Search Results (2,939)

Background/Objectives: The global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change highlight the complex health and environmental challenges faced by young adults. These challenges may intensify during the transition to university. As a matter of fact, limited budgets, time constraints, and insufficient culinary skills often lead to unbalanced diets and increased risk of obesity. University cafeterias, serving large numbers of students, represent an ideal setting to promote healthier and more sustainable eating behaviors. The FOOD-HACK Project aimed to design and implement a cafeteria-based intervention using nudging strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable lunch choices among university students. Methods: This pilot study employed a pre–post design with two independent phases in the Polo Cravino cafeteria at the University of Pavia. Food consumption was assessed over 12 non-consecutive days across four weeks. During the intervention, three nudging strategies were implemented: (1) choice architecture, (2) salient labeling, highlighting healthy and sustainable options, and (3) educational prompts. Results: Across both phases, 2400 tray photographs were collected. Post-intervention, the proportion of trays aligned with the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate and EAT-Lancet Planetary Diet models increased, reflecting higher consumption of vegetables and fruit. Legume-based first courses increased; however, legumes did not substantially replace animal proteins as the main protein source, and meat remained predominant in second courses. Reductions in trays containing multiple carbohydrate sources were also observed. Conclusions: The nudging intervention improved overall meal quality, demonstrating that subtle environmental modifications can guide students toward healthier dietary choices, particularly by increasing fruit and vegetable intake. However, the persistent preference for animal proteins highlights the challenge of shifting protein consumption toward more sustainable sources. These findings suggest that nudging can be an effective tool to promote healthier and more balanced eating behaviors in university settings, though complementary strategies may be needed to foster substantial changes in protein choices. Full article

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a plant rich in bioactive constituents, serving as a unique material for the food and beverage industry and therapeutic applications. Despite its significant utility, few studies have focused on the molecular breeding of the plant. Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells with independent genetic information, making them ideal for investigating plant phylogeny and genetic evolution. In this study, the roselle breeding material ‘Zhe Xiao Luo 1’ was selected to assemble and analyze the entire chloroplast genome using the Illumina NovaSeq X Plus platform. The phylogenetic relationships between roselle and other species within Malvaceae family, particularly within the genus Hibiscus, were clarified. The results showed that the complete chloroplast genome of roselle was 162,428 bp in length, with nucleotide proportions of 31.14% (A), 18.73% (C), 18.01% (G), 32.12% (T), and 36.74% (GC). It exhibited a typical tetrad structure consisting of four segments: the large single copy (LSC) region (90,327 bp), the small single-copy (SSC) region (19,617 bp), and two inverted repeat sequences (IRa and IRb, each 26,242 bp). A total of 130 genes were identified, including 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 85 mRNA genes, and no pseudogenes were detected. Phylogenetic analysis using 23 revealed a clear phylogenetic relationship between H. sabdariffa and H. esculentus (okra) among all tested species. Building on previous research, this study further explored the functional annotation of genes in the roselle chloroplast genome, as well as its codon preference, repetitive sequences, simple sequence repeats (SSR), Ka/Ks ratio, nucleotide diversity (pi) analysis, and boundary analysis. The complete gene sequences have been uploaded to the NCBI database (accession number PX363576). This study provides evidence for elucidating the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of H. sabdariffa, laying a theoretical foundation for studies on molecular mechanism resolution and cultivar development. Full article

Rivomarginella morrisoni is a freshwater snail endemic to Thailand, yet its behavioral ecology remains poorly understood. This study described the feeding behavior of R. morrisoni, focusing on its foraging activity, behavioral patterns, and food detection mechanisms under laboratory conditions using specimens collected from four river basins in central Thailand. Daily monitoring revealed nocturnal emergence, peaking between 21:00 and 22:00 h, with stable rhythms established 72 h post-feeding. Feeding trials revealed a preference for aged shrimp over fresh or decayed ones. Behavioral observations confirmed that food localization in R. morrisoni was mediated by chemical cues. Light–dark tests indicated a slight tendency toward darkness, but no significant phototactic response was observed. These findings suggest that R. morrisoni is a generalist scavenger with chemosensory-driven foraging and nocturnal activity. Its apparent sensitivity to habitat disturbance underscores the relevance of behavioral studies for informing future conservation and captive breeding efforts. Full article

The increasing complexity of care home residents’ needs, driven by demographic shifts, multimorbidity and late-stage admissions, poses significant challenges for food service provision in Swiss care homes. Current systems struggle to meet individual nutritional and psychosocial needs due to staff shortages, financial constraints and rigid infrastructures. This perspective article explores the necessity for a more individualised and systematic approach to food services in long-term care settings, with a particular focus on developing resident personas as a guiding tool. Such personas, based on typical end-of-life disease trajectories, can support tailored food service planning and staffing. The authors highlight the inadequacy of current food service models, which often fail to accommodate residents’ diverse health conditions and personal preferences. They emphasise the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of resident-centred strategies. Achieving this calls for a shift from fragmented, chef-driven decisions to a holistic, evidence-based system. By aligning food services with specific resident profiles, care homes can optimise resources, improve quality of life and enhance overall care. Future research should focus on applied, interdisciplinary solutions that address the interdependencies between nutrition, health and operational feasibility in care homes. Full article

Food, specifically those with heritage attributes, stands as one of the distinctive forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). To promote and preserve such heritage, brands have increasingly focused on incorporating heritage elements into the packaging. This research employs three studies conducted in China to explore how different representation styles of heritage elements (verbal vs. non-verbal) shape consumer brand preferences in food packaging. Study 1 confirmed that food packaging featuring heritage elements effectively enhances consumer brand preference. Moreover, consumers exhibit stronger preference for the verbal elements over the non-verbal ones for heritage food due to construal level theory. Study 1 also demonstrated the mediating role of perceived value. Study 2 validated that such an effect remained significant within a tourism shopping context. In addition, Study 3 revealed the moderating effect of purchase motivation. When purchasing food as a gift, consumers tend to adopt a more abstract processing level (e.g., symbolic meaning, cultural connotation), which enhances the effect of verbal heritage elements on brand preference, whereas for self-use purchases, consumers shift to a concrete processing level (e.g., taste or price), thus enhancing the effect of non-verbal representation style. This research enriches the research on heritage element application in food marketing, and offers suggestions for packaging design for heritage food. Full article

A systematic review was conducted on the migration of compounds from plastic containers in the food and pharmaceutical industries, using Web of Science databases and following PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The protocol has been registered with the OSF registry, with the DOI 10.17605/OSF.10/UQ3T2. This review included only review articles in English published within the last fifteen years. Four reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, discussing inclusion criteria. In this comprehensive evaluation of the information present in an Excel spreadsheet, a substantial number of records were discarded because they were not representative of the topic under study. Following the review process, a total of twenty-eight key records were selected, primarily focusing on migration in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Of these, twenty-four addressed only food, just two addressed only pharmaceutical sector, and two covered both fields, highlighting limited information on migration in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and related products. The analysis emphasized the types of compounds studied, the analytical methods employed, the migration tests conducted, and the toxicity assessments undertaken. The most frequently assessed compounds included phthalates, endocrine disruptors like bisphenol A, and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). Analytical methods used typically involved pre-treatment steps, such as liquid–liquid or solid-phase extraction, followed by gas or liquid chromatography, depending on compound volatility. Full article

This review comprehensively examines the advancements and challenges in anaerobic digestion (AD) for biogas production, emphasising technological, microbial, and policy perspectives. It highlights the AD significant potential for valorising diverse organic substrates, including manure, food waste, and microalgae, thereby contributing to renewable energy generation and greenhouse gas mitigation. Key operational factors influencing biogas yield include substrate composition, temperature (preferably mesophilic conditions), pH (6.5–7.5), and the substrate-to-inoculum ratio (SIR), all of which significantly affect microbial activity and process stability. Co-digestion strategies and pretreatments are examined for their roles in enhancing biodegradability and methane yield, respectively. Microbial community dynamics, particularly responses to feedstock heterogeneity and operational parameters, are integral to process optimisation. Advances in metagenomics have provided insights into microbial resilience and adaptation to conditions such as high ammonium levels. This review also discusses various modelling approaches, including kinetic models and machine learning techniques, for predicting and optimising biogas production. Additionally, policy frameworks within regions such as the European Union and Brazil, along with economic incentives and regulatory hurdles, are also considered crucial for scaling up deployment. Challenges such as digestate management and high capital costs persist, underscoring the need for integrated strategies to enhance the sustainability and viability of AD-based biogas projects. Full article

Background: Social media has emerged as a powerful communication tool for healthcare professionals, including nutritionists and dietitians, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that their online presence can enhance nutritional literacy and play a crucial role in countering misinformation. Objective: This systematic review aims to investigate how and why Registered Nutritionists and Dietitians (RNDs) use social media in their professional practice, focusing on benefits, challenges, and impact. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted between 1 January 2019 and 28 February 2024, in PubMed, Scopus, Scholar, and SciELO databases using terms such as ‘nutritionist’, ‘dietitian’, and ‘social media’. Quality was assessed using the MMAT tool. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The included studies were analysed with respect to their content, professional practices, and patterns of social media use. Results: Of the 359 articles identified through the systematic search, 10 cross-sectional studies conducted using questionnaires were included in this review. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 2542 participants across nine countries. Instagram and Twitter were the most frequently used platforms among RDNs, primarily for sharing evidence-based nutritional information, counselling content, and professional promotion. Reported usage ranged from 37.5% to 100%, with a marked increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among younger professionals. Key enablers included enhanced communication, professional visibility, and cost-effective outreach, while main challenges involved limited digital literacy and difficulties replicating face-to-face counselling online. Although ethical concerns were reported, many RNDs maintained compliance with professional standards, particularly in regions with strict marketing regulations. Conclusions: This systematic review provides evidence that social media is a valuable tool for RNDs, particularly in the context of food and/or nutritional education. RNDs would benefit from training in content creation, knowledge dissemination and ethical digital communication. However, clearer guidelines from professional organisations are also recommended. Full article

Background/Objectives: Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are experiencing a growing incidence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The lack of a culturally relevant food exchange list (FEL) for commonly consumed foods in Qatar and the GCC limits the application of cultural preferences in medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for managing diet-related NCDs, thereby reducing patient adherence and metabolic outcomes. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to develop a culturally tailored FEL for 50 main course dishes widely consumed in the region. Methods: A four-phase approach was followed in this developmental study. First, common Qatari and GCC dishes were identified based on cultural practices and market availability. Second, nutrient composition was compiled from regional food composition tables and validated using dietary analysis software. Pearson correlation was conducted to compare macronutrient values, with significance set at p < 0.05. Third, standard serving sizes were determined using Wheeler et al.’s methodology and converted into household measures using a kitchen scale. Finally, we developed a macronutrient exchange list for the dishes based on the established Wheeler rounding-off criteria. Results: A culturally tailored FEL for 50 frequently consumed Qatari and GCC dishes was successfully developed. Significant correlations were observed between laboratory-derived and software-derived values for carbohydrates (r = 0.7) and protein (r = 0.9), with a weaker correlation for fat (r = 0.5). Macronutrient exchange analysis revealed substantial variation across dishes, with several carbohydrate-based dishes also contributing meaningful protein and fat exchanges. Findings indicated that visual assumptions about nutrient composition may not accurately reflect exchange values, highlighting the need for systematic analysis in diet planning. Conclusions: This study developed a novel culturally relevant FEL for commonly consumed composite dishes in Qatar and the GCC. The exchange list provides a practical tool for dietitians and healthcare professionals to support culturally tailored MNT and public health interventions in the region. It also serves as a valuable resource for researchers in nutritional epidemiology, enabling the analysis of dietary data by converting raw food intake information. Full article

This study investigates the potential of creative tourism in Thailand’s national parks and the role of social media in promoting creative tourism experiences. The objectives were to examine creative tourism activities, identify visitor segments based on activity preferences and media use, and propose targeted communication strategies to enhance engagement and support sustainable tourism. A mixed-methods design combined document reviews of 133 national parks, field surveys in 10 parks, and a structured visitor survey with 1133 respondents across terrestrial and marine parks. The study identified 25 tourism activities, of which 20 were classified as creative tourism. Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed four key dimensions: nature-based learning, scenic immersion, community participation, and culinary experiences. Cluster analysis segmented visitors into five groups: Local Advocates, Nature Explorers, Food Enthusiasts, Nature Learners, and Diverse Enthusiasts. Media preferences varied across groups. Nature Explorers and Food Enthusiasts engaged strongly with short-form videos and scenic visuals, while Local Advocates and Nature Learners preferred educational and text-based formats. Diverse Enthusiasts, the largest segment, interacted with multiple content types. Scenic imagery emerged as the most influential theme overall. These results provide practical implications for designing creative tourism strategies and creating social media campaigns to diverse groups of tourists in Thailand’s national parks. Full article

Wild edible plants contribute significantly to food security, environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation, economic diversification, and the development of communities. In this paper, we present an inaugural ethnobotanical investigation of the traditional knowledge on wild edible plant species from Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ethnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in Makkah from January to February 2025. Ethnobotanical data pertaining to wild edible plants were collected from 102 informants through free listing, semi-structured interviews, field observations, and a survey of the market. The data were analyzed based on descriptive statistics, the relative frequency of citation, preference ranking, and priority ranking. Forty-one out of one hundred and eighty-four wild plants were gathered and recognized as wild edible plant species belonging to twenty-one families. Poaceae showed the greatest species diversity, comprising five plant species (12%). Phoenix dactylifera L. is the most common wild edible plant. Notably, 11 of the 41 wild edible plants identified in this study had never been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before. Wild edible plants are currently threatened by several anthropogenic sources in the research region, including overgrazing, fuel wood collection, and the repeated use of multiple species. Therefore, to ensure sustainable future usage, wild food plants must be used carefully and should be the subject of targeted conservation efforts from all stakeholders. Full article

The rapid expansion of the global pet food industry has intensified interest in understanding the factors shaping pet owners’ purchasing decisions. This systematic literature review synthesises evidence from 40 peer-reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2024 to identify the key drivers of consumer behaviour toward commercial pet food. Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Findings reveal six main categories influencing purchasing behaviour: intrinsic and extrinsic product characteristics, psychological, biological and physiological, sociocultural, and situational factors. Product quality, ingredient composition, price, brand reputation, sustainability, and pet health status emerged as consistent determinants of choice. The review highlights that consumer behaviour toward pet food remains a developing research field with limited cross-regional studies and methodological diversity. Future research should expand geographically and explore the intersection of sustainability, pet welfare, and owner psychology in pet food decision-making. Full article

Background: Sugars, also known as saccharides or carbohydrates, are essential organic compounds that ensure the human body functions properly. They are used as sources of energy, as structural elements and reserve materials. Excessive sugar consumption is prevalent in many countries and has negative health consequences. Methods: A total of 283 people living in Poland took part in the study. An interview and olfactory tests (dynamic olfactometry method) were conducted together with assessments of food preferences from 25 types of food products. Aim: To assess the impact of olfactory efficiency and individual characteristics, such as sex, age, body weight and tobacco addiction, on preferences for various sweet products. Another important objective of this study was to examine the patterns in preferences for different sweet foods. Result and Conclusions: Of all the types of sweet products analysed in the study, desserts and fruit were the most popular. Preferences varied depending on the type of sweet food or drink as well as on other factors. In terms of declared enjoyment, desserts, chocolate and sweets, including jellies and bread, formed a common group (Factor Three: ‘sweet products’); while sweet, carbonated drinks formed the group—Factor One (‘junk food’); and fruit, together with vegetables, salads, cheese and spicy dishes, formed the group—Factor Four. The most important factors influencing the preference for sweet foods and drinks were the severity of tobacco addiction, age and sex. There was no significant influence from olfactory efficiency or body mass index on the preference for any of the sweet products in the study. Full article

Anxiety-like behavior in fish is commonly assessed using non-invasive behavioral paradigms such as the Light/Dark preference, Novel Tank, and Open Field tests. In this study, we validated these three assays in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a species of commercial relevance, to characterize their anxiety-related responses. To explore behavioral changes associated with feeding anticipation and satiety, we implemented a feeding schedule consisting of two daily meals and conducted behavioral tests at specific times before and after feeding. Trout exhibited clear patterns of scototaxis, geotaxis, and thigmotaxis, consistent with anxiety-like behavior described in other teleosts. Our results showed a significant increase in anxiety-like responses before feeding, coinciding with food anticipatory activity observed prior to expected feeding schedules, which diminished after food intake, as evidenced by each test individually. Moreover, multivariate analysis combining parameters from all three tests improved discrimination between anxious and relaxed fish. The behavioral states before and after feeding resembled anxiety-like and anxiolytic conditions reported in other species, supporting that food anticipatory activity reflects an anxious state in rainbow trout as well. These findings endorse using a multi-test behavioral battery to assess anxiety-like states and provide a framework for studying neurobiological mechanisms of emotional regulation related to feeding in teleosts. Full article

The Lactobacillaceae family encompasses microorganisms of exceptional ecological and biotechnological importance, serving as central agents in food fermentations, health applications, and nutrient cycling across diverse environments. Despite their broad functional and phylogenetic diversity, the global distribution and ecological specialization of Lactobacillaceae are not yet fully understood. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of over 2 million records from the NCBI database to survey and trace the ecological landscape of Lactobacillaceae across thousands of distinct habitats. Our results reveal that food products and animal hosts represent the primary ecological niches for members of this family. The examined taxa exhibit a broad spectrum of ecological strategies, ranging from generalists with wide environmental adaptability to specialists with strict niche preferences. Notably, our findings highlight a profound geographical and ecological sampling bias, with unclassified taxids frequent in animal gastrointestinal tracts, soils, and especially in living plant tissues—habitats identified as promising frontiers for discovering novel biodiversity. The obtained results emphasize the urgent need for expanded sampling efforts in underexplored geographic regions such as Africa, Antarctica, the Arctic, South America, and Central Asia to capture a more complete picture of Lactobacillaceae diversity. The study underscores the necessity of implementing standardized, metadata-rich data deposition practices to enable unbiased, large-scale ecological and evolutionary analyses. Ultimately, these insights not only deepen our fundamental knowledge of Lactobacillaceae diversity but also provide a strategic framework for future bioprospecting, fostering the discovery of novel strains and expanding the biotechnological potential of this influential bacterial family. Full article