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Search Results (111)

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Keywords = food system workers

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28 pages, 819 KiB  
Review
Chrononutrition and Energy Balance: How Meal Timing and Circadian Rhythms Shape Weight Regulation and Metabolic Health
by Claudia Reytor-González, Daniel Simancas-Racines, Náthaly Mercedes Román-Galeano, Giuseppe Annunziata, Martina Galasso, Raynier Zambrano-Villacres, Ludovica Verde, Giovanna Muscogiuri, Evelyn Frias-Toral and Luigi Barrea
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132135 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2640
Abstract
Obesity and metabolic disorders remain major global health concerns, traditionally attributed to excessive caloric intake and poor diet quality. Recent studies emphasize that the timing of meals plays a crucial role in determining metabolic health. This review explores chrononutrition, a growing field that [...] Read more.
Obesity and metabolic disorders remain major global health concerns, traditionally attributed to excessive caloric intake and poor diet quality. Recent studies emphasize that the timing of meals plays a crucial role in determining metabolic health. This review explores chrononutrition, a growing field that examines how food intake patterns interact with endogenous circadian rhythms to influence energy balance, glucose and lipid metabolism, and cardiometabolic risk. The circadian system, which includes a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and peripheral clocks in metabolic tissues, regulates physiological functions on a 24 h cycle. While light entrains the central clock, feeding schedules act as key synchronizers for peripheral clocks. Disrupting this alignment—common in modern lifestyles involving shift work or late-night eating—can impair hormonal rhythms, reduce insulin sensitivity, and promote adiposity. Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies suggests that early time-restricted eating, where food intake is confined to the morning or early afternoon, offers significant benefits for weight control, glycemic regulation, lipid profiles, and mitochondrial efficiency, even in the absence of caloric restriction. These effects are particularly relevant for populations vulnerable to circadian disruption, such as adolescents, older adults, and night-shift workers. In conclusion, aligning food intake with circadian biology represents a promising, low-cost, and modifiable strategy to improve metabolic outcomes. Integrating chrononutrition into clinical and public health strategies may enhance dietary adherence and treatment efficacy. Future large-scale studies are needed to define optimal eating windows, assess long-term sustainability, and establish population-specific chrononutritional guidelines. Full article
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12 pages, 2784 KiB  
Article
Food Systems in the Curriculum of American Undergraduate Sustainability and Environmental Science/Studies Programs
by Joseph Kantenbacher, Ethan Strom, Vivian Omondi, Sharad Chowdhury and Sonja Braucht
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5906; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135906 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Food systems are crucial components of sustainable development challenges, from hunger to climate change to responsible patterns of production and consumption. Students in environmental degree programs would be better equipped to contribute to sustainability solutions, with insight into the production, processing, distribution, consumption, [...] Read more.
Food systems are crucial components of sustainable development challenges, from hunger to climate change to responsible patterns of production and consumption. Students in environmental degree programs would be better equipped to contribute to sustainability solutions, with insight into the production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food. In this paper, we aim to understand how sustainability and environmentally oriented programs (SEOPs) in American higher education institutions are preparing students to understand food systems, examining how frequently food systems classes are present in their curricula. Our study cataloged the curricular offerings and requirements of 449 undergraduate SEOPs in the United States for the 2024–2025 academic year. We find that 44% of SEOPs include food systems courses as electives in their programs of study, but only 9% make a food systems course a requirement. These findings suggest that food systems awareness may be deficient in college-trained sustainable development workers, potentially impeding efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. This study offers a method for assessing the curricular integration of food systems content and provides a benchmark for those aiming to align academic programs with global sustainability targets. Integrating food systems courses into SEOP curricula can improve preparation for addressing interconnected sustainability challenges. Full article
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15 pages, 234 KiB  
Article
Perception and Adoption of Food Safety Standards: A Case of VietGAP Sheep Farmers in the Ninh Thuan Province of Vietnam
by Van Loi Bui, Xuan Ba Nguyen, Gia Hung Hoang, Thi Mui Nguyen, Ngoc Phong Van, Ngoc Long Tran, Mau Dung Ngo and Huu Van Nguyen
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 5071; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17115071 - 1 Jun 2025
Viewed by 610
Abstract
To facilitate the adoption of a food safety standard by producers, it is essential to understand their perception of it. However, few empirical studies have examined how livestock farmers perceive food safety standards in Vietnam. This research examines sheep farmers’ attitudes towards Vietnamese [...] Read more.
To facilitate the adoption of a food safety standard by producers, it is essential to understand their perception of it. However, few empirical studies have examined how livestock farmers perceive food safety standards in Vietnam. This research examines sheep farmers’ attitudes towards Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices (VietGAP), a type of a food safety standard in Vietnam. A sample size of 109 farmers was selected for interviews and a structured questionnaire was generated to collect data. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were employed. The study results show that sheep farmers were well aware of most VietGAP requirements. They perceived that adopting VietGAP requires practical changes in sheep farming systems, including: selecting breeding stock from clear sources to ensure sheep product traceability, collecting and treating wastes daily to protect the environment, and frequent sterilization of sheep cages. The farmers were changing several practices to comply with VietGAP. Key changed practices identified included: bought breeding stock from clear and reliable sources, frequent collecting and treating of sheep wastes, and used veterinary medicine according to instructions of veterinary medicine producers. Statistically significant relationships existing between the sheep farmers’ perceptions and their education level (Pearson = 0.229, p = 0.017), farm size (Pearson = −0.193; p = 0.049), gender (Eta = 0.173, p = 0.060), practice of using labours (Eta = 0.202, p = 0.028), training participation (Eta = 0.211, p = 0.022), credit participation (Eta = 0.177, p = 0.050), community-based organisations (Eta = 0.153, p = 0.087), and veterinary/extension contacts (Eta = 0.217, p = 0.019) were found. This means that a male sheep farmer who had a higher education level, possessed a smaller farm, practiced hired labours, participated in training/credit programs, was a member of community-based organisation, and had contacts with veterinary/extension workers likely perceived VietGAP better than their counterparts. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the promotion of VietGAP for livestock farmers should be developed and carried out as joint attempts along the value chain actors. New food marketing practices and legal framework and policy for using safe food certifications are required to address to promote farmers’ adoption of VietGAP and facilitate transition towards a sustainable agri-food system in Vietnam. This study provides significant insights into safety food standard adoption by livestock farmers and highlights aspects that require to be considered when developing policies to improve the adoption of safety food standards in developing countries. Full article
16 pages, 3433 KiB  
Article
Azoxystrobin-Induced Physiological and Biochemical Alterations in Apis mellifera Workers of Different Ages
by Xinle Duan, Wenlong Tong, Bingfang Tao, Huanjing Yao, Manqiong Xiong, Huiping Liu, Shaokang Huang and Jianghong Li
Insects 2025, 16(5), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050449 - 24 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 754
Abstract
Fungal diseases of agricultural crops cause severe economic losses to the growers. For the control of these diseases, azoxystrobin is one of the recommended fungicides. This fungicide is systemic in action and is expected to reach the floral part of the treated crop [...] Read more.
Fungal diseases of agricultural crops cause severe economic losses to the growers. For the control of these diseases, azoxystrobin is one of the recommended fungicides. This fungicide is systemic in action and is expected to reach the floral part of the treated crop and its residue in the pollen and nectar, the natural food sources of honey bees, which could be collected and fed on by honey bees, thus affecting their health. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological and chemical changes caused by this fungicide in honey bee workers (Apis mellifera L). Workers of this honey bee at 1, 8, and 21 days old were treated with 125, 167, and 250 mg/L concentrations of azoxystrobin for seven days; their survival rates, activities of carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP450), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, and the expression levels of immune (Aba, Api, Def1, and Hym) and nutrition genes (Ilp1, Ilp2, and Vg) were detected. Our findings revealed that azoxystrobin affected the survival of workers, particularly 1- and 21-day-old workers, who responded to azoxystrobin stress with increased activities of detoxification and protective enzymes, which might have physiological costs. Additionally, azoxystrobin affected the expression of immune and nutrition genes, with a decreased expression trend in 21-day-old workers compared to the 1- and 8-day-old workers, leading to reduced resistance to external stressors and increased mortality rates. These findings provide important insights into the adverse effects of azoxystrobin on workers of different ages and emphasize the potential risks of this chemical to colony stability and individual health. This study recommends an urgent ban on such a harmful fungicide being used for fungi control in agriculture, especially during plant flowering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Health and Beehive Management in a Changing World)
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20 pages, 409 KiB  
Article
Understanding Barriers to Health Behaviours in 13–17-Year-Olds: A Whole Systems Approach in the Context of Obesity
by Helen Lambert, Barbara Engel, Kathryn Hart, Jane Ogden and Katy Penfold
Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081312 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1055
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study examined factors influencing health behaviours among 13–17-year-olds in Surrey, focusing on rising obesity rates and socioeconomic disparities using a whole systems approach to capture both the stakeholders’ voice and the young people’s voices. Methods: The research involved two components: a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study examined factors influencing health behaviours among 13–17-year-olds in Surrey, focusing on rising obesity rates and socioeconomic disparities using a whole systems approach to capture both the stakeholders’ voice and the young people’s voices. Methods: The research involved two components: a survey of youth service providers (e.g., teachers, youth workers; n = 35) and focus groups with adolescents (n = 27). Results: The survey revealed challenges faced by stakeholders, including insufficient training, environmental factors (e.g., schools, social media, food systems), and limited support from parents and healthcare professionals. The focus groups identified two key themes: (1) domains of care, for example diet and how availability and cost of food affects food choices, and (2) barriers and solutions, addressing financial, structural, and emotional obstacles to and facilitators of a healthy lifestyle. Transcending these themes was the key role of health inequalities linked to income, geography, and gender. Conclusions: This study underscores the complexity of adolescent health behaviours and calls for a multi-level, coordinated approach to address inequalities and foster supportive environments for healthier choices. Full article
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15 pages, 1616 KiB  
Article
Comparison Between Worker and Soldier Transcriptomes of Termite Neotermes binovatus Reveals Caste Specialization of Host–Flagellate Symbiotic System
by Yu-Hao Huang, Miao Wang, Xiu-Ping Chang, Yun-Ling Ke and Zhi-Qiang Li
Insects 2025, 16(3), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030325 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 747
Abstract
Termites are eusocial insects with functionally specialized workers and soldiers, both sharing the same genotype. Additionally, lower termites host flagellates in their hindguts that assist in wood digestion. However, worker-biased and soldier-biased gene expression patterns of the host–flagellate symbiotic system remain underexplored in [...] Read more.
Termites are eusocial insects with functionally specialized workers and soldiers, both sharing the same genotype. Additionally, lower termites host flagellates in their hindguts that assist in wood digestion. However, worker-biased and soldier-biased gene expression patterns of the host–flagellate symbiotic system remain underexplored in most taxonomic groups. In this study, we sequenced high-depth transcriptomes from the workers and soldiers of a lower termite, Neotermes binovatus (Kalotermitidae), to investigate the differentially expressed termite transcripts, flagellate transcript abundance, and co-expression patterns of the host–flagellate transcript pairs in both castes. The worker-biased transcripts were enriched in functions related to cuticle development, nervous system regulation, pheromone biosynthesis, and metabolism, whereas the soldier-biased transcripts were predominantly involved in muscle development and kinesis, body morphogenesis, protein modification, and aggression. Flagellate transcripts from the orders Cristamonadida, Trichomonadida, Tritrichomonadida, and Oxymonadida were identified in both workers and soldiers, with the abundance of most flagellate transcripts tending to be higher in workers than in soldiers. Furthermore, we observed a much larger number of strong co-expression correlations between the termite and flagellate transcripts in workers than in soldiers, suggesting the possibility that soldiers depend more on food processed by worker holobionts than on their own symbiotic system. This research provides insights into the functional specialization of the host–flagellate symbiotic system in the worker and soldier castes of termites, supporting the workers’ roles in nest maintenance, preliminary food processing, and communication, while emphasizing the defensive role of soldiers. Additionally, it offers new perspectives on the potential termite-flagellate interactions and underscores the need for whole-genome data of termite flagellates in further studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)
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14 pages, 330 KiB  
Project Report
Developing a Healthy and Climate-Friendly Community College Culinary Curriculum
by Nevin Cohen, Nicolle Fernandes, Mark D’Alessandro, Katherine Tomaino Fraser and Julia Greene
Gastronomy 2025, 3(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastronomy3010004 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
This paper describes the development of the Climate-Friendly, Healthy, Efficient Food Service (CHEF) curriculum at the City University of New York (CUNY). The program addresses a critical gap between growing industry demand for sustainability-trained workers and limited community college culinary education in these [...] Read more.
This paper describes the development of the Climate-Friendly, Healthy, Efficient Food Service (CHEF) curriculum at the City University of New York (CUNY). The program addresses a critical gap between growing industry demand for sustainability-trained workers and limited community college culinary education in these areas. Through collaborative design with industry partners, public agencies, and non-profit organizations, we created four core courses covering sustainable food service operations, culinary practices, food systems, and nutrition. The curriculum offers two implementation pathways: a 100 h continuing education credential and an Associate of Applied Science degree concentration. Industry partners have committed to supporting the program through internships and recognition of the credential in hiring decisions. This model demonstrates the feasibility of integrating comprehensive sustainability education into community college culinary programs while enhancing graduates’ career prospects in the expanding sustainable food service sector. Full article
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29 pages, 4512 KiB  
Review
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Environment: Occupational Exposure, Health Risks and Fertility Implications
by Luigi Montano, Giorgio Maria Baldini, Marina Piscopo, Giovanna Liguori, Renato Lombardi, Maria Ricciardi, Gennaro Esposito, Gabriella Pinto, Carolina Fontanarosa, Michele Spinelli, Ilaria Palmieri, Daniele Sofia, Carlo Brogna, Cosimo Carati, Mauro Esposito, Pasquale Gallo, Angela Amoresano and Oriana Motta
Toxics 2025, 13(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13030151 - 23 Feb 2025
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5029
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with fused aromatic rings, primarily derived from combustion processes and environmental pollutants. This narrative review discusses the most relevant studies on PAHs, focusing on their sources, environmental and occupational exposure, and effects on [...] Read more.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of organic compounds with fused aromatic rings, primarily derived from combustion processes and environmental pollutants. This narrative review discusses the most relevant studies on PAHs, focusing on their sources, environmental and occupational exposure, and effects on human health, emphasizing their roles as carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic agents. The primary pathways for human exposure to PAHs are through the ingestion of contaminated food (mainly due to some food processing methods, such as smoking and high-temperature cooking techniques), the inhalation of ambient air, and the smoking of cigarettes. Coke oven workers are recognized as a high-risk occupational group for PAH exposure, highlighting the need for appropriate strategies to mitigate these risks and safeguard worker health. PAHs are metabolized into reactive intermediates in the body, which can lead to DNA damage and promote the development of various health conditions, particularly in environments with high exposure levels. Chronic PAH exposure has been linked to respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular problems and immune system suppression. Furthermore, this review underscores the significant impact of PAHs on reproductive health. The results of the reported studies suggest that both male and female fertility can be compromised due to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and endocrine disruption caused by PAH exposure. In males, PAHs impair sperm quality, while, in females, they disrupt ovarian function, potentially leading to infertility, miscarriage, and birth defects. Fetal exposure to PAHs is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Given the extensive and detrimental health risks posed by PAHs, this review stresses the importance of stringent environmental regulations, occupational safety measures, and public health initiatives to mitigate exposure and safeguard reproductive and overall health. Full article
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21 pages, 1937 KiB  
Article
UK Patient Access to Low-Protein Prescription Foods in Phenylketonuria (PKU): An Uneasy Path
by Sharon Evans, Cameron Arbuckle, Catherine Ashmore, Sarah Bailey, Giana Blaauw, Wahid Chaudhry, Clare Dale, Anne Daly, Breanna Downey, Jane Dundas, Charlotte Ellerton, Suzanne Ford, Lisa Gaff, Joanna Gribben, Anne Grimsley, Melanie Hill, Laura Murphy, Camille Newby, Natalia Oxley, Rachel Pereira, Alex Pinto, Rachel Skeath, Alexa Sparks, Simon Tapley, Allyson Terry, Georgina Wood, Alison Woodall, Katie Yeung and Anita MacDonaldadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030392 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2068
Abstract
Background: Special low-protein foods are essential in the dietary treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). In the UK, these are available on prescription through the General Practitioners (GPs) and distributed via nutritional home delivery companies or pharmacies. Methods: A 58-item online non-validated semi-structured questionnaire was [...] Read more.
Background: Special low-protein foods are essential in the dietary treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). In the UK, these are available on prescription through the General Practitioners (GPs) and distributed via nutritional home delivery companies or pharmacies. Methods: A 58-item online non-validated semi-structured questionnaire was emailed to British Inherited Metabolic Disease Group (BIMDG) dietitians and dietetic support workers (DSW)/administrators working in PKU to ascertain the main system issues and errors with the supply of low-protein prescription foods (LPPF). Results: 73% (n = 53/73) of dietitians and 72% (n = 18/25) of DSW/administrators responded. A total of 80 questionnaires (representing 44 paediatric and 36 adult PKU centres) were completed. A total of 50% (n = 40/80) of respondents reported patient/caregiver problems accessing LPPF at least weekly. The most common problems were unavailable products (82%), missing LPPF in deliveries (79%), and delayed deliveries (66%). For 64% of respondents, >25% of their patients had recurring problems accessing LPPF, and 69% of respondents spent ≥1 h/week and 11% >5 h/week correcting LPPF patient supply issues. The most common foods patients experienced supply issues with were bread (96%), pasta/rice (41%) and milk replacements (35%). This was associated with GP prescription errors (65%), LPPF prescriptions sent to incorrect dispensers/suppliers (60%), and manufacturer supply issues (54%). Problems with patients/caregivers included not ordering LPPF in a timely way (81%), not responding to messages from home delivery companies (73%) and poor understanding of the ordering process (70%). The majority (93%) of respondents reported that prescription issues impacted their patients’ blood Phe control. Suggestions for improving access to LPPF included centralisation of the system to one supplier (76%) and apps for ordering LPPF (69%). Conclusions: The supply of LPPF for PKU in the UK is problematic; it may adversely affect the ability of patients to adhere to dietary management, and a review investigating patient access to LPPF is urgently required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet and Nutrition: Metabolic Diseases---2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 4298 KiB  
Article
Design and Field Evaluation of an End Effector for Robotic Strawberry Harvesting
by Ezekyel Ochoa and Changki Mo
Actuators 2025, 14(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14020042 - 22 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
As the world’s population continues to rise while the agricultural workforce declines, farmers are increasingly challenged to meet the growing food demand. Strawberries grown in the U.S. are especially threatened by such stipulations, as the cost of labor for such a delicate crop [...] Read more.
As the world’s population continues to rise while the agricultural workforce declines, farmers are increasingly challenged to meet the growing food demand. Strawberries grown in the U.S. are especially threatened by such stipulations, as the cost of labor for such a delicate crop remains the bulk of the total production costs. Autonomous systems within the agricultural sector have enormous potential to catalyze the labor and land expansions required to meet the demands of feeding an increasing population, as well as heavily reducing the amount of food waste experienced in open fields. Our team is working to enhance robotic solutions for strawberry production, aiming to improve field processes and better replicate the efficiency of human workers. We propose a modular configuration that includes a Delta X parallel robot and a pneumatically powered end effector designed for precise strawberry harvesting. Our primary focus is on optimizing the design of the end effector and validating its high-speed actuation capabilities. The prototype of the presented end effector achieved high success rates of 94.74% in simulated environments and 100% in strawberry fields at Farias Farms, even when tasked to harvest in the densely covered conditions of the late growing season. Using an off-the-shelf robotic configuration, the system’s workspace has been validated as adequate for harvesting in a typical two-plant-per-row strawberry field, with the hardware itself being evaluated to harvest each strawberry in 2.8–3.8 s. This capability sets the stage for future enhancements, including the integration of the machine vision processes such that the system will identify and pick each strawberry within 5 s. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Robotic Control—3rd Edition)
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17 pages, 300 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review of the Interplay Between Carbohydrate Intake and Diabetes Medications: Unexplored Connections and Clinical Implications
by Mabitsela Hezekiel Mphasha and Rajesh Vagiri
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(2), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26020624 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2843
Abstract
This narrative review examines the dynamic interplay between carbohydrate intake and diabetes medications, highlighting their combined molecular and clinical effects on glycemic control. Carbohydrates, a primary energy source, significantly influence postprandial glucose regulation and necessitate careful coordination with pharmacological therapies, including insulin, metformin, [...] Read more.
This narrative review examines the dynamic interplay between carbohydrate intake and diabetes medications, highlighting their combined molecular and clinical effects on glycemic control. Carbohydrates, a primary energy source, significantly influence postprandial glucose regulation and necessitate careful coordination with pharmacological therapies, including insulin, metformin, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Low-glycemic-index (GI) foods enhance insulin sensitivity, stabilize glycemic variability, and optimize medication efficacy, while high-GI foods exacerbate glycemic excursions and insulin resistance. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offers real-time insights to tailor dietary and pharmacological interventions, improving glycemic outcomes and reducing complications. Despite advancements, gaps persist in understanding nutrient–drug interactions, particularly with emerging antidiabetic agents. This review underscores the need for integrating carbohydrate-focused dietary strategies with pharmacotherapy to enhance diabetes management. Future research should prioritize clinical trials leveraging CGM technology to explore how glycemic index, glycemic load, and carbohydrate quality interact with newer diabetes medications. Such studies can refine evidence-based recommendations, support individualized care plans, and improve long-term outcomes. Addressing systemic barriers, such as limited access to dietitians and CGM technology in underserved regions, is critical for equitable care. Expanding the roles of community health workers and training healthcare providers in basic nutrition counseling can bridge gaps, promoting sustainable and inclusive diabetes management strategies. These efforts are essential for advancing personalized, effective, and equitable care for individuals with diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
20 pages, 7847 KiB  
Article
Conceptual Design of Simulation-Based Approach for Robotic Automation Systems: A Case Study of Tray Transporting
by Seunghoon Baek, Seung Hyun Lee and Seung Eel Oh
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2791; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122791 - 6 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1407
Abstract
This study investigated the application of robotic automation in food manufacturing, focusing on enhancing tray transporting operations through a simulation-based approach. The findings primarily focused on bakery production but also demonstrate broader applicability to other sectors that involve repetitive and labor-intensive tasks. The [...] Read more.
This study investigated the application of robotic automation in food manufacturing, focusing on enhancing tray transporting operations through a simulation-based approach. The findings primarily focused on bakery production but also demonstrate broader applicability to other sectors that involve repetitive and labor-intensive tasks. The researchers analyzed worker fatigue and limited productivity associated with manual tray handling. To evaluate these issues, simulations were conducted for two scenarios (Case A and Case B), applying robotic automation systems at different stages of production. Key performance indicators (throughput and utilization rates) were analyzed to assess improvements in process efficiency and reductions in worker strain. The results showed that robotic automation significantly increased throughput by 83.7% in simpler processes and by 27.1% in more complex ones, highlighting the impact of task complexity on automation effectiveness. Workforce demands decreased and demonstrated the potential of automation to alleviate physical strain in repetitive tasks. Simulations provided insights into workflow optimization, confirming their value as reliable tools for planning and refining automation strategies. The proposed framework offers a flexible and scalable solution for enhancing efficiency and consistency in manufacturing. Future research should apply similar approaches to other industries and explore the integration of human and robotic labor to further optimize safety, productivity, and cost effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in the "Food Process Engineering" Section)
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18 pages, 1906 KiB  
Article
The Intersectionality Between Amazon and Commodities Production: A Close Look at Sustainability
by Adriane Terezinha Schneider, Rosangela Rodrigues Dias, Mariany Costa Deprá, Darissa Alves Dutra, Richard Luan Silva Machado, Cristiano Ragagnin de Menezes, Leila Queiroz Zepka and Eduardo Jacob-Lopes
Land 2024, 13(10), 1708; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101708 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1211
Abstract
Food production’s environmental, economic, and social challenges should be demystified through quantitative data. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to investigate the ecoregional sustainability of the Amazon biome from the perspective of the environmental life cycle, economic feasibility, and social life cycle [...] Read more.
Food production’s environmental, economic, and social challenges should be demystified through quantitative data. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to investigate the ecoregional sustainability of the Amazon biome from the perspective of the environmental life cycle, economic feasibility, and social life cycle analysis, emphasizing the pillars of sustainability in the production of three commodities: soybean, beef cattle, and Brazil nuts. Carbon footprint, net present value, and worker endpoint were the metrics evaluated. According to the results found in this study, the livestock presented greater environmental burdens in terms of carbon balance when compared to the production of Brazil nuts and soybean production with carbon balances in the order of 4.75 tCO2eq/ha, −0.02 tCO2eq/ha, and −1.20 tCO2eq/ha, respectively. From an economic viewpoint, the extractive production of Brazil nuts presented the highest net profit per hectare/year (USD 559.21), followed by the agricultural system (USD 533.94) and livestock (USD 146.19). Finally, in relation to the social aspect of the production systems analyzed, the negative impacts linked to beef cattle production are related to the subcategories of forced labor and equal opportunities, and the positive impacts linked to soybean production are related to the subcategories of salary and benefits. The results highlight a genuine and sustainable balance in Brazil nuts extraction, presenting it as an investment for a sustainable future while demystifying the multifaceted information related to food production as a whole, in order to assist in decision-making and the formulation of public policies. Full article
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18 pages, 16177 KiB  
Article
A Simulation-Based Approach for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Robotic Automation Systems in HMR Product Loading
by Seunghoon Baek, Seung Eel Oh, Seung Hyun Lee and Ki Hyun Kwon
Foods 2024, 13(19), 3121; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193121 - 30 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1673
Abstract
The food industry has tried to enhance production processes in response to the increasing demand for safe, high-quality Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products. While robotic automation systems are recognized for their potential to improve efficiency, their high costs and risks make them less [...] Read more.
The food industry has tried to enhance production processes in response to the increasing demand for safe, high-quality Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products. While robotic automation systems are recognized for their potential to improve efficiency, their high costs and risks make them less accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study presents a simulation-based approach to evaluating the feasibility and impact of robotic automation on HMR production, focusing on two distinct production cases. By modeling large-scale and order-based production cases using simulation software, the study identified key bottlenecks, worker utilization, and throughput improvements. It demonstrated that robotic automation increased throughput by 31.2% in large-scale production (Case A) and 12.0% in order-based production (Case B). The actual implementation showed results that closely matched the simulation, validating the approach. Moreover, the study confirmed that a single worker could operate the robotic system effectively, highlighting the practicality of robotics for SMEs. This research provides critical insights into integrating robotics to enhance productivity, reduce labor dependency, and facilitate digital transformation in food manufacturing. Full article
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23 pages, 935 KiB  
Article
Competitiveness and Cereal Self-Sufficiency in Western Balkan Countries
by Mina Kovljenić, Bojan Matkovski and Danilo Đokić
Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091480 - 31 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and challenges associated with sustainable development have emphasized the need for local food to increase the food system’s resilience. Therefore, this research analyzes the food self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) of cereals [...] Read more.
Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, and challenges associated with sustainable development have emphasized the need for local food to increase the food system’s resilience. Therefore, this research analyzes the food self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) of cereals in Western Balkan countries (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia) and compares them with the same indicators for all European countries. The methodological framework of this research examined the food self-sufficiency and macro-level competitiveness for cereals in Western Balkan countries, as well as in Europe. The results of the research showed that all European countries have higher self-sufficiency in cereals (109.12%) and higher revealed comparative advantage (2.21) compared to the group of Western Balkans countries (71.89%; 1.53), which have lower values of the mentioned indicators. The results of econometric modeling for the Western Balkan countries showed that GDP per capita negatively influences the SSR of cereals, and agriculture value added per worker and area harvested under cereals positively influence the SSR of cereals. When it comes to the influence on the RCA of cereals in the Western Balkan region, the critical influence is GDP per capita, political stability, and agriculture value added per worker, all of which positively influence the RCA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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