Search Results (222)

Background/Objectives: Infant acute malnutrition increases the risk of morbidity and mortality but also has adverse effects on growth, cognitive development, and quality of life. Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs) represent the standard treatment in moderate (MAM) or severe acute malnutrition (SAM) cases, but acceptability and adherence in culturally diverse settings remain poorly understood. To evaluate the acceptability and adherence to RUTF treatment among children with MAM or SAM in rural and indigenous communities of three Mexican states. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study in Chihuahua, Guerrero, and Chiapas between February and August 2024. A total of 66 children aged 6–59 months with confirmed MAM or SAM diagnoses were enrolled, with 48 completing the study. Acceptability was assessed by weighing leftovers of the consumption RUTF sachet and using 5-point hedonic scales evaluating taste, texture, appearance, and smell. Adherence was measured by comparing consumed versus prescribed RUTF sachets. Semi-structured interviews with primary caregivers explored perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of RUTF use. Results: Consumption-based acceptability was achieved by 85% of participants. On the 5-point hedonic scale, 77% of participants rated RUTF as pleasant or very pleasant. Overall treatment adherence was adequate (≥70%) in 79.2% of cases. Qualitative information revealed primary caregivers’ perceptions about weight gain and increased appetite as benefits. Conclusions: Since acceptability and adherence were adequate and a high score was obtained on the hedonic scale, which led to an improvement in the nutritional status of MAM or SAM cases, the feasibility and acceptability of RUTFs in highly vulnerable community contexts in Mexico was reaffirmed. Full article

Sensory mapping in architecture lacks a guiding theoretical model, leaving practitioners without a clear way to relate spatial design to embodied experience. This study introduces a structured methodology that links phenomenological observation with affordance theory and sensory semiotics, framing sensory data within architectural contexts. Fieldwork in fourteen courtyard houses of Damascus had residents trace their movements on simplified floor plans, switching colors as sight, sound, touch, smell and taste became dominant. The analysis reveals that visitors pass through a narrow entry corridor, enter the courtyard, and converge at the central fountain, which emerges as a focal point for multiple senses. Residents consistently trace tactile interactions along the fountain’s stone rim and at raised benches in the liwan (open space). Gustatory (taste-related, food-linked) markers appear along the route from kitchen thresholds toward the fountain, suggesting how food preparation and communal gathering overlap. Using 28 sensory maps and a three-level analytical process, comparison, synthesis, and spatial interpretation, the study produced a unified sensory map of the Damascene courtyard house. This pattern highlights how sequential spatial arrangements shape sensory engagement and suggests conservation strategies that preserve these experiential pathways. Architects and conservators can reinforce welcome gestures at thresholds and design water features and planting schemes that invite lingering. The proposed methodology fills the theoretical gap and offers clear guidelines for crafting spaces that respond to human perception. Full article

Designing robust drinking water treatment schemes for eutrophic sources requires shifting from considering each treatment step separately to considering the full treatment process as a connected system. This study evaluated how treatment configuration and arrangement influence microbial community dynamics, organic carbon removal, and biological stability in a full-scale drinking water treatment plant. A Dutch treatment plant was monitored, operating two parallel lines: one conventional (coagulation, sedimentation, and rapid sand filtration) and one advanced (ion exchange, ceramic microfiltration, and advanced oxidation), both converging into granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration. Microbial and chemical water quality was assessed across treatment stages and seasons. This plant experiences periods of discoloration, taste, and odor issues, and an exceedance of Aeromonas counts in the distribution network. Advanced oxidation achieved a high bacterial cell inactivation (~90%); however, it significantly increased assimilable organic carbon (AOC) (300–900% increase), challenging biological stability. GAC filtration partially reduced AOC levels (from 70 μg Ac-C/L to 12 μg Ac-C/L) but also supported dense (10⁵ cells/mL) and diverse microbial communities (Shannon diversity index 5.83). Moreover, Gammaproteobacteria, which harbor opportunistic pathogens such as Aeromonas, persisted during the treatment. Archaea were highly sensitive to oxidative and physical stress, leading to reduced diversity downstream. Beta diversity analysis revealed that treatment configuration, rather than seasonality, governed the community composition. The findings highlight that treatment arrangement, oxidation, GAC operation, and organic and microbial loads critically influence biological stability. This study proposes integrated strategies to achieve resilient and biologically stable drinking water production when utilizing complex water sources such as eutrophic lakes. Full article

During the last ten years, the scientific community has increasingly acquired greater knowledge of the importance of oral microbiota, in general, for the physical condition of humans. Not only oral diseases, related to oral dysbiosis, are examined, but also several systemic inflammatory degenerative diseases induced by this condition. This narrative review aims to shed light on the communication mechanisms between the oral cavity and different mucosal compartments, and to explain how the changes in microorganisms may alter their balance, leading to disease. Many potential pathogenic bacteria can induce oral dysbiosis, among them Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum are the most explored; however, other bacterial species such as Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Filifactor alocis are able to give rise to local and systemic diseases through the release of toxins. The two-way communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, known as the gut–brain axis, is strongly influenced by the gut microbiota and can ultimately be studied even more broadly and in depth if we consider the influence of the oral microbiota on this axis. Taste receptors’ activity also has a significant role, being able to affect a subject’s food choice by interacting with the microbiota. Qualitative and quantitative alterations in microorganisms existing in the main mucosal compartments may easily lead the host to develop systemic degenerative inflammatory diseases. Full article

This study systematically examines the effects of processing methods (green vs. black tea) and preparation techniques (brewing vs. decoction) on the flavor and functional composition of Chinese sweet tea (Lithocarpus litseifolius). Fermentation degree and extraction temperature were found to significantly influence polyphenol bioavailability, with green tea exhibiting the highest polyphenol and flavonoid contents (144.51 mg/g and 88.97 mg/g, respectively), while black tea showed an approximately 40% reduction in catechin levels due to oxidative polymerization. During in vitro simulated digestion, green tea maintained strong antioxidant activity despite its stronger bitter–astringent taste. Notably, in vitro fecal fermentation experiments demonstrated that sweet tea significantly promoted short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and modulated gut microbiota composition (with a 3.2-fold increase in acetate content in the black-tea decoction group). Black tea particularly enhanced beneficial genera (Roseburia and Coprococcus) after 24 h fermentation (p < 0.05) and exhibited superior prebiotic properties. Principal coordinate analysis confirmed there were significant structural differences in microbial communities among the treatment groups. This study is the first to reveal that processing methods regulate the prebiotic efficacy of sweet tea by modulating the bioaccessibility of active compounds, providing a theoretical foundation for the development of functional sweet tea products. Full article

Sichuan-style black soybean soy sauce is a traditional fermented condiment renowned for its complex and regionally distinctive flavor profile. This study systematically investigated the physicochemical properties, flavor compounds, and microbial succession during six months of natural fermentation to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its unique flavor formation. Results showed that the amino acid nitrogen level increased to a peak of 1.37 g/100 mL before stabilizing at 1.01 g/100 mL, accompanied by a continuous rise in total acidity (0.69–2.75 g/100 mL). A total of 132 volatile compounds were identified, with esters (e.g., hexanoic acid, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and methyl ester), alcohols (e.g., (E)-2-hepten-1-ol and trans-2-undecen-1-ol), and aldehydes (e.g., benzaldehyde and benzeneacetaldehyde) serving as key differentiating components. Nine taste-active (TAV ≥ 1) and 22 odor-active (ROAV ≥ 1) compounds were recognized as major flavor determinants, among which methional (ROAV = 4.77–119.05), 1-octen-3-ol (ROAV = 40.68–149.35), and 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol (ROAV = 4.70–36.26) were dominant contributors imparting sauce-like, mushroom-like, and smoky-clove notes, respectively. Microbial succession revealed a transition from Weissella and Aspergillus dominance in the early stage to salt-tolerant Tetragenococcus and aroma-producing yeasts (Kodamaea and Zygosaccharomyces) in later phases. Beyond organic acids and fermentation parameters (e.g., pH and salinity), microbial interactions were identified as critical drivers shaping community assembly and succession. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed a stage-dependent mechanism of flavor formation. During the initial stage (0–2 months), Aspergillus-mediated proteolysis released free amino acids as key taste precursors. In the later stages (3–6 months), Tetragenococcus and aroma-producing yeasts dominated, synthesizing characteristic esters (e.g., benzoic acid and methyl ester, correlated with Tetragenococcus; r = 0.71, p < 0.05), phenolics (e.g., 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, correlated with Wickerhamomyces; r = 0.89, p < 0.05), and sulfur-containing compounds (e.g., methional, correlated with Wickerhamomyces; r = 0.83, p < 0.05). Full article

Urban edible greening initiatives, such as urban orchards and community fruit gardens, can deliver ecological and social benefits, but their long-term success depends on community acceptance. This study examines the establishment phase of a newly planted orchard in a housing estate in a mid-sized Czech city and operationalizes esthetic fit over time, i.e., the extent to which early-phase design is perceived as orderly, suitable, and promising using targeted items on design legibility, species–site suitability, and perceived promise. Data were collected through standardized face-to-face interviews with 150 residents, using a stratified sampling strategy. The survey elicited anticipated burdens and benefits, current and future evaluations of the orchard, and attitudes toward its care. Attitudes were measured with an adapted Urban Green Attachment Scale (UGAS). Descriptive and inferential analyses, including logistic regression and non-parametric tests, were conducted. Findings reveal that residents credited the orchard with design legibility, beauty, and ecological promise, while pragmatic concerns focused on maintenance tasks (leaf litter, watering) and questions of fruit access. Window views of the orchard and general satisfaction with the residential environment significantly increased the odds of higher attachment, while gender differences suggested varied engagement pathways. Importantly, attachment was strongly associated with stewardship intentions; residents with higher UGAS scores were more likely to defend the orchard, taste the fruit, participate in maintenance, and even support its preservation through higher property taxes. The results underscore that attachment is measurable before full ecological performance emerges, arising from a combination of design legibility and daily visibility. Practically, visible routines of care can pace expectations and sustain legitimacy. Conceptually, the study demonstrates that early-phase esthetic fit spans installation with stewardship, providing a foundation for long-term resilience and co-stewardship of edible urban greening. Full article

The transformation of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) among minority populations undergoing cultural and linguistic assimilation over time is poorly understood. Arbëreshë communities in Greece, who have preserved Albanian-derived traditions for centuries, offer a unique opportunity to examine how folk plant knowledge adapts over time. This study examines the linguistic labels and culinary uses of wild greens among Arbëreshë (or Arvanites), an ethno-linguistic minority traditionally speaking Arbërisht or Arvanitika, the Tosk dialect of Albanian, who have resided in the Argolis and Corinthia regions of the Peloponnese for several centuries. In 2025, fieldwork was conducted in four rural Arbëreshë villages in the Argolis and Corinthia regions of Greece, combining semi-structured interviews with 24 elderly participants, participant observation, and the collection and identification of botanical specimens. The contemporary dataset was compared with historical ethnobotanical records from the 1970s to assess temporal changes in the use of wild vegetables and folk plant nomenclature. Our results reveal that current Arbëreshë ethnobotanical heritage has undergone profound Hellenisation, with 62% of folk plant names of Greek origin, 14% Albanian, and 24% hybrid, reflecting strong linguistic and cultural assimilation over the past half-century. The traditional boiled green mix (lakra in Arbëreshë, chorta in Greek) remains central to the local cuisine, which is rooted in foraged plants, although its culinary applications have diversified. In total, 37 taxa of wild vegetables across 37 genera and 14 families were documented in 2025, compared with 21 taxa across 21 genera in the filtered 1970 dataset. Core families, such as Asteraceae and Brassicaceae, remained dominant, while new families, like Malvaceae and Portulacaceae, appeared, possibly indicating both ecological and culinary changes. These findings raise questions about whether the Arbëreshë wild vegetable heritage was strongly influenced by the surrounding Greek majority or primarily acquired after migration, potentially facilitated by intermarriages and shared Orthodox Christian affiliation. Overall, our study highlights a largely Hellenised Arbëreshë biocultural heritage and underscores the urgent need for national and regional stakeholders to recognise and celebrate the remaining minority’s linguistic and ethnobotanical diversity. The transformation of local ethnobotanical knowledge over the past fifty years appears influenced by ecological availability, socio-cultural dynamics, and changing taste preferences. Full article

Christmas markets are centres of place and culture, having heritage value through impressive histories and long-running traditions. With their array of congregation spaces, huts, and icons (Christmas trees, nativity scenes, carousels), they represent a cultural landscape en miniature, the structural elements being overlain by multisensorial elements (sounds, smells, tastes). Each of these factors are market-distinctive, as are space and place connections, with each heritage landscape being unique. Collectively, these markets represent a cross-national cultural landscape temporarily unifying communities with different cultural traditions. However, transition examination is limited, and missed experiences or future projections have not yet been addressed. Utilising on-site interviews at five Christmas markets in Germany and UK (Dresden, Mainz, Frankfurt, Offenbach, Birmingham) in 2023, we examine changes over remembered time—what was missed, what has emerged, and what future projections were envisaged. While each market is distinctive, overall trends included a decrease in artisanal products and a concomitant increase in gastronomy, an increase in tourism/commerciality, and diminished traditional experience—with factors including policy/administration control and shifting social demographics. Future projections included diminished ambiance, lessened authenticity, and more commercialisation. Our findings highlight potential conflicts considering transition/development across these cultural landscapes, and issues with respect to heritage and cultural integrity. Full article

Sustainable protein consumption is a key element in the transition toward more environmentally responsible food systems. Poultry, due to its relatively low carbon footprint and favorable health profile, holds significant potential to become an important component of the so-called “protein transition.” The aim of this article is to identify cognitive factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions regarding poultry and to formulate recommendations for marketing communication strategies that position poultry as a choice aligned with sustainability goals. This study is based on an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) conducted on a nationally representative sample of Polish consumers (AgriFood 2024). The results revealed three dominant decision-making determinants—taste, health, and convenience—collectively forming the original THC (Taste–Health–Convenience) model. This model provides a novel interpretive framework, showing how sustainability issues can be communicated through immediate, personally relevant consumer benefits, and subsequently expanded to include environmental and ethical aspects. The findings indicate that effective communication should emphasize tangible, everyday consumer benefits while also leveraging poultry’s lower climate impact compared to red meat. This article makes an original contribution to the debate on sustainable diets by presenting the THC model both as a tool for explaining the mechanisms of the attitude–behavior gap and as a practical instrument for designing campaigns that support the implementation of SDG 3 and SDG 12. Full article

Honey has a long cultural tradition in Italy, valued for its sensory properties and health benefits. However, in recent years, the beekeeping sector has faced various challenges due to climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic pressures. Therefore, growing consumer awareness of sustainability, traceability, and ethical aspects is influencing food choices and putting niche-market products, such as honey, in the spotlight. This research analysed data from an online survey of Italian consumers to examine their attitudes toward honey. The analysis focused on the primary drivers of consumer behaviour, the state of sustainability efforts, and the importance of certifications and traceability in influencing preferences. The results showed that, beyond taste and health considerations, Italian consumers expressed a strong sensitivity and awareness of the beekeeping sector’s needs and their high engagement in ethical issues, food quality, safety and certification standards, and environmental protection. These findings provide useful insights for producers and policymakers to promote sustainable beekeeping and enhance consumer trust by implementing targeted communication strategies and certification schemes. Full article

This study investigated consumer segmentation regarding insect-based foods among Polish Generation Z students. Data from 947 respondents were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) followed by k-means clustering. Two segmentation solutions were identified: a four-cluster model based on product categories and a three-cluster model based on product attributes. In the four-cluster solution, the segments were labeled insect product enthusiasts, pragmatic consumers of processed products, cautious explorers, and skeptical and disengaged. In the three-cluster solution, the clusters were identified as conscious enthusiasts, quality-oriented pragmatists, and skeptical and disengaged. Across both approaches, the clusters differed significantly in terms of food neophobia, perceptions of sustainability, and product-related attributes such as safety, nutritional value, and sensory appeal. Notably, socio-demographic factors such as gender, place of residence, economic status, and field of study did not show statistically significant differences across clusters. Food neophobia emerged as a strong and highly significant differentiator (p < 0.001), reinforcing its role as a major psychological barrier, while positive perceptions of safety, taste, and nutritional value enhanced acceptance. These findings extend current knowledge on consumer heterogeneity in sustainable food markets and provide practical guidance for developing tailored communication strategies to promote the acceptance of edible insects among young consumers. Full article

Plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) are positioned as promising alternatives to animal-based foods due to their potential environmental and health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of PBMAs among trend-sensitive Swedish consumers, including both those who already eat PBMAs and those who do not. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was distributed digitally via social media using convenience/snowball sampling (n = 291). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and qualitative content analysis. The results show that PBMA consumption was significantly more common among women, urban dwellers, and individuals identifying as flexitarians or vegetarians. Environmental concerns and animal welfare were the most important motivators for PBMA consumption, whereas non-consumers cited issues such as imported ingredients, high processing levels, and poor sensory qualities as barriers. Consumers valued flavor and visual appeal more than production or nutritional attributes. Interestingly, while current PBMA consumers did not seek meat-like sensory properties, non-consumers and potential users preferred products resembling meat in taste and texture. The name “plant-based protein” was rated most appealing, compared to alternatives like “meat analogue” or “meat substitute.” The study highlights the heterogeneity in consumer expectations and emphasizes the need for tailored product development and communication strategies. Improving sensory quality, enhancing nutritional value, and positive product naming may support a broader acceptance of PBMAs. Full article

Background and Aims: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) effectively induces remission in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD), but reasons for its limited use in adults remain unclear. This study aimed to identify and compare patients’ and physicians’ perspectives on barriers to EEN use, in order to inform strategies to enhance its utilization. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to adult CD patients and gastroenterologists, collecting data on demographics, disease characteristics, previous EEN exposure, and attitudes toward EEN and potential barriers (Likert scale 1–5). Comparative analysis and logistic regression identified factors associated with reluctance toward EEN. Results: A total of 315 CD patients (mean age 36.7) and 42 physicians completed the survey. Previous EEN use was reported by 40%, while 20.3% of the entire cohort were reluctant to use it. The only factor that predicted reluctance was current use of advanced therapy (OR 2.06 [95%CI 1.05–4.35]). Among physicians, 71% had prescribed EEN, and 81% were willing to do so. Key barriers were lack of food variety (65% Likert score > 3) and reduced social interaction (59%) among patients and social interaction (67.3%) and taste concerns (54.7%) among physicians. Patients rated hunger sensation and lack of food variety concerns as more significant barriers than physicians. Patients identified direct communication with staff (68.6% Likert score > 3) and full cost coverage (65%) as facilitators for adherence. Notably, 87% wanted more information from their doctors. Conclusions: Most adult CD patients and physicians are open to discuss EEN. Removing barriers related to palatability and diversity of enteral nutrition, as well as shortening of EEN duration, may enhance acceptance of and adherence to EEN. Full article

This study examines the impacts of industrial wastewater from the Uttara Export Processing Zone (UEPZ) on natural resources, agriculture, and the health of nearby communities in Nilphamari, Bangladesh. Using a quantitative, self-report approach, data were collected from 162 households across four villages in Nilphamari Sadar Upazila, selected based on proximity to the UEPZ. Findings reveal significant environmental degradation: almost all (96%) respondents reported that water in nearby rivers and ponds has changed color and is odorous, unpleasant to taste, and contaminated, harming aquatic biodiversity. Agricultural productivity has declined, with 67 percent of respondents experiencing reduced crop yields, increased crop diseases, and rising cultivation costs due to greater dependence on fertilizers and pesticides. Also, 96 percent of respondents reported that the fish population diminished, reducing alternative income sources. Health impacts were pronounced; 69 percent of the respondents experienced water pollution-related complications, including skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye problems. Perceptions of wastewater health risks were strongly aligned with reported illnesses. Binary logistic regression further indicated a positive association between degraded crop health and human health problems. The study concludes that UEPZ’s wastewater disposal negatively affects natural resources, agriculture, and public health, underscoring the need for improved waste management and mitigation to protect affected communities. Full article