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Case study on bioactive compounds derived from food wastes
No full textThe global food industry generates a large amount of waste, which presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity to utilize valuable bioactive compounds (proteins, fibers, polysaccharides, flavoring agents, and phytochemicals). In many countries, these bioactive compounds are considered essential for producing nutraceuticals and functional foods, which are gaining popularity among consumers. Recent studies show that food waste, especially by-products of fruits and vegetables, is an excellent source of bioactive compounds. These can be extracted and incorporated into food matrices to create nutraceuticals, functional foods, or natural food additives. A comprehensive review of the classification, origin, extraction, and application of bioactive compounds from food waste underlines the study findings. This chapter highlights the potential of bioactive compounds derived from food waste as a sustainable solution to the global food waste issue and the growing demand for health-promoting natural ingredients
Evaluating a novel hydrocolloid alternative for yogurt production: Rheological, microstructural, and sensory properties
No full textThis study aimed to assess the viability of a new gelling agent, formed by a combination of disodium 5-guanylate and lactic acid, as a potential substitute for conventional hydrocolloids in yogurt production. Six different yogurt samples containing novel gel (combination of lactic acid and disodium 5-guanylate), disodium 5-guanylate, gelatin, agar-agar, lactic acid, and a control yogurt without any hydrocolloid or other additives, were studied. As expected, all the yogurt samples exhibited shear-thinning behavior. The novel gel yogurt, when compared to the control yogurt, displayed similar viscosity at a low shear rate of 4.5 s⁻¹ (mimicking the shearing during manual scooping with a spoon) and lower viscosity at a shear rate of 60.8 s⁻¹ (mimicking the agitation in the mouth). Notably, the novel gel yogurt demonstrated a lower flow behavior index (0.13 vs. 0.40 on day 1), reduced syneresis (23.37% vs. 33.75%), and had a higher consistency coefficient (9.2 vs. 7.25 on day 1) compared to the control yogurt. The novel gel yogurt exhibited superior rupture strength compared to yogurt with other hydrocolloids, such as gelatin and agar-agar, and similar brittleness to yogurt with gelatin. Microstructural analysis revealed an aggregated and compact protein network in the novel gel yogurt, analogous to the yogurt with gelatin. Sensory evaluations indicated no significant differences between the control and the novel gel yogurt. Therefore, the novel gelling agent studied can serve as a cost-effective alternative in yogurt production, compared to conventional hydrocolloids that are in short supply, in high demand, and expensive in the market
Beyond retreat: Land–seascape legacies of change and continuation
No full textPlanned retreat is an increasingly common climate adaptation approach. Whilst effective at reducing exposure to unacceptable risks, it is subject to significant resistance. In response, research has focussed on risk, governance and justice, but there has been less attention on spatial perspectives, including how spaces are reconfigured and the resultant land–seascape legacies. We identify 161 cases of planned retreat and develop a typology to analyse land use change in origin sites worldwide. In many cases, we find land transfer from private to public ownership, and restoration of land and environmental relations, to a complete failure to consider spatial legacies. The research stresses the importance of moving beyond planned retreat as risk management to consider longer-term spatial relations. Consequently, we argue, the definition and practice of ‘planned retreat’ must include early planning for the values, uses and reconfigurations of origin sites, extending the bounds of reimagination beyond ‘retreat’ and beyond the site
“I tried to keep quiet but my ancestors wouldn’t let me": Rakatahi Māori and local government planning and decision-making in Aotearoa : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Planning at Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University
No full textThe call from Māori for greater autonomy in planning and decision-making has become increasingly evident at a national level, calling out the Government for their role in inequality and Māori marginalisation (Maipi-Clarke, 2023). Rakatahi Māori (Māori Youth) make up a large portion of this group, equating to 46.5% of all Māori in Aotearoa (Te Whata, 2023).
Through their lived experiences, this research investigates the role of Rakatahi Māori in Local Government planning and decision-making in Aotearoa, focusing on Waitaha. Specifically, this research determines the pathways for their participation in Local Government, the extent to which Local Government institutions give effect to the opinions and values of Rakatahi Māori, and the perceived barriers and limitations to Rakatahi Māori participation in planning and decision-making.
The research is conceptualised through te Rakaia Awa, where each section follows the flow of the Awa as it travels across Kā Pākihi Whakatekateka a Waitaha, ki uta ki tai. Conversational interviews were informed by te Tapatoru, a qualitative model of whanaukataka to support Rakatahi Māori wellbeing within policy and practice. The research considers the lived experience of five Rakatahi Mana Whenua and two Rakatahi Mātāwaka. Whilst the findings from these kōrero expressed varying levels of discontent with their experience in Local Government, a core theme emerged recognising that Rakatahi Māori hold aspirations for what these spaces could be.
Weaving together the findings, in the context of the literature, the research presents three key insights. The first insight is flexible approaches are required to support Rakatahi Māori, recognising the role of whānau and whanaukataka. The second insight moves beyond a structural shift and raises the need for improved cultural safety. It recognises that this is an iterative process centring the focus onto the experience of the Rakatahi. The final insight is the recognition of the expectations set upon Rakatahi Mana Whenua verses Rakatahi Mātāwaka and considers the challenge of being asked to navigate conflicting responsibilities.
The insights indicate that Youth representative spaces are not functioning as they could. They signal a tension between the Local Government institutional structure and the realisation of the aspirations of Rakatahi Māori. Therefore, this research suggests that the aspirations of Rakatahi Māori provide a guide to reconceptualising what the future of Rakatahi Māori representative spaces could look like. The research recognises that Rakatahi Māori representation may need to vary away from the expectations of the contemporary adult context and asks, who will take responsibility for ensuring that the aspirations of Rakatahi Māori are heard and upheld
From willingness to engage to willingness to pay: A behavioral experiment on green consumer information in a digital product passport
No full textInformation represents the "third wave" of environmental policy. Existing evidence shows consumers increase their willingness to pay (WTP) for environmentally friendly products with clear labelling. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding whether consumers have a willingness to engage (WTE) with detailed information, for example, through a Digital Product Passport (DPP). This technological innovation is part of the European Union's new circular economy action plan. In our theoretical model, a green consumer decides whether to invest in information on how to mitigate their environmental damage, but at a cognitive cost. We test the model in a lab experiment selling an environmentally friendly toothbrush, but information about its environmental credentials is only available through a DPP. We find education on the DPP's purpose is key to increasing revealed WTE when a DPP is available. Participants with a high stated WTE engage with the DPP regardless; the increase in revealed WTE comes from those with a lower stated WTE. Engagement with the DPP, in the case that it contains positive environmental information, increases WTP. The policy implications of our results are that education about the purpose of the DPP is required in order to increase the likelihood of actual consumer engagement with it, as long as it is user friendly. However, engagement with a DPP may not lead to further shifts in environmental orientation and behavior. Our study also demonstrates novel measures of WTE, and how these can be used to understand pro-environmental consumer behavior in a theoretically informed manner
Evaluating sensory impacts of SO₂ alternatives in Chardonnay using the difference from control (DFC) test
No full textLees ageing is a common practice in Chardonnay winemaking, contributing to complex flavours and textures through yeast autolysis. To preserve wine during this process, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is widely used for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, concerns over potential allergenic effects have prompted the exploration of SO₂ alternatives. This study investigates the sensory effects of adding SO₂ alternatives during lees ageing in Chardonnay using the Difference from Control (DFC) test for sensory analysis. Wine added with 60ppm of SO₂ before lees ageing was used as a control, and treatments included the addition of chitosan (500ppm, CH) and glutathione-enriched inactivated dry yeast (400 ppm, GR) with either no SO₂ or half the control SO₂ dosage (CHS30, GRS30). Sensory analysis compared each treatment to the control using pre-selected sensory attributes with an intensity scale ranging from much stronger (+3) to much weaker (-3). Wine professionals were used without further training. A blind control was included to check the internal validity of the assessors and statistical analysis was conducted using Dunnett’s test. Significant differences were found in the attributes related to malolactic fermentation and yeast autolysis. CH showed lower butter/cream/cheese intensity, while GRS30 resulted in lower bread/toast/nut intensity, highlighting the sensory impact of these SO2 alternatives. These findings provide valuable insights for winemakers seeking to use SO2 alternatives to make suitable wine styles with desirable characteristics
Leveraging ecotourism experiences to drive sustainable behaviours: perspective of mangrove ecotourists
No full textPurpose
This study examines the relationships between tourist experiences, satisfaction and sustainable behaviours in mangrove ecotourism. It also explores the moderating effect of gender on the satisfaction–sustainable behaviour link, addressing gaps in sustainable tourism research.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 399 young Indonesian tourists visiting mangrove ecotourism destinations. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the data and assess the proposed relationships among experience quality, satisfaction and sustainable behaviours, including the moderating role of gender.
Findings
The study reveals that service quality is the strongest contributor to satisfaction, followed by eco-educational quality. Satisfaction, in turn, plays a central role in driving environmental concern, pro-environmental intentions and loyalty to mangrove ecotourism. The analysis reveals that gender plays a moderating role in the satisfaction–behaviour link, as satisfied male tourists exhibit higher pro-environmental intentions than their female counterparts. This counters prevailing expectations and suggests a more nuanced understanding of gender’s role in shaping sustainable tourism actions.
Practical implications
Ecotourism operators should prioritize service excellence through continuous staff development, embed meaningful eco-education in tour design and create targeted messaging tailored to different gender profiles. For example, male-oriented strategies may focus on measurable environmental impacts and logical appeals, while female-oriented messages can highlight community, empathy and long-term social value. These approaches can help foster deeper and more diverse engagement in sustainable practices.
Originality/value
This study advances theoretical understanding by integrating the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) model with the experience economy framework, offering a comprehensive explanation of how immersive ecotourism experiences influence behavioural outcomes. It also provides novel insights into gender-based differences, particularly the unexpected patterns of pro-environmental commitment among male tourists
Evaluating the suitability of large-scale datasets to estimate nitrogen loads and yields across different spatial scales
No full textDecision makers are often confronted with inadequate information to predict nutrient loads and yields in freshwater ecosystems at large spatial scales. We evaluate the potential of using data mapped at large spatial scales (regional to global) and often coarse resolution to predict nitrogen yields at varying smaller scales (e.g., at the catchment and stream reach level). We applied the SPAtially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) model in three regions: the Upper Midwest part of the United States, New Zealand, and the Grande River Basin in southeastern Brazil. For each region, we compared predictions of nitrogen delivery between models developed using novel large-scale datasets and those developed using local-scale datasets. Large-scale models tended to underperform the local-scale models in poorly monitored areas. Despite this, large-scale models are well suited to generate hypotheses about relative effects of different nutrient source categories (point and urban, agricultural, native vegetation) and to identify knowledge gaps across spatial scales when data are scarce. Regardless of the spatial resolution of the predictors used in the models, a representative network of water quality monitoring stations is key to improve the performance of large-scale models used to estimate loads and yields. We discuss avenues of research to understand how this large-scale modelling approach can improve decision making for managing catchments at local scales, particularly in data poor regions
Snacks, sweets, soups, salads and shakes: investigating predictors of kiwi consumers’ willingness to recommend and pay more for sea-vegetable products
No full textSea-vegetables have gained increased importance in New Zealand. The present study investigates predictors impacting New Zealand consumers’ willingness to recommend and pay more for sea-vegetable-based products. Based on an online consumer survey using partial least square structural equation modeling, results indicate that willingness to pay a price premium, the importance of social impact, intangible product attributes and product information were the strongest predictors. Similarly, food safety concerns and the importance of intangible product attributes and product information were the most important predictors of consumers’ willingness to recommend sea-vegetables. Recommendations for NZ food marketers are provided
Reorienting urban stream management to focus on equitable delivery of benefits
No full textUrban streams are often managed in ways that contribute to societal inequities. Members of marginalized groups are frequently exposed to elevated flood risk and impaired water quality, with reduced access to essential water infrastructure and greenspace within stream corridors. The freshwater science research community has traditionally argued for stream management that improves ecological integrity, which can have the unintended consequence of steering investments away from the most degraded streams, which are often in low-income neighborhoods. We argue that it is time to reorient municipal stream management programs towards the objective of equitable delivery of benefits, which can take many forms, and to de-emphasize the goal of restoring streams to the pre-development ecological condition. To meet the objective of equitable delivery of benefits, municipalities will need to establish systems of collaborative governance, in which community organizations are empowered to participate as equal partners in urban stream management decision-making. We recognize the many practical challenges municipalities face in making these transitions, which will vary by country and region. Here, we identify some opportunities and highlight case studies illustrating how some communities are taking steps toward more equitable urban stream management