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Abstract Aspergillus section Flavi produces naturally occurring secondary metabolites called aflatoxins. Maize is vital to the livelihood of poor people and the rural economies of many developing countries. Aflatoxin contamination is prevalent in maize, making it one of the most susceptible grains. This study compares pre- and post-harvest practices used by farmers in two agroecological zones in Ghana and relates them to practices that prevent aflatoxin contamination of maize. It was conducted in Ghana's forest and savannah agroecological zones between September 2019 and March 2020. 800 individuals were selected for the study using a multistage selection approach that adhered to probability sampling techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was the primary method and data collection tool. A 1kg maize sample was obtained from farmers for aflatoxin analysis. Pre-harvest practices such as weed control, fertiliser application, irrigation, and aflasafe application were used by farmers in both ecological zones. Chemical weed control was used by most farmers (64.9%) in both zones. Fertiliser application was common among farmers in the savannah zone (97%), while pest control was common in the forest zone (87%). Only 3.2% of the farmers use irrigation, and 3.1% use aflasafe. Some post-harvest practices in both zones included drying, sorting, shelling, and packaging. Most farmers (87.9%) allowed their maize to dry fully on the farm before harvesting. The main method of shelling in the forest zone was beating (74.9%), while shellers were used in the savannah zone (90.6%). Most farmers (74.0%) used sorted grains as animal feed, and 25.0% as food. 3.9% of farmers used Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags. Farmers should be educated on the right pre-harvest interventions, such as timely weeding, proper irrigation, fertiliser application, and aflasafe application, as well as post-harvest interventions, including correct drying methods, proper packaging during storage, and suitable storage conditions.
This study assessed the global research trends on embodied energy in buildings over the past two decades (2003-2023), emphasising its role in climate change mitigation. The core problem addressed is the continued overlook of embodied energy and carbon in the built environment, despite their increasing share in total life cycle emissions as buildings become more operationally efficient. This issue is critical since the construction sector contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, mostly in urbanising and climate-vulnerable regions like Africa. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method, 303 relevant publications were identified from the Scopus database and analysed with the R Studio-based Bibliometrix software package. The findings revealed a surge in publications post-2016, demonstrating keen global attention to sustainability frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal targets. Key themes identified include life cycle assessment, circular economy, and carbon mitigation, with embodied carbon emerging as a dominant concept. The study revealed a disproportionate concentration of research in developed countries, with limited contributions from Africa, highlighting a pressing need for localised studies and context-sensitive policy interventions. In addition, the study identified innovative strategies such as bio-based materials, prefabrication, and retrofitting as viable pathways for reducing embodied energy. These findings are significant for informing global climate policy, building standards, and the African Union Agenda 2063 aspiration for sustainable infrastructure. Moreover, the findings could serve as a roadmap for future research, capacity building, and policymaking to decarbonise the building sector globally and regionally.
Generation IV nuclear reactor designs, like molten salt reactors (MSRs), provide passive safety and improved economics by dissolving fuel with liquid salt and moving it through the heat exchangers and core. Notwithstanding the technology's enormous potential, there is a dearth of comprehensive studies that use bibliometric and systematic review techniques to examine the development and patterns of the MSR technology. This paper adopts the bibliometric review approach using the VOSviewer and Bibliometrix package in R software to analyze the global research landscape of MSR technology between 2000 and 2024. The findings show that international collaboration is increasing in the field of advanced reactor designs and fuel cycle technologies, notably involving MSRs, thorium fuel cycles, and advanced simulation models. The research clusters indicate a multidisciplinary nature involving nuclear chemistry, reactor physics, materials science, and computational modelling. This notwithstanding, challenges such as salt purity, corrosion-resistant materials, and long-term safety are still barriers. Future research should therefore optimise fuel cycles and make advances in core designs for mini reactors while transmutating waste to reduce the radioactive inventory. Also, simulation tools should be developed further, especially in areas such as isotope transmutation and neutron transport, to increase the scalability, efficiency, and sustainability of MSR.
For the four approved sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pathways-alcohol-to-jet (ATJ), hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), Fischer-Tropsch (FT-SPK), and Power-to-Liquid (PtL)-the choice of assessment methodology creates more variation in reported costs and emissions than the choice of technology. Through computational modeling and systematic review of 59 peer-reviewed studies, we show that methodological decisions-system boundary definition, co-product allocation, and discount rate assumptions-generate 133% cost variation and 174% greenhouse gas variation for physically identical systems, exceeding genuine technology differences by factors of 3-8 for the corn stover ATJ pathway studied. We develop and validate a three-tier harmonization framework that reduces cost variance by 63% and emissions variance by 85% in internal validation, with consistent reductions confirmed across HEFA, FT-SPK, and PtL in external cross-pathway studies. Current SAF assessments therefore compare methodological conventions rather than technology performance. Standardizing assessment practices is a prerequisite for reliable investment decisions and climate policy.
ABSTRACT Oleosomes are spherical subcellular organelles comprising triacylglycerols and sterol esters (lipid core) surrounded by a specialized monolayer membrane, composed of proteins, phospholipids, and phytochemicals (e.g., isoflavones, phytosterols, and tocopherols). This review addresses the biotechnological advancements on the composition and extraction of plant‐derived oleosomes, oleosome‐membrane proteins extraction methods to isolate proteins, and their utilization in commercial commodities to satisfy consumers' demand for healthier and sustainable products. Briefly, different techniques, including conventional aqueous extraction and advanced extraction (ultrasound‐assisted, enzyme‐assisted, and twin‐screw press extractions), are applied to extract intact oleosomes. Oleosome‐membrane proteins extraction methods that are advancing rapidly include organic‐solvent‐, Folch‐, electroelution‐, and ultrasound‐assisted extractions to isolate functional membrane proteins for potential applications. Different fabrication methods such as magnetic‐, artificial functionalized‐, and tunable nano‐oleosomes have been developed to formulate tailor‐made oleosomes with desirable characteristics. The emerging industrial applications such as unique natural emulsions, functional delivery systems (e.g., flavors, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals with higher bioavailability and efficacy), oleosome‐based meat analogs and oleogels to substitute saturated fatty acids and trans fats have been discussed.
