scholarly journals Foraging theory and the propensity to be obese: an alternative to thrift

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulfat Baig ◽  
Lavanya Lokhande ◽  
Poortata Lalwani ◽  
Suraj Chawla ◽  
Milind Watve
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Molecular Model ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Risk Tolerance ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Adiposity Signals ◽  
Nutritional Benefits

AbstractThe evolutionary origin of obesity is classically believed to be genetic or developmentally induced thrift, as an adaptation to ancestral feast and famine conditions. However, recently the thrift family of hypotheses have attracted serious criticism necessitating alternative thinking. Optimization of foraging behaviour is an important aspect of behavioural evolution. For a species evolved for optimizing nutritional benefits against predation or other foraging risks, reduction in foraging risk below a threshold dramatically increases the steady-state body weight. In modern life where feeding is detached from foraging, the behavioural regulation mechanisms are likely to fail resulting into escalation of adiposity. At a proximate level the signalling pathways for foraging optimization involve fear induced signal molecules in the brain including Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) interacting with adiposity signals such as leptin. While leptin promotes the expression of the fear peptides, the fear peptides promote anorectic action of leptin. This interaction promotes foraging drive and risk tolerance when the stored energy is low and suppresses hunger and foraging drive when the perceived risk is high. The ecological model of foraging optimization and the molecular model of interaction of these peptides converge in the outcome that the steady state adiposity is an inverse square root function of foraging risk. The foraging optimization model is independent of thrift or insurance hypotheses, but not mutually exclusive. We review existing evidence and suggest testable predictions of the model. Understanding obesity simultaneously at proximate and ultimate levels is likely to suggest effective means to curb the obesity epidemic.

scholarly journals Opinions des mères d’enfants de 06 à 59 mois sur l’enrichissement des bouillies locales avec la poudre de Moringa oleifera et la farine des tourteaux d’arachide au Niger

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 928-939
Author(s):  
Mahaman Salissou Maman ◽  
Mamadou Lewamy ◽  
Bako Aminatou Maazou ◽  
Sabo Haoua Seini
Keyword(s):  
Moringa Oleifera ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
The Body ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Under Nutrition ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
De Se ◽  
Peanut Cake ◽  
Groundnut Meal ◽  
Nutritional Benefits

L’objectif de cet article était de prendre la mesure de l’opinion des mères sur l’enrichissement des bouillies locales avec la poudre de Moringa oleifera et les tourteaux d’arachide, puis de mesurer leur consentement à donner cette bouillie aux enfants. Pour y parvenir, nous avons réalisé en février 2019, des entrevues individuelles avec 451 mères des quatre départements à haute prévalence de la malnutrition de la région de Maradi (Mayahi, Aguié, Tessaoua et Madarounfa). L’analyse des résultats a révélé que toutes les mères (100%) connaissaient le Moringa oleifera, les tourteaux d’arachide et leurs bienfaits nutritionnels. Ainsi, 57% des mères affirmait que le Moringa oleifera augmente le sang, 76,5% pensait que les tourteaux d’arachide contribuent à construire l’organisme, 97% des mères était d’accord à l’adjonction de ces ingrédients dans la bouille des enfants, 86,9% des mères affirmait que le Moringa oleifera et les tourteaux d’arachide sont disponibles dans leurs villages ou aux alentours et que 85% pensait être capables de se les procurer chaque jour pour en mettre dans la bouillie des enfants. Ces résultats sont un bon indicateur de l’opinion des mères sur la faisabilité de l’enrichissement des bouillies locales et pourrait être un moyen efficace pour prévenir et combattre la sous-nutrition au Niger.Mots clés : Opinions, enrichissement, bouillie, moringa, tourteaux d’arachide, sous-nutrition. English Title: Opinions of mothers of children aged 06-59 months on the enrichment of local porridge with Moringa oleifera powder and groundnut meal in NigerThe objective of this article was to measure the opinion of mothers on the enrichment of local porridge with Moringa oleifera powder and peanut cake, then measure their consent to give this porridge to children. To achieve this, we carried out in February 2019, individual interviews with 451 mothers from the four departments with a high prevalence of malnutrition in the Maradi region (Mayahi, Aguié, Tessaoua and Madarounfa). Analysis of the results revealed that all mothers (100%) were aware of Moringa oleifera, peanut cake and their nutritional benefits. 57% of mothers said that the Moringa oleifera increases blood, 76.5% thought that peanut cake helps to build the body, 97% of mothers agreed to the addition of these ingredients in the boil of the children, 86.9% of mothers said that Moringa oleifera and peanut cake are available in or around their villages and that 85% thought they would be able to get them every day for porridge children. C he results are a good indicator of maternal opinion on the feasibility of enriching local boiled and could be an effective means for the prevention and management of under-nutrition in Niger.Keywords : Opinions, enrichment, porridge, moringa, peanut cake, undernutrition.

A molecular explanation for the long-term suppression of circadian rhythms by a single light pulse

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (4) ◽  
pp. R1206-R1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Christophe Leloup ◽  
Albert Goldbeter
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Steady State ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Light Pulse ◽  
Molecular Model ◽  
Stable Steady State ◽  
Biochemical Effects ◽  
Actual Duration ◽  
Or Gene

With the use of a molecular model for circadian rhythms in Drosophila based on transcriptional regulation, we show how a single, critical pulse of light can permanently suppress circadian rhythmicity, whereas a second light pulse can restore the abolished rhythm. The phenomena occur via the pulsatile induction of either protein degradation or gene expression in conditions in which a stable steady state coexists with stable circadian oscillations of the limit cycle type. The model indicates that suppression by a light pulse can only be accounted for by assuming that the biochemical effects of such a pulse much outlast its actual duration. We determine the characteristics of critical pulses suppressing the oscillations as a function of the phase at which the rhythm is perturbed. The model predicts how the amplitude and duration of the biochemical changes induced by critical pulses vary with this phase. The results provide a molecular, dynamic explanation for the long-term suppression of circadian rhythms observed in a variety of organisms in response to a single light pulse and for the subsequent restoration of the rhythms by a second light pulse.

scholarly journals A Youth-Leader Program in Baltimore City Recreation Centers: Lessons Learned and Applications

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela C. B. Trude ◽  
Elizabeth Anderson Steeves ◽  
Cara Shipley ◽  
Pamela J. Surkan ◽  
Priscila de Morais Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
School Students ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Train The Trainer ◽  
Recreation Centers ◽  
American Children

Peer-led interventions may be an effective means of addressing the childhood obesity epidemic; however, few studies have looked at the long-term sustainability of such programs. As part of a multilevel obesity prevention intervention, B’More Healthy Communities for Kids, 16 Baltimore college students were trained as youth-leaders (YLs) to deliver a skill-based nutrition curriculum to low-income African American children (10-14 years old). In April 2015, formative research was used to inform sustainability of the YL program in recreation centers. In-depth interviews were conducted with recreation center directors ( n = 4) and the YLs ( n = 16). Two focus groups were conducted with YLs ( n = 7) and community youth-advocates ( n = 10). Barriers to this program included difficulties with transportation, time constraints, and recruiting youth. Lessons learned indicated that improving trainings and incentives to youth were identified as essential strategies to foster continuity of the youth-led program and capacity building. High school students living close to the centers were identified as potential candidates to lead the program. Based on our findings, the initial intervention will be expanded into a sustainable model for implementation, using a train-the-trainer approach to empower community youth to be change agents of the food environment and role models.

scholarly journals Determinants Of Risk Tolerance In The Baby Boomer Cohort

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Gilliam ◽  
Swarn Chatterjee ◽  
Dandan Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Baby Boomers ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Financial Risk ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Risk Tolerance ◽  
Net Worth ◽  
Higher Educational Attainment ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Using Data

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Using data from 26,759 respondents, this study examined the differences in financial risk tolerance among leading baby boomers and trailing baby boomers. The study also investigated differences between these two sub-cohorts in perceived risk tolerance and measured risk tolerance as determined by the FinaMetrica Risk Profiling System. The results of this study found that leading boomers were less risk tolerant than trailing boomers. Variables with a positive association with risk tolerance for both groups include higher educational attainment, income, net worth, and gender with men having higher risk tolerance than women. There was dissimilarity between married for leading boomer and trailing boomer. Being marred was negatively associated with risk tolerance for leading boomers and positive for trailing boomers. It was also found that leading boomers, those with less educational attainment, lower income earners and those with a greater number of financial dependents tend to underestimate their risk tolerance.</span></span></p>

Community level approach to youth alcohol related risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-95
Author(s):  
Emma Dresler ◽  
Margaret Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Community Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social

Purpose Young people drinking to extreme drunkenness is a source of concern for policy makers and health promoters. There are a variety of community groups who appear to respond to the alcohol-related problems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the working practices and relationships among local community groups as part of the pre-intervention context-assessment process. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the narratives of nine community workers and ten venue managers the authors examine the community level approach to inform the choice of interventions to reduce risky drinking practices and community wide alcohol-related harm. Findings There was considerable agreement across the community workers and venue managers about the nature of risk for young people in the night time economy (NTE). Two central themes of “perceived risk” and “management of risk” emerged from the data. Further, the community workers and venue managers identified different high-risk locations and strategies to improve their ability meet the needs of young people experiencing risk in the NTE. The local authorities, community organisations and night time operators adopted a broad proactive and connected approach to develop a coherent strategy to achieve new measures of safety in the NTE. Originality/value Applying the social ecological model to provide a framework for the understanding of the social, environmental and political factors that influence alcohol use in young people.

scholarly journals How message framing affects consumer attitudes in food crises

2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (8) ◽  
pp. 2200-2211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Wayne Mitchell ◽  
Cathy Bakewell ◽  
Paul Jackson ◽  
Claire Heslin
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Message Framing ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Risk Tolerance ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
On Line ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between consumer risk perceptions and behaviour when information about food risks is framed in a positive or negative way. Design/methodology/approach – Using food consumption scenarios in an on-line experiment consumers perceived risk and risk tolerance is examined when messages are framed in three different news-type stories. Findings – As anticipated, message framing emerged as a significant predictor of perceived risk and the higher an individual’s self-reported tolerance of risk, the more risk they were willing to accept. Research limitations/implications – The use of hypothetical scenarios and relatively small convenience sample size could be improved by further research. Practical implications – Through simple adjustments to wording, food crises of confidence may be reduced and the implications for communication management strategies are discussed. Originality/value – Originality stems from being one of the first papers to use Framing and Prospect Theory in a food crisis situation, in which both risk and framing are operationalised in different ways and the risk was not specified by the researcher. Also, unlike previous research identical numerical facts were framed in a positive, negative or neutral light by changing the wording.

BIFURCATIONS, AND TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL PATTERNS OF A MODIFIED LOTKA–VOLTERRA MODEL

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (08) ◽  
pp. 2223-2248 ◽  
Author(s):  
EDWARD A. MCGEHEE ◽  
NOEL SCHUTT ◽  
DESIDERIO A. VASQUEZ ◽  
ENRIQUE PEACOCK-LÓPEZ
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Chaotic Behavior ◽  
Sufficient Conditions ◽  
Volterra Model ◽  
Territory Size ◽  
Stable Steady State ◽  
Global Dynamics

Bazykin proposed a Lotka–Volterra-type ecological model that accounts for simplified territoriality, which neither depends on territory size nor on food availability. In this study, we describe the global dynamics of the Bazykin model using analytical and numerical methods. We specifically focus on the effects of mutual predator interference and the prey carrying capacity since the variability of each could have especially dramatic ecological repercussions. The model displays a broad array of complex dynamics in space and time; for instance, we find the coexistence of a limit cycle and a steady state, and bistability of steady states. We also characterize super- and subcritical Poincaré–Andronov–Hopf bifurcations and a Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation. To illustrate the system's ability to naturally shift from stable to unstable dynamics, we construct bursting solutions, which depend on the slow dynamics of the carrying capacity. We also consider the stabilizing effect of the intraspecies interaction parameter, without which the system only shows either a stable steady state or oscillatory solutions with large amplitudes. We argue that this large amplitude behavior is the source of chaotic behavior reported in systems that use the MacArthur–Rosenzweig model to describe food-chain dynamics. Finally, we find the sufficient conditions in parameter space for Turing patterns and obtain the so-called "back-eye" pattern and localized structures.

scholarly journals 50. Pilot Study on Offering HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) in the Inpatient Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S35-S35
Author(s):  
Terry A Marryshow ◽  
Jose Caro
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
The United States ◽  
Further Education ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
People Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Due to the ongoing opioid epidemic, PWID represent an increasingly high-risk population for HIV infections in the United States, accounting for 10% of all new HIV diagnoses in 2018 and 12.5% of all deaths among people living with HIV. PrEP is an effective means of preventing HIV, though uptake has been low among PWID, possibly due to low access to care. Inpatient admissions may represent missed opportunities for provision of PrEP to PWID. Methods Inpatient prescriptions for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-emtricitabine (TDF-FTC) from 10/2019 to 8/2020 were analyzed to assess baseline provision of PrEP to PWID. Physicians on the Infectious Diseases ward service were anonymously queried on perceived barriers and their practices regarding provision of PrEP to PWID. PWID admitted from 9/2020 to 5/2021 were approached at bedside, provided counseling on PrEP and offered initiation prior to discharge. We analyzed patient perceptions and acceptance of PrEP. Results 16 total prescriptions for TDF-FTC were provided at discharge from 10/2019 to 8/2020, with 0 being for PrEP in PWID. The 8 physicians surveyed estimated caring for an average 4 PWID per week of service. 5/8 physicians reported that at least one PWID was offered PrEP during their most recent week of service. The most commonly reported physician barrier to prescribing PrEP was uncertainty regarding adherence and follow up (5/8). 30 patients were approached, with 14 reporting prior knowledge of PrEP. 18 were willing to engage in further education. Only 4 were accepting of PrEP, with 2 provided prescriptions. Of those declining, 13 denied equipment sharing, 4 denied active drug use, 7 stated a commitment to future abstinence, 3 were unwilling to adhere to a daily medication, 2 declined due to concerns of adverse effects and 1 due to concerns regarding stigma. Table 1. Physician Reported Barriers to Prescribing PrEP (n = 8) Table 2. Patient Knowledge and Acceptance of PrEP (n = 30) Table 3. Patient Reasons for Declining PrEP (n = 30) Conclusion In this pilot study, few admitted PWID were accepting of PrEP. Attempts to initiate PrEP in PWID in the inpatient setting may not be effective at our institution. The most common reason for declining was low self-perceived risk of HIV acquisition; however, a significant proportion of patients showed interest in further education. Therefore, the inpatient setting may be a valuable site of initial counseling and referral for future potential provision of PrEP in the outpatient setting. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Community Interventions: A Brief Overview and Their Application to the Obesity Epidemic

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina D. Economos ◽  
Sonya Irish-Hauser
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Model ◽  
Community Intervention ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Community Interventions ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Obesity Epidemic ◽  
Group Memberships

Defining community from a research perspective is difficult. Communities consist of environmental, social, and geographic components. In addition, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status (SES), and group memberships often play roles in community identity. Barry Wellman and Scot Wortley urge that to truly understand and influence a community, and most certainly to conduct research within communities, one must take into account the varied nature of relationships and networks and how they may work together synergistically to meet the needs of community members. Using the Social Ecological Model, with its delineation of multiple spheres of influence (individual-interpersonal-organizational-community-public policy), community-based research has attempted to reach this understanding. Although dramatic shifts have not yet been realized, many studies suggest improved health behaviors and healthy environments, which indicate a promising future for community intervention work. The discussion that follows reviews the theory and rationale for community-based interventions, the socialecological approach to understanding and studying obesity, and the progress and promise of community interventions.

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