Search Results (71)

This study investigates the effectiveness of designing a gamified Virtual Reality (VR) intervention, grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, in enhancing social reciprocity, affective expression, and daily living skills among Thai children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Utilizing the Meta Quest 2 headset, the intervention simulated five real-world contexts—home routines, classroom behavior, street crossing, supermarket shopping, and fast-food interactions. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed with 33 children aged 6–12, complemented by thematic analysis of caregiver and therapist interviews. Results from the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), indicated significant improvements in social communication (p = 0.001) and social motivation (p = 0.045), while changes in social awareness (p = 0.233) and repetitive behaviors (p = 0.169) were not statistically significant. However, an ANCOVA analysis controlling for pre-test scores found that the difference in post-test outcomes between the intervention and control groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.073), suggesting that observed improvements may be influenced by baseline variability. Qualitative feedback highlighted the program’s engagement value, cultural relevance, and usability, alongside suggestions for increased adaptivity and contextual nuance. These results underscore the potential of VR-based learning while highlighting the need for further research with larger samples and more adaptive systems. These findings offer practical insights for educators, researchers, teachers, and program developers by demonstrating how culturally grounded, gamified VR interventions when guided by experiential learning principles can effectively enhance engagement and support targeted social skill development in children with ASD. Full article

Despite its positive impact on household income, parental labour migration negatively affects left-behind children (LBC) and their caregivers. Studies in various settings have reported different impacts on LBC, but less is known about the consequences faced by their caregivers. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to collect data from caregivers of LBC whose parents migrated for employment. Participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique, starting with the distribution of study information sheets through village offices in Belu and Malacca districts, Indonesia. Data analysis was guided by a qualitative data analysis framework, which involved several steps, including familiarisation with the data or transcripts, identification of a thematic framework, indexing the data, charting the data, and mapping and interpreting the entire data. The findings showed that despite some benefits, including monthly remittances and positive feelings of living with and receiving support from LBC experienced by some caregivers, parental labour migration negatively impacted most caregivers due to their caregiving roles and responsibilities. These challenges included (i) mental and physical health issues, (ii) impacts on daily food and healthcare needs, and (iii) difficulties in their social lives and overall well-being. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive support systems and interventions to address these challenges and improve caregiver well-being. Such support systems should include access to mental and physical health services, financial assistance, employment opportunities, and social support networks. Future large-scale studies are recommended to explore the various impacts of parental migration and caregiving roles and responsibilities on caregivers of LBC, as the findings can better inform the development of policies and interventions to support them. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traditional dietary screeners face significant limitations: they rely on subjective self-reporting, average intake estimates, and are influenced by a participant’s awareness of being observed—each of which can distort results. These factors reduce both accuracy and reproducibility. The Guide Against Age-Related Disease (GARD) addresses these issues by applying Assembly Theory to objectively quantify food and food behavior (FFB) complexity. This study aims to validate the GARD as a structured, bias-resistant tool for dietary assessment in clinical and research settings. Methods: The GARD survey was administered in an internal medicine clinic within a suburban hospital system in the southeastern U.S. The tool assessed six daily eating windows, scoring high-complexity FFBs (e.g., fresh plants, social eating, fasting) as +1 and low-complexity FFBs (e.g., ultra-processed foods, refined ingredients, distracted eating) as –1. To minimize bias, patients were unaware of scoring criteria and reported only what they ate the previous day, avoiding broad averages. A computer algorithm then scored responses based on complexity, independent of dietary guidelines. Internal (face, convergent, and discriminant) validity was assessed using Spearman rho correlations. Results: Face validation showed high inter-rater agreement using predefined Assembly Index (A_i) and Copy Number (N_i) thresholds. Positive correlations were found between high-complexity diets and behaviors (rho = 0.533–0.565, p < 0.001), while opposing constructs showed moderate negative correlations (rho = –0.363 to −0.425, p < 0.05). GARD scores aligned with established diet patterns: Mediterranean diets averaged +22; Standard American Diet averaged −10. Full article

Choosing a rural destination today often comes down to one thing: how authentic it feels. In countries like Romania, where tradition is still woven into daily life, travelers are looking for something real and sustainable—but what exactly does that mean? And how can we measure it? This study takes a different approach. We created an Authenticity Index using fuzzy logic, a method that makes space for in-between answers and soft boundaries. It helped us capture how people actually perceive things like local food, architecture, and natural scenery—without forcing their opinions into rigid categories. We tested the index with real guest feedback from rural accommodation. The results showed that guests consistently valued sensory experiences—like nature and food—more than activities that required deeper cultural involvement, such as workshops or folk demonstrations. Instead of just producing a number, the index turned out to be a guide. It gives hosts a better idea of what really matters to their guests—even when those preferences are not always easy to define. More than that, it brings together what theory says with what visitors actually feel, supporting more sustainable tourism practices. And in rural tourism, that connection can make all the difference. Full article

Background/Objectives: Eggs, a nutritious and affordable food, are not widely consumed by adolescents, who show many nutrient inadequacies. Modeling dietary substitutions with eggs and their costs can provide dietary insights while considering economic constraints. This study theoretically modeled the impact of substituting an egg for another protein source, considering nutrient quality and cost, using exemplary menus with application to adolescents. Methods: The substitution was modeled in four different seven-day exemplary menus: (1) the Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Pattern (HUSS), (2) Harvard Medical School’s Heathy Eating Guide, (3) the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and (4) the Healthy U.S.-Style Vegetarian Dietary Pattern (HVEG). One egg replaced the gram amount and nutrient profile of a protein source food in each menu. Micronutrient quality was assessed using the Food Nutrient Index (FNI), scored 0–100. The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion Food Price Database informed the food prices. Pairwise t-tests compared the effects of egg substitution on micronutrient scores and daily costs. Results: The daily egg substitution increased FNI scores for choline and vitamin D in the HUSS (83 to 95 and 69 to 75, respectively), DASH (80 to 91 and 55 to 59, respectively), and HVEG (91 to 100 and 44 to 51, respectively), and choline alone (89 to 98) in the Harvard menu. Daily menu prices were not significantly different after the egg substitution (p > 0.01). Conclusions: Substituting one egg for another protein source food increased the micronutrient quality of choline and vitamin D in exemplary menus without increasing the cost; however, factors such as food preferences and the economic accessibility of eggs in different contexts should also be considered. Full article

This research paper explores consumer perceptions and expectations regarding environmental criteria for a range of essential lifestyle products. The term “Lifestyle Essentials” includes various items integral to daily life, covering food, cosmetics, household chemicals, consumer electronics, household appliances, IT equipment, clothing, footwear, and cars. The research aims to assess the significance of environmental factors in consumer purchase behavior and provides insights that can guide businesses and policymakers in developing targeted sustainability initiatives. The study, conducted in Poland with a representative sample (1221 respondents), gathered data on how consumers prioritize environmental indicators across five product categories. Results indicate that 80.5% of respondents expect businesses to be responsible for their environmental impact, and 56.9% of respondents consider environmental indicators as important in their purchasing decisions, with the highest importance assigned to chemical use (mean score: 3.94), waste management (3.90), and packaging (3.90). Additionally, the exploratory factor analysis highlighted that particular attention is given to the groups such as material and wastes, sustainable management, and risk and compliance, reflecting the main areas of consumer interest. Full article

Background/Objectives: Front-of-package labeling (FOPL) policies are a useful strategy to inform consumers about foods high in nutrients of concern, but little is known about what type of label works best in Bangladesh, a country with increasing levels of unhealthy food intake and diet-related diseases. Methods: We conducted 10 focus groups with men and women in rural and urban Bangladesh (n = 76). Using a semi-structured discussion guide, we asked consumers for their perceptions of the healthfulness of nutrients and foods, two common FOPLs (a color-coded guideline daily allowance [GDA] label and a warning label), and different visual elements of the warning label (e.g., shape, icon, text). Results: Participants understood the health harms of sugar and salt consumption but were less clear on saturated fat. Both FOPLs were perceived as helpful for identifying unhealthy foods, but the warning labels were perceived as easier to understand and more likely to influence behaviors than the GDA. Regarding the design of warning labels, participants perceived warning devices, holding straps, and octagonal shapes as effective but had mixed reactions to which icons or textual statements were most effective. Conclusions: FOPLs are likely to facilitate Bangladeshi consumers’ ability to identify unhealthy products. Further research is needed to understand the impact on food choices as well as the most effective design in this population. Full article

The EAT-Lancet commission advocated a planetary health diet in 2019. Some have raised concerns about its nutrient adequacy. This study used data from recent Nutrition and Health Surveys in Taiwan—from 2017 to 2020 (n = 6538)—to assess food intake and nutrient adequacy among three red meat consumption levels (low/medium/high). The low red meat group, whose diet was similar to the EAT-Lancet reference, showed significantly higher/better levels of vitamins C and E, calcium, magnesium, sodium, dietary fiber, and the polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio. However, protein, B vitamins, phosphorus for females, and zinc were slightly compromised, but they were still near or above 100% of the Daily Reference Intakes (DRIs), except for zinc (74~75%). The intake levels of vitamin D, calcium, and dietary fiber in all three groups at times did not reach 70% of the DRIs, but this was more pronounced in the high red meat group compared to the low red meat group. Replacing ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with whole/healthy foods improved levels of zinc, calcium, and dietary fiber, but not vitamin D. Finally, a proposed local planetary health dietary construct was provided, suggesting maintaining the original distribution of the food groups recommended by the Taiwan Food Guide while specifying amounts of protein sources in line with the EAT-Lancet principles. The proposed diet, according to our estimation and comparison with Taiwanese DRIs, was nearly perfect in its nutrient composition. Full article

Satellite-derived evapotranspiration (ETa) products serve global applications, including drought monitoring and food security assessment. This study examines the applicability of ETa data from two distinct sources, aiming to analyze its correlation with crop yield (rice, maize, barley, soybean). Given the critical role of crop yield in economic and food security contexts, monthly and yearly satellite-derived ETa data were assessed for decision-makers, particularly in drought-prone and food-insecure regions. Utilizing QGIS, zonal statistics operations and time series graphs were employed to compare ETa with crop yield and ET anomaly. Data processing involved converting NRSC daily data to monthly and extracting single-pixel ET data using R Studio. Results reveal USGSFEWS as a more reliable ETa source, offering better accuracy and data continuity, especially during monsoon seasons. However, the correlation between crop yield and ETa ranged from 12% to 35%, while with ET anomaly, it ranged from 35% to 55%. Enhanced collection of satellite-based ETa and crop-yield data is imperative for informed decision-making in these regions. Despite limitations, ETa can moderately guide decisions regarding crop-yield management. Full article

Background: People with blindness and intellectual disability can have problems locating, identifying, and retrieving objects needed for daily activities (e.g., clothes and food items) from familiar storage contexts, such as cupboards and cabinets. Objective: This preliminary study assessed a technological system designed to help three people with those problems improve their performance. Methods: The technological system, which involved the use of tags with radio frequency identification codes, a smartphone, and a tag reader, aimed to guide the participants in searching and retrieving objects from three different storage units. In practice, the system provided different feedbacks depending on whether the participants were searching (a) in a wrong storage unit, (b) in a wrong shelf/drawer of the right storage unit, or (c) in the right shelf/drawer of the right storage unit. Results: All participants were successful in retrieving objects correctly with the technological system. The results also showed that (a) the participants preferred using the system over a control strategy, (b) were able to switch on and off the system independently, and (b) staff rated the system positively. Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that the system might be a useful support tool for people with blindness and intellectual disability. Full article

The International Breakfast Research Initiative is a global study of breakfast nutrition, involving 17 countries in four continents, aiming to derive nutrient-based regional recommendations for breakfast. This study aimed to propose a harmonised recommendation for three South-East Asian countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. For each country, data from nationally representative dietary surveys on the contribution of breakfast to daily nutrient intakes at both the adult population level and at the level of the upper tertile of daily nutrient density using the Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) Index were collated and examined. Energy intakes at breakfast ranged from 26 to 27% of daily energy intake. In all three countries, breakfast was carbohydrate-rich, providing 52 to 72% of breakfast energy intake, while it was higher in total and saturated fat in Malaysia and Indonesia. Intakes of fibre and vitamin C were low in all countries, while Malaysia tended to have higher intakes of most minerals, including sodium. Daily and breakfast nutrient intakes (at the population level and in the upper tertile of the NRF Index) were compared to the Codex Alimentarius nutrient reference values (NRVs) to assess adequacy. A decision tree was established based on these data to guide the development of recommendations for nutrient intakes at breakfast across the three countries. Full article

Toddlerhood (aged 13~36 months) is a period of dietary transition, with water intake being significantly influenced by parental feeding patterns, cultural traditions, and the availability of beverages and food. Nevertheless, given the lack of applicable data, it is challenging to guide and evaluate the water intake of toddlers in China. In this study, our objectives were to assess the daily total water intake (TWI), evaluate the consumption patterns of various beverages and food sources contributing to the TWI, determine the conformity of participants to the adequate intake (AI) recommendation of water released by the Chinese Nutrition Society, and analyze the various contributors to the daily total energy intake (TEI). The data for the assessment of water and dietary intake were obtained from the cross-sectional dietary intake survey of infants and young children (DSIYC, 2018–2019). A total of 1360 eligible toddlers were recruited in the analysis. The differences in related variables between two age groups were compared by Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-Square test. The potential correlation between water and energy intake was examined utilizing age-adjusted partial correlation. Toddlers consumed a median daily TWI of 1079 mL, with 670 mL (62.3%, r = 0.752) derived from beverages and 393 mL (37.7%, r = 0.716) from foods. Plain water was the primary beverage source, contributing 300 mL (52.2%, r = 0.823), followed by milk and milk derivatives (MMDs) at 291 mL (45.6%, r = 0.595). Notably, only 28.4% of toddlers managed to reach the recommended AI value. Among these, toddlers obtain more water from beverages than from foods. The median daily TEI of toddlers was 762 kcal, including 272 kcal from beverages (36.4%, r = 0.534) and 492 kcal from foods (63.6%, r = 0.894). Among these, the median daily energy intake from MMDs was 260 kcal, making up 94.6% of the energy intake from beverages (r = 0.959). As the pioneer survey on TWI of toddlers in China based on nationally representative data, attention to the quality and quantity of water intake and actions to better guide parents by both individuals and authorities are eagerly anticipated. Additionally, the revision of the reference value of TWI for Chinese toddlers is urgently required. Full article

Parental labour migration, of either one or both parents, has been associated with various challenges among left-behind children (LBC). However, there is a limited understanding of the LBC’s own views and experiences of social and mental well-being and how the new daily life circumstances they encounter following their parents’ migration impact them. This study aimed to understand the influence of parental migration and its aftermath on the social and mental well-being of adolescents (referred to as LBC) in two rural districts in Indonesia. Employing a qualitative design, data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with LBC (n = 24) aged 14 to 18 years, recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data were thematically analysed, guided by a qualitative data analysis framework. The findings showed that parental migration negatively impacted the social well-being of LBC. This impact was reflected in negative labelling from friends and changes in familial roles which influenced their social interactions and activities with peers. Parental migration was also associated with challenges to the mental well-being of LBC. These manifested in the LBC experiencing fractured emotional bonds, leading to negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, sadness, depression, frustration, loss of motivation, and self-imposed isolation, which were associated with their parents’ migration and abrupt disruptions in parent–child communication. The transition to new life situations with caregivers after parental migration and the dynamics within the caregivers’ households were additional factors that detrimentally affected their mental well-being. Unmet basic needs and educational needs due to financial hardships faced by mothers and caregivers further exacerbated mental health challenges for the children. The findings indicate the importance and improvement of policies and interventions in Indonesia (e.g., counselling services, non-cash food assistance, family hope program, direct cash assistance) that cover and address the diverse needs of mothers or caregivers and the LBC. Full article

With a significant portion of the population adopting veganism and conflicting views among nutrition professionals regarding the necessity of vitamin B12 supplementation, this review aims to explore existing studies evaluating interventions through food supplementation. It focuses on the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency across different demographics. The present study seeks to understand how research has addressed the relationship between the rise in veganism and vitamin B12 deficiency over the past decade. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA flow diagram. Studies from 2010 to 2023 were identified using Boolean operators and key terms in electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EBSCO (Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, and Academic Search Complete). Out of 217 articles identified, 70 studies were included. The topical analysis categorized the studies into three groups: those associating vitamin B12 deficiency with diseases (n = 14), those analyzing the dietary habits of vegetarian individuals (vegan or not) without a specific focus on vitamin B12 (n = 49), and those addressing food guides and nutrition institution positions (n = 7). The authors concluded that vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among vegans due to limited consumption of animal products. For vegetarians, supplementation is an efficient means of treating and preventing deficiency; a daily dose of 50 to 100 micrograms is advised. There are still significant gaps in the research, nevertheless, such as the absence of randomized controlled trials evaluating various forms or dosages of vitamin B12 among vegetarians and the requirement for more information and awareness of the vitamin’s significance in vegan diets. Full article

Introduction: Binge eating disorder (BED) is a psychiatric illness related to a high frequency of episodes of binge eating, loss of control, body image dissatisfaction, and suffering caused by overeating. It is estimated that 30% of patients with BED are affected by obesity. “Mindful eating” (ME) is a promising new eating technique that can improve self-control and good food choices, helping to increase awareness about the triggers of binge eating episodes and intuitive eating training. Objectives: To analyze the impact of ME on episodes of binge eating, body image dissatisfaction, quality of life, eating habits, and anthropometric data [weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference] in patients with obesity and BED. Method: This quantitative, prospective, longitudinal, and experimental study recruited 82 patients diagnosed with obesity and BED. The intervention was divided into eight individual weekly meetings, guided by ME sessions, nutritional educational dynamics, cooking workshops, food sensory analyses, and applications of questionnaires [Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ); Binge Eating Scale (BES); Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF)]. There was no dietary prescription for calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber. Patients were only encouraged to consume fewer ultra-processed foods and more natural and minimally processed foods. The meetings occurred from October to November 2023. Statistical analysis: To carry out inferential statistics, the Shapiro–Wilk test was used to verify the normality of variable distribution. All variables were identified as non-normal distribution and were compared between the first and the eighth week using a two-tailed Wilcoxon test. Non-Gaussian data were represented by median ± interquartile range (IQR). Additionally, α < 0.05 and p < 0.05 were adopted. Results: Significant reductions were found from the first to the eighth week for weight, BMI, waist circumference, episodes of binge eating, BSQ scale score, BES score, and total energy value (all p < 0.0001). In contrast, there was a significant increase in the WHOQOL-BREF score and daily water intake (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ME improved anthropometric data, episodes of binge eating, body image dissatisfaction, eating habits, and quality of life in participants with obesity and BED in the short-term. However, an extension of the project will be necessary to analyze the impact of the intervention in the long-term. Full article