Formative Research for an Innovative Smartphone Application to Improve Distribution of Healthy Foods to Corner Stores in Baltimore City.

We sought to collect information about the operations of wholesalers and store owner perceptions of smartphones to plan for and create a smartphone application that will facilitate the distribution of healthy foods to corner stores. In-depth interviews were conducted with wholesalers, corner store owners, distributors, and food environment experts in Baltimore City, Maryland, which included providing feedback for a mockup of the app. Store owners that were comfortable with smartphones liked the idea of the app because it was economically practical, culturally suitable, simple and easy to use, and provided a large variety of items at a fair or low price. We found that barriers to uptake among corner store owners would be high delivery costs, no foreign language capability, and a complicated user interface. This work will inform future projects that will utilize mHealth technology to improve distribution of healthier foods in food deserts.

Vending machine assessment methodology. A systematic review.

The nutritional quality of food and beverage products sold in vending machines has been implicated as a contributing factor to the development of an obesogenic food environment. How comprehensive, reliable, and valid are the current assessment tools for vending machines to support or refute these claims? A systematic review was conducted to summarize, compare, and evaluate the current methodologies and available tools for vending machine assessment. A total of 24 relevant research studies published between 1981 and 2013 met inclusion criteria for this review. The methodological variables reviewed in this study include assessment tool type, study location, machine accessibility, product availability, healthfulness criteria, portion size, price, product promotion, and quality of scientific practice. There were wide variations in the depth of the assessment methodologies and product healthfulness criteria utilized among the reviewed studies. Of the reviewed studies, 39% evaluated machine accessibility, 91% evaluated product availability, 96% established healthfulness criteria, 70% evaluated portion size, 48% evaluated price, 52% evaluated product promotion, and 22% evaluated the quality of scientific practice. Of all reviewed articles, 87% reached conclusions that provided insight into the healthfulness of vended products and/or vending environment. Product healthfulness criteria and complexity for snack and beverage products was also found to be variable between the reviewed studies. These findings make it difficult to compare results between studies. A universal, valid, and reliable vending machine assessment tool that is comprehensive yet user-friendly is recommended.

Food and nutritional security of semi-arid farm families benefiting from rainwater collection equipment in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to identify and describe the experience of family farmers and their respective families after using the Boardwalk Cistern rainwater collection system and consequent impacts on nutrition profile and food security. This is a qualitative-quantitative study conducted in two municipalities in the semi-arid region of the state of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect information on demographic and socioeconomic status and household access to food, based on the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale of 29 family farmers' households. Food intake was assessed by food intake markers of the Ministry of Health, while nutritional status was determined by measuring the weight and height of all family members and waist circumference of adults. Nutrition diagnosis was performed using the cutoff points of body mass index for age. Three focus groups were conducted, and the information collected was analyzed through Content Analysis with the aim of knowing the participants' perception of the effects of the received water equipment. The study showed a high prevalence of excess weight (52.7%) and high risk for cardiovascular diseases (35.9%) marked by a high salt and sugar in the food intake. Food Insecurity Scale showed that food insecurity is a problem occurring in 75% of these families. However, focus groups showed that families have a positive perception of Boardwalk Cisterns for their food security. They believe that agricultural production has improved, thereby offering a wider range of foods and, consequently, improving food security. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of water access programs for food production within public policies to guarantee FNS.

Traceability information carriers. The technology backgrounds and consumers' perceptions of the technological solutions.

The implementation of traceability in the food supply chain has reinforced adoption of technologies with the ability to track forward and trace back product-related information. Based on the premise that these technologies can be used as a means to provide product-related information to consumers, this paper explores the perceived benefits and drawbacks of such technologies. The aim is to identify factors that influence consumers' perceptions of such technologies, and furthermore to advise the agri-food business on issues that they should consider prior to the implementation of such technologies in their production lines. For the purposes of the study, a focus group study was conducted across 12 European countries, while a set of four different technologies used as a means to provide traceability information to consumers was the focal point of the discussions in each focus group. Results show that the amount of and confidence in the information provided, perceived levels of convenience, impact on product quality and safety, impact on consumers' health and the environment, and potential consequences on ethical and privacy liberties constitute important factors influencing consumers' perceptions of technologies that provide traceability.

Bottom trawl catch comparison in the Mediterranean Sea: Flexible Turtle Excluder Device (TED) vs traditional gear.

The Mediterranean Sea is a biodiversity hotspot where intense fishing pressure is associated with high bycatch rates of protected species (sea turtles and cetaceans) and top predators (sharks). Since the conservation of these species has become a priority, fishery scientists are faced with the challenge of reducing incidental catch, which entails high rates of mortality. Among the species threatened by fishing activities, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is a charismatic species considered as "vulnerable" at the global scale. In the Mediterranean Sea trawl nets are the gears with the highest probability of catching protected species incidentally. A new flexible Turtle Excluder Device (TED) was tested for the first time on commercial bottom trawlers to assess its effectiveness in reducing bycatch in the Mediterranean Sea. Analysis of the total catches of the hauls made with and without the TED showed that the difference in terms of weight was not significant. The catch of the main commercial species showed similar rates without a significant loss of size (i.e. total length) with the exception of the largest anglerfish (Lophius spp.). The bycatch of control nets included mostly rays and sharks, but never turtles, although the authors learned from the crews of other vessels operating in the same areas at the time of the trials that they had caught some loggerhead turtles. Our study demonstrates that TED scan be adopted without significantly affecting commercial catch. This informs fishers and managers for a practical and effective means that may reduce the bycatch of threatened species in coastal Mediterranean demersal multispecies fisheries. The measures involving gear modifications require significant investment but they are technically feasible and are capable of improving the conservation prospects of these endangered species. Besides ensuring normal earnings, the TED induced a significant reduction of debris and litter in the codend, thus reducing catch sorting time and improving catch quality.

The skin health of fishermen in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Fishing is an important economic activity worldwide, but there are only a few studies on the skin health of fishermen. Daily activities in fishing communities expose fishermen to risks of traumatic, actinic, and sea dermatoses. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to 388 fishermen from 2014 to 2015 at their workplace (Z-8 to Z-13 fishing communities). The data collected were evaluated for descriptive analysis. In the bivariate analysis of the data, the Pearson chi-square test was used. The multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain estimates of odds ratios and adjusted confidence intervals for confounding variables. RESULTS: Three hundred and nine (79.6%) fishermen reported accidents during their fishing activity. The main fish species implicated were Genidens genidens and Scorpaena brasiliensis. Inappropriate or potentially harmful traditional treatments without scientific evidence of efficacy were recorded as main/auxiliary treatment. Other significant skin injuries were due to trauma from fishing tackle and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Three hundred and twenty (82.5%) fishermen reported that they had never used any sun protective devices or sunscreen. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic injuries due to fish stings were the most common accidents in this group. Despite chronic occupational sun exposure and its hazards, most fishermen did not adopt any method of photoprotection. Health educational activities as well as a specific health program for these professionals are necessary to improve the health of fishermen in Guanabara Bay area.

Food Security Status and Hair Cortisol among Low-income Mother-Child Dyads.

This cross-sectional study among low-income mother-child dyads examined the relationship between food security status and hair cortisol concentration (HCC), and how mother and child food security status was interactively related to mothers' perceived distress and coping. Data from 32 dyads were analyzed. Approximately 46.9% had household food insecurity, 37.5% children had food insecurity, and 34.4% mothers had food insecurity. Children with food insecurity had significantly higher HCC than those with food security. A significant interaction effect occurred between child food security status and race on children's HCC, with White children's HCC being more likely to be influenced by food security status. Mother food security and child food security status together explained about 6% of the variance in mothers' HCC, 27% in perceived distress, and 18% in perceived coping. These findings indicate that assisting low-income families with food insecurity to get enough food can benefit both children's and mothers' mental health.

Proposal of a short-form version of the Brazilian food insecurity scale.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a short version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. METHODS: Two samples were used to test the results obtained in the analyses in two distinct scenarios. One of the studies was composed of 230 low income families from Pelotas, RS, Southern Brazil, and the other was composed of 15,575 women, whose data were obtained from the 2006 National Survey on Demography and Health. Two models were tested, the first containing seven questions, and the second, the five questions that were considered the most relevant ones in the concordance analysis. The models were compared to the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy parameters were calculated, as well as the kappa agreement test. RESULTS: Comparing the prevalence of food insecurity between the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale and the two models, the differences were around 2 percentage points. In the sensitivity analysis, the short version of seven questions obtained 97.8% and 99.5% in the Pelotas sample and in the National Survey on Demography and Health sample, respectively, while specificity was 100% in both studies. The five-question model showed similar results (sensitivity of 95.7% and 99.5% in the Pelotas sample and in the National Survey on Demography and Health sample, respectively). In the Pelotas sample, the kappa test of the seven-question version totaled 97.0% and that of the five-question version, 95.0%. In the National Survey on Demography and Health sample, the two models presented a 99.0% kappa. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the model with five questions should be used as the short version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, as its results were similar to the original scale with a lower number of questions. This version needs to be administered to other populations in Brazil in order to allow for the adequate assessment of the validity parameters.

Healthier vending machines in workplaces: both possible and effective.

AIM: To develop healthier vending guidelines and assess their effect on the nutrient content and sales of snack products sold through hospital vending machines, and on staff satisfaction. METHODS: Nutrition guidelines for healthier vending machine products were developed and implemented in 14 snack vending machines at two hospital sites in Auckland, New Zealand. The guidelines comprised threshold criteria for energy, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium content of vended foods. Sales data were collected prior to introduction of the guidelines (March-May 2007), and again post-introduction (March-May 2008). A food composition database was used to assess impact of the intervention on nutrient content of purchases. A staff survey was also conducted pre- and post-intervention to assess acceptability. RESULTS: Pre-intervention, 16% of staff used vending machines once a week or more, with little change post-intervention (15%). The guidelines resulted in a substantial reduction in the amount of energy (-24%), total fat (-32%), saturated fat (-41%), and total sugars (-30%) per 100 g product sold. Sales volumes were not affected, and the proportion of staff satisfied with vending machine products increased. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of nutrition guidelines in hospital vending machines led to substantial improvements in nutrient content of vending products sold. Wider implementation of these guidelines is recommended.

Proposal of a short-form version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale / Proposta de versão curta da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar / Proposta de versão curta da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar

OBJECTIVE To propose a short version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. METHODS Two samples were used to test the results obtained in the analyses in two distinct scenarios. One of the studies was composed of 230 low income families from Pelotas, RS, Southern Brazil, and the other was composed of 15,575 women, whose data were obtained from the 2006 National Survey on Demography and Health. Two models were tested, the first containing seven questions, and the second, the five questions that were considered the most relevant ones in the concordance analysis. The models were compared to the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy parameters were calculated, as well as the kappa agreement test. RESULTS Comparing the prevalence of food insecurity between the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale and the two models, the differences were around 2 percentage points. In the sensitivity analysis, the short version of seven questions obtained 97.8% and 99.5% in the Pelotas sample and in the National Survey on Demography and Health sample, respectively, while specificity was 100% in both studies. The five-question model showed similar results (sensitivity of 95.7% and 99.5% in the Pelotas sample and in the National Survey on Demography and Health sample, respectively). In the Pelotas sample, the kappa test of the seven-question version totaled 97.0% and that of the five-question version, 95.0%. In the National Survey on Demography and Health sample, the two models presented a 99.0% kappa. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that the model with five questions should be used as the short version of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, as its results were similar to the original scale with a lower number of questions. This version needs to be administered to other populations in Brazil in order to allow for the adequate assessment of the validity parameters. .

OBJETIVO : Propor versão curta da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar. Foram analisados dois estudos constituídos por amostra de 230 famílias de baixa renda, de Pelotas, RS, e de 15.575 mulheres com base nos dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde, de 2006. MÉTODOS : Foram utilizadas duas amostras para testar os resultados obtidos nas análises em dois cenários distintos. Um dos estudos foi composto por 230 famílias de baixa renda, de Pelotas, RS, e o outro, por 15.575 mulheres, cujos dados foram obtidos na Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde de 2006. Foram testados dois modelos, o primeiro contendo sete questões e o segundo as cinco consideradas mais relevantes na análise de concordância. Os modelos foram comparados à Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, calculando-se os parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia e o teste de concordância de kappa. RESULTADOS : Comparando as prevalências de insegurança alimentar entre a Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar e os dois modelos, as diferenças ficaram em torno de dois pontos percentuais. Na análise de sensibilidade, a versão curta de sete questões obteve 97,8% e 99,5% na amostra de Pelotas e da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde, respectivamente, enquanto a especificidade foi de 100% em ambos os estudos. O modelo de cinco questões mostrou resultados semelhantes (sensibilidade de 95,7% e 99,5% na amostra de Pelotas e da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde, respectivamente). A versão de sete questões apresentou teste de kappa de 97,0% e a versão de cinco questões, de 95,0%, na amostra de Pelotas. Já na amostra da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde, os dois modelos apresentaram kappa de 99,0%. CONCLUSÕES : Sugere-se o modelo com cinco questões para ...

Work group I: Measures of the food and physical activity environment: instruments.

A work group was convened to identify the core challenges, content gaps, and corresponding possible solutions for improving food- and physical activity-environment instrumentation. Identified challenges included instrument proliferation, the scaling or grain of instruments and appropriate aggregation to the neighborhood or community level, and unknown sensitivity to change of most instruments. Solutions for addressing these challenges included establishing an interactive and real-time instrument repository, developing and enforcing high standards for instrument reporting, increasing community-researcher collaborations, and implementing surveillance of food and physical activity environment. Solid instrumentation will accelerate a better understanding of food- and physical activity-environment effects on eating and physical activity behaviors.

The food-process subsystem for CELSS: a conceptual analysis.

A controlled ecological life support system (CELSS) is required to sustain life for future long-duration space missions. Food processing is an important subsystem component of a CELSS. Factors for designing the food-process subsystem are identified and characterized in this analysis. Interactions of the subsystem with other subsystems in a CELSS are also discussed.

Paleocoastal marine fishing on the Pacific Coast of the Americas: perspectives from Daisy Cave, California.

Analysis of over 27,000 fish bones from strata at Daisy Cave dated between about 11,500 and 8500 cal B.P. suggests that early Channel Islanders fished relatively intensively in a variety of habitats using a number of distinct technologies, including boats and the earliest evidence for hook-and-line fishing on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. The abundance of fish remains and fishing-related artifacts supports dietary reconstructions that suggest fish provided more than 50 percent of the edible meat represented in faunal samples from the early Holocene site strata. The abundance and economic importance of fish at Daisy Cave, unprecedented among early sites along the Pacific Coast of North America, suggest that early maritime capabilities on the Channel Islands were both more advanced and more variable than previously believed. When combined with a survey of fish remains from several other early Pacific Coast sites, these data suggest that early New World peoples effectively used watercraft, captured a diverse array of fish, and exploited a variety of marine habitats and resources.

Proposta e avaliação de uma sistemática para a implementação da norma ISO 22000: 2005 - sistemas de gestão da segurança de alimentos e exemplo prático de sua implementação / Proposed and evaluation of a system for the implementation of ISO 22000: 2005 - Food safety management systems and practical example of its implementation

Foi desenvolvida uma proposta de sistemática para implementação de Sistema de Gestão da Segurança de Alimentos com base na Norma ISO 22000:2005 (NBR ISO 22000:2006). Esta sistemática está composta por: A) Mapeamento da documentação; B) Formulários para o Planejamento do sistema APPCC/ HACCP com base na norma ISO 22000, bem como Instrução para seu uso, incluindo tanto as etapas preliminares como os 7 Princípios estabelecidos pelo Codex Alimentarius; C) Documentos para a verificação dos sistemas: Checklist para auditoria de verificação, tanto de adequação como de implementação, e Mapeamento da comunicação. Esta sistemática foi aplicada em uma linha de produtos em pó de empresa real, de porte médio, denominada, ficticiamente, empresa EXEMPLO. Foram dados os treinamentos necessários, adequados ao nível de conhecimento da equipe de segurança de alimentos, e realizadas reuniões de consultoria. Após implementação da sistemática proposta pela equipe da empresa EXEMPLO na linha de produtos escolhida para este fim, foi realizada uma auditoria de verificação para a avaliação da adequação do Sistema de Gestão da Segurança de Alimentos com base na Norma ISO 22000. A equipe foi composta por três auditores, sendo dois deles com formação nível auditor líder de ISO 22000. Concluiu-se que a sistemática é eficaz e adequada, atendendo plenamente às exigências da Norma ISO 22000. Foi, também, incluído no trabalho exemplo prático da documentação básica resultante da implementação na empresa EXEMPLO. A sistemática e modelos desenvolvidos, bem como a visualização de um exemplo prático, podem auxiliar as empresas a diminuir significativamente o tempo de implementação, embora ajustes devam ser feitos para adequação à sua realidade. Os ajustes necessários devem considerar os requisitos regulamentares, dependendo do tipo de produto e do órgão regulatório responsável pela sua regulamentação e fiscalização, bem como requisitos estatutários que possam impactar na sistemática desenvolvida

A proposed methodology was developed for the implementation of a Food safety management system based on ISO 22000:2005 (NBR ISO 22000:2006). This methodology includes: A) Map of all necessary documents; B) Forms for the HACCP system planning, based on ISO 22000 plus related instruction on how to use these forms, including the preliminary steps and the 7 Principles established by Codex Alimentarius; C) Documents for ISO 22000 system verification: Checklist for system assessment, considering adequacy and implementation and a Map of communication activities. This methodology was applied to one organization of medium size, focusing on one of its product lines. This organization was identified as EXAMPLE Organization. Necessary trainings and consultancy were offered by the author, considering the knowledge level of the food safety team. After implementation was complemented by the EXAMPLE Organization, according to the organization, an assessment was performed by a team composed of 3 auditors, two of them at the ISO 22000 lead auditor level. The main objective of this audit was to evaluate the adequacy of the proposed methodology. The conclusion was that the methodology is effective and adequate to the requirements of the ISO 22000 standard. The main documentation developed was also shown as the result of the implementation. The methodology and forms developed may help organizations to reduce the time involved in the implementation of the ISO 22000 system, even though adjustments to their circumstances shall be made. The necessary adjustments shall consider the kind of the product and the related statutory and regulatory requirements

Seguridad alimentaria y formación del consumidor / No disponible

No disponible

Estrategia mundial sobre régimen alimentario, actividad física y salud / No disponible

No disponible