Results from a study in Malawi showed that chewing gum containing xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol sugar, was associated with a 24% reduction in preterm birth. The findings were published today in Med (a Cell Press journal). Researchers found that the group of pregnant individuals randomized to receive chewing gum also saw a 30% drop in low-birthweight babies, when compared with the control group which did not receive xylitol gum, noted lead author Dr. Greg Valentine, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Results from a study in Malawi showed that chewing gum containing xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol sugar, was associated with a 24% reduction in preterm birth. The findings were published today in Med (a Cell Press journal). Researchers found that the group of pregnant individuals randomized to receive chewing gum also saw a 30% drop in low-birthweight babies, when compared with the control group which did not receive xylitol gum, noted lead author Dr. Greg Valentine, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The residents of Chuglu village in Gumla Assembly constituency boycotted the polling on Wednesday to protest against poor roads, streets and other civic amenities. They are frustrated over lack of basic and essential infrastructure in their villages.

Another round concerning the neverending fuss about the relationship between violence and video games that some people are trying hard to establish, without much success so far, was fought on the screens in the  United States, with an old man going on television complaining about video games and then being proved horribly wrong by a reporter....

Title: Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/31/1997 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/18/2022 12:00:00 AM

Over at Catallarchy, Micha Ghertner discusses “How To Tell You’ve Won An Argument;” namely, when your opponent concedes that his position is less coherent than your own, you’ve won. Now, I don’t want to dispute his point, but rather to question how relevant it is. I’ve touched on this before, but I’m a bit dubious of the notion that the “correct” position is the one that wins arguments between advocates of two different positions.

Obviously, in the first place, there’s nothing to prevent both arguers from being wrong; the relative lack of coherence of one of their positions means, at best, that the other’s position is “less” wrong (assuming that even makes sense and assuming that coherence is a measure of correctness).¹ But this is somewhat superficial (and besides, already mentioned and acknowledged in the comments to Ghertner’s post); more importantly, I want to cast doubts upon the parenthetical assumption I made above, that coherence is some sort of infallible metric for measuring correctness/validity.

In fact, Ghertner (perhaps unconsciously) alludes to this very issue when he quotes Wittgenstein’s famous seventh proposition from the Tractatus: “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent.” Within the context of the Tractatus (as an attempt to construct or at least describe a perfect language), this supports the notion that being right and being coherent are synonymous, but Wittgenstein himself later rejects this perspective and, to me, the more apropos quotation is: “Explanations come to an end somewhere” (Philosophical Investigations, I§1). That is, no argument (and certainly none about abstract principles) is completely coherent; we always run up against that whereof we cannot speak and therefore must be silent. The question is simply at what stage in the investigation we enter the realm of unsupported assertion.

And even if we scale back our expectations and choose to embrace the position that manages to maintain coherence as far back as possible, there’s still no guarantee that we’re on the right track. Although much of the world can apparently be explained without the need to stipulate a deity, this doesn’t really make it any less likely that theism is right. In the words of Chuck Klosterman:

Math [or, perhaps more fittingly in this context, logic] is the antireligion, because it splinters the gravity of life’s only imperative equation: Either something is true, or it isn’t.

In fact, if we really want to get all Wittgensteinian about this (not that we necessarily should), we might even begin to question those positions which do appear to be coherent:

In the actual use of expressions we make detours, we go by side roads. We see the straight highway before us, but of course we cannot use it, because it is permanently closed. (PI, I§426)

Anyway, getting back to whatever semblance of a point I was trying to make, when someone admits that their position is incoherent, that does indeed mean that they’ve lost the argument, but I just wonder how important that really is. Giving up your high-paying job and live-in girlfriend to go back home and take care of your sick mother isn’t going to win a lot of arguments if we’re taking logical coherence as the criterion of victory (seriously, think about it), but that doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing to do. That doesn’t mean that coherence is totally irrelevant to what is right/correct, either (and, I should point out, in the above example helping your sick mom isn’t necessarily the right thing to do; as is almost always true, it depends on the circumstances), but let’s not give argument-winning more importance than it merits. Or, as some smarmy new-age intellectual might put it, in the pursuit of knowledge, our goal shouldn’t be to win arguments, but, rather, to discover truth.

The law of the excluded middle says here: It must either look like this, or like that. So it really—and this is a truism—says nothing at all, but gives us a picture. And the problem ought now to be: does reality accord with the picture or not? And this picture seems to determine what we have to do, what to look for, and how—but it does not do so, just because we do not know how it is to be applied. Here saying “There is no third possibility” or “But there can’t be a third possibility!”—expresses our inability to turn our eyes away from this picture: a picture which looks as if it must already contain both the problem and its solution, while all the time we feel that it is not so. (PI I§352)

Fr. Stephen shares two stories from the lives of the desert fathers and offers reflections. The grace of God given to us in forgiveness and the Spirit of peace involve the healing of the soul.

On the Sunday of the Holy Fathers we hear St. Paul teaching his spiritual son, St. Titus, how to live the faith instead of being distracted by troublemakers!

Fr. Pat reflects on the story of the man born blind.

What is it? Gumroad: A service that lets you "sell anything you can share" which is to say - anything you don't need to collect shipping information for. Each purchase ends with a download link. You create "links" that send...

Aim/Purpose: The rise of modern artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, machine learning (ML), has provided new opportunities and directions for knowledge management (KM). A central question for the future of KM is whether it will be dominated by an automation strategy that replaces knowledge work or whether it will support a knowledge-enablement strategy that enhances knowledge work and uplifts knowledge workers. This paper addresses this question by re-examining and updating a critical argument against KM by the sociologist of science Steve Fuller (2002), who held that KM was extractive and exploitative from its origins. Background: This paper re-examines Fuller’s argument in light of current developments in artificial intelligence and knowledge management technologies. It reviews Fuller’s arguments in its original context wherein expert systems and knowledge engineering were influential paradigms in KM, and it then considers how the arguments put forward are given new life in light of current developments in AI and efforts to incorporate AI in the KM technical stack. The paper shows that conceptions of tacit knowledge play a key role in answering the question of whether an automating or enabling strategy will dominate. It shows that a better understanding of tacit knowledge, as reflected in more recent literature, supports an enabling vision. Methodology: The paper uses a conceptual analysis methodology grounded in epistemology and knowledge studies. It reviews a set of historically important works in the field of knowledge management and identifies and analyzes their core concepts and conceptual structure. Contribution: The paper shows that KM has had a faulty conception of tacit knowledge from its origins and that this conception lends credibility to an extractive vision supportive of replacement automation strategies. The paper then shows that recent scholarship on tacit knowledge and related forms of reasoning, in particular, abduction, provide a more theoretically robust conception of tacit knowledge that supports the centrality of human knowledge and knowledge workers against replacement automation strategies. The paper provides new insights into tacit knowledge and human reasoning vis-à-vis knowledge work. It lays the foundation for KM as a field with an independent, ethically defensible approach to technology-based business strategies that can leverage AI without becoming a merely supporting field for AI. Findings: Fuller’s argument is forceful when updated with examples from current AI technologies such as deep learning (DL) (e.g., image recognition algorithms) and large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT. Fuller’s view that KM presupposed a specific epistemology in which knowledge can be extracted into embodied (computerized) but disembedded (decontextualized) information applies to current forms of AI, such as machine learning, as much as it does to expert systems. Fuller’s concept of expertise is narrower than necessary for the context of KM but can be expanded to other forms of knowledge work. His account of the social dynamics of expertise as professionalism can be expanded as well and fits more plausibly in corporate contexts. The concept of tacit knowledge that has dominated the KM literature from its origins is overly simplistic and outdated. As such, it supports an extractive view of KM. More recent scholarship on tacit knowledge shows it is a complex and variegated concept. In particular, current work on tacit knowledge is developing a more theoretically robust and detailed conception of human knowledge that shows its centrality in organizations as a driver of innovation and higher-order thinking. These new understandings of tacit knowledge support a non-extractive, human enabling view of KM in relation to AI. Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners can use the findings of the paper to consider ways to implement KM technologies in ways that do not neglect the importance of tacit knowledge in automation projects (which neglect often leads to failure). They should also consider how to enhance and fully leverage tacit knowledge through AI technologies and augment human knowledge. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers can use these findings as a conceptual framework in research concerning the impact of AI on knowledge work. In particular, the distinction between replacement and enabling technologies, and the analysis of tacit knowledge as a structural concept, can be used to categorize and analyze AI technologies relative to KM research objectives. Impact on Society: The potential of AI on employment in the knowledge economy is a major issue in the ethics of AI literature and is widely recognized in the popular press as one of the pressing societal risks created by AI and specific types such as generative AI. This paper shows that KM, as a field of research and practice, does not need to and should not add to the risks created by automation-replacement strategies. Rather, KM has the conceptual resources to pursue a (human) knowledge enablement approach that can stand as a viable alternative to the automation-replacement vision. Future Research: The findings of the paper suggest a number of research trajectories. They include: Further study of tacit knowledge and its underlying cognitive mechanisms and structures in relation to knowledge work and KM objectives. Research into different types of knowledge work and knowledge processes and the role that tacit and explicit knowledge play. Research into the relation between KM and automation in terms of KM’s history and current technical developments. Research into how AI arguments knowledge works and how KM can provide an enabling framework.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Monday on whether a law that legislators adopted more than a decade before the Civil War bans abortion and can still be enforced.

The joint BESAFE/BIOMOT Conference "Motivations and arguments to act for biodiversity" took place on 10 & 11 June 2015 in Brussels, Les Ateliers des Tanneurs. The main objective of the conference was to present alternative ways to inspire innovative policy making to act for nature.

Based on four years of large-scale research by the two European projects, the conference aimed to define what could really work to motivate society to act for nature. The conference involved a wide audience in high-level keynotes, science-policy interface sessions, stakeholder meetings and panels. 

The joint event was also a platform for the BESAFE project Final Conference where the beta version of the BESAFE tool was presented and tested. The tool is planned as a user-friendly application where stakeholders can browse project results and background information to help them to help them to improve biodiversity argumentation.

This week Zorba and Karl discuss how melatonin gummies may have a higher dose than what’s on the label, and they examine new research showing sedentary time may significantly enlarge […]

Have you ever made a decision you regretted later?  Maybe you decided to do something that would offer a moment of pleasure, but the end result wasn’t so pleasant. For example, have you ever been thirsty, and instead of reaching for a bottle of water, you chose a soda or coffee, or even a milkshake?  Or have you ever been hungry, but instead of getting a healthy meal, you chose fast food? We all know what the better choices are. However, we sometimes accept less than the best and pay for it...

Like freshly squeezed juice, live rosin is created through a pressing process. The highest-quality harvested cannabis is frozen and ultimately pressed to extract the all-natural, live rosin oil.

ORBIT® gum, part of Mars, introduced an addition to its soft chew lineup, White Sweet Mint. Bringing a fan-favorite ORBIT flavor to a new whitening form, White Sweet Mint soft chew gum delivers a confidence boost with every refreshing bite.

The first new gum format from the brand since 1988, this latest innovation stays true to the brand's bubble-blowing core while giving consumers a fun, new, candy-like taste to enjoy.

The new gummi features a rainbow array of unicorns in six flavors: Apple, Blue Raspberry, Berry Punch, Banana, and for the first time, Cotton Candy and Tangerine. 

Opening the door to the inclusion of soluble lipids will bring gummy producers new opportunities to offer ingredients such as MCT’s; omega fatty acids; vitamins A, D, E, K; coenzyme Q-10; carotenoids, and lipid-soluble botanicals, such as terpenes and cannabinoids, in flavorful chewy formats.

Mantrose-Haeuser has expanded its range of Plant-based Certicoat® anti-sticking polishes for gummy vitamins, fruit snacks and other functional gummies. 

Sirio Pharma Co., Ltd. (Sirio), a global manufacturer of nutritional supplements, launched BloomDays^TM, a postbiotic gummy product featuring EpiCor®, Cargill’s postbiotic ingredient.

The new Probiotic+ Gummies come at a time when gut and immune health are top-of-mind.

The new EDGE™ packaging format was developed using sustainable cardboard tubes that are similar in size to the iconic "slim can" energy drinks, the pieces inside individually flow-wrapped for stability, freshness & portability, adding value to every piece.

Gums and hydrocolloids are a diverse collection of polysaccharides that create gel-like formations when in contact with moisture. They are extremely versatile, improving texture, mouthfeel, and physical appearance in foods and beverages. Gums can be used to increase viscosity levels or benefit flow. They are especially prized for increasing stability in an ingredient matrix.

The US Food and Drug Administration announced that it intends to propose that “Acacia (Gum Arabic)” also known as gum acacia, be included as part of the FDA's definition of dietary fiber. The action is being taken in response to a citizen petition from Nexira, Alland & Robert and Importers Service Corporation.

Looking at the position fibers and gums are playing in everyday foods and beverages reveals product developers paying closer attention to these key ingredients for their dual functions as both texturants and nutraceuticals. This has become especially evident where those two functions merge—in plant-based products designed to mimic meat and dairy.

Decades of research have connected increased fiber consumption to a wealth of health benefits. The range is as comprehensive as heart health, reduced cancer risk, better blood sugar management, lower cholesterol, mental well-being, cognitive health, and even better dental health and reduced risk of dementia.

Watch or listen to David Feder, Executive Editor-Technical, interview Erhan Yildiz, PhD, director of the hydrocolloid consulting group SKC, LLC. Dr. Yildiz provides an overview on trends in gums used in making today’s food and beverage products.

As consumers increasingly expect the food and beverage and supplement industries to take a leading role in addressing climate change, Nexira, a global leader in natural ingredients, is proud to announce the launch of the third phase of its Acacia Program.

Jungbunzlauer announced the groundbreaking for the first stage of this multi-year project, which is supported by $4.8 million from the Invest Ontario Fund.

Featuring probiotic strain Bacillus Subtilis DE11®, postbiotic Lactobacillus paracasei MCC1849 and the prebiotic XOS (xylooligosaccharides), this dynamic trio works in synergy to provide a multitude of benefits.

HUM Nutrition, the clean and clinically tested DTC vitamin and supplement brand expanded its women's health line with the recent launch of SOS PMS GUMMIES, a gummy with clinically tested chasteberry extract for PMS symptom relief.

For its most innovative launch to-date, SmartyPants Vitamins announced new SmartyPants Sugar Free Multi & Omegas gummy multivitamins in Kids, Women’s, and Prenatal formats. SmartyPants’ new Sugar Free Multi & Omegas don’t use sugar alcoh

In the Summer of 2023, the company brought its newest manufacturing capabilities online with considerably increased capacity and new technology including a heavy suspension skid, enabling market-leading loads of active ingredients within a gummy, and increased capacity for their unique honey gummies.

Garden of Life®, the carbon-neutral company operating in science-based formulas made from clean, traceable, non-GMO ingredients, introduced a new gummy extension to its popular Vitamin Code line, with seven products formulated to fit a variety of needs.

While the Blood Builder iron supplements were developed for people with iron deficiency, MegaFood Iron Energy Gummies offers a lower potency formula with a moderate 4mg of iron per serving to support the whole family's energy needs.

The line includes three vegetarian gummies, each uniquely formulated for specific needs: GummiBiotics Defense to help support immune health, GummiBiotics IBS Ease to alleviate IBS symptoms, and GummiBiotics Lean to aid in abdominal fat burning.

GELITA will show how its highly functional Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP®), along with the other natural, allergen-free, and clean-label ingredients in its portfolio, can hold the key to on-trend product development. CONFIXXTM next-generation gelatin for fortified gummies, specific BCP® for improved mobility, and pharmaceutical gelatins for targeted fill release will be just three of the innovative solutions on show.

Just in time to provide real immune support throughout the winter, these gourmet elderberry gummies are made from fresh, sustainable, wild picked California elderberries. 

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Monday on whether a law that legislators adopted more than a decade before the Civil War bans abortion and can still be enforced.

By reducing the amount of sugar and fat while adding fiber, acacia gum can help improve the nutritional value of biscuits and other food products.

Pizzey Ingredients says its BlendPūr Flax provides bakers with a way to lower ingredient costs, while adding nutrition to products and cleaning up product labels.

As a natural gum coming from wild trees, Karaya gum is a natural and vegetal ingredient that can be used for many food and pharmaceutical applications.

Specialty starches producer Penford Corp., Centennial, Colo., announces it will acquire Tucson, Ariz.-based Gum Technology Corp., a provider of hydrocolloid stabilizing systems.

Penford Corp. completed the acquisition of Gum Technology on March 25. The resulting expanded product line will offer customers more innovative new products and a broad range of applications from which to choose.

Solely has introduced two products this September at Target, Sprouts, and Thrive Market.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it intends to propose that “Acacia (Gum Arabic),” also known as gum acacia, be included as part of the FDA's definition of dietary fiber.

With this acquisition, it is expected that Brenntag’s product portfolio in Life Sciences, especially in Nutrition, will be complemented and expanded.