeds gum (BSG) and xanthan gum during drying. The colour indices include redness (a*), yellowness (b*), lightness (L*), and total colour difference (∆E), which were used for the purposes of colour change calculation. As the IR radiation power increased from 150 W to 375 W, the average values of L*, a* and b* of uncoated and coated peach slices decreased from 67.45 to 65.41; 7.95 to 5.89; and 49.21 to 38.52, respectively. The lowest ∆E and surface change values were observed in peach samples coated with BSG. The modelling results showed that the MMF model was the best model to describe the total colour difference of uncoated and coated peach slices (the average correlation coefficient was equal to 0.991 and the average standard error was equal to 1.791). The surface area change (%) of uncoated and coated peach slices increased with the progression of drying time, but the rate of changes was lower for the coated peach slices with BSG. The current research indicated that BSG coating has the potential to improve surface colour and appearance quality of dried peach slices.

‘Russia isn’t a country of Putins!’: How RT bridged the credibility gap in Russian public diplomacy during the 2018 FIFA World Cup

In the context of deteriorating relations with ‘Western’ states, Russia’s state-funded international broadcasters are often understood as malign propaganda rather than as agents of soft power. Subsequently, there is a major credibility gap between how Russian state media represents itself to the world and how it is actually perceived by overseas publics. However, based on the study of RT’s coverage of the Russian hosted FIFA 2018 World Cup and the audience reactions this prompted, we find that this credibility gap was partially bridged. By analysing over 700 articles published by RT, alongside social media and focus group research, we find that RT’s World Cup coverage created an unusually positive vision of Russia that appealed to international audiences. Our study demonstrates how state-funded international broadcaster coverage of sports mega-events can generate a soft power effect with audiences, even when the host state – such as Russia – has a poor international reputation.