64 research outputs found
Future Staples for Nutrition Security and Sustainability
No full textClimate change and environmental degradation have spurred a critical need for more sustainable farming methods, together with more resilient crops and systems that can adapt to and mitigate climate change and be less taxing on natural resources. In addition, the need to improve diets to tackle the alarming and increasing levels of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency and related non-communicable diseases has drawn attention to sustainable solutions that are central to the health of people and the planet while also being viable and building the resilience of farmers. Given that staples dominate farming systems and diets, solutions to diversify them with smarter foods like millets (including sorghum) are what can have a resounding impact. Millets are being recognised for contributing to some of the biggest nutrition and health needs. They are also acknowledged as being highly resilient and are able to survive under high temperatures and in highly marginalised land. Millets require fewer pesticides, fertilisers and less water to survive. Market predictions are also showing these ancient grains are making a comeback, increasing in popularity and demand
Anaemia in India and its prevalence and multifactorial aetiology: a narrative review
No full textThe prevalence of anaemia in India remains high in children, especially those in rural
areas, and in women of childbearing age, and its impairment of neurological development can
have serious lifelong effects. It is concerning that the most recent official data (2019–21) indicate an
increased prevalence compared with 2015–16. There is also considerable variability in childhood
anaemia between Indian states with socioeconomic factors, such as wealth and education contributing
to the risk of anaemia among adolescent women and their children. Dietary iron deficiency is
often regarded as the main contributor to anaemia but increasing evidence accumulated from the
authors’ ongoing literature database coupled with recent literature research suggests that it has a
multifactorial aetiology, some of which is not related to nutrition. This narrative review focused on
these multifactorial issues, notably the contribution of vitamin B12/folate deficiency, which also has
a high prevalence in India. It was also noted that the dietary intake of bioavailable iron remains
an important contributor for reducing anaemia, and the role of millets as an improved iron source
compared to traditional staple cereals is briefly discussed. The overall conclusion is that anaemia
has a multifactorial aetiology requiring multifactorial assessment that must include assessment of
vitamin B12 status
Respect for knowledge and guru in contemporary music education
No full textGurus, responsible for imparting knowledge and guiding their shishyas, have historically fulfilled the role of imparting knowledge and core values. In Tamil culture, gurus are placed on a par with parents as nurturing individuals who instill knowledge imbued with values such as acceptance, tolerance toward humankind, and generosity to society. However, modernization and technical advancements have transformed the role of the guru, the dynamics of the guru-shishya relationship, and pedagogical techniques. The author traces the history and philosophy of the guru, which encompasses “respect for knowledge” and the time-honored system of guru-shishya parampara. Focusing on music education, this essay discusses factors that have contributed to the changes in the landscape. The author argues that, although the landscape has evolved, the basic concept of respect for knowledge and for the guru remains. The author also proposes strategies that can be undertaken to preserve the important aspects of the guru-shishya relationship
Does consumption of pearl millet cause goiter? A systematic review of existing evidence
No full textMillets (defined here to also include sorghum) have been consumed in Asian and African countries for centuries, and have in recent years become increasingly popular in Western countries, especially because of their proven health and environmental benefits. Nevertheless, some concerns have been raised that their consumption can interfere with thyroid function and cause goiter. This systematic review aimed to investigate the link between millet consumption and goiter. We found nine papers that were relevant to this topic and included them in this review. Among nine papers eight were on pearl millet and one was on fonio millet. The findings of the review indicate that published literature on the association of pearl millet and increased goiter prevalence are not compelling and strong enough to assert that pearl millet consumed as part of a balanced diet can lead to goiter in the general population. To ensure appropriate factual messaging about millets, we need more scientific research to conclusively state whether millet consumption mediates goitrogenic effects
Does consumption of pearl millet cause goiter? A systematic review of existing evidence
No full textMillets (defined here to also include sorghum) have been consumed in Asian and African countries for centuries, and have in recent years become increasingly popular in Western countries, especially because of their proven health and environmental benefits. Nevertheless, some concerns have been raised that their consumption can interfere with thyroid function and cause goiter. This systematic review aimed to investigate the link between millet consumption and goiter. We found nine papers that were relevant to this topic and included them in this review. Among nine papers eight were on pearl millet and one was on fonio millet. The findings of the review indicate that published literature on the association of pearl millet and increased goiter prevalence are not compelling and strong enough to assert that pearl millet consumed as part of a balanced diet can lead to goiter in the general population. To ensure appropriate factual messaging about millets, we need more scientific research to conclusively state whether millet consumption mediates goitrogenic effects
Balanced amino acid and higher micronutrients in millets complements legumes for improved human dietary nutrition
No full textBackground and objectives: More than 2 billion people suffer with malnutrition
arising from dietary protein and micronutrients deficiencies. To enhance the dietary
nutrient quality, the current study used two largely grown varieties of finger millet,
pearl millet, pigeonpea, and chickpea to evaluate the effect of millet–legume
blends for their enhanced protein digestibility, amino acid profiles, and essential
micronutrients.
Findings: Our study revealed the presence of significant levels of proteins (6.3%–
22.3%), essential amino acids, and micronutrients (Fe: 2.6–8.5 mg; Zn: 2–5.5 mg;
Ca: 22‐450 mg in 100 g) in these varieties. When specific millets combined with
legumes in 3:1 proportion, significantly enhanced nutritional value of food by providing
a balanced amino acid with good protein digestibility, and high levels of iron
(7.58 mg) and zinc (4.96 mg) with 100 g of pearl millet and calcium (400.57 mg)
with 100 g of finger millet.
Conclusions: Pigeonpea and chickpea have a good level of proteins with essential
amino acids except methionine and cysteine, whereas millet had balanced amino
acid including methionine and cysteine (50% higher) and much higher levels of micronutrients
(Fe, Zn and Ca). Therefore, specific millets and legumes combination
complemented higher levels of micronutrients in addition to complete proteins to
support comprehensive human nutrition.
Significance and novelty: This study opens prospects for selecting complementary
nutrient‐dense varieties for household consumption. Industries can explore these
product developments significantly to reduce malnutrition if consumed adequately,
which is not possible with polished rice, refined wheat flour or maize even if it is
combined with legumes
A CASE Study on Software Project Development Cost, Schedule & Effort Estimation
No full textThis paper theme is to provide a case study of Software Project Development cost, effort, and schedule estimation. From recent past, a remarkable research takes place in developing different techniques on software effort and cost estimation. Making estimation before start of any project is necessary to be able to plan and manage any project. The estimate is an intelligent guess for the project resources. Nowadays, software has become a major contributor to economic growth for any nation. Making an estimate before starting any software project is vital for the project managers and key stakeholders. Major project milestones such as project schedules, budgeting, resource allocation, and project delivery dates are set on theeffort and cost estimates. Thus, the reliability of the estimation leads any project success or otherwise fail. In this article, author\u27s idea is to work with function point analysis and include the concept of workforce scheduling in a better way while taking the decision in the contract phase. That leads to strengthening the relations between the developer and the customer. Basically, size is a main measured unit of the software project. Based on the size and other functionalities, the software managers estimate the total effort required to develop the project. From the effort and work schedule, the total cost can be estimated.Â
Millets can have a major impact on improving iron status, hemoglobin level, and in reducing iron deficiency anemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThe prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is highest among low and middle-income countries. Millets, including sorghum, are a traditional staple in many of these countries and are known to be rich in iron. However, a wide variation in the iron composition of millets has been reported, which needs to be understood in consonance with its bioavailability and roles in reducing anemia. This systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to analyze the scientific evidence on the bioavailability of iron in different types of millets, processing, and the impact of millet-based food on iron status and anemia. The results indicated that iron levels in the millets used to study iron bioavailability (both in vivo and in vitro) and efficacy varied with the type and variety from 2 mg/100 g to 8 mg/100 g. However, not all the efficacy studies indicated the iron levels in the millets. There were 30 research studies, including 22 human interventions and 8 in vitro studies, included in the meta-analysis which all discussed various outcomes such as hemoglobin level, serum ferritin level, and absorbed iron. The studies included finger millet, pearl millet, teff and sorghum, or a mixture of millets. The results of 19 studies conducted on anaemic individuals showed that there was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in hemoglobin levels by 13.2% following regular consumption (21 days to 4.5 years) of millets either as a meal or drink compared with regular diets where there was only 2.7% increase. Seven studies on adolescents showed increases in hemoglobin levels from 10.8 ± 1.4 (moderate anemia) to 12.2 ± 1.5 g/dl (normal). Two studies conducted on humans demonstrated that consumption of a pearl millet-based meal significantly increased the bioavailable iron (p < 0.01), with the percentage of bioavailability being 7.5 ± 1.6, and provided bioavailable iron of 1 ± 0.4 mg. Four studies conducted on humans showed significant increases in ferritin level (p < 0.05) up to 54.7%. Eight in-vitro studies showed that traditional processing methods such as fermentation and germination can improve bioavailable iron significantly (p < 0.01) by 3.4 and 2.2 times and contributed to 143 and 95% of the physiological requirement of women, respectively. Overall, this study showed that millets can reduce iron deficiency anemia
Potential for smart food products in rural Myanmar: use of millets and pigeonpea to fill the nutrition gap
No full text- …
