How is an ideal satiating yogurt described? A case study with added-protein yogurts

Protein is recognized as the macronutrient with the highest satiating ability. Yogurt can be an excellent basis for designing satiating food as it is protein-based food product. Five different set-type yogurts were formulated by adding extra skim milk powder (MP), whey protein concentrate (WPC), calcium caseinate (CAS) or a blend of whey protein concentrate with calcium caseinate (CAS–WPC). A control yogurt without extra protein content was also prepared. Differences in sensory perceptions (through CATA questions) were related to the consumers' expected satiating ability and liking scores (of several modalities). In addition, an “Ideal satiating yogurt” was included in the CATA question to perform a penalty analysis to show potential directions for yogurt reformulation and to relate sensory and non-sensory yogurt characteristics to satiating capacity.     

How Does Light Intensity Affect the Elementary Fiber Length in Flax?

Abstract

There are not enough antecedents about the effect of a decrease in photosynthesis on flax stem growth and elementary fiber length. Therefore, plots sowed with cultivar Diane were shaded with nets that intercepted 70% of photosynthetically active radiation. The nets were placed at three stages of the growth period: S1: 575°Cd (height: 25 cm), S2: 854°Cd (height: 54 cm), and S3: 1304°Cd (height: 84 cm). These applications resulted in stems shadowed only in the parts, which grew during the treatment. Additionally, control plots without shadows during the entire cycle (S0) were grown. In every treatment the production of fiber was quantified, and a harvest index (HI = fiber biomass obtained/stems biomass produced) was calculated. Fiber quality was also evaluated using elementary fiber length. The harvest index was bigger in control plants than shadow plants. The length of elementary fiber of the shadow treatments S1, S2, and S3 was 4.28 cm, 3.76 cm, and 3.02 cm, respectively, whereas the adjacent portions to the shaded one in each treatment had a length fiber increase of 21%, 34%, and 37%, respectively. In the same portions, S0 had fiber lengths of 4.94, 4.45, and 3.82 cm, respectively. The trend observed in all the shaded treatments showed a decrease of elementary fiber length. The fiber length in the adjacent portions to the shaded ones was not conditioned by the shadow treatment received. These results allow relating fiber quality with stresses generated by meteorological events that take place during the growth of the stem.     

How is satisfaction with food-related life conceptualized? A comparison between parents and their adolescent children in dual-headed households

Satisfaction with food-related life (SWFRL) is one component of satisfaction with life. Although researchers have identified associations between satisfaction with food-related life and specific food behaviours, it is still not clear how consumers conceptualize this complex construct. The aims of the present study were to explore consumers’ conceptualization of SWFRL, to compare how parents and adolescents in dual-headed households perceive SWFRL, and to identify aspects that would increase their SWFRL. One-hundred and sixty-four dual families composed of mother, father, and at least one adolescent child between 10 and 17 years of age participated in the study. They completed a word association task with “Being satisfied with my food-related life” and completed the sentence “I would be more satisfied with my food-related life if…”. Participants’ responses were aligned with the formal definition of SWFRL. References to specific foods and food characteristics were also mentioned in the word association task. No significant differences were found between parents and adolescents in the frequency of mention of responses related to the identified categories and supra-categories, suggesting lack of differences in their conceptualization of SWFRL. Changes in eating behaviours and individuals’ resources for purchasing and preparing foods were regarded as the main factors that could increase SWFRL. Differences between family members were found in some of the aspects associated with an increase in SWFRL. Results from this study can aid in the development of strategies for promoting changes in eating habits and increasing SWFRL, targeted at different family members.     

How are organic food prices affecting consumer behaviour? A review

This article reviews research on consumer behaviour regarding the price of organic food published from January 2000 to December 2013, in order to identify the current state of research and research gaps. The publications were classified into stimulus–response or stimulus–organism–response paradigm based studies. Organism-internal processes were further divided into ‘affective’, ‘cognitive’ and ‘intentional’ processes. Moreover, for a systematic review the categories ‘price elasticity’, ‘price perception and evaluation’, ‘price knowledge’, and ‘willingness-to-pay’ were built. The majority of studies were based on a stimulus–organism–response paradigm. 20 studies in the sample analysed the price elasticity of demand and reported partly contradictory results. There were no studies on affective processes in the sample. A solid body of knowledge exists on the cognitive processes ‘price perception and evaluation’ while very few studies investigate ‘price knowledge’. The majority of studies were concerned with the willingness-to-pay for organic food and yielded mixed and contradictory results. The explanatory power and conclusiveness of research is impaired by weak sampling techniques (e.g., convenience sampling, sampling at few locations) and data collection methods. The improvement of sampling techniques, the increase of comparability of results and the deepening of analyses is recommended.     

Does blending canola meal with other protein sources improve production responses in lactating dairy cows? A multilevel mixed-effects meta-analysis

The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of blending canola meal (CM) with other protein sources on production responses in lactating dairy cows. To evaluate this effect, a data set was assembled containing 22 studies reporting at least 3 isonitrogenous dietary treatments (total of 74 treatment means). Each study needed to report 1 diet with CM <0.3 kg/d, 1 or more diets consisting of CM blended with another protein source, and 1 diet with CM as the main protein source in the protein supplement (>85%). The crude protein (CP) concentration of CM averaged 37.4 ± 3.09% (dry matter basis), and the predictor of interest was the intake of CP from CM, which averaged 0.46 ± 0.413 kg/d among studies. The maximal CP from CM ranged from 0.47 to 1.55 kg/d among studies. The quadratic relationship between CP from CM and responses in milk true protein concentration was significant, the maximum response (3.19%) being reached at 0.79 kg of CP from CM; the quadratic relationships were not significant for the other dependent variables. Responses in dry matter intake; yields of milk, energy-corrected milk, and milk true protein; and apparent N efficiency were related positively to CP from CM and negatively for responses in milk fat and milk urea N concentrations. Remembering that diets were isonitrogenous within studies, this indicates no nutritional benefit of blending CM with another protein source. Taken together, the results indicate that the whole-body N utilization efficiency by the dairy cow improved and that more dietary protein was used to synthesize milk protein when CM was used as the sole protein source in the protein supplement up to 1.55 kg/d.     

How can flexibility be integrated into coexistence regulations? A review

Member states in the European Union (EU) implemented both ex ante coexistence regulations and ex post liability schemes to ensure that genetically modified (GM) and non‐GM crops can be cultivated side by side without excluding any agricultural option. Although proportionate coexistence is best achieved if regulated in a flexible manner, most implemented coexistence regulations merely rely on rigid measures. Flexible coexistence regulations, however, would reduce the regulatory burden on certain agricultural options and avoid jeopardizing economic incentives for coexistence. Flexibility can be integrated at: (i) the regulatory level by relaxing the rigidity of coexistence measures in ex ante regulations, yet without offsetting incentives to implement coexistence measures; (ii) the farm level by recommending the use of pollen barriers instead of large and fixed isolation distances; and (iii) the national/regional level by allowing diversified coexistence measures, which are adapted to the heterogeneity of farming in the EU. Owing to difficulties of implementation, the adoption of flexible and proportionate coexistence regulations will inevitably entail challenges. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Does it make sense to modify tropical cyclones? A decision-analytic assessment

Recent dramatic increases in damages caused by tropical cyclones (TCs) and improved understanding of TC physics have led DHS to fund research on intentional hurricane modification. We present a decision analytic assessment of whether it is potentially cost-effective to attempt to lower the wind speed of TCs approaching South Florida by reducing sea surface temperatures with wind-wave pumps. Using historical data on hurricanes approaching South Florida, we develop prior probabilities of how storms might evolve. The effects of modification are estimated using a modern TC model. The FEMA HAZUS-MH MR3 damage model and census data on the value of property at risk are used to estimate expected economic losses. We compare wind damages after storm modification with damages after implementing hardening strategies protecting buildings. We find that if it were feasible and properly implemented, modification could reduce net losses from an intense storm more than hardening structures. However, hardening provides "fail safe" protection for average storms that might not be achieved if the only option were modification. The effect of natural variability is larger than that of either strategy. Damage from storm surge is modest in the scenario studied but might be abated by modification.     

How Does Roasting Process Influence the Retention of Coffee Aroma Compounds by Lyophilized Coffee Extract?

ABSTRACT:  The aims of this study were (1) to study the effect of lyophilized coffee extract on the retention of aroma compounds and (2) to study if aroma compounds selected are differently affected by the lyophilized coffee extracts obtained from conventional and Torrefacto coffee brews prepared by filter coffeemaker and by espresso coffee machine. Variable amounts of lyophilized coffee extracts, relative to coffee powder, containing different percentages of high molecular weight compounds, mainly melanoidins (value given in parentheses), were obtained: 20.9% (14.8) and 24.9% (23.3), respectively, for conventional and Torrefacto coffee brew prepared by filter coffeemaker and 18.1% (18.8) and 20.7% (57.5), respectively, for conventional and Torrefacto coffee brew prepared by espresso coffee machine. The retention of aroma compounds increased by increasing the lyophilized coffee extract concentration and was found to be dependent on the aroma compounds. The retention of aroma compounds was found to be slightly different depending on the brewing procedure employed, showing lyophilized coffee extracts obtained with espresso coffee machine had higher retention values that those extracted by filter coffeemaker. Retention capacity of lyophilized coffee extracts obtained from the conventional and the Torrefacto roasted coffee did not show differences except in the case of ethyl nonanoate.     

How dietary intake has been assessed in African countries? A systematic review

Background: Dietary patterns are often considered as one of the main causes of non-communicable diseases worldwide. It is of utmost importance to study dietary habits in developing countries since this work is scarce.

Objective: To summarize the most recent research conducted in this field in African countries, namely the most used methodologies and tools.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE®/PubMed, aiming to identify scientific publications focused on studies of dietary intake of different African populations, in a ten-year period. Papers not written in English/Portuguese/Spanish, studies developed among African people but not developed in African countries, studies aiming to assess a particular nutrient/specific food/food toxin and studies that assessed dietary intake among children were excluded.

Findings: Out of 99 included studies, the 24-hour recall and the food-frequency questionnaire were the most used dietary intake assessment tools, used to assess diet at an individual level. It was also observed that often country-unspecific food composition databases are used, and the methodologies employed are poorly validated and standardized.

Conclusions: There is an emergent need to improve the existing food databases by updating food data and to develop suitable country-specific databases for those that do not have their own food composition table.     

How are personal values related to choice drivers? An application with Chinese wine consumers

This paper investigates the relationship between the choice drivers for wine among Chinese consumers with their personal values, using two sets of Best-Worst Scaling data.We first provide a ranking of the personal values and wine choice drivers of the population at hand. We then classify the respondents in terms of their choice drivers by means of a Latent Class Clustering. Lastly, we analyse the personal values and socio-demographic variables in each class. The sample (n=1,141) is socio-demographically representative in terms of age, gender, and income of the Chinese upper-middle class urban population.The results reveal the presence of three clusters, which are clearly identifiable in relation to their choice drivers, personal values and, partially, to their socio-demographic characteristics. The linking of value statements to the clusters strengthens the types of activities on-premise venues can use to attract different groups of customers. If on-premise operators know more about the personality of their clients and their choice drivers, they can engage their customers more appropriately throughout the choice process.The approach proposed in this paper can be extended to any research that aims to analyse the relationship between the elements driving the choice of a product and attitudinal variables.     

How do different warning signs compare with the guideline daily amount and traffic-light system?

Nutritional warnings are rapidly gaining relevance, particularly in the region of the Americas, as a front-of-package nutrition labelling scheme that facilitate the identification of products with high content of nutrients associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Several graphic designs are being developed as countries discuss the implementation of nutritional warnings, which makes it necessary to develop research to evaluate their efficacy. In this context, the aim of the present work was to compare the efficacy of a series of nutritional warnings that are being considered by Brazilian national authorities for the country with two of the most studied schemes: the guidelines daily amounts (GDA) and the traffic light system. Two studies were conducted. In the first one, visual search was conducted with 62 participants to evaluate the time needed by them to identify the schemes on food labels and to identify whether a product had high nutrient content. In the second study, an online survey with 1932 participants was used to evaluate their ability to use FOP nutrition labelling schemes to correctly identify the most healthful product in a set, as well as high nutrient content in a product. In addition, the influence of FOP nutrition labelling schemes on perceived healthfulness was evaluated. Finally, consumers’ perception of the schemes was gathered using an open-ended question. Results confirmed the advantages of nutritional warnings compared to the GDA and the traffic-light system to facilitate the identification of products with high content of nutrients associated with NCDs. In addition, the use of familiar signs frequently used to convey a ‘warning message’ outperformed other unfamiliar signs in terms of their ability to facilitate the interpretation of nutrition information. Regarding colour, black signs tended to required significantly less time to be detected when included on colour food labels compared to red signs.     

Does the range of motion in the bovine interphalangeal joints change with flooring condition? A pilot study using biplane high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography

This study had 2 objectives. The first objective was to investigate motion patterns and the range of motion of the bovine proximal and distal interphalangeal joints on concrete during the stance phase. The second objective was to determine whether the range of motion and the locomotive stability of the interphalangeal joints differ on concrete and 3 different commercially available rubber mats (Karera, Kura, and Pedikura; Kraiburg Elastik GmbH & Co. KG, Tittmoning, Germany). Biplane high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography (72 ± 2.5 kV and 112.5 ± 12.5 mA, refresh rate 500 frames per second, shutter 0.5 ms) was applied to record 1 stance phase of the right forelimb of 2 Holstein Friesian heifers (15 mo old, 440 ± 10 kg; ± standard deviation) on each flooring. Three-dimensional digital animations were generated with a marker-supported manual animation technique based on the recordings and computer tomographic bone models. The mean maximum range of motion of each of the 4 interphalangeal joints in terms of flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotation were calculated as well as the mean number of local extrema as a measure of stability during the stance phase. The main degree of freedom in all interphalangeal joints was flexion and extension with a range of motion of 17.7 to 25.9°. The second largest degree of freedom differed between abduction/adduction (7.7–10.0°) and internal/external rotation (6.5–9.6°) depending on the joint. Remarkably, although smaller, these extrasagittal directions still contribute to the overall motion to a considerable degree. In addition, the interphalangeal joints of the lateral digit showed a tendency to move less during the stance phase than their medial counterparts. Comparing concrete to the rubber mats, the interphalangeal joints tend to have to cover a larger range of motion on concrete with the exception of the distal interphalangeal joint in terms of flexion/extension. The unyielding surface of concrete seems to force the flexible parts of the animal-ground-interaction into extended motion. Furthermore, there tends to be more instability in all 3 degrees of freedom in all 4 joints on concrete, implying a greater effort of the soft tissues to achieve a balanced motion. Detailed biomechanical research contributes to the development of adequate flooring systems by evaluating the mechanical strain on claws and joints and working toward lameness prevention and thus animal welfare.     

How does high DHA fish oil affect health? A systematic review of evidence

The health benefits of fish oil, and its omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content, have attracted much scientific attention in the last four decades. Fish oils that contain higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), in a distinctive ratio of 18/12, are typically the most abundantly available and are commonly studied. Although the two fatty acids have traditionally been considered together, as though they were one entity, different physiological effects of EPA and DHA have recently been reported. New oils containing a higher quantity of DHA compared with EPA, such as fractionated and concentrated fish oil, tuna oil, calamari oil and microalgae oil, are increasingly becoming available on the market, and other oils, including those extracted from genetically modified oilseed crops, soon to come. This systematic review focuses on the effects of high DHA fish oils on various human health conditions, such as the heart and cardiovascular system, the brain and visual function, inflammation and immune function and growth/Body Mass Index. Although inconclusive results were reported in several instances, and inconsistent outcomes observed in others, current data provides substantiated evidence in support of DHA being a beneficial bioactive compound for heart, cardiovascular and brain function, with different, and at times complementary, effects compared with EPA. DHA has also been reported to be effective in slowing the rate of cognitive decline, while its possible effects on depression disorders are still unclear. Interestingly, gender- and age- specific divergent roles for DHA have also been reported. This review provides a comprehensive collection of evidence and a critical summary of the documented physiological effects of high DHA fish oils for human health.     

Does coffee consumption alter plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations? A systematic review

Coffee consumption alters plasma lipid and cholesterol concentrations, however, its effects on lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) have received little study. The aim of this PRISMA compliant systematic review was to examine the role of coffee on serum Lp(a).

This study was prospectively registered (PROSPERO 2015:CRD42015032335). PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central were searched from inception until 9th January 2016 to detect trials and epidemiological studies investigating the impact of coffee on serum Lp(a) concentrations in humans.

We identified six relevant publications describing nine experimental trials of various designs. There were a total of 640 participants across all studies and experimental groups. In short-term controlled studies, consumption of coffee, or coffee diterpenes was associated with either a reduction in serum Lp(a) of ≤11 mg/dL (6 trials, 275 participants), or no effect (2 trials, 56 participants). Conversely, one cross-sectional study with 309 participants showed serum Lp(a) was elevated in chronic consumers of boiled coffee who had a median Lp(a) of 13.0 mg/dL (range 0–130) compared with consumers of filtered coffee who had median Lp(a) 7.9 mg/dL (range 0–144).

The effect of coffee on Lp(a) is complex and may follow a biphasic time-course. The type of coffee and the method of preparation appear to be important to determining the effect on Lp(a).     

How much of enzyme can be saved in the process with the optimal temperature control?

A simple process of biotransformation carried out in a batch reactor in the presence of native enzyme undergoing deactivation independent of substrate concentration has been analyzed. An analytical expression has been derived enabling answering the question how much of enzyme can be saved if instead of commonly applied isothermal conditions an optimal temperature control without its limitations were used. An effect of the quotient of the activation energy on the magnitude of such benefits has also been considered. It has also been proved that the reaction kinetics has no influence on the derived expression. Based on an example of sucrose hydrolysis by immobilized invertase the obtained result has been verified.     

How do the partitioning properties of polyhalogenated POPs change when chlorine is replaced with bromine?

Information about the mobility and the partitioning properties of brominated persistent organic pollutants, the environmental levels of which are sometimes higher than those of the chlorinated analogues, is limited. We estimated n-octanol/ water (log K(OW)), n-octanol/air (log K(OA)), and air/water (log K(AW)) partition coefficients for 1436 chloro- and bromo-analogues of dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, biphenyls, naphthalenes, diphenyl ethers, and benzenes by employing quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) techniques. The searches for similar partitioning patterns were performed by means of two-dimensional cluster analysis. Five classes of compounds were identified. Each of the class is characterized by similar partition coefficients and, in consequence, similar environmental properties. Finally the data was fitted into a simple multimedia model involving the partitioning map. In addition, we found thatthe changes in the partition coefficients upon the replacement of chlorine with bromine were constant: 0.11, 0.31, and -0.21 per bromine atom for log K(OW), log K(OA), and log K(AW), respectively. On the basis of this observation, a method for rapid estimation of changes in the partition coefficient upon chlorine-bromine substitution was proposed.     

Does the dry cow treatment with monensin controlled release capsule affect Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production?

We investigated the effects of monensin controlled-release capsule (CRC; Kexxtone, Eli Lilly and Company Ltd., Indianapolis, IN) preventative ketosis treatment on the traditional cheesemaking process as well as the final characteristics of Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheese. The use of this prevention product to reduce the incidence of ketosis in transition dairy cows was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2013. No previous studies are available concerning the effects of this treatment on prolonged-ripening cheese production such as PR. In PR cheese production, feed, feed additives, and cow treatments are strictly regulated to avoid any possible interference with traditional manufacturing processes. For these reasons, on 1 farm where all milk was used for PR cheese production, monensin CRC was administered to 33 cows, 21 d before calving in the monensin-treated group (TRT), whereas untreated cows with similar breed and parity characteristics constituted the control group (CTR). For 20 wk, milk obtained from each group and whey starter were separately managed and transported in the cheese factory, where 2 cheese wheels per group were produced daily, making 552 PR cheese wheels in total. Morning bulk tank milk composition, cheesemaking properties, and whey starter fermentation activities were analyzed twice a week. Every aspect of the cheesemaking process was recorded and the resulting cheese was evaluated after 36 h and 6, 12, and 18 mo from production for yield, texture defects, composition, and fatty acids profile. Milk from the 2 groups differed for somatic cell content (TRT = 3.04 vs. CTR = 4.06, somatic cell score), total bacterial count (TRT = 4.08 vs. CTR = 6.08 × 1,000 cfu/mL), titratable acidity (TRT = 3.66 vs. CTR = 3.72 Soxhlet-Henkel degrees/50 mL), and casein content percentage (TRT = 2.4 vs. CTR = 2.5%). Whey starter parameters were comparable between the 2 groups. Final cheese composition and organoleptic profile were not influenced by the treatment, except for C18:1 content being enhanced (TRT = 22.8 vs. CTR = 20.8% of fatty acids). Percentage of defected ripened cheese was significantly lower in the treated group, both at x-ray evaluation performed at 6 mo (TRT = 6.2 vs. CTR = 12.3%) and at the consortium inspection, performed at 12 mo of ripening (TRT = 1.5 vs. CTR = 6.5%). On the other hand, average cheese yield at 18 mo of ripening was partially reduced (TRT = 7.5 vs. CTR = 7.7%). Overall, the use of monensin CRC had no negative effect on the cheesemaking process, prolonged ripening cheese characteristics, milk composition, or whey starter quality.     

Does Information about Sugar Source Influence Consumer Liking of Products Made with Beet and Cane Sugars?

Beet sugar contains an off‐aroma, which was hypothesized to generate expectations on the acceptability of a product made with beet sugar. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the impact of information about the sugar source (beet vs. cane) on the overall liking of an orange‐flavored beverage. One hundred panelists evaluated an orange‐flavored powdered beverage mix and beverage made with beet and cane sugars using a 5‐phase testing protocol involving a tetrad test and hedonic ratings performed under blind and informed conditions. Tetrad test results indicated that there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the beverage mix made with beet sugar and cane sugar; however, no difference was found between the beverage made with beet sugar and cane sugar. Hedonic ratings revealed the significance of information conditions on the panelists evaluation of sugar (F = 24.67, P < 0.001); however, no difference in the liking was identified for the beverage mix or beverage. Average hedonic scores were higher under informed condition compared to blind condition for all products, possibly because labels tend to reduce uncertainty about a product. Results from this study are representative of the responses from the general population and suggest that they are not affected by sugar source information in a beverage product. Based on concerns with the use of beet sugar expressed in the popular press, there may be a subgroup of the population that has a preconceived bias about sugar sources due to their prior experiences and knowledge and, thus, would be influenced by labels indicating the sugar source used in a product.