21436 research outputs found
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Moving Towards (More-Than-)Human Solidarities and Sustainable Futures: On the Critical Urgency of the Ecological Turn in Intercultural Communication
No full textThis special issue brings together ten pieces that illustrate the state and scope of the Ecological Turn in intercultural communication today, while also pointing to future avenues for research. In this introduction, we emphasize the importance of carving spaces of creativity and resistance within and beyond academia as knowledges and solutions for sustainable futures cannot stem from euro-western-centric and anthropocentric frameworks. We conclude the introduction to this special issue with two recommendations to keep on developing and strengthening the ecological turn in intercultural communication: connecting research and activism, and using creative, embodied and multispecies methodologies.fals
Integrated multi-omic and symptom clustering reveals lower-gastrointestinal disorders of gut-brain interaction heterogeneity
No full textRome IV disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) subtypes are known to be unstable and demonstrate high rates of non-treatment response, likely indicating patient heterogeneity. Cluster analysis, a type of unsupervised machine learning, can identify homogeneous sub-populations. Independent cluster analyses of symptom and biological data have highlighted its value in predicting patient outcomes. Integrated clustering of symptom and biological data may provide a unique multimodal perspective that better captures the complexity of DGBI. Here, integrated symptom and multi-omic cluster analysis was performed on a cohort of healthy controls and patients with lower-gastrointestinal tract DGBI. Cluster stability was assessed by considering how frequently pairs of participants appeared in the same cluster between different bootstrapped datasets. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on the biological signatures of stable DGBI-predominant clusters, implicating disrupted ammonia handling and metabolism as possible pathophysiologies present in a subset of patients with DGBI. Integrated clustering revealed subtypes that were not apparent using a singular modality, suggesting a symptom-only classification is prone to capturing heterogeneous sub-populations.fals
Potential of field peas and faba beans as protein-rich alternatives for partial or full replacement of soybean meal in broiler chicken diets
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the potential of field peas (FP), faba beans (FB), and their combination to replace soybean meal (SBM) in broiler diets. Experimental diets were formulated to progressively replace SBM with FP, FB, or both across four feeding phases: starter (0–10 d), grower (10–24 d), finisher (24–35 d), and withdrawal (35–42 d). Each of the six dietary treatments was replicated 10 times, with 6 straight-run Ross 308 broiler chicks per replicate. Growth performance was monitored, and nutrient utilization was assessed. Protein and starch digestibility were measured at the distal jejunum and distal ileum, and the starch to protein (S:P) disappearance rate and ratios were calculated for each intestinal segment. Progressive replacement of SBM up to 55 % in the starter, 66 % in the grower, and 100 % in the finisher and withdrawal phases resulted in final BW and FCR that were statistically similar to the control SBM-based diets. However, complete replacement of SBM from the grower phase onward significantly reduced BW, FCR, and breast meat yield, particularly in birds offered diets based on FP (P 0.05). Diets containing FP, FB, or their combination significantly increased nitrogen retention and excreta dry matter, and reduced water intake (P 0.05). However, the inclusion of FP and FB significantly increased the S:P disappearance rate ratio in both intestinal segments (P < 0.05). These results indicate that both FP and FB can be used effectively only for partial replacement of SBM in broiler diets. While the increased S:P disappearance rate ratio suggests altered nutrient absorption dynamics and may explain the decline in performance of the birds fed high level of legumes, further investigation on underlying effects on intestinal functions is required.fals
Organ and tissue accumulation of titanium dioxide after acute, subacute, subchronic, and chronic oral exposure in mice and rats: a systematic review
No full textBackground
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a compound that is often used as a white pigment. Commercial TiO2, such as the food additive E171, contains a mix of particle sizes, including a fraction in the nanoscale range (< 100 nm). It is an ingredient in everyday products such as toothpaste, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Although the oral and gastrointestinal (GIT) tracts are the initial sites of exposure, in vivo studies have shown that TiO2 can cross the intestinal epithelium, enter systemic circulation, and accumulate in vital organs, where elimination is slow. This accumulation has been associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, cytotoxicity, and altered cellular function.
Main body
This systematic review assesses titanium (Ti) accumulation in vital organs of rats and mice following oral TiO2 exposure, focusing on dose- and time-dependent patterns across acute, subacute, subchronic, and chronic durations. Following PRISMA guidelines, 3,012 records were identified and screened by title and abstract, with 54 studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. The findings reveal that acute oral exposure to TiO2 consistently results in minimal titanium accumulation across all major organs, indicating limited gastrointestinal absorption and rapid excretion. In contrast, subacute and subchronic exposures lead to significant, dose-dependent titanium accumulation, especially in the liver, spleen, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and brain. Chronic exposure studies, though fewer, indicate persistent Ti presence, especially in the liver, kidneys, and colon. Ti was also found in the brain, pancreas, and reproductive tissues, with histopathological changes indicating broader systemic effects. A few studies reported negligible accumulation even at high doses.
Conclusion
This review highlights the organ-specific and exposure-dependent biodistribution of titanium following oral TiO2 intake in rodents. The evidence emphasizes the need for standardized reporting and experimental methodologies to improve data comparability across studies. Importantly, it underscores significant gaps in our understanding of chronic and low-dose exposures, conditions more reflective of real-world human scenarios, warranting further investigation to better assess long-term health risks.fals
Modeling the Impacts of Self-Sufficiency Scenarios on Norwegian National Nutrient Supply
No full textAs a part of the Norwegian strategy to meet the commitments they have made through international climate agreements with associated climate targets, the Norwegian Environmental Agency has proposed adjustments in Norwegian food production, creating implications for domestic food supply. More specifically, the proposed measures include reductions in domestic ruminant production systems. Mathematical modeling assessed four scenarios, which demonstrated the importance of modeling nutritional impacts, by providing the nutrient supply outcomes of reducing or eliminating ruminant meat, pork, and dairy production. The results show potential vulnerabilities in the system under these scenarios, particularly to meet domestic demand for these products and specific nutrient needs. While nutrient reliance on imported ruminant meat and pork is currently low, increasing self-sufficiency in plant-based foods, protein, energy, and fat is a concurrent goal from the Norwegian government. Further, our results demonstrate that meat contributes significantly in terms of self-sufficiency for several nutrients. These findings offer insights into the broader impacts of environmentally focused policy changes on the food system. By seeking a balance between environmental sustainability and nutrient adequacy, this study highlights the need to consider the effects of environmental goals on nutritional needs when reshaping national food systems.fals
Plantar Force Spectra Across Midsole Densities and Treadmill Speeds: A Spatially Resolved Analysis in Relation to Material Properties
No full textRunning shoe midsoles are designed to attenuate impact forces while maintaining or improving performance. However, the literature is equivocal, likely due to measurement systems, whereas in vitro testing is conclusively favourable. This study investigated three densities of ATPU foam, comparing in vitro mechanical properties with in vivo plantar force spectral characteristics derived from individualised pressure distributions during treadmill running at varied speeds. In vitro results of slab foam and shoes showed strong positive relationships between impact variables normalised to total impact energy and foam density (r2 > 0.90), and strong negative relationships for time-domain variables normalised to deformation (mm) as density increased (r2 > 0.89). During running, lower midsole density increased ground contact time across speeds (p = 0.041), while spatially resolved high-frequency PSD and peak impact force both decreased (p = 0.043; p = 0.030). However, there were no differences between total vertical force and midsole density (p = 0.232). Relationships between in vitro Peak G and high-frequency PSD were strong across all speeds (r2 = 0.63–0.91). Conversely, reducing midsole density increased active peak force across speeds (p = 0.003), which was strongly related to in vitro energy return (r2 > 0.89). Therefore, plantar force spectra and spatially resolved analyses demonstrate how foam density properties translate from in vitro to in vivo treadmill running, with lower-density foam improving impact attenuation but elevating propulsive forces. Future work needs to verify this in an outdoor setting.fals
Comparative evaluation of high-pressure processing and conventional pasteurization in cold brew green tea: In vitro digestibility, bioavailability, and nutrient stability
No full textHigh-pressure processing (HPP) is a non-thermal alternative to thermal pasteurization (Ps) for preserving cold-brewed green tea. This study compared HPP (300, 450, and 600 MPa for 5 and 10 min) with Ps for quality, microbial safety, and in vitro digestive stability. Moderate HPP treatments preserved color, ascorbic acid, and catechins effectively. HPP retained more non-galloylated catechins (GC, EGC, and EC) than Ps, which could reduce bitterness and astringency, though formal sensory evaluation is needed to confirm this. Among the conditions, 600 MPa for 5 min was optimal for overall quality, while 600 MPa for 10 min ensured maximal microbial inactivation. During digestion, catechins, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) but retained >70 %, demonstrating satisfactory stability. Overall, HPP is an effective method to maintain both the nutritional quality and microbial safety of cold-brewed green tea.fals
Standardised ileal amino acid digestibility of grain legumes is comparable to soybean meal for broiler chickens
No full textThe aim of the present study was to determine standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AA) of faba bean, lupin, lentil, chickpea, field pea and soybean meal (SBM) for growing male broilers. Grain legumes were incorporated into experimental diets either raw or after being steam-conditioned at 80°C for 30 s. The assay diets were formulated to contain 150 g/kg crude protein with the test ingredient as the only source of protein. Meanwhile, basal endogenous AA loss was measured by using a N-free diet to estimate SID. From 21–24 days post-hatch, each diet was randomly allocated to four replicate cages (eight birds per cage) with a total of 384 Ross 308 male broiler chickens. On day 24, all birds were euthanised and ileal contents collected to determine SID. No effect (P>0.05) was observed for heat treatment on SID of AA for lentil, lupin and field pea, but variable effects were observed in chickpea and faba bean (P<0.05). The SID of N and all AA in SBM were not different (P>0.05) to that of raw lentil, but were greater (P<0.05) than that of raw field pea. No differences (P>0.05) were observed for SID of N and AA between raw lupin and SBM, apart from arginine, cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine which were greater (P<0.05) in lupin. In raw chickpea, only SID of isoleucine, leucine, methionine, alanine and tyrosine were lower (P<0.05) than that of SBM. This study suggested that the AA digestibility coefficients of raw lupin, lentil and chickpea were not different from SBM and may be used as a replacement. However, due to their lower AA content, an additional protein source or non-bound amino acids may be needed to form a balanced diet.fals
The effect of emotional music on Just-About-Right and speeded-responses to chocolate
No full textResearch has demonstrated effects of emotional music on sensory perception of food, with many findings supporting a more favourable evaluation of foods when eaten while listening to positive music over negative emotional music. As the food industry becomes more focused on testing in realistic environments, there is a greater need to investigate the effects of auditory input on consumer perception when captured with measurement tools used in consumer sensory research. Consumers attending an event in New Zealand, took part in a chocolate tasting where they consumed milk or dark chocolate in positive and negative emotional music conditions. Consumer responses included emotional and sensory associations to the samples using a speeded response task, liking and Just-About-Right evaluations. Findings showed liking of dark chocolate was significantly higher in the positive as compared with the negative emotional music condition, whereas sensory changes were restricted to milk chocolate for the sweetness attribute where it was rated as higher in the positive as compared with the negative emotional music condition. Speeded emotional and sensory associations were highly susceptible to the effects of emotional music. Furthermore, exploratory penalty analysis revealed that emotional music can impact consumer feedback on attribute importance. This study builds on current understandings of the effects emotional music can have on automatic consumer responses, specifically speeded self-reported responses and gives further clarity on how the relationship between attributes and their link with liking may change with emotional music. The findings of this study offer a new insight into how emotional music can influence consumer and sensory science study outcomes when speeded self-report and JAR are used.fals
The oldest Gondwanan non-biting midge (Diptera, Chironomidae, Podonominae) sheds light on the historical biogeography of the clade
No full textPodonominae, a group of non-biting midges within the Chironomidae family, serves as an important biogeographical model. For a long time, it was believed that Podonominae originated in Northern Gondwana and later spread to Laurasia. However, because the oldest known fossils of this group come from the Jurassic period in Eurasia more recent interpretations have suggested a Laurasian origin.
We present the oldest record of Podonominae from Gondwana, specifically from the Tithonian age (Jurassic) in Australia. This discovery is also the oldest Chironomidae fossil found in the Southern Hemisphere and suggests that Podonominae likely originated in Gondwana. The new fossil represents a highly specialized form of Podonominae, adapted to living in the littoral zones of large lakes. It has adaptations to this environment that are unique amongst Podonominae, and similar to those found in some modern marine Chironomidae species such as Telmatogetoninae.fals