Production Methods Research Articles

METODE PENYULUHAN KELOMPOK DALAM BUDIDAYA PADI SAWAH DI DESA LEBO JAYA KECAMATAN KONDA KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN

The implementation of extension activities is confronted with a multitude of challenges and difficulties. It is therefore imperative for extension workers to possess a comprehensive understanding of the most appropriate and productive extension methods in the context of agricultural extension activities. The objective of this study was to ascertain the efficacy of group extension methods in paddy rice cultivation and to elucidate the relationship between the two. The study population consisted of all rice paddy farmers in Lebo Jaya Village, Konda Subdistrict, with a total of 104 farmers. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, with a degree of error or margin of error of 15%, resulting in a research sample of 31 respondents. The sampling technique employed was simple random sampling. The data were collected via survey, interview, and document analysis, using various media in the form of questionnaires. The research employed a quantitative approach. The research variables were twofold, comprising group extension methods and paddy rice cultivation activities. The data were subjected to quantitative descriptive analysis, employing the class interval formula and the Spearman rank correlation equation. The findings indicated that the implementation of group extension methods in paddy rice cultivation in Lebo Jaya Village was classified as "good." The aforementioned activities, which pertain to paddy rice cultivation specifically, land preparation, seed selection, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control have been classified as "good." The level of application of group counseling methods is found to be significantly and positively related to the cultivation of wet rice in Lebo Jaya Village. The correlation value is 0.542, and the significance of 0.002 is less than 0.05. The strength of the relationship between group extension methods and paddy rice cultivation activities is moderately strong. This indicates that an improvement in the method of agricultural counseling will result in an improvement in rice paddy farming activities in Lebo Jaya Village, Konda Subdistrict, South Konawe District.

Preparation Methods and Quantum Hall Effect of Graphene

Graphene is a two-dimensional ultra-thin functional material. It has the characteristics of light weight, and it exhibits stable chemical properties. In recent years, it has become an excellent candidate material for the modification of various functional devices due to its excellent electrical performance. The performance of graphene is significantly influenced by the preparation method. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the preparation methods of graphene. In addition, these functional devices typically operate in complex external environments, including magnetic fields, temperature fields, and electric fields. Therefore, studying the quantum Hall effect of graphene is of great significance for the use of graphene based devices. This article is written in order to provide a quicker understanding of this field. The preparation methods of graphene are briefly described. Among these methods, several industrialized methods of graphene production are also highlighted. Then, the progresses of quantum Hall effect in graphene are also presented. This work is of great significance for promoting the application of graphene based devices in complex external field environments.

Sulfide Route to Chromium–Nickel–Molybdenum Ferroalloys for Stainless Steel Production

AbstractNew methods of materials separation and metal production utilizing sulfide chemistries may support a paradigm shift in sustainable metallurgy. We leverage sulfidation with elemental sulfur, aluminothermic reduction, and slag refining to obtain a chromium–nickel–molybdenum ferroalloy and stainless steel using a sulfide-based route without direct greenhouse gas emissions. The absence of carbothermic reduction from the mineral, concentrate, and matte feedstocks tried herein indicates that argon-oxygen-decarburization may no longer be necessary to refine stainless steel products.

Effects of Li concentration in the precursor solution on NiO thin films deposited using electrostatic spray deposition

Abstract Undoped and Li-added NiO thin films were deposited using electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) techniques. Initially, the NiO thin films displayed minimal contamination, predominantly C and H. The NiO thin films exhibited a flat surface morphology comprising grains of uniform size, approximately 20–30 nm in diameter, and reliable crystal growth, with a full width at half maximum of approximately 0.30 in X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, the NiO/ZnO diode demonstrated superior properties when a 5 at. % Li concentration solution was incorporated. The rectification ratio reached approximately 2.3 × 10³ at ± 1.0 V, with an ideality factor of 1.9. Additionally, the NiO/ZnO diodes exhibited remarkable photovoltaic properties even without detailed optimization. These findings underscore the potential of ESD in advancing semiconductor thin-film technology, thereby paving the way for more cost-effective and scalable production methods.

Advancing Osteoarthritis Treatment: The Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and Biomaterial Integration

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and debilitating joint disorder characterized by progressive cartilage degradation and inflammation, for which traditional treatments offer only symptomatic relief without halting disease progression. Exosomes, cell-free vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells, have emerged as a promising alternative therapy owing to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: This review synthesizes findings from recent studies (2017–2023) on the therapeutic potential of exosomes in OA treatment, highlighting their ability to modulate the joint microenvironment, reduce inflammation, and promote cartilage repair by delivering bioactive molecules such as cytokines, growth factors, and regulatory ribonucleic acids. Results: We explore the integration of exosomes with biomaterials, such as hydrogels and scaffolds, to enhance their delivery and therapeutic efficacy, and we address the critical challenges associated with their clinical application, including standardization of isolation and characterization methods, scalability of production, mechanistic understanding, and long-term safety. Despite these challenges, exosome-based therapies offer several advantages over traditional and cell-based treatments, including lower immunogenicity, ease of handling, and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to damaged tissues. Conclusions: We provide an analytical perspective on the current state of exosome research in OA, emphasizing the need for standardized production methods, deeper mechanistic insights, and rigorous long-term safety assessments. Future directions should focus on optimizing delivery systems, exploring personalized medicine approaches, and conducting comparative effectiveness studies to fully realize the potential of exosome therapies for OA treatment. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for translating exosome therapies from bench to bedside and achieving a transformative impact on OA management.

Advanced functional polymer materials for biomedical applications

AbstractPolymer structures are essential in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form intricate structures on micro‐ to nanometer scales. This review, emphasizing electrospinning and phase inversion techniques, examines the fabrication strategies and chemical design of polymer structures for biomedical use. Electrospinning, particularly needleless electrospinning, produces nanofibres with high porosity and flexibility and is widely applied in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Phase inversion, including thermal, nonsolvent‐, vapor‐ and evaporation‐induced phase separation, allows precise control over polymer properties but faces challenges in terms of cooling rates and solvent characteristics. Chemical design through doping, functionalization, cross‐linking and copolymerization enhances the biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties of polymers, facilitating advanced applications in drug delivery, tissue scaffolding and biosensors. Advanced functional polymers are revolutionizing biomedical fields, offering innovative solutions for therapeutic medicine delivery, disease detection, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. Despite remarkable progress, challenges, such as scalability, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental impact, persist. This review underscores the transformative potential of advanced polymer materials in medical treatments and advocates for continuous research and interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome existing challenges and fully exploit the capabilities of these materials in improving patient care and medical outcomes. Future perspectives highlight enhancing precision control mechanisms, integrating phase inversion with other techniques and developing large‐scale production methods to advance the field further.

Study the Antifungal Effects of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on the Aspergillus niger, Microsporum canis, and Candida albicans

: The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant fungal pathogens and the limitations of current antifungal therapies underscore the need for novel alternative treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on three clinically significant fungi: Aspergillus niger, Microsporum canis, and Candida albicans. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using plant-based extracts to ensure eco-friendly production methods. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using UV spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Characterization assays revealed spherical particles with colloidal stability, an average size of approximately 80 nm, a Polydispersity Index of 0.4, and a surface charge of 62.3 mV. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values demonstrated effective suppression of fungal growth at low nanoparticle concentrations. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of green-synthesized Ag NPs as a promising alternative to conventional antifungal agents, emphasizing their significant advantages in biocompatibility and eco-friendliness. These findings could pave the way for a new era in treating fungal infections, particularly those caused by drug-resistant strains.

Innovative system to maximize methane production from fruit and vegetable waste.

Anaerobic digestion of fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) offers an environmentally friendly alternative for waste disposal, converting it into methane for energy recovery. Typically, FVW digestion is conducted in a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) due to its ease of use and stability with solid concentrations between 5 and 10%. However, CSTRs are limited to organic loading rates (OLRs) of about 3kg COD/m3.day, resulting in large reactor volumes, low methane productivity, and costly wet digestate handling. This work introduces a novel method for methane production from FVW using a high-rate reactor system. The proposed approach involves grinding, centrifuging, and/or pressing the FVW to separate it into liquid and solid phases. The liquid phase is then digested in an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, while the solid phase undergoes digestion in a dry methanization reactor. A model incorporating all biological reactors was implemented in the Anaerobic Digestion Model 1 (ADM1) to provide a theoretical basis for the experimental development of this system. The current simulation scenarios offer initial references for operating the experimental system, which will, in turn, generate data for further model refinement. For instance, constrained liquid-gas mass transfer was considered for dry fermentation, with additional potential biochemical kinetic limitations to be incorporated following on experimental evidence. The success of this system could enable energy recovery in 72 Central Wholesale Markets across Brazil, offering a critical tool for planning, operating, and optimizing such systems.

Cost-Effective Multispectral Sensor and Artificial Neural Networks for the Detection of Starch Adulteration in Raw Milk

This study aims to detect starch adulteration in dairy products utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Globally, milk fraud represents a significant challenge to food safety, posing substantial health risks to consumers. In this context, spectral data derived from milk samples with varying starch concentrations were processed using feature scaling and normalization techniques. The ANN model was rigorously trained and validated employing the stratified k-fold cross-validation method, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in detecting starch-adulterated milk samples and effectively differentiating among various starch concentrations. The principal findings indicate that the model achieved 100% accuracy, coupled with high levels of precision, sensitivity, and F1-scores. Future research should explore the application of this model to different types of adulteration and extend its validation on larger datasets. Furthermore, the potential adaptability of this method for other food products and field applications warrants investigation. This study offers valuable insights for milk producers, food safety professionals, and consumers, particularly highlighting the implications for small-scale rural farms, thereby enriching the discourse on food safety within short food supply chains.

Leguminous Green Manure Intercropping Promotes Soil Health in a Citrus (Citrus reticulata) Orchard

The intercropping of green manure is an important and sustainable production method in citrus orchards (Citrus reticulata). However, few studies focus on the impact of annual and perennial green manure on soil health, particularly soil microbiome and properties in acid soil. Our research objective was to explore the potential effects on soil health by intercropping with annual and perennial leguminous green manures in acid soil citrus orchards of southwestern China. The leguminous green manures used were alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). The results showed that intercropping with green manure increased the total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and available phosphorous in the soil by 48.67~74.67%, 50.00~96.67%, and 44.48~45.04%, respectively. Intercropping with alfalfa significantly increased the activity of soil sucrase 63.75%, and intercropping with hairy vetch increased the activity of β-1,4-glucosidase 44.38% in the soil compared to the monoculture treatment. Intercropping hairy vetch and alfalfa altered the diversity and composition of the soil microbial community and enriched the soil with beneficial fungi and bacteria, including Mortierella and Streptomyces. The richness increased by 58.72% and 17.90% in alfalfa intercropping treatment. In conclusion, intercropping leguminous green manure improved the nutrients and activity of the enzymes in the soil and enriched the antagonistic microbiome in the soil, promoting soil health in the citrus orchard.

Comprehensive Review of Carbon Capture and Storage Integration in Hydrogen Production: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

The growing emphasis on renewable energy highlights hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy carrier. However, traditional hydrogen production methods contribute significantly to carbon emissions. This review examines the integration of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies with hydrogen production processes, focusing on their ability to mitigate carbon emissions. It evaluates various hydrogen production techniques, including steam methane reforming, electrolysis, and biomass gasification, and discusses how CCS can enhance environmental sustainability. Key challenges, such as economic, technical, and regulatory obstacles, are analyzed. Case studies and future trends offer insights into the feasibility of CCS–hydrogen integration, providing pathways for reducing greenhouse gases and facilitating a clean energy transition.

Recent Advancements in Production and Extraction Methods of Phycobiliprotein C-phycocyanin by Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: A Mini Review.

Arthrospira platensis has been utilized as a food source since ancient times due to its rich nutrient profile. In recent years, its popularity as a dietary supplement has soared, especially due to the presence of a water-soluble phycobiliprotein, C-phycocyanin C (C-PC), which is abundant and notable for its fluorescent properties. C-PC contains the chromophore phycocyanobilin B (PCB-B), a tetrapyrrole molecule, that is why it plays a dual role as a food colorant and as nutraceutical. However, comprehensive studies have mostly evaluated C-PC's broader health-promoting properties, particularly its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, which are linked to its ability to contrast oxidative stress and related pathological conditions. That is why this review explores recent advancements in optimizing culture conditions to enhance C-PC and PCB-B production, with a particular emphasis on novel extraction and purification techniques that increase yield and bioactivity. This focus on efficient production methods is crucial for expanding the commercial and therapeutic applications of C-PC, contributing to its growing relevance in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

A Systematic Review of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Potential Treatment for Glioblastoma

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an extremely aggressive brain tumor that has few available treatment options and a dismal prognosis. Recent research has highlighted the potential of extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) produced from mesenchymal stem cells as a potential treatment approach for GBM. MSC-EVs, including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, perform a significant function in cellular communication and have shown promise in mediating anti-tumor effects. Purpose: This systematic literature review aims to consolidate current findings on the therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs in GBM treatment. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across major medical databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) up to September 2024 to identify studies investigating the use of MSC-derived EVs in GBM therapy. Keywords included “extracellular vesicles”, “mesenchymal stem cells”, “targeted therapies”, “outcomes”, “adverse events”, “glioblastoma”, and “exosomes”. Inclusion criteria were studies published in English involving GBM models both in vivo and in vitro and those reporting on therapeutic outcomes of MSC-EVs. Data were extracted and analyzed based on EV characteristics, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic efficacy. Results: The review identified several key studies demonstrating the anti-tumor effects of MSC-EVs in GBM models. A total of three studies were included, focusing on studies conducted between 2021 and 2023. The review included three studies that collectively enrolled a total of 18 patients. These studies were distributed across two years, with two trials published in 2023 (66.7%) and one in 2021 (33.3%). The mean age of the participants ranged from 37 to 57 years. In terms of gender distribution, males were the predominant group in all studies. Prior to receiving MSC-EV therapy, all patients had undergone standard treatments for GBM, including surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and, in some cases, radiation therapy (RT). In all three studies, the targeted treatment involved the administration of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene therapy delivered to the tumor site, then 14 days of ganciclovir treatment. Outcomes across the studies indicated varying levels of efficacy for the MSC-EV-based therapy. The larger 2023 study reported fewer encouraging outcomes, with a median PFS of 11.0 months (95% CI: 8.3–13.7) and a median OS of 16.0 months (95% CI: 14.3–17.7). Adverse effects were reported in only one of the studies, the 2021 trial, where patients experienced mild-to-moderate side effects, including fever, headache, and cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis. A total of 11 studies on preclinical trials, using in vitro and in vivo models, were included, covering publications from 2010 to 2024. The studies utilized MSCs as delivery systems for various therapeutic agents (interleukin 12, interleukin 7, doxorubicin, paclitaxel), reflecting the versatility of these cells in targeted cancer therapies. Conclusions: MSC-derived EVs represent a promising therapeutic approach for GBM, offering multiple mechanisms to inhibit tumor growth and enhance treatment efficacy. Their ability to deliver bioactive molecules and modulate the tumor microenvironment underscores their potential as a novel, cell-free therapeutic strategy. Future studies should optimize EV production and delivery methods and fully understand their long-term effects in clinical settings to harness their therapeutic potential in GBM treatment.

Aligning fermentation conditions with non-canonical amino acid addition strategy is essential for Nε-((2-azidoethoxy)carbonyl)-L-lysine uptake and incorporation into the target protein

Protein engineering with non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) holds great promises for diverse applications, however, there are still limitations in the implementation of this technology at manufacturing scale. The know-how to efficiently produce ncAA-incorporated proteins in a scalable manner is still very limited. In the present study, we incorporated the ncAA N6-[(2-azidoethoxy)carbonyl]-L-lysine (Azk) into an antigen binding fragment (Fab) in Escherichia coli. We used the orthogonal pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase/suppressor tRNACUAPyl pair from Methanosarcina mazei to incorporate Azk site-specifically. We characterized Azk uptake and Fab production at bench-scale under different fermentation conditions, varying timing and mode of Azk addition, Azk-to-cell ratio and induction time. Our results indicate that Azk uptake is comparatively efficient in the batch phase. We discovered that the time between Azk uptake and inducing its incorporation into the Fab must be kept short, which suggests that intracellular Azk is consumed and/or degraded. The results obtained in this study are an important step towards the development of efficient production methods for Azk-incorporated proteins in E. coli. The developed process is scalable and provides excellent yields of 2.95 mg functionalized Fab per g CDM, which corresponds to 80% of yield obtained with the wild type Fab. We also identified the cellular uptake of Azk being dependent on the physiological state of the cell as a potential bottleneck in production.

RCEP rules on cross-border data flows: Asian characteristics and implications for developing countries

ABSTRACT Data, as an essential production factor and a fundamental strategic resource in the digital economy era, have profoundly transformed production methods, lifestyles, and social governance, becoming one of the critical factors influencing the global competitive landscape. The United States and the European Union are actively making comprehensive arrangements around data flow issues, integrating their interests and values into data governance rules to influence other countries. Against the backdrop of increasingly intense global rule-making competition in digital trade, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and actively promoted by China, covering 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, is sending a strong and powerful Asian voice regarding cross-border data flow rules. This article attempts to highlight the Asian characteristics of the data cross-border flow rules within RCEP through a horizontal comparison of regional trade agreements. These characteristics primarily include the principle of free cross-border data flow; fully protecting the host country’s national security through exceptional clauses; relatively lenient regulation of personal information protection; and adhering to the principle of non-reciprocity to respect and embrace countries at different development levels. Consequently, it is concluded that RCEP has constructed an Asian paradigm for cross-border flow of data that matches the development status of the Asia-Pacific countries and is worthy of emulation by other developing nations.

Metal-Based Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Production.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a high-value chemical widely used in electronics, textiles, paper bleaching, medical disinfection, and wastewater treatment. Traditional production methods, such as the anthraquinone oxidation process and direct synthesis, require high energy consumption, and involve risks from toxic substances and explosions. Researchers are now exploring photochemical, electrochemical, and photoelectrochemical synthesis methods to reduce energy use and pollution. This review focuses on the 2-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR) for the electrochemical synthesis of H2O2, and discusses how catalyst active sites influence O2 adsorption. Strategies to enhance H2O2 selectivity by regulating these sites are presented. Catalysts require strong O2 adsorption to initiate reactions and weak *OOH adsorption to promote H2O2 formation. The review also covers advances in single-atom catalysts (SACs), multi-metal-based catalysts, and highlights non-noble metal oxides, especially perovskite oxides, for their versatile structures and potential in 2e- ORR. The potential of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects to enhance catalyst performance is also discussed. In conclusion, emphasis is placed on optimizing catalyst structures through theoretical and experimental methods to achieve efficient and selective H2O2 production, aiming for sustainable and commercial applications.

Electrocatalysts for Urea Synthesis from CO2 and Nitrogenous Species: From CO2 and N2/NOx Reduction to urea synthesis.

The traditional industrial synthesis of urea relies on the energy-intensive and polluting process, namely the Haber-Bosch method for ammonia production, followed by the Bosch-Meiser process for urea synthesis. In contrast, electrocatalytic C-N coupling from carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogenous species presents a promising alternative for direct urea synthesis under ambient conditions, bypassing the need for ammonia production. This review provides an overview of recent progress in the electrocatalytic coupling of CO2 and nitrogen sources for urea synthesis. It focuses on the role of intermediate species and active site structures in promoting urea synthesis, drawing from insights into reactants' adsorption behavior and interactions with catalysts tailored for CO2 reduction, nitrogen reduction, and nitrate reduction. Advanced electrocatalyst design strategies for urea synthesis from CO2 and nitrogenous species under ambient conditions are explored, providing insights for efficient catalyst design. Key challenges and prospective directions are presented in the conclusion. Mechanistic studies elucidating the C-N coupling reaction and future development directions are discussed. The review aims to inspire further research and development in electrocatalysts for electrochemical urea synthesis.

AI and work in the creative industries: digital continuity or discontinuity?

There is current uncertainty about the effects of generative AI technologies on labour markets and conditions of work in creative industries. Previous scholarship identifies the potential for both replacement and displacement of human labour due to AI adoption. This article examines potential effects of AI adoption by drawing on case studies of 6 commercial products using AI, investigating conditions of work and mechanisms by which human creative labour might be replaced or displaced by AI technology. The main findings are that AI products were more labour intensive than traditional media products because they combined traditional production skills and new computational expertise. Paradoxically, contributions by human workers tended to be invisibilised in final products that foregrounded AI technology. There was potential for displacement of human labour in the ideation phase, with AI enabling producers to explore different creative possibilities. Some AI products had the potential to compete with earlier production methods (e.g. AI-generated imagery vs. stock photography). Overall, case study findings were consistent with ongoing challenges from digitalisation: conditions of deskilling, re-skilling, flexible employment and uncertainty remain intense for small firms engaged in AI-assisted creative production.

Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium crenatum for enhanced L-tyrosine production from mannitol and glucose

BackgroundL-Tyrosine (L-Tyr) is a significant aromatic amino acid that is experiencing an increasing demand in the market due to its distinctive characteristics. Traditional production methods exhibit various limitations, prompting researchers to place greater emphasis on microbial synthesis as an alternative approach.ResultsHere, we developed a metabolic engineering-based method for efficient production of L-Tyr from Corynebacterium crenatum, including the elimination of competing pathways, the overexpression of aroB, aroD, and aroE, and the introduction of the mutated E. coli tyrAfbr gene for elevating L-Tyr generation. Moreover, the mtlR gene was knocked out, and the mtlD and pfkB genes were overexpressed, allowing C. crenatum to produce L-Tyr from mannitol. The L-Tyr production achieved 6.42 g/L at a glucose-to-mannitol ratio of 3:1 in a shake flask, which was 16.9% higher than that of glucose alone. Notably, the L-Tyr production of the fed-batch fermentation was elevated to 34.6 g/L, exhibiting the highest titers among those of C. glutamicum previously reported.ConclusionThe importance of this research is underscored by its pioneering application of mannitol as a carbon source for the biosynthesis of L-Tyr, as well as its examination of the influence of mannitol-associated genes in microbial metabolism. A promising platform is provided for the production of target compounds that does not compete with human food source.

Determining food intake, the requirement, and weighing the relative risk between food secure and insecure households in rural areas of Ethiopia: The case of West Hararghe zone

The severity of food insecurity in Ethiopia is among the worst globally, with record-breaking food assistance needs by various factors. This study tries to uncover various aspects of food security related to food availability, food access, food utilization and food stability dimensions of food security. The study was executed in the west Hararghe zone of the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Its main objective was to determine the food security status of households, with specific objectives aiming at computing individual daily kilo calorie intake, determining the average food requirement, comparing the relative risk between food secure and insecure households and identifying factors that affect household food security status. A multi-stage sampling procedure, involving the purposive selection of; the Zone and Woreda, and a simple random selection of households, to draw the required number of representative sample respondents, was adopted. Hence, from 4163 total households, 134 were selected for collecting primary data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative risk analysis using Cohorts and independent tests using ANOVA. Food security status was measured using the Household Food Balance Model (HFBM). Using this model, the study obtained 1973 kilo calories per individual per day intake and 2108 kilo calorie as their requirement, which indicated households were energy deficient by 135 kilo calorie with 2-sided-value < 0.1 critical level (t= -1.747, df =133 & sig2-sided. 0.083). Independent test results showed that farm income (at p-value < 0.1), gross product (at p-value < 0.05), age of household head (at p-value < 0.1), years of owning land (at p < 0.1) and family size (at p-value < 0.1) contributed significantly to food security status. Cross-tabulation showed a linear relationship between food security and higher education level (at p-value < 0.05), which urges a concern in improving farming societies’ literacy to the desired level. In the study areas, about 91.8% of the population produces crops depending on the seasonal rainfall and their daily kilo calorie consumed depends on it; this is statistically correlated with the food insecurity problem at p-value < 0.1 critical level (lambada = 1.75 & sig. = 0.08). Therefore, to tackle the food insecurity problem, alternative method of crop production should be devised such as the establishment of irrigation schemes, water harvesting structures, and water conservation practices, among others. Key words: food security, calorie requirement, food availability, relative risk