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This qualitative study explored and compared the perceptions, attitudes, and motivations towards restaurant food waste mitigation among front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) restaurant managers. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with FOH (n = 6) and BOH (n = 7) managers at restaurants in the southeast of the United States. The findings indicated that the participants were highly aware of restaurant food waste and its contribution to food waste; furthermore, they displayed negative sentiments towards it. Additionally, most participants' awareness was heightened upon acquiring foodservice management positions. Cost reduction was found to be the primary motivation to reduce food waste among most participants; however, most BOH participants were highly motivated by an appreciation for and involvement with the food itself. Guided by the Upper Echelons Theory, the findings provide insight into the underlying cognitive base and values behind restaurant managers' perceptions, attitudes, and motivations towards restaurant food waste mitigation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hospitality management education, diminishing interest in food safety and sanitation education poses challenges compounded by limited awareness of its importance. An immersive learning platform with virtual simulation environments for food safety and sanitation education was developed and integrated into a foodservice management course on a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management curriculum. This paper describes the development and implementation of the immersive learning platform, highlighting its positive impact on learning outcomes to date. The paper underscores the practical use of immersive technology in food safety and sanitation education and suggests avenues for further research to optimize student learning and engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, but the benefit of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is uncertain. However, most randomized controlled trials have focused on the role of CPAP in secondary prevention, although there is growing evidence of a potential benefit on early CV disease. Weight loss in combination with CPAP may be superior but is difficult to achieve and maintain with conventional measures alone. Objectives: The aim of this study was to gain insights into the effect of CPAP on early atherosclerotic processes and to compare it with a glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1-mediated weight loss regimen in patients with OSA. Methods: We performed a randomized proof-of-concept study comparing CPAP, a GLP1-mediated weight-loss regimen (liraglutide [Lir]), and both in combination for 24 weeks in 30 consecutive patients with OSA (apnea–hypopnea index >15 events/h; body mass index 30–40 kg/m2; and no history of diabetes, heart failure, or unstable CV disease). In addition to extensive evaluation for CV risk factors and endothelial function at baseline and end of study, subjects underwent 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) for the measurement of aortic wall inflammation (target-to-background ratio) and coronary computed tomography angiography for semiautomated coronary plaque analysis. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. CPAP alone and in combination resulted in greater reduction in apnea–hypopnea index than Lir alone (mean difference, −45 and −43 events/h, respectively, vs. −12 events/h; P < 0.05). Both Lir and combination treatment led to significant weight loss, but only CPAP alone resulted in significant decrease in vascular inflammation (aortic wall target-to-background ratio from 2.03 ± 0.34 to 1.84 ± 0.43; P = 0.010), associated with an improvement in endothelial function and a decrease in C-reactive protein. Low-attenuation coronary artery plaque volume as a marker of unstable plaque also decreased with CPAP (from 571 ± 490 to 334 ± 185 mm3) and with combination therapy (from 401 ± 145 to 278 ± 126 mm3) but not with Lir. Conclusions: These data suggest that CPAP therapy, but not GLP1-mediated weight loss, improves vascular inflammation and reduces unstable plaque volume in patients with OSA. Further large randomized controlled studies are warranted to assess the benefit of CPAP therapy in modifying early CV disease. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 04186494). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the meteoric rise of the celebrity chef and the lure of the coveted Michelin star, it takes an individual with an elite skill set coupled with verve, vigor, and dedication to the craft to reach the highest echelons of the kitchen. This phenomenological case study highlights the journey of a chef, 'Michel', who has demonstrated the requisite recipe to achieve Michelin ratings. Through the in-depth interview process, a candid and vivid imagery of the kitchenscape and what it takes to persevere in this heated environment is depicted. Michel reveals that breaking with the traditional kitchen culture through empathy and compassion, and abandoning substance use as a coping mechanism helped him attain success. His shared experiences also reveal the importance of dedication, passion, self-confidence and competitiveness, overcoming challenges, sacrifice, learning from failure, learning on the job, and mentorship as the internal and external factors that propelled him to the stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jackfruit seeds, often dismissed as by-products, are a powerhouse of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This comprehensive review explores various aspects of jackfruit seeds, including their nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and health-promoting properties. Jackfruit seeds are a rich source of starch (12.86–17.90 g/100 g), protein (18%), fiber (1.56–3.92 g/100 g), minerals, and bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins. These bioactive compounds have been found to protect against oxidative stress-related diseases. Moreover, jackfruit seeds demonstrate promising health effects, including antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties. Incorporating jackfruit seed flour in bakery products enhances their nutritional profiles and improves their functional properties, such as high oil and water absorption capacity. Comprehending the nutritional profile, health-promoting attributes, and functional characteristics of jackfruit seeds holds paramount importance. This knowledge serves as a cornerstone for advancing the creation of bakery food items endowed with enriched nutritional profiles and promising health benefits, which could be of significant interest to the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the factors that influence the selection and application of technical ingredients by food and beverage manufacturers. A mixed-method design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from 54 US-based food and beverage manufacturers. Thematic analysis of the quantitative data identified several themes and subthemes. Technical properties (88.09) and clean label (78.79) were found to be important factors. However, results indicated that clean label items are growing in importance and that such items may be selected even when more functionally appropriate ingredients already exist. The quantitative results of the study supported these findings, but there is appears to be a break-even point where clean label items cannot replace certain ingredients due to the technical requirements of the final product. This research adds to the limited literature regarding how consumer perceptions and trends impact the selection and application of technical ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixed-methodology study was conducted to better understand consumer attitudes and behaviors toward novel food pairings and the impact of culinary education. Focus groups were conducted to investigate the underlying motivational factors to the reactions and behaviors toward unfamiliar foods. The second phase of the study consisted of sensory evaluation by two separate cohorts, panelists with and without culinary education, of food products created through the novel pairings of foods. Panelists with culinary education expressed a greater overall liking for the animal-based pairing. Sensory-Affective and Ideational factors appeared to be underlying motivational factors of these hedonic reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many events occur each year in rural and urban communities. Some of these events include sporting events and festivals (music, food/beverage, heritage, and art). Some of these events occur for 1 day, but many of these events occur multiple days and are considered "special events." Determining the positive impact of these special events on local communities is critical to the success of the event and helps to gain local stakeholder approval and acceptance for recurring annual events. The current study surveyed attendees (locals and tourists) at a 5-day special event (festival) in Miami Beach, Florida. Locals and tourists were identified utilizing a new trade market analysis methodology, which was applied to the survey respondents and assessed as a relevant measurement tool for the unique destination. The researchers then estimated the economic impact (using noncasual tourists) to determine the value of the festival to stakeholders in Miami Beach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea has led to increasing interest in ambulatory diagnosis. The SleepMinder™ (SM) is a novel non‐contact device that employs radiofrequency wave technology to assess the breathing pattern, and thereby estimate obstructive sleep apnea severity. We assessed the performance of SleepMinder™ in the home diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. One‐hundred and twenty‐two subjects were prospectively recruited in two protocols, one from an unselected sleep clinic cohort (n = 67, mean age 51 years) and a second from a hypertension clinic cohort (n = 55, mean age 58 years). All underwent 7 consecutive nights of home monitoring (SMHOME) with the SleepMinder™ as well as inpatient‐attended polysomnography in the sleep clinic cohort or cardiorespiratory polygraphy in the hypertension clinic cohort with simultaneous SleepMinder™ recordings (SMLAB). In the sleep clinic cohort, median SMHOME apnea–hypopnea index correlated significantly with polysomnography apnea–hypopnea index (r =.68; p <.001), and in the hypertension clinic cohort with polygraphy apnea–hypopnea index (r =.7; p <.001). The median SMHOME performance against polysomnography in the sleep clinic cohort showed a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 94% for apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 15. Device performance was inferior in females. In the hypertension clinic cohort, SMHOME showed a 50% sensitivity and 72% specificity for apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 15. SleepMinder™ classified 92% of cases correctly or within one severity class of the polygraphy classification. Night‐to‐night variability in home testing was relatively high, especially at lower apnea–hypopnea index levels. We conclude that the SleepMinder™ device provides a useful ambulatory screening tool, especially in a population suspected of obstructive sleep apnea, and is most accurate in moderate–severe obstructive sleep apnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]