Examination of the food habits and seasonal variation of the stomach contents of adult tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevisGunther) taken in July 1982-July 1983 from Laizhou Bay and the Huanghe River estuary of the Boh...Examination of the food habits and seasonal variation of the stomach contents of adult tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevisGunther) taken in July 1982-July 1983 from Laizhou Bay and the Huanghe River estuary of the Bohai Sea showed Crustacea, bivalvia and small fishes comprised the main prey. Invertebrates such as polychaeta, cephalopoda, gastropoda, echinodermata and actiniaria were also intermittently found in them. They intensively fed all the year round (monthly feeding rate of over 80%). The main food items were Alpheus japonica, Alpheus distinguendus, Oratosquilla oratorio, Eucrate crenata and Carcinoplax vestitus, etc. In summer and autumn, the portion of bivalvia such as Cultellus attenuatus and Musculus senhousei increased steadily. From summer to winter, a stable proportion of small fishes such as Rhinogobius pflaumi and Setipinna taty was in the diet.展开更多
In this paper, food habits of the wolf (Canis lupus) was determined in Inner Monolia, using scat analysis. Results indicated that ungulates were the staple food items(frequency 53.8%, relative biomass 85.2%). In the s...In this paper, food habits of the wolf (Canis lupus) was determined in Inner Monolia, using scat analysis. Results indicated that ungulates were the staple food items(frequency 53.8%, relative biomass 85.2%). In the scats, animals was 40.3% by the frequency of occurrence, and 75.7% by the relative biomass. Compared with the food habits of wolves in Heilongjiang Province, wolves showed a different pattern in prey selection in this ergion. In this study, we estimated the relative biomass of food items, and amount of each prey ingested by a wolf, based on a linear regression equation, y=2.76+0.02x(r=0.997), which was obtained in the feeding trials, It is suggerted that wolves are opportunistic predator. Some suggestions for wolf conservation and management were disussed.展开更多
The food habits hypothesis (FHH) stands as one of the most striking and often-cited interspecific patterns to emergefrom comparative studies of endothermic energetics. The FHH identifies three components of diet that ...The food habits hypothesis (FHH) stands as one of the most striking and often-cited interspecific patterns to emergefrom comparative studies of endothermic energetics. The FHH identifies three components of diet that potentially produce variabilityin mass-independent BMR, i.e. food quality, food availability, and food predictability or environmental productivity. Thehypothesis predicts that species with diets of low energy content and/or low digestibility should evolve low mass-independentBMRs. The effects of food habits on BMR have been widely investigated at the interspecific level, but the variation between individualsand populations has been largely ignored. Our focus is to compare predictions derived from interspecific studies withdata collected from within-species studies to explore the mechanisms and functional significance of adaptive responses predictedby the food-habits hypothesis among birds. We conclude that if BMR is correlated with daily energy expenditure, then organismsthat can lower BMR will reduce daily energy expenditure and hence, food requirements. Birds that lower BMR in stressful environmentsmay increase survival. Nevertheless, the mechanism (s) by which birds eating a low quality diet reduce BMR andwhether lower BMR affects fitness remain to be展开更多
The food availability, composition of the diets and selective grazing of the Mongolian gazelle (Procapragutturosa) were studied in Hulunber Grassland in Net Monggol. The food availability of Mongofian gazelle showedse...The food availability, composition of the diets and selective grazing of the Mongolian gazelle (Procapragutturosa) were studied in Hulunber Grassland in Net Monggol. The food availability of Mongofian gazelle showedseasonal changes. The plant biomass was higher in spring and summer than that in autumn and winter. The fecalcompositions of the gazelle demonstrated that fibrous parts occupied 62.4o/o, 74.8o/o, and 66. 0% in spring, autumn,and winter, respectively. The Mongolian gazelle preferred to graze Compositeae, Legumjnosse, Allium spp. andother forbs in spring and autumn, while the grasses, such as AneurolepidiUffi Chinense and Stipa spp. were selectively feeding in winter.展开更多
Background/Objectives: The Saudi population has experienced significant transformations in their lifestyle which could be attributed to several factors. Aims: This work sought to determine effects of food habits and l...Background/Objectives: The Saudi population has experienced significant transformations in their lifestyle which could be attributed to several factors. Aims: This work sought to determine effects of food habits and lifestyle on prevalence of overweight (OW)/obesity (OB) among schoolchildren in Taif City, KSA. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using well-designed questionnaire. Pretested questionnaire was randomly distributed among schoolchildren in Taif city. Body mass index and waist circumference were used as tools for assessing nutritional status of schoolchildren. Results: A total of 2027 students filled the questionnaire with a mean age of 15.83 ± 2.18 years. The prevalence of OW and OB was 14.6% and 12.9%, respectively, while the combined one was 27.5%. The combined prevalence of OW and OB was significantly higher among boys than girls (31.9 vs. 21.9). Schoolchildren from high income families had high rate of OW and OB. Smoking, stress, TV viewing, daylight and night sleep had no effects on BMI, while only smoking of a family member and stress had considerable relationship with W_C. Unfortunately, 52.2% of students admitted that they were physically inactive but this effect was insignificant for both indicators. Students skipped breakfasts constitute 18.8% of subjects included but link with BMI and W_C was statistically insignificant. Regular soft or diet drinks had significant effects on BMI. Results showed considerable link between consumption of fruits/vegetables, grains and W_C. Conclusions: The prevalence of combined OW/OB among schoolchildren was 27.5%. Family income, participant’s gender, intake of regular soft or diet drinks had significant effects on BMI. While, stress, smoking of a family member, and uptake of fruits and vegetables showed considerable relationship with W_C.展开更多
Diet of 300 specimens of Bryconaethiops boulengeri from Djiri River (Congo Brazzaville) caught with cash nets was studied according to the size of fish, sampling stations and hydrological season. Sampling focused on t...Diet of 300 specimens of Bryconaethiops boulengeri from Djiri River (Congo Brazzaville) caught with cash nets was studied according to the size of fish, sampling stations and hydrological season. Sampling focused on twelve annual withdrawals made during three years. The relative importance index combining numerical and weight percentages of occurrence was calculated and also the sex ratio was evaluated. Bryconaethiops boulengeri consumes terrestrial and aquatic insects and everything that falls into the water (birds feathers, plant debris, fruits, etc.). The percentage of emptiness is 9.66% of the three sampling stations selected;no significant difference in diet was observed whatever the season.展开更多
The alimentary canal contents of 360 Barbus luteus caught from MOD between January 2010 to December 2010 were examined. The phyto-plankton, zooplanktons, detritus, diatoms, insects and unidentified digestive food were...The alimentary canal contents of 360 Barbus luteus caught from MOD between January 2010 to December 2010 were examined. The phyto-plankton, zooplanktons, detritus, diatoms, insects and unidentified digestive food were identified in the alimentary canal of fish. The results of diet analysis showed that the B. luteus was omnivorous. The species of fish tended to consume more plant origin food. The aquatic plants and tissues were the main part of thier food followed by chlorophyta and cyanophyta. The results revealed that the species obtained or fell their food item from the bed of rivers or near to it.展开更多
A more resilient livelihood is increasingly recognized as an efficient way to improve vulnerable households’food security and optimize their dietary decisions.This study quantifies rural household resilience in weste...A more resilient livelihood is increasingly recognized as an efficient way to improve vulnerable households’food security and optimize their dietary decisions.This study quantifies rural household resilience in western China,identifies the three pillars(absorptive capacity,adaptive capacity,and transformative capacity)contribution to resilience,and then establishes the estimated Resilience Capacity Index(RCI)linked with food security and dietary diversity supported by the multiple indicator multiple cause(MIMIC)model.Results show that,despite geographical heterogeneity,the RCI consistently increased from 2015 to 2021.Households with a higher RCI inheriting better capacity to deal with risk and shocks are significantly and positively correlated with increasing food expenditure and diversifying food choices.It can be because resilient households will allocate more money to food expenditure instead of saving for livelihood uncertainty.Thus,policymakers can provide more incentives for rural households to adopt more dynamic and effective risk management strategies.This,in turn,could yield positive spillover effects by preventing human capital loss associated with dietary-related chronic diseases and mortality.展开更多
With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how ...With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how it responds to demographic dynamics,particularly in emerging economies like China.Using the two-stage Quadratic Almost Demand System(QUAIDS)model,this study empirically examines the impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes based on the provincial data from 2000 to 2020 in China.Under various scenarios,according to changes in demographics,we extend our analysis to project the long-term trend of food consumption and its environmental impacts,including greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,water footprint(WF),and land appropriation(LA).The results reveal that an increase in the proportion of senior people significantly decreases the consumption of grain and livestock meat and increases the consumption of poultry,egg,and aquatic products,particularly for urban residents.Moreover,an increase in the proportion of males in the population leads to higher consumption of poultry and aquatic products.Correspondingly,in the current scenario of an increased aging population and sex ratio,it is anticipated that GHG emissions,WF,and LA are likely to decrease by 1.37,2.52,and 3.56%,respectively.More importantly,in the scenario adhering to the standards of nutritional intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in 2022,GHG emissions,WF,and LA in urban areas would increase by 12.78,20.94,and 18.32%,respectively.Our findings suggest that changing demographics should be considered when designing policies to mitigate the diet-environment-health trilemma and achieve sustainable food consumption.展开更多
Despite the growing recognition of women’s increasing role in the household and corresponding empowerment programs in sub-Saharan Africa,intensive research on the relationship between women’s influence and household...Despite the growing recognition of women’s increasing role in the household and corresponding empowerment programs in sub-Saharan Africa,intensive research on the relationship between women’s influence and household food consumption is minimal.Using the most recent(2017-2018)national household survey data from Tanzania,this study examined the influence of women’s empowerment on household food consumption.First,we compared the monthly consumption of eight food categories between female-headed households(FHHs)and male-headed households(MHHs)using both descriptive statistics and the propensity score matching(PSM)method.Furthermore,we adopted the two-stage Linear Expenditure System and Almost Ideal Demand System model(LES-AIDS)to estimate income and price elasticities for the two household types.The results show that FHHs consume bread and cereals,fish,oils and fats,vegetables,and confectionery(sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.)more than MHHs.Moreover,FHHs have a significantly higher income elasticity of demand for all food groups than MHHs.They are also more price elastic than MHHs in meat,fish,oils,fats,sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.展开更多
China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.However,the impact of this policy reform on food security and the ...China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.However,the impact of this policy reform on food security and the environment remains inadequately evaluated.Moreover,although green and low-carbon technologies offer environmental advantages,their widespread adoption is hindered by prohibitively high costs.This study analyzes the impact of removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies and explores the potential feasibility of redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in the diffusion of these technologies.Utilizing the China Agricultural University Agri-food Systems model,we analyzed the potential for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes regarding food security and environmental sustainability.The findings indicate that removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies has reduced greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions from agricultural activities by 3.88 million metric tons,with minimal impact on food production.Redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in green and low-carbon technologies,including slow and controlled-release fertilizer,organic-inorganic compound fertilizers,and machine deep placement of fertilizer,emerges as a strategy to concurrently curtail GHG emissions,ensure food security,and secure robust economic returns.Finally,we propose a comprehensive set of government interventions,including subsidies,field guidance,and improved extension systems,to promote the widespread adoption of these technologies.展开更多
Due to the complex natures of dietary food components,it is difficult to elucidate how the compounds affect host health.Dietary food often selectively presents its mechanism of action on different cell types,and parti...Due to the complex natures of dietary food components,it is difficult to elucidate how the compounds affect host health.Dietary food often selectively presents its mechanism of action on different cell types,and participates in the modulation of targeted cells and their microenvironments within organs.However,the limitations of traditional in vitro assays or in vivo animal experiments cannot comprehensively examine cellular heterogeneity and the tissue-biased influences.Single-cell RNA sequencing(sc RNA-seq)has emerged as an indispensable methodology to decompose tissues into different cell types for the demonstration of transcriptional profiles of individual cells.Sc RNA-seq applications has been summarized on three typical organs(brain,liver,kidney),and two representative immune-and tumor related health problems.The everincreasing role of sc RNA-seq in dietary food research with further improvement can provide sub-cellular information and the coupling between other cellular modalities.In this review,we propose utilizing sc RNAseq to more effectively capture the subtle and complex effects of food chemicals,and how they may lead to health problems at single-cell resolution.This novel technique will be valuable to elucidate the underlying mechanism of both the health benefits of food nutrients and the detrimental consequences food toxicants at the cellular level.展开更多
The construction of a food certification system plays a vital role in upgrading export quality, which previous studies have largely overlooked. We match China's industry-level data of Green Food Certification with...The construction of a food certification system plays a vital role in upgrading export quality, which previous studies have largely overlooked. We match China's industry-level data of Green Food Certification with its HS6-digit export data of agri-food products to quantify the impact of Green Food Certification on export quality. We identify the significant and positive effect of Green Food Certification on export quality. The 2SLS estimation based on instrumental variables and a range of robustness checks confirm the validity and robustness of the benchmark conclusions. Further analysis discloses that Green Food Certification improves export quality by raising agricultural production efficiency and brand premiums. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of Green Food Certification varies across regions, notably improving the quality of agri-food products exported to developed regions and regions with high levels of import supervision. Furthermore, among various product types, Green Food Certification significantly improves the export quality of primary products and products vulnerable to non-tariff measures. The above findings could guide the future development of agri-food quality certification systems, potentially leading to a transformation and promotion of the agri-food trade.展开更多
Low nutrient density and bulkiness of complementary foods, early introduction of solid foods, and unhygienic practices during weaning stage of a child predispose infants to malnutrition, growth retardation, infection ...Low nutrient density and bulkiness of complementary foods, early introduction of solid foods, and unhygienic practices during weaning stage of a child predispose infants to malnutrition, growth retardation, infection and high mortality. In most West African countries, especially in Sierra Leone, the use of a variety of home-made complementary foods prepared from locally grown foodstuffs during the weaning process is popular, with products traditionally known as pap (mesh rice water) fofo from cassava, ogi, gari, akamu and couscous. Sierra Leone is one of the countries in West Africa that has been reported to have a challenging situation with regards to complementary foods, and little effort has so far been done to improve the situation. Despite these challenges, very little work has been directed towards the development of complementary foods using local foodstuffs as practiced in some other African countries. This situation has serious impact on the lives of infants in Sierra Leone, thus increasing the rate of mortality in the country. Complementary food situation in Sierra Leone was reviewed in terms of the past and present practices as well as the types of complementary foods used in Sierra Leone. Thus, the objective of this review was to discuss the complementary food situation in Sierra Leone: Nutritional problems and possible strategies. Formulation of high nutritive value home-made complementary foods in the country was recommended using traditional food processing techniques such as fermentation and germination, since these methods are simple, and could easily be employed at household and community levels without the use of sophisticated machinery. Nonetheless, it was recently reported that a product from the orange-flesh sweet potato could address the issue of complementary food in the country as it is easy to prepare, and the products are easily available in the rural area and even urban settings. Other recommendations made include: community nutrition education, the development of weaning recipe book, reduction in the workload of the suckling mother, promotion of breastfeeding and increased maternity leave period, which were suggested to be the most immediate possible strategies for the problems highlighted.展开更多
This study determined the nutritional status of households in North western region of Cameroon using weighed food intake. Twenty–two rural and 106 urban households were randomly selected for weighed food intake Descr...This study determined the nutritional status of households in North western region of Cameroon using weighed food intake. Twenty–two rural and 106 urban households were randomly selected for weighed food intake Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data and significance at p < 0.05 accepted. Corn fufu with huckleberry was the most frequently consumed meal with little or no animal-source protein. Protein and B group vitamins intake of respondents in both communities were below the FAO/WHO recommended values while energy, iron, and vitamins A and C were in excess for most age groups. Adolescents 10 - 19 years and adults 20 years and above failed to meet at least 85% of RNI for calcium.展开更多
Food allergens are mainly naturally-occurring proteins with immunoglobulin E(IgE)-binding epitopes.Understanding the structural and immunogenic characteristics of allergenic proteins is essential in assessing whether ...Food allergens are mainly naturally-occurring proteins with immunoglobulin E(IgE)-binding epitopes.Understanding the structural and immunogenic characteristics of allergenic proteins is essential in assessing whether and how food processing techniques reduce allergenicity.We here discuss the impacts of food processing technologies on the modification of physicochemical,structural,and immunogenic properties of allergenic proteins.Detection techniques for characterizing changes in these properties of food allergens are summarized.Food processing helps to reduce allergenicity by aggregating or denaturing proteins,which masks,modifies,or destroys antigenic epitopes,whereas,it cannot eliminate allergenicity completely,and sometimes even improves allergenicity by exposing new epitopes.Moreover,most food processing techniques have been tested on purified food allergens rather than food products due to potential interference of other food components.We provide guidance for further development of processing operations that can decrease the allergenicity of allergenic food proteins without negatively impacting the nutritional profile.展开更多
The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks ca...The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.展开更多
Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder,characterized by low bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration of the bone tissue,which increases the susceptibility to fracture.In the past decade,emergin...Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder,characterized by low bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration of the bone tissue,which increases the susceptibility to fracture.In the past decade,emerging research findings reported the implication of gut microbiota on bone health and osteoporosis pathology.Osteoporotic patients or individuals with a lower bone mineral density exhibit an alteration of the gut microbiota at several taxonomic levels.Additional reports demonstrate that gut microbiota regulates bone metabolism through the modulation of the gut function(mineral availability and absorption,gut integrity),the immune system,and the endocrine system.Thus,based on the vital role of gut microbiota on bone health,it has emerged as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of bone loss and the treatment of osteoporosis.Microbial-based functional food ingredients,such as probiotics,prebiotics,synbiotics,and fermented foods,have been developed to alter the gut microbiota composition and function and thus,to provide benefits to the host bone health.Despite promising initial results,microbial-based therapies are still under investigation.Moreover,additional animal studies and clinical trials are needed to understand the interactions between gut microbiota and bone metabolism before further applications.展开更多
Diabetes and hypertension are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Recent studies showed an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity in our country. The aim of this study was to assess how food insecur...Diabetes and hypertension are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Recent studies showed an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity in our country. The aim of this study was to assess how food insecurity affects the dietary habits, socio-demographic characteristics and metabolic profile of individuals with diabetes or hypertension. This case-control study was conducted among diabetic and hypertensive participants (cases) and diabetic and hypertensive normal (controls) during the screening campaigns for nutrition-related chronic diseases. The sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical parameters of the participants were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with diabetes and hypertension in the study population. Bivariate analyses showed that male gender (OR = 1.972;95% CI: 1.250 - 3.089), regular alcohol consumption (OR = 2.012;95% CI: 1.294 - 3.130), low fruit consumption (OR = 1.590;95% CI: 1.016 - 2.488), low dietary diversity (OR = 2.915;95% CI: 1.658 - 5.127) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.893, CI 95% 1.203 - 2.978) were significantly associated with hypertension. In addition, low fruit consumption (OR = 1.829;95% CI 1.092 - 3.064), low legume consumption (OR = 3.515;95% CI 1.861 - 6.635), and hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 2.241, 95% CI 1.139 - 4.408) were significantly associated with diabetes. The indirect association observed between food insecurity and diabetes and hypertension suggests the need for nutritional policies aimed at popularizing the production and consumption of fruits and legumes. Similarly, health services need to be aware and informed of the important role that food insecurity can play in the development of diabetes and hypertension.展开更多
The article proposes two agricultural paradigms to address global food production sustainability. First, precision agroecology may unite production-oriented and ecological agriculture, but it offers distinct solutions...The article proposes two agricultural paradigms to address global food production sustainability. First, precision agroecology may unite production-oriented and ecological agriculture, but it offers distinct solutions based on data, innovation, and decision-analysis technologies. The author demonstrates how precision technology and agroecological principles can transform agriculture by 1) minimizing inputs with optimization prescriptions, 2) replacing self-sustaining inputs with location variable rate technology, 3) integrating functional ecosystems into agroecosystems with exact preservation technology, 4) hooking up farmers and consumers via value-based food ecosystems, and 5) establishing equitable agroecology. Hence, precision agroecology provides a rare opportunity to integrate indigenous practices and contemporary technologies to revolutionize farming practices. Precision agroecology can tackle agriculture’s most serious sustainability issues in a world in flux.展开更多
文摘Examination of the food habits and seasonal variation of the stomach contents of adult tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevisGunther) taken in July 1982-July 1983 from Laizhou Bay and the Huanghe River estuary of the Bohai Sea showed Crustacea, bivalvia and small fishes comprised the main prey. Invertebrates such as polychaeta, cephalopoda, gastropoda, echinodermata and actiniaria were also intermittently found in them. They intensively fed all the year round (monthly feeding rate of over 80%). The main food items were Alpheus japonica, Alpheus distinguendus, Oratosquilla oratorio, Eucrate crenata and Carcinoplax vestitus, etc. In summer and autumn, the portion of bivalvia such as Cultellus attenuatus and Musculus senhousei increased steadily. From summer to winter, a stable proportion of small fishes such as Rhinogobius pflaumi and Setipinna taty was in the diet.
文摘In this paper, food habits of the wolf (Canis lupus) was determined in Inner Monolia, using scat analysis. Results indicated that ungulates were the staple food items(frequency 53.8%, relative biomass 85.2%). In the scats, animals was 40.3% by the frequency of occurrence, and 75.7% by the relative biomass. Compared with the food habits of wolves in Heilongjiang Province, wolves showed a different pattern in prey selection in this ergion. In this study, we estimated the relative biomass of food items, and amount of each prey ingested by a wolf, based on a linear regression equation, y=2.76+0.02x(r=0.997), which was obtained in the feeding trials, It is suggerted that wolves are opportunistic predator. Some suggestions for wolf conservation and management were disussed.
文摘The food habits hypothesis (FHH) stands as one of the most striking and often-cited interspecific patterns to emergefrom comparative studies of endothermic energetics. The FHH identifies three components of diet that potentially produce variabilityin mass-independent BMR, i.e. food quality, food availability, and food predictability or environmental productivity. Thehypothesis predicts that species with diets of low energy content and/or low digestibility should evolve low mass-independentBMRs. The effects of food habits on BMR have been widely investigated at the interspecific level, but the variation between individualsand populations has been largely ignored. Our focus is to compare predictions derived from interspecific studies withdata collected from within-species studies to explore the mechanisms and functional significance of adaptive responses predictedby the food-habits hypothesis among birds. We conclude that if BMR is correlated with daily energy expenditure, then organismsthat can lower BMR will reduce daily energy expenditure and hence, food requirements. Birds that lower BMR in stressful environmentsmay increase survival. Nevertheless, the mechanism (s) by which birds eating a low quality diet reduce BMR andwhether lower BMR affects fitness remain to be
文摘The food availability, composition of the diets and selective grazing of the Mongolian gazelle (Procapragutturosa) were studied in Hulunber Grassland in Net Monggol. The food availability of Mongofian gazelle showedseasonal changes. The plant biomass was higher in spring and summer than that in autumn and winter. The fecalcompositions of the gazelle demonstrated that fibrous parts occupied 62.4o/o, 74.8o/o, and 66. 0% in spring, autumn,and winter, respectively. The Mongolian gazelle preferred to graze Compositeae, Legumjnosse, Allium spp. andother forbs in spring and autumn, while the grasses, such as AneurolepidiUffi Chinense and Stipa spp. were selectively feeding in winter.
文摘Background/Objectives: The Saudi population has experienced significant transformations in their lifestyle which could be attributed to several factors. Aims: This work sought to determine effects of food habits and lifestyle on prevalence of overweight (OW)/obesity (OB) among schoolchildren in Taif City, KSA. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using well-designed questionnaire. Pretested questionnaire was randomly distributed among schoolchildren in Taif city. Body mass index and waist circumference were used as tools for assessing nutritional status of schoolchildren. Results: A total of 2027 students filled the questionnaire with a mean age of 15.83 ± 2.18 years. The prevalence of OW and OB was 14.6% and 12.9%, respectively, while the combined one was 27.5%. The combined prevalence of OW and OB was significantly higher among boys than girls (31.9 vs. 21.9). Schoolchildren from high income families had high rate of OW and OB. Smoking, stress, TV viewing, daylight and night sleep had no effects on BMI, while only smoking of a family member and stress had considerable relationship with W_C. Unfortunately, 52.2% of students admitted that they were physically inactive but this effect was insignificant for both indicators. Students skipped breakfasts constitute 18.8% of subjects included but link with BMI and W_C was statistically insignificant. Regular soft or diet drinks had significant effects on BMI. Results showed considerable link between consumption of fruits/vegetables, grains and W_C. Conclusions: The prevalence of combined OW/OB among schoolchildren was 27.5%. Family income, participant’s gender, intake of regular soft or diet drinks had significant effects on BMI. While, stress, smoking of a family member, and uptake of fruits and vegetables showed considerable relationship with W_C.
文摘Diet of 300 specimens of Bryconaethiops boulengeri from Djiri River (Congo Brazzaville) caught with cash nets was studied according to the size of fish, sampling stations and hydrological season. Sampling focused on twelve annual withdrawals made during three years. The relative importance index combining numerical and weight percentages of occurrence was calculated and also the sex ratio was evaluated. Bryconaethiops boulengeri consumes terrestrial and aquatic insects and everything that falls into the water (birds feathers, plant debris, fruits, etc.). The percentage of emptiness is 9.66% of the three sampling stations selected;no significant difference in diet was observed whatever the season.
文摘The alimentary canal contents of 360 Barbus luteus caught from MOD between January 2010 to December 2010 were examined. The phyto-plankton, zooplanktons, detritus, diatoms, insects and unidentified digestive food were identified in the alimentary canal of fish. The results of diet analysis showed that the B. luteus was omnivorous. The species of fish tended to consume more plant origin food. The aquatic plants and tissues were the main part of thier food followed by chlorophyta and cyanophyta. The results revealed that the species obtained or fell their food item from the bed of rivers or near to it.
基金This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(71973138 and 72061137002)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2023YFE0105009).
文摘A more resilient livelihood is increasingly recognized as an efficient way to improve vulnerable households’food security and optimize their dietary decisions.This study quantifies rural household resilience in western China,identifies the three pillars(absorptive capacity,adaptive capacity,and transformative capacity)contribution to resilience,and then establishes the estimated Resilience Capacity Index(RCI)linked with food security and dietary diversity supported by the multiple indicator multiple cause(MIMIC)model.Results show that,despite geographical heterogeneity,the RCI consistently increased from 2015 to 2021.Households with a higher RCI inheriting better capacity to deal with risk and shocks are significantly and positively correlated with increasing food expenditure and diversifying food choices.It can be because resilient households will allocate more money to food expenditure instead of saving for livelihood uncertainty.Thus,policymakers can provide more incentives for rural households to adopt more dynamic and effective risk management strategies.This,in turn,could yield positive spillover effects by preventing human capital loss associated with dietary-related chronic diseases and mortality.
基金This work was supported by the Qinchuangyuan Project of Shaanxi Province,China(QCYRCXM-2022-145)the Major Project of the Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education,China(22JJD790052)+1 种基金the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund(Z1010422003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72373117).
文摘With increasing population and changing demographics,food consumption has experienced a significant transition in quantity and quality.However,a dearth of knowledge remains regarding its environmental impacts and how it responds to demographic dynamics,particularly in emerging economies like China.Using the two-stage Quadratic Almost Demand System(QUAIDS)model,this study empirically examines the impact of demographic dynamics on food consumption and its environmental outcomes based on the provincial data from 2000 to 2020 in China.Under various scenarios,according to changes in demographics,we extend our analysis to project the long-term trend of food consumption and its environmental impacts,including greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,water footprint(WF),and land appropriation(LA).The results reveal that an increase in the proportion of senior people significantly decreases the consumption of grain and livestock meat and increases the consumption of poultry,egg,and aquatic products,particularly for urban residents.Moreover,an increase in the proportion of males in the population leads to higher consumption of poultry and aquatic products.Correspondingly,in the current scenario of an increased aging population and sex ratio,it is anticipated that GHG emissions,WF,and LA are likely to decrease by 1.37,2.52,and 3.56%,respectively.More importantly,in the scenario adhering to the standards of nutritional intake according to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents in 2022,GHG emissions,WF,and LA in urban areas would increase by 12.78,20.94,and 18.32%,respectively.Our findings suggest that changing demographics should be considered when designing policies to mitigate the diet-environment-health trilemma and achieve sustainable food consumption.
基金This study was supported by the Chinese University Scientific Fund(2023TC105)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(72361147521&72061147002).
文摘Despite the growing recognition of women’s increasing role in the household and corresponding empowerment programs in sub-Saharan Africa,intensive research on the relationship between women’s influence and household food consumption is minimal.Using the most recent(2017-2018)national household survey data from Tanzania,this study examined the influence of women’s empowerment on household food consumption.First,we compared the monthly consumption of eight food categories between female-headed households(FHHs)and male-headed households(MHHs)using both descriptive statistics and the propensity score matching(PSM)method.Furthermore,we adopted the two-stage Linear Expenditure System and Almost Ideal Demand System model(LES-AIDS)to estimate income and price elasticities for the two household types.The results show that FHHs consume bread and cereals,fish,oils and fats,vegetables,and confectionery(sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.)more than MHHs.Moreover,FHHs have a significantly higher income elasticity of demand for all food groups than MHHs.They are also more price elastic than MHHs in meat,fish,oils,fats,sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.
基金The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72061147002).
文摘China removed fertilizer manufacturing subsidies from 2015 to 2018 to bolster market-oriented reforms and foster environmentally sustainable practices.However,the impact of this policy reform on food security and the environment remains inadequately evaluated.Moreover,although green and low-carbon technologies offer environmental advantages,their widespread adoption is hindered by prohibitively high costs.This study analyzes the impact of removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies and explores the potential feasibility of redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in the diffusion of these technologies.Utilizing the China Agricultural University Agri-food Systems model,we analyzed the potential for achieving mutually beneficial outcomes regarding food security and environmental sustainability.The findings indicate that removing fertilizer manufacturing subsidies has reduced greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions from agricultural activities by 3.88 million metric tons,with minimal impact on food production.Redirecting fertilizer manufacturing subsidies to invest in green and low-carbon technologies,including slow and controlled-release fertilizer,organic-inorganic compound fertilizers,and machine deep placement of fertilizer,emerges as a strategy to concurrently curtail GHG emissions,ensure food security,and secure robust economic returns.Finally,we propose a comprehensive set of government interventions,including subsidies,field guidance,and improved extension systems,to promote the widespread adoption of these technologies.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170495)the Emergency Project for Risk Assessment of Areca Nut(Key Project of Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan Province&Wanning Municipal People’s Government)。
文摘Due to the complex natures of dietary food components,it is difficult to elucidate how the compounds affect host health.Dietary food often selectively presents its mechanism of action on different cell types,and participates in the modulation of targeted cells and their microenvironments within organs.However,the limitations of traditional in vitro assays or in vivo animal experiments cannot comprehensively examine cellular heterogeneity and the tissue-biased influences.Single-cell RNA sequencing(sc RNA-seq)has emerged as an indispensable methodology to decompose tissues into different cell types for the demonstration of transcriptional profiles of individual cells.Sc RNA-seq applications has been summarized on three typical organs(brain,liver,kidney),and two representative immune-and tumor related health problems.The everincreasing role of sc RNA-seq in dietary food research with further improvement can provide sub-cellular information and the coupling between other cellular modalities.In this review,we propose utilizing sc RNAseq to more effectively capture the subtle and complex effects of food chemicals,and how they may lead to health problems at single-cell resolution.This novel technique will be valuable to elucidate the underlying mechanism of both the health benefits of food nutrients and the detrimental consequences food toxicants at the cellular level.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72061147002)the National Social Science Foundation of China(18ZDA074)。
文摘The construction of a food certification system plays a vital role in upgrading export quality, which previous studies have largely overlooked. We match China's industry-level data of Green Food Certification with its HS6-digit export data of agri-food products to quantify the impact of Green Food Certification on export quality. We identify the significant and positive effect of Green Food Certification on export quality. The 2SLS estimation based on instrumental variables and a range of robustness checks confirm the validity and robustness of the benchmark conclusions. Further analysis discloses that Green Food Certification improves export quality by raising agricultural production efficiency and brand premiums. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of Green Food Certification varies across regions, notably improving the quality of agri-food products exported to developed regions and regions with high levels of import supervision. Furthermore, among various product types, Green Food Certification significantly improves the export quality of primary products and products vulnerable to non-tariff measures. The above findings could guide the future development of agri-food quality certification systems, potentially leading to a transformation and promotion of the agri-food trade.
文摘Low nutrient density and bulkiness of complementary foods, early introduction of solid foods, and unhygienic practices during weaning stage of a child predispose infants to malnutrition, growth retardation, infection and high mortality. In most West African countries, especially in Sierra Leone, the use of a variety of home-made complementary foods prepared from locally grown foodstuffs during the weaning process is popular, with products traditionally known as pap (mesh rice water) fofo from cassava, ogi, gari, akamu and couscous. Sierra Leone is one of the countries in West Africa that has been reported to have a challenging situation with regards to complementary foods, and little effort has so far been done to improve the situation. Despite these challenges, very little work has been directed towards the development of complementary foods using local foodstuffs as practiced in some other African countries. This situation has serious impact on the lives of infants in Sierra Leone, thus increasing the rate of mortality in the country. Complementary food situation in Sierra Leone was reviewed in terms of the past and present practices as well as the types of complementary foods used in Sierra Leone. Thus, the objective of this review was to discuss the complementary food situation in Sierra Leone: Nutritional problems and possible strategies. Formulation of high nutritive value home-made complementary foods in the country was recommended using traditional food processing techniques such as fermentation and germination, since these methods are simple, and could easily be employed at household and community levels without the use of sophisticated machinery. Nonetheless, it was recently reported that a product from the orange-flesh sweet potato could address the issue of complementary food in the country as it is easy to prepare, and the products are easily available in the rural area and even urban settings. Other recommendations made include: community nutrition education, the development of weaning recipe book, reduction in the workload of the suckling mother, promotion of breastfeeding and increased maternity leave period, which were suggested to be the most immediate possible strategies for the problems highlighted.
文摘This study determined the nutritional status of households in North western region of Cameroon using weighed food intake. Twenty–two rural and 106 urban households were randomly selected for weighed food intake Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze collected data and significance at p < 0.05 accepted. Corn fufu with huckleberry was the most frequently consumed meal with little or no animal-source protein. Protein and B group vitamins intake of respondents in both communities were below the FAO/WHO recommended values while energy, iron, and vitamins A and C were in excess for most age groups. Adolescents 10 - 19 years and adults 20 years and above failed to meet at least 85% of RNI for calcium.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32102605)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program under Grant (CAAS-ASTIP-2020IAR)the Earmarked Fund for CARS (CARS-44)。
文摘Food allergens are mainly naturally-occurring proteins with immunoglobulin E(IgE)-binding epitopes.Understanding the structural and immunogenic characteristics of allergenic proteins is essential in assessing whether and how food processing techniques reduce allergenicity.We here discuss the impacts of food processing technologies on the modification of physicochemical,structural,and immunogenic properties of allergenic proteins.Detection techniques for characterizing changes in these properties of food allergens are summarized.Food processing helps to reduce allergenicity by aggregating or denaturing proteins,which masks,modifies,or destroys antigenic epitopes,whereas,it cannot eliminate allergenicity completely,and sometimes even improves allergenicity by exposing new epitopes.Moreover,most food processing techniques have been tested on purified food allergens rather than food products due to potential interference of other food components.We provide guidance for further development of processing operations that can decrease the allergenicity of allergenic food proteins without negatively impacting the nutritional profile.
文摘The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.
文摘Osteoporosis is the most common bone disorder,characterized by low bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration of the bone tissue,which increases the susceptibility to fracture.In the past decade,emerging research findings reported the implication of gut microbiota on bone health and osteoporosis pathology.Osteoporotic patients or individuals with a lower bone mineral density exhibit an alteration of the gut microbiota at several taxonomic levels.Additional reports demonstrate that gut microbiota regulates bone metabolism through the modulation of the gut function(mineral availability and absorption,gut integrity),the immune system,and the endocrine system.Thus,based on the vital role of gut microbiota on bone health,it has emerged as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of bone loss and the treatment of osteoporosis.Microbial-based functional food ingredients,such as probiotics,prebiotics,synbiotics,and fermented foods,have been developed to alter the gut microbiota composition and function and thus,to provide benefits to the host bone health.Despite promising initial results,microbial-based therapies are still under investigation.Moreover,additional animal studies and clinical trials are needed to understand the interactions between gut microbiota and bone metabolism before further applications.
文摘Diabetes and hypertension are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Recent studies showed an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity in our country. The aim of this study was to assess how food insecurity affects the dietary habits, socio-demographic characteristics and metabolic profile of individuals with diabetes or hypertension. This case-control study was conducted among diabetic and hypertensive participants (cases) and diabetic and hypertensive normal (controls) during the screening campaigns for nutrition-related chronic diseases. The sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical parameters of the participants were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with diabetes and hypertension in the study population. Bivariate analyses showed that male gender (OR = 1.972;95% CI: 1.250 - 3.089), regular alcohol consumption (OR = 2.012;95% CI: 1.294 - 3.130), low fruit consumption (OR = 1.590;95% CI: 1.016 - 2.488), low dietary diversity (OR = 2.915;95% CI: 1.658 - 5.127) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.893, CI 95% 1.203 - 2.978) were significantly associated with hypertension. In addition, low fruit consumption (OR = 1.829;95% CI 1.092 - 3.064), low legume consumption (OR = 3.515;95% CI 1.861 - 6.635), and hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 2.241, 95% CI 1.139 - 4.408) were significantly associated with diabetes. The indirect association observed between food insecurity and diabetes and hypertension suggests the need for nutritional policies aimed at popularizing the production and consumption of fruits and legumes. Similarly, health services need to be aware and informed of the important role that food insecurity can play in the development of diabetes and hypertension.
文摘The article proposes two agricultural paradigms to address global food production sustainability. First, precision agroecology may unite production-oriented and ecological agriculture, but it offers distinct solutions based on data, innovation, and decision-analysis technologies. The author demonstrates how precision technology and agroecological principles can transform agriculture by 1) minimizing inputs with optimization prescriptions, 2) replacing self-sustaining inputs with location variable rate technology, 3) integrating functional ecosystems into agroecosystems with exact preservation technology, 4) hooking up farmers and consumers via value-based food ecosystems, and 5) establishing equitable agroecology. Hence, precision agroecology provides a rare opportunity to integrate indigenous practices and contemporary technologies to revolutionize farming practices. Precision agroecology can tackle agriculture’s most serious sustainability issues in a world in flux.
