Search Results (807)

Buffalo mozzarella cheese whey (CW) and ricotta cheese exhausted whey (RCEW) are valuable by-products of the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana PDO production chain. This study characterized their microbial communities using an integrated culture-dependent and -independent approach. Metabarcoding analysis revealed that the dominance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Lactobacillus helveticus, alongside diverse heat-resistant yeasts such as Cyberlindnera jadinii. Culture-based isolation identified subdominant lactic acid bacteria strains, not detected by sequencing, belonging to Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus durans. These strains were further assessed for their probiotic potential. E. faecalis CW1 and E. durans RCEW2 showed tolerance to acidic pH, bile salts, and lysozyme, as well as a strong biofilm-forming capacity and antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, bile salt resistance suggests potential functionality in cholesterol metabolism. These findings support the potential use of CW and RCEW as reservoirs of novel, autochthonous probiotic strains and underscore the value of regional dairy by-products in food biotechnology and gut health applications. Full article

The present study focuses on the attractiveness and perceived value of differentiated quality labels, such as the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), for agri-food products from Extremadura (Spain). In doing so, it addresses a gap in the scientific literature concerning consumer behavior toward products bearing these certifications. The results show that awareness of these quality schemes is significantly higher among middle-aged and older individuals, underscoring the need for more modern and targeted communication strategies. The findings highlight the strategic role of agri-food marketing in promoting certified products and emphasize the importance of bridging the generational gap in consumer education. Overall, differentiated quality schemes are perceived as strategic tools to enhance the competitiveness of local products, strengthen cultural identity, and foster sustainable rural economies. Furthermore, this study identifies a negative relationship between the consumption of certified products and the awareness of certification and a positive relationship with the willingness to pay a premium. Consumers with greater awareness tend consume these products less, although they are more willing to pay higher prices for items bearing quality labels. Full article

Hydrogen energy holds immense potential to address the global energy crisis and environmental challenges. However, its large-scale application is severely hindered by the lack of efficient hydrogen storage materials. This study systematically investigates the H₂ adsorption properties of intrinsic C₂₆ fullerene and Li-decorated C₂₆ fullerene using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results reveal that Li atoms preferentially bind to the H_5-5 site of C₂₆, driven by significant electron transfer (0.90 |e|) from Li to C₂₆. This electron redistribution modulates the electronic structure of C₂₆, as evidenced by projected density of states (PDOS) analysis, where the p orbitals of C atoms near the Fermi level undergo hybridization with Li orbitals, enhancing the electrostatic environment for H₂ adsorption. For Li-decorated C₂₆, the average adsorption energy and consecutive adsorption energy decrease as more H₂ molecules are adsorbed, indicating a gradual weakening of adsorption strength and signifying a saturation limit of three H₂ molecules. Charge density difference and PDOS analyses further demonstrate that H₂ adsorption induces synergistic electron transfer from both Li (0.89 |e| loss) and H₂ (0.01 |e| loss) to C₂₆ (0.90 |e| gain), with orbital hybridization between H s orbitals, C p orbitals, and Li orbitals stabilizing the adsorbed system. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the microscopic mechanism underlying Li-enhanced H₂ adsorption on C₂₆ fullerene and offer insights into the rational design of metal-decorated fullerene-based systems for efficient hydrogen storage. Full article

The quality of Crocus sativus L. flowers, beyond their stigmas, is influenced by the presence of bioactive metabolites also in their floral bio-residues. Given the effect of climatic and soil variables on these bioactive compounds, the aim of this research was to develop an agroecological zoning of saffron crop areas within the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) La Mancha region (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) by integrating the floral metabolite content with climatic and soil variables. To achieve this, a total of 173 samples were collected during the 2022 and 2023 harvests and analyzed via RP-HPLC-DAD to determine crocins, picrocrocin, kaempferols, and anthocyanins. Two new indices, Cropi (crocins + picrocrocin) and Kaeman (kaempferols + anthocyanins), were defined to classify flowers into four quality categories (A–D). High-quality classifications (A and B) were consistently associated with plots grouped in the meteorological stations of Ontur, El Sanchón, and Bolaños, indicating favorable edaphoclimatic conditions and climatic parameters, such as moderate temperatures and reduced humidity, for metabolite biosynthesis. In contrast, plots included in the meteorological stations of Tarazona and Pedernoso were mostly assigned to lower categories (C and D). Spatial analysis using thematic maps revealed that areas with an intermediate carbonate content, less calcareous soils, and higher organic matter levels were linked to higher flower quality. These findings highlight the influence of soil characteristics and climate, with distinct seasonal contrasts, that positively influence metabolite synthesis and flower quality. Full article

The authenticity of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Feta cheese is critical for consumer confidence and market integrity, particularly in light of widespread concerns over economically motivated adulteration. This study evaluated the potential of Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric modeling to differentiate authentic Feta from non-Feta white brined cheeses. A total of 90 cheese samples, consisting of verified Feta and cow milk cheeses, were analyzed in both freeze-dried and fresh forms. Spectral data from raw, first derivative, and second derivative spectra were analyzed using principal component analysis–linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to distinguish authentic Feta from non-Feta cheese samples. Derivative processing significantly improved classification accuracy. All classification models performed relatively well, but the PLS-DA model applied to second derivative spectra of freeze-dried samples achieved the best results, with 95.8% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 90.9% specificity. The most consistently highlighted discriminatory regions across models included ~2920 cm⁻¹ (C–H stretching in lipids), ~1650 cm⁻¹ (Amide I band, corresponding to C=O stretching in proteins), and the 1300–900 cm⁻¹ range, which is associated with carbohydrate-related bands. These findings support ATR-FTIR spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive tool for routine Feta authentication. The approach offers promise for enhancing traceability and quality assurance in high-value dairy products. Full article

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), as the dominant mode of decadal sea surface temperature variability in the North Pacific, exhibits both interannual and decadal fluctuations that significantly influence global climate. The complexity associated with PDO changes poses challenges for accurate predictions. This study develops a BiLSTM-WOA-MMD (BWM) model, which integrates a bidirectional long short-term memory network with a whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and multiple modal decomposition (MMD), to forecast PDO at both interannual and decadal time scales. The model successfully predicts monthly/annual average PDO index of up to 15 months/5 years in advance, achieving a correlation coefficient of 0.56/0.55. By utilizing the WOA to effectively optimize hyperparameters, the model enhances the PDO prediction skill compared to existing deep learning PDO prediction models, improving the correlation coefficient from 0.47 to 0.68 at a 6-month lead time. The combination of MMD and WOA further minimizes prediction errors and extends the forecasting effective time to 15 months by capturing essential modes. The BWM model can be employed for future PDO prediction and the predicted PDO will remain in its cool phase in the next year both using the PDO index from NECI and derived from near-time satellite data. This proposed model offers an effective way to advance the prediction skill of climate variability on multiple time scales by utilizing all kinds of data available including satellite data, and provides a large-scale background to monitor marine heatwaves. Full article

Cheese production is an ancient practice that is associated with the food and cultural identity of different peoples. There are over 500 cheese types globally, including 207 with protected denomination of origin (PDO) and 70 with protected geographical indication (PGI) status in the European Union (EU). Each cheese has various biochemical compositions, production methods, and maturation environments. This study has provided a critical review of the environmental impacts of cheese production, focusing on energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the integration of renewable energy sources as sustainable strategies for this sector. Based on case studies and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, the analysis revealed significant variability in energy use (3.0 to 70.2 MJ/kg) and GHG emissions (up to 22.13 kg CO₂ eq/kg), influenced by factors such as the cheese type, production complexity, system boundaries, and the technological or geographical context. Particular attention was given to heat treatment, refrigeration, and maturation processes, which contribute substantially to the overall energy footprint. The paper also discusses the methodological challenges in LCA studies, including the role of co-product allocation and database limitations. Finally, strategic renewable energy options, such as biogas recovery and solar thermal integration, are discussed as sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of the dairy sector and support its sustainability. Full article

Viola philippica (VP), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, has recently garnered attention for its potential in skin photoprotection. VP was extracted using glycerol (GLY), 1,3-propanediol (PDO), and 1,3-butanediol (BDO) at concentrations of 30%, 60%, and 90% (w/w) to evaluate its antioxidant and UV-protective properties. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the nine extracts ranged from 34.73 to 71.45 mg GAEs/g and from 26.68 to 46.68 mg REs/g, respectively, with the highest TPC observed in 90% PDO and the highest TFC in 60% GLY. Antioxidant assays revealed IC₅₀ values of 0.49–1.26 mg/mL (DPPH), 0.10–0.19 mg/mL (ABTS), and 1.58–460.95 mg/mL (OH). Notably, the 60% GLY, 30% PDO, and 90% PDO extracts demonstrated notable protective effects against UVB-induced cell damage, reducing intracellular ROS levels and preventing DNA damage. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the protective effects were associated with the modulation of key molecular pathways, including neutrophil extracellular trap formation and TNF, IL-17, and HIF-1 signaling. These findings suggest that Viola philippica polyol extracts, particularly those using 60% GLY, 30% PDO, and 90% PDO, have promising potential for skin photoprotection and could be utilized as natural antioxidants in cosmetic formulations. Full article

This study aimed to verify, under real operating conditions, the effectiveness of protective lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture in counteracting the development of late blowing defects in Valtellina Casera PDO cheese and its impact on product sensory characteristics. Thirty-four LAB isolated from Bitto and Valtellina Casera PDO cheeses were screened for anti-Clostridium activity. Lacticaseibacillus casei VC201 was able to inhibit all the indicator strains through organic acid production. Valtellina Casera PDO cheese-making was performed twice in three dairy farms using a commercial autochthonous starter culture with and without the addition of the protective culture VC201. Cheese was ripened both at 8 °C and 12 °C and analyzed after 70 and 180 days for LAB population, proteolysis, and lipolysis evolution as well as sensory impact. Cheeses with the addition of the VC201 strain showed higher contents of rod-shaped LAB throughout the ripening at both temperatures. The protective culture decreased the production of butyric acid at 70 days, especially at 8 °C (−15.4%), while butyric fermentation was occasionally lightly observed at 12 °C. The sensory profile was favorably impacted by the higher relative proportion of short-chain fatty acids (SCFFAs, C2–C8), which was especially pronounced at 8 °C and persisted for 180-day ripening (23.91% vs. 18.84% at 70 days and 23.84 vs. 21.71 at 180 days of ripening). The temperature and time of ripening had a significant effect on the free fatty acid content of the cheese samples in all three classes (SCFFA, MCFFA, and LCFFA). The cheese made with Lcb. casei VC201 was preferred, according to the sensory evaluation, being perceived as less acidic, less bitter, tastier, and with more intense flavor. Protective cultures can represent a practical way to reduce late blowing defects in Valtellina Casera cheese production while maintaining adherence to its PDO regulatory requirements. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial by-products for their use in animal feed leads to a reduction in inputs, creating the opportunity to optimize the sustainability of the agri-food chain, a priority of the SDG 2030 strategy; it also leads to a reduction in production costs. The objective of this study was to examine the changes that occur during the silage process of the pomegranate varieties Mollar de Elche (PDO) and Wonderful in terms of their nutritional and antioxidant characteristics for subsequent use in ruminant feed. Microsilos were created with the by-products of these two different pomegranate varieties. Two different microsilos for each variety were monitored on days 0 (raw material), 14, 35, 60, and 180. The variables studied included microbiology tracks, fermentation products, pH, dry matter (DM), macronutrient composition, organic acid and sugar contents, and antioxidant activity. The results show that, for both varieties, the silage process was successful; the stability of the fermentation process was determined by day 35, and its viability was ensured for a minimum period of 6 months. Furthermore, the nutritional characteristics of the raw material were preserved in the ensiled product. An evaluation of the total phenols and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH) showed that they remained stable throughout the monitoring period, despite the decrease in bioactive compounds (total phenols) at the end of the study period. It was concluded that silage is an effective preservation method for the by-products of Mollar de Elche and Wonderful pomegranate varieties, and its outcome presents valuable potential as a sustainable nutritional resource for ruminants. Full article

In a warming climate, rising temperature are expected to influence atmospheric humidity. This study examined the spatio-temporal dynamics of temperature (TEMP) and relative humidity (RH) across Equatorial Africa from 1980 to 2020. The analysis used RH data from European Centre of Medium-range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v.5 (ERA5) reanalysis, TEMP and precipitation (PRE) from Climate Research Unit (CRU), and soil moisture (SM) and evapotranspiration (ET) from the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). In addition, four teleconnection indices were considered: El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). This study used the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator to analyze trends, alongside multiple linear regression to investigate the relationships between TEMP, RH, and key climatic variables—namely evapotranspiration (ET), soil moisture (SM), and precipitation (PRE)—as well as large-scale teleconnection indices (e.g., IOD, ENSO, PDO, and NAO) on annual and seasonal scales. The key findings are as follows: (1) mean annual TEMP exceeding 30 °C and RH less than 30% were concentrated in arid regions of the Sahelian–Sudano belt in West Africa (WAF), Central Africa (CAF) and North East Africa (NEAF). Semi-arid regions in the Sahelian–Guinean belt recorded moderate TEMP (25–30 °C) and RH (30–60%), while the Guinean coastal belt and Congo Basin experienced cooler, more humid conditions (TEMP < 20 °C, RH (60–90%). (2) Trend analysis using Mann–Kendal and Sen slope estimator analysis revealed spatial heterogeneity, with increasing TEMP and deceasing RH trends varying by region and season. (3) The warming rate was higher in arid and semi-arid areas, with seasonal rates exceeding annual averages (0.18 °C decade⁻¹). Winter (0.27 °C decade⁻¹) and spring (0.20 °C decade⁻¹) exhibited the strongest warming, followed by autumn (0.18 °C decade⁻¹) and summer (0.10 °C decade⁻¹). (4) RH trends showed stronger seasonal decline compared to annual changes, with reduction ranging from 5 to 10% per decade in certain seasons, and about 2% per decade annually. (5) Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated a strong negative relationship between TEMP and RH with a correlation coefficient of r = − 0.60. (6) Significant associations were also observed between TEMP/RH and both climatic variables (ET, SM, PRE) and large scale-teleconnection indices (ENSO, IOD, PDO, NAO), indicating that surface conditions may reflect a combination of local response and remote climate influences. However, further analysis is needed to distinguish the extent to which local variability is independently driven versus being a response to large-scale forcing. Overall, this research highlights the physical mechanism linking TEMP and RH trends and their climatic drivers, offering insights into how these changes may impact different ecological and socio-economic sectors. Full article

The Chushandian Reservoir, a key control project on the Huaihe River, is vital for flood control, water allocation, and maintaining ecological baseflow. This study analyzes runoff evolution and provides predictive insights for sustainable water management. Methods employed include Extremum Symmetric Mode Decomposition (ESMD) for decomposing complex signals, a mutation detection algorithm to identify significant changes in time-series data, and cross-wavelet transform to examine correlations and phase relationships between time series across frequencies. Additionally, the hybrid models GM-BP and CNN-LSTM were used for runoff forecasting. Results show cyclical fluctuations in annual runoff every 2.3, 5.3, and 14.5 years, with a significant decrease observed in 2010. Among climate factors, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) had the strongest correlation with runoff variability, while ENSO and PDO showed more localized impacts. Model evaluations indicated strong predictive performance, with Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) scores of 0.884 for GM-BP and 0.909 for CNN-LSTM. These findings clarify the climatic drivers of runoff variability and provide valuable tools for water resource management at the Chushandian Reservoir under future climate uncertainties. Full article

A comprehensive characterization of two pressed-curd cheeses produced from ewe’s milk using enzymatic coagulation—Manchego cheese (with Protected Designation of Origin, PDO) and Castellano cheese (with Protected Geographical Indication, PGI)—was performed throughout the manufacturing process (industrial or traditional) and ripening stages (2, 9, 30, 90, and 180 days). Proton high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H HRMAS NMR) spectroscopy, combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, was applied to intact cheese samples. The combination of this spectroscopic technique with chemometric methods allows for the characterization of each type of sheep milk cheese according to its geographical origin and production method (artisanal or industrial), as well as the estimation of ripening time. The results demonstrate that HRMAS NMR spectroscopy enables the rapid and direct analysis of cheese samples, providing a comprehensive profile of their metabolites—a metabolic ‘fingerprint’. Full article

Using the combination of Concentrated solar power (CSP) and calcium looping (CaL) technology is an effective way to solve the problems of intermittent solar energy, but calcium-based materials are prone to sintering due to the densification of the surface structure during high-temperature cycling. In this study, the enhancement mechanism of Co and Cr doping in terms of the adsorption properties of CaO was investigated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The results indicate that Co and Cr doping shortens the bond length between metal and oxygen atoms, enhances covalent bonding interactions, and reduces the oxygen vacancy formation energy. Meanwhile, the O²⁻ diffusion energy barrier decreased from 4.606 eV for CaO to 3.648 eV for Co-CaO and 2.854 eV for Cr-CaO, which promoted CO₂ adsorption kinetics. The CO₂ adsorption energy was significantly increased in terms of the absolute value, and a partial density of states (PDOS) analysis indicated that doping enhanced the C-O orbital hybridization strength. In addition, Ca₄O₄ cluster adsorption calculations indicated that the formation of stronger metal–oxygen bonds on the doped surface effectively inhibited particle migration and sintering. This work reveals the mechanisms of transition metal doping in optimizing the electronic structure of CaO and enhancing CO₂ adsorption performance and sintering resistance, which provides a theoretical basis for the design of efficient calcium-based sorbents. Full article

The fundamental chemistries and electronic structures of platinum catalysts over nitrogen-doped carbon supports were examined to determine the subtle yet important roles graphitic defect-based and pyridinic defect-based nitrogen defects have in stabilizing platinum. These roles address and extend previously gathered incomplete knowledge of how combinations of graphitic defect and pyridinic defect affect the local electronic structure, leading to a greater unified understanding of platinum stability. A theoretical study was designed where different atomically sized platinum clusters were investigated over seven different nitrogen defect combinations on graphene carbon support. Differently sized platinum clusters offered parametric insights into the differences in metal–support interactions. Full article