Search Results (60)

Background: Dining out has become increasingly prevalent in China, which is associated with higher intakes of energy, fat and sodium, elevating the risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases. However, evidence on color-coded nutrition labels for onsite prepared meals remains scarce. This study aimed to examine consumers’ perceptions of Dish-Choice, a three-color-coded onsite label, in comparison with the standard Nutrition Facts Label (NFL), to evaluate subjective perceptions of this novel label. Methods: A self-controlled trial was conducted among 3008 diners from canteens in Shanghai, with completing questionnaires twice: first on NFL perceptions, then three months later on Dish-Choice. Logistic regression and paired-sample comparison were used for analysis. Results: Compared with the NFL, Dish-Choice was associated with higher perceptual scores, with greater changes in overweight/obese, males, lower socio-economic status (SES) groups and those with poor dietary quality. Conclusions: The Dish-Choice label elicits more positive perceptual responses across multiple perceptual constructs. It is particularly well-received among vulnerable populations with lower health literacy, including men, lower-SES groups, and individuals with poor dietary habits. This supports its potential as a public health tool for on-site dining settings, though further research is needed to confirm its impact on actual food choices. Full article

Achieving urban climate neutrality and interim mitigation targets requires rapid demand-side emission reductions, yet current user-centred interventions remain fragmented, are often concentrated on low-impact actions, and rarely provide a traceable basis for comparing outcomes, validity conditions, and equity implications across contexts. This paper reframes demand-side mitigation as a design problem of “use infrastructures”: integrated configurations of communication, product-technology, services, interaction, and governance that make low-carbon choices practicable within everyday routines. We introduce the Design Evidence Link (DEL) as a traceability device supporting ex ante configuration (selection and orchestration of levers) and ex post verification (monitoring, attribution of outcomes, and trade-off control). Through a design-led comparative analysis of nine international cases in high-impact sectors (household energy, ground mobility, food systems, and circular economy/materials), we derive and consolidate a shared extraction and coding protocol that links determinants (barriers and enablers) to design requirements and decision-grade metrics (carbon impact, adoption, continuity, and equity), explicitly qualifying uncertainty and evidence levels. Cross-case results show that effective interventions rely less on isolated information and more on coordinated action packages that reduce cognitive and economic frictions, enhance data credibility through standards and accountability, and embed follow-up mechanisms that support behavioural continuity. DEL also surfaces recurring validity conditions and failure modes (digital exclusion, trust erosion, rebound, and lock-in), translating them into operational criteria for policy and design. Compared with behaviour-change or theory-of-change framings, DEL focuses on the observable orchestration of integrated conditions of use and on the explicit grading of evidence. It should therefore be read as a structured analytical–operational framework for ex ante and ex post assessment, whose transferability remains conditional on source quality, contextual prerequisites, and the limits of the selected cases. Full article

The Epi2SensA method is a method similar to the validated EpiSensA assay for assessing the skin sensitization potential of chemicals. The Epi2SensA protocol includes adaptation (changes to exposure conditions and the controls) for using an alternative reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) model, the EpiDerm™ model. The interlaboratory validation study evaluated the reliability and predictive capacity of Epi2SensA according to OECD Performance Standards. Four laboratories (Mattek, Now Part of Sartorius, Eurofins Munich, Burleson Research Technologies, Inc., and Food and Drug Safety Center) conducted blinded testing of 20 coded reference substances representing various chemical categories and sensitization potencies. Statistical analysis using modified acceptance criteria (a 60% cell viability threshold) and a modified prediction model (requiring at least two positive gene markers) demonstrated substantially improved performance compared to the original EpiSensA criteria. The between-laboratory reproducibility (BLR) was 85%, the average within-laboratory reproducibility (WLR) was 83.3%, and the average predictivity parameters were 88.1% for sensitivity, 88.9% for specificity, and 88.3% for accuracy. Epi2SensA achieved performance metrics comparable to the validated reference method (EpiSensA), supporting regulatory acceptance of the Epi2SensA assay using the EpiDerm™ model (Mattek Corporation, Now Part of Sartorius, Ashland, MA, USA) as an alternative RhE source for OECD TG 442D skin sensitization testing. Full article

Technologies for home movement rehabilitation after stroke are rapidly expanding. However, for consumers, the number and nature of available products are unclear, and the information provided by device manufacturers varies widely. To understand this landscape, we conducted a mixed-methods, descriptive study in which we used the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database to identify interactive devices for stroke rehabilitation suitable for home use. We then surveyed 13 individuals with stroke to determine what information they most wanted about home-based rehabilitation devices and contacted manufacturers to obtain those details. Thirteen FDA codes were associated with stroke rehabilitation devices, encompassing 57 devices produced by 40 companies. Nearly half were categorized under two codes: QKC (interactive rehabilitation exercise devices) and GZI (neuromuscular stimulators). Among devices for which information was available, 71% were listed after 2015, and 23% cost under $1000. The top information priorities for individuals with stroke were required usage to achieve therapeutic benefit, expected benefit, ease of use, and motivational features. Despite repeated outreach, only 45% of companies responded to our queries; among those that did, details were vague and variable. These results confirm that a large and growing number of FDA-listed devices are now available for home-based post-stroke motor rehabilitation. We further identify a need to establish industry standards for reporting ease of use, motivational effectiveness, and dose–response characteristics to help the intended consumers select appropriate technologies. The curated dataset generated in this study is provided as a resource for future work and may support the development of accurate Artificial Intelligence-based interfaces for identifying and comparing rehabilitation devices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug lowers blood glucose levels by increasing urinary glucose excretion (UGE). Despite established efficacy, dapagliflozin demonstrates significant inter-individual variability in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD), with potential impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: To evaluate the sources of variability and to support patient stratification and model-informed individualized therapy, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PBPK/PD) model of dapagliflozin using curated data from 28 clinical studies. This framework integrates absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and pharmacodynamics, and accounts for key determinants of variability including renal and hepatic function, and food effects. Results: The simulations reproduced dose-dependent pharmacokinetics with predicted C_max and AUC values typically within 10–15% of observed data. Renal impairment reduced UGE by 40–60% despite modest changes in plasma exposure, while hepatic impairment produced only small shifts in PK and PD. The model also reproduced the fed-state reduction of peak concentrations, consistent with the 30–50% decrease reported clinically. Conclusions: All model files, code, and curated datasets are openly available in line with FAIR standards and Open Science practices, enabling transparent and reproducible analyses and providing a mechanistic basis for individualized therapy in type 2 diabetes. Full article

This study aims to provide an empirical, decision-oriented comparison of four widely used sustainability assessment frameworks applied to agri-food systems (LCA, MESMIS, SAFA, and RISE). Using a Scopus-based search (2000–2025), we compiled a purposively balanced corpus of 89 empirical applications and coded each study with a standard rubric spanning normative, systemic, and procedural dimensions. Dimension indices were constructed using polychoric PCA (first component) and rescaled to 0–1, and a global index was computed as the mean of the three dimensions. Within the constructed corpus, MESMIS shows the highest mean global index (0.54), followed by LCA (0.46), SAFA (0.45), and RISE (0.32). LCA leads the normative dimension (0.56), while MESMIS leads the systemic (0.64) and procedural (0.53) dimensions; SAFA presents a balanced profile and explicitly incorporates governance considerations. Findings are interpreted as descriptive patterns within the constructed corpus rather than population-level estimates of inherent method superiority. We conclude that framework choice should be driven by evaluation purpose and information conditions and that hybrid approaches can combine complementary strengths across methods. Full article

Agroecology offers a transformative pathway toward sustainable food systems by integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions of farming. While its conceptual and policy foundations are increasingly recognized in European Union (EU) strategies, the practical adoption of agroecological principles at the farm level remains uneven, particularly in socio-economically peripheral Member States. This article investigates the enabling and constraining factors of agroecological uptake in three EU countries—Czech Republic, Hungary, and Portugal, using a mixed qualitative approach that combined literature review, policy mapping, and 42 in-depth farmer interviews conducted in 2020–2021. Data were analyzed through a shared coding framework, iterative team discussions, and a standardized comparative matrix to ensure cross-country validity. The results reveal shared barriers, including limited institutional coordination, subsidy dependency, and structural land inequalities, alongside country-specific dynamics such as farmer-to-farmer learning in Portugal, family-farm identity in Czechia, and trust-based advisory relations in Hungary. The findings underscore that systemic constraints, rather than conceptual gaps, impede agroecological transitions, and highlight the need for context-sensitive policy instruments, advisory reforms, and training programs aligned with agroecological principles. The paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical insight into farmer attitudes and practices in Central and Southern Europe and by offering actionable recommendations for designing policies and training. Full article

Large language models (LLMs) are increasingly consulted by amateur gardeners who rely on them for diagnosing plant problems and selecting management strategies. This study evaluates whether such AI systems promote environmentally sustainable or chemically oriented practices. Fifteen real images of edible plants showing typical health issues were collected during 2024–2025, and four major models—ChatGPT 5.0, Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude Sonnet 4.5, and Perplexity AI (standard version)—were queried in October 2025 using an identical user-style prompt. Each response was coded across four sustainability dimensions (ecological prevention, diagnostic reasoning, nutrient management, and chemical control) and aggregated into a composite Eco-Score (−1 to +1). Across cases, all models prioritized preventive and low-impact advice, emphasizing pruning, hygiene, compost, and organic sprays while recommending synthetic fungicides or pesticides only occasionally. The highest sustainability alignment was achieved by Perplexity AI (Eco-Score = 0.71) and Gemini 2.5 Pro (0.69), followed by ChatGPT 5.0 (0.57) and Claude Sonnet 4.5 (0.41). Although the models frequently converged in general reasoning, no case achieved full agreement in Eco-Score values across systems. These findings demonstrate that current LLMs generally reinforce sustainable reasoning but vary in interpretative reliability. While they can enhance ecological awareness and accessible plant care knowledge, their diagnostic uncertainty underscores the need for human oversight in AI-assisted amateur food production. Full article

Corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting is increasingly envisioned as evidence of accountability in the energy transition, yet persistent gaps remain between commitments and practices. This study applied the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework—specifically indicators 302 (Energy) and 305 (Emissions)—to evaluate the credibility, scope, and strategic depth of disclosures by 20 Wisconsin (WI) firms in the energy, manufacturing, food, and service sectors. Guided by accountability and legitimacy theory, a comparative content analysis was conducted, complemented by Spearman correlation to examine associations between firm size and disclosure quality. Results show that while firms consistently report basic metrics such as total energy consumption and Scope 1 emissions, disclosures on Scope 3 emissions, renewable sourcing, and energy-efficiency achievements remain partial and selectively framed. Third-party assurance is inconsistently applied, and methodological transparency—such as external audit and coding protocols—is limited, weakening credibility. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between annual revenue and disclosure quality, indicating that greater financial capacity does not necessarily translate into greater transparency. These findings highlight methodological and governance shortcomings, including reliance on generic ESG frameworks rather than climate-focused standards such as Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Integrated reporting approaches are recommended to improve comparability, credibility, and alignment with Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Transition Plan. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainably produced food has intensified interest in fermented milk products, such as yoghurt, which combine nutritional value with environmental and ethical considerations. However, the authenticity of sustainability claims in this sector remains contested, raising concerns about consumer trust and regulatory clarity. This review examines the role of certification and labelling in verifying and communicating the sustainability of fermented milk products. The analysis covers regulatory frameworks, consumer perceptions, and the potential of digital tools to improve transparency. Findings highlight inconsistencies in defining key terms such as organic, probiotic, and carbon-neutral, which hinder certification harmonization. Complex labels and allergen declarations can reduce clarity and trust, while overlapping or vague eco-labels risk contributing to consumer confusion and skepticism. Despite this, credible certifications still enhance purchase intent. Modern technologies, including blockchain traceability, interactive QR codes, and digital product passports, offer new ways to reinforce trust, though implementation costs and regulatory gaps remain barriers. This review concludes that effective sustainability communication must integrate robust certification schemes with simplified, transparent messaging. Harmonized standards, improved label design, and consumer education are essential to support informed choices and foster trust in sustainable dairy. Full article

Background/Objectives: International students pursuing higher education in the United States face unique challenges that increase their risk of food insecurity, including limited financial resources, employment restrictions, and cultural barriers. While food insecurity among domestic students has been widely studied, limited research focuses on the lived experiences of international graduate students. This study explores the challenges, perceptions, and coping strategies related to food insecurity among international graduate students at a large public university in North Texas. Methods: This qualitative, ethnographic study involved 20 semi-structured interviews with international graduate students who were clients of the university’s food pantry. Participants were recruited using purposive convenience sampling. Interviews focused on students’ experiences with food access, financial constraints, campus resources, and cultural food preferences. Data were analyzed using thematic coding in MAXQDA. Two standardized food insecurity measures—the USDA and FAO scales—were also administered and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Findings revealed that 85% of participants experienced limited access to nutritious and culturally appropriate foods, with 70% reporting hunger due to financial constraints. Themes included lack of cooking skills, limited campus food options, difficulty accessing familiar groceries, and limited job opportunities. Students expressed that food insecurity significantly impacted their physical health, mental well-being, and social lives, though many continued to prioritize academics over personal nourishment. Conclusions: Food insecurity among international graduate students is multifaceted, shaped by financial, cultural, and institutional barriers. Addressing this issue requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved access to diverse food options, tailored student support services, and institutional efforts to better understand and meet the needs of international students. Full article

Microbial detection in milk is crucial for food safety and quality, as beneficial and harmful microorganisms can affect consumer health and dairy product integrity. Identifying and quantifying these microorganisms helps prevent contamination and spoilage. The study employs advanced molecular techniques to detect and quantify the genomic DNA for the target hydrolytic enzyme coding genes lipA and aprX based on the multi-align sequence conserved region, specific primer pair, and hydrolysis probes designed using the singleplex qPCR and multiplex qPCR. Cultured isolates and artificially contaminated sterilized ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk were analyzed for their specificity, cross-reactivity, and sensitivity. The finding indicated that strains with lipA and aprX genes were amplified while the other strains were not amplified. This indicated that the designed primer pairs/probes were very specific to the target gene of interest. The specificity of each design primer pair was checked using SYBR Green qPCR using 16 different isolate strains from the milk sample. The quantification specificity of each strain target gene was deemed to be with a mean Ct value for positive pseudomonas strain > 16.98 ± 1.76 (p < 0.0001), non-pseudomonas positive strain ≥ 27.47 ± 1.25 (p < 0.0001), no Ct for the negative control and molecular grade water. The sensitivity limit of detection (LOD) analyzed based on culture broth and milk sample was >10⁵ and >10⁴ in PCR amplification while it was >10⁴ and >10³ in real-time qPCR, respectively. At the same time, the correlation regression coefficient of the standard curve based on the pure culture cell DNA as the DNA concentration serially diluted (20 ng/µL to 0.0002 ng/µL) was obtained in multiplex without interference and cross-reactivity, yielding R² ≥ 0.9908 slope (−3.2591) and intercepting with a value of 37, where the efficiency reached the level of 95–102% sensitivity reached up to 0.0002 ng/µL concentration of DNA, and sensitivity of microbial load was up to 1.2 × 10² CFU/mL. Therefore, multiplex TaqMan qPCR simultaneous amplification was considered the best method developed for the detection of the lipA and aprX genes in a single tube. This will result in developing future simultaneous (three- to four-gene) detection of spoilage psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk. Full article

This study was conducted to develop a grape product that can facilitate fruit intake for elderly people with chewing difficulties. In addition, the possibility of field application for future prototype production was investigated by comparing laboratory-scale (lab-scale) and pilot-scale production. The stages (stage 1: able to eat with teeth, stage 2: able to eat with gums, stage 3: able to eat with tongue) of the products were determined according to the Korean Industrial Standards for Seniors Friendly Foods (KS H 4897), and the physicochemical composition was measured according to the general test method of the Food Code. The results of this study showed that when comparing the lab scale and pilot scale in stage 1, the hardness of the pilot scale was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Conversely, both hardness in stages 2 and 3 and viscosity in stage 3 showed a significant decrease in the pilot scale compared to the lab scale (p < 0.05). In addition, pH and sugar acidity were significantly different between the two scales in all stages (p < 0.05). These results confirmed the feasibility of developing customized grape products for the elderly with chewing difficulties, and the differences in physicochemical properties between lab-scale and pilot-scale production confirmed the importance of maintaining product quality during scaled-up production. These results can serve as a basis for developing foods for the elderly that require continuous development, and are expected to contribute to improving the dietary habits and quality of life of the elderly with chewing difficulties. Full article

The food industry increasingly depends on technological assets to improve the efficiency and accuracy of fruit processing and quality control. This article enhances the application of computer vision with collaborative robotics to create a non-destructive system. The system can automate the detection and handling of fruits, particularly tomatoes, reducing the reliance on manual labor and minimizing damage during processing. This system was developed with a Raspberry Pi 5 to capture images of the fruit using a PiCamera module 3. After detecting the object, a command is sent to a Universal Robotics UR3e robotic arm via Ethernet cable, using Python code that integrates company functions and functions developed specifically for this application. Four object detection models were developed using the TensorFlow Object Detection API, converted to TensorFlow Lite, to detect two types of fruit (tomatoes) using deep learning techniques. Each fruit had two versions of the models. The models obtained 67.54% mAP for four classes and 64.66% mAP for two classes, A rectangular work area was created for the robotic arm and computer vision to work together. After 640 manipulation tests, a reliable area of 262 × 250 mm was determined for operating the system. In fruit sorting facilities, this system can be employed to automatically classify fruits based on size, ripeness, and quality. This ensures consistent product standards and reduces waste by sorting fruits according to pre-defined criteria. The system’s ability to detect multiple fruit types with high accuracy enables it to integrate into existing workflows, thereby increasing productivity and profitability for food processing companies. Additionally, the non-destructive nature of this technology allows for the inspection of fruits without causing any damage, ensuring that only the highest-quality produce is selected for further processing. This application can enhance the speed and precision of quality control processes, leading to improved product quality and customer satisfaction. Full article

Background: The traditional open midline posterior cervical spine fusion procedure has several shortcomings. It can cause soft tissue damage, muscle atrophy, compromise of the lateral masses and painful prominent posterior cervical instrumentation or spinous process if there is dehiscence of the fascia. Additionally, patients frequently experience the rapid development of adjacent segment disease, which can result in the reemergence of debilitating pain and functional impairment. Clinical relevance: Tissue-sparing posterior cervical fusion is an alternative method for treating patients with symptomatic cervical degenerative disc disease. However, widespread clinical adoption has been challenged by ambiguity, misunderstandings and misinterpretations regarding appropriate procedural reimbursement coding. Technological advancement: The tissue-sparing posterior cervical fusion procedure was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018 (CORUS™ Spinal System and CAVUX^® Facet Fixation System (CORUS/CAVUX); Providence™ Medical Technology). This technique addresses the concerns with traditional spine fusion methods by achieving the stability and outcomes of posterior cervical fusion without the morbidity associated with significant muscle stripping in the traditional approach. This technology uses specialized implants and instrumentation to perform all of the steps required to facilitate bone fusion and provide stability while minimizing tissue disruption. The technique involves extensive bone preparation for fusion and placement of specialized stabilization implants that span the facet joint, promoting natural bone growth and fusion while reducing the need for extensive exposure. This procedure provides an effective, less invasive solution for patients with cervical degenerative disc disease. Reimbursement and coding clarity: The article provides a comprehensive rationale for appropriate reimbursement coding for tissue-sparing posterior cervical fusion. This is a critical aspect for the adoption and accessibility of medical technologies. This information is crucial for practitioners and healthcare administrators, ensuring that innovative procedures are accurately coded and reimbursed. Procedural details and clinical evidence: By detailing the procedural steps, instruments used and the physiological basis for the procedure, this article serves as a valuable educational resource for spine surgeons and payers to appropriately code for this procedure. Conclusions: The description of work for CORUS/CAVUX is equivalent to the current surgical standard of lateral mass screw fixation with decortication and onlay posterior grafting to facilitate posterior fusion. Thus, it is recommended that CPT codes 22600/22840 be used, as they best reflect the surgical approach, instrumentation, decortication, posterior cervical fusion and bone grafting procedures. Full article