Agrifood systems are facing significant challenges, science and innovation are key to shift the trajectory towards ensuring sustainability and resilience. Thus, scaling assumes a critical role in agricultural research for development (AR4D). Scaling consists of a continuous process in which innovations are tailored, used, and embedded into societal dynamics adapted to various contexts, aiming to create widespread positive impacts. This systematic literature review explores scaling within the context of AR4D, with a particular focus on the role of social capital. Using bibliometric and factor analysis methods, we identified the intellectual structure in the field of scaling, revealing the knowledge domains and disciplines that have determined their emergence and growth as a scientific discipline. Then, we analyzed the role of social capital in the scaling literature. Our results showed that the field of scaling is composed by four distinct literature clusters: the innovation and adoption of agricultural technology, the economics of technology adoption, sustainability in agricultural innovations, and the emergence of scaling as a research field. Disciplines such as sustainable agriculture, systemic thinking, technological transitions, and technology adoption have contributed to the development of the field. The results indicate that the explicit consideration of social capital in the scaling literature within AR4D is limited despite the importance of relationships, trust, and reciprocity values in the process of scaling. This study highlights the continuous growth and multidisciplinary nature of scaling as a research field in AR4D, reflecting its complexity. International agricultural research centers and universities from developed countries have significantly advanced this field, also underlying the importance of locally rooted, and participatory research. Future research on the creation, development, and strengthening of social capital in scaling processes can contribute foster intentional and responsible scaling of AR4D innovations.

Sambucus nigra has garnered attention in the food industry for its natural colouring and antioxidant properties, mainly due to its high content of anthocyanins, other polyphenols, and vitamins. These bioactive compounds not only contribute to the nutritional impact of food products, but also make it possible to replace synthetic additives that meet the current consumer demand for natural and functional foods. This study provides an overview of the bioactive compounds in Sambucus nigra (black elder) fruits, highlighting their potential health benefits and toxicity concerns. It examines the effect of different processing technologies on the phenolic and cyanogenic glycoside composition of elderberry, emphasizing the need to balance microbial decontamination with the sensory quality and nutritional value of food products. The study also reviews the mechanism of ultrasonic inactivation of microorganisms and the potential of fermentation to reduce toxic compounds in Sambucus nigra fruits, thus contributing to the improvement of food safety and nutritional quality, emphasizing the importance of considering the potential limitations of ultrasound and the use of combined methods to increase efficiency while minimizing the negative impact on both the product and the consumer. Additionally, the study discusses the significance of selecting appropriate processing methods to ensure the safety of elderberry products, given the presence of potentially harmful cyanogenic glycosides and lectins, which can be mitigated through heat treatment and fermentation.

In Uzbekistan, the main food product is bread, which is produced in various forms from local and imported wheat. Most of it is not studied by microelement analysis. The objective of this study is to quantify trace elements in locally produced wheat from various cultivated regions of Uzbekistan. Four different varieties of wheat are cultivated in Sirdarya, Tashkent region, Kashkadarya and Fergana were selected for analysis. Next, a comparative analysis of the elemental composition like iron, zinc, potassium, calcium etc., in the selected samples were studied. To carry out the above aims, an innovative research method was chosen, which is called improved instrumental neutron activation analysis. This method differs from others in its high accuracy in determining trace elements and its multi-element nature. Using this method, we can understand how insufficient nutrients are in baked goods made from wheat grain grown in Uzbekistan. Based on the results of the study, it can be recommended to enrich the soil with fertilizers high in iron and zinc. As a result, in turn, will have a positive effect on the health of the population, since today there is a shortage of the above listed elements. It was also revealed that the concentration of potassium and calcium in wheat cultivated in Uzbekistan is in a high state than other elements. Using the chosen method, two toxic elements were determined and according to the analysis for toxic elements, all four samples are recommended for consumption, as they do not exceed the permissible level for food safety.

Nowadays, when the economic development of countries is more and more influenced by knowledge-based, innovative entrepreneurship, particular attention is paid to the application and protection of intellectual property. Enterprises can acquire intellectual property rights in various ways externally and such rights can also be generated by enterprises internally: they launch and subsequently produce new or improved products and services (research and development) and ensure the protection of intellectually intensive products (patents, trademarks, computer software, etc.). Thus, it is important to study the valuation and accounting of intellectual property rights. The aim of the research is, on the basis of the studies of intellectual property rights accounting policy in Latvia, to identify the shortcomings related to the valuation and accounting of intellectual property rights and to develop recommendations for their elimination. The following research tasks are subject to the aim: to study IPRs concept, regulatory framework and statistical data, to valuate accounting policy for IPRs; to identify shortcomings related to the valuation and accounting of IPRs; to develop recommendations for the elimination of identified shortcomings. The results of research enable to draw a conclusion that the requirements of the laws and regulations of Latvia do not prevent from the capitalization of intellectual property rights as intangible assets; however, it is necessary to revise and improve some requirements. In the conclusion of research, the authors have elaborated recommendations for the elimination of identified shortcomings.

A social security system must provide social security and support for all members of society, regardless of their age or financial situation. The elderly and disabled may face various health problems, physical and mental decline which may make them dependent on other people or on professional care. People with financial means lack the care they need; for example, older people who may not have family carers or who do not want to use commercial care services. In this case, an additional support system is needed to provide care for those with financial resources. A social program should be available so that these people can receive help from the state or the municipality. As life expectancy increases and older people become a larger demographic group in society, it is essential to provide adequate care and support for this group of older people. This includes medical and health care, as well as social care and emotional support. In this context, the state and society have a responsibility to provide appropriate care services and resources to ensure the dignity, comfort, and security for older people if they can afford private care. In old age, people deserve to live with dignity and quality care, regardless of their financial situation or social status. This requires care and attention by both the state and society to establish and maintain systems that guarantee that the needs of older people are met.

This study explores the impact of climate change, social capital, and gender differences on the resilience of smallholder farmers in South Asia. Analysing data from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan from 2000 to 2020, the researchers have found that climate change significantly reduces agricultural productivity, while social capital acts as a crucial support mechanism. The paper summarizes gender-sensitive interventions in the improvement of adaptive ability and equality in the agriculture sector. It describes innovative farm-level practices and policy measures at various levels to strengthen resilience from environmental challenges. This approach gives room for researchers to find how the elements of climate change, put together with social capital and gender disparities, influence agricultural resilience. The present analysis recaps gender-sensitive interferences aimed at improving adaptive ability and equality in the agriculture sector, describing ground-breaking farm-level performs and policy measures to strengthen resilience against environmental tasks. Data shows that the climate change has a negative impact on agricultural output; therefore, any rise in temperature, change of precipitation, and extreme weather events worsen susceptibility. Social capital is also an essential part in resilience, being a source of resources, information, and support networks that can be drawn on. It calls for the interaction with the opposite gender and gender-sensitive interventions that increase adaptive ability and equality between men and women in agriculture. This study reveals that agri-diversification is pivotal for conservation agriculture enhancing climate resilience in South Asia.

The global character of sustainable development has made agritourism a popular phenomenon in both developed and developing countries, as it is advantageous from the standpoint of local economic and social development. Sustainability criteria play a vital role in controlling the quality of agritourist services of leader countries in agritourism. However, the development of agritourism in Uzbekistan has very different characteristics and development levels compared to other countries, especially countries in Western Europe. This article explores the integration of sustainability principles within the quality of agritourism services in Uzbekistan. As Uzbekistanʼs agritourism industry continues to grow, the importance of sustainability criteria in ensuring the quality of agritourist services becomes increasingly evident. A survey was conducted to investigate the importance of sustainability in the quality of agritourism services in Uzbekistan. The research findings indicate that there is a growing interest in agritourism in Uzbekistan. However, there is a need to improve the quality and sustainability of agritourism services in order to meet the expectations of tourists. This, in turn, enhances the overall visitor experience and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the industry. This article, relying on quantitative method, reveals the assessment of quality of agritourism services in Uzbekistan from the sustainability point of view. In the context of Uzbekistan, the article emphasizes the nationʼs strategic initiatives to promote sustainable resource management, water efficiency, conservation, and environmental preservation in its agricultural and agritourism sectors ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and products while contributing to environmental preservation.

One of the promising areas of creating a competitive market environment is the development of organic production. Under martial law, organic producers faced not only problems related to the export of organic products, but also other challenges caused by the military actions of the aggressor. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of the war on the export of organic products by domestic agricultural enterprises. The article reveals the general state and changes in the dynamics of export of organic agricultural products by domestic organic producers; the challenges faced by producers of organic products in the conditions of martial law are presented; the impact of the war on the export of organic agricultural products by producers of organic products is determined; the forecast of the value of agricultural products exported by Ukraine for the period until 2025 was made (with the help of retrospective and statistical research methods); directions for supporting exporters of organic products for their development in the future are given. As a result of the authorsʼ research, it should be noted that export operations of organic products will increase, which will allow to ensure the strategic goals of Ukraine regarding development in the market environment.

The sector of agriculture is one of the most crucial in the context of ensuring food security as well as in the care for sustainable development. The food security can be improved through several aspects, one of them being the agriculture system transition, implementing more and more regenerative measures. From the agriculture transition, due to the efforts needed to achieve the expected level of green transition, farmers themselves are expected to benefit less than the future society and nature in a whole. Yet both financial institutions and agriculture companies have not reached a common understanding, what requirements should be in place to establish mutually beneficial financial products to achieve the expected level of transition in a timely manner. The aim of this study is to evaluate funding options for agriculture transition in Baltic countries – Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. In total, for screening purposes, 29 different Banks operating in the Baltics were identified. The analysis of the financial product purposes provides a high-level perception, that loans, even if not indicating signs of support for green transition, may still support the improvements of overall country and society sustainability. The expert judgement was used to find potential links with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) identifying the potential SDGs that could be tackled when providing the financing to the specific purpose. Only two banks are observed to provide financial products that can be assessed as focused on green transition, and this research shows that financial products for agriculture companies willing to transition to sustainability are not broadly available.

In planning active leisure areas, the main emphasis is placed on the elements used in the infrastructure of childrenʼs playgrounds and recreational sports areas, their functionality, and compliance with various safety requirements in the public outdoor space. However, there are no uniform requirements for the aesthetics of the elements or the visually coherent inclusion of such infrastructure in the surrounding environment and existing infrastructure. The study aims to evaluate the impact of the infrastructure of active leisure areas on the visual quality of the public outdoor space and possible improvements by choosing alternative elements with a different visual design but similar functionality and to distinguish the main characteristic features for determining the visual quality of elements and characterize the impact on the surrounding environment. The research uses the descriptive or monographic method to collect and analyse the elements and functionality included in the surveyed territories in the summer and autumn of 2022, evaluating the aesthetic quality of the elements in active leisure areas in the public outdoor space of Riga and Tallinn. The studyʼs main results reflected several problems related to integrating active recreation areas into the surrounding environment. They highlighted issues related to the quality of the existing environment, which can be described as insufficient or low and which characterizes the planned development as coming into conflict with the existing environmentʼs aesthetic qualities or their absence.