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Purpose: To develop, validate and apply a context-specific nutrition knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire (KAP-Q) among adolescent Indian athletes. Method: This study used the mixed-method sequential exploratory design using qualitative and quantitative approaches on adolescent athletes (n = 170). The formative phase consisted of in-depth interviews (IDIs) with coaches (n = 10). The validation phase included testing of the internal consistency (n = 80) and test–retest reliability (n = 25), followed by the administration (n = 65) of the KAP-Q on adolescent athletes. Internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's α, reliability using Bland–Altman plots and intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient and the KAP-Q responses using the Chi-square test. Results: The themes and items (> 90%) for KAP-Q were developed from the qualitative phase and literature review. KAP-Q exhibited a Cronbach's α of 0.700 after removing 29 items. The Bland–Altman plots showed good agreement, with an ICC greater than 0.75. Greater than 71% of items exhibited good scores in the discrimination index, with greater than 50% showing moderate difficulty. The test–retest reliability (I-CVI) was > 0.80. On administering the KAP-Q, the knowledge scores relating to macronutrients, meal timing and supplement usage for training were lower among athletes. However, they exhibited knowledge relating to micronutrients and hygiene practices, with poor attitude/practice scores. Psychological stressors also influenced their food intake. Conclusion: The newly developed context-specific KAP-Q is suitable for the impact evaluation of nutrition education interventions. The methodology adopted in the study supports translation in other contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in the medical field and healthcare sector during the last few decades have resulted in increased longevity. Increased lifespans have in turn led to a rapid global rise of the elderly population. However, ensuring the health and quality of life, especially in the context of chronic age-related ailments, among the growing geriatric population is a challenge. Ageing is associated with several changes in body composition including a decline in the lean body mass usually accompanied by an increase in body fat content which have a bearing on the nutrient requirements for the elderly. The nutrient requirements currently recommended for Indian adults are primarily computed using a factorial approach, that considers the cumulative loss of nutrients and is adjusted for optimal body weights and bioavailability. It is logical that physiological and metabolic changes associated with ageing influence several of these factors: body weight, lean mass, energy expenditure, nutrient retention and bioavailability and thus alter nutrient requirements compared to the adult population. Acknowledging these age-related changes, some international organizations have suggested nutrient requirements specific to the elderly. Given the contextual differences in physiology, caution needs to be exercised in adopting these guidelines for the Indian elderly. In addition, in the Indian context, there is sparse information on the diet and nutrient intakes vis-à-vis nutritional status and physiology of the elderly. This status paper highlights some of the pertinent issues related to nutritional requirements for the elderly that advocate a need for deriving nutritional requirements for the elderly in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a context-specific methodology to assess the 5 A's of food environment: availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and accommodation. Cross-sectional mixed-methods study. Availability of foods was assessed by on-site observation and interviewing vendors. To assess accessibility, buffer zones around food stores were created using geographic information systems. Affordability was controlled by selecting participants from the middle-income group. Accommodation and acceptability were assessed by interviewing vendors and caregivers. Villages of Ghatkesar subdistrict (n = 4), Telangana, South India. Caregivers of children aged 6–10 years (n = 160) and food vendors (n = 68). The quality of the 5 A's was graded on the basis of concurrence between actual and perceived measures. The actual and perceived 5 A's for semiperishable foods matched, and hence the food environment was graded as good across the villages. However, for perishable foods, the food environment was graded as poor with respect to accommodation and acceptability in all villages; and with respect to availability and affordability in at least 2 villages as the actual and perceived measures did not match. This study demonstrated the use of context-specific methods to assess the 5 key dimensions of the food environment, which can be attempted in other contexts with suitable modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research presents an enhanced energy detector using windowing groups, machine learning, and parallel Fast Fourier Transforms to alleviate spectrum congestion in fifth-generation wireless services. Specifically designed for non-stationary signals with low signal-to-noise ratios, this technique addresses key challenges by improving Detection Probability (Pd) and augmenting FFT resolution. By applying specific weighting factors to samples within the sensing frame, the Probability of Detection (Pd) is increased. The Machine Learning algorithm dynamically adjusts the weighting factor multipliers based on the prevailing signal-to-noise conditions. Implementing parallel FFTs for sample groups further enhances resolution. Diverse windowing methods and grouping strategies significantly boost detection probability, especially for non-stationary signals under low SNRs. Compared to the conventional energy detector with 56% detection probability, the proposed method achieves 76–97% probability at − 15 dB SNR proving its efficiency in improving signal detection under challenging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncontrolled spread of (mis)information, news and propaganda related to COVID 19 created an 'infodemic' leading to panic and unscientific practices among the mass. With the largest number of internet users in the world, India has witnessed a steep rise in the number of people seeking information on social media related to COVID-19, which reached a staggering 22.3 million by March, 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the trend of COVID-19 associated food and nutrition news search by Indian internet users between 27th January 2020 to 30th June 2021 (time period between the first detected COVID-19 case and the end of the second wave in India) and its impact on their perceptions and practices. The association between the change in Relative Search Volume (RSV) on Google Trends (GT) of 34 popularly searched keywords classified by the researchers under 5 different categories—"Immunity", "Eating behavior", "Food safety", "Food scares and concerns" and "Covid scare" showed a steep rise in search for immunity boosters, vitamin supplement brands "ayush kadha (ayurvedic decoction) during the first wave (April- August 2020). With a brief period of decline in the search trend, it again hiked correspondingly with the growing number of positive cases during the second wave in India. An online survey conducted on adult Indian internet users (n = 572) reported high (71.9%) consumption of Vitamin C rich fruits as well as Vitamin C (68.2%) and Zinc (61.4%) supplements to boost immunity. Traditional Indian spices like ginger and garlic were used by 62.9% and 50.9% respondents respectively. Most respondents reported to rely on social media for gathering COVID-19 associated tips for boosting immunity, however those with history of COVID-19 infection reported to rely more on doctors and health professionals for information. This study highlights the need of media and health literacy to advocate for the use of health information cautiously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mounting trends of beauty perceptions have contributed to distorted body image among adolescents. This demand understanding about current pointers of body image satisfaction to prevent eating disorders associated with mismanagement of weight in adolescents. Aim & Objective: The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to apprehend body image perception and dissatisfaction among adolescents (12-14years) across the genders and associate it with their actual BMI along with identifying the factors influencing body image perception. Settings and Design: A structured questionnaire was developed and administered on randomly selected 112 adolescents (68% boys & 34% girls, 12-14 years), mean age=12.8 ±0.45 from urban coeducational school of western India. Anthropometric measurements were taken with standardized tools and BMI z-scores were calculated. The actual and perceived weight was compared using paired t-test and descriptive statistics. Association between body image indicators, gender, and BMI were assessed using Chi-square test and One-way ANOVA. Factor analysis was done by Principal component analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in the perceived (M=2.31, SD=0.93) and actual BMI (M=1.96, SD=0.69), p=0.002. A significant association between gender and the influence of media idols, discrimination due to physical appearance and BMI was observed (p≤.0.005). Self-perception and judgements of others, behaviors related with self-fixation, social influence and inappropriate dietary practices and comparison with models and actors were the emerging factors identified. Conclusion: The body image perception was distorted among adolescents of both sexes, with higher body image discontent shown by girls. The perceived body image, when compared with their BMI was found to be incongruent across sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mounting trends of beauty perceptions have contributed to distorted body image among adolescents. This demand understanding about current pointers of body image satisfaction to prevent eating disorders associated with mismanagement of weight in adolescents. Aim & Objective: The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to apprehend body image perception and dissatisfaction among adolescents (12-14years) across the genders and associate it with their actual BMI along with identifying the factors influencing body image perception. Settings and Design: A structured questionnaire was developed and administered on randomly selected 112 adolescents (68% boys & 34% girls, 12-14 years), mean age=12.8 ±0.45 from urban coeducational school of western India. Anthropometric measurements were taken with standardized tools and BMI z-scores were calculated. The actual and perceived weight was compared using paired t-test and descriptive statistics. Association between body image indicators, gender, and BMI were assessed using Chi-square test and One-way ANOVA. Factor analysis was done by Principal component analysis. Results: There was a significant difference in the perceived (M=2.31, SD=0.93) and actual BMI (M=1.96, SD=0.69), p=0.002. A significant association between gender and the influence of media idols, discrimination due to physical appearance and BMI was observed (p≤.0.005). Self-perception and judgements of others, behaviors related with self-fixation, social influence and inappropriate dietary practices and comparison with models and actors were the emerging factors identified. Conclusion: The body image perception was distorted among adolescents of both sexes, with higher body image discontent shown by girls. The perceived body image, when compared with their BMI was found to be incongruent across sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has reached a remarkable milestone of completing 100 years of exemplary service to the nation. The long journey that started in a humble one-room laboratory at Coonoor (now in Tamil Nadu) in 1918 to a colossus of the nutrition research in the country today is dotted with several interesting vignettes. The NIN has always been at the forefront of need-based, pragmatic research. Its large-scale community-based interventions have been of great practical value in the nation's fight against malnutrition. The evolution of nutrition as a modern science almost coincides with the growth of the Institute. Being the oldest in the fraternity of institutes under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the NIN has grown from strength to strength due to the sheer relevance of its contributions in furthering nutrition science and promoting public health in the country. This article provides a historical overview of the evolution and contributions of ICMR-NIN in the areas of nutrition, food safety, public health and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient deficiencies, majorly iron, iodine, vitamin-A, pose a serious threat to public health in many developing countries, including India. A surfeit of nutrition and health programs was developed to address micronutrient malnutrition in India, covering many aspects of lifecycle. The importance of nutrition education and communication is emphasized in public health nutrition policies. Concomitantly, there is a surge in various interventional studies with the integration of nutrition education and communication. However, there is a lack of clarity on the overall impact of community level nutrition education/communication interventions on micronutrient (mal)nutrition in India, which may be due to the lack of critical evaluation of the nutrition education/communication components in these studies. Given this background, this article reviews the studies conducted in the last two decades in India. This systematic review identified and analyzed the studies that aimed to use nutrition education and communication as intervention methods to promote micronutrients’ intake and status among various age groups. Using four online databases and systematic library search, research articles published from 1994 to 2016 were collected based on pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data on general information, intervention, and key outcome measures were extracted. Inferences from findings of studies were drawn; factors that contributed to the success or failure of the interventions were analyzed by developing a framework. Systematic internet and library search resulted in 1250 published papers. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 research papers (with five studies covering nutrition education + supplementation; one study with nutrition education + supplementation + psychosocial intervention and the rest only education/communication) were selected for the review. This paper discusses the contextual factors in the area of intervention, audience targeted, methods of communication used, messages delivered, and outcomes thereof. It suggests that integrated multiple strategies may work and a critical examination is needed to address macro and micro issues of micronutrient-related communication for developing sustainable communication interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we have investigated spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Kantowski-Sachs cosmological model in Lyra (Math. Z. 54:52, ) manifold in the presence of bulk viscous fluid containing one dimensional Cosmic strings. To obtain a determinate solution of the field equations, we have used some plausible physical conditions. The solution obtained represents a bulk viscous string cosmological model in Lyra geometry. Some physical and geometrical properties of the model are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study consumer knowledge and use of food labels.Design: A cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Intercept interviews were conducted with 1832 consumers at supermarket sites selected using a stratified random sampling procedure. This information was triangulated with twenty-one focus group discussions.Setting: New Delhi and Hyderabad, two metro-cities from north and south India.Subjects: Adolescent (10-19 years), adult (20-59 years) and elderly (≥60 years) consumers.Results: While the national urban literacy rate is 84 %, about 99 % of the study participants were educated. About 45 % reported that they buy pre-packaged foods once weekly and about a fifth buy them every day. Taste, quality, convenience and ease of use are the main reasons for buying pre-packaged foods. Although 90 % of consumers across the age groups read food labels, the majority (81 %) looked only for the manufacturing date or expiry/best before date. Of those who read labels, only a third checked nutrition information and ingredients. Nutrient information on labels was not often read because most consumers either lacked nutrition knowledge or found the information too technical to understand. About 60 % read quality symbols. A positive association was found between education level and checking various aspects of food labels. Women and girls concerned about 'fat' and 'sugar' intake read the nutrition facts panel.Conclusions: The intention of promoting healthy food choices through use of food labels is not being completely met. Since a majority of people found it difficult to comprehend nutrition information, there is a need to take up educational activities and/or introduce new forms of labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo study consumer knowledge and use of food labels.DesignA cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Intercept interviews were conducted with 1832 consumers at supermarket sites selected using a stratified random sampling procedure. This information was triangulated with twenty-one focus group discussions.SettingNew Delhi and Hyderabad, two metro-cities from north and south India.SubjectsAdolescent (10–19 years), adult (20–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years) consumers.ResultsWhile the national urban literacy rate is 84 %, about 99 % of the study participants were educated. About 45 % reported that they buy pre-packaged foods once weekly and about a fifth buy them every day. Taste, quality, convenience and ease of use are the main reasons for buying pre-packaged foods. Although 90 % of consumers across the age groups read food labels, the majority (81 %) looked only for the manufacturing date or expiry/best before date. Of those who read labels, only a third checked nutrition information and ingredients. Nutrient information on labels was not often read because most consumers either lacked nutrition knowledge or found the information too technical to understand. About 60 % read quality symbols. A positive association was found between education level and checking various aspects of food labels. Women and girls concerned about ‘fat’ and ‘sugar’ intake read the nutrition facts panel.ConclusionsThe intention of promoting healthy food choices through use of food labels is not being completely met. Since a majority of people found it difficult to comprehend nutrition information, there is a need to take up educational activities and/or introduce new forms of labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We will discuss the challenges of visualizing large cosmological datasets. These include observational issues such as the masks and incomplete nature of the survey volume, cosmological issues such as redshift distortions and the difficulty of visualizing datasets that span cosmological epochs, as well as the inherent visualization challenges in presenting dense three-dimensional (3D) datasets. Two case studies will be presented. The first will feature the identification of filamentary structures in the large scale distribution of galaxies. The second case study will feature visualizations of the correlations between quasar absorption line systems and luminous red galaxies. Finally, we will give an overview of our visualization work-flow which features the use of the open-source 3D modeling program Blender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asymptotic expansion of ]]>]]>]]>\sum\limits_{n\le x}e^*(n)$ is given, where $e^*(n)$ is defined by $\sum{\frac{{e^*(n)}}{{n^s}}}\eg \prod\limits_{n=2}^\infty (1-1/n^s)$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need for a more context and culture-sensitive approach to ensuring food safety in India. Topics discussed include the World Health Organization's (WHO) call for more attention to food safety worldwide, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) food labeling regulation and keys to safer food which include hand washing, adequate cooking and avoiding cross-contamination and getting food from unsafe sources.

Excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, deviation in viscosity and excess Gibbs free energy for activation of viscous flow for binary mixtures of propargyl alcohol (J) with benzyl aldehyde (J1), benzylamine (J2) and benzyl alcohol (J3) components with selected compositions were determined from the measured values of densities (ρ), viscosities (η), and speeds of sound (u) of pure components and their mixtures from 303.15 K to 313.15 K. The effect of various functional groups on the excess properties has been discussed in terms of attractive forces between the components. The results of the Jouyban-Acree model are discussed in terms of the mean relative deviation and individual relative between the calculated and experimental densities, speed of sound, and viscosities as an accuracy criterion.FTIR studies have also been added to confirm the experimental findings of the investigated mixtures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The complete blood count is the first investigation to be done in every patient with breast carcinoma before surgery. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a major role in angiogenesis, metastasis and progression of tumours. Aim: To assess Red Blood Cell (RBC) parameters in breast carcinoma patients and controls, and to evaluate its relation with serum VEGF. Materials and Methods: Present study was a case-control study, conducted in Department of Pathology of JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India from November 2019 to April 2021. Preoperative venous blood samples were collected and run in an automated analyser Mindray CAL6000 for all haematological parameters. Preoperative serum samples were collected and serum VEGF was estimated using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 to evaluate the association between RBC parameters and serum VEGF using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 80 samples were evaluated, which included 40 preoperatively diagnosed breast cancer cases and 40 age and sex matched controls. RBC parameters such as RBC, Haemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (Hct), red cell indices Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), reticulocytes, Red cell Distribution Width (RDW) and nucleated RBCs (nRBCs) were measured. The nRBCs and serum VEGF of cases were significantly higher than controls. A statistically significant association between patients with low Hb and high serum VEGF was found. Conclusion: A higher percentage of breast carcinoma cases with anaemia in this study was significantly associated with high serum VEGF, reflecting anaemia induced hypoxia may trigger the tumour cells to secrete VEGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the benefits of a quiz program in nutrition program and highlights the Food and Nutrition Quiz organized by the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists of India during the Annual World Food Day Symposium in Hyderabad, India. The questions of the quiz covered several topics including nutrition, food laws, food safety and food labeling. It also informs that nutrition quizzes could be effective tools for nutrition education.

Background: Foxtail millet is considered as nutri-cereal and source of food, feed and fodder. Though it is grown in marginal conditions it can give the best production with the proper nutrient management for its cultivation. The objective of study was to identify the suitable seed quality enhancement method to increase grain yield of foxtail millet. Methods: During kharif 2017 and 2018 on black cotton soils at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, the experiment was conducted in field and laboratory with split plot design with four nitrogen doses as main plots such as N1- control, N2- 125 kg neem+1250 kg vermi compost /ha, N3- 50 kg urea+50 kg super phosphate and 50 kg murate of potash /ha + top dressing urea at 3- 4 weeks after transplanting + 2% borax spray, N4- N2 + N3 and four pre sowing seed treatments as sub plots. The treatments were P1- control, P2- soaking in water for 8 hours by adopting seed to solution of 1:1 ratio,P3-seed soaking with 2% KH2PO4 for 8 hours by adopting seed to solution of 1:1 ratio, P4-seed treatment with 20% liquid Pseudomonas fluorescens. After pre sowing seed treatment, seed were sown in field with different nitrogen doses. Result: Results revealed that application of 50 kg urea+ 50 kg super phosphate and 50 kg murate of potash/ha + top dressing urea at 3-4 weeks after transplanting + 2% borax spray recorded significantly higher seed yield (3148 kg/ha) and in pre sowing seed treatment with 20% liquid Pseudomonas fluorescens (3019 kg/ha) than other treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High intakes of sodium, sugar, saturated fats, and trans-fats contributed to 187.7 million disability adjusted life years from noncommunicable diseases globally. Understanding of the global evidence on interventions to reduce consumption of various types of unhealthy food across diverse contexts is needed. We conducted a scoping review to examine the existing evidence on behavior change interventions (BCIs) to address unhealthy food consumption. Through a systematic search of 3 databases conducted in December 2022, 2730 records were retrieved, and 145 studies met the eligibility criteria for review. Only 19% of the studies (n = 28) were from low- and middle-income countries. The key target group for most BCIs was adults 20 y (n = 79). Interventions were conducted across 7 types of settings: schools (n = 52), digital (n = 30), community (n = 28), home (n = 14), health facility (n = 12), worksite (n = 6), and market (n = 3). There were 4 mutually inclusive intervention types--information, education, and communication (n = 141); food/beverage substitution (n = 10); interactive games (n = 7); and labeling/warnings at point-of-purchase (n = 3). The study outcomes included consumption of sugarsweetened beverages (n = 74), packaged salty snacks/fast food (n = 61), sweets (n = 43), and saturated fat (n = 41). Drivers of food choice behaviors, such as knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs; motivation and expectancies; and self-efficacy were reported in 43% of studies. On the basis of reported impact of BCIs on study outcomes, more interventions targeted at adults had positive impacts compared with those targeted at children; intervention packages, including multiple information, education, and communication components also reported impacts more often than single informational interventions. Interpretation of the findings was complicated by the lack of comparability in interventions, evaluation designs, outcome measures of unhealthy food consumption, duration of interventions, and study contexts. Future studies should invest in critical yet underrepresented regions, examine behavioral determinants of unhealthy food consumption and the sustainability of behavior change, and conduct further analysis of effectiveness from experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and development of a fuzzy peak current controlled (FPCC) single-stage single-phase nonisolated AC/DC high-power factor LED drive. The proposed controller includes a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) in the loop voltage and a peak current controller in the loop current for an integrated nonisolated LED driver to attain a high-power factor (PF). The proposed control avoids complexities related to nonlinearities of the converter. The control action is initially derived from a group of rules written in accordance with experience and intuitive reasoning. The proposed technique is realized using a DSP processor (TI-TMS320F2812), which is capable of executing a high number of instructions in one cycle. A 70 W, 350 mA LED driver operating with an input of 90 V-230 V, 50 Hz was designed and implemented using MATLAB/Simulink. The results of the driver are in accordance with international regulations. The steady-state and transient responses are validated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and development of a fuzzy peak current controlled (FPCC) single-stage single-phase nonisolated AC/DC high-power factor LED drive. The proposed controller includes a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) in the loop voltage and a peak current controller in the loop current for an integrated nonisolated LED driver to attain a high-power factor (PF). The proposed control avoids complexities related to nonlinearities of the converter. The control action is initially derived from a group of rules written in accordance with experience and intuitive reasoning. The proposed technique is realized using a DSP processor (TI-TMS320F2812), which is capable of executing a high number of instructions in one cycle. A 70 W, 350 mA LED driver operating with an input of 90 V-230 V, 50 Hz was designed and implemented using MATLAB/Simulink. The results of the driver are in accordance with international regulations. The steady-state and transient responses are validated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information about nutrition and healthy lifestyles using an edutainment module called Nutritainment. It mentions the Nutritainment module was administered during their socially useful productive work classes. It also mentions the impact of Nutritainment module on nutrition knowledge of the adolescents was assessed by conducting pre- and postevaluations using a pretested and precoded nutrition knowledge questionnaire.

In recent years, a Multilevel Inverter (MLI) topology is highly preferred in the various renewable energy applications for converting power due to their merits. In this paper, a three-phase inverter has been designed for grid-connected applications using Proportional Integral (PI) current controller scheme. To generate a sequence, the Level shift (LS) and Phase Shift (PS) Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) methodologies are adapted. This topology has been designed with two stages: the DC-DC conversion stage and DC-AC conversion stage. The DC-DC conversion stage is used to enrich input DC voltage which is obtained from the solar PV array. The PI current controller has been designed to regulate the grid current with park transformation. The performances of the inverter have been examined in terms of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) using different PWM techniques and also investigated with existing research works. The developed results are verified using MATLAB/ Simulink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article use of visual imagery-based activity and pictorial learning in nutrition education among primary schoolchildren in India.

Hydatidosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world. In this report, we describe a 25-year-old patient from Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh who presented with cough, chest pain, dyspnoea, and hemoptysis due to hydatid disease of the lung. Although it is one of the less common causes of hemoptysis, hydatid disease of the lung requires greater attention in countries such as India, where hydatid cyst disease is common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the multicomponent communication module, Read-B4-U-Eat, to promote food label reading skills amongst adolescents in India.

The article discusses research findings on the occurrence of ash layers in radiolarian cherts in south Andaman Island which suggests explosive volcanic activity during the Late Cretaceous period. The main rock types of the Andaman-Nicobar Islands and the two distinct types of the Late Cretaceous volcanic rocks are cited. A description and analysis of the occurrence of radiolarian cherts in the island is presented.

Objectives To assess the differences in risk perceptions of overweight/obese and normal-weight adolescents about obesity and associated risk factors. Design Qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs). Settings Five randomly selected schools from the South Indian city of Hyderabad. Participants Seventy-nine adolescents (ages 11–14 years) participated in 10 FGDs (5 each with overweight/obese and normal-weight groups). Phenomenon of Interest Whether obesity-related risk perceptions differ with actual weight status or not. Analysis FGDs were recorded, transcribed, and manually coded for thematic analysis. Results were presented according to 6 themes. At each stage of coding and analysis, reports were read independently by 2–3 researchers and the inter-coder reliability was high (ratio of number of agreements against the sum of agreements plus disagreements was over 90%). Results Adolescents across the groups had limited understanding of nutrition during adolescence as well as causes and consequences of obesity. The optimistic bias that they were less vulnerable compared to others to the risks of obesity was evident from perceptions of overweight groups. While overweight adolescents argued that obesity was hereditary, the normal-weight participants perceived “faulty food habits” and laziness as the reasons. Adolescents across the groups considered fruits and vegetables as healthy foods. Conclusions and Implications There were clear differences in perceptions of adolescents of different weight status. Employing the risk perception analysis framework, this study identified the following adolescent traits: responsive, avoidance, and indifference, which may be useful for developing nutrition communication programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pure, Cu2+doped CdS-Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 composites are prepared by hydrothermal route. • XRD pattern exhibit both hexagonal phase of CdS, monoclinic β-phase Zn 3 (PO 4) 2. • With effect of Cu2+, SEM images show hexagonal spheres on rectangular flakes. • At higher Cu2+doping concentration there is a small increase in the band gap. • PL spectra show red shifting and strong luminescence in UV-Visible region. Pure and CuO (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mol%) doped CdS-Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 semiconducting nanophosphors were synthesized by hydrothermal technique under mild reaction temperatures. The prepared samples were systematically investigated by Powder X-ray diffraction [XRD], Fourier Transform infra-red spectroscopy [FT-IR], Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] with EDAX, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer [DRS] and Photoluminescence [PL] techniques. X-ray diffraction pattern shows hexagonal phase of CdS and monoclinic β-phase of Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 with good crystalline nature. The average crystallite size of nanocomposites are in the range 13 to 25 nm and found to decrease from 18 nm to 13 nm with increasing dopant concentration. FT-IR spectra indicate that the prepared samples are high in purity. The surface morphology of the samples has shown a hetero structure type morphology in which hexagonal CdS spheres network bonding accumulated on rectangular flakes. The obtained chemical composition of all the samples are identified by EDAX is in agreement with the calculated stoichiometry. The optical band gap values are determined by diffuse reflectance spectra and are found to be in the range 2.49 eV to 2.39 eV. The room temperature Photoluminescence spectra of pure CdS-Zn 3 (PO 4) 2 lattice shown a broad strong green emission peak at ~ 518 nm, while upon incorporation CuO ions in host lattice, a sharp luminescence peak around 393 nm has been observed in all the doped samples along with other peaks at 494 nm, 594 nm, 684 nm which are in the violet, blue-green-red fluorescence of UV-Visible region makes them suitable for optoelectronic device applications. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calorie counting mobile apps claim to assist in weight management by helping users monitor their diets and track activity. This study assessed quality and effectiveness of popular calorie counting apps in weight management and behaviour change. Top 20 apps were selected from Google Play store and their quality was assessed using a 55-point scoring scale on attributes like standards used, content accuracy, user interface and sources of database. The mean (±SD (standard deviation)) quality score was 36.95 (±5.65). The calorie and activity recommendations were compared with standards and over 65 per cent apps over/underestimated calorie intake. To assess effectiveness, 60 young volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups. The intervention group (n = 30) was asked to use one of the top 3 apps for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-comparisons were made with the control group (n = 28). No significant difference was noted in anthropometry or food consumption. There was increasing trend (13.33%) in physical activity in the intervention group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop and validate a context-specific comprehensive knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire for literate mothers on factors affecting micronutrient status of 6-10-year-old children.Design: Sequential exploratory mixed-methods study using focus group discussions (FGD) and psychometric validation.Setting: Seven randomly selected villages with >500 households with three to five family members each, in Ghatkesar sub-district, Medchal district, Telangana state, India.ParticipantsLiterate mothers from middle-income households with at least one child (6-10 years) for FGD (n 44), for testing the internal consistency (n 80) and for test-retest reliability (n 30).Results: The themes for FGD were diet diversity, micronutrients, cooking and eating practices, national programmes and sunlight exposure. Knowledge among caregivers about sources of micronutrients, deficiency symptoms, cooking/eating practices was low, while attitude towards diet diversity and sunlight was good. Non-availability of fruits and vegetables was a barrier to diet diversity. About 72 % of the questions from the item pool were based on FGD. After content validity, 125 items were selected for the questionnaire which, upon psychometric validation, was reduced to an eighty-eight-item questionnaire with difficulty index of 0·10-0·91, discrimination index of 0·09-0·68, Cronbach's α of 0·78 (reliability of knowledge and attitude) and 0·50 (practice). A Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between test and retest scores.Conclusions: The questionnaire developed and validated using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach can be used for assessing KAP on micronutrients and factors affecting consumption of diverse diets in rural Indian households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess knowledge and use of label information among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents (N = 316) from 6 schools selected randomly using cluster sampling. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to assess frequently consumed packaged foods, whether label information was read, knowledge of symbols, and usefulness of nutrition information display. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Although 88% of adolescents read food labels, many read only date of manufacture (79%), expiration (74%) or best used before dates (65%). Fewer adolescents read ingredients (50%) and nutrition information (20%). Their knowledge about quality symbols was low. Many of them (over 60%) recognized the symbols but had no knowledge of what they indicated. About 66% believed that nutrition information on labels was too complex to understand. Conclusions and Implications: There is a need to provide education on different aspects of label information to promote label use. The effectiveness of alternative methods of nutrition information display should also be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]