This study evaluated the effectiveness of cognitive-based interventions for elderly individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early dementia over the past decade. A systematic review of 27 randomized controlled trials published from 2013 to 2023 focused on cognitive function, daily living activities, and quality of life improvements. The results showed that cognitive training and stimulation programs led to significant gains in memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, improvements in daily functioning and overall quality of life were observed. Customized programs tailored to individual needs were found to be particularly effective, emphasizing the importance of personalized approaches. These findings suggest that cognitive interventions can help delay cognitive decline and maintain independence in older adults with MCI or early dementia. The review highlights the potential of such interventions in promoting healthy aging and improving the overall well-being of elderly individuals. Furthermore, these interventions can help older adults maintain meaningful social connections and enhance their emotional well-being in significant ways. Future research should aim to optimize and expand these programs for better outcomes and greater accessibility across various communities. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and caregivers, demonstrating that cognitive-based interventions are a promising and effective approach for managing cognitive decline in older adults.

The global movement towards sustainable food systems has given rise to a growing interest in alternative protein sources, including plant proteins, insect proteins, cultured meats, and microbially derived proteins. This study focuses on the latest trends and future developments in this field, with a particular emphasis on state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies designed to overcome the obstacles associated with alternative proteins, including taste, flavor and texture. A principal objective of this research is to identify proteins that will facilitate the large-scale production of cyclic dipeptides (CDPs), based on the hypothesis that CDPs can leverage their distinctive biochemical attributes to enhance the appeal of alternative protein sources. One of the key challenges in this research is identifying the proteins required for CDP production. Previous studies have shown that lactic acid bacteria, such as Weissella cibaria, Lactobacillus sakei, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Pediococcus pentosaceus which were isolated from kimchi exhibit strong antimicrobial activity, with CDPs identified among their metabolites. This observation has prompted the utilization of these bacteria in the present study. The findings of this study suggest that CDPs could be an effective solution for developing alternative protein sources and could represent a significant advancement in food technology innovation.

This study employs a qualitative meta-synthesis approach to investigate the psychological determinants of food choice in out-of-home dining contexts. Drawing from 25 qualitative studies published between 2000 and 2024, we analyze the complex interplay of personal, sociocultural, situational, and sensory factors influencing consumers' food selection behaviors in restaurants. Our findings reveal that while individual preferences play a role, social norms and expectations exert a more significant influence in dining-out scenarios, often overshadowing personal tastes. The physical environment of restaurants, including ambiance and decor, substantially impacts diners' cognitive and emotional responses, subsequently affecting their food choices. Menu design and presentation emerge as powerful tools in guiding consumer decisions, particularly when emphasizing healthier options. Moreover, service quality is found to significantly influence not only satisfaction but also the diversity and adventurousness of food choices. This meta-synthesis extends existing food choice models by incorporating context-specific factors unique to out-of-home dining experiences. It underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the psychological processes underlying food selection in restaurant settings. Our results offer valuable insights for both theoretical advancements in consumer behavior and practical applications in the foodservice industry. Future research directions are proposed, including the development of an integrated model specific to out-of-home dining contexts.

This study investigates the evolution and impact of contactless dining services on consumer behavior in the food service industry. Catalyzed by rapid technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, these services have become integral to restaurant operations, reshaping business models and fundamentally altering consumer eating habits. Through a comprehensive analysis of domestic and international case studies, this research elucidates the definition, development, and current state of contactless dining services. The findings reveal that these innovations offer significant advantages, including enhanced convenience, efficiency, and accessibility, leading to increased dining frequency and widespread adoption of digital ordering platforms. Consumers particularly value the temporal and spatial flexibility afforded by these services, enabling food ordering from any location at any time. However, the study also identifies persistent challenges, such as the diminution of human interaction and potential exclusion of digitally disadvantaged populations. To address these issues, the research suggests that restaurants must prioritize customer satisfaction through personalized experiences and intuitive user interfaces, while concurrently developing targeted strategies to accommodate elderly and less tech-savvy clientele. The study posits that ongoing technological innovation will continue to drive industry growth by facilitating increasingly customized services aligned with evolving consumer preferences. These insights provide a valuable framework for restaurant operators.

This study investigates the increasing prevalence of depression among Korean college students, examining its multifaceted causes, impacts, and potential interventions. Through an extensive literature review, we analyze personal, academic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors contributing to this growing mental health crisis. Our findings reveal a significant upward trend in depression rates, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with unique manifestations including somatic symptoms and achievemen-toriented depression. The research highlights the complex interplay of factors such as academic stress, career anxiety, economic pressures, and cultural expectations that contribute to the high prevalence of depression in this population. We also identify a concerning low rate of help-seeking behavior among affected students, attributed to stigma and limited access to mental health services. The study critically evaluates current support systems, revealing inadequacies in both preventive and reactive measures. In response, we propose innovative intervention strategies, including enhancing mental health literacy, implementing comprehensive stress management programs, integrating career support systems, leveraging technology for improved access to mental health resources. The research emphasizes the urgent need for preventive approaches and early intervention, suggesting policy changes at institutional and societal levels. This study aims to inform effective strategies for improving mental health support, fostering resilience, and promoting overall well-being among young adults.