Os caminhos da transição agroecológica: uma análise das experiências da agricultura familiar camponesa no território dos Vales do Curu e aracatiaçu-CE

This study examines peasant family farming from an agroecological perspective. It intends to analyze the changes resulting from the transition from conventional to agro-ecological agriculture in the daily practices of farmers articulated associated with the Network of Agroecological and Solidarity Farmers of the Curu and Aracatiaçu Valleys Territory, the locus of this empirical research, and a space which has highlighted the social dynamics of agroecological innovation, as well as articulating environmental exchanges and knowledge development. As a way to further that goal, we seek to identify the forms of social organization previously present in the daily lives of these subjects, in addition to grasping the determinants that lead or led them to adopt agroecology, noting the need to verify the forms of resistance, and the strategies adopted by farmers and how they articulate collectively. Through the historical and dialectical methods, we seek to take the implications of technical modernization of agriculture under the conditions of production and reproduction of peasants and thus situate the emergence of agroecology, a focus that is born as a counterpoint to conventional patterns of agricultural development based on the paradigm of the Green Revolution. We structured this study around the trajectory of agroecological farmers that developed and internalized agroecological practices, processes, and organizational forms. For the analysis, we used theoretical and methodological frameworks from literature related to field research. The systematization and analysis of experiments revealed that agroecological transition is a broad process of change, not restricted to technical matters. We observed changes in production practices, diversification of production and feeding practices, ecological awareness, production autonomy, and organizations formed to face the challenges resulting from the imposition of the dominant agricultural development model that combines environmental degradation, land ownership concentration, and wealth concentration

Contribuições das práticas alimentares e inatividade física para o excesso de peso infantil

OBJETIVO: Revisar estudos que abordam as práticas alimentares atuais e o padrão de atividade física como contribuintes do excesso de peso na infância. FONTES DE DADOS: Ovid Journals, Highwire e SciELO, com seleção de artigos originais e de revisão nos últimos dez anos (1997 a 2007), na língua portuguesa e inglesa. SÍNTESE DE DADOS: O acompanhamento do estado nutricional de crianças permite diagnosticar seu estado de saúde atual, bem como predizer parcialmente seu prognóstico na vida adulta. A prevalência de obesidade infantil, no Brasil, apresenta aumento progressivo em todas as classes sociais e sua freqüência varia entre cinco a 18%, dependendo da região estudada. A associação da transição epidemiológica, demográfica e comportamental e a alteração do hábito alimentar são apontadas como fatores causais do aumento progressivo da obesidade infantil. Práticas alimentares caracterizadas por elevado teor de lipídios, sacarose e sódio e por reduzido consumo de cereais integrais, frutas e hortaliças associadas à inatividade física decorrente do uso de computadores, jogos eletrônicos e televisores influenciam parte considerável de crianças. Este estilo de vida reflete os hábitos familiares e pode ser influenciado pelo ambiente escolar no qual a criança está inserida. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados sugerem influência considerável dos fatores ambientais, principalmente hábitos alimentares e inatividade física, no crescente aumento da prevalência de excesso de peso na população pediátrica.

As recentes reformas educacionais paulistas na visão dos professores

As reformas educacionais atuais introduziram conceitos econômicos na gestão das escolas e transferiram a responsabilidade pelas ações educativas a seus sujeitos, a quem cabe o sucesso ou o fracasso das mudanças. Nesse contexto, novas formas de controle do trabalho docente passaram a ser utilizadas pelo sistema escolar, tais como as avaliações externas, a imposição de projetos e o pagamento de bônus aos responsáveis pelo trabalho docente. Este artigo resulta de uma pesquisa empírica realizada entre 20062008 e visa a apresentar a análise da escola e do trabalho docente a partir do ponto de vista de trinta professores de três diferentes regiões do estado de São Paulo. Os resultados apontam o forte impacto das reformas educacionais e da introdução dos elementos gerencialistas e performáticos no trabalho dos professores, implicando profundas alterações no ofício docente, especialmente do professor secundário, o que evidencia um sofrimento ético perante a perda da especificidade histórica do seu trabalho.

Efeito da prática de alimentação infantil e de fatores associados sobre a ocorrência da cárie dental em pré-escolares de 18 a 48 meses

Este estudo foi realizado objetivando estudar o efeito das práticas de alimentação infantil e de fatores associados sobre a ocorrência de cárie dental. Para isso, determinou-se o ceo-d e o ceo-s em 156 crianças de 18 a 48 meses e foi aplicado às mães um questionário incluindo perguntas sobre a ocupação do pai, nível educacional da mãe, higiene bucal, época de erupção do dente e sobre práticas de alimentação infantil. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através dos testes X2 e Mann-Whitney U. A média do ceo-s foi 3,4 com 40% das crianças livres de cáries, sendo que 36 e 24% tinham um ceo-d maior que 0 e 4, respectivamente. Notou-se que 72% das crianças eram alimentadas ao seio, 17% apenas com mamadeira e 10% pelos dois meios. Das crianças alimentadas apenas com mamadeira 70% apresentaram cárie. A cárie de mamadeira foi observada em 20% das crianças, sendo que 77% destas tinham sido alimentadas por mais de 12 meses. As crianças, cujos pais eram profissionais com terceiro grau de escolaridade, tiveram significativamente menos cárie do que aquelas de pais com nível técnico ou pais operários. A prevalência de cárie na faixa etária estudada foi relativamente alta. As crianças com cárie de mamadeira tenderam a manter seus hábitos de aleitamento por mais de 12 meses, sendo que o uso de mamadeira açucarada estava presente em 100% dos casos.

Prácticas de alimentación complementaria en niños dentro del primer año de vida

This study aimed to investigate complementary feeding practices during children's first year of life in Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Practices were described according to the age range and the breastfeeding (BF) practice. Data were collected during a multi-vaccination campaign through the interview of 1,238 individuals who accompanied children younger than one year old being vaccinated. Differences associated with the BF situation were identified by the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. The early introduction of complementary food was observed, which led to the low frequency of exclusive breastfeeding (36.9% <4 months). Children younger than 4 months old consumed tea (30.7%); children between 4 and 6 months old consumed fruits (54.1%), soups (39.9%) and home-made food (19.2%). Juice was offered only to 15.2% of children younger than 4 months old who were completed weaned, 60% of the children was offered water. Data show that the consistence of the food consumed was inappropriate: children between 6 and 8 months old were offered the family's regular food (48.8%) and children older than 8 months (71.6%) were offered soup. Therefore, interventions focused on complementary feeding are justified on the city.

Contribuição da educação nutricional junto a um grupo de isodosos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estado nutricional de pré-escolares e consumo alimentar de suas famílias no Município de Ponta Grossa-Pr: a influência das condições socioeconômicas e das políticas públicas

Pós-graduação em Alimentos e Nutrição - FCFAR

Determinants of linear growth from infancy to school-aged years: a population-based follow-up study in urban Amazonian children

Background: Although linear growth during childhood may be affected by early-life exposures, few studies have examined whether the effects of these exposures linger on during school age, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. Methods: We conducted a population-based longitudinal study of 256 children living in the Brazilian Amazon, aged 0.1 y to 5.5 y in 2003. Data regarding socioeconomic and maternal characteristics, infant feeding practices, morbidities, and birth weight and length were collected at baseline of the study (2003). Child body length/height was measured at baseline and at follow-up visits (in 2007 and 2009). Restricted cubic splines were used to construct average height-for-age Z score (HAZ) growth curves, yielding estimated HAZ differences among exposure categories at ages 0.5 y, 1 y, 2 y, 5 y, 7 y, and 10 y. Results: At baseline, median age was 2.6 y (interquartile range, 1.4 y-3.8 y), and mean HAZ was -0.53 (standard deviation, 1.15); 10.2% of children were stunted. In multivariable analysis, children in households above the household wealth index median were 0.30 Z taller at age 5 y (P = 0.017), and children whose families owned land were 0.34 Z taller by age 10 y (P = 0.023), when compared with poorer children. Mothers in the highest tertile for height had children whose HAZ were significantly higher compared with those of children from mothers in the lowest height tertile at all ages. Birth weight and length were positively related to linear growth throughout childhood; by age 10 y, children weighing >3500 g at birth were 0.31 Z taller than those weighing 2501 g to 3500 g (P = 0.022) at birth, and children measuring >= 51 cm at birth were 0.51 Z taller than those measuring <= 48 cm (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Results suggest socioeconomic background is a potentially modifiable predictor of linear growth during the school-aged years. Maternal height and child's anthropometric characteristics at birth are positively associated with HAZ up until child age 10 y.

Práticas alimentares de crianças desnutridas menores de dois anos de idade

Analisar práticas alimentares de crianças desnutridas menores de dois anos. Estudo exploratório e descritivo, com análise qualitativa dos dados, realizado a partir de observação participante e entrevistas. Participaram 42 sujeitos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise temática. Ao explorar as práticas alimentares dessas crianças, os temas que emergiram foram: quem prepara a alimentação e o que é preparado; como são preparados os alimentos; a rotina alimentar das crianças; onde e como as crianças são servidas. A alimentação era pouco variada; láctea, no café da manhã e lanches, e no almoço com alimentos como arroz, batata, feijão e, às vezes, carnes. Frutas e hortaliças eram escassas, e alimentos industrializados estavam presentes em todos os domicílios. Foi possível apreender o cotidiano das práticas alimentares, suas inadequações, insuficiência de alimentos, higiene precária dos alimentos complementares, influência das avós, ambiente inadequado às refeições e situação de vida das famílias.

Cross-cultural equivalence and associations among food insecurity and parental influences of children's fruit and vegetable consumption

Over the past several decades, the prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased. Cause for concern has increased because overweight and obesity are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Intervention research aimed at reducing the prevalence of obesity has identified the family, specifically the parent, as a key component of the home environment. However, findings from dietary behavior change interventions have been disheartening because few studies have reported meaningful change, suggesting methodological and/or measurement issues within the intervention process. A lack of appropriate mediators and cross-cultural equivalence may partially explain the reason for little change.^ The study aims were to (1) evaluate the psychometric properties and assess the cross cultural equivalence of the Food Insecurity Scale (paper 1) and the modified Parent Feeding Practices Questionnaire (paper 2) and to assess the overall relationships among food insecurity, parent mediators, and parent behaviors towards children's dietary behavior (paper 3) through structural equation modeling and tests of invariance. The study aims were accomplished through conducting secondary analyses using baseline data from English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanic women who participated in the Healthy Families: Step by Step (BHF) study.^ Results indicated that although the FIS and the mPFPQ exhibited sound psychometric properties, the instruments exhibited a lack of invariance across language spoken groups. The lack of invariance was more pronounced in the FIS. Results also supported the theoretical framework identifying parent's perceived barriers and self-efficacy as mediators of parent's behaviors toward improving children's health eating. Results did not suggest that the relationships were moderated by food insecurity.^ In conclusion, the identification of differential item functioning in food insecurity and parent feeding practices may be beneficial in enhancing tailored interventions through the incorporation of cultural differences into the change mechanisms. However, future research needs to be conducted to determine if the lack of invariance demonstrates the existence of item bias or if it is a reflection of true difference among the language spoken groups. Additionally, obesity intervention studies targeting parent/family barriers and parent self-efficacy to provide/encourage healthy diets may result in an increase in parent behaviors which promote healthy eating behaviors among children. Future research should also examine a more complete causal pathway to determine whether parental changes in the mediators ultimately lead to an increase in healthy dietary behavior among children.^

Infant breastfeeding patterns by sex: Do males feed more?

Background: Most studies have looked at breastfeeding practices from the point of view of the maternal behavior only, however in counseling women who choose to breastfeed it is important to be aware of general infant feeding patterns in order to adequately provide information about what to expect. Available literature on the differences in infant breastfeeding behavior by sex is minimal and therefore requires further investigation. Objectives: This study determined if at the age of 2 months there were differences in the amount of breast milk consumed, duration of breastfeeding, and infant satiety by infant sex. It also assessed whether infant sex is an independent predictor of initiation of breastfeeding. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data obtained from the Infant Feeding Practices Survey II (IFPS II) which was a longitudinal study carried out from May 2005 through June 2007 by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The questionnaires asked about demography, prenatal care, mode of delivery, birth weight, infant sex, and breastfeeding patterns. A total of 3,033 and 2,552 mothers completed the neonatal and post-neonatal questionnaires respectively. ^ Results: There was no significant difference in the initiation of breastfeeding by infant sex. About 85% of the male infants initiated breastfeeding compared with 84% of female infants. The odds ratio of ever initiating breastfeeding by male infants was 0.93 but the difference was not significant with a p-value of 0.49. None of the other infant feeding patterns differed by infant gender. ^ Conclusion: This study found no evidence that male infants feed more or that their mothers are more likely to initiate breastfeeding. Each baby is an individual and therefore will have a unique feeding pattern. Based on these findings, the major determining factors for breastfeeding continue to be maternal factors therefore more effort should be invested in promoting breastfeeding among mothers of all ethnic groups and social classes.^

Hábitos alimenticios en alumnos y trabajadores de la Universidad Miguel Hernández

Objetivo: Describir los hábitos alimenticios de una comunidad universitaria. Material y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal. El instrumento utilizado fue un cuestionario de frecuencias de consumo, administrado por entrevista personal a una muestra accidental de 147 personas. Constaba de cuatro secciones: 1) número de comidas y lugar donde se realizan, 2) patrones de consumo de los distintos grupos de alimentos, 3) modos de preparación de los alimentos, 4) datos de identificación y demográficos. Resultados: En comparación con el patrón de Vivanco y Palacios, nuestra muestra se caracteriza por: alto consumo de carnes (4 veces/semana), disminución del consumo de huevos (2v/sem.), incremento del consumo de hidratos de carbono complejos (5v/sem.), consumo ligeramente inferior de frutas (5v/sem.), ingesta insuficiente de verduras (4v/sem), legumbres (2v/sem) y pescados (2,5v/sem). Conclusiones y Recomendaciones: Atendiendo a los estudios referenciados, es conveniente disminuir el consumo de carnes, aumentando los aportes de pescados, verduras, hortalizas y legumbres, alimentos que, habiendo sido habituales en nuestra dieta mediterránea, parecen haber sido abandonados en beneficio de la conformación de una dieta que tiende a la homogeneización cultural.

Spatial distribution of symbiotic shrimps (Periclimenes holthuisi, P-brevicarpalis, Thor amboinensis) on the sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni

This study investigated the spatial distribution patterns of three shrimp species, Periclimenes holthuisi, P. brevicarpalis, and Thor amboinensis on the sea anemone Stichodactyla haddoni in the laboratory. Anemones were partitioned into five zones (mouth, inner tentacle, outer tentacle, upper column, and lower column), and shrimp distribution on these zones was determined. Regardless of species, significantly higher numbers of shrimps chose outer tentacles (>40%) over other zones during daytime. Such distribution might be attributed to their feeding practices as these crustaceans clipped and ate parts of the outer tentacles. Periclimenes holthuisi also showed varying temporal distribution patterns on their hosts. At night when anemones contracted their tentacles, shrimp moved in significant numbers from the outer tentacle region either to the column or off the anemones. Shrimps returned to the tentacles during daytime when anemones expanded their tentacles. Thus, spatial and temporal distribution of shrimps depend upon their feeding activities and degree of anemone expansion.

Recollections of pressure to eat during childhood, but not picky eating, predict young adult eating behavior

Picky eating is a childhood behavior that vexes many parents and is a symptom in the newer diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in adults. Pressure to eat, a parental controlling feeding practice aimed at encouraging a child to eat more, is associated with picky eating and a number of other childhood eating concerns. Low intuitive eating, an insensitivity to internal hunger and satiety cues, is also associated with a number of problem eating behaviors in adulthood. Whether picky eating and pressure to eat are predictive of young adult eating behavior is relatively unstudied. Current adult intuitive eating and disordered eating behaviors were self-reported by 170 college students, along with childhood picky eating and pressure through retrospective self- and parent reports. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that childhood parental pressure to eat, but not picky eating, predicted intuitive eating and disordered eating symptoms in college students. These findings suggest that parental pressure in childhood is associated with problematic eating patterns in young adulthood. Additional research is needed to understand the extent to which parental pressure is a reaction to or perhaps compounds the development of problematic eating behavior.

Investigating the role of parent and child characteristics in healthy eating intervention outcomes

While numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of interventions at increasing children's vegetable consumption, little research has examined the effect of individual characteristics on intervention outcomes. In previous research, interventions consisting of modelling and rewards have been shown to increase children's vegetable intake, but differences were identified in terms of how much children respond to such interventions. With this in mind, the current study investigated the role of parental feeding practices, child temperament, and child eating behaviours as predictors of intervention success. Parents (N = 90) of children aged 2-4 years were recruited from toddler groups across Leicestershire, UK. Parents completed measures of feeding practices, child eating behaviours and child temperament, before participating in one of four conditions of a home-based, parent led 14 day intervention aimed at increasing their child's consumption of a disliked vegetable. Correlations and logistic regressions were performed to investigate the role of these factors in predicting intervention success. Parental feeding practices were not significantly associated with intervention success. However, child sociability and food fussiness significantly predicted intervention success, producing a regression model which could predict intervention success in 61% of cases. These findings suggest that future interventions could benefit from being tailored according to child temperament. Furthermore, interventions for children high in food fussiness may be better targeted at reducing fussiness in addition to increasing vegetable consumption.