Global Crisis Research Articles

Recent Advances for the Development of Sustainable Transport and Their Importance in Case of Global Crises: A Literature Review

The 21st century is a time of rapid development, marked by technological advances, globalization, and international cooperation. It is also a period that has witnessed numerous global crises. In light of recent events, such as the migration crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it is crucial to consider how to ensure economic stability and enhance the security of the transportation sector in the face of emerging threats. The goal of this publication is to identify the latest solutions in sustainable transportation development and to highlight their relevance in the context of potential global crises. To achieve this, a systematic review of the current research on transportation industry innovations was conducted using 4 different databases, yielding 492 results. From these, 223 publications were selected for analysis based on established criteria. The selected transport solutions were grouped into specific categories, and then their relevance in the context of global crises was discussed. The findings highlighted key solutions essential for economic stability and transport sector safety in potential crisis situations, while also pointing to further research directions. Additionally, they offer actionable concepts for transport organizers to promote a more resilient and sustainable flow of passengers and goods in anticipation of future crises.

Cpx-signalling in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis modulates Lipid-A remodelling and resistance to last-resort antimicrobials

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a global healthcare crisis. Bacteria are highly adaptable and can rapidly acquire mechanisms of resistance towards conventional antibiotics. The permeability barrier conferred by the Gram-negative bacteria cell envelope constitutes a first line of defence against the action of antibiotics. Exposure to extracytoplasmic stresses can negatively affect cell envelope homoeostasis and this causes localised protein misfolding, compromised envelope integrity and impairs barrier function. The CpxA-CpxR two-component regulatory system has evolved to sense extracytoplasmic stresses and to regulate processes that restore homoeostasis of the cell envelope. Hence, controlled Cpx-signalling assists bacteria in adapting, surviving and proliferating in harsh environments, including exposure to antibiotics. Herein, we determined that an intact Cpx-signalling is key to maintaining the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis resistance to colistin and polymyxin B. The susceptibility displayed by Cpx-signalling defective mutants, correlated with cell-envelope deformity and specific modifications of Lipid-A. In vivo transcriptional analysis and in vitro protein-DNA binding studies demonstrated that these modifications were dependent on the direct regulation of Lipid-A biogenesis and modifications of operons by the active phosphorylated CpxR~P isoform. Altogether, our work defines the regulatory mechanism that enables Cpx-signalling to actively control cell envelope remodelling and the permeability of antibiotics in the clinically relevant enteropathogen Y. pseudotuberculosis.

Workload and intention to leave among nurses in Turkey: The mediating roles of organizational identification and work satisfaction

AbstractAimThis study establishes the mediating roles of job satisfaction and organizational identification on the relationship between nurses’ workload and their intention to leave.BackgroundThe shortage of nurses is a prevalent global concern. International studies have shown that many variables are associated with nurses’ intention to leave. There is a shortage of literature on some of these variables, which this study is designed to address.MethodsThis study employs a descriptive, exploratory, and correlational design. It was conducted with 373 nurses from seven different hospitals in Turkey. The Workload Scale, the Minnesota Work Satisfaction Scale, the Organizational Identification Scale, and the Intention to Leave Scale were applied in the study.ResultsThe structural equation model shows that the workload of nurses has a negative effect on work satisfaction (β = −0.74; p < 0.001) and organizational identification (β = −0.24; p < 0.001) and a positive impact on intention to leave (β = 0.30; p < 0.001). In addition, work satisfaction (β = −0.32; p < 0.001) and organizational identification (β = −0.24; p < 0.001 were found to affect the intention to leave negatively intention to leave. After the bootstrapping process, the indirect effect was found to be significant.Discussion/conclusionsThe research findings indicate that work satisfaction and organizational identification mediate the correlation between nurses’ workload and their intention to leave. The findings highlight the need for precautions by revealing the risks of nursing shortages anticipated both today and in the future.Implications for nursing policyIn the global nursing crisis, healthcare managers and policymakers must develop strategies to protect the nursing workforce. Policymakers should make sustainable decisions by conducting national self‐assessments on the impact of workload, job satisfaction, and organizational identification on intention to leave to retain nurses.

A High‐Efficiency System for Long‐Term Salinity‐Gradient Energy Harvesting and Simultaneous Solar Steam Generation

AbstractThe vast energy stored in the ocean, which receives an average solar power of ≈60 000 TW per year, surpasses human energy consumption by three orders of magnitude. Harnessing even a small fraction of it holds great promise in addressing global energy and water crises. Here, an integrated device that achieves unprecedented power density up to 1.1 W m−2 with excellent stability through a salinity concentration gradient induced by solar evaporation, while simultaneously producing clean water at a rate of 1.25 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun irradiation is presented. The remarkable electricity generation capability stems from the unique interlayer structure of polyaniline‐graphene oxide‐MnO2 (PANI@GO/MnO2) electrodes, enabling the recovery of electrochemical potentials from a wide range of ion salinity concentrations within the device and the additional Donnan potential generated by the anion‐exchange membrane. Furthermore, periodic flipping of the device effectively reactivates the electrodes and suppresses salt accumulation, enabling long‐term operation. Notably, a prototype device of 8 × 25 cm2 exhibits a short‐circuit current of 10 mA and an open‐circuit voltage of 10.2 V, as well as a clean water production rate of 24.8 g per hour. These findings shed light on the reliable technology for power and freshwater supply in marine environments.

How to improve sustainability of nutrient dense diets for children and adolescents: an exemplary assessment in Germany.

The global climate crisis requires a paradigm shift in dietary concepts, respecting the needs of children. A global reference diet has been suggested by the EAT-Lancet Commission. On this basis, the detailed "Planetary Health Diet Index" (PHDI) has been proposed. The objective of this assessment is (1) to apply the PHDI to the Food-Based Dietary Guidelines, the so-called Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for children and adolescents in Germany in its original composition and (2) to check how the planetary value of the OMD could be improved by modifying food selection within meals while keeping the high nutrient densities of the guideline diet. The PHDI specifies 16 food groups and their proportion of total daily energy intake. The PHDI of the original OMD was calculated by assigning the foods of the 7-day menu to the PHDI food groups in order to score them. In this way, it became apparent which food groups had the potential to improve the sustainability. The diet was then updated by either reducing or increasing individual foods from these food groups in the meals and deriving the resulting PHDI. The nutrient densities of the original and updated daily OMD were calculated. The original diet obtained a PHDI score of 68.24 points, representing 45.5% of the theoretical maximum of 150 points. The following food groups achieved 9.9 to 10 out of 10 points: fruits, total vegetables, fish&seafood, vegetable oils, chicken (and substitutes). Conversely, food groups receiving a zero score included tubers&potatoes, dairy, red meat, animal fat, and added sugars. The updated diet resulted in increased consumption of 'nuts&peanuts', 'legumes', 'green vegetables', 'whole grains', and decreased consumption of 'tubers&potatoes' and 'red meat'. Overall, the PHDI increased from 68.24 to 81.51 points with the updated OMD, reflecting a 13.27% increase compared to the original diet. The nutrient densities were not significantly affected, but even slightly increased for most nutrients. The PHDI was applied to demonstrate how the sustainability of the guideline diet for children and adolescents in Germany could be improved through changes in individual food groups that can be easily implemented in practice while maintaining high nutrient densities and acceptability for children. NA.

Strengthening food supply resilience: Lean and Lean Six Sigma strategies for disruptions

ABSTRACT Recognizing that the food industry faces a myriad of challenges, ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts and pandemics, this study explores how Lean, and Lean Six Sigma (L&LSS) can fortify supply chains against such diverse disruptions. While the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a contextual backdrop, our focus is on the broader application of L&LSS methodologies in navigating disruptive events. This study analyzes responses from 120 food firms, utilising structural equation modelling to correlate L&LSS practices with adaptive performance during crises. Our findings indicate that L&LSS not only equip firms to maintain operational continuity amidst disruptions but also positions them to anticipate and adapt to future systemic shocks. By elucidating the positive correlation between L&LSS engagement and crisis resilience, this research contributes a strategic framework to the literature, advocating for a pre-emptive embrace of L&LSS practices as essential to navigating the unpredictable nature of global crises.

We need a global language rights movement: confronting the global language crisis with insights from social movement studies

Since the late 1980s, academics and activists have been drawing attention to a slow-moving global crisis: the ongoing destruction of global linguistic diversity. Despite this attention, language loss has proceeded unabated, and conservative estimates now suggest that around half the world’s languages will no longer be in use by the end of this century. In this provocation, I argue that only a global mass movement has the capacity to change the course of this crisis. I furthermore argue that a rights-based approach, centred on language rights, is our best bet for organising such a movement. Drawing on social movement studies, and my own experience as a language rights researcher and advocate, I explore three key areas where language rights provide the foundations for a mass movement in defence of linguistic diversity. First, I look at how language rights provide a discursive frame that resonates with other movements and clarifies the problem that needs to be addressed. Second, I look at how the concept of language rights can help recruit individuals and organisations into a mass movement and sustain their involvement in the cause. Third, I discuss how language rights provide a basis for effective collective action. In the conclusion I briefly discuss some of the challenges that will need to be overcome in forming a global mass movement for language rights.

Global Citizenship and Global Political Instability Through the Lens of COVID-19

Abstract: The 21st century has been widely considered an era of globalization. Nevertheless, the outbreak of COVID-19 reveals that this ongoing interdependence not only brings opportunities for cooperation and common development but also global crises. In this turbulent world stricken by the pandemic, the significance of global citizenship, in which individuals identify themselves as citizens of the global village and collaboratively take actions to address global challenges, has been reiterated. This global citizenship awareness is expected to be developed through education so-called global citizenship education (GCE). Therefore, this paper sheds light on the importance of GCE for global political stability through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly taking geopolitical dynamics into account. It starts by enunciating the COVID-19 pandemic as a consequence of the lack of global citizenship awareness and how it precipitates global political instability. It then goes on to explore how the pandemic contributes to the promotion of GCE at a societal level. Finally, back to the school level, it analyses how the pandemic acts as a motivation to expand and reify GCE, allowing students to be prepared for the unforeseeable challenges and ensuring global political stability in the future.

Changed Reality, Changed Positions: The Case Study of Eritrean Women Refugees in Times of Global Pandemic

ABSTRACTThis article examines the emerging position of women refugees during a global crisis. On the basis of an empirical study of the Eritrean community in Tel Aviv, Israel, I analysed the ways in which gender identity is formulated and recreated following the social and economic restrictions of the Covid‐19 pandemic. In contrast to previous literature which has highlighted men's central position in forced migrant communities, I suggest viewing the global pandemic as an accelerator of women's presence in two circles of belonging: the family unit and the Eritrean community. I argue that structural changes imposed by the pandemic have established new gender roles and divisions of power, positioning women as a source of authority and a subject of choice. As a significant proportion of Eritrean men lost their income during the pandemic, they were forced to adopt a different role within the family unit. Eritrean women, on the other hand, managed to keep their jobs and became the family's sole provider. In addition to increasing their family's economic dependence on them, Eritrean women also became central figures in their community through the creation of new social networks designed to satisfy the emotional and economic needs of its members. This has enabled women refugees to reinforce their social mobility and become relatively autonomous.

USO INDISCRIMINADO DOS OPIOIDES POR PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Introduction: The opioid epidemic is a global public health crisis that affects several regions, including one that is not always highlighted: health professionals. General objective: to analyze the complexity of the indiscriminate use of opioids by health professionals. Method: This is an integrative literature review, following five stages with a search in the LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases from 2019 to 2024. Results: 109 articles were found; 06 articles were used to prepare the study. Discussion: According to the Brazilian guidelines on opioid abuse, patients with chronic pain and healthcare professionals are among the groups most at risk of acquiring opioid dependence. Concern about the abuse of psychoactive substances by healthcare professionals is not new. Historically, the population of doctors and other healthcare workers has been more exposed to the risk of abusing psychoactive substances, including prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines, opiates and amphetamines. Conclusion: The disordered use of opioids by healthcare professionals is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combat. Healthcare institutions, regulatory bodies and society in general have an important role to play in promoting a safer and more supportive working environment. Emphasizing the importance of the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals, as well as implementing preventive measures and effective interventions, is essential to reducing opioid use and ensuring that these professionals can continue to provide quality care while protecting their own health and safety.

Phage therapeutic delivery methods and clinical trials for combating clinically relevant pathogens.

The ongoing global health crisis caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria necessitates quick interventions to introduce new management strategies for MDR-associated infections and antimicrobial agents' resistance. Phage therapy emerges as an antibiotic substitute for its high specificity, efficacy, and safety profiles in treating MDR-associated infections. Various in vitro and in vivo studies denoted their eminent bactericidal and anti-biofilm potential. This review addresses the latest developments in phage therapy regarding their attack strategies, formulations, and administration routes. It additionally discusses and elaborates on the status of phage therapy undergoing clinical trials, and the challenges encountered in their usage, and explores prospects in phage therapy research and application.

Incidence of colistin heteroresistance among carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

The emergence of colistin-resistant and heteroresistant strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) complicates treatment and exacerbates the global health crisis of drug-resistant bacteria. This study aims to investigate the incidence and clinical implications of colistin heteroresistance in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from a tertiary hospital in Pakistan. A total of 130 CRAB isolates were collected from December 2022 to December 2023. Colistin susceptibility was assessed using broth microdilution, and heteroresistance was detected through population analysis profiling. Heteroresistance (HR) was identified in 31.5% (41/130) of the isolates, while 7.7% were colistin-resistant, despite initial susceptibility indicated by broth microdilution. Clinical data revealed that HR was associated with significant 14-day clinical failure but not with 30-day all-cause mortality. Heteroresistant strains showed extensive multidrug resistance, posing a serious threat to effective treatment. The study highlights the critical need for accurate detection of colistin HR to prevent treatment failure and improve patient outcomes. The prevalence of colistin HR underscores the necessity for revised diagnostic and treatment strategies in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing this emerging threat in healthcare settings.

Association between sagittal abdominal diameter-to-height ratio and all-cause mortality among adults in the United States: a longitudinal study.

The global health crisis of obesity has prompted a need for better indicators of abdominal obesity than body mass index, with sagittal abdominal diameter emerging as a potential candidate. Nonetheless, the association between sagittal abdominal diameter-to-height ratio (SADHtR) and mortality remains inadequately established. Our objective was to contribute novel evidence to this association. This study encompassed 12,572 participants aged 18-80 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016. Mortality data were tracked until December 31, 2019. Weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were employed to evaluate the association between SADHtR and all-cause mortality, with subgroup analyses conducted for result robustness. Following a median follow-up period of 69 months, each standard deviation (SD) increase in SADHtR was consistently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality across three models, yielding a hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.51(1.29,1.76) in model 3. Additionally, compared to the first tertile of SADHtR, the third tertile exhibited a higher risk for all-cause mortality, with HRs(95%CIs) of 1.58(1.25,2.01) in model 1, 2.01(1.33,3.02) in model 2, and 1.74(1.19,2.57) in model 3. Notably, subgroup analysis revealed persistent positive associations between SADHtR and all-cause mortality among subgroups based on age-at-risk (< 65, ≥ 65 years), sex, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Elevated SADHtR was consistently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality in American adults. Regular SADHtR measurement should be considered to be integrated into clinical practice and healthcare examinations.

Contribution of Cancer-Specific Protein Coronas to the Pro-Tumor Effects of Nanoplastics through Enhanced Cellular Interactions.

The potential impact of nanoplastics (NPs) on human carcinogenic processes is a matter of growing concern, particularly in light of the global plastic pollution crisis. Although the potential effects of NPs on human health have been well investigated, many uncertainties remain regarding their role in tumor behavior. Upon exposure, NPs can enter the bloodstream and are prone to interacting with plasma proteins to form a protein corona (PC), which can influence their interactions with cancer cells. However, how the PCs adsorbed on NPs affect the particle-to-tumor cell interaction and their effect on the tumor biological behavior remain unclear. To better understand the formation of PCs following NPs exposure in the bloodstream under various clinical conditions, we investigated the PC compositions of NPs derived from thyroid cancer (TC) patients and healthy volunteers. Our data revealed a significant enrichment of fibrinogen in the PCs formed on NPs derived from TC patient plasma, which in turn accelerated the endocytosis of NPs into TC cells. In addition, the uptake pathway of NPs into TC cells differed substantially between the two groups studied due to the different PC compositions in cancer patients and healthy individuals. Moreover, intriguingly alterations in the PCs induced by the clinical pathology status were also found to promote NPs engulfment by human macrophages, resulting in potent pro-inflammatory effects, in turn exerting pro-tumor effects. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the significance of a realistic biological identity on NPs and their interactions with cancer cells and also pinpoint the implications of the carcinogenesis outcomes of NPs exposure in humans.

New emerging materials with potential antibacterial activities.

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is a critical public health issue, necessitating the development of alternative antibacterial agents. Examples of these pathogens are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the emergence of "pan-resistant" Gram-negative strains, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, which occurred more recently. This review examines various emerging materials with significant antibacterial activities. Among these are nanomaterials such as quantum dots, carbon quantum dots, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and layered double hydroxides, all of which demonstrate excellent antibacterial properties. Interestingly, including antibacterial agents within the structure of these materials can help avoid bacterial resistance and improve the long-term efficacy of the materials. Additionally, the antibacterial potential of liquid solvents, including ionic liquids and both deep eutectic solvents and natural deep eutectic solvents, is explored. The review discusses the synthesis methods, advantages, and antibacterial efficacy of these new materials. By providing a comprehensive overview of these innovative materials, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing search for effective solutions to combat antibiotic resistance. Key studies demonstrating antibacterial effects against pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and multidrug-resistant strains are summarized. MOFs have exhibited antibacterial properties through controlled ion release and surface interactions. COFs have enhanced the efficacy of encapsulated antibiotics and displayed intrinsic antibacterial activity. Other nanomaterials, such as quantum dots, have generated reactive oxygen species, leading to microbial inactivation. This review aims to provide insights into these new classes of antibacterial materials and highlight them for addressing the global crisis of antibiotic resistance. KEY POINTS: • Nanomaterials show strong antibacterial effects against drug-resistant bacteria • Emerging solvents like ionic liquids offer novel solutions for bacterial resistance • MOFs and COFs enhance antibiotic efficacy, showing promise in combating resistance.

OIL PRICES-GROWTH NEXUS IN ALGERIA USING THE MEDAS MODEL

Objective: This Article aims to investigate the impact of oil price fluctuations on economic growth in Algeria using the Mixed Data Sampling (MIDAS) model during the period 1990-2022 Theoretical Framework: The theoretical aspect addressed the different time-frequency models by defining the Midas models and addressing the weighting functions used in estimating these models. Method: Estimating the relationship between a high-frequency variable (oil price) and a low-frequency variable (economic growth rate GDP) using the MIDAS model using Almon's PDL Weighting Function. Results and Discussion: The results of the study concluded economic growth in Algeria is directly affected by oil prices, The study also found that MIDAS models have a great predictive ability, allowing researchers to utilize all available information for high-frequency variables, instead of using annual average values that lose a lot of information. avoid converting low-frequency variables to match high-frequency variables, reducing econometric issues in model diagnostics. Research Implications: Research Implications: It is suggested that rentier countries such as Algeria work to diversify their economy away from oil, and follow up the process of economic diversification and accelerate it during periods of high fuel prices by working to develop non-strategic sectors as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing industries. Originality/Value: These results are expected to benefit policymakers in government, by urging them to invest in renewable energies as a crucial strategy for achieving sustainable development and a key factor in mitigating oil price shocks, particularly during recent recurring global crises. Future research directions include exploring existing gaps and promoting standardized studies.

Lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Perspectives in the Medico-Legal Field

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to an enormous global health, social and economic crisis. The pandemic caused considerable upheaval and considerable difficulties due to an unforeseen and devastating health condition. Materials and Methods: We discuss the numerous challenges encountered in the fields of forensic medicine and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly during the first wave of the pandemic, forensic pathologists faced significant difficulties due to the lack of safe autopsy protocols and insufficient personal protective equipment. Mainly in Europe, they had to manage a substantial number of potential cases of medical liability related to COVID-19. The widespread outbreak of the virus in residential care homes and prisons posed another significant challenge. Furthermore, forensic pathologists had to address the issue of complications arising from vaccination campaigns. Conclusions: This article underscores the need for continued efforts in scientific research and healthcare preparedness to effectively manage such complex crises. Forensic pathologists must be equipped with the necessary resources and training to address unpredictable, complex situations with far-reaching social implications.

A room of one’s own? The consequences of living density on individual well-being and social anomie

Abstract The global housing affordability crisis and COVID shutdowns have put living space inequality back on the political agenda. Drawing on Durkheim’s theory of anomie and density, this paper argues that on how many square meters a society lives matters for how stable or anomic it develops. Using data from the Swiss Household Panel, we examine the selection, short-term, and dynamic effects associated with transitions to overcrowded and under-occupied dwellings. We conceptualize these transitions as disruptive events that require a reconfiguration of personal and social equilibria in individuals’ lives. While overcrowded housing leads to a heightening of emotional states and more tense internal household dynamics, people respond by adjusting their leisure activities and restructuring their support networks from strong to weak ties. Conversely, moving to an under-occupied dwelling is associated with melancholic emotional stabilization, but improves household balance and leads to consolidation of the core network of relatives at the expense of outer social circles. We conclude that the classical characterization of anomie as a mismatch between personal means and societal ends should be understood as a multifaceted phenomenon in which meso-level social networks can be a crucial means to cope with disruptions that arise at other levels.

Highly Efficient Porous Glass Solar Water Evaporator

AbstractThe global water crisis, exacerbated by excessive use and pollution, has resulted in energy scarcity and threats. Solar desalination provides a sustainable fix, with researchers developing photothermal materials and designs to improve efficiency and sustainability. Glass materials, with their exceptional chemical stability, are suitable for extreme desalination in acidic and alkaline conditions. In this work, we have developed a porous glass evaporator (PGE) with exceptional water evaporation efficiency, achieved through a novel fabrication method that blends glass powders with soluble salts to create structure with continuous pores. The evaporator's microstructure comprises micrometer‐scale pores that form interconnected porous channels, facilitating efficient water transport and preventing salt deposition. Under one sun irradiation, the PGE exhibits superior solar evaporation performance in pure water, achieving a rate of 2.21 kg m−2 h−1, with an evaporation efficiency of 98%. In more complex media, such as seawater and methylene blue solution, the PGE also displays excellent evaporation capabilities, reaching rates of 2.08 and 2.47 kg m−2 h−1, respectively. Even after sustained alternation between acidic and alkaline treatments, the PGE retains an impressive evaporation rate of over 2.0 kg m−2 h−1, coupled with structural robustness, making it a promising candidate for practical applications in extreme environments.

A Natural Serotonin Stimulant for Appetite Suppression and Targeted Eating as an Alternative to Conventional Obesity Treatments

Recent advances in obesity management reflect the integration of pharmacological, surgical, and behavioral interventions, yet sustainable long-term outcomes remain elusive due to high attrition rates, the complexity of protocol compliance – and for some, costs, risks, and serious side effects. This research combined a patented nutraceutical designed to naturally stimulate serotonin, a biologic hunger agonist, to thereby aid in appetite control and facilitate weight loss through ‘Targeted Eating,’ a single, unrestricted daily meal protocol. Initial results from this ‘real world’ user study indicate promising weight management outcomes and compliance with this eating strategy. By exploring the evolutionary biology of perceived hunger and the anatomy associated with episodic versus circadian consumption, the study thus proposes a paradigm shift in obesity treatment and suggests further approaches to provide innovative solutions to the global obesity crisis.