Search Results (4)

This research aims to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies for greenhouse gas emissions Thailand in accordance with Climate-Smart Agriculture policies. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative research as a crucial framework for impact analysis and an early warning tool for the government in achieving sustainability. On the quantitative side, an advanced model called the Longitudinal Mediated Moderation Analysis Based on the Fuzzy Autoregressive Hierarchical Process (LMMA-FAHP) model has been developed. This model meets all validity criteria, shows no signs of spuriousness, and outperforms previous models in terms of performance. It is highly suitable for policy formulation and strategic planning to guide the country’s long-term governance toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2065. The findings indicate that the new scenario policy, with an appropriateness rating of over 80%, includes factors such as the clean technology rate, biogas energy, biofertilizers, organic fertilizers, anaerobic digestion rate, biomass energy, biofertilizer rate, renewable energy rate, green material rate, waste biomass, and organic waste treatments. All indicators demonstrate a high sensitivity level. When the new scenario policy is incorporated into future greenhouse gas emissions forecasts (2025–2065), the research reveals a declining growth rate of emissions, reaching 78.51 Mt CO₂ Eq., with a growth rate of 11.35%, which remains below the carrying capacity threshold (not exceeding 101.25 Mt CO₂ Eq.). Moreover, should the government adopt and integrate these indicators into national governance frameworks, it is projected that greenhouse gas emissions by 2065 could be reduced by as much as 36.65%, significantly exceeding the government’s current reduction target of 20%. This would enable the government to adjust its carbon sequestration strategies more efficiently. Additionally, qualitative research was conducted by engaging stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, and agricultural communities to develop adaptive strategies for future greenhouse gas emissions. If the country follows the research-driven approach outlined in this research, it will lead to effective long-term policy and governance planning, ensuring sustainability for Thailand. Full article

The increase in meat consumption could adversely affect the environment. Thus, there is growing interest in meat analogs. Soy protein isolate is the most common primary material to produce low- and high-moisture meat analogs (LMMA and HMMA), and full-fat soy (FFS) is another promising ingredient for LMMA and HMMA. Therefore, in this study, LMMA and HMMA with FFS were manufactured, and then their physicochemical properties were investigated. The water holding capacity, springiness, and cohesiveness of LMMA decreased with increasing FFS contents, whereas the integrity index, chewiness, cutting strength, degree of texturization, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, and total phenolic content of LMMA increased when FFS contents increased. While the physical properties of HMMA decreased with the increasing FFS content, its DPPH free radical scavenging activity and total phenolic contents increased. In conclusion, when full-fat soy content increased from 0% to 30%, there was a positive influence on the fibrous structure of LMMA. On the other hand, the HMMA process requires additional research to improve the fibrous structure with FFS. Full article

The protein content of a plant-based ingredient is generally lower than its animal food counterpart, and research into novel alternative protein is required that can provide similar protein content, texture and appearance as meat. This work investigates a mycelium-based low moisture meat analogue (LMMA) approach, by incorporating 0 to 40% w/w mycelium (MY) into pea protein isolate (PPI) via extrusion using a twin-screw extruder at 140 °C die temperature, 40 rpm screw speed, and 10 rpm feeder speed (0.53–0.54 kg/h). Physicochemical, rehydration, and structural properties of LMMA were assessed. The MY incorporation led to a significant change in color attributes due to Maillard reaction during extrusion. Water solubility index and water absorption capacity increased significantly with MY addition, owing to its porous structure. Oil absorption capacity increased due to increased hydrophobic interactions post-extrusion. Protein solubility decreased initially (upto 20% w/w MY), and increased afterwards, while the water holding capacity (WHC) and volumetric expansion ratio (VER) of LMMA enhanced with MY addition upto 30% w/w. Conversely, WHC and VER decreased for 40% w/w which was verified with the microstructure and FTIR analysis. Overall, MY (30% w/w) in PPI produced a fibrous and porous LMMA, showing future potential with an increasingly plant-based product market and decreasing carbon footprint of food production activities. Full article

Invertebrate gleaning within seagrass meadows is a common activity across eastern African communities that depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. Based on a case study of two contrasting sites, Maputo Bay (MB) and Inhambane Bay (IB), this study documents, both qualitatively and quantitatively, the gleaning activity, its value chain and stakeholders, paying particular attention to the recently created Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) within IB, boasting creativity in seagrass invertebrate fishery management. Twenty-four common edible species were identified for MB, and 15 for IB; nearly all gleaners were women and children. Our estimates indicate that about 7.7 and 7.6 tons of invertebrates are collected in the peak catch weeks (spring low tides) in MB and IB, respectively. Resources are caught and sold at local markets, food fairs (for IB only), and restaurants, as well as for direct household consumption. One thousand one hundred and seventy two (1172) hectares of LMMAs (corresponding to nearly 0.05 of IB) of fisheries management, together with existing community and other stakeholder engagement and intervention on value chains, are at the center of tangible invertebrate fishery management. Full article