Improve Food Supply Research Articles

Food technology: Challenge for health promotion

The food technology has brought countless benefits to today's food supply. Despite its many positive contributions, it has also brought unintended negative consequences. It is the time to mobilize the food technology to help the food supply more secure, safer and healthier, and here three possible approaches are foreseeable: First, we should continue to improve the conventional technologies. Many wholesome foods have been prepared and preserved using natural materials simply by fermentation. Second, we have to enhance the minimal processing as much as applicable. Third, new ingredients, intelligent packaging and functional foods should be explored to improve food supply and health. Today, consumer interest in the functional foods has been increased tremendously, and the future of food lies in the functional foods. However, the situations in the developing world are different from this. As food resource is limited in this region, food technology has to be emphasized to increase food supply. To help solve such complex problems, not only new technologies, but also conventional technologies have to be mobilized. Simultaneously, even higher technical capabilities have to be built up by applying new findings from the related disciplines to allow the food technology to play its vital role.

Food biotechnology: is this good or bad? Implications to allergic diseases

Food biotechnology represents advancement in the traditional interspecies and intergeneric breeding methods for improving food supplies worldwide. With respect to safety, foods developed through biotechnology techniques represent one of the most extensively reviewed agricultural advancements in history. To review the relevant issues with respect to foods from genetically modified crops and allergenicity. To impart this information, the author will rely upon his experiences with investigations into food allergy and food allergens, participation in various workshops designed to determine allergenicity of novel proteins introduced into the diet, web sites, issue papers, and articles relevant to the topic. Given that there are no validated methods or models to determine potential allergenicity of novel proteins, criteria have been established based upon characteristics of known food allergens. The combination of genetic and bioinformatics information available from known food allergens applied to foods developed from genetically modified crops to avoid the inadvertent introduction of allergens into foods should pose no significant allergenic concern to individuals with a genetic predisposition to food allergy. Education and sound scientific evaluation provided to the consumer should alleviate any fear of emotionalism as implied by "Frankenfoods." The estimation that more than two trillion transgenic plants have been grown in 1999 and 2000 alone, with no overt documented adverse food reactions being reported, indicates that genetic modification through biotechnology will not impose immediate significant risks as food allergen sources beyond that of our daily dietary intake of foods from crop plants.

Classification of cassava into 'bitter' and 'cool' in Malawi: From farmers' perception to characterisation by molecular markers

Cassava roots, a major food in Africa, contain cyanogenic glucosides that may cause toxic effects. Malawian women farmers considered fields of seemingly similar cassava plants to be mixes of both ‘cool’ and ‘bitter’ cultivars. They regard roots from ‘cool’ cultivars as non-toxic. Roots of ‘bitter’ were considered to require extensive traditional processing done by women to be safe for consumption. But curiously, these women farmers preferred ‘bitter’ cultivars since toxicity confers protection against theft, which was a serious threat to the food security of their families. We studied how well these farmers comprehend the effects of genetic variations in cassava when dealing with cyanogenesis in this complex system. Using molecular markers we show that most plants farmers identified as belonging to a particular named cultivar had a genotype typical of that cultivar. Farmers' ethno-classification into ‘cool’ and ‘bitter’ cultivars corresponded to a genetic sub-division of the typical genotypes of the most common cultivars, with four-fold higher cyanogenic glucoside levels in the bitter cultivars. Examining morphology, farmers distinguished genotypes better than did the investigators when using a standard botanical key. Undoubtedly, these women farmers grasp sufficiently the genetic diversity of cassava with regard to cyanogenesis to simultaneously benefit from it and avoid its dangers. Consequently, acyanogenic cassava – the breeding of which is an announced good of some cassava genetic improvement programmes – is not a priority to these farmers. Advances in molecular genetics can help improve food supply in Africa by rapid micropropagation, marker assisted breeding and introduction of transgenic varieties, but can also help to elucidate tropical small-scale farmers' needs and skills.

Modelling the Chlorophyll a Content of the River Rhine -Interrelation between Riverine Algal Production and Population Biomass of Grazers, Rotifers and the Zebra Mussel,Dreissena polymorpha

The chlorophyll a content of the German part of the River Rhine is simulated with the aid of a deterministic water quality model (QSIM). At the upper boundary of the investigated river stretch at km 359 (Karlsruhe) low chlorophyll a concentrations ( 50-130 μg/l) occurred in spring time and late summer. The model-based analysis of the algal biomass shows that beside inoculation by the main tributaries Neckar, Main, Lahn and Moselle, algal production in the Rhine itself is of major concern. The calculated losses of phytoplankton showed seasonal dependency with a maximum grazing rate of about 0.04 d -1 for rotifers and 0.2-0.3 d -1 for D. polymorpha. Depending on the algal food content, the biomass of rotifers and Dreissena polymorpha population is simulated and compared with observed rotifer abundances and estimated zebra mussel biomass derived from measured densities and size structures of local populations. In agreement with observations modelled rotifer and D. polymorpha population biomass is increasing downstream, explained by modelling as a matter of improved food supply. Nevertheless, both groups were unable to control algal development in River Rhine between km 359 and 860, due to favourable growth conditions for phytoplankton.

Improving urban food supply and distribution in developing countries: the role of city authorities

The case is made for improving food supply and distribution (FSD) in developing cities, particularly to benefit the poor. The case rests on evidence of increasing urbanisation of the poor, frequent conflicts between traders and city authorities, badly planned markets and urban agriculture, increasing congestion and poor roads. Ways to improve urban FSD are suggested, with examples of good practice. A leading role for city authorities is indicated. Fulfilling this role requires abilities which many developing city authorities currently lack, including pursuing cross-departmental policies. Evidence for the case is not complete: in particular, empirical studies are needed of the extent to which good practice in urban planning and management improves food access and quality and reduces prices.

Military Power and Food Security: A Cross-National Analysis of Less-Developed Countries, 1970-1990

Addressing the longstanding debate over the social impact of military power and recent discussions of military-induced famine the authors conduct a panel analysis of aggregate food supply and child hunger rates in 75-79 less-developed countries (LDCs). Distinguishing between militarization as the growth of military resources and militarism as the use of military force to handle political conflicts the authors show that militarization is both beneficial and detrimental to food security whereas militarism is consistently detrimental. Arms imports and associated increased military spending plus praetorianism and military repression reduce food security whereas increased military participation and arms production boost food security. Increased food supply reduces child hunger and is largely confined to the more developed of the LDCs. These military power effects show net economic growth which trickles down to improve food supply and reduce child hunger among the more developed LDCs reflecting the growth of global economic inequality. Contrary to views that see militarization as a single unified process use of armed force is not strongly rooted in either praetorianism or militarization. (authors)

Changes in Heard Island glaciers, king penguins and fur seals since 1947

of Sydney, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW, Aust ralia 2141. The purpose of this paper is ro summarise and discuss the changes in glaciers, king penguins and fur seals reported by the nine wintering parties and 11 summer expeditions that have visited Heard Island since 1947, with emphasis upon those of the years between 1947 and 1971. These early years were notable for an initial period (1947-55) of minimal change, and a subsequent period (1963-71) of rapid change in which a complex pattern of asynchronous glacier retreat and readvance was obser ved and the main features of the isl and's recolonisation by king penguins and fur seals were established. Subsequent expeditions (1980-93) have reported continuing glacier recession, evidently in response to warmer air temperatures, and a continuing exponential increase in king penguins and fur seals. The glacier observarions show that the Heard Island glaciers are sensiti ve indicators of climate change in the Southern Ocean, and of the interactions between climate and glacier topography. The island's recolonisation by king penguins and fur seals is attributed mainly to an improved food supply which may itself , like the glacier recession, be a response to changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation. Glacier recession and its consequences are changing the island's coastline, and the expanding popula tions of king penguins and fur seals are damaging the veg etation. All these phenomena, occurring as they do in an island with a hitherto undamaged ecosystem and no introduced predators, clearly warrant continuing study.

Safer and Healthier Foods—1900-1999

During the early 20th century, contaminated food, milk, and water caused many foodborne infections, including typhoid fever, tuberculosis, botulism, and scarlet fever. In 1906, Upton Sinclair described in his novel The Jungle the unwholesome working environment in the Chicago meat-packing industry and the unsanitary conditions under which food was produced. Public awareness dramatically increased and led to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act. Once the sources and characteristics of foodborne diseases were identified--long before vaccines or antibiotics--they could be controlled by handwashing, sanitation, refrigeration, pasteurization, and pesticide application. Healthier animal care, feeding, and processing also improved food supply safety. In 1900, the incidence of typhoid fever was approximately 100 per 100,000 population; by 1920, it had decreased to 33.8, and by 1950, to 1.7 (Figure 1). During the 1940s, studies of autopsied muscle samples showed that 16% of persons in the United States had trichinellosis; 300-400 cases were diagnosed every year, and 10-20 deaths occurred. Since then, the rate of infection has declined markedly; from 1991 through 1996, three deaths and an average of 38 cases per year were reported.

Biotechnology and world food supply

Biotechnology, the use of molecular and cellular tools to genetically modify and improve food supply, will play an increasing and important role in the continuing struggle to produce sufficient food for an ever increasing world population. Many of the approaches will supplement and enhance conventional breeding and also address environmental concerns and help to stabilize food production. This review provides a perspective dealing specifically with crops and three areas of biotechnology, namely, genome analysis with molecular markers, cell- and tissue-culture procedures, and the rapid and precise incorporation of genes via transformation. One must remember that biotechnology is still in its infancy, and that approaches will be greatly improved and more efficiently utilized in the future for the betterment of mankind.

Leaf litter and the small‐scale distribution of carabid beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in the boreal forest

Management practices favoring conifers at the expense of deciduous tree species, and the eradication of deciduous trees, especially aspen Populus tremula, from managed forests have resulted in population declines in several species in Fennoscandia. In addition to species depending on decaying wood of deciduous trees, earlier evidence suggests that leaf litter, especially that of aspen, is favored by many carabid species. We ran a four‐year experiment in order to compare carabid assemblages of unchanged forest floor with artificially created leaf‐litter plots in central Finland. A total of 18 plots (5 m in diameter) were established in three forest stands without aspen a few kilometers apart. Each stand had 3 litter plots (litter added) and 3 control plots, Pre‐treatment samples were compared with those collected alter litter addition.The litter addition affected the carabid‐assemblage structure by increasing the catches of some species and decreasing the catch of one species. The number of carabid species was similar in control and litter plots. The litter effect was smaller than variation among forest stands and year‐lo‐year fluctuations. There was a strong temporal constancy among the plots: ‘rich’ plots remained ‘rich’ from year to year and similarly, ‘poor’ plots remained ‘poor’.The significant influence of leaf litter on carabid abundance can be attributable to both abiotic factors (microenvironmental conditions, especially humidity and temperature), and biotic ones (changes in niche structure, improved food supply). Leal litter seems to have an effect on carabid distribution patterns, and deciduous trees scattered among conifers are likely to be of importance on carabid fauna in boreal forests.

Secular growth changes in the stature and weight of Amerindian schoolchildren and adults in the Chilean Andes, 1972-1987.

A positive secular trend for stature and weight is evident in rural Aymara-speaking Indians of the Parinacota Province (>3,000 m) in the northern Chilean Andes. The study is based on two cross-sectional growth surveys carried out in 1972 and 1987. In the survey of 1972, which was undertaken by other authors, a sample of 190 individuals was considered. The 1987 survey, performed by the present author, comprises a sample of 170 Indians. Both children and adults of each sex, ages 6-29 years, are included. Secular comparisons of age-grouped means indicate a secular increase in stature and weight in Aymara children, adolescents, and adults in the Parinacota Province between 1972 and 1987. The Aymara tend to be taller and heavier in 1987. The estimated secular increase for stature is 2.1 cm/decade for males and 1.8 cm/decade for females. For weight, the increase is 2.3 kg/decade for males and 1.5 kg/decade for females. In all cases, growth gains tend to be greater in males than in females. The body mass index also increases slightly. The secular changes in stature and weight are statistically significant in both sexes. From additional nutritional data on the Aymara samples compared, it is concluded that the observed secular increases might primarily reflect improved food supply over the past two decades. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 10:607-617, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Environmental sustainability in agriculture: diet matters

There is no agreement that diet matters for environmental sustainability in the agriculture sector. Much current agriculture is unsustainable and worsening; the environmental impact of agriculture degrades natural capital (e.g. loss of topsoil, waste and pollution of water, nutrient loss, extinction of species). Cattle raising is one of the most damaging components of agriculture. Livestock now eat about half of global grain production. There is limited scope for improving food supply and what scope there is will further damage the environment. All means to improve nutrition, especially for the poor, will be needed as population increases. One such means is to improve diets of the rich by eating lower down the food chain. While most people in the world thrive on mainly grain-based diets, carnivory is high in OECD and is increasing in LDCs. In order to reduce food wastage and to improve health and food availability, a food conversion efficiency tax is proposed. The least efficient converters (pork, beef) would be highly taxed; more efficient converters (poultry, eggs, dairy) would be moderately taxed. Most efficient converters (ocean fish) would be taxed lowest. Grain for human food would not be taxed, while coarse grains might be modestly subsidized. Non-food agriculture also would be taxed: highest on tobacco and on starches destined for alcoholic beverages produced from land suitable for food production.

Highlights I. Genetically Modified Organisms II. Environmental Change, Health and Socioeconomic Development III. Ecosystems Approach to Municipal Management

I. The release of GMOs into the environment would improve food supplies and benefit pollution control but in view of the potential risks the public should be fully aquainted with all aspects of the problem. II. Describes a report produced by the WHO, which analyses the ways in which human needs and activities affect the environment. III. Summarizes an article describing a concept for an international network of municipalities which are dedicated to an ecosystems approach to municipal management.

Changes in a hydropsychid guild downstream from a eutrophic impoundment

The structural changes induced by a small (0.015 km3) eutrophic hydropower impoundment, located in the middle Rio Duraton (northern Spain, Duero basin), on the downstream hydropsychid guild were studied by comparing physicochemical and biological characteristics of an upstream site with those of three downstream stations placed 0.2, 2.5 and 7.6 km below the dam. Species richness, species diversity and concentration of dominance were depressed downstream from the impoundment. Total biomass and density were also depressed at the station immediately below the dam. However, total density and biomass values were higher at sites further downstream than at the upstream reference site, presumably due to improved food supply and more available habitat. Abundances of Cheumatopsyche lepida, Hydropsyche sp. and H. pellucidula decreased significantly or completely disappeared at downstream sites. On the contrary, abundances of H. siltalai, H. exocellata and H. bulbifera increased downstream except at the station just below the dam. H. lobata was present at low densities at all sampling sites. H. pellucidula was the dominant species upstream, whereas H. siltalai became dominant downstream. The size structure of H. bulbifera, H. exocellata and H. siltalai experienced a modification below the impoundment as a probable consequence of the reduction in the number of competing hydropsychid species. It is concluded that the main physicochemical factors involved in the spatial variation of hydropsychid species were dissolved oxygen deficit and short-term flow fluctuations.

Science Policy Priorities and Implementation Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Experience of Ghana

Abstract: The persistence of poverty in sub-saharan Africa constitutes a distressing paradox given the region's rich natural resources. To alleviate this endemic poverty and improve the well-being of the inhabitants on a sustainable basis, require the promotion of integrated national science and technology policy plans with prioritised objectives based primarily upon basic needs, namely improved food supply, better environment, and improved health, shelter and fuel energy supply through enhanced manpower. Prioritisation of the policy objectives appears necessary to optimise the limited investment resources. Severe financial limitations, weak job incentives, mismanagement, intersectoral rivalry, political-economic disunity, and a general lack of an enabling environment loom as a serious threat to the implementation of such S & T plans. But these problems could be surmounted by imaginative financial mobilisation arrangements, rational resource management, appropriate incentives and education, co-operation, and a will to succeed.

Mongolia in 1985: From Plan to Plan

In 1985 Mongolian People's Republic (MPR) finished last year of its 7th five-year plan and finalized preparations for beginning of its 8th. Jambyn Batmonh consolidated his position as leader of Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), and Mongolia continued to express ambiguity about a developing Sino-Soviet relationship. Upon taking office in August 1984, Batmonh had decried mismanagement, waste, and nonproductive losses and stated that system of economic management was the weakest link in all our economic work.1 By June 1985, a major reorientation of economic work was announced during 10th plenum of MPRP Central Committee. The new plan, commencing with upcoming 1986-90 f ive-year plan but actually extending up to year 2000, focuses on developing agriculture and improving food supplies for population. According to Batmonh's report to plenum, much had been achieved in Mongolian agriculture but level was still short of requirements. Investment in agriculture will be increased dramatically by more than 30% in 8th five-year plan as compared with 7th. Planning, management, and economic stimulation would also be improved. Moreover, there will be a concerted effort to change popular eating habits so that people increase their consumption of starches (flour and noodles) and vegetables and consume proportionally less meat. The plan calls for a daily per

Solidarity, the regime and the public

SINCE the imposition of martial law, Poland is a society that is sullen, pessimistic, rebellious, and divided. It is sullen because of the regime's termination of the country's brief experiment in democracy and the first genuinely popular social movement in postwar history. The sullenness is intensified by a near-universal pessimism that sees little hope for a return to the heady days of Solidarity's existence. Although the independent union has now been banned, it continues to exist in a truncated underground form, and support for it is periodically manifested through popular demonstrations. Support for Solidarity is not, however, either universal or unconditional. The overwhelming support that Solidarity enjoyed in its first six months began to diminish somewhat by the end of 1981. Some people viewed Solidarity, or its leaders, as being at least partially responsible for the political and economic crisis of 1981. Most of the population desired a return to economic and political stability. The regime, however, overestimated this dissatisfaction with Solidarity and miscalculated in its efforts to discredit that organization. Branding Solidarity and its leaders as counter-revolutionary, extremist and antisocialist was counter to the experience and opinions of most of the members of that organization, and of the population. Most people opposed martial law and wanted Solidarity to be reactivated. While there are an abundance of public opinion surveys on these issues, the regime has apparently not relied much on these indicators, and instead has hoped to build support for the regime through improving food supplies, maintaining order, discrediting Solidarity and the past party leaders, and repressing all opposition. Given Poland's history of rebellion, and its 16-month experience with Solidarity, however, it seems unlikely that this method can long succeed. Solidarity filled a vital need in Polish society in expressing to the authorities the interests and requirements of the population. This need continues, even under the present regime. This paper examines the extent to which Solidarity acted as a link between the population and the regime and as a representative of the interests of the workers. It looks first at the reasons for the emergence of Solidarity, and Solidarity's subsequent embodiment of the society's desire for a political and economic order more in line with the ideals of socialism, and more genuinely representative of the workers' interests. It concludes by assessing the charges against Solidarity made by the martial law authorities, the extent of current support for the union and the regime, and the possibilities for a resolution of the stalemate. All of these issues are examined in this article with the use of survey research material

Nigeria's food situation: Problems and prospects

The authors review the food situation in Nigeria and examine the problems and prospects of food grain production in the country. Suggestions are made on how to improve food supply, prominent among which are improved production practices for grains and the development of appropriate infrastructural support systems.

Conditions and trends in the world protein economy.

AbstractEating habits and food systems are difficult to change. Isolated and refined vegetable proteins are being used increasingly in a wide variety of food systems to improve nutritive values and functional qualities without displacing the system itself. They provide a way for people with rising affluence to move up the “food ladder” without disturbing familiar and traditional habits of eating. Worldwide commercial demand for food and feed crops from surplus‐producing nations will continue to expand during the next decade. U.S. producers and those of other exporting nations will be able to expand production sufficiently to meet this rising commercial demand at reasonable prices during most of the years of the 1980 decade. But if tonnages necessary to satisfy real nutritional need (mostly in developing countries which are critically short of foreign exchange) were added to the commercial demand, the totals would be so great, there would be no way the export countries could produce enough. If malnutrition is to be stemmed or prevented, developing countries will have to learn to produce more on their own soil and provide the means of getting it to the people who need it. Contrary to some views, the U.S. livestock feeding industry should be regarded as an effective part of a world grain reserve and an aid to maximizing exports. In the short crop year of 1974, U.S. feed grain consumption was reduced to a much greater extent than exports. Livestock have the ability to act as a “surge tank” in the food line. There is urgent need in the world today for improved varieties of high protein legumes that are adapted to the tropics. An important component of sucess in improving food supplies in developing countries will be the emergence of enlightened and courageous political leadership. When country leaders “short term” it by giving in to urban pressures for cheap food, the result is usually counterproductive.

The relationship between the water level of the Amazon River and the fate of the zooplankton population in lago Jacaretinga. A Várzea Lake in the Central Amazon∗

Summary In a várzea lake of the Central Amazon the planktonic crustaceans disappear almost completely after the inflow of suspension‐rich Amazon water. An initial small increase in numbers of individuals is accompanied by increased egg production in Diaphanosoma sarsi and Notodiaptomus amazonicus, suggesting an improved food supply for the Zooplankton. Possible reasons for the complete disappearance of the crustaceans are discussed, these being a dilution effect, flushing out of the plankton by the current, and predation of planktivorous fish.