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The article examines the role of food in shaping the Italian national identity based on the example of Italian football language in the most-read Italian newspaper entitled "La Gazzetta dello Sport" (www.gazzetta. it). At first, the concept of identity is analyzed and then its particular shades in the case of Italy and the attitude of Italians toward food, its importance and widespread occurrence within the entire country will be discussed. In fact, the food is a factor which seems to be a bonding element for all Italians and a means of expressing the current Italian national identity. The author identifies it as the Italian culinary identity. The phenomenon can be observed in such presently existing Italian culinary terms as cioccolatino, brodino, biscotto, spezzatino, mangiarsi un gol and the like that are used in Italian football news. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nativa is the property of Revista Nativa 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.)

The growing interest in edible insects as a component in animal feed and human food has caught the attention of researchers from various fields, resulting in a multidisciplinary approach. This emerging value chain positions itself as a sustainable and innovative alternative when compared to traditional protein chains. In this scenario, the objective of this article is to conduct a systematic review to investigate and present research on the consumption of insects by humans and their use as animal feed in an eco-innovation context. Our investigations indicate that research on the value chain of edible insects is present on almost all continents, revealing a growing interest, especially in developing countries. In these regions, insect consumption not only addresses issues of food security but also contributes to income generation. The increase in research on alternative protein sources, such as edible insects, seems to align with a broader trend toward sustainability in food production, underscoring the relevance of the topic in the search for environmentally friendly solutions. Noteworthy results include global recognition and collaborative efforts in edible insect research, highlighting a collective approach to addressing challenges and exploring opportunities. This global cooperation underscores the significance of the topic and the necessity for innovative solutions in addressing environmental and food security challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the role of food in shaping the Italian national identity based on the example of Italian football language in the most-read Italian newspaper entitled “La Gazzetta dello Sport” (www.gazzetta. it). At first, the concept of identity is analyzed and then its particular shades in the case of Italy and the attitude of Italians toward food, its importance and widespread occurrence within the entire country will be discussed. In fact, the food is a factor which seems to be a bonding element for all Italians and a means of expressing the current Italian national identity. The author identifies it as the Italian culinary identity. The phenomenon can be observed in such presently existing Italian culinary terms as cioccolatino, brodino, biscotto, spezzatino, mangiarsi un gol and the like that are used in Italian football news.

The article is devoted to analyzing the cultural context typical for food and its associated etiquette and rituals from 2 coursebooks on the Italian Business language, and aims at a) investigating to what extent coursebooks in Business Italian include both theoretical and practical content information on the Italian dining culture; b) reconstructing guidelines on etiquette for dining and socializing in professional settings in companies and with regard to the role of language in culture (Hall, 1976, Bańczerowski, et al., 1982). These objectives were fulfilled by performing a semantic analysis of the lexical content of 2 coursebooks by Giovanna Pelizza and Marco Mezzadri (2002 and 2015). For this purpose, a lexical corpus was formed by extracting culinary-related lexical items from the coursebooks. The remaining sources related to food in business culture (Meyer, 2023) was used as a point of reference for validation of the small corpus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) protects up to 98% of treated Hymenoptera allergy patients from reactions with new stings. A correct diagnosis with the identification of the venom causing the allergic reaction is essential to implementing it. The knowledge of the Hymenoptera foraging habits when the sting takes place in a food environment would allow the culprit insect to be known. Images of Hymenoptera occurring in environments where there was human food were recorded in Spain, including the date of the image, the place description and its geolocation. The insects' genus and species were identified by an entomologist. Results: One hundred and fifty-five images depicting 71 insects were analyzed. The identified insects were Vespula (56), Vespa (7), Polistes (4), Cerceris (2), Bombus (1) and Apis (1). Most (97.1%) of the images were obtained in summer and early autumn, outdoors in terraces (64%). Meat was the food associated with 47.9% of the images. In protein-rich foods, Vespula was found in 89%. Conclusions: Vespula was the main Hymenoptera associated with food environments in our country (78.87%), and in most of the cases (71%), the food involved is a source of protein, such as meat or seafood. In that environment, the probability that the insect is a Vespula would be 89%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global food production is anticipated to rise along with the growth of the global population. As a result, creative solutions must be devised to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious, affordable, and safe food. Consequently, including insects in diets has the potential to improve global food and nutrition security. This paper aims to share recent findings by covering edible termites as the main aspect, from their consumption record until consumer acceptance. A total of 53 termite species are reported as edible ones and distributed in 6 biogeographic realms. Generally, termites have a nutrient composition that is suitable for human consumption, and cooked termites are a better dietary choice than their raw counterparts. Besides, increasing customer interest in eating termite‐based food can be achieved by making it more palatable and tastier through various cooking processes, that is, boiling, frying, grilling, roasting, smoking, and sun‐drying. Moreover, edible termites can also be used as a new source of medication by exhibiting antimicrobial activity. Regarding their advantages, it is strongly encouraged to implement a seminatural rearing system to sustain the supply of edible termites. Overall, this paper makes it evident that termites are an important natural resource for food or medicine. Hence, the long‐term objective is to stimulate scientific inquiry into the potential of edible insects as an answer to the problem of global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food availability is an important factor affecting the feeding strategies of animals. Primate species living in habitats with high human activity have the potential to employ unique strategies to utilize human food resources. This study describes the feeding ecology of provisioned free-ranging long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) inhabiting Alas Purwo National Park, East Java, Indonesia. The activity budgets, dietary compositions, vertical usage, and ranging patterns of macaques were recorded between October 2021 and March 2022, and their relationships with the number of visitors (a proxy of human food availability) were examined. The macaques consumed more human food (mean ± SD: 53.9 ± 25.6%) than natural food (43.8 ± 25.5%), followed by unidentified food (2.3 ± 6.3%). Human food has several effects on the behavioral ecology of macaques, including reduced movement and increased social activity in response to the number of visitors, decreased consumption of natural food, frequent use of the ground and subcanopy strata, and decreased home range when the number of visitors increases. Thus, the relative importance of human food has substantially changed the essential behavioral ecology of provisioned macaque troops. Understanding the behavioral plasticity of macaques, particularly their responses to anthropogenic effects, could guide and contribute to the formulation of conservation policies and management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New solutions are compulsorily needed to reconcile the enormous and ever-growing request for protein for human nutrition and, at the same time, reduce conventional meat production. This epochal challenge can find a valuable aid to a winning solution in insect rearing. The use of insects as feed and food, far from being a definitive solution to global food shortages, can offer new protein sources and perfectly fit circular economy precepts, yet more so when insects feed on by-products from the agri-food industry. In this scenario, Tenebrio molitor (TM) is a concrete alternative. Therefore, making its rearing more sustainable is a prime objective. In this paper, we evaluated the possibility of replacing usual plant sources of wet supplementation used in TM rearing with sustainable alternatives, including the cladodes of prickly pear (Opuntias ficus indica, OFI), to reduce the frequency of administration, thus minimizing related labor costs. The alternatives were tested for water content, dehydration, and shelf life to select the best-performing ones. On the selected matrices, we evaluated the preference of the larvae and their palatability because a matrix may be convenient and sustainable but not appreciated by consumers. The results showed that OFI cladodes have high moisture and a long shelf life and are appreciated by the larvae that prefer them to other matrices. Thus, OFI can replace the conventional wet source in TM rearing, at least in areas where this cactus grows wild and is not difficult to obtain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cactus cladodes are consumed by humans in arid and semiarid regions of the world. The use of biofertilizers when cultivating cacti can improve the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, as well as the cladodes' productivity and physical-chemical quality. We evaluated the physical and physical-chemical qualities of different lengths of Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. Cladodes were grown with different biofertilizer doses. The 3 × 5 factorial design employed corresponded to three cladode sizes (8–12, 12–16, and 16–20 cm) and five doses of biofertilizer (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) with three repetitions in a completely randomized design. Cladode characteristics were evaluated 40 days after emergence: diameter, fresh mass, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solid and titratable acidity ratio (SS/TA), ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, total soluble sugars, chlorophyll a, b, and total, carotenoids, and respiration. The Opuntia stricta cladodes sized 16–20 cm exhibited better physical and physical-chemical qualities as well as better respiratory rates. The biofertilizer improved the cladodes' physical and physical-chemical qualities, regardless of the cladode's size. Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cladodes had levels of antioxidant compounds similar to those of some conventional vegetables, making them suitable for improving human health in arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New solutions are compulsorily needed to reconcile the enormous and ever-growing request for protein for human nutrition and, at the same time, reduce conventional meat production. This epochal challenge can find a valuable aid to a winning solution in insect rearing. The use of insects as feed and food, far from being a definitive solution to global food shortages, can offer new protein sources and perfectly fit circular economy precepts, yet more so when insects feed on by-products from the agri-food industry. In this scenario, Tenebrio molitor (TM) is a concrete alternative. Therefore, making its rearing more sustainable is a prime objective. In this paper, we evaluated the possibility of replacing usual plant sources of wet supplementation used in TM rearing with sustainable alternatives, including the cladodes of prickly pear (Opuntias ficus indica, OFI), to reduce the frequency of administration, thus minimizing related labor costs. The alternatives were tested for water content, dehydration, and shelf life to select the best-performing ones. On the selected matrices, we evaluated the preference of the larvae and their palatability because a matrix may be convenient and sustainable but not appreciated by consumers. The results showed that OFI cladodes have high moisture and a long shelf life and are appreciated by the larvae that prefer them to other matrices. Thus, OFI can replace the conventional wet source in TM rearing, at least in areas where this cactus grows wild and is not difficult to obtain.

Copyright of Journal of Al-Frahids Arts is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

In Mexico, corn is the most widely used cereal, however, in arid areas it is not possible to cultivate it, so white sorghum represents an alternative. However, it is important to know the varieties nutritional content. Therefore, this study the proximal profile and fatty acids of six white sorghum varieties grown in Mexico were evaluated. Proximate analysis was carried out based on AACC methods and gas chromatography had been used for fatty acid analysis. Mazatlan and Sureño varieties showed the highest content of proteins (12%), fiber (7%), and ash (1.65%); regarding fat content, the highest values were found in Mazatlan and Costeño (4%). For fatty acid profile, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were detected, including Omega 6 and 9. Sorghum represents an alternative, specially for arid and semiarid regions. The results indicate that these varieties are a viable source to produce foods for human consumption.

Abstract The present study aimed to screen genotypes for the presence/absence of lipoxygenases and to evaluate the phytochemical characteristics of lipoxygenase-free genotypes. Progenies derived from the cross between the cultivars IAC PL-2 (with lipoxygenases) and BRS 213 (lipoxygenase-free) generated 114 inbred lines in the F6/7 generation, evaluated by the qualitative colorimetric method, to verify the presence/absence of lipoxygenase isoenzymes L-1, L-2 and L-3. Eight triple-null (lipoxygenase-free) lines were confirmed by visible spectrophotometry. Progenitors and triple-null lines IAC 10-0003-1, IAC 10-0010-1, IAC 10-0010-2, IAC 10-0012, IAC 10-0043, IAC 10-0046, IAC 10-0107-1 and IAC 10-0115-2 were analyzed to assess their contents of protein, oil, phytic acid, tannins, total phenols and total flavonoids. Analyses showed significant differences in protein (from 38.80% to 41.89%) and oil (from 18.86% to 22.88%), consistent with the values observed in commercial soybean cultivars. The new triple-null lines, compared to the BRS 213 standard, showed lower contents of soluble condensed tannins; lower phytic acid in line IAC 10-0043 and greater amount of total phenols in line IAC 10-0115-2; whereas, the lines IAC 10-0010-1, IAC 10-0010-2, IAC 10-0043, IAC 10-0046 e IAC 10-0107-1 stood out with higher values of total flavonoids. The new lines will be potentially useful parents for genetic breeding and for a multiline strategy, aiming at greater phenotypic stability of lipoxygenase-free soybeans for human consumption.

Globally, there is growing interest to integrate cricket-based ingredients (flour) into food products to combat food and nutrition insecurity. However, there is lack of information on in-depth nutrient profile of the two cricket species (Scapsipedus icipe and Gryllus bimaculatus), which are the most widely consumed in Africa. Here we determined the nutrient composition of two cricket species and compared them with published records of key animal and plant sources. Our results revealed that the crude protein contents of S. icipe and G. bimaculatus were similar (56.8 and 56.9%, respectively) and comparable to those of animal protein sources. Both cricket species had balanced amino acid profiles that are superior to that of animal and plant sources, except for histidine and cysteine. The protein digestibility of S. icipe and G. bimaculatus ranged between 80 and 88%, which is comparable to that of common plant foods but slightly lower than that of animal proteins. The iron, Zinc, and potassium contents were considerably higher in both cricket species compared to that of plant and animal sources. The calcium contents of both crickets (S. icipe and G. bimaculatus) was superior to that of plant and animal origin except for kidney beans and eggs, respectively. Riboflavin, thiamine, and folic acid concentrations of S. icipe and G. bimaculatus were superior to that of the conventional sources. Vitamin A levels were significantly higher in S. icipe compared to G. bimaculatus. This implies that S. icipe and G. bimaculatus can adequately contribute to our daily required nutrient intake. Thus, integrating cricket flours into ready-to-eat food products would address some of the most pressing nutritional deficiency challenges that many developing countries have to grapple with, particularly high risk to serious health problems such as anemia, poor pregnancy outcomes, hypertension, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, stunted growth and impaired physical and cognitive development. We conclude that edible crickets present unique opportunities for improving food and nutritional insecurity status of both resource-poor and Western populations.

The extensive research on microplastics (MPs) in the last years has shown that it is not just an environmental problem anymore. As it can also be found in human food, it poses a potential risk for human health and food safety. Especially sea salt, which is produced by the evaporation of seawater, including its microplastic contamination, has been reported with different levels of MP contamination. Therefore, in this preliminary study, we investigated if different solar evaporation methods (traditional, geomembrane, and tunnel) influence the concentration of microplastic particles in sea salt production in Indonesia, one of the countries with the highest estimated level of plastic waste input into the ocean. The results show a significantly higher MP contamination in sea salt produced traditionally compared to the geomembrane and tunnel methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of current calls for transformation of agriculture away from reliance on agrochemical inputs (conventional agriculture) to natural processes (organic agriculture) is gaining strength because the limited productivity of agriculture transformed in this way is unappreciated and/or ignored. Of course, it is possible to produce high yields of individual crops adequately fertilized organically or chemically, but organic fertilizers require land set aside for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by legumes to provide the key macronutrient nitrogen (N) on which organic production relies. The consequence is more area to produce the same amount of food and expansion of agriculture can only be done at the expense of land allocated to nature, presently in critically short supply. The current clamour to reduce animal production and eat less meat will impact negatively on the productivity of organic crops. An analysis of the productivity of organic farms reveals, using the common metric of human food energy, that equal production requires 2–3 times the land area of conventional farms. This was well established before the current post-truth era and, if not reincluded in planning, will lead to both more hunger and less land allocated to natural biodiversity and conservation. The 'transformationists' avoid scientific scrutiny by publishing in colourful promotional literature rather than in peer-reviewed journals. More attention is needed in the debate to bring two currently separated spheres of publication together and to include 'land-use efficiency', the output per unit land area, in this case human food, from an increasingly scarce resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas 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.)

In Mexico, corn is the most widely used cereal, however, in arid areas it is not possible to cultivate it, so white sorghum represents an alternative. However, it is important to know the varieties nutritional content. Therefore, this study the proximal profile and fatty acids of six white sorghum varieties grown in Mexico were evaluated. Proximate analysis was carried out based on AACC methods and gas chromatography had been used for fatty acid analysis. Mazatlan and Sureño varieties showed the highest content of proteins (12%), fiber (7%), and ash (1.65%); regarding fat content, the highest values were found in Mazatlan and Costeño (4%). For fatty acid profile, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were detected, including Omega 6 and 9. Sorghum represents an alternative, specially for arid and semiarid regions. The results indicate that these varieties are a viable source to produce foods for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Rearing crickets in the UK for the live pet food market is already a well-established industry. However, there is interest in also producing food for human consumption. This paper presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a current live pet food business. Using results from this LCA, the papers explores how current business practices could be improved to reduce environmental impacts, and discusses the potential benefits of a hybrid live pet food/human consumption business model. Methods: An attributional, cradle-to-farm-gate life cycle assessment was conducted on rearing crickets for the live pet food market, with data collected on-site at a case study business. Results are reported in multiple impact categories from the ILCD 2011 Midpoint+ method. Comparison is made to the only other similar study: an LCA of rearing crickets in Thailand for human consumption (Halloran et al. J Clean Prod 156:83–94, 2017). The sources of the different environmental impacts between the two studies are explored and inefficiencies in the live pet food rearing process identified. Subsequently, scenarios are used to explore how the inefficiencies may be mitigated, and environmental impact of the live pet food production process reduced through adoption of a hybrid live pet food/human food production model. Results and discussions: The environmental impact was found to be larger across all impact categories than the only known comparable study, which is for rearing crickets in Thailand for human consumption (Halloran et al. J Clean Prod 156:83–94, 2017). Some of this difference is due to the heating required for rearing crickets in a climate such as the UK, and some is due to the requirements of the live pet food market being much more demanding on resources than the human food model. The current study identifies improvements in practices that would make this contrast less stark, such as optimizing feeding practices, and the benefits of moving to a hybrid live pet food/human consumption business model. Conclusions: This is the first LCA of crickets reared in the UK. The results highlight inefficiencies in the rearing process that are now being addressed by the case study business. The study also shows the potential co-benefits of a hybrid business model, in which crickets for human consumption are produced alongside crickets for the live pet food market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Romanian Journal of Intellectual Property Law / Revista Română de Dreptul Proprietăţii Intelectuale is the property of Universul Juridic Publishing House 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.)

This study presents a decision support system for the financial analysis of an acorn chain used in food production. The application of these fruits, in fact, shows potential in human nutrition and valorization of rural and marginal areas. A multi-step production process is hypothesised with a different potential organizational structure of each phase and products to be sold. The net present value, pay-back period, safety margins, and internal rate of return are computed for the implemented scenario. The research was grounded on Italian-based data but can be easily transferred to other case studies. The results highlight potential economic suitability of the chain, although subject to a minimal value of prices and productivity. Future improvements and further integration of this study, such as the analysis of fluctuation’s risk of annual production or the need to investigate sensorial properties of acorns, are suggested and discussed.

Food contamination with aflatoxins, a secondary metabolite produced by filamentous fungi, is a fundamental subject in food safety for human. Therefore, especial attention should be dedicated about contamination of animal feed and transfer to human food chain by contaminated livestock products. The promising approach for controlling aflatoxins in food is prevention of fungi growth. However, practically this method is not successful; therefore, alternative techniques are needed to eliminate these toxins from consumed products in human and animals. In present study, four phrases used as key words were “aflatoxin, reducing methods, food and feed “by databases including Elsevier, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. After reviewing 83 articles, 59 studies were selected; these papers were published between 1960 -2014 for recent review. Therefore, it was decided to collect and review the common and usual methods for decreasing or deletion of deterioration of Aflatoxin in livestock feed and human food including physical, chemical and biological methods.

Seaweeds enjoy a rich history as human foodstuff for populations around the world. The omnipresence of seaweeds in all climate belts, the great biodiversity, their bounty of important nutrients, combined with the fact that most seaweeds are edible, suggest that seaweeds have played an important role as human food during human evolution. Seaweeds have served as a cheap and easily accessible crop in the daily fare for coastal populations. In many food cultures, in particular in Southeast Asia, seaweeds have for millennia been considered as valuable sea vegetables. In recent years, regional seaweed cuisines around the world have been rediscovered and reinvigorated, and many chefs up to the top level have initiated, often in collaboration with scientists, a trend towards a new seaweed gastronomy (phycogastronomy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the assumptions that human food is available for dogs and isotope diet–tissue differences are similar in dogs and humans, the 'canine surrogacy approach' (CSA) has been used to infer patterns of ancient populations. The goal of this study was to test the CSA in urban (Brasília and Piracicaba) and in rural (Ubatuba and Maraã) areas. The hair C and N isotope ratios of modern dogs were compared with those of human fingernails from different regions of Brazil. Our CSA results showed a correlation between dog and human isotopes values: in rural areas δ15N of humans and dogs was not statistically different; contrarily, in urban centres, δ15N of humans was approximately 1 ‰ higher (p < 0.01) than δ15N of dogs; humans had lower δ13C values (p < 0.01) than dogs in Brasília, Piracicaba and Ubatuba. In Maraã, there was not any significant difference between dogs and humans. We concluded that CSA is still valid as a first approach in modern societies. However, isotopic differences found suggest that in modern societies processed dog food is increasingly disconnecting human and dog, jeopardising the use of CSA in the future if the trend of increasing processed dog food consumption continues to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the genetic and agronomic parameters of soybean F2 progenies in the Federal District, Brazil, from twenty biparental crosses, between parents with absence of lipoxygenases and parents with long juveniles. The experiment was conducted in the Federal District, crop 2013/14. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replicates. The following were evaluated: agronomic characteristics, estimated heritability, relationship between the genetic and environmental variation coefficient and phenotypic correlations between the characters. Hybridizations between cultivars, with a long juvenile period and cultivars intended for human consumption, caused a great variation in the maturation cycle. The Amaralina x UFVTN105 cross was more likely to be selected for plant height, while the UFVTN105 x M8867 cross showed a higher frequency of recombinants for grain production. Based on heritability and the CVg/CVe quotient, the selection by number of days for maturation (NDM) and plant height at maturity (PHM) is effective in the F2 segregating population. Positive and significant correlations of strong magnitude between the variables NDM x PHM and NPP (number of pods per plant) x GY (Grain yield) and of medium magnitude between PHM x HPI (height first pod insulation), allow indirect selection in obtaining soybean genotypes with high grain yield per plant and with better flavor in early generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world population is continuously growing, so it is important to keep producing food in a sustainable way, especially in a way that is nutritious and in a sufficient quantity to overcome global needs. Seaweed grows, and can be cultivated, in seawater and generally does not compete for arable land and freshwater. Thus, the coastal areas of the planet are the most suitable for seaweed production, which can be an alternative to traditional agriculture and can thus contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. There are evolving studies that characterize seaweed’s nutritional value and policies that recognize them as food, and identify the potential benefits and negative factors that may be produced or accumulated by seaweed, which are, or can be, dangerous for human health. Seaweeds have a high nutritional value along with a low caloric input and with the presence of fibers, proteins, omega 3 and 6 unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, several seaweed sub-products have interesting features to the food industry. Therefore, the focus of this review is in the performance of seaweed as a potential alternative and as a safe food source. Here described is the nutritional value and concerns relating to seaweed consumption, and also how seaweed-derived compounds are already commercially explored and available in the food industry and the usage restrictions to safeguard them as safe food additives for human consumption.

Polysaccharides, lipids and amino acid profiles were investigated to understand the nutritional value of Caulerpa racemosa and Ulva fasciata from the Philippines. The results revealed that both species contain high amounts of proteins (8.8–19.9% for C. racemosa and 8.0–11.1% for U. fasciata). The portions of the total amino acids that were essential amino acids (EAAs) (45.28 ± 0.12% for C. racemosa and 42.17 ± 0.12% for U. fasciata) out were comparable to FAO/WHO requirements. Leucine, valine, isoleucine, and lysine are the dominant EAAs in C. racemosa, while leucine, valine, lysine, and phenylalanine are those in U. fasciata. The fatty acid profiles are dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in C. racemosa (56.2%), while saturated fatty acids (72.1%) are dominant in U. fasciata. High C18/C20 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios were recorded in both species. Mineral contents for both seaweeds were within levels considered safe for functional foods. Total pigment content of C. racemosa (140.84 mg/g dw) was almost 20 times higher than that of U. fasciata (7.54 mg/g dw). Hot water extract (HWE) from C. racemosa showed in vitro antiherpetic activity without cytotoxicity. Nutritional characteristics confirmed that C. racemosa could be potentially used as a nutritious and functional food items for human consumption.

Background Infectious diseases are a leading cause of death in humans, animals, and plants globally. Pathogen infections can reduce food production and endanger biodiversity. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are therefore scientifically and economically important in food production. Even outbreaks of a pathogen infection in plants or animals have direct consequences for the food chain and human health. Scope and approach Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and virus invade plant cells and utilize the host resources for their survival disturbing the plant or animal metabolism leading to diseases. Advance diagnosis and effective detection of pathogens, infectious diseases, and other parameters affecting the health of animals and plants in agro-defense will assist in reducing financial costs, increasing food production, and improving the global economy. In this article, common pathogens and infectious diseases in animals and plants, along with the point-of-care technologies that address them, are reviewed. Key findings and conclusions The synthesis and discovery of novel nanomaterials and the fabrication of highly specific and sensitive biosensors have expanded the scope for effective agro-defense biosensors. Progress in biosensor development and the existing challenges are reviewed to provide future directions in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]