scholarly journals Agronomic Biofortification of Zinc in Pakistan: Status, Benefits, and Constraints

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Rehman ◽  
Muhammad Farooq ◽  
Aman Ullah ◽  
Faisal Nadeem ◽  
Seon Young Im ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abiotic Stresses ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Zn Deficiency ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
The Status ◽  
Zinc Fertilizer ◽  
Research Initiatives ◽  
Agronomic Biofortification

Micronutrient malnutrition (e.g., zinc) is one of the major causes of human disease burden in the developing world. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is highly prevalent in the Pakistani population (22.1%), particularly in women and children (under 5 years) due to low dietary Zn intake. In Pakistan, wheat is the primary staple food and is poor in bioavailable Zn. However, the number of malnourished populations has decreased over the last decade due to multiplied public awareness, accelerated use of Zn fertilizers (particularly in wheat and rice), initiation of several national/international research initiatives focusing on Zn biofortification in staple crops and availability of supplements and Zn fortified meals merchandise, nonetheless a large number of people are facing Zn or other micronutrient deficiencies in the country. There are few reports highlighting the significant increase in daily dietary Zn uptake in population consuming biofortified wheat (Zincol-2016) flour; indicating the positive prospect of biofortification interventions up scaling in lowering the risk of dietary Zn deficiency in rural and marginalized communities. Zinc fertilizer strategy has not only helped in enhancing the grain Zn concentration, but it also helped in improving crop yield with high economic return. In addition, Zn biofortified seeds have exhibited strong inherent ability to withstand abiotic stresses and produce higher grain yield under diverse climatic conditions. However, there are many constraints (soil, environment, genetic diversity, antinutrients concentration, socioeconomic factors etc.) that hinder the success of biofortification interventions. This review highlights the status of Zn deficiency in Pakistan, the success of agronomic and genetic biofortification interventions. It also discusses the economics of agronomic biofortification and cost effectiveness of Zn fertilization in field conditions in Pakistan and the potential of Zn biofortified seeds against abiotic stresses. Furthermore, it also highlights the constraints which limit the sustainability of biofortification interventions.

scholarly journals Mitigating the twin problems of malnutrition and wheat blast by one wheat variety, ‘BARI Gom 33’, in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akbar Hossain ◽  
Khondoker Abdul Mottaleb ◽  
Md. Farhad ◽  
Naresh Chandra Deb Barma
Keyword(s):  
South Asia ◽  
Wheat Variety ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Blast Disease ◽  
Zn Deficiency ◽  
Wheat Blast ◽  
Positive Externalities ◽  
The Status ◽  
Maize Research Institute ◽  
Scaling Out

For the first time in history outside of Latin America, deadly wheat blast caused by the fungus <em>Magnaporthe oryzae</em> pathotype <em>triticum</em> (MoT) emerged in the 2015–2016 wheat (<em>Triticum aestivum</em> L.) season of Bangladesh. Bangladesh, a country in South Asia, has a population of nearly 160 million, of which 24.3% are classified as poor. Consequently, malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency are highly prevalent, particularly among school going children and lactating women. Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI), with the technical support of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico, has developed and released a new wheat ‘BARI Gom 33’. The new wheat is a zinc-enriched (Zn) biofortified wheat, resistant to the deadly wheat blast disease. ‘BARI Gom 33’ provides 5–8% more yield than the check varieties in Bangladesh. Rapid dissemination of it in Bangladesh, therefore, can not only combat wheat blast but also mitigate the problem of Zn deficiency and ensure income for resource-poor wheat farmers. Importantly, a large portion of the current wheat area in India and Pakistan is vulnerable to wheat blast, due to the similarities of the agro-climatic conditions of Bangladesh. As wheat blast is mainly a seed-borne disease, a rapid scaling out of the new wheat in Bangladesh can reduce the probability of MoT intrusion in India and Pakistan, and thereby generate positive externalities to the food security of more than 1 billion people in South Asia. This study explains the development process of ‘BARI Gom 33’; the status of malnutrition in Bangladesh, and the possible economic gain from a rapid scaling out of ‘BARI Gom 33’ in Bangladesh. A few policies are recommended based on the discussions.

scholarly journals Micronutrient deficiencies in African soils and the human nutritional nexus: opportunities with staple crops

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 3015-3033 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Kihara ◽  
P. Bolo ◽  
M. Kinyua ◽  
J. Rurinda ◽  
K. Piikki
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Arable Soils ◽  
Edible Plant ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
The Status ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Agronomic Biofortification

AbstractA synthesis of available agronomic datasets and peer-reviewed scientific literature was conducted to: (1) assess the status of micronutrients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) arable soils, (2) improve the understanding of the relations between soil quality/management and crop nutritional quality and (3) evaluate the potential profitability of application of secondary and micronutrients to key food crops in SSA, namely maize (Zea mays L.), beans (Phaseolus spp. and Vicia faba L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). We found that there is evidence of widespread but varying micronutrient deficiencies in SSA arable soils and that simultaneous deficiencies of multiple elements (co-occurrence) are prevalent. Zinc (Zn) predominates the list of micronutrients that are deficient in SSA arable soils. Boron (B), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo) and copper (Cu) deficiencies are also common. Micronutrient fertilization/agronomic biofortification increases micronutrient concentrations in edible plant organs, and it was profitable to apply fertilizers containing micronutrient elements in 60–80% of the cases. However, both the plant nutritional quality and profit had large variations. Possible causes of this variation may be differences in crop species and cultivars, fertilizer type and application methods, climate and initial soil conditions, and soil chemistry effects on nutrient availability for crop uptake. Therefore, micronutrient use efficiency can be improved by adapting the rates and types of fertilizers to site-specific soil and management conditions. To make region-wide nutritional changes using agronomic biofortification, major policy interventions are needed.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ZINC FERTILIZER SOURCES ON NUTRITION OF BEANS

1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. SINGH ◽  
J. W. B. STEWART ◽  
R. E. KARAMANOS ◽  
N. G. LEWIS
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Zn Deficiency ◽  
Spent Sulphite Liquor ◽  
Incubation Experiments ◽  
Bean Plants ◽  
Zn Content ◽  
Zinc Fertilizer

The relative effectiveness of Zn-sulphate (ZnS), Zn-EDTA (ZnE), low-yield ammonium-based lignosulphonate (ZnLY) and high-yield sodium-based lignosulphonate (ZnHY) for bean production was tested in growth chamber and incubation experiments. ZnS and ZnLY were more effective than ZnE and ZnHY in correcting Zn deficiency of bean plants. While biomass production was best with ZnS, ZnLY was more effective in increasing Zn-content in the foliage and in the formation of strong chelates in the soil. Key words: Zn-sulfate, Zn-EDTA, lignosulphonate, spent sulphite liquor, sulphite pulping

scholarly journals Investigating Health Communication Interventions on Three Major Illnesses in Nigeria

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Chinwe Catherine Okpoko ◽  
Elias Chikee Aniwada
Keyword(s):  
Health Communication ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Treatment Change ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intervention Measures ◽  
The Status ◽  
Communication Interventions ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: Communication methods are used to create and increase public awareness of a disease; its causes and treatment; change a person’s or group’s attitudes about a disease; advocate for policy changes in favor of prevention and control, and create social norms that favor healthful living. Objectives: This study sought to examine the health communication interventions so far used on HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB in Nigeria, find out what has been achieved in the process and suggest how the status quocan be improved. Methods: A total of 390 respondents comprising healthcare providers, patients and the general public in the selected states; Enugu (Southeast), Kaduna (Northwest) and Oyo (Southwest) states in Nigeria were sampled using questionnaire. It was a Cross-sectional study. Results: Health communication interventions on HIV/AIDS are majorly received through radio (34.7%), friends (30.1%) and television (18.85%). For malaria, television and radio predominate (31.9%) and (26.7%) respectively, then newspaper (13.1%). However, TB was chiefly through health facilities (30.1%) then television (20.1%) and newspaper, (12.9%). Major types of intervention messages on the illnesses include HIV/AIDS Preventive (76.6%), Malaria Drug use (37.3%) and Tuberculosis control (38.8%). Lack of knowledge of available media was the major factor identified as hindering communication interventions for the 3 diseases. (HIV/AIDS 29.8%, Malaria 32.6% and TB 35.7%). Conclusion: There is a need for attitudinal change by all to ensure that the level of awareness is matched with action and subsequently influence the adoption of intervention measures to improve management of these diseases.

Diversity and prevalence of gut parasites in urban macaques

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
Bikram Sapkota ◽  
Roshan Babu Adhikari ◽  
Ganga Ram Regmi ◽  
Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai ◽  
Tirth Raj Ghimire
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Dichromate ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Potassium Dichromate Solution ◽  
Gut Health ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
The Status

Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are commonly found to inhabit various religious sites and cities in Nepal. Similar to other nonhuman primates, they are also the natural or reservoir host of several gut parasites. However, the status of gut parasitism, particularly in the urban dweller macaques, remains largely unexplored in the country. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of gut parasites in the monkeys inhabiting Bajrabarahee, an urban temple area in Lalitpur District, Nepal. A total of 42 fresh fecal samples of macaques belonging to five different troops, were collected and preserved in 2.5% (w/v) potassium dichromate solution. The fecal samples were processed by direct wet mount, concentration, and acid-fast techniques and examined under an optical microscope. All the fecal samples were positive with gut parasites. The parasites detected were Ascarid spp., Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium sp., Eimeria sp., Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba spp., Giardia sp., hookworm, Strongyloides sp., Strongylid spp., Trichomonas sp., and Trichuris sp. Cent percent prevalence rate and high species richness with 12 parasites may indicate that they have impact on the gut health of these monkeys. This suggests the need of deworming the macaque population and enhancing public awareness for pro-active control of parasitic infection as well as of adopting the preventive measures to lessen the zoonotic transmission of the pathogenic parasites.

Association of dietary intake below recommendations and micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy and low birthweight

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 724-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hari Shankar ◽  
Neeta Kumar ◽  
Rajat Sandhir ◽  
Mrigendra Pal Singh ◽  
Suneeta Mittal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin A ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Magnesium Deficiency ◽  
Zn Deficiency ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Micronutrient Status ◽  
Chi Squared

Abstract Background Pregnancy is associated with biochemical changes leading to increased nutritional demands for the developing fetus that result in altered micronutrient status. The Indian dietary pattern is highly diversified and the data about dietary intake patterns, blood micronutrient profiles and their relation to low birthweight (LBW) is scarce. Methods Healthy pregnant women (HPW) were enrolled and followed-up to their assess dietary intake of nutrients, micronutrient profiles and birthweight using a dietary recall method, serum analysis and infant weight measurements, respectively. Results At enrolment, more than 90% of HPW had a dietary intake below the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). A significant change in the dietary intake pattern of energy, protein, fat, vitamin A and vitamin C (P < 0.001) was seen except for iron (Fe) [chi-squared (χ2) = 3.16, P = 0.177]. Zinc (Zn) deficiency, magnesium deficiency (MgDef) and anemia ranged between 54–67%, 18–43% and 33–93% which was aggravated at each follow-up visit (P ≤ 0.05). MgDef was significantly associated with LBW [odds ratio (OR): 4.21; P = 0.01] and the risk exacerbate with the persistence of deficiency along with gestation (OR: 7.34; P = 0.04). Pre-delivery (OR: 0.57; P = 0.04) and postpartum (OR: 0.37; P = 0.05) anemia, and a vitamin A-deficient diet (OR: 3.78; P = 0.04) were significantly associated with LBW. LBW risk was much higher in women consuming a vitamin A-deficient diet throughout gestation compared to vitamin A-sufficient dietary intake (OR: 10.00; P = 0.05). Conclusion The studied population had a dietary intake well below the RDA. MgDef, anemia and a vitamin A-deficient diet were found to be associated with an increased likelihood of LBW. Nutrient enrichment strategies should be used to combat prevalent micronutrient deficiencies and LBW.

scholarly journals Prospects of Promoting NTFPs for Livelihood Improvement

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 46-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biraj Pyakurel
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Asparagus Racemosus ◽  
Dendrocalamus Strictus ◽  
Livelihood Improvement ◽  
The Status

This research entitled, “Prospects of Promoting NTFPs for Livelihood Improvement” was carried out in Habeli Community Forest of Nuwakot district with the specific objectives of assessing the status of NTFPs in the study area, studying the local people’s knowledge about NTFPs, their attitude towards collection and domestication, assessing the role of NTFPs to household economy and existing market system of NTFPs. Altogether 30 households were sampled to carry out the research and the information regarding biophysical and socio economic condition, perception towards NTFPs and their domestication were collected through various PRA and RRA tools like Household Survey, Group Discussion, and Key Informant Survey (KIS). People were generally familiar with the NTFPs and their importance and were slowly heading towards NTFPs domestication although on a small scale. The respondents have been utilizing their agricultural land to grow NTFPs like Asparagus racemosus, Emblica officinalis and other species like Dendrocalamus strictus and Arundinaria intermedia that were grown naturally on the farmlands and were also willing to domesticate more NTFPs having higher market value such as Swertiachirayita in the upcoming days. Altogether of 34 NTFPs of 28 different families were documented in the study area where most of them were in their wild stage. The C.F has the immense opportunity of promoting NTFPs in future which is at the rapid conservation stage right now. The geographical and climatic conditions are also favorable to grow NTFPs that may lead towards the initiation of forest based small scale enterprise that can eventually generate employment and income. NTFPs promotion has become essential in all parts of the country so research on this subject matter can create a milestone in the economic upliftment of the country. The future research on promotion of NTFPs, local manufacturing of NTFPs, distribution ecology and reproductive biology of NTFPS also has the great potentiality.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v4i0.5535The Initiation Vol.4 2011 46-55

Response of eight winter crops to zinc fertilizer on a Typic Ustochrept soil

1990 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. N. Tiwari ◽  
B. S. Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Yield ◽  
The Other ◽  
Zn Deficiency ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Zn Concentration ◽  
Zinc Fertilizer ◽  
Winter Crops

SUMMARYThe responses to Zn fertilizer of wheat, barley, oats, lentil, chickpea, pea, mustard and linseed were studied on a Typic Ustochrept soil in Pura, India in winter 1982/83 and 1983/84. Application of Zn significantly increased the grain or seed and total biomass yield of all the crops and enhanced Zn concentration and uptake. The response was greatest in lentil, followed by chickpea, pea, wheat, linseed, mustard, barley and oats. Cereals accumulated the most Zn, followed by the pulses and oilseeds. The pulses were more sensitive to Zn deficiency than the other crops.

Status of Eco-Design in Thai Furniture Industry

2009 ◽  
Vol 419-420 ◽  
pp. 769-772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nongnuch Klinpikul ◽  
Panya Srichandr
Keyword(s):  
Driving Forces ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Market Force ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Furniture Industry ◽  
Furniture Manufacturing ◽  
The Status ◽  
Design Activities ◽  
Implementation Problems

Furniture manufacturing is known to have considerable impacts on the environment and there is a definite trend towards environmental-friendly product designs in the industry worldwide. This paper reports the results of an exploratory research on the status of eco-design in the Thai furniture industry. Two basic research questions are addressed; 1) are there any eco-design activities and, if so, to what extent and 2) what are the driving forces that drive or hinder eco-design activities. A combination of research methodologies were employed; interviewing, survey, and actually examining selected products in the market. The results show that key personnel know very little about eco-design, but they have implemented a number of eco-design methods in their products and processes in practice. The driving force for such progress seems to be not from the environmental consciousness per se but rather the demands and requirements from the customers and the markets. The legal and supporting infrastructure to promote and move eco-design forward is just emerging and still rather weak. There are, however, considerable implementation problems and obstacles due to lack of technical know-how on the part of the personnel involved. It is concluded that the Thai furniture industry is implementing number of eco-design activities without knowing much about eco-design principles and the underlying philosophy. Public awareness and consequently the market force is key to moving eco-design forward. Effective campaigns and better education on sustainable development and eco-design, together with stronger legal and supporting infrastructure, would certainly help increase eco-design activities.

scholarly journals Enduring Lessons and Opportunities Lost from the San Fernando Earthquake of February 9, 1971

1997 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul C. Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Turning Point ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Earthquake Hazard ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Earthquake Hazards ◽  
The Status ◽  
Future Earthquake ◽  
San Fernando ◽  
Recent Earthquakes

Twenty-five years have passed since the San Fernando earthquake of February 9, 1971. The paper reviews the lessons learned and not learned from this notable event. Most of the major lessons were reported within a few weeks of the earthquake by a panel appointed by the National Academies of Sciences and of Engineering. In this paper, the status of each of the eighteen general lessons cited by the panel is reviewed, plus two additional lessons selected from other studies of the earthquake. The lessons learned ranged broadly and concerned measures needed to reduce future earthquake hazards, as well as recommended scientific and engineering efforts. Although all of the lessons learned were not heeded, the San Fernando earthquake represented a turning point in public awareness and in actions taken to reduce earthquake hazard. Recent earthquakes have shown, however, that much remains to be done.

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