Food Eaten Research Articles

Sustaining the Yield of Maize, Blackgram, Greengram, Groundnut, Cotton, Sugarcane, and Coconut through the Application of Nutrients and Plant Growth Regulator Mixture.

The foliar application of nutrients and plant growth regulators (PGRs) at critical crop growth periods can improve the yield of field crops. Hence, the present study was conducted to quantify the effects of the combined application of nutrients and PGRs (crop-specific formulation) on maize, blackgram, greengram, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut yield. In all the crops except coconut, the treatments included (i) a foliar spray of crop-specific nutrients and PGR combinations and (ii) an unsprayed control. In coconut, the treatments included (i) the root feeding of coconut-specific nutrients and PGR combinations and (ii) an untreated control. Crop-specific nutrient and PGR formulations were sprayed, namely, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) maize maxim 1.5% at the tassel initiation and grain-filling stages of maize, TNAU pulse wonder 1.0% at the peak flowering stage of green gram and black gram, TNAU groundnut-rich 1.0% at the flowering and pod-filling stages of groundnut, TNAU cotton plus 1.25% at the flowering and boll development stages of cotton, and TNAU sugarcane booster 0.5% at 45 days after planting (DAP), 0.75% at 60 DAP, and 1.0% at 75 DAP of sugarcane. The results showed that the foliar application of TNAU maize maxim, TNAU pulse wonder, TNAU groundnut-rich, TNAU cotton plus and TNAU sugarcane booster and the root feeding of TNAU coconut tonic increased the yield of maize, pulses, groundnut, cotton, sugarcane, and coconut, resulting in higher economic returns.

Nutritional assessment of the diets of prisoners in Young Offender Institutions

Adequate nutrition is necessary for overall health and development(1). Prisoners in general lack autonomy over their diet, in addition to being a population with a high risk of poor health outcomes(2, 3). It is important therefore that prisons are offered menus which meet dietary reference values (DRVs), as set by the UK government, aiming for equity with the general population, and that prisoners choose food options that are beneficial for their health. The aim of this study was to conduct a nutritional analysis of prisoners’ food diaries to determine whether dietary recommendations were being met.Seven-day food diaries were collected from prisoners eating the normal food supplied by three young offender institutions in 2009. Food eaten was analysed using DietPlan6 version 6.0 (Forestfield Software Ltd). Individual nutrient data were tested for normality and compared against the UK DRVs and NDNS data from 2008/9 using either the one-sample T-test, or one-sample Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Data in the results is presented as (Mean ± SD).There were n=466 diaries analysed, from male participants aged between 16 to 24 years. Twenty- eight nutrients were compared with their respective DRVs by age categories: 16-18y (n=156), 19-24y (n=310), and 16-24y (n=466).For ages 16-24y, chloride (5556 ± 1692mg), folate (302 ± 112ug), iodine (195 ± 81ug), monounsaturated fat (35 ± 10g), potassium (3667 ± 1161mg), sodium (3899 ± 1392mg), sugar (136 ± 73g), riboflavin (2 ± 1mg), vitamin B12 (6 ± 4ug), vitamin C (92 ± 63mg), and zinc (11 ± 3mg) exceeded DRV requirements (P<0.01). Carbohydrates (53 ± 5%E), saturated fat (12 ± 5%E), and sugar (19 ± 9%E) all exceeded their DRVs (P<0.05). Vitamin A (553 ± 531ug) and fibre (15 ± 6g) were found 24% and 18% lower than the DRVs, respectively (P<0.01). Fat (34 ± 5%E), polyunsaturated fat (6 ± 1%E), and protein (14 ± 2%E), as a percent of energy, were below the DRV by 3%, 8%, and 7% respectively (P<0.01). Magnesium (301 ± 107mg) was equal to the DRV (P=0.81).For 16-18, and 19-24 respectively, calcium (1286 ± 928mg; 1337 ± 489mg), copper (1 ± 0.6mg; 2 ± 0.6mg), iron (14 ± 5mg; 15 ± 6mg), niacin (19 ± 7mg; 21 ± 7mg), phosphorus (1545 ± 381mg; 1620 ± 493mg), protein (96 ± 24g; 100 ± 29g), thiamine (2 ± 0.6mg; 2 ± 0.7mg), and vitamin B6 (2.3 ± 0.7ug; 3 ± 0.9ug) exceeded their DRV (P<0.01). For 16-18y, energy (kcals) was equal to the DRV (2748 ± 787kcal, P=0.91). For years 19-24y, energy (kcal) exceeded the DRV (2931 ± 939kcal, P<0.01).This study represents the largest assessment of dietary intake of prisoners and demonstrates that the prison catering, for the most part, met the DRVs. However, sugar, fat, and energy intake exceeded their DRV target, posing clear risks to health by possibly contributing to later obesity, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Design of retort pouch packaging and shelf life estimation for commercial sterilized mutton tongseng by MSMEs

Abstract Processed livestock products have a crucial role in the community as the secondary source of animal protein, followed by fishing goods. Goat meat is frequently cooked in many ways such as satay, soup, stew, tongseng, and other dishes. Nevertheless, the availability of pre-packaged goat meat products is limited due to the fact that they are mostly prepared on a made-to-order basis. HnR Food is a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) that specializes in the production of commercially sterilized Ready to Eat (RTE) food products. Manufacturing RTE (Ready-to-Eat) products pose significant difficulties, particularly for MSMEs as it necessitates meticulous sterilization and packaging procedures to guarantee high quality and extended shelf life. The ASLT Arrhenius model was employed to conduct shelf life testing. The retort pouch bag packaging was compatible with the specified sterilization procedure and provided a cost-effective substitute for cans. The shelf life of mutton tongseng in the retort pouch bag was found to be 93 days or roughly 3 months at a temperature of 25°C. However, if stored at a temperature of 4°C, the shelf life could be extended to 170 days or approximately 6 months.

“We restrict certain things”: a cross-sectional study of health provider adherence to WHO’s recommendation for intrapartum oral intake of fluid and food in Greater Accra, Ghana

BackgroundSince 2018, WHO recommends oral fluid and food intake for low-risk women during labor to enhance positive childbirth experience and respect for women’s preferences. This study investigated the current practices related to intrapartum oral intake among maternity care providers and women in public health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana, and explored barriers and opportunities for adherence to the WHO guidance.MethodsWe used a mixed-method design at five public health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana, which included structured interviews with 11 facility-level quality improvement staff and 12 maternity care providers; a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey with the same providers; and a client survey with 56 inpatient postpartum women. We conducted descriptive and inferential statistics, including z-tests to assess independent and dependent variables, and inductive thematic analyses.ResultsProvider adherence to the WHO recommendation varied, with many imposing restrictions on oral intake during labor. Concerns included potential complications like Mendelson’s syndrome, consequently framing oral intake decisions as clinical and leading providers to limit women’s involvement in their care decisions. Within our sample, 54% and 43% women reported their provider counseled them on oral fluid and food intake respectively, while 41% and 34% reported their provider asked them their preference for drinking and eating respectively. Ultimately, 73% drank fluids and 19% ate food during their labor. Counseling significantly correlated with women’s intake practices (p < 0.01) and providers’ inquiry to women’s preferences for drinking and eating (p < 0.001) during labor.ConclusionAdherence to evidence-based practices for intrapartum oral intake among low-risk women was inconsistence. Maternity care providers play a vital role in involving women in their care decisions and respecting women’s preferences. Strengthening national-level labor care guidelines and provider quality improvement approaches like in-service training, supportive supervision, and job aides to include the WHO recommendation will help providers adhere to the guidance and contribute to promoting a positive childbirth experience for women.

An in vitro evaluation of partial energy replacement in a total mixed ration with volatile fatty acids derived from agro-industrial residues

AbstractThe scientific interest in volatile fatty acids (VFAs) as an energy source and chemical precursor in ruminant diets has been longstanding, as it has significant implications for animal physiology and well-being. The present study explores the substitution of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from agro-food residues via acidogenic fermentation as an alternative energy source in ruminant feed. Utilizing the gas production method, rumen digestibility assays were conducted, wherein the recovered VFA effluent from the acidogenic fermentation of apple pomace and potato protein liquor was substituted for 10%, 20%, and 30% of the total mixed ration (TMR) energy. Various parameters such as gas, VFA yield and composition, VFA peak intervals, changes in pH, and ammonium nitrogen content were investigated. Based on the results obtained, provision of 20% and 30% of the energy with VFAs did not increase methane production or did not cause significant pH alternations. Nevertheless, such supplementation resulted in increased production and accumulation of VFAs in the rumen media. The bioconversion of agro-food side streams into VFAs opens a new path in sustainable nutrient recovery and feed production from low value agro-industrial residues. Graphical Abstract

Nutrigenetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms of Maternal Nutrition-Induced Glucolipid Metabolism Changes in the Offspring.

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy regulates the offspring's metabolic homeostasis, including insulin sensitivity and the metabolism of glucose and lipids. The fetus undergoes a crucial period of plasticity in the uterus; metabolic changes in the fetus during pregnancy caused by maternal nutrition not only influence fetal growth and development but also have a long-term or even life-long impact for the offspring. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs, play important roles in intergenerational and transgenerational effects. In this context, this narrative review comprehensively summarizes and analyzes the molecular mechanisms underlying how maternal nutrition, including a high-fat diet, polyunsaturated fatty acid diet, methyl donor nutrient supplementation, feed restriction, and protein restriction during pregnancy, impacts the genes involved in glucolipid metabolism in the liver, adipose tissue, hypothalamus, muscle, and oocytes of the offspring in terms of the epigenetic modifications. This will provide a foundation for the further exploration of nutrigenetic and epigenetic mechanisms for integrative mother-child nutrition and promotion of the offspring's health through the regulation of maternal nutrition during pregnancy. Note: This paper is part of the Nutrition Reviews Special Collection on Precision Nutrition.

Influence of complex enzyme drug and phytase on growth, digestibility and use of nutrients of wheat and soya compound feed and mineralization of the drumstick in broiler chickens

Plant feeds contain anti-nutritional factors. Thus, non-starchy polysaccharides are poorly digested and can serve as a barrier to enzyme access to nutrients. Phytate can form a complex with other divalent cations (Ca, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn), amino acids. Phytate is the largest reserve of phosphorus in plants, but this compound cannot be effectively absorbed by poultry, which requires the inclusion of expensive inorganic sources of phosphorus in feed. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the possible effects of separate and combined inclusion of the complex enzyme drug Sunzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and the phytase-containing enzyme drug Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value) on the digestibility and absorption of nutrients of wheat and soybean compound feed by broiler chickens. During the experiment, 204 day-old broiler chickens were divided according to the principle of analogues into 4 groups of 51 heads in each. The broiler chickens of the control group received compound feed without enzyme drugs, the 1st experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient), the 2nd experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value), the 3rd experimental group received compound feed with Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value). Compound feeds were fed from one day to 42 days of age. In order to determine the digestibility of the main nutrients in compound feeds of broiler chickens aged 35–42 days, a physiological experiment was carried out based on the results of which a animal science analysis of the fed compound feeds and litter was carried out using generally accepted methods. When studying feed and litter, the mass fraction of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, fiber, nitrogen-free extractives, ash, calcium and phosphorus were determined. It was found that compared with the control group broiler chickens received Sunzyme and Sunface 5000 had higher coefficients of digestibility and nutrient utilization of wheat and soybean compound feeds and as a result achieved a high average final live weight with low feed intake per unit of gain during the rearing period.

Effect of a Simultaneous Increase in Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients Contents on Late Fattening Hanwoo Steers

Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle.

Impact of Nutritional Education Intervention on Food Choice Motivations and Eating Behaviors Among Latin American University Students

ABSTRACT Background Nutritional interventions can help to develop healthy eating patterns during the transition to university, which is a critical transition for all college students. Purpose This research aims to analyze eating behaviors and food choices through sustainable nutritional education interventions with college students from a multinational university in Latin-America. Methods The nutritional intervention had eight sessions emphasizing lifestyle nutrition patterns. There was an intervention group (n = 85), and a control group (n = 80). This research evaluated the eating behaviors and food choice motivators before and after the intervention. Results The nutrition education interventions showed that the group under intervention improved, changing from unhealthy to moderately healthy habits, whereas the control groups remained in unhealthy eating behaviors. Food choice motivations slightly differ from the two groups after the intervention. Discussion The control group students reflected on their lack of awareness of good eating habits so that current trends could influence their food choices in social networks associated with the pandemic, economic factors, and supply. Translation to Health Education Practice The findings from this research highlight opportunities for Certified Health Education Specialists focused on project development and evaluation.

Influence of the probiotic preparation immunofloor on the immune status of broiler chickens

In conditions of intensification of the livestock industry, to combat infectious pathology, antimicrobial drugs are most often, and in some cases haphazardly, used, which accumulate in raw materials and food products and contribute to environmental pollution. Antibiotics have a detrimental and pathogenic effect on the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of animals and poultry. Against this background, dysbiosis is observed, leading to metabolic disorders, decreased digestibility of essential feed nutrients, and the development of immunological deficiency. One of the leading areas of agricultural science and practice is developing and introducing drugs and feed additives that are an alternative to antibiotics into livestock farming. Probiotics have a unique role in solving this problem. Probiotic preparations ’ therapeutic and prophylactic properties are based on maintaining normal flora at a physiologically necessary level, reducing diarrhea in animals, and improving digestion processes. Probiotics have thefunctions of improving metabolic processes, immunostimulating activity, adaptogenic effects, increasing all types of productivity offarm animals and poultry, and improving the quality of livestock products. Introducing probiotic preparations into poultry and livestockfarming requiresfurther study of their biological properties and immunostimulating activity. The influence of the probiotic drug Immunoflor on the state of natural resistance factors in poultry was studied. Four groups of day-old broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross were formed: a control group and three experimental groups. In addition to the main diet, the birds of the experimental groups received Immunoflor in amounts of 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 kg/t of feed. It was established that the inclusion of aprobiotic drug in the diet of broilers contributed to the strengthening of humoral factors of natural resistance due to an increase in the lysozyme and bactericidal activity of blood serum by 10.5 - 17.2 and 8.5 - 12.1% by the end of cultivation. The phagocytic properties of chicken blood leukocytes have also improved. Under the influence of Immunoflor, an increase in the mass of immunocompetent organs was observed in 42-day-old broiler chickens. The maximum indicators of poultry population safety were established in the experimental groups.

The Potential Effects of Azolla as a Growth Promoter for Labeo rohita Fingerlings

Non-conventional aqua feeds are crucial for promoting sustainability, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact in aquaculture, fostering industry growth and addressing environmental concerns. The 60 days experiment was conducted for the introduction of Azolla into the diet of Labeo rohita fingerlings resulted in significant variations (p&lt;0.05) in several growth parameters, including percentage weight gain, percentage length gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and survival rate. While no significant difference in FCR was observed among treatments during the initial 0 to 45-day interval, a notable disparity emerged between 45 to 60 days, with the highest FCR recorded in T3 and the lowest in T3. Similarly, although there were no significant differences in SGR among treatments at various intervals, the highest SGR was observed in T3, while the lowest was in T1. Furthermore, percentages of weight increment were significantly different between the intervals of 15-30 days and 30-45 days, with the highest percentage gain observed in T3 and the lowest in T1. Likewise, percentages of length increment showed significant differences between the intervals of 15-30 days, with T1 exhibiting the highest percentage gain and T1 the lowest. The survival rate % of different treatments at the end of the experiment varied, with T3 showing the highest survival rate and T0 the lowest. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in percent length gain, percent weight gain, SGR, and FCR among the treatments. These findings underscore the complex interplay between fish species, feed nutrients, additives, and rearing conditions on the growth process of Labeo rohita fingerlings. The observed variations in growth parameters highlight the potential of Azolla as a growth promoter in aquaculture practices. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these effects and to optimize Azolla supplementation protocols for enhanced growth performance and sustainability in Labeo rohita aquaculture.

THE CLAY AND MINING CRAFTS OF THE SAO PEOPLE ON THE BORDER OF LAKE CHAD BASIN

The Sao people are distinguished from other populations by their practice of artisanal and mineral manufacturing in the regions where their population lived and populated. There are several kinds of objects made from clay for cooking food, as well as cups used for drinking water, decorated and embellished with different colors including white and black for the ornament of baskets. The Sao also used clay to make jars used to bury their dead. Should we remember that the dead of the Sao are buried in jars made especially for the occasion. This funeral jar is not smooth and without ornament. They place the dead in a tied position, facing east where the sun rises, according to their belief in the strength of the sun. This way of believing and the procedure of burial constitute a common denominator between the Pharaohs of Egypt and the peoples of Maroui, specifically from the point of view of the worship of the sun that ancient African peoples practiced from the Nile to Senegal. The Sao also made statuettes and produced human and animal representations, and games for children. These statuettes and representations symbolize the spiritual sides of the Sao people, and this is the reason why these small human statuettes are placed next to the sick to cure the disease, believing that they chase away the evil spirits which harm and torture the sick, unable to defend themselves. Sometimes the statuettes are placed in the tomb with the dead and the objects used to drink water and eat food that the deceased used during his lifetime. This reflects the influence of the Nilo-and Pharaonic civilization. Objects made from clay are used in various artisanal transformations of things never imagined, such as the coffin of the dead, pots, baskets, cups, bowls and various children's

Accuracy of single and mix calibration as method to determine ruminant feedstuffs nutrient utilization using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

Including real-time data nutrient utilization from quick and accurate methods such as NIRS in a ration formulation improves feed efficiency. However, the homogeneity of the feedstuff sample set used in calibration influences its prediction accuracy and application. This study compares the calibration accuracy of ruminant feed nutrient utilization using a single or mixed calibration. Feedstuffs of different origins (Padang (24), Bandung (24), and Bogor (24)) consisting of forages (30) and concentrate (30) were used separately for single calibration or together for mixed calibration. 12 samples were used for external calibration. The spectrum of each sample was collected using FT-NIRS. The calibration used the PLS regression model. Parallel to the NIRS spectrum collection, nutrient utilization was observed using in vitro methods including degradation of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, rumen pH, VFA, and NH3 concentration. The results showed accuracy of nutrient utilization prediction varied between the parameters observed. Except for VFA, mixed calibration produced better accuracy (R2>0.83 and RPD>2.21) than single calibration. External calibration proved that NIRS prediction was not significantly different from the in vitro results (P > 0.05). It is concluded mixed ruminant feedstuffs database can be used accurately and broadly to estimate nutrient utilization using NIRS.

Connection of spectral pattern of carbohydrate molecular structure to alteration of nutritional properties of coffee by-products after fermentation.

The objective of this study was to determine internal structure spectral profile of by-products from coffee processing that were affected by added-microorganism fermentation duration in relation to truly absorbed feed nutrient supply in ruminant system. The by-products from coffee processing were fermented using commercial fermentation product, consisting of various microorganisms: for 0 (control), 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. In this study, carbohydrate-related spectral profiles of coffee by-products were correlated with their chemical and nutritional properties (chemical composition, total digestible nutrient, bioenergy values, carbohydrate sub-fractions and predicted degradation and digestion parameters as well as milk value of feed). The vibrational spectra of coffee by-products samples after fermentation for 0 (control), 7, 14, 21, and 28 days were determined using a JASCO FT/IR-4200 spectroscopy coupled with accessory of attenuated total reflectance (ATR). The molecular spectral analyses with univariate approach were conducted with the OMNIC 7.3 software. Molecular spectral analysis parameters in fermented and non-fermented byproducts from coffee processing included structural carbohydrate, cellulosic compounds, non-structural carbohydrates, lignin compound, CH-bending, structural carbohydrate peak1, structural carbohydrate peak2, structural carbohydrate peak3, hemicellulosic compound, non-structural carbohydrate peak1, non-structural carbohydrate peak2, nonstructural carbohydrate peak3. The study results show that added-microorganism fermentation induced chemical and nutritional changes of coffee by-products including carbohydrate chemical composition profiles, bioenergy value, feed milk value, carbohydrate subfractions, estimated degradable and undegradable fractions in the rumen, and intestinal digested nutrient supply in ruminant system. In conclusion, carbohydrate nutrition value changes by added-microorganism fermentation duration were in an agreement with the change of their spectral profile in the coffee by-products. The studies show that the vibrational ATR-FT/IR spectroscopic technique could be applied as a rapid analytical tool to evaluate fermented by-products and connect with truly digestible carbohydrate supply in ruminant system.

Investigations on Xenopus laevis body composition and feeding behavior in a laboratory setting

The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as a laboratory animal for decades in many research areas. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional physiology of this amphibian species and the feeding regimen is not standardized. The aim of the present study was to get more insights into the nutrient metabolism and feeding behavior of the frogs. In Trial 1, adult female X. laevis were fed either a Xenopus diet or a fish feed. After 4 weeks, they were euthanized, weighed, measured for morphometrics and dissected for organ weights and whole-body nutrient analysis. There were no significant differences between the diet groups regarding the allometric data and nutrient contents. The ovary was the major determinant of body weight. Body fat content increased with body weight as indicator of energy reserves. In Trial 2, 40 adult female frogs were monitored with a specifically developed digital tracking system to generate heat-maps of their activity before and up to 25 min after a meal. Three diets (floating, sinking, floating & sinking) were used. The main feed intake activity was fanning the feed into the mouth, peaking until 20 min after the meal. The different swimming characteristics of the diets thereby influenced the activity of the animals. Our dataset helps to adjust the feeding needs to the physical composition and also to meet the natural behavioral patterns of feed intake as a prerequisite of animal wellbeing and animal welfare in a laboratory setting.

Differences in maternal and paternal pressure to eat and perception of household responsibilities.

Controlling feeding practices, such as pressure to eat, are associated with a child's disinhibited eating and extremes in bodyweight. We aimed to explore which factors are associated with parent dyads' pressuring feeding practices, including how mothers and fathers perceive the sharing of household tasks such as mealtime and child feeding responsibilities. In this cross-sectional study, parent dyads (mother and father) of healthy preschool-aged children completed an identical questionnaire consisting of measures of picky eating (food fussiness subscale of Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire), parental concern for undereating, and pressure to eat (Child Feeding Questionnaire). We used separate multivariable linear regression models for mothers and fathers to assess correlates associated with pressure to eat subscale score, including slowness of eating and enjoyment of food, child BMI z-score and race/ethnicity, and household income. Separate unadjusted linear regression models for mothers and fathers were used to report the association of pressure to eat with household responsibilities. Parents (N = 88) had similar mean picky eating, concern for undereating, and pressure to eat scores; more fathers had high pressure to eat scores (36% vs 27%). Higher pressure to eat was significantly associated with lower income, non-Hispanic Black or Black race/ethnicity, slow eating, and lower enjoyment of food. Pressure was not associated with household responsibilities. While there were similar maternal and paternal perceptions of child eating behaviors, more fathers reported pressuring their child to eat. Identifying differences in parental feeding practices may assist in intervention development to improve feeding practices.

Exploring Adult Eating Behaviors and Food Neophobia: A National Study in Romania.

Food neophobia involves avoiding new foods due to reluctance, aversion, or disgust. The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) is the most reliable and common adult food neophobia test. It helps compare food neophobia across cultures by being translated into numerous languages. This study adapted, translated, and validated the FNS for Romania. This translated version was piloted in November 2023 on 59 students in the medical field from two distinct Romanian cities. Between December 2023 and February 2024, 375 adults were surveyed, representing Romania's population within a 90% confidence interval. The average age of responders was 38.07 years, with a standard deviation of 10.75 and a 4:1 female-to-male sex ratio. The Cronbach's alpha test was used to validate the questionnaire. Our study found that the mean FNS value was 31.86; most Romanian respondents (69.20%) were neutral towards trying new foods, with a significant portion being neophobes (18.21%) outnumbering neophiles (12.59%). When compared to international study results, Romanian adults, on average, exhibited a higher percentage of neophobes compared to those in Korea (13%), Hungary (16.8%), Italy (17%), and Brazil (17.5%), but a lower percentage than those in Lebanon (21.5%). The findings indicate that the translated scale can be utilized to assess neophobia among Romanian speakers.

Downloading appetite? Investigating the role of parasocial relationship with favorite social media food influencer in followers’ disordered eating behaviors

PurposeAlthough a number of investigations have been carried out on the marketing outcomes of parasocial relationships (PSR) with food influencers on social media, little attention has been paid to the potential contribution of these one-sided emotional bonds to followers’ eating attitudes and habits. Drawing on the Parasocial Theory, the role of parasocial attachment with food influencers was investigated in predicting eating disorders, food addiction, and grazing. To increase the accuracy of PSR measurement, a brief self-report scale was developed to gauge social media users’ feelings of mutual awareness, attention, and adjustment with their favorite food influencer at a distance through social media.MethodsParticipants were a convenience sample of 405 Iranian social media users (231women; Mage = 28.16, SDage = 9.40), who followed a favorite food influencer on social media.ResultsThe 8-item Parasocial Relationship with Favorite Food Influencer Scale (PSRFFIS) revealed a unidimensional structure with excellent content and construct validity and internal consistency. Regarding gender differences, men showed stronger parasocial attachment to their favorite food influencers. Adjusting age, gender, and subjective social status as control variables, PSR with favorite food influencers partially contributed to the explanation of eating disorder symptom severity, food addiction, and grazing.ConclusionThese findings show that PSR with favorite food influencers appears to be associated with followers’ craving for food, which, in turn, may contribute to maladaptive eating habits. This highlights media-related factors, such as PSR with food influencers, as potential drivers of dysfunctional eating habits in the digital age, particularly in countries like Iran where disordered eating is prevalent.Level of evidenceLevel V—based on cross-sectional data (correlational study; scale development)

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) improvement: Challenges and prospects—A review

AbstractFinger millet is a climate‐resilient and highly nutritious small grain crop widely grown in the semi‐arid tropics. It has multiple uses, including for food, feed and beverage preparations. However, finger millet is an under‐utilized and under‐researched crop with a mean yield of &lt;1.0 t/ha despite a potential productivity of up to 8 t/ha. The yield gap is attributed to several production constraints, such as biotic and abiotic stresses, a lack of access to improved seeds and production inputs and poor agronomic management practices. There are valuable genetic resources and genetic variability of finger millet in its centres of diversity and global gene banks for variety design, product development and commercialization. The genetic variability can be harnessed further to integrate essential traits into candidate varieties through conventional and modern breeding methods. Breeding and genetic innovations such as genomics‐assisted breeding, mutation breeding and genome editing would accelerate finger millet breeding and new variety design and deployment. The objective of this review was to document the opportunities, challenges and prospects of finger millet improvement as a guide for variety development and deployment with enhanced grain yield and nutritional contents. The first section describes global production status and yield gains, major production and productivity challenges in finger millet. This is followed by an in‐depth presentation on breeding and genetic progress on variety development with improved agronomic and nutritional quality traits, drought and salinity tolerance, and fungal diseases, weeds and insect pest resistance. Further, the review summarized finger millet's genetic and genomic resources, reference genomes, whole genome re‐sequencing and transcriptomics of finger millet technologies, genetic engineering and genome editing and their integration with conventional breeding methods for variety design with desired end‐use traits. The review provides foundational information to expedite the development of new‐generation finger millet cultivars with desirable product profiles, including high grain yield potential, early maturity, desirable seed colour, compact head type, food and feed nutrients quality and high marketability through modern breeding approaches.

Real-time model correction using Kalman filter for Raman-controlled cell culture processes

Raman spectroscopy has found extensive use in monitoring and controlling cell culture processes. In this context, the prediction accuracy of Raman-based models is of paramount importance. However, models established with data from manually fed-batch cultures often exhibit poor performance in Raman-controlled cultures. Thus, there is a need for effective methods to rectify these models. The objective of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of Kalman filter (KF) algorithm in correcting Raman-based models during cell culture. Initially, partial least squares (PLS) models for different components were constructed using data from manually fed-batch cultures, and the predictive performance of these models was compared. Subsequently, various correction methods including the PLS-KF-KF method proposed in this study were employed to refine the PLS models. Finally, a case study involving the auto-control of glucose concentration demonstrated the application of optimal model correction method. The results indicated that the original PLS models exhibited differential performance between manually fed-batch cultures and Raman controlled cultures. For glucose, the RMSEP of manually fed-batch culture and Raman-controlled culture was 0.23 and 0.40 g·L-1. With the implementation of model correction methods, there was a significant improvement in model performance within Raman-controlled cultures. The RMSEP for glucose from updating-PLS, KF-PLS, and PLS-KF-KF was 0.38, 0.36, and 0.17 g·L-1, respectively. Notably, the proposed PLS-KF-KF model correction method was found to be more effective and stable, playing a vital role in the automated nutrient feeding of cell cultures.