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Flaxseed has recently gained attention as a functional food. The effect of adding flaxseed (7.3%, 11.6%, and 15.5%) to muffins on consumer acceptability was evaluated by a focus group, hedonic scoring, and food action rating scale (FACT). The majority of consumers (82.6%, P < 0.001) rated the control muffin (0 % flaxseed) higher than the flax muffin for appearance, color, flavor, texture, overall acceptability, and food acceptance. Flaxseed muffin (11.6%) was “neither liked nor disliked” to “liked slightly” in overall acceptability. This may have been accounted for by the observation that many persons aged 18 to 25 y did not think they needed to consume “health foods”. This “indifferent” and in some cases “negative” attitude toward the flax muffins, which they considered a “health food”, may have influenced the ratings the flax muffins received. Texture and flavor were strongly and positively correlated (P < 0.01) to overall acceptability. A flaxseed muffin provided at least 16% fiber of the daily recommended value.

Although previous literature focusing on perceptions of victims of rape has examined how gender, race, and culture influence the attitudes one holds toward victims, these studies have yielded mixed results. This study compared perceptions of victims of rape across a wide range of ages, educational backgrounds, religions, and income levels, while focusing on gender and racial differences. Results indicate (N = 220) that victims of rape are generally viewed more sympathetically by females than by males and by Whites than by African Americans. However, the effect of race disappears when socioeconomic variables are controlled, suggesting a more complex relationship. Also, a hierarchical regression indicates that age, sex, education, and income are significant predictors of attitudes toward victims. This study builds on existing research that examines such attitudes from a cultural perspective and extends this literature by examining the interactive effects of several demographic variables within a community sample.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted our daily lives. Public health officials are encouraging restrictions on social gatherings, limiting the amount of time and number of people individuals can interact with in-person. However, people have an innate need for belonging, and social isolation can exacerbate psychological distress. Due to school closings, students have shifted to online learning, which may foster feelings of detachment from their respective schools and impact students' motivation to continue learning in an online context. In the present study, we surveyed N = 238 undergraduate students to assess the relationships between academic motivation, sense of belonging to their university, and COVID-19-related distress. Correlational analyses revealed positive relationships between academic motivation and sense of belonging, and negative relationships between these two variables and COVID-19-related distress. A multiple linear regression demonstrated that sense of belonging and socioeconomic status negatively associated with COVID-19-related distress. Believing that online learning is as effective as in-person learning did not moderate the relationship between the sense of belonging and academic motivation. We discuss implications for colleges and universities to improve students' psychological well-being.

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