Search Results (19,924)

This study evaluates the productive efficiency in the agrifood sector of 21 rural Bulgarian districts as a proxy for territorial competitiveness. Output-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was performed using district-level data from 2022 to 2024. The analysis incorporates five inputs related to labor, land, and capital and three economic outputs from agriculture and food processing. Results indicate substantial variation in efficiency among rural districts. Twelve districts form the efficiency frontier, with effective resource use and diverse structures; nine are inefficient due to scale or organizational/technological constraints. Bootstrap bias correction revealed standard DEA underestimates efficiency gaps. Frontier districts include large plains, mountainous regions and smaller, specialized systems, indicating diverse paths to competitiveness. A composite Territorial Competitiveness Index (TCI) showed frontier status does not guarantee efficiency, often due to underused manufacturing capital. Cluster analysis identified four performance groups needing different policy support, ranging from near-frontier territories that need knowledge transfer to deeply underperforming districts that require restructuring. No geographic clustering of efficiency was found, pointing to structural and institutional, rather than geographic, drivers. These results highlight the need for territorially tailored rural policies within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and offer an empirical basis for diagnosing regional agrifood efficiency gaps. Full article

Background: Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute a large portion of the industrial energy demand in the emerging economies, but their shift to renewable energy is not well comprehended at the firm level. Bangladesh is a special case, since the country has adopted national commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 7 on clean energy, but the uptake of renewable energy by SMEs remains minimal due to complex socio-economic factors. Most of the literature has concentrated on household access to energy or national policy models, leaving a gap in empirically validated models of firm-level adoption in the manufacturing sector. Method: Based on the diffusion of innovation theory, institutional theory, and the resource-based view, this research paper formulates and empirically verifies a combined socio-economic model of renewable energy adoption. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze a cross-sectional survey of 426 owners and managers of manufacturing SMEs in Bangladesh’s textile and food processing sub-sectors. Findings: Four out of five hypothesized direct relationships were supported. The most important drivers were environmental orientation (β = 0.467, p < 0.001, f² = 0.413), market competitiveness (β = 0.287, p < 0.001, f² = 0.413), policy and institutional factors (β = 0.211, p < 0.001, f² = 0.413), and access to finance (β = 0.096, p = 0.004). Perceptions of cost did not become significant (β= −0.036, p = 0.279). Top management support significantly and negatively moderated the relationship between environmental orientation and adoption (β = −0.093, p = 0.003), possibly because it moderates the substitution mechanism in SME decision-making, which is highly centralized. The model accounted for 64.5% of the variation in renewable energy adoption (R² = 0.645). Conclusion: The results show that attitudinal and institutional factors tend to be more important than financial barriers in determining SMEs’ energy transitions. Environmental consciousness, market incentives, and streamlined institutional access should be the focus of policy interventions to hasten inclusive low-carbon transitions in emerging manufacturing economies. Full article

Background/Objectives: People with HIV (PWH) remain at high risk for cardiovascular and metabolic complications despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Diet quality is an important modifiable factor that may influence these complications. Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) have been linked to adverse metabolic and inflammatory profiles in the general population, but their impact on PWH remains poorly understood. The NOVA 4 classification categorizes foods by degree of processing, from unprocessed/minimally processed (NOVA 1) to UPF (NOVA 4). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults with virologically suppressed HIV on stable ART. Assessments included dietary intake consisting of 24 h recalls analyzed with Nutrition Data System for Research software (NDSR) and classified into NOVA categories by a registered dietitian and the following characteristics: body composition (total and regional fat by DEXA and CT scan abdomen), cardiometabolic variables (glucose, HbA1C, HOMA-IR, lipids, blood pressure), and biomarkers of inflammation, immune activation, and gut integrity quantified by ELISA. Patients were stratified into NOVA 4 groups based on the median and quartile proportions of total energy intake from NOVA 4 foods. Associations between dietary NOVA and outcomes were analyzed using generalized additive models (GAMs) adjusted for age, sex, race, and CD4 count. Results: Among 222 PWH (mean age 45.4 ± 14.2 years; 31% female; 66% non-white; BMI 30.61 ± 7.91 kg/m²), median NOVA 4 intake was 45.6% of total energy intake. Participants with higher vs. lower NOVA 4 intake showed differences in diet quality, but in GAMs, higher NOVA 4 intake was not associated with higher levels of inflammatory, cardiometabolic, gut integrity, and body composition variables. Conclusions: In PWH, UPF consumption was high but not associated with markers of cardiometabolic health, systemic inflammation, or gut integrity. This may reflect the multifactorial nature of the heightened inflammation in PWH, potentially obscuring the effect of diet. Full article

Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) is rich in bioactives, such as cinnamaldehyde and phenols, which are susceptible to thermal degradation, volatilisation, and oxidative deterioration during processing and storage, thereby reducing chemical stability and limiting bioavailability. Encapsulation using lecithin and chitosan-based systems mitigates these instabilities by forming a protective barrier against oxygen, light, and heat while enhancing structural stability. In this study, freeze-dried extracts of C. zeylanicum were encapsulated into lecithin-based primary liposomes (PL) and chitosan-coated secondary liposomes (CH/L). The coating of liposomes with chitosan improves the liposome stability, mucoadhesion, and provides protection in the gastric pH while facilitating electrostatic bonding with the biological membrane. The high compatibility and low toxicity of chitosan also make it a suitable carrier in food and nutraceutical applications. The formed liposomes were characterised for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and storage stability over 8 weeks. CH/L showed superior EE (89.027%) compared to the PL (84.154%; p < 0.05). The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the cinnamon-loaded lecithin-based primary liposome (CZ-PL) upon formation were 161.93 nm, 0.13, and −37.597 mV. In comparison, those of the cinnamon-loaded chitosan-coated liposomes (CZ-CH/L) were 591.7 nm, 0.27, and +28.17 mV. The particle size of CZ-PL and CZ-CH/L was 175.90 and 588.60 nm after 8 weeks of storage. The TEM confirmed the spherical morphology of the liposomes. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis demonstrated the disappearance of the characteristic cinnamon melting peak and shifts in liposomal transition temperatures, confirming successful encapsulation. FTIR analysis showed reduction or disappearance of characteristic cinnamon fingerprint peaks and slight band shifts, indicating successful encapsulation and non-covalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic effects, within the liposomal systems. These findings imply that lecithin-based and chitosan-coated liposomes could be employed to successfully carry C. zeylanicum bioactives. Full article

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous element in the environment that may pose a threat to human health due to its toxicity, high mobility through the food chain, and long-lasting persistence. Organic Hg compounds, particularly methylmercury, are more toxic than inorganic mercury due to their easy absorption and persistent retention within the organism. Although natural attenuation can occur in soil through various processes, excessive levels of Hg cause pollution that can adversely affect agricultural soil, making remediation necessary to either remove or stabilize Hg within the soil. This review primarily aims to summarize key remediation strategies—chemical, biological, and physical—developed in recent years for agricultural soil remediation. It discusses the influencing factors, advantages, limitations, mechanisms, and practical applications of these soil remediation technologies. The published literature focuses on identifying plant species and microorganisms capable of remediating Hg-contaminated soils. Emerging amendments, such as biochar and nanomaterials, have been tested for treating mercury (Hg)-polluted soils primarily by immobilizing mercury and reducing its bioavailability and methylation. Ex situ remediation technologies are effective for Hg-contaminated soils but are often costly, labor-intensive, detrimental to soil quality, and generate hazardous secondary waste. In contrast, in situ technologies treat Hg directly within the soil, preserving the soil matrix and its biota. According to the literature, remediation of Hg-contaminated agricultural soils can be compatible with food crop production only if the bioavailable Hg fraction is sufficiently reduced and crop uptake remains below food safety limits. The gap between laboratory trials and actual field applications in Hg-contaminated soil remediation mainly arises from differences in scale, complexity, and the uncertainty of real-world conditions, which often reduce the efficiency and predictability of treatments. This review aims to provide a practical reference for improving the effective remediation of Hg-contaminated soils in the future. Full article

Cold-active cellulases are highly desirable for temperature-sensitive biomass valorization and food processing, yet they remain scarce in conventional industrial fungal platforms. In this study, a novel cold-induced cellobiohydrolase, VvCBHI-II, was mined from the mushroom Volvariella volvacea and successfully engineered into the industrial workhorse Trichoderma reesei via site-specific homologous replacement. Structural homology modeling revealed that the substitution of the flexible B3 loop with a β-sheet creates a more open substrate-binding cleft in VvCBHI-II. Consequently, the purified VvCBHI-II exhibited robust endoglucanase-like characteristics with superior catalytic efficiency on amorphous cellulose. At 10 °C, the engineered cellulase complex demonstrated an 8.1-fold increase in filter paper activity compared to the wild-type strain. Mechanistic structural analyses indicated that the open cleft architecture elongates and weakens the hydrogen-bonding network with the cellobiose product, facilitating rapid product dissociation and alleviating severe cold-induced product inhibition. In practical applications, the engineered cold-active enzyme complex exhibited an exceptional saccharification capacity on natural pear pomace at 10 °C. Furthermore, when applied to simulated fruit juice processing, it significantly maximized the extraction yield, elevated the sweetness response, and substantially mitigated undesirable bitterness and astringency. This study elucidates the structural-functional paradigm of cold-adapted cellobiohydrolases and provides a promising strategy for formulating highly efficient, energy-saving biocatalysts for the food and biorefinery industries. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination remains a persistent threat to food safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, driven by conducive tropical agroecological conditions, inadequate post-harvest practices, and limited regulatory governance. This critical narrative review (2009–2024) synthesizes the occurrence data for major staple foods (maize, peanuts, cassava, sorghum, millet, and beans) and dairy products compiled from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, MDPI and institutional sources. It examines the co-occurrence patterns, exposure pathways, and analytical and regulatory gaps. Warm, humid lowland environments favor Aspergillus and aflatoxins, whereas cooler, humid highland zones promote Fusarium, fumonisins, and deoxynivalenol. Across commodities, contamination intensifies along food value chains through inadequate drying, non-hermetic storage, insect damage, and prolonged handling, with processed products generally exhibiting the highest levels of mycotoxins. Regulated mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, and zearalenone, frequently exceed European Union (EU), East African Community (EAC), and Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) limits in staple foods. Their co-occurrence is widespread, including emerging mycotoxins such as beauvericin and enniatins, particularly in maize- and peanut-based products, raising concerns about potential additive or synergistic effects. Aflatoxin M1 in milk highlights plant–feed–animal–human transfer within a One Health framework. Despite increasing evidence, the available data remain fragmented and heterogeneous; rapid tests dominate, while few studies employ multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS methods. Cross-border trade between countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola, facilitates the circulation of contaminated commodities in the absence of harmonized standards and risk-based controls. Priorities include harmonized regional surveillance, biomarker-based co-exposure assessment, cost-effectiveness evaluation of mitigation strategies, and regulatory alignment at borders. Coordinated, multisectoral action is essential to reduce chronic dietary exposure and improve food safety across the region. Full article

The global transition towards sustainable food systems has intensified the search for alternative protein sources that can meet human nutritional demands with reduced environmental impacts. Although microalgae are rich in protein, their applications in food remain limited due to thick cell walls and intense green color. The aim of this study is to modify Chlorella vulgaris by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and decolorization to improve its processability for extrusion-based 3D printing. Microalgal biomass was pretreated by HPH at different pressures (10,000, 15,000, 20,000 psi) for one to three passes, followed by pigment removal using ethanol of different concentrations (70, 85, 100%). Microscopic imaging shows that HPH effectively disrupted microalgal cell walls and caused cell disintegration, resulting in increased foaming stability (22–28%) but lower solubility (up to 24%), with other functional properties largely preserved. Ethanol treatments markedly decolored microalgae and increased their water-holding capacity (10–45%) and solubility (6–11%). The formulation of HPH-treated decolorized microalgae with soy protein isolate and xanthan gum increased the viscosity (66–179%) and elasticity (78–235%) of printing inks. The resulting 3D prints show higher hardness (47–128%), springiness (up to 155%) and chewiness (47–408%). The information obtained from this study provides guidance for modifying the functional and rheological properties of microalgae and contributes to advancing the formulation and manufacturing of microalgae-based foods. Full article

Elaeagnus mollis oilseed (EMO) meal is a protein-rich by-product that may serve as a novel source of food-derived α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides. This study aimed to obtain EMO peptide fractions with enhanced α-glucosidase inhibition and to clarify the activity, stability and mechanism of the most active fraction. Fourteen proteases were compared, and 3.350 acidic protease was selected to establish an optimized hydrolysis process. The resulting EMO hydrolysate showed an IC₅₀ of 9.11 mg/mL against α-glucosidase and no detectable cytotoxicity towards HEK-293T cells at 0.1–12.0 mg/mL. Ultrafiltration yielded four fractions, among which the 3–10 kDa fraction exhibited the highest inhibition and maintained substantial activity under acidic pH (2–6), −20–50 °C, NaCl ≤ 5% and simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Kinetic analysis indicated mixed-type inhibition, while fluorescence, circular dichroism and molecular docking suggested that peptides in this fraction bind near the catalytic site of α-glucosidase and induce local conformational changes. These findings support EMO-derived 3–10 kDa peptides as stable, non-cytotoxic α-glucosidase inhibitors with potential as functional ingredients for dietary management of type 2 diabetes. Full article

Plants of the genus Opuntia are cacti that grow under natural conditions, with scarce humidity, drastic changes in daytime and nighttime temperatures, and poor soils. Their fruits are a food source in certain regions of the world, and their modified stems (cladodes) have diverse uses, including human consumption—especially when young, tender, and succulent (“nopalitos”) —livestock feed, and raw material for various products. There are approximately 300 species and dozens of variants of this genus, identified as wild, semi-domesticated, or domesticated. The physiological and biochemical responses to abiotic stress in these species are diverse but are related to their Crassulacean acid metabolism and the level of domestication. The morphological modifications in fruits, seeds, and cladodes of the genus Opuntia during domestication appear to be the sum of numerous significant biochemical-physiological changes, but generally of small magnitude. Thus, evaluating wild, semi-domesticated, and domesticated Opuntia species allows us to understand the physiological and biochemical processes along a natural gradient (original and modified by natural and artificial selection and by the cultivation environment) and their alteration by abiotic stress of any kind. This review summarizes our main advances in considering the genus Opuntia as a model for evaluating abiotic stress in the physiology and biochemistry of succulent plants. Furthermore, it shows high relevance, especially in the context of climate change, because Opuntia species are key to food security in arid zones. Full article

Formaldehyde emissions from urea–formaldehyde (UF)-bonded particleboards remain a significant environmental and health concern. This study evaluates the effectiveness of flours as bio-based formaldehyde scavengers in particleboard production. Food-based flours (soy, wheat, green pea) and feed flours (hemp, maize DDGS, feather meal) were incorporated into UF resin at concentrations of 0.3–2.0%. Resin characterization included pH, viscosity, gelation time, solid content, and free formaldehyde, while rheological behavior was monitored at 70 °C and 90 °C. The addition of flour decreased pH from 9.1 to 7.9 and increased viscosity from 414 to up to 1600 cP, depending on flour type and dosage. Free-formaldehyde content was reduced from 0.17% to as low as 0.08%, with the most effective reduction observed for hemp flour. At industrial scale, particleboards produced with 0.5% soy and hemp flours significantly reduced free formaldehyde, with emission values of 3.26 mg/m² and 3.05 mg/m², corresponding to reductions of 66–70% compared to the reference (3.97 mg/m²). Mechanical properties, including density (652–665 kg·m⁻³), bending strength (13.2–14.1 N·mm⁻²), and internal bond (0.42–0.45 N·mm⁻²), were maintained within acceptable limits. While feed flours such as feather meal showed strong scavenging potential, they caused significant viscosity increases (up to 1800 cP), limiting processability. These findings demonstrate that adding low levels of flour, particularly soy or hemp, is an effective, renewable, and low-cost strategy to reduce formaldehyde emissions in UF-bonded particleboards, supporting the production of safer and more sustainable wood-based composites. Full article

(1) Background: Exploring regional foods can help consumers expand their options for consuming diverse food products in various forms. This could enhance human health in local populations. (2) Methods: The present study evaluated the physicochemical composition of quince powder using standard analytical methods. Color parameters were determined using a PCE-CSM colorimeter equipped with a xenon lamp; the antioxidant activity via DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods; the sorption capacity (at 10 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C and a_w from 0.1 to 0.9) through the static gravimetric method; and monolayer moisture content (MMC) with the BET model. The isotherms were fitted via modified Chung–Pfost, Halsey, Henderson and Oswin models. (3) Results: The approximate physico-chemical composition of laboratory-produced quince powder (dried at 45 °C for 10 h) was: proteins—1.27 g, carbohydrates—75.80 g, fats—0.49 g, fibers—21.50 g, ash—2.31 g, and nutritional value—355.65 kcal. The color analysis indicated limited non-enzymatic browning. Antioxidant activity was confirmed by all four methods. The three-parametric Halsey model is recommended to describe the representative S-shaped isotherms from type II. The MMC for the adsorption process ranged from 14.41% d.b. to 7.09% d.b., and for the desorption process, it ranged from 13.11% d.b. to 7.80% d.b.; (4) Conclusions: This study presents a quince powder as a convenient form for both storage and consumption, emphasizing its value as a rich source of bioactive compounds and its suitability for home production and regular inclusion in a healthy daily diet. Full article

Bio-based, biodegradable, and renewable polymers offer a promising alternative to traditional synthetic polymers derived from petroleum or other non-renewable resources. However, their use is limited by suboptimal properties and high costs. Incorporating sustainable reinforcements into the polymer matrix significantly improves biopolymer performance while preserving key properties, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Bio-based polymeric composites have emerged as a crucial category of biopolymers, playing a key role in advancing a sustainable, circular economy. This review provides an updated overview of bio-based polymer composites and nanocomposites, focusing on reinforcement strategies using natural nanofillers and engineered nanoparticles. We summarize key synthesis and processing methods, discuss structure–property relationships, and highlight recent advances in applications such as food packaging, biomedical devices, energy systems, environmental remediation, 3D printing, and supercapacitors. Polymer nanocomposites are versatile, with their performance depending on the type, size, and interactions between the fillers and the polymer matrix. Progress in metallic, ceramic, carbon-based, natural, and hybrid fillers has improved their properties. Using bio-based polymers and renewable fillers supports sustainability. Natural nanofillers derived from renewable sources and industrial byproducts offer a sustainable approach to developing high-performance, biodegradable nanocomposites. Smart nanocomposites can react to external stimuli by integrating specialized fillers that enhance their mechanical and mobility properties. Shape memory nanocomposites can be remotely activated—using heat, electricity, magnets, or light—enabling advanced applications. Finally, we address major challenges and outline future directions for scalable, circular-material solutions, drawing on perspectives from the circular economy and life cycle assessment (LCA). Full article

The article provides a comprehensive review of empirical studies on consumer attitudes, motivations, and behaviors in the functional food market. The main objective of this study is to identify groups of determinants and to update and systematize current knowledge on the influence of various factors on consumer purchasing decisions in this market. Based on an analysis of international research published between 2004 and 2025, four key groups of determinants were identified: (1) health- and trust-related factors, (2) cognitive and psychological factors, (3) perceptual and product-related factors, and (4) socio-demographic and segmentation factors. The analysis confirms that purchasing decisions in this product category are complex and multidimensional. They result from the interaction between rational factors (health-related and cognitive) and emotional-symbolic factors (psychological and sensory). The strongest predictors of functional food acceptance include perceived health benefits, trust in producers and information sources, sensory attractiveness, and product naturalness. Socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, education level, and income, further differentiate purchasing intentions and behaviors. Overall, the findings highlight the need for further comparative and cross-cultural research, as cultural and economic conditions may significantly shape consumer decisions across markets. The results obtained have both theoretical and practical implications. They contribute to a better understanding of consumer decision-making processes and emphasize the importance of promoting health awareness. Full article

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a serious threat to global food and feed safety. Laccase-based enzymatic degradation represents a promising green strategy for AFB1 removal; however, its industrial application is severely limited by the rapid thermal inactivation of wild-type enzymes under high-temperature processing conditions (>70 °C). Here, we engineered the thermal stability of a laccase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B10 through an integrated strategy combining computational structural biology with semi-rational design. By coupling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with folding free-energy (ΔΔG) calculations, we identified key flexible regions associated with thermal instability and subsequently implemented iterative saturation mutagenesis. The best single mutant, R196C, retained more than 96% relative activity after heat treatment at 80 °C for 10 min. Further iterative mutational stacking progressively enhanced thermostability: the R90E/R196C double mutant showed 1.25-fold higher activity at 80 °C than R196C, and the R90E/R196C/H54F triple mutant showed a further 1.16-fold increase over the double mutant. The final quadruple mutant, R90E/R196C/H54F/R253I, achieved 86.9% AFB1 degradation at 80 °C after 24 h. High-temperature MD simulations (100 ns at 353.15 K) indicated that the enhanced thermostability was associated with reduced conformational flexibility, lower radius of gyration (Rg) and solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), and a coil-to-β-sheet transition that contributed to stabilization of the protein core. In addition, efficient secretory expression of the engineered enzyme was achieved in Pichia pastoris, reaching 3.0 U/mL, while the crude enzyme maintained more than 70% activity at 80 °C. Collectively, these results provide a practical basis for the rational engineering and scalable production of thermostable biocatalysts for AFB1 detoxification-related applications of AFB1 control, and offer broader insights into the targeted enhancement of thermal stability in industrial enzymes. Full article