Search Results (1,505)

Background/Objectives: Skipping breakfast is common among adolescents. Providing breakfast at school is a potential solution; however, its effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to compare breakfast skipping between dormitory- and home-residing high school students, analyze trends over time, and identify reasons for skipping breakfast. Methods: This study analyzed data from high school students who participated in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey between 2018 and 2024, and who lived either in dormitories (n = 11,394) or at home (n = 164,446). The frequency of breakfast consumption over the previous seven days was surveyed; breakfast skipping was defined as missing breakfast on at least five of these seven days. Results: Students living in dormitories had more breakfast days than those living at home (4.6 ± 0.04 vs. 3.7 ± 0.01, p < 0.001). The prevalence of breakfast skipping among students living in dormitories was approximately half of that among students living at home. The association between breakfast skipping and residence type remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio: 0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.39). The prevalence of breakfast skipping increased more rapidly between 2018 and 2024 among students living in dormitories (15.1–25.0%, annual percent change = 8.7%, p < 0.05) than in those living at home (35.3–45.3%, annual percent change = 4.0%, p < 0.05). In 2022, the main reasons for skipping breakfast among students living in dormitories and at home were oversleeping (32.2%) and lack of time (39.6%), respectively. Conclusions: Students living in dormitories were less likely to skip breakfast than those living at home. However, even when breakfast is provided, a substantial and increasing proportion of adolescents skip breakfast. These findings suggest that creating a supportive environment alone is insufficient and that strategies are needed to enhance awareness of the importance of breakfast. Full article

Traditional food products (TFPs) hold a significant place in the cultural and gastronomic identity of Vojvodina, and consumer interest in these products is continuously growing, positioning them among the most relevant research topics in the fields of hospitality and consumer behavior. The aim of this study was to examine how consumers’ socio-demographic characteristics influence their attitudes and perception of the quality and attributes of TFPs on hospitality and tourism market. The research was conducted on a sample of 507 adult respondents from the territory of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis) and ordinal logistic regression. The results indicate that age, gender, education level and place of residence significantly affect attitudes toward the quality, price, availability, and advantages of TFPs compared to industrial or imported products. Respondents from rural areas, those with lower education levels and lower incomes, show a greater tendency to consume traditional products. The main barriers to consumption were identified as high prices and insufficient information. The regression results showed that gender and place of residence were significant predictors of consumers’ tendency to choose dishes prepared with TFPs in hospitality establishments. The study highlights the need for tailored marketing and educational strategies to improve the accessibility, diversity, and visibility of TFPs on the market, with particular attention to their integration into the hospitality sector. However, the study is limited to the region of Vojvodina and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce response bias. Future research could explore comparative analyses across different regions or include qualitative insights into consumer motivations. Full article

This work analyses what the systematic effect of public awareness on domestic water consumption is. In some parts of the world, the availability of water is continually decreasing, mainly due to reduced rainfall, so it is of paramount importance to raise awareness among the population. We conducted an experiment on a large sample of participating units located in urban areas of Italy, mainly in the central portion of the country. Approximately 750 people participated, belonging to 250 buildings, mainly domestic residences, but also professional offices, small companies, and student residences. In the first phase, lasting three weeks, normal per capita water consumption was quantified. Subsequently, instructions were given on how to save water during various uses in the household (showers, cleaning hands, use of water in toilets and in the kitchen, watering small green areas, use of water in the kitchen, and so on), and small visual messages conveyed through stickers were posted on water dispensers to remind users to behave properly. Finally, household consumption was assessed again during a further 3-week period. An average water-saving ($WS$) rate of +17.20% was found, in line with results obtained from a previous similar experiment involving a much smaller sample. Higher $WS$ rates were recorded for buildings with less inhabitants. This experiment enabled us to quantify the significant effect of the awareness-raising action on the reduction in water consumption, without the use of any structural action (e.g., replacement of dispensers, improvement of the water system, realization of recycling systems). Moreover, the simplicity of the proposed methodology makes it suitable for implementation in other regions worldwide, thus promoting a step forward towards more sustainable use of water. Full article

One of the key challenges for city authorities is to ensure an adequate quality of life for residents while promoting sustainable urban development. Achieving this balance is closely related to transport management which strongly affects urban quality of life, energy consumption, and resource savings. The aim of this article is to propose a new approach of assessing urban transport management quality, with a view to implement urban energy and resource-saving policies. The assessment procedure is based on the Six Sigma methodology and is illustrated using the example of the city of Szczecin for three selected routes. Travel data were obtained based on actual vehicle traffic using crowdsourcing methods. The capacity processes were assessed based on the potential capacity index and the actual capacity index, which characterise deviations in urban traffic from the best way to save energy and resources. Customer specification limits were set based on surveys assessing residents’ expectations regarding car travel times on the analysed routes. The results show that the methodology proposed in the article can be successfully used to assess urban transport management and to identify areas in need of improvement for sustainable transport panning. Full article

Accurate short-term forecasting of urban water demand is a persistent challenge for utilities seeking to optimize operations, reduce energy costs, and enhance resilience in smart distribution systems. This study presents a multi-scale Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling approach that integrates temporal lag optimization to predict daily and hourly water consumption across heterogeneous user profiles. Using high-resolution smart metering data from the SunRise Smart City Project in Lille, France, four demand nodes were analyzed: a District Metered Area (DMA), a student residence, a university restaurant, and an engineering school. Results demonstrate that incorporating lagged consumption variables substantially improves prediction accuracy, with daily R² values increasing from 0.490 to 0.827 at the DMA and from 0.420 to 0.806 at the student residence. At the hourly scale, the 1-h lag model consistently outperformed other configurations, achieving R² up to 0.944 at the DMA, thus capturing both peak and off-peak consumption dynamics. The findings confirm that short-term autocorrelation is a dominant driver of demand variability, and that ANN-based forecasting enhanced by temporal lag features provides a robust, computationally efficient tool for real-time water network management. Beyond improving forecasting performance, the proposed methodology supports operational applications such as leakage detection, anomaly identification, and demand-responsive planning, contributing to more sustainable and resilient urban water systems. Full article

Knowledge gaps exist regarding foodborne zoonotic diseases in migrant populations. We assessed the seroprevalence of Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia, Brucella, hepatitis E virus (HEV), and Trichinella, and identified potential exposure risks in populations with and without migration backgrounds. In a cross-sectional study (2014–2016), adults with Turkish, Russian, Vietnamese, or German backgrounds residing in Berlin, Germany, were recruited via convenience sampling. Sera were screened for anti-IgG antibodies, and risk factors were assessed via a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used for analysis. We included 1180 participants: 497 Germans and 215, 273, and 195 individuals with Russian, Turkish, and Vietnamese backgrounds, respectively. Salmonella seroprevalence was highest among Vietnamese (47–50%) and lowest among Turks (18–20%). Campylobacter seroprevalence ranged from 17% to 23%. Yersinia seroprevalence was highest among Germans (64–70%) and associated with raw pork consumption. HEV seropositivity was highest among Vietnamese (27–28%) and lowest among Russians (5%). No samples were positive for Brucella; two were positive for Trichinella. High seroprevalence of Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia, and HEV suggests substantial exposure and frequent asymptomatic or mild infections. While Yersinia seropositivity was associated with raw pork consumption, high seroprevalence in Turks—who rarely consume pork—suggests other food sources or transmission routes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of dyslipidemia, thereby elevating the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns and dyslipidemia remains controversial. Based on large-scale cross-sectional data from the Chinese population, this study aims to investigate the correlations between various alcohol consumption behaviors and dyslipidemia among adult residents in China. Methods: Our analysis utilized data from the 2015–2017 China Nutrition and Health Surveillance project, which provides a large, nationally representative sample (N = 52,471). We employed a binary logistic regression model specifically designed for complex sampling frameworks. This model was utilized to assess the relationship between various alcohol consumption behaviors (including daily alcohol intake levels and drinking frequency) and the incidence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (low HDL-C), and elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (high LDL-C). Drinking behaviors were classified into three distinct categories for analysis: China classification (never, moderate, excessive), WHO classification (never, low-risk, medium-risk, high-risk), and drinking frequency (never, <1, 1–3, 4–6, ≥7 times/week). Results: Compared with never drinkers, the risk of hypercholesterolemia was significantly higher in men who were excessive drinkers (aOR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.24–1.57), medium-risk drinkers (aOR = 1.24, 95%CI 1.01–1.53), high-risk drinkers (aOR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.4–1.95), and those who drank more than once a week (aOR range: 1.27–1.65), and there was no such association in women (p > 0.05). Compared with never drinkers, the risk of hypertriglyceridemia was higher in male drinkers with excessive drinking (aOR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.24–1.47), medium-risk drinking (aOR = 1.29, 95%: 1.11–1.50), high-risk drinking (aOR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.3–1.71), and a drinking frequency more than 1 time/week (aOR range: 1.22–1.38), while in women, it was moderate drinking (aOR = 0.85, 95%CI 0.77–0.94), low-risk drinking (aOR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.78–0.94), and a drinking frequency of more than once a week (aOR = 0.74, 95%CI 0.63–0.87) that reduced the occurrence of hypertriglyceridemia. Compared with non-drinkers, men with any drinking status had a lower risk of low HDL-C (aOR range: 0.38–0.90) and a similar association was also observed in women (aOR range: 0.26–0.84). Compared with never drinkers, male excessive drinkers (aOR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.77–0.97), medium-risk drinkers (aOR = 0.80, 95%CI:0.65–0.99), high-risk drinkers (aOR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.70–0.97), and those with a drinking frequency of 1–3 times/week (aOR = 0.89, 95%: 0.79–0.99) had a lower risk of high LDL-C, and there was no such association in women (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Significant gender differences were observed in the effects of alcohol consumption on lipid profiles. Men who were excessive drinkers, medium-risk drinkers, high-risk drinkers, and those who drank more than once a week had a higher risk of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, but a lower risk of low HDL-C and high LDL-C. In women, moderate drinking was associated with a reduced risk of hypertriglyceridemia. Any alcohol consumption and drinking frequency more than 1 time/week were associated with a lower risk of low HDL-C in women. No significant association was found between alcohol consumption and hypercholesterolemia or high LDL-C in women. Full article

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on haemodialysis present a high burden of cardiovascular comorbidities and require anticoagulation, which increases bleeding risk. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study (2021–2024) in the Haemodialysis Centre of The Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta County, Romania, including 50 adults with stage G5 CKD on haemodialysis for ≥3 months and receiving anticoagulant therapy. We collected from electronic medical records detailed demographic data (age, sex, place of residence), comorbidities (hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, deep-vein thrombosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, cirrhosis), lifestyle factors (smoking and alcohol consumption), vascular access type (arteriovenous fistula or central venous catheter) and laboratory parameters (haemoglobin, haematocrit, creatinine, albumin, total protein, electrolytes, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, INR, APTT, D-dimer, BNP, CK-MB, troponin). All laboratory units were standardised and checked for plausibility. Results: Median age was 71 years; 48% were female. The most common comorbidities were: hypertension (100%), atrial fibrillation (100%) and ischaemic heart disease (62–81%). Patients exhibited severe anaemia (mean Hb ~9.7 g/dL), nephrotic-range proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia, and impaired coagulation profiles (INR ~1.8–1.9; prolonged APTT in men). Female patients had higher platelet counts and D-dimer levels, suggesting a stronger prothrombotic profile, while males showed longer APTT. Cardiovascular strain was reflected by elevated BNP in men and also troponin/CK-MB. Correlations included smoking with leukocytosis, alcohol with increased urine density, diabetes with higher urea and lower protein, and subtherapeutic INR in cerebrovascular disease. Conclusions: Patients with ESRD on haemodialysis and anticoagulant therapy display a complex interplay of cardiovascular comorbidities, anemia, overlapping thrombotic and bleeding risks, with sex-specific differences. Therefore, systematic monitoring of proteinuria, haemoglobin, D-dimer, and coagulation markers is crucial to balance thrombotic and bleeding risks. Objective: To characterise the clinical and paraclinical profile and comorbidity–laboratory correlations of ESRD patients undergoing haemodialysis and anticoagulant therapy. Full article

Aging is the result of the accumulation of a great variety of molecular and cellular damage over time. During aging, the brain undergoes changes and diseases such as depression, dementia, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, delirium, behavioral disorders and aggression, and prolonged mourning, among others, appear. The gut–brain axis suggests that the gut and the brain have a bidirectional communication, so it is important to maintain proper intestinal health to strengthen the neurological changes of this age group. The intestinal microbiota is a dynamic and highly complex ecosystem of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract. The bidirectional and dynamic communication between the homeostatic systems, such as the endocrine and immune systems, as well as the nervous system, allow us to face problems associated with several diseases. Probiotics are defined as non-pathogenic live microorganisms that provide beneficial effects to the organism and participate in the prevention and treatment of diseases, which is the reason why it is important to promote interventions that keep intestinal microbiota in eubiosis (microbiota balance). The concentration and balance of the intestinal microbiota depend on several conditions, such as diet, antibiotic consumption, and lifestyle, to mentioned a few. However, interventions with probiotics have shown improvements in both cognitive function and processes that promote neurodegeneration. It is such that the research has been directed on designing strategies that improve not only oral bioavailability but also intestinal adhesion and retention, to clarify the frequency and dosage that should be consumed. Full article

The microparticle-enhanced microfiltration is a technique that combines the use of microparticulate adsorbent material dispersed in aqueous solution and microfiltration membranes for the removal of ions and emerging contaminants with low energy consumption. Thus, the objective of this work was to synthesize an organoclay, BAPTES, based on bentonite and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane for use as a semi-synthetic adsorbent material in the microparticle-enhanced microfiltration process for the removal of AR27 in aqueous systems. For this purpose, the obtained organoclay was structurally characterized by FTIR-ATR-FEDS, SEM-EDS, DLS, and thermal analysis. In addition, equilibrium adsorption and kinetic studies of AR27 were performed. The results showed a significant increase in the adsorption capacity of AR27 by organoclay (86.06%) compared to natural bentonite (2.10%), due to the presence of ionizable amino groups in the organoclay structure that promote electrostatic interactions with the dye. Furthermore, kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process follows a pseudo-first-order model and that the equilibrium data better fits the Temkin model, indicating a heterogeneous adsorption surface with different binding energies. The evaluation of enhanced microfiltration with BAPTES microparticles showed that the adsorption capacity obtained in continuous flow experiments (14.25–33.63 mg g⁻¹) was lower than that determined experimentally under equilibrium conditions (~39.5 mg g⁻¹), suggesting that the residence time of the analyte and the adsorbent in the filtration cell is a determining factor in the retention values obtained. In addition, desorption studies revealed that basic pH had a greater effect than the presence of salts and the use of ethanol, favoring the weakening of the AR27-BAPTES interaction. Finally, the results highlight the potential use of BAPTES microparticle-enhanced microfiltration in applications involving the treatment of contaminated industrial effluents. Full article

Both China and Korea have significant markets for tea; however, both the availability and preference for oolong and black oolong tea vary across the two markets. Although this difference has been highlighted in previous studies, the group differences in the two markets based on preferences and sensory perceptions have not been assessed. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the overall oolong and black oolong tea preferences based on specific characteristics of the tea samples and the sensory perceptions of young Chinese and Korean consumers residing in South Korea. Twelve tea samples were selected for on-site evaluations. A Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method with 20 sensory characteristics was used to identify the sensory characteristics perceived, supplemented by intensity ratings for key attributes. The CATA-Penalty analysis revealed sensory characteristics that significantly impacted overall liking. The results indicated that while Chinese and South Korean consumers exhibited some differences in overall preference trends, they shared similar preferences within specific tea categories. This reflects differences in preferences between Chinese and South Korean consumers for oolong and black oolong tea beverages and the possible impact of different cultural backgrounds on consumption habits. These findings provide insights into cross-cultural sensory preferences and the impact of the cultural background on tea beverage perception. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), projected to surpass infectious diseases as the leading cause of mortality. This shift reflects a complex public health challenge driven by changing dietary patterns and persistent social and gender inequities. Women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable due to biological and sociocultural factors, with diet playing a central role in NCD development and maternal health. This scoping review explores dietary determinants of NCDs in this population and identifies evidence gaps to support context-specific, gender-responsive interventions. Methods: The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2010 and May 2025. After removing duplicates, 577 articles were screened, and 19 met the inclusion criteria. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. An adapted conceptual framework informed by the ecological model was developed to illustrate the multilevel pathways linking dietary determinants to NCD outcomes. Results: Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods, salty snacks, processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages was consistently associated with increased NCD risk. Central obesity was prevalent among nearly half of the women studied, and a high intake of sugary drinks was common across diverse populations. Among pregnant women, overweight was observed in approximately one-quarter of participants, despite the inadequate intake of protein and iron. Vitamin A deficiency was moderately prevalent, and urban residence was linked to a twofold increase in the coexistence of obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. These patterns were shaped by poverty, food insecurity, and the cultural norms influencing dietary behaviors and access to nutritious foods. Conclusion: Dietary determinants significantly contribute to the rising NCD burden among women of reproductive age in SSA, yet adolescent women remain underrepresented in research. Addressing these gaps through culturally sensitive, multisectoral interventions and biomarker-informed longitudinal studies is essential for guiding inclusive policies and sustainable health strategies for this vulnerable population. Full article

This study investigates shopping behaviors for essential services among Black middle-class homeowners in Ward 8, Washington, D.C., a historically underinvested neighborhood experiencing a rise in Black homeownership. The research examines how these residents manage limited local retail options, address safety concerns, and evaluate quality perceptions when choosing where to shop. Using survey data from 58 homeowners, we categorized shopping patterns into Inside-only, Mixed, and Outside-only. Exploratory factor analysis identified three main motivational factors: Service & Quality, Access & Convenience, and Economic. Multinomial logistic regression showed that higher scores on the Access & Convenience factor significantly increased the likelihood of Outside-only shopping (OR = 1.67, p = 0.02), while residential tenure showed a non-significant trend toward predicting Mixed shopping. To explain these findings, we introduce the concept of the “Small Spatial World^TM,” an adaptation of Chatman’s Small World theory, to describe how routine spatial behaviors, not social networks, shape resource gathering in limited urban settings. These behaviors reflect the ongoing impact of racial capitalism and spatial disinvestment, which limit consumer choice even among middle-class residents. This research advances urban studies by uniquely examining the consumption patterns of Black middle-class homeowners in a racially homogenous yet structurally disinvested community, linking race, space, and class in daily consumption, and advocating for targeted retail investments to foster equitable, community-focused development. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of abdominal volume index (AVI) conicity index (C-Index) and weight adjusted waist index (WWI) attributes by sociodemographic and health characteristics in apparently healthy individuals (residents of the Janów Lubelski district in the eastern Poland). Additionally, the study examined whether sociodemographic and health characteristics differentiate the distribution of adipose tissue indicators in individuals with a normal body weight, defined as a BMI of less than 25 kg/m². Methods: A total of 3752 apparently healthy respondents participated in the cross-sectional study. In order to determine the participants’ adipose tissue distribution, professionally trained nurses measured their anthropometric indices and interviewed them to assess the sociodemographic and health variables. Results: The study group’s mean values for anthropometric indices related to central adipose tissue distribution were as follows: C-Index 1.26 ± 0.088, AVI 18.28 ± 4.96 and WWI 10.63 ± 0.73. The three indices examined in multivariable analyses showed a significant relationship with age, gender, place of residence, education, living alone, smoking status, alcohol consumption and comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia). Conclusions: The study findings demonstrate a significant relationship between the level of specific anthropometric indices related to central adipose tissue distribution and sociodemographic and health-related variables. The employment of certain anthropometric indices related to central adipose tissue distribution, which are derived from waist circumference, can be beneficial in primary healthcare by potentially facilitating early prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Full article

According to United Nations projections, the global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with 70% residing in urban areas, while arable land availability continues to decline. Vertical farming (VF) offers a promising pathway for sustainable urban food production by utilizing vertical space and controlled environments. Among emerging approaches, the adaptive vertical farm (AVF) introduces movable shelving systems that adjust to plant growth stages, allowing a higher number of cultivation shelves to be accommodated within the same rack height. In this study, we developed a computational model to quantify and compare the energy consumption of AVF and conventional VF systems under industrial-scale conditions. The reference scenario considered 272 multilevel racks, each hosting 8 shelves in the VF and 15 shelves in the AVF, with Lactuca sativa as the test crop. Energy consumption for thermohygrometric control and lighting was estimated under different sowing schedules, with crop growth dynamics simulated using scheduling algorithms. Plant heat loads were calculated through the Penman–Monteith model, enabling a robust estimation of evapotranspiration and its impact on indoor climate control. Simulation results show that the AVF achieves an average 22% reduction in specific energy consumption for climate control compared to the VF, independently of sowing strategies. Moreover, the AVF nearly doubles the number of cultivation shelves within the same footprint, increasing the cultivable surface area by over 400% compared to traditional flat indoor systems. This work provides the first quantitative assessment of AVF energy performance, demonstrating its potential to simultaneously improve land-use efficiency and reduce energy intensity, thereby supporting the sustainable integration of vertical farming in urban food systems. Full article