Category: Diet & Nutrition

Introduction

The golden rice project is mainly focused on reducing the increasing number of people dying from diseases related to lack of nutrients in the food substances that they consume daily. Many people are dying in the modern world especially in the developing countries with Africa having a great number of countries of victims and this is due to a lack of efficient solutions to solve their problems thus the golden rice project is one of the solutions that have been put in place. Most food substances that are consumed by people lack necessary nutrients such as vitamins or proteins. According to research by GNLD, most people only prefer eating food substances that are full of proteins like red meat which eventually contributes to the increased number of people who suffer from cancer, obesity, and other heart problems and this is what makes the mortality rate continue increasing with time. Red meat contributes a lot to heart diseases thus people are advised to embrace solutions such as the golden rice since this increases the chances of people being taught to use food nutrients that can help their body systems fight against such diseases (Mew).

The golden rice solution mainly focuses on reducing the mortality rate of people in developing countries and it does this through offering solutions to their problems. The increased number of people dying from deficiencies is due to the fact that they consume food that lacks vitamin A, zinc, and iodine which are very important for them. Most of the time it is children who suffer from these types of diseases due to the fact that their body immune systems are very weak and cannot fight against some of these diseases very well. It affects their development since their immune systems are very weak and cannot withstand these diseases and they finally die. One of the best ways to reduce the number of children and adults dying from these types of diseases is through introducing them to healthy eating methods and this means that they are supposed to be taught how to eat healthy food that will help their bodies fight against diseases that can hinder them from developing or can lead to increase of their mortality rate. People should be encouraged to eat nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, and other animal products that are not harmful to their health. The introduction of healthy eating habits that have all these food nutrients being combined can really help reduce the number of victims suffering from diseases related to unhealthy eating habits in developing countries (David).

The golden rice project has several options towards reducing the mortality rate of people suffering from unhealthy eating habits and one of these options is introducing them to healthy eating habits which involve teaching them to eat food that is composed of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins. The second option that the golden rice project offers involves encouraging people to plant crops that are stapled and full of nutrients. One of the most preferred staple crops that they are encouraged to plant is sweet potatoes since it is affordable for them and that these crops are rich in vitamin A. there are two types of sweet potatoes, the white ones which are not very rich in vitamin A and the orange-flesh which are also referred to as biofortified and are rich in vitamin A. Introducing these ideas to people in the developing countries that are suffering from diseases related to healthy eating habits is very important and very helpful because it encourages them to continue staying healthy with their immune systems ability to fight against certain diseases (Miller). The golden rice project involves planting rice in most of these developing countries because rice is full of nutrients that are highly recommended in order to fight against some diseases in their body systems. Rice is composed of carotene or vitamin A and a variable of nutrients that can help the body fight against diseases and its outer layer also contains some fats that are very nutritious and are lost during the milling process. Even though rice contains several nutrients, some of these nutrients are removed during its development and the absence of genes providing vitamin A in them contributes to people becoming blind and also increases the mortality rate of children in developing countries. People should embrace ideas that contribute to the development of society since everyone has the right to live a healthy life and that everyone should participate in activities that lead to scientific advancement in society.

The Major Risks of Golden Rice Project

The major risks of the golden rice project are mainly related to their storage, test conditions, pricing strategies, customer acceptance, Opposition from NGOs, inadequate supply against high demand, and that vendors who do not comply with them in the market. The manner in which golden rice is stored matters a lot because this can also affect the manner in which it is consumed in society and this means that if it is well stored then chances of it becoming destroyed is very low. The impact of climate and crop failure is also one of the risks of the golden rice project because this means that if the climate is not favorable then the crops cannot be reliable as part of the solution in developing countries. Pricing strategy is also a risk to the golden rice project because this means that when the prices are high then many people may not be able to afford to buy it as compared to when the prices are low. Customer acceptance is also another risk since this implies that the customers might not accept it in the market hence implementing golden rice hard be done towards offering solutions to healthy eating modalities in developing countries. Opposition from NGOs is also another risk since most of them do not embrace such ideas. The supply might not meet the number of people that require these products thus implementing this project can be very hard since there are very few people who will be reached by these services. When the vendor does not comply with the product it also becomes very hard to implement this project in a developing country since the vendor might not be able to explain to the buyers what the product is composed of and this becomes a very big hindrance towards the implementation of this project (David).

Mitigation Plan

The mitigation plan should ensure that all the plans towards implementing the project are well approached and planned in advance and this will be through ensuring that there is adequate trained personnel who can be depended upon implementing the plan in developing countries where the plan is required more. The mitigation plan should also focus on providing solutions that are potential in controlling diseases and pests and improving the nutritional content of the golden rice just like green biotechnology does. Other plans such as being concerned with the climatic conditions of where the rice is grown are also one thing that the golden plan should be more concerned with since this also makes the mitigation plan possible. As part of the mitigation plan, the golden rice should be made to reach into the markets where they are required by society especially in developing countries since this will also help to counterfeit problems related to poor eating habits. The mitigation plan should be more concerned with counterfeiting the risks of the golden rice project and this means that it will be more involved with the risk treatment (Mew). Climate and crop failure as one of the risks that this project is going to face can be solved by ensuring that these crops are all insured because this will decrease it becoming a risk towards the development of the project. For customers to accept products being offered by the golden rice project, it is good to ensure that the products have been well advertised in the market so that the society is aware of it and that the prices should be made affordable enough for the society in developing countries. The NGOs cannot oppose the introduction of these products in society if people in the developing countries are well educated on how to utilize them (Mew). Inadequate supply in relation to the number of demand can also be solved by ensuring that the products are well educated upon and highly introduced into the market and are highly produced in developing countries. If the products are well advertised and vendors are highly educated upon them and given samples for them to use so as to explain to the buyers about the products it becomes easy to sell them in the market that is not aware of them. Implementing all the named mitigation plans above is very important since this is one of the only ways of gaining the trust of people in the society and most developing countries will become convinced to apply the golden rice project.

Risks of Golden Rice

Introducing golden rice into society might have risks such as contributing to poor eating habits through people becoming more focused on eating the golden rice and neglecting other foods that could be having more nutrients than the golden rice. The Golden rice plan might take a long to reach people who really need it in the developing countries hence making it a risk for people to wait for the plan to be implemented. Inadequate training of the people who are supposed to educate people in the society on the way to utilize golden rice can also contribute to the failure of the mitigation plan. The development plans that will have been brought about by the introduction of growing golden rice in the developing countries might take much longer than expected to be implemented hence making it unreliable and this calls for a second option to be considered. Since the introduction of the golden rice into society will be more towards reducing diseases affecting people with poor eating habits, the golden rice can be risky because it might not have all the required nutrients hence if it going to be depended upon it might not promising enough (David). Consuming golden rice might not necessarily help the body mechanisms of people to be able to fight against all the possible diseases that could affect them.

Safety Assessment

It is very important that society is well educated on the products that the golden rice project wants to offer to society and this means that society has to be ensured that there is environmental safety, especially for transgenic plants. Making society familiar with these products is very important because makes people have more information on the products that they want to start using in society. This makes it easy for society to assess the product that they are being introduced to this they become more knowledgeable on it and more experienced when utilizing them. The assessment will be effective because it will involve acquiring more information on the product that is being produced and the environment in which the golden rice project is being implemented (Miller). The study on golden rice has been done deeply to ensure that there are no compromises when implementing this project in developing countries and it has ensured all these through doing tests that are convincing and effective. Some of the tests that have been carried out have proved that the golden rice has a golden color and enough study has been done on its endosperm. Its genetic structure has also been well studied upon and there are no changes that involve unexpected gross that has been found. The transgenic proteins have also been well investigated upon and this means that the analysis is effective since it has also proved that the product has no allergenic potential. The assessment of golden rice has been done very well in that all the important research has been done on it and deeply explained to the society and this is what will help developing countries to grow well.

Works Cited

David, Evans. Transgenic Crops: international environmental assessment. London: Winrock International, 2001.Print.

Mew, Trever. Rice Science: innovations and impacts for livelihood. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print.

Miller, Timothy. Living in the environment: principles, connections and solutions. New York: Cengage Learning, 2003. Print.

Results discussion

CLA and weight loss

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is gaining the attention of many nutritionists for its role in weight loss, fighting cancer, building muscles, and preventing diabetes. Early experiments conducted on rodents revealed that the addition of CLA to their daily diet promoted dramatic weight loss. More importantly, the rodents’ lean muscles increased even as they lost body fat. The experiments also revealed that the rodents were less likely to have artery-clogging with CLA in their diet.

In the year 2000, research in California was conducted on 17 women involved in having 3 grams of a CLA mixture in their diet every day. After two months, there was no change in their body composition. Since all the participants were required to adhere to a specific diet, there was no way of establishing CLA’s potential to suppress appetite. In another experiment, 21 patients with type II diabetes were subjected to a daily dose of 8 grams of a CLA mixture for two months and with unregulated diets. Their CLA blood levels were then correlated with their weight. The presence of t10c12 isomer signified a weight loss.

Effects of adding CLA on food intake

With 24 women participants, a randomized, placebo-controlled was conducted to investigate the difference in food intake tendencies when CLA was added to ice cream. The women were divided into two groups; 14 linoleic acid tasters (LAT) and 10 linoleic acid non-tasters (LANT). The groups did not differ in BMI (body mass index), age, or body weight. The test was aimed at establishing the test perception created by CLA, which then affects intake.

The results were presented as follows:

Eating and appetite profile variables for LAT and LANT

CLA and enzyme activity in the human breast, prostate and colon cancer cells

This test was aimed at studying the relationship between CLA isomers and fatty acid synthase (FAS), a fatty acid that cancer cells use to sustain growth. Using SKBr-3, HT-29, and LNCap breast, colon, and prostrate cancer cells respectively, the study was done to establish how CLA isomers inhibit their growth. “The cells proliferation was assessed after 6 days of treatment with CLA isomers” (Lau and Michael 117). The results indicated that CLA inhibited the proliferation of all the cells used in the experiment. The 10,12 CLA isomers inhibited the fatty acid synthase from expressing itself. They also inhibited FAS enzymes activities. From the experiment, the 9,11 isomer inhibited the growth of colon cancer while the 10,12 isomer inhibited the growth of the prostate cancer cells.

Discussion

Research on the relationship between CLA and weight reveals that there are many disagreements over how exactly CLA fights weight. There is however an agreement that it does reduce the levels of body fat. The experiment done on the 21 patients revealed a significant difference in body fat after having 8 grams included in their diet for two months. It was evident that there was a reduced clogging effect, perhaps from the fact that the participants’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol dropped when CLA was added in their diet. At the same time, their triglyceride values dropped. The presence of the t10c12 isomer, which was found on the type II diabetes patients who took CLA, is associated with decreased leptin in the blood. “Leptin is the hormone associated with the body’s hunger-satiety feedback mechanism” (Kiefer 84).

In the experiment testing the relationship between CLA and sugary foods consumption, ice cream was used. Looking at the results “it is evident that LAT increased their ability to discriminate between a low energy ice cream with linoleic acid and low-energy ice cream with oleic acid” (Kamphuis, Wim, and Margriet 205). The pleasantness of the taste and the ability to discriminate ice cream on the basis of energy levels made the difference on the body fat between the two groups. Perhaps this is one the explanations offered over how CLA helps fight body weight through changed eating patterns.

The third experiment, studying the relationship between CLA isomers and fatty acid synthase (FAS), was aimed at establishing the benefits of CLA towards fighting cancer. The results revealed that CLA can help fight breast, colon and prostrate cancer by inhibiting their proliferation. The 10,12 CLA isomers inhibited the fatty acid synthase from expressing itself. Since cancer cells use fatty acid synthase as a source of energy, interrupting its production and inhibiting its enzyme activities denies them a source of energy and either slows or stops their proliferation.

Conclusion

Conjugated linoleic acid has sparked a lot of discussions over its role in fighting weight. Many researchers continue to differ on how this happens but from different research projects, it is evident that it does have an effect on body fat. It is also believed to play an important role in improving immunity and helping with metabolism. Other important benefits include influencing one’s eating habits and fighting cancer and diabetes.

From the research projects analyzed above, it is evident that CLA has an important role in fighting cancer. Its isomers inhibit cancer cells proliferation and minimize the rate at which they grow. It is also evident that including CLA in everyday diet influences one’s energy consumption by influencing the taste of foods and amount required for satisfaction. CLA has an influence on body fat, evident from the fact that participants who had CLA included in their diet during the experiment registered low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased cholesterol.

Works cited

Kamphuis, Marleen, Wim Saris, and Margriet Westerterp-Plantenga. “The Effect of Addition of Linoleic Acid on Food Intake Regulation in Linoleic Acid Tasters and Linoleic Acid Non-Tasters.” British Journal of Nutrition 90 (2003):199-206. Print.

Kiefer, Dale. CLA Weight Loss and Other Benefits of Conjugated Linoleic Acid. New York: Life Extension, 2005. Print.

Lau, Dominic and Michael Archer. “The 10t, 12C Isomer of Conjugated Linoleic Acid Inhibits Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Enzyme Activity in Human Breast, Colon, and Prostrate Cancer Cells.” Nutrition and Cancer 62.1 (2010): 116-121. Print.

Introduction

Job analysis is the analysis and identification of behaviors, skills, and characteristics needed for effective job performance. It is the process of analyzing job requirements that can lead to satisfactory performance (Sidique, 2004). Job analysis entails obtaining information about jobs through identifying the tasks, duties, and activities involved in the jobs. It implies a systematic analysis of jobs using some predetermined steps. After completion, job analysis gives a report that summarizes the information obtained from the investigation of several jobs. This paper will analyze the job of a dietician and evaluate the performance appraisal methods relevant for the job analysis conducted.

Job Analysis of a Dietician

Summary Description

The main role of a dietician is to plan nutrition programs as well as monitor food preparation and serving. Dieticians promote healthy methods of eating that play an important role in the management of diet-based diseases. They have also been involved in the prevention and treatment of nutrition-based illnesses through the promotion of healthy dietary habits. They improve the health of the public by recommending necessary dietary regimes that lead to healthier lifestyles. Dieticians work in private and public institutions, such as hospitals, where they manage food and nutrition processes. They are also involved in research that plays a vital role in promoting proper eating habits in society.

Job Tasks

Dieticians provide counseling in the primary rules of proper nutrition. They are tasked with the responsibility of promoting proper dietary habits, monitoring how members of society eat and determining the effects their dietary habits have on the quality of their lives. Second, they assess the needs of individuals and groups, as well as their diet restrictions, and help in providing nutritional counseling. Furthermore, dieticians act as advisors who promote healthy dietary plans, advise on how to select and prepare food, and also prescribe diet modifications that can positively impact the quality of people’s life. They work hand in hand with health care professionals to develop the correct dietary regimes based on the needs of an individual. Another major task of dieticians is supervising and inspecting meals to ensure that they are in line with the expected standards of quality and safety. Dieticians are involved in the organization, development, analysis, testing, and preparation of special meals, such as low cholesterol food, low-fat meals, and food without any chemicals. In addition, dieticians are engaged in the development of curricula as well as the preparation of manuals and any other materials needed for nutrition and dietetics teaching. One of the most important tasks of a dietician is to make public policy recommendations which include food labeling. To promote the health and wellbeing of people and control the nutritional diseases that afflict them, dieticians develop programs and policies that address the nutritional needs of a healthy population. They act as advisors who oversee the process of food planning and budgeting and play a major role in the evaluation of food services and programs. Finally, dieticians provide advice on the development of new recipes and menus in the institutions where they are employed.
Training and Qualification
Successful dieticians have a degree in dietetics, food science, food technology, or nutritional science. A degree in life sciences, incorporating biochemistry and human physiology, can also suffice. Those without a first degree in the aforementioned areas usually have a postgraduate qualification in the nutrition and dietetics-related field.

• Key Skills
  • Perfect interpersonal skills
  • Good networking skills
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork and conflict management skills
  • Interest in human physiology and biochemistry
• Key Abilities
  • Oral and written comprehension
  • Oral expression
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Informational ordering
• Areas of Knowledge
  • Biology
  • Customer care and personal service
  • Psychology
  • Counseling and therapy
  • Administration and Management
  • Human resources
  • Clerical services
  • Food production
  • Communication, IT, and Media.

How This Job Analysis Can Be Used Within an Organization

The above job analysis can be used for various purposes. First, it can be used as a recruitment and selection tool. It provides profound information about the certain job and human characteristics needed to carry out the job effectively. This information can help human resource personnel and managers to make decisions on the people to hire or recruit (Sidique, 2004). Second, this job analysis can be used in the determination of compensation packages for employees. It provides data that can be used to evaluate the positions as well as determine the relevant competencies and skills required to handle them. This helps decision-makers to determine the appropriate compensation package for the position. Compensation packages depend on the educational requirements, skills needed, risks involved, and the degree of responsibility bestowed on a holder of a certain position. Using job analysis, an organization can determine the relative worth of positions to facilitate accurate classification and compensation. Furthermore, job analysis can be used in performance appraisals. It also enables decision-makers to set standards of performance and also evaluate the performance of the workforce based on these established standards. In addition, job analysis can be used to develop and design employee training and development programs (Bradford, 2000). Job analysis shows the skills needed by each job and the type of training required to achieve those skills. Finally, it can help in the discovery of unassigned duties.

Reliability and Validity of the Job Analysis

The reliability level of this job analysis is high because the information was obtained from various credible sources. Supervisors, managers, and workers were interviewed to ensure that the data collected was objective. Different informational sources have different analytical abilities. Using various sources, therefore, improves validity by providing more objective data. Data collected from different sources had a lot of consistency, making it more reliable.

Different Performance Appraisal Methods

One of the performance appraisal methods that can be applied to the job analyzed above is the rating scale. These are numerical scales that represent performance criteria related to the job. They include attitude, dependability, and attendance. The scales range from excellent to poor. One of the benefits of this method is that it is adaptable, not very expensive, and easy to use. It can evaluate a large number of employees in a short time. One does not require formal training to use this method. On the other hand, the method is vulnerable because it is subject to rate biases (Sidique, 2004). The second performance appraisal method applicable to this job is checklists. This method entails the use of statements about the traits of an employee that require Yes or No answers. This method is beneficial because it is standard, easy to administer, and requires limited training. On the other hand, it is vulnerable to subjective application and does not always disclose the truth. The third performance appraisal method applicable to this job is the forced-choice method. This method entails the use of a series of statements arranged in packs of two. The person who is supposed to rate makes a true or false choice. One of the benefits of this method is that it does not have personal biases. Wrongly framed statements, however, make it vulnerable to errors. The last method is the forced distribution method. A manager is forced to rank the employees, placing them into different categories: from the best to the worst ones. This method is the best because it eliminates such weaknesses as errors of central tendency. It does not have any disadvantages, making it the most effective method of performance appraisal for such a critical job as a nutritionist and dietician.

In conclusion, the above job analysis can be used as a recruitment and selection tool. It can also be used as a method of determining compensation packages for employees. Job analysis is important in the development and design of employee training and development programs. It can also aid in the discovery of unassigned duties. The above job analysis has high validity and reliability because the information was obtained from various sources and the level of consistency was high. The best method of performance appraisal based on the job analysis conducted above is the forced distribution method because it avoids such weaknesses as errors of central tendency.

References

Bradford, D. (2000). Simplified Strategic Planning. NJ: Chandler House.

Sidique, AK. (2004). Job analysis for a changing workplace. NY: Guilford Press.

Frozen (TV) dinners

The article provides a comprehensive review on the use of convenience foods normally known as the Frozen (TV) dinners across the continental USA since the early 1970s. These foods adopted their name ‘Frozen (TV) dinners’ from the fact that they were advertised over the television. The branding of these foods came with the introduction of TV, and this gave rise to their name. The author goes ahead and discloses that commercially prepared convenience foods were eaten as people watched TV. The article gives a complete consumer graph of these ‘emergency foods’ from the early 1950s (Jerome, 145).

It also provides a precise percentage of consumption by males vs. females and even elderly people vs. younger ones. Additionally, it provides the frequency of consumption every week for men and women, young and old. All the data that facilitated these findings came from correspondents who happened to be consumers of these foods.

It is important to note that the fame and popularity of emergency foods in the early 70s were attributed to the marketing done over the television that had barely lasted a decade in the markets. It is undoubtedly true that TVs were the talk of days then, and as a result, they had numerous viewers. This formed a good platform for marketing convenience foods (Jerome, 147).

About the statistical data provided by the author, it can be deduced that Frozen (TV) dinners have registered rather stable sales over the years. This was championed by the extensive marketing done over the television as a way of reaching out to all inhabitants in all corners of the United States of America. As a result, consumption of the foods rose significantly. The rise was not only attributed to the widespread marketing but also the convenience of the foods. They were pre-cooked; it means that they only needed a little warming before consumption (Jerome, 150).

The author says that frequency of the consumption of the meals was as high as four times a week. He further notes that most of their consumers were people who had tight schedules and, perhaps, had limited time to prepare tasking food. In addition to saving time, these emergency foods also provided balanced diets as confessed by respondents who participated in the survey.

The characteristics of the population studied in relation to the consumption of frozen (TV) dinners are strongly agreeable. Revelation that convenience foods are consumed in both large and small communities is true because even to date, the prevalence of these foods is even. Subsequently the author’s findings that a good percentage of convenience food consumers is relatively busy all through the day are a reflection of what happens nowadays. The consumers of frozen foods include those who work fulltime in a number of occupations and students who are sometimes too busy to prepare complicated meals as evidenced by the author’s research (Jerome, 150).

Just as expected, more than half of the respondents are of the ages between eighteen and twenty four. Amazingly, a greater percentage of these youths are female. This is a justification to the fact that ladies are more comfortable with light foods as compared to men. The statistics also do not go contrary to the biological fact that gentlemen need more body energy as compared to ladies, hence the number of ladies taking convenience foods is greater than that of men.

Contrary to the previous data concerning the consumption of frozen (TV) dinners by males and females, single males who lived alone were found to consume more convenience foods as compared to their female counterparts who lived alone as well. This is amazing; it clearly proves how lazy men are in cooking while living alone. It is verifiable that men are less likely to cook for themselves while they are single as compared to women. As a result, they resort to convenience foods that are easy to prepare.

The fact that most users use these foods while they are busy justifies the name of the brand. The research tabled in the article indicated that a good percentage of busy people, both men, women and children, use convenience foods as a way to ease their work and save time. Even though the frequency of consumption does not present clear reasons of decision behind taking the meal, it is important to note that frozen foods register a relatively high frequency rate on a weekly basis amongst users (Jerome, 152).

Conclusion

This survey and the availability of concrete facts to support ideas are important for both the manufactures and consumers of the products. Through this, manufactures are able to view and analyze the consumption data of their products. On the other hand, consumers can tell the popularity of the convenience foods they intend to take. From this, one stands a better position to make informed choices as to which product to go for (Jerome, 154).

Ethos

The credibility of the sources used by the author in the article is unquestionable. There are credible names of authors in his bibliography. However, this statement may be challenged by the fact that those authors may be sheer shadows of the text. But the incorporation of first hand data as tabulated in the article distinguishes it from a hypothetical masterpiece.

Logos

The author of the article uses satisfactory statistical analysis of quantitative data collected from respondents that consumed the product in question in the USA. He tabulates all the relevant information regarding the consumption of the product in relation to the number of people using it, the frequency of usage, the percent of utilization by men vs. women, and so forth.

Pathos

In the introduction of the article, the author tries to trace the origin of convenience foods and uses very catchy words when he attributes food preservation such as a “long-term emergency” (Jerome 146). At the conclusion, on the other hand, he describes frozen (TV) dinners as the food meeting an imperative need in the dietary of America (Jerome 154). Through this, he tries to vivify the significance of these foods.

Works Cited

Jerome, Norge W. “Frozen (TV) Dinners – The Staple Emergency Meals of a Changing Modern Society.” Food in perspective. 1975: 145-156. Print.

Introduction

The rising growth in global population is worrying and experts project that the demand for food will rise considerably by over 70% (4). While there has been a refocused attention to address the impending food crisis by increasing crop cover, the need for bio-energy may counter these efforts at least in the short-term. The rising traditional and new demand for agricultural yields that is expected to grow will deprive of the growing population sufficient food supply (4).

As population grow, urban population cause a significant rise in demand for energy and food. More agricultural crops will be used to generate bio-energy to meet the demands for energy (see fig 5).

There has been a significant rise in population for the last 5 decades, which continues to create pressure on the efforts to bolster the global food basket (see Fig 5). This trend is expected to increase if no long-term actions are put in place.

Growth of urban settlements will put enormous pressure on land and will compete with agriculture for necessary factors of production (4). Although urbanization is set to rise, population in rural agricultural-based areas will move faster into non-agricultural employment and most of this rural population will depend majorly on a few and small agricultural segments for food and income..

The rising population growth combined with a significant change in diet lifestyles from fresh and farm-to-table food to processed and semi-processed food will complicate the whole equation of food security. In addition, as urbanization continues to embrace even more people, rural areas are expected to serve as the primary source of food for a population that is largely non-agricultural. Therefore, population, though a single variable, will direct the whole function called food security (4).

Air purification in food storage: The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their effects on food spoil

Studies have shown that indoor air is five times more populated than outdoor air. Among the gaseous compounds that are known to pollute the environment are the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The VOCs are released into the atmosphere from smoke caused by incomplete combustion, paints, deodorants, sprays and industrial waste (6). VOCs have been found to be harmful compounds when they are released into the air and can cause serious health effects such as difficulties in breathing and interference with the central nervous system (7).

However, the good news is that the breakdown of these VOCs through photocatalytic mechanisms at extremely low concentrations has been found to be an effective and cost-effective way of managing this dangerous gas. Using the Ultra violet light that comes from direct sunlight or light that is induced artificially can be used to release nanoparticulate titanium dioxide that is known to breakdown VOCs into non-toxic compounds.

The VOCs can cause health complications, discomfort and can affect productivity. According to World Health Organization health report, volatile organic compounds account for the largest percentage of indoor pollutants. A similar report by USEPA confirmed the effects of VOCs adding that volatile organic compounds are known to cause sick building syndrome, fatigue and other complications (7).

Although low concentrations of VOCs produced through biotic processes in may have a lesser impact on human beings and animals, studies indicate that large volumes of synthetically produced VOCs in the atmosphere can cause allergies and respiratory problems in infants. When combined with certain oxides, VOCs can form dangerous compounds that damage human sensory system. These compounds have been found to affect the liver and other internal body organs of human beings and animals as well.

Research shows that some VOCs have cancer-causing compounds, and exposure to excess VOCs can cause cancer in people. If the are VOCs in the air, one suffers headache, skin allergies, irritation of the nose and the throat. Other signs may include excess fatigue, drastic reduction in the amount of serum cholinesterase, feeling of nausea, and dizziness among other sings. The magnitude of the health effects due to VOCs can vary significantly depending on the toxicity levels and the levels of concentrations.

Other factors may include the time one is exposed to high concentrations of VOCs. If you experience eye, nose and throat discomfort, then you can be sure that you are in an environment that has VOCs compounds. Since these are the immediate signs that you are in eminent danger, it is important to vacate the place to avoid a worse situation (7). Presently, research is underway to establish the health effects that arise from organic VOCs. Evidence, though scant, shows that even in smaller concentrations, VOCs found in organics may have mild health effects. Following these revelations, it is now clear that VOCs will have a significant impact on the global food basket, especially if no technology is adopted to handle the VOCs. Research should be undertaken to increase agricultural productivity going forward (4).

Ethylene gas and its effects on food industry

Although the effects of ethylene were discovered many centuries ago, its significance in agriculture was discovered barely five decades ago. A research that set off to examine the effect of ethylene in Europe found that crops around leaky pipes carrying ethylene exhibited strange growth signs such as hastened growth and falling of leaves prematurely. This study aroused many researchers to want to know about the role of ethylene in food production (3). Ethylene is the product from synthesized methionine. The sythesization takes place in three important steps that involves both catalytic and oxidation reactions.

While researchers have found many compounds that can impact food production, ethylene still stands out as the most known compound that impact ripening of plants and fruits (Jobling 1). Studies that have been conducted show that using ethylene to inhibit the synthesis of ethylene show that hormones present in ethylene play a significant role in ripening of fruits. When manipulated in a well-coordinated process, ethylene can be an incredible component that can shape the future of the food industry in a great way (1).

Ethylene is arguably beneficial, but can be harmful, especially when it comes to storage and packaging of horticultural products. Practical applications of ethylene in agriculture and research to slow its negative effects on food production have been remained subjects in food sustainability debates for many years (3).

Researchers agree that proper modulation of ethylene activity in the farming, storage and packaging of fruits and other plants can shape the food industry in the right way. For instance, altering and using response mechanisms to influence growth and aging of plants has been found to be an effective way of turning negative effects of ethylene into benefits that could see the world’s food stock increase dramatically.

Studies to identify the functioning of ethylene and its synthesis has been instrumental in informing experts to develop favorable storage and packaging conditions that would minimize the negative effects of ethylene and increase postharvest yields (2). Commercial production of fruits and other plants that need to be ripened can be extremely challenging.

Since its discovery, ethylene has been used to devise the best ventilation and temperatures that can spur ripening while reducing food spoil. Therefore, induced enzymes to help maximize storage life and improve the quality of the fruits can be arrived at after a careful study of ethylene concentrations in storage spaces (1).

While evidence abound that ethylene is an invaluable component in facilitating fruit ripening, it has been found to be extremely harmful to most fruits and vegetables, especially if the compound occur in high concentrations that can cause ageing and decline in the quality of the produce. The level of damage caused by ethylene is dependent on the room temperatures and concentration levels of ethylene (2).

Since fruit maturation, shelf life and quality depends on ethylene, clearly, this hormonal compound has a significant role to play in the food industry. To help eliminate wastage that occur in farms and stores due to the effects of ethylene, postharvest physiologists should continuously devise mechanisms that can help strengthen the existing technology for the sake of turning around the food sector amidst food insecurity crisis that continue to rock the entire globe (1).

When left unmanaged, excess concentration of ethylene in storage rooms can lower shelf life since prolonged exposure to high amounts of ethylene accelerates the growth and causes ageing in food products. In plants that are supposed to maintain their greenly leaves such as cucumbers and vegetables, excess concentration of synthetic or natural ethylene can cause loss of chlorophyll and this can lead to vulnerability of these products to rots.

Therefore, farmers and experts in the horticulture sector must devise ways of minimizing the effects of ethylene while ensuring that farms and storage facilities are equipped with necessary equipment to check and regulate ethylene levels for better product quality and increased shelf life going forward (2).

With the emerging trend of people moving from staple foods to fruit-filled diets and vegetables, it is projected that fruit production and ripening will be a major game changer in providing sufficient food for the ever-growing global population.

Ethylene that is produced through biological means affects the development and ripening of many climacteric fruits. Food production can be affected when the order of the release of ethylene changes. When high amounts of ethylene are released during the early stages, fruits and vegetables suffer poor tissue development, which can reduce farm yields dramatically (1).

Ethylene has the ability to cause plant death if it is generated in extremely larger concentrations. Examples of damages that can be caused by ethylene include poor tissue development, abscission in plants, shortening of the stems and reduced levels of chlorophyll in leafy vegetables (1). These effects can be exuberated, especially when these plants are subjected to abiotic stress. Similarly, the production of ethylene can increase if the farm produce is stored in rooms that have unfavorable conditions.

Works Cited

Barry, Cornelius S., and James Giovannoni J. “Ethylene and Fruit Ripening.” Journal of Plant Growth Regulation 26 (2007): 143–159. Print.

Saltveit, Mikal E. Ethylene Effects. (n.d):1-7. Print.

Jobling, Jenny. “Postharvest Ethylene: A critical factor in quality management.” Sydney Postharvest Laboratory Information Sheet (2003): 1-4. Print.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). How to feed the world in 2050 (2009): 1-35. Print.

Kontos, A.G., A. Katsanaki T. Maggos , V. Likodimos , A. Ghicovc, D. Kimc, J. Kunzec, C. Vasilakos P. Schmuki P. Falaras. “Photocatalytic degradation of gas pollutants on self-assembled titania nanotubes.” Chemical Physics Letters 490 (2010): 58–62. Print.

Mo, Jinhan, Yinping Zhanga, Qiujian Xu, Jennifer Joaquin Lamson, and Rongyi Zhao. “Photocatalytic purification of volatile organic compounds in indoor air: A literature review.” Atmospheric Environment, 43 (2009): 2229–2246. Print.

Casein and whey are two forms of proteins present in milk that determine the design of food formulas and the processing of dairy products to meet the diverse needs of consumers. Depending on their sources, casein and whey proteins vary in their concentrations in cow, human, and goat milk. The research question of the experiment is what is the concentration of lysine in whole and whey portions of goat milk?

Results

The calculated concentrations of BSA standards have an increasing trend from 0 µM to 80 µM in each of the 2500 reaction contents in tubes 1-5 and samples used in the measurement of absorbance. The standard line (Figure 1) depicts a linear relationship between the absorbance of primary amine groups in proteins at 570 nm and the concentration of BSA standards.

As the linear equation derived from the standard line, absorbance = 0.0076 (Concentration) – 0.0052. In this view, this linear equation suggests that a rise in the concentration of BSA standard by a microliter causes the absorbance to increase by 0.0076 units. Based on the formula [concentration = (absorbance/ 0.0076) – 0.0052], concentrations of samples revealed that a fifty-fold dilution of whey has 62.11 µM, while a hundred-fold dilution of milk has 66.19 µM (Table 1).

Table 1. Absorbance values of whey and milk samples with their respective concentrations

Results (Table 2) indicate that whey and milk have concentrations of 3105.523 µM and 6618.941 µM of lysine. Moreover, the findings show that lysine in whey constitutes 46.92% of the proteins in goat’s milk.

Table 2. Concentrations of lysine in various dilutions and original samples of whey and milk

Supplementary Materials

Calculations of Amine Concentrations in Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)

Concentrations of BSA dilutions (C₂) were determined using C₂ = C₁V₁/V₂ formula

C₁ = 200 µM amines in BSA standard

V₂ = 2500 µL

BSA concentrations, V₁ = 0 µL, 250 µL, 500 µL, 750 µL, and 1000 µL

For tube 1 (blank), C₂ = (0 µL × 200 µM)/2500 µL = 0 µM

For tube 2, C₂ = (250 µL × 200 µM)/2500 µL = 20 µM

For tube 3, C₂ = (500 µL × 200 µM)/2500 µL = 40 µM

For tube 4, C₂ = (750 µL × 200 µM)/2500 µL = 60 µM

For tube 5, C₂ = (1000 µL × 200 µM)/2500 µL = 80 µM

Calculations of Concentrations Proteins in Whey and Milk

Based on the linear trend line formula from excel, the following is the standard line equation. Since y = mx + b, the standard line equation, which represents absorbance = slope (concentration) + y-intercept, is y = 0.0076 – 0.0052. By substituting values into the equation, absorbance = 0.0076(Concentration) – 0.0052.

Therefore, concentration = (absorbance/0.0076) + 0.0052

For whey sample, concentration = (0.472 /0.0076) + 0.0052 = 62.1053 + 0.0052 = 62.1105

For milk sample, concentration = (0.503/0.0076) + 0.0052 = 66.1842 + 0.0052 = 66.1894

The results of the analysis were recorded in the datasheet below to shows the concentration of amines in BSA standards, whey, and milk, as well as their respective absorbance values.

Data Sheet

Calculations of Amine Concentrations

The concentration of Amines in Whey

1. The concentration of amines in the tube sample of whey

Concentration = (0.472/0.0076) + 0.0052 = 62.1053 µM

2. The concentration of amines in the dilute sample of whey

The dilution ratio of dilute sample to whey tube sample is 1:5

Concentration = 62.1053 × 5 = 310.5523 µM

3. The concentration of amines in the original sample of whey

The dilution ratio of the original sample to dilute sample is 1:10

Concentration = 310.5523 × 10 = 3105.523 µM

The concentration of Amines in Milk

1. The concentration of amines in the tube sample of milk

Concentration = (0.503/0.0076) + 0.0052 = 66.18941 µM

2. The concentration of amines in the dilute sample of milk

The dilution ratio of dilute sample to milk tube sample is 1:10

Concentration = 66.1894 × 10 = 661.8941 µM

3. The concentration of amines in the original sample of milk

The dilution ratio of the original sample to dilute sample is 1:10

Concentration = 661.894 × 10 = 6618.941 µM

Percent of Lysine in Whey

Percent of lysine in whey = [original sample of whey]/[original sample of milk] × 100% = 3105.523 µM/6618.94 µM × 100% = 46.919%

Introduction

Among the various kinds of food, cocoa occupies a special place for its long history and different events connected to it. Discovered thousands of years ago, it is now experiencing an unprecedented rise in consumption due to the increased popularity of various products of its processing. However, this trend also brings serious considerations related to possible environmental impacts and long-time ethical issues. Therefore, a review of the historical, economic, ecological, and cultural aspects of cocoa production is valuable for comprehending this popular item.

Main body

For understanding all the nuances related to cocoa, it is necessary to make a brief description of its history. With the first references to it dated around 1000BC or even 5000BC, it was one of the earliest products intentionally cultivated in the American region (Cilas & Bastide, 2020). Moreover, it became a driving force for the development of drainage and irrigation systems. Cocoa was then largely consumed by the Aztecs “in the form of a drink known as xocolatl,” which would later give the name to the well-known chocolate (Beg et al., 2017, p. 109). The popularity of cocoa significantly increased after its discovery by the Europeans, who quickly learned the technique of making the traditional drink. It resulted in a fundamental expansion of its production area, which was first extended to South America and then, starting from the nineteenth century, to Asia and Africa (Cilas & Bastide, 2020). Thus, cocoa became a well-known product successfully conquering the global market.

The current economic state of cocoa production demonstrates its significant potential, along with certain evident setbacks. Among the critical advantages, it is worth mentioning the variety of possible applications, including its confectionery, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical use. It results in a steady production growth “at a rate of 3% per year” with a total market value of almost $12 billion (Beg et al., 2017, p. 109). Another strong feature of cocoa production is the possibility of growing it along with other crops such as coffee or coconut, which together provide a sustainable source of income. However, the profitability of this industry for farmers remains at a relatively low level due to several reasons. First, the climatic conditions in the cocoa production area are relatively risky, and the beans are highly susceptible to diseases and bacteria, leading to their rejection (Beg et al., 2017). Second, the farmers are mostly small enterprises and have to sell through several agents taking their share of the revenue. Finally, insufficient infrastructure and the lack of finance lead to high logistical expenses. All this indicates valuable areas of improvement in the economy of cocoa production.

Another aspect closely tied to the issues mentioned above is the environmental impact of this industry. The growing demand for cocoa has led to its increased production, mostly obtained by expanding the cultivated area rather than increasing its use efficiency. This has become a driving force for deforestation in Indonesia and several regions resulting in irreversible damage to the diversity of local species (Tothmihaly et al., 2019). Such effects have been further aggravated by the spread of various pests and diseases, especially cocoa pod borer, common in Indonesia. It has all resulted in the current yield values being several times lower than the ones obtained by Indonesian farmers in the 1990s (Tothmihaly et al., 2019). This indicates a critical need to consider the environmental effects of the cocoa industry and find ways to turn it into a sustainable one.

Finally, it is worth mentioning some ethical issues historically related to cocoa production. Traditionally, from the time of Aztec kings to the importation of slaves in South America, this industry was associated with violent exploitation and forced labor (Leissle, 2018). Nowadays, children still constitute a significant share of workers at African farms. Moreover, a survey conducted among children involved in cocoa production in Ivory Coast indicated that almost a third of them would not be allowed to leave their work if they wanted to (Leissle, 2018). Such extensive application of forced labor is a critical ethical problem, which requires specific consideration and a range of measures intended to tackle it.

Conclusion

The review given above defines cocoa as a highly controversial product with many advantages and setbacks. Thanks to the variety of its possible applications, it has gained popularity throughout the world with promising expectations for the future. However, the unfair distribution of profits and the lack of essential infrastructure result in many farmers striving for their survival and applying the cheapest labor they can find. Moreover, the low efficiency of the existing technologies poses a significant environmental threat in several countries. Therefore, turning cocoa production into a truly profitable industry and moving beyond the grim traditions of the past is critical for this product to obtain a well-deserved place in modern society.

References

Beg, M. S., Ahmad, S., Jan, K., & Bashir, K. (2017). Status, supply chain and processing of cocoa – a review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 66, 108–116. Web.

Cilas, C., & Bastide, P. (2020). Challenges to cocoa production in the face of climate change and the spread of pests and diseases. Agronomy, 10(9), 1232. Web.

Leissle, K. (2018). Cocoa. John Wiley & Sons.

Tothmihaly, A., Ingram, V., & von Cramon-Taubadel, S. (2019). How can the environmental efficiency of Indonesian cocoa farms be increased? Ecological Economics, 158, 134–145. Web.

The incidence of various congenital anomalies has been an ever-growing problem. Although, various approaches have been underway to pinpoint the exact risk contributing mechanisms, Nutrition has turned to be a reliable intervention strategy. The relation between peri-conceptional folic acid intake and Neural tube defects (NTDs) has become the area of much research interest. It was reported that the incidence of NTDs could be reduced with the consumption of Peri-conceptional folic acid (Abu-Hammad et al., 2008).

This was revealed when a study was conducted to determine the impact of current health care practices adopted by physicians concerned with the care of childbearing women (Abu-Hammad et al., 2008). Here, a large number of physicians have reported a good response rate which accounted for 94%, indicating the efficacy of their recommendation to their patients. However, they have also reported a decline in the overall knowledge about folic acid’s role in minimizing NTD’s(Abu-Hammad et al., 2008).

They have noted two contrasting results. One is 2% knowledge about the folic acid role which was proven to be sub-optimal (Abu-Hammad et al., 2008). The second one is an 8% knowledge indicating the precise connection between folic acid intake and the incidence of other abnormalities (Abu-Hammad et al., 2008). Hence, this report has indicated a dearth in the awareness of folic acid supplementation (Abu-Hammad et al., 2008).

Recently, molecular analysis has shed further insights on the risk of NTDs and gene polymorphisms (Pei et al., 2009). RFC1 A80G gene was implicated as a carrier gene and its interaction with maternal periconceptional use of folic acid was studied by genotyping (Pei et al., 2009). The results have indicated that prospective mothers with GG genotype and no instances of folic acid intake were at high risk of NTD’s (Pei et al., 2009).

In contrast, others with AA or GA genotype and with the habit of maternal periconceptional folic acid intake were far from acquiring the risk. Therefore, RFC1 can be considered an important gene in folate transportation. Hence, this has indicated a strong relationship between periconceptional folic acid intake and NTDs.

Identification of the policy options available in response to the epidemiological evidence and the scientific and ethical dilemmas associated with each of these options that are confronting policy-makers

In countries like the United States and developing countries, there are some issues on the peri-conceptional folic acid intake to neural tube defects (NTDs) (Pérez-Escamilla, 1995). It was revealed that the recurrence of NTD’s can be minimized with high-dose folic acid during peri-conception (Pérez-Escamilla, 1995). This is because there were some inconsistencies and dilemmas regarding the accurate dose of folic acid. To this end, it was described that women with earlier abortions should seek physician’s guidance to avoid a recurrence (Pérez-Escamilla, 1995). Hence, the knowledge of the required dose is vital in lessening the incidence of NTD’s.

This has strengthened the available policy issues in countries like the US where dietary counseling was given due importance in managing women of childbearing age (Pérez-Escamilla, 1995). This report has also warranted the utility of folate enriched diet in developing countries and increased the efforts to prevent NTDs through widespread food fortification (Pérez-Escamilla, 1995). Although the prevalence of NTD’s is low earlier, the intake of folic acid may help in understanding the benefit/risk ratio in the future (Pérez-Escamilla, 1995). This could be achieved by undertaking large studies across various nations and pooling up the data. Hence, screening the dosage levels can be considered as the identified policy options about the growing body of scientific and ethical dilemmas.

In another policy option, researchers have undertaken a surveillance program that involved screening various obstetrics departments in hospitals (Klusmann et al., 2005). They noted that Neural tube defects (NTDs) carry an enhanced risk of inducing serious mortality and morbidity. Here, the information required was about the cases of NTDs in all abortions, live births, and stillbirths. Their findings indicated that the consumption of folic acid was less in the general population as evidenced by a slight drop in the incidence of NTD’s (Klusmann et al., 2005). This has increased the hope on the implementation of recommendations to anticipate a much decrease in NTD’s shortly (Klusmann et al., 2005). This has implications for lessening the scientific and ethical dilemmas associated with folic acid intake.

Earlier workers have reported that there is a need to develop awareness among health care professionals especially obstetricians and gynecologists about the efficacy of supplemental folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs)(Locksmith and Duff, 1998). They have made a retrospective analysis of data collected between 1990 and 1997. It was found that the literature demonstrates a reduction in the incidence of NTD’s corresponding to high folic acid intake (Locksmith and Duff, 1998).

Medications involving folic acid tablets were considered to be reliable in ameliorating an individual’s folate status, provided some concerns on the use of vitamin tablets were guaranteed (Locksmith and Duff, 1998). This has indicated that childbearing women or those of reproductive age are strongly advised to accept multivitamin supplements at a dose of 0.4 mg daily (Locksmith and Duff, 1998). Similarly, for women with an earlier abortion and who are proposed to become pregnant, the dose of folic acid is 4 mg to avoid the risk of miscarriage another term(Locksmith and Duff, 1998).

Description of the competing values, beliefs, and interests (if any) among stakeholders (where they can be identified) towards mandatory folic acid fortification as a policy response to the epidemiological evidence

Researchers have undertaken a study on awareness programs regarding the association between periconceptional folic acid intake and a reduction in the cases of primary and secondary neural tube defects (NTDs) including other congenital malformations (Bener et al., 2006). Here, much interest was shown on child-bearing women who were likely to run the risk of congenital anomalies (Bener et al., 2006). The policymakers have employed a multistage sampling design and studied nearly 1480 women with antenatal cases at various primary health care centers and women’s hospitals in Qatar (Bener et al., 2006).

It was revealed that most participants were comfortable with the questionnaires and in furnishing relevant information like folic acid supplements, pregnancy intention, and geographical and socioeconomic conditions (Bener et al., 2006). This study has suggested the significance of programs that includes a large population and the factors that influence the result with the scope of improving awareness and consumption of a diet rich in folic acid (Bener et al., 2006).

Hence, the awareness programs can be better identified as a step towards mandatory folic acid fortification to be implemented in many countries. In addition, the interest shown by the women participants could increase the confidence among the health care professionals and/ or stakeholders to take measurable steps in implementing folic acid fortification as a policy response to the epidemiological evidence. Chan et al. (2008) determined the folate awareness among household women.

They have employed a computer-generated database and conducted telephonic interviews. This has resulted in drastic improvements in the awareness of folic acid intake and its efficacy in reducing NTDs (Chan et al., 2008). A significant percentage of knowledge (25% to 77 %) and 12 % to 39 % was revealed in the intervention program on the knowledge on folic acids role and its necessary future directions for the periconceptional period (Chan et al., 2008).

This has indicated that the interest and belief in voluntary folic acid fortification could increase knowledge about peri-conceptional folic acid, enhance folate consumption, and an overall reduction in the prevalence of NTDs in South Australia (Chan et al., 2008). NTD’s are likely to be connected to other health problems and maternal and fetal risk factors (Chan et al., 2008). This has further strengthened the epidemiological evidence.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to focus on NTDs keeping given some reported parameters like maternal fumonisin consumption, periconceptional zinc deficiency, parental occupational exposure and residential proximity to pesticides, lower socioeconomic status, fetal alcohol syndrome, mutations in the VANGL1 gene, human athymic Nude/SCID fetus, and single nucleotide polymorphism in the NOS3 gene (Chen, 2008).

Analysis of the relevance (or otherwise) of the different policy-making theories presented in this unit to the circumstances of the case study

Parameters that better dissect the relationship between risk factors and the NTD pathology could improve the understanding of the circumstances that focus on the case study, especially concerning nonsyndromic multifactorial NTDs (Chen, 2008). Similarly, intervention programs that highlight the significance of national campaigns should be given prior importance by the health care professionals in improving the policy theories.

Amitai et al. (2004) reported that the guidelines issued by the ministry of health could better serve to lessen the risk of NTD’s. They have surveyed 1661 subjects to determine the knowledge among pregnant women and mothers of newborn infants (Amitai et al., 2004). Their findings reported that a significant increase in the indices of awareness and knowledge utilization in post-university education (Amitai et al., 2004). This has indicated that educated women are likely to avoid the risk (Amitai et al., 2004). Here, it can be inferred that there may also be a need for further national campaigns to increase awareness in uneducated women in contrast to women with post-university education.

Further, NTD’s were found to be better managed by randomized controlled trials (Cornel et al., 2005). To this end, there were several contrasting nationwide pubic issues concerned with the fortification of foods and supplementation (Cornel et al., 2005). Here, it is reasonable to mention that the impact of education, random studies in understanding the risk has given the policymakers a much deeper analysis of the situation and apply the concept in a different policy-making theory. Therefore, the protective role of folic acid has gained much emphasis (Cornel et al., 2005).

On the other hand, the adverse effects likely to be associated are masking of Vitamin B-12 deficiency, an increase the chances of twinning, and improving the occurrence rate of pre-existing malignant neoplasms (Cornel et al., 2005). This opposing effect of folic acid has further led public health policymakers to manage the NTD’s with many difficulties (Cornel et al., 2005). This scientific dilemma needs to be addressed by undertaking a technological and meta-analysis study (Cornel et al., 2005).

However, it was reported that awareness programs are not improving the recommendations in some regions like the Mediterranean area (Coll et al., 2004). The researchers have made a retrospective study on women who delivered previously. It was found that most women were unaware of the folic acid recommendation to avoid the risk of NTD’s (Coll et al., 2004). This could indicate that an inefficient intervention to impede the risk of NTD’s.

Therefore, the utility of a technological and meta-analysis study, retrospective analysis, may indicate a different policymaking theory with regard to the relevance of the study

Your recommendations for the policy response

Given the above information, certain recommendations are that there is a need for preconception counseling to make aware of the protective effects of folic acid (Coll et al., 2004).

Negligence could interfere and impede the progress of an intervention program This needs to be circumvented. In a study, researchers have described the negligence shown by most women in following the recommendations (Eichholzer, Tönz, & Zimmermann, 2006). It was reported that in European countries there was hardly any evidence of the decline in NTD’s (Eichholzer, Tönz, & Zimmermann, 2006). Here, most of the neglected women are those with low education standards, young people, and unplanned pregnancies (Eichholzer, Tönz, & Zimmermann, 2006). Mandatory fortification has improved the folate and homocysteine status in countries like the USA, Canada, and Chile.

Therefore, there is a need of implementing reliable public-health strategies to lessen the incidence of NTD’s (Eichholzer, Tönz, & Zimmermann, 2006).In contrast, the trend is different in Australia. Here, much emphasis should be given to the voluntary fortification of a diet with folic acid (Oddy et al., 2007). A thorough study of available research evidence on the protective role of folic acid in lessening the incidence of NTD’s should be made by the health care professionals and policymakers to control the incidence rates. Most women were almost aware of the connection between NTD’s and folic acid (Oddy et al., 2007).

It was described that there were nearly 80% of women have taken a folic acid-enriched diet. Hence, there were implications that the fortification of staple foods could be implemented in other parts of the world. (Oddy et al., 2007) The above information has been indicated.Further, to overcome the pitfalls in the efficient management of NTDs with dietary folic acid, certain recommendations and strategies need to be followed in an evidence-based practice manner. Thorough monitoring of NTD status across various nations would help in understanding the problems concerned with folic acid intake. Laboratory findings need efficient data to strengthen results, especially the demographic and socio-economic conditions of women in both developed and developing countries.

References

1. Abu-Hammad, T., Dreiher, J., Vardy, D.A., Cohen, A.D. 2008. Physicians’ knowledge and attitudes regarding periconceptional folic acid supplementation: a survey in Southern Israel. Med Sci Monit, 14(5), pp.CR 262-267.
2. Amitai, Y., Fisher, N., Haringman, M., Meiraz, H., Baram, N., Leventhal, A.2004. Increased awareness, knowledge and utilization of preconceptional folic acid in Israel following a national campaign. Prev Med, 39(4), pp. 731-7.
3. Bener, A., Al Maadid, M.G., Al-Bast, D.A., Al-Marri, S. 2006. Maternal knowledge, attitude and practice on folic acid intake among Arabian Qatari women. Reprod Toxicol, 21(1), pp.21-5.
4. Chan, A.C., Van Essen, P., Scott, H., Haan, E.A., Sage, L., Scott, J., Gill, T.K., Nguyen, A.M. 2005. Folate awareness and the prevalence of neural tube defects in South Australia, 1966-2007. Med J Aust,189(10),pp. 566-9.
5. Chen, C, P. 2008. Syndromes, disorders and maternal risk factors associated with neural tube defects (VI).Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol,47(3), pp. 267-75.
6. Coll, O., Pisa, S., Palacio, M., Quintó, L., Cararach, V. 2004. Awareness of the use of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in a Mediterranean area. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 115(2), pp. 173-7.
7. Cornel, M.C., de Smit, D.J., de Jong-van den Berg, L.T.2005. Folic acid–the scientific debate as a base for public health policy.
8. Eichholzer, M., Tönz, O., Zimmermann, R. 2006. Folic acid: a public-health challenge. Lancet, 367(9519), pp. 1352-61.
9. Klusmann, A., Heinrich, B., Stöpler, H., Gärtner, J., Mayatepek, E., Von Kries, R. 2005. A decreasing rate of neural tube defects following the recommendations for periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Acta Paediatr, 94 (11), pp. 1538-42.
10. Locksmith, GJ and Duff, P. 1998. Preventing neural tube defects: the importance of periconceptional folic acid supplements. Obstet Gynecol, 91(6), pp. 1027-34.
11. Oddy, W.H., Miller, M., Payne, J.M., Serna, P., Bower, C.I. 2007. Awareness and consumption of folate-fortified foods by women of childbearing age in Western Australia. Public Health Nutr, 10(10), pp. 989-95.
12. Pérez-Escamilla, R. 1995. Periconceptional folic acid and neural tube defects: public health issues. Bull Pan Am Health Organ, 29(3), pp. 250-63.
13. Pei, L., Liu, J., Zhang, Y., Zhu, H., Ren, A. 2009. Association of reduced folate carrier gene polymorphism and maternal folic acid use with neural tube defects. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet, 150B (6), pp. 874-8.

The article published by Potgieter (2013) in the South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition presents the background, process, and outcomes of research on the international guidelines for sports nutrition and exercise. Using a review method, the researcher investigated the most critical issues of nutrients’ intake by athletes before, during, and after training to maintain health, well-being, and endurance in physical activity. The review incorporated data from the most credible sources of nutrition guidelines, including the American College of Sports Nutrition, the International Olympic Committee, and the International Society for Sports Nutrition (Potgieter, 2013). The author collected, synthesized, and critically analyzed the directions formulated by these organizations to guide professional athletes in their exercise and nutrition routine. The ultimate research findings indicate that although neither separate guideline document incorporates all the necessary information needed for athletes during competitions and training, the combination of all of them provides a consistent framework. The balance of macronutrients, proteins, carbohydrates, and energy in a diet specifically designed for sports is a vital determinant of healthy and productive athletes’ professional life.

The summarized academic research article presents a review of the scientific evidence using an implied AIMRAD structure. The abstract and introduction sections are identifiable; however, no explicitly and separately given sections for methods, results, and discussion are included. Since this is a review that necessitates the synthesis and analysis of evidence, the author dedicates the central part of the article to the findings’ discussion. The conclusion is presented at the end of the article summarizing the main findings of the research. Overall, since the article does not strictly follow the AIMRAD structure, one cannot argue for its effectiveness. It is somewhat complicated for a reader to identify each of the elements of the conventional academic article structure. Nonetheless, since all of them are implied, and the findings are presented in detail, the researcher succeeds in delivering the results and implications of his research.

Reference

Potgieter, S. (2013). Sport nutrition: A review of the latest guidelines for exercise and sport nutrition from the American College of Sport Nutrition, the International Olympic Committee and the International Society for Sports Nutrition. South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 26(1), 6 – 16.

Women are reportedly highly vulnerable to media influence, which explains why they are among marketers’ key target groups. McLean et al. (2016) assert that marketers and advertisers have successfully created an unfounded notion that the slim and tall woman is the perfect female body. In my view, this outlook is primarily advanced through ads featuring slim model women, even for products that have little to no connection to a particular gender. Societies have since adopted and embraced body image notions, often manifested in different functions, such as contests where beauty is gauged based on whether one is slender. Unfortunately, these notions have far-reaching implications on women’s view of self, especially if they do not fit the presumed perfect body image. Some resort to disordered eating to maintain a particular size and shape even when their body energy needs require otherwise.

The presumption that fat women are less attractive, as is largely cultivated by the unfounded narrative that the slim shape is the basic factor of beauty, often causes body image disturbances. McLean et al. (2016) posit that one can easily find ready remedies for beauty concerns, such as the use of makeups, beautiful dresses, and fashionable hairstyles to boost their appearance. The situation is different and challenging in the case of body image and shape. Short and big-bodied women tend to feel helpless and would do anything to lose weight. I think this assertion is true, considering that individuals struggling to lose weight can easily indulge in disordered eating if they fail to consult with nutritionists and other experts. Resultantly, they adopt unchecked eating habits that lead to malnutrition or over-consumption of high-energy foods in small portions.

Societies propagate the narrative that a woman has to be slim through popular media in different forms, leading to adverse notional effects. The use of slim women on food and beverage ads is a common trend. Often, these ads mislead the target audience into thinking that the consumption of advertised foods or beverages helps in maintaining the perfect body image (McLean et al., 2016). The same people struggling to reduce weight become victims of misleading adverts. They consume unhealthy products, usually processed foods with high-calorie content. In my view, slim women are equally affected because they tend to struggle to maintain a particular weight, often resorting to disordered eating. McLean et al. (2016) assert that average bodied women may go to the extent of skipping meals unnecessarily, which weakens and makes their bodies vulnerable to infections and diseases. Hence, societies’ portrayal of women through ads influences both slim and fat equally.

In overview, societies’ portrayal of women has detrimental effects on women’s perspectives about their bodies. In essence, societies tend to cling to the view that slim women are more attractive than fat ones, a notion primarily advanced through adverts. In effect, women in such societies struggle to maintain the slim body image whereas the fat ones explore weight-reduction options. The efforts of the two groups often result in disordered eating that affects their health, as some do not consult with nutritionists when making the decision. A study may be conducted to determine which category of women is affected the most: the slim or the fat, as it could pave the way to an inquiry into potential remedies. Hence, it is apparent that societies’ notions about the female body image easily trigger eating disorders among women who struggle to acquire and maintain a slim shape.

Reference

McLean, S. A., Paxton, S. J., & Wertheim, E. H. (2016). The role of media literacy in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating: A systematic review. Body Image, 19, 9–23. Web.