Maejo University

Demographic structure plays a crucial role in shaping economic growth, particularly in regions undergoing rapid population changes. West Africa, characterized by a young population, high fertility rates, and urbanization, presents both opportunities and challenges for economic development. While demographic transitions can generate economic dividends, inefficient labour markets and inadequate investments in human capital may hinder growth. This study examines the impact of demographic factors on economic growth in West Africa using econometric analysis. This research employs a panel data regression model to analyze the relationship between economic growth (measured by the logarithm of GDP per capita in levels) and key demographic variables, including age dependency ratio, labour force participation rate, population growth, urbanization, life expectancy, and health expenditure. Secondary data from 16 West African countries between 2000 and 2022 were obtained from the World Development Indicators. The study applies the Random Effects model and Weighted Least Squares regression to address heteroskedasticity and improve estimate efficiency. Findings reveal that a high age dependency ratio and rapid population growth negatively impact economic growth, while urbanization and life expectancy contribute positively. Labour force participation showed a weak negative effect, suggesting labour market inefficiencies. Interestingly, increased health expenditure was negatively associated with growth, indicating potential inefficiencies in resource allocation. The study highlights the complex relationship between demographics and economic growth in West Africa. Policies focusing on reducing dependency ratios, improving labour productivity, and ensuring efficient health investments are essential to harness demographic advantages and foster sustainable development.

The increasing demand for cannabidiol (CBD) and the relaxation of legal restrictions have driven the rapid expansion of cannabis research, cultivation, and commercialization. This review synthesizes current knowledge on optimizing high-CBD cannabis cultivation, focusing on genetic, environmental, and technological determinants of yield, cannabinoid biosynthesis, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Key aspects include genetic stabilization, molecular breeding, and CRISPR-based gene editing to ensure consistency in cannabinoid profiles; precision agronomy practices such as fertigation, irrigation, and controlled-environment agriculture; and the role of abiotic stresses, light spectrum, temperature, and photoperiod in modulating plant growth and secondary metabolism. Furthermore, the paper evaluates regulatory landscapes across regions, strain-specific performance, and the integration of artificial intelligence in trait selection and production monitoring. By linking molecular genetics with cultivation systems and global trade patterns, this review highlights pathways to enhance yield stability, product quality, and medicinal efficacy of high-CBD cannabis. The study highlights the pressing need for scientifically informed cultivation practices, harmonized regulatory standards, and interdisciplinary innovation to promote cannabis as a sustainable agricultural and medicinal resource.

Phenolic compounds from longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) extract possess strong antioxidant properties but are highly unstable during processing and storage, limiting their application in functional foods. This study aimed to develop an alginate–gum Arabic encapsulation system to enhance the efficiency, stability, and microbial safety of longan phenolic compounds. Beads were produced using an extrusion technique with 1.5% (w/v) sodium alginate and 4% (w/v) calcium chloride as the optimal gelling condition, and gum Arabic was incorporated as a co-polymer to improve bead performance. The formulation containing gum Arabic exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (74.9%), and stability evaluations revealed superior retention of phenolic compounds under acidic conditions (pH 2), with a more controlled release profile compared to neutral and alkaline environments. To address microbial safety, gamma irradiation at 5 and 7.5 kGy was applied; a dose of 5 kGy increased bead firmness, whereas 7.5 kGy achieved complete sterilization without compromising structural integrity or functional properties. These findings indicate that the integration of alginate with gum Arabic significantly enhances both encapsulation performance and bioactive stability, while gamma irradiation serves as an effective non-thermal sterilization method. The developed system demonstrates strong potential for application as a delivery platform in functional food and nutraceutical formulations requiring stability and safety assurance.

We investigated the protective effects of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) bone-derived biocalcium (Bio) against dexamethasone-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes. Bio rescued atrophic morphology, increasing myotube diameter dose-dependently. It mitigated inflammation by suppressing nitric oxide production and the expression and concentration of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) significantly and dose-dependently. Bio restored protein turnover balance by downregulating MuRF1 and atrogin-1 while upregulating MTOR. At 5-20µg/mL, Bio downregulated total NF-κB p65, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and FoxO3a and upregulated Akt expression. Crucially, Bio dose-dependently downregulated primary-, precursor-, and mature-microRNA-29b. In Bio-treated, dexamethasone-treated C2C12 myotubes, microRNA-29b inhibitor co-transfection significantly increased myogenin and MyoD expression, whereas microRNA-29b mimic co-transfection suppressed these myogenic markers, confirming the inhibitory role of microRNA-29b. Molecular docking simulations confirmed strong binding affinities between microRNA-29b and myogenin/MyoD. These results demonstrate that Bio exerts anti-atrophy effects by disrupting the microRNA-29b-mediated block on myogenesis and modulating inflammatory responses, protein turnover, and key signaling pathways. Collectively, skipjack tuna-derived Bio shows promise as a functional food supplement for sarcopenia prevention and management.

Cocoa is a significant source of theobromine, a bioactive compound proposed to provide cardiovascular protection. However, relatively few studies have provided conclusive evidence of the potential beneficial health effects. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the consumption of cocoa products containing theobromine and cardiovascular risk factors in the U.S. population sample using 2015-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. This cross-sectional study included 8531 individuals aged 20-70years and 3808 people in a fasting sub-sample. Theobromine and cocoa product intake levels were obtained from 24-h dietary recalls and linked to the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies database. Primary outcomes included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, glycohemoglobin, insulin, plasma glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Linear regression models were applied to analyze the associations between theobromine or cocoa product consumption and cardiovascular risk factors. The consumption of cocoa was not associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to non-consumption. The amounts of cocoa consumed were inversely associated with glycohemoglobin levels (mean ± SE, - 0.04 ± 0.02% per 100g, P = 0.04). Theobromine intake (vs. no intake) was positively associated with serum insulin (1.85 ± 0.85 μU/mL; P = 0.03). Theobromine levels consumed were inversely associated with glycohemoglobin (- 0.05 ± 0.03% per 100mg, P = 0.04), serum triglycerides (- 5.4 ± 2.73mg/dL, P = 0.05), and hs-CRP levels (- 0.26 ± 0.12mg/L, P = 0.04). These associations were also mostly observed in people with healthier profiles. Increased cocoa consumption is associated with reduced glycohemoglobin levels, while higher theobromine intake is associated with reduced triglyceride, glycohemoglobin, and hs-CRP levels compared to a lower intake. The positive link between theobromine intake, as opposed to no intake, and serum insulin required further investigation. Overall findings support the inclusion of cocoa-derived compounds in healthy diets.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop a clean‐label 3D‐printable food ink using a formulation based on Khanom Piak Poon , a traditional Thai dessert, enriched with carrot powder (CP) for enhanced nutritional value. Unlike conventional food printing inks that contain additive hydrocolloids, this ink relies on the natural reactions between starch, sugar, and dietary fiber. Response surface methodology (RSM), combined with a Box‐Behnken design, was applied to optimize a formulation consisting of rice flour (RF), coconut sugar (CS), and CP. The results showed that interactions among these components significantly affected rheological properties and printing accuracy. The optimal formulation had an RF:CS:CP ratio of 9.8:5.4:6.3, achieving 93.6% printing accuracy, which was close to the predicted value ( R 2 = 0.99). Rheological analysis revealed that successful printing depends on a specific balance between shear‐thinning behavior and viscoelasticity. The optimal formulation exhibited a viscosity of approximately 1000 Pa·s at a shear rate of 0.1 s −1 and a storage modulus (G’) of 5000 Pa at an angular frequency of 10 rad/s. This defined rheological range allows for optimal flow under pressure while ensuring rapid structural recovery after printing. Textural characterization indicates that the optimized printed gel had a soft texture suitable for easy consumption, comparable to the traditional dessert, but with improved nutritional value. This study provides a rheological framework for the 3D printing of clean‐label, plant‐based food, demonstrating that the matrix of the traditional Thai dessert can be successfully modernized without compromising its original composition.