Food Provision Research Articles

Nutritional Fuelling for Microgravity Environment of Space Missions

Abstract: Since the beginning of space missions, the food systems have undergone a sea change with prolonged manned missions and permanent space habitats. We have a better understanding of physiological changes which happen in humans in space and help in adaptation to the space environment. Yet, much remains underexplored and warrants further research. Space missions today involve a considerable number of individuals operating in a microgravity environment for both short and long periods. The provision of food for such missions and managing the physio-pathological changes that affect nutritional requirements continue to be challenging. Food systems (food and beverages) used during every program to date have been shelf‐stable and were composed primarily of rehydratable or thermostabilized food items. Such foods usually have a lower hedonic value than fresh or frozen foods. Consequently, a reliable food system must provide a wide range of palatable and attractive foods as well as the tools to prepare them (through rehydration, heating, and cooling) to enhance the taste sensation of the crew. Adequate nutrition with easily accessible food is essential to this effort. To deliver nutritional recommendations to crew members for long-duration space missions, it is important to understand how nutritional status and general physiology are linked and affected by microgravity exposure. In view of this, it has been pointed out that nutritional countermeasures could rectify the physiological and behavioural anomalies during microgravity exposure. In this comprehensive narrative review, we have provided an overview of a few recent advances such as silkworm protein, good mood-vegan diet, 3-D food printing, and space garden’s produce for onboard support to food systems. It has also been found that exercise could be an addition to nutritional interventions. Areas of space exploration that require more in-depth research using ground-based bed rest models, as well as inflight microgravity conditions, are highlighted.

Migration process of Venezuelan women to Brazil: living conditions and use of health services in Manaus and Boa Vista, 2018-2021.

The last decade saw the emergence of a new significant migration corridor due to the mass migration of Venezuelans to neighboring countries in South America. Since 2018, Brazil became the third host country of Venezuelan displaced populations. Little is known about how migratory processes affect needs, access to social programs, and public health services of migrant women. The goal of this study is to shed light on the socio-economic profile, living conditions, and use of health services of Venezuelan migrant women in two main reception cities in Brazil. A survey was conducted using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in the cities of Boa Vista (Roraima), and Manaus (Amazonas). The study included 2012 Venezuelan migrant women aged between 15 and 49 years old who migrated from Venezuela to Brazil between 2018 and 2021. Relative prevalence was calculated, and the χ2 test was used to analyse the homogeneity of proportions. All analyses considered the complex sampling. The main reasons for migrating relate to difficulties obtaining food (54%) and accessing health services (37.8%) in their country of origin. They were young and mixed race (65.7%) and had high school education (69.9%). In Manaus, 3.7% of the interviewees declared that they had no family income in the last month, while in Boa Vista, it was higher (66.2%) (p-value < 0.001). Almost one-third of them sought health care in the last 15 days, and 95% of them received care. The residents of Boa Vista arrived more recently and family income and access to paid work improved with time of residence in Brazil. Given the increasing flow of Venezuelan migrants crossing to Brazil, a reception system was established for the provision of food, shelter, access to health services, and income transfer programs to migrants. This was the case despite high unemployment and poverty levels and income inequality, particularly in the city of Boa Vista. However, the majority had legal migrant status and had access to the public and universal healthcare system in Brazil (SUS). The use of the SUS was similar in both cities, acting as a buffer for the differences in opportunities offered.

Effectiveness of mangrove sword bean food bar addressed to older people of landslide disaster victims

BackgroundOlder people require extra attention due to their reduced ability to prepare for disasters, as they adequately possess distinct needs. These groups necessitate uncomplicated, readily consumable, and palatable food options that fulfill their micronutrient needs. The objective of this research was to assess the effects of a snack bar enriched with api-api mangrove (Avicennia marina) and sword bean (Canavalia ensiformis) on the body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) of older people individuals afflicted by a landslide event.MethodsA non-randomized pre-post-intervention study was undertaken, involving 31 senior participants. The intervention group consisted of 15 seniors who were provided with a mangrove sword bean snack bar, while the control group comprised 16 seniors who received a sword bean food bar during 15 days. All study participants received education on maintaining a balanced diet for older people individuals. The data analysis involved using univariate and bivariate analyses, explicitly applying the independent t-test and dependent t-test.ResultsIn the hedonic evaluation, the mangrove sword bean food bar had superior average attributes in terms of scent, flavor, texture, and color compared to the sword bean food bar. The consumption of snack bars made from mangrove sword beans resulted in a significant rise in weight (0.2 kg), energy intake (240.8 kcal), protein content (5.8 g), carbohydrate content (40.06 g), and fat content (4.4 g). Carbohydrate can significantly increase weight in the treatment subjects. Furthermore, the provision of comprehensive nutrition education has the potential to enhance the post-study knowledge score, as seen by the observed increase of 40.6. A significant disparity was observed between the mean carbohydrate consumption and understanding of balanced nutrition among the intervention and control groups.ConclusionApi-api mangrove sword bean snack bars have been identified as a viable and efficient substitute for emergency food provisions, particularly in disaster-stricken communities. These food bars have demonstrated a significant capacity to contribute to the weight gain of individuals within such groups, thus addressing the nutritional needs of impacted populations in the aftermath of natural calamities. Subsequent investigations may include employing pregnant women as participants to explore the issue above.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05897892.

Exploring the influence of context on social norms around Australian parents' food provision using story completion.

To explore the differences in social norms around parents' food provision in different provision contexts and by demographics. Qualitative study using story completion methodology via an online survey in September 2021. Adults 18+ with or without children were randomised to one of three story stems focusing on food provision in different contexts; food provision at home (non-visitor), with visitors present, and with the involvement of sport. Stories were coded and themed using thematic analysis. A content analysis was performed to determine count and frequency of codes in stories by participant demographics and story assumptions. Australia. Adults (n=196). Nine themes were identified from the data resulting in four social norms around providing healthy foods and justifying non-adherence to healthy eating guidelines, evolution of family life and mealtime values, the presence of others influencing how we engage with food provision, and unhealthy foods used as incentives/rewards in sport. Following content analysis, no differences of themes or norms by participant demographics or story assumptions were found. We identified pervasive social norms around family food provision and further identified how contextual factors resulted in variations or distinct norms. This highlights the impact context may have on the social norms parents face when providing food to their children and the opportunities and risks of leveraging these social norms to influence food choice in these contexts. Public health interventions and practitioners should understand the influence of context and social environments when promoting behaviour change and providing individualised advice. Future research could explore parents' experiences of these norms and to what extent they impact food choice.

Spatial and Temporal Changes in Supply and Demand for Ecosystem Services in Response to Urbanization: A Case Study in Vilnius, Lithuania

Intensification of urbanization is changing the supply capacities and demand levels of ecosystem services (ESs), and their mismatch has become a major problem for the sustainable development of urban areas. In this study, spatiotemporal changes of three ecosystem services (food provision, C sequestration, recreation) were quantified and imbalances between their supply and demand were identified in Vilnius County (Lithuania) in 2000–2020. The most significant land use transformation was the increase in forest and urbanized land at the expense of agricultural land. The lowest supply and the highest demand for food, carbon sequestration, and outdoor recreation were in the urban center. The urban land ratio had a negative impact on the provision of ecosystems’ services during the study period, most notably affecting food supply. Urbanization indicators—population density and urban land area—showed a negative relationship with the provision of ecosystem services. The balance of supply and demand changed during the 2000–2020 period—the growth of suburbs led to the distance of the supply areas from the city, and the area of the intense demand increased. The results of the study highlight the importance of spatial scale in determining the impact of urbanization on ecosystem functions.

Participation of military logistics services in the provision of food in Warsaw in september 1939

The fighting in September 1939 has been the subject of a large body of historical literature. Nevertheless, due to the scattered and incomplete source base, many issues require further research and a deeper, broader treatment. This is all the more important because the course of contemporary conflicts, including the ongoing war in Ukraine with the Russian Federation, shows the recurring nature of many experiences in military history. On the basis of a historical analysis of unknown and hitherto unused accounts from the Polish Central Military Archives (PCMA), the Archives of the Polish Institute and the General Sikorski Museum, the Pilsudski Institute in London, supplemented by documents from the PCMA and the literature on the subject, the authors’ goal is to show the crucial problems of food supply for troops fighting in the defense of Warsaw in September 1939. As a research hypothesis, they assumed that despite the planning, organisational, formal and practical difficulties, it was mainly thanks to the initiative and resourcefulness of some officers of various levels and various supply branch structures that the initial chaos was eventually brought under control and food was provided to the fighting troops until the end of the struggle for the Polish capital. This, in turn, had a not insignificant impact on sustaining the high morale and fighting ability of individual units and subdivisions, as well as the civilian population encouraged by German propaganda to leave the city in exchange for - as the invaders put it - freedom and food.

Accounting for uncertainty in marine ecosystem service predictions for spatial prioritisation

AbstractAimSpatial assessments of Ecosystem Services (ES) are increasingly used in environmental management, but rarely provide information on the prediction accuracy. Uncertainty estimates are essential to provide confidence in the quality and credibility of ES assessments for informed decision making. In marine environments, the need for uncertainty assessments for ES is unparalleled as they are data scarce, poorly (spatially) defined, with complex interconnectivity of seascapes. This study illustrates the uncertainty associated with a principle‐based method for ES modelling by accounting for model variability, data coverage and uncertainty in thresholds and parameters.LocationTauranga, New Zealand.MethodsA sensitivity analysis was applied on ES models for marine bivalves (Austrovenus stutchburyi and Paphies australis) and their contribution to Food provision, Water quality regulation, Nitrogen removal and Sediment stabilisation. ES estimates from the sensitivity analysis were compared against baseline ES predictions. Spatial uncertainty patterns were analysed for individual ES through bi‐plots and multiple ES through spatial prioritisation using Zonation.ResultsOur study showed spatially explicit differences in uncertainty patterns for ES and between species. Food provision had highest maximum uncertainty (&gt;5 points) but also the largest area of high ES and high certainty conditions. Zonation analysis conducted on baseline and conservative ES values showed overall robust outcomes of top 30% area, but important nuances through shifts in top 5% and 10% areas that allowed for a consistently better representation of ES when accounting for uncertainty.Main ConclusionsThe spatial prioritisation in combination with the ES uncertainty biplots provide tools for spatial planning of individual and multiple ES to focus on area of highest value with highest certainty and can thereby help reduce risk and aid decision‐making at acceptable confidence levels. This type of information is urgently needed in marine ES assessments and their management, but likewise extends to other environments to improve transparency.

Effect of Educational Equity on the Quality of Education in Selected Schools in Kwimba District, Tanzania

This study examined the effect of educational equity on the quality of education specifically, how the equitable distribution of resources affects quality education in public secondary schools in Kwimba district. It employed a mixed research approach with an embedded design and comprised 271 participants, including students, teachers, heads of schools, ward education officers (WEOs), and district education officers (DEOs). The study was carried out in kwimba district, Mwanza Tanzania from July,2023 to September, 2023. Both probability and nonprobability sampling techniques were used to select the participants. The data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and document reviews. The findings revealed that despite the number of challenges, the equitable distribution of resources significantly affected the attendance, retention,  and performance rate of students. The results show that equity in resources improves education through the provision of nutrition and food, fee-free programs, the equitable distribution of teaching and learning materials, the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure, and the allocation of qualified and adequate teachers. Basing on the findings, it was concluded that to improve the quality of education in secondary schools in Kwimba district, there should be a concerted effort to ensure the equitable allocation of educational resources. There should be a collaborative effort among parents, the community and the government to ensure that the challenges that limit students from accessing school resources are minimized or eliminated.

Threats to the Food Security of the Russian State in the Modern Settings

   Introduction. National security of any state is ensured through development of the various spheres of its life — spiritual, political, military, economic and others. However, the fundamental factor ensuring existence of any society is availability of accessible quality and quantity of food to the citizens. Therefore, the goal of the state socio-economic policy of Russiais to ensure people’s food security. The article analyses the state policy and practices of Russia in countering the threats to the food security of the country in the modern difficult geopolitical settings.   The relevance of studying the food security system of the Russian state is induced by one of the priorities of the state socio-economic policy implying the development of the food security threat preventing and countering measures as the fundamental condition of existence of the society.   The aim of the study is to analyse the criteria of the state governance efficiency on ensuring the food security of the country, to study the state of the art in this field as well as to identify the existing threats and propose the countering measures.   Materials and Methods. The research was conducted using the methods of structural-functional and statistical analysis, content analysis of the normative legal acts in the field of food security, at both national and international levels, the comparative-historical method, comparativism and other methods.   Results. The state of the art of the food security system of Russia, which is an integral part of the national security of the state, has been analysed. The regulatory documents and statistical data on the state of the art of the food security of Russia have been investigated. The measures for ensuring the Russian Federation food security have been proposed through expansion of the domestic production of the environmentally friendly and safe for the human health products and other kind of products that is a necessary condition for preserving the population and the nature of our country and the decent standard of living of the Russian citizens.   Discussion and Conclusion. The degree of ensuring the state food security has significantly improved, but has not reached the normative threshold values for the whole range of goods. Provision of the high-quality affordable food to the Russian citizens remains a riskogenics factor. The economic sanctions imposed by the Western countries against Russia are a newform of the hybrid warfare. The conclusions drawn upon the research aim to supplement and expand the scientific knowledge on the conditions of ensuring the food security of the Russian state that is the most important concern of the government, because food is the basic condition for existence of all the living beings on the planet. The independence of the state and its national sovereignty depend on ensuring the food security.

Effects of linear landscape elements on multiple ecosystem services in contrasting agricultural landscapes

Linear landscape elements, such as field margins, are agricultural practices whose adoption is supported by agri-environmental climate measures (AECMs). AECMs are meant to improve ecological conditions on farms and surrounding areas. The effectiveness of AECMs to enhance the supply of multiple ecosystem services (ESs) is still debated and knowledge on the resulting ESs bundles under different practices stemming from AECMs is still lacking. We aimed at assessing the potential of AECMs that promote the implementation of linear landscape elements to provide high levels of multiple ESs and at analyzing bundles at landscape level in different geographical contexts. We assessed the potential effects of linear landscape elements (woody, grassy, flower and a mix) on six ESs (food and feed provision, pollination, pest control, climate regulation, aesthetics, and habitat maintenance), combining scenarios and spatially explicit modelling approaches. Our results showed the positive effects of linear landscape elements on all regulating and cultural ESs. The more abundant the linear elements, the higher the overall ESs supply. However, the effect of linear landscape elements on multiple ESs depended on the types of linear elements and the geographical context of their implementation. When the supply of the ES was already high in the baseline situation, the changes induced by the implementation of the linear elements were much lower than when the baseline situation showed a lower initial supply of one or several of the ESs. Our analyses give insights on the efficiency of AECMs on multiple environmental targets. Our approach is a first step towards a general framework for an ex-ante integrated analysis of AECMs that can be used to design agri-environmental policies. From a more practical perspective, our results can form a basis for additional payments for AECMs. Our study also confirms the relevance of the EU biodiversity strategy that commits to ensure at least 10% of agricultural area as high-biodiversity landscape features such as linear landscape elements, and the relevance of the enhanced conditionality and eco-schemes in the reformed Common agricultural Policy targeting non-productive elements and biodiversity.

Access to a pre-sleep protein snack increases daily energy and protein intake in surgical hospitalized patients

Background & aimIn hospitalized patients, daily protein intake remains far below WHO requirements for healthy adults (0.8 g·kg-1·d-1) as well as ESPEN guidelines for patients (1.2-1.5 g·kg-1·d-1). Providing access to a pre-sleep protein dense snack between dinner and going to bed may serve as a great opportunity to increase daily energy and protein intake in hospitalized patients. However, it remains to be assessed whether protein provision prior to sleep effectively increases protein intake, or may reduce food intake throughout the remainder of the day(s). The present study evaluated the impact of giving access to a pre-sleep snack on daily energy and protein intake in patients throughout their hospitalization. MethodsPatients admitted to the surgical wards of the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ were randomly allocated to usual care (n=51) or given access to a pre-sleep snack (n=50). The pre-sleep snack consisted of 103 g cheese cubes (30 g protein) provided between 7:30 and 9:30 PM, prior to sleep. All food provided and all food consumed was weighed and recorded throughout (2-7 days) hospitalization. Daily energy and protein intake and distribution were calculated. Data were analyzed by independent T-Tests with P<0.05 considered as statistically significant. ResultsDaily energy intake was higher in the pre-sleep group (1353±424 kcal·d-1) when compared to the usual care group (1190±402 kcal·d-1; P=0.049). Providing patients access to a pre-sleep snack resulted in a 17% (11±9 g) higher daily protein intake (0.81±0.29 g·kg-1·d-1) when compared to the usual care group (0.69±0.28 g·kg-1·d-1; P=0.045). Protein intake at breakfast, lunch, and dinner did not differ between the pre-sleep and usual care groups (all P>0.05). ConclusionProviding access to a pre-sleep protein snack, in the form of protein dense food items such as cheese, represents an effective dietary strategy to increase daily energy and protein intake in hospitalized patients. Patients consuming pre-sleep protein snacks do not compensate by lowering energy or protein intake throughout the remainder of the days. Pre-sleep protein dense food provision should be implemented in hospital food logistics to improve the nutritional intake of patients. Trial register noNL8507 (https://trialsearch.who.int/)

Perspectives on Determinants of Poor Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs amongst Patients Attending a Tuberculosis Treatment Center in South East, Nigeria

Background of the study: Tuberculosis is curable and preventable as long as the infected patients take their medication as prescribed without interruption and all preventive measures observed both within the hospital and the community. Adherence to tuberculosis treatment by tuberculosis patients is key to the global control of tuberculosis. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at the Mile-4 hospital, a tuberculosis treatment center in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 125 tuberculosis patients were recruited for the study and self-administered questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to get responses from the patients. Descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Major reasons given for missing appointment and not following treatment schedule closely were lack of money, long distance from health facility, inadequate health education and non provision of food. Lack of money and long distance from health facility accounted for 60.9% of the reasons for not adhering to the treatment schedule by the tuberculosis patients. Conclusion: Adherence to tuberculosis treatment can be facilitated by extensive health education, minimal financial support and provision of food to tuberculosis patients. Distance from health facilities is also very important in the adherence to anti tuberculosis therapy by tuberculosis patients.

Editorial Wetlands for human well-being

Wetlands, transitional lands bridging the gap between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems, with biophysical interactions that provide numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits for human well-being.These vital ecosystems sustain ecological processes to provide services such as nutrient cycling, water purification, reducing pollution, carbon sequestration, groundwater recharge, flood reduction, erosion control, habitats for aquatic biota (Fig. 1), education opportunities, aesthetics, and recreation (Ramachandra et al., 2021; Ramachandra, 2022). In this context, World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2nd February to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for human well-being and commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Convention underscored sustainable and wise use of wetlands while advocating ecosystem approaches for the preservation of fragile ecosystems. Currently, 172 Ramsar Convention Contracting Parties and 2,500 Ramsar Sites totalling 2.5 million square kilometers are designated Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance. There are 80 wetlands of international significance in India (https://www.ramsar.org/) spanning 1,332,200 ha (which includes recently (on 31st January 2024) designated five wetlands - Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary (Ramachandra et al., 2018; Fig. 2) and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve in Karnataka, and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu). Pledged contracting parties advocate wise use of wetlands and water resources in the respective regions through national conservation plans, policies, legislation, management actions, and public education as per the tenets of 'seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations to ensure sustainable water and land resource use, food and water security, biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and climate change mitigation (https://sdgs.un.org/goals). Wetlands are aptly known as the "kidneys of the landscape" because of their enduring ability to assimilate contaminants through soil and plants and ensure clean water for society. Biotic and abiotic constituents of wetlands perform physical, chemical, and biological functions that provide an array of services for human well-being (Ramachandra et al., 2016; 2023). Wetlands act as sponges in the landscape as natural reservoirs by allowing water infiltration during monsoons and providing water during post-monsoon periods (lean seasons). A significant hydrological function is the ability to lessen the peak intensity of floods through infiltration and retention, which helps to regulate water flow (Zedler and Kercher, 2005; Ramachandra, 2022). Emergent vegetation in wetlands regulates water flow and captures sediment-associated contaminants, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth and provide a plethora of ecological services encompassing tangible and intangible benefits to sustain human livelihood and well-being (Clarkson et al., 2013; Ramachandra et al., 2021). Appraisal of ecosystem services (ES) through compilation of provisioning services, regulating services, and cultural services allows for adjusted national accounts that reflect the output of ecosystem services as well as the depletion of natural resources and the degradation costs (externalized costs of the loss of ecosystem services) of ecosystems in economic terms (De Groot et al., 2012; MEA, 2005; Ramachandra et al., 2021), which will help raise awareness and provide a quantitative tool to evaluate the sustainability of policies towards prudent management and conservation of fragile livelihoods supporting ecosystems (SEEA, 2021). Global wetlands were estimated to be worth US$4.9 trillion annually (Costanza et al., 1997). The value of provisioning, regulating, and cultural services provided by freshwater lentic ecosystems in Karnataka is 50, 197, and 38 billion rupees/year, respectively. The total ecosystem supply value (TESV) provided by the freshwater ecosystem of Karnataka is 285 billion rupees/year, and the net present value (NPV) amounted to 7321 billion rupees. Similarly, the value of services provided by the estuarine ecosystem in Karnataka is 5, 10, and 1 billion rupees/year from provisioning, regulating, and cultural services (Ramachandra et al., 2021; Ramachandra, 2022). The TESV provided by the estuarine ecosystem of Karnataka is 16 billion rupees/year, and the NPV amounts to 411 billion rupees. The total value of provisioning, regulating, and cultural services considering both freshwater and estuarine ecosystems was 55 billion Rs/yr (1,83,328 Rs/ha/yr), 207 billion Rs/yr (6,91,577 Rs/ha/yr), and 39 billion Rs/yr (1,30,686 Rs/ha/yr), respectively. The total ecosystem supply value of the Karnataka aquatic ecosystem was 301 billion Rs/yr (10,05,591 Rs/ha/yr), and the net present value amounts to 7,732 billion rupees, which highlights the ecological, social-cultural, economic, and environmental significance of wetlands (Ramachandra et al., 2021). Wetland ecosystems, repositories of rich biodiversity, play a vital role in sustaining life on the Earth through the provision of food, fodder, and water apart from aiding as kidneys of a landscape (removal of contaminants), sequestering carbon, moderate micro-climate and mitigate detrimental consequences of floods and storms. These fragile ecosystems worldwide have been facing severe challenges due to unplanned developmental activities resulting in hydrologic regime changes, nutrient enrichment, land use changes, biodiversity loss, pollution, invasive species invasion, unsustainable resource use, and climate changes due to global warming. Nutrient enrichment leads to eutrophic conditions, lowering dissolved oxygen, which results in disruption of the aquatic food chain, as evident from the frequent occurrence of large-scale fish mortality, the profuse growth of invasive alien species, and pollution-tolerant species, affecting native biota and the livelihood of dependent local people (Ramachandra et al., 2020). Wetlands help maintain carbon balance through carbon sequestration in biota and soils. However, the degradation of wetlands leads to the release of a higher quantum of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere through breakdown of soil and vegetation carbon pools (Xu et al., 2018), which necessitates immediate mitigation measures to arrest wetland degradation or loss while acknowledging the significance of healthy wetlands for human well-being and the attainment of the SDGs (clean water, good health and well-being, zero hunger, alleviating poverty, climate action, gender equity, sustainable food production, and sustainable resource management). The responsibility of maintaining intergenerational equity through sustenance of clean water, air, and the environment by ensuring ecological balance via sustainable management of natural ecosystems lies with the present generation. The 21st-century decision-makers need to recognize the crucial role of wetlands in securing food and clean water supplies and integrate ecosystem services through adjusted national accounts reflecting the ecosystem services as well as depletion of natural resources with degradation costs (externalized costs of the loss of ecosystem services), which will help in prudent management and conservation of ecosystems essential for human well-being.

The effects of food provisioning on the gut microbiota community and antibiotic resistance genes of Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.

Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) are the highest elevation lived non-human primate, and their survival has been threatened for decades. To promote their population growth, a reserve provides a typical monkey population with supplemental food. However, the influences of this food provisioning on their gut microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were unknown. Therefore, we investigated the gut microbiota and ARGs of the food-provisioned monkey population compared with another wild foraging population. We found that food provisioning significantly increased the gut microbiota diversity and changed the community composition, particularly increased both the Firmicutes abundance and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Meanwhile, the food provisioning decreased the complex and stable gut microbiota network. KEGG functions were also influenced by food provisioning, with wild foraging monkeys showing higher functions of metabolism and genetic information processing, especially the carbohydrate metabolism, while food-provisioned monkeys exhibited increased environmental information processing, cellular processes, and organismal systems, including valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation. In addition, food provisioning increased the abundance of ARGs in the gut microbiota, with most increasing the abundance of bacA gene and changing the correlations between specific ARGs and bacterial phyla in each population. Our study highlights that even food provisioning could promote wildlife nutrient intake, and it is necessary to pay attention to the increased ARGs and potential effects on gut microbiota stability and functions for this human conservation measure.

ANALISIS PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI DAN DAYA SAING DAERAH KABUPATEN ENDE TAHUN 2013-2014

This study is to empirically determine the potential economic sector, to see whether there has been a change in the economic structure and to determine which economic sectors have regional competitiveness in Ende Regency in 2013-2017 through data sourced from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Ende Regency. The analysis technique used is the Location Quotient (LQ) analysis and Shift Share analysis, the results of the Location Quotient analysis show that the base sector for the 2013-2017 period is 1). Wholesale and retail trade, car and motorcycle repair (1.42); 2). Transportation and Warehousing Sector (1.28); 3). Real Estate Sector (1.17); 4) Manufacturing Industry Sector (1.14); 5). Education Service Sector (1.13); 6). Other Service Sector (1.12); 7). Waste Water Treatment and Recycling Sector (1,10); 8). Construction Sector (1.02). And the non-base sector is 1). Corporate Service Sector (0.03); 2). Food and beverage accommodation provision sector (0.49); 3). Information and communication sector (0.60); 4). Health Services and Social Activities Sector (0.82); 5). Government Administration, Defense and Compulsory Social Security Sector (0.84); 6). Agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector (0.92); 7). Electricity and Gas Procurement Sector (0.93); 8). Financial Services and Insurance Sector (0.98); and 9). Mining and Quarrying Sector (0.99). Based on the analysis of Shift Share, the sectors that have competitiveness in Ende Regency are 1). Growth of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sectors; 2). Mining and Excavation Sector; 3). Real Estate Sector; 4). Corporate Service Sector and 5). Education Service Sector.

Hunting, foraging and the pursuit of animal ontologies

Climate change and the ecological crisis are fueling growing critiques of human exceptionalism within calls to reconfigure human-nature relations. This paper explores how some self-provisioning hunters and foragers in Victoria, Australia are invoking animal ontologies within their attempts to decenter the human and create sustainable, emplaced lifestyles and diets. For this cohort, hands-on food provisioning serves as a means of re-constructing the human as animal through the embodied physicality of food procurement practices, and the multispecies engagements and intimate understandings of local ecosystems these practices entail. Meat eating remains a complex ethical conundrum, however, and I examine how their conceptualizations of the human as animal serve also to justify their killing for food. This is evident in self-provisioning hunters’ construction of the embodied human as both predator and prey and through their desires for reciprocity through the eventual return of their own bodies to the food chain within their local ecosystems.

The milpa agroecosystem: A case study in Puebla, Mexico

In the Totonacapan region of northeastern Puebla, Mexico, two maize production systems are prevalent: the milpa and the maize field (maizal). The milpa system is an emblematic agroecosystem which focuses on traditional food production for self-consumption, utilising crop and land rotation to contribute to its sustainability and coexistence with native ecosystems. Adopted for commercial purposes, the maize field is the result of the government’s modernisation of traditional agriculture. The article examines why the milpa system persists over the maize field in the same cultural and environmental space, exploring the benefits and costs of both systems. The milpa system involves the cultivation of maize along with other crops and perennial woody species. It supports food security, diversifies the diet, and generates income from surplus products. Fruit trees and woody perennials in the milpa strengthen soil fertility, control weeds, provide firewood, and serve as stakes or supports for beans and as retaining walls or windbreaks. The system also incorporates useful plants like nopal and maguey for multiple purposes, including food and medicine. In contrast, the maize field system is characterised by commercial maize production and the use of improved maize varieties. While it generates income, it lacks the diversity and sustainability of the milpa system. Farmers recognise the cultural value of native maize and the environmental benefits of the milpa system but find it challenging to transition back due to soil degradation and labour-intensive practices. The milpa agroforestry system ultimately persists thanks to its provision of traditional foods, economic benefits, and environmental advantages, unlike the maize field system which faces challenges related to monocropping and loss of cultural heritage.

Evaluation of indicators of acute emotional states in dogs

A complete assessment of animal welfare requires not just an understanding of negative emotional states, such as fear and anxiety, but also of positive states, such as calmness and happiness. However, few studies have identified accurate and reliable indicators of positive emotional states in dogs. This study aimed to identify parameters that may serve as indicators of short-term emotional states in dogs. Using a cross-over design, 60 dogs living at a research facility were exposed to six different 10-min scenarios expected to elicit responses varying in emotional valence and arousal. A range of behavioural and physiological parameters were collected and their relationship to anticipated emotional valence and arousal was analysed using linear and logistic mixed models. Cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone, heart rate variability, panting, whining, and body shake all demonstrated significant differences based on arousal levels, but only within negative valence scenarios. Scores from a qualitative behavioural assessment (QBA) were associated with both emotional valence and arousal and were considered the best indicator of positive valence. Activity, ear temperature, and sitting were associated with positive high arousal, although this may have been influenced by differing levels of movement induced during these scenarios. Meanwhile, heart rate, secretory immunoglobulin A, standing and lying all showed similar changes associated with arousal for both positive and negative valence scenarios. This study provides a critical first step towards identifying evidence-based indicators of short-term emotional states in dogs, while highlighting considerations that should be made when employing these parameters, including the influence of coder bias, food provision, exercise, and external temperature. Overall, it is recommended future dog emotion and welfare research use a combination of parameters including indicators of both emotional valence and arousal.

Are larger termite mounds more resistant to fire? A study of two southern African termites (Isoptera: Termitidae)

AbstractTermites are resistant to fire, a common disturbance in the world's savannas, but most explanations for how termites resist fire are speculative. Some researchers have suggested that the mounds of some termite species can serve as a structural defence against direct fire mortality. Because mound structure is related to thermoregulation, and larger mounds have more stable internal temperatures, larger mounds may confer greater fire resistance. Fire also causes indirect mortality to termites by removing food sources, which may give an advantage to larger mounds as they have superior food provisioning and storage ability. Using natural fires, we measured mound size and colony survival of two southern African termite species (Trinervitermes trinervoides and Amitermes sp.) in plots recently burnt (&lt;4 months after fire), recovering from fire (1–2 years after fire), or unburnt (&gt;3 years after fire). Burn status and mound size were each significant factors in colony survival. Recent fire was associated with the lowest survival, and larger mounds with greater survival. There is some evidence that larger mounds are generally more resistant to fire, especially the long term, indirect effects, but sample sizes were not adequate to confirm this.

Logistics Management Practices and Performance of Government-Owned Sugar Companies In Kenya.

In the recent past, the Kenyan government has not been able to ensure the provision of affordable food. Structural bottlenecks have made it difficult for food produced in the country to reach its intended recipients. This study investigated the effect of logistics management practices on performance of government owned sugar companies in Kenya. It was premised on the proposition that in order to increase competitiveness of government-owned sugar companies, it is important to have a sound understanding of their logistics management practices. Underpinned by resource-based view theory, theory of constraints, systems theory and transaction cost theory, this study provided insights into managing logistics to enhance performance within the context of government owned sugar companies in Kenya. Four specific objectives emanated from this main objective: one, to determine the extent to which inventory management affects performance, two, to assess how order management affects performance, three, to establish how transportation management affects performance, four to determine the extent to which packaging management practices affects performance. Out of these objectives, hypotheses were stated for testing. Through structured questionnaires, data was obtained from 5 government-owned sugar companies. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and test hypotheses of the relationships stated earlier. The target sample population of the study was 256 supply chain personnel from five Government-owned sugar Companies in Kenya. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 29 using both descriptive and inferential analysis. The study finding revealed that inventory, order, transport, and packaging management significantly influence government-owned sugar manufacturing firms' performance in Kenya, explaining 73.9% of performance variation. ANOVA results confirmed the model's statistical significance (p &lt; 0.05). Further analysis demonstrated positive relationships between inventory, order, transport, and packaging management practices and firm performance. The study suggests government and policymakers allocate resources for collaborative research to enhance state-owned sugar manufacturing firms' logistics management. Researchers should focus on cost reduction, quality control, and technology adoption. Sugar firms need to invest in order processing systems, equipment, and sustainable packaging. Logistics service providers should adopt advanced technologies and collaborate with sugar firms. Further studies should explore additional logistics practices and cross-industry collaborations.