Search Results (616)

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a complex disease that affects patients’ nutritional and psychological status. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients diagnosed with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers and evaluate its association with anthropometric measurements, nutrient intake, and psychological symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 patients with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers. Data were collected face-to-face by a questionnaire that included the Subjective Global Assessment-(SGA), Cachexia Assessment Criteria, 24 h Food Consumption Record, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised-(SCL-90-R). Some anthropometric measurements were collected. Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) in SGA-B (moderately malnourished) and SGA-C (severely malnourished) compared to those in SGA-A (well-nourished). The calf circumference was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in SGA-C compared to those in SGA-A and SGA-B. The mean SGA scores were found to be higher in cachexia-diagnosed participants (p < 0.001). The energy intake of SGA-C was significantly lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). In addition, the energy intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-C was lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Regarding the intake of vitamins A, C, E, B1, and B6 and carotene, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, SGA-B and SGA-C were significantly lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Additionally, only phobic anxiety was found to be significantly higher in SGA-B than in SGA-A (p: 0.024). Conclusions: As the level of malnutrition increased, a reduction in some nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements was observed. No significant difference was found in any psychological symptoms except phobic anxiety. With this in mind, it is important that every cancer patient, regardless of the stage of the disease, is referred to a dietitian from the time of diagnosis. Full article

Posidonia oceanica seagrass, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, provides ecological goods and ecosystem services of paramount importance. In shallow and sheltered bays, P. oceanica meadows can reach the sea surface, with leaf tips slightly emerging, forming fringing and barrier reefs. During the 20th century, P. oceanica declined conspicuously in the vicinity of large ports and urbanized areas, particularly in the north-western Mediterranean. The main causes of decline are land reclamation, anchoring, bottom trawling, turbidity and pollution. Artificial sand nourishment of beaches has also been called into question, with sand flowing into the sea, burying and destroying neighbouring meadows. A fringing reef of P. oceanica, located at Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, near the port of Toulon (Provence, France), is severely degraded. Analysis of aerial photos shows that, since the beginning of the 2000s, it has remained stable in some parts or continued to decline in others. This contrasts with the trend towards recovery, observed in France, thanks to e.g., the legally protected status of P. oceanica, and the reduction of pollution and coastal developments. The sand nourishment of the study beach, renewed every year, with the sand being washed or blown very quickly (within a few months) from the beach into the sea, burying the P. oceanica meadow, seems the most likely explanation. Other factors, such as pollution, trampling by beachgoers and overgrazing, may also play a role in the decline. Full article

The phrase shiri bing chu 十日並出 (ten suns rose in the sky at once) from the Qiwu lun 齊物論 can also be interpreted as shiri dai chu 十日代出 (ten suns alternately appearing). Here, “ten suns rose in the sky at once” is not merely a spatial concept but also a temporal one. Thus, the concept of De 德 (virtue), connected to the idea of “ten suns shining together,” is a transcendent force with its own inner sense of time. It acts as the foundation for all things to exist and grow continuously. Under the endless cycle of day and night and the nourishing power of tiande 天德 (heavenly virtue), everything flourishes according to its true nature. Here, De combines two aspects: mingde 明德 (luminous virtue) and xuande 玄德 (inconspicuous virtue). “luminous virtue” focuses on order and building, highlighting the uniqueness within human growth. “inconspicuous virtue” emphasizes harmony and equalizing with all things, revealing our shared connection with the world. These two concepts are not opposites. The highest goal of luminous virtue lies in mysterious virtue, which itself contains the roots of luminous virtue. Both work together to reflect the natural flow of the Dao 道 (the Way), thus demonstrating that Zhuangzi’s philosophy is not merely about criticism or deconstruction—it has a deeply constructive side. Virtue transcends both individuality and universality. Human nature holds both virtues. By balancing the order of growth and equalizing with all things, we can harmonize our uniqueness with our shared bonds, revealing our true value in both action and spirit. 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

Studying the nutritional ecology of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) at different temperatures is a fundamental tool for improving mass production for use in biological control of pest mites. The current research studied the impact of both food types and temperatures on the life history and demographic parameters of the predator mite N. cucumeris. Mite cultures in the laboratory were developed using Tetranychus urticae Koch, and N. cucumeris was collected from field plants. The developmental stages of N. cucumeris fed on date palm pollen and the immature stages of T. urticae were investigated in a laboratory setting at different temperatures. Our research revealed that N. cucumeris readily accepted both food types at all the tested temperatures. The developmental stages and adult longevity of N. cucumeris, both female and male, decreased dramatically when the temperature increased from 18 °C to 34 °C. The net reproductive rate (R₀) reached its greatest values of 22.52 and 9.72 offspring/individual at 26 °C, and the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) reached its maximum values of 0.17 and 0.13 day⁻¹ at 34 °C and minimum of 0.12 and 0.10 day⁻¹ at 18 °C, when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. Conversely, the average generation time (T) showed a notable reduction from 22.48 to 16.48 and 20.88 to 16.76 days, accompanied by an upsurge in temperature from 18 °C to 34 °C, when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. The finite rate of growth (λ) exhibited distinct variations, reaching its highest value at 34 °C, 26 °C, and 18 °C when fed on date palm pollen and immature stages of T. urticae, respectively. From these results, we can conclude that N. cucumeris was successfully fed date palm pollen as an alternate source of nourishment. In addition, the immature stages of T. urticae are suitable as food sources for N. cucumeris because they shorten the mean generation time. Therefore, the success of mass-rearing the predator mite N. cucumeris on a different, less expensive diet, such as date palm pollen, and determining the most suitable temperature for it has increased its spread as a biocontrol agent. Full article

Background: Malnutrition and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) are prevalent in cancer patients, significantly impacting prognosis and quality of life. Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) enriched with protein and ω-3 fatty acids may improve nutritional status and mitigate CRF. This study evaluates the effects of a high-protein, fish oil-enriched ONS (FOHP-ONS) on nutritional intake, body composition, fatigue, and quality of life in malnourished cancer patients. Methods: Cancer patients with malnutrition or inadequate food intake received 8 weeks of FOHP-ONS (2 cans/day, providing 4.2 g/day of ω-3 fatty acids). Dietary intake, body weight, handgrip strength, serum biochemical markers, nutritional status (PG-SGA), fatigue (BFI-T), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30) were assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results: Of the 33 enrolled patients, 30 completed the study. Energy and protein intake significantly increased (p < 0.05), and body BMI and handgrip strength showed significant improvements (p < 0.05), while muscle mass did not change significantly. Nutritional status, assessed by PG-SGA, improved, with the proportion of severely malnourished patients (Stage C) decreasing from 46.7% to 13.3%, and moderately malnourished patients (Stage B) improving to well-nourished status (Stage A) from 10.0% to 30.0% (p < 0.001). Serum albumin levels increased significantly (p < 0.05), while fasting blood glucose significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Additionally, triglyceride levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while total cholesterol and LDL-C showed a downward trend. Cancer-related fatigue scores improved across all domains (p < 0.05), and quality of life significantly increased, particularly in physical and role functioning (p < 0.05). Conclusions: FOHP-ONS supplementation improved nutritional intake, body composition, and muscle strength while alleviating CRF and enhancing quality of life in malnourished cancer patients. These findings support its potential role in nutritional intervention for malnourished cancer patients. Full article

There are many lessons to be learned from the findings of research that would be advantageous in realising the potential of Catholic schools to contribute to the common good of a secular society. In summary, it is possible to highlight the following inferences, which were drawn from research undertaken by the writer: (1) From the perspective of Catholic school leaders, Catholic education faces considerable challenges and, sometimes, antagonism, within a secular society, which can impose significant pressures on the conduct of their work. (2) There is a need to disseminate information to individuals and groups within and outside Catholic schools of the Christian values that are promoted by the Church. (3) Catholic schools make a significant contribution towards the common good of society, which is not always generally appreciated and should be more widely publicised. (4) Catholic communities and their leaders would benefit from ongoing opportunities to engage in continuing professional development and formation that would nourish and nurture the enhancement of spiritual capital in their schools. Full article

Aquaculture is a crucial food-producing sector that can supply more essential nutrients to nourish the growing human population. However, it faces challenges, including limited water quality and space competition. These constraints have led to the intensification of culture systems for more efficient resource use while maintaining or increasing production levels. However, intensification introduces stress risks to cultured organisms by, for instance, overcrowding, waste accumulation, and water quality deterioration, which can negatively affect the growth, health, and immunity of animals and cause diseases. Additionally, environmental changes due to climate and anthropogenic activities further intensify the environmental stress for aquaculture organisms, including crustaceans. Shrimp are one of the most widely cultured and consumed farmed crustacea. Relative to aquatic vertebrates such as fish, the physiology of crustaceans has simpler physiological structures, as they lack a spinal cord. Consequently, their stress response mechanisms follow a single pathway, resulting in less complex responses to stress exposure compared to those of fish. While stress is considered a primary factor influencing the growth, health, and immunity of shrimp, comprehensive research on crustacean stress responses remains limited. Understanding the stress response at the organismal and cellular levels is essential to identify sensitive and effective stress biomarkers which can inform the development of targeted intervention strategies to mitigate stress. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological changes that occur in crustaceans under stress, including hormonal, metabolic, hematological, hydromineral, and phenotypic alterations. By synthesizing current knowledge, this article aims to bridge existing gaps and provide insights into the stress response mechanisms, paving the way for advancements in crustacean health management. Full article

In this paper, I question what the relationship between psychology and spirit would mean for mental well-being if the ideas of the human being and the notion of spirit are viewed from the perspective of Max Scheler’s philosophical anthropology. Scheler provides a view of the human being and of spirit that differs radically from the generally held views, and his philosophical anthropology provides intellectual nourishment. This approach means that I do not look at spirituality as a religious activity or technique, but rather as a dimension of what constitutes the human being, and I explore how this view of spirituality is related to mental health. This paper is therefore divided into two parts. In the first part, I provide a summary of Scheler’s view of five ideologies of the human being in the history of Western philosophy that he identified, pointing out what he saw as their shortcomings. Next, I examine Scheler’s own philosophical anthropology that views the human being as the meeting place of the interpenetrating movements of spirit and impulsion, and as ens amans—a loving being. After that, I explore Scheler’s notion of spirit and personalism, drawing attention to the crucial role of what he describes as the dimension of spirit in his anthropology. In the second part of this paper, I explore the basic theories of well-being—hedonism, desire theories, and objective list theories—and question what a reading of spirituality as the participation in the movement of love would mean to addressing mental health. I conclude that spirituality should not be viewed as just another source of practices and techniques that could enhance human mental health. Rather, spirituality should be understood as a human being’s execution of the act that constitutes the core of his or her being. Spirituality viewed as the execution of the spiritual act of love—spirituality as loving being. Full article

Hydrotechnical structures reshape sandy coasts by altering hydrodynamics and sediment transport, yet their long-term effects on sediment texture remain underexplored, particularly in the Baltic Sea. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in sediment grain size near two ports (Šventoji and Klaipėda) on the sandy Baltic Sea coast, considering the influence of jetties, nourishment, and geological framework. A total of 246 surface sand samples were collected from beach and foredune zones between 1993 and 2018. These samples were analyzed in relation to shoreline changes, hydrodynamic data, and geological context. The results show that sediment texture is most affected within 1–2 km downdrift and up to 4–5 km updrift of port structures. Downdrift areas tend to contain coarser, poorly sorted sediments because of erosion and the exposure of deeper strata, while updrift zones accumulate finer, well-sorted sands via longshore transport. In the long term, the geological framework controls sediment characteristics. In the medium term, introduced material that differs in grain size from natural beach sediments may alter the texture of the sediment, either coarsening or refining it. The latter slowly returns to its natural texture. Short-term changes are driven by storm events. These findings highlight the importance of integrating structural interventions, nourishment practices, and geological understanding for sustainable coastal management. Full article

Coastal areas are increasingly vulnerable to erosion, a process that can lead to severe consequences such as flooding and land loss. This study investigates strategies for preventing and mitigating coastal erosion, with a particular focus on nature-based solutions, notably artificial sand nourishment. Artificial nourishment has proven to be an effective method for erosion control. However, its success depends on factors such as the placement location, sediment volume, and frequency of operations. To optimize these interventions, simulations were conducted using both a numerical model (CS-Model) and a physical flume model, based on the same cross-section beach/dune profile, to compare cross-shore nourishment performance across different scenarios. The numerical modeling approach is presented first, including a description of the reference prototype-scale scenario. This is followed by an overview of the physical modeling, detailing the experimental 2D cross-section flume setup and tested scenarios. These scenarios simulate nourishment interventions with variations in beach profile, aiming to assess the influence of water level, berm width, bar volume, and bar geometry. The results from both numerical and physical simulations are presented, focusing on the cross-shore morphological response of the beach profile under wave action, particularly the effects on profile shape, water level, bar volume, and the position and depth of the bar crest. The main conclusion highlights that a wider initial berm leads to greater wave energy dissipation, thereby contributing to the mitigation of dune erosion. Full article

American adults struggle with accurately assessing the quality of their diet, with the majority overrating their diet quality. Thus, the objective of the study was to explore what individuals think about when asked to rate their diet quality. Virtual focus groups were conducted from October 2023 to April 2024, using a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions. Convenience samples of small-scale farmers, school food service directors, health clinic patients, and university students and staff in Mississippi and Arkansas participated (N = 27). Themes and subthemes from NVivo-transcribed discussions were identified and coded inductively. Four subthemes emerged for description of diet: balance, consideration for others, convenience, and location. Four subthemes emerged for quality of diet: availability/access, culture/tradition, health considerations, and making better choices. Three subthemes emerged for healthy food: composition/preparation, nourishing benefits, and taste/flavor. Three subthemes emerged for unhealthy food: addicting/overconsumption, composition/preparation, and undesirable effects. Three subthemes emerged for nutrition knowledge: audience specific, general knowledge, and ambivalence. Three subthemes emerged for food shopping: food types, family influence/preference, and planning. Factors shaping how individuals perceive their diet quality are complex with intertwining components. Understanding the complexity involved in self-perceptions of diet quality will help us better quantify perceptions and link them to measurable outcomes. Full article

Large-fruited cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) is a species known for its highly valued fruit and is typically propagated vegetatively through the rooting of stem cuttings. Studies on the rooting of stem cuttings of large-fruited cranberry have shown that the morphological traits of the root system are a key indicator of the effectiveness of this process. To support rooting, gel coatings based on polysaccharides and containing auxins, especially the indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) W4 variant, were developed and applied. These significantly influenced root length (increase of 44.6% compared to control W0), surface area (increase of 32.4% compared to W0), volume (increase of 26.7% compared to W0), and average thickness, which translated into better nutrient uptake and a higher degree of plant nourishment. The W4 coating, combining mineral components, polysaccharides, and IBA, reduced transpiration and maintained moisture, promoting effective rooting. The associated metabolic changes were confirmed by analyses of oxidative stress markers and chlorophyll fluorescence. The study demonstrated that enhanced root system development was closely linked with the increased accumulation of macro- and micronutrients in the aerial parts of the plants, directly contributing to improved growth and potential yield. These findings highlight that effective rooting—achieved through the targeted metabolic stabilisation of the rooting environment—is essential for the successful vegetative propagation of large-fruited cranberry. Full article

Adequate and diverse diets are essential for children’s physical and cognitive development, yet food insecurity and malnutrition continue to threaten this fundamental right, which remains a pressing concern in many resource-poor settings. This study investigated food and nutrition security in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Makhanda, South Africa, through a community-based participatory research approach. Using a mixed-methods approach combining questionnaire interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations, and community asset mapping across eight ECD centres enrolling 307 children aged 0–5 years, the study engaged ECD facilitators and analysed dietary practices across these centres. Results indicated that financial constraints severely affect the quality and diversity of food provided at the centres, thus undermining the ability to provide nutritionally adequate meals. The average amount spent on food per child per month at the centres was R90 ± R25 (South African Rand). Although three meals were generally offered daily, cost-driven dietary substitutions with cheaper, less diverse alternatives, often at the expense of nutritional value, were common. Despite guidance from Department of Health dieticians, financial limitations contributed to suboptimal feeding practices, with diets dominated by grains and starchy foods, with limited access to and rare consumption of protein-rich foods, dairy, and vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables. ECD facilitators noted insufficient parental contributions and low engagement in supporting centre operations and child nutrition provision, indicating a gap in awareness and limited nutrition knowledge regarding optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. The findings emphasise the need for sustainable, multi-level and community-led interventions, including food gardening, creating ECD centre food banks, parental nutrition education programmes, and enhanced financial literacy among ECD facilitators. Strengthening local food systems and establishing collaborative partnerships with communities and policymakers are essential to improve the nutritional environment in ECD settings. Similarly, enhanced government support mechanisms and policy-level reforms are critical to ensure that children in resource-poor areas receive adequate nutrition. Future research should focus on scalable, locally anchored models for sustainable child nutrition interventions that are contextually grounded, community-driven, and should strengthen the resilience of ECD centres in South Africa. Full article

Reliable coastal and offshore sediment transport data is a requirement for many engineering and environmental projects including port and harbour design, dredging and beach nourishment, sea shoreline protection, inland navigation, marine pollution monitoring, benthic habitat mapping, and offshore renewable energy (ORE). Novel sediment transport numerical modelling approaches allow engineers and scientists to investigate the physical interactions involved in these projects both in the near and far field. However, a lack of confidence in simulated sediment transport results is evident in many coastal and offshore studies, mainly due to limited access to validation datasets. This study addresses the need for cost-effective sediment validation datasets by investigating the applicability of four new suspended load validation techniques to a 2D model of the south-western Irish Sea. This involves integrating an estimated spatial time series of suspended solids concentration (${SSC}_{solids}$) derived from acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) acoustic backscatter with several in situ water sample-based ${SSC}_{solids}$ datasets. Ultimately, a robust spatial time series of ADCP-based ${SSC}_{solids}$ was successfully calculated in this offshore, tidally dominated setting, where the correlation coefficient between estimated ${SSC}_{solids}$ and directly measured ${SSC}_{solids}$ is 0.87. Three out of the four assessed validation techniques are deemed advantageous in developing an accurate 2D suspended sediment transport model given the assumptions of the depth-integrated approach. These recommended techniques include (i) the validation of 2D modelled suspended sediment concentration (${SSC}_{sediment}$) using water sample-based ${SSC}_{solids}$, (ii) the validation of the flood–ebb characteristics of 2D modelled suspended load transport and ${SSC}_{sediment}$ using ADCP-based datasets, and (iii) the validation of the 2D modelled peak ${SSC}_{sediment}$ over a spring–neap cycle using the ADCP-based ${SSC}_{solids}$. Overall, the multi-disciplinary method of collecting in situ metocean and sediment dynamic data via acoustic instruments (ADCPs) is a cost-effective in situ data collection method for future ORE developments and other engineering and scientific projects. Full article