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The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical-economic process efficiency of obtaining simultaneous lipo-soluble (LSF) and water-soluble (WSF) fractions from annatto seeds.

The batches of annatto seeds were submitted to the refrigerated solid-liquid extraction process in four stages: pre-extraction, aqueous extraction, separation by decantation and filtration. After that, LSF and WSF from annatto seeds were obtained. The process efficiency and the quality of LSF and WSF were analyzed in terms of average yield and bioactive compounds (bixin, norbixin, phenolics and flavonoids) and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, they were economically evaluated in terms of costs of manufacturing and profitability parameters.

The process was efficient in terms of overall average yield (LSF = 8.68% and WSF = 2.76%) (w/w) and in terms of quality, mainly with higher average yields of bixin (82.34% in LSF) and norbixin (29.59% in WSF) (w/w). The concentration of bioactive compounds in the fractions promoted an increase in inhibiting free radicals (DPPH* and ABTS*+) and in the ferric-reducing power (FRAP). LSF showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.06 mg mL-1 for S. aureus and 0.13 mg mL-1 for S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis. The lowest manufacturing costs were obtained for the LSF due to its higher extraction yield compared to the WSF. Plants on an industrial scale of 100 and 1000 L were considered economically viable, with a return on investment of 5 and 2 years.

Thus, fractions (WSF and LSF) can be applied as natural additives, as sources of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and/or pharmaceutical, and in the development of other innovative processes. These results have practical applicability for pharmaceutical and food industry.

1. Green processing of annatto seeds obtains fractions rich in antioxidant compounds.

2. Efficiently presents a high yield of bixin and other bioactive compounds.

3. Effective in concentrating compounds that inhibit microbial growth.

4. Fractions are more accessible sources of bioactive compounds for isolation.

5. Cost of manufacturing (COM) and profitability are studied.

Green processing of annatto seeds obtains fractions rich in antioxidant compounds.

Efficiently presents a high yield of bixin and other bioactive compounds.

Effective in concentrating compounds that inhibit microbial growth.

Fractions are more accessible sources of bioactive compounds for isolation.

Cost of manufacturing (COM) and profitability are studied.

The aim of this paper is to assess whether the current European target to increase the areas under organic farming to 25% by 2030 is attainable and whether the simple increase in areas under organic farming may be sufficient to improve the sustainability of European agriculture.

The analysis has been carried out through a simple data processing related to areas under organic farming, for the period 2012–2020 (Eurostat database), in order to highlight the trends of areas under organic farming and to verify whether the annual average change rates may be compatible with the stated target.

The analysis showed that organic farming has a productive weight not corresponding to the amount on the total of the areas under cultivation and a small impact on the total of food consumption. It is a plausible hypothesis, the one that shows the increase in areas under organic farming will engage forms of agriculture and farms that, already, are more sustainable, so the achievement of 25% target will not particularly impact the European potential productive and the less environmental sustainable forms of agriculture.

This paper contributes to the debate, involving scientific community, policy maker and civil society, about the real contribution of organic farming to sustainability, and it will be developed in future research.

This study aims to examine the effect of traditional fermentation on gari’s total heavy metal and mineral nutrient content.

This study used a quantitative approach, descriptive-analytical design to baseline the risk of heavy metals and experimental design to assess the effect of traditional fermentation. Data were analyzed using descriptives, univariate and multivariate analysis.

Although gari is rich in mineral nutrients (total calcium 3.9 ± 0.1 g/kg, copper 5.5 ± 0.02 mg/kg, iron 97.1 ± 5.8 mg/kg, potassium 9.1 ± 0.29 g/kg and zinc 3.4 ± 0.11 mg/kg), the significant levels of heavy metals (total arsenic 1.2 ± 0.01, cadmium 2.5 ± 0.04, lead 1.7 ± 0.01, mercury 2.8 ± 0.01 and tin 1.7 ± 0.02 mg/kg) present are a cause for concern. The results further suggested that traditional fermentation has reductive effects on some heavy metals and stabilizing or concentrating effects on mineral nutrients.

This paper provides evidence that traditional fermentation may have exploitable differential effects on heavy metal contaminants and mineral nutrients that should be further explored.

Thise study reports fermentation implications for mitigating food with high heavy metal contaminants with minimal nutrient loss.

This study fulfills an identified need to optimize traditional fermentation to ensure food safety and nutrient security.

This study aims to use whiteness (WI) and yellowness indices (YI) that were calculated from the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color parameter to evaluate the efficiency of some triazole fungicides [propiconazole (C₁₅H₁₇Cl₂N₃O₂) and tebuconazole (C₁₆H₂₂ClN₃O)] to protect wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration.

Archeological wooden samples were collected from some historical Islamic buildings in Cairo, Egypt. Three species of fungi were identified in previous work. Propiconazole and tebuconazole with different concentrations treated the infected wooden samples aged for different periods. WI and YI of studied samples were measured using UV spectrophotometer. Calibration and uncertainty estimation accompanied by color measurement were studied.

Studying the uncertainty sources of diffuse reflection of the standard white tiles revealed that the uncertainty of calibration for both the spectrophotometer and white tiles had the highest contribution. The treated samples with tebuconazole and propiconazole fungicides gave good resistance against fungal deterioration at 0.50% for WI and YI.

This study presents the importance of colorimetry in the conservation field because they are considered one of the most important criteria to evaluate conservation materials. From color measurements and their uncertainties, it became clear that triazole fungicides have good efficiency in the protection of wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration. The value of this study is that propiconazole and tebuconazole fungicides at 0.50% can be applied to archaeological wood that is endangered to improper conditions, especially in the case of high levels of relative humidity.

The purpose of this paper is to study the correlation between different topographies and the reaction of Ulva Linza fouling species.

In this research, topographies with a different method, such as hot embossing and hot pulling, were achieved, and biological analyses were done with macroalgae Ulva Linza cells. The effect of topography via local binding geometry (honeycomb size gradients) and Wenzel roughness on the settling of Ulva microorganisms was tested.

As a result, Ulva spores confirmed different reactions to a similar set of tapered microstructures that was in agreement with the results on distinct honeycombs. The local binding geometry and the Wenzel roughness factor “r” were dominant on settling of Ulva Linza spores.

The reaction of an organism at the interface of vehicles’ substrate is powerfully affected by surface topographies.

The best embedment occurred on structures with bigger sizes than Ulva Linza’s spores. The density of settled spores was proportional to Wenzel roughness and the spores favour to attach to “kink sites” positions.

Unfortunately, unpleasant aggregation of marine biofouling on marine vehicles’ surfaces, generate terrific difficulties in the relevant industry.

There was a sharp relationship between Wenzel roughness and settle of Ulva Linza spores. The local binding geometry and the Wenzel roughness factor “r” were dominant on settling of Ulva Linza spores.

The aim of this study is to understand the environmental benefits and economic savings associated with adoption of circular economy in the construction sector. The research findings will support different stakeholders and decision makers to develop business models based on responsible consumption of resources and build sustainable business models.

The research uses mixed methodology wherein inventory for life cycle assessment and life cycle costing for environmental and economic impacts is based on primary data using on-site visits for qualitative and quantitative data.

Different types of land transportation infrastructures are compared for their environmental impacts. It is found that bridges have the highest environmental impacts as compared to tunnels, roads and railways. Further, the results affirm the environmental and economic benefits of adopting circular economy practices.

This is one of a kind research that compares the environmental and economic tradeoffs of adopting circular economy in different types of land transportation infrastructures.

The service environment of urban polyethylene (PE) pipes has a crucial influence on their long-term safety and performance. Based on the application and structural performance analysis of PE pipe failure cases, this study aims to investigate the impact of organic substances in the soil on the aging behavior of PE pipes by designing organic solutions with different concentrations, which are based on the composition of organic substances in the soil environment, and periodic immersion tests.

Soil samples in the vicinity of the failed pipes were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, sensitive organic substances were screened and soaking solutions of different concentrations were designed. After the soaking test, the PE pipe samples were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and other testing methods.

The performance difference between the outer surface and the middle of the cross section of PE pipes highlights the influence of the soil service environment on their aging. Different organic solutions can have varying impacts on the aging behavior of PE pipes when immersed. For instance, when exposed to amine organic solutions, PE pipes may have an increased weight and decreased material yield strength, although there is no reduction in their thermal or oxygen stability. On the contrary, when subjected to ether organic solutions, the surface of PE pipe specimens may be affected, leading to a reduction in material fracture elongation and a decrease in their thermal and oxygen stability. Furthermore, immersion in either amine or ether organic solutions may result in the production of hydroxyl and other aging groups on the surface of the material.

Understanding the potential impact of organic substances in the soil environment on the aging of PE pipe ensures the long-term performance and safety of urban PE pipe. This research approach will provide valuable insights into improving the durability and reliability of urban PE pipes in soil environments.

This study focuses on owner-managers’ paternalism and its effects on human resource management (HRM) in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to describe and discuss how owner-managers paternalism enhanced the sustainability of exemplary MSMEs.

A qualitative approach employing Heideggerian interpretive phenomenological methodology was used. Data were collected from 30 exemplary MSME restaurants using non-participant observation, document analysis and in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 75 key informants: 30 owner-managers and 45 of their employees in 10 Thai tourist provinces over three time periods. Verbatim transcripts were coded using template analysis to generate distilled data summaries.

Four HRM themes were identified: (1) staffing, (2) development, (3) performance management and (4) compensation. A proposed model was suggested to understand how owner-managers’ paternalism affects four HRM practices. Owner-managers use their authority, combined with high levels of benevolence and morality, through supportiveness and kindness for employees to meet both their work and personal needs. Specifically, their employees repay them through performance and loyalty. This reciprocal relationship positively impacts employers, employees and MSMEs.

The generalization of the study's outcomes is limited by the sample size and study methodology. The findings propose alternative HRM practices for Thai restaurants, therefore, generalization to all types of MSMEs and all areas of the world is not possible. In future research, it would be useful to consider a mixed-methods approach using large samples of MSMEs across the country or in other countries. Some small HR issues that were noted in this study, such as using the horoscope, astrology and zodiac as hiring tools, could be studied further. Future studies should explore the main thrust and relationship established between owner-managers and employees to drive MSMEs' performance.

The findings may be used as guidelines for creating a deep bond between employers and employees to strengthen MSMEs and foster sustainability.

Important for instilling HRM practices in MSMEs. This paper provides policy implications for governments, relevant public agencies and other developing countries. They need to put forward for consideration of new strategies for migrant policy, in order to solve the shortage of labor in MSMEs. A well-considered policy could increase employee well-being during crises by bringing supportive strategies together.

This study expands knowledge of the effects of paternalism on HRM practices in shaping employer and employee relationships through social exchange theory (SET).

Concrete, the second most used material in the world, surpassed only by water, relies on a vast amount of cement. The process of cement production emits substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Consequently, it is crucial to search for cement alternatives. Geopolymer concrete (GC) uses industrial by-product material instead of traditional cement, which not only reduces CO₂ emissions but also enhances concrete durability. On the other hand, the disposal of concrete waste in the landfills represents a significant environmental challenge, emphasising the urgent need for sustainable solutions. This study aimed to investigate waste concrete's best form and rate as the alternative aggregates in self-compacting and ambient-cured GC to preserve natural resources, reduce construction and demolition waste and decrease pertinent CO₂ emissions. The binding material employed in this research encompasses fly ash, slag, micro fly ash and anhydrous sodium metasilicate as an alkali activator. It also introduces the best treatment method to improve the recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) quality.

A total of25%, 50% and 100% of coarse aggregates are replaced with RCAs to cast self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) and assess the impact of RCA on the fresh, hardened and water absorption properties of the ambient-cured GC. Geopolymer slurry was used for coating RCAs and the authors examined the effect of one-day and seven-day cured coated RCA. The mechanical properties (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity), rheological properties (slump flow, T500 and J-ring) and total water absorption of RCA-based SCGC were studied. The microstructural and chemical compositions of the concrete mixes were studied by the methods of energy dispersive X-Ray and scanning electron microscopy.

It is evident from the test observations that 100% replacement of natural aggregate with coated RCA using geopolymer slurry containing fly ash, slag, micro fly ash and anhydrous sodium metasilicate cured for one day before mixing enhances the concrete's quality and complies with the flowability requirements. Assessment is based on the fresh and hardened properties of the SCGC with various RCA contents and coating periods. The fresh properties of the mix with a seven-day curing time for coated RCA did not meet the requirements for self-compacting concrete, while this mix demonstrated better compressive strength (31.61 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (15.39 GPa) compared to 29.36 MPa and 9.8 GPa, respectively, for the mix with one-day cured coated RCA. However, incorporating one-day-cured coated RCA in SCGC demonstrated better splitting tensile strength (2.32 MPa) and water absorption (15.16%).

A potential limitation of this study on SCGC with coated RCAs is the focus on the short-term behaviour of this concrete. This limited time frame may not meet the long-term requirements for ensuring the sustained durability of the structures throughout their service life.

This paper highlights the treatment technique of coating RCA with geopolymer slurry for casting SCGC.

There is an increasing need for greater awareness and understanding of the risks climate change poses to farming communities so as to inform appropriate adaptive responses. The purpose of this study is to investigate farmers’ climate change impacts, awareness, risk perception and current adaptation strategies adopted to deal with the impacts of climate change on their livelihood.

This research was undertaken with 67 farmers in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study used a combination of focus group discussion and quantitative survey to obtain data. Surveyed farmers were invited to an initial workshop and asked to take photos of climate change impacts on their land and the adaptation strategies being adopted. The photos were analysed and discussed with the farmers in a second workshop. Then, in a third workshop, farmers and other stakeholders came together to rank the most important consequences of climate change and shared knowledge on adaptation strategies. The survey and photovoice data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The results of this study showed that a majority of the farmers were knowledgeable of climate change, mostly got climate information through media. Floods and high temperatures were perceived as the most occurring climate change-related disaster risks. Majority of the farmers perceived climate change as high risk and have taken up multiple adaptation strategies in response to it, including changing planting times, mulching their land and digging irrigation pits. Farmers’ responses indicated that they want to do more but are restricted by financial resources.

This study outcomes provide evidence for a need to consider stakeholders’ participation in planning climate change responses to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in coastal agricultural communities. Government and relevant agencies as recommended need to support farmers to undertake needed adaptive strategies to adapt with future flooding, high temperature and drought, providing them with necessary facilities to enhance their adaptive capacities.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first studies to use photovoice to investigate climate change awareness, impacts and adaptations strategies with majority female farmers in west Africa. This study highlights the importance of participatory approaches to capture grassroots climate adaptation approaches.