Search Results (48)

The development of agricultural new productive forces (ANPFs) represents a vital pathway to overcoming the bottlenecks of agricultural modernization and reshaping agricultural competitiveness. As sustainable development and green transformation have become global priorities, the formation of ANPFs is increasingly viewed as a key engine for promoting resource-efficient agriculture, low-carbon production, ecological protection, and resilient food systems. Using panel data from 16 prefecture-level cities in Anhui Province, China, spanning the period 2010–2023, this study employs the entropy-weighted TOPSIS method to measure the levels of ANPFs and sustainable agricultural development (SAD). A panel data model is then applied to examine the impact of ANPFs on SAD, while a mediation-effect model is used to test the underlying transmission mechanisms. Finally, a spatial econometric model is employed to assess the spatial spillover effects between ANPFs and SAD. The results reveal that ANPFs exert a significant and robust positive impact on Anhui’s SAD, with the strength of this effect decreasing gradually from central to southern and northern regions. Further analysis indicates that the driving influence of ANPFs operates through three key mediating pathways: the improvement of new-type infrastructure, the enhancement of agricultural scientific and technological innovation, and the advancement of agricultural digital transformation. Moreover, ANPFs demonstrate a positive spatial spillover effect, suggesting that the development of new productive forces in one region promotes agricultural modernization in neighboring areas. These findings demonstrate that ANPFs not only enhance productivity but also contribute to sustainable agricultural development. Accordingly, strengthening ANPFs development can serve as an effective strategy for promoting long-term agricultural sustainability, indicating that central Anhui should be prioritized as a core hub for fostering ANPFs, enabling the gradient diffusion of infrastructure, innovation capacity, and digital services toward southern and northern Anhui. Strengthening regional coordination mechanisms will further amplify the spatial spillover of ANPFs, thereby advancing high-quality agricultural development across the province. This study provides new evidence for how ANPFs can support sustainable agricultural transformation, offering policy insights for green growth, food security, and rural revitalization. Full article

In the context of global climate change and intensified water resource constraints, studying the evolution of the urban–agricultural–ecological spatial structure and the water–heat–vegetation responses driven by large-scale irrigation and drainage projects in arid and semi-arid regions is of great significance. Based on multitemporal remote sensing data from 1985 to 2015, this study takes the Inner Mongolia Hetao Plain as the research area, constructs a “multifunctionality–dynamic evolution” dual-principle classification system for urban–agricultural–ecological space, and adopts the technical process of “separate interpretation of each single land type using the maximum likelihood algorithm followed by merging with conflict pixel resolution” to improve the classification accuracy to 90.82%. Through a land use transfer matrix, a standard deviation ellipse model, surface temperature (LST) inversion, and vegetation fractional coverage (VFC) analysis, this study systematically reveals the spatiotemporal differentiation patterns of spatial structure evolution and surface parameter responses throughout the project’s life cycle. The results show the following: (1) The spatial structure follows the path of “short-term intense disturbance–long-term stable optimization”, with agricultural space stability increasing by 4.8%, the ecological core area retention rate exceeding 90%, and urban space expanding with a shift from external encroachment to internal filling, realizing “stable grain yield with unchanged cultivated land area and improved ecological quality with controlled green space loss”. (2) The overall VFC shows a trend of “central area stable increase (annual growth rate 0.8%), eastern area fluctuating recovery (cyclic amplitude ±12%), and western area local improvement (key patches increased by 18%)”. (3) The LST-VFC relationship presents spatiotemporal misalignment, with a 0.8–1.2 °C anomalous cooling in the central region during the construction period (despite a 15% VFC decrease), driven by irrigation water thermal inertia, and a disrupted linear correlation after completion due to crop phenology changes and plastic film mulching. (4) Irrigation and drainage projects optimize water resource allocation, constructing a hub regulation model integrated with the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus, providing a replicable paradigm for ecological effect assessment of major water conservancy projects in arid regions. Full article

Zanthoxylum piperitum is a food and culinary plant commonly used in East Asia. In traditional medicine, its fruits, seeds, and bark have been utilized to treat digestive disorders, pain, and stomachache. Prior research has demonstrated its health benefits, particularly its significant antioxidant properties. However, limited research has investigated the specific metabolites responsible for these pharmacological effects. In this study, the antioxidant activities (EC₅₀: 9.1–1084.5 μg/mL) and metabolite profiles of different organs (fruits, pericarps, and seeds) of Z. piperitum collected from different regions were comparatively analyzed. Chemical structures of 91 metabolites from different organs were identified using UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS based on untargeted metabolomics. The LC-DPPH method was employed to screen antioxidants from the extracts of the most active organ (the pericarps). The potential effects of the active compounds on oxidation-related diseases were evaluated by integrating compound–target interaction network analysis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks revealed EGFR, STAT3, AKT1, TNF, BCL2, CASP3, ESR1, PPARA, CYP19A1, and CDK2 as central hub genes. The significance of compound and target interactions was further supported by molecular docking studies, which demonstrated favorable binding affinities, with most proteins exhibiting docked scores below −4.27 kcal/mol. The extracts of Z. piperitum fruits and pericarps also exhibited antioxidative activity against ROS production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Our findings demonstrate the application of an optimized extraction process and underscore the medicinal value of this food-plant by characterizing its bioactive constituents. The results indicate that Z. piperitum may serve not only as a health-promoting food but also has the potential for prevention or treatment of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Future research should focus on in vivo studies by exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of actions of the active extracts. Full article

Climate change and human activities have intensified the imbalance between water supply and demand in the Shule River Basin. Prominent issues such as groundwater over-exploitation and insufficient ecological base flow have significantly constrained the high-quality development of the region. An evaluation system was developed comprising 20 indicators across four subsystems: water resources, society, economy, and ecosystems. The entropy weighting method was employed to determine the weights of each indicator. The coupling coordination degree of the water resource–society–economy–ecosystem system from 2003 to 2022 was assessed using a coupling coordination degree model. Network analysis was applied to evaluate the correlation and connectivity among indicators. A barrier diagnostic model based on indicator deviation was further constructed to identify key constraints within the system. The results showed that the overall coordination degree of the coupled system increased from 0.217 in 2003 to 0.409 in 2022, shifting from a moderately uncoordinated state to a weakly coordinated one. However, the coordination level remained low due to fluctuations in the water resource subsystem. The ecological and economic subsystems functioned as critical coupling hubs, while strong negative interactions within the water resource subsystem emerged as major constraints to coordinated development. Long-term dominant barriers included the proportion of water used for ecological and agricultural purposes, as well as per capita food production. After 2019, water resource-related indicators, such as per capita water availability and water production modulus, showed a marked increase in obstruction levels, highlighting the persistent challenges posed by water scarcity and inefficient utilization. Full article

Cultured meat has progressed from early in vitro cell culture concepts to regulatory approvals and preliminary commercialization, with recent advancements propelled by interdisciplinary innovations in cell line engineering, serum-free media, bioreactor design, and three-dimensional (3D) assembly technologies. This review synthesizes recent developments from 2023 to 2025, utilizing peer-reviewed publications, patent analyses, regulatory frameworks, and media reports to assess global preparedness for large-scale production. Asia has emerged as a leading hub, with China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore focusing on scaffold-based 3D cultures, bioinks, and serum-free strategies, complemented by national centers and pilot facilities. The United States leverages its technological advancements and established regulatory framework, as evidenced by recent Food and Drug Administration and United States Department of Agriculture approvals. However, potential complications related to political regional bans and legislation may arise. Europe and the UK prioritize defined media, cell optimization, and structured novel-food regulations, with early commercialization primarily in pet food. Looking ahead, the industrialization of cultured meat is anticipated to be driven by process engineering and hybrid product strategies, with initial pilot-to-demonstration facilities established in countries open to alternative food products. Premium and hybrid cultured meat products are expected to enter the market first, while whole-cut cultured meat is likely to remain a premium offering into the early 2030s. Full article

Torreya nucifera, a consumable botanical species native to the southern regions of Korea, has a history of ethnopharmacological application to treat inflammatory conditions. This study employed feature-based molecular networking and integrated with the GNPS database to separate and identify ten phenolic compounds from T. nucifera. We further investigated the therapeutic potential of these isolated compounds and their structural features in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. Protein–protein interaction networks, constructed using compound–target and disease-associated target data, identified NFKB1, RELA, and TNFRSF1A as key hub genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed inflammatory response as the most significantly modulated biological process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that the NF–kB signaling pathway is the most critical of the regulatory cascades influencing the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Molecular docking studies verified strong binding affinities between the identified compounds and key target proteins. Furthermore, Western blot results validate that T. nucifera extract suppressed the LPS-activated NF–kB signaling pathways by inhibiting p65 and IκBα phosphorylation. The results underscore the significance of T. nucifera and its anti-inflammatory properties in relation to rheumatoid arthritis, establishing a scientific basis to formulate plant-based products within functional foods, nutraceuticals, and therapeutic interventions targeting rheumatoid arthritis. Full article

Global supply chains are increasingly exposed to systemic disruptions driven by environmental pressures, geopolitical instability, and social unrest. Although Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) is a strategic approach balancing sustainability and competitiveness, current research remains fragmented and regionally focused. Prior research has identified critical chokepoints and conceptualized disruption propagation through simulation and event system theory, yet few studies have operationalized large-scale empirical datasets to quantify cross-domain resilience. Addressing this gap, we collected and analyzed over 1.8 million news articles from more than 705 global portals spanning October 2023 to September 2025. Using GPT-based autonomous classification, approximately 67,434 disruption events directly related to GSCM were extracted and categorized by event type, geography, and significance. A system-of-systems framework was employed, linking seven domains: environment and climate, energy and resources, manufacturing and production, logistics and transportation, trade and commerce, agri-food systems, and labor and social systems. The results demonstrate that disruptions are unevenly distributed. The United States (8945 events), China (7822), and India (5311) emerged as global hubs, while Saudi Arabia acted as a single-domain chokepoint in energy. Energy and resources accounted for 22 percent of all events, followed by logistics (19 percent) and manufacturing (17 percent). Temporal analysis revealed major spikes in February 2024 (56,595 weighted intensity units) and June 2024 (10,861 units). Correlation analysis confirmed strong interdependencies across domains with average values greater than 0.7. This study contributes a globally scalable, data-driven framework to quantify disruption intensity, frequency, and interdependence in GSCM. It advances resilience research and offers actionable insights for policymakers and industry leaders. Full article

Lombardy is Italy’s leading region in primary agricultural production, yet it faces a significant decline in agricultural soil, primarily due to urban expansion. This land consumption largely affects arable areas, as land is repurposed for low-density residential developments, roads, logistics, and commercial or industrial hubs. The reduction in agricultural land threatens regional food security and increases dependency on external markets. This study determines the long-term sustainability of this trend by estimating the actual quantity of agricultural land required to satisfy the food demand of the region’s citizens. The research employed a two-part georeferenced analysis. First, a cross-tabulation matrix quantified the land consumption over two decades. Second, the Planning Forecasts Map was analyzed, coupled with new road projects, to estimate future potential land consumption embedded in Land Use Plans (PGT). Finally, food consumption was converted into the required hectares of agricultural land per capita and compared to the current stock of agricultural land to quantify the deficit by municipality. The dramatic spatial deficit confirms that the current trajectory of land consumption is unsustainable, leaving Lombardy’s food security highly dependent on imports. While regional laws have reduced planned urbanization, the limitation of land take remains far from the goals. The results highlight the urgent need for effective compensatory measures and mitigation strategies that account for the true magnitude and spatial distribution of the agricultural land deficit, particularly in the most critical urban and peri-urban areas. Full article

Against the backdrop of global population growth and intensified resource competition, the sustainable development of the water-energy-food system (WEF) is facing challenges. Wetlands, as key ecological hubs, play a crucial role in regulating water cycles, energy metabolism, and food production, thus serving as a breakthrough point for resolving the bottleneck of resource synergy. Incorporating wetlands into the WEF framework helps us comprehensively understand and optimize the interrelationships among water, energy, and food. This paper proposes an indicator system based on WEFW to study the coupling of water-energy-food-wetland systems and analyzes the evolution of the comprehensive development index of WEFW and its coupling relationship in Jiangxi Province from 2001 to 2022. It uses the grey correlation model to explore the sustainable development capacity of wetland resources, water resources, energy resources, and food resources in Jiangxi Province, and employs a geographical detector model to quantify the contribution of wetlands to WEFW. The research results show that (1) the comprehensive evaluation of WEFW systems in various cities in Jiangxi Province has generally improved, but there is imbalance in regional development. Cities such as Nanchang and Jiujiang have performed well, while cities like Jingdezhen and Xinyu need to enhance resource integration and sustainable development. (2) The coupling coordination degree (CCD) has experienced a process of “stability-fluctuation-recovery”, with a significant increase after 2014, and the spatial differentiation characteristics are obvious. (3) Wetlands play a dominant role in the spatial differentiation of CCD, and their interaction with water, energy, and food resources significantly enhance the explanatory power of their impact on CCD. (4) The grey model indicates that the CCDs of WEFW systems in most cities of Jiangxi Province have a projected annual growth rate of 1.8% (2022–2032), reaching 0.71–0.73 in leading cities. These results emphasize the importance of wetland protection and sustainable resource management in promoting regional coordinated development. The research and prediction of the coupling coordination relationship of water-energy-food-wetland systems can provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of Jiangxi Province and also offer important scientific references for other regions to achieve a balance between ecological protection and resource utilization. Full article

This study investigates the agri-food sector, food trade, and food availability (as a component of food security) within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), emphasizing the critical importance of agriculture across its member states. This significance is particularly pronounced in less industrialized countries such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. The rationale behind this research stems from the observation that food trade and food security issues in the ECO region remain insufficiently addressed in the academic literature. Given the strategic geographical position of ECO countries—at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East—these states possess considerable potential to function as vital trade hubs. The present study addresses this research gap by offering conceptual insights and empirical data relevant to the region’s policymakers, traders, and other stakeholders. Methodologically, the research integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches. On the qualitative side, it includes historical and documentary analysis concerning ECO’s evolution and its agri-food sector’s development. Quantitatively, the study employs a regression model to examine the moderating effect of food imports on the relationship between food exports and food availability across member states. The results indicate a significant interaction effect: food imports moderate the negative association between exports and domestic food availability. Drawing on these findings, the paper formulates a set of policy recommendations to enhance agricultural trade strategies and strengthen food security in ECO countries. Full article

Domestic and short-sea shipping play a crucial role in ensuring food and energy security, employment, and connectivity in Small Island Developing States (SIDSs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Despite accounting for up to 26.2% of global maritime emissions by voyage activity, these sectors remain underrepresented in policy and academic discussions on greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. This study presents a structured and transdisciplinary assessment of decarbonization pathways tailored to the unique operational characteristics of domestic fleets. It reviews key operational, technical, and port-based strategies, identifying both opportunities and challenges in the transition to zero-emission shipping. Highlighted measures include the adoption of carbon-neutral fuels, advanced energy-efficiency technologies, and optimized vessel design. The paper emphasizes the pivotal role of ports as clean energy hubs and advocates for integrating domestic shipping into National Action Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions. Coordinated stakeholder engagement, targeted public investment, and supportive regulatory frameworks are essential to unlock decarbonization potential—contributing not only to climate mitigation, but also to sustainable development and energy resilience in emerging maritime regions. Full article

The future of marine sustainability depends on public understanding and trust in the policy recommendations that emerge from scientific research. For common pool marine resource decisions made by the people who depend on these resources for their food, employment, and economic future, understanding the current status of these marine systems and change is essential to ensure these resources will persist into the future. As such, the informal learning infrastructure is essential to increasing marine science literacy in a changing world. This mixed-methods research study analyzed the distribution and accessibility of marine science education and research across Alaska’s five geographic regions. Using the PRISMA framework, we synthesized data from 198 institutions and analyzed peer-reviewed literature on marine ecosystems to identify geographic and thematic gaps in access to informal science learning and research focus. In parallel, we undertook geospatial analysis and resource availability to describe the distribution of resources, types of informal learning infrastructure present across the state, regional presence, and resources to support informal marine science learning opportunities. Findings from this multifactor research revealed a concentration of resources in urban hubs and a lack of consistent access to learning resources for rural and Indigenous communities. The configurative literature review of 9549 publications identified topical underrepresentation of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, as well as a lack of research on seabirds across all regions. Considered together, these results recommend targeted investments in rural engagement with marine science programming, culturally grounded partnerships, and research diversification. This review concludes that disparities in learning resource support and government-funded priorities in marine wildlife research have created conditions that undermine the local people’s participation in the sustainability of sensitive resources and are likely exacerbating declines driven by rapid change in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Full article

Apple pomace, a by-product from the production of concentrated juice, is a major contributor to global food waste. Despite its beneficial nutritional profile, apple pomace is predominantly disposed of in landfills. Rapid fermentation and spoilage caused by microorganisms are compounding factors in this demise, despite significant research into upcycling strategies. Thus, there is an unmet need for economical approaches that allow for the preservation of pomace during storage and transportation to centralized processing facilities from regional hubs. To address this challenge, we investigated the potential of different preservatives for preventing microbial growth and the spoilage of apple pomace, including antimicrobials (natamycin and iodine), polysaccharides (chitosan and fucoidan), and acetic acid. Spread plates for total microbial and fungal counts were employed to assess the effectiveness of the treatments. High concentrations (10,000 ppm) of chitosan were effective at reducing the microbial load and inhibiting growth, and in combination with antimicrobials, eliminated all microbes below detectable levels. Nevertheless, acetic acid at an equivalent concentration to commercial vinegar displayed the highest economic potential. Apple pomace submerged in 0.8 M acetic acid (3 kg pomace per liter) resulted in a five-log reduction in the microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) out to 14 days and prevented fermentation and ethanol production. These results provide a foundation for the short-term storage and preservation of apple pomace that could contribute to its upcycling. Full article

Mediterranean countries represent a dynamic hub of cultural exchange, where wild plants play a significant role in culinary traditions. A substantial number of these plants belong to the Asteraceae family. The climate similarities across the region contribute to the common distribution ranges of the plants. While many species are widely distributed, others are confined to specific subregions, such as the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, or North Africa. Only six taxa of the traditionally consumed wild Asteraceae plants are endemic to just one country. This review focuses on wild plants from the Asteraceae family traditionally used as food across 13 study sites, comprising 11 countries in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories, including both mainland areas and three islands. The objective is to identify and analyze patterns of native distribution in relation to actual consumption. As a result, 167 edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family were identified. Their patterns of distribution and consumption are described and analyzed. The highest number of these edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family is consumed in Spain (n = 65), followed by southern Italy (n = 44) and Morocco (n = 32). A similar pattern of consumption is seen in Turkey (n = 24), Sicily (n = 23), Jordan and Palestine (n = 21), and Bulgaria (n = 21). It is notable that 106 plants are used as food in one particular country only, although most of them are distributed in several other countries. Many of the species consumed in certain countries are not used by neighboring populations, highlighting a limited cross-border transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. The findings from a Jaccard index statistical analysis are discussed. Full article

Digital transformation is increasingly relevant in food certification systems, improving processes, coordination, and data accessibility. In state-led certification systems, public entities hold a political mandate to promote digital transformation, yet little is known about digital maturity in these systems or how to assess it. This study assesses the digital maturity of a state-led food certification system in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, focusing on private sector stakeholders involved in its administration. Additionally, it examines potential measures that the governing public entity can take and evaluates the suitability of the methods used. A total of 25 out of 43 organisations were surveyed using the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) framework validated for the European Union (EU). Six dimensions were analysed: Digital Business Strategy, Digital Readiness, Human-Centric Digitalisation, Data Management, Automation and Artificial Intelligence, and Green Digitalisation. Data Management and Human-Centric Digitalisation were the most developed, highlighting strong data governance and workforce engagement. Automation and Artificial Intelligence were ranked lowest, reflecting minimal adoption but also indicating that not all dimensions might be of the same relevance for the variety of organisations. The variability in scores and organisation-specific relevance underscores the European DMA framework’s value, particularly due to its subsequent tailored consultation process and its integration into EU policy. Full article