Although buffalo meat is an important component of livestock-based diets in tropical smallholder systems, there has been limited empirical research on consumer food safety-related behaviors associated with its consumption. Thus, we examined the behavioral determinants of buffalo meat consumer safety based on the Knowledge-Attitudes-Practices (KAP) framework. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to survey data from 250 buffalo meat consumers in Northern Thailand to assess the direct, indirect, and predictive relationships among the KAP constructs. There were significant correlations across all constructs, the strongest of which was between attitudes and practices (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Knowledge had a positive effect on attitudes (beta = 0.471, p < 0.001) and influenced practices directly (beta = 0.312, p < 0.001) and indirectly through attitudes (beta = 0.235, p < 0.001). Attitudes had the strongest direct effect on practices (beta = 0.499, p < 0.001). The model demonstrated moderate explanatory power and high predictive relevance, and all Q(2) values were greater than zero. These findings indicate that the mechanisms underlying perception and attitude are the key predictors of safe buffalo meat consumption. On the other hand, demographic factors account for only a small portion of behavioral variance. This study is novel because it represents the first empirical investigation of buffalo meat consumption behavior in a tropical livestock context. The results can be used to design consumer-focused communication, education, and market interventions to improve food safety outcomes within buffalo meat supply chains.
Anthraquinone compounds (AQCs) are functional constituents of various medicinal and edible plants belonging to families such as Fabaceae, Polygonaceae, and Liliaceae. They include sennosides, emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, which show physiological activities, such as bowel movement promotion, hepatoprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidation, as well as antimicrobial properties. The seeds of Cassia occidentalis L. (Fabaceae), an annual herb widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, are abundant in anthraquinone compounds, of which sennosides account for approximately 80% of the total anthrone-related constituents, and have traditionally been used as stimulant laxatives. However, sennosides are inactive forms and do not exert physiological effects until they reach the colon, where they are biotransformed by intestinal microbiota into downstream metabolites with biological activity. The major bioactive sennoside metabolites are rhein anthrone and rhein, which can be detected in the mouse colon within 2-3 h after oral administration of sennosides, confirming the crucial role of gut microbiota, particularly the intestinal probiotics Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, in sennoside conversion. This study aimed to investigate whether commercially available common gut probiotics possess the ability to hydrolyze sennosides in C. occidentalis extracts, to determine the suitable conditions for such hydrolysis, and to further evaluate the efficiency of sennoside conversion into physcion and rhein. Of the 20 commonly used intestinal probiotic strains tested in this study, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis (BCRC 14069) and Lactobacillus helveticus (BCRC 14092) were the most efficient at sennoside hydrolysis. Under suitable conversion conditions, the hydrolysis rate reached over 95%, reducing the residual sennoside content to 6-7 mg/g while significantly enhancing the production efficiency of the downstream metabolites, physcion and rhein. Furthermore, even when administered at relatively high doses according to different application needs, the hydrolyzed products remained compliant with both Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) (12 mg/day) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (10 mg/day) regulatory limits. These findings provide scientific support for microbial biotransformation and the potential use of anthraquinone compounds, and a way to mitigate the adverse effects (such as intestinal dependence and electrolyte imbalance) of traditional sennoside-based products. This work facilitated the development of C. occidentalis or sennoside-based products for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals and promotes their modernization in herbal applications.
Soil management and herbicide selection are vital to wheat production in semi-arid agroecosystems; however, their relative contributions to crop physiology and yield formation remain poorly quantified under field conditions, particularly in semi-arid environments. This study, conducted during the 2025-2026 growing season, evaluated three sulfonylurea-based treatments: Metsulfuron methyl, tribenuron methyl + metsulfuron methyl (mixture), and thifensulfuron methyl in spring wheat under two management systems, conventional tillage (CT) and stubble retention (SR), across two sites in Northern Kazakhstan. Results indicated that canopy development, physiological performance, and grain yield were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) under CT compared with stubble retention, with yield increases ranging from 14% to 65% depending on site and treatment. Herbicide-treated plots recorded a significant 24%-30% higher grain yield than the untreated control, although differences among active ingredients were generally modest. Physiological indices indicated no evidence of herbicide-induced stress at recommended rates, as chlorophyll content (SPAD) and the effective quantum yield of photosystem II remained stable at heading. Strong and moderate positive correlations were observed between grain yield and tillering coefficient and grains per spike (r = 0.86*** and r = 0.47**, respectively). Yield path analysis further revealed site-specific mechanisms, with tillering coefficient exerting the strongest direct effect on yield at Site A ((3 = 0.60), and grains per spike dominating at Site B ((3 = 0.55). Hierarchical clustering further revealed that soil management defined overall trait structure, whereas herbicide-related differences were secondary and expressed primarily under favorable conditions. The research findings highlight the predominant role of soil management in regulating wheat productivity and physiological performance. This further emphasizes the importance of integrating effective weed control with adaptive soil management strategies to improve yield stability in semi-arid agroecosystems.
Lactophorin, also known as glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion molecule 1, is a phosphorylated glycoprotein found in bovine and caprine milks. This protein is located on the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), with only a weak association to it. Bovine lactophorin exhibits antirotavirus and antibacterial activities and provides stable emulsifying properties during milk processing. In this study, a semi-quantitative method for comparing lactophorin levels in bovine and caprine dairy products was developed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of LPLSILK, a shared common proteotypic peptide between the two species. A single prominent LPLSILK peak was clearly detected on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) chromatograms of tryptic digests from bovine and caprine milk protein extracts, enabling straightforward cross-species comparison based on normalized peak areas. Lactophorin levels were evaluated as normalized LPLSILK peak areas per unit volume (milk) or per unit weight (milk powder), without the use of a stable isotope-labeled internal standard or an external calibration curve. Using this semi-quantitative framework, no statistically significant difference was observed between bovine and caprine milks (P = 0.39). The method was also applicable to milk powders. Future in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to further examine the biological activities of caprine lactophorin, particularly its potential antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
This study evaluated the effects of including date palm leaves (DPL) in the diets of lactating Farafra ewes on milk yield, fatty acid composition, and the quality of white soft cheese produced from their milk. The leaves were ensiled either untreated, with fibrolytic enzymes (ENZ), or with multi-species probiotics (MSP). Diets included DPL at 50% or 100% of the forage portion. Ensiling DPL with ENZ or MSP significantly increased milk yield (linear effect, p < 0.01) and enhanced milk components, including total solids, fat, lactose, and energy content (p < 0.001), with MSP diets producing higher solids-not-fat and lactose (p < 0.001) than ENZ. Both treatments improved milk fatty acid profiles by increasing polyunsaturated and conjugated linoleic acids and elevating the unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio, while reducing the atherogenicity index (p < 0.001). Cheese produced from milk of ewes fed treated DPL exhibited signs of accelerated ripening during 28 days of storage, as evidenced by increased titratable acidity, soluble nitrogen, and total volatile fatty acids, along with decreased pH. Moisture decreased significantly (p < 0.001), whereas acidity increased markedly (p < 0.001) during storage across all treatments, and total volatile fatty acids also increased (p < 0.001), reaching the highest values in MSP100 cheeses at the end of storage. Total and soluble nitrogen contents also increased over storage (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced proteolysis. Sensory scores for flavor, texture, and appearance improved significantly in ENZ and MSP groups (p <= 0.011), with higher overall acceptability observed in ENZ50 cheese, followed by MSP50 (p < 0.001). Textural analysis showed marked increases in hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness during storage (p < 0.001). Cheeses from the MSP50 group exhibited superior texture attributes, including hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness values compared to other treatments (p < 0.01). The interaction between treatment and storage time was significant for most parameters (p < 0.01), confirming the dynamic influence of diet and ripening duration. In conclusion, feeding lactating ewes with DPL ensiled with fibrolytic enzymes or MSP improved milk yield, fatty acid composition, and the sensory and textural qualities of white soft cheese. The results highlight treated DPL as a promising feed option for sustainable dairy production.
Chilacayote (Cucurbita ficifolia Bouch & eacute;) is a fruit rich in bioactive compounds; however, in its immature state, it is highly perishable. This limited shelf life requires the application of postharvest technologies, such as refrigeration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in antioxidant content and enzymatic activity in immature C. ficifolia fruit during storage. Immature fruits were stored for 15 days at 5 and 10 degrees C [95% relative humidity (RH)] and room temperature (22 degrees C, 83% RH). Weight loss, total polyphenols and flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity were assessed every five days; phenolic compounds were identified by HPLC, and enzymatic activity was also monitored. The results indicate that the greatest weight loss occurred at 22 degrees C (9.2%). Concentration of total polyphenols and flavonoids was higher at 10 and 22 degrees C (0.24-0.27 mg EAG g-1 FW and 0.061-0.076 mg ECAT g-1 FW, respectively). A decrease in ascorbic acid content was observed across all temperatures (averaging 17.1 mg EAA 100 g-1 FW). Higher antioxidant activity was recorded at 5 and 10 degrees C for FRAP (1.03 and 0.93 & micro;mol Etrolox g-1 FW, respectively) and at 10 and 22 degrees C for DPPH (1.5 and 1.3 & micro;mol ET g-1 FW, respectively). Four phenolic compounds were identified: p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid (noted anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties) was the most abundant at 10 and 22 degrees C. Furthermore, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) enzymatic activities were lower at 10 and 22 degrees C (0.047-0.060 U min-1 g-1 FW and 1.01-0.89 U min-1 g-1 FW, respectively). Consequently, a storage temperature of 10 degrees C is proposed to preserve the bioactive compounds of immature chilacayote for up to 15 days.
The present study evaluated the incorporation of red pitaya powder into a rice/chickpea (80:20) matrix, resulting in four treatments, namely T-2.5 (2.5%), T-5.0 (5.0%), T-7.5 (7.5%), and T-10 (10%) powder addition, which were processed through extrusion cooking, followed by microwave expansion for the development of a third-generation (3G) snack. The physicochemical properties, including expansion index (EI), hardness, and bulk density (BD), as well as functional parameters such as total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA), were analyzed. Furthermore, structural modifications generated by processing were examined via X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, and microstructural analyses. The addition of pitaya powder significantly affected the physicochemical properties of the 3G snacks, resulting in a decrease in EI, BD, and hardness after the extrusion and expansion process using microwaves. In addition, the bioactive potential of the snacks improved, generating the highest levels with the addition of pitaya powder, resulting in a 38% increase in TPC and a 3.1-times increase in AA, with a retention of 30% in total betalain content (TBC). Microstructural analyses showed modifications after processing, with a loss of crystalline order and transitions in the type-V diffraction pattern, indicative of amylose-lipid complex formation, characterized by a decrease in the 1047/1022 ratio and stability of 1022/995 ratio. Also, the sensory analysis revealed that the 7.5% formulation was the most attractive, maintaining the principal characteristics of color and texture, with a general acceptance above 38%. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of pitaya powder enhances the bioactive, functional, and sensorial properties of third-generation extruded products.
Flour production from soybeans and corn is a promising strategy to increase their use as local ingredients in diverse food applications. In this study, local and improved varieties of soybean and corn seeds collected from Sumenep, Indonesia, were subjected to soaking pretreatments for 0, 24, 48, and 72 h prior to flour production. The resulting flours were characterized for their physicochemical and pasting properties and evaluated regarding their production cost. The results showed that variety and soaking time significantly affected the physicochemical properties of soybean and corn flours (p u0026lt; 0.05). Longer soaking time reduced the bulk density and increased the whiteness of soybean and corn flours, except for the local corn variety, which was similar to the control (0 h). The yield increased for corn flour, while it decreased for soybean flour. Greater yield values were obtained for improved varieties relative to local varieties. The fat, protein, and amylose contents of both flours increased along with soaking time; however, ash and carbohydrate contents decreased. The pasting behaviors showed that soybean flours were hardly gelatinized, with no detectable peak viscosity at any soaking time. Conversely, corn flours gelatinized at a range of 72.35u201375.65 u2103, with the highest values noted for 0-h soaking. Soaking for 24 h resulted in the highest peak viscosity, with values of 303.33 cP for the local Sumenep and 201.67 cP for HJ 21. A soaking pretreatment for 24 h was likely suitable for soybean seed, while corn required a longer (48 h) period. The economic analysis showed that home-scale production was feasible and profitable to be developed in the study area, with B/C ratios of 1.11u20131.14 for soybean flour and 1.40u20131.45 for corn flour.
As a principal food crop globally, particularly for Asians, rice remains an interesting and growing topic for interdisciplinary, policy-relevant, and impactful research. This study aimed to identify literature development and scientific mapping in rice value chain studies. This study used secondary data in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles related to the rice value chain, with a total of 126 documents obtained from the Scopus database as of April 2, 2025. Data were analyzed using bibliometric analysis incorporating an enhanced strategic diagram and thematic evolution mapping. Results showed that rice value chain research topics are divided into five clusters: (1) farmers' adaptation and market dynamics, (2) technological innovation and value chain efficiency, (3) value chain governance, (4) food security and policy, and (5) consumer behavior and sustainability. The results also showed that the emerging topics of rice value chain research are developing toward a more multidimensional and integrated approach focused on technology integration, sustainable practices, climate change response, digital transformation, gender inclusivity, multi-stakeholder partnerships, nutrition impact, environmental resilience, and a deeper understanding of consumer preferences. The results provide insights into research gaps and offer new research opportunities for the future sustainable, resilient, equitable, and inclusive rice value chain.
Organic food is gaining global popularity due to its perceived health benefits and compatibility with sustainability goals. However, the application of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) in organic food processing, particularly in developing countries, is barely discussed. In this study, we examined the level of HACCP compliance in certified organic food processing units in Kerala, India, with an emphasis on the impact of product type and company size. In 2023-2024, a structured audit based on Codex criteria was carried out, with a standardized scoring system used to evaluate the paperwork and operational performance. Significant trends and interactions were identified using statistical methods, including two-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD post hoc test, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. Across product categories, there were notable variations in HACCP compliance, with meat and ready-to-eat food processors showing higher levels of compliance than dairy and rice-based processors. Company size was also an important determinant, with larger enterprises demonstrating superior system implementation. Significant interaction effects demonstrated that performance patterns were not consistent across categories. Significant interaction effects between product type and company size indicated that compliance patterns vary depending on the combination of these factors. These findings underline the importance of targeted training, regulatory support, and the incorporation of HACCP into organic certification frameworks to enhance food safety standards in the organic industry, particularly among small-scale and high-risk processors in developing countries.
A two-year field study was conducted in soils with low and high electrical conductivity (EC): 0.25 dS m(-1), and 1.95 dS m(-1) respectively). The high EC soil was transported from agricultural land. Composted manures obtained from sheep/goat (SG), dairy (FYM), and poultry (PM) farms and manures co-composted with biochar made from Acacia nilotica L. wood (SG-B, FYM-B, and PM-B) were added to the soil for two consecutive years. The influence of these organic fertilizers on soil properties, flowering period, and fresh yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stigma was examined. Analysis of soil collected after the harvest of the second-year crop revealed that organic fertilizers caused a significant two- to fourfold increase in the concentration of potassium and bioavailable phosphorus in both low EC soil and high EC soil. After two years of cropping, the EC of high EC soil dropped to 0.94 to 1.71 dS m(-1) under various treatments. In the low EC soil, FYM-B triggered 2-3 days of early flowering in both cropping years. However, this prolonged flowering period did not cause any increase in stigma yield. Furthermore, in this soil, for the first-year crop, all organic fertilizers reduced stigma yield by 41-44% compared with control treatment, whereas no difference among treatments was observed for the second-year crop. The stigma yield in the high EC control soil was significantly lower than in the low EC control soil by 26% and 56% for the first- and second-year crops, respectively. In high EC soil, no difference among treatments was observed in the stigma yield of the first-year crop. However, for the second-year crop in the high EC soil, all organic fertilizers prolonged the flowering period; moreover, the FYM and PM treatments also increased stigma yield by 78% and 70% respectively (p < 0.05). In conclusion, organic fertilizers influenced the flowering period of saffron and significantly increased the concentrations of potassium by 79%-218% and phosphorus by 187%-455% in the high and low EC soils. The PM in the high EC soil was found to be more suitable for stigma yield and soil properties when applied for two years; relative to control, this organic fertilizer caused the highest significant increase in potassium (218%), phosphorus (371%), and soil moisture (24%) during the critical flowering period. This treatment also prolonged the flowering period and the increased yield of stigma (70%) in the second-year crop in the high EC soil.
In this study, we aimed to isolate and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from mixed Napier grass (NG) and sugarcane top (ST) silages, and to evaluate their effects on silage quality as alternative LAB inoculants. Among the 370 LAB strains isolated from silage and screened for tolerance to pH 3.7, we identified 17 strains with distinct colony shapes and sources. Strains XH146 and XH352 exhibited the strongest ability to produce acid in Man Rogosa Sharpe broth and were identified as Lactiplantibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, respectively. Strains XH146 (LAB1), XH352 (LAB2), and L. plantarum Chikuso-1 (FG, a commercial inoculant) were used as additives for NG and ST silage preparation. All inoculated silages were better preserved than the control. LAB addition significantly reduced the pH of NG silage, with the lowest pH and the highest lactic acid content found in the combined LAB1 + LAB2 treatment. NH3-N contents decreased in the following order: Control > LAB1 > LAB2 > FG > LAB1 + LAB2. In conclusion, L. paracasei XH146 and L. plantarum XH352 demonstrated the highest ability to enhance silage quality, making them promising candidates for silage inoculants.
