Fetal Fibronectin Test Accuracy for Predicting Preterm Birth Risk | InformativeBD

Maysoon Sharief, and Saha Mahmood, from the different institute of the  Iraq. wrote a research article about, Fetal Fibronectin Test Accuracy for Predicting Preterm Birth Risk, entitled, Accuracy of cervico vaginal fetal fibronectin test in predicting risk of spontaneous preterm birth. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biomolecules and Biomedicine | IJBB. an open access scholarly research journal on Biomedicine, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Preterm delivery is the leading cause of neonatal mortality. One of the best predictors to assess the risk of preterm labour (PTB) is by measuring fetal fibronectin (fFN) in cervico vaginal secretion after 26 weeks of pregnancy. The aim is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of qualitative cervico vaginal fFN in symptomatic women and asymptomatic high risk women during antenatal care. Prospective study which was conducted in Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital. It included 106 pregnant women at gestational age more than 26 weeks who had uterine contraction with or without pervious risk factors for PTB. Cervico vaginal fluid sampling was undertaken from all women included in the study after the age of 26 weeks of gestation and qualitative fFN assessment was done with 50ng/ml is the cut off point for positivity. As regard qualitative fFN assessment for predicting of PTB sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, were 71%, 87%, 40.50%, 94% respectively in symptomatic women. While in asymptomatic women with previous high risk had 26% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 32% PPV, and 87% NPV. Qualitative assessment of fFN in cervico vaginal fluid is good predictive marker in detecting of PTB.

Read more : Marantaceae in Central Gabon: Identification and Marketing | InformatoveBD

Introduction

Preterm labour is defined as regular contractions of the uterus starting before 37 weeks of pregnancy that result in cervical effacement and dilatation. Globally, about 15 million babies are born preterm each year. The incidence of preterm birth varies significantly across the globe (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2016).

Approximately 30-35% of preterm birth PTB are iatrogenic due to medical or obstetric complications, 40-45% are related to spontaneous preterm labour, and 25-30% to preterm rupture of membrane. Spontaneous pre-term birth is most commonly caused by pre-term labour in caucasians, and preterm prelabour rupture of membrane in black women indicating the existence of potentially different causative mechanism (Offiah et al., 2012).

Fetal fibronectin is a glycoprotein variant of fibronectin family present in amniotic fluid, placenta and the extracelluar substance of the decidua (Bennett, 2018). Its synthesis and release is increased by the mechanical and inflammatory events which occur prior to the onset of labour (Bennett, 2018). Fibronectin is often described as "leaking" from disruption to the fetal membranes and decidua in the lower pole of the uterus associated with early biochemical events of parturition. 

However, it is also an inflammatory response gene, and therefore concentrations of fibronectin in vaginal fluid can be considered to also be marker of inflammation (which may be pathological or a normal part of the onset of labour at term) (Bennett, 2018).

Fetal fibronectin may normally be detected in vaginal secretions at levels in excess of 50ng/ml. However, it is now being increasingly used to predict risk in women who are asymptomatic but at risk for other reasons, in particular cervical shortening (Foster and Shennan, 2014; Kuhrt et al., 2016). 

Since fFT is present in amniotic fluid and placental tissue, mechanical or inflammatory-mediated damage to the membranes before PTB might result in its release into the cervix and vagina (Honest et al., 2002).

The presence of cervico vaginal fFT in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy identifies a subgroup of women who are at high risk for PTB. This phenomenon may reflect the separation of the chorion from the decidual layer of the uterus, with the release of intact or degraded chorionic components of the extracellular matrix into cervical and vaginal secretions (Lockwood et al., 1991). Thus, early detection of PTB is difficult because initial symptoms are often mild and may occur in normal pregnancies.

Even an interesting works, mostly in USA, have been carried out among different population (Lockwood et al., 1991; Honest et al., 2002; Imas, 2003; Hezelgrave et al., 2015; American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, 2016; Bennett, 2018) but unfortunately, there is no work which has been done among women in our region. Thus, it is of value to know its accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in predicting spontaneous PTB in women with or without symptoms. It is expecting to use the results of this study to predict and diagnose PTB. In addition, the usual treatment in clinical practice depends on accurate prediction of spontaneous PTB.

Reference

Abbott D, Hezelgrave N, Seed P, Norman J, David A, Bennett P, et al. 2015. Quantitative fetal fibronectin to predict preterm birth in asymptomatic women at high risk. Obstetrics and Gynecology 125, 1168-1176.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Preterm (premature) labour and birth[Internet]. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2016 [cited 2018 August13]. Available from: http://www. acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Preterm-Premature-Labor

Bennett P. Preterm Labour. 2018. In Dewhurst’s Textbook of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 9th edition, 2018. Edmonds DK, Lees C, Bourne T. Wiley Blackwell, London, UK. P 387-412.

Foster C, Shennan AH. 2014. Fetal fibronectin as a biomarker of preterm labor: a review of the literature and advances in its clinical use. Biomarker Medicine 8, 471-484.

Goldenberg RI, Iams JD, Mercer BM, Meis PJ, Moawad A, Das A, et al. 2001. The Preterm Prediction Study: toward a multiple-marker test for spontaneous preterm birth. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 185, 643-651.

Hezelgrave NL, Shennan AH, David AL. 2015. Tests to predict imminent delivery in threatened preterm labour. British Medical Journal 350, 2183-2185.

Honest H, Bachmann LM, Gupta JK, Klejinen J, Khan KS. 2002. Accuracy of cervical vaginal fetal fibronectin test in predicting risk of spontaneous preterm birth: Systematic review. British Medical Journal 325, 301-303.

Iams JD. 2003. Prediction and early detection of preterm labor. High-Risk Pregnancy Series: An Expert’s View 101(2), 402-412.

Kuhrt K, Hezelgrave N, Foster C, Seed PT, Shernnan AH. 2016. Development and validation of a tool incorporating quantitative fetal fibronectin to predict spontaneous preterm birth in symptomatic women. Ultrasound Obstetrics and Gynecology 47, 210-216.

Leitich H, Kaider A. 2003. Fetal fibronection-How useful is it in prediction of preterm birth? British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 110, 66-70.

Lockwood CJ, Senyel AE, Dische MR, Casal D, Shah KD, Thung SN, et al. 1991. Feta fibronectin in cervical and vaginal secretions as a predictor of preterm delivery. The New England Journal of Medicine 325(5), 669-674.

Offiah I, O’Donoghue K, Kenny L. 2012. Clinical Risk factors for preterm birth. INTECH Open Access Publisher. p73-88.

Roman AS, Koklanaris N, Paidas MJ, Mulholland J, Levitz M, Rebarber A. 2005. “Blind” vaginal fetal fibronectin as a predictor of spontaneous preterm delivery. Obstetrics and Gynecology 105, 285-289.

 Source : Accuracy of cervico vaginal fetal fibronectin test in predicting risk of spontaneous preterm birth

 

 

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Marantaceae in Central Gabon: Identification and Marketing | InformatoveBD

Pamphile Nguema Ndoutoumou, Gino Boussiengui Bousssiengui, Armelle Lyvane Ntsame Affane, Charlène Kady Ignanga Mouyombi,  and Crépin Ella Missang, from the different institute of the Gabon. wrote a research article about, Marantaceae in Central Gabon: Identification and Marketing, entitled, Identification and marketing of Marantaceae in the Ndjolé area, in central Gabon. This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research | IJAAR.  an open access scholarly research journal on Agronomy, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The forests of the Congo Basin cover an area of 200 million hectares, of which just over 10% is in Gabon. In this country, crop products and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are abundant because of its favourable climate. There is significant biodiversity and great potential for non-timber forest products. This study is interested in the identification and the supply chain of the Marantaceae, one of these NTFPs of plant origin in central Gabon, whose exploitation is national. Through a survey of the main actors in the sector and field visits in the locality of Bifoun, it emerges the existence of three large groups of exploited marantaceae, whose harvest and transport are mainly done by women, in various containers. The storage of this NTFPs does not exceed four days, with the risk of losing its commercial value due to drying out. The uses of this resource are multiple: processing cassava, cooking food, making handicrafts, etc. The income it provides to producers is mainly use towards small family expenses but helps to monetize the rural world. The difficulties inherent in the distance from harvesting points, the low price of the product and the impossibility of long-term storage of the marantaceae leaves constitute a brake on the development of this activity. It would therefore be wise to envisage the domestication of the species listed for a sustainable use of this plant genetic resource. 

Read more : Heavy Metal  Levels in Abandoned Mining Soil: Zamboanga City | Informative BD

Introduction

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), through their multiple uses, contribute to the subsistence of populations and provide them with income (Shankar et al., 2001; Walter, 2001; Mbolo et al., 2002; Biloso & Lejoly, 2006; Vermeulen et al., 2009). The use of various categories of non-timber forest products is sometimes the only source of income for some rural populations (Nguenang et al., 2010; Thiombiano et al., 2010; Ngoya-Kessy, 2011). In recent years, NTFPs have considerably aroused interest worldwide as it contribution to household economy and food security is increasingly recognized (Lescuyer, 2010; Loubelo, 2012), as well as to the achievement of environmental objectives such as the conservation of plant biodiversity (Arnold & Ruiz, 2001; Doucet, 2006; Tchatat & Ndoye, 2006). According to the abovementioned authors and Lehoux and Chakib (2012), these products play a role in terms of food, economic value and their usage for divers purposes (Sunderland et al., 2003; Tchiegang & Mbougueng, 2005; Betti & Lejoly, 2010; Priso et al., 2011). 

According to Tchatat and Ndoye (2006), the question of reasonable management of NTFPs is of great importance in meeting sustainable development objective. Vermeulen et al. (2009) point out the need to know the techniques used for the exploitation of plant genetic resources on the one hand, and the promotion of the domestication of these resources in their different regions, on the other hand. Plants of the Marantaceae family are mainly distributed across the ecologies of tropical America and Africa (Cabezas et al., 2005; Tchatat & Ndoye, 2006).

These are monocotyledons with fairly significant genetic variability, which offers many uses to the populations. For example, the use of Haumania liebrechtsiana (De Wild. & T. Durand) is preferred over other Marantaceae because of its flexible stem used for building huts, basketwork and making fishing vessels. The bevelled pieces of internodes are also used to build cages for rat traps. The stem rings can be made and used to hold bundles of wood and leaves (Tchatat & Ndoye, 2006). According to the same authors, the stems of Hypselodelphys violacea (Ridl.) are also used for traps making. The rings formed with these stems are used to hold together bundles of wood and leaves. The strips detached from the petiole of Marantochloa manii (Benth.) are used in basketry, in cooking as ties for cassava sticks and various packets of food, as well as ties for bundles Marantaceae leaves. 

According to Ndouano & Ada-Ntoutoume (2002), the leaves of Megaphrynium macrostachyum (Benth.) were used as vegetable roof tiles to cover huts or waterproof clothing. However, the most prominent use of those leaves is for food packaging (e.g., cassava sticks) as well as food storage and food cooking of various types of food products. The cortical strips of the petioles (free from the pith) are used for weaving fishing tools, but also as ties to fix the leaves on the roofs or consolidate bundles. The short leaves of Sarcophrynium brachystachys (Benth.) are widely used by women for wrapping short cassava sticks.

The aim of this present study is twofold: firstly, to identify the species of Marantaceae exploited by the peasants in the central Gabon, and secondly laying the foundations of the domestication of this perishable resource. This study is therefore of multiple interest, from a social, economic, ecological and scientific standpoint.

Reference 

Arnold JEM, Ruiz PM. 2001. Can non-timber forest products match tropical forest conservation and development objectives ? Ecological Economics 39, 437-447.

Betti JL, Lejoly J. 2010. Contribution à la connaissance des plantes médicinales de la réserve de biosphère du Dja au Cameroun : plantes utilisées dans le traitement des maux de dos. Intern. Journ. of Biolog. and Chem. Sc. 4(1), 193-200.

Biloso A, Lejoly J. 2006. Etude de l’exploitation et du marché des produits forestiers non ligneux à Kinshasa. Tropicultura 24(3), 183-188.

Cabezas FJ, De la Estrella M, Aedo C, Velayos M. 2005. Marantaceae of Equatorial Guinea. Ann. Bot. Fennici 42, 173-184. ISSN 0003-3847.

Doucet JL. 2006. L’alliance délicate de la gestion forestière et de la biodiversité dans les forêts du Centre du Gabon. Thèse de doctorat, Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques de Gembloux, Belgique. 390 pp.

Koechlin J. 1964. Scitaminales : Musacées, Strélitziacées, Zingibéracées, Cannacées, Marantacées. — In : Aubréville, A. (ed.) Flore du Gabon 9, 1-172. Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France.

Lehoux H, Chakib A. 2012. Rapport provisoire PFNL au Gabon. Food and Agriculture Organization, FOPP. http://www.fao.org/forestry/nwfp/78836/fr.

Lescuyer G. 2010. Importance économique des produits forestiers non ligneux dans quelques villages du Sud-Cameroun. Bois et Forêts des Tropiques 304(2), 15-24.

Lompo D, Ouedraogo M, Theilade I, Boussim IJ. 2007. Use of Non-Wood Forest Products by local people bordering the “Parc National Kaboré Tambi”, Burkina Faso. The Journal of Transdisciplinary Environmental Studies 6(1), 21.

Loubelo E. 2012. Impact des Produits Forestiers Non Ligneux (PFNL) sur l’économie des ménages et la sécurité alimentaire : cas de la République du Congo. Thèse de Doctorat, Université Rennes 2, France, 260 pp.

Mbolo M, Walter S, Lejeune J. 2002. La collecte et l’analyse des données statistiques sur les Okafor JC, 1980. Edible indigeneous woody plants in the rural economy of the Nigerian forest zone. For. Ecol. Man 3, 45-65.

Ndouano A, Ada-Ntoutoume E. 2002. Utilisation des produits forestiers non-ligneux dans le cadre de la gestion forestière durable au Gabon.

Ngoya-Kessy AM. 2011. Commerce responsable des produits forestiers : Rôle des Etats dans le processus de certification des concessions forestières dans le bassin du Congo: Cas du Congo Brazzaville. Communication lors du séminaire international sur la gestion des forêts comme outil de coopération et de développement rural en Afrique Central

Nguenang GM, Fongnzossie FE, Nkongmeneck BA. 2010. Importance des forêts secondaires pour la collecte des plantes utiles chez les Badjoué de l’Est Cameroun. Tropicultura 28(4), 238-245.

Nyare EN, Bouanga E, Ntoutoume C. 2012. Stratégie nationale et plan d’actions pour le développement du secteur des produits forestiers non ligneux en République Gabonaise. Projet GCP/ RAF/441/GER.

Priso RJ, Nnanga JF, Etame J, Din-Ndongo, Amougou-Akoa. 2011. Les produits forestiers non ligneux d’origine végétale : valeur et importance dans quelques marchés de la région du Littoral – Cameroun. J. of Appl. Biosci. 40, 2715-2726.

Schackleton S, Shanley P, Ndoye O. 2007. Invisible but viable : recognising local markets for Non-Timber Forest Products. Intern. of Forestry Review 9(3), 697-712.

Shankar U, Lama SD, Bawa KS. 2001. Ecology and economics of domestication of non-timber forest products: an illustration of Broomgram in Darjeeling Himalaya. Journal of Tropical Forest Science               13(1), 171-191.

Sunderland TCH, Besong S, Ayeni JSO. 2003. Distribution, utilization and sustainability of Non-Timber Forest products from Takamanda Forest reserve, Cameroon. In: Comiskey. J. A., Sunderland, T. C. H., Sunderland, G. J. L. (eds) 2003. Taka Manda: The biodiversity of an African Rainforest, SI/MAB Series c 8, 155-172.

Tchatat M, Ndoye O. 2006. Étude des produits forestiers non ligneux d’Afrique centrale : réalités et perspectives. Bois et Forêts des tropiques 288(2), 27-39.

Tchiegang C, Mbougueng PD. 2005. Composition chimique des épices utilisées dans la préparation du Nah-poh et du Nkui de l’Ouest Cameroun. Tropicultura 23(4), 193-200.

Thiombiano DNE, Lamien N, Dibong SD, Boussim IJ. 2010. Etat des peuplements des espèces ligneuses de soudure des communes rurales de Pobé-Mengao et de Nobéré (Burkina Faso). Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences 9(1), 1104-1116.

Vermeulen C, Schippers C, Larrubia CJ, Ntoune M, Bracke C, Doucet JL. 2009. Enjeux méthodologiques autour des produits forestiers non ligneux dans le cadre de la certification en Afrique Centrale. Bois et Forêts des Tropiques 300(2), 69-78. DOI: 10.19182/bft2009.300.a20416

Walter S. 2001. Non-Wood Forest Products in Africa: a regional and national overview. EC-FAO. http://www.fao.org/docrep/019/y1515b/y1515b.pdf

 Source : Identification and marketing of Marantaceae in the Ndjolé area, in central Gabon

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Heavy Metal Levels in Abandoned Mining Soil: Zamboanga City | Informative BD

Minsarib L. Kalnasa, and Alma N. Abug, from the different institute of the Philippines. wrote a research article about, Heavy Metal Levels in Abandoned Mining Soil: Zamboanga City. entitled, Heavy metal concentrations in soil from abandoned mining area in Barangay Baluno, Zamboanga City, Philippines. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the extent of heavy metal contamination of Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) in the soil from the abandoned mining area in Zamboanga City, Philippines using the 2017 EMB Site Characterization Guidelines. Soil samples were randomly collected from 3 meridional blocks at 2 different soil depths, 0-5cm and 20-25cm. Pb and Cu concentrations, organic matter (OM) percentages, pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were analyzed using appropriate equipment across sampling sites. The study revealed that heavy metal content in Block 3 exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations based on WHO standard with an average mean of 3,351.00mgkg-1 Pb and 498.67mgkg-1 Cu at 20-25cm soil depth. Moreover, at 0-5cm soil depth, Block 3 had 4176.33mgkg-1 Pb and 494.67mgkg-1 Cu. Furthermore, soil pH was strongly acidic across all blocks with values of pH 5.0 at Block 1; pH 4.7 at Block 2 and pH 4.1 at Block 3. For EC and OM percentages, results ranged from 183.33 μS/cm to 286.67 μS/cm and 1.81% to 4.05%, respectively. Using Analysis of Variance at P < 0.05, this study further revealed that there is a significant difference of Pb and Cu concentrations in 3 meridional blocks at 0.001. This indicates that heavy metal concentrations present in the soil varies in the 3 blocks. However, in physico-chemical parameters, only organic matter has significant difference in all blocks at P ≤0.01. Based from the findings, it is recommended that counter measures be undertaken to minimize further retrogressive impacts of mine tailings left in the area specifically in Block 3.

Read more :  Empowering Womenin  Agriculture for Household Food Security | InformativeBD

Introduction

Abandoned mining sites are significant sources of metal pollution even after centuries due to presence of contaminants in the soil. Toxic metals that remain in the soil and tailing ponds have the potential to travel and contaminate environmental habitats such as soil, water, groundwater, and air. It has the potential to alter soil texture, deplete nutrients, penetrate the food chain, create harmful consequences, and destroy ecological habitat and biological variety, including plants (Conesa et al., 2006; Baker et al., 2010; Rashed, 2010).

Soil pollution by heavy metals is a global environmental issue. Heavy metal contaminants represent a health risk to humans through food chain transfer from soils to crops, prompting increased scientific and public awareness of the issue (Alloway 1995; Oliver 1997; Chen and Lee, 1995; Chen et al., 2000) particularly in the areas close to industrial sites and in the vicinity of mining and smelting plants (Pushenreiter et al., 2005). Heavy metal pollution of soils can also be caused by the parent material's high heavy metal content (Huang, 1962; Reeves, 2003). People living in the area may not be aware of the soil pollution, according to Navarrete and Asio (2011), who cautioned that the risk posed by polluted soils is caused by a lack of awareness of people living in the area, who may not be aware of the presence of these pollutants and their health effects.

This study evaluated the concentrations of heavy metals in soil from abandoned mining area in Barangay Baluno, Zamboanga City. Soils in the surrounding mining areas are probably polluted by heavy metals which could possibly pose high health risks to the adjacent community (Li, 2014). The study area has been abandoned for a decade and this study would like to assess the possible contamination of heavy metals in the soil in the present. It was hypothesized that the soils from the abandoned mining area are highly concentrated with heavy metals. The main goal of this study was to determine the concentration of copper and lead in the soils from the abandoned mining area.

Reference

Heavy metal concentrations in soil from abandoned mining area in Barangay Baluno, Zamboanga City, Philippines

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Baycu G, Tolunay D, Ozden H, Csatari I, Karadag S, Agba T, Rognes SE. 2015. An abandoned copper mining site in Cyprus and assessment of metal concentrations in plants and soil. International Journal of Phytoremediation 17(7), 622-631.

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Marges MARIANE, Su GS, Ragragio E. 2011. Assessing heavy metals in the waters and soils of Calancan Bay, Marinduque Island, Philippines. J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Sanit 6, 45-49.

Ngole-Jeme VM, Fantke P. 2017. Ecologicaland human health risks associated with abandoned gold mine tailings contaminated soil. PLoS ONE 12(2), e0172517. DOI: 10.1371/journal. pone.0172517

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Owsianiak M, Holm PE, Fantke P, Christiansen KS, Borggaard OK, Hauschild MZ. 2015. Assessing comparative terrestrial ecotoxicity of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn: The influence of aging and emission source. Environmental Pollution 206, 400-10. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.07.025 PMID: 26253314

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 Source : Heavy metal concentrations in soil from abandoned mining area in Barangay Baluno, ZamboangaCity, Philippines

 

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Empowering Women in Agriculture for Household Food Security | InformativeBD

Douglas Marowa, from the different institute of the India. wrote a research article about, Empowering Women in Agriculture for Household Food Security. entitled, The role of women in agriculture: Implications in providing, improving household food security, for reducing hunger and malnutrition in rural communities. This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research | IJAAR. an open access scholarly research journal on Agronomy, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

There has been less recognition to women contribute to agricultural and food security. Women’s work in the agriculture and food security often remains invisible. The research sought to investigate the role of women agriculture in providing household food security and reducing of hunger and malnutrition in rural communities. The research used a survey research design, quantitative and qualitative data was gathered. Findings were that social and economic constraints place barriers around women’s access to agricultural land and empowerment. Women had a high positive attitude to the variables on; interest in contributing to household, understanding of food security and socio-economic development. Men own land and livestock at household level, livestock for women were realized through payment of the bride prize. The country was not food secured, 68% of the household could not afford three meals per day, malnutrition remains at 9% and the four dimension of food security were averaging 23.25%. Given equal treatment, women could produce high crop yield and can play role in food processing, in nutrition, gardening and agricultural cooperatives. Farming and agricultural policies need to address factors that were affecting the potential of women in improving food security. This would help in fully utilization of the roles of women in providing and improving household food security and reduce hunger and malnutrition in the rural communities. Noted implications of not involving and empowering women in agriculture was food insecurity in the rural communities as food availability, accessibility, utilisation and stability was to achieved year around in the communities.

Read more : Marketing Abaca Fiber:Insights from Caraga Region Farmers | InformativeBD

Introduction

There has been less recognition to women contribute to farming and agricultural programmes, especially food production as man has been generally recognized. Ibnouf (2009) indicated that the reality in most Sub- Sahara African countries is that more than 50 percent of the active female population works in agriculture. Women’s work in the agricultural sector often remains invisible because the products of their labour are for the largest part intended for household consumption and do not reach the market economy. According to FAO (1996), around 75% of plant genetic diversity has been lost since the beginning of the century as farmers around the world have forsaken their own multiple local varieties in favour of high-yield, genetically uniform varieties. Gracia (2013) also indicated that farming and agriculture helps to maintain biodiversity, yet is also one of the primary activities, which may lead to its loss. Many modern agricultural practices aimed at high crop yields are endangering the biodiversity in our crops, due mainly to single-crop systems, which do not allow for rotation, the use of improved varieties or hybrids to the detriment of traditional ones and the overuse of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. However, it is important to note that women are good natural resource manager, as the real of natural biodiversity in the form of firewood, fruits and food, medicinal and social cultural site.

Ibnouf (2009) revealed that normally, for anyone, food security depends not only on availability of sufficient food supply, but also on sustainability of permanent access to food. Achieving food security refers to access by all people to safe and nutritious food in adequate quantities to meets their dietary needs and leads an active life. However, this in itself does not confer adequate nutrition. A person's nutritional status involves accessibility to resources for food and translating the food obtained into satisfactory nutritional levels. Therefore, food security is a situation in which both food supply and effective demand are sufficient to cover nutritional requirements (Mittal, 2006). According to Ziblim (2014), the debate on the role of women in societies and their participation in economic activity has sparked a lot of controversy for a considerable time. Different groups of people such as women groups, government, development partners, and civil society groups have forwarded many arguments to support their stand on access by all people at all times to adequate food of good quality for active and healthy life. Food security can be explained as an access by all people at all times to adequate food of good quality for active and healthy life (World Bank, 1986). However, not all people have access to adequate food at all times for active and healthy life. Hunger and food insecurity are widespread in most developing countries including Zimbabwe. The 1996 World Food Summit (FAO 1996) which states that food security is met when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. This definition puts the notion of access to food centre stage. Ziblim (2014) suggested that gender differentials in the farm household also play a significant role in the economic performance of a given household. A great deal of empirical research has convincingly demonstrated that gender is important in defining the economic role of rural people in Africa (Ziblim (2014). This in turn has resulted in a growing recognition that men and women often have very different rights and responsibilities with respect to resource use and decision making in the processes of agricultural programmes. Doss (2018) suggested that the development literature abounds with claims about the benefits of targeting agricultural investments at women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. These claims take many forms, but in general it is argued that increasing women’s agricultural productivity is key to increasing overall agricultural productivity, empowering women and reducing poverty.

The problem sought to be addressed in this research was the fact that women contribute to farming and agricultural programmes, especially food production and processing at household level, but the contributions and the roles are yet to be generally recognized. The role of women’s work in the agricultural sector often remains invisible and not recorded, extend of contribution towards providing and improving household food security, remain unnoticed.

This research sought fill this knowledge gap on yet to be recognized performance of women on food security to household in rural. They contribution in household food security, kind of agricultural activities was assumed to have influence on sustaining rural people’s livelihood, the socio economic and cultural factors that affect women in farming and agriculture activities.

Reference

The role of women in agriculture: Implications in providing, improving household food security, for reducing hunger and malnutrition in rural communities

 Ball JA. 2020. Women farmers in developed countries: a literature review. Agric Hum Values 37, 147-160 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-019-09978-3

CARE. 2020. Gender equality and women’s empowerment in the context of food security and nutrition. http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates /cfs/Docs1920/Gender/GEWE_Scoping_Paper-FINAL040ct.pdf

Doss Cheryl R. 2018. Women and agricultural productivity: Reframing the Issues. Development Policy Review 2018 36, pp35-50 wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/dpr

Doss CR, Kovarik C, Peterman A, Quisumbing A, Van den Bold M. 2015. Gender inequalities in ownership and control of land in Africa: Myth and reality. Agricultural Economics 46, 403-434. https://doi.org/10.1111/agec.12171

Doss CR. 2014. If women hold up half the sky, how much of the world’s food do they produce? In A. R. Quisumbing, R. Meinzen-Dick, T. L. Raney, A. Croppenstedt, J. A. Behrman, & A. Peterman (Eds.), Gender in agriculture: Closing the knowledge gap (pp. 69–88). Dordrecht: Springer.

Europa World. 1994. The Europa World Year Book 1994. The Europa World Year Book 1994 (Vol 2) 35th Edition. 9781857430066. Europa Publications Limited. https://books.google.co.zw/books?id =I6MNfReWiwwC

FAO. 1996. Rome declaration and World Food Summit plan of action. Report of the World Food Summit 13-17 November 1996, Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations Rome, Italy 1996

Ibnouf Fatma Osman. 2009. The Role of Women in Providing and Improving Household Food Security in Sudan: Implications for Reducing Hunger and Malnutrition. Journal of International Women’s Studies 10(4), 144-167.

Jemimah Njuki, Sarah Eissler, Hazel Malapit, Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Elizabeth Bryan, Agnes Quisumbing. 2021. A review of evidence on gender equality, women’s empowerment and food system. United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021. International Food Policy Research Institute

María del Mar Hidalgo Garcia. 2013. The role of women in food security. https://dialnet.unirioja.es › descarga › articulo 83-96

Mittal S. 2006. Structural Shift in Demand for Food: Projections for 2020. Working Paper No. 184, p 16. Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), New Delhi. http://www.icrier.org/.

Palacios-Lopez A, Christiaensen L, Kilic T. 2017. How much of the labor in African agriculture is provided by women? Food Policy 75, 52-63.

Smriti Rao. 2011. Work and Empowerment: Women and Agriculture in South India, The Journal of Development Studies 47(2), 294-315, DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2010.506910 UNDP. 1995. Human Development Report 1995: Gender and Human Development. http://www.hdr.undp.org/en /content/human-development-report-1995.

USAID. 2016. Women in non-production roles in agriculture: A literature review of promising practices. United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Food Security and Feed the Future.

World Bank. 1986. A World Bank Policy Study; Poverty and Hunger: Issues and Options for Food Security in developing countries. The World Bank Washington, D.C., U.S.A

World Bank. 2020. World Development Report 2020: Trading for Development in the Age of Global Value Chains. Washington, DC: World Bank.https:// openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/32437.

Ziblim Shamsu-Deen. 2014. The Contribution of Women to Household Food Security in the Kassena -Nankana East District in the Upper East Region of Ghana. International Journal of African and Asian Studies Vol. 4, 2014.

 Source : The role of women in agriculture: Implications in providing, improving household food security, for reducing hunger and malnutrition in rural communities

 

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Marketing Abaca Fiber: Insights from Caraga Region Farmers | InformativeBD

Rosalina A. Sagocsoc, from the different institute of the Philippines. wrote a research article about, Marketing Abaca Fiber: Insights from Caraga Region Farmers,entitled, Farmers practices in marketing Abaca fiber in Caraga Region. Farmers practices in marketing Abaca fiber in Caraga Region. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

 Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the marketing practices and the profitability of establishing Abaca in the Caraga Region. A total of One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-Six (1256) farmers, Seventy-Seven (77) traders, and three (3) processors were interviewed as the respondents of the study. Their names were obtained from the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of the concerned municipalities of the Region. Data gathering activities included interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), and stakeholder forums were conducted to validate and gather additional information. The said Focus Group Discussion and Stakeholders’ Forum were attended by the farmers, officers in various cooperatives, traders, representatives from the regional line offices, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAO), Academe, Provincial Agriculture Officer. In the Caraga Region, abaca traders are situated in Agusan del Norte 28 or 36.36%, Agusan del Sur 25 or 32.47%, Surigao del Sur 24 or 31.17% and no traders in the province of Surigao del Norte. The one who sets the price for abaca fiber is the trader/buyer 99.28 % and only 0.71% sets by the farmer. The means of contacting buyers are referrals by the farmers 32.96%; traders will come to the farmers 27.46%, recommended by the Local Government Unit (LGU) 23.88%, and traders who are known by the cooperatives 15.68%. The buyers’ requirements in buying abaca fibers are quality 63.69% and volume 36.30%. Traders engage in buying Abaca for more than 15 years or 38.5%; 1-5 years, 30.12%; 11-15 years, 18.07% and 6-10 years, 13.25%. The means of transporting abaca fiber is through motorcycles 43.37% and hired trucks 56.61%. The estimated monthly volume sold is 1- 5 metric tons or 92.77% and 6 – 10 metric tons. The farmer’s Abaca fibers through Barangay or Municipal Traders, Cooperatives/Consolidators, Baling and Grading Establishment, Processors, and exporters. The issues and concerns for the traders are the following: classification and grading of fiber, cheating abaca bundles where stones inserted to increase weights, abaca fiber not adequately dried, and piles of Abaca are mixed with other fibers. The profitability of abaca farming for 1 hectare /year is the average of P48,000 for a typical farm, while for a good farm is P115,200 – 192,000. 

Read more : Bolo Bamboo: Exploring Flour Substitute's Functional Properties | InformativeBD

Introduction

The "Manila hemp," known internationally for its world-class fiber, continues to be one of the priority agricultural commodities of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The Philippines supplies more than 87.4 percent of the total abaca fiber market and earns more than $111.33 million in global abaca trade annually (PCA, 2017). 

In 2022, as per PhilFIDA data, Caraga ranked third among the top abaca-producing regions in the country with an estimated 10,000 metric tons (MT) of fiber production, next to Bicol Region (1st) and Davao Region (2nd).

Abaca is in great demand in the world market today because of its lucrative value in industries such as making security papers, paper money, ropes, insulators, and other handicrafts. The most important part of the Abaca is the stalk which is the source of the fiber. Abaca fiber is superior to all other natural fibers because of its great strength and its resistance to the action of water. It is three times stronger than cotton, the most potent natural fiber. 

The country’s overall fiber production is estimated at 62,640.63MT, remaining the top abaca-producing country, supplying 85% of the fiber demand in the world.

Pulp, which accounts for 69.2 percent market share of the abaca exports, has reported earnings of $ 79.4 million or an increase of 11.7 percent. Abaca cordage, which grabbed a market share of 10 percent, fell to $ 11.4 million. Fiber crafts exports also fell 67.3% to $3.7 million (The Philippine Star, 2016). The pulp manufacturing industry is the leading end-user of abaca fiber, followed by cordage manufacturing and fiber craft industry. It was reported that due to the increasing use of abaca fiber in specialty paper manufacturing, the demand for fiber among pulp manufacturers is constantly surging, and the trend is expected to prevail in 2014-2019. Among the leading abaca fiber suppliers, Ching Bee Trading Corporation dominates the market in the Philippines, followed by Tag Fibers, Inc. and Selinrail International. 

For the past half-decade, the Abaca industry helped boost the country’s economy from its export earnings with an annual average of P4.7 billion, mainly in the Visayas and Mindanao Islands. Abaca fibers are cultivated across 176,549 hectares of farmlands by over 122,758 farmers. Moreover, in recent years, it has been perceived that aside from the substantial contributions of Abaca to the economy, its utilization can also provide numerous ecological advantages (www.philfida.da.gov.ph, 2019).

With the continuing development of the fiber craft industry in the Philippines, the abaca fiber market has been witnessing a boost due to the growing demand for gifts, toys, and housewares. Moreover, increasing consumer inclination for lifestyle products is further expected to strengthen the growth trend for abaca crafts in the coming years. There are only two significant exporters of abaca fiber in the world – the Philippines and Ecuador, with the Philippines accounting for over 80% of the global production of abaca fiber. In the Philippines, the abaca plant is cultivated across 130 thousand hectares of land by over 90 thousand farmers. 

Asia Pacific was the largest market for abaca fiber in terms of production and consumption over the past few years, and the trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. The Philippines, the world's largest abaca producer, hold a significant market share in Asia Pacific. A considerable portion of produced abaca fiber in the Philippines is internally consumed, while a substantial amount is exported to various countries, including U.S., Japan, and other European countries. The Philippine government supports initiatives to increase high-quality abaca fiber production levels for domestic consumption and export. This is expected to strengthen its market positioning further and open market opportunities for new players over the next seven years (Erie News, 2019).

Thus, this undertaking is critical to fill the data gaps of the recently conducted Value Chain Analysis of the Commodity in the Region. Profiling tells us the actual scenario of how many abaca farmers engaged in this commodity, what support programs they availed in our present administration, what they need, and what other issues and concerns so that our government can also make some intervention programs for our abaca industry.

Major end-user industries of abaca fiber include paper and pulp, fibercraft, and cordage. The paper and pulp industry is the largest end-user industry for abaca fiber, followed by cordage manufacturing and fiber craft industry. Increasing the application scope of abaca fiber in specialty paper manufacturing is likely a critical factor driving demand for abaca fibers in the paper & pulp industry. The rising market for cordage in industrial applications, including the production of ropes for ships, is expected to boost its demand over the next seven years.

Reference

Abaca Sustainability Manual Published by Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, 2016

Department of Agriculture, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority. 2016-2019, www.philfida.da.gov.ph

Edwin R. Celestino, Gregorio O. Sarmiento, Jinky T. Benicio, 2016. Value Chain Analysis of Abaca (Musa textiles) Fiber in Northern Samar, Philippines, IJISET- International Journal of Innovative Science & Technology, Vol.3, Issue 8.

Enhanced Provincial Commodity Investment Plan, Province of Agusan del Norte. http://www.philstar.com/agriculture/2016

Philippine Abaca helps in global environment conservation. 2016-2019. Department of Agriculture, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority. www.philfida.da.gov.ph.

Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). 2014. I-PLAN Component Mindanao Cluster, Value Chain Analysis and Competitiveness Strategy: Abaca fiber Mindanao, Department of Agriculture Mindanao Regions.

The Philippine Star, 2016, Louise Maureen Simeon  www.philfida.da.gov.ph2016.

Source : Farmers practices in marketing Abaca fiber in Caraga Region

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Bolo Bamboo: Exploring Flour Substitute's Functional Properties | InformativeBD

Ana Jaya C. Trayvilla, and Janus B. Pansacala, from the different institute of the Philippines. wrote a research article about, Bolo Bamboo: Exploring Flour Substitute's Functional Properties. entitled,  Functional properties of flour substitute from bolo (Gigantochloa levis) bamboo shoots and culms. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences |IJB.  an open access scholarly research journal on Biology, under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences | INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The study aimed to generate flour substitute from the shoots and culms of Gigantochloa levis, determine and compare the percent yield of the flour produced between different source parts, and evaluate the functional properties of the shoots flour (SF) and culms flour (CF) in reference to first-class flour (FCF) and third-class flour (TCF). The average yield of the shoots and culm flour were 62.78% and 62.87% respectively. Starch was positively identified via iodine test for both samples. Results indicate that bamboo SF and bamboo CF had the following functional properties respectively; 12.61 and 11.75% moisture, 5.6 and 4.7 pH, 3.1942 and 3.5080 (g/g) water holding capacity (WHC), 1.3879 and 1.2834 (g/g) oil absorption capacity (OAC), 0.6519 and 0.7367 (g/ml) bulk density, 4.1046 and 3.6942 (g/g) swelling power, 20.090 and 24.2342% water solubility, 94 and 95°C gelatinization temperature (GT) and 14% and 16% (g/mL) least gelatinization concentration (LGC). It was revealed from the assessment; functional properties SF and CF are still comparable to the commercial flour with some advantages in other form of products, formulations, and usage. These include dough and pastries, enrichment of high dietary fiber content for bakery products, as flavor retainer, palatability enhancer and shelf-life extender. Based on the findings of this study, it can be inferred that bamboo shoots and culms of Gigantochloa levis could be a viable source for production of flour.

Read more :  Exploring Avian Diversity in Siocon's Mangrove Areas, Mindanao | InformativeBD

Introduction

Food security is a potential dilemma in the modern world. People currently faced with the challenge of providing low-cost, sustainable and nutritious food for the rapid growing world’s population. Food safety is the importance of accessibility, affordability, use and stability this means that financial and natural resources and the ability of people to eat together determine access to food and their rights (Shaheen et al., 2017).

Land degradation, lack of freshwater, overfishing, and global warming are particularly at risk off reducing food supplies. The demand for food is increasing due to the growing population and growing middle class in developing countries. High technology has helped farmers grow, but inequality in the greatest wealth still deprives the poorest people in the world. Food can be produced with availability of energy sources and resources. One of the main alternative energy sources is biomass, which includes trees and other plants, and energy can be integrated into food chain (Shaheen et al., 2017). Converting these resources to produce alternative food and other beneficial products will improve food supply and livelihoods. By providing these alternative resources, consumers who experience significant food shortages can increase food sources, reduce malnutrition, create alternative incomes, and become increasingly important in the eventof natural disaster such as droughts, food crises, market volatility, political unrest and military disputes (Baum et al., 2015).

The main food groups that most people consume are carbohydrates, protein food containing milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, fats and sugars. Of the five main groups, carbohydrates provide optimal nutrition for most people with optimal nutrition. More than 55% of all energy comes from carbohydrates of various food ingredients (Asp et al., 1997). Starchy foods considered as hard foods such as pasta, rice, oats, potatoes, noodles, yam, green bananas, sweet potato, millet, couscous, breads, snacks, cereals, barley and rye are the good sources of carbohydrates. Millions of people around the world eat bread and good quality food which were commonly provided. Complex properties of food provide energy, protein, minerals and many other macro and micronutrients. Flour makes an important contribution to industrial use. For example, develop bread, cookies and other pastries, sweets and the common, pasta products. Starch makes up most of the flour (68-76%) and exists in the form of small grains or granules. In general, the main components of white flour are starch 71%, ash 0.5%, lipid 1%, water 2%, moisture 14% and protein 12% (Figoni, 2003). 

Bamboo is a subspecies of Poaceae (grass family) and is comparable to African napper grass, elephant grass, corn, wheat, millet, and sugar cane. It is also an important grass closely related to human life, housing demand, food, clothing, and many other things. In addition, bamboo known as “the plant of multifunctional uses” because of its wide variety of applications due to the constant growth per unit area and high biomass production (Akinlabi et al., 2017). The shoots are consumed locals as vegetables, but now they offered as delicacies in special markets and restaurants and are processed and stored in various forms, including drying, fermentation, pickling, water soaked, and canned (Chongtham et al., 2011). High nutrient value contributes to the excellent nutritional potential of bamboo shoots mainly consist of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, amino acid and low fat (Akinlabi et al., 2017). 

At the upper portion where woody material is located were observed to have high crude fiber content and polysaccharide such as starch and sugar, and during their growth the rhizomes of a 2-3-year-old young culms were know have rich in reserve nutrients (starch and nitrogen) but depending on species and part of culms which also comprises with 40% fibrous tissue and 50% of parenchyma tissue rich in starch (Chongtham et al., 2011; Felisberto et al., 2017).

Since bamboo shoots and culms are rich in nutrients, consisting of fibers, proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, amino acid, low fat, fibrous tissue and parenchyma tissue rich in starch hence there can be a demand for new source of starch which also could be a potential substitute for production of flour. Thus, the study intends to produce and evaluate the functional property of alternative flour sourced from bamboo shoots and culms of Gigantochloa levis.

Reference 

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Asp, NG, Bjork I, Cherbut C, Dreher M, Hill J, Hill M, Lal M, Lauer R, Lentze M, Lineback D, Mann J, Nyman, M, Konig K, Rolls B, Stephen A, Vorster H, Walhqvist M, Prosky L, Williams C, Wolraich M. 1997. Carbohydrates in human nutrition. (FAO Food and Nutrition Paper – 66) (H. Anderson, D. Benton, M. Bieber, G. Blackburn, E. Jequier, M. Lessoff, D. Metcalfe, D. O’Mullane, M. Roberfroid, W. Saris, Eds.; 2nd Ed., Vol. 66). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation.

Baum S, Denkenberger D, Pearce J, Robock A, Winkler R. 2015. Resilience to Global Food Supply Catastrophes. Environment, Systems, and Decisions.

Berggren S. 2018. Water holding capacity and viscosity of ingredients from oats: the effect of b-glucan and starch content, particle size, pH and temperature. BSc Thesis, Linnaeus University, Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences.

Butool, S, Butool M. 2015. Nutritional Quality on Value Addition to Jack Fruit Seed Flour. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) 4(4), 2406-2411.

Chandra S, Samsher P, Kumari D. 2015. Evaluation of functional properties of composite flours and sensorial attributes of composite flour biscuits. Journal of Food Science and Technology 52, 3681-3688.

Chandra S, Samsher P. 2013. Assessment of functional properties of different flours. African Journal of Agricultural Research 8, 4849-4852.

Chongtham N, Bisht MS, Haorongbam S. 2011. Nutritional Properties of Bamboo Shoots: Potential and Prospects for Utilization as a Health Food. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 10(3), 153-168.

Coffmann CW, Garcia VV. 1977. Functional properties and amino acid content of a protein isolate from Mung bean flour. International Journal of Food Science & Technology 12(5), 473-484.

Egan H, Kirk R, Sawyer R. 1981. Pearson’s Chemical Analysis of Foods (8th ed.). Churchill Livingstone.

Felisberto MHF, Beraldo AL, Clerici MTPS. 2017. Young bamboo culm flour of Dendrocalamus asper: Technological properties for food applications. LWT – Food Science and Technology 76, 230-235.

Figoni A. 2003. Chapter 5: Wheat Flour. Wiley. https://catalogimages.wiley.com/images/db/pdf/0471268569.excerpt.pdf

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. 2016. Manual of Methods of Analysis of Foods, Cereal, and Cereal Products (1st ed.). Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Gould JM, Jasberg BK, Cote GL. 1989. Structure-function relationships of alkaline peroxide-treated lignocellulose from wheat straw. Cereal Chemistry v. 66.

Lakshman R, Ambrose D, Chelvame D. 2015. Studies on Banana Centre Core Flour Prepared by Different Drying Methods. Current Agriculture Research Journal 3(1), 55-59.

Norita RI, Haris PR, Alfiyanti Reynaldo AD, Astuti W, Hesti WD. 2017. Swelling power and solubility of modified breadfruit flour using Lactobacillus plantarum. Journal of Physics Conference Series 909, 12087.

Shaheen S, Ahmad M, Haroon N. 2017. Edible Wild Plants: An alternative approach to food security. In Edible Wild Plants: An alternative approach to food security.

Traynham T, Myers D, Carriquiry A, Johnson L. 2007. Evaluation of Water-Holding Capacity for Wheat-Soy Flour Blends. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society 84, 151-155.

Source : Functional properties of flour substitute from bolo (Gigantochloa levis) bamboo shoots and culms

   

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