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Learnings from Food Waste Dynamics During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Evaluation of Representative Diary Studies in German Households
Full text linkThe COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the reliability of global supply chains, the availability of selected products including food, food prices, food purchase and consumption behaviour. The aim of this study is to identify potential differences in food waste levels and behaviours in Germany during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. The data are based on two highly representative household diary studies on food waste with sample sizes of over 6500 participants each. This study uses descriptive statistics as well as a mixed model approach to examine food waste amounts per product group, disposal reason and life cycle category and compare the survey year 2020 with the years 2016/17. A linear mixed model is applied to examine the effects of the pandemic and lockdown phases on the development of food waste amounts in 2020. The results show that total and unavoidable food waste increased significantly in the 2020 pandemic period compared to the same period in the 2016/17 survey, while avoidable food waste decreased. This suggests an improvement of food management skills while, at the same time, food consumption, and therefore also food waste, shifted from outside to inside the home. Also, the composition of product groups was affected by altered consumption patterns during the pandemic. The results are relevant to the post-pandemic period, as they raise the question of whether a deceleration in everyday life is a prerequisite for adopting more sustainable food behaviours and developing appropriate planning, storage and handling. Policies should therefore focus on encouraging citizens to engage with the issue, prioritise it and develop an interest in food management. Future research should focus on the ways in which behaviours that reduce food waste can be encouraged, as well as on the long-term effects of food supply chain disruptions and events altering everyday life in households in relation to food waste
Proteolytic processing of interleukin-receptors by metalloproteases
Full text linkEctodomain shedding, die proteolytische Spaltung extrazellulärer Domänen von Membranproteinen, ist ein wichtiger regulatorischer Mechanismus in unterschiedlichen Stoffwechselwegen. Hier wurde dieser Mechanismus im Zusammenhang mit den Zytokinrezeptoren Interleukin-6 Rezeptor (IL-6R) und Interleukin-11 Rezeptor (IL-11R) untersucht. Die Signalübertragung über den membrangebundenen Rezeptor wird als classic-signaling, die über den gesheddeten Rezeptor als trans-signaling bezeichnet. Während dem IL-6 classic-signaling eher protektive Funktionen zugesprochen werden, ist das IL-6 trans-signaling hauptsächlich mit Pathologien assoziiert. Das shedding des IL-6R ist einerseits Voraussetzung für das IL-6 trans-signaling, andererseits für die Bildung eines Puffers durch den die Aktivität von IL-6 reguliert wird. Bisher waren die Metalloproteasen ADAM10, ADAM17, Meprin α und Meprin β als sheddasen des IL-6R beschrieben. Hier konnte gezeigt werden, dass zusätzlich ADAM9 und MT1-MMP in der Lage sind den IL-6R zu shedden und IL-6 trans-signaling zu induzieren. Zudem konnte ADAM8 als sheddase von ADAM17 identifiziert werden. Lösliches ADAM17 ist nicht mehr in der Lage den IL-6R zu shedden. ADAM8 reguliert dadurch indirekt die Funktionen von IL-6. Alle für IL-11 beschriebenen Funktionen sind bis dato mit dem IL-11 classic-signaling assoziiert. Für das IL-11 trans-signaling sind bisher keine Funktionen beschrieben, jedoch spricht das Vorkommen von löslichem IL-11R im Plasma gesunder Individuen dafür, dass das shedding des IL-11R ein natürlich vorkommendes Ereignis mit physiologischer Relevanz ist. In dieser Arbeit konnten ADAM9, ADAM17 und MT1-MMP als neue sheddasen des IL-11R identifiziert werden
Die Butendach-Bibliothek der evangelisch-reformierten Kirchengemeinde zu Lübeck: Gesamtverzeichnis
Full text linkPastor Otto Friederich Butendach (1730-1798) war von 1762 bis 1798 Prediger der evangelisch-reformierten Kirchengemeinde zu Lübeck. Er war bibliophil und hielt es für wichtig, dass sich die Kirche mit dem kritischen Gedankengut der Zeit der Aufklärung auseinandersetzt. Zum Zeitpunkt seines Todes umfasste seine Sammlung ca. 6000 Bände. Als Theologe lag der thematische Schwerpunkt in den Bereichen der Theologie und der Kirchengeschichte. Aber wegen seines Interesses an der Aufklärung sammelte er Bücher aus fast allen Wissensbereichen seiner Zeit: allgemeine Geschichte, Philosophie, Belletristik, Religionsgeschichte, Naturwissenschaften, Geographie, Reiseberichte u. v. m. So spiegelt diese Sammlung den allgemeinen Wissensstand eines Privatgelehrten des späten 18. Jahrhunderts wider. Die reformierte Kirchengemeinde hat die Bibliothek aufbewahrt, und bis ins 19. Jahrhundert hinein auch erweitert. Butendachs Nachfolger war Johannes Geibel (1776-1853), der bis 1847 Pastor der Gemeinde war. Geibel war ein Vertreter des Pietismus. Deshalb ist es von besonderer Bedeutung, dass die Praxis Butendachs fortgesetzt wurde, wichtige Fragen von allen Seiten zu durchleuchten. So ist eine einzigartige Büchersammlung entstanden, die einen Einblick in die Wissensbereiche dieser Privatgelehrten des 18. und des 19. Jahrhunderts – und was sie mit dem Wissen gemacht haben – gewährt.Pastor Otto Friedrich Butendach (1730-1798) served in the Evangelical-Reformed Church to Lübeck from 1762 until his death in 1798. He was a bibliophile and thought it important that the church should address the critical thought that arose in the Age of Enlightenment. At the time of his death his collection included around 6000 volumes. Because he was a theologian the collection was thematically oriented towards theology and church history. But because of his interest in Enlightenment thought he collected books from almost all areas of knowledge: general history, philosophy, literature, history of religions, natural science, geography, travel reports and much more. The resulting collection mirrors the general knowledge of an independent scholar in the late 18th century. The Reformed congregation preserved the library and continued to expand it into the 19th century. Butendachs successor was Johannes Geibel (1776-1853), who served in the congregation until 1847. Geibel was a follower of the Pietist movement. Considering this it is of particular significance that he continued Butendach’s practice of addressing important questions critically from all sides. The result is a singular collection of books that allows researchers a glimpse into the areas of knowledge available to these independent scholars of the 18th and 19th centuries, and what they did with that body of knowledge
Intersektionalität über Comic-Kunst verstehen: Birgit Weyhes Rude Girl als ästhetisches Medium zur ethischen Urteilsbildung im Geographieunterricht
Full text linkDer Beitrag begründet die Konzeption einer Unterrichtsskizze zum Thema Intersektionalität für den Geographieunterricht. Dabei wird über die Fachlogik, den Lehrplanbezug und die fachdidaktischen Prinzipien gefolgert, dass die Unterrichtsreihe exemplarisch und induktiv angelegt sein muss. Der an die Lebenswelt der Schüler*innen andockende Comic Rude Girl von Birgit Weyhe ermöglicht aufgrund der mit der Fiktionalität verbundenen Darstellung phänomenalen und propositonalen Wissens die Vermittlung einer doppelten Wahrheit im Hinblick auf Intersektionalität in Form einer objektiven und direkten sowie einer indirekten und impliziten Wahrhaftigkeit. Deutlich wird, dass intersektionale Differenzkriterien, die sich leiblich-performativ in Körper einschreiben, strukturelle Ursachen haben. Über die Analyse der comictypischen stilistischen Formelemente der Intermedialität und Multimodalität wird der Comic als fiktionale Literatur erkannt, die Parallelen zum Thema Intersektionalität aufweist, so dass sich der Comic für die literarische Umsetzung des Themas sehr gut eignet. Schließlich wird mit Bezug zur Rezeptionsästhetik Isers deutlich, was es heißt ethische Urteilskompetenz in der lesenden Auseinandersetzung mit dem Comic auszubilden.The article constitutes the conception of a lesson outline regarding the issue of intersectionality for the subject of geography. For that purpose, the obligatorily exemplary and inductive conception of the lesson series is justified by referring to the disciplinary logic, the curriculum and principles of disciplinary didactics. The comic Rude Girl by Birgit Weyhe is chosen as the exemplary subject of the lesson series because it relates to the pupils’ lifeworld. Moreover, the comic depicts phenomenal and propositional knowledge via fictionality and is therefore suited for mediating a twofold truth: a direct and objective one as well as an indirect and implicit one. It becomes apparent that intersectional criteria of differences are embodied performative inscriptions of bodies, but that they also have structural causes. By analysing stylistic and formal elements of intermediality and multimodality, which are typical for comics, the comic is recognised as fictional literature. Depicting the comic as such, parallels to the issue of intersectionality are drawn which point out the suitability of the comic to realise the issue literarily. Finally, by referring to Wolfgang Iser’s Rezeptionsästhetik, it becomes clear what it means to develop an ethical competence of judgement by reading and engaging in the comic
Mechanical and Adhesive Properties of the Cellulosic Seed Mucilage and its Role in Seed Dispersal
Full text linkPlants have evolved diverse seed structures and properties that aid in their dispersal and protection from environmental influences. One widespread trait among thousands of flowering plants is myxodiaspory, or the ability of seeds, fruits, and diaspores to form mucilaginous coats upon hydration. In many plant species, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), besides pectins and hemicelluloses, play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of this mucilage and enhance adhesive and mechanical properties. These properties are important for sticking to animal surfaces, such as fur or feathers for dispersal, to various other substrates and surfaces to prevent being carried off and damaged by insects and small vertebrates, protecting the seeds from other environmental influences, and ensuring germination. This thesis examines how CNFs contribute to the mucilage structure, adhesion, and dispersal mechanisms of Ocimum basilicum, Salvia hispanica, Collomia grandiflora, Linum usitatissimum, and Ecballium elaterium seeds. Using advanced imaging methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), micro-CT, and high-speed videography, the resulting data were put in context with data from mechanical force measurements. Key findings from these methods include the following: (1) mucilage adhesion and mechanical properties vary within the hydration levels of the seeds, with maximum adhesion achieved, when dried in contact with surfaces. (2) CNFs play a critical role in enhancing the adhesion and mechanical stability of mucilage by contact splitting of the fibers, especially during dehydration, making them the primary component responsible for mucilage adhesion in some species. (3) Some highly specialized dispersal mechanisms, such as ballochory, can work synergistically with mucilage adhesion
Gelingensbedingungen lustvoller und produktiver Sexualkultur in pädagogischen Organisationen
Full text linkViele Organisationen und Einrichtungen begannen nach den Missbrauchsskandalen der vergangenen Jahre, organisationsbezogene Präventionsstrategien gegen sexuelle Grenzüberschreitungen zu etablieren, ohne Sexualität zu thematisieren und ohne die Sexualkulturen in Augenschein zu nehmen. Partizipation, Transparenz, Wachsamkeit und Kontrolle sind die entscheidenden Leitwerte für ein umfangreiches Personal- und Organisationsmanagement mit vielen Einzelmaßnahmen vom erweiterten polizeilichen Führungszeugnis über die Thematisierung des potentiellen Missbrauchs bei Einstellungsgesprächen, unterschriebene Ethikrichtlinien, Kinderschutzbeauftragte, Beschwerdestellen, Ablaufpläne für Verdachtsäußerungen bis zu klar definierten Nähe- und Distanzregelungen für den Umgang mit dem Klientel. Das alles sind potentiell richtige Maßnahmen, die jedoch je nach sexualkultureller Rahmung sehr unterschiedliche Konsequenzen haben können. Mit der Intention der Gewaltprävention betreiben alle Organisationen zugleich implizit ein regulierendes Sexualitätsmanagement bzw. eine mehr oder weniger bewusste Sexualpolitik. Die Folge ist höchstwahrscheinlich, dass die alleinige Implementation von Gewaltverhinderungsprogrammen wirkungslos bleibt und in bestimmten Fällen sogar kontraproduktiv werden kan
Sterically Controlled C(sp2)-H Carboxylation and Formylation: A Complementary Strategy to SEAr Approaches
Full text linkCarboxyl- and formyl-substituted arenes are key motifs in organic chemistry, typically prepared via electrophilic aromatic substitution (SEAr) reactions. SEAr reactions hold tremendous synthetic value, and one of the key advantages is their predictable regioselectivity. Conversely, certain positions remain out of reach, such as sterically accessible but comparably electron-poor sites. Herein, we describe a nondirected C(sp2)-H carboxylation and formylation of arenes enabled by a dual ligand-based catalyst. By optimizing the steric control of a nondirected olefination of arenes and combining this method with two distinct protocols for the subsequent oxidative cleavage of alkenes, we can generate a complementary set of regioisomeric products. The synthetic utility is demonstrated by a broad scope with suitability for late-stage functionalization
Insights into the Middle Pleistocene fauna of South Africa: Zooarchaeology, stable isotopes and dating of Pniel 6
Full text linkThe Florisian Land Mammal Age (FLMA; 773-12 ka) is characterised by specialist, often extinct, grazing as well as wetland species, many of which are no longer present in the southern African interior. Middle Pleistocene FLMA faunal assemblages are rare, particularly those associated with artefacts, limiting reconstruction of environmental conditions and hominin subsistence strategies. One exception is the faunal assemblages of Pniel 6 on the Vaal River, which are associated with Fauresmith lithics. Here, we present a comprehensive faunal analysis including stable isotope measurements and intracrystalline protein diagenesis (IcPD) analysis from several excavations since the 1980s. Twenty-one animal species were identified, with size class III bovids and typical FLMA species dominating. The results suggest a rich grassland environment supported by considerable water components. While most of the assemblage exhibits signs of a natural death assemblage, a few taphonomic modifications may indicate a human factor. Two distinct IcPD data clusters provide relative age estimates, suggesting that the teeth do not represent a single short depositional event. All results support the interpretation of Pniel 6 as a series of distinctive archaeological accumulations of human origin during the Middle Pleistocene, with a minor component of younger material mixed up close to the modern surface
Electron, light, and matter interactions beyond nonrecoil approximations
No full textThis thesis investigates quantum-coherent interactions between slow electrons and optical fields beyond the conventional nonrecoil approximation. While high-energy electron–photon interactions are well described within this approximation, slow electrons experience significant momentum exchange and recoil when interacting with intense near-fields. The first part focuses on spontaneous light emission studied through cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. In WSe2, combined experiments and simulations reveal that thin flakes exhibit strong coupling between Cherenkov radiation and the A-exciton, whereas in thicker samples, deceleration-induced emission becomes dominant. Furthermore, in GaN/AlGaN heterostructures, the excitation of secondary electrons leads to depth-dependent luminescence, enabling selective probing of defect and interface states. The second part of this thesis explores stimulated interactions using a Maxwell–Schrödinger framework to simulate the dynamics of slow-electron wavepackets near laser-excited gold nanorods. By tuning the laser polarization, near-field geometry, and excitation configuration, both amplitude and phase modulation of the electron wavefunction are achieved, extending beyond the conventional PINEM description. Furthermore, rotating plasmonic fields generated by two counterpropagating laser pulses with a controlled temporal delay are shown to transfer angular momentum, direction-dependent recoil, and energy exchange within the electron wavepacket, introducing the concept of plasmonic rotors for coherent electron control. Finally, custom-designed components a diverging electrostatic lens and a gridless retarding field energy analyzer are developed for integration into SEM. This work establishes slow electrons as powerful quantum probes for nanophotonics, ultrafast spectroscopy, and quantum information science
Millet and meals: the role and significance of Panicum miliaceum in culinary contexts at Bruszczewo, Poland
Full text linkThe translocation of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) is an enticing subject of archaeological investigation. While the species was rapidly dispersed across Eurasia during prehistory, its adoption appears to have been inconsistent, with evidence for its sudden and gradual adoption, as well as its rejection, observed within and between contemporary communities and cultures. The translocation of P. miliaceum may be better understood through the identification of its role and significance as a foodstuff among past populations. This study employs molecular investigation and bulk and compound-specific isotope analysis to study organic residues produced during culinary activities at Bruszczewo, Poland, during the Early Bronze Age (EBA) and Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age (LBA/EIA). The analysis of ceramic-absorbed and charred 'foodcrust' residues enabled a comprehensive examination of vessel use-life and the production of individual meals. This study strongly suggests that P. miliaceum was not present at Bruszczewo during the EBA, conforming to its established translocation chronology, while highlighting its extensive use during the LBA/EIA. The cereal was incorporated into a variety of culinary activities, constituting both a minor and major ingredient of many meals, while being absent in others. Finally, the observation of apparently unrestricted use of P. miliaceum at Bruszczewo provided further insight into the role and significance of this cereal relative to contemporary LBA/EIA evidence for its use across the region. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-024-02095-1