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Background and purpose: Today, ensuring food security for the inhabitants of the earth, and preserving agricultural production from destruction due to drought, pests, and diseases, seems more necessary than ever. Farmers across the world are forced to use various pesticides to combat factors that reduce production, but these toxins not only remain on the surface of the products but also penetrate the tissues of fruits, vegetables, and even grains. Although washing fruits or peeling them can be effective in reducing surface contamination of pesticides, removing their toxic effects from the internal tissues of fruits is almost impossible. In such a way most agricultural products that have been exposed to pesticides and are presented to the market shortly after spraying contain pesticide residues. Although the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in modern agriculture significantly increases agricultural products, it should be noted that excessive use of pesticides in agricultural production leads to higher levels of pesticide residues in agricultural products exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit, which is considered a risk factor for human health and environmental pollution. The negative effects of chemical toxins on health include various types of cancers, neurological diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, failures, fetal diseases, genetic problems, and harmful effects on the environment such as pest resistance, their dominance, and the disappearance of beneficial insects. Considering that citrus fruits are considered a strategic product in Mazandaran province, this research was conducted to investigate the level of pesticide residues in citrus orchards in Sari County. Materials and methods: The residues of pesticides in the citrus fruits produced in Sari county were investigated in areas monitored by the Agricultural Jihad Organization, the Agricultural Research Center, and Natural Resources of Mazandaran province, to control the type, method of pesticide use, and observing the withholding period. In this study, 15 oranges fruit samples were examined. Each sample was approximately 1 kilogram of each product, which was transferred to the food control laboratory of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. The samples were prepared using the QuEChERS method. The consumption and residue levels of pesticides were identified using the GC-MS method. The Food and Drug Organization and the National Standard Organization of Iran (ISIRI) declared 200 types of pesticides as the most commonly used pesticides in citrus orchards, which were evaluated for their residues in this research. Results: Totally, 3 types of pesticides including Chlorpyrifos, Ethion (Class II), and Pyriproxyfen (Class U) were identified, with Chlorpyrifos being the most commonly used. None of the identified pesticides belonged to Class Ia or Class Ib. Among the identified pesticides, the residue of Ethion exceeded the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) set by ISIRI. Conclusion: Given the role of pesticides in food safety and environmental pollution, efforts to reduce the use of pest control poisons to minimize the risk to human health and the environment remain challenging and a valuable goal. Although monitoring of production by executive organizations has led to a significant reduction in pesticide consumption, in some cases, residues higher than the permissible limit are still observed. Also, it should be noted that pesticide residues can become environmental pollutants by entering the soil and water. Therefore, along with increasing farmers' awareness, the expansion, substitution, and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are still significant for environmental preservation and cost reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The employment of pesticides for the prevention, elimination, and reduction of pests detrimental to agricultural products throughout various stages of crop cultivation is essential for improving the health of these products; nevertheless, pests remain a critical factor in the degradation and destruction of agricultural goods, posing a threat to food security. Even though the deployment of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in modern agricultural practices considerably boosts agricultural output. However, it should be noted that excessive and inappropriate use of pesticides in agricultural product production and failure to consider factors affecting their residue levels can result in pesticide residues in these products exceeding the maximum allowable limit set by national and international standards (Maximum Residue Limit), which is considered a risk factor for human health and environmental pollution. Due to the increasingly widespread use of pesticides in agriculture, this issue has become a significant topic in food safety. Despite various methods being used to assess the potential risks of pesticides to human health and the environment and to control their consumption, efforts to reduce the use of pest control poisons to minimize the risk to human health and the environment remain challenging and a valuable goal. Additionally, since rice is considered a major source of energy supply, studying pesticide residues in rice to protect consumer health is always significant. As this product is considered a strategic product in Mazandaran province, this research was conducted to examine the level of pesticide residues in rice produced in Mazandaran province. Materials and methods: In the cross-sectional residues of pesticides in the rice produced in Sari County in areas where the type, and method of pesticide use are monitored by the Agricultural Jihad Organization, the Agricultural Research Center, and Natural Resources of Mazandaran Province were investigated. In this study, 15 samples of rice were examined. Each sample of about 1 kilogram of each product was transferred to the Food Control Laboratory of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, and the consumption and residue levels of consumed toxins were identified using the GC-MS method. 200 types of pesticides, which were recognized as authorized and unauthorized pesticides for use in rice according to the national monitoring report of the Food and Drug Organization and ISIRI, were selected and their residues were evaluated. Results: The analysis results of 15 samples of rice from monitored areas in Sari County showed that none of the 200 types of authorized and unauthorized pesticides had any residue in the products under investigation. Conclusion: Although no pesticide residues were observed in the present study, it should be noted that pesticide residues in the bran of the samples under investigation were not evaluated. Considering that bran enters the human food chain through animal feed, controlled pesticide consumption can still have indirect effects on human health and food intake. Also, in the cultivation of the above products, pesticides have been used, which in controlled amounts can contaminate soil and water. Given the emphasis on reducing pesticide consumption and replacing it with Integrated Crop Management (ICM) methods, the goal of this research and practitioners is to continue to educate and support farmers to move towards ICM in the next stages, taking a higher step toward human health, environmental preservation, and reducing costs associated with pesticide use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world’s food demand is predicted to exceed its food supply significantly in the coming periods. Many physical factors, such as climate change in access to water, change the production amount and food prices. Efficient resource utilization can be achieved by developing smart agricultural applications using the IoT and image processing techniques. For this purpose, in the proposed study, a smart agriculture application was developed using IoT technology with image processing. In the proposed image processing algorithm, the crops’ images were processed, weight estimates were made, and their numbers were taken. The data we collect instantly can be uploaded to the cloud, and the data collected on the cloud side can be analyzed over the mobile application. Thanks to data analysis with the mobile application we have developed, we can see the current status of the crops and make instant decisions, and it also plays a role in determining market prices. With all these studies, it has been seen that agriculture can be digitalized with the technologies we use, and thus, productivity in agriculture can increase significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dioxin-like chemicals are a group of ubiquitous environmental toxicants that received intense attention in the last two decades of the 20th century. Through extensive mechanistic research and validation, the global community has agreed upon a regulatory strategy for these chemicals that centers on their common additive activation of a single receptor. Applying these regulations has led to decreased exposure in most populations studied. As dioxin-like chemicals moved out of the limelight, research and media attention has turned to other concerning contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). During the 20th century, PFAS were also being quietly emitted into the environment, but only in the last 20 years have we realized the serious threat they pose to health. There is active debate about how to appropriately classify and regulate the thousands of known PFAS and finding a solution for these “forever chemicals” is of the utmost urgency. OBJECTIVES: Here, we compare important features of dioxin-like chemicals and PFAS, including the history, mechanism of action, and effective upstream regulatory strategies, with the objective of gleaning insight from the past to improve strategies for addressing PFAS. DISCUSSION: The differences between these two chemical classes means that regulatory strategies for dioxin-like chemicals will not be appropriate for PFAS. PFAS exert toxicity by both receptor-based and nonreceptor-based mechanisms, which complicates mixtures evaluation and stymies efforts to develop inexpensive assays that accurately capture toxicity. Furthermore, dioxin-like chemicals were unwanted byproducts, but PFAS are useful and valuable, which has led to intense resistance against efforts to restrict their production. Nonetheless, useful lessons can be drawn from dioxin-like chemicals and applied to PFAS, including eliminating nonessential production of new PFAS and proactive investment in environmental remediation to address their extraordinarily long environmental persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a scientific study on the macrozoobenthos communities in two lakes in Russia, specifically Lake Bannoe and Lake Kholmovskoe. The research aims to compare the macrozoobenthos in these lakes, which are both facing similar human impact. The study was conducted in 2022, and samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods. The article presents information on the taxonomic composition, density, and biomass of the macrozoobenthos in Lake Bannoe. Additionally, the article evaluates the water quality of the lakes using various indices. The study concludes that Lake Bannoe is moderately polluted, while Lake Kholmovskoe has relatively clean waters. This research is part of larger projects focusing on the ecosystem of the Northern Dvina River and the Solovetsky Archipelago. [Extracted from the article]

To identify factors influencing the availability and sales of healthy food and drinks in a café located in a hospital setting in a rural area. Three online and 1 in-person group model building workshops were conducted with hospital staff members to develop a causal loop diagram. Four areas in the causal loop diagram were identified, 5 teams were created to implement 15 identified action ideas, and an action registry was created to track their progress. By May 2023, 4 actions were active, 6 inactive, 4 completed, and 1 abandoned. The group model building process identified factors and actions to improve the healthiness of the hospital's café and motivated staff members to act for change. However, progress was limited by staff turnover, recruitment, and inadequate participation from decision-makers. Better leadership and support by senior management can ensure that long-term objectives are achieved and healthier hospital food environments are sustained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gather knowledge and experiences from Squamish Nation citizens to codevelop a model of foraging walks for Indigenous women's heart health. Qualitative study (sharing circles). Vancouver, Canada (virtual). Squamish Nation community members (n = 9), Elders or Knowledge Keepers (n = 5), and researchers (n = 2). Community-led foraging walks as a culturally safe nutrition education strategy. Perspectives and experiences. Content analysis and narrative synthesis. Personal experiences of foraging walks or knowledge of traditional plants were limited for most participants, and all desired to learn more about traditional foods using land-based activities. Participants identified a lack of nutrition education surrounding heart health and common mistreatment and judgment from health professionals. Participants identified important elements of a future Squamish program, including who should be involved, how to implement it, and the most effective temporal and physical setting. All agreed foraging walks help promote 5 dimensions of heart health (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and social) through physical activity, purposeful nutrition, and connection to community and culture. Findings from the sharing circles were used in the creation of a template for future foraging sessions and contributed to plant identification cards for the whole community. Community-based pilot studies to test foraging walks as a culturally safe and environmental approach to nutrition education and cardiovascular health awareness for Indigenous communities are warranted. Research to examine the similarities and differences across Indigenous groups related to understanding heart health and land-based practices for nutrition education and heart health awareness is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the components of successful food assistance programs for college students. Focus groups conducted during the fall 2019 semester included undergraduate students who accessed a food assistance program on campus (n = 26). Key informant interviews were conducted with professionals working with campus-based food assistance programs (n = 5). Student insight regarding experiences on campus-based food assistance programs was gathered. Key informant interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of strategies put in place to alleviate food insecurity among college students. Emerging focus group themes included financial stressors, eating strategies, struggling to feed dependents, utilization of university-based food assistance programs, and SNAP enrollment. Key informant interviews revealed six strategies of effective food assistance programs: increasing access, securing funding, procurement/distribution of healthy foods, partnerships, outreach, and decreasing stigmatization. A "mission driven" approach has the potential to meet the complex needs of food insecure college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this research was to uncover narratives around food access and consumption among Black women who attend HBCUs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: Black women, ages 18–25. Methods: Focus groups were used to understand how participants defined healthy foods as well as barriers and facilitators of consumption. During the pandemic follow-up focus groups uncovered how COVID-19 impacted their access and consumption patterns. Results: Findings revealed that HCBU women faced similar and distinct concerns around food access prior to and during the pandemic. Students were limited by price, budgets, proximity to healthy foods, kitchen access, and cooking tools. However, proximity or transportation both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged students to access healthy foods. Conclusion: For students who are already at a societal disadvantage and attend a university located in a food desert, access to nutritious foods can be an exacerbated plight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. The diffusion of microplastics in the food supply chain is prompting public concern as their impact on human health is still largely unknown. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize microplastics in skim-milk powder samples (n = 16) from different European countries (n = 8) through Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode analysis. The present study highlights that the use of hot alkaline digestion has enabled the efficacious identification of microplastics in skim-milk powders used for cheesemaking across European countries. The adopted protocol allowed detection of 29 different types of polymeric matrices for a total of 536 plastic particles. The most abundant microplastics were polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Microplastics were found in skim-milk powders in 3 different shapes (fiber, sphere, and irregular fragments) and 6 different colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, and gray). Results demonstrate the presence of microplastics in all skim-milk powder samples, suggesting a general contamination. Results of the present study will help to evaluate the impact of microplastics intake on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of projected climate changes that are expected to disrupt crop yields in previously stable regions, it is essential to understand how these changes will affect food supplies. This study investigated the combined effect of light and temperature on the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) in a controlled environment. Three treatment combinations were tested: 30.2 mol.m−2.d−1 with a 17.5 °C average ("low"), 38.9 mol.m−2.d−1 and 22.5 °C ("medium"), and 47.5 mol.m−2.d−1 and 27.5 °C ("high"). The low treatment resulted in the highest wheat yield, with total dry biomasses of 233 g, 140 g, and 115 g for the low, medium, and high treatments. Rice showed the highest growth in the medium and high treatments, with total dry biomasses of 145 and 144 g. The medium and high treatment biomasses were not statistically significant for wheat or rice at 95% confidence. However, the wheat's edible biomass did significantly decrease between every treatment. These results demonstrate that wheat thrives in colder climates, even with less light available, while an increase in temperature will have either a positive or insignificant effect on rice within this study's temperature range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rye (Secale cereale L.) cultivation has a long history in the Alpine region, where local ecotypes have been honed through generations of human selection. Despite the introduction of commercial varieties during the 20th century, traditional ecotypes are believed to persist in Valtellina, especially in the medium/upper valley (Teglio and Bormio). Our study aims to identify and preserve these local rye ecotypes by comparing them to commercial varieties. We examined 14 rye accessions through population genetic analyses (by using eight SSR makers), agronomic trials (germplasm characters, plant traits, and yields), and phytochemical analyses (total phenolic compound, flavonoids, and the radical scavenging activity). Two commercial varieties were used—one from Poland, previously genetically characterized (C_POL_P1; i.e., P1 ancestry), and one with an unknown origin. Additionally, we analyzed eleven accessions from Valtellina (medium and upper valley) and one from another alpine valley in South Tirol (Laimburg; LAI). Molecular markers analysis revealed the presence of two distinct genetic lineages: the first (P1) comprised all Teglio accessions and the commercial one from Poland, while the second (P2) grouped the two alpine accessions from Bormio (upper Valtellina) and South Tirol, along with a commercial one of uncertain origin. The clusters P2 exhibited significantly lower average values of the number of alleles (z = 2.03; p < 0.05), Shannon index (z = 2.35; p < 0.05), and expected heterozygosity (z = 1.97; p < 0.05) than in P1. Significant differences were observed in plant traits and agronomic performance between P1 and P2 accessions, with the latter displaying superior traits. For instance, the seed weight of germplasm was the highest in P2 (H(chi2) = 22.44; p < 0.001). Phytochemical analyses did not reveal a clear pattern between genetic lineages but identified some very well-performing Valtellina landraces in terms of scavenging activity. Characterizing these local rye varieties helps establish a short food supply chain to support Valtellina's mountain economy. The medium valley (P1) and upper valley (P2) varieties have the potential for agroecological valorization, benefiting local farmers. Phytochemical analyses identified better accessions within P1 and P2 for nutraceutical use and commercialization. Additionally, selecting and conserving resilient ecotypes can address future challenges from extreme climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietetics curricula currently fail to meet the educational needs of the future dietetic workforce to contribute expertise in sustainable, healthy food systems in the settings in which dietitians work. A 'Global Networking Event on Sustainable Food Systems in Nutrition and Dietetics Education' was held in June 2023 with the goals of building relationships among international stakeholders and informing the development of shared curricula. Methods: Plenary lectures, panels and roundtable discussions were held over 2 days, designed to provide the background required to generate informed actions. Topics included recent research from practice and education, competency standards and relevant policy documents, examples from the field, 'big questions' about scope and student perspectives. Key messages were summarised thematically to inform educators and national dietetics associations. Results: Fifty‐five delegates attended from 11 nations representing education, research, dietetic associations, industry and diverse practice backgrounds. Key priorities identified for educators included co‐development of curricular frameworks and pedagogical theory, practical training supports and solutions to limited time and expertise. Key recommendations for national dietetics associations included strategic promotion of sustainable food systems in dietetic roles and practical supports. Conclusions: Outcomes are anticipated to stimulate ongoing discussion, collaboration and actions on sustainable food systems education within the dietetics profession leading to shared curricular models and supports. Highlights: Sustainable food system (SFS) competency requirements and curricular integration are inconsistent globally and lack robust frameworks to support dietetics education.There is a need to define the scope of practice for SFS within dietitians' roles.Current opportunities in education include scaffolding existing topics and activities with signature pedagogies for sustainability, harnessing transferrable knowledge and skills to adapt to future SFS roles, and establishing interdisciplinary food systems teaching and learning activities.National dietetics associations can act to support SFS in the professional role of dietitians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet, a modifiable risk factor, plays a pivotal role in most diseases, from cardiovascular disease to type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and obesity. However, our understanding of the mechanistic role of the chemical compounds found in food remains incomplete. In this review, we explore the "dark matter" of nutrition, going beyond the macro- and micronutrients documented by national databases to unveil the exceptional chemical diversity of food composition. We also discuss the need to explore the impact of each compound in the presence of associated chemicals and relevant food sources and describe the tools that will allow us to do so. Finally, we discuss the role of network medicine in understanding the mechanism of action of each food molecule. Overall, we illustrate the important role of network science and artificial intelligence in our ability to reveal nutrition's multifaceted role in health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by the culture-centered approach to health communication (CCA), this study explores how marginalized US women understand and negotiate meanings related to hunger and health. The analysis is based on in-depth interviews with 23 women experiencing deep structural vulnerability. Findings revealed three paradoxical meanings related to hunger: (a) the "abundance versus scarcity" paradox where even though women were consistently short of food, industrially processed food was amply available to them through charitable food venues, (b) the "good food" versus "bad food" paradox, which showed that while women sometimes consumed whatever food was available, taste, healthfulness, and desirability of food were equally important factors, and (c) the "not-eating versus overeating" paradox, which showed how women experienced anxieties around both hunger and obesity; women experienced physiological hunger pangs, but were also concerned about weight-gain and obesity because of the abundance of processed food in their foodscapes. Overall, despite their best attempts at being good health citizens, women were not able choose the foods they wanted to eat because of inadequate government benefits and a lack of "good food" options in food charity settings. These paradoxical meanings reflect contradictions inherent in the neoliberal model of health citizenship, where the focus is on individual behavior change, while the role of governments in facilitating healthy foodscapes is overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global food system depends on a limited number of plant species. Plants with unsatisfactory nutritional value are overproduced, whereas the wide variety of nutrient-rich plant species used in earlier times remains neglected. Basing our diet on a few crops has wide-ranging negative consequences on nutrition and food security. Although still under-researched, underutilized plants are slowly starting to receive increased recognition. These plants have superior nutritional content and immense potential to contribute to food and nutrition security and increased sustainability. This narrative review provides evidence to encourage the promotion, domestication, and commercialization of underutilized plants. The anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects of some of underutilized plants are presented in this review. The outstanding ability of forgotten plants to increase food and nutrition security, boost dietary diversity, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being is demonstrated. The main barriers and obstacles to reintroducing underutilized foods are reviewed and recommendations for overcoming nutrition and dietary-related challenges for re-establishing underutilized plants into the global food system are presented. The expansion of underutilized plants for human use is of paramount importance. The exceptional nutritional properties, bioactive potential, and proven health benefits of underutilized plants indicate that increased promotion, domestication, and commercialization of these plants should be strongly supported. Besides health benefits, marginalized plants have the potential to enhance human well-being and improve people's lives in many ways, retain biodiversity, and develop local economies. Therefore, underutilized plants should be used in the broader context of well-balanced and healthy diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An LC–Orbitrap–HRMS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of four tetracyclines—oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TC), doxycycline (DC), and chlortetracycline (CTC)—in milk. This method involves sample extraction with McIlvaine–EDTA buffer solution (pH 4) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) with Oasis HLB cartridges, followed by the evaporation of the extract and its reconstitution with a 14% methanol aqueous solution before injection into the instrumental system. This method has been validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, precision, and accuracy, in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/657/EC requirements. Compared to existing methods, this approach optimally combines a quantitative procedure for extracting analytes from the milk of different species, including sheep, bovines, and goats, with a very short LC–Orbitrap–HRMS instrumental analysis time (only 8 min), simultaneously ensuring high precision, sensitivity, and applicability as a rapid confirmation method in official food control laboratories. The proposed method was applied to determine the concentration levels of OTC in milk samples derived from healthy Sardinian sheep and those naturally infected with Streptococcus uberis, after the intramuscular administration of an antibiotic, in order to evaluate how much of the drug was "subtracted" during penetration from blood into milk, with a potential effect of reducing its therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize is a crucial staple crop that ensures global food security by supplying essential nutrients. However, heavy metal (HM) contamination inhibits maize growth, reduces output, and affects food security. Some endophytic fungi (EFs) in maize seeds have the potential to enhance growth and increase dry biomass, offering a solution to mitigate the negative effect of HM contamination. Using these functional EFs could help maintain crop production and ensure food safety in HM-contaminated areas. In the present study, the diversity of EFs in corn grains from various HM-contaminated areas in China was studied through culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. We tested the plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits of several dominant culturable isolates and evaluated the growth-promoting effects of these twenty-one isolates through pot experiments. Both studies showed that HM contamination increased the diversity and richness of corn grain EFs and affected the most dominant endophytes. Nigrospora and Fusarium were the most prevalent culturable endophytes in HM-contaminated areas. Conversely, Cladosporium spp. were the most isolated endophytes in non-contaminated areas. Different from this, Saccharomycopsis and Fusarium were the dominant EFs in HM-contaminated sites, while Neofusicoccum and Sarocladium were dominant in non-contaminated sites, according to a culture-independent analysis. PGP trait tests indicated that 70% of the tested isolates (forty-two) exhibited phosphorus solubilization, IAA production, or siderophore production activity. Specifically, 90% of the tested isolates from HM-contaminated sites showed better PGP results than 45% of the isolates from non-contaminated sites. The benefit of the twenty-one isolates on host plant growth was further studied through pot experiments, which showed that all the isolates could improve host plant growth. Among them, strains derived from HM-contaminated sites, including AK18 (Nigrospora), AK32 (Beauveria), SD93 (Gibberellia), and SD64 (Fusarium), had notable effects on enhancing the dry biomass of shoots and roots of maize under Cd stress. We speculate that the higher ratio of PGP EFs in corn grains from HM-contaminated areas may explain their competitiveness in such extreme environments. Fusarium and Cladosporium isolates show high PGP properties, but they can also be phytopathogenic. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate their pathogenic properties and safety for crops before considering their practical use in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Seamounts are conspicuous geological features with an important ecological role and can be considered vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). Since many deep‐sea regions remain largely unexplored, investigating the occurrence of VME taxa on seamounts is challenging. Our study aimed to predict the distribution of four cold‐water coral (CWC) taxa, indicators for VMEs, in a region where occurrence data are scarce. Location: Seamounts around the Cabo Verde archipelago (NW Africa). Methods: We used species presence–absence data obtained from remotely operated vehicle (ROV) footage collected during two research expeditions. Terrain variables calculated using a multiscale approach from a 100‐m‐resolution bathymetry grid, as well as physical oceanographical data from the VIKING20X model, at a native resolution of 1/20°, were used as environmental predictors. Two modelling techniques (generalized additive model and random forest) were employed and single‐model predictions were combined into a final weighted‐average ensemble model. Model performance was validated using different metrics through cross‐validation. Results: Terrain orientation, at broad scale, presented one of the highest relative variable contributions to the distribution models of all CWC taxa, suggesting that hydrodynamic–topographic interactions on the seamounts could benefit CWCs by maximizing food supply. However, changes at finer scales in terrain morphology and bottom salinity were important for driving differences in the distribution of specific CWCs. The ensemble model predicted the presence of VME taxa on all seamounts and consistently achieved the highest performance metrics, outperforming individual models. Nonetheless, model extrapolation and uncertainty, measured as the coefficient of variation, were high, particularly, in least surveyed areas across seamounts, highlighting the need to collect more data in future surveys. Main Conclusions: Our study shows how data‐poor areas may be assessed for the likelihood of VMEs and provides important information to guide future research in Cabo Verde, which is fundamental to advise ongoing conservation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate production estimates, months before the harvest, are crucial for all parts of the food supply chain, from farmers to governments. While methods have been developed to use satellite data to monitor crop development and production, they typically rely on official crop statistics or ground-based data, limiting their application to the regions where they were calibrated. To address this issue, a new method called VeRsatile Crop Yield Estimator (VeRCYe) has been developed to estimate wheat yield at the pixel and field levels using satellite data and process-based crop models. The method uses the Leaf Area Index (LAI) as the linking variable between remotely sensed data and APSIM crop model simulations. In this process, the sowing dates of each field were detected (RMSE = 2.6 days) using PlanetScope imagery, with PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 data fused into a daily 3 m LAI dataset, enabling VeRCYe to overcome the traditional trade-off between satellite data that has either high temporal or high spatial resolution. The method was evaluated using 27 wheat fields across the Australian wheatbelt, covering a wide range of pedo-climatic conditions and farm management practices across three growing seasons. VeRCYe accurately estimated field-scale yield (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 757 kg/ha) and produced 3 m pixel size yield maps (R2 = 0.32, RMSE = 1213 kg/ha). The method can potentially forecast the final yield (R2 = 0.78–0.88) about 2 months before the harvest. Finally, the harvest dates of each field were detected from space (RMSE = 2.7 days), indicating when and where the estimated yield would be available to be traded in the market. VeRCYe can estimate yield without ground calibration, be applied to other crop types, and used with any remotely sensed LAI information. This model provides insights into yield variability from pixel to regional scales, enriching our understanding of agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. The extensive use of antimicrobials in poultry production may contribute to the emergence of resistant bacteria. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and resistance of different E. coli strains isolated from raw chicken meat and to investigate the possibility to use Lebanese native oregano essential oils as alternatives. 2. In total, 250 chickens from Lebanese markets were examined for the presence of E. coli. Isolates were then screened for susceptibility using 19 antibiotics and two essential oils extracted from oregano plants. 3. Of the 250 chickens tested, 80% were contaminated with E. coli. Main resistance was seen against amoxycillin, ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, tylosin, streptomycin and erythromycin. The highest rate of sensitivity was found in 86.1% of strains to Amoxycillin/Clavulanic acid, 80.09% to Tilmicosin. Both essential oils from Origanum syriacum (98%) and O. ehrenbergii (97.3%) showed promising potential in inhibiting the growth of the tested bacteria. Oil from O. syriacum exhibited superior efficacy against 200 E. coli strains, inhibiting 46.1% at 200 mg/l and all at 400 mg/l, while O. ehrenbergii oil showed slightly lower inhibition, affecting 41.6% at 200 mg/l and all at 400 mg/l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war have demonstrated that the neoliberal system is unstable during global crises. In times of crisis, exporter countries adopt protectionist policies in the form of export restrictions to safeguard their local food supply and curb inflation. Consequently, low‐income countries might find themselves unable to access essential food products. In this regard, the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war has gradually increased export restrictions, causing severe food supply disruptions. In particular, import‐dependent countries cannot access essential food products and face famine. To this point, this study explores the vulnerabilities of neoliberalism when exporter countries turn to protectionism. Moreover, it asks whether food sovereignty and self‐sufficiency could act as a safeguard for import‐dependent states against such vulnerabilities. In doing so, the study aims to contribute to the literature by linking protectionism with export restrictions, diverging from the more common association of protectionism with solely import restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability is crucial for transforming the food system, addressing environmental and nutrition issues and depends on consumer perceptions and values. This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between sustainability attitudes, knowledge, and eating behaviours. Nearly half reported high level of knowledge regarding food sustainability while 24% expressed high attitude towards food sustainability. Women reported higher levels of knowledge and attitude towards food sustainability. Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex, and education, revealed that using public transport, biking, or walking was significantly associated with higher odds of having a more positive overall attitude towards food sustainability (OR = 1.77). The overall knowledge score was a strong predictor of a positive overall attitude score (OR = 2.11). Examining individual knowledge-related items, almost all were associated with higher levels of knowledge, except those regarding food and environment interaction. These findings underline a complex scenario where consumers' awareness and knowledge highly influence the applicability of sustainable food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication underscores the vital role of bees, particularly their contribution to products like honey, pollen, and propolis, which offer significant health benefits. Notably, 79% of the world's food supply relies on bees; thus, their declining numbers pose a threat to pollination and food security. The study explores an ecological thermal insulation for hives using animal biomass and a monitoring system to detect anomalies in bee habitats early. This approach aims to protect bee populations and enhance global food security through improved data-driven practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Managed populations of the alfalfa leafcutting bee (ALCB), Megachile rotundata (F.), are often not sustainable. In addition to numerous mortality factors that contribute to this, the dense bee populations used to maximize alfalfa pollination quickly deplete floral resources available to bees later in the summer. Providing alternative floral resources as alfalfa declines may help to improve ALCB reproduction. Methods: We examined the relationship between floral resource availability and ALCB reproduction and offspring condition via (1) a field study using alfalfa plots with and without late-blooming wildflower strips to supply food beyond alfalfa bloom, and (2) a field-cage study in which we provided bees with alfalfa, wildflowers, or both as food resources. Results: In the field study, bee cell production closely followed alfalfa floral density with an initial peak followed by large declines prior to wildflower bloom. Few bees visited wildflower strips, whose presence or absence was not associated with any measure of bee reproduction. However, we found that female offspring from cells provisioned earlier in the season, when alfalfa predominated as a source of provisions, eclosed with greater body sizes and proportion body lipids relative to total body mass. For bees restricted to cages, the proportion of offspring that survived to adults was highest on pure alfalfa diets. Adding wildflowers to cages with alfalfa did not affect adult offspring production or female offspring body size and lipid content. Furthermore, although similar numbers of adults were produced on wildflowers alone as with alfalfa alone, females eclosed with smaller body sizes and lower proportion body lipids on wildflowers despite the higher protein content we estimated for wildflower pollen. We found no evidence that adding the late-season wildflower species that we chose to plant enhanced ALCB offspring numbers. Our results highlight the importance of considering multiple measures of reproductive success, including offspring body size and lipid stores, when designing and evaluating floral resource management strategies for agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscoelastic behavior of food‐grade biopolymers during gelation has a complex frequency spectrum that is difficult to measure by commercial rheometers. Master curves built by time–temperature superposition (TTS) of data arising from small‐amplitude oscillatory flow (SAOS) or stress relaxation at a given reference temperature can provide the frequency span required to describe the frequency spectrum of highly complex systems such as hydrocolloids (e.g., κappa‐carrageenan). In this work, master curves using TTS were obtained for various concentrations (1%–4% w/w). For a given concentration, mechanical spectra were generated for various temperatures (5, 10, 25, 37, and 45°C) to obtain the master curves and shifting factors (aT, bT) using the WLF (Williams–Landel–Ferry) equation. In this context, a methodology is suggested to obtain a wide observation window to describe complex spectra from gelling systems employed in the chemical industry. Practical applications: The rheological methods used in this work combined the enhancement of the frequency range from experimental stress relaxation and SAOS data with double superposition. These methods are already known, but the combination to achieve an ample frequency range of more than 8 decades represents a useful tool for industrial applications of gelling systems like food hydrocolloids (i.e., κappa‐carrageenan). It also helps to predict the viscoelastic behavior at temperatures and concentrations outside the usual range of rheometric measurements. It is further useful in the areas of equipment design and quality control for food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food processing is an indispensable sector crucial for controlling the food losses. Discrete measures were introduced and implemented to enhance the food shelf life and preservation techniques. However, poor handling and preservation methods usher to the food deprivation. In such milieu, amalgamation of futuristic technologies like sophisticated sensors tether with Internet of Things (IoT) could shoot up the food safety and minimize the deprivation. Research across the globe have proved that integration of IoT‐smart sensors in scrutinizing ecological factors such as temperature, radiation, gaseous composition, relative humidity, and moisture content that are critical for food processing and preservation. IoT has the prospects to ameliorate nationwide explicable execution, slash energy depletion, slash manufacturing expenses, inflate worker health and safety during food processing unit. Smart agricultural techniques also enable measurement of temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, and nitrogen contents in smart farming and helps the user to determine the status of crops and commodity. This article aims to focus a few aspects and budding areas of IoT in the food and agricultural sectors. With this outlook, advancement and smartness in agriculture and food processing can be created by collaborating with IoT technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the population grows, more food is needed to keep the food supply chain running smoothly. For many years, intensive farming systems have been used to meet this need. Currently, due to intense climate change and other global natural problems, there is a shift towards sustainable use of natural resources and simplified methods of tillage. Soil tillage intensity influences the distribution of nutrients, and soil's physical and mechanical properties, as well as gas flows. The impact of reduced tillage on these indices in spring barley cultivation is still insufficient and requires more analysis on a global scale. This study was carried out at Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy (Lithuania) in 2022–2023. The aim of the investigation was to determine the effect of the tillage systems on the soil temperature, moisture content, CO2 respiration and concentration in spring barley cultivation. Based on a long-term tillage experiment, five tillage systems were tested: deep and shallow moldboard ploughing, deep cultivation-chiseling, shallow cultivation-chiseling, and no tillage Shallow plowing technology has been found to better conserve soil moisture and maintain higher temperatures in most cases. During almost the entire study period, the spring barley crop with deep cultivation had lower moisture content and lower soil temperature. Shallow cultivation fields in most cases increased CO2 emissions and CO2 concentration. When applying direct sowing to the uncultivated soil (10–20 cm), the concentration of CO2 decreased from 0.01 to 0.148 percent. pcs. The results show that in direct sowing fields, most cases had a positive effect on crop density. Direct sowing fields resulted in significantly lower, from 7.9 to 26.5%, grain yields of spring barley in the years studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research suggests a bidirectional relationship between food insecurity and stress, but few studies have examined associations of food insecurity with stress and other indicators of cardiometabolic health, including depression, diet quality, and body weight, among lower-income women in the U.S. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from lower-income women caregivers living in North Carolina (n = 100): 42% Black/African American, 25% Hispanic/Latina, and 33% White women. Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine associations of food insecurity status with perceived stress, depressive symptoms, diet quality, and body mass index (BMI). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations of food insecurity with clinical depression and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Associations were examined with and without adjustment for perceived stress. Results: Forty-two percent of the sample were experiencing food insecurity. Compared to food secure caregivers, food-insecure caregivers had significantly higher perceived stress (β: +7.51; 95%CI: 4.19, 10.84) and depressive symptoms (β: +3.55; 95%CI: 0.54, 6.56) and lower diet quality (β: −9.10; 95%CI: −15.81, −2.40). Associations with BMI outcomes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Findings support removing stigma in nutrition assistance programs and clinical interactions, motivate future longitudinal studies, and inform the development of destigmatizing interventions for health promotion or disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel (Ni) is an essential micronutrient for plants, responsible for metabolizing urea nitrogen (urea-N) by urease and mitigating abiotic and oxidative stresses through the glyoxalase (Gly) and glutathione (GSH) cycles. However, excess Ni is toxic to flora at >100 mg kg−1, except for hyperaccumulators that tolerate >1000 mg kg−1 Ni. This review discusses the benefits of Ni nutrient management for soil fertility, improving food security, and minimizing adverse environmental impacts from urea overapplication. Many farming soils are Ni deficient, suggesting that applying 0.05–5 kg ha−1 of Ni improves yield and urea-N use efficiency. Applied foliar and soil Ni fertilizers decrease biotic stresses primarily by control of fungal diseases. The bioavailability of Ni is the limiting factor for urease synthesis in plants, animal guts, and the soil microbiome. Improved urease activity in plants and subsequently through feed in livestock guts reduces the release of nitrous oxide and nitrite pollutants. Fertilizer Ni applied to crops is dispersed in vegetative tissue since Ni is highly mobile in plants and is not accumulated in fruit or leafy tissues to cause health concerns for consumers. New methods for micronutrient delivery, including rhizophagy, recycled struvite, and nanoparticle fertilizers, can improve Ni bioavailability in farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social Innovation has become a crucial point in discussions about the connection between agriculture and sustainability, and it can result in new actions that significantly contribute to the 2030 Agenda. Through a literature review, this article aims to analyze how SI in agriculture can contribute to achieve the social sustainable development goals. The outcomes indicated that SI can be a powerful tool to connect producers and consumers, avoiding intermediaries. The social inclusion and the notion of justice as fair distribution of gains along food chains are also highlighted as achievements in the introduction of SI organizational arrangement as short food supply chains. The SI initiatives could contribute to achieve the main social SDGs. The paper sheds light on the concept of justice and how SI could promote justice. However, the outcomes indicated a focus more on distributive justice regarding the gains promoted by SI initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development involves multi‐level, multi‐actor and multi‐faceted processes and interrelations for which, ideally, comprehensive theoretical frameworks are required to understand the nature, dynamics and heterogeneity of changes generating greater sustainability in rural areas. Studies have utilised the rural web framework to explain these processes and interactions, but its application is lacking in sub‐Saharan Africa. This study addresses the gap in the literature by using the framework to (1) explore sustainable development indicators and (2) evaluate their socioeconomic determinants based on a questionnaire survey with data collected from 600 rural households in Ghana. Additionally, formal interviews were conducted with 60 participants, comprising village leaders, not‐for‐profit organisations and officers from municipal assemblies. This research shows that endogeneity, novelty production, and sustainability indicators describe rural regions as agriculturally diversified economies. Several factors contribute significantly to agricultural diversification, including social relationships, social groups, market participation, and the presence of migrants. These findings have implications for achieving two of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 1 (zero poverty) and SDG 2 (zero hunger), as they highlight the benefits of social and economic linkages between rural and urban areas within the context of agricultural production, exchange of resources and the mitigation of accessibility barriers to resources. We suggest that policies seeking to increase agricultural diversification, food security and achieve sustainable rural development should strengthen social relationships and institutional structures, increase market opportunities, assist farmers with organic certifications and bridge the rural–urban development gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of quality analysis of food and flavoring products, gas chromatography–quadrupole mass spectrometry–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-QMS-IMS) is a powerful technique for the simultaneous detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by both QMS and IMS. GC is an established technique for the separation of complex VOC-rich food products. While subsequent detection by IMS features soft ionization of fragile compounds (e.g., terpenes) with characteristic drift times, MS provides analytes' m/z values for database substance identification. A limitation of the prominently used static-headspace-based GC-QMS-IMS systems is the substantially higher sensitivity of IMS in comparison to full-scan QMS. The present study describes a new prototypic trapped-headspace (THS)-GC-QMS-IMS setup using mango purees. This approach ultimately allows the combination of soft ionization with m/z values obtained from database-searchable electron ionization (EI) spectra. The new setup features aligned retention times for IMS and MS and sufficient signal intensities for QMS and IMS. The results demonstrate that THS-GC-QMS-IMS allows for the classification of mango purees from different cultivars and that it could be a promising alternative method for authenticity control of food, flavors, and beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food supply chain's heavy reliance on electricity poses significant vulnerabilities in the event of prolonged and widespread power disruptions. This study introduces a system-dynamics model that integrates five critical infrastructures—electric grid, liquid fossil fuels, Internet, transportation, and human workforce—to evaluate the resilience of food supply chains to major power outages. We validated the model using the 2019 Venezuelan blackouts as a case study, demonstrating its predictive validity. We then explored how more extreme electricity losses would disrupt the supply chain. More specifically, we modeled the impact of a large-scale cyberattack on the US electric grid and a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) event. A cyberattack severely damaging the US electric grid and allowing for recovery within a few weeks or months would lead to substantial drops in food consumption. However, it would likely still be possible to provide adequate calories to everyone, assuming that food is equitably distributed. In contrast, a year-long recovery from a HEMP event affecting most of the continental United States could precipitate a state of famine. Our analysis represents a first attempt at quantifying how food availability progressively worsens as power outages extend over time. Our open-source model is made publicly available, and we encourage its application to other catastrophic scenarios beyond those specifically considered in this work (for example, extreme solar storms, high-lethality pandemics). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of leafy greens with Staphylococcus spp. can occur at various supply chain stages, from farm to table. This study comprehensively analyzes the species diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence factors of Staphylococci in salad vegetables from markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 343 salad items were sampled from three major cities in the UAE from May 2022 to February 2023 and tested for the presence of Staphylococcus spp. using standard culture-based methods. Species-level identification was achieved using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted using the VITEK-2 system with AST-P592 cards. Additionally, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of ten selected isolates was performed to characterize antimicrobial resistance determinants and toxin-related virulence factors. Nine Staphylococcus species were identified in 37.6% (129/343) of the tested salad items, with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) dominating (87.6% [113/129]) and S. xylosus being the most prevalent (89.4% [101/113]). S. aureus was found in 4.6% (14/343) of the salad samples, averaging 1.7 log10 CFU/g. One isolate was confirmed as methicillin-resistant S. aureus, harboring the mecA gene. It belonged to multi-locus sequence type ST-672 and spa type t384 and was isolated from imported fresh dill. Among the characterized S. xylosus (n = 45), 13.3% tested positive in the cefoxitin screen test, and 6.6% were non-susceptible to oxacillin. WGS analysis revealed that the cytolysin gene (cylR2) was the only toxin-associated factor found in S. xylosus, while a methicillin-sensitive S. aureus isolate harbored the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (LukSF/PVL) gene. This research is the first to document the presence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus in the UAE food chain. Furthermore, S. xylosus (a coagulase-negative staphylococcus not commonly screened in food) has demonstrated phenotypic resistance to clinically relevant antimicrobials. This underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial contaminants, whether pathogenic or commensal, at the human-food interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Communiqué on Turkish Food Codex - Meat and Meat Products, it is forbidden to add any internal organs, bones, cartilage, and other tissues and organs into the meat products. However, some companies have mixed these internal organs into meat products such as sausages, salamis, and fermented sausages. These commercial tricks cause these products to deteriorate before their expiry date, and endanger consumers’ health. However, it is possible to detect the different organs within these products by histological analysis. Nevertheless, since these products are crushed and heated during the production phase, normal organ structure is impaired. It is, therefore, very important to recognise the histological structure of the cell in the smallest cellular dimension, and this requires expertise. The present work thus aimed to provide information on the microscopic appearance of these organs and tissues with impaired integrity. For this purpose, a total of 1,000 meat products, including 300 salamis, 350 sausages, and 350 fermented sausage samples, belonging to different brands, and purchased from all provinces in Turkey, were examined in Konya Food Control Laboratory, Turkey. Routine histological techniques were used, prepared slides were stained with the triple staining method, and studied under the light microscope. It was determined that more than half of these samples were below the prescribed standards. It was also found that histological examination was an efficient method in the detection of these tissues and organs, and the triple staining method yielded the best results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of subdominant ants of the Formica fusca group and their role in forests are still underestimated. Since ant behaviour is dependent on colony size, studying the functional organisation of nest complexes (NC) is most promising for a more accurate assessment of species capabilities. The study focused on the main ecological and ethological issues of the life activity of Formica lemani Bondroit within large NC (>150 nests) and beyond. After preliminary mapping of the F. lemani NC (main nests, trails, foraging trees), off-nest activity, aggressiveness, and trophobiotic relationships with aphids in and outside the NC territory were studied. Within the NC, the dynamic density, the intensity of movement on trails, and aggressiveness of F. lemani were significantly higher than beyond; the range of symbiont aphids was twice as small, with aphids on birches playing a key role in carbohydrate nutrition of F. lemani. The latter ensures accelerated restoration of trophobiotic interactions in spring and stability of the food supply until autumn. Combined with the lack of pressure from F. rufa group ants, this allowed F. lemani to maintain high population densities, and significantly increased its competitiveness, and role in plant protection against phytophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Outlook (1673-3908) is the property of Institute of Agricultural Information, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Circular economy emphasizes the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. By adopting circular economy concepts in the food system, we can ensure a more resilient and sustainable food supply. Aligned with this, technical and vocational education (TVET) plays an important role in bridging environmental education and the circular economy. Within the realm of TVET, students receive comprehensive training and skill development encompassing subjects related to food preparation and production. Additionally, TVET extends its purview to cover essential areas, including sustainable resource management, renewable energy technology, waste management, and the implementation of environmentally friendly production processes. However, the lack of clear understanding of the circular economy in the education sector requires this to be explored more deeply. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the nature of published scientific literature on this topic and what are the emerging themes of circular economy of food system in TVET education. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) and Dimensions databases. The result from this analysis revealed that four themes emerged: i) skills and competency; ii) implementation in food system; iii) economy, social, and environmental (ESE) impact; and iv) delivery of content. Based on the derived theme, the concept of circular economy is discussed consisting of four pillars in order to provide a clear understanding about the relation of circular economy in TVET education. The findings of this study expand knowledge and the literature on the circular economy within the context of TVET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Food is Medicine (FIM) movement posits that food access and knowledge are key parts of disease prevention and treatment, but little research has explored how FIM programs fit into the organizational context of federally qualified health centers (FQHC). The purpose of this study was to explore the organizational climate and clinic staff perspectives on a FIM program being implemented in an FQHC. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study with clinic staff during the early implementation of a clinicbased FIM program. Clinic staff (n=40) perceived that patient nutrition was a high priority for the clinic, but that support for providing nutrition resources was more limited. We found high willingness and likelihood of using the FIM program services among staff, but some expressed concern regarding staffing and cultural appropriateness of programming. Optimal adoption and use of FIM investments in FQHCs may be supported by integration with existing clinical workflows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the work was to assess the possibility of using and implementing the FMEA method as an effective support for the HACCP system in a selected food industry enterprise. The research entity was a food enterprise located in central Poland and the subject of the research was canned meat with gravy in glass jars and their production line. In the study, programs such as draw.io, Excel, and Statistica were used. The study was conducted based on interviews with company employees, value stream analysis and nonconformance reports. During the site visit, an assessment of the company's infrastructure was also carried out to evaluate the possibility of implementing the FMEA method. Data analysis showed that in the examined company there are non-compliances with varying degrees of impact on the final quality of the product or on the production process of this product. The analysis of the company's infrastructure, in turn, confirms that it is possible to integrate the HACCP system with the FMEA method. The results indicate that the synergy of HACCP and FMEA will bring benefits to the company in the form of improved risk management, quality control and safety in food production. The results of this study suggest that implementing such a connection may bring many, various benefits to food companies not only in Poland but also in another countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissemination of resistant pathogens through food supply chains poses a significant public health risk, spanning from farm to fork. This study analyzed the distribution of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) across various sources within the animal-based food supply chain. A total of 500 samples were collected from livestock, poultry, the environment, fisheries, and dairy. Standard microbiological procedures were employed to isolate and identify E. coli isolates, which were further confirmed using MALDI-TOF and virulence-associated genes (VAGs) such as stx1, stx2, ompT, hylF, iutA, fimH, and iss. The phenotypic resistance patterns of the isolates were determined using the disc diffusion method, followed by molecular identification of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through PCR. STEC were subjected to PCR-based O typing using specific primers for different O types. Overall, 154 (30.5%) samples were confirmed as E. coli, of which 77 (50%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli. Among these, 52 (67.53%) isolates exhibited an array of VAGs, and 21 (40.38%) were confirmed as STEC based on the presence of stx1 and stx2. Additionally, 12 out of 52 (23.07%) isolates were identified as non-O157 STEC co-harbouring mcr-1 and blaNDM-1. O26 STEC was found to be the most prevalent among the non-O157 types. The results suggest that the detection of STEC in food supply chains may lead to serious health consequences, particularly in developing countries with limited healthcare resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food supply chains face many challenges, including those associated with supply chain quality management practices. Supply chain quality management practices are activities and processes adopted to achieve quality goals. The practices can be quite challenging, especially for food supply chains that are sustainability-oriented, such as those found in alternative food networks. This paper introduces a notion of supply chain quality management practice hotspots to capture incidences of quality management practice challenges that manifest in food supply chains. An approach for identifying supply chain quality management practice hotspots is developed in the paper and illustrated with multiple case studies. Findings show that incidences of supply chain quality management practice hotspots exist in practice, and practitioners perceive the notion of supply chain quality management practice hotspots to be valuable, especially in providing insights into supply chain processes and use as a basis for performance improvement. The paper indicates that the severity of supply chain quality management practice hotspots is influenced by the importance placed on supply chain processes, supply chain practices, and the severity of the quality management practice challenges the supply chain faces. Implications of findings and recommended areas of future work are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a conceptual framework aimed at exploring the connections between integration within the food supply chain and the three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. The analysis combines theoretical insights with empirical research, specifically focusing on the economic aspect of sustainability, measured through efficiency. The study emphasizes the critical role of integrating participants across the food supply chain to achieve sustainability goals. It discusses methodologies for assessing integration levels within the chain, providing a theoretical and analytical basis for modeling integration and efficiency within the supply chain. To empirically validate these relationships, an extended stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) method was applied to selected sectors within the food processing industry. The results demonstrate that enhancing integration with suppliers and buyers can significantly improve efficiency within the food chain. In conclusion, through deductive reasoning, this study asserts that integration plays a pivotal role in advancing economic sustainability objectives within the food sector. This framework contributes to a deeper understanding of how integration influences sustainability outcomes, offering valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to enhance sustainability in food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Securing a sustainable global food supply for a growing population requires a shift toward a more plant-based diet. The application of plant-based proteins is therefore increasing, but unpleasant off-flavors complicate their use. Here, we screened 97 microorganisms for their potential to remove off-flavors in a process with limiting amounts of fermentable sugar. This allowed the production of a more neutral-tasting, purified food ingredient while limiting microbial growth and the production of typical fermentation end products. We demonstrate that various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts remove "green" aldehydes and ketones. This conversion can be carried out in less than one hour in almond, pea, potato, and oat proteins. Heterofermentative LAB was best at aldehyde and ketone neutralization with minimum de novo formation of microbial volatiles such as ethylacetate (sweet, fruity) or alpha-diketones (butter- and cheese-like). While sensory properties were improved, changes in protein solubility, emulsification, foaming, and in vitro digestibility were limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic regulation occurs through precise control of enzyme activity. Allomorphy is a post-translational fine control mechanism where the catalytic rate is governed by a conformational switch that shifts the enzyme population between forms with different activities. β-Phosphoglucomutase (βPGM) uses allomorphy in the catalysis of isomerisation of β-glucose 1-phosphate to glucose 6-phosphate via β-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate. Herein, we describe structural and biophysical approaches to reveal its allomorphic regulatory mechanism. Binding of the full allomorphic activator β-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate stimulates enzyme closure, progressing through NAC I and NAC III conformers. Prior to phosphoryl transfer, loops positioned on the cap and core domains are brought into close proximity, modulating the environment of a key proline residue. Hence accelerated isomerisation, likely via a twisted anti/C4-endo transition state, leads to the rapid predominance of active cis-P βPGM. In contrast, binding of the partial allomorphic activator fructose 1,6-bisphosphate arrests βPGM at a NAC I conformation and phosphoryl transfer to both cis-P βPGM and trans-P βPGM occurs slowly. Thus, allomorphy allows a rapid response to changes in food supply while not otherwise impacting substantially on levels of important metabolites. A structural study shows that the enzyme βPGM uses an allomorphically controlled switch that accelerates proline isomerisation to alleviate the wastage of valuable metabolites while allowing the organism to react quickly to changes in food supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses large eddy simulations to investigate nutrient transport and uptake in suspended macroalgal farms. Various farm configurations and oceanic forcing conditions are examined, with the farm base located near the nutricline depth. We introduce the Damkohler number Da to quantify the balance between nutrient consumption by macroalgae uptake and supply by farm‐enhanced nutrient transport. Most cases exhibit low Da, indicating that farm‐generated turbulence drives sufficient upward nutrient fluxes, supporting macroalgae growth. High Da and starvation may occur in fully grown farm blocks, a configuration that generates the weakest turbulence, particularly when combined with densely planted macroalgae or weak flow conditions. Flow stagnation within the farm due to macroalgae drag may constrain the uptake efficiency and further increase the starvation risk. Mitigation strategies involve timely harvesting, avoiding dense macroalgae canopies, and selecting farm locations with robust ocean currents and waves. This study provides insights for sustainable macroalgal farm planning. Plain Language Summary: Offshore macroalgal farming has been proposed as a sustainable strategy for carbon sequestration, biofuel production, food supply, and bioremediation. However, challenges arise as macroalgal farms are typically suspended above the nutricline and may thus deplete the existing nutrient inventory near the sea surface. In this study, large eddy simulations reveal that suspended farms can generate intense turbulence and drive upward nutrient fluxes from below the farm base. Various farm simulations are conducted, and in most cases the farm‐generated turbulence is indicated to provide sufficient nutrient fluxes to support macroalgae growth. This presents a self‐sustaining solution for nutrient supply through passive entrainment. To mitigate the risk of farm starvation, we propose strategies such as timely harvesting, avoiding dense macroalgae canopies, and selecting farm locations with robust ocean currents and waves. Key Points: Suspended macroalgal farms can enhance turbulence and drive upward nutrient fluxes from below the farm base to prevent starvationThe Damkohler number, comparing nutrient transport with uptake by macroalgae, can be used to predict nutrient availability in the farmFarming strategies are proposed such as timely harvesting and selecting locations with a shallow nutricline and robust currents and waves [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More people feel busier than ever. Recognising busyness as an environmental factor that influences food preferences is essential when considering health-related decisions. This research investigates how the subjective perception of busyness—which is referred to as a busy mindset—affects consumers' food preferences via two studies. Study 1 was a laboratory experiment conducted using a manipulation method with 135 undergraduate student participants. Study 2 used an online self-report questionnaire to repeat the findings of Study 1 and including 209 social participants. The results from the two studies showed that a busy mindset induced individuals to prefer high-calorie foods, and energy expenditure efficiency mediated this effect. Moreover, the subjective perception of busyness increased individuals' estimated need for calories and induced them to prefer high-calorie foods over high-nutrition or hedonic foods. These findings suggest that food preferences in the busy mindset have potential implications for individuals' food consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Historically, the Andean people have experienced uncertainty in terms of the availability of food resources because of climatic and ecological variations that are typical of mountainous environments. Risk management strategies, including the diversified and complementary use and management of species and ecosystems at different elevations, have faced such uncertainty. The current effects of climate change on food security motivate studies on subsistence adaptative strategies. TEK offers extraordinary experience and local biocultural memory to meet present and future needs. From an ethnoecological perspective, we aim to identify the variety of local foods in Andean communities, their cultural and nutritional value for local people, their use frequencies, and their forms to obtain them from different environments, productive systems, and interchanges. We expected to identify traditional Andean diversified subsistence patterns despite the pressure of modern food and interchange systems. Methods: This study was conducted in two communities in the highlands of the Department of Huánuco, Peru. We conducted 24 semistructured interviews with households sampled through the snowball method. We asked about their daily life food, plant and animal components of diet, frequencies and seasons in which they are consumed, and ways to obtain them. We complemented the information through ethnobotanical collection of wild, weedy, and ruderal edible plants and records on domestic and wild animals included in the diet. Results: We recorded 37 crop species, 13 domestic animals, 151 wild, weedy, and ruderal food plant species, the 3 most commonly consumed wild animals, and 52 processed products obtained from local stores and markets. The main crops are potato and maize, while the main domestic animals included in the diet are cattle, pigs, and sheep. Rice, pasta, and bread are the main raw and processed foods included in the diet. Crops represent nearly half of the food consumed and purchased (in kg/year), and tubers and cereals provide most of the kilocalories, carbohydrates and proteins. Wild, weedy, and ruderal plants are consumed in relatively low amounts and at relatively low frequencies per species, but overall, they constitute a significant proportion of the kg of annually consumed food (14.4% in Cani and 9.6% in Monte Azul). Knowledge and use of these resources play a key role in local cuisine and nutrition. Conclusion: The current food patterns studied are based on diverse diets, including multiple feedstuffs, sources, and practices to obtain them, which reflects the traditional Andean subsistence pattern. The increasing adoption of processed food has influenced the declining consumption of local food, mainly among young people. Communication and policies to promote local food, emphasizing the role of wild plants and their adequate consumption, and provide information on their nutritional value are recommended to support efforts toward food sovereignty and conservation of Andean biocultural diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]