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Background: Assessment of wild edible vegetables (WEVs) from the ethnobotanical approach is a significant key to understanding indigenous knowledge systems. The available literature has revealed a tremendous decline in knowledge of WEVs over the last few decades. The main purpose of this study was to document and analyse the traditional knowledge of WEVs among the two major ethnic groups of Mizoram regarding their use and the diversity associated with the importance of traditional medicines. Secondly, a market survey will be conducted to determine the status of available WEVs. Methods: This study conducted an ethnobotanical survey among 72 informants through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires besides direct field observations. The documented data were quantitatively analysed using various ethnobotanical indices, including Informant's consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level value (Fl), and Direct matrix ranking (DMR). A marketing survey was conducted in the Bara Bazar, Mizoram's most prominent local market. A total of 38 vendor informants were interviewed to observe and collect the price of commonly sold WEVs. Results: A total of 70 WEVs, distributed in 58 genera under 36 families, were documented and identified. Of these, 33 WEVs were of medicinal importance. Leafy vegetables were documented as the most frequently consumed parts (55.71%). The majority (44.29%) of the plants documented were consumed in fried form. The highest level of agreement among informants for food used categories was observed for plants combined with dry fish (ICF = 1). The Informant's consensus factor (ICF) of disease categories ranges from 0.75 to 1, with the highest being reported for convulsion (ICF = 1), sleep inducer (ICF = 1), and antiseptic (ICF = 1). Picria fel-terrae was the most preferred plant for hypertension treatment (100% FL). Direct matrix ranking (DMR) indicated that Dysoxylum excelsum was highly utilized by the inhabitant for multipurpose species (DMR = 64). Jaccard similarity index (JI) between the two ethnic groups was revealed at 1.26. Forty-seven WEVs were found to be commercialized in the Bara Bazar market, Aizawl, with a price range from 0.1 to 2.4 USD. Ensete superbum was reported as near threatened per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Conclusion: This work highlighted the importance and rich diversity of WEVs in Mizoram, which are presently used among different age groups for food and medicine. Informants have good knowledge of WEVs, which was shared to a great extent among the inhabitants; this legacy of traditional culture must be conserved. This study further suggests a priority setting for conserving multipurpose WEVs in human-inhabited sites, investigating the recorded species' nutritional properties and pharmacological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooking and women share a discursive relationship in Indian social and cultural spheres. The culinary practices of women not only reflect the gender norms prevalent in Indian society but also in Indian marriages. Marriage as a social institution in India adheres to the protocols of gender relations that regulate the culinary activities of married women in the domestic sphere. The present article attempts to unveil the politics of gender working overtly and covertly in Indian matchmaking and conjugal relationships through the analysis of women's culinary practices in the recently-released Hindi film, Tarla (2023) directed by Piyush Gupta. In order to do so, the article takes a feminist standpoint in its investigation of the central character, Tarla's cooking activities in her marital and professional journey. Tarla chronicles the biography of the Indian culinary icon, Tarla Dalal, and thereby represents the working of gender norms and rules that regulate women's lives in Indian society. Through the vignette of Tarla's journey, the film adds new dimensions to the general discourses on Indian feminisms that view cooking as only repressive and unresourceful. By analyzing the film, the article aims to broaden the horizon of feminisms by positing the agentic and mediative potential of women's cooking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted on development of composite flour noodles using indigenous food grains of NorthEast India and assessment of their quality. The composite flour noodles were prepared in a single screw cold extruder using wheat flour (WF), black aromatic rice flour (BRF), white sticky rice flour (WRF), and millet flour (MF) in different proportion. The physical properties, cooking characteristics, textural characteristics, and sensory qualities of the noodle were examined. The results showed that the noodles' bulk density varied between 0.4 and 0.5 g ml-1 and their moisture content ranged from 8.63 to 8.91 (% wb). The cooking loss, cooking yield and the water absorption capacity of the noodles ranged from 7.9%-13.4%, 271.5%-370.9% and 1.72-2.71 g g-1, respectively. As the amounts of MF and BRF reduced, a decrease in the hardness and adhesiveness of the noodles was observed. Based on the sensory evaluation, composite flour noodle having maximum amount of BRF and MF was found to be the most liked sample. In contrast to their lack of significance at 95 percent confidence level for water absorption capacity, different proportions of WF, BRF, WRF, and MF have a substantial impact on colour change, bulk density, cooking loss, and cooking yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development goals (SDG 7.1) reinforce to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, safe and renewable energy. In India, women are typically responsible for cooking and are most vulnerable to household air contaminants. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional comparative study in Odisha, India between exclusive LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) users and non-LPG users. A total of 900 women, 450 from each group, were randomly selected. The LPG-users had a better predictor of physical, psychological, social, and environmental wellbeing than non-LPG users. We found the ophthalmic disorders (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.87, 95% CI 1.16–7.10, p =.023), asthma (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15–3.65, p =.015), and ALRI (acute lower respiratory infections) (AOR 9.19, 95% CI 2.06–40.96, p <.004) were significantly higher in non-LPG users in comparison to LPG users. Access to smokeless cooking fuel will improve women's quality of life by eliminating the consumption of biofuel and thereby providing a healthier cooking environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato has become an integral part of human diets world over and is consumed alone or with wide variety of other vegetables. Consumer preference of the regions varies and is dependent upon market specifications, variety; tuber appearance, size, shape, colour; absence of disease or tubers defects; texture and flavour of cooked potatoes. Breeding for consumer preference related traits is integral part of the varietal development efforts world over and thus helps to write the success story of a variety evolved. In recent years there has been a surge in the consumer awareness in India, with consumers becoming more conscious about the food, its nutritional valueand its use. The desired products fetch higher premium prices in the market. A potato is not merely a potato anymore in recent times, but a commodity having varied uses, with each user having a specific requirement. In view of the above, it becomes pertinent to delineate the various consumer-oriented breeding objectives for potato, based on its use. Indian consumer-based profiles of potato have been proposed, based on recent overview and prevailing Indian scenario for orientingspecific breeding programmes, guiding consumers and seed producers to breed, consume and multiply the variety of their choice and formulation of selection indices for genotype screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out in AC and RI, killikulam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, India during Kharif 2017 to evaluate physiochemical and cooking properties of promising high yielding rice varieties of Tamil Nadu. Different physiochemical properties were studied in Fifty-five rice varieties. The hulling percentage varied from IR 28 (88.85) to CO 39(62.5), milling percentage ranged between IR 28(79.6) to C0 39(59.35), HRR% varied from IR 28 (73.3) to CO 43 (42.5), grain length is highest in Pusa Basmati (8.85 mm) and lowest in short grain type TN 1 (4.05 mm), The grain breadth ranged between 1.5 mm (JGL 3855) – 2.4 mm (ASD 2). L/B ratio, varied from 5.72 (Pusa Basmati) to 1.84 (TN 1), grain length after cooking ranged from Pusa Basmati (14.7mm) to BRNS (WP) 5 (5.35mm). Whereas the highest grain breadth after cooking was observed in ASD 2 (4.75 mm) and the lowest observed in Pusa Basmati (2.05 mm), linear elongation ratio is ranged from 1.67 (Pusa Basmati) to 1.04 (TPS 3), breadth wise expansion ratio was varied from TPS 3(2.49) to Pusa Basmati (1.33), ASV recorded 4, 7, 27,11 and 7 varieties for scale-2, scale-3,scale-4, scale-5, scale-6 respectively. gel consistency ranged from 99.55 mm ( JGL 3855) to 55.5 mm (Swarna) and the amylose content varied from 39.45 (Abhya) to 13.55(ASD 17). The relationship between physicochemical and cooking properties was determined using Pearson’s correlation. Correlation was done for determining the nature of interaction among the characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To combat Iron deficiency anemia, an innovative pilot project, anemia prevention among adolescent girls and lactating mothers through nonpharmacological measures has been started at few places in Gujarat. To evaluate the acceptability of intervention kits provided to the beneficiaries. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study design where 182 beneficiaries were randomly selected for interview from 12 randomly selected Anganwadi centers of intervention taluka of Junagadh district. Results: Information Education and Communication (IEC) material though available was unread by majority of beneficiaries. Iron utensils were used by 65% of beneficiaries for cooking. Only few beneficiaries (7%) daily use the provided moringa powder. Only half of the beneficiaries (53%) had grown some of the crops from the kitchen garden kit provided and knowledge of beneficiaries regarding iron-rich food was satisfactory in less than one-fifth (19%) of them. Conclusion: Study results concluded that providing nonpharmacological material is of little use until beneficiaries were properly guided and motivated by regular follow-up visits and addressing their problems; otherwise, it just stands as a mere matter of rock only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in India and is one of the most important causes of preventable brain damage. Iodine deficiency disorders affect an individual's ability to work efficiently, which directly impacts the overall development and economic productivity of any nation. Global experiences have shown that salt fortification is the most effective way to control and reduce the burden of IDD in the community. Thirty-six years have passed since the declaration of universal salt iodization (USI) implementation in India by the Central Council of Health in 1983. However, iodine deficiency still remains a public health problem in the whole country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortification of rice with micronutrients using extrusion technology is considered a sustainable strategy to prevent nutritional deficiencies in general population. The objective of the present study is to assess the retention, stability and iron bioavailability from indigenously developed triple fortified rice (iron, folic acid and vitamin B12) during rinsing and different cooking methods. Further, we also assessed the acceptability of fortified rice in adult human volunteers. The retention of iron during rinsing with excess water was ≥90%, whereas folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were reduced by ~25% during rinsing. Watertight cooking of rice (in electric cooker or on flame) had no additional effect on the nutrient levels as compared with rinsed rice, implying their stability during cooking. However, cooking with excess water followed by decanting led to loss of 45% iron and ≥70% folic acid and vitamin B12. The dialyzable iron and ferritin synthesis in Caco‐2 cells was significantly (P <.01) higher from fortified rice compared with unfortified rice. In addition, inclusion of ascorbic acid significantly (P <.01) increased the iron bioavailability from the fortified rice. Triangle tests in adult human subjects revealed that there are no significant sensory differences among fortified and unfortified rice. Further, fortified rice consumption appears to bridge the gaps in dietary iron intake deficits in children and women of reproductive age. These results suggest that the iron‐, folic acid‐ and vitamin B12‐fortified rice has higher retention and stability of fortified nutrients and is acceptable for consumption in adult human volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limonia acidissima (wood apple) fruit is edible and used in very limited food preparations. This fruit as well as different parts of the L. acidissima plant is also used as a folk medicine to treat various ailments and reportedly possesses anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activities. The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential uses and applications of L. acidissima to improve the usage of this unexploited fruit based on its nutritive value. This review summarizes recent pharmacognostical aspects, various applications of this fruit in food and non-food industries, and the experimental research work done on L. acidissima. This review will be helpful to create interest toward the lesser-known facts and less documented work done on L. acidissima. This information may be useful in developing new formulations or enhancing the existing products with more therapeutic or nutritive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limonia acidissima (wood apple) fruit is edible and used in very limited food preparations. This fruit as well as different parts of the L. acidissima plant is also used as a folk medicine to treat various ailments and reportedly possesses anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidaemic activities. The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential uses and applications of L. acidissima to improve the usage of this unexploited fruit based on its nutritive value. This review summarizes recent pharmacognostical aspects, various applications of this fruit in food and non-food industries, and the experimental research work done on L. acidissima. This review will be helpful to create interest toward the lesser-known facts and less documented work done on L. acidissima. This information may be useful in developing new formulations or enhancing the existing products with more therapeutic or nutritive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increase in proportion of elderly implies that their problems demand more attention of the administrators. The current study was carried out to assess the functional status of the elderly and to explore the extent and pattern of routine daily life problems faced by them. Methods: An integrated qualitative and quantitative research design was employed. A stratified multistage random sampling technique was used to select the respondents from various areas of Chandigarh. The houses were selected randomly from where elderly persons (> 60 years) were identified. Katz Index of Independence in activities of daily living (ADL) was used to evaluate functional ability of the respondents. Instrumental ADLs (IADLs) were assessed using Lawton and Brody scale. Focus group discussions and in‐depth interviews were conducted among the elderly to explore their problems using an interview guide. Results: One thousand and eighty elderly were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 67.22 ± 7.54 years. (range 60–102 years). The majority (70%) were independent in carrying out their daily life activities. Financially, around one‐third were completely dependent and around half were partially dependent. Major dependence was in food preparation, housekeeping and laundry. From the qualitative data, four main themes were formulated, that is general personal problems of elderly; family problems; problems faced by elderly in hospitals and at public places. A feeling of purposelessness, financial insecurity, physical dependency, problems in hospitals and so on, emerged as the main problems. Conclusions: Majority of the elderly considered their lives as problematic because they were dependent physically as well as financially. The main domains of dependency were problems related to bowel continence, food preparation, housekeeping and laundry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household air pollution from the combustion of biomass and coal is estimated to cause approximately 780,000 premature deaths a year in India. The government has responded by promoting uptake of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by tens of millions of poor rural families. Many poor households with new LPG stoves, however, continue to partially use traditional smoky chulhas. Our primary objective was to evaluate three strategies to transition pregnant women in rural Maharashtra to exclusive use of LPG for cooking. We also measured reductions in kitchen concentrations of PM 2.5 before and after our interventions. Our core intervention was a free stove, 2 free LPG cylinders (one on loan until delivery), and repeated health messaging. We measured stove usage of both the traditional and intervention stoves until delivery. In households that received the core intervention, an average of 66% days had no indoor cooking on a chulha. In an adjacent area, we evaluated a conditional cash transfer (CCT) based on usage of LPG in addition to the core intervention. Results were less successful, due to challenges implementing the CCT. Pregnant women in a third nearby area received the core intervention plus a maximum of one 14.2 kg cylinder per month of free fuel. In their homes, 90% of days had no indoor cooking on a chulha. On average, exclusive LPG use decreased kitchen concentrations of PM 2.5 by approximately 85% (from 520 to 72 μg/m3). 85% of participating households agreed to pay the deposit on the 2nd cylinder. This high purchase rate suggests they valued how the second cylinder permitted continuous LPG supply. A program to increase access to second cylinders may, thus, be a straightforward way to encourage use of clean fuels in rural areas. • Access to clean fuels is increasing in India; programs to enhance usage are limited. • Targeting pregnant women fits within Indian intervention modes. • PM 2.5 levels decreased from 505 to 72 μg/m3, an ~85% reduction, when using LPG. • Providing free fuel resulted in, on average, 90% of days with exclusive LPG use. • 85% of the poor women bought a 2nd LPG cylinder to ease fuel supply constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposures to ambient and household fine-particulate matter (PM2.5) together are among the largest single causes of premature mortality in India according to the Global Burden of Disease Studies (GBD). Several recent investigations have estimated that household emissions are the largest contributor to ambient PM2.5 exposure in the country. Using satellite-derived district-level PM2.5 exposure and an Eulerian photochemical dispersionmodel CAMx (Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions), we estimate the benefit in terms of population exposure of mitigating household sources--biomass for cooking, space- and water-heating, and kerosene for lighting. Complete mitigation of emissions from only these household sources would reduce India-wide, population-weighted average annual ambient PM2.5 exposure by 17.5, 11.9, and 1.3%, respectively. Using GBD methods, this translates into reductions in Indian premature mortality of 6.6, 5.5, and 0.6%. If PM2.5 emissions from all household sources are completely mitigated, 103 (of 597) additional districts (187 million people) would meet the Indian annual air-quality standard (40 µg m-3) compared with baseline (2015) when 246 districts (398 million people) met the standard. At 38 µg m-3, after complete mitigation of household sources, compared with 55.1 µgm-3 at baseline, the mean annual national population-based concentration would meet the standard, although highly polluted areas, such as Delhi, would remain out of attainment. Our results support expansion of programs designed to promote clean household fuels and rural electrification to achieve improved air quality at regional scales, which also has substantial additional health benefits from directly reducing household air pollution exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the experiences of Indian elderly women in meal preparation and food procurement. Ten elderly women aged 60–72 years residing in a metropolis were interviewed. Thematic analysis identified two overarching themes: "Meal preparation and food procurement are meaningful occupations" and "Meal preparation and food procurement change with age." The findings suggests that Indian elderly women valued their participation in these activities. They actively adopted alternative strategies and technologies to overcome the challenges experienced while performing these activities. The findings highlight the strong influence of family and financial aspects on the decisions of elderly women with regard to meal preparation and food procurement. The study findings provide salient information on personal and environmental factors that could guide interventions to promote and maintain Indian elderly women's participation in these meaningful occupations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel use for cooking affects 2.5 billion individuals globally and may contribute substantially to disease burden. However, few prospective studies have assessed the impact of HAP on mortality and cardiorespiratory disease. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to evaluate associations between HAP and mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and respiratory disease in the prospective urban and rural epidemiology (PURE) study. METHODS: We studied 91,350 adults 35-70 y of age from 467 urban and rural communities in 11 countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe). After a median follow-up period of 9.1 y, we recorded 6,595 deaths, 5,472 incident cases of CVD (CVD death or nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure), and 2,436 incident cases of respiratory disease (respiratory death or nonfatal chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, or lung cancer). We used Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for individual, household, and community-level characteristics to compare events for individuals living in households that used solid fuels for cooking to those using electricity or gas. RESULTS: We found that 41.8% of participants lived in households using solid fuels as their primary cooking fuel. Compared with electricity or gas, solid fuel use was associated with fully adjusted hazard ratios of 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.21) for all-cause mortality, 1.08 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.17) for fatal or nonfatal CVD, 1.14 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.30) for fatal or nonfatal respiratory disease, and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.19) for mortality from any cause or the first incidence of a nonfatal cardiorespiratory outcome. Associations persisted in extensive sensitivity analyses, but small differences were observed across study regions and across individual and household characteristics. DISCUSSION: Use of solid fuels for cooking is a risk factor for mortality and cardiorespiratory disease. Continued efforts to replace solid fuels with cleaner alternatives are needed to reduce premature mortality and morbidity in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is predominantly a rural country, where more than two-thirds of the population live in rural areas. The majority of the rural population use crop residue, firewood, and dung cake as cooking fuel sources. Combustion of these fuels emits life-threatening pollutants that contaminate the household environment, which can have serious health consequences, especially for young children. This study examines the use of cooking fuel sources and their association with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children aged 0–59 months. This study used data from the second update of the Annual Health Survey (2012–13). The prevalence rate was measured in terms of the number of children per 1000 children suffering from ARIs. Bivariate analysis was used to analyze the use of different cooking fuels (in percentage) and the prevalence of ARIs in Uttar Pradesh. District-level variations in the cooking fuels used were assessed by simple bivariate analysis for all districts of Uttar Pradesh. A logistic regression was used to examine the association of household environment and pollutants with ARIs. In total, 89 per 1000 children suffered from ARIs in Uttar Pradesh. Infants (0–11 months) were significantly more likely to suffer from ARIs than older children (12–59 months). Households using dung cake for cooking and kerosene and other oils for lighting were found to have significantly higher odds for ARIs (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.25 and OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.05–1.10, respectively). A considerable interdistrict difference was observed in the cooking fuel used and the prevalence of ARIs among children aged 0–59 months. The type of cooking fuel and lighting source used were found to be significant predictors of ARIs among children aged 0–59 months. These results highlight the need for targeted efforts for the provision of clean cooking fuels (liquid petroleum gas/biogas/electricity) and for the improvement in knowledge and awareness of ARIs and exposure to cooking and lighting pollution. • 37.6% of households use dung cake as a cooking fuel and only 13.5% use clean fuels. • Interdistrict differences in cooking fuel sources and prevalence of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are significant. • Type of cooking fuel and lighting source were found to be significant predictors of ARI. • This study helps to understand the prevalence of ARI and their determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with disabilities are nutritionally vulnerable due to feeding difficulties associated with disabilities. Aim & Objective: To investigate factors associated with feeding difficulties in children with/without disabilities. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken in the rural field practice area of a medical college in Karnataka. Methods and Material: Data collected on 145 children with disability and 145 neighbors/sibling/ classmates of the child using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire was analyzed using SPSS 20.0 Statistical analysis: Difficulties faced by feeding children with/without disabilities were expressed in percentages. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between feeding time, challenges encountered, and need for assistance p (<0.05). Results: The mothers mostly assisted feeding. Significant differences in need for support among children with disabilities 19 (13.5%) and without disabilities 3(2.1%) during meals and time taken to feed were seen. The most common difficulty was the improper position 13(9.0%) among children with disabilities. Conclusions: Mother is the significant person involved in feeding children with & without disabilities. Help in feeding, improper position of the child, vomiting tendency while feeding was more common with children with disabilities than without disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribal people in India traditionally practiced to use available spice materials in cooking, medicine, food preservations and as well as in perfumes. Zanthoxylum rhetsa DC is thorny tree growing in different region of India. Its extract has multiple effect like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial etc. The present work designed to study the antioxidant effect of zanthoxylum rhetsa DC dry fruit in controlling rancidity of groundnut oil. Peroxide value and para anisidine value of dried coarse powder and methanol extract in groundnut oil were found to be controlled in compare to the blank oil at incubated temperature 60°C. Duration of 20 days' incubation at 60°C, the 1 gm dry fruit powder and methanol extract of 1 gm powder in groundnut oil shown peroxide and para anisidine values 16.8meqO2/kg, 16.5 meq O2/kg and 17.4, 17.9 respectively to that of blank oil 19.4 meqO2/kg as peroxide value and 20.3 para anisidine value. The control butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) and α-tocopherol recorded a peroxide and para anisidine value11.6 meq O2/kg, 16.3 meq O2/kg and 9.3, 10.4 resspectively. The ethanol, ethyl acetate and water extract have maximum peroxide and para anisidine values (19.7, 20.1, 20.9 meqO2/kg and 21.1, 22.2, 22.3) with the control and blank oil. Dry fruit coarse powder as whole and 1gm methanol extract stabilize the groundnut oil by controlling primary and secondary oxidation. This study suggested that the dry fruits of Zanthoxylum rhetsa DC is natural antioxidant to control rancidity of groundnut oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood smoke causes adverse effects on pulmonary function (PF) in women in developing countries. This study compared PF among rural tribal women in northeastern India among 266 wood users and 82 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) users, all healthy nonsmoking women from April to July, 2014. PF measurements included FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75%. Information on participants' health status, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics were collected by questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions were performed to compare PF between the two groups, adjusting for potential confounders. Wood users had significantly lower pulmonary values than LPG users: FVC (2.65 vs. 2.85 L, p < .001), FEV1 (1.46 vs. 1.92 L, p < .001), PEF (1.89 vs. 2.56 L/s, p < .001), and FEF25-75% (1.12 vs. 1.68 L/s, p < .001) except for FEV1/FVC (76.5 vs. 75.5 percent, p = .27). Wood use was associated with 7 percent lower FVC, 24 percent lower FEV1, 1.3 percent lower FEV1/FVC, 26 percent lower PEF, and 33 percent lower FEEF25-75% compared to LPG use. Wood use was associated with a 0.27-L decrease in FEV1, adjusted for covariates. Women cooking with wood had lower PF and more respiratory symptoms and gastritis than those using LPG. Thus, reducing indoor air pollution from biomass burning is needed to protect tribal women's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: A large number of workers including women are involved in the informal sector in India. A majority of them are engaged in agricultural sectors. The agricultural workers have to perform their jobs by putting manual labor and are exposed to different occupational stresses. The present study was aimed to evaluate postural stress and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) of women cultivators engaged in uprooting job of rice cultivation. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 166 women cultivators from different districts of West Bengal state, India. Materials and Methods: Prevalence and intensity of MSDs of the cultivators were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire and 10-point body part discomfort scale. Work rest pattern and postural pattern were studied by direct observation method. Postural stress was assessed by OVAKO Working Postures Analysis System (OWAS), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and Quick Exposure Checklist (QEC) methods and as well as by measuring center of gravity. Results and Conclusions: MSD was highly prevalent among the study participants. Lower back, hip, wrist, shoulder, and knee were highly affected. Higher prevalence of MSDs among the cultivators may be because of prolonged working hours and awkward postures. The women cultivators had to start their day before dawn to finish off their household chores such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, etc., before they moved off to the fields, which altogether impose them under additional stress. It may be suggested that ergonomic interventions such as modifying work-rest schedules, improving work postures, and introducing new design hand tools should be considered for improving work condition of the women cultivators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important energy poverty reduction initiative in India is aimed at replacing the use of solid cooking fuels with cleaner burning Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Projections suggest however that India will become increasingly dependent on LPG imports, the cost of which is strongly linked to the prevailing oil price and associated volatility. Dimethyl ether (DME) is a synthetic fuel which may be manufactured from domestically available carbonaceous feedstocks, and is compatible with blending with LPG. Very large quantities of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) are generated in India's metropolitan cities, 90% of which is disposed of onto unsanitary landfills, creating major environmental and health concerns. This article investigates the techno-economic merits of reducing these impacts by using a portion of the MSW generated in Kolkata (in the form of a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)) to produce DME. Results suggest that the production of DME from a 50:50 blend of locally available coal and RDF (comprising 10% of the MSW placed at Kolkata's main landfill) will enable the supply of a clean cooking fuel to approximately 15% of Kolkata's population, and become cost competitive with imported LPG at an Indian basket oil price of $130 per barrel. Results also suggest that, at this blend ratio, the fossil fuel derived greenhouse gas emissions at the DME production plant will be more than offset by landfill methane emissions avoided using the RDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Culinary systems, the practice of preparing a refined combination of ingredients that is palatable as well as socially acceptable, are examples of complex dynamical systems. They evolve over time and are affected by a large number of factors. Modeling the dynamic nature of evolution of regional cuisines may provide us a quantitative basis and exhibit underlying processes that have driven them into the present day status. This is especially important given that the potential culinary space is practically infinite because of possible number of ingredient combinations as recipes. Such studies also provide a means to compare and contrast cuisines and to unearth their therapeutic value. Herein we provide rigorous analysis of modeling eight diverse Indian regional cuisines, while also highlighting their uniqueness, and a comparison among those models at the level of flavor compounds which opens up molecular level studies associating them especially with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main causative agents of bovine tuberculosis (TB) are Mycobacterium bovis and to a lesser extent, Mycobacterium caprae. The zoonotic transmission of these pathogens occurs primarily through close contact with infected cattle or consumption of contaminated animal products such as unpasteurized milk. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the association of practices potentially increasing the risk of zoonotic TB (zTB) among cattle holders in the peri-urban area of Sonipat district. Methodology: This study was carried out among 100 cattle holders. The snowball sampling method was used to select the study units. Those who were handling cattle at home for the maximum time were included under the study (one per household). Face-to-face interviews were carried out using a structured questionnaire. The modified Kuppuswamy scale was used for the segregation of risk. Results: Only 4% of participants have heard about zTB and belonged to the middle and upper-middle class. Dietary practices such as consumption of boiled milk and cooked meat, mixed type of milk, meat, and raw milk were found to be 15% (40–49 years), 68% (20–29 years), 3%, and 9% (30–39 years), respectively. Cooked meat was consumed by 15% of participants, of which 12% were of 20–29 years and 3% were of 30–39 years, whereas 3% (20–29 years) population was consuming mixed form of meat. Conclusion: The risky practices such as attending animal fares, treating sick cattle, and contact with stray animal and in dietary practices of milk and meat consumption increase the zTB risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to energy for cooking is one of the major challenges that rural India faces. Most of the rural households of North-Eastern India rely heavily upon fuelwood and traditional open-fire cookstoves for cooking activities. And everyday collection of fuelwood is time-consuming. Hence, women often gather fuelwood to make charcoal. While the use of charcoal has some advantages, it is not clear whether the investment of time in making charcoal is worthwhile. In this paper, we compare household time investments for fuelwood and charcoal production. The study is done using survey data on Napaam village situated in Sonitpur District of Assam, Northeast India. We developed a model to analyse fuelwood needed and time spent upon the introduction of improved cookstoves and/or charcoal production. This analysis reveals that improved cookstoves using fuelwood results in the least time expenditure on the production of cooking fuel. Whilst introducing charcoal marginally reduces the amount of fuelwood, but increases time spent on cooking, due to the time required to produce the charcoal. Hence, rural households who make their own charcoal spend more time on producing cooking fuel than those households relying on direct use of fuelwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asserting that recipes are textual evidences reflecting the society that produced them, this article explores the evolution of the recipes of the iconic Christmas pudding in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and India between the mid-nineteenth and the mid-twentieth centuries. Combining a micro-analysis of the recipes and the cookbook that provided them with contemporary testimonies, the article observes the dynamics revealed by the preparation and consumption of the pudding in these different societies. The findings demonstrate the relevance of national iconic dishes to the study of notions of home, migration and colonization, as well as the development of a new society and identity. They reveal how the preservation, transformation and even rejection of a traditional dish can be representative of the complex and sometimes conflicting relationships between colonists, migrants or new citizens and the places they live in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The state of Gujarat had introduced Extruded Fortified Blended Food, Balbhog, as take-home ration for children 6–35 months of age. The study aimed to understand awareness, availability, and consumption pattern of Balbhog and gain insights on factors influencing its regular use. Aims: This study aims to understand coverage and feeding practices of micronutrient fortified blended food (Balbhog) and determine factors for its regular use. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1623 households with children of 6–35 months of age registered in Anganwadi centers was conducted in the four districts of Gujarat. Household and dietary survey were conducted to understand child care and feeding practices at household level. Results: The results showed high awareness about Balbhog (88.6%) among caregivers, with majority reporting using it (81.7%) before. Regular Balbhog consumption (42.2%), however, declined considerably across all population characteristics. Monthly distribution of adequate Balbhog packets, taste of Balbhog preparations, meal frequency of children, and caregivers' participation in the monthly Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) event emerged as strong predictors of regular Balbhog consumption. No disparity in consumption was observed across socioeconomic characteristics of the population. Conclusion: Household feeding practices and ICDS program factors mediated regular use of Balbhog among children. Improving availability of entitled Balbhog packets, raising awareness about Balbhog preparations, and improving child feeding practices could help in increasing Balbhog consumption in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Food safety inspections serve two purposes; determine compliance with the law and gather evidence for enforcement if there is noncompliance. The present study was conducted to assess the role of regular inspections on food safety in hospital premises. Methodology: This was an intervention based before and after study. A tool was prepared based on the Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR) (in India) 2011. This included major, critical, and highly critical domains. Each item in the tool scored between 1 and 3 (poor, satisfactory, and good). Based on this, each eating establishment (EE) was given a score on conformance to FSSR 2011. Monthly inspection was made over a year and corrective actions were suggested. Results: The minimum preintervention score was (41.28%), and maximum was (77.25%). There was no significant association between type of meal services and score EE (P > 0.05). Higher proportion of EEs within the hospital building had a satisfactory and good score as compared to EEs outside the hospital building but within hospital premises (P < 0.05). Postintervention, there was a significant change (increase) in the scores of EEs. There was a significant increase in mean scores of EEs under major domains namely maintenance, layout of equipment, monitoring an detection, and elimination of food sources to the pests. Under critical and highly critical domains personal cleanliness, training, and self-inspection by food business operators improved significantly. Conclusion: Regular inspections can improve the food safety standards in EEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unvented biomass cookstoves present a recognized respiratory health risk in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to characterize fine particle indoor air pollution (IAP) concentrations in dwellings using traditional cookstoves in a rural community in India. It also aimed to understand if a culturally acceptable clean cookstove intervention was needed to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses from exposure to combustion products from traditional cookstoves. We took PM2.5 concentrations and ≤0.5 µm particle counts inside a sample of dwellings during the use of traditional cookstoves. The data were analyzed to indicate the magnitude of IAP. In households with traditional cookstoves, average PM2.5 concentrations were 172.8 µg/m³, and the particle counts ≤0.5 µm averaged 346,150. The PM2.5 concentrations from the traditional cookstoves were shown as unhealthy per the PM2.5 air quality index (AQI) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Partnering with local community members, an improved prototype metal cookstove was designed to be fuel-efficient and vent the smoke out of the dwellings. We found PM2.5 concentrations and ≤0.5 µm particle counts for the new stove averaged 21.5 µg/m³ and 60,812, respectively. The PM2.5 concentrations from the new stove are at an accept- able level per the AQI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biomass fuel is used as a primary cooking source by more than half of the world's population, contributing to a high burden of disease. Although cleaner fuels are available, some households continue using solid fuels because of financial constraints and absence of infrastructure, especially in non-notified slums. The present study documents a randomised controlled study investigating the efficacy of improved cookstove on the personal exposure to air pollution and the respiratory health of women and children in an Indian slum. The improved cookstove was based on co-creation of a low-smoke chulha with local communities in order to support adaption and sustained uptake.Methods: The study will be conducted in a non-notified slum called Ashrayanagar in Bangalore, India. The study design will be a 1:1 randomised controlled intervention trial, including 250 households. The intervention group will receive an improved cookstove (low-smoke chulha) and the control group will continue using either the traditional cookstove (chulha) or a combination of the traditional stove and the kerosene/diesel stove. Follow-up time is 1 year. Outcomes include change in lung function (FEV1/FVC), incidence of pneumonia, change in personal PM2.5 and CO exposure, incidence of respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, wheeze and shortness of breath), prevalence of other related symptoms (headache and burning eyes), change in behaviour and adoption of the stove. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of the Indian Institute of Public Health Hyderabad- Bengaluru Campus.Discussion: The findings from this study aim to provide insight into the effects of improved cookstoves in urban slums. Results can give evidence for the decrease of indoor air pollution and the improvement of respiratory health for children and women.Trial Registration: The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov on 21 June 2016 with the identifier NCT02821650 ; A Study to Test the Impact of an Improved Chulha on the Respiratory Health of Women and Children in Indian Slums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Terminalia bellerica Roxb. fruits are rich in a variety of biologically active ingredients. Tharu and Buksa tribes of Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India use grilled fruits of Terminalia bellerica as an effective cure for diarrhea Aim of the study We validated the ethnobotanical claim by comparing the antidiarrheal effect of grilled fruits (GF) with dried fruits (DF). Materials and methods The 50% ethanolic extracts of GF and DF were successively fractionated; the antioxidant and bacterial inhibition activity were studied using DPPH free radical scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation and broth dilution method respectively. Difference in metabolites of ethyl acetate fractions of GF and DF was analyzed using GC-MS, gallic acid content was determined through HPTLC. Further the in-vivo antidiarrheal effect of ethyl acetate fractions of DF and GF was studied on castor oil induced diarrhea model. Results The ethyl acetate fractions showed potential DPPH free radical scavenging (IC 50 11.13 µg/ml in DF and 8.56 µg/ml in GF), anti-lipid peroxidation and antibacterial activity. The non-targeted metabolic profiling showed higher content of tartaric acid, valeric acid, gallic acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, 1,2,3 trisbenzene, uridine and 11-eicosenoic acid in GF. The HPTLC results indicated that gallic acid content was 2.8 (±0.14) and 4.92 (±0.28) mg/g while ellagic acid content was 4.7 (±0.32) and 4.45 (±0.45) mg/g dry powder in DF and GF respectively. According to i n vivo antidiarrheal activity DF and GF (100 mg/kg oral) inhibited diarrhea by 41.87% and 71.72% respectively. Conclusion Grilling significantly altered the levels of metabolites in T. bellerica fruits which could be responsible for its increased therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study is an attempt to explore the association between kitchen indoor air pollutants and physiological profiles in kitchen workers with microalbuminuria (MAU) in north India (Lucknow) and south India (Coimbatore).Methods: The subjects comprised 145 control subjects, 233 kitchen workers from north India and 186 kitchen workers from south India. Information related to the personal and occupational history and health of the subjects at both locations were collected using a custom-made questionnaire. Worker lung function was measured using a spirometer. Blood pressure was monitored using a sphygmomanometer. Urinary MAU was measured using a urine analyzer. Indoor air monitoring in kitchens for particulate matter (PM), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) was conducted using indoor air quality monitors. The size and shape of PM in indoor air was assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to detect organic or inorganic compounds in the air samples.Results: Particulate matter concentrations (PM2.5 and PM1) were significantly higher in both north and south Indian kitchens than in non-kitchen areas. The concentrations of TVOC, CO and CO2 were higher in the kitchens of north and south India than in the control locations (non-kitchen areas). Coarse, fine and ultrafine particles and several elements were also detected in kitchens in both locations by SEM and elemental analysis. The FTIR spectra of kitchen indoor air at both locations show the presence of organic chemicals. Significant declines in systolic blood pressure and lung function were observed in the kitchen workers with MAU at both locations compared to those of the control subjects. A higher prevalence of obstruction cases with MAU was observed among the workers in the southern region than in the controls (p < 0.01).Conclusions: Kitchen workers in south India have lower lung capacities and a greater risk of obstructive and restrictive abnormalities than their north Indian counterparts. The study showed that occupational exposure to multiple kitchen indoor air pollutants (ultrafine particles, PM2.5, PM1, TVOC, CO, CO2) and FTIR-derived compounds can be associated with a decline in lung function (restrictive and obstructive patterns) in kitchen workers with microalbuminuria. Further studies in different geographical locations in India among kitchen workers on a wider scale are required to validate the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Migrant Suitcase is a metaphor to understand how social remittances are taken, brought back and transformed. Migrants bring with them different cultural norms, food and eating practices. In this paper I review the concept of social remittances in light of material culture, food and eating practices and examine the linkages between food, belonging, commensality and care and then provide empirical examples from the suitcases of Indian migrants. This paper is based on 30 in-depth interviews conducted among Indian migrants living in The Netherlands. The main themes from the data included food from home, cooking practices, food sharing and family relationships. Migrants' sense of belonging was intrinsically related to the food they brought from home and the memories it generates. The practices of cooking and sensorial experiences surrounding them demonstrate the place and home making processes. Commensality with co-ethnics led to a sense of community and stronger community bonds. Commensality with other non-Indian groups was perceived to be problematic. The exchanges of food, eating practices, and care create a sense of 'co-presence' in lives migrants and their transnational families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While there is evidence of an association between caesarean birth and increased asthma in children in high-income countries, it is unknown whether this association exists in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs). We investigated whether children born through caesarean in India and Vietnam are at increased risk of caregiver-reported asthma by 8 years of age.Methods: Data from an ongoing multi-national longitudinal cohort study (the Young Lives Study) in two LMICs (India n = 2026; Vietnam n = 2000) were used. Caregiver questionnaires captured information on caregiver-reported long-term respiratory problems such as asthma or wheeze at age 8 years, birth mode and a range of sociodemographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression models using propensity score adjustment were used to explore birth mode and asthma at age 8 years adjusted for a range of known confounders.Results: Children delivered by caesarean in India (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3, 5.4) and Vietnam (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2, 3.3) had greater odds of asthma at age 8 years, after adjustment for other risk factors including wealth, liveborn parity, low birthweight, geographic location, cooking fuel used, livestock ownership, household size, housing quality and parental smoking.Conclusions: The study suggests that caesarean birth may be associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma in India and Vietnam. The underlying mechanisms of this finding need to be further elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Biomass cooking fuels are commonly used in Indian households, especially by the poorest socioeconomic groups. Cataract is highly prevalent in India and the major cause of vision loss. The evidence on biomass fuels and cataract is limited. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of biomass cooking fuels with cataract and type of cataract. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study in north and south India using randomly sampled clusters to identify people ≥ 60 years old. Participants were interviewed and asked about cooking fuel use, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and attended hospital for digital lens imaging (graded using the Lens Opacity Classification System III), anthropometry, and blood collection. Years of use of biomass fuels were estimated and transformed to a standardized normal distribution. RESULTS: Of the 7,518 people sampled, 94% were interviewed and 83% of these attended the hospital. Sex modified the association between years of biomass fuel use and cataract; the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a 1-SD increase in years of biomass fuel use and nuclear cataract was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.23) for men and 1.28 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.48) for women, p interaction = 0.07. Kerosene use was low (10%). Among women, kerosene use was associated with nuclear (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.97) and posterior subcapsular cataract (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.64). There was no association among men. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide robust evidence for the association of biomass fuels with cataract for women but not for men. Our finding for kerosene and cataract among women is novel and requires confirmation in other studies. CITATION: Ravilla TD, Gupta S, Ravindran RD, Vashist P, Krishnan T, Maraini G, Chakravarthy U, Fletcher AE. 2016. Use of cooking fuels and cataract in a population-based study: the India Eye Disease Study. Environ Health Perspect 124:1857-1862; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP193 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Despite widespread cooking gas availability and use, biomass use for cooking and heating remains prevalent in six energy poor north Indian states. • We observe wide variations in the way households with the same primary and secondary cooking fuels use their secondary fuels. • About 40% of rural and urban slum households used biomass for some non-cooking energy end uses, especially space heating and heating bath water. • Three-quarters of fuel stackers reported switching their primary cooking fuel across seasons of the year. • Detailed surveys of household cooking fuel end use offer insights into the important roles played by biomass in households. Expanding the use of clean cooking fuels has been a priority for the Government of India in recent years to obtain potential public health and women's empowerment benefits. Evidence to date suggests most recent clean fuel adopters continue to use polluting biomass for some household energy needs. However, the specific ways households use both polluting and clean fuels together, known as fuel stacking, is not fully understood. We use survey data from 2,765 households in rural communities and urban slums in six north Indian states to detail fuel stacking practices. Half of rural and one-third of urban slum households stacked a clean and polluting fuel together. We classify stackers into four groups based on their reported primary and secondary fuels (e.g., primary gas and secondary firewood). We observe significant variations in the intensity of secondary fuel use among households in the same stacking group. Across all stackers, about half use their secondary fuel daily, while about one-fifth use it less than once per week. Non-cooking energy needs, like space and water heating, motivates 40% of biomass users to use polluting fuels. Seasonality is another important consideration as 75% of fuel stackers reported switching their primary fuel across seasons of the year, with nearly 90% primarily using gas during the rainy season. Our results highlight considerable heterogeneity in fuel use behaviors among households in the same stacking category. We also underscore that cooking gas is popular and able to meet all cooking needs, but it is important to consider the use of biomass for non-cooking tasks to enable a complete transition to clean cooking fuels. These results signify the need for more nuanced fuel stacking information in policy design and program evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Household air pollution (HAP) - predominantly from cooking fuel is a major public health hazard and one of the leading causes of respiratory illness and deaths among children under-five years in India. This study investigates the association between HAP from cooking fuel and under-five mortality using India's National Family and Health Survey (NFHS) datasets over the period 1992-2006 (total of 166,382 children), and the extent to which the association differed by environmental and behavioral factors affecting level of exposure.Methods: The association between HAP and under-five mortality of three age-groups (neonatal age between 0-28 days, post-neonatal age between 1-11 months and children aged between 12-59 months) was examined using multi-level logistic regression models.Results: HAP was associated with mortality among children aged under-five (OR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.18-1.43, P < 0.001) and was more strongly associated in sub-group analyses of post-neonatal mortality (OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.19-1.71, P < 0.001) and child mortality (OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.05-1.91, P = 0.021) than neonatal mortality (OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.09-1.39, P = 0.001). The association was stronger for households in rural areas and for households without a separate kitchen using polluting fuel, and in women who had never breastfed for all age-groups.Conclusion: Use of cooking fuel in the household is associated with increased risk of mortality in children aged under-five years. Factors relating to access to clean fuels, improvements in infrastructure and household design and behavioral factors are discussed, and can result in further declines in under-five mortality in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 3 billion of the world's population are affected by household air pollution from relying on unprocessed solid fuels for heating and cooking. Household air pollution is harmful to human health, climate, and environment. Sustained uptake and use of cleaner cooking technologies and fuels are proposed as solutions to this problem. In this paper, we present our study protocol aimed at understanding multiple interacting feedback mechanisms involved in the dynamic behavior between social, ecological, and technological systems driving sustained use or abandonment of cleaner cooking technologies among the rural poor in India. Methods/Design: This study uses a comparative case study design to understand the dynamics of sustained use or abandonment of cleaner cooking technologies and fuels in four rural communities of Rajasthan, India. The study adopts a community based system dynamics modeling approach. We describe our approach of using community based system dynamics with rural communities to delineate the feedback mechanisms involved in the uptake and sustainment of clean cooking technologies. We develop a reference mode with communities showing the trend over time of use or abandonment of cleaner cooking technologies and fuels in these communities. Subsequently, the study develops a system dynamics model with communities to understand the complex sub-systems driving the behavior in these communities as reflected in the reference mode. We use group model building techniques to facilitate participation of relevant stakeholders in the four communities and elicit a narrative describing the feedback mechanisms underlying sustained adoption or abandonment of cleaner cooking technologies. Discussion: In understanding the dynamics of feedback mechanisms in the uptake and exclusive use of cleaner cooking systems, we increase the likelihood of dissemination and implementation of efficacious interventions into everyday settings to improve the health and wellbeing of women and children most affected by household air pollution. The challenge is not confined to developing robust technical solutions to reduce household air pollution and exposure to improve respiratory health, and prevent associated diseases. The bigger challenge is to disseminate and implement cleaner cooking technologies and fuels in the context of various social, behavioral, and economic constraints faced by poor households and communities. Trial registration: The Institutional Review Board of Washington University in St. Louis has exempted community based system dynamics modeling from review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the establishment of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and new food safety regulations, a precedent has been set to prevent foodborne illness in India. The objective of the authors' study was to identify knowledge gaps among food handlers in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to establish priorities for future intervention. A 44-question survey was administered to 156 food handlers at 36 restaurants in Chennai between April and June of 2011. The overall mean knowledge score was 49% and knowledge gaps related to hand hygiene, proper food cooking and holding temperatures, and cross contamination were identified. Food handlers with a Medical Fitness Certificate scored significantly higher than those without a certificate, after controlling for food safety training and level of education (p < .05). As the FSSAI standards now require a medical certificate for restaurant licensure and registration, consideration should be given to include an educational component to this certification with an explanation of expected food safety behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any national cuisine is a sum total of its variety of regional cuisines, which are the cultural and historical identifiers of their respective regions. India is home to a number of regional cuisines that showcase its culinary diversity. Here, we study recipes from eight different regional cuisines of India spanning various geographies and climates. We investigate the phenomenon of food pairing which examines compatibility of two ingredients in a recipe in terms of their shared flavor compounds. Food pairing was enumerated at the level of cuisine, recipes as well as ingredient pairs by quantifying flavor sharing between pairs of ingredients. Our results indicate that each regional cuisine follows negative food pairing pattern; more the extent of flavor sharing between two ingredients, lesser their co-occurrence in that cuisine. We find that frequency of ingredient usage is central in rendering the characteristic food pairing in each of these cuisines. Spice and dairy emerged as the most significant ingredient classes responsible for the biased pattern of food pairing. Interestingly while individual spices contribute to negative food pairing, dairy products on the other hand tend to deviate food pairing towards positive side. Our data analytical study highlighting statistical properties of the regional cuisines, brings out their culinary fingerprints that could be used to design algorithms for generating novel recipes and recipe recommender systems. It forms a basis for exploring possible causal connection between diet and health as well as prospection of therapeutic molecules from food ingredients. Our study also provides insights as to how big data can change the way we look at food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and risks among male kitchen workers in the catering industry. Method. Data were collected with the help of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and by direct observations. Results. In total, 114 male kitchen workers from various hostels of a college in South India were considered for this study. The average age and mean years of employment of the workers are 26.4 (SD 7.7) and 7.8 respectively. The statistical analysis carried out reveals that 67.5% of male kitchen workers reported MSDs during the past 12 months. The highest prevalence rate has been found in the lower back (65.8%) and shoulder region (62.3%). Among different categories of kitchen work analyzed, it is evident that chief cooks suffer more from MSDs (79.2%) than assistant cooks (74.3%) and kitchen aides (30.0%). Workers in the older group, i.e., ≥41 years, and workers with 6-10 years of experience suffer with higher risk of MSDs, i.e., 93.9% and 87.5%, respectively. Conclusion. The male kitchen workers who participated in this research were found to possess both MSDs and ergonomic hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the ban on genetically modified (GM) crops bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) eggplant in India due to the biosafety and regulatory system. Topics discussed include the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)'s invitation on comments from the public on the Bt brinjal biosafety dossier; the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill regarding products of modern biotechnology covering agriculture; and the GM crops and their environmental and health safety.

Dispersed traditional combustion technologies, characterized by inefficient combustion and significant emissions, are widely used in residential cooking and “informal industries” including brick production, food and agricultural product processing operations like drying and cooking operations related to sugarcane juice, milk, food-grain, jute, silk, tea and coffee. In addition, seasonal agricultural residue burning in field is a discontinuous source of significant emissions. Here we estimate fuel consumption in these sectors and agricultural residue burned using detailed technology divisions and survey-based primary data for 2010 and projected between 1996 and 2015. In the residential sector, a decline in the fraction of solid biomass users for cooking from 79% in 1996 to 65% in 2010 was offset by a growing population, leading to a nearly constant population of solid biomass users, with a corresponding increase in the population of LPG users. Emissions from agriculture followed the growth in agricultural production and diesel use by tractors and pumps. Trends in emissions from the informal industries sector followed those in coal combustion in brick kilns. Residential biomass cooking stoves were the largest contributors to emissions of PM 2.5 , OC, CO, NMVOC and CH 4 . Highest emitting technologies of BC were residential kerosene wick lamps. Emissions of SO 2 were largely from coal combustion in Bull's trench kilns and other brick manufacturing technologies. Diesel use in tractors was the major source of NO x emissions. Uncertainties in emission estimates were principally from highly uncertain emission factors, particularly for technologies in the informal industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficiency of vitamin A has long been identified as a serious and preventable nutritional disorder, associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity amongst children. The present study was conducted with the objectives (i) to perform organoleptic testing of food products cooked in Deacidified and Deodourised Palm oil (DDPO), by sensory evaluation method and (ii) to compare the characteristics of these food products with the same products cooled in routinely used oil. Eleven commonly used weaning food items were prepared with routinely used oil (Group a). The same recipes were also prepared with DDPO (Group B). A food testing panel conducted with sensory evaluation for assessing the acceptability of the various food items. It was observed that with respect to all characteristics there was no significant difference in the recipes made with the two types of oil. Results indicated that DDPO can be used in India for preparation of weaning foods which are routinely given to young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Neurolathyrism is a non progressive motor neuron disorder engendered by the prolonged over-consumption of Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) seeds which contain a neurotoxic amino acid, β-N oxalyl- L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). It is characterized by spastic paraparesis in the hind limbs. The present study was conducted in 105 households (HHs) of Gondia district in Maharashtra, India, where grass pea is cultivated and consumed to assess the health implication of its consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 105 HHS in five villages and grass pea samples were collected for β-ODAP estimation. Amino acid analysis was also done, neurolathyrism cases were identified by snowball sampling method and neurological examination was carried out. Results: The study revealed that 61 per cent of population was consuming this pulse as a part of diet. β-ODAP concentration in grass pea was high in Bora village (1254.5 ± 528.21 mg %) and less in Malgaon village (413.6±415.79 mg %). The nutritional status of the people was within the normal range (BMI 18±3.40 kg/m²) in the surveyed households. Consumption of grass pea was observed to be less than 25g. Conclusions: The cases of neurolathyrism declined in all the studied villages due to reduced β-ODAP exposure through Lathyrus sativus consumption, however, the grass pea was cultivated and consumed in Gondia district of Maharashtra State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of boiled potatoes stored for one or two days in a refrigerator is a common practice. This study was carried out to measure the potential of three Indian potato cultivars for resistant starch (RS) formation during domestic cooking and storage. Hence, the effect of cooking (boiled, microwave cooked, pressure cooked) followed by low temperature storage (4 and 12°C) for different durations (12 and 48 hour) on content of starch fractions was studied. The study showed that decrease in starch content in cooked potato tubers was accompanied by an increase in reducing sugars and sucrose contents. Cooling of cooked tubers at 4°C for 48 hour resulted in 7% reduction in starch content, 63% increase in RS content and 7% reduction in rapidly digestible starch content, but 35% increase in reducing sugars and 40% increase in sucrose contents. Low temperature storage can be beneficial in increasing the RS content considerably but the increase in reducing sugars and sucrose contents can offset this benefit. The increase in RS content after cooling was higher in boiled tubers as compared to microwave and pressure cooked tubers. Cultivar Kufri Bahar has higher tendency to form RS in boiled and cooled tubers compared to Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Sindhuri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulses are important component of diet, and information on their physical properties is needed for designing machines while cooking quality is important for consumer acceptance. Three black gram cultivars grown in India were evaluated for physical and cooking properties. Proximate composition revealed that three cultivars contained 24.5-26.7% protein, 1.1-1.3% fat, 2.8-3.7% ash and 60.4-63.3% carbohydrates. Length, breadth and thickness of seeds were in the range of 4.66-5.11 mm, 3.71-3.79 mm and 3.20-3.29 mm, respectively. True density and porosity varied from 1.25-1.29 g mL−1 to 33.43-36.09%, respectively. Hydration and swelling capacities of the seeds varied from 0.036-0.041 g per seed to 0.037-0.042 mL per seed, respectively. Cooking time of unsoaked seeds varied significantly from 35.3 to 42.7 min. Hardness and adhesiveness of the cooked seeds varied from 2.12-2.55 kg to 0.02-0.99 kg s, respectively. The black gram cultivars are rich in protein, and soaking treatment improved their cooking quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To perform sputum analysis for verification of pulmonary changes in premenopausal rural Indian women chronically exposed to biomass smoke during cooking.Three consecutive morning sputum samples were collected from 196 women (median age 34 years) cooking with biomass and 149 age-matched control women cooking with cleaner fuel liquefied petroleum gas. Smears made on slides were stained with Papanicolaou and Perl''s Prussian blue. Airway oxidative stress was estimated as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (by flow cytometry) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) level (by spectrophotometry) in sputum cells. Airway inflammation was measured as sputum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, -8 and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α). Particulate matter of diameter less than 10 (PM10) was measured using laser photometer while benzene exposure was monitored by measuring trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) in urine by HPLC-UV. Compared with control, sputum of biomass users contained more neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, alveolar macrophages, and showed presence of ciliocytophthoria, Charcot-Leyden crystals, Curschmann''s spiral. ROS generation was increased by 2-fold while SOD was depleted by 31% in biomass users. They also had higher sputum levels of IL-6, -8 and TNF-α. Levels of PM10 and t,t-MA were 2.9- and 5.8-times higher in biomass-using women. PM10 and t,t-MA levels were positively associated with cellular changes in the sputum, markers of airway inflammation, and oxidative stress. Cooking with biomass alters sputum cytology, and increases airway inflammation and oxidative stress that might result in further amplification of the tissue damaging cascade in women chronically exposed to biomass smoke. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy for cooking is a major concern of consumers and policy makers in India. Most of the cooking in rural India is done using biomass. Traditional biomass stoves cause significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to formation of products of incomplete combustion. As far as urban population is concerned, around 95% of the population has access to LPG as cooking fuel at subsidized rates. To increase accessibility of LPG to rural areas is economically incompetent option when compared with the solar and biogas as other options available in rural areas. In this paper, an effort has been made to review the developments occurred in cooking sector rural areas in Indian context. The work carried out on different cooking fuels and cook stoves has been presented in order to use renewable energy sources and to identify the barriers of their dissemination. The status of cooking sector in India and the initiatives taken by the government of India has also been discussed and presented in the paper. It has been observed that the government of India is running several programs for the promotion of solar and biogas as cooking fuels in rural areas and it has succeeded to an extent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]