Alleviate Food Insecurity Research Articles

Impact of Free Nutritious Lunch Program on Student Well-Being and Learning Achievement in Indonesia: Implementation by 2025

This study evaluates the impact of Indonesia’s 2025 Free Nutritious Lunch Program on student well-being and learning outcomes using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through a stratified random sample of urban and rural schools, focusing on changes in student health metrics, attendance rates, and academic performance. Qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and interviews with administrators, teachers, and students to contextualize the program's implementation and outcomes. Statistical analyses, including paired sample t-tests and regression analysis, revealed significant improvements in student health, with higher BMI z-scores in both urban (t(99) = 4.56, p<0.001 t(99) = 4.56, p < 0.001 t(99) = 4.56, p<0.001) and rural (t(99) = 3.82, p<0.001 t(99) = 3.82, p < 0.001 t(99) = 3.82, p<0.001) schools. Attendance rates increased significantly, with urban schools achieving a mean of 94.5% compared to 92.7% in rural areas. Academic performance, measured through GPA, also improved significantly (t(99) = 5.01, p<0.001 t(99) = 5.01, p < 0.001t(99) = 5.01, p<0.001), with urban students demonstrating slightly higher gains. Qualitative findings underscored the program’s role in alleviating food insecurity and enhancing student focus, though logistical challenges in rural implementation were noted. These results demonstrate the program’s potential to address educational inequities and improve student outcomes. Policy recommendations include enhancing rural infrastructure, fostering community engagement, and establishing sustainable funding models. This study highlights the strategic importance of school-based nutrition initiatives in advancing health and education equity.

Dietary practice and associated factors among lactating mothers in Dangila District in the Awi Zone Amhara region Ethiopia, 2022: a cross-sectional study.

Lactation is the critical time for meeting the nutritional demands of mothers and infants. Mothers from low-income countries, including Ethiopia, are considered nutritionally vulnerable. Good dietary practices for mothers during lactation are therefore important for the good health of their children. The main objective of this study was to assess dietary practice and associated factors of lactating mothers in Dangila Zuria District, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 609 lactating women from March 1st to May 1st 2022. The study participants were selected using a straightforward simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected by using structured questionnaires. The data was entered in Epi-data and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were used to see the relevant associations. The variable significantly associated with dietary practice was identified based on a P-value ≤ 0.05. This study revealed that only one-third 204 lactating mothers, demonstrated good dietary practices. Notably, several factors were significantly associated with poor dietary practices: mothers with a family size greater than four had 3.01 times higher odds of inadequate dietary habits (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.56, 9.28), while those with birth intervals of <2 years faced 2.31 times greater odds (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.56). Additionally, daily laborers exhibited a striking 9.35 times higher likelihood of poor dietary practices (AOR = 9.35; 95% CI: 8.02, 19.96), and food-insecure mothers had 4.93 times higher odds of inadequate nutrition (AOR = 4.93; 95% CI: 3.40, 7.16). In conclusion, the dietary practices of lactating mothers were found to be suboptimal, falling below WHO and FAO recommendations. Factors such as family size, birth intervals, maternal occupation (especially daily laborers), and food insecurity were identified as significant contributors. Addressing these issues is crucial. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), Regional Health Bureaus (RHB), and health professionals, must work together to alleviate food insecurity, promote optimal family planning, and educate mothers on proper nutrition. Addressing these challenges is essential to achieving global objectives such as reducing malnutrition, improving maternal health, and ensuring healthy child development.

Improving okra performance through pollinator attractors

ABSTRACT The vicinity of natural areas can enhance availability of pollinators and crop productivity. Considering the global reduction of pollinators and the global food insecurity, innovative strategies to enhance pollination and crop yield are important. Thus, we investigated the efficacy of using colored attractors of pollinators to improve okra yield. The use of pollinator attractors led to a significant increase in the length, volume, and weight of okra in comparison to plants without attractors, and notably larger when compared to plants without pollinator access. Although uncertainties remain regarding scalability and optimal implementation, our results emphasized the opportunity of the colored attractors, a low-cost intervention, to boost food productivity and alleviate food insecurity.

PESTEL Analysis of Smallholder Wool Producers for Improved Efficiency and Rural Livelihoods: A Case Study of The South African Wool Value Chain

Wool production has great potential to alleviate food insecurity and poverty in South Africa, but declining national output poses significant challenges. The lack of comprehensive studies on macro-environmental factors and efficiency in smallholder wool farming hinders effective policymaking and resource allocation to improve sustainability. This study conducted a PESTEL analysis and introduced a model to improve the efficiency of smallholder wool farming and rural livelihoods through the evaluation of the industrial macro environment. The PESTEL analysis assisted farmers in identifying future macroeconomic variables to ensure the proper development and sustainability of their wool farming. The analysis uncovered a negative correlation between the efficiency of wool farming and the lack of access to information, markets and credit, feed costs, inadequate extension services, and farmers’ lack of knowledge. Consequently, this study advocated for the training of smallholder wool farmers to improve their wool quality, extension services, and access to information, markets, and credit. This research further proposed minimum operational and transaction costs to enhance the overall efficiency of smallholder wool production in Thaba ‘Nchu and Botshabelo.

Green Agricultural Technology and Food Security: Implications for Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between green agricultural technology adoption and food security in Nigeria, addressing a critical gap in understanding how sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to alleviating food insecurity in developing countries. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 132 farmers across different agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. The study employed exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling to examine the factors influencing green technology adoption and their impact on food security. The results reveal a strong positive relationship between green agricultural technology adoption and food security levels (β = 0.29, p &lt; 0.001). Adoption factors were found to have a significant positive effect on food security (β = 0.668, p = 0.012), underscoring the importance of addressing barriers to technology adoption. Interestingly, environmental factors showed a small negative effect on food security (β = -0.126, p = 0.039), suggesting potential short-term trade-offs between environmental sustainability and immediate food security needs. Four distinct factors influencing green agricultural technology adoption were identified: technology-specific aspects, environmental considerations, policy or institutional factors, and social or cultural aspects. These findings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex dynamics of sustainable agriculture adoption in Nigeria. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable agriculture in developing countries and offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners. It highlights the potential of green agricultural technologies to enhance food security while also emphasizing the need for balanced approaches that consider both short-term food production needs and long-term environmental sustainability.

Association Between Food Insecurity, Body Composition, Anemia and Cognitive Performance Among Students of a Ghanaian University

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study investigated the Food insecurity (FI) levels and their association with body composition, anemic status and cognitive performance among 150 students of KNUST in Ghana. About 42.4%, 28.5% and 12.5% of the participants were severely, moderately and mildly food insecure respectively. About 16.7% and 8.3% of them were mildly and moderately anemic respectively, whilst 14.6%, 16.0% and 5.6% were underweight, overweight and obese respectively. Significant predictors of food insecurity were communal eating (OR = 0.351, p = .054), level of education (p < .001), and religion (p = .038). Intervention strategies to alleviate food insecurity among students should be explored.

The role of sustainable land management practices in alleviating household food insecurity in Nigeria

Climate change is a major challenge impacting food security globally. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries including Nigeria has experienced the negative effect of climate vagaries most especially on agricultural production, thus, leading to food insecurity. However, sustainable land management (SLM) practices have a huge potential to minimize the impacts on food security in a rapidly changing climate. This study estimates the determinants of the adoption of SLM practices and the impact of adoption on household food security among smallholder rice farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents. A Poisson endogenous treatment (PET) model was employed to analyse the determinants of level of adoption of SLM and impact of SLM adoption on household food security level of smallholder rice farmers in the study area. To account for counterfactuals, a doubly-robust augmented-probability-weighted regression adjustment (APWRA) was also used. In the same vein, the study employed the marginal treatment effects (MTE) approach to estimate the treatment effects heterogeneity. The results showed that socio-economic factors greatly influenced the adoption of SLM practices, such as age and educational level of farmers. The effect of SLM adoption on food security of smallholder farmers was found to be improved when they used SLM package consisting of variety of practices, hence, SLM practices have the potential to alleviate food insecurity among rice farmers if well combined and used to a large extent. The study concluded that knowledge in form of formal education, some form of vocational training, and trainings to access weather information were key to influencing SLM adoption among smallholder farmers in the study area. The treatment effects on untreated (ATU) are lower than that of ATE and ATT, confirming the positive selection on unobserved gains. In particular, the ATU results show that for an average non-adopting household, adoption of SLM practices would significantly improve dietary diversity by about 27%. Farm-level policy efforts that aims to equip farmers through education, trainings and disseminating information on climate change would be a huge step towards the promotion of SLM practice which eventually leads to increased food security. The study recommended that continuous adoption and extensive use can be fostered by encouraging farmers to join a social organisation where related and relevant information on sustainable land management practices is shared through trained agricultural extension officers.

The implementation and evaluation of a recipe box scheme to help ease the cost-of-living crisis in university students

The recent ONS survey reported that 92% of students had been affected by the cost-of-living crisis with 46% revealing their overall mental health and well-being had worsened(1). London Metropolitan University has a unique diverse student population: in 2020-21, 82% of students were mature, 64% of students identified as female, 55% of students were from a minoritised background and 13% had a known disability(2). Furthermore, at least 50% of our students, many of whom have caring responsibilities, reside in the most deprived wards of Islington or other impoverished London boroughs. It has been documented that those students with families, who come from a low income and a minority background are more vulnerable(3) and are more likely to be disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis and at risk of food insecurity. We sought to ease the burden of the cost-of-living crisis with a recipe box scheme, BRITE Box (4) and evaluate its acceptance.BRITE Box provides a complete set of pre-weighed ingredients for a healthy nutritious meal with an easy-to-follow recipe guide. Each box typically contains two servings of vegetables, meat, bread and dairy, as well as spices, dried and tinned goods to feed a family of five people. We distributed 300 boxes over a period of five months to students primarily with families who had accessed the university hardship fund. Student volunteers and the academic staff pre-weighed the ingredients, prepared and distributed the boxes. The scheme was advertised through Student Services who administer the hardship fund, the Student Union and the intranet. The recipients of the boxes were provided with a QR code linking to a 20-item online survey on demographic characteristics, number of children, acceptability of the box and perceived advantages and disadvantages of the scheme. Ethics was approved by London Metropolitan University.Thirty-three participants completed the survey, 42% of the recipients identified as female, 55% were from a minority background and 30% had children. The responses showed that students agreed and strongly agreed that the recipe box introduced them to new flavours (52%), and new foods (42%). The majority followed the recipe and will use again (67%). Most importantly, 73% students agreed and or strongly agreed that it helped with the food budget and helped foster a sense of belonging to the university (85%).The scheme has proved to be popular among the students: “a really cool concept”, “it helped me cook”, “the box provided food for 3 days” and created a buzz around campus on distribution days. It has enhanced the feeling of community and belonging within the university, whilst also alleviating food insecurity and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.

Magnitude and predictors of obstetric complications during delivery among postpartum women in Ethiopia: evidence from PMA Ethiopia longitudinal survey

IntroductionThe majority of pregnancy-related complications were preventable. However, the magnitude of complications during pregnancy and childbirth was high in sub-Saharan Africa. There was limited evidence on the magnitude of obstetric complications during childbirth and its predictors among postpartum women in Ethiopia.Methods and materialsThe research used secondary data sources based on performance monitoring for action in Ethiopia’s second cohort longitudinal survey. It was a national survey that was conducted in three large, predominantly agrarian regions (Oromia, Amhara, and SNNP) and one urban region (Addis Ababa) of Ethiopia between 2021 and 2023. It was conducted to track pregnant women’s use of essential maternal and newborn health services. It involved the enrollment of pregnant women and tracking them at six weeks, six months, and one year after giving birth. The data collected at the beginning of the survey and six weeks after childbirth were used for the analysis. Sample weights were applied to account for differences in sample allocation and response rates across regions and urban/rural areas. Multi-collinearity and intra-cluster correlation were assessed before fitting the multilevel models to ensure the accuracy of the estimates. A multi-level logistic regression model was used to assess the magnitude and predictors for the occurrence of obstetric complications during delivery. The model fit was evaluated using Akaike’s Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion. Adjusted odds ratio with its 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of association for this study.ResultsThe magnitude of obstetric complications during delivery was found to be 33.86% with 95% CI (31.56, 36.24. Among the obstetric complications that occurred during delivery, about 15.73%with 95% CI(14.02, 17.61) of women experienced bleeding, 4.14% with 95% CI (3.30, 5.17) had their membrane rupture but labor did not start within 24 h, 2.29% with 95% CI(1.67, 3.13) had their membrane rupture before 9 months, 3.95% with 95% CI(3.16, 4.93) had faced malpresentation or malposition of the baby, 12.70% with 95% CI (11.18, 14.39) had prolonged labor lasting more than 12 h, and 12.40% with 95% CI (10.83,14.17) had convulsions. The odds of occurrence of obstetric complication during delivery among women from severely food insecure households were 1.88 times [AOR = 1.88; 95% CI (1.22, 2.90)] more likely to occur than women from food secure households. Moreover, the odds of occurrence for obstetric complications during delivery among women who had complications during their pregnancy were 2.39 times [AOR = 2.39; 95% CI (1.81, 3.16)] more likely to occur as compared to those women who had no complication during their pregnancy. On the other hand, women’s who had 1–4 live births given before this delivery were 0.61 times [AOR = 0.61; 95% (0.43, 0.88)] less likely to develop complications as compared to those women’s who had no prior live birth.Conclusion and recommendationDelivery-related obstetric complications during delivery in Ethiopia were high. Approximately one-third of postpartum women in Ethiopia experienced obstetric complications during delivery. Based on this study, women’s from severely food insecure households, those women’s who had no prior live birth, and women’s who had complications during their pregnancy were more likely to develop delivery-related obstetric complications. Thus, policy makers and program implementers who were working on maternal and newborn health should give special attention for women’s from severely food insecure households, women’s who had no prior live births, and those women’s who encountered obstetric complications during their pregnancy to decrease the occurrence of obstetric complications during delivery. In Ethiopia, various governmental organizations, such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, are dedicated to addressing food insecurity and improving nutritional access. The country has launched several effective nutritional programs, including the Productive Safety Net Program, the Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program, and the National Nutrition Program, aimed at alleviating food insecurity and enhancing nutrition. Ongoing efforts are crucial to tackle the food insecurity experienced by women, which can help to reduce obstetric related complications of women’s during delivery. It is crucial for everyone involved in maternal and newborn health to prioritize addressing the factors that lead to obstetric complications during delivery in women in order to reach the goal of ending all preventable maternal and newborn deaths by 2030.

Insect Production: A Circular Economy Strategy in Iceland

In this review, the multifaceted issue of food security is addressed, emphasizing the need for innovative and culturally appropriate solutions. Exploring insect livestock farming emerges as a potential remedy, offering a pathway to alleviate food insecurity and promote food sovereignty, particularly when integrated with social acceptability. Stakeholder engagement on both production and consumption fronts, coupled with sustained support, is vital for successful implementation. The expanding landscape of commercial insect farming in the West prompts questions about its broader scalability and equitable deployment, especially for vulnerable populations. Existing research gaps underscore the need for a coordinated effort across international, national, and legal frameworks to effectively integrate insect farming into existing agricultural systems. In this review, we have delved into the industrial-scale production processes of mealworms and black soldier flies (BSFs), known for their high protein content and organic waste conversion, covering small and industrial cultivation methods, offering insights into mealworm production life cycles, innovative rearing systems, and harvesting techniques. This review concludes with climate-specific recommendations for insect facilities, stressing the importance of sustainable practices, continuous research and development, effective market strategies and economic feasibilities in Iceland. In the context of escalating demand for sustainable protein sources, industrial-scale insect production emerges as a pivotal player in addressing global food security challenges.

Water insecurity may exacerbate food insecurity even in water-rich environments: Evidence from the Bolivian Amazon

Globally, challenges with water and food are two of the most pressing problems people face. Yet hydrologically water-rich environments and rural environments are often overlooked in these discussions due to abundance of natural water resources. Here we test the relationship between water and food insecurity among 270 Tsimane' households in the Bolivian Amazon. Water challenges were evaluated with the Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale (HWISE), water quality perception, objective water quality analyses, and water access via the JMP drinking water ladder. Food insecurity was measured with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and quantitative measures of food frequency recall were used to further test the water and food insecurity relationship. Using multilevel mixed-effects linear regression, each point increase in HWISE score was associated with 0.47 point (95 % CI: 0.30, 0.62, p < 0.001) higher food insecurity, and households with access to improved water sources had between 1.25 and 1.36 points (95 % CI: −2.61, −0.01, p < 0.05) lower food insecurity compared to households reliant on surface water. These relationships held true independent of quantitative measures of both fish and meat consumption. Using mixed-effects logistic regression analyses, each point increase in HWISE score was associated with 43 % (95 % CI: 1.25–1.66, p < 0.001) increased odds of experiencing severe food insecurity. Households changing what was eaten due to experienced water problems was associated with 2.33 points (95 % CI: 0.41, 4.25, p < 0.05) higher food insecurity. This relationship held true independent of perceived water quality, indicating other structural water problems may be important here in the household water and food insecurity relationship. These results demonstrate that even in water-rich environments, like the Amazon, water and food insecurity are interconnected. Further, despite the challenging conditions, equitable structural interventions, like the development of improved water infrastructure, are critical for the provision of clean drinking water and may simultaneously help alleviate food insecurity.

Developing an Acceptable Nixtamalised Maize Product for South African Consumers: Sensory, Survey and Nutrient Analysis.

South Africa produces high-quality maize, yet food insecurity and malnutrition are prevalent. Maize is a staple for most South Africans and is often eaten as pap, gruel cooked from maize meal (corn flour) and water without diet diversification. Considering the reliance on maize in low-income communities, could nixtamalised maize products be developed that are nutritious, homemade and consumer-acceptable? Nixtamalisation could offer a solution. However, its acceptability and nutritional benefits remain in question. We aimed to develop a product using consumer-led methods. Consumer panels evaluated and selected products using overall acceptability (9-point hedonic scale), Just-About-Right (JAR) and penalty analysis. Consumer-acceptable nixtamalised chutney-flavoured maize chips were moderately liked (7.35) and reached acceptable JAR scores (74.2%). The nixtamalised products were liked and liked very much (56%), 61% of panel members agreed and strongly agreed to purchase and prepare, and 50% to consume nixtamalised products. Nutrient analysis of the chutney chips showed high energy (2302 kJ/100 g) and total fats (23.72), of which saturated fats were 11.47%. Total fibre (17.19 g/100 g), protein (6.64 g/100 g), calcium (163.3) and magnesium (53.67 g/100 g) were promising, while high phosphorous (566.00 mg/100 g) may indicate anti-nutrients present. Nixtamalisation can alleviate food insecurity and malnutrition in countries such as South Africa.

Exploring childhood malnutrition and household food security in Gauteng and Limpopo: Implications for social development processes

This paper provides insight into the relationship between child malnutrition and food security in two South African communities facing economic hardships. The research focused on Thulani, a township in Gauteng province, and Ga Masemola, a rural village in Limpopo province. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with mothers of children under five years. A key theme distilled from the data was the negative effects of unemployment, limited access to nutritious foods and coping strategies to alleviate food insecurity. The paper emphasises that suspending health and nutrition programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequalities and reversed progress in achieving SDGs 1-3. The paper emphasises the importance of social development processes in addressing childhood malnutrition's root causes. This includes providing services, working collaboratively with communities and development agencies to promote sustainable food systems and nutrition awareness, and connecting families with needed psychosocial support and financial assistance.

Exploring Food Insecurity and Perceived Stress on Daytime Sleepiness among Older Adults in New York City.

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. is experiencing increased food insecurity and stress, which are associated with nocturnal sleep quality and consequently excessive daytime sleepiness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and perceived stress on daytime sleepiness in older adults aged 60 and older living in New York City. This cross-sectional, quantitative study utilized the US Household Food Security Survey Module six-item questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Sleepiness Total to collect data. Participants completed an online survey via Qualtrics. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the association between demographic variables and food insecurity, perceived stress, and daytime sleepiness outcomes. Three hundred seventy-eight (378) older adults participated in this study. Food insecurity was associated with age (p = 0.045), education (p = 0.022), and daytime sleepiness (p < 0.001). On average, participants with a BMI of over 30 had an increased daytime sleepiness total relative to a BMI < 25 (p = 0.029), and those with two to three health conditions and those with more than four health conditions had higher daytime sleepiness totals relative to those with zero to one condition (p = 0.007 and 0.007, respectively). Participants who had moderate and high stress, regardless of food security status, had higher daytime sleepiness totals than those with low stress (food secure; p = 0.002; food insecure; p < 0.001). Multifaceted interventions are needed to alleviate food insecurity, manage stress, and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness among older adults.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing of OsCS511 enhances cold tolerance in Oryza sativa L.

The frequency of climate change is increasing globally, which makes predictions challenging. Cold spells during the rice seedling stage can significantly reduce yield, prompting a constant need for cold-tolerant cultivars, which is a major breeding goal. However, the traditional crossbreeding of rice cultivars requires substantial time and effort. Recently, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 to reduce defects in elite cultivars has become a more cost-effective and time-efficient method for breeding cultivars than cross-breeding methods and can alleviate food insecurity. In the present study, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing was performed for OsCS511 a gene involved in cold susceptibility, identified using quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in Ilmi (Oryza sativa L. spp. Japonica cv. Ilmi). In Ilmi, CRISPR/Cas9 tool-edited OsCS511 homozygous lines were used in T0 and advanced generations in the field. CRISPR/Cas9 induced variations in the DNA sequence and plants with insertions or deletions compared to OsCS511 of Ilmi were selected as genome-edited lines. Agricultural traits, reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity, and stress-tolerance-related gene expression levels were evaluated under normal and cold stress conditions. Under normal conditions, all traits evaluated in the Ilmi and OsCS511 genome-edited lines exhibited similar results; however, when subjected to cold stress, the cold tolerance of OsCS511 genome-edited lines improved or reached the same level as that of Ilmi. OsCS511 genome-edited lines recovered and survived. From a breeding perspective, we suggest that CRISPR/Cas9 technology can precisely reduce defects in existing superior rice cultivars with high efficiency and speed.

Psychosocial factors play a central role in determining SNAP utilization for farm workforce.

Federal food safety net programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), may not reach vulnerable populations like rural residents, immigrants, and Latinx individuals. Because these groups are overrepresented among the farm workforce, exploring SNAP utilization among farm communities may clarify the role it plays in alleviating food insecurity. In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 farmworkers and farm owners. Patterns and predictors of SNAP utilization were organized using an adapted Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Service Utilization. Psychosocial factors played the central role in participants' use of SNAP. Discussion: Opportunities to improve the design and delivery of SNAP include expanded eligibility cut-offs and targeted engagement mechanisms.

Environmental and Human Risk Assessment from Pesticides During Irrigation Practices: A Case of Haik, Amhara, Ethiopia

Agriculture is the backbone of the Ethiopian economy. Therefore, to increase productivity and to alleviate food insecurity, pesticides were used for in large-scale and small-scale irrigation farming system. On the other hand, pesticides have high risk on the environment and human beings, to estimate this type of pesticide risks the PRIMET model were used. The four main steps were used in this study. The first step was to collect data from secondary sources and the literature. The second step was focused on consulting partners and local communities. The third step of the study mainly focused on identifying analytical and data collection tools. Lastly, risk identification and quantification were developed. The application dose of 2,4-D and Malathion were higher than other pesticides, and its value were 1750 and 1400 g/ha. The predicted environmental concentration values of Lambdacyhalothrin, Malathion, 2,4-D, Propiconazole, and Profenofos pesticides for Fish, Daphnia, and Algae were 0.15,0.25,0.53,0.89 and 0.12 respectively. Propiconazole pesticides were 5000 g/ha and 68.6 mg/kg, which were higher than other pesticides in the terrestrial and Bee risk assessment type. The lambda-cyhalothrin was the higher risk, and ETR values pesticide for Fish, Daphnia, Algae, and Bees, and its ETR values were 70, 64, 6.99, and 5.50. The Profenofos pesticide ETR values were 59.63 and 49.12, which means high risk for terrestrial and Bee risk assessment. The ESTI% value of Lambdacyhalothrin, Malathion, 2,4-D, Propiconazole, and Profenofos pesticides were 0.29, 0.01, 0.11, 0.03, and 0.00. The higher the PEC value, the higher ETR, and ESTI%, which means the pesticide was a higher potential risk to the environment and human beings. The lambda-cyhalothrin and Malathion pesticides were at high possible risk in Lake Haik organisms (Fish, Daphnia, Algae) and Bee around the Lake. The Lambda-cyhalothrin pesticide was a higher potential risk pesticide for humans.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities Within Social Determinants of Health Amongst Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Introduction This study aims to identify the influence of social determinants of health (SDoH) on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), emphasizing racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare. Methods A cross-sectional study used the National Institute of Health's (NIH) All of Us Research Program (AoU). From 727,000 patients, SLE patients were categorized by race, ethnicity, and responses to the Social Determinants of Health survey from May 2018 until March 2023. Survey questions addressed transportation access, neighborhood safety, provider biases, and food insecurity. JMP Pro 16.0 and R 4.2.2 were used for statistical analysis. Results Significant racial disparities were evident amongst SLE patients for transportation access, neighborhood safety, food security, and respect from healthcare providers (p-value < 0.001). African Americans, Asians, and White participants showed different perceptions regarding neighborhood crime, healthcare provider courtesy, and feeling unheard by providers, with respective p-values of 0.001, 0.010, and 0.023. Hispanic participants perceived higher neighborhood crime rates, felt unsafe during nighttime walks, felt unheard by healthcare providers, and reported worrying about food security compared to non-Hispanic participants, with respective p-values of 0.003, 0.003, 0.009, and <0.001. Discussion SLE is affected by access to care, treatments, stress, and lifestyle habits. Therefore, identifying SDoH for SLE patients is critical as it impacts disease progression, leading to delays in diagnosis, improper management, and worsening morbidity. Conclusion Targeted social and community-based interventions may improve access to care, identify implicit biases among providers, and alleviate food insecurity.

Dynamic Jobs of Ladies in the Development of Consumable and Restorative Mushrooms of Focal India as a Pay Age Movement

The world's population is growing, leading to increased concerns about hunger, malnutrition, and declining nutritional value in commonly consumed foods. As a result, there is a growing need for alternative sources of protein, particularly in developing countries where the production of pulses has not kept pace with population growth. Edible mushrooms, recommended by the FAO for their nutritional value, are gaining attention as a viable solution. Mushrooms are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fibers, and essential salts, making them an ideal supplement to cereal-based diets. However, fresh mushrooms have a short shelf life, making their commercialization challenging. To address this issue, various preservation methods, such as canning and drying, along with value addition techniques, are employed. Additionally, surplus mushrooms can be processed into novel value-added products to reduce losses and enhance income for growers. Mushrooms are not only valued for their nutritional content but also for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. They contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, dietary fibers, triterpenoids, and vitamins, which contribute to their antioxidant, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties. Moreover, mushroom cultivation has the potential to alleviate food insecurity and create economic opportunities, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. This study evaluates the suitability of waste paper supplemented with cornstalk and wheat bran as substrates for oyster mushroom cultivation in Axum, Ethiopia. The economic importance of mushrooms lies in their rich nutrient profile, including high levels of vitamins, minerals, and protein, making them beneficial for human health. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, are known for their ability to grow in a wide range of temperatures and utilize various organic substrates. Overall, mushrooms offer a cost-effective means of supplementing nutrition and promoting health, making them an important food source with significant economic potential.

The worry of the next meal: Food insecurity experiences of street-connected children in Ethiopia

Food insecurity is a growing global concern, with millions of people suffering from hunger and malnutrition every day. Street-connected children are disproportionately vulnerable to food insecurity due to their living conditions and social status. However, little is known about their food insecurity experience, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study, therefore, aims to address this gap by examining the food insecurity experiences of street-connected children in Jimma, Ethiopia. This qualitative study was conducted from July to September 2021, and involved children living on the streets in various parts of Jimma city. In this study, we utilized interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations to investigate food acquisition strategies, hunger experiences, coping mechanisms, and challenges in food access among these children. Our findings indicate that street-connected children struggle to secure adequate, safe, and stable food, encountering pervasive hunger. Their limited resources and income exacerbate their dietary challenges. Their lack of food access not only represents a major challenge in their day-to-day lives but is also central to the various vulnerabilities and adversities they face. Moreover, their persistent hunger complicates their ability to improve their living conditions and exit from the street life. In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for focused attention on alleviating food insecurity among street-connected children, particularly in low-income countries.