The increasing occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in organic waste streams raises concerns about their impact on anaerobic digestion (AD). This study examined the effect of polypropylene MPs (PP-MPs) on methane production during AD of food waste for 150 days under batch conditions. PP-MPs were added at 10-300 mg g-1 total solids (TS), covering reported MP levels in food waste and food packaging materials and extending to worst-case scenarios. Methane yields ranged from 310.2 to 324.4 mL CH4 g-1 volatile solids (VS) across treatments versus 334.3 ± 5.2 mL CH4 g-1 VS in the control, with no significant differences (p = 0.634). Kinetic modeling confirmed no consistent inhibitory trends. FTIR and SEM analyses indicated minor surface oxidation and cracking on PP-MPs, while the polymer backbone remained intact, suggesting only superficial aging. These results provide critical assurance for waste-to-energy facilities processing plastic-contaminated organic waste streams. Although PP-MPs do not impair AD performance, their persistence and potential fragmentation pose environmental risks. These findings provide critical insight into the resilience of AD systems and emphasize the need for strategies to mitigate secondary MP formation in biogas production from contaminated waste streams.
Abstracts: The inherent instability and poor bioavailability of vitamin C (VC) and vitamin E (VE) significantly limit their applications in food systems. In this study, a novel microcapsule through Wgel/O/W2 multiple emulsion template was developed by incorporating VC in a gelatin-based hydrogel inner phase (Wgel), VE in the oil phase (O), and maltodextrin-whey protein isolate (MD-WPI) composite as the outer water phase (W2), followed by freeze-drying. Optimized microcapsules (MD:WPI = 1:4, 0.10 wt% VC and VE) exhibited superior encapsulation efficiency (91.86 % for VC, 88.33 % for VE). Storage stability studies showed that aluminum foil-sealed packaging at 4 °C provided optimal protection, with 3.35-fold and 1.56-fold extended half-lives for VC and VE respectively. The co-loaded microcapsules exhibited enhanced DPPH radical scavenging capacity (98.56 %) and demonstrated controlled release behavior, with bioavailability increased by 2.51-fold and 2.28-fold for VC and VE respectively. This microencapsulation strategy offers promising potential for dual-vitamin delivery in functional food applications.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Food processing and manufacture
Robert A. Lockhart, Pattanaphong Janphuang, Francisco Molina-Lopez
et al.
Technologies are going through a digitalization process. Convergence of 2D printing with 3D printing is leading to 3D structural electronics. Implementation during their fabrication of sensing components in objects using printing would make these 3D-printed objects smarter. At the same time, sensors production would benefit, thanks to their digital manufacturing in the 3rd dimension, from customization, self-packaging, and better integration into products. We are proposing to apply digital printing of functional and structural inks addressing the challenges of the whole processing in a single tool. Developments in the field of smart wearables are presented.
Abstract In response to global challenges like climate change and resource depletion, national and international policies are increasingly emphasising sustainability. The bioeconomy represents a promising field to reconcile environmental integrity with economic development. The objective of this study is to examine the role of renewable resources in the construction industry within the framework of the bioeconomy, with a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goal 11: ‘Sustainable cities and communities’. The case study analyses the practical challenges and opportunities for innovation in Central Germany through a comprehensive regional analysis of construction practices using renewable resources. The methodology involved monitoring biomass flows by assessing harvest yields, area shares and biomass potentials. It also analysed the importance of the bio-based economy by examining employment data and identifying potential growth sectors. Stakeholder engagement was facilitated through knowledge transfer workshops to encourage collaboration and innovation. The results of the study highlight key trends within the industry, including the increasing prevalence of timber buildings, wood as a renewable carbon source in the chemical industry and the growing demand for wood-based packaging solutions. Policy initiatives are playing a supportive role in driving these developments, taking advantage of the region’s extensive wood resources (14.7 million m3 harvested in 2021) and the significant employment contribution of the forestry, wood and construction industries (2% of total employment, representing no less than 81,506 employees). These figures demonstrate the potential for sustainable construction practices to drive local economic growth and contribute to wider environmental objectives.
Dan-Cristian Dabija, Cristina-Bianca Pocol, Pompei Mititean
et al.
The need to use innovative packaging (active or intelligent) that extends food shelf-life and promotes sustainable production and consumption systems has become a global priority. In this context, the current research explores the consumer’s buying experience regarding food actively packed with biopolymer films. The research used a questionnaire targeting potential customers for food packed with a protein-based active film. A conceptual model was created to investigate the dependency relations between the following concepts: “superior functional packaging,” “affordable packaging,” “aesthetic packaging,” “nutritional value,” ,”spoilage prevention packaging,” “buying experience for food packed with biopolymer films,” “experiential consumption” and “informative health packaging.” The research demonstrates that affordable pricing, appealing aesthetics, functional attributes and shelf-life extension are significant elements of biopolymer films for active packaging. It validates that these incentives significantly enhance consumer awareness, shaping their experience, preference and proactive search for products packed with such materials in stores. Using biopolymer films for active packaging of foods will have social, environmental and economic benefits, both for producers and consumers.
Xavier Lawrence D. Mendoza, Jerico B. Tadeo, Jaypee M. Dacanay
et al.
Purpose — One of the fairtrade's major purposes is to raise the socio-economic of small-scale farmers. Numerous studies have found that fairtrade has a beneficial effect on farmers' profitability. Meanwhile, this study focused on the product management strategies of enterprises engaged in fair trade products.
Method — The researchers used 50 legally registered enterprises located and operated in the province of Cavite. The significant findings were drawn and analyzed using a descriptive research design.
Result — It was discovered that the majority of respondents were sole proprietors with few employees, had been in business for less than three years, and had an average initial capital of Php 3,000,000.00 or less. The product management strategies were very effective, and the majority of the participants used package labeling, fair pricing, and personal branding. Furthermore, the study identified challenges encountered in the implementation of product management strategies, such as poor consumer knowledge about packaging, financial resources that affect product pricing, and consumers' lack of brand exposure.
Contribution — The study provides detailed product management practices or strategies among fairtrade products, which will serve as a springboard for status quo analysis and baseline studies to explore and develop pandemic- and post-pandemic-sensitive resilient strategies that will promote the sustainability of fairtrade enterprises.
Ewa Kulczyk, Emilia Drozłowska-Sobieraj, Artur Bartkowiak
The aim of this research was to create a plant-based beverage based on seeds of sunflower (<i>Helianthus annuus</i>), pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i>) and runner bean (<i>Phaseolus multiflorus</i>). The selection of the ingredients was based on the main objective to obtain the nutritional value and sensory characteristics of a formed product similar to cow’s milk. The ingredient proportions were created by comparing the protein, fat and carbohydrate content of seeds versus cow’s milk. Due to the observed low long-term stability of plant-seed-based drinks, a water binding guar gum, a thickener in the form of locust bean gum and gelling citrus amidated pectin containing dextrose were added and evaluated as functional stabilisers. All of the designed and created systems were subjected to selected methods of characterisation of the most important final product properties, such as rheology, colour, emulsion and turbidimetric stability. Rheological analysis confirmed the highest stability of the variant supplemented with 0.5% guar gum. Both stability and colour measurements indicated the positive characteristics of the system supplemented with 0.4% pectin. Finally, the product with 0.5% guar gum was identified as the most distinctive and similar vegetable drink to cow’s milk.
The research of preferences towards imported products, primarily food products, is very current in marketing research and studies today. In various studies, evaluations of specific attributes of imported food products were taken as factors that determine preferences towards imported food products. The subject of this research is to investigate the influence of consumer evaluations according to various attributes of food products, such as quality, price, brand, design, and packaging and packing, on the evaluation of preferences for imported food products in the Republic of Srpska. The population included in this research refers to the total population in the Republic of Srpska aged 18 and over. For the purpose of empirical research, a sample of 297 respondents in the territory of the Republic of Srpska was processed, out of which 195 respondents were female (65. 66%), and 102 respondents were male (34.34%) aged eighteen and over. After the primary data were collected, the processing and analysis of the obtained data were carried out. The analysis of the collected primary data was carried out on the basis of applied factor analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) methods. The results of the research that we obtained through the empirical part of the work showed that the ranking of the brand and design of food products with higher ratings are the determining attributes on the basis of which respondents rate imported food products as more preferred. The implications of the research results can be viewed through different prisms of observation (from the perspective of consumers, producers, competitors, and the public).
This study investigates the implications and complications of collective disruptive consequences on education, especially on the learning process. The driver of disruptions includes globalization and the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (including Society 5.0), demands for the Sustainable Development Goals, and the onslaught of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The results of the study are intended to broaden the horizons of virtual teachers in the digital era so that they are not hampered in carrying out their mandate due to the shift from offline to online learning. This study also aims to provide a basic overview for students and parents so as not to stutter suddenly as an implication of the shift in learning modes. Methodologically, this study uses a qualitative approach, specifically an integrative review. After going through four phases of the procedural process (Design, Implementation, Analysis, and Writing of Results and Review), this study succeeds in formulating four basic ideas for virtual teachers in the digital era. One: Ten characteristics of the virtual teacher of the digital age. Two: Self-transformation into a true virtual teacher according to the demands of 21st-century learning (cultural, functional, and digital transformation). Three: Proficient in three technical skills of virtual teachers to build Indonesia's golden generation (skills in developing interactive digital learning modules, packaging virtual-digital learning delivery, and compiling online learning assessments). Four: Mastering practical tips for becoming a virtual teacher (developing a golden generation, applying a growth mindset perspective) so that it is continuously adaptive to any kind of shift.
Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression for development, immune response, disease, and other processes. A major role of epigenetics is to control the dynamics of chromatin structure, i.e., the condensed packaging of DNA around histone proteins in eukaryotic nuclei. Key epigenetic factors include enzymes for histone modifications and DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and prions. Epigenetic modifications are heritable but during embryonic development, most parental epigenetic marks are erased and reset. Interestingly, some epigenetic modifications, that may be resulting from immune response to stimuli, can escape remodeling and transmit to subsequent generations who are not exposed to those stimuli. This phenomenon is called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance if the epigenetic phenotype persists beyond the third generation in female germlines and second generation in male germlines. Although its primary function is likely immune response for survival, its role in the development and functioning of the immune system is not extensively explored, despite studies reporting transgenerational inheritance of stress-induced epigenetic modifications resulting in immune disorders. Hence, this review draws from studies on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, immune system development and function, high-throughput epigenetics tools to study those phenomena, and relevant clinical trials, to focus on their significance and deeper understanding for future research, therapeutic developments, and various applications.
Stefania Monari, Maura Ferri, Micaela Vannini
et al.
Agro-waste reduction and reuse are among the current main social challenges. In this perspective, the present research was aimed at the complete valorisation of Garganega grape pomace by recovering bioactive phenol extracts and by testing the solid fibre extract residues in composite formulation for packaging applications. The pomace was derived from white wine production, therefore, respect to red pomace, it was promptly removed from must after pressing, and its exploitation can be particularly interesting and valuable as still rich in active compounds. Phenol extracts were obtained both via solvent-based and pressurised liquid extractions and their phytochemical compositions were compared in terms of total amount of phenols, flavonoids, flavanols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and reducing sugars. Antioxidant activity and detailed phenol profiles were also achieved. The highest phenol yield was obtained via solvent-based extraction with 75% acetone (v/v), solid/liquid ratio 1:5, 2h incubation at 50°C (77.9 gGAeq/kgDW). The fibrous solid residue of the extraction was characterized via thermogravimetric analysis and used for composite preparation by melt mixing with the renewable and biodegradable PHBV polymer through a green approach (solvent-less process). The composites resulted thermally stable at high temperatures, showing initial degradation processes only at temperatures higher than 250°C. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses were carried out to study melting and crystallization phenomena, while mechanical properties were investigated by tensile tests. The materials finally showed properties similar to those of the matrix. The bio-composites can be considered as an alternative to plain PHBV, since they are less expensive and eco-friendlier thanks to a reduced polymeric content, and they could represent a suitable way for full agro-waste exploitation.
Unripe plantain flour (UPF) is hygroscopic and gets spoilt if not correctly processed, packaged and stored. Thus, the need to study the functional and pasting properties of the UPF, and the sensory attributes of the cooked paste (amala) as affected by packaging materials and storage periods. The UPF was produced using the standard method, packaged in a polypropylene woven sack (PPS) and polyvinyl chloride container (PVC), stored for 20-weeks at room temperature and analyzed at 4-weeks intervals. Results showed that the solubility index of UPF packaged in PPS had a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation with the breakdown viscosity (r = 0.90), and a negative correlation with moldability (r = −0.89), mouthfeel (r = −0.92) and the overall acceptability (r = —0.83) of the amala. The peak viscosity of the UPF packaged in PPS had a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation with the stretchability (r = —0.93), mouldability (r = −0.88), mouthfeel (r = —0.83) and overall acceptability (r = −0.01) of the amala. The packaging materials and storage periods had significant effect (p < 0.05) on the mouldability of the amala. The overall acceptability was higher in the amala prepared from PPS packaged UPF compared to that of the PVC. Therefore, UPF should be stored in PPS to retain its sensory attributes.
The compressive densification strain of honeycomb paperboard is one of the important parameters which affect the energy absorption property of honeycomb paperboard. The in-plane bearing mechanism of honeycomb paperboard in plastic zone was analyzed based on compression tests of the single row and multi-rows of honeycomb paperboard. The result indicates that the core layer plays a supporting role in resisting the buckling of the face layer. The double inner folds are formed in machine direction and the symmetrical inner folds are formed in cross direction in a honeycomb core. The core single wall and the face layer play a critical role in the load bearing in machine direction, and the core double walls, core single wall, and face layer all play critical roles in the load bearing in cross direction. On this basis, the evaluation equation of the compressive densification strain was obtained based on the energy absorption efficiency method and geometric scale effect, which are verified so that the experiment and test results are in good agreement.