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Research Article
Development and Nutritional Optimization of a Healthy Snack Bar for Children Using Locally Available Ingredients
Gemechu Duguma Argessa*
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
34-56
Received:
31 May 2025
Accepted:
18 June 2025
Published:
31 July 2025
Abstract: The rising global demand for healthy, convenient, and ready-to-eat foods has increased the popularity of snack bars, valued for their energy density and portability. This study aimed to develop nutritious snack bars for children using locally available ingredients: oats, faba beans, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. A mixture design supported by Minitab v.18 generated 17 formulations with varying ingredient ratios. Rosemary leaf extract was added to enhance antioxidant properties, and jaggery was used as a natural sweetener. Proximate analysis showed moisture content of 6-8%, ash 1.12-2.57%, fiber 2-3.5%, fat 5-7%, protein 20-24%, and carbohydrates 58-62%, yielding an energy value of 393-400 Kcal/100g. Mineral content included sodium (5-7 mg), potassium (364-440 mg), calcium (4-8 mg), and magnesium (118-121 mg), with micro-minerals copper (0.4-1.67 mg), iron (6-9.25 mg), and zinc (4-7.5 mg) per 100g. The optimal formulation, with a composite desirability of 0.940494, comprised 48.18g oats, 39.80g faba beans, 4g sunflower seeds, and 8.01g flax seeds. Sensory evaluation confirmed its high acceptability, and microbial analysis verified product safety for up to 30 days of storage.
Abstract: The rising global demand for healthy, convenient, and ready-to-eat foods has increased the popularity of snack bars, valued for their energy density and portability. This study aimed to develop nutritious snack bars for children using locally available ingredients: oats, faba beans, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds. A mixture design supported by Min...
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Research Article
Glycemic Control and Associated Factors Among Diabetics on Active Follow up at Public Hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia
Rudwan Yasin Abrahim,
Abulmejid Gudu,
Dawit Abdi*,
Kedir Nuredin,
Shalo Alemu,
Kidist Mehari Azene,
Bethelhem Fekadeselassie Lemma,
Olifan Getachew
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
57-71
Received:
20 November 2024
Accepted:
28 July 2025
Published:
18 August 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sf.20250603.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Poor glycemic control leads to medical consequences, whereas effective glycemic control minimizes acute and chronic complications and death due to Diabetes Mellitus. In some literatures, the prevalence of poor glycemic control approaches 80%. Considering the seriousness of the problem, there is a knowledge gap in the study area regarding the prevalence of poor glycemic control and the underlying causes. Therefore, this study aimed assess the status of poor glycemic control and associated factors among diabetics on active follow up at public hospitals of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from February 1-28, 2023. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was applied to obtain 405 diabetic patients on active follow. Data was entered in to EpiData software version 4.6, then exported to STATA software version 17 for analysis. Three consecutive months’ average fasting blood glucose level was used to determine glycemic control. Explanatory variables with p value less than 0.20 in bivariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis model. Every variable with P-values less than 0.05 in the multivariable logistic model was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean age of pediatric participants was 11.3 years ± 4.1 SD while the mean age of adult participants was 49.8 years ± 14.7 SD. Females made up 52.1% of the total. Overall prevalence of poor glycemic control was 73.6% (95%CI: 69-77.7). Age >50 years (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 1.10-8.24), being Unemployed (AOR = 6.06; 95% CI: 1.43-25.60), poor level of adherence to blood sugar testing (AOR = 3.95; 95% CI: 1.61-9.70), duration > 4 years on DM treatment (AOR) = 2.23; 95%CI: 1.001-4.98) and high level of total serum triglyceride (AOR = 10.37; 95%CI: 4.29-25.06) significantly increased the odds of poor glycemic control. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of poor glycemic control in the study area. The factors with statistically significant effects on poor glycemic control included age ≥ 50 years, unemployment, low blood sugar testing compliance, longer duration on treatment, and high levels of total serum triglycerides. I rcommend especial attention to the elderlies, unemployeds and those with long duration on treatment.
Abstract: Background: Poor glycemic control leads to medical consequences, whereas effective glycemic control minimizes acute and chronic complications and death due to Diabetes Mellitus. In some literatures, the prevalence of poor glycemic control approaches 80%. Considering the seriousness of the problem, there is a knowledge gap in the study area regardin...
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Research Article
The Interconnectedness of Identity and Environment: A Comparative Study of Season of Migration to the North and The Overstory
Jihan Abdul Rahman Oshiesh*
Issue:
Volume 6, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
72-79
Received:
10 May 2025
Accepted:
28 May 2025
Published:
20 August 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.sf.20250603.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This comparative study examines the intricate theme of interconnectedness between identity and environment in Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North and Richard Powers' The Overstory. Both novels intricately intertwine personal narratives with broader ecological contexts, illustrating how cultural histories and the realities of environmental degradation profoundly shape individual identities. In Season of Migration to the North, Salih delves into the protagonist Mustafa Sa’eed's dual identity, which is burdened by the colonial legacies that significantly impact both his personal experiences and the natural landscape of Sudan. This exploration reveals how colonial histories continue to resonate within contemporary identities and environmental conditions. Conversely, Powers' The Overstory employs multiple perspectives to reveal the profound connections between human experiences and the health of the environment, emphasizing that our narratives are inextricably linked to the lives of trees and ecosystems. Both authors encourage readers to engage in a reflective examination of their relationships with nature through nonlinear narratives, urging a recognition of collective responsibility toward environmental preservation. This study highlights the essential role of literature as a vital medium for fostering ecological consciousness and cultural understanding, ultimately demonstrating that the crisis of identity is deeply intertwined with the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Abstract: This comparative study examines the intricate theme of interconnectedness between identity and environment in Tayeb Salih's Season of Migration to the North and Richard Powers' The Overstory. Both novels intricately intertwine personal narratives with broader ecological contexts, illustrating how cultural histories and the realities of environmenta...
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