RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Food systems are associated with severe and persistent problems worldwide. Governance approaches aiming to foster sustainable transformation of food systems face several challenges due to the complex nature of food systems. SCOPE AND APPROACH: In this commentary we argue that addressing these governance challenges requires the development and adoption of novel research and innovation (R&I) approaches that will provide evidence to inform food system transformation and will serve as catalysts for change. We first elaborate on the complexity of food systems (transformation) and stress the need to move beyond traditional linear R&I approaches to be able to respond to persistent problems that affect food systems. Though integrated transdisciplinary approaches are promising, current R&I systems do not sufficiently support such endeavors. As such, we argue, we need strategies that trigger a double transformation - of food systems and of their R&I systems. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Seizing the opportunities to transform R&I systems has implications for how research is done - pointing to the need for competence development among researchers, policy makers and society in general - and requires specific governance interventions that stimulate a systemic approach. Such interventions should foster transdisciplinary and transformative research agendas that stimulate portfolios of projects that will reinforce one another, and stimulate innovative experiments to shape conditions for systemic change. In short, a thorough rethinking of the role of R&I as well as how it is funded is a crucial step towards the development of the integrative policies that are necessary to engender systemic change - in the food system and beyond.
RESUMEN
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality and almost one-third of the world is infected with this disease. In Turkey, it remains an important public health concern. In many of the studies, social aspects of TB are underestimated. In this study, self-evaluations of TB inpatients between the ages of 18 and 65 were assessed between July 29 and August 01, 2002 at Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital, which is one of the major reference hospitals for TB in Turkey. This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study in which the participation rate was 88.2%. Mean age of the total 97 participants was 41.3 (SD = 13.6) and 80.4% of patients were male. Patients expressed "unhappiness and stress (23.7%)" to be the major cause of their illness. From the patients' point of view, the three major difficulties incorporated in their lives due to TB were "financial problems (27.9%)", "loneliness (9.3%)", and "hospitalization (9.3%)". Relationships between the patients and their social environments were also assessed in five categories: "closest friend at work, closest friend in life, parents, children, and spouse".
