Michelle Hillmann, Johannes Pfeifer, Nicki Marquardt
During the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home became widespread due to contact restrictions, substantially altering work arrangements. As organizations reassess long-term work policies, this study examines whether working from home is associated with higher job satisfaction than traditional office work and which factors influence job satisfaction in a home-office context. Data were collected via an online survey of 201 em-ployees in Germany. Job satisfaction was measured using the Job Description Form (ABB), and personality traits were assessed with the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), which was included as a control variable. Results indicate that employees working predominantly from home report significantly higher overall job satisfaction than those working mainly in traditional office settings. This effect remained stable after controlling for personality traits and age and was evident across all job satisfaction subdimensions. Furthermore, effective communication tools, adequate technical equipment, a quiet workspace, and prior expe-rience with working from home were positively associated with job satisfaction. In contrast, the presence of children or other household co-workers did not significantly reduce job satisfaction, whereas sufficient childcare arrangements showed a strong positive association. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of supportive home office conditions for sustaining job satisfaction beyond the pandemic.
Academic articles on the goal of success in developing Thai home economics for sustainable development goals are essential for a better life. Sustainable development is a complex and multifaceted concept, closely linked to various issues, particularly food, which serves as a key medium. Home economics, as an integrated science for improving quality of life, therefore plays a role in solving current problems using an integrated approach. The researcher discovered relevant articles based on the results of the literature review from both within and outside the country, found that the goal of success in developing Thai home economics for sustainable development goals emphasis is a strategy that aims to end poverty, Poverty, Zero Hunger, Global health and well-being, achieve gender equality and empowering all women and girls, while equipping people and communities with the knowledge and abilities to make decisions that will lead to a more sustainable future. This entails applying sustainability concepts to various home economics topics, including resource management, food systems, and community development.
BackgroundStunting is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. In 2020, 37.5% of children under 5 years in Mozambique were stunted.ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the nutritional practices in a cohort of Mozambican children and to compare them with international recommendations. The secondary objective is to find differences between chronic malnourished (M) versus non-malnourished (NM) children and to detect factors related to malnutrition.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted, including children admitted to Beira Central Hospital in Mozambique, using a questionnaire focusing on early nutritional and complementary feeding (CF) practices. We compared the clinical and feeding characteristics of M and NM children and conducted logistic regression to identify factors associated with chronic malnutrition. Data management was performed using Microsoft Excel Office 365 and statistical analysis with Jamovi (version 2.3).ResultsA total of 103 children were studied (median age: 19 months). Seventy percent were exclusively breastfed, 56% continued breastfeeding during CF, but only 8% breastfed until 2 years of age. The introduction of CF occurred at a median age of 6 months, with the main reason being the baby’s crying. Sugar, salt, and sugary drinks were introduced before 1 year of age. At the time of the survey, 42% of the children’s diets were adequately varied. Statistical analysis showed that M children had statistically significant differences in birth weight percentile, were less likely to be breastfed, and consumed fewer dairy products than NM children. Multivariate logistic regression showed that risk factors for chronic malnutrition included HIV infection in both mother and child (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: 1.6–35.09), unaware initiation of CF (OR: 4.35, 95% CI: 1.45–13.05), and birth weight below the 10th percentile (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.02–10.47). In contrast, early and frequent dairy consumption, as well as ongoing maternal breastfeeding during CF, were identified as protective factors.ConclusionIn our population, the percentage of children with a minimally acceptable diet was low. The use of human milk could be increased, and mistakes in CF practices could be corrected. Our findings highlight the need to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the timely introduction of appropriately composed CF. Increased attention should be given to children suffering from HIV, with lower birth weights, less breastfeeding, and lower dairy product consumption, in order to prevent malnutrition.
Colonic mucus and gut microbiota closely linked through mutual regulatory effect. While their alterations during sepsis and whether glutamine can maintain the colonic mucus barrier and gut microbiota stability are unclear. Cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis in mice was utilized to observe changes in colonic mucus, gut microbiota, and their interaction with glutamine intervention. Our findings indicated that glutamine mitigated sepsis-induced intestinal damage and restores colonic mucus barrier function by augmenting mucin synthesis. Further analysis revealed that goblet cells were under oxidative stress after sepsis, resulting in anterior gradient-2 (AGR2), the key mucin-modifying enzyme, being dissynthesized, and inhibiting mucin 2 (MUC2) maturation. Glutamine could ameliorates this situation by promoting the key enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) glycosylation in the pentose phosphate pathway, increasing the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) synthesis, reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress, and accelerating AGR2 synthesis and MUC2 maturation. Additionally, glutamine aided in maintaining gut microbiota stability during sepsis, up-regulating mucin-associated bacteria such as Akkermansia and Alistipes. These bacteria, intimately linked to mucin synthesis and degradation, may impact intestinal mucus stability. In conclusion, glutamine can maintain goblet cell redox balance, promotes AGR2 synthesis and MUC2 maturation, shields the mucus barrier, and potentially maintains gut microbiota stability by regulating the interaction between bacteria and mucus, thus alleviating sepsis-induced intestinal damage.
Nawal A. Ozaybi, Seham E. Almasoudi, Hala M. Bayomy
et al.
Abstract White mulberry leaf nanoemulsion (WML-NE) showed much higher antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells than a fruit-based nanoemulsion (WM-NE). After 48 h of exposure, WML-NE had only half the IC₅₀ value (14.52 µg/mL) compared to that of WM-NE (29.23 µg/mL), which means that WML-NE was almost twice as potent cytotoxic. The inclusion of nanoformulations in the experiment led to a significant decrease in the number of living cells, the appearance of apoptosis, and the halt of the cell cycle at phase G0/G1, thus, the anticancer agents might be involved in the execution of programmed cell death and growth inhibition pathways. Breast cancer is still one of the main causes of death from cancer all over the globe, this fact pointing out the requirement for new therapeutic approaches that are safe, effective, and of natural origin. Morus alba, a plant rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other phytochemicals, is a good source of health-beneficial bioactive agents. Loading these substances into nanoemulsion delivery systems improves their solubility, stability, and uptake by cells, thereby intensifying their pharmacological activity. Overall, this research lays the groundwork for utilizing mulberry leaves as a novel plant-based nanotherapeutic agent with the highest efficiency. Accordingly, these findings can be used to propose the application of mulberry-derived nanoemulsions as auxiliary or alternative methods in breast cancer treatment and, thus, further in vitro and in vivo studies can contribute to their validation.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare diaphragm malformation that historically had low survival rates, but advances in care have improved outcomes. This case study discusses the outpatient management of an 8-month-old male infant who survived CDH but, due to a severe oral aversion, required nutritional adaptations to ensure optimal growth was maintained. Barriers experienced included volume tolerance, feeding tolerance, and the need for feeding skill development. The case emphasises the importance of individualised nutritional management.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Each stage of the fashion clothing lifecycle exerts multitudinous negative impacts on the planet. To date, research and policy interventions toward sustainable clothing consumption have largely concentrated on the initial and final life-stages of clothing production, and garment disposal. However, such efforts, even alongside industry technological advances, have failed to balance ever-expanding fashion consumption demand. More recently, alongside wider sustainability debates on sufficiency and consumption corridors, the active use phase of clothing lifecycle is emerging as a vital piece of the sustainability puzzle. An in-depth exploration of users’ real-life everyday interactions with clothing can facilitate a more comprehensive and holistic understanding of wearer garment interactions and use practices with implications for sustainable consumption. This paper presents the findings of an empirical, qualitative research study on the active use phase of clothing consumption in Ireland drawing on a complex intergenerational dataset gathered using in-depth problem-based interviews and wardrobe studies. Findings reveal that participants were largely unaware of both the positive impacts of prolonging wear and the adverse impact of frequent washing on clothing longevity and sustainability. A range of other barriers and enablers to sustainable clothing consumption also emerged, such as the impact of social media on repeat garment wear, the widespread disregard of garment care labels and the considerable acceptability of second-hand clothing wear. In providing such a snapshot into actual everyday clothing wear and care practices, we argue that it is possible to unlock insights into the various ways sustainable maximum use of clothing can be supported and we present implications for future sustainable policy development. We advocate that existing good practice in anti-consumption and sustainable maximum use must be recognised, understood, and promoted to become increasingly more widely culturally and socially acceptable and therefore, impactful in supporting sustainability transitions.
Environmental effects of industries and plants, Economic growth, development, planning
Phuah Kit Teng Kit Teng, Siti Intan Nurdiana Wong Abdullah, Bernard Lim Jit Heng
Food tourism gained its popularity due to people preference on travelling to a certain location for attending food festivals or sampling various delicacies. Such phenomenon promoted entomotourism especially on food and eco-tourism sector that emphasize the traditional values such as cultural and traditional respect, authenticity, and sustainability. The study aims to investigate the motivational factors which affect the domestic tourists in experiencing entomotourism particularly in searching for insect-based product during their travel. However, there is still a paucity of empirical research on edible insects, aimed towards domestic tourists, thus giving this study academic significance by closing knowledge gaps in the specific area of edible insect consumption acceptance and motivation among tourists to promote entomotourism as a form of unique gastronomy experience. Quantitative analysis was implemented to achieve the research objectives where a sample size of 240 respondents was collected in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Structural Equation Method was then used to validate each construct to find the factors that contribute to the tourist’s behaviour. The study provides a summary of core motivators characterizing the acceptance and consumer intention to search for insect-based food during their travel. This paper has the potential to generate societal benefits (food security), environmental (sustainable production methods and reduce in meat consumption) and health (nutritious). Furthermore, the result will help the agri-entrepreneur in producing, developing, and marketing edible insects-based products as a potential tourist attraction and a new marketing platform for food tourism in Malaysia.
Keywords: Consumer Behavior, Edible Insects, Entomotourism, Entomophagy, Food Tourism
Hospitality industry. Hotels, clubs, restaurants, etc. Food service
Collaboration between farmers and other farm support professionals is a critical tool for food systems transformation. Collaborative research and outreach can address structural inequalities that limit the success of immigrant and minority growers and uplift farmer knowledge, which has been systemically valued below that of academic knowledge. Agroecologists who work at the synthesis of science, movement, and practice propose wisdom dialogues and horizontalism as principles by which to develop collaborations that avoid reinforcing structural inequalities due to race, gender, and traditions of valuing academic knowledge above that of farmers. Public entities, such as land grant universities and state agencies, have a particular responsibility to address structural inequalities and serve the diversity of farmers in their region. This study examines the use of collaborative learning processes, such as wisdom dialogues and horizontalism, by public and non-profit professionals in their collaborations with a group of immigrant farmers in the Upper Midwest. We used a qualitative interview approach with two farmers, two of their advisers, and eight of their collaborators at the University of Minnesota Extension, Department of Agriculture, and a local agricultural non-profit. Through the interviews we examined each of their perspectives on current and potential collaborations by discussing the motivations, resources, and effects for and of collaboration between immigrant farmers and farm support professionals. Farmer interviewees emphasized that collaborations between immigrant and non-immigrant individuals and groups must develop with non-exploitative motivations and preparation undertaken by non-immigrant individuals to better understand the experience of immigrant farmer prior to engaging in collaboration. Emergent themes from interviews with non-farmers included a strong commitment to providing access to knowledge and resources, and recognition that collaboration improved the ability to accomplish institutional goals, indicating use of wisdom dialogues and horizontal learning at varying levels within current work. Interviewees emphasized that institutional support was an important determinant for how much they could prioritize relationships and collaboration in their work. Based on interviewees' experiences, support and continued opportunities for learning are critical to facilitate continued use of wisdom dialogues and horizontalism to address different conceptions of equity and equality, and for developing intentional and mutually beneficial collaborations.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Food processing and manufacture
Balangu (Lallemantia royleana) seed oil is a valuable source of omega-6 fatty acids that reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Due to the high sensitivity of this oil to environmental factors, microencapsulation has been recommended to preserve valuable compounds of oils and prevent adverse environmental effects. In this study, the oil of balangu seeds was extracted using a combination of ultrasound and shaking incubation and was microencapsulated using an emulsification method. The process was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). For this purpose, the effect of three independent variables such as chitosan concentration (0–1.5%), sodium alginate concentration (0–4.5%), and pH (3–7) on emulsification and microencapsulation condition was analyzed. The results showed that the optimal conditions for emulsification and microencapsulation included 0.30% chitosan, 0.14% sodium alginate, and pH 3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the structure of the optimal sample was smooth, spherical, and without cracks, which confirms the success of emulsification and microencapsulation processes.
Zinc (Zn) malnutrition is a common health problem, especially in developing countries. The human health and economic benefits of the replacement of conventional flour with Zn-biofortified wheat flour in rural household diets were assessed. One hundred forty-five wheat flour samples were collected from rural households in Quzhou County. Then, field experiments were conducted on wheat at two Zn levels (0 and 0.4% ZnSO4 · 7H2O foliar application) under 16 diverse agricultural practices in Quzhou County. Foliar Zn application significantly increased the Zn concentration and bioavailability in wheat grain and flour. If rural households consumed Zn-biofortified flour instead of self-cultivated flour or flour purchased from supermarkets, 257–769 or 280–838, 0.46–1.36 million or 0.50–1.49 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost, respectively, could be saved in Quzhou County and China. Amounts of 2.3–12.0 million and 5.5–22.6 billion RMB could be obtained via Zn-biofortified flour in Quzhou County and China, respectively. The current study indicates that Zn-biofortified flour via foliar Zn application is a win-win strategy to maintain the yield and combat human Zn deficiency in rural households in China. More health and economic benefits could be obtained in rural household dependent on wheat flour purchased from supermarkets than in those dependent on self-cultivated wheat flour.
Patrick Ngirabakunzi Irakiza, Géant Basimine Chuma, Tresor Zongwe Lyoba
et al.
Abstract Background The import of wheat flour is the major driver for the high prices and low use of bakery products in non-producing tropical countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These products’ high prices worsen the risk of malnutrition and food insecurity among rural and resource-poor populations. This study aimed at substituting the imported wheat flour with less expensive local cassava flour fortified with oyster mushroom flour in order to mitigate the nutritional crisis in the region. Methodology Series of experiments were conducted by substituting wheat flour with cassava flour at proportions of 10–25% to find the optimal combination. In addition, oyster mushroom flour (2.5–10%) was added to the composite flour to compensate for nutrient deficiencies of cereals and tuber crops. The overall aim was to identify the optimal wheat–cassava–mushroom combination, improving the nutritional value of breads while keeping their physico-chemical and organoleptic properties. Results Results showed that 0–10% mushroom flour increased bread protein from 19.63 to 22.66%. Besides, 7.5% mushroom flour allowed rising the bread calories from 311.8 to 354.5 kcal, and the dry matter from 77.33 to 87.86%. The wheat substitution for cassava fortified with mushroom flour negatively affected the bread volume, color and taste (p < 0.001). However, other organoleptic features remained unchanged. The different breads were microbiologically stable for bacteria, but susceptible to fungal attacks. Conclusion This study recommended 5–15–80% and 10–10–80% mushroom–cassava–wheat composite flour for better bakery results, good consistency and high protein and energy contents, for improving the nutritional status of populations in the tropical non-wheat producing regions such as DRC. Efforts are necessary to improve the taste and color of the mushroom-fortified bread to increase its uptake and competitiveness in the local markets.
Getahun Fentaw Mulaw, Fentaw Wassie Feleke, Kusse Urmale Mare
Maternal dietary feeding practice is one of the proxy indicators of maternal nutrient adequacy and it improves outcomes for both mothers and their offspring. The minimum maternal dietary diversity score of lactating women is defined as when the mother ate at least four and above food groups from the nine food groups 24 h preceding the survey regardless of the portion size. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the minimum dietary diversity score (MDDS) and its predictors among lactating mothers in the Pastoralist community, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed on 360 lactating mothers using a multi-stage sampling technique from 5 January 2020 to 10 February 2020. Data were collected using questionnaires and anthropometry measurements. Data were entered using EPI-data 4.6.02 and exported into SPSS version 25. Statistical significance was declared at P-value <0⋅05 at multivariable logistic regression. Only one in four lactating mothers met the MDDS. The majority of them consumed cereals in the preceding 24 h of data collection. The most important predictors were maternal meal frequency (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6⋅26; 95 % confidence interval (CI) (3⋅51, 11⋅15)), antenatal care (ANC) follow-up one to three times and four and above times (AOR: 2⋅58; 95 % CI (1⋅24, 5⋅36), 4⋅77 (1⋅90, 11⋅95), respectively) and secondary paternal education (AOR 2⋅97; 95 % CI (1⋅44, 6⋅11)). The MDDS among lactating mothers was low. Paternal education, maternal meal frequency and ANC follow-up were the significant predictors. Therefore, to improve maternal dietary diversity score emphasis should be given to those predictors.
Darinka Korovljev, Nikola Todorovic, Valdemar Stajer
et al.
Introduction We described here the annual variations in mean dietary creatine intake from 1999 to 2018 in U.S. children and adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Methods Dietary intake information from ten consecutive rounds of NHANES (from 1999 to 2000 to 2017–2018) was extracted for a total of 89,161 respondents aged 0–85 years. Individual values for total grams of creatine consumed per day were computed using the average amount of creatine (3.88 g/kg) across all creatine-containing food sources. Results The average daily intake of creatine across the entire sample was 0.70 ± 0.78 g (95% confidence interval [CI], from 0.69 to 0.71) and 13.1 ± 16.5 mg/kg body weight (95% CI, from 13.0 to 13.2). A significant negative trend for dietary creatine intake was found in infants (r = − 0.019; P = 0.042), and children and adolescents (r = − 0.024; P < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings suggest a variation in dietary creatine intake in the U.S. population during the past 20 years, with young persons tend to consume fewer grams of creatine per day from 1999 onwards. Long-running studies are highly warranted to assess possible health consequences of variable creatine intake in human nutrition.
Arin Wulansari, Fryta Ameilia Luthfinnisa, Fuadah Uyun
et al.
Background: Obesity cause various physiological changes in the body, one of which is insulin resistance causes high blood glucose levels. Chewing is a stimulus of cephalic phase responses and sensory stimulation that can increase hormones releasing such as insulin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Chewing plays important role in determining postprandial plasma glucose concentration.
Objective: Investigate the effect of chewing on postprandial blood glucose in obese adults.
Method: This was true experimental research. Research subjects were treated in the form of chewing 22 times and 40 times each mouthful. Blood glucose levels were measured using glucometer on fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes. Statistical test using Independent t-test.
Results: The mean postprandial glucose levels in the 22 chews group at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes were 112.11 ± 14.3328, 126.11 ± 15.667, 116.94 ± 15.539, and 89.67 ± 11.668 . While the mean postprandial blood glucose levels in the 40 chews group at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes were 122.22 ± 14.381, 129.61 ± 15.112, 109.50 ± 14.995, and 85.83 ± 13.963. There were statistically significant differences between chewing groups 22 times and chewing 40 times on fasting blood glucose and 15 minutes postprandial blood glucose (p = 0.041 and p = 0.042), while on 30 minutes postprandial glucose testing, 60 minutes , and 120 minutes there was no significant difference (p> 0.05).Conclusion: There was significant differences in 15 minutes postprandial blood glucose level between group 22 times chewing and 40 times chewing each mouthful.
Red beets and their products are mainly consumed after processing. In this study, the effect of pH on changes in antioxidant capacity (AC) and the content of betalain pigments were analysed during the heating of a betalain preparation solution. With pH ranging from 4 to 9 during the heat-treatment, the content of red pigments decreased depending on the pH level of the sample. The losses of red pigments in the investigated betalain preparation solution increased along with rising pH levels of the heated solution. The greatest losses were recorded at pH of 9.0. An opposite correlation was observed for yellow pigments. The content of yellow pigments in the heated betalain preparation solution was increasing along with increasing pH. The most pronounced increase in the content of yellow pigments was found at pH of 6.5 and 7.0. At the same time, the heated betalain preparation solution was shown to exhibit a higher antioxidant capacity at pH of 6.0 (14.9 μmol Trolox/mL) than at pH of 4.0 (12.6 μmol Trolox/mL). It was observed that the increase in the antioxidant capacity in heated betalain preparation solutions with pH in the 6.0–6.5 range occurred as a result of increased concentrations of neobetanin, assessed by HPLC, within the pH range from 5.0 to 6.5.
Mary Johanna Guzmán Loaiza, Candelaria Isabel Pérez Salgado
Introducción: el sobrepeso y la obesidad afectan la salud pública a nivel mundial y su aumento responde a múltiples factores. Objetivo: determinar factores socioeconómicos, demográficos, familiares e institucionales asociados a exceso de peso en niños de 2 a 5 años escolarizados en Envigado- Antioquia durante 2014-2015, para fortalecer estrategias de prevención de sobrepeso y obesidad infantil. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, descriptivo transversal, con una muestra de 278 menores seleccionados mediante muestreo probabilístico. Se hizo evaluación antropométrica y se aplicaron encuestas a padres y docentes. Se realizó análisis estadístico bivariado y multivariado en SPSS. Resultados: el 28,8% presentó exceso de peso (9,7% obesidad y 19,1% sobrepeso); 48,6% correspondía a niños de 5 años y 47,8% eran mujeres. Los factores asociados con exceso de peso fueron: no asistencia al programa de crecimiento y desarrollo (RP 4,1; IC:1,2-14,1) preferencia por ver televisión y uso de videojuegos en tiempo libre (RP 4,4; IC:1,10-17,7), no consumir cereales y tubérculos en la lonchera (RP 5,5; IC:1,2-26,1), y antecedente de obesidad o sobrepeso en familiar o cuidador (RP 3,8; IC:1,1-13,3). Conclusión: los factores que mejor explican el exceso de peso infantil corresponden a antecedentes familiares y las prácticas de cuidado en el hogar.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Public aspects of medicine
The conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authority of the rapporteur Member State France for the pesticide active substance cerevisane (cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LAS117), and the assessment of the proposal for inclusion of the substance in Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of the active substance as a systemic resistance inducer against fungi and bacteria in lettuce and other salad crops. The reliable endpoints concluded as being appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, derived from the available studies and literature in the dossier peer reviewed, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. No concerns are identified.
Nutrition. Foods and food supply, Chemical technology
Ethnic differences in the allocation of non-market time are important, as they may shed more light on the integration level of ethnic minorities and on the factors that affect both household productivity and ethnic identity. In this paper we examine the role of ethnicity and gender by analyzing differences in the time spent on a range of activities employing the 2000 UK Time Use Survey. Based on the economics of religion and identity economic models, we hypothesize that if ethnic minority women have lower opportunity costs of time and a strong ‘ethnic’ or ‘traditionally female’ identity, they will engage more in ‘traditional’ home activities. Double-hurdle regression results indicate that while the effect for childcare is not significant when estimated for parents only, non-white women spend significantly more time on food management and particularly religious activities than white women, with the greatest effect of the latter being for Pakistani and Bangladeshi women.