Import refusal trends of FSIS-regulated products: Meat and poultry

Disentangling the effects of FPAR, CO2, and climate on terrestrial vegetation productivity trends over two decades (2001–2023)

Abstract. Soils across sub-Saharan Africa are exposed to extensive degradation processes, which can reduce their ability to produce crops and support livestock. While there has been a significant research effort focussing on soil degradation in sub-Saharan croplands, less research effort had been directed towards grasslands. Here, we tested the effectiveness of remote sensing to classify the soil degradation status of smallholder grazing lands. Focussing on grasslands used by smallholders in the districts of Nyando and Kuresoi in Western Kenya, we first used remote sensing (RS) to classify grasslands as productive grazing lands, grazing lands that followed a variable trend in vegetation productivity (transition), and unstable and unproductive (degraded) grazing lands. We then tested how this classification related to measured soil parameters indicative of soil degradation. We then used this classification, which was based on a temporal analysis of Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalised Difference Water Index (NDWI) between 2013 and 2018, to identify 90 field sites across the two districts, which we then sampled and analysed for a range of physical, chemical and biological soil properties. Only soil microbial biomass carbon (C) showed consistent alignment with the RS classification, although there was some overlap with other soil parameters at one or other of the study areas. To group the sites using the soil variables, which we split by study area and into stable (those that are slow to change) and transient (those that change rapidly in response to a changing pedological environment), K-means clustering was undertaken. Two sets of clusters were produced for each district for the stable and transient variables. For the stable variables, at Kuresoi one of these clusters included sites with higher levels of C, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and pH, that aligned well with the RS classification, with seven out of 10 productive sites being assigned to this cluster. At Nyando one of the stable variable clusters included sites with high soil C and N, but low pH and relatively low soil bulk density, and corresponded to 12 out of the 16 productive sites. For the transient variables, agreement between the clusters and the remote sensing classification was poor indicating a lack of utility for degradation assessment. Overall, our results suggest that while the use of RS methods for classifying degraded grasslands and the soils supporting them does have significant advantages in terms of time and costs over field survey, supplementing these methods with a limited set of soil parameters related to nutrient cycling, such as microbial biomass C, soil P, percent C and N, and soil pH, could enhance our ability to identify degraded soils and target restoration efforts.

Understanding how protons influence heterogeneous electrocatalytic CO2 reduction on electrode surfaces is critical for advancing energy-efficient carbon conversion technologies. Here, we show that on Ag, Au, and Zn surfaces, a concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) pathway enables CO2-to-CO conversion at up to ∼400mV lower overpotential than commonly proposed cation-stabilized mechanisms, which dominate reactivity at higher overpotentials. Using both positively charged and neutral proton donors, we show that CPET operates at low overpotentials but is limited by the rate of proton supply. Kinetic isotope effect measurements and infrared adsorption spectroscopy support the involvement of protons in the rate-determining step. Furthermore, our data shed light on the complex competition for proton donors between CO2 reduction, carbonate acidification, and hydrogen evolution, explaining commonly reported product trends. Our findings suggest that enhancing proton flux and suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction can further promote CPET-based CO2 reduction, offering a pathway to more efficient electrocatalytic processes.

ABSTRACT Understanding how protons influence heterogeneous electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction on electrode surfaces is critical for advancing energy‐efficient carbon conversion technologies. Here, we show that on Ag, Au, and Zn surfaces, a concerted proton‐electron transfer (CPET) pathway enables CO 2 ‐to‐CO conversion at up to ∼400 mV lower overpotential than commonly proposed cation‐stabilized mechanisms, which dominate reactivity at higher overpotentials. Using both positively charged and neutral proton donors, we show that CPET operates at low overpotentials but is limited by the rate of proton supply. Kinetic isotope effect measurements and infrared adsorption spectroscopy support the involvement of protons in the rate‐determining step. Furthermore, our data shed light on the complex competition for proton donors between CO 2 reduction, carbonate acidification, and hydrogen evolution, explaining commonly reported product trends. Our findings suggest that enhancing proton flux and suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction can further promote CPET‐based CO 2 reduction, offering a pathway to more efficient electrocatalytic processes.

The transition from non-renewable to renewable energy sources has emerged as a pressing global issue, driven by concerns over climate change, resource depletion, and the need for sustainable development. This study compares Canada, an energy-rich nation, and Bangladesh, an energy-scarce country, to understand the structural, institutional, and market factors driving their respective renewable energy transitions. Using univariate time-series models (ARIMA, ETS, and Prophet) for energy demand forecasting and extensive literature-based policy evaluation, the paper examines trends in energy production, consumption, and trade from 1990 to 2024. Our analysis indicates that Canada’s vast reserves of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, its diversified energy portfolio, and carbon-pricing framework support a stable decarbonization pathway, with renewables projected to account for more than 20% of total supply by 2030. However, regional disparities and political resistance from the established energy sector continue to delay transition outcomes. On the other hand, Bangladesh has limited renewable and non-renewable energy sources, with its primary energy resource being natural gas reserves. Consequently, its heavy reliance on imports (over 75% of primary energy) and institutional bottlenecks expose its energy system to commodity-price volatility, undermining energy security and slowing renewable investment. Despite these challenges, targeted solar programs and concessional financing have modestly increased the penetration of renewable energy. The analysis highlights that commodity market fluctuations, technological innovations (such as smart grids and energy storage), and market-based policy instruments critically shape each country’s transition trajectory. A coordinated policy linking market stabilization, innovation investment, and social inclusion is essential for achieving a just and secure low-carbon transition in both countries.

Pig farming is one of the key and strategically important branches of livestock production, playing a crucial role in ensuring food security, economic stability, and rural development. In Ukraine, pork remains one of the most consumed types of meat due to its high nutritional value, digestibility, and versatility in processing. However, the pig farming sector currently operates under conditions of significant structural transformation caused by epizootic threats, rising production costs, market volatility, and the consequences of military actions. Under these circumstances, feed efficiency and cost optimization become decisive factors determining the competitiveness and sustainability of pork production. Since feed costs account for up to 70% of total production expenses, the modernization of the feed base and the introduction of alternative nutrient sources are of particular importance. This article substantiates the feasibility of using dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of bioethanol and alcohol production, as a valuable component of compound feeds for pigs. DDGS is characterized by a high content of crude protein, metabolizable energy, available phosphorus, B-group vitamins, and residual yeast biomass, which makes it a promising substitute for conventional protein ingredients such as soybean meal. The effectiveness of DDGS use depends on its botanical origin, production technology, processing methods, and inclusion rates in diets. Special attention is given to technological approaches such as drying and extrusion, which improve nutrient availability, reduce anti-nutritional factors, lower microbial contamination, and extend shelf life. The study analyzes global and national trends in compound feed production, identifies key challenges affecting the Ukrainian feed and pig farming sectors, and evaluates the potential volumes of distillers’ grains generated by the domestic alcohol industry. Based on statistical data and analytical calculations, the potential volume of dried distillers’ grains suitable for feed manufacturing in Ukraine is estimated. It is shown that the rational integration of DDGS into pig diets at scientifically justified inclusion levels can significantly reduce feed costs, improve feed conversion efficiency, and enhance overall production profitability. In addition to economic benefits, the utilization of DDGS contributes to solving environmental issues related to the disposal of alcohol production by-products and supports the principles of circular economy and resource-efficient agriculture. The results confirm that the use of dried distillers’ grains in compound feeds for pigs is a technologically sound, economically viable, and environmentally responsible solution that can strengthen the resilience of pig farming and feed manufacturing in Ukraine under current and post-crisis conditions.

Objective: This study presents a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on Macrobrachium acanthurus, aiming to identify strengths and weaknesses in the development of research on this species. Design/methodology/approach: One hundred scientific articles were retrieved from the Scopus database to identify the most relevant authors, institutions, countries, journals, and subject areas. The records were refined and standardized to avoid duplication, and a descriptive analysis was conducted using frequency and percentage distribution. Additionally, VOSviewer software was used to construct co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and international collaboration network maps. Results: In terms of individual productivity, the authors Bertini, Hernández-Hernández, and Freire lead in number of publications. The journals with the highest number of articles were the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research and Crustaceana. The thematic analysis identified five main areas: reproduction and development, conservation and sustainable aquaculture, genetics and molecular biology, nutrition and feed; and biotechnology and applications. VOSviewer maps confirmed the existence of consolidated collaboration clusters, although with some groups remained isolated, and highlighted the centrality of Brazil and Mexico in international networks. Limitations on study/implications: The analysis was limited to the Scopus database; therefore, variations may arise if other databases are included. Findings/conclusions: The results indicate that research is primarily concentrated in Brazil and Mexico. The University of São Paulo, São Paulo State University, the Federal University of Paraná, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the University of Guadalajara emerge as the leading academic institutions. This study provides an integrated overview of the dynamics, gaps and research opportunities related to Macrobrachium acanthurus, offering valuable insights to guide scientific agendas, foster collaboration strategies, and support the acquaculture development of native species.

Tomato production is a crucial component of the agricultural sector in Asian countries. Accurate forecasting of tomato production is essential for effective agricultural planning, resource allocation, and ensuring food security in the region. This study aims to investigate the patterns and forecast tomato production in five major Asian producing countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, utilizing advanced time series models and machine learning techniques. A comprehensive time series dataset spanning from 1961 to 2021 was employed, partitioned into a training period (1961-2014) and a validation period (2015-2021). The study applied various modeling techniques, including ARIMA, Exponential Smoothing, Score-Driven models, and XGBoost. Model performance was evaluated using information criteria, error metrics, and diagnostic tests. Results indicate that while XGBoost yielded the lowest validation errors for several nations due to recent volatility, Exponential Smoothing was selected as the optimal practical model for forecasting Bangladesh's production to properly account for long-term structural trend extrapolation. Score-Driven models exhibited superior performance for China, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The selected models generated forecasts up to 2028, revealing continuing upward trajectories for Bangladesh, China, India, and Pakistan, and stabilization for Sri Lanka. This study contributes to the understanding of tomato production dynamics in major Asian producers and offers guidance for agricultural planning, resource allocation, and food security policies. The findings provide valuable insights into the future trends of tomato production in the region, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and adapt to potential changes in the agricultural landscape.

Oilseeds have emerged as one of the most important and dynamic segments of global agriculture. India, the fourth-largest producer of oilseeds, cultivates a diverse range of crops across its varied agro-climatic zones. In addition to their vital role in human nutrition, oilseeds serve as key raw materials for numerous industries and make a significant contribution to livestock feed and organic manure. Although India accounts for one-fifth of the world’s oilseed acreage, its share of global production is about 10%, reflecting both the scale and the challenges of the sector. Over the last ten years, India’s oilseed area and output have risen steadily, underscoring their growing importance to the agricultural economy. The present study examines the trends in area, production, and productivity of oilseeds in India over the past 10 years, alongside an analysis of the sector’s export–import dynamics. Using secondary data and calculating growth rates through the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) method, the study reveals robust growth in the oilseed sector, with CAGRs of 1.85%, 4.15%, and 2.26% for area, production, and yield, respectively, between 2014–15 and 2023–24. Trade patterns also changed notably. Exports increased by 7.52% from US$1.33 billion in FY 2022–23 to US$1.43 billion in FY 2023–24 while imports fell sharply from US$20.83 billion to US$14.87 billion over the same period. The study highlights both opportunities and challenges within India’s oilseed sector. It emphasises the necessity for coordinated policy measures, the adoption of advanced technologies, and increased farmer support to achieve sustainable sectoral growth.

Improving medication safety through behavioral nudges: An evaluation of unit sales trends following a pharmacy-based intervention.

Reaching new heights? Maximum subcutaneous injection volumes from a technical and clinical development strategy perspective.

Mobile technologies have become key tools to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among office workers. While workplaces serve as ideal settings for implementing such interventions, bibliometric analyses of the growing literature evaluating their effectiveness remain limited. The aim of this bibliometric analysis was to examine trends in research productivity and impact of m-health within workplace-related literature. Six databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Central, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Library, and Embase were searched for the studies that have explored the m-health interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among office workers on February 12, 2024. The studies were downloaded as BibTex files and analyzed for productivity, citation impact, and intellectual structure (conceptual and social structural) using Biblioshiny, Bibliometrix software. In total, 113 studies were identified with 10% of studies published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth and BMC Public Health. Mair JL, 2022 was found to be a significant contributor to the evidence. Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States continue to dominate the contributions. M-health, obesity, physical activity, and validity were among the most frequently used terms, whereas digital health, development, and adherence remain underrepresented in the literature. Research on m-health to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among office workers is growing, predominantly in high-income countries. However, interdisciplinary collaboration and studies integrating behavioral science, primary care, digital development, and end-user acceptability remain limited and are urgently needed.

Identifying priority pollutants NO2, O3, PM2.5 and PM10 for preventive strategies against birth defects in China: A regional analysis.

ABSTRACT Over six decades (1961–2021), Tanzania's agriculture transformed significantly due to population growth, policy shifts, and climate variability. Agricultural land expanded by 52% and arable land by 160%, but rapid population growth (3.38% annually) caused per capita arable land to drop by 57%. Cereal production surged 1,160%, supported by land expansion and yield improvements (from 805.7 kg/ha to 1,828.3 kg/ha). However, productivity remains below global averages due to limited mechanisation, erratic weather, and inconsistent policies. Key drivers include urbanisation (up 570% since 1960) and agriculture's declining GDP share despite its livelihood importance. Policies like Ujamaa villagisation and Kilimo Kwanza had uneven impacts. The study urges sustainable intensification, climate-resilient practices, and equitable land access. Future food security depends on technological adoption, infrastructure investment, and inclusive policies to balance productivity with environmental sustainability.

India’s horticulture sector plays a major role in the economy, contributing about one-third of agricultural GVA, with vegetables dominating production and exports due to favorable climatic diversity. Among vegetables, cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an important, nutrient-rich cash crop with significant health benefits and global importance in food security. The present study examined the production and export performance of cabbage in India using secondary data obtained from various governmental departmental repositories and official websites. Statistical techniques like mean, standard deviation, CV (Coefficient of variation), regression and CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) were applied for analysis. Cabbage has contributed a 4.92 % share of the mean aggregate production of Indian vegetables over the last ten years. Although India contributed 8.29% share of global cabbage production with a CAGR of 1.65 % over the last 10 years (2014-15 to 2024-25), ranked 2nd after China, but the share of global cabbage exports was estimated at only 0.10 % over the same period. The major destinations for cabbage export from India were emerging markets like Vietnam and Poland showing positive trends indicating opportunities for growth of export. Hence, India has to explore more export markets without sacrificing domestic demand. The lower growth rate (CAGR) of productivity (0.14 %) of cabbage compared to the area (2.60 %) over two decades (2000-01 to 2024-25) harnesses technological breakthroughs. Two major cabbage producing states, viz. West Bengal and Odisha accounted 34.45 % of national production. In terms of productivity, West Bengal (28.35 t/ha) and Uttar Pradesh (27.98 t/ha) ranked highest in the country. Therefore, priority should be given to enhancing productivity through technological advancement, alongside the development of adequate market infrastructure and improvements in post-harvest management, particularly processing, to strengthen the overall production and export potential of cabbage.

Background: Sericulture, the practice of rearing silkworms for silk production, has been carried out in India for centuries and represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly livelihood option. Owing to the country’s rich diversity of host plants and the presence of economically important silk species across different regions, sericulture holds significant potential, particularly for poor and forest-dependent communities, by offering income diversification and reducing reliance on conventional agriculture. Methods: The study analyzed production trends of major silk varieties in India using compound growth rate models and identified the leading silk-producing states. Export and import trends were examined to locate major shifts and understand the underlying factors influencing trade dynamics. Instability in export and import time series data was assessed using the Cuddy-Della Valle Instability Index (CDVI). Additionally, a SWOT analysis was conducted to evaluate the internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as the external opportunities and threats, of the Indian sericulture sector. Result: The results indicate that sericulture exhibits favorable production trends in key silk varieties and provides a relatively stable source of income. Trade analysis revealed identifiable patterns and variability in exports and imports, while instability measures highlighted moderate fluctuations over time. The SWOT analysis further underscored the sector’s strong potential for livelihood diversification, especially for smallholders and forest dwellers, confirming sericulture as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural livelihoods.

Context Dietary supplementation with combinations of additives is an emerging trend in poultry production. However, limited research has explored the impact of simultaneous inclusion of essential oils (EO) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) on hens during the late laying stage. Aims This study evaluated the impact of EO and BS supplementation on intestinal microbiota, immune response, antioxidant capacity, egg quality, and production performance of aging hens. Methods A total of 360 Lohmann Brown hens (65 weeks old; average egg production rate of 89.5%) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments, each with six replicates (n = 20 per replicate). The treatments were conducted for 8 weeks as follows: (i) basal diet; (ii) a basal diet supplemented with 0.50 g EO/kg + 0.25 g BS/kg; and (iii) a basal diet supplemented with 0.50 g EO/kg + 0.50 g BS/kg. Key results Diets supplemented with 0.25 g/kg of BS and 0.50 g/kg of EO resulted in increased eggshell thickness and yolk index on Day 56 of the experiment, elevated plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin G and interleukin-2, and higher activities of total superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver (P < 0.05), but reduced the proportions of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in the cecum, and Staphylococcus aureus in the ileum of hens (P < 0.05). Additionally, supplementing diets with 0.50 g/kg of EO and 0.50 g/kg of BS resulted in increased eggshell thickness on Days 28 and 56 of the experiment, yolk index on Day 56 of the experiment, immunoglobulin G concentration, total antioxidant capacity in the plasma, and catalase activity in the liver (P < 0.05). Moreover, it modulated gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Anaerostipes and Ruminiclostridium_9, and the proportion of Bifidobacterium, as well as by reducing the proportions of E. coli, Salmonella and S. aureus (P < 0.05). Conclusions Overall, the simultaneous dietary supplementation with EO and BS improved eggshell thickness and yolk index, modulated the intestinal microbiota, and partially enhanced antioxidant capacity and immune response in older hens. Implications Combined EO and BS can be successfully used as feed additives for improving the health and egg quality of aging hens.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is among the earliest domesticated crops and remains agronomically and economically important due to its dual use for fibre and seed (oil) production. In recent years, renewed interest in flax has emerged from its role in diversified and sustainable agriculture, human nutrition, and bio-based industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive agronomic synthesis of global flax production, integrating worldwide production trends, genetic resource availability, and the main agronomic drivers governing crop establishment, growth, yield, and quality. Particular emphasis is placed on climatic requirements, soil and nutrient management, crop management practices, and water use, as well as on the contrasting requirements of fibre flax and seed flax. Despite growing research efforts, agronomic knowledge on flax remains fragmented across environments, production purposes, and management strategies, limiting the translation of experimental findings into robust, environment-specific crop management recommendations. Sustainable intensification of flax production will therefore depend on integrating optimized agronomic practices with breeding strategies that exploit existing genetic diversity to improve yield stability, quality, and resilience under increasing climatic variability.

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the evolution of crop production in Antioquia from 2006 to 2022, revealing a shift toward agroindustrial models geared for export, marked by an increase in crops such as avocado, cacao, and oil palm tree, and a significant decline in staple foods like maize and beans. This trend reflects a productive reconfiguration that threatens regional food security and agro-biodiversity. Through time series and correlation analysis, patterns of crop substitution are identified. These findings deepen the understanding of the influence of national and international trade-oriented policies and highlight the urgent need to strengthen sustainable agricultural models aimed at guaranteeing the human right to adequate food.