37 research outputs found
Sustainable food security in IndiaâDomestic production and macronutrient availability
<div><p>India has been perceived as a development enigma: Recent rates of economic growth have not been matched by similar rates in health and nutritional improvements. To meet the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG2) of achieving zero hunger by 2030, India faces a substantial challenge in meeting basic nutritional needs in addition to addressing population, environmental and dietary pressures. Here we have mappedâfor the first timeâthe Indian food system from crop production to household-level availability across three key macronutrients categories of âcaloriesâ, âdigestible proteinâ and âfatâ. To better understand the potential of reduced food chain losses and improved crop yields to close future food deficits, scenario analysis was conducted to 2030 and 2050. Under Indiaâs current self-sufficiency model, our analysis indicates severe shortfalls in availability of all macronutrients across a large proportion (>60%) of the Indian population. The extent of projected shortfalls continues to grow such that, even in ambitious waste reduction and yield scenarios, enhanced domestic production alone will be inadequate in closing the nutrition supply gap. We suggest that to meet SDG2 India will need to take a combined approach of optimising domestic production and increasing its participation in global trade.</p></div
The three main monotheistic religions and gm food technology: an overview of perspectives
Abstract
Background
Public acceptance of genetically modified crops is partly rooted in religious views. However, the views of different religions and their potential influence on consumers' decisions have not been systematically examined and summarized in a brief overview. We review the positions of the Judaism, Islam and Christianity â the three major monotheistic religions to which more than 55% of humanity adheres to â on the controversies aroused by GM technology.
Discussion
The article establishes that there is no overarching consensus within the three religions. Overall, however, it appears that mainstream theology in all three religions increasingly tends towards acceptance of GM technology per se, on performing GM research, and on consumption of GM foods. These more liberal approaches, however, are predicated on there being rigorous scientific, ethical and regulatory scrutiny of research and development of such products, and that these products are properly labeled.
Summary
We conclude that there are several other interests competing with the influence exerted on consumers by religion. These include the media, environmental activists, scientists and the food industry, all of which function as sources of information and shapers of perception for consumers
Adherence to daily dietary and activity goals set within a MÄori and Pacific weight loss competition.
Background: New Zealand Pacific and MÄori populations measure disproportionately high on the international body mass index (BMI). Information is needed on what behavioural weight loss goals to recommend and how to attract and retain them in interventions. Our team weight loss competition trial for participants with a BMI â„30 used cash prizes to incentivise completion of nine daily behaviour goals. This paper evaluates the theoretical merit of and adherence to these goals. Methods: A qualitative component evaluation methodology was used. Trial data on team activity, demographics and anthropometric outcome data were extracted to determine frequency of daily goal completion by teams throughout the competition and to describe participant characteristics. T-tests were used to compare completion rates of the challenges, challenge completion by day of week and between weekdays and weekends. To examine adherence to the daily challenge activity over 24âweeks the total amount of completed challenges adjusted for number of active teams was plotted by week. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) was used to determine individual anthropometric change from baseline to 8, 16 and 24âweeks. Program documents were analysed to identify barriers to adherence and retention of participants. Results: Of 19 teams (Nâ=â130) who began only five teams performed daily goals across the whole 24âweeks. Adherence was highest during the first 8Â weeks. No difference in performance between goals was found suggesting they were equally viable, though tasks worth less points were performed more frequently. Goal completion was higher on weekdays. The behaviour goals appeared to have theoretical merit in that more members of high performing teams experienced a positive change in their ABSI. Conclusions: Incentives offer a promising strategy for encouraging retention in weight loss interventions. This study suggests that participants in a competition will perform incentivised tasks. The findings however, are limited by missing data and high drop out of individuals and whole teams. Further research is needed on how to increase retention.New Zealand Ministry of Healt
Effect of soaking in salt solutions on water absorption, PH and cooking time of African yam bean seeds (Sphenostylis stenocarpa Hochst ex A Rich Harms).
Is ignorance bliss? Depression, antidepressants and the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/107397/1/Mezuk Ignorance Bliss.pd