<< Background >>The Food & Drink industry is the EU largest manufacturing sector in terms of turnover, value added and employment. Despite of market turmoils also due to Covid-19, it remains stable and dominates the EU external trade. Higher Education and training activities in the food sectors are growing in the EU largely dominated by conventional study programmes and teaching methodologies that in general do not allow the achievement of competences and skills needed by the current and future job market.<< Objectives >>The ASKFOOD main aim was to create a permanent knowledge sharing alliance between businesses, business associated organisations and Universities in the food and food-related sectors. Establishing such an alliance, the ASKFOOD consortium: (1) created the necessary frame for collaboration, (2) converted innovative concepts into new tools to be provided within this frame(3)tested and applied innovative training methodologies(4)ensured sustainability by establishing a permanent alliance<< Implementation >>The project has:-implemented a series of virtual tools to early discovery and anticipate trends and related emerging skills-implemented an interactive platform and dynamic networking for multisector knowledge sharing and co-creation-improve training models, by launching disruptive, learner-led and cross-industry training schemes, i.e. Reverse incubator -set up common tools and organizational frame that will guarantee the sustainability of the network: the permanent Observatory.<< Results >>•Cross-industry knowledge platforms (Knowledge and Training Hub and Clusters) •Open Innovation framework to modernize education/training (ASKFOOD DBTE)•Interactive repository of emerging skills and professional profiles in the food sector in a forward-looking perspective (Interactive Atlas) so to forecast future skill needs (Forecast Aggregator) •Acceleration and growth hacking solutions (Reversed Incubator, ASKFOOD Garage Labs)•Permanent ASKFOOD Observatory

The development of the latest sequencing techniques has revealed an unexpectedly high complexity of the transcriptome in eukaryotic cells. Transcription occurring outside defined gene regions results in the emergence of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). With this project, we aim to shed light on the still underestimated impact and significance of ncRNAs in regulating proteins in the cell wall of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We plan to conduct a bioinformatic meta-analysis and an in vivo analysis of the cell wall transcriptome to gather information about transcripts potentially regulated by non-coding RNAs under different conditions, at different growth stages, or during the cell cycle (mitosis and meiosis). This work should yield information that will enable us to construct new yeast strains with modified cell wall properties, which could, in turn, enhance various biotechnological processes.

The latest studies suggest a possible influence of homocysteine (Hcy), folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 on bone metabolism, bone quality, and fracture risk. Osteoporotic fractures represent a significant public health issue and are associated with morbidity and mortality. It is believed that lifestyle factors also affect Hcy levels in a healthy population. Some epidemiological studies indicate a slight increase in Hcy levels in individuals with poor dietary habits (low folate intake), smokers, and coffee drinkers, as well as vegetarians (low vitamin B12 intake). However, data on individuals who consume alcohol and those who are physically active are inconsistent. Moreover, the role of Hcy in bone metabolism is currently poorly understood, and it remains unclear whether improved folate and vitamin B12 status or simply reducing Hcy levels prevents bone fragility. Research Objectives: To determine Hcy levels in populations at risk due to the intake of these micronutrients and the prevalence of osteoporosis. To assess bone quality in individuals with slightly elevated Hcy levels and evaluate whether adequate intake of folate and/or vitamin B12 (through diet and/or supplementation) positively impacts bone tissue quality. To investigate whether participants adopt new dietary behaviors during the follow-up period (study duration) and the resulting impact on Hcy levels and bone quality. Expected Results: A slightly elevated Hcy level is expected in a significant number of participants. After a one-year intervention, premenopausal and postmenopausal women (aged 45–65), older adults (>65 years), vegetarians (aged 30–50), and individuals with celiac disease (aged 18–60) are expected to achieve adequate folate and/or vitamin B12 status, lower Hcy levels, and improved biomarkers of bone formation and resorption, as well as bone density. During the follow-up study, a considerable number of participants are anticipated to adopt new dietary behaviors. Methods for Result Verification: Random allocation of participants into groups. Use of placebo. Double-blind study design. Significance of the Proposed Research: International Level: This study would contribute to the currently unresolved understanding of the role of folate, vitamin B12, and Hcy in bone quality. National Level: It would provide data on the status of folate, vitamin B12, and Hcy levels in at-risk populations and their correlation with bone mineral density.

Oil-cakes of flax and industrial hemp seeds contain 30-35% proteins, and as such can be used as a nutritious media supplement for animal cell cultivation. The main objective of the proposed project is to determine the effects of flaxseed and hempseed oil cake hydrolysates on cell proliferation and recombinant protein production. We want to carry out an enzyme based oil cake hydrolysis and apply different hydrolysate fractions and concentrations in cell culture, with or without serum. Defining the parameters of hydrolysis and characterization of derived peptides is the foundation for standardization of the hydrolysate composition and their administration as nutritive supplements for cell culture. The results obtained with this project will contribute to the re-evaluation of waste-products from flax and hemp oil industry and direct their application in the field of animal technology. If positive results were achieved, (i.e. hydrolysates show stimulatory effects on cell growth and productivity), the selected hydrolysate fractions could be used as a beneficial culture media component and thus affect future media formulations.