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Boosting structural food science using X-ray and neutron techniques
Full text linkKnowledge about food structures at different length scales is key for the continued development of sustainable, tasty and healthy foods. It is critical to control, model and predict the supramolecular architecture of foods along the whole value chain: from raw materials, to their changes during processing, all the way to how products form structures during consumption and digestion. Today, advanced physical methods enable us to obtain structural information from the nanoscale-to the microscale with unprecedented resolution. The structural details can then relate to the mesoscale and microscale functionalities, important for the appeal and consumption of food products. X-ray and neutron techniques expand and strengthen the food structure characterisation toolbox. They enable in situ and in operando investigations with greater detail as well as new types of measurements that are not possible with other techniques. The knowledge gained will complement compositional and functional data obtained by other techniques, providing robustness to the interpretation of complex structural information. There are several intrinsic scientific challenges to overcome: from the lack of relevant sample environments to advanced data processing and modelling tools that consider the complexity of the food. The new frontier in food structural science can be gained through interdisciplinary collaborations not only in academia but also from the wider innovation ecosystem. This review showcases how the use of X-ray and neutron techniques is already leading to transformational knowledge in structural food science with a perspective that points to the future of this new multidisciplinary discipline
Comparing a multi-item Rasch scale for purchase intentions with preference elicitation using experimental auctions for consumer acceptance of biofortified food: An in-store study in Rwanda
No full textConsumer acceptance of biofortified vitamin-A-rich products by urban populations in developing countries is an important preventive pathway for addressing vitamin A deficiencies by easing nutritional availability and access. The present study used data from a multi-variable in-store consumer study in Rwanda with bread and a snack product (mandazi) to develop and test a measure for stated purchase intentions based on Rasch scaling, and investigates the structural relationship between purchase intentions and multiple measures of potential drivers for purchase intentions. The study investigates the extent to which the purchase intent influence the decisions and monetary product preferences within an in-store Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) auction based on a product exchange to the biofortified product using the self-selected non-fortified product as reference. The key finding is that the nature of the relationship between the methods to elicit preferences is product-specific because of differences in the outcome of the BDM. The nature of the relationship also depends on whether the measurement uncertainty in the Rasch score for person locations for purchase intentions is considered. Including the measurement uncertainty reverses the extent to which the choice to bid and the bid amount within the BDM are driven by separate processes. Moreover, while actual liking helped predict purchase intentions, no evidence was found of such association for nutritional beliefs. Sensory attributes for the vitamin-A-biofortified products do not serve as key product features to promote (or detract from) purchase intentions. Overall, these findings indicate that auction-based methods and Rasch scales for purchase intentions are complementary measures in product research
Transcriptomic analysis of two wheat genotypes in the presence of the pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici and the biological control agent Clonostachys rosea
No full textBiological control agents (BCAs) are reported to control plant diseases by directly targeting pathogens or indirectly by enhancing the plant's immune system. It has also been reported that plants exhibit genetic variation for compatibility with BCAs, ultimately impacting biocontrol efficacy. This study explored transcriptomic host responses of two winter wheat genotypes differing for biocontrol efficacy of the fungal BCA C. rosea in controlling septoria tritici blotch disease caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. Leaves of winter wheat genotypes NGB6704 (high biocontrol efficacy) and NGB348 (low biocontrol efficacy) were spray inoculated with C. rosea, Z. tritici, or their co-inoculation and were harvested at 8 h, 16 h, 32 h, and 40 h for differential gene expression analysis. The results indicate genotype-dependent and time-dependent responses in gene expression towards C. rosea and Z. tritici. Induction of several defense-related genes associated with pattern-triggered immunity and effector-triggered immunity was also observed in interactions with C. rosea exclusively and in the presence of Z. tritici. NGB348 showed a stronger expression of defense-related genes when inoculated with C. rosea at early time points, while NGB6704 exhibited a stronger response at 40 h, emphasizing the differential responses to the presence of C. rosea by the two genotypes, ultimately affecting STB disease development. Cross-referencing differentially expressed genes with genes segregating for C. rosea biocontrol efficacy identified genes associated with receptor-like protein kinases, chitinases, oxalate oxidases, and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases. Further microscopic and functional validation studies are recommended to determine the intricate nature of plant genotype-specific interactions
Species specific effects of cover crops on nitrous oxide emissions in hemiboreal cereal production: The importance of freeze-thaw driven emissions
No full textIncluding cover crops in cereal production systems has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture by sequestering carbon (C) in soils. However, growing crops during the off-season interferes with cold season soil nitrogen (N) cycling, with uncertain effects on the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), the dominant anthropogenic GHG in crop production. In this study, we investigated N2O emissions in barley production systems with seven different cover crops over two years and modelled soil organic C (SOC) accrual based on biomass production to calculate species-specific GHG balances. We measured N2O emission rates weekly using manual chambers during the cropping season and more frequently during the off-season with a field flux robot. Off-season emissions exceeded those from the growing season, accounting for 67 % (+/- 14 % SD) of annual emissions. Among the cover crops, oilseed radish had the largest N2O emissions and the largest off-season contribution, whereas a herb mixture and ryegrasses (Lolium perenne and Lolium multiflorum) emitted less N2O than barley grown without cover crops. The largest emissions were observed during diurnal freeze-thaw cycles and spring thaw. Based on the estimated GHG balances (measured N2O emissions vs. modelled SOC accrual), we conclude that winter-hardy cover crops have the potential to reduce overall GHG emissions. In contrast, frostsensitive cover crops support large N2O emissions during winter, undermining the mitigation effect of SOC accrual. Our findings emphasise the importance of including off-season N2O emissions in C farming schemes that use cover crops in temperate and hemiboreal cereal production systems
To clear-cut or not to clear-cut: Diversifying benefits from small-scale forestry in Sweden
No full textThis study explores the motivations, perceived benefits, and challenges associated with the adoption of clearcutfree forestry by early adopters among non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners in southern-central Sweden. Clearcut-free forestry, characterized by continuous tree cover and an emphasis on biodiversity, structural diversity, and ecosystem services (ES), is increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to conventional intensive management based on short rotations and clear-cutting practices. Based on qualitative interviews with 22 NIPF owners who have adopted this approach, the study provides insights into how these early adopters perceive the value of clearcut-free forestry. Reported motivations include environmental concerns, such as biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, as well as strong socio-cultural values linked to family traditions, aesthetic preferences, and community wellbeing. In this study, we use the multi-level perspective (MLP) framework to conceptualize NIPF owners who have adopted clearcut-free forestry as niche actors and analyze their potential contribution to the emergence of an alternative forest management regime. The findings highlight that early adopters associate multiple benefits with clearcut-free forestry, encompassing enhanced ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, habitat preservation, and socio-cultural enrichment through recreation and relational values. However, the interviewees identify several interrelated challenges, including knowledge gaps, lack of clear definitions and standardized practices, limited advisory services, underdeveloped value chains for high-quality timber, and market barriers, which hinder more widespread adoption. Within the multi-level perspective, owner perceptions linking clearcut-free management with improved forest multifunctionality serve as a key driver of niche-level experimentation. This suggests an alignment between these owners and evolving societal demands for more inclusive, sustainable, and diversified forest use. Policy recommendations include targeted investments in knowledge co-production, infrastructure, market incentives, and certification schemes to support the economic viability and broader adoption of clearcut-free forestry
Preparation, characterization, and oxidative stability of black soybean oil body-based oleogels
No full textOil bodies (OBs) are natural emulsions existing in the form of proteins wrapping liquid oil. Due to their environmentally friendly extraction process, rich nutrition, and natural emulsification characteristics, OB exhibits great potential for application in the food industry. In this study, we combined black soybean oil body (BSOB) emulsion separately with four anionic polysaccharides including carrageenan (C), pectin (P), sodium alginate (S), and xanthan (X) through electrostatic deposition. We then prepared BSOB-based oleogels using the emulsion template method. Additionally, we evaluated the microstructure and physical properties of the oleogels such as oil holding capacity, texture, rheological properties, and oxidative stability using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), a rheometer, texture analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter, and other instruments. The results showed that the electrostatic interaction between anionic polysaccharides and BSOB emulsion reduced BSOB aggregation and increased BSOB stability, thus reducing the leakage of oil droplets in BSOB from the threedimensional (3D) structure during the freeze-drying process. After adding anionic polysaccharides, the gel strength of the oleogels improved, and the oil holding capacity and oxidation stability also significantly increased (
Pathways to sustainability or collapse in inland small-scale aquaculture systems: insights from a social-ecological systems model
No full textDespite the promise of inland small-scale aquaculture for improving food security and alleviating poverty, the long-term sustainability of such production systems remains poorly understood, particularly in contexts where economic and ecological processes reinforce each other. This paper develops a stylized social-ecological model that captures feedbacks between producer wealth, fish biomass, and nutrient dynamics in inland pond-based small-scale aquaculture systems. The model reveals how these intertwined feedbacks shape the long-term dynamics of the system and lead to monostability, bistability, or multistability. These regimes correspond to a collapse, a high-yield but high-risk, and a sustainable equilibrium in fish production. Using bifurcation and stability analysis, we identify six dynamic scenarios: Balanced efficiency, Overload, Flux, Knife-edge, Tipping pond and Decay, that represent qualitatively different long-term outcomes. Rather than predicting specific outcomes, the model gives a structural understanding of small-scale aquaculture system dynamics and highlights the importance of local context and producers' heterogeneity in shaping the outcomes. It also provides a theoretical foundation for scenario-based management and empirical model development
Disrupting tree continuity through clearcut forestry can alter the climate sensitivity of future tree growth in northern Sweden
No full textDisrupting tree continuity through clearcut forestry is a widespread management practice across the boreal biome. However, concerns remain that forests regenerated after clearcutting may be more sensitive to climatic fluctuations. We examined how clearcutting affects tree growth responses to weather variability, focusing particularly on the extreme 2018 drought. We collected tree-ring width data from forests in northern Sweden that either were clearcut similar to 60 years prior to the study or never had been clearcut but exposed to past selective logging. We tested whether growth responses to interannual weather variations variables differed between these forest types and assessed how the differences were mediated by soil organic matter, soil temperature stability, and variations in tree age, size, and early growth rates. Forests regenerated after clearcutting showed greater responsive to interannual variation in weather, being more negatively affected by increasing temperature but more positively affected by precipitation. During the 2018 drought, clearcut forests exhibited a mean growth reduction of 19 %, compared to 11 % in non-clearcut forests. The higher drought resistance in non-clearcut forests was primarily associated with greater mean tree age and slower early growth rate. However, as these variables are strongly correlated with clearcutting history, their independent mediation effects are difficult to interpret. Our results suggest that clearcut forestry may increase the sensitivity of regenerating forests to climatic variability. Further research is needed to disentangle the underlying mechanisms and to determine how forest management practices can promote greater climatic resilience in boreal ecosystems
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in the Scheldt Estuary: Insights from target, suspect and non-target screening of water, sediment and bivalves
No full textPer- , polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a concern due to their persistence and widespread environmental distribution. This study analysed PFAS in water, sediment , bivalves (resident blue mussels and translocated Asian clams) along the Scheldt Estuary (the Netherlands-Belgium) using target, suspect screening (SS), and non-target analysis (NTA). As a result, various PFAS, including ultra-short-, short-, and long-chain PFAS, were detected in varying concentrations. Targeted analysis detected 8 PFAS in water (& sum;PFAS: 9.4-585 ng/L), 11 PFAS in sediment (& sum;PFAS: 7.5-47.8 ng/g dw), and 8 PFAS in bivalves (& sum;PFAS: 1.8-17.5 ng/g ww). SS and NTA detected 7 to 9 additional PFAS in each matrix, with estimated & sum;PFAS concentrations ranging from 883 to 6421 ng/L in water, 49 to 110 ng/g dw in sediment, and 42 to 111 ng/g ww in bivalves. Short-chain PFAS dominated the relative contributions to & sum;concentrations in each matrix. The Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in surface water (0.65 ng/L) was exceeded at most locations, while in bivalves it remained below the biota EQS of 9.1 ng/g ww at all sites. Estimated & sum;PFAS concentrations based on SS and NTA generally exceeded results from targeted analysis in each matrix, emphasizing the importance of untargeted methods for comprehensive PFAS monitoring and risk assessments. Notably, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (TFMS) dominated at an in- dustrial estuary reach, while several precursors were tentatively annotated. Multivariate analyses indicated inverse correlations between bivalve-sediment & sum;PFAS and positive sediment PFAS correlations with TOC and clay, indicating sorption-limited bioavailability. While this study provides valuable insights on the distribution of PFAS in estuarine ecosystems, future studies should consider suspended particulate matter and tidal cycles to better understand the environmental fate of these contaminants
Diet breadth and microhabitat mediate predator community resilience to agricultural intensification and extreme weather
No full textLand-use intensification and climate change have strong filtering effects on arthropod communities. Intensification increases landscape homogeneity and field-scale disturbance while extreme weather events are increasing with climate change. To disentangle their impacts, we analyzed predatory arthropod abundance and diversity across microhabitats (canopy, ground) and diet breadth (specialist, generalist, omnivore) in 58 sorghum fields in Uruguay over two years. Using a trait-based framework and Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities, we found that double cropping negatively affected predator communities, reducing canopy predator abundance and ground predator species richness, especially ground omnivores. Larger fields decreased the proportion of canopy specialists in the community, and landscape homogeneity increased the proportion of ground omnivores. Extreme weather mainly affected ground predators, with species richness and abundance decreasing with high rainfall variability. The proportion of ground specialists decreased with both variable rainfall and more hot days. Omnivorous and generalist ground predators were more resilient to climatic stress and canopy predator abundance increased under heat extremes. Our findings suggest that land-use intensification exerts stronger negative effects on predator communities than extreme weather, though the latter can further reduce functional diversity. To enhance predator community resilience and support biological control, management strategies should prioritize reducing disturbances, such as double-cropping, and creating refuges within fields to protect against climatic extremes