Yes / Cognitive ability is used in numerous everyday situations (for example, in the classroom, workplace and home) and can be measured using cognitive tests designed to target specific cognitive domains. Cognition can be influenced by external factors (for example, age, education, caffeine intake and time of day) which if not controlled for or noted could influence performance. Prior food intake has not received a direct focus in the cognition literature, and therefore, this study aims to investigate the time elapsed since the last food item was consumed as a factor which may affect cognitive performance. Fifty-two healthy adults with no reported cognitive impairment or diagnosis of any eating or metabolic disorder took part in the study. Participants completed a self-rated hunger scale and stated the time that they last consumed a food item. The time of day that the assessments were completed was also noted. All participants completed a brief cognitive battery consisting of a semantic recall assessment, digit span and parts A and B of the Trail Making Test. Results revealed a significant main effect of minutes since the last food item was consumed on semantic recall and both Trails A and B whereby performance was significantly worse as the time since the last food item was consumed increased. These results suggest that information about when the participant consumed food prior to assessment should be gathered to check for any such effects. This could have implications for cognitive performance in educational settings and clinical environments, where scores often determine academic progression and further interventions.

The classical objective of wildlife managers is to provide the public with the maximum number of hours of outdoor recreation by means of the wildlife resource without impairing that resource for future use. A biologist is continually concerned with the deterioration of wildlife populations and habitats. However, to evaluate populations and habitats from quantitative view is not sufficient; the quality or condition must also be evaluated if managers are to achieve their long-run objective. Any technique that would assist biologists in both quantitative and qualitative evaluations could further elucidate ecological nutritional relationships and could help assure that neither wildlife populations nor habitat would be seriously impaired for future use. / Master of Science

Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The role of the Global Environment Monitoring System / Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme (GEMS/Food) is to assess and inform governments, the Codex Alimentarius Commission and other relevant institutions, as well as the public, on levels and trends of contaminants in food, their contribution to total human exposure, and their significance with regard to public health and trade. The primary objective of this study is to generate a reference list of “most commonly” consumed food items and average intakes of these items in the diet of South Africans, using GEMS/Food specifications. The list is required to be representative of foods eaten by children and adults from all age and ethnic groups in South Africa. The list will serve as a reference for the Department of Health who will undertake analyses of (a) toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals and environmental contaminants; (b) naturally occurring toxins; and (c) food additives in the commonly consumed food items, as required by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. A secondary objective of the study is to derive average (mean) weights of South Africans in different age groups in order for the calculation of dietary exposure of selected contaminants. Secondary data-analysis was conducted on existing dietary databases (raw data) obtained from surveys undertaken in South Africa between 1983 and 2000. The National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) served as a framework for compiling data on children since this was a national representative survey of 1 to 9 year-old children in South Africa. However there has never been a national dietary survey on adults in South Africa. Consequently the data had to be extrapolated from existing isolated surveys on adults. The dietary intake for the groups 1 to 5 years and 6 to 9 years was calculated only from the NFCS, and was not supplemented by other databases. The substantiation for treating age 10+ as a unit (and calling it an adult group), was the finding that average consumption of adolescents (10 – 15 years) did not differ significantly from that of adults when comparing mean energy intakes and mean quantities consumed, of age groups in the studies analysed. Data were analysed in terms of the percentage of the group consuming specific food main groups / subgroups / food items and on average per capita portion size. Factor analyses were done to analyse the inter-relationships among the food consumption patterns of NFCS 6-9 year-olds in 9 provinces, urban and rural separately, and the inter-relationships among food consumption patterns of these children and other children and adults in other independent food consumption studies. Two methods of estimating adult consumption were derived. The results from Method 1 corresponded with results from the NFCS, which was over-sampled for lower socio-economic areas, whereas the results from Method 2 ignored relationships with NFCS data and were based on the ethnic proportions of the population in South Africa. A final list, validated against international data, is included, which provides the per capita consumption per food item, average amount consumed (consumers only), the 97,5th percentile of the consumption figures (consumers only), as well as the corresponding gram per kilogram body weight consumed. These figures represent food items consumed by 3% or more of the South African population, for the following age groups: 1-5 years, 6-9 years and age 10+ (adults). Also, average weights of South Africans for the corresponding age groups are provided, which is calculated similarly to the methods used to calculate dietary intake. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die rol van die “Global Environment Monitoring System / Food Contamination Monitoring and Assessment Programme”, of (GEMS/Food), is om regerings, die “Codex Alimentarius”, ander relevante instellings en die publiek, op hoogte te hou (en selfs te monitor), ten opsigte van vlakke en neigings van kontaminasie in voedsel, die omvang van blootstelling aan die mens, en die beduidendheid hiervan vir openbare gesondheid en handel. Die doel van hierdie studie is om ‘n lys van voedselitems wat meestal deur die Suid- Afrikaanse bevolking geëet word, op te stel. Die lys moet hoeveelhede wat ingeneem word reflekteer, en moet aan die GEMS/Food spesifikasies voldoen. Dit moet verteenwoordigend wees van kos wat kinders en grootmense, van alle ouderdomsgroepe en rassegroepe in Suid- Afrika eet. Hierdie lys sal as verwysing vir die Departement van Gesondheid dien, om sodoende dan die berekenings van (a) toksiese chemikalië, soos plaagbeheermiddels, swaar metale en omgewingsbesoedelingsagente; (b) toksine wat natuurlik voorkom; en (c) voedselaanvullings in kossoorte, soos voorgeskryf deur die “Codex Alimentarius Commission”, te bereken. ‘n Sekondêre doel van hierdie studie is om die gemiddelde gewig van Suid-Afrikaners vir verskillende ouderdomsgroepe te bereken, om gebruik te word vir die berekenings van blootstelling aan geselekteerde toksine en besoedelingsagente. Sekondêre data-analise is op bestaande diëetkundige databasisse (oorspronklike data), wat opnames in Suid-Afrika vir die tydperk 1983 tot 2000 verteenwoordig, uitgevoer. Die Nasionale Voedselverbruikersopname, “National Food Consumption Survey” (NFCS), dien as raamwerk om die verbruik van kinders saam te stel, want hierdie opname was ‘n nasionaalverteenwoordigende opname van kinders van die ouderdom 1-9 jaar in Suid-Afrika. Daar was egter tot nou toe nog nie ‘n nasionaal-verteenwoordigende opname van voedselverbruik vir volwassenes in Suid-Afrika nie. Gevolglik moet hierdie data vanuit geïsoleerde opnames op volwassenes onttrek word. Voedselinname van kinders van ouderdomsgroepe 1-5 jaar en 6-9 jaar is dus bereken deur van die NFCS data gebruik te maak sonder aanvulling van enige ander databasisse. Die motivering om kinders van die ouderdomsgroep 10+ te hanteer in dieselfde groep as volwassenes, was die bevinding dat gemiddelde verbruik van adolessente (10 – 15 jaar) nie beduidend verskil het van die van volwassenes nie, veral as daar na die kilojoule inname en die hoeveelheid (gemeet in gram) inname, gekyk word. Die data van die verskeie opnames is ge-analiseer in terme van die persentasie verbruikers en die per kapita inname per voedselsoort, gegroepeerd en ongegroepeerd. Verbande tussen NFCS 6-9 jaar data in die 9 provinsies, landelike en stedelike gebiede afsonderlik beskou, asook verbande tussen hierdie kinders en kinders en volwassenes in onafhanklike ander opnames is met behulp van faktorontledings vasgestel. Twee metodes waarmee die voedselinnames van volwassenes voorspel kan word, is afgelei. Die resultate van Metode 1 stem met die resultate van die NFCS ooreen, waar die aanname is dat daar in die steekproefneming meer op kinders van laer sosio-ekonomiese areas gekonsentreer is. Metode 2 se resultate is gebaseer op die etniese verspreiding van die rassegroepe in Suid-Afrika, en voedselinnames van die blankes, byvoorbeeld, word meer in ag geneem. Die finale lys van voedselsoorte, wat gevalideer is teenoor ander internasionale studies, sluit die volgende veranderlikes in: die per kapita verbruik van die items, die gemiddelde verbruik per item (deur net die verbruikers van die spesifieke item in ag te neem), die 97,5de persentiel van voedselitems wat bereken is vir die groep wat die voedselitem verbruik, en ook die gram (gebaseer op die 97,5de persentiel verbruikers) per kilogram ligaamsgewig verbruik vir hierdie items. Hierdie syfers is vir voedselitems wat deur 3% of meer van die verbruikers in Suid-Afrika geneem word, en vir die volgende ouderdomsgroepe: 1-5 jaar, 6-9 jaar vir die ouderdom 10+ . Die gemiddelde gewig van Suid-Afrikaners vir die ooreenstemmende ouderdomsgroepe is ook bereken deur van dieselfde tegnieke gebruik te maak as die waarmee die voedselinnames bereken is.

The first objective of this research was to identify whether Asian-Americans having higher than average levels of income and education represent an appropriate target market for four food product categories. Second, the impact of national origin membership, demographic variables, and level of acculturation on food consumption was determined. In addition, perceptions related to sensory and nutritional factors and the cultural acceptability of the products were identified and interpreted to determine if the variables differed among specific groups of Asian-American consumers.

Digitized by Kansas State University Libraries

Food security is essential amongst households as it enables consumers to live a healthy and productive life. Determining factors for households to be classified as food secure is the availability, accessibility and utilisation of food in a sustainable manner as food availability and accessibility alone are not enough for households to be food secure. The food utilisation aspect of food security, which includes the type of food consumed, food knowledge and food handling practices, should therefore also be considered as it determines the quantity, quality and safety of food. High percentages of the population in the Northern Cape province of South Africa has inadequate access to food, is unemployed, poorly educated, and living below the poverty line. All these aspects contribute to food insecure households. A specific community within the Northern Cape was chosen to do research regarding households‟ food security status, namely the employees of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme (VIS). The VIS was approached as consumers at the Vaalharts region indicated a need to improve their awareness regarding hygiene and the consumption of adequate and a variety of food. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore employees of the VIS‟ food security status. The focus of the study was therefore on consumers who earn a stable income. As food access and utilisation are fundamental aspects in determining household food security, self-production activities, food knowledge, and consumption were investigated. Methodology: A quantitative method was used to explore the study population‟s food security status with the use of a purposive sample and interviewer-administered questionnaires (n=162). The study was conducted at the premises of VIS over a period of three weeks. Data analysis was performed by Statistical Consultation Services of the North-West University using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences. Results: Nearly one third (29.6%) of respondents‟ households were classified as food secure while almost half (48.8%) of households were at risk of being food insecure and 21.6% were food insecure. Only a few respondents were engaged in self-production activities with limited space being the main problem. Good basic food knowledge was identified amongst respondents and food secure respondents had better food knowledge than food insecure respondents. Food insecure respondents mainly consumed monotonous diets consisting of maize meal, chicken and milk. There was a tendency that at risk respondents consumed a larger variety of food high in protein which is also more expensive. Overall food secure respondents consumed a larger variety of food groups. There was an additional problem identified. Respondents at risk as well as food insecure respondents either do not use their income effectively or do not use resources bought, such as food optimally. Conclusions: Although all of the respondents were employed, and earned an income, only a small percentage were food secure. According to the findings, basic food knowledge, food consumption practices and income have an influence on respondents‟ food security status. These aspects which had an influence on respondents‟ food security status should be addressed especially amongst at risk and food insecure respondents through food related healthcare information. Food related healthcare information should be made available to the community via several sources (schools, clinics, churches) to improve consumers‟ awareness regarding aspects which negatively influence their food security status as well as how to improve it. / Master of Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Food security is essential amongst households as it enables consumers to live a healthy and productive life. Determining factors for households to be classified as food secure is the availability, accessibility and utilisation of food in a sustainable manner as food availability and accessibility alone are not enough for households to be food secure. The food utilisation aspect of food security, which includes the type of food consumed, food knowledge and food handling practices, should therefore also be considered as it determines the quantity, quality and safety of food. High percentages of the population in the Northern Cape province of South Africa has inadequate access to food, is unemployed, poorly educated, and living below the poverty line. All these aspects contribute to food insecure households. A specific community within the Northern Cape was chosen to do research regarding households‟ food security status, namely the employees of the Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme (VIS). The VIS was approached as consumers at the Vaalharts region indicated a need to improve their awareness regarding hygiene and the consumption of adequate and a variety of food. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore employees of the VIS‟ food security status. The focus of the study was therefore on consumers who earn a stable income. As food access and utilisation are fundamental aspects in determining household food security, self-production activities, food knowledge, and consumption were investigated. Methodology: A quantitative method was used to explore the study population‟s food security status with the use of a purposive sample and interviewer-administered questionnaires (n=162). The study was conducted at the premises of VIS over a period of three weeks. Data analysis was performed by Statistical Consultation Services of the North-West University using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences. Results: Nearly one third (29.6%) of respondents‟ households were classified as food secure while almost half (48.8%) of households were at risk of being food insecure and 21.6% were food insecure. Only a few respondents were engaged in self-production activities with limited space being the main problem. Good basic food knowledge was identified amongst respondents and food secure respondents had better food knowledge than food insecure respondents. Food insecure respondents mainly consumed monotonous diets consisting of maize meal, chicken and milk. There was a tendency that at risk respondents consumed a larger variety of food high in protein which is also more expensive. Overall food secure respondents consumed a larger variety of food groups. There was an additional problem identified. Respondents at risk as well as food insecure respondents either do not use their income effectively or do not use resources bought, such as food optimally. Conclusions: Although all of the respondents were employed, and earned an income, only a small percentage were food secure. According to the findings, basic food knowledge, food consumption practices and income have an influence on respondents‟ food security status. These aspects which had an influence on respondents‟ food security status should be addressed especially amongst at risk and food insecure respondents through food related healthcare information. Food related healthcare information should be made available to the community via several sources (schools, clinics, churches) to improve consumers‟ awareness regarding aspects which negatively influence their food security status as well as how to improve it. / Master of Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

O presente estudo teve por objetivo descrever a relação entre o consumo de cálcio, proteína e energia pela dieta e a densidade mineral óssea do colo do fêmur em homens adultos e idosos de diferentes grupos raciais, aplicando estratégias de correções de medidas de consumo alimentar. É um estudo observacional, transversal, abrangendo 306 homens voluntários, com 50 anos e mais de idade. A DMO do colo do fêmur foi avaliada pelo exame de densitometria óssea por emissão dupla de raios X e o consumo de cálcio, proteína e energia pelo método de registro alimentar de três dias. As medidas de consumo de cálcio e proteína foram ajustadas pela ingestão energética utilizando-se análise de regressão linear. Os coeficientes de correlação e regressão foram corrigidos pela variabilidade intra e interpessoal de consumo, utilizando-se análise de variância. A média da DMO do colo do fêmur foi de 0,916 g/ cm2 (DP = 0,144). A média de consumo de cálcio bruto foi de 685,3 mg/dia (DP = 320,1 mg). O ajuste do consumo dos nutrientes pela energia ingerida não alterou as suas médias, mas reduziu o desvio padrão em 15 por cento para cálcio e 35 por cento para proteína. Verificou-se que o ajuste do consumo dos nutrientes pela energia ingerida reduziu a correlação com a DMO do colo do fêmur tanto para cálcio (-51,2 por cento ), como para proteína (-33,1 por cento ). E por sua vez, a correção pela variabilidade intrapessoal e interpessoal do consumo ajustado, resultou em aumento da força de correlação com a DMO em 25,9 por cento para consumo de cálcio, 15,7 por cento para consumo de proteína e 15,4 por cento para consumo de energia. Os consumos dos nutrientes não foram associados à DMO do colo do fêmur tanto na análise univariada como na múltipla, exceção para os indivíduos da raça negra que apresentaram correlação positiva e significativa da DMO com o consumo de cálcio, mas não independente do IMC. Os principais fatores associados à DMO do colo do fêmur foram idade, altura e índice de massa corporal. Atividade física de lazer foi associada positivamente a DMO da população branca, mas não da negra. Conclui-se que os ajustes e as correções feitas nas medidas de consumo de cálcio, proteína e energia foram importantes para obter-se melhor estimativa da real correlação entre as variáveis de consumo alimentar com a DMO do colo do fêmur. / The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between dietetic calcium, protein and energy intake and bone mineral density of the femoral neck (FNBMD) in adult and elderly men of different racial groups, applying strategies of corrections in measures of food consumption. It is a cross-sectional study including 306 voluntary men, aged 50 years and more. FNBMD was measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and the dietetic calcium, protein and energy intake were recorded using the food record method for three days. The measures of calcium and protein intakes were adjusted for the energy intake by using regression analysis. The correlation and regression were corrected by the between and within-subject variation in nutrient intake, using variance analysis. FNBMD mean was 0.916 g/cm2 (DP = 0.144 g/cm2). Calcium intake mean was 685.3 mg/day (DP = 320.1 mg/day). The energy adjustment of the consumption of the nutrients didn\'t change the means, but it reduced the standard deviation in 15 per cent for calcium and 35 per cent for protein. It was verified that the energy adjustment of the consumption of the nutrients reduced the correlation between FNBMD and calcium intake (-51.2 per cent ), as well as between FNBMD and protein intake (-33.1 per cent ). The correction for the between and within-subject variation in adjusted consumption, resulted in increase of correlation with BMD in 25.9 per cent for calcium intake, 15.7 per cent for protein intake and 15.4 per cent for energy intake. The consumptions of the nutrients were not associated with FNBMD in the univariate or multiple analysis, except for the black race individual who presented positive and significant correlation of FNBMD with the calcium intake. The main factors associated with FNBMD were age, height and body mass index. Physical activity of lazer was associated with FNBMD in the white population, but not in the black ones. The adjustment and the corrections done in the measures of calcium, protein and energy intake were important to get a better estimate of the real correlation among the variables of food consumption with FNBMD

Objetivo. Investigar o papel da dieta no câncer oral. Métodos. Este estudo utilizou dados do Município de São Paulo obtidos em um estudo multicêntrico tipo caso-controle de base hospitalar. Participaram 845 indivíduos (366 casos incidentes de câncer oral e 469 controles). Os dados de consumo alimentar foram obtidos por um questionário de freqüência alimentar (QFA). Verificou-se o risco associado ao consumo de alimentos e de grupos de alimentos definidos a priori e a posteriori, por análise fatorial, estes últimos denominados \"fatores\". O primeiro fator, rotulado como \"prudente\", caracterizou-se pelo consumo de vegetais, frutas, queijo e carne de aves. O segundo, \"tradicional\", pelo consumo de arroz e massas, feijão e carne; o terceiro fator, pelo consumo de pão, manteiga, embutidos, queijos, doces e sobremesas. O último fator, \"monótono\", associou-se negativamente ao consumo de frutas, vegetais e alimentos lácteos. Após categorização dos fatores dietéticos em tercis, foram estimados os valores da Razão de Chances e Intervalos de Confiança de 95 por cento por regressão logística múltipla não condicional. Resultados. Verificaram-se associações inversas para o consumo mais elevado de feijão e vegetais crus e para o tercil intermediário de arroz e massas; e diretas para o consumo de ovos, batata e leite. O padrão tradicional associou-se inversamente ao câncer oral, e o monótono positivamente. Nossos dados sugerem que a dieta tradicional do brasileiro, composta por arroz e feijão, além do consumo de frutas, vegetais e quantidades moderadas de carnes, pode conferir proteção para o câncer oral, independente de fatores de risco reconhecidos, como o fumo e o consumo alcoólico. / Objective: to identify dietary factors related with oral cancer in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: this study is part of a Latin American multicentre hospital based case-control. Participated 366 incident cases of oral cancer in Sao Paulo City, and 469 controls, frequency matched with cases by sex and age. The dietary data was collected by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The risk associated to the intake of food and food groups, defined a priori and a posteriori, through factor analysis (so-called factors) was analyzed. The first factor, labeled \"prudent\', was characterized for the intake of vegetables, fruits, cheese and poultry. The second, \"traditional\', for the intake of rice, pasta, pulses and meat, while the third, named \"snacks\" was characterized for the intake of bread, butter, salami, cheese, cakes and desserts. The last, \"monotonous\", was associated inversely with the intake of fruits, vegetables and most of the others food items. After categorization of the food items and the scores of the factors into tertiles, the Odds Ratio and 95 per cent Confidence lnterval were calculated by unconditional multiple logistic regression. Results: The intake of rice, beans and raw vegetables was associated with lower risk, whereas eggs, potatoes and milk were associated with increased risk. The traditional pattern was inversely related with the oral cancer, while the monotonous was positively associated. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the Brazilian traditional habit of eating meals composed by rice and beans, plus moderated quantities of meat, may conter protection against the oral cancer, independent of other risk factors, as alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle de câncer de reto como parte do \"Estudo Epidemiológico de Câncer de Esôfago e de Reto no Município de são Paulo\". O estudo compreendeu 92 casos de cancer de reto e 200 controles categorizados em 3 sub-conjuntos (amostra pareada, global e estratificada). Foram objeto de análise as variáveis: local de nascimento do indivíduo e de seus pais, zona de nascimento (rural/urbana) consumo de alimentos (carnes, ovos, verduras, temperos) características do hábito intestinal, tabagismo e consumo de bebidas (cerveja, vinho e pinga). As estimativas dos Riscos Relativos (RR) por ponto e respectivos testes de significância foram calculados para cada tipo de amostra. Utilizou-se análise multivariada, através do procedimento de máxima verossimilhança condicional para a amostra estratificada e os procedimentos clássicos para as amostras pareada e global. A análise estatística dos resultados evidenciou associação positiva apenas entre o consumo de queijo e câncer de reto (RR = 1,41 I--------I 4,30). Não está afastada a possibilidade de que a significância encontrada seja devido a um artefato estatístico, dada a multiplicidade de testes efetuados. A possível associação entre o consumo queijo e câncer de reto, portanto, deve ser interpretada com reserva. / This is a case-control study of rectal cancer and is part of \"The Epidemiological Study of Esophagus and Rectal Cancers in the City of são Paulo, Brazil\". The study included 92 cases of rectal cancer and 200 controls (classified in three types: matched, global and stratified samples). The analised variables were: state of birth classified in great regions of Brazil, place of birth (rural/urban) ,food consumption (meats, eggs, fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans, seasonings, dairy products) caracteristics of the bowel movements, smoking habits and alcohol consumption (beer, wine and hard liquor-\"pinga\"). The point estimates of the Relative Risks and their significance tests were calculated for each type of sample. Multivariate analysis was done, for the stratified sample the conditional maximum likelihood procedure was used and classical procedures (Me Nemar and Cross Ratio estimate) for the other samples. The statistical analysis indicated a positive/association only between cheese consumption and cancer of the rectum (RR = 1,41 I------I 4,30). There is the possibility that the observed statistical significance is a statistical artefact due to the multiplicity of tests that have been perfomed. Because of this, the possible association between cheese consumption and cancer of the rectum must be viewed with caution.