Search Results (37,538)

The declining productivity, fertilizer inefficiencies, and rising energy cum production costs are the key issues in crop production, especially in semi-arid regions with alkaline soils. Integration of crop management strategies needs to be adopted to address these issues within the water–energy–food nexus (WEFN). For this purpose, a case study was conducted in semi-arid region of central Punjab, Pakistan, to evaluate the interactive effects of irrigation water source [canal water (CW) and tubewell water (TW)], phosphorus fertilizer source [diammonium phosphate (DAP) vs. phosphoric acid_25% (PA)], and fertilizer application levels [100% and 80% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)] on maize productivity, energy efficiency and economic performance. The experiment comprises eight treatments under raised bed planting (RBP) and one control treatment under ridge-furrow sowing (RFS). Each treatment had three replicates, and the experiment was laid out under a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Maize growth, yield, water productivity, energy efficiency, and economic performance were analyzed using field measurements, energy equivalents, and partial budget analysis. The T1 (RBP+CW+PA+100%RDF) produced the highest maize yield, and it varied from 6.36 to 7.90 t ha⁻¹ under other treatments. CW significantly showed better water productivity (1.14–1.37 kg m⁻³) than that under TW (1.13–1.31 kg m⁻³); however, total energy input was higher under TW-based treatments (29,269–41,033 MJ t ha⁻¹) than that under CW-based treatments (24,129–29,681 MJ ha⁻¹). This results in lower energy productivity under TW-based treatments compared with CW-based treatments (0.17–0.23 kg MJ⁻¹ vs. 0.25–0.31 kg MJ⁻¹, respectively). Moreover, T2 (RBP+CW+PA+80%RDF) produced the highest energy use efficiency (0.59). Economic analysis revealed that production costs were nearly 15–17% higher under TW-based treatments, mainly due to the cost associated with groundwater pumping, and it reduced net profit to USD 1134–1385 ha⁻¹. Better net profits were achieved by CW-based treatments (USD 1244–1593 ha⁻¹), while those produced by BCR ranged from 3.11 to 3.69, with the highest value under T2 (RBP+CW+PA+80%RDF). Overall, irrigation water source emerged as the dominant driver of WEFN performance, while phosphoric acid significantly improved phosphorus availability, energy productivity, and economic returns, particularly under reduced fertilizer input. This study evidenced better maize productivity, less energy consumption, and improved farm profitability in semi-arid irrigated systems through the integration of canal water irrigation with optimized phosphorus management. Full article

The modern world faces numerous challenges related to environmental degradation, climate change, and the growing demand for food in the context of rapid population growth. One of the key areas in which solutions supporting the idea of sustainable development can be sought is in society’s dietary habits and the implementation of innovative approaches to food production. Among these, 3D food printing has attracted growing attention as a promising approach for designing plant-based products with tailored structure, composition, and sensory properties. However, the broader adoption of 3D-printed foods may depend largely on consumer acceptance. The aim of this study was to compare the sensory evaluation and perceived market value of two plant-based salmon analogues: a conventional vegan product commercially available on the domestic market (Product A) and a vegan salmon analogue produced using a 3D food printing approach (Product B). An exploratory consumer study was conducted with 20 adult participants representing two dietary groups: meat consumers and non-meat consumers. Two tasting panels were organised, and both products were evaluated using a structured hedonic questionnaire covering appearance, aroma, colour, taste, texture, packaging, perceived ingredient composition, acceptable price, and purchase intention. Data were analysed descriptively and by means of McNemar’s test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, including subgroup analyses by dietary profile. Product B received significantly more favourable ratings for aroma, taste, texture, and acceptable price, and it generated a higher declared purchase intention than Product A. The difference in purchase intention between the two products was statistically significant. More positive evaluations of Product B were particularly evident among non-meat consumers. These findings suggest that, in the context of this exploratory tasting study, the 3D-printed plant-based salmon analogue showed promising consumer acceptance, especially among respondents already oriented toward plant-based diets. Full article

The transition towards sustainable agri-food systems necessitates the development of effective and technologically advanced biofertilizers and biostimulants capable of reducing reliance on synthetic agrochemicals while enhancing crop productivity. Photosynthetic microorganisms, including cyanobacteria and microalgae, represent promising biological platforms owing to their extensive metabolic potential, their ability to synthesize high-value bioactive compounds, and, in certain cases, their capacity for atmospheric nitrogen fixation. These properties make them particularly valuable for enhancing plant growth and improving tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, a systematic review was conducted to identify diverse cyanobacterial and microalgal taxa with demonstrated roles in plant growth promotion and stress mitigation through multiple mechanisms and adaptive traits. A subset of these microorganisms was subsequently curated into a targeted database and subjected to bioinformatics analyses, leading to the identification of key metabolic pathways associated with stress response and plant growth promotion. Full article

Soil salinization is projected to intensify under global warming, posing significant constraints on crop growth and agricultural productivity. Although numerous quantitative studies have investigated soil salinization, comprehensive assessments specifically targeting global croplands remain limited. We hypothesize that, within a machine learning framework, combining soil properties, climate variables and anthropogenic management factors can yield global maps of soil salinity in croplands. For this purpose, we use a random forest (RF) model, with irrigation involved, to predict global cropland soil salinity (ECe) at 0.1° resolution for 1981–2010, capturing its spatiotemporal dynamics. The results indicate that the model performs well (R² = 0.63), with soil depth, the aridity index and pH being particularly significant factors. High values of ECe were found across central South America, southwestern Africa, central India, and south-central and northeastern China. The proportion of salinized croplands exhibits a long-term upward trend, averaging 4.88%. Ultimately, this study delivers long-term global cropland salinity maps, offering critical insights for safeguarding food security under climate change. Full article

Olive leaves are an abundant agro-industrial by-product rich in oleuropein, yet they remain largely underutilized. The objective of this study is to a) develop a green microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for an oleuropein-rich extract, b) encapsulate it into edible natural zeolite to form OLE@NZ nanohybrids, and, c) evaluate their application in fortified salt and active gelatin films. MAE using only water at 96 °C for 5 min yielded a dry extract with 25.4% (w/w) oleuropein and a total phenolic content of 781 mg GAE/100 mL. The extract was successfully adsorbed onto clinoptilolite-type zeolite and the resulting nanohybrids showed strong antioxidant activity (EC_50,DPPH = 2.74 mg, TPC = 426 mg GAE/g). A fortified salt containing 5% w/w OLE@NZ fully preserved the nanohybrid’s antioxidant activity. Extruded gelatin films incorporating 5–15% OLE@NZ exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity (up to 14-fold higher than the blank film), together with a 5- to 7-fold enhancement, while maintaining good mechanical properties. The total phenolic content of the films correlated linearly with nanohybrid loading, with phenolic recovery of 68% both at 5 and 10% loading and 58% at 15%). Overall, these findings demonstrate that MAE is a rapid, and environ-mentally friendly approach for obtaining oleuropein-rich olive leaf extract (OLE), while OLE@NZ nanohybrids provide effective antioxidant additives for functional salt formulations and active gelatin films, supporting a circular bioeconomy strategy. Full article

As food demand increases, agricultural practices have evolved, prompting increased exploration of sustainable ecological techniques and utilization of plant-associated microorganisms. In this context, plant fitness has been enhanced by plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), which stimulate growth through direct mechanisms, such as improved nutrient availability and phytohormone production, as well as indirect mechanisms, including protection against phytopathogens and suppression of soil-borne diseases. However, these innate capabilities of PGPM can be further improved through genomic modification or editing. This article reviews advances in the genomic engineering of plant-beneficial microorganisms as tools to enhance their positive effects on crop performance and environmental remediation. The genetic modification strategies analyzed here include random mutagenesis, targeted genome editing (such as CRISPR-Cas), gene over-expression, genome shuffling, RNA interference, metabolic pathway engineering, and synthetic biology approaches. These tools have enabled the optimization of functions, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, secondary metabolite production, biocontrol, stress tolerance, and bioremediation. However, we propose expanding the discussion of their regulation and use in various countries. Additionally, these modifications must be efficient and safe for the beneficial microbiota associated with the target crop, as well as for humans, animals, and the environment, all of which depend on sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Smallholder irrigation schemes in semi-arid Zimbabwe are vital for food security but increasingly constrained by declining soil fertility, inefficient water use, and climate variability. Closing nutrient loops through manure recycling offers a potential pathway to improve system sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of manure recycling on maize grain yield and water productivity (WP) under supplemental irrigation at Silalatshani, Zimbabwe, using APSIM simulations across historical and mid-century climates. Simulations included manure rates (0–10 t ha⁻¹), nitrogen levels (20–150 kg N ha⁻¹), irrigation regimes, and climate scenarios, with improved irrigation guided by smart water management (SWM) tools. Grain yield was significantly influenced by nitrogen, manure, and irrigation (p < 0.05), with strong climate × nitrogen × manure interactions. Yields declined under increasing climate stress, predominantly under unimproved irrigation. Manure improved yield and water productivity, with greatest benefits at 2.5–5 t ha⁻¹, beyond which responses diminished. Water productivity gains were modest and constrained by water availability. Economic benefits were limited to moderate manure rates with adequate nitrogen. Combining moderate manure application with appropriate nitrogen fertilisation and improved water management, supported by SWM tools, provides a reliable and economically viable pathway for enhancing productivity, profitability, and resilience under climate variability. Full article

This systematic review examines the potential of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HFCEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as sustainable alternatives to traditional internal combustion vehicles (ICEs) based on fossil fuels in transitioning to greener mobility. By exploring recent literature and applying PRISMA guidelines, we focus on key aspects such as the technological performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact of HFCs compared to EVs. The review emphasizes the critical role of hydrogen production, mainly green hydrogen, and the challenges associated with refueling infrastructure and market viability. Analyzing selected studies, we present insights into the advantages, obstacles, and prospects of HFCEVs in the context of global efforts toward sustainable transportation. Full article

Agriculture currently faces multiple challenges associated with climate change, the reduction in arable land, and the need to produce food more efficiently in terms of water and nutrient use. This study evaluated an Internet of Things (IoT)-based hydroponic monitoring system with threshold-controlled recirculation for lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under open-field thermal stress conditions, comparing it with a conventional closed recirculating PVC pipe-based hydroponic system operated using fixed pump timing. The architecture integrated an ESP32 microcontroller, sensors for nutrient solution temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity voltage, dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity (EC), Wi-Fi/HTTPS connectivity, a PHP–MySQL server, and a web interface for near-real-time monitoring. During the growing period, 241,797 readings were recorded between 21 January and 13 February 2026. The threshold-based logic activated the pump mainly according to nutrient solution temperature and DO, while pH, EC, TDS, and relative turbidity voltage were monitored as operational indicators. The sensor-instrumented system operated with pump activation during approximately 28.5% of the monitoring period, while temperature exhibited high variability and peaks of 40.19 °C. Visual crop monitoring showed greater canopy uniformity in the sensor-instrumented system, supporting the technical feasibility of low-cost IoT-based monitoring and threshold-controlled recirculation for open-field hydroponic production of lettuce. Full article

Rice bran is a nutrient-rich agricultural by-product, and most of the bioactive compounds in it are bound and thus have poor bioavailability. Research has demonstrated that targeted microbial fermentation is a high-efficiency bioprocess for the degradation and modification of complex macromolecules to release phenolic compounds, flavonoids, dietary fibre derivatives and other new biologically active substances. Fermentation can be used to increase the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolically regulatory effects of rice bran more efficiently by changing its structure and increasing the content of active components compared with the conventional extraction method. Although some studies have investigated how to obtain suitable microbial strains and substrates, optimisation of the processing conditions for improving metabolic and functional performance has not been achieved; otherwise, other problems will still arise in the event of industrial-scale application, such as fluctuations in raw material supply, process instability, and high production costs. In the future, the integration of process analytical technology (PAT), artificial intelligence and microbial engineering will build a large-scale intelligent and controllable fermentation system. Therefore, the specific route of fermentation for valorising rice bran into high-value functional ingredients has been identified, and the scientific foundation for developing sustainable foods and nutraceuticals has been established. Full article

This paper integrates the Elastic Net-TVP-VAR-BK framework and constructs a high-dimensional multilayer frequency-domain network, including short-, medium-, and long-term layers, to investigate extreme risk spillovers among 56 industries in the Chinese stock market. We examine the topology of the multilayer network at the system, cross-sector, and industry levels, as well as from both static and dynamic perspectives. Using daily data on 56 industry indices from 1 March 2007 to 30 September 2024, our empirical results show that: (1) All multilayer network topologies, including edge structures, node characteristics, and spillover strengths, exhibit significant frequency heterogeneity, and the dynamic topology of the three-layer network shows fluctuations and directional differences during critical periods. (2) In most periods, the short-term layer exhibits stronger average spillover intensity and denser inter-industry linkages, suggesting that short-horizon risk transmission plays a more prominent role in rapid contagion. However, the medium- and long-term layers remain important for identifying persistent and structural risk transmission. (3) At the industry level, capital markets and textiles, apparel, and luxury goods within the short-term layer, food products, household products, and road and rail in the medium-term layer as well as construction and engineering, industrial conglomerates, trading companies and distributors, metals and mining, and distributors in the long-term layer, all demonstrate high cross-industry systemic importance and total systemic importance, thereby establishing themselves as key nodes within their respective frequency domains. The findings provide theoretical support for policymakers in formulating strategies to address market risks and offer important references for investors in asset allocation and risk management decisions. Full article

Mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) can be considered an environmentally sustainable food due to their nutritional value, environmental benefits, and their potential in reducing reliance on animal-based proteins. Mung bean protein hydrolysate (MBPH) is a plant-based functional ingredient; however, its application in beverages is restricted by intense bitterness. This study was the first one to determine the consumer rejection threshold (CRT) of MBPH in three beverage matrices [water, unsweetened brewed tea (USBT), and sweetened brewed tea (SBT)] to evaluate how sweetness modulated bitterness perception and, in turn, affected consumer acceptance. Sensory evaluation was conducted with 308 consumers to evaluate acceptance of overall quality and bitter taste (yes/no), hedonic rating (overall liking and liking of taste and bitterness; a 9-point hedonic scale), and preference (a 2-alternative forced-choice, 2-AFC test) of three beverage matrices across MBPH concentrations of 0.0–1.2% (w/v). Acceptance decreased with increasing MBPH concentration across all matrices, with distinct differences in CRT values among samples. Based on overall acceptance, CRT values were 0.40% MBPH for water, 0.48% MBPH for USBT, and 0.80% MBPH for SBT. CRT values based on bitterness liking were lower (0.18–0.64%) compared to those (0.24–0.76%) based on overall taste and overall liking, indicating that bitterness perception was the primary driver of rejection. The 2-AFC results showed consistent preference for control samples; therefore, CRT could not be determined using this method under the experimental condition in this study. Overall, CRT values increased from 0.18–0.48% MBPH for USBT to 0.64–0.80% MBPH for SBT, demonstrating a quantitative shift associated with matrix composition and the presence of sweetness, providing a practical strategy for product developers to enhance the palatability of plant-based beverages containing MBPH. Full article

Background/Objectives: Residues of β-lactam antibiotics in foods of animal origin are important for official residue control and public-health risk assessment. Sample storage conditions may affect the measured concentrations of these analytes, whereas cooking may influence consumer exposure. This study evaluated the stability of six β-lactam antibiotics—amoxicillin, ampicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, benzylpenicillin, cefazolin, and cefotaxime—and clavulanic acid, a β-lactamase inhibitor, in chicken meat during storage and thermal processing. Methods: Incurred chicken meat samples were obtained after in vivo administration of the studied compounds. Stability was assessed during storage at +4 °C, −20 °C, and −86 °C for up to 165 days, during repeated freeze–thaw handling, and during heating at 100 °C for up to 30 min. The target compounds were quantified by HPLC–MS/MS after acetonitrile extraction and hexane clean-up. Results: The studied compounds were unstable at +4 °C, with concentrations decreasing below the detection limit within 3–27 days depending on the compound. Storage at −20 °C was insufficient for long-term preservation of most penicillins, whereas −86 °C improved stability. Cefazolin was the most stable compound under the tested storage conditions, while cefotaxime was the least stable. Heating at 100 °C for 30 min caused substantial reduction in parent-compound concentrations, ranging from 63.8 ± 4.0% for cefazolin to complete disappearance below the detection limit for cefotaxime. Conclusions: For reliable official residue analysis, chicken meat samples intended for β-lactam testing should be stored at −86 °C whenever long-term storage is required. Repeated thawing should be avoided. Cooking substantially reduces the concentrations of the parent compounds but cannot be considered a reliable safety measure, because degradation may be incomplete and degradation products were not assessed in this study. Full article

Aflatoxins (AFs), toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species, represent a major threat to food safety and public health due to their pronounced hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects. With increasing global contamination risks driven by climate change and agricultural practices, the development of effective detoxification strategies has become a critical priority. This review provides a comprehensive and mechanistic overview of current aflatoxin (AF) decontamination approaches, focusing on two principal pathways: adsorption and inhibition strategies. Adsorption mechanisms involve the physicochemical sequestration of aflatoxins by inorganic materials, biological adsorbents, and engineered nanocomposites, thereby reducing toxin bioavailability. In contrast, inhibition strategies target fungal growth, toxin biosynthesis pathways, or promote enzymatic and microbial degradation of aflatoxins, offering more specific and potentially sustainable control. We critically analyze the underlying mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of each approach, including issues related to specificity, environmental stability, safety, and interactions with food matrices. Particular emphasis is placed on the toxicological implications of detoxification processes, including the reduction in aflatoxin-induced health risks and the safety of degradation products. Finally, this review highlights the importance of integrating adsorption and inhibition strategies to achieve synergistic decontamination and detoxification effects. Future perspectives on multifunctional materials, biological control systems, and intelligent monitoring technologies are discussed to advance the development of efficient, safe, and sustainable aflatoxin mitigation strategies. Full article

Background: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent hepatocarcinogen commonly found in staple foods from tropical regions. Aim: This scoping review collated existing evidence on AFB1 contamination in rice, maize, and peanut-based products across ASEAN countries to estimate chronic dietary exposure, Margin of Exposure (MOE), and the associated liver cancer risk. Methods: A systematic search was performed in five databases. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and risk metrics were calculated using sample-size weighted mean concentrations, along with regional consumption data. Risk characterisation used the benchmark dose lower confidence limit (BMDL₁₀) of 400 ng/kg BW/day, while liver cancer potency levels were adjusted according to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence for each population. Results: Twenty studies from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines met the inclusion criteria. Peanuts and maize had the highest AFB1 concentrations among all food groups. Peanuts showed the highest contamination in the Philippines, followed by Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Maize exhibited a similar trend, with the highest levels observed in the Philippines. Most MOE values calculated were below 10,000, indicating a major public health concern. An exception was peanuts in Thailand, where MOE values exceeded 10,000, thus indicating a lower genotoxic carcinogenicity risk. The estimated liver cancer burden due to dietary AFB1 varied widely among countries and commodities. Conclusions: These findings show significant differences in AFB1 exposure in the ASEAN region. There is a need for improved surveillance, better post-harvest management, and harmonised regional risk management strategies. Full article