Search Results (143)

This study aimed to optimize the inoculation dosage and fermentation duration to enhance the protein content and reduce soluble oligosaccharides in soybean meal using Aspergillus oryzae and assessed its performance in dog food extrusion. A 3 × 5 factorial design was used to determine the optimal fermentation conditions. These conditions were applied to ferment soybean meal in bulk for nutritional analysis. Finally, the impact of fermentation on extrusion processing was assessed by formulating and extruding four diets: SBM (30% soybean meal), AMF (30% soybean meal with 1% Amaferm^®—A. oryzae biomass), FSBM (30% fermented soybean meal), and SPI (18% soy protein isolate). Diets were extruded with a single-screw extruder, and physical characteristics of kibbles, particle size distribution, and viscosity of raw mixes were analyzed. The optimal fermentation conditions were 1 × 10⁴ spore/g substrate for 36 h, which increased the crude protein content by 4.63% DM, methionine and cysteine total content by 0.15% DM, and eliminated sucrose, while significantly reducing stachyose, raffinose, and verbascose (95.22, 87.37, and 41.82%, respectively). The extrusion results showed that FSBM had intermediate specific mechanical energy (SME), in-barrel moisture requirements, and sectional expansion index (198.7 kJ/kg, 28.2%, and 1.80, respectively) compared with SBM (83.7 kJ/kg, 34.5%, and 1.30, respectively) and SPI (305.3 kJ/kg, 33.5%, and 2.55, respectively). The FSBM also exhibited intermediate particle size distribution and the least raw mix viscosity. These findings demonstrate that A. oryzae fermentation enhances the nutrient profile of soybean meal while improving extrusion efficiency and kibble quality, supporting its potential use as a sustainable pet food ingredient. Full article

This study explores the valorization of agro-industrial by-products—riceberry broken rice (RBR) and soybean meal (SBM)—as cost-effective substrates for enhancing exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Bacillus tequilensis PS21. Eight Bacillus strains were screened, and B. tequilensis PS21 demonstrated the highest EPS yield (2.54 g/100 mL DW). The EPS displayed a strong antioxidant capacity with 65.5% DPPH and 80.5% hydroxyl radical scavenging, and a FRAP value of 6.51 mg Fe²⁺/g DW. Antimicrobial testing showed inhibition zones up to 10.07 mm against Streptococcus agalactiae and 7.83 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. Optimization using central composite design (CCD) and the response surface methodology (RSM) revealed the best production at 5% (w/v) RBR, 3% (w/v) SBM, pH 6.66, and 39.51 °C, yielding 39.82 g/L EPS. This EPS is a moderate-molecular-weight (11,282 Da) homopolysaccharide with glucose monomers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an amorphous pattern, favorable for solubility in biological applications. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated thermal stability up to ~250 °C, supporting its suitability for high-temperature processing. EPS also exhibited anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values of 226.60 µg/mL (MCF-7) and 224.30 µg/mL (HeLa) at 72 h, reduced colony formation, inhibited cell migration, and demonstrated anti-tyrosinase, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase effects. This study demonstrates the successful valorization of agro-industrial by-products—RBR and SBM—for the high-yield production of multifunctional EPS with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The findings highlight the sustainable potential of these low-cost substrates in supporting the development of green and value-added bioproducts, with promising utilizations across the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article

Soybean meal (SBM) is extensively used as a predominant protein source in animal feed. However, raw soybean cannot be directly utilized in animal feed, due to the presence of the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTi) and the Bowman–Birk protease inhibitor (BBi). These antinutritional factors inhibit the digestive enzymes in animals, trypsin and chymotrypsin, resulting in poor animal performance. To inactivate the activity of protease inhibitors, SBM is subjected to heat processing, a procedure that can negatively impact the soybean protein quality. Thus, it would be beneficial to develop soybean varieties with little or no trypsin inhibitors. In this study, we report on the creation of experimental soybean lines with significantly reduced levels of Bowman–Birk protease inhibitors. RNA interference (RNAi) technology was employed to generate several transgenic soybean lines. Some of these BBi knockdown soybean lines showed significantly lower amounts of both trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities. Western blot analysis revealed the complete absence of BBi in selected RNAi-derived lines. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis demonstrated a drastic reduction in the seed-specific expression of BBi genes in the transgenic soybean lines during seed development. Confocal fluorescence immunolabeling studies showed that the accumulation of BBi was drastically diminished in BBi knockdown lines compared to wild-type soybeans. The absence of BBi in the transgenic soybean did not alter the overall protein, oil, and sulfur amino acid content of the seeds compared to wild-type soybeans. The seed protein from the BBi knockdown lines were more rapidly hydrolyzed by trypsin and chymotrypsin compared to the wild type, indicating that the absence of BBi enhances protein digestibility. Our study suggests that these BBi knockdown lines could be a valuable resource in order for plant breeders to incorporate this trait into commercial soybean cultivars, potentially enabling the use of raw soybeans in animal feed. Full article

This study focuses on the green economic growth of marine fisheries and explores the relationship among environmental regulations (ERs), industrial structure (INS), and the green total factor productivity of marine fisheries (MGTFP). Against the backdrop of global climate change and increasing pressure on resources and the environment, a green fisheries economy has become key to achieving sustainable development. This study selects panel data from 11 coastal provinces and municipalities in China spanning from 2014 to 2023 and, through quantitative analysis, evaluates the implementation effects of ER policies on marine fisheries’ production methods, INS, and MGTFP. When measuring the MGTFP, this study innovatively incorporates fishery disaster economic losses as an undesirable output and employs the super-efficiency SBM-GML model for precise calculation. The results of the study showed that ERs was able to promote the increase in MGTFP, and the effect of REC was stronger. The mediating effect model suggests that industry structure mediates this process. The results of threshold effect analysis show that both ERC and ERM exhibit significant single-threshold effects. This study aims to provide empirical support and policy recommendations for the government to formulate more effective environmental protection policies and promote the transformation and upgrading of the marine fisheries sector, thereby fostering the green development of China’s marine fisheries. Full article

Stretch blow molding (SBM) is widely utilized in industrial applications, yet the deformation characteristics of materials during this process are intricate and challenging to precisely articulate. To accurately forecast the stress–strain response of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in SBM, a hybrid Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based constitutive model has been developed. The model has been created by combining a physical-based function for capturing the small-strain behavior in parallel with an ANN-based model for capturing the temperature-dependent large-strain nonlinear viscoelastic behavior. The architecture of the ANN has been designed to ensure stability in a load-controlled scenario, thus making it suitable for use in FEA simulations of stretch blow molding. Data for training the model have been generated by a new semi-automatic experimental rig which is able to produce 850 stress–strain curves over a wide range of process conditions (temperature range 95–115 °C and strain rates ranging from 1/s to 100/s) directly from blowing preforms using a combination of high-speed video, digital image correlation and sensors for pressure and force. The model has already been implemented in the commercial FEA package Abaqus via a VUMAT subroutine, with its performance validated by comparing the prediction of the evolution of preform shape during blowing vs. high-speed images. In conclusion, the developed hybrid ANN model, when integrated into Abaqus, offers a more accurate simulation of SBM processes, contributing to improved design efficiency and product quality. Full article

This study evaluated fermented plant protein (FPP) for extrusion performance and its effects on diet utilization in adult cats. Four diets were formulated: a control with 15% soybean meal (SBM) and three diets replacing soybean meal at 5%, 10%, and 15% with FPP (5FPP, 10FPP, and 15FPP). Diets were extruded using a single-screw extruder, with data and samples collected at 15 min intervals. Twelve cats participated in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with 9 days of diet adaptation followed by 5 days of total fecal collection for nutrient digestibility and colonic fermentation analysis. Processing effects of FPP inclusion were minimal. The kibble sectional expansion index was lowest for SBM (2.50) and highest for 15FPP (2.82; p < 0.05). Fecal moisture increased (p < 0.05) in cats fed 15FPP. The apparent total tract digestibility of protein was greatest (p < 0.05) in cats fed 15FPP. The fecal ammonia concentrations increased linearly (p < 0.05) with FPP, while total fatty acid concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) in cats fed 10FPP compared to SBM. Cats preferred (p < 0.05) 10FPP over SBM as measured by the intake ratio. The FPP inclusion (up to 15%) did not adversely affect processing, stool quality, or nutrient digestibility. Diets with 5–10% FPP tended to reduce hind-gut fermentation. Full article

As a national strategic development area, the Yellow River Basin (YRB) has seen progress in research on the synergy efficiency of pollution reduction and carbon reduction (SEPCR). However, there are still notable gaps. The theoretical framework for this area is lacking, leading to diverse and inconsistent conclusions. Additionally, difficulties in data collection and processing, along with incomplete and inconsistent data, negatively affect the accuracy of research findings. Current studies tend to focus on single aspects and lack a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the SEPCR across the entire basin. There is insufficient understanding of key network nodes, connections, and overall structural characteristics. A scientific assessment of its spatial correlation structure has far-reaching implications for the national battle against pollution and the realization of “dual carbon” goals. This study is based on panel data from 75 cities in the YRB from 2006 to 2022. It employs an ultra-efficiency SBM model to measure the SEPCR. Additionally, it utilizes a modified gravity model and social network analysis to explore the spatial network correlation structure in depth. Furthermore, the QAP model is used to clarify the mechanisms of various influencing factors. The research findings indicate that there is an imbalance in the spatial and temporal distribution of the SEPCR in the YRB. Although there is a fluctuating upward trend over time, significant internal spatial disparities exist. While the gaps between regions are gradually narrowing, there are still evident research disparities. Moreover, the spatial connectivity of the SEPCR in the YRB is gradually strengthening, with overall network connectivity also improving, yet there remains a considerable distance from an ideal state. The network density shows a decreasing trend from the downstream to the midstream and then to the upstream regions, with significant differences in spatial network centrality among these areas, particularly pronounced between the midstream and upstream regions. Differences in economic development levels, technological development levels, and industrial structure development levels promote the formation of spatial correlations in SEPCR, while disparities in energy utilization have a suppressive effect. Full article

Studying the development of land green utilization efficiency and the factors that influence it in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region can improve the distribution of land resources among regions and reinforce interregional integrated planning. By constructing a super-efficiency SBM model, calculating the Malmquist–Luenberger index, and constructing a Tobit model, this study explores the spatial features and temporal variations of land green use efficiency in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 2010 to 2022. It also examines the mechanism that drives land green use efficiency in the context of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei synergistic development. According to this research, Beijing has consistently had the highest land green usage efficiency and a strong green development strength, whereas Baoding, Xingtai, Handan, and other cities in Hebei Province have lower land green utilization efficiency. According to the geographical dimension, the research area’s land green use efficiency exhibits a pattern of “high in the middle and low in the surroundings”, with Cangzhou, Langfang, and Tangshan standing out in terms of both industrial transformation and ecological building. Based on the results of the driving mechanism of land green use efficiency, it is evident that while the degree of urbanization and population concentration has a negative effect on land green use efficiency, the degree of economic development, industrial synergy, opening up to the outside world, environmental regulation, and ecological output all have positive and promoting associations with it. In summary, increasing the optimization of the economic and industrial structure, bolstering technological innovation and policy coordination, and attaining a harmonious coexistence of the economy and ecology are all essential steps in the process to increase the land green use efficiency in the research area when attempting to achieve the goal of sustainable development in the region. Full article

We looked into the ways in which the digital economy helps to speed up the convergence of environmentally responsible economic efficiency across China’s regions by facilitating the flow and optimization of R&D resources. We measured the mobility of R&D capital and personnel across 30 provinces in China from 2001 to 2022 using a gravity model, assessed the efficiency of green economic using the SBM method, and determined the influence of the digital economy by the use of a fixed-effects model. (1) We identified the σ convergence (the absolute gap between per capita income or per capita economic efficiency levels of different economies gradually decreasing over time) and β convergence (the negative correlation between the rate of economic efficiency increase among various economies or regions and their initial level of economic efficiency) characteristics of green economic efficiency, discovering that the digital economy has sped up the process of convergence of environmentally responsible economic efficiency in regional areas. (2) We found a latecomer advantage in the convergence of China’s green economic efficiency, along with the advancement of the digital economy; that is, the green economic efficiency more quickly converged in less developed regions and regions with fewer resources. (3) The digital economy is able to accelerate the convergence of regional green economy efficiency through the use of internal mechanisms such as the efficient flow of research and development factors and the reasonable allocation of those factors. By identifying the impact of the digital economy on the gaps in regional green economic efficiency from the new perspective of the flow and allocation of R&D elements, this study contributes to the existing body of literature. It also provides new information regarding the ways in which the digital economy is driving the development of China’s green economy. We offer policy suggestions based on our findings to assist regions in achieving a balance between the digital economy and industrial development through the utilization of resources that are specific to the location. Full article

This research explores how varying proportions of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (vPET) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in vPET-rPET blends, combined with preform thermal conditions during the stretch blow molding (SBM) process, influence PET bottles’ microscopic characteristics. Key metrics such as viscosity, density, crystallinity, amorphous phase relaxation, and microcavitation were assessed using response surface methodology (RSM). Statistical analysis, including Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and its power, supported the interpretation of results. The first part of the work details the experimental design and statistical methods. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and amorphous phase density analysis revealed reduced free volume size, a substantial increase in free volume quantity, and a transformation toward ellipsoidal geometries, highlighting significant structural changes in the material. At the same time, the intrinsic viscosity (IV) and PALS studies indicate that the solid-state post-condensation effect (SSPC) is linked with microcavitation through post-condensation product diffusion. The conclusions, which resulted from the microstructure analysis, affected the material’s mechanical strength and were validated by pressure resistance tests of the bottles. Full article

The rapid growth of the global population, the acceleration of the urbanization process, and the demands of economic development, place enormous pressure on scarce land resources. Cultivated land use presents a series of problems, hindering its socioeconomic and ecological sustainability. The sustainable intensification of cultivated land use (SICLU) is a development model designed to maximize land use efficiency, while minimizing environmental pollution. It is considered to be an efficient method to achieve three aspects of sustainable goals, namely in regard to society, the economy, and ecology, simultaneously. This approach has significant theoretical and practical implications for China’s food security and ecological safety. This study incorporates the “agricultural carbon emissions” indicator into the indicator evaluation system. Using the super-efficiency SBM model, we estimate the SICLU levels in China from 2001 to 2020. ArcGIS and the Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition model are employed to explore the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics and non-equilibrium spatial dynamics of SICLU in China. Finally, the Tobit regression model is used to reveal the driving factors. The results show the following: (1) Since 2003, China’s SICLU levels demonstrate an overall ascent amid fluctuations, sustaining a relatively high average annual level of 0.945. (2) In terms of spatial evolution patterns, China’s SICLU levels demonstrate significant spatial disparities, with distinct differences among the four major regions. Regions with similar SICLU levels show a certain degree of spatial adjacency. (3) There are significant regional disparities in China’s SICLU levels, which overall exhibit a declining trend. The differences between regions are the primary source of spatial variation, followed by hypervariable density and intra-regional disparities. (4) The regional industrial structure, the level of agricultural modernization, the agricultural cropping structure, and the per capita sown area, positively influence the enhancement of SICLU levels in China. Throughout the study period, the SICLU levels in China continuously improved and the overall regional disparities diminished. However, significant inter-regional imbalances persist, necessitating tailored optimization measures, based on local conditions. Establishing a coordinated mechanism for orderly and synergistic regional development is crucial, in order to provide references to decision-makers to promote the rational use of arable land in China. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in bottle production by stretch blow molding processes (SBM processes) due to its cost-effectiveness and low environmental impact. The presented literature review focuses on microcavitation and solid-state post-condensation effects that occur during the deformation of PET in the SBM process. The literature review describes cavitation and microcavitation effects in PET material and solid-state post-condensation of PET on the basis of a three-phase model of the PET microstructure. A three-phase model of PET microstructure (representing the amorphous phase in two ways, depending on the ratio of the trans-to-gauche conformation of the PET macromolecule and the amount of free volume) with a nucleation process, a crystallization process, and the use of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) to analyze PET microstructure are discussed in detail. The conceptual model developed based on the literature combines solid-state post-condensation with microcavitation via the diffusion of the post-condensation product. This review identifies the shortcomings of the developed conceptual model and presents them with five hypotheses, which will be the basis for further research. Full article

Soybean meal, renowned for its high yield, cost efficiency, and protein richness, serves as a pivotal plant-based alternative to fish meal. However, high soybean meal inclusion in Larimichthys crocea diets is linked to enteritis and oxidative damage, with unknown mechanisms. Our study aims to elucidate the molecular basis of soybean-meal-induced enteritis and its impact on intestinal microbiota in L. crocea. To this end, four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with varying soybean meal levels (0% FM, 15% SBM15, 30% SBM30, and 45% SBM45) were administered to L. crocea for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the SBM30 and SBM45 treatments significantly hindered fish growth, digestive efficiency, and protein utilization. Furthermore, high soybean meal levels (SBM30 and SBM45) activated intestinal Toll-like receptors (TLR2A, TLR2B, TLR5, and TLR22), stimulating C-Rel and mTOR protein expression and elevating ERK phosphorylation. This led to increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-4/13A, IL-4/13B, and TGF-β), suggesting a potential signaling pathway for soybean-meal-induced enteritis. Furthermore, enteritis induced by high soybean meal levels led to oxidative damage, evident from increased MDA levels and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT). The SBM30 and SBM45 treatments increased Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes abundance in fish gut microbiota, while Proteobacteria abundance decreased. This microbiota shift may enhance soybean meal nutrient utilization, yet high soybean meal concentrations still impair growth. A soybean-meal-rich diet promotes harmful bacteria like Rhodococcus and depletes probiotics like Ralstonia, increasing disease risks. L. crocea has limited tolerance for soybean meal, necessitating advanced processing to mitigate anti-nutritional factors. Ultimately, exploring alternative protein sources beyond soybean meal for fish meal replacement is optimal for L. crocea. Full article

After the COVID-19 epidemic, the recovery of tourism growth faced more pressure on carbon emissions. As an important sector of tourism economic recovery, the tourist hotels’ carbon emissions cannot be ignored. This study combined the EEIO (the environmentally extended input–output) model and Super-SBM (slacks-based measure) model to measure carbon emissions and its efficiency including indirect carbon emissions from the supply chain in China in 2002–2022. The results indicate that: Tourist hotels in most eastern provinces exhibit the U-shaped pattern in terms of carbon emissions. the majority of indirect carbon emissions from these hotels originate from the food and tobacco processing sectors. Indirect carbon emissions of tourist hotels in recent years might be decoupling with economic growth because of its decreasing trend. The implementation of energy-saving technology can enhance the carbon efficiency of tourist hotels, while regional economy growth can benefit the carbon emissions efficiency indirectly. Environmental pollution control investment and employment population are external driving factors affecting carbon emissions from tourist hotels. The objective of this study is to establish a scientific framework that promotes low-carbon development within the accommodation industry, both in China and comparable regions globally. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used in bottle production due to its cost-effectiveness and low environmental impact. The first part of this article describes the research and statistical analysis methodology of the influence of the virgin PET (vPET) and recycled PET (rPET) content in the vPET-rPET blend, as well as the preform heating/cooling conditions in the stretch blow molding (SBM) process on the microscopic bottle properties. Microscopic properties such as crystallinity, density, viscosity, relaxation degree of the amorphous phase, and microcavitation in PET were examined. This study reveals that microcavity and solid-state post-condensation effects occur during PET deformation in the SBM process. The increase in free volume, indicating microcavitation, was confirmed by measuring positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). PALS and density of the amorphous phase studies prove a reduction in the dimensions of the free volumes, with a simultaneous significant increase in their number and ellipsoidization. It can be associated with crystallite rotation in a temperature-dependent non-crystalline matrix. The occurrence of solid-state post-condensation effects was confirmed by measuring the intrinsic viscosity. The conclusions resulting from the analysis of the microstructure affecting the mechanical strength of the material were validated by pressure resistance tests of the bottles. Full article