Adequate Food Research Articles

Low-cost nutrient-dense composite flours for children aged 1-5 years developed from locally available foods

Childhood malnutrition persists in low-income countries due to inadequate diet diversity and nutrient density. For seasonal crops, consumers make food substitutions based on price variations which has dietary implications and can cause episodes of nutritional deficiencies. Locally available foodstuffs can be used to formulate low-cost nutritionally adequate food mixtures. Design-Expert® and Nutrisurvey software were used to generate nutrient-dense formulations for the dry season (n=2) and wet season (n=5) from low-cost locally available foods in Eastern Uganda (sweet potatoes, sorghum, soybeans, beans, sesame, groundnuts and maize). Composite flours of the formulations were prepared and cooked following the World Food Program (WFP) recommendations and consumer acceptability determined using a consumer panel (n=43). The most acceptable formulation for the dry season (D2) and the most acceptable formulation for the wet season (R5) were selected for the determination of functional properties (dispersibility, bulk density and water absorption index (WAI) and water solubility index (WSI)), pasting properties (peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity and peak time), color and nutrient density (energy content, sugars, starch, protein, crude fat, fiber, ash, iron and zinc). D2 contained 25.35g of sorghum, 1.31g of soybeans, 4.34g of beans, 33.11g of sesame and 35.89g of groundnuts per 100g of formulation. R5 contained 4.95g of maize, 20.98g of sorghum, 5.49g of beans, 29.39g of sesame and 39.19g of groundnuts per 100g of formulation. The nutrient densities of D2 and R5 when cooked according to WFP recommendations were also determined. D2 and R5 had high dispersibility (77.2-76.8%), low water absorption index (1.7-2.0g/g) and high water solubility index (0.2-0.3g/g). The pasting properties indicated that the formulations form stable low viscosity pastes that can withstand breakdown during cooking and have high resistance to retrogradation on cooling. Cooked D2 (100g) contained 87.2kcal, 9.5g starch, 2.3g sugars, 5.8g protein, 1.6g fat, 1.7g fiber, 2.3mg iron and 1.6mg zinc. Cooked R5 (100g) had 71.4kcal, 7.1g starch, 2.6g sugars, 4.2g protein, 0.9g fat, 1.0g fiber, 1.9mg iron and 1.4mg zinc. The cooked samples provided more than 50% of the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for children aged 1-5 years for protein and zinc per serving (200g for children aged 1-3 years and 250g for children aged 4-5 years). Adopting formulations developed in this study can potentially contribute to reducing undernutrition in children aged 1-5 years. Key words: Low-cost nutrient-dense foods, composite flours, infant feeding, pasting properties, malnutrition

Relationship Between Energy, Fat, and Carbohydrate Consumption Habits in Pregnant Women Chronic Energy Deficiency during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Background: Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) during the COVID-19 pandemic affects the nutritional status of pregnant women. CED is indicated by the size of LiLA < 23.5 cm. This study aims to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women with chronic energy deficiency. Method: The study used a systematic review of relevant articles from databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) using keywords in Indonesian and English. Nine articles were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: publication from 2017 to 2021, discussing food consumption habits in pregnant women, articles in English or Indonesian, full text, open access, and scientific journals. Results: The results of this study can evaluate the consumption habits of pregnant women CED caused by inadequate food intake and less diverse food. Less food consumption habits in pregnant women are caused by low family income, human resources, education, and lack of family support to consume nutritional food. Conclusion: The study concludes that adequate food intake and good human resource consumption habits can affect pregnant women's nutritional status.

Nutritional status and dietary patterns of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Bangladesh

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted purposively among 45 children who took regular health and nutritional care facilities in the Savoy Autism Rehabilitation Center at Narayanganj, Bangladesh with the aimed to observe the nutritional status and dietary patterns of the selected attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) child. About 24% of the respondents were well nourished, while 18% of respondents were overweight and 58% of the children were underweight. Dietary patterns were monotonous, cereals (rice/bread) consumption were higher, whereas daily fish and meat consumption were very poor such as 4.4% (small fish), 13.3% (large fish), and 2.2% (meat) respectively daily. Fruits and vegetables consumption were also found as poor among the children. It can be concluded that more emphasis should be given to the incorporation of meat, fish, fruits and vegetables daily into the diet of children with providing nutritional care guidelines to the caregivers of these children so that their diet gets more diversified to ensure macro and micronutrient adequacy. Diet rich with adequate nutrients and proper behavioral and psychiatric therapy should be provided in order to control hyperactive-related disorders.

The legal status of Palestinian prisoners in occupation prisons and the guarantees of their international protection

The daily arrests carried out by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinians constitute a blatant violation of the rules of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Arrests became a daily phenomenon and collective punishment for the Palestinian people, as the occupation authorities failed to respect guarantees of protection for the civilian population and did not adhere to the rules regulating the rights and conditions of detainees. These guarantees and rules are affirmed by international humanitarian law, and obligate states to fulfill their obligations in dealing with prisoners and detainees in their custody, and to preserve their rights and human dignity to receive the necessary health care and adequate food. Moreover, to allow their families to visit and communicate permanently with them, to prevent torture and ill-treatment and not to subject them to arbitrary detention, as well as prohibiting the absolute use of administrative detention orders as required by the provisions of the 3rd. and 4th. Geneva Conventions of 1949.

Nutritional Quality of Diets of Adults (20-40 Years) in Delhi, India

Rise in prevalence of diet related non communicable diseases can be prevented by following balanced and healthy diets. The study aimed to assess adequacy of nutrient and food group intakes along with frequency of consumption of foods High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS). The study was a cross-sectional study with non-probability purposive sampling method. A total of 589 adults (20-40 years) were selected from housing colonies from four geographical zones of city. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall method. Frequency and amount of foods consumed was recorded using a semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The differences in food groups and nutrient intakes across socio-demographic groups were assessed using Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was assumed at 5% level (p<0.05). Most participants had nutrient intakes lower than the EAR for calcium (97%), zinc (98%), riboflavin (100%), niacin (68%), vitamin B6 (96%) and vitamin A (60%). All participants had lower intakes of pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, oilseed and nuts when compared to the recommended intakes. HFSS foods-sweet plain biscuits (46%), fried namkeen (37%), roasted namkeen (30%), non-carbonated drinks (29%) and deep-fried foods (25%) were eaten regularly by more than one fourth of participants. Participants occasionally consumed pizzas (60%), chat (54%), dosa (50%) and burgers (48%). Therefore, reducing the share of foods high in fat, sugar and salt and enabling healthier selection of food groups through behaviour change communication strategies will ensure adequate nutrient intakes.

Association of socioeconomic factors and dietary intake with sarcopenic obesity in the Korean older population.

This study investigated the relationship between socioeconomic factors, dietary intake, and sarcopenic obesity among older adults in Korea. Data from the seventh Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018) were analyzed. The study included 3,690 participants (1,645 men and 2,045 women) aged 65 years and older. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of low muscle strength (handgrip strength <28 kg in men and <18 kg in women) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference >90 cm in men and >85 cm in women). Socioeconomic factors assessed included age, living status, residential area, employment, education, and family income level. Dietary intake was evaluated using the nutrient adequacy ratio and mean adequacy ratio derived from 24-h dietary recall data. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with sarcopenic obesity. The prevalence rates of sarcopenic obesity were 6.5% in men and 17.4% in women. Low education levels were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenic obesity in women, whereas lower family income levels were associated with an increased risk of sarcopenic obesity in men. In women, a lower mean adequacy ratio was significantly associated with a higher risk of sarcopenic obesity. Lower family income and education level are associated with a higher prevalence of sarcopenic obesity. Ad-ditionally, overall nutritional adequacy is inversely related to the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity, particularly in women.

Abstract 028: Sex Differences In Hypertension And Cerebral Oxidative Stress Of Preeclamptic Rat Offspring

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) occurs when the fetus doesn’t receive adequate nutrients. The leading cause of IUGR is placental ischemia, often seen in preeclampsia (PE). Adult IUGR offspring have an increased risk of HTN and oxidative stress (OS), with sex differences. Studies have shown that IUGR males have HTN, cerebrovascular dysfunction (CVD), and cerebral OS at 17 wks; IUGR females are NT with limited CVD and no significant OS. Our study aims to characterize the sex differences in timing and changes of cerebral OS in IUGR offspring. HTN and OS are both present in adult IUGR males, however, the order and timing is unknown. We hypothesize that OS leads to HTN. To test this, we examined the changes in brain OS in 12 wk IUGR and control (CON) males (before HTN), and 17 wk IUGR males (which have HTN) vs CON males. We investigated the same time points in NT females. We divided pups from normal pregnant and PE Sprague-Dawley rats into groups based on pregnancy status and sex. Pups were aged to 12 and 17 wks. We collected brains to measure OS via western blot (Manganese superoxide dismutase) and colorimetric assays: hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). 12 wk IUGR and CON offspring were NT with no changes between groups or sex. There were no changes in cerebral H 2 O 2 , TAC, and MnSOD for IUGR offspring compared to their CON. At 17 wks, IUGR males had elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP; 143.0 ± 1.7 vs 133.0 ± 2.7 mmHg; p &lt; 0.01). IUGR females were NT. Cerebral H2O2 levels in IUGR males were elevated (20.5 ± 8.0 vs 3.7 ± 1.0 uM/ mg Protein; p &lt; 0.05) and unchanged in IUGR females. TAC in IUGR males was decreased (157.7 ±21.9 vs 234.9 ± 22.0 mM Trolox/mg Protein; p &lt; 0.05) and unchanged in IUGR females. MnSOD was elevated in females with no differences between groups (150.4 ± 3.8 vs 110.9 ±7.1 IU/Protein/CON%; p &lt; 0.002). All 12 wk rats were NT with no changes in cerebral OS. At 17 wks, IUGR males were HTN with elevated cerebral OS, with no changes in females. The lack of increase in OS at 12 wks, suggest that it’s not a precursor to HTN in males, but rather OS is a downstream effect from HTN. Future studies will look at factors that contribute to HTN and CVD in in IUGR offspring. Studies will also examine why 17 wk female IUGR are protected from HTN and cerebral OS.

A review of the need for biofortified foods to combat malnutrition

Urbanization has led to increased consumption of industrially produced foods, including in developing countries. Many countries are now addressing micronutrient malnutrition through the use of fortified foods, reaching a larger portion of their population. Poverty has an impact on populations that are essentially deficient in adequate micronutrients. Therefore, it is common practice to include multiple forms of micronutrients. It is often possible to fortify foods with micronutrients. In most cases, adding one or more micronutrients to foods does not significantly increase the cost. In most cases, if the technology is available and the distribution system is appropriate, reinforcement is more cost-effective than other strategies. By consuming fortified foods regularly and frequently, dietary supplements will be more effective in maintaining nutrient reserves than taking supplements intermittently. Adding nutrients to food helps reduce the incidence of undernutrition problems, as well as problems caused by seasonal fluctuations in food supply and bad habits. This will benefit children and pregnant women who need adequate nutrient stores during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as pregnant women who need a steady supply of micronutrients for growth and development. Fortification is beneficial for postpartum women and their babies because it raises the vitamin content in breast milk and reduces their nutritional needs. Fortification of widely consumed and widely distributed foods not only improves the nutritional status of large segments of the population, but also serves other purposes. This review is intended to highlight the importance of using fortified foods to effectively combat malnutrition.

The Right to Adequate Food and Its Implementation in Ethiopia

The Right to Adequate Food and Its Implementation in Ethiopia

Assessment of the Adequacy of the Energetic Contribution of the Macronutrients Determined in the Local Infant Flours Sold in Ouagadougou to the Needs of Children Aged 6 to 23 Months

Breast milk becomes insufficient from the sixth month of a child's life, considering the quality and quantity, and must be supplemented with nutritionally dense foods. Thus, introducing adequate complementary foods in the child's diet is essential for his development. Very few studies have looked at the compliance of local infant flours with compositional standards. The objective was to evaluate the macronutrient adequacy of local infant flours sold in Ouagadougou for the needs of children aged 6-23 months. Nutritional parameters were determined using reference methods. The modeling was performed using Excel 2016 software. Fats content ranged from 6.16g to 16.76g, proteins from 6.18g to 22.08g, carbohydrates from 63.4g to 70.96g, and energy values from 406.02 kcal/100g to 458.92 kcal/100g. The modeling showed that the contributions of the different nutrients to the overall energy value of 70% of the local infant flours were by the recommendations. The energy contributions of fats and proteins were mainly high. Respectively 75% and 95% of local infant flours evaluated meet the recommendations, while all the infant flours evaluated showed carbohydrate energy contributions within the recommendations. The overall quality assessment showed that the overall energy values of the evaluated local infant flours were within the WHO guidelines.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Funneliformis mosseae Improves Soybean Growth Even in Soils with Good Nutrition

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve plant growth and may be useful in maintaining and even restoring soil. However, data on the latter function are sparse and only indirect, which is especially true for conventional management conditions with adequate nutrient availability. Our study focused on utilizing the prevalent AMF species, Funneliformis mosseae, to enhance Glycine max production, while also exploring its partly explored impact on soil aggregation. Working in greenhouse conditions, we examined whether, in a nutrient-sufficient environment, AMF would improve crop biomass accumulation and nutrition, as well as the stability of soil aggregates (SAS). We also looked for a synergistic effect of dual inoculation using AMF and symbiotic rhizobium. Plants were or were not inoculated with AMF or Bradyrhizobium japonicum in a two-factorial design. AMF inoculation increased soybean biomass, but AMF inoculation had no impact on P and N input to the shoots. Mycorrhiza did not affect either glomalin abundance or SAS. All the impacts were, however, independent from rhizobial inoculation, which was ineffective in this nutrient-available environment. Our assay suggests that arbuscular mycorrhiza may have a positive effect on soybean growth even under conventional management with adequate nutrition. The positive effects of AMF on soybean growth, together with the fact that AMF generally do not thrive in good nutrient availability, should be taken into account when planning mineral fertilization levels.

Linking Satellite, Land Capability, and Socio-Economic Data for Local-Level Climate-Change-Adaptive Capacity Assessments and Decision Support

Climate change is now one of the most formidable threats to the livelihoods of resource-poor communities in low-income developing countries world-wide. Addressing this challenge continues to be undermined by the conspicuous absence of actionable adaptation strategies that are potentially capable of enhancing our capacities to realize the Millennial Sustainable Development Goals that seek to securitize access to adequate food supplies for everybody. This paper attempts to address this limitation by providing an improvised geostatistical methodology that integrates multi-source data to map the adaptive capacities of vulnerable communities in a selected South African local municipality, whose livelihoods are largely dependent on rain-fed agriculture. The development of this methodology was based on the use scripts that were compiled in Python and used to test-try its usefulness through a case-study-based assessment of the climate-change-adaptive capacities of local communities in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality (RMLM), Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A Bayesian maximum entropy framework-based technique was used to overcome the lack of missing soil moisture data, which we included because of its reliable usefulness as a surrogate indicator of climate-change-driven variations in this variable on the sustainability of rain-fed agriculture. Analysis of the results from a sampling universe of 124 communities revealed that 65 and 56 of them had high and medium adaptive capacities, respectively, with the remaining 3 having low adaptive capacities. This finding indicates that more than half of the communities in the municipality’s communities have limited capabilities to cope with climate change’s impacts on their livelihoods. Although our proposed methodology is premised on findings from a case-study-based investigation, it is still extremely useful because it demonstratively shows that there is tremendous scope for the scientific community to provide objectively informed insights that can be used to enhance the adaptive capacities of those in need of the badly needed but difficult-to-access information. Added to this is the fact that our proposed methodology is not only applicable for use under different environmental settings but also capable of allowing us to cost-effectively tap into the rich, wide-ranging, freely accessible datasets at our disposal. The aim of this submission is to show that although we have the information, we need to address these persevering challenges by exploring innovative approaches to translate the knowledge we have into actionable climate-change-adaptation strategies.

Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc on Fodder Yield and Quality of Leguminous Fodder: Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

The contribution of the livestock sector to the Indian Economy is 4.11% of its total GDP and it is nearly 25.6% for total agricultural GDP. Small and marginal farmers are mainly attached to the mixed farming of field crops and dairy animals. Farmers get regular income from their dairy unit and also use dairy animals as economic security. Though India comes under the highest livestock populated countries, the production of milk is lower than expected because of improper feeding quality. Through the last two decades, the demand and price of milk both increase gradually, and farmers are not getting that much profit because of their dependency on ready cattle food. The gross profit after the selling of milk is nearly equal to the feeding expenditure. For the use of paddy straw as dry fodder, the quality and quantity of milk production are decreased. So, green fodder is the best option for livestock as it contains adequate nutrients as well as crude fibre. Among the fodder and forage crops, berseem is the second maximum cultivated fodder crop which possesses a 2 million ha area of fodder crops in India. There are several advantages of berseem as a fodder crop such as a short-duration crop, multi-cut nature, the capability of higher biomass production, the presence of a good amount of crude protein, cellulose, total digestible nutrients and succulent nature. Though Phosphorus and zinc play an antagonistic effect on each other, both are required for the growth and development of berseem crops. From cellular respiration to enzymatic reactions, phosphorus is essential for completing several metabolic activities. Zinc is related to yield and fodder quality by completing plant metabolisms like carbohydrates and auxin production. Adequate management practice is required to maintain the concentration of both nutrients at an optimum level. In Indian soil, zinc is deficient and phosphorus is mostly present in organic form. So, the use of biofertilizers will be effective to convert those complex nutrients form into simple and available for the plant.

Formulation and Evaluation of Supplementary Food from Tigernut, Date Palm, Moringa, Groundnut and Milk

Globally, undernutrition is the single biggest contributor to disease. Undernutrition is of particular concern in young children as it can compromise their physical and intellectual development. Current study formulated and evaluation of supplementary food from tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), moringa (Moringa oleifera), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and milk. The formulated supplementary food were designated S1, S2 and S3. Nutritional composition, selected minerals and anti-nutritional factors were investigated using standard analytical methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Data was analyzed by ANOVA and results expressed as mean and standard deviation. Result of proximate composition indicates that ash ranged from (4.0 - 7.5), moisture (2.5 - 5.5) and protein (9.3 - 15.0). The result also revealed that the formulations contain appreciable amount of all essential amino acids. Anti- nutritional factor indicate that oxalate ranged from (7.0 - 14.0) and phytate (6.5 - 7.0). Selected micro-nutrient estimated suggested that the composite blends are good sources of minerals like Zn, Ca and Fe which are of public health importance. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that with proper blending of local foodstuff, it is possible to prepare nutritionally adequate supplementary food.

A proposed framework to develop nutrient profiling algorithms for assessments of sustainable food: the metrics and their assumptions matter

PurposeTo holistically assess the sustainability of our global and local food systems, we need methods that combine environmental and nutritional/health dimensions. One option is nutritional life cycle assessment in which a nutrient or health metric is incorporated into standard environmental life cycle assessment. Measuring nutritional and environmental outcomes in tandem can help elucidate new results that can aid farmers, policymakers, industry, and consumers in transitioning to a food system that is more beneficial for our planet and our health. However, the development of nutrient profiling metrics is still ongoing; thus, we develop and test, with case studies, the “points of differentiation” framework to guide the use of these algorithms in sustainability analyses.MethodsFor each of these “points” in the framework, we provide the current state-of-the-art based on the literature and then offer new insights and recommendations for their use; we do this for different food levels (i.e., production systems, food items, and diets/food supply). We provide an explicit framework for nutrient adequacy metrics, while discussing the framework’s relevance to nutrient diversity and quality metrics. We also test the “points” in this framework using case studies that examine select foods representative of a diet.ResultsBased on our review, the “points” in this framework to consider include capping, weighting, energy standardization, across-the-board versus group-specific, dietary- and/or context-specific, validation, disqualifying nutrients (e.g., saturated fat), reference amount, processing quality, selection of nutrients/ingredients, interpretation, and data quality. Based on changes in nutrient density scores and rankings, Spearman rank correlations, and Wilcoxon signed rank p-values, the “points” that have the largest effect are energy standardization, dietary specificities when assessing nutrient indices in isolation, as well as capping and disqualifying nutrients, depending on how these are applied. We hope our proposed “points of differentiation” framework can provide new insights into this quickly evolving space by offering structure to improve standardization and transparency.ConclusionThe framework provides recommendations for select “points;” nevertheless, there are still many open areas in nutritional life cycle assessment, including food functionality (e.g., processing effects, interaction factors, and bioavailability) and methodological questions related to the use of disqualifying nutrients and interpretation. Moreover, future work should focus on the role of “points” with respect to validation and differences within food groups.

Perceptions and attitudes of farmers and landowners on soil salinity management and use of elemental sulphur in Oman

AbstractSoil salinity threatens agricultural sustainability globally and is a significant challenge in Oman. Previous studies in Oman focused on examining the causality and spatiotemporal variation of groundwater and soil salinity, neglecting farmers' perceptions and attitudes towards salinity management. Therefore, this study evaluates (i) perceptions and attitudes of landowners and farmers towards soil salinity and its management, and (ii) determinants of willingness to use elemental sulphur to alleviate soil salinity in Oman. A questionnaire survey (122 responses) assessed perceptions, attitudes and knowledge using Likert scales and qualitative questions. Binary Logistic Regression analysed determinants of willingness to use elemental sulphur. Results reveal variations in perceptions, attitudes, knowledge and management practices. Most of the respondents were aware of adequate nutrient and water requirements for crops (p &lt; .05). Respondents rely on social media (38.5%), fellow farmers (32.1%) and personal experiences (11.5%) for knowledge acquisition about soil salinity management. Half of the respondents did not monitor soil salinity, while the other half relied primarily on visual observation. A substantial number (62.6%) of the respondents did not implement any techniques to alleviate soil salinity, while among those who acted, a majority preferred cultivating date palms (55%) or fodders (29.4%). Awareness of the national salinity management strategy and commercial products is lacking. However, when introduced to elemental sulphur as a soil amendment for salinity, 74.8% of the respondents demonstrated a willingness to utilize it. Most (82.4%) preferred elemental sulphur products within the lowest price range. Being a full‐time farmer, owning a farm, awareness of the national strategy and low‐price preferences were positive determinants, while &lt;1 year of farming experience was a negative determinant of willingness to use elemental sulphur. These findings inform future research on socio‐economic perceptions of salinity in Oman, the Gulf region and similar arid areas facing food production limitations.

The phenomenon of bat populations as a characteristic of watansoppeng city as a biology learning resource for students on ecosystem materials

This research is a case study research using qualitative descriptive research methods. The purpose of this study is to describe the phenomenon of the Bat population in Watansoppeng City and describe the benefits of research results from the Bat population phenomenon in Watansoppeng City to be used as a source for learning Ecosystem Biology. This research was conducted at the Environmental Service of Soppeng Regency and in Botto Village, Lalabata District, Soppeng Regency. The informants of this research were 7 people, namely the Head of the Soppeng Regency Environmental Service, the Secretary of the Soppeng Regency Environmental Service and 5 people from the community. Determination of informants in this study using a purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation by using two types of data, namely primary data and secondary data. Primary data comes from interviews and direct observations at the research site, while secondary data comes from literature review. The data analysis used is data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing/verification. Test the validity of the data used is triangulation. The results obtained are the phenomenon of the Bat population in Soppeng Regency which has existed for a long time due to several factors such as habitat suitability, adequate food sources, protected and preserved so that bats can live and be well preserved. Thus, the phenomenon of the Bat population as a characteristic of the city of Watansoppeng can be used as a source of learning ecosystem material biology.

Eating for honour: A cultural-ecological analysis of food behaviours among adolescent girls in the southern plains of Nepal.

Access to adequate and nutritious food is important for the current and future health of adolescent girls. Interventions often focus on the individual as responsible for their own health ignoring the complex structural issues that underlie optimal nutrition. In South Asia gender inequalities have been noted as an important determinant of poor nutrition among women and their young children, but analysis of adolescent girls' diets and what influences these are rarely undertaken. Therefore, we sought to analyse the factors affecting what and where girls' eat and what affects their behaviour in the plains of Nepal, using a cultural-ecological approach. We analysed a secondary qualitative dataset of focus group discussions with adolescent girls aged 12-19 years old, young mothers, mothers-in-law, and older female key informants. Eating was heavily influenced by patriarchal norms. Boys had preferential access to food, money, and freedom of movement to appreciate their future role in providing for the family. Food was an investment, and boys were perceived to have more nutritional need than girls. Girls were not perceived to be a good return on investment of food, and eating practices sought to prepare them for life as a subservient daughter-in-law and wife. Obedience and sacrifice were valued in girls, and they were expected to eat less and do more housework than boys. Girls' eating and behaviour was constrained to maintain self and family honour. Interventions should acknowledge cultural influences on eating and engage multiple actors in addressing harmful gender norms which limit eating and prevent girls from reaching their potential.

The Alteration of the Gut Microbiome during Ramadan Offers a Novel Perspective on Ramadan Fasting: A Pilot Study.

An intermittent fasting regimen is widely perceived to lead to various beneficial health effects, including weight loss, the alleviation of insulin resistance, and the restructuring of a healthy gut microbiome. Because it shares certain commonalities with this dietary intervention, Ramadan fasting is sometimes misinterpreted as intermittent fasting, even though there are clear distinctions between these two regimens. The main purpose of this study is to verify whether Ramadan fasting drives the same beneficial effects as intermittent fasting by monitoring alterations in the gut microbiota. We conducted a study involving 20 Muslim individuals who were practicing Ramadan rituals and assessed the composition of their gut microbiomes during the 4-week period of Ramadan and the subsequent 8-week period post-Ramadan. Fecal microbiome analysis was conducted, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were assessed using liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry. The observed decrease in the levels of SCFAs and beneficial bacteria during Ramadan, along with the increased microbial diversity post-Ramadan, suggests that the daily diet during Ramadan may not provide adequate nutrients to maintain robust gut microbiota. Additionally, the notable disparities in the functional genes detected through the metagenomic analysis and the strong correlation between Lactobacillus and SCFAs provide further support for our hypothesis.

Smart Melon Farm System: Fertilizer IoT Solution

Embedded systems are increasingly being employed for a wide range of applications. Small and large enterprises can benefit from sensor networks and Internet of Things technologies. Farmers, particularly the next generation of farmers, are tremendously interested in the smart farm system. This is due to Thailand’s favorable geography, and young farmers are becoming more technologically literate. However, smart farm systems on the market are still too expensive and don’t meet small farms’ needs. Consequently, the study proposed a low-cost irrigation and fertilizer system for high-quality melon farms in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The system can properly carry out irrigation and fertilization operations on the melon farm, which require specific attention at various stages of production. As a result, the technique reduces human work while simultaneously supplying adequate water and nutrients to the entire plant. Moreover, farmers with Internet access can manually monitor or supervise the operation at any time, from any location, and on any device. The developed system may gather information from sensors and operational procedures for further analysis in order to increase output and reduce waste. The system is affordable since it was constructed primarily using open-source software and low-cost embedded components with an ergonomic architecture. The results of the comparison show that the automatic method outperforms the human approach in terms of quality and production yield.