IMF: Global Economy Remains Resilient, But Inflation Remains a Concern
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the global economy remains resilient despite the shock from the recent war, but warns that inflation remains a concern. In its July update to the World Economic Outlook, the IMF kept its medium-term growth projections broadly unchanged while noting that progress in bringing down inflation has stalled. The IMF […]
Active antioxidant packaging films from polyvinyl alcohol-corn starch and chilgoza pine nut shell extract: Characterization, release kinetics, and multi-criteria performance assessment
Chilgoza pine nut shells (CPNS), an underexploited agro-industrial waste, were utilized as a novel antioxidant source for developing active packaging films using polyvinyl alcohol-corn starch (PC). The addition of CPNS extract (CPNSE) reduced film’s transparency, solubility (29.53%), and water vapor permeability (23.54%); improved tensile strength, antioxidant capability (83.62% DPPH scavenging activity and 24.95 mg TE/g […]
Non-destructive detection of pine nut quality based on tri-modal feature fusion
To address the susceptibility of pine nuts to acidification and oxidation during storage and processing, this study developed an intelligent non-destructive detection framework. A tri-modal deep learning framework, incorporating a multi-dimensional attention mechanism to fuse image, spectral, and texture features, is proposed. This framework enables the synergistic modeling of variety identification, deterioration grading, and precise […]
Effect of roasting pretreatment of macadamia nut (Macadamia integrifolia) kernels on the physicochemical properties and flavour of macadamia nut-based beverages
This study investigated the influence of nut roasting pretreatment (85–145 °C, 10–30 min) on the physicochemical, sensory properties and flavour of macadamia nut-based beverages. The results revealed that roasting conditions influenced various quality parameters, with an increase in roasting temperature having a greater impact on the beverage than an extension of roasting time. Roasting at 125 °C for […]
Effect of fermentation time and temperature on the microbiological, nutritional and sensory characteristics of non-dairy yoghurt formulations produced from blends of cashew, almond and coconut aqueous extract using lactic acid bacteria
The study examines how temperature and fermentation length affect the microbiological, physicochemical, proximate, sensory, nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of the formulated non-dairy yoghurt alternatives. Non-dairy yoghurt alternatives were prepared using standard extraction methods and fermented using commercial LAB starter cultures at varying temperatures (40–45 °C) and time periods (3–13 h). Four formulations were developed alongside cow’s […]
Prevention and Treatment of Peanut Allergy
Early introduction of peanut protein reduces allergy prevalence by approximately 80%, with efficacy diminishing as introduction is delayed. Appropriate prevention involves ingestion of approximately 2 g of peanut protein weekly for infants at low risk and 4 to 6 g weekly for infants at high risk. Population-level implementation that targets all infants achieves greater reduction […]
Almonds and their impact on mental health and the gut-brain axis in adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression: a 12-week randomized controlled trial
Background: Almonds contain dietary fiber, micronutrients and phytochemicals that have been implicated in the regulation of the gut-brain axis and mental health. Objectives: To investigate the effect of whole almonds on mental health and the gut-brain axis, compared to an isocaloric snack, in adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methods: Adults with mild-to-moderate symptoms […]
Effects of Almond Consumption on Sleep Quality in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Sleep disturbances are associated with adverse metabolic, neurocognitive, and inflammatory outcomes. This study examined the effects of a 5-month whole-almond intervention on objective and subjective sleep parameters, biochemical and inflammatory markers in adults with poor sleep quality. Methods: In this open-label, parallel-arm, randomized controlled community-based trial with blinded outcome assessment, 175 adults aged 21–55 […]
Seed Coating Technology Developed by Indian Researchers Could Boost Crop Yields by up to 37%
Researchers at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), through its Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), have developed an innovative seed coating technology designed to improve crop productivity and resilience, as reported by The Hindu BusinessLine. The patented solution uses a biodegradable biopolymer-based coating that delivers nutrients, beneficial microorganisms and crop protection agents directly at […]
Peanut Promoted as Water Efficient Alternative to Maize in India
Scientists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) are promoting spring peanut as a more sustainable and water efficient alternative to maize. Recent outreach initiatives, including field demonstrations and farmer engagement programs, highlight the environmental and economic advantages of peanut cultivation. Compared with spring maize, peanut requires significantly less water and fewer inputs, resulting in reduced production […]