Consumption Of Different Types Research Articles

Study on Ecological Water Demand Pressure of Forest and Grass Vegetation Construction in Northwest Loess Plateau Based on Fitting Verification

In this paper, the minimum ecological water requirement of forest and grass vegetation in different types and regions and small basins in Pingliang City was analyzed and evaluated by using the quota of water consumption for ecological construction. The actual evapotranspiration water consumption of different types of vegetation was used as the quota to calculate the appropriate ecological water demand of vegetation, and the actual evapotranspiration water consumption of vegetation was used as the quota to calculate the appropriate ecological water consumption of vegetation in this region. At the same time, in order to make the calculation result more accurate, the water consumption per unit area after the actual evapotranspiration of different regions and different types of vegetation is used as the calculation quota. In addition, according to the principles of similar vegetation types, similar site conditions and similar climate environment, the research results of He Wentao et al., Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, on the ecological water requirement of forest in the whole Jinghe River basin (He Wentao et al. Determination and calculation of ecological water requirement of forest vegetation, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, 2004, 18(6)) were selected and compared with this study. This study verifies the reliability of the calculation results of evapotranspiration water consumption of vegetation in this area. It should be noted that He Wentao et al. also evaluated the ecological water requirement of vegetation in the whole Jinghe River basin by calculating the evapotranspiration water consumption of vegetation, and analyzed the vegetation ecological water requirement deficit in 2020 by comparing the calculated minimum ecological water requirement of vegetation in the region, so as to reflect the ecological water demand pressure faced by vegetation construction in the region. It provides a basic basis for coordinating the relationship between vegetation construction and water resources in this region.

EXPRESS: Mixing User- and Publisher-Generated Content: Quantifying UGC Spillover Effect in a Hybrid Content Environment

Publishers are increasingly turning to user-generated content (UGC) to supplement the content they produce. However, what is the relationship between the consumption of UGC and publisher-generated content (PGC)? Consumption of different types of UGC may have different effects, one creating a positive synergy with PGC consumption that nets more ad revenue, while another stymies PGC consumption and has adverse financial consequences. In this research, we empirically investigate content consumption in a hybrid content environment when publishers’ main revenue resource relies on traffic on PGC pages. Using data from a major online portal, we examine the spillover effect generated by different types of UGC, including how soon users are likely to return to the website and the type of content they are likely to consume. Although higher forum consumption promotes revisits and increased PGC consumption, blog and album consumption do not contribute positively to revisits and PGC consumption. We illustrate via simulations that one type of UGC may increase PGC consumption by 18% more than other types and that ignoring the UGC spillover effect can significantly affect the publisher’s monetization strategy. We quantify these spillover effects by UGC type and compare strategies for optimizing the mix of PGC and different types of UGC for monetization.

Evaluation of the consumption of agricultural and urban waste by the diplopod Trigoniulus corallinus as a strategy for formulating new combinations for the millicomposting process.

This study aimed to measure the consumption of different types of plant waste by the diplopod species Trigoniulus corallinus, in order to determine which would be the most suitable for the millicomposting process. To this end, a waste consumption experiment was carried out in the laboratory, using a completely randomized experimental design with 15 replicates and 13 organic residues from different sources. After 10days, the following parameters were evaluated: dry mass of the waste used to feed the diplopods, dry mass of the fecal pellets, and diplopod mortality. Significant differences were observed in the consumption rates of the diplopods in the different treatments, with the highest rates being observed for Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, with 44.49%, followed by Gliricidia sepium chips, with 38.24%. The highest values for pellet mass were obtained from the decomposition of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia litter (0.891g). The treatment with Syngonium auritum shavings showed 93% mortality after consumption, followed by the treatment with Heliconia psittacorum shavings, which showed 53%. Both species are ornamental and widely found in gardens and backyards. The diplopods have a preference for Mimosa caesalpiniifolia litter and Gliricidia sepium shavings. There is limited consumption of ornamental plant waste, with reports of toxicity to other organisms. Based on these results, a mixture of waste will be tested for millicomposting in urban farming areas that excludes toxic plants.

Annual consumption and types of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers: Ammonia emission indicators for mitigation strategies in the European Union

Anthropogenic ammonia (NH3) emissions are primarily derived from agricultural activities. NH3 emissions from synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers are associated with the annual consumption of various N fertilizers. In this study, the annual consumption of different types of synthetic N fertilizers in the EU countries, derived from the database of the International Fertilizer Association, was analyzed, and the implementation of mitigation measures for NH3 emissions at the national level was assessed. NH3 emissions were estimated using the emission factors of different N fertilizers in cool, temperate, and hot climates and low- and high-pH soils, as the European Environment Agency proposed. The results revealed that the annual consumption of various synthetic N fertilizers (average values from 2016 to 2020) varied markedly in different EU countries. France, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom had the largest annual consumption of synthetic N fertilizers. NH3 emissions from urea-based fertilizers are the highest in most EU countries. The type of synthetic N fertilizer consumed contributed to the annual NH3 emissions. For example, although the annual synthetic N fertilizer consumption in Germany was 38% and 41.5% higher than those in Spain and Italy, the annual NH3 emissions in Germany were 63% and 20% lower than those in Spain and Italy, respectively, due to the high proportion of urea-based fertilizers with the highest emission factor among the synthetic N fertilizers in Spain and Italy. Thus, mitigation strategies should be tailored to specific types of N fertilizers with high emission factors and proportions to minimize NH3 emissions. Since the NH3 emissions from urea-based fertilizers are the highest in the EU countries, especially in the top five countries, we recommend the addition of urease inhibitors to urea fertilizers as one strategy for mitigating NH3 emissions.

The association between consumption of red and processed meats with metabolic syndrome and its components in obese and overweight women: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesPrevious studies have shown a relation between the consumption of different types of meats and chronic disorders. This study aims to investigate the association between red and processed meat intake with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in healthy obese and overweight women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian women. The dietary assessment and body composition were measured by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and bioelectrical impedance analysis, respectively. Blood samples were collected by standard protocols.ResultsA total of 231 women (mean age 36.47 ± 8.44 years) were included in the current study. After controlling for potential confounders, there was a marginally significant associations between higher intake of processed meat with the MetS (OR:1.01, 95% CI: 0.94,2.94, P:0.06) and high serum triglycerides (TG) (OR:1.27, 95% CI: 0.94,2.98, P:0.07). There was a significant associations between high intake of red meats with lower odds of higher waist circumference (WC) (OR:0.31, 95% CI: 0.10,0.97, P:0.04). Also, there was a significant associations were found between high intake of processed meats with greater odds of having lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (OR:0.64, 95% CI: 0.30,0.95, P:0.03).ConclusionsThe current study suggests that higher intakes of processed meat may be associated with the MetS in Iranian women with excess body weight, while this was not the case for red meat. More studies however are necessary in different communities to draw definitive conclusions.

Study on program methods for energy monitoring of buildings

Energy monitoring is one of the effective measures aimed at reducing and maintaining energy consumption of residential and public buildings at the proper level, taking into account climatic factors. This article provides information about the process of monitoring the energy consumption of a building. A brief analysis of methods for monitoring the energy consumption of different types of buildings has been conducted. In particular, the methods of "Control and Normalization" based on the Energy-Temperature diagram based on the operating mode of the building are considered. In addition to the methods, information is provided on the information system "energy monitoring of buildings" developed on their basis. Also presented the process of implementing energy monitoring using the developed information system. The use of energy monitoring makes it possible to determine overconsumption in a timely manner and due to this to optimize the current level, as well as to determine the target values of energy consumption in buildings.

Leisure practices as a factor of family conflicts (based on the materials of a sociological study in Barnaul)

The subject of this study is leisure practices as a factor of family conflicts. The relevance of studying the problem of leisure practices as a factor of family conflicts lies in the fact that family leisure has a significant impact on the relationships of family members, can improve relationships if properly organized, or aggravate conflict situations. The practical significance of the study is to increase the awareness of the adult generation about the importance of organizing family leisure, which will reduce the level of conflict in families. To study the influence of leisure practices on the occurrence of conflicts in the family, a methodology was developed and a sociological study was conducted among residents of the city of Barnaul. The study was implemented through a quantitative method of collecting information – a survey in the form of a questionnaire. In the process of scientific research, the following methods were used: descriptive method; categorization method; analysis method, as well as a survey. To study the influence of leisure practices on the occurrence of conflicts in the family, a methodology was developed and a sociological study was conducted among residents of the city of Barnaul. According to the results of the study on leisure practices as a factor of family conflicts, the following conclusions were made: Firstly, respondents prefer the consumption of different types of content as a form of family leisure. Secondly, respondents spend quite a lot of time organizing family leisure, it is logical that they are often interested in it. Thirdly, respondents believe that the main role of leisure is to strengthen and unite family members. They rarely argue about leisure, and when they argue, it is mainly because of its forms and content. Fourth, the level of conflict in the respondents' families is low. Respondents are more likely to encounter short-term and superficial conflicts, which indicates their desire to maintain close relationships.

Conventional versus Cultured meat

Conventional meat is the edible flesh of animals, usually mammals or birds, but also fish. There are two main categories of meat: white meat and red meat, based on the amount of myoglobin, a protein that gives meat its color. White meat includes chicken, turkey, rabbit, and some fish and seafood, and is generally leaner and lower in cholesterol than red meat. Red meat includes beef, lamb, pork, and venison (gazelle), which is richer in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, but also higher in saturated fat and calories. The consumption of different types of meat can be good for health as part of a balanced diet because they are excellent sources of multiple nutrients. Including meat can be an excellent way to have a balanced diet. All the different types of meat are highly nutritious and can be healthy. Furthermore, there are many types of meat products, such as sausages, bacon, and salami, that are cured, smoked, dried, or fermented to enhance their flavor and shelf life. On the other hand, Cultured meat involves the production of meat outside of the animal and in vitro. Specifically, cultured meat is produced from animal cells cultured in a growth media in a bioreactor rather than being directly sourced from slaughtered animals.

Impact of COVID-19 quarantine measures on electricity consumption in the central-southern zone of Chile: A quasi-experimental study

This paper investigates the causal effect of COVID-19 quarantine measures on the electricity consumption of different types of regulated customers. In particular, the average energy consumption of a group of customers in Chile is examined, exploiting the weekly variations in the application of the stages of the Step by Step Plan as a natural experiment. Step by Step Plan was the Chile COVID containment strategy, which involved implementing partial lockdowns based on the COVID incidence in the municipalities, and adjusted on a weekly basis. An econometric model is specified, and estimated using the technique Difference-in-Difference-in-Difference (DDD) to quantify the causal impact of these measures. After applying the model, it is found that the quarantine measures have had a negative effect on the trend weekly consumption of customers located in municipalities where some of the phases of the Plan have been applied. This effect is significantly different depending on each stage of the plan analysis, and statistically significant. It is also observed that, on average, the savings for a representative customer in the sample range from $8 to $6.15 for some municipalities, and the sample costs range from $0.02 to $0.26 for others, depending on the municipality analyzed. The results can be expressed in a total of 2.95 tons less CO2 emitted on a monthly basis. This shows a great impact in terms of sustainability and planning of energy demand and supply.

Perceptions and practices of self-management among adult patients with gout at a primary care clinic: A qualitative study.

Gout is a chronic disease commonly associated with other comorbidities. Patients' perceived quality of life empowers them in managing their health. Self-management is imparted as part of management among patients with chronic disease. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and practices of self-management among patients with gout from different ethnic groups in Malaysia. A qualitative study was conducted among Malay, Chinese and Indian patients with gout via semi-structured in-depth interviews at the primary care clinic of University Malaya Medical Centre in either English or Malay language. All participants had a gout duration of more than 6 months and were either taking urate-lowering drugs or not using them at all. A total of 20 participants were successfully recruited for the study. Among the participants, 18 were men, while two were women. Further, nine were Malays; six, Chinese; and four, Indians. The age ranged from 29 to 81 years, while the gout duration ranged from 1 to 30 years. From the interviews, three themes emerged: experiences with gout, types of self-management of gout and factors influencing self-management of gout. Diet control is the main self-management practice of patients with gout. Traditional medicine practices include natural methods such as consumption of different types of vegetable juices, pineapple and papaya. Each ethnicity has its own unique beliefs and food cultures. By understanding the self-management practices of patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds, healthcare practitioners can tailor the treatment of gout to individual needs.

Plasma Metabolites Related to the Consumption of Different Types of Dairy Products and Their Association with New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes: Analyses in the Fenland and EPIC-Norfolk Studies, United Kingdom.

To identify metabolites associated with habitual dairy consumption and investigate their associations with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. Metabolomics assays were conducted in the Fenland (n = 10,281) and EPIC-Norfolk (n = 1,440) studies. Using 82 metabolites assessed in both studies, we developed metabolite scores to classify self-reported consumption of milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, and total dairy (Fenland Study-discovery set; n = 6035). Internal and external validity of the scores was evaluated (Fenland-validation set, n = 4246; EPIC-Norfolk, n = 1440). The study assessed associations between each metabolite score and T2D incidence in EPIC-Norfolk (n = 641 cases; 16,350 person-years). The scores classified low and high consumers for all dairy types with internal validity, and milk, butter, and total dairy with external validity. The scores were further associated with lower incident T2D: hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) per standard deviation: milk 0.71 (0.65, 0.77); butter 0.62 (0.57, 0.68); total dairy 0.66 (0.60, 0.72). These associations persisted after adjustment for known dairy-fat biomarkers. Metabolite scores identified habitual consumers of milk, butter, and total dairy products, and were associated with lower T2D risk. These findings hold promise for identifying objective indicators of the physiological response to dairy consumption.

Pilot study of dietary supplement consumption by elderly people

Introduction: Diet affects the proper function of human body and plays an important role in the preventionof many diseases. In the elderly, some body functions, including nutrition, are impaired, so it is important toconsider dietary supplements at this time. Consumption of dietary supplements by the elderly has becomecommon in recent years. In addition, the global ageing process has accelerated significantly in recent decades.Currently, on the food market, there are many dietary supplements dedicated to the elderly. Manufacturersof these products are able to perfectly recognize the special nutritional needs of the elderly, which results inthe creation of new lines of modern products.Objective: The purpose of the study was to analyse the use of dietary supplements administered in theelderly, improvement of seniors’ knowledge on dietary supplements and investigation of their awarenessabout the risks associated with such products.Methods: The study was conducted by questionnaire method among 302 elderly people in two provincesof Poland. Additionally, dietary supplements offered at various retail outlets were reviewed (53), as well aspublic warnings published by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate in Poland that addressed the risks with dietarysupplements (10).Results: The questionnaire was completed by 302 respondents (217 females, 85 males). The age of therespondents was distributed as follows: 32.45% aged 65–74, 44. % aged 75–79, 23.17% aged ≥80. Dietarysupplements consumed by seniors or widely offered in the food market mainly include ingredients asfollows: plant preparations, vitamins and minerals, electrolytes. Significantly more women have been takingdietary supplements (72%), compared to men (36%). Simultaneous administration of two or more productswas declared by 71.9% of respondents. Unfortunately, only 21% of respondents recognized any risks ofconsuming dietary supplements.Conclusion: The use of dietary supplements among elderly people has definitely increased lately. Thequestionnaire shows that approximately 86% of respondents have consumed dietary supplements at leastonce in their life, while 14% of respondents have never used these products. The survey demonstrates thatthere is a need of the continued education of the elderly about dietary supplementation and the dangers ofuncontrolled consumption of different types of supplements.

Dairy consumption in adults in China: a systematic review

BackgroundResearch on dairy consumption in China is lacking, however, some evidence has demonstrated significant changes in recent years, with a reported increase in the overall consumption of dairy products. To fully understand these changes, a systematic review was conducted to examine reported dairy intakes and differences between dairy consumption in different population groups in China. Methods: Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched for studies published from January 2000 to September 2022. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) was used to retrieve papers available in Chinese. Papers reporting dietary intakes of dairy consumption across age, sex, and geographical location sub-groups were considered for inclusion in this review. In addition, this review includes the consumption of different types of dairy foods and changes in dairy intake over time. Results: Forty-seven papers were included in the present study. Twelve papers examined dairy consumption across age groups, showing that middle-aged adults tend to consume less dairy than other age groups. Studies comparing across location-specific cohorts reported dairy intakes among urban populations were higher than rural, as well as being higher than the national average. Coastal, Northern and Eastern residents consumed more dairy products than those living in other regions of China, and people in larger cities had higher reported intakes than smaller cities. Milk was the primary dairy product reportedly consumed by Chinese population, followed by yogurt. Concerning sex, evidence showed that females generally reported a greater daily dairy intake than males. Conclusions: This review shows that, in China, several different population groups displayed significant differences in the amount and type of dairy consumed. When considering the incorporation of dairy products into healthy eating guidelines or positioning specific dairy products on the market, it is important to consider the differences and variations in consumption patterns within population groups.

Kısa, Orta, Uzun Zincirli Yağ Asitlerinin Osteokalsin, Leptin ve İnsülin Düzeylerine Etkilerinin Araştırılması

Aim: There are some studies on insülin released from pancreatic beta cells, both active and inactive osteocalcin in bone tissue, and leptin released in adipose tissue. However, data on the effects of combined short, medium, and long fatty acids on the serum/tissue concentration of hormones such as osteocalcin, leptin and insülin are scarce. This study aims to investigate the effects of combined use of butyric acid, caprylic acid and oleic acid on osteocalcin, leptin, and insulin secretion. 
 Material and Methods: Forty-nine male Wistar rats were used in the study. The rats were randomly divided into 7 subgroups as control group, butyric acid group, caprylic acid group, oleic acid group, butyric acid+caprylic acid group, butyric acid+oleic acid group, and caprylic acid+oleic acid group. Fatty acids were administered orally for 21 days. At the end of the study, osteocalcin, insulin, and leptin levels of serum samples taken from rats were determined by the ELISA method. 
 Results: While osteocalcin and leptin levels were found to be high in the group administered only butyric acid, insulin levels were found to be higher in the group treated with combined caprylic acid + oleic acid. The blood glucose level of the caprylic acid group was found to be higher than the other groups.
 Conclusion: The relationship between osteocalcin, leptin, and insulin is quite complex. Different studies show that osteocalcin can have an effect on leptin resistance, consumption of different types of fatty acids, especially short-chain fatty acids, can contribute to insulin sensitivity by increasing the release of osteocalcin, can help reduce leptin resistance, and osteocalcin can reduce insulin resistance.

Irradiation as a Promising Technology to Improve Bacteriological and Physicochemical Quality of Fish.

Fish is an excellent source of protein and other essential minerals and vitamins; nevertheless, several food-borne disease outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of different types of fish. Therefore, we aimed to overcome these health threats by evaluating gamma radiation as a good fish preservation method. The aerobic plate count (APC), identification of most common pathogenic bacteria, organoleptic properties, proximate composition, and other chemical evaluations were detected in both untreated and gamma-treated fish. The overall grades of organoleptic evaluations ranged from good to very good. Fortunately, the overall chemical analysis of all examined fish samples was accepted. For the untreated fish samples, the APC was within and above the permissible limit (5 × 107 CFU/g). Pathogenic bacteria were detected with a high prevalence rate, especially S. aureus, which was found in high percentages among examined untreated fish samples. Regarding the treated fish samples, APC and pathogenic bacterial counts were reduced in a dose-dependent manner, and the irradiation at dose 5 KGy resulted in complete eradication of the aerobic plate count (not detectable) with a mean reduction percentage equal to 100%. However, gamma irradiation has no significant effect on proximate composition; particularly, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids were not significantly affected by low and medium doses of radiation. Therefore, gamma irradiation is a highly effective fish preservation method without any effect on fish quality. Additionally, gamma irradiation as a cold process is an attractive technology for solving the problem arising from fish-borne pathogens, and it has been purposed in this study as a cheap and safe method for reducing microbial contamination of fish.

Maximizing cardiovascular benefits of fish consumption within the One Health approach: Should current recommendations be revised?

AimsCurrent dietary recommendations on fish consumption for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention put somewhat vague emphasis on fatty fish, mainly driven by evidence on the cardioprotective effects of n–3 PUFAs. Recent data on the consumption of different types of fish in relation to hard cardiovascular endpoints suggests that fatty but not lean fish can contribute to CVD prevention. This considered, we aimed at evaluating, by an environmental perspective, fish consumption limited to the fatty type – in appropriate amounts for optimizing CVD prevention – within the European context. Data synthesisStarting from the current average intake of total fish by the European population (i.e., 2 servings/week of fatty plus lean fish), we show that the shift towards the consumption of 2 servings/week of solely fatty fish – appropriate for optimizing CVD prevention – would allow a 32% saving of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to fish consumption. This is due to the lower environmental impact of fatty fish globally considered, compared to lean fish. However, since the carbon footprint of different fatty fish species can vary significantly – with small blue fish (e.g., anchovies, sardines, herrings) in the lowest range, we estimated that GHG emissions due to fish consumption in Europe could be reduced by 82% by focusing on small blue fish consumption. ConclusionsConsumption of 2 servings/week of small blue fish could represent a feasible and effective choice among the functional dietary strategies available to achieve the maximal benefits for human and environmental health.

Differences in the Association Between Alcoholic Beverage Type and Serum Urate Levels Using Standardized Ethanol Content

Differences have been observed in the association of serum urate levels with consumption of different types of alcoholic beverages. However, previous studies have not standardized the unit of intake for ethanol content, and only limited types of alcoholic beverages have been evaluated. To examine differences in the association of serum urate levels with various types of alcoholic beverages when their intakes are standardized for ethanol content. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from participants aged 20 years or older who completed a medical checkup at St Luke's International University in Japan between October 1, 2012, and October 31, 2021. Participant demographics, blood test results, and lifestyle questionnaire data were used as covariates. Analysis was performed in December 2021. Consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer, sake (rice wine), shochu (Japanese spirit), wine, and whiskey. Serum urate levels were measured during the medical checkup. The beverage unit was standardized to 1 standard drink, which contained 20 g of ethanol. Multivariable linear regression including interaction terms of alcohol consumption and dominant alcoholic beverage was performed. This study included 78 153 participants. Their mean (SD) age was 47.6 (12.8) years; 36 463 (46.7%) were men and 41 690 were women (53.3%). A total of 45 755 participants (58.5%) were regular alcohol drinkers. Consistent associations of serum urate levels with alcohol consumption were observed in the beer-dominant group, with β coefficients (for 1 standard drink per day) of 0.14 mg/dL (95% CI, 0.11-0.17 mg/dL; P < .001) for men and 0.23 mg/dL (95% CI, 0.20-0.26 mg/dL; P < .001) for women. A moderate increase in serum urate levels was observed in the wine-dominant group compared with a modest and nonsignificant increase in the sake-dominant group, with β coefficients (for 1 standard drink per day) for the latter group of 0.05 mg/dL (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.10; P = .10) for men and 0.04 mg/dL (95% CI, -0.05 to 0.14 mg/dL; P = .38) for women. Restricted cubic splines showed different patterns in associations of serum urate levels with ethanol intake by dominant alcoholic beverages. The results of this study suggest that the extent of the association of serum urate levels with alcohol intake was different for alcoholic beverages even after ethanol content was standardized. Higher beer consumption among men and women was consistently associated with higher serum urate levels, whereas sake was not associated with changes in serum urate levels. Therefore, alcoholic beverage type, in addition to ethanol content, should be considered as a factor contributing to hyperuricemia.

The Implication of Aflatoxin B1 Contamination Through Dietary Intake of Farm Products Sold at Selected Markets in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria

A survey was conducted on 100 farm products sold at selected markets in Damaturu to access the levels of AFB1 contamination using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The samples collected include; 20 g each of cereals (rice, millet, maize paste 1, maize 2 and wheat flour), legumes (red beans, groundnut 1, soya bean, white beans, groundnut 2), vegetables (spinach, red onions, garlic, egusi, baobab leaves (kuka) hot pepper, sweet pepper, clove 1, clove 2, moringa, locust bean, okra, dried ginger) and tuber (white cassava). A food sample questionnaire was used to determine the frequency of food consumed and consumption rates. Results of the study revealed that one of the Aflatoxigenic moulds (Aspergillus Niger) is associated with cereal/legume products from both open and stored markets except for protein, minerals, and tuber products. A. flavus (66.67%), A parasiticus (66.67%), Fusarium (50%), and A flavus (50) were associated with cereals, legumes, and beverages in stored markets respectively. The cereal products collected from open and stored markets were found to be contaminated with AFB1 at concentrations of 0.9ppb and 4.1ppb respectively. However, Protein and tuber products were found to be free of any contamination. AFB1 was recorded in beverages(0.66ppb), cereals/legumes (0.37ppb), and minerals (0.5ppb) under the stored market, these results are lower than the limits established by NAFDAC of 10ppb on ready-to-eat foods and 20ppb on other food items. Based on the results obtained, cereal-based food recorded the highest consumption (16.98kg – 88kg) rate per day among the different individuals in each age group while beverages recorded the lowest consumption (1.5g-8.0g) rate per day. The estimated daily intake of AFB1 from individual age groups based on the consumption of different types of food ranged from 0.03-1.16 ng kg-1 body weight day-1. These results suggest that the dietary intake of AFB1, in Damaturu has no adverse health effects on the population.

Multiplex Real-Time PCR for the Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Foods.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a group of human foodborne pathogens transmitted to humans through the consumption of different types of food. Their detection is mainly performed by targeting specific serogroups by classical microbiological methods and, later, by molecular typing with different techniques. The application of multiplex real-time PCR (qPCR) can significantly improve the turnaround time of the existing methodologies as in one single run it is possible to detect and characterize specific microorganisms. In the present chapter, a pentaplex qPCR assay is described for the identification of STEC which may also be applied for the rapid screening of these pathogens in different types of foods. The assay targets the most important virulence factors of these microorganisms, the genes stx1, stx2, and eae, along with the rfbE gene which encodes for the "O157" antigen as this is the most prevalent serogroup among all STEC, as well as an internal amplification control to rule out false-negative results due to qPCR inhibition.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Fruit Wastes; A Sustainable Panacea for Plastic Crisis!

“White pollution” which is defined as the solid waste generated through the consumption of different types of plastic products, has been identified as a significant global environmental issue threatening the natural environment, human health, and economies with regard to pollution. Plastics are chemically inert, preventing unnecessary gas and moisture exchange with the surroundings. Food packaging is an application where plastics are extensively used, as it significantly reduces the possibility of microbial contamination while retaining food quality. Moreover, it is lighter, possesses high specific strength, and is tear resistant. Plastics can be produced colorless or transparent if necessary, allowing the consumer to view food products through the packaging. It can also be easily moulded to fit the shape of the food item it is holding without affecting its performance requirements. Its stiffness and increased strength ratio make it desirable to be used as food containers and cutlery in rigid food ware applications.