Non-staple Food Research Articles

Diet and Culture Exchange between Central Plains and Turpan during Tang Dynasty

The culinary culture of the Tang Dynasty was extremely prosperous, with a wide variety of food and a meticulous production process. Moreover, due to the development of the Silk Road and cultural exchange between the central plains and Turpan, the diet communication between the central plains and western regions are especially frequent. The phenomenon of dietary Hu Feng in the Tang Dynasty is one of the main examples of Cultural exchange between China and the West and the absorption of foreign culture by Han ethnic group. According to the researches on the diet communication between central plains and western regions, it can be a different perspective to learn about the history and culture of Tang Dynasty. This paper mainly expounds the communication between the Central Plains and Turpan in the Tang Dynasty in terms of diet, which is analyzed and studied from three aspects: the overview of differences, the influence of blending and the possibility and inevitability of cultural exchange. This paper probes into the types and structural differences of staple food and non-staple food between the Central Plains and Turpan. And the spread of Hu food, such as Hu cakes and grapes, in the Central Plains, and the spread of the Central Plains special diet in Turpan. This paper analyzes the blending of food culture from the description of food culture by literati in Tang Dynasty. Finally, it analyzes the possibility and inevitability of food exchange between the Central Plains and Turpan in terms of geographical environment, historical reasons and phenomena.

Development Strategy of Leading Agricultural Commodities: Findings From LQ, GRM, and Shift-Share Analysis

This research aims to develop the potential of food crops as a first step in the development planning process. This research was conducted in Majalengka Regency and has resulted in three main studies. First, it identifies staple and non-staple food crops in the region. The data source used consists of time series data from 2018-2022, and primary data with sample determination using the Proportional Random Sampling method. The results of the analysis show that staple food crops in Kabupaten M consist of rice, corn, soybeans, peanuts and green beans, while non-staple food crops include cassava and sweet potatoes. Secondly, the study also indicated that rice is the main food crop in the region. Finally, maize and groundnuts were identified as priority crops for further development. These findings provide valuable information for agricultural development planning, focusing on the development of potential commodities.

Global impact of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers on vegetable productivity and reactive nitrogen losses

Vegetables are the most consumed non-staple food globally, and their production is crucial for dietary diversity and public health. Use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) in vegetable production could improve vegetable yield and quality while reducing reactive nitrogen (Nr) losses. However, different management and environmental factors has significantly distinctive impacts on the effectiveness of EEFs. In this study, a worldwide meta-analysis based on the data collected from 144 studies was performed to assess the impacts of EEF (nitrification inhibitor [NI] and polymer-coated urea [PCU]) application on vegetable yield, nitrogen (N) uptake, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), vegetable quality and Nr losses (nitrous oxide [N2O] emissions, ammonia [NH3] volatilization, and nitrate [NO3−] leaching). The effects of the applied EEFs on vegetable yields and N2O emissions were assessed with different management practices (cultivation system, vegetable type and N application rate) and environmental conditions (climatic conditions and soil properties). Compared to conventional fertilizers, EEFs significantly improved vegetable yield (7.5–8.1 %) and quality (vitamin C increased by 10.7–13.6 %, soluble sugar increased by 9.3–10.9 %, and nitrate content reduced by 17.2–25.1 %). Meanwhile, the application of EEFs demonstrated a great potential for Nr loss reduction (N2O emissions reduced by 40.5 %, NO3− leaching reduced by 45.8 %) without compromising vegetable yield. The NI was most effective in reducing N2O emissions (40.5 %), but it significantly increased NH3 volatilization (32.4 %). While PCU not only significantly reduced N2O emissions (24.4 %) and NO3− leaching (28.7 %), but also significantly reduced NH3 volatilization (74.5 %). And N application rate, soil pH, and soil organic carbon (SOC) were the main factors affecting the yield and environmental effects of EEFs. Moreover, the yield-enhancing effect of NI and PCU were better at low soil N availability and SOC, respectively. Thus, it is important to adopt the appropriate EEF application strategy targeting specific environmental conditions and implement it at the optimal N application rate.

Vulnerability to seasonal food insecurity as an exposure to risk: the case of the Southern Province of Zambia

BackgroundSeasonality is an important aspect of food security for subsistence households in developing countries. Among the multidimensional aspects of food security, this paper focuses on how unexpected negative harvest shocks would affect the seasonal food consumption of households. This is particularly important because, with the increasing threat of climate change, the frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods is expected to increase; this would adversely affect crop yields.MethodsGiven seasonal price changes of staple foods, some households buy them when prices are low and store them for the hunger season (not buy high (NBH) households), while others run out of staple foods before the next harvest and therefore buy them when prices are high (buy high (BH) households). Using three years of weekly household panel data for the Choma and Sinazongwe Districts of the southern province of Zambia, we assess the ability of seasonal consumption smoothing separately for NBH and BH households.ResultsNBH households successfully smooth their consumption over the 12 months of the crop year. In contrast, BH households, especially for households with few assets, reduce total consumption in response to harvest shocks, just after the harvest and during the “hunger season” just before the next harvest. However, in spite of this, the consumption of staple foods is generally insensitive to harvest shocks. Instead, they reduce consumption only of non-staple food items, such as vegetables and meats.ConclusionsSeasonal food insecurity is exacerbated by negative harvest shocks. We emphasize the significance of policies aimed at increasing public awareness of healthier food choices, empowering households to avoid purchasing maize at high prices, and reducing seasonal price disparities.

The Influence of The Number of Buyers, Length of Business, Type of Merchandise and The Use of E-Commerce on The Income of Kreneng Folk Market Traders in Denpasar

This study aims to analyze the number of buyers, length of business, type of merchandise and use of E-Commerce simultaneously and partially on the income of Kreneng Folk Market traders in Denpasar City. This research was conducted at the Kreneng Folk Market with a sample of 92 traders using the Proportional Random Sampling technique. The data used are qualitative and quantitative data. This study used multiple linear regression analysis techniques. The results showed that the number of buyers, length of business, type of merchandise and use of E-Commerce simultaneously had a significant effect on the income of Kreneng Folk Market merchants. The results of this study show that the number of buyers has a positive and partially significant effect on the income of traders in the Kreneng Folk Market. The length of business does not have a partial effect on the income of traders in the Kreneng Folk Market. Traders who sell types of basic food merchandise have an income that is not higher than traders who sell types of non-staple food merchandise at the Kreneng Folk Market. Merchants who use E-Commerce have a higher income than merchants who do not use E-Commerce at the Kreneng Folk Market.

Viscosity reduction of tapioca starch by incorporating with molasses hydrocolloids

As a low cost non-staple food resource, the high-viscosity paste and poor gel-forming ability of tapioca starch limit its industrial application. Herein, molasses hydrocolloids that is a by-product of the sugar refining process was applied as a blending modifier to reduce the viscosity of tapioca starch paste. The test results of paste and rheological properties show that molasses hydrocolloids exhibited a good physical viscosity-reducing effect on tapioca starch paste. The irregular network structure and high K+/Ca2+ ion contents of molasses hydrocolloids exerted wrapping, adhesion, barrier, and hydration effects on starch, leading to the reduction of viscosity. The scanning electron microscope images and textural analysis demonstrated that this strategy also improve the structure of tapioca starch gel and enhanced its puncture strength by 75.46%. This work shows the great potential of molasses hydrocolloids as a low-cost and desirable material for the viscosity reduction of tapioca starch.

Qualitative exploration of the dynamics of women's dietary diversity. How much does economic empowerment matter?

This study qualitatively examined dietary diversity among married women of reproductive age who engaged in two socio-economic activities to explore the dynamics of food availability, access, costs and consumption. Qualitative in-depth interviews. The food groups in the Minimum Dietary Diversity for women were used to explore women's dietary diversity. IDI were used to develop a roster of daily food consumption over a week. We explored food items that were considered expensive and frequency of consumption, food items that women require permission to consume and frequency of permission sought and the role of economic empowerment. Data analysis followed an inductive-deductive approach to thematic analysis. Rural and peri-urban setting in Enugu State, Nigeria. Thirty-eight married women of reproductive age across two socio-economic groupings (women who work only at home and those who worked outside their homes) were recruited in April 2019. Economic empowerment improved women's autonomy in food purchase and consumption. However, limited income restricted women from full autonomy in consumption decisions and access. Consumption of non-staple food items, especially flesh proteins, would benefit from women's economic empowerment, whereas staple food items would not benefit so much. Dietary diversity is influenced by food production and purchase where factors including seasonal variation in food availability, prices, contextual factors that influence women's autonomy and income are important determinants. With limited income, agency and access to household financial resources coupled with norms that restrict women's income earning, women continue to be at risk for not achieving adequate dietary diversity.

Importance of subterranean fungi in the diet of bonobos in Kokolopori

Nonstaple food is a food resource which sole consumption does not allow the maintenance of regular physiological functions, thus constituting a minor portion of an individual's diet. Many primates consume nonstaple food such as meat, insects, and fungi. Hypotheses on the dietary importance of nonstaple food include its role as fallback food and as source of specific nutrients. We tested these two hypotheses by investigating mycophagy (i.e., the consumption of fungi) in a population of wild bonobos in the Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve, DRC. Specifically, we examined the relationship between fungus consumption and various factors relevant to bonobo feeding ecology (i.e., fruit abundance and the consumption of other food types). Additionally, we measured the deviation from linear travel when bonobos searched for fungi to evaluate the nature of fungus consumption (e.g., opportunistic or targeted). Lastly, we examined the nutritional content of the major fungus species consumed (Hysterangium bonobo) to test whether this food item was potentially consumed as source of specific nutrients. We found that bonobos spent a higher proportion of their time feeding on fungi when fruit abundance was higher, indicating that fungi were not consumed as a fallback food. Moreover, bonobos deviated from linear travel when visiting fungus patches more than observed when visiting fruit patches, suggesting that they actively sought out fungi. Lastly, initial analyses suggest that H. bonobo samples contained high concentration of sodium. Collectively, these results suggest that subterranean fungi appear to be attractive food source to Kokolopori bonobos, and that mycophagy may serve to supplement nutrients, like sodium, in bonobo diet.

Internet Access and Nutritional Intake: Evidence from Rural China.

Over the past 4 decades, China has experienced a nutritional transition and has developed the largest population of internet users. In this study, we evaluated the impacts of internet access on the nutritional intake in Chinese rural residents. An IV-Probit-based propensity score matching method was used to determine the impact of internet access on nutritional intake. The data were collected from 10,042 rural households in six Chinese provinces. The results reveal that rural residents with internet access have significantly higher energy, protein, and fat intake than those without. Chinese rural residents with internet access consumed 1.35% (28.62 kcal), 5.02% (2.61 g), and 4.33% (3.30 g) more energy, protein, and fat, respectively. There was heterogeneity in regard to the intake of energy, protein, and fat among those in different income groups. Moreover, non-staple food consumption is the main channel through which internet access affects nutritional intake. The results demonstrate that the local population uses the internet to improve their nutritional status. Further studies are required to investigate the impact of internet use on food consumed away from home and micronutrient intake.

Cardiovascular risk factors in China: a nationwide population-based cohort study

It is estimated that 4 million deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases each year in China. Comprehensive understanding about modifiable risk factors and how the risk differs across regions is needed to inform public health policies. We aimed to examine the geographical profile of cardiovascular disease risk across China. In this study, we analysed data from a nationwide, population-based screening project, which covered 152 rural counties and 100 urban districts from 31 provinces in China. Between Sept 1, 2015, and Nov 30, 2019, standardised measurements were taken from participants aged 35-75 years who had lived in the region for at least 6 of the preceding 12 months to collect information on blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol use, overweight or obesity, and intake frequencies of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and red meat. Individuals with a high risk of cardiovascular disease were identified according to medical history and WHO risk prediction charts. 983 476 individuals were included in this study. Among the participants included, 10·3% (95% CI 10·2-10·3) had a high cardiovascular disease risk after standardising age and sex, with a range of 3·1-24·9% across counties or districts. Among the seven regions in mainland China, the prevalence of high risk of cardiovascular disease was relatively high in northeast China (12·6% [12·4-12·8]) and north China (11·4% [11·3-11·6]), whereas it was low in south China (8·0% [7·8-8·2]). The geographical profiles of the 12 major cardiovascular disease risk factors were different. We found that the regions with high cardiovascular disease risk were facing challenges such as obesity and high blood pressure (north China) and consumption of unhealthy non-staple food (low intake of fruits and vegetables or high intake of red meat; northeast China). By contrast, south China-the region with the lowest cardiovascular disease risk-had the highest prevalence of unhealthy staple food (low intake of whole grains and beans), abnormal metabolism (glucose and lipid), and low physical activity in the country. Risk for cardiovascular diseases varies geographically, and the major contributing risk factors are different across regions in China. Hence, geographically targeted interventions are needed to mitigate the risk and reduce the burden in such a vast country. Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance, and National Health Commission of China.

Geographical profiles of cardiovascular risk and the risk factors in China: data from a nationwide population-based screening project

Abstract Background In China, an abundance of cardiovascular risk factors has contributed to the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which caused almost 4 million deaths per year. However, comprehensive evidence on the geographical profiles of cardiovascular disease risk in China is lacking, as findings in prior studies have been limited to relatively small sample sizes, had incomplete regional coverage, or focused on a narrow risk factor spectrum. Purpose To compare the population CVD risk among different regions across China, and to describe the geographical distributions of CVD risk factors and their clusters throughout the nation. Methods In a nationwide population-based screening project covering 252 counties of China, standardized measurements were conducted to collect information on 12 major CVD risk factors. Individuals of high CVD risk were identified as those with previous CVD, or with a predicted 10-year risk of CVD greater than 10% according to the WHO risk prediction charts. We applied factor analysis to generate “clusters” that characterized the clustering of these risk factors, then explored their relationship with the local ambient temperature and per capital GDP. Results Among 983476 participants included, 9.2% were of high CVD risk, with a range of 1.6% to 23.6% across counties. Among the seven regions in China, the rate was relatively high in the Northeast (11.8%) and North China (10.4%), while low in the South China (7.2%) and Northwest (7.8%). We identified 6 clusters underlying CVD risk factors, including Obesity factor, Blood pressure factor, Staple food factor, Non-staple food factor, Smoking and alcohol factor, and Metabolic and physical activity factor (Figure). We found high risk regions were facing different leading challenges, like obesity and blood pressure for the North China, while unhealthy non-staple food for the Northeast. The South China, as the region with the lowest CVD risk, still had the highest prevalence of unhealthy staple food. Lower annual average ambient temperature was associated with higher risk in Blood pressure factor, Obesity factor and Non-staple food factor, but lower risk in Staple food factor and Metabolic and physical activity factor (p<0.001 for all), consistently between rural and urban. Higher per capital GDP was associated with lower risk in Non-staple food factor in urban and higher risk in Metabolic and physical activity factor in rural (p<0.05 for both). The correlation between per capital GDP and Smoking and alcohol factor differed significantly between in rural and urban regions (p=0.042). Conclusions The geographical profile of CVD risk in China is complex - population risk levels varied substantially across regions, which were contributed by different risk factors. China needs geographically targeted intervention strategies considering environmental and socio-economic factors to control CVD risk and reduce the burden related to CVD. Geographical disparity of risk clusters Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The National Key Research and Development Program from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China; the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Science

Faktor Yang Berhubungan dengan Kejadian Keracunan Pestisida Pada Petani Sayur dan Palawija di Desa Selat Kecamatan Pemayung Kabupaten Batang Hari Tahun 2018

Pesticide is toxic and harmful materials, this pesticide can cause either positive or negative impact for the prosperity of the human beings and environment. The negative impact wiil cause directly various problems to our health. Pesticide poisoning can be identified by examining blood cholinesterase activity. The aim of this research is to identify factors that related to pesticide exposure to the level of blood cholinesterase of farmers that spray non-staple food crops at Selat Village of Pemayung Sub-district of Batang Hari Ditrict. This research method is a quantitative research with cross sectional design. Independent variables in this research are knowledge concening pesticide, protective clothes, sprying in line with wind direction, while the dependent variable was the farmers. The population was all non-staple food crops farmers at at Selat Village of Pemayung Sub-district of Batang Hari Ditrict. The samples were 30 people. The results of the research by applying statistic test, there was a relation of knowledge to pesticide poisoning with P value = 0.019, the use of protective clothes with P value = 0.024 and spraying in line with wind direction with P value = 0.000. The research shows that non-staple food crops farmers at Selat Village had pesticide poisoning of 80.0%. In order to prevent pesticide poisonong, it is recommended that the farmers should improve their knowledge regarding pesticide, while spraying the pesticide, farmers should wear complete protective clothes properly and make sure to follow the wind direction while spraying.

A Study of Socioeconomic Determinants of Anemia among Expecting Mothers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

One of the instrumental factors contributing towards the GDP of any country is human capital and for a progressive human capital, the main resource is physical and mental health. Females constitute approximately 48% of population of Pakistan, out of which a great number suffer from nutritional deficiency anemia at their reproductive age, which results in an unhealthy child. This study is designed to find the socioeconomic factors that lead to anemia among expecting women. The research design for this study is case control where data was collected from two groups; control group (non-anemic pregnant women) and case group (anemic pregnant women) registered in the Basic Health Unit (BHU) from different areas of Peshawar. Collected data was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Findings revealed that monthly income of household, independent members or number of employed members of the family, gap between children, non-staple food consumption and supplements continuity have significant inverse relationship with anemia, indicating that increase in mentioned variables will decrease the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women of rural areas. The study concluded that anemia being a common grievance amongst pregnant women is mostly caused by low level of monthly income, family size with lower number of employed members, low frequency of non-staple food consumption per week, lack of continuity of iron supplements and poor health seeking behavior. Awareness regarding attainment of education irrespective of gender, government focus on health promotion interventions and more job opportunities can improve health conditions and socioeconomic status of women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Is participation in Care Groups associated with enhanced diet quality amongst women and children? Experiences from Zimbabwe

The Amalima program, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Food for Peace intervention, has been promoting Care Groups from 2014 to 2020 in a resource constrained setting in Zimbabwe. Care Groups are community-based peer-to-peer support groups for mothers, which provide a platform for promoting recommended maternal, infant and young nutrition practices. The researchers conducted a study to compare the quality of the diet for children and mothers participating in Care Groups and children and mothers not participating in Care Groups. The research was conducted in two districts (Gwanda and Tsholotsho) in Zimbabwe across 8 purposively selected sites, six years after project implementation began. A total of 242 children aged 6 to 23 months and 168 women beneficiaries were included in the study. We analysed consumption of the three non-staple food groups promoted by the Care Groups under the theme ‘Four Star Diet’ namely vegetables and fruits, legumes and animal source foods. Our results showed that children whose caregivers were members of Care Groups had a higher consumption of pulses and legumes (29% vs 1%; p = 0.00001), fruits and vegetables (33% vs 18%; p = 0.00104) and animal source foods (59% vs 26%; p = 0.00001) compared to children whose caregivers were not Care Group members. There was no difference in diet quality between women participating or not participating in Care groups. Efforts should be put in place to increase participation in Care Groups, as they serve as a key contact point to support recommended infant and young child nutrition practices during the first 1000 days of life. There is a need to explore barriers to Care Group participation and develop a strategy to address the barriers for non-Care Group participants. Future programs should explore the reasons behind the limited impact that Care Group attendance had on the diet quality for women.

Impact assessment of the public health product tax in Hungary

Abstract Many countries apply fiscal policies to promote healthy diets to reduce the risk factors of NCDs. In 2011, a public health product tax (PHPT) was introduced in Hungary, taxing non-staple food products that carry proven health risks when consumed. The objectives of PHPT were to promote healthier eating habits by increasing the availability of healthy choices; to encourage reformulation; and to increase revenues for public health. With the purpose of evaluating the social and economic effects of PHPT, impact assessments (IAs) were conducted in 2012, 2014, and in 2018. The IA in 2018 was conducted within the framework of an EU-cofunded development project. To measure the awareness of the population on the law; to assess the population's attitude towards PHPT; to map the consumption patterns and to examine the major factors influencing food choices were fundamental parts of the IAs. We aim to present the findings of the latest IA and compare them to the results of the previous studies. Population surveys with questionnaires including the same questions were applied in the three assessments, hence changes during the 6 years could be detected. A sample of the adult population was involved in form of personal interviews in each IA. Based on the results, the awareness of PHPT was less (66%) in 2018 than in 2012 (72%). The adult population's consumption of the taxed products increased in all categories between 2012 and 2018 (except for salty condiments). Sociodemographic factors and awareness of the law correlated with the consumption of certain PHPT products. Taste was the primary determinant of food choice both in 2012 and 2018. The role of the price and the energy content in food choices were decreased significantly by 2018. A higher proportion of people identified the aims of PHPT correctly and agreed with them in 2018. The results draw attention to the importance of further interventions and the need of targeted health communication. Key messages The impact of the PHPT should continue to be monitored and evaluated. To achieve the aims of PHPT in the long term, it is needed to use more effective health communication, furthermore harmonized intersectoral actions should be also implied to promote healthy diet.

Domestic Consumption Pattern of Cereal Commodities in Nigeria

The present research empirically study the demand pattern of cereal commodities for domestic use in Nigeria using time series data which spanned from 1966 to 2018. The data covered the domestic quantities and price series of the five most important domestically used cereal commodities. The sources of the data were FAO and USDA databases and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear approximate almost ideal demand system (LA/AIDS). The empirical evidence showed that all the considered goods were normal goods and mostly a necessity except for wheat which is a luxury. In addition, domestic consumption of these commodities was sensitive to changes in their respective prices. With wheat been a luxury commodity, it can be inferred that an increase in per capita income would tend to bring about a paradigm shift from the consumption of staple foods to non-staple food (wheat). This indicates that households tend to diversify their diet composition. Also, it was observed that most of the good pairs are complementary (uncompensated cross-price elasticity) while on the other hand (compensated cross-price elasticity), most of the good pairs are substitutes. The empirical evidence showed the income effect which owes to price changes for all the selected commodities to be moderate. Therefore, onus lies on the policymakers to embark on mass production of wheat in order to free the country from wheat food insecurity bondage caused by external influence, an impediment to the barometer that strikes a balance between the forces of demand and supply.

Research on anaerobic treatment of food processing waste-water based on watershed water protection

Sweetmeat is one of the non-staple foods and a kind of classic non-staple food. It is of great practical significance to study the treatment of candied waste-water from factories along the river basin. Take the digestible sludge from the pipe of the dewatering workshop of the sewage treatment plant and anaerobic treat the high-concentration candie waste-water in the plastic bucket. The results showed that the suspended matter concentration of waste-water decreased to 8.04 g/L and the removal rate reached 22.1% after 60 h treatment. The absorbance of waste-water decreased from 0.835 to 0.598, the color removal rate reached 32.4%, and the chroma of waste-water decreased from 500 times to 80 times, reaching the “secondary standard” of “comprehensive sewage discharge standard (GB8978-1996)”.

Market Access, Production Diversity, and Diet Diversity: Evidence From India.

Recent literature, largely from Africa, shows mixed effects of own-production on diet diversity. However, the role of own-production, relative to markets, in influencing food consumption becomes more pronounced as market integration increases. This paper investigates the relative importance of two factors - production diversity and household market integration - for the intake of a nutritious diet by women and households in rural India. Data analysis is based on primary data from an extensive agriculture-nutrition survey of 3600 Indian households that was collected in 2017. Dietary diversity scores are constructed for women and households is based on 24-hour and 7-day recall periods. Household market integration is measured as monthly household expenditure on key non-staple food groups. We measure production diversity in two ways - field-level and on-farm production diversity - in order to account for the cereal centric rice-wheat cropping system found in our study locations. The analysis is based on Ordinary Least Squares regressions where we control for a variety of village, household, and individual level covariates that affect food consumption, and village fixed effects. Robustness checks are done by way of using a Poisson regression specifications and 7-day recall period. Conventional measures of field-level production diversity, like the number of crops or food groups grown, have no significant association with diet diversity. In contrast, it is on-farm production diversity (the field-level cultivation of pulses and on-farm livestock management, and kitchen gardens in the longer run) that is significantly associated with improved dietary diversity scores, thus suggesting the importance of non-staples in improving both individual and household dietary diversity. Furthermore, market purchases of non-staples like pulses and dairy products are associated with a significantly higher dietary diversity. Other significant determinants of dietary diversity include women's literacy and awareness of nutrition. These results mostly remain robust to changes in the recall period of the diet diversity measure and the nature of the empirical specification. This study contributes to the scarce empirical evidence related to diets in India. Additionally, our results indicate some key intervention areas - promoting livestock rearing, strengthening households' market integration (for purchase of non-staples) and increasing women's awareness about nutrition. These are more impactful than raising production diversity.

Parameter Simulation and Analysis of Rotary Feeder

As a kind of continuous conveying equipment for powder and pellets, rotary feeder is widely used in the processing of non-staple food products, chemical industry production, metal smelting, wine brewing and terminal transportation because of its convenient control, high reliability and stable transportation. Such industries have an important position in the bulk material conveying industry. Different process parameters and structural parameters of the rotary feeder will have an impact on the conveying effect. The process parameters affecting the conveying effect mainly include rotor speed and material filling coefficient. In this paper, the dismantling rotary feeder with the rotor diameter of Ф62 is studied by simulation and test, and the influence of rotor speed and material filling coefficient on the conveying effect is analyzed.

Secondary types of food in the diet of a small-sized mammalian herbivore: from species ecology to habitat inferences

A macroscopic analysis of stomach contents is undertaken in the common vole, Microtus arvalis, obscurus chromosomal form in order to assess the patterns of non-herbivorous foraging activity of a herbivore distributed in different Eurasian biomes. The samples are collected in the Ural Mountains at midsummer (8 localities, 60° 38′ N to 51° 07′ N), and in winter (one locality, 56° 37′ N). Based on the frequency of occurrence and quantitative abundance in stomachs, photoassimilating parts of vascular plants are considered as the primary food category and inflorescences, roots, seeds, mycorrhizal fungi, arthropods, chitin fragments, colorless amorphous matter, and mosses are recognized as the secondary food categories. Although no alternatives to the primary food are found, some of the supplements substitute one another either geographically (fungi in the north versus mature seeds in the south) or by the vertical layers of habitats (seeds and arthropods in the herbaceous layer versus roots and fungi in the shallow layers of soil). Non-staple food consumption in different latitudinal zones at midsummer reflects spatiotemporal dynamics of food availability. From taiga to steppes of the Urals, the common vole is sporadically included in soil foraging but the consumption of mycorrhizal fungi (Glomerales) is only revealed within the zones of dark coniferous forests. The results suggest that the extents of inclusion of a herbivore in soil food webs might vary among ecosystems. In a paleoecological perspective, the analysis of stomach contents in a herbivorous micromammal might reveal fine-scale details of the habitats and provides insights into the stages of the growing season.