Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 41-51 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 43 monitor and classify quality changes under different storage conditions. This method has shown that storage at 15°C is most suitable for maintaining quality parameters like moisture content and soluble solids content (Sanchez et al., 2020). Additionally, short-term cold storage at 5°C for 14 days has been found to improve the nutritional quality and sensory characteristics of sweet potatoes without causing chilling injury, by promoting the accumulation of beneficial compounds like sucrose and chlorogenic acid (Zhou et al., 2021). Other modern methods include the use of heat treatments, which have been effective in reducing sprouting and decay during long-term storage without significantly impacting the internal quality of sweet potatoes (Hu et al., 2011). Advanced drying techniques such as vacuum, infrared, and freeze drying, along with pretreatments like ultrasound and osmotic dehydration, have also been developed to preserve nutrients and improve energy efficiency. 2.3 Comparative overview of storage methods across regions The effectiveness of storage methods can vary significantly across different regions due to variations in climate, available resources, and local practices. For example, in Malaysia, sweet potatoes stored at 15°C with relative humidity levels of 70%~80% showed better quality retention compared to those stored at 5°C or 30°C (Sanchez et al., 2021). In Central Europe, storage at 15°C was found to reduce tuber waste and weight loss, with higher dry matter and total sugar content compared to storage at 5°C (Krochmal-Marczak et al., 2020). In Tanzania, the use of ventilated bags for storing white-colored sweet potato roots was found to be effective, resulting in lower weight loss and better retention of total soluble solids and beta-carotene content compared to other methods like improved traditional raised platforms (Richard et al., 2023). This highlights the importance of selecting appropriate storage methods based on regional conditions and specific sweet potato varieties. 3 Criteria for Study Selection and Data Processing 3.1 Criteria for study selection The selection of studies for this meta-analysis was based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the data. Studies were included if they investigated the impact of different storage methods on the quality of sweet potatoes, measured through various quality parameters such as moisture content, soluble solids content, texture, color properties, and nutritional components. Both experimental and observational studies were considered, provided they included a control group and detailed the storage conditions and duration. Studies that did not provide sufficient data on the storage conditions or quality parameters were excluded. Additionally, only peer-reviewed articles published in English were included to maintain the scientific rigor of the analysis (Sanchez et al., 2020; Sanchez et al., 2021). 3.2 Data extraction and coding Data extraction was performed systematically to ensure consistency and accuracy. Key information extracted from each study included the type of sweet potato variety, storage conditions (temperature, humidity, duration), and the measured quality parameters. The extracted data were coded into a standardized format, categorizing the storage conditions and quality parameters for comparative analysis. For instance, storage temperatures were coded as low (≤5°C), medium (6°C~15°C), and high (>15°C), while quality parameters such as moisture content, soluble solids content, and texture were recorded in their respective units. This coding facilitated the aggregation and comparison of data across different studies (Hu et al., 2011; Zhou et al., 2021). 3.3 Statistical methods for meta-analysis The meta-analysis employed several statistical methods to synthesize the data and evaluate the impact of storage methods on sweet potato quality. A random-effects model was used to account for the variability between studies, given the differences in sweet potato varieties, storage conditions, and measurement techniques. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I² statistic, with values greater than 50% indicating substantial heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the effects of different storage temperatures and durations on specific quality parameters. Additionally, meta-regression was performed to identify potential moderators
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