Consumption Of Products Research Articles

Occurrence and Fate Analysis of Mycotoxins in Maize During the Post-Harvest Period

The consumption of agricultural products contaminated with mycotoxins poses a significant threat to the health of both humans and animals. Maize frequently becomes contaminated with toxic fungi while it is still growing in the field. Therefore, more proactive measures should be implemented to reduce mycotoxin levels during the storage and processing of maize after harvest. This article analyzes the prevalent mycotoxins found in maize, specifically aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the occurrence of mycotoxins in maize during storage, as well as fate analysis of them during processing. It summarizes the impacts of storage time, environmental conditions, storage methods, and agricultural practices on mycotoxin occurrence during storage in the post-harvest period. Furthermore, the different distribution of mycotoxins across various fractions during both dry- and wet-milling processes in the post-harvest processing period is analyzed. Additionally, the strategies to control mycotoxins in maize are also proposed during the post-harvest period. This review offers valuable insights for future research on mycotoxin contamination in maize during the post-harvest period.

Detection of Brucella militensis in the Serum of Patients Suspected of Brucellosis by the Omp31 Gene Amplification, Compared to the Serological Diagnostic Tests

Background and Objectives: Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases with a global spread. It has a high prevalence in Iran. This study aims to diagnose brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis in the serum of patients by the amplification of omp31 gene, compared to the serological tests. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 200 people suspected of brucellosis. The samples were evaluated by serological tests including Rose Bengal test, Wright test, Coombs-Wright test, gel agglutination test, and 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME) test. DNA extraction was done by the phenol/chloroform extraction method. Molecular detection with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was done using the specific primers of the Omp31 gene. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 23 using the analysis of variance. Results: Of 200 patients, 122 were female and 78 were male with a mean age of 45.17±17.43 years. The results of PCR test for the omp31 gene were positive in 14.5% of cases, which was consistent with the results of serological tests (13.8%). The sensitivity of Wright, Coombs-Wright, 2ME, and gel agglutination tests, compared to PCR, was 89.7, 75.9, 55.2 and 55.2%, respectively. Most of the affected people were housekeepers (41.5%) and urban residents (75.5%). Muscle pain (68%) and leg pain (62.3%) were the most common symptoms. Consumption of non-pasteurized dairy products was the highest risk factor (17%). Conclusion: The diagnosis of brucellosis by the omp31 gene amplification has higher sensitivity and accuracy compared to the serological tests. Considering the importance of rapid and timely diagnosis of brucellosis to control its clinical complications, the molecular diagnosis method is recommended as a diagnostic method.

Public measures to reduce the consumption of added sugars and their impact on the occurrence of oral diseases: an integrative literature review

The consumption of added sugars has increased globally, influencing the high prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including oral diseases such as tooth decay and periodontitis, highlighting the need for effective public policies to control the consumption of sugary products. This work aimed to identify whether external public interventions to reduce the consumption of sugary products impact the occurrence of chronic oral diseases, being an integrative literature review. The electronic search was carried out in the SciELO, Cochrane and PubMed databases, using the English descriptors “sugar sweetened drink”, “sugar, public health” and “oral health” and their Portuguese counterparts. The application of taxes on sugary products, especially drinks, was the most investigated public measure, showing a positive effect on caries control. However, more studies are needed to draw concrete conclusions about its effectiveness in preventing and controlling periodontitis. Although taxation is effective for cavities, public policies that facilitate access to a healthy diet for the vulnerable population

The influence of social media and video-on-demand platforms on the appeal and consumption of tobacco and emerging tobacco products: A cross-sectional study.

Digital platforms serve as an avenue for the tobacco industry to promote both conventional tobacco and emerging products, with a notable focus on capturing the attention of young people through sophisticated marketing campaigns. This research aims to analyze the prevalence of different advertising strategies on digital platforms and to assess the impact of exposure to these strategies on the probability of use initiation and increased consumption of conventional tobacco and new tobacco products among young Spaniards. An online survey was conducted on a representative sample of 1730 young Spaniards aged 16-21 years in November 2022 using a comprehensive approach, considering all possible relevant factors and perspectives regarding the issue of the study. A descriptive analysis and two adjusted logistic regression models were employed to explore the association of exposure to digital platforms with the likelihood of conventional tobacco and new tobacco product use among this population. Among the participants, 83.2% reported witnessing individuals smoking, 61.6% observed identifiable logos or explicit advertisements, and 77.6% encountered indirect product placement on social media. Notably, exposure to conventional tobacco product placement (AOR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.27-2.30) emerged as the variable most significantly associated with an increased probability of tobacco use. Furthermore, exposure to advertising related to new tobacco products (AOR=2.47; 95% CI: 1.90-3.21) was linked to a heightened likelihood of subsequent use. Similarly, the direct promotion of these novel products is also associated with a higher probability of conventional tobacco use (AOR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.21-2.07). A reciprocal impact was identified, with the promotion of vaping being associated with an elevated probability of engaging in conventional tobacco smoking. Urgent attention is warranted for formulating public policies to mitigate the adverse effects of such insidious indirect advertising practices on digital platforms.

Attitudes towards sustainable consumption of remote and hybrid employees

Behaviours toward sustainable consumption periodic activities that improve the quality of life and improve relations with the environment. The aim of the study is to identify similarities and differences in employees’ behaviours according to the form of fully remote and hybrid work. The final data was collected through a survey of 360 respondents working remotely or hybrid. Hypotheses were tested using factor analysis. Four different behavioural areas were identified and analysed: eating and shopping habits, media and product consumption. Results indicate that remote workers more often than hybrids avoid shopping centres, refrain from purchasing ICT equipment and make a shopping list. Hybrid workers purchase food from local producers. The similarities between the worker groups are in the selection and consumption of food, with some exceptions. The control variable gender showed the greater involvement of women in sustainable consumption compared to men. The study suggests that managers and decision-makers should adopt strategies for strengthening employee attitudes toward implementing sustainable consumption in the workplace to enhance awareness and change worker’s habits.

Occurrence of Salmonella spp. in flocks of laying hens in different housing systems in eastern Croatia from 2020 to 2023

Human Salmonella infections are often associated with the consumption of infected eggs and egg products. Therefore, knowing the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in flocks of laying hens and the factors that influence the occurrence of Salmonella on farms is of the utmost importance. Since 2012, housing laying hens in conventional cages has been prohibited in the European Union, and hens may only be kept in enriched cages or alternative housing systems. The prohibition of conventional cages has improved the welfare of laying hens, but has raised issues concerning the detrimental consequences for the spread and occurrence of infectious diseases in hen flocks. The aim of this study was to analyse the occurrence of Salmonella spp. in laying hen flocks in eastern Croatia in the period from 2020 to 2023, and to determine whether housing systems have an impact on occurrence. During this period, a total of 1534 samples of laying hen faeces from 191 flocks (106 flocks housed in enriched cages and 85 flocks in housing systems with closed outdoor runs) were tested at the Diagnostics Laboratory of the Croatian Veterinary Institute, Veterinary Department Vinkovci, as part of implementation of the National Salmonellosis Control Programme and official sampling in the Republic of Croatia for the presence of Salmonella spp. Isolation, identification and serotyping of Salmonella was conducted in accordance with the standard HRN EN ISO 6579-1:2017/A1:2020 method. Salmonella spp. was confirmed in the faeces of seven laying hen flocks (6.60%) housed in enriched cages, and 11 flocks (12.94%) of laying hens in housing systems with outdoor runs. The research results showed that there was no significant difference in the total occurrence of Salmonella between flocks of laying hens housed in housing systems with outdoor runs and those in enriched cages. The highest percentage of positive flocks was found in 2020 in 11.11% of flocks of laying hens housed in enriched cages and 18.18% of flocks of laying hens kept in housing systems with outdoor runs. When observed by county over the four-year study period, the percentage of positive flocks was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Brod-Posavina County in comparison with Osijek-Baranja County and Vukovar-Srijem County. The research results suggest that there is small possibility that transitioning from enriched cage systems to alternative housing systems, with strict biosecurity measure implementation, would increase Salmonella infections in laying hen flocks.

Mukbang Live Streaming Commerce and Green Agri-Food Products Consumption: Exploring the New Dynamics of Consumer Purchasing Decisions

China’s live streaming boom has led to mukbang live streaming as a unique food marketing tool. Hosts interact with viewers by tasting and showcasing diverse cuisines in real time. This form of mukbang live streaming has recently been utilized to promote and sell green agri-food products. However, in-depth research into how mukbang live streaming affects the purchase intention for green agri-food products and the underlying mechanisms remains scant. We developed a theoretical model based on stimuli–organism–response theory to explore the impact mechanism. Data was collected via a survey of 455 users from agriculture-related live streaming platforms and analyzed using structural equation modeling with partial least squares. The study found that professional recommendation, audiovisual experience, and social interaction enhance consumers’ perceived utilitarian value; green advocacy, audiovisual experience, and social interaction positively affect consumers’ perceived social value. Both perceived utilitarian value and perceived social value positively affect the intention to purchase green agri-food products. Additionally, we used importance-performance map analysis to compare the model’s effects with latent variable averages, revealing each factor’s importance and performance. The findings offer new insights and recommendations for agri-food marketing strategies, particularly in enhancing consumer behaviors towards green agri-food products, aiding suppliers and mukbang live streaming platforms in more effectively promoting these products.

Methods for determination of antioxidant capacity of traditional and emergent crops of interest in Mexico: An overview

Reactive oxygen species are produced by aerobic organisms, including humans, because of metabolism. They can oxidise biomolecules and cause degenerative and cardiovascular diseases (diabetes, atherosclerosis, and neurological damage, among others). However, the consumption of different plant products is related to the prevention of reactive oxygen species–mediated damage because they contain various antioxidants that inhibit the oxidation of biomolecules. Some important natural antioxidants are carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins. These molecules are found in various crops produced in Mexico, some of which have been cultivated for a long time, while others have emerged in recent years. The study of the antioxidant capacity of these crops has increased over time. Different methods are used to determine this capacity, depending on the type of antioxidants. In this review, we analyse the antioxidant quantification methods of various crops of interest in Mexico (traditional and emergent), as well as their relationship to prevent the oxidation of biomolecules.

Design of a Green Corridor and the Revitalization of the Huatanay River, City of Cuzco, Peru—2024

Population growth in the last 30 years has generated an energy shortage and excessive consumption of products, generating a large percentage of solid waste. Urban expansion has led to a significant impact on the biodiversity of both flora and fauna. In this context, the objective of this research is to develop a design for a green corridor that optimizes ecological energy efficiency and contributes to the revaluation of the Huatanay River in Cuzco. The methodology used in this study is articulated in four stages: literature analysis; analysis of the environment through supporting data such as Climate consultant, SIGRID, and GEO Peru; results where the proposed project is carried out; and finally, the conclusions and discussions where they are contrasted with a similar bibliography. The design of the green corridor efficiently takes advantage of the natural resources available in the area, which has 70% green areas and 30% public spaces, where 13 kWh/day of energy is generated, according to the calculations made in sector 2 of the botanical garden that will later be replicated in the other sectors, derived from biodigesters for the lighting of spaces of the botanical garden. The corridor, in turn, aims to recover the ecological function of the river through the restoration of its course, the reforestation of its banks, and the creation of recreational areas. In conclusion, the green corridor aims to revitalize the Huatanay River through different elements, among which the botanical garden stands out.

A Review of Research on Information Traceability Based on Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology, as an emerging distributed ledger technology, has gradually shown great potential in the field of information traceability due to its characteristics of decentralization, non-tamperability, and transparency. Through blockchain technology, the production, circulation, and consumption of products can be recorded and verified to ensure the authenticity and credibility of the data. This article reviews the application of blockchain in information traceability, focusing on analyzing its practice and effects in food safety, drug traceability, supply chain management, and energy industry traceability. Through a systematic review of existing literature, this article summarizes the research status, main results, and technical challenges of blockchain information traceability, points out its significant advantages in improving transparency and trust, and also discusses the implementation complexity, limitations in terms of cost, and performance. Finally, this article proposes future development trends, including multi-chain integration and the combination of blockchain with other technologies. The research in this article provides important reference and guidance for the further development of blockchain technology in information traceability.

How do cue utilization and value co-creation and future orientation affect the consumers’ choices of smart agricultural products?

Facing sustainability challenges and the demand for green and high-quality food, smart agriculture has become a key solution, and understanding consumer preferences for its products is crucial for sustainable development. By employing a structural equation model and using the sample data of an online survey conducted in China, this study investigated consumers’ intention to purchase smart agricultural products, thereby examining the effects of value co-creation, cue utilization, attitude, and future orientation. According to the results, cue utilization positively affects value co-creation and attitude. In addition, value co-creation and attitude can promote consumers’ purchase intention. Moreover, future orientation positively moderates the effect of attitude on purchase intention. These findings have substantial practical implications for formulating marketing strategies aimed at promoting the consumption of smart agricultural products. By strengthening the effects of cue utilization, value co-creation, and future orientation, marketers can specifically target consumers and facilitate the transition to more sustainable consumption patterns.

Determination of the Consumer Profile in Relation to New Food Products Based on Soy with Microalgae in Brazil

ABSTRACT Due to demand for functional foods and the increase of individuals adopting a vegetarian diet, the objective of this work was to investigate the preferences and consumption of soy products with microalgae among the Brazilian population. Employing an online questionnaire, participants reported consumption habits of meat and soy-based products with microalgae. The findings revealed that 74% of respondents did not have the habit of consuming soy. The majority had never consumed products with microalgae; however, those who had, reported good experiences, which indicates that the development of products with microalgae should be encouraged and explored.

The Role of Whole Food Plant-Based Food Intake on Postprandial Glycemia in Type 1 Diabetes.

Whole food plant-based diet (WFPBD), minimally processed foods with limited consumption of animal products, is associated with improved health outcomes. The benefits of WFPBD are underexplored in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The primary objective of this analysis is to evaluate the association between WFPBD on glycemia in individuals with T1D. Utilizing prospectively collected meal events from the Type 1 Diabetes Exercise Initiative, we examined the effect of WFPBD intake on glycemia, determined by the Plant-Based Diet Index (PDI). The PDI calculates overall, healthful (hPDI), and unhealthy PDI (uPDI) to evaluate for degree of processed foods and animal products (i.e. WFPBD). Mixed effects linear regression model assessed time-in-range (TIR), time-above-range, and time-below-range. We analyzed 7,938 meals from 367 participants. TIR improved with increasing hPDI scores, conferring a 4% improvement in TIR between highest and lowest hPDI scores (high hPDI:75%, low hPDI:71%; p<0.001). Compared to meals with low hPDI, meals with high hPDI had lower glucose excursion (high hPDI:53mg/dL, low hPDI:62mg/dL; p<0.001) and less time >250mg/dL (high hPDI:8%, low hPDI:14%; p<0.001). These effects were present but less pronounced by PDI (high PDI:74%, low PDI:71%; p=0.01). No differences in time below 70mg/dL and 54mg/dL were observed by PDI or hPDI. Meal events with higher hPDI were associated with 4% postprandial TIR improvement. These benefits were seen primarily in WFPBD meals (captured by hPDI) and less pronounced plant-based meals (captured by PDI), emphasizing the benefit of increasing unprocessed food intake over limiting animal products alone.

What are the changes in mothers' diets after the birth of a child: results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort.

Childbirth is a major life-changing event, this period is an opportunity to improve eating habits. The aim of this longitudinal study was to identify and characterise dietary changes in women according to their parity status. Dietary intake data from 4194 women of childbearing age included in the NutriNet-Santé cohort were derived using a FFQ, administered in 2014 and 2018, distinguishing between organic and conventional food consumption. Women were classified into four groups: ‘previous children’, ‘multiparous’, ‘primiparous’ and ‘nulliparous’. Multi-adjusted ANCOVA models were used to estimate the changes according to the parity group. Changes in food consumption towards a more plant-based, healthier and organic diet were observed in all four groups of women, although to various degrees. In multivariable models, ‘Nulliparous’ women showed a greater improvement in terms of ‘sustainable’ food consumption than ‘previous children’ women. ‘Primiparous’ women significantly increased their energy intake (+349 (269–429) kcal/d) and their consumption of dairy products (+30 (3–56) g/d), and they significantly decreased their consumption of alcohol (–23 (–32–15) g/d), coffee and tea (–107 (–155–60) g/d). Regarding organic food, ‘nulliparous’ women increased their consumption more than ‘previous children’ and ‘primiparous’ women were those who were most frequently in the top quintile of organic food increase. Although there were dietary changes in all groups of women according to their parity, childless women have a shift moving towards a more sustainable diet. Women who had a first child reduced their alcohol and caffeine consumption.

Influence of Hospitality Services on Cultural Product Consumption

Influence of Hospitality Services on Cultural Product Consumption

Muslim Intention to Buy Sustainable Modest Fashion: A Value-Attitude-Behavior Approach

Purpose: To analyze the factors that influence the intention of Muslims to sustainable modest fashion. Design/methodology/approach: using quantitative methods. The analytical technique used is Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with 220 respondents as a sample of Muslims in Bandung City, Indonesia. Findings: The results showed altruism, egoism, and Islamic religiosity affect attitudes. Then, altruism value, egoism value, and attitude affect purchase intention. However, Islamic religiosity does not affect purchase intention. Practical implications: Entrepreneurs can incorporate the values of altruism and egoism in their marketing communications. In addition to emphasising environmental and social protection aspects, businesses can pay attention to the aesthetics and quality of their products. Meanwhile, the government can provide support through policies and facilities that encourage the production and consumption of products that are in line with sustainable development goals (SDG’s). Originality/value: This study examines the influence of altruistic values, egoistic values, Islamic religiosity, and attitudes on purchasing intentions in one theoretical framework. This research specifically focuses on one type of fashion product, namely modest fashion, which has not been widely studied in previous research in the realm of sustainable consumption.

A hybrid electro-thermochemical device for methane production from the air

Coupling direct air capture (DAC) with methane (CH4) production is a potential strategy for fuel production from the air. Here, we report a hybrid electro-thermochemical device for direct CH4 production from air. The proposed device features the cogeneration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) in a single compartment via a bipolar membrane electrodialysis module, avoiding a separate water electrolyzer, followed by a thermochemical methanation reaction to produce CH4. H2-induced disturbances lead to efficient CO2 extraction without pumping requirement. The energy consumption and techno-economic analysis predict an energy reduction of 37.8% for DAC and a cost reduction of 36.6% compared with the decoupled route, respectively. Accordingly, CH4 cost is reduced by 12.6%. Our proof-of-concept experiments show that the energy consumption for CO2 release and H2 production is 704.0 kJ mol−1 and 967.4 kJ mol−1, respectively with subsequent methanation achieving a 97.3% conversion of CO2 and a CH4 production energy of 5206.4 kJ mol−1 showing a promising pathway for fuel processing from the air.

Analyzing the Impact of Interior Public Space on User Satisfaction in Shopping Malls Using Virtual Reality Simulation Experiments

The growth in per capita consumption levels and the e-commerce industry have shifted the shopping mall model from a product consumption to a time-based consumption focus. This paper evaluates customer satisfaction with shopping malls using an importance–performance questionnaire, which identified eight key areas for improvement. Through field surveys and virtual reality (VR) simulation experiments, the impact of the components of public spaces within shopping malls on user satisfaction was assessed using both quantifiable and unquantifiable elements. Our findings inform the formulation of optimization design strategies in the areas of multipurpose functionality of facilities, intensification of boundaries, complexity of functions, and integration of resources, and have implications for the future design of internal public spaces in shopping malls.

The Impact of Word of Mouth and Customer Satisfaction on Purchase Decisions: The Role of Maslahah as an Intervening Variable in the Cosmetic Products Industry in Indonesia

This study investigates how Word of Mouth (recommendations), Customer Satisfaction, and perceived Maslahah influence Purchase Decisions in the cosmetic product consumption context in Indonesia. Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was employed to analyze data from 450 respondents. Results indicate that Word of Mouth significantly influences Purchase Decisions (β = 0.350, t-stat = 5.698, p &lt; 0.000), suggesting positive recommendations increase the likelihood of product purchase. However, Word of Mouth slightly diminishes the perception of product Maslahah (β = -0.122, t-stat = 1.835, p = 0.067), implying positive recommendations may marginally affect perceived maslahah. The indirect effect of Word of Mouth on Purchase Decisions through Maslahah was also marginal (β = -0.044, t-stat = 1.829, p = 0.068). Customer Satisfaction significantly enhances the perception of product Maslahah (β = 0.720, t-stat = 11.309, p &lt; 0.000) and influences Purchase Decisions through Maslahah (β = 0.263, t-stat = 7.194, p &lt; 0.000), yet direct impact on Purchase Decisions was insignificant (β = -0.002, t-stat = 0.044, p = 0.965). Moreover, perceived Maslahah significantly affects Purchase Decisions (β = 0.366, t-stat = 7.586, p &lt; 0.000), highlighting its role in consumer decision-making. Overall, findings deepen understanding of how Word of Mouth, Customer Satisfaction, and perceived Maslahah shape consumer behavior in purchasing cosmetics. Marketers can utilize these insights to leverage recommendations, enhance satisfaction, and communicate product benefits effectively to influence consumer decisions, thereby enhancing market position and competitive advantage for cosmetic companies.

Phytobezoar as a Cause of Recurrent Obturation Intestinal Obstruction. A Clinical Case in Surgical Practice

Introduction. Phytobezoar refers to a foreign body accumulated in the stomach when swallowing substances of natural or synthetic origin. Phytobezoar is formed in the stomach and small intestine, its etiopathogenesis is yet to be investigated. It causes obturation intestinal obstruction, which requires emergency surgical intervention. The paper presents a clinical case in surgical practice of phytobezoar in the small intestine which was complicated by a recurrent obturation intestinal obstruction. Aim: to present a clinical case of phytobezoar in the form of recurrent obturation intestinal obstruction. Materials and methods. 66­years old female patient Kh. underwent surgical treatment for obturation intestinal obstruction caused by phytobezoar twice within a short period of time. The gastric resection and consumption of bezoar-dangerous products due to a dried­fruit diet were considered to be the prerequisite for the formation of phytobezoar. According to the pathomorphologic examination, the intervention included laparotomy, enterotomy and phytobezoar extraction. Results and discussion. A complete revision of the abdominal cavity organs was performed during the first laparotomy with no other fragments of phytobezoar found. Following the first surgery and before discharge, the patient underwent ultrasound, CT scan of abdominal cavity organs, fibrogastroscopy — no volumetric pathologic formations in the abdominal cavity were detected. Therefore, the phybobezoar was assumably formed again in a relatively short period of time and led to the development of reobstruction. The patient was discharged with recovery.Conclusion. The clinical case shows that in surgical practice phytobezoar can get formed repeatedly in a short period of time and lead to the development of recurrent intestinal obstruction.