Specific Food Habits Research Articles

Spreading the aroma of spices across India: the brand of JK Masale

Research methodology Interviewing the protagonist and collecting information from secondary resources such as company documents, company and competitor websites, industry reports and online databases like Euromonitor International. Case overview/synopsis The case explores the metamorphosis of JK Masale from a small-scale family business in India to a regional player. Over a period of six decades, JK Masale (JKM) has emerged against the backdrop of a fiercely competitive spice industry. India, being a confluence of varied regional cultures, poses a diverse consumption pattern. It varies to a great extent with respect to the specific food habits prevalent in each climatic zone of the country. While the brand had successfully captured the Eastern Market and the western market of the country, Mr. Vikash Jain, Managing Director of JK Masale, contemplated to venture in Southern India and introduce new product categories. The case delves into one of the major challenges faced by JKM over the brand architecture and labelling across product categories. Thus, the case provides an excellent opportunity for budding managers to: analyse the company’s performance in the backdrop of a dynamic competitive environment; understand the nature of strategic decision-making and its appropriateness for a small family-owned business; evaluate a brand amongst brands on the architectural framework and select appropriate brand architecture for new products; and understand applicability and risks associated with growth strategies. Complexity academic level The case study can be positioned in both undergraduate and postgraduate level programs for courses on marketing strategy and brand management. Primarily, this case would be ideal to discuss brand relationship and brand architecture in the given context. Instructors have an option to cover concepts like market structure, company analysis, growth strategies and emergent and deliberate strategy through the case.

Eating Hubs in Multiple Sclerosis: Exploring the Relationship Between Mediterranean Diet and Disability Status in Italy.

BackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease in which multiple factors contribute to disability accrual. Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) has shown beneficial effects across neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize that specific food habits, rather than global adherence to MeDi, might impact on MS. We aimed to (i) evaluate differences in adherence to MeDi between people living with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls (HC); (ii) characterize eating patterns in PwMS and HC, identifying the most influential MeDi items for each group by the use of network analysis; (iii) explore the relationship between patients' eating habits and disability.Materials and MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we consecutively recruited 424 PwMS and 165 matched HC. Data were obtained through the administration of self-reported questionnaires. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were evaluated in the MS population. We performed between-groups comparisons via unpaired two-sample t-test and X2 test as appropriate. We calculated food networks in both MS cases and HC using and tested the association between hub nodes and disability. Finally, we conducted a post-hoc analysis, investigating the relationship between food items, lifestyle factors (smoking, exercise) and clinical outcomes.ResultsMost participants adhered sufficiently to MeDi. Exploring each group separately, fruit, vegetables, cereal, and fish were identified as hubs in PwMS, while meat and alcohol were identified as hubs in HC. Hubs were all inter-correlated, indicating that eating habits of PwMS include a large intake of all the foods identified as hubs. EDSS was predicted by the intake of vegetables (beta = −0.36, p < 0.03) and fish (beta = −0.34, p < 0.02). The model including smoking pack/year, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) score and intake of “negative foods” predicted 6% of the variance in EDSS (p < 0.001), while the model including smoking pack/year and IPAQ score predicted 4% of the variance in FSS (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe identified a sufficient adherence to MeDi in our population. PwMS showed overall a healthier dietary pattern than HC. Vegetables and fish intake were associated with disability outcomes. Future longitudinal studies applying integrated approaches are needed to understand lifestyle added value to the use of standard pharmacological therapies.

DIETARY INTERVENTIONS IN CHILDREN WITH ASD

Introduction Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of disorders that are manifested primarily by difficulties in interpersonal contact. Moreover, children with ASD have specific food habits, which can disturb their proper development. Nowadays, it is suggested that appropriate dietary interventions could help in the treatment of ASD. We will consider how effective a diet could be in this role. Aim This review aims to estimate the effectiveness of dietary interventions used in children with ASD based on scientific research. Material and method This article was created on the basis of a systematic review. Articles were searched using PubMed. The applied terms were: ‘diet in ASD’, ‘dietary interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder’, ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’, ‘therapies in ASD’. We searched for studies that were published in less than the last 5 years, but older references were also obtained from analyzed articles. Results We received a total of 227 results. After selection, It was decided to use 21 studies with dietetic interventions. Conclusions The most commonly performed interventions are the ketogenic diet, the gluten-free caseinfree diet, and probiotic supplementation. Most studies do not have enough evidence that would allow drawing definite conclusions. Currently, modifying the diet does not appear to have a significant impact on ASD symptoms.

Women's perceptions about changes in food-related behaviours at home during COVID-19 pandemic in Chile.

To explore women's perceptions of changes in specific food habits at home, specifically the food budget and shopping, and food preparation, during the COVID-19 period. Non-probabilistic, exploratory study. Participants completed an online self-administered questionnaire. Perceptions of food habit changes were measured on a five-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). Data analysis was conducted in STATA v16.0. Chile. Adult women between 25 and 65 years old (n 2047). Of the participants, 72 % were responsible for cooking, 69 % for buying food and 85 % for child care. Difficulties in organising and doing food budget works were observed in groups with a lower educational level, lower income and single mothers with children. Younger participants, dependent workers, women from biparental families with children and those in mandatory quarantine perceived more changes in their food shopping and budget management tasks. Participants more educated, with higher income and non-mandatory quarantine perceived to cook and eat healthier. Older participants perceived minor changes in their food preparation tasks at home; in contrast, more educated women and women from biparental families with children perceived more changes. If women were in charge of the kids or grocery shopping, more food environment changes were noticed. Women perceived changes in their food environments. Some of these changes are perceived worse in the more vulnerable population. COVID-19 presents a challenge for the food system and gender perspectives. This information should be considered in the design of food-related interventions.

A complete dietary review of Japanese birds with special focus on molluscs

Birds often hold important positions in the food webs of ecosystems. As a result, interactions between birds and their prey have attracted attention not only in ecology, but also in fields like agriculture and conservation. Avian food resources are well researched in Japan, however there is no database critically reviewing molluscs as a food resource for birds. Here, we present a new database reviewing dietary information for all Japanese bird species. In addition to addressing general diet categories and specific food habits for each bird, we include detailed data on the molluscan prey observed for all species that consume them. The information within this database was collected through intense literary review to provide a complete look at bird species historically present around the country. We also include new information on snail species found in the upper digestive tract of harvested wild birds. This database is publicly available in the Zenodo repository. The information should aid research around the Japanese archipelago, especially projects involving birds or molluscs.

Food practices of Garo Hills Meghalaya and harmful effects of Sodium Bicarbonate

Food practices of tribal population of Garo Hills of Meghalaya are distinct and are characterized by definite areas with specific food habits, dialects and cultural homogeneity. Being simple in nature, the people in Garo Hills of Meghalaya have simple food practices and rice is mainly the staple food along with different kinds of non-vegetarian delicacies. One of the characteristic feature found among Garo families is use of soda or Sodium bicarbonate in their dishes during cooking which poses a threat to their health. The region also has the highest prevalence of anaemia found among women and children. This paper discusses harmful effects of use of Sodium bicarbonate in food and the food practices of people of Garo Hills of Meghalaya.

Surface mesozooplankton assemblages in a tropical coastal upwelling ecosystem: Southeastern Arabian Sea

The spatio-temporal variation of mesozooplankton assemblages and the relative environmental variables were assessed in a coastal upwelling system. Remarkable seasonal variations were found in the mesozooplankton community structure and Chl-a concentration due to the seasonal shift in the environmental variables. Copepods were found to be the dominant group during the winter monsoon (WM) and spring inter monsoon (SIM) seasons whereas, cladocerans (Evadne tergestina and Penilia avirostris) were dominant during the summer monsoon (SM) which may be attributed to the availability of preferential food and favorable environmental conditions (viz., temperature and salinity etc.). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the distribution and their possible spatio-temporal pattern of dominant copepods (Acrocalanus gibber, Acartia danae, Nanocalanus minor and Oncaea venusta), siphonophores (Chelophyes appendiculata and Diphyes chamissonis) and pelagic tunicates (Doliolida sp.) synchronized with their specific food habits and adaptive mechanism. The present findings emphasize the significance of the trophic relationship between Chl-a concentration and mesozooplankton abundance in the coastal waters of Kochi, southeastern Arabian Sea.

Food frequency questionnaires.

Food Frequency Questionnaires are dietary assessment tools widely used in epidemiological studies investigating the relationship between dietary intake and disease or risk factors since the early '90s. The three main components of these questionnaires are the list of foods, frequency of consumption and the portion size consumed. The food list should reflect the food habits of the study population at the time the data is collected. The frequency of consumption may be asked by open ended questions or by presenting frequency categories. Qualitative Food Frequency Questionnaires do not ask about the consumed portions; semi-quantitative include standard portions and quantitative questionnaires ask respondents to estimate the portion size consumed either in household measures or grams. The latter implies a greater participant burden. Some versions include only close-ended questions in a standardized format, while others add an open section with questions about some specific food habits and practices and admit additions to the food list for foods and beverages consumed which are not included. The method can be self-administered, on paper or web-based, or interview administered either face-to-face or by telephone. Due to the standard format, especially closed-ended versions, and method of administration, FFQs are highly cost-effective thus encouraging its widespread use in large scale epidemiological cohort studies and also in other study designs. Coding and processing data collected is also less costly and requires less nutrition expertise compared to other dietary intake assessment methods. However, the main limitations are systematic errors and biases in estimates. Important efforts are being developed to improve the quality of the information. It has been recommended the use of FFQs with other methods thus enabling the adjustments required.

Diversity and distribution of termite assemblages in montane forests in the Knuckles Region, Sri Lanka

This study was conducted in the Knuckles Forest Region in central Sri Lanka, and investigated how termite species richness, abundance and functional group diversity vary in different montane forest types and identified the likely causes of this pattern. Termite diversity declined with increased elevation, with upper montane forests recording a single endemic species, Postelectrotermes militaris Desneux. Transect sampling in lower montane forests yielded 26 species, with a higher number from dry forests (22 species) than from wet forests (15 species). Species specificity also was high in dry forests (11 species) compared with wet forests (four species). Termite abundance did not show a distinct trend in dry and wet forests. Live-wood termites were present only in upper montane and high-altitude lower montane dry forests. Wet forests had a higher relative abundance (78%) but not species richness (40%) of soil and soil–wood interface feeders. In dry forests, both species richness (82%) and abundance (88%) of fungus-growing wood feeders were higher. The study suggests that key drivers of the species distribution pattern are low temperature and differing forest floor conditions. In the upper montane forest floor where earthworms dominate, wet soil and damp, woody litter riddled with beetles are not favourable for termites. In lower montane wet forests, moist, thick decomposing leaf litter and in dry forests, drier, relatively undecomposed leaf litter with many dry sticks and branches support species with specific food habits.

Dinamiche di consumo ed evoluzione degli stili alimentari attraverso l'indagine istat sui consumi delle famiglie

The paper uses the 1973-2009 historical series on domestic food consumption, and analyzes the main changes in the structure of food consumption both at national and regional level. In the first part of the work, it is shown the main changes undergone by domestic food consumption basket relative to the eight main product categories consist of: bread and cereals, dairy products and eggs, meat, fishery and fish farming products, fruit vegetables and potatoes, drinks, coffee sugar and groceries, oils and fats. The evolution of the basket is discussed taking into account the main social and economic factors such as the territorial area, the number of members of the family, type of employment. In the second part of the paper the analysis is developed taking into account the regional data. In this case the objective was to compare the differences in the composition of the basket at the beginning and at the end of the observation period to assess how the specific consumption of the 20 Italian regions have developed. By means of a hierarchical cluster analysis, data from three-year periods 1973-75 and 2007-’09 were compared in an attempt to identify the existence of common evolutionary paths in the composition of spending and lifestyles in food. The analysis at regional level suggests the existence of an evolutionary path generating a a process of convergence of the shares of spending on an unique assortment for all regions. This evidence allows to hypothesize the gradual disappearance of the specific regional life style in foods and the birth of a common and strongly homologated style. Although the type of data used does not allow further consideration to analyze the reasons for this convergence, it seems reasonable to identify the pervasive presence of modern retail and widespread role of the media as the most responsible for this process. Finally it is possible to conclude that the disappearance of regional and specific food habits represent a net loss to the country, at least in terms of culture and.

The food of common bream (Abramis brama L.) in a biomanipulated water supply reservoir

Food composition of common bream (Abramis brama, L.) was studied in the shallow, meso–eutrophic, Hamry reservoir (Czech Republic). Fish were sampled during the daytime in the pre-spawning period (April), the post-spawning (June), summer (July) and autumn (October) in 2011. The bream sampled comprised two main size groups: small, 124–186 mm; and large, 210–315 mm standard length. Twenty specimens of each size group (except April – 40 large fish) were taken for analysis on each sampling occasion. Food composition was evaluated using gravimetric methods. Over the whole season, detritus and aquatic vegetation were the dominant dietary items taken. During summer, the diet of large bream comprised mainly aquatic vegetation. Benthic macroinvertebrates and zooplankton formed a minor part of bream diet over the whole season. Specific food habits of bream could be explained by specific conditions within the reservoir and available food resources.

Perceived health value of ready meals and side dishes: regional and gender differences

PurposeThis study aims to examine gender differences in consumption frequency, perception of health value and enjoyment associated with two categories of convenience foods – snacks, and ready meals and side dishes – among university students in French and English Canada, the United States and France.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 376 women and 324 men replied to a self‐administered questionnaire that included general questions on attitude toward health and specific questions on consumption frequency, perception of health value and enjoyment attributed to products in both categories.FindingsVariance analysis brought to light differences in gender within each regional group. Overall, perceived health value of ready meals and side dishes, while slightly negative, is less negative than for snacks, whereas greater enjoyment is attributed to snacks. For all regions combined, men attribute a less negative health value to snacks and ready meals and side dishes than women do, and derive more enjoyment than women from ready meals and side dishes, whereas women enjoy snacks more than men do.Originality/valueThis study clarifies the specific food habits of young people aged 18 to 25 regarding convenience foods, a rapidly growing category that could aggravate the trend toward obesity.

Food habits are related to glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective To investigate the food habits of people with type 2 diabetes and to identify those habits related to glycemic control. Design The purposive sampling plan targeted people (40 to 65 years old) living in two urban communities in the Southeastern United States with type 2 diabetes for >1 year (60% women, 50% African Americans and low-income individuals). In-depth interviews were used to identify food habits. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1c) was measured to assess glycemic control. Subjects The final sample contained 89 participants (62% women, 48% African American, and 43% below 200% of the poverty level). Statistical analyses performed Analysis of variance, principal component/factor analysis, cluster analysis, and multiple regression were used to relate food habits to glycemic control. Results A four-factor solution derived from 15 food habits explained 51.5% of the total variance in HbA 1c values. High factor scores for three factors (Basic Eating Practices, Meal Planning, and Carbohydrate/Vegetable Strategies) and low factor scores for a fourth factor (Challenges of Dining Out) were related to lower HbA 1c values. Based on similar patterns across the 15 food habits, participants were clustered into four groupings. The clusters differing on HbA 1c (mean±standard deviation) were Healthful Eating Lifestyle (6.25±0.25), Disciplined Eating Approach (7.31±0.35), Limited Dietary Focus (8.28±0.33), and Poor Dietary Management (9.05±0.24). These groupings reflected different food habit factor profiles. Conclusions Knowledge of the specific food habits of people with diabetes can offer a way to structure a meaningful dialog with clients about dietary self-management and guide the collaborative development of relevant dietary goals.

Comparative Study on Amylase Activity in Three Freshwater Fish Larvae during Early Development

An experiment was conducted to quantitatively compare amylase activity during post embryonic developmental period of three bundh-bred Indian major carps, Labeo rohita (Ham), Catla catla (Ham) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham). For this purpose, amylase activ­ity in fed and starved fish larvae was measured. In all three species and in larvae starved for 24 h, amylase activity was depressed although significant changes in activity in starved and fed larvae were observed after day 17. The result showed a rhythmic pattern of amy­lase activity during the study period (5-68 days) starting from low activity (5-26 days) accel­erating to a peak (29-56 days) and very low activity thereafter. Changes of enzymatic pat­terns were found to be more prominent m L. rohita followed by C.catla and C. mrigala. The activity of this enzyme was found to be low in C.mrigala compared to L. rohita and C.catla. These changes may be related to different digestive systems and of carps' species specific food habits. The results are discussed in the text.

Concentration of selected metals in penguins and other representative fauna of the Antarctica

Concentration of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe were determined in muscle and liver of three species of penguins and other animals of the antarctic region. Liver was characterized by maximum concentrations of all the metals analyzed. The element levels in the samples assayed are in keeping with those reported previously by other authors. It is assumed that specific food habits of penguins are mainly responsible for elevated Cd levels in livers of these birds.