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ABSTRACT: Consumer demand for cheese continues to increase with mozzarella being one of the primary cheeses in the United States. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of extrinsic attributes on consumer desires for block mozzarella cheese. An online survey was conducted with mozzarella consumers (n = 437). Adaptive choice-based conjoint and Kano modeling were used to determine the importance of attributes applicable to block mozzarella. Maximum difference scaling was applied to further quantify the appeal of 23 label claims or messages. Subsequently, 2.5-h immersive qualitative focus groups were conducted (n = 28 consumers) that included mozzarella usage occasion discussion, naming identification, block mozzarella sorting, label discussion, and group tasting. Survey data were evaluated by univariate and multivariate statistics. The ideal block mozzarella for consumers was made from whole milk, had a firm texture or shreds well, block or bar shape, with a resealable package and farmer-owned labeling. Milkfat amount and label claims were the most important attributes (P < 0.05) across all consumers from conjoint analysis. Consumers found “produced without added hormones,” “made with milk from our pasture-raised cows,” and “made locally” to be the most appealing label claims. Consumer segmentation identified a natural cluster (n = 243) which assigned high utility to claims such as “all natural” and “organic” while the flavor cluster (n = 194) assigned high utility to “established business for more than 75 years” and “#1 in Italy.” Melt was a must-have attribute for mozzarella consumers while easy to shred and slice was a performance attribute. Block mozzarella is generally a price-driven product, except for special occasions where consumers seek out block mozzarella that they perceive to be of higher quality.

ABSTRACT: An array of ingredients is added to protein beverage formulations. These ingredients may not be desirable to consumers. Our objective was to determine consumer perception of ingredients in protein beverages. An online survey was conducted with protein beverage consumers (n = 405). Maximum difference scaling and projective mapping were applied to determine the relative acceptance of ingredients based on their functional role (protein source, sweetener, stabilizer, thickener). Subsequently, 4 120-min focus groups were conducted (n = 25 consumers). Survey data were evaluated by univariate and multivariate statistics. Consumer sentiment from focus groups was compiled and grouped based on themes that emerged across multiple focus groups. Consumers placed the highest importance on the amount of protein followed by protein type in protein beverages. Plant protein, whey protein, and milk protein were most appealing, whereas soy protein, collagen, and casein or caseinates were less appealing. Natural sweeteners (agave, monk fruit, cane sugar) were the most appealing sweeteners. Fibers and starches were more appealing than gums (carrageenan, gellan gum). Stabilizers were the least desirable class of beverage ingredients, with sodium and potassium phosphates the least desirable. In regard to the package of a protein beverage, consumers placed the greatest importance on recognizable ingredients and plain language. Consistent with survey results, consumers in focus groups expressed skepticism and feeling overwhelmed by all of the ingredients on the label of protein beverages. Protein was their primary desire and the presence of sweeteners was acceptable, but they did not desire additional ingredients. There is an opportunity to increase the acceptance and competitiveness of dairy protein beverages by reformulating beverages to include fewer and more familiar ingredients. Functional proteins, such as those derived from dairy, may have opportunities to exclude undesirable ingredients (stabilizers, thickeners) from the label.

ABSTRACT: Consumers are interested in products with reduced sugar, a trend which has been attributed to consumers associating high-sugar foods with obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The objective of this study was to evaluate consumer perception of sugar reduction in yogurt—both conceptually and for liking of actual products. An online survey (n = 1,290) was conducted to evaluate consumer perception of sweeteners available in commercial yogurts. Participants who purchased yogurt at least once in the past 3 mo completed a series of exercises that involved demographics, agreement, Kano, and maximum difference (MaxDiff) scaling questions. Subsequently, vanilla 1% milkfat yogurts sweetened with sucrose were formulated to isosweet taste intensity with either stevia, allulose, a blend of sucrose and honey, or a blend of sucrose, stevia, and allulose using magnitude estimate scaling followed by paired comparison tests with consumers (n = 40). A consumer acceptance test (n = 229) was then conducted using the 5 vanilla yogurts. Half of the consumers (n = 115) were primed with the specific yogurt sweetener and the other half were not. Survey and acceptance test data were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Conceptually, consumers preferred the claim “naturally sweetened” over a reduced sugar claim in yogurt (P < 0.05). Honey was preferred over other sweeteners, followed by agave nectar and cane sugar (P < 0.05). Allulose was the least preferred sweetener option conceptually (P < 0.05). Priming with sweetener type positively affected consumer acceptance, regardless of sweetener (P < 0.05). When yogurts were tasted, yogurts sweetened with sucrose were the most preferred regardless of priming (P < 0.05). Yogurts sweetened with allulose or a blend of allulose, stevia, and sucrose received higher liking scores than yogurts with stevia (P < 0.05), suggesting that allulose can assist with sugar reduction in yogurt. Consumers are interested in healthy yogurts that are naturally sweetened, but flavor or taste remains the driving force for liking and purchase. The use of a natural non-nutritive sweetener that delivers the sensory experience of sucrose is ultimately more important than familiarity with the actual sweetener.

ABSTRACT: This international survey provides insights into public awareness of the importance of iodine as an essential trace mineral in human health along with knowledge of iodine dietary sources. The online questionnaire included sociodemographic aspects and dietary iodine consumer awareness on 7-point Likert-type questions. A total of 4,704 questionnaires from 16 countries were considered. Answers were analyzed through a multiple regression linear model including country, gender, age, education level, and employment status as fixed effects. Respondents were moderately aware of the importance of fish (4.86) and seafood (4.90) as dietary iodine sources, but less aware of milk as a primary iodine source (3.32). Respondent awareness varied considerably across countries. Age, education level, and employment status only modified their perception when asked about fish and seafood as a source of iodine, with elderly respondents, those highly educated and of working age being more aware of their relevance as dietary iodine sources. Respondent knowledge did not vary by age, education level, employment status, or gender when asked about cereals, vegetables and fruits, meat, and milk as iodine-rich food sources. Consequently, labeling milk and dairy products as an iodine-rich food source should be considered. Public authorities can consider the results from this survey in promotional campaigns to improve the awareness of different iodine sources and their beneficial effect on health.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected Met on lactation performance, inflammation, and immune response, and liver glutathione of lactating dairy cows during a subclinical mastitis challenge (SMC). Thirty-two Holstein cows (145 ± 51 DIM) were enrolled in a randomized complete block design. At −21 d relative to the SMC, cows were assigned to dietary treatments, and data were collected before and during the SMC. Cows were blocked according to parity, DIM, and milk yield and received a basal diet (17.4% CP; Lys 7.01% MP and Met 2.14% MP) plus 100 g/d of ground corn (CON; n = 16) or a basal diet plus 100 g/d of ground corn and rumen-protected Met (SM, Smartamine M at 0.09% of dietary DM; n = 16), fed as a top-dress. At 0 d, the mammary gland's rear right quarter was infused with 100,000 cfu of Streptococcus uberis (O140J). Milk yield was recorded twice daily from 0 until 3 d relative to SMC. Milk samples were collected during each milking from 0 to 3 d relative to SMC, blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h relative to SMC. The mTOR pathway activation was assessed in immune cells in blood and milk samples by measuring quantity and phosphorylation status of mTOR-related proteins, including AKT, S6RP, and 4EBP1. For the ratio of phosphorylated to total AKT, S6RP, and 4EBP1, blood samples were collected at 0, 12, and 24 h, and milk samples at 24 h relative to SMC. Liver biopsies were performed at −10 d and 24 h relative to SMC for measurement of glutathione. Linear mixed models with repeated measures were used to analyze the results. There was a trend for greater milk yield per milking (+ 0.8 kg) and per day (+1.7 kg) after SMC in SM cows compared with CON. The DMI was not affected by dietary treatments. Reactive oxygen metabolites were lower in SM cows than in CON. Milk somatic cell linear score was not affected by dietary treatments, and a score >4 at 24 h confirmed subclinical mastitis. The SM cows had greater milk fat percentage at 24 and 36 h post SMC, resulting in overall greater milk fat. Milk protein tended to be greater in SM cows than in CON. We observed greater liver glutathione in SM cows than in CON. Among inflammation biomarkers, ceruloplasmin was lower for SM cows compared with CON. In milk, greater phosphorylated (p) AKT:AKT and pS6RP:S6RP ratios were observed in immune cell populations from SM cows compared with CON. Blood neutrophils had a greater p4EBP1:4EBP1 ratio in SM cows compared with CON. Overall, our results show that Met supplementation during an SMC positively affected milk performance, lowered the risk of oxidative stress, and attenuated inflammation partially by increasing liver glutathione and immune cells' protein synthesis via mTOR signaling.

Urban regeneration projects offer numerous community benefits, such as improved housing quality and public spaces, but they also carry risks due to uncertainties in key variables for financial analysis, particularly in Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (DCFA). This research presents a practical tool developed in MS Excel that exploits the Monte Carlo method to quantify the risk of loss of value in these projects. Additionally, innovative Risk Curves are introduced to help investors assess the risks based on specified uncertainties in input variables. Focusing on the urban regeneration of the “Mercato del Carmine” in Lucca (Italy), and following EU project evaluation guidelines, a sensitivity analysis identified critical input variables. The financial sustainability of the project was then assessed using indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period (PP), and Productivity Index (PI). The DCFA confirmed the economic viability of the project. Monte Carlo simulations revealed key variables contributing to a significant risk of value loss, with results showing S-shaped Risk Curves. These curves indicate an acceptable tolerance for variations up to 10 percent in inputs related to initial investments, operating costs, and revenues, but show increasing risks with higher variations. This study highlights the value of Monte Carlo simulations in understanding the impact of uncertainty on regeneration project outcomes. The Excel-based tool provides decision-makers with a practical and user-friendly solution for making more informed choices regarding investment risks in urban regeneration projects.

Background Gingipains are important virulence factors present in Porphyromonas gingivalis. Arginine-specific gingipains (RgpA and RgpB) are critically associated with increased proteolytic activity and immune system dysfunction, including neutrophilic activity. In this study, we assessed the impact of gingipains (RgpA and RgpB) on neutrophil function.Methods Peripheral blood samples were obtained; neutrophils were isolated and incubated with P. gingivalis A7436, W50, and the double RgpA/RgpB double knockout mutant E8 at MOI 20 for 2 hours. Neutrophil viability was assessed by Sytox staining. Phagocytic capacity and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Superoxide release was measured by superoxide dismutase and cytochrome c reduction assay. Gene expression of TLR2, p47-phox, p67-phox, and P2 × 7was measured by qPCR. Inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production was measured by IL-1β, IL-8, RANTES, and TNF-α in cell supernatants.Results Neutrophil TLR2 gene expression was reduced in the absence of RgpA/RgpB (p 0.05).Conclusion These data suggest that arginine-specific gingipains (RgpA/RgpB) can modulate neutrophil responses against P. gingivalis infection.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant concern due to its impact on human health, particularly through pneumonia-induced lung damage. Surfactant proteins A and D (SP-A and SP-D) are implicated in COVID-19 lung damage, but the role of surfactant protein B (SP-B) remains unclear. Methods We conducted a single-centre, prospective observational study involving 73 hospitalised COVID-19 pneumonia patients. SP-B levels were measured within 48 h of admission, alongside SP-A and SP-D in a subset. Clinical data were collected, and follow-up visits were conducted after 6 months. Results At hospitalisation, circulating immature SP-B levels measured in 73 patients (median 26.31 arbitrary units (AU) (interquartile range 14.27–41.31)) correlated significantly with lung involvement (r=0.447, p

Abstract Periodontal regeneration is a challenge, and tissue engineering based on periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) has been shown to be a promising alternative to this process. However, the need for scaffolds has limited the therapeutic use of PDLSCs. In this context, scaffold-free tissue engineering using the cell sheet (CS) technique has been developed as an alternative approach to improve tissue regeneration. Previously, we showed that Protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) can regulate PDLSCs. Herein, we evaluate whether PAR1 influences osteogenesis in CSs produced from PDLSCs, without the use of scaffolds. PDLSCs were isolated and immunophenotyped. Then, CSs were obtained by supplementing the culture medium with ascorbic acid (50 µg/mL), and PAR1 was activated through its agonist peptide (100 nM). Scaffold-free 3D CSs were successfully produced from PDLSCs, and they showed higher proliferation potential than isolated PDLSCs. Also, PAR1 activation decreased senescence and improved osteogenic differentiation of CSs by increasing mineralized nodule deposition and alkaline phosphatase concentration; PAR1 also modulated osteogenic markers at the gene and protein levels. We further demonstrated that this effect was regulated by Wnt, TGF-βI, MEK, p38 MAPK, and FGF/VEGF signaling pathways in PDLSCs (p < 0.05%). Overall, PAR1 activation increased osteogenic activity in CSs, emerging as a promising scaffold-free therapeutic approach for periodontal regeneration.

WHEREAS, the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers has convened its annual meeting in beautiful San Buenaventura, California, bringing together students, faculty, and invited interlopers from throughout the American West (and [...]

Lubricant friction modifier additives are used on lower viscosity engine oils to mitigate boundary friction. This work presents the development of a graphene-based material as an oil friction modifier additive, from formulation to actual vehicle tests. The graphene material was initially characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy, which revealed the predominance of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with an average of nine layers. After functionalization, two GNP additive variants were initially mixed with a fully formulated SAE 0W-20 engine oil and tribologically evaluated using reciprocating sliding tests at 40 and 120 °C and Hertzian pressure up to 1.2 GPa when both variants presented friction reduction. Then, the GNP additive variant with better performance was evaluated in a vehicle emission test using a fully formulated 5W-20 SAE oil as a reference. The addition of 0.1% of GNPs reduced fuel consumption by 2.6% in urban conditions and 0.8% in highway ones. The urban test cycle was FTP75 and higher benefits of the GNP additive occurred especially on the test start, when the engine and oil were still cold and on test portions where the vehicle speed was lower.

Loss-on-ignition (LOI) has been widely used to estimate soil organic carbon (OC) content for coastal wetland soils, owing to recent interest in ‘blue carbon’ systems. Comparatively less attention has been paid to soil nutrient retention, specifically total nitrogen (TN), despite being a historically limited resource that influences C cycling and aquatic ecosystem health. A single conversion equation is available to estimate soil TN content from LOI, derived from salt marshes. This study investigated the utility of creating TN conversion equations from LOI data for application in mangrove soils to improve global understanding of their role in TN interception and sequestration. A dataset of 1275 mangrove soil samples from 17 regions in the western hemisphere was used to create one general equation, two equations pertaining to sedimentary settings, and equations for each of seven coastal environmental settings (CES) that differed in mineral sediment provision, geomorphology, and hydrology. Soil mean LOI and TN ranged from respective lows of 9.5% and 0.18% in terrigenous estuaries to respective highs of 51.4% and 1.25% in carbonate estuaries. The ability of LOI to predict TN in mangrove soils was strong, with an R2 for the general equation of 0.88, and several regional equations exceeding 0.90. Total N represented between 1.1 and 3.7% of LOI. Differences in equations were minimal between mangrove soils and a previous equation for salt marsh soils, and between carbonate and terrigenous sedimentary settings. Significant differences were observed among CES. Deltas had the lowest TN:LOI (0.014), followed by terrigenous estuaries and open coasts (0.017 and 0.019, respectively). Terrigenous lagoons, carbonate estuaries, and carbonate open coasts had the highest TN:LOI (0.024 for all three). The study provides a decision tree to select an appropriate approach for estimating TN content of mangrove soils, offering an important tool for improving the understanding of the role of coastal wetlands in global TN sequestration.

The development of synergies between rural and urban areas is one of the EU’s objectives to contribute to smart and inclusive growth. Effective governance of rural–urban links is essential for balanced development but often lacks policy coherence. This study examines the role of spatial planning and food policy integration in enhancing local food system sustainability and resilience, specifically in peri-urban areas. It investigates challenges and enablers in this integration through a Living Lab experiment in Lucca (Italy) as part of the ROBUST H2020 project. The Living Lab methodology entailed envisioning, experimenting, and experiencing phases to identify key rural–urban connections and assess governance arrangements, focusing on reclaiming abandoned land in peri-urban areas together with local stakeholders. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of a multi-year collaborative research approach, the research highlights a weak recognition of rural–urban linkages and the need for improved dialogue between rural stakeholders and urban planners. Key recommendations comprise formalising public–private partnerships and cross-sectoral projects linking agriculture with education, tourism, and landscape (e.g., agricultural parks).

Abstract Tidal marshes store large amounts of organic carbon in their soils. Field data quantifying soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks provide an important resource for researchers, natural resource managers, and policy-makers working towards the protection, restoration, and valuation of these ecosystems. We collated a global dataset of tidal marsh soil organic carbon (MarSOC) from 99 studies that includes location, soil depth, site name, dry bulk density, SOC, and/or soil organic matter (SOM). The MarSOC dataset includes 17,454 data points from 2,329 unique locations, and 29 countries. We generated a general transfer function for the conversion of SOM to SOC. Using this data we estimated a median (± median absolute deviation) value of 79.2 ± 38.1 Mg SOC ha−1 in the top 30 cm and 231 ± 134 Mg SOC ha−1 in the top 1 m of tidal marsh soils globally. This data can serve as a basis for future work, and may contribute to incorporation of tidal marsh ecosystems into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies.

Abstract Mangroves are one of the most carbon‐dense forests on the Earth and have been highlighted as key ecosystems for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Hundreds of studies have investigated how mangroves fix, transform, store, and export carbon. Here, we review and synthesize the previously known and emerging carbon pathways in mangroves, including gains (woody biomass accumulation, deadwood accumulation, soil carbon sequestration, root and litterfall production), transformations (food web transfer through herbivory, decomposition), and losses (respiration as CO2 and CH4, litterfall export, particulate and dissolved carbon export). We then review the technologies available to measure carbon fluxes in mangroves, their potential, and their limitations. We also synthesize and compare mangrove net ecosystem productivity (NEP) with terrestrial forests. Finally, we update global estimates of carbon fluxes with the most current values of fluxes and global mangrove area. We found that the contributions of recently investigated fluxes, such as soil respiration as CH4, are minor (35 Tg C year−1). Dissolved inorganic carbon exports are an order of magnitude higher than the other processes investigated and were highly variable, highlighting the need for further studies. Gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) per area of mangroves were within the same order of magnitude as terrestrial forests. However, ER/GPP was lower in mangroves, explaining their higher carbon sequestration. We estimate the global mean mangrove NEP of 109.1 Tg C year−1 (7.4 Mg C ha−1 year−1) or through a budget balance, accounting for lateral losses, a global mean of 66.6 Tg C year−1 (4.5 Mg C ha−1 year−1). Overall, mangroves are highly productive, and despite losses due to respiration and tidal exchange, they are significant carbon sinks.

Apresentação - Dossiê - Resistências de mulheres às ditaduras latino-americanas entre 1950 e 1980.

Entrevista com Zuleide Aparecida do Nascimento.

The present and appropriate concern regarding climate changes resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels in light passenger vehicles raises the necessity to develop appropriate instruments to investigate probable and feasible solutions for fleet decarbonization. Given the direct relationship between fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions have historically been determined through experimental tests in the laboratory following standard cycles, to enhance the vehicle’s energy efficiency these should be complemented by numerical simulation tools, as they demonstrate fast response and adequate correlation to experimentation. In this aspect, one of the biggest challenges of numerical simulation is quantifying the impact of the various phenomena that affect the vehicle operation during the cold phase, in which the internal combustion engine loses efficiency. This study proposes a thermodynamic model for simulating the fuel consumption of light vehicles during the cold phase of operation. Measured lubricant temperature, ignition spark retardation, exhaust valve timing, and coolant temperature in the vehicles along the drive cycle are the required input data for the model. This thermodynamic procedure makes it possible to quantify the impact on fuel consumption while driving the vehicle in cold operation. The cold phase, with a 505 s duration, is responsible for approximately a 21% increase in fuel consumption in a standard urban drive cycle. It is considered that the shorter the route, the more pronounced and significant the cold phenomena are, and the impact of vehicles frequently driven on short urban routes can be accurately estimated for future analyses.

Our objective was to understand dairy employees' perceptions and educational needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bilingual (English and Spanish), anonymous survey targeted at dairy employees was circulated nationwide via university and allied industry media outlets. Responses (n = 63) from 11 states were received (May–Sep. 2020). Respondents worked in herds ranging from 50 to 40,000 animals in size. Dairy managers (33%) responded mostly to the English survey (52%), whereas entry-level workers (67%) chose the Spanish format (76%). Survey results highlighted different perspectives, educational needs, and preferred sources of information between English- and Spanish-speaking dairy workers. Overall, 83% of the respondents were somewhat concerned or very concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (51%) indicated that their main concern was “to bring the virus from work to home and make my family sick.” Most dairy employees (83%) perceived that their employers were somewhat or very concerned about the pandemic. Respondents (65%) indicated that COVID-19 informative training was provided at the workplace, but training was more frequently undertaken among dairy managers (86%) than entry-level workers (53%). Most trainings (72%) were limited to posters on walls. The preferred means of information delivery was through in-person meetings at work (35%), with YouTube (29%) and on-demand videos (27%) as second and third options. The main source of information regarding the pandemic was social media (52%). Frequent handwashing (81%), limiting on-farm visits (70%), limiting agglomeration in break rooms (65%), hand sanitizer use (60%), and social distancing (60%) were the most common safety measures implemented at the workplace among the options given to respondents. Few respondents (38%) indicated that face-covering was required at work. Successful emergency plans on dairies should consider the outreach needs and preferences of dairy workers.

This article aims to reflect on the relationship between teaching identities and the socioaffective and cognitive development of preschoolers and elementary students during the emergency remote teaching imposed by Covid-19 in 2020. Therefore, descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with teachers who experienced teachinglearning processes and child development throughout this period. Results emphasize the importance of a close relationship between students and teachers and stress how much social interactions and activities that were planned to promote socialization are important during school life.