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In recent years, nanotechnology has been increasingly used in the food industry, especially to increase the food security. Nanotechnology provides the grounds to understand the food components on a small scale in the food industry. The present study aimed at analyzing the application of nanotechnology to improve the food security. The study sample included all experts (N= 90) of Iran's Nanotechnology Innovation Council selected by a census. This study used a descriptive-survey method. A questionnaire was developed based on the study’s theoretical framework and used for data collection. The validity (content and face) and reliability (factor loading, coefficient of composite reliability, and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient) of the questionnaire were confirmed. The results of testing the hypotheses using Smart PLS, i.e., t-test and path coefficients (β), showed that the food packaging mechanisms directly and significantly affected food security improvement through using nanotechnology. The findings also displayed that the food preservation, processing, and production mechanisms influenced food security improvement through using nanotechnology. By using nanotechnology, the results indicated a direct relationship between foods' taste and color improvement as well as food safety and health improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the cooperative sector capabilities in organizing rural people, primarily focusing on empowering manpower and adopting a sustainable approach to basic resources (water and soil), village-cooperative initiative has emerged as a new concept by registering and forming 4565 new cooperatives in Iran's rural regions. The present research which was conducted in two qualitative and quantitative phases designed a new model by integrating the new village-cooperative approach along with the sustainable livelihood's framework theory. The study sample of the qualitative phase included 32 theorists of the village-cooperative initiative. To analyze the data, the grounded theory and three-step process of open coding, axial coding and selective coding were used using MAXqda18 software. Finally, a paradigm model was designed whose most important components included causal conditions (shocks and seasonal conditions), contextual conditions (trends and governmental support), intervening conditions (control and market development), central categories (sustainable livelihoods with a village- cooperative approach), strategies (coping and adaptation) and consequences (creating jobs, establishing cooperatives, supporting smart agriculture and strengthening social capital). The statistical quantitative phase population consisted of cooperatives members in the village-cooperative initiative (N=405), being selected through Cochran's formula with proportional sampling method summing up to198 people from 5 provinces. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed. The Bayesian structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results of the research quantitative phase showed that the variables of financial capital, physical capital, social capital, coping and adaptation strategies, human capital and natural capital were the most effective variables on village-cooperative initiative members' sustainable livelihoods, respectively. Finally, a hybrid model based on the qualitative and quantitative studies was designed and suggestions were made; for instance, the creation of suitable grounds for off-farm activities such as rural industries and ecotourism.

Conversion and complementary industries are one of the best ways to develop agricultural waste prevention. One of the problems facing the date-making and finishing industries is the problem. Lack of attention to the innovation of these industries and consequently lack of sufficient share in domestic markets and lack of access to global markets. This study examines the total innovation management in the fields of branding, packaging and pricing, customer orientation, and date and time-consuming advertising. Method: According to the goals and assumptions, descriptive-analytical research and its survey method is a survey. According to the Cochran formula, 155 people are involved in marketing, packaging and processing of dates in Kerman province. To answer the research question, a questionnaire was designed as the main research tool. SPSS software and AMOS software were used to analyze the results. Findings "Extensive Database of Resources", "New Technology", "Risk-taking Power", "How to Manage Workshops" are Top Priorities in Comprehensive Innovation Management in Convertible and Supplementary Industries and "Customer Oriented" Component Marketing And in the packaging of the component "smart packaging to maintain product quality" and in the processing of products "investment in the disinfection and grading sector" are the most important elements in the development of conversion and complementary industries., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.