Food Storage Facilities Research Articles

The linkage between forests and household food security: Empirical evidence from Shinyanga Region, Tanzania

Many rural forest dependents are still poor and exposed to food insecurity. Hence, this paper aims to study the linkage between forests and household food security by analysing factors that determine participation in forest activities and by examining differences between participants and non-participants in respect of the food-security outcome. The study was conducted in rural areas of the Shinyanga Region in Tanzania using cross-sectional data on a sample of 303 rural households. Marginal effects predicted that distance to the forest concerned, illness or death of a household member, and off-farm activities determined participation in forest activities. Propensity score matching revealed that those who participated in forest activities were less food secure than non-participants with comparable characteristics were, which supports the contention that rural forest dependents are prone to food insecurity. Government policy should, therefore, aim at enhancing alternative sources of income as well as food storage facilities and food production for rural households.

Colonial transformation of the Aembu land access and labour division systems in food crop production from 1906-1963

This study examined the colonial transformation of the Aembu access to land and labour division in food crop production from 1906-1963. Colonial practices and policies undermined the Aembu land and labour systems in food crop production. Methodologically, the study used descriptive research design and Articulation of Modes of Production Theory. The study was conducted in Embu East, Embu West and Embu North sub-counties of Embu. The study targeted a population of 16,144 people based on the 2019 census. Corroborated data was obtained from oral, archival and secondary sources to establish the reliability and validity of the research. The study’s findings were that the creation of African reserves to pave way for white settlement and labour supply from Africans led to the abandonment of crop farms since they were far away; the reserves had limited land sizes with poor soils for the production of enough food while most of the food storage facilities were destroyed in the process of migration and that during the political crisis of World Wars and Mau Mau, labour in food crop production was reduced. It concluded that colonialism transformed the Aembu land and labour systems while the co-existence of pre-colonial and colonial access to land and labour systems on the production of food crops exposed the community to famines. The study recommends that policymakers should come up with strategies for promoting traditional forms of access to land and labour to ensure adequate food crop production.

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in a breeding kennel with reproductive disorders

IntroductionToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in dogs is distributed globally. Given the potential impact of T. gondii on human reproductive health and its zoonotic potential, focusing on infected dogs with breeding disorders may provide valuable new insights into the role of toxoplasmosis on reproductive disorders. This study aimed to elucidate the potential role of T. gondii on reproductive disorders by conducting a serosurvey on a kennel with breeding disorders in Kerman, Iran. Materials and methodsPurebred dogs with American Kennel Club-certified Pedigrees were randomly selected in both genders from a breeding kennel with a history of reproductive problems such as neonatal deaths, abortion stillbirths, and male infertility. Blood samples were collected from selected dogs, and serosurvey was done with a Toxo-Screen kit using the modified agglutination test (MAT). FindingsFrom 46 selected breeding dogs, 20 (43.5 %) were positive in the Toxoplasma MAT test, consisting of 24 samples (52.17 %) with different reproductive disorders and 22 (47.83 %) healthy dogs. However, the presence of reproductive disorder had no significant relationship with seropositivity (p = 0.067). Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis had no significant relationship with sex (p = 0.28) and age (p = 0.18) in the studied population. ConclusionScreening with the standard MAT method reduces the risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis by preventing the entry of infected dogs into the kennel, identifying the infected cases to start specific treatments, optimizing the proper nutritional conditions, and ensuring the hygiene of the environment. Fresh/refrigerated raw meat, unpasteurized milk feeding, rodent infestation of grass-covered dog runs, and the main dry food storage facilities were the primary risk factors in kennels.

Cereal Silo-pits, Agro-pastoral Practices and Social Organisation in 19th Century Algeria

Quantifiable, spatially-resolved, large-scale evidence about traditional food storage facilities is extremely rare, and yet highly insightful for researchers across subjects such as human ecology, anthropology, agronomy, archaeology and economic history. This paper takes advantage of some unusually detailed French colonial era records of cereal storage and agro-pastoral practice in 19th century central Algeria that inventory the underground food stores of different sedentary and nomadic tribes at a moment of colonial confrontation in which these stores were central to ecological and political resilience. We consider how different aspects of these food stores relate to environmental, social and economic variables across the study area. The overall results suggest important north-south trends in agro-pastoral lifestyle and storage practice.

An Automated Mechanised Robot for Handling Ricebags

A novel technology that overcomes the difficulties of manual labor has been created to increase productivity in large-scale food storage facilities. With an emphasis on rice bags in particular, this creative approach seeks to seamlessly replace human interaction in duties like picking, storing, moving, and monitoring food bags. The system uses an integrated approach that includes precision grippers, scissor lifts, Cartesian robots, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), and an advanced artificial intelligence-driven control system. Especially, the technology known as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) plays a crucial part in guaranteeing the smooth operation of the system. While Cartesian robots precisely perform complex jobs, autonomous mobility from the AGVs enables efficient and accurate movement within the storage space. Scissor lifts add to the system's flexibility in managing different storage arrangements. Rice sacks can be handled carefully and under control thanks to precision grippers. Artificial intelligence algorithms are employed by the overarching control system to facilitate the smooth coordination of various constituents. By combining these cutting-edge technologies, the system not only simplifies operations but also drastically lowers the need for manual labor, opening the door for a more effective and cutting edge method of managing food storage

A Review on Solvents - Dilute, Dissolve and Disperse

Introduction: The discourse herein explores the topic “Solvents- Dilute, Dissolve and Disperse” and details the importance of the techniques used in the manipulations of solvents to achieve specific needs. The phenomenon involved in “Solvents- Dilute, Dissolve and Disperse” is used in the chemical industries, in the atmosphere, in plants and animals’ metabolism and in every aspect of life. The use of solutions and techniques such as dilution gives chemists control over the amounts of the substance they handle, to transfer substances from one medium to another particularly when only a little sample is available due to its rarity or cost. The phenomenon is used in ore analysis and in the analysis of contaminated food for traces of poison. It has a wide coverage of application in nature. Background: Much of life’s applications is found in mixtures and solutions. The atmosphere is a gaseous solution of Nitrogen, Oxygen, Carbon dioxide, Water vapour and the trace elements. The basis of the atmosphere lends its application in the creation of environments for deep-sea divers and food storage facilities. The ability of a substance to dissolve in another is studied. Solutions are stored in a concentrated form to save space and the concentrated solutions are diluted to variable concentrations as needs result. A microscopic amount of a substance is measured accurately through the dilution technique. When additional solvent is added to a given volume of solution, the number of moles of the solute occupies a larger volume of solution by the dilution. Literally, solvents are solute carriers. Method: A literature review is taken from reputable authors to highlight the descriptions of the terms involved in the topic, “Solvents- Dilute, Dissolve and Disperse” and to elucidate the associated meanings and applications of the concept. Conclusion: Solubility is the ability of a solvent to dissolve a solute. The technique of solubility is widely used in Nature: in Sciences and Arts. There is the need to understand the concept and principle of solubility. This write-up discusses the basis and applications of solubility as guided by the topic “Solvents- Dilute, Dissolve and Disperse”.

IoT Cloud Based Low-Cost Temperature, Humidity and Dust Monitoring System to Prevent Food Poisoning

This project presents a cost-effective IoT-based system designed for monitoring temperature, humidity, and dust levels in food storage environments to mitigate the risk of food poisoning. Utilizing sensors and a microcontroller, real-time data is collected and transmitted to a cloud platform through a secure communication protocol. The cloud-based solution incorporates a backend server and a database for efficient data processing and storage. A user-friendly web or mobile interface enables stakeholders to monitor conditions, set custom thresholds, and receive timely alerts. The system's design emphasizes scalability, adaptability, and ease of deployment, making it suitable for various food storage facilities. Rigorous testing ensures the reliability and accuracy of the system, and its implementation is intended to enhance food safety practices. Ongoing maintenance and updates are incorporated to ensure the sustained effectiveness of the monitoring solution in preventing food borne illnesses.

An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non-native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

We report the first record of the microlepidopteran Plodia interpunctella beyond the South Shetland Islands at the Chilean Yelcho scientific station (64°52'33.1428″ S; 63°35'1.9572″ W), Doumer Island, close to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is notable that P. interpunctella, a globally distributed stored product pest species, exhibits a remarkable capacity for prolonged viability within food storage facilities. The dual challenges of food transportation and storage in the context of Antarctica's challenging operational conditions may have facilitated P. interpunctella's initial arrival to the Antarctic region. Non-perishable food items, such as grains, flour and rice, provide practical options for the bulk food transportation and storage required in the long-term operation of Antarctic research stations. The presence of P. interpunctella in Antarctica, even if restricted to synanthropic environments within buildings, is a clear threat to Antarctic biodiversity, not only through being an invasive species itself but also as a potential vector for other non-native species (bacteria, acari, between others.), which could carry diseases to the native species.

Evaluation of Strategic Options for Enhancing Community Resilience to Drought in Kitui County, Kenya

In Kenya, Arid and semi-arid Lands are more affected by drought due to their fragile ecosystems, unfavourable climate, and historical marginalization. Kitui County is one of the counties that have been hit hard by protracted droughts over the past decades. This study aimed at addressing the increasing global, regional, and national attention on building community resilience to disasters. The overall objective of the study was to evaluate the strategic options for enhancing community resilience to drought in Kitui County. The study was conducted in Mwingi North and Mwingi West Sub-Counties which were selected using purposive sampling technique. The study utilized data collected from 385 households sampled using simple random sampling technique. Descriptive, correlation, and evaluation research designs were employed. Data was collected using structured questionnaires; focus group discussion guides; key informant interview guides and observation checklists and analysed using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) software Version 28, STATA Version 15 and MS Excel. The results based on Spearman’s weighting revealed support for more sustainable water sources had the highest rank 34.4%; followed by increased access to credit facilities 15.1%; livestock/crop insurance schemes 11.9% and support for food storage facilities 11% among others. R =0.534 and R2 = 0.286 revealed that the contribution of strategic options to community resilience to drought was significant. The study recommends use of both ex-ante and ex post strategies to enhance community resilience to drought. These findings will be beneficial in guiding the policy makers in improving strategies for enhancing community resilience to drought.

The Influence of Household and Community Food Environments on Food Insecurity in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Insufficient access to enough quality food remains a public health challenge in South Africa. This study aimed to report the influence of community and the household environment, food system inventories, and food procurement on household food security. The findings alluded that food insecurity is prevalent among the rural areas in South Africa. Large household sizes and a limited access to and use of water and food storage facilities for food preservation are the major household determinants. A multi-sectoral nutrition-planning approach that accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals should be reinforced. We recommend the promotion of food production for consumption in rural communities.

A REVIEW OF BLOCKCHAIN APPLICATION IN LOGISTICS AND LAST-MILE DELIVERY

Due to the ongoing arrival of individuals, large urban areas are expanding while the daily life within them becomes increasingly demanding. These cities' authorities confronted many challenges in providing necessities for their citizens, such as water and food supply, energy, public transportation, road infrastructure, healthcare services, waste management, recycling, and storage facilities. Cities embrace novel technologies and innovative approaches to cope with these evolving circumstances. Cyber-physical systems, digitization, networking, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and blockchains are valuable tools that enable the efficient functioning of smart cities. The subject matter of this article is very complex and covers several disciplines, such as management, transport, and information technologies. Few have mastered the necessary knowledge in all these areas. The authors wish that this multi-dimensional presentation of the current situation will be helpful to those who deal with the organization of life in cities, logistics, or the application of information technologies in business organizations, but also ordinary citizens who are not yet familiar with these problems. The article should allow the reader to see the complexity of last-mile delivery and encourage it to use its potential to get involved in solving this problem.

Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment Framework of Cold Food Storage Facilities

The imperative of responding to anthropogenic climate change that is driving energy infrastructure managers to implement resilience enhancing policies such as hourly scale dynamic pricing concurrently drives energy intensive industries to monitor energy usage at higher fidelity. This study proposes a Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (DLCA) framework specifically tailored for cold food storage facilities which provide essential thermodynamic resilience to the human food web and consumes a large share of the web's energy footprint. Different from the conventional LCA, which delivers a snapshot of the environmental impacts and cost statically, DLCA can accommodate temporal variations in operating conditions and energy usage. It interacts with real-time monitoring data and fluctuating energy rates to provide a more accurate and time-sensitive environment impact and cost evaluation. Key parameters from real-time sensors and reference databases are summarized to lay the foundation for DLCA of cold food storage, like operating power and hours, shipment arrival time, and transportation fuel economy. Its feasibility and reliability are validated by scenarios that simulate different operating conditions, like shift change to utilize off-peak rate and change of packaging materials. The proposed framework allows facility operators and policymakers to pinpoint bottlenecks and seize opportunities for environmental impact and cost reduction.

Sustainability of traditional building practices in Nigeria: The case of Igala traditional architecture

Nigeria's diverse ethnic landscape is marked by distinct traditional building practices, each representing a unique cultural identity. This study delves into the architectural heritage of the Igala people of North Central Nigeria, shedding light on their sustainable building practice. Despite its profound cultural and historical significance, the Igala traditional architecture, like many others in Nigeria, faces challenges due to modernization. This trend is pervasive across Nigeria, where contemporary buildings often disregard indigenous socio-cultural, environmental, and climatic considerations in their design and construction. Consequently, modern buildings in Nigeria tend to be costly and incompatible with the local culture, environment and climate. This study explores the imperatives and values of Igala traditional housing pattern, aiming to enhance the sustainability of contemporary building practices in Nigeria. Employing a narrative approach, the study utilized archival/historical research, field surveys, and interviews with local building professionals, indigenous elders, and environmental experts to explore the Igala traditional building practice. Thematic content and descriptive analysis were used to interpret the gathered data. The study revealed intrinsic features of Igala traditional housing pattern, including the courtyard system, hierarchical spatial arrangement, organic expansion, food storage facilities and the integration of socio-economic and socio-cultural spaces. These features exemplify sustainability through values such as security, privacy, communal living, cultural identity, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, passive solar techniques and environmental conservation. The research emphasized the critical importance of these identified features and values, not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for guiding sustainable contemporary architectural practices in Nigeria.

IMPACTS OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN RESTRICTION ON RURAL HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY AND LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES OF ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN YENAGOA AGRICULTURAL ZONE, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

With economic recoveries slowing, COVID-19 uncertainties and disruptions continuing, and worsening fiscal capacity, the outlook for food and nutrition security for many low- and middle-income farmers and their livelihood is of significant concern. The study analyzed the effect of COVID-19 lockdown restriction on rural household food security and livelihood activities of arable crop farmers in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Data were collected through well-structured questionnaire from 100 arable crop farmers. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result showed that fever (x=3.8), cough (x=3.1), shortness of breath (x=3.5), headache (x=3.5), sore throat ( x=3.3) and congestion or running nose (=3.2) were perceived COVID-19 symptoms. Transportation (tricycle and taxi driving) (x=3.7), arable crop farming (x=3.4), handicraft (x=2.5), oil palm farming (x=3.4), fish farming (x=3.2), vegetable farming (x=3.4) and snail farming (x=3.1) were livelihood activities affected by COVID-19 movement restriction. Food availability (x=2.9), feeding efficiency/sufficiency (x=2.6), economic access to food (=2.5) and food quality (=2.5) were food status of the sample arable crop farmers. The regression result showed that the coefficient of COVID-19 movement restriction (2.531) was positive and statistically significant at 1%. The study concluded that COVID-19 movement restriction significantly affected food security status and livelihood activities of arable crop farmers negatively. Hence, the study recommended effort should be made by government and other agricultural agencies to establish food storage, preservation and processing facilities so that during movement restrictions farmers can have access to food and to avoid malnutrition for the aged farmers...

Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Aflatoxin B1, Zearalenone, and T-2 Toxin in Medicinal and Edible Food Using Gold Immunochromatographic Test Strip.

(1) Background: Medicinal and edible food and traditional Chinese medicine have been used to treat various diseases. However, their safety has not been thoroughly assessed. (2) Methods: An immunochromatographic test strip (ICS) was used for the first time to screen some mycotoxins, including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), zearalenone (ZEN), and T-2 toxin, in medicinal and edible food and traditional Chinese medicine. Antibody/nano-gold particle coupling was used with the prepared ICS, and the pH, monoclonal antibody concentration, and antigen amount were optimized. The extraction sample solution was diluted 10 times with phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.5% Tween-20 and 0.05% sodium dodecyl sulfate to remove the complex matrix in medicinal and edible food. (3) Results: Under optimal conditions, the sensitivities of the developed ICS for AFB1, ZEN, and T-2 were 0.5, 5.0, and 5.0 ng/mL, respectively. Among the 30 medicinal and edible food samples tested, two samples (both of sand jujube kernels) were positive, and the results were verified by high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were consistent with the ICS test results. (4) Conclusions: The ICS could be used for rapid screening and simultaneous detection of mycotoxins at medicinal and edible food storage facilities.

Land cover changes and spatial planning alignment in East Java Province

According to the East Java Regional Medium-Term Development Plan 2019-2024, East Java is a food barn and the largest contributor to national food availability. On the other hand, East Java is the province with the second-largest population in Indonesia. During the last ten years, East Java’s population growth was 0.79 percent, which caused pressure on land resources and caused rivalry in land use utilization. This will undoubtedly jeopardize East Java’s status as a national food storage facility. The objective of this research is to analyze land cover changes of East Java Province from 2000 to 2020, as well as to analyze the relationship between spatial usage and the spatial plan (RTRW) and develop directions for spatial utilization of East Java Province in supporting its role as a national food barn. The method used in this research is the overlay technique to identify land cover changes and alignment with a spatial plan, and descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that the most common agricultural land cover changes in East Java were as follows, from forests to dryland agriculture, paddy fields to dryland agriculture and built-up areas, and scrubland to dryland agriculture. Through this research, we arrange a direction for spatial utilization of East Java to protect the productive agricultural land and to ensure that this province remains a national food barn in the future.

Life-Cycle Assessment based Energy Consumption Analysis for Cold Food Storage Facilities

Life-Cycle Assessment based Energy Consumption Analysis for Cold Food Storage Facilities

Food provision in early childhood development centres in Harare, Zimbabwe


 
 
 
 Background. Poor nutrition practices result in malnutrition, a public health concern that affects a third of children globally. In Zimbabwe, ~27.6% of children under-5 years old are stunted. Some of these children spend long hours in early childhood development centres (ECDCs). Children can receive half to two-thirds of their daily food intake while in care, making ECDCs an ideal entry point to influence child nutrition positively. There are no specific nutrition guidelines for ECDCs in Zimbabwe.
 Objective. The study aimed to investigate food provision at ECDCs of the Northern-Central District of Harare.Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted in 15 ECDCs. Fifteen ECD managers (ECDMs) and 14 food handlers (FHs) were included in the study. An observational checklist allowed recording of food preparation and hygiene practices. The Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) of the menu was calculated using the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) 9-group DDS sheet.Results. Inadequate food storage facilities and food handling practices were observed. Staff had minimal nutrition-related training. Staff displayed a positive attitude towards their role in providing healthy meals. Barriers to serving healthy meals were inadequate funds, children’s food preferences, unrealistic parental expectations, and external factors. The mean DDS score for menus was 2.8. Meals consisted mainly of starchy items, legumes and meat, and lacked fruit and dairy items.Conclusion. National guidelines can improve children’s dietary intake while in day care. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3, food provision at ECDCs should be a priority.
 
 
 

Selection for resistance to pirimiphos-methyl, permethrin and spinosad in a field strain of Sitophilus oryzae: resistance risk assessment, cross-resistance potential and synergism of insecticides.

Indiscriminate use of insecticides in food storage facilities for controlling insect pests has deleterious effects on the environment and non-targeted organisms in the premises. Continuous use of insecticides may result in resistance development in insect pests, which compel the stakeholders to increase the dosage of insecticides to manage resistant insect pests. The increased dosage of insecticides ultimately may result in contamination of stored food stuff that affects human health. The present study was planned to generate data that will be helpful to delay resistance development and to reduce environmental pollution. A field strain of Sitophilus oryzae, one of the most common insect pests of stored foodstuff, was selected separately with pirimiphos-methyl, permethrin, or spinosad for five consecutive generations. The selected strains were studied for resistance risk assessment, time taken to develop resistance to insecticides after continuous exposure in the selection process, preliminary mechanism of resistance, and whether the development of resistance due to the selection with a particular insecticide could develop cross-resistance to other insecticide or not. In comparison to a laboratory susceptible reference strain, the insecticide-selected strains revealed rapid development of resistance against insecticides as a result of selection process: 31.05-fold resistance to pirimiphos-methyl, 156.49-fold resistance to permethrin, and 65.6-fold resistance to spinosad. The selected strains did not show cross-resistance to insecticides to with these strains were not exposed during selection experiments, i.e., strain selected with pirimiphos-methyl did not show cross-resistance to spinosad and permethrin. In the synergism bioassays, the synergists (S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate and piperonyl butoxide) significantly reduced resistance of the selected strain against insecticides to with these were selected, revealing the probability of metabolic mechanism of resistance. The present study revealed high risks of resistance development to pirimiphos-methyl, spinosad, and permethrin under consistent selection pressure. Lack of cross-resistance among insecticides provides an opportunity to use insecticides in rotation instead of increasing dosages to manage resistant insects that will ultimately pollute the environment.

Hunter-gatherers' coping strategies on climate change and prospect in Iramba and Mbulu Districts, Tanzania

Abstract. Shadrack S, Mwalilino JK. 2022. Hunter-gatherers' coping strategies on climate change and prospect in Iramba and Mbulu Districts, Tanzania. Intl J Trop Drylands 6: 77-89. The study intended to establish community perceptions of climate change, assess the extent of food availability and stability, and identify Hadzabe's food insecurity coping strategies toward climate change. The study was arranged in five villages in Iramba and Mbulu Districts, Tanzania: Yaedachini, Mongo wa Mono, Kipamba, Munguli, and Domanga. Furthermore, to collect data, the cross-sectional technique was used. Next, purposive and simple random sampling was used to obtain 100 respondents. Next, data were analyzed using computer programs and content analysis methods. Finally, descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were computed. This study revealed that people had experienced climate change that led to chronic food insecurity. However, the Hadzabe have developed different coping strategies to mitigate this situation. The most used coping strategies included: relying on food from the government and NGOs, migrating to the area with food, borrowing food and selling labor, eating foods that have not been used before, and engaging in petty business. In Hadzabe, the dependence on wild food and lack of food storage facilities and habits were identified as the main contributing factors to food insecurity. The study concluded that there is a need to improve the coping capacity of the Hadzabe to strengthen their coping strategies and to recognize the importance of forest resources in supporting the Hadzabes' livelihoods to improve food availability and stability. This study recommended long-term development measures such as training on crops, animal husbandry, and modern beekeeping.