Search Results (56)

Electron transfer (ET) is a foundational biogeochemical process in paddy soils, distinctively molded by alternating anaerobic-aerobic conditions from flooding-drainage cycles. Despite extensive research on heavy metal(loid) (denoted as “HM”, e.g., As, Cd, Cr, Hg) dynamics in paddies, ET has not been systematically synthesized as a unifying regulatory mechanism, and the trade-offs of ET-based mitigation strategies remain unclear. These critical gaps have drastically controlled HMs’ mobility, which further modulates bioavailability and subsequent accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L., a staple sustaining half the global population), posing substantial food safety risks. Alongside progress in electroactive microorganism (EAM) research, extracellular electron transfer (EET) mechanism delineation, and soil electrochemical monitoring, ET’s role in orchestrating paddy soil HM dynamics has garnered unparalleled attention. This review explicitly focuses on the linkage between ET processes and HM biogeochemistry in paddy ecosystems: (1) elucidates core ET mechanisms in paddy soils (microbial EET, Fe/Mn/S redox cycling, organic matter-mediated electron shuttling, rice root-associated electron exchange) and their acclimation to flooded conditions; (2) systematically unravels how ET drives HM valence transformation (e.g., As(V) to As(III), Cr(VI) to Cr(III)), speciation shifts (e.g., exchangeable Cd to oxide-bound Cd), and mobility changes; (3) expounds on ET-regulated HM bioavailability by modulating soil retention capacity and iron plaque formation; (4) synopsizes ET-modulated HM accumulation pathways in rice (root uptake, xylem/phloem translocation, grain sequestration); (5) evaluates key factors (water management, fertilization, straw return) impacting ET efficiency and associated HM risks. Ultimately, we put forward future avenues for ET-based mitigation strategies to uphold rice safety and paddy soil sustainability. Full article

Potato starch offers the unique potential of mineral enrichment through the presence of phosphorylated amylopectin chains. This property was utilised in a straightforward dual modification of native potato starch by combining mineral enrichment with dry heat treatments (DHT). DHT itself (110–130 °C, 3–6% moisture, 2 h) affords potato starches with lower viscosity and gelatinisation temperatures and higher contents of digestible starch. Prior ion exchange with Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ enhanced the versatility of dry heat treatments. This study demonstrates the fine-tuning of functional properties (rheology) of these novel, dual-modified starches. Of special interest are magnesium and calcium due to their nutritional value and their valency, allowing ionic cross-linking. The present study contributes to the understanding of starch–ion interactions in DHT, clearly highlighting the role of specific ion effects, as per the Hofmeister series (K⁺ > Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺), in addition to the reversible ionic cross-linking effect of divalent cations. This knowledge is of use for potential substitution of chemically modified starches in food products, serving relevant trends and needs of today’s food industry for clean-label starches. Full article

Culinary culture shock (CCS)—the discomfort and ambivalence travelers feel when encountering unfamiliar foods—remains underexplored from a short-horizon, trip-bounded perspective. While prior work notes both attractions and impediments of food in tourism, a process-oriented account of how ordinary travelers experience and navigate CCS during brief trips is still limited. This study examines CCS in Guangzhou, China and delineates how it shapes travelers’ evaluations of place. We adopt a qualitative design, combining 30 semi-structured interviews with in situ ethnographic observations across markets, street-food settings, restaurants, and guided food tours, supplemented by document analysis (e.g., visitor materials and menus). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identify three recurrent coping trajectories—avoidance, gradual adaptation, and immersion—that unfold nonlinearly as travelers recalibrate expectations, manage sensory dissonance, and renegotiate comfort boundaries. We integrate expectancy–disconfirmation theory (EDT) with an embodied view of tasting to develop the Palate Adaptation Spiral Model (PASM), which explains CCS as recursive cycles of appraisal, strategy enactment, and re-appraisal within the span of a trip. Social influence (peers, guides, and service staff) operates as a cross-cutting mechanism that can accelerate adaptation or entrench avoidance depending on cue valence and credibility. The study clarifies the scope of CCS as general travel encounters (not restricted to culinary-motivated tourists) and specifies contextual conditions under which negative reactions are reversible. Theoretically, we connect EDT to short-term culinary adaptation through PASM; practically, we outline design levers—pre-trip expectation management, pictorial/transparent menus, and guide-mediated tasting sequences—to reduce anxiety and support constructive exploration. Full article

Green food serves as a bridge connecting healthy lifestyles with environmental values, particularly in the context of sustainable consumption transitions. However, existing research lacks a systematic understanding of how consumers negotiate cognitive evaluations and emotional responses when forming green food purchase intentions. This study addresses that gap by exploring the cognitive–affective negotiation process underlying consumers’ green food choices. Based on 26 semi-structured interviews with Chinese consumers across diverse socio-economic backgrounds, the grounded theory methodology was employed to inductively construct a conceptual model. The coding process achieved theoretical saturation, while sentiment analysis was integrated to trace the emotional valence of key behavioral drivers. Findings reveal that external factors—including price sensitivity, label ambiguity, access limitations, social influence, and health beliefs—shape behavioral intentions indirectly through three core affective mediators: green trust, perceived value, and lifestyle congruence. These internal constructs translate contextual stimuli into evaluative and motivational responses, highlighting the dynamic interplay between rational judgments and symbolic–emotional interpretations. Sentiment analysis confirmed that emotional trust and psychological reassurance are pivotal in facilitating consumption intention, while price concerns and skepticism act as affective inhibitors. The proposed model extends the Theory of Planned Behavior by embedding affective mediation pathways and structural constraint dynamics, offering a more context-sensitive framework for understanding sustainable consumption behaviors. Given China’s certification-centered trust environment, these findings underscore the cultural specificity of institutional trust mechanisms, with implications for adapting the model in different market contexts. Practically, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers and marketers to enhance eco-label transparency, reduce structural barriers, and design emotionally resonant brand narratives that align with consumers’ identity aspirations. Full article

Social media platforms like Instagram significantly shape destination images and influence tourist behavior. Understanding how different cities are represented and perceived on these platforms is crucial for effective tourism marketing. This study provides a comparative analysis of Instagram content and engagement patterns in Seoul and Tokyo, two major Asian metropolises, to derive actionable marketing insights. We collected and analyzed 59,944 public Instagram posts geotagged or location-tagged within Seoul (n = 29,985) and Tokyo (n = 29,959). We employed a mixed-methods approach involving content categorization using a fine-tuned convolutional neural network (CNN) model, engagement metric analysis (likes, comments), Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) sentiment analysis and thematic classification of comments, geospatial analysis (Kernel Density Estimation [KDE], Moran’s I), and predictive modeling (Gradient Boosting with SHapley Additive exPlanations [SHAP] value analysis). A validation analysis using balanced samples (n = 2000 each) was conducted to address Tokyo’s lower geotagged data proportion. While both cities showed ‘Person’ as the dominant content category, notable differences emerged. Tokyo exhibited higher like-based engagement across categories, particularly for ‘Animal’ and ‘Food’ content, while Seoul generated slightly more comments, often expressing stronger sentiment. Qualitative comment analysis revealed Seoul comments focused more on emotional reactions, whereas Tokyo comments were often shorter, appreciative remarks. Geospatial analysis identified distinct hotspots. The validation analysis confirmed these spatial patterns despite Tokyo’s data limitations. Predictive modeling highlighted hashtag counts as the key engagement driver in Seoul and the presence of people in Tokyo. Seoul and Tokyo project distinct visual narratives and elicit different engagement patterns on Instagram. These findings offer practical implications for destination marketers, suggesting tailored content strategies and location-based campaigns targeting identified hotspots and specific content themes. This study underscores the value of integrating quantitative and qualitative analyses of social media data for nuanced destination marketing insights. Full article

Exploring the interactions between compulsive buying and dietary practices is crucial in terms of understanding these behaviors from a behavioral standpoint. This paper investigates the relationships between compulsive buying (CB) and non-compulsive buying (non-CB), focusing on the influence of dietary habits (TFEQ), body mass index (BMI), and emotional valence. The study involved a representative sample of 707 Polish adults and employed tools such as the Compulsive Buying Scale, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and the Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ). The results revealed that compulsive buyers (CBs) had higher levels of cognitive restraint, emotional eating, and uncontrolled eating than non-compulsive buyers (non-CBs). Importantly, emotional valence—which includes both positive and negative emotions—significantly influenced dietary behaviors, illustrating the complex role emotions play in food consumption. Additionally, the results highlighted that the BMI significantly affects these relationships, suggesting different eating patterns across BMI categories. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions focusing on psychological and nutritional aspects to address these interconnected compulsive behaviors. Full article

Food neophobia (FN) has been poorly explored in real contexts and in large-scale studies with children. This study assessed the impact of FN in children on school canteen meals by considering liking, emotional status, and food waste behaviours. We involved 630 children (7–11 years old; females = 53%) from nine Italian primary schools. The main self-reported variables that were collected included pleasure of eating in the canteen, declared liking for different foods, emotional responses, meal description, and food waste. The characteristics of low neophobia (LN), medium neophobia (MN), and high neophobia (HN) were comparable between genders and provenience and did not differ by the pleasure of eating at home. Children with HN had the lowest frequency of eating in the canteen, the highest self-reported amount of wasted food, and the lowest liking for all items, especially vegetables and legumes; they selected mostly emotions with negative valence and described the meal as more uncomfortable and boring. Instead, children exhibiting LN used positive emotions with high arousal to describe the meal and found it a little boring, while those with MN showed an intermediate attitude. Children with HN may benefit from familiarisation actions to accept non-domestic meals and reduce food waste in non-familiar environments. Improving school canteen contexts (e.g., the socialising possibility) can modulate children’s emotional responses and reduce food waste. Full article

Many consumers today pursue health goals to adopt healthier behaviors, and interest in promoting healthy eating habits in gastronomy is growing. Empirical evidence demonstrates that sensory cues (e.g., food color, food shapes, and background music) influence healthy eating behavior. However, the theoretical understanding of how sensory cues shape healthy food choices remains unclear. Specifically, this study develops the sensory–healthy eating model, a theoretical framework that explains how and when sensory cues influence healthy eating behavior (e.g., food choices and intake). By integrating related theories and empirical findings across interdisciplinary fields, we identify which sensory cues shape healthy eating and the psychological processes through which they operate. The theoretical model proposes that (1) sensory cues evoke cognitive (higher evaluation, lower potency, lower activity) and/or affective responses (positive valence, lower arousal), (2) these responses shape the perceived healthiness of foods based on their characteristics and quantity, and (3) the influence of perceived food healthiness on healthy eating behavior is stronger for consumers with health goals or motives. Our model provides a valuable framework for researchers and practitioners in marketing, food science, and gastronomy to promote healthy eating behavior. Full article

Background/Objectives: Improving food safety practices among young adults is critical to public health, but effective communication strategies are under-researched. This study investigated the effectiveness of a 12-day message-based intervention to promote safe food handling practices using a randomised controlled trial. Methods: A total of 588 participants (aged 18 to 35 years) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions or to a control group. Participants in the intervention groups received daily messages via a mobile app, while the control group received no messages. The intervention combined belief-based content to raise awareness with skill-based content to teach practical food handling, framed by either positive or negative emotional appeals. The experimental conditions differed in message congruence, with belief-based and skill-based content framed either consistently (both positive or both negative) or inconsistently (one positive, one negative). To assess the impact of the intervention, self-reported adherence to food safety practices, food safety awareness, and self-efficacy were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The results showed that the intervention significantly improved food safety practices, especially when the messages were congruent in valence. Pre-intervention self-efficacy moderated the effects, with higher self-efficacy increasing receptivity to certain messages, while lower self-efficacy benefited from a different framing. Self-efficacy, but not awareness, mediated behaviour change, highlighting its key role in the success of the intervention. Conclusions: These results emphasise the importance of message valence congruence and individual self-efficacy levels in designing effective food safety interventions. Future research should investigate long-term intervention effects, adaptive mHealth strategies, and tailored communication approaches to maximise engagement and sustained behaviour change. Full article

ChatGPT, a recently developed natural large language processing tool, has been widely explored in various fields of science and research. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of ChatGPT as a sensory evaluator of hypothetical formulations of chocolate brownies. ChatGPT was prompted to act as an experienced taster to provide a detailed description of sensory characteristics for fifteen chocolate brownie formulations grouped into three categories (standard, common ingredients replacements, and uncommon ingredients replacements). Sentiment analysis, emotions/descriptors classification, and correspondence analysis were conducted to analyze ChatGPT responses. Results showed that the terms “trust”, “anticipation”, and “joy” were the most frequently expressed sentiments in the ChatGPT responses. The valence of all ChatGPT responses was mostly positive. The overall quality scores of all chocolate brownie formulations given by ChatGPT were extremely high, in the range of 8.5–9.5 (out of 10). ChatGPT tended to have higher positive emotions to formulations (some including worm meals and fish oil) that might have the opposite reactions with real consumers. Further research should focus on validating ChatGPT sensory descriptors with the outcomes of a human sensory panel. Additionally, future studies can explore the potential use of ChatGPT in evaluating the sensory characteristics of other food products for optimizing the product development process. Full article

Background/Objectives: Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7, a zoonotic pathogen primarily found in cattle, causes Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in humans, often through contaminated food. Its Type Three Secretion System (T3SS) facilitates gut colonization. In contrast, neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is mainly caused by pathogens like enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Salmonella spp., Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV), and Bovine Rotavirus type A (BRoVA). This study engineered a chimeric protein combining EspB and Int280γ, two T3SS components, expressed in the membranes of Salmonella Dublin and ETEC. Methods: Immune responses in vaccinated mice and guinea pigs were assessed through ELISA assays. Results: Successful membrane anchorage and stability of the chimera were confirmed. Immune evaluations showed no enhancement from combining recombinant bacteria, indicating either bacterium suffices in a single formulation. Chimeric expression yielded immunogenicity equivalent to 10 µg of recombinant protein, with similar antibody titers. IgG1/IgG2a levels and Th1, Th2, and Th17 markers indicated a mixed immune response, providing broad humoral and cellular protection. Responses to BCoV, BRoVA, ETEC, and Salmonella antigens remained strong and did not interfere with chimera-specific responses, potentially boosting NCD vaccine efficacy. Conclusions: The chimera demonstrated robust immunogenicity, supporting its potential as a viable vaccine candidate against EHEC O157:H7. This approach could enhance NCD vaccine valency by offering broader protection against calf diarrhea while reducing HUS transmission risks to humans. Full article

One of the priority goals of sustainable socio-economic development for the period up to 2030 is providing food for the planet’s population. This entails an increase in the output of mineral fertilizers and, consequently, an increase in the quantities of solid industrial waste. Phosphogypsum, a by-product of phosphate fertilizer production from apatite ore, is one example of such waste. The problem of solid industrial waste recycling is urgent. The present study examines the process of converting calcium sulfate, in the form of a reagent, and phosphogypsum into a composite material of calcium sulfate/sulfide. An environmentally friendly material, sucrose, is used as a reducing agent. Reduced phosphogypsum (as well as calcium sulfate) luminescence is suggested to be associated with the formation of a CaS/CaSO₄ composite material. The synthesized materials are characterized by X-ray phase analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and calcium sulfide qualitative and quantitative content in the samples. It is shown that in the reduction process at the phase contact point, crystal grids are formed with a significant number of defects, which contributes to the convergence of some of the energy levels of the calcium cation and sulfide anion, facilitating the transitions of electrons from the valence zone to the core zone and the formation of luminescence centers (cross-luminescence). Both samples of reduced phosphogypsum and alkaline earth metal sulfates are found to exhibit luminescence properties under ultraviolet radiation. The data obtained open up broad prospects for the use of solid industrial waste for the synthesis of new materials. Full article

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect different modalities (pictures and words) of food stimuli have on inhibitory control under different homeostatic states. To this end, the homeostatic state was altered by asking participants to fast for 16 h (n = 67) or eat lunch as usual (n = 76) before completing an online stop-signal task with modal (pictures) and amodal (words) food and valenced-matched non-food stimuli. The inclusion of non-food stimuli allowed us to test the food specificity of the effect. We found a significant Group × Modality × Stimulus Type interaction (F(1,141) = 5.29, p = 0.023, η_p² = 0.036): fasted individuals had similar inhibitory capacity for modal and amodal food stimuli but better inhibitory capacity for non-food words compared to images, while there were no inhibitory differences in dependence on either modality or stimulus type in satiated individuals. Thus, we were able to show that inhibitory capacities to modal compared to amodal stimuli depend on participants’ current state of fasting. Future studies should focus on how this lowered inhibitory capacity influences food intake, as well as the role of stimulus valence in cognitive processing, to clarify potential implications for dieting and weight loss training. Full article

Xanthan gum (XG) is a carbohydrate polymer with anionic properties that is widely used as a rheology modifier in various applications, including foods and petroleum extraction. The aim was to investigate the effect of Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ on the physicochemical properties of XG in an aqueous solution as a function of temperature. Huggins, Kraemer, and Rao models were applied to determine intrinsic viscosity, [η], by fitting the relative viscosity (η_rel) or specific viscosity (η_sp) of XG/water and XG/salt/water solutions. With increasing temperature in water, Rao 1 gave [η] the closest to the Huggins and Kraemer values. In water, [η] was more sensitive to temperature increase (~30% increase in [η], 20–50 °C) compared to salt solutions (~15–25% increase). At a constant temperature, salt counterions screened the XG side-chain-charged groups and decreased [η] by up to 60% over 0.05–100 mM salt. Overall, Ca²⁺ was much more effective than the monovalent cations in screening charge. As the salt valency and concentration increased, the XG coil radius decreased, making evident the effect of shielding the intramolecular and intermolecular XG anionic charge. The reduction in repulsive forces caused XG structural contraction. Further, higher temperatures led to chain expansion that facilitated increased intermolecular interactions, which worked against the salt effect. Full article

Infrared thermography (IRT) has been recently applied to measure lacrimal caruncle temperature non-invasively since this region is related to the sympathetic response, and it seems a promising technique that is able to infer negative emotions in sheep (e.g., fear). However, the scientific literature so far is limited in understanding whether a caruncle’s temperature changes also in response to positive emotional states in sheep. Through classical conditioning, we aimed to assess how a positive or a negative event affects the physiological (lacrimal caruncle temperature measured with IRT and cortisol levels) and behavioral responses of sheep (ear position). Fourteen ewes from the same flock were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: positive (n = 7) and negative (n = 7). Each group was then trained through classical conditioning to associate a neutral auditory (ring bell) stimulus to an oncoming event: for the positive group, the presence of a food reward (maize grains), while for the negative one, the opening of an umbrella. After three weeks of training, before (at rest) and after (post-treatment), lacrimal caruncle temperature was non-invasively measured via IRT, and saliva samples were gently collected to measure cortisol levels. During treatment, sheep behavior was videorecorded and then analyzed using a focal animal sampling technique. At rest, the eye’s lacrimal caruncle temperature was similar in both groups, while post-treatment, a significant increase was shown only in the negative group (t-test; p = 0.017). In the anticipation phase, sheep in the positive group kept their ears forward longer compared to those in the negative one (Mann–Whitney; p < 0.014), 8.3 ± 2.1 s and 5.2 ± 4.2 s, respectively. The behavioral response observed reflects a learnt association between a neutral stimulus and events with different emotional valence. Cortisol concentration slightly increased in both groups post-treatment. Our results confirm that IRT is a non-invasive technique that can be useful when applied to assess how positive and negative events may affect the physiological response in sheep. Full article