Uncoupling the Impact of Fracture Properties and Composition on Sensory Perception of Emulsion-Filled Gels

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of fracture properties and composition of emulsion-filled gels on dynamic texture perception. Twelve emulsion-filled gels varying in fracture stress (High/Low) and strain (High/Low) were prepared from three binary gel mixtures. Mechanical properties, syneresis, friction properties, microstructure, melting behavior, oral breakdown and texture perception of the gels were determined. Gels varying in composition but exhibiting similar fracture properties were obtained. Serum release, melting in mouth and friction varied between gels differing in composition. Fracture properties and melting of gels impacted oral breakdown. Fracture properties impacted perception of texture attributes at first bite and during chew down. Melting and syneresis impacted chew down perception of gels. We conclude that fracture stress mainly impacted texture perception at first bite, whereas fracture strain impacted perception of chew down texture attributes with high fracture strain gels being perceived creamy. The composition of gels impacted properties such as melting and serum release, which accounted for high variations in perception of moistness and creaminess between samples. Practical Applications: Fracture properties of food are known to impact the perception of first bite texture attributes. Moreover, they are known to control breakdown of food during oral processing. However, little is known about the impact of fracture properties on perception of chew down texture attributes. The current study highlights the impact of fracture properties on chew down texture perception. It identifies other gel properties depending on gels composition that account for variation in perception between gels. The use of emulsion-filled gels enabled the investigation of sensory attributes related to fat perception. Such knowledge can be used for food reformulation, for instance formulation of low fat soft solid foods. This study indicates which mechanical properties should be controlled to obtain a desired texture profile of soft solid foods.</p

Human-Centered Object-Based Image Retrieval

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Cardiovascular disease patients’ views on using financial incentives for health behavior change: Are deposit contracts acceptable?

Background: There is an urgent need to find new approaches that improve long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle for people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Deposit contracts (a financial incentive in which the participant deposits own money) are inexpensive and effective, but acceptability among CVD patients is unclear. This study investigated the acceptability of a deposit contract intervention for physical activity among CVD patients. Methods: We approached CVD patients through the Harteraad patient panel of the Dutch CVD patient organization and asked them to fill in an online survey. In total (N = 659) CVD patients with a mean age of 66.2 years completed the survey. The survey assessed acceptability of deposit contracts, responses to a concrete example of a deposit contract for physical activity behavior change, and suitable moments for implementation. Results: Overall, half of the participants (45.6%) confirmed needing extra commitment to maintain lifestyle change. Yet, a small part of the sample was convinced by the idea that losing money could be motivating (18.8%) and indicated that they would be willing to deposit money themselves (13.2%). Responding to a concrete example of a deposit contract for physical activity, a quarter of the sample (26.2%) reported there was a chance they would participate. Furthermore, 27.1% of the participants found the deposit contract effective and 27.4% found it acceptable. Exploratory analyses showed that a subgroup of younger and lower educated participants responded more favorably. Opinions on when to start with a deposit contract were mixed. Conclusions: Because acceptability was generally found to be low, future research should also investigate strategies to leverage commitment principles for CVD patients without a cash deposit requirement. When deposit contracts are offered to CVD patients in practice, we recommend offering them as an optional, additional element to existing interventions that patients can opt-in to

Lifestyle support preferences of patients with cardiovascular diseases: what lifestyle support might work best for whom?

Health and self-regulatio

Cardiovascular disease patients’ views on using financial incentives for health behavior change: Are deposit contracts acceptable?

Background: There is an urgent need to find new approaches that improve long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle for people with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Deposit contracts (a financial incentive in which the participant deposits own money) are inexpensive and effective, but acceptability among CVD patients is unclear. This study investigated the acceptability of a deposit contract intervention for physical activity among CVD patients. Methods: We approached CVD patients through the Harteraad patient panel of the Dutch CVD patient organization and asked them to fill in an online survey. In total (N = 659) CVD patients with a mean age of 66.2 years completed the survey. The survey assessed acceptability of deposit contracts, responses to a concrete example of a deposit contract for physical activity behavior change, and suitable moments for implementation. Results: Overall, half of the participants (45.6%) confirmed needing extra commitment to maintain lifestyle change. Yet, a small part of the sample was convinced by the idea that losing money could be motivating (18.8%) and indicated that they would be willing to deposit money themselves (13.2%). Responding to a concrete example of a deposit contract for physical activity, a quarter of the sample (26.2%) reported there was a chance they would participate. Furthermore, 27.1% of the participants found the deposit contract effective and 27.4% found it acceptable. Exploratory analyses showed that a subgroup of younger and lower educated participants responded more favorably. Opinions on when to start with a deposit contract were mixed. Conclusions: Because acceptability was generally found to be low, future research should also investigate strategies to leverage commitment principles for CVD patients without a cash deposit requirement. When deposit contracts are offered to CVD patients in practice, we recommend offering them as an optional, additional element to existing interventions that patients can opt-in to.Applied Ergonomics and Desig