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Biofuels, green finance, and economic expansion: empirical evidence from the European Union
No full textThis study examines the role of biofuel production and consumption, alongside green finance, in driving economic expansion within the European Union (EU). Employing panel data from EU countries spanning 2001–2022, the analysis follows a rigorous econometric approach. The econometric approach includes unit root tests (Im–Persaran–Shin and ADF), panel cointegration tests (Pedroni and Kao residual tests), cointegrating regressions (FMOLS and DOLS), and robustness tests (fixed effects, random effects, and systems GMM). The findings reveal that both biofuel production and consumption significantly contribute to the EU’s economic expansion, reinforcing the circular economy framework. In addition, green finance enhances biofuel consumption, further supporting economic growth. The findings also reveal that biofuel production and green finance have a more significant effect on smaller economies than on larger ones. These insights underscore the need for EU policymakers to prioritize cost-effective biofuel production and implement strategies that stimulate consumption, fostering long-term sustainable development.fals
Validation of the Overseer Cropping Model for Estimating Nitrate Leaching Losses in Precision Agriculture
No full textThe Overseer model is widely used in New Zealand as a precision-agriculture-related tool for estimating nitrate (NO3−) leaching losses in agricultural systems. This study evaluated the accuracy of the Overseer model in predicting nitrate (NO3−) leaching through a two-year lysimeter experiment conducted at Woodhaven Gardens, New Zealand, under beetroot and pak choi cultivation. Seven distinct nitrogen (N) fertilizer treatments were applied to assess model performance. In year 1, Overseer overestimated NO3− leaching by an average of 45.2 kg N/ha (15.7%), and in year 2, the model overestimated by 35.2 kg N/ha (43.5%). A sensitivity analysis highlighted soil texture, impeded layer depth and crop residue incorporation as key drivers of leaching variability, underscoring the need for improved model calibration. Overseer performed reasonably well under lysimeter conditions, with a strong linear relationship (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.89, p < 0.0001) between measured and predicted values and explaining 77% of the variance (R2 = 0.77) in the observed data. The model predicted a baseline leaching loss of 39.4 kg N/ha/year even when measured losses were zero. Overseer demonstrates moderate reliability in predicting NO3− leaching under vegetable cropping systems but exhibits notable limitations in handling crop-specific N dynamics, soil hydrology, and fertilizer timing.fals
Isolation and characterisation of cell wall polysaccharides from taewa (Māori potatoes; Solanum tuberosum L.)
No full textTaewa are varieties of potato introduced to New Zealand by European explorers in the late 18th century. The aim of this research was to extract and characterise cell wall polysaccharides from three varieties of taewa (Huakaroro, Tutaekuri, Moemoe) and compare their composition and structure with a modern potato variety (Agria). The yield of cell walls ranged from 22.8 mg to 42 mg per gram fresh weight potato and was higher for Tutaekuri than other taewa varieties and Agria. Cell walls of Tutaekuri also contained the highest amounts of galactose and the highest level of pectic polysaccharides compared with other varieties. Sequential fractionation of the cell walls gave two pectic polysaccharides fractions (imidazole + Na2CO3 and residue wash), and a hemicellulose fraction (4 M KOH). The residue wash fractions contained higher proportions of rhamnogalacturonan-I than the imidazole + Na2CO3 fraction. Constituent sugar and glycosyl linkage compositions indicated that there were differences in the detailed structural features of the pectic polysaccharides among the taewa varieties and Agria. The imidazole + Na2CO3 fraction from Moemoe had a lower rhamnogalacturonan-I/homogalacturonan ratio and a lower side-chain/rhamnose ratio than the other varieties. Glycosyl linkage analysis indicated that Moemoe had shorter galactan side-chains than the other varieties. Constituent sugar and glycosyl linkage analysis of the 4 M KOH fractions gave linkages that were typical of solanaceous xyloglucans. This knowledge provides added value to taewa suggesting that as well as their important role as a taonga species for Māori, they could contribute to human health outcomes.fals
Occurrence, Sources, and Risk Assessment of PFAS in Soil–Mango Systems of the Chinese Tropical Nanfan District
No full textPerfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have emerged as contaminants of global concern due to their persistence and potential health risks. PFASs pose potential pollution risks in mango cultivation and production. This study investigated pollution characteristics and conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of PFASs in soil–mango systems within the Nanfan District of Hainan, China. The results revealed that total PFAS concentrations in soil ranged from 0.18 to 1.07 ng/g, with PFHpA and PFHxA accounting for 24.9% and 21.0%, respectively. Total PFAS concentrations in mangoes ranged from 0.0019 to 0.0201 ng/g wet weight, where PFHxA and PFHpA accounted for 44.02% and 30.28%, respectively. For all PFASs, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) in mangoes was <1, indicating limited transfer from soil to fruits. Regarding PFAS contamination sources, long-range atmospheric transport may serve as the primary pathway for PFAS contamination in soil and mangoes. Risk assessments indicated minimal ecological and dietary exposure risks, with soil ecological risk quotients (RQs) below 0.01 and edible exposure RQs below 1. This study highlights the unique contribution of short-chain PFAS to the quality and safety of tropical agricultural products and provides critical data for the safety regulation of PFASs in soil–fruit systems.fals
Genotyping Reveals Potential Sources of Human Leptospirosis Outbreaks in Aotearoa New Zealand
No full textIntroduction: The introduction of PCR testing for leptospirosis in Aotearoa New Zealand has reduced the availability of serotyping data, and current diagnostic PCRs do not routinely genotype Leptospira. This study genotyped Leptospira from PCR-confirmed human cases between 2016 and 2023 and compared them with genotypes found in animals to identify potential sources of infection in a 2023 human leptospirosis outbreak.
Methods: Human samples were genotyped using glmU amplicon sequencing and compared to animal genotypes from previous studies. In addition, human national surveillance data were analysed to provide broader epidemiological context including regional distribution to reveal outbreak areas; diagnostic test usage to assess trends; serotyping results to evaluate consistency across methods; and demographic information to evaluate the representativeness of the genotyped dataset. Chi-squared and Poisson regression were used to assess host-genotype associations, and phylogenetics evaluated genetic relatedness.
Results: Surveillance data showed flood-associated outbreaks in several regions and a significant shift in diagnostic practice (p ≤ 0.001), with increased use of PCR. Genotyping of PCR-confirmed cases revealed a rise in Pomona infections in 2023 across rural flood-associated regions (Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Waikato and Wairarapa). In contrast, the Auckland region—including Aotearoa's largest city which also experienced flooding—had infections linked to Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ. In animals, Pomona was primarily detected in sheep (Ovis aries), followed by cattle, while Ballum, Copenhageni and Balcanica NZ were primarily detected in mice (Mus musculus), Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), respectively.
Conclusions: Flooding-driven outbreaks in rural areas with pastoral livestock were predominantly linked to livestock-associated strains, while urban cases were associated with rodents and small wildlife. These findings highlight the need for tailored mitigation strategies addressing distinct epidemiological risks in rural and urban settings. Surveillance strategies should be adapted to preserve typing capabilities to better inform public health responses in future outbreaks.fals
Nutritive value of fodder beet for broilers chickens
No full textAn experiment was conducted to determine the apparent metabolisable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) and the standardised ileal digestible content of amino acids in fodder beet (FB). Three maize-soybean-based diets were formulated, a basal diet (FB0), the basal diet supplemented with 12.5 % of FB (FB12.5), and the basal diet supplemented with 25 % of FB (FB25). Each diet was randomly allocated to six replicate cages with six birds per cage and fed from days 14–21. Titanium dioxide (4 g/kg) was included in all diets as an indigestible marker for the measurement of marker-based AME and ileal nutrient digestibility. The total collection (TC) method was also used for the measurement of AME. A regression method was used to determine the nutritive value of FB. The AME and AMEn of FB were determined to be 9.63 MJ/kg and 9.36 MJ/kg, respectively, using the TC method, and 7.97 MJ/kg, 7.79 MJ/kg, respectively, using the marker method. The apparent ileal crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) content of FB were 56.4 g/kg and 11.2 MJ/kg, respectively. Standardised ileal digestible amino acid content was higher for glutamic acid (21.1 g/kg) while it was lower for sulfur containing amino acids (-0.1 to −0.4 g/kg). In conclusion, nutritive value of FB was determined for 14–21 day old broilers using regression method. Further studies are needed to validate the current findings, and to determine the optimal inclusion level of FB in poultry diets.fals
Development of a Liquid Microbial Enzyme Synergistic Fermentation Process for Strong-Aroma and Soy-Sauce-Aroma Fresh Distiller’s Grains and the Evaluation of Their Nutritional Value in Pigs
No full textChina annually produces around 20 million tons of distiller’s grains, whose utilization is important for resource efficiency. These grains are rich in crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), and other nutrients, though their composition varies by grain type. This study applied a microbial–enzyme synergistic liquid fermentation process to two types—strong-aroma and soy-sauce-aroma grains—using a composite inoculant (Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus, each >1 × 109 CFU/g) along with xylanase, cellulase, and protease. Optimal fermentation conditions were identified: for strong-aroma grains—water-to-grain material ratio 1.8, inoculum 0.25%, 25 °C, 16 h; for soy-sauce-aroma grains—ratio 1.8, inoculum 0.3%, 25.5 °C, 13 h. After fermentation, CP increased by 13.62% and CF decreased by 30.37% in strong-aroma grains, while in soy-sauce-aroma grains an 8.83% CP increase and 31.31% CF reduction were observed. Structural analysis of both grains showed looser fibrous formations and changes in protein secondary structure.fals
Reverse micelle synthesis and downsizing effects in iron(iii) spin crossover materials
No full textWe report the reverse micelle synthesis, structural characterisation and magnetic properties of iron(III) spin crossover (SCO) nanomaterials based on [Fe(qsal)2]NO3, [Fe(qsal-I)2]OTf and [Fe(qsal-I)2]NTf2 using sodium dioctylsulfosuccinate (NaAOT) and hexane. The synthesis and characterization of a new complex, [Fe(qsal)2]NO3·EtOH is also reported. Systematic variation of micellar conditions including surfactant content in the polar and organic phases, reaction time, and solvent choice enabled the controlled formation of parallelogram, plate-like and rod-like shapes for [Fe(qsal)2]NO3, [Fe(qsal-I)2]OTf and [Fe(qsal-I)2]NTf2, respectively, as confirmed by FESEM. Magnetic studies reveal abrupt spin crossover with a narrower hysteresis width compared to the bulk materials. Nanomaterials of [Fe(qsal-I)2]OTf exhibit a 4 K hysteresis (T1/2↑ = 231 K and T1/2↓ = 227 K) while those of [Fe(qsal-I)2]NTf2 display a 27 K hysteresis (T1/2↑ = 275 K and T1/2↓ = 248 K) comparable to the bulk. The results demonstrate that reverse micelle methods can reliably produce iron(III) SCO nanomaterials, advancing their potential for integration into functional devices.fals
Financial market development and bank deposits
No full textThis paper studies the effects of financial market development on bank deposits in a cross-country setting. Our empirical evidence shows that investors in developed and developing economies engage with financial markets differently, leading to varying impacts on bank deposits. For instance, in financially developed economies, financial markets typically complement the banking sector by facilitating deposit growth. Conversely, in financially developing economies, financial markets and banks often compete for deposits, thereby constraining bank deposits growth. This dynamic, however, is shaped by country-specific factors such as market concentration and the level of deposit insurance. Moreover, we find that financial market development increases per capita savings, which in turn strengthens bank deposit growth. These findings remain consistent across a range of model specifications and robustness checks.fals
Mandatory Information Disclosure Regulation and Corporate Cash Holdings: Evidence From a Quasi-Natural Experiment
No full textThis paper examines the impact of mandatory information disclosure regulation on corporate cash holding decisions, a fundamental component of working capital management. Using industry-specific information disclosure guidelines as a quasi-natural experiment that introduces shocks to disclosure practices across different sectors, we find that the implementation of these regulations leads to a significant reduction in corporate cash holdings. We identify two mechanisms underlying this effect. Specifically, the implementation of the information disclosure regulation lowers agency costs and reduces the operational risks faced by firms, leading to lower cash holdings. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the negative relation between information disclosure regulation and corporate cash holdings is stronger among firms facing greater financial constraints, those with more effective internal controls, firms in highly competitive industries, and those operating in high-tech sectors. The reduction in corporate cash holdings driven by information disclosure regulation enhances firms' sustainable development capacity and alleviates underinvestment problems, supporting more efficient resource allocation and effective working capital management.fals