bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kontribusi Pertanian Berkelanjutan di Lahan Suboptimal Terhadap Aspek Lingkungan dan Sosial-ekonomi di Kecamatan Pulau Burung, Provinsi Riau
Authors: Qurani Ika Zahara , Sanudin Sanudin , Fawzi Nurul Ihsan
Published: January 2022

The circumstance of suboptimal land, due to its complex and often difficult nature, is either under-utilized and becomes abandoned space or over-utilized and generates environmental problems. In fact, suboptimal land, including peatlands, can be an alternative amid the decreasing area of arable land per capita for agriculture. This study aims to assess the contribution of sustainable agriculture for coconut commodities in the peatlands area, Pulau Burung District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, Riau Province. Data on environmental aspects were obtained from secondary data provided by the local company. Data on socio-economic aspects were obtained using focus group discussions (FGD) in five villages through semi-structured interview to 29 residents from various backgrounds. As a result, agricultural practices in this area can be deemed as sustainable based on water management indicators. The environmental impact is very minimal, biodiversity is preserved, and the subsidence rate is very low at 1.7 cm per year. In terms of socio-economic aspect, it can be concluded that the community perceives the environmental and social aspects are well maintained. Referring to the results of the FGD on agricultural practices, land fire control, food access, waste management, and water access are aspects that are considered adequate for the community. In contrast, land governance scored the lowest due to the difficulties in obtaining land certificates.

 

Keywords: peatland, suboptimal land, sustainable agriculture, water management
Rancangan Mini Ekosistem bagi Budi Daya Ikan Nila (Oreochromis niloticus) dan Tanaman Genjer (Limnocharis flava) di dalam Ember yang Dilengkapi dengan Sistem Peringatan Amonia
Authors: Prasetia Natalia Eka , Eka Putra Ramadhani , Viridi Sparisoma
Published: January 2022

Environmental conditions and fish stocking density in tilapia cultivation (Oreochromis niloticus) are important factors in determining the success of the cultivation process and supporting optimal fish growth. This study used four treatments, namely A, B, C, and D, for 3, 5, 7, and 9 fish, respectively. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of raccoon tail plants (Ceratophyllum demersum) and genjer plants (Limnocharis flava) on tilapia mortality, determine the ratio of feed conversion and the effect on ammonia concentrations, determine the effect of ammonia concentrations on the productivity of genjer plants, determine the warning system modeling on ammonia concentrations, as well as calculate mass and energy balance in the cultivation system of tilapia and genjer. The result is that the planting of raccoon tails and genjer in the system significantly affects tilapia mortality. The average value of feed conversion ratio from treatments A, B, C, and D were 1.75; 1.36; 3.51; and 2.87, respectively. The effect is significant and directly proportional to ammonia concentration and genjer productivity. The ammonia warning system modeling is in the form of linear equations, namely y = 0.2085x - 0.0193 with R2 = 0.9692. This system's balance of mass and energy can be divided into three subsystems, namely, fish acclimatization, fish cultivation, and genjer cultivation.   Keywords: ammonia, genjer, modelling, tilapia
Komunikacja symplastowa – nadkomórkowy system regulacji różnicowania komórek
Authors: Godel-Jędrychowska Kamila , Kurczyńska Ewa
Published: January 2022

Plazmodesmy (PD) odkryte ponad 120 lat temu, ciągle stanowią zagadkę w związku z ich rolą w regulacji różnicowania komórek roślinnych. Badania ostatnich lat zweryfikowały nasze wyobrażenie nie tylko o budowie PD, ale także ich roli w wymianie informacji między komórkami organizmu roślinnego. Udział PD w przemieszczaniu się białek, w tym czynników transkrypcyjnych, hormonów oraz różnego rodzaju RNA wskazuje, że odgrywają istotną rolę w regulacji różnicowania komórek. Przemieszczanie się cząsteczek poprzez PD nazywane jest komunikacją symplastową, a jej ograniczenia lub brak stanowią istotny element kontrolujący kierunek różnicowania się komórek.
Metabolizm lipidów a potencjał rozwojowy oocytów i zarodków ssaków
Authors: Warzych Ewelina , Pawlak Piotr , Lechniak Dorota
Published: January 2022

Potencjał rozwojowy oocytów i zarodków jest jednym z kluczowych czynników wpływających na sukces w rozrodzie. Ponieważ zarodki pozyskane in vitro posiadają obniżoną jakość, opracowanie nieinwazyjnego systemu ich oceny jest priorytetem. Jednym z podstawowych parametrów kształtujących potencjał rozwojowy gamet/zarodków i wpływających na mechanizmy rozrodcze jest metabolizm lipidów. Oocyty i zarodki ssaków gromadzą lipidy w kroplach lipidowych, których liczba i wielkość jest gatunkowo specyficzna. Wzrostowi i dojrzewaniu oocytu/zarodka towarzyszy duża dynamika ilościowych i jakościowych przemian lipidów, która wpływa na ich jakość oraz przydatność do mrożenia. Istnieje możliwość modyfikacji parametrów lipidów zarówno in vivo jak i in vitro poprzez dodatek tłuszczu do diety oraz pożywek hodowlanych. Niniejsze opracowanie przedstawia aktualny stan wiedzy na temat zaangażowania lipidów w kształtowanie potencjału rozwojowego oocytów i zarodków ssaków głównie na przykładzie modeli dwóch gatunków zwierząt gospodarskich -  bydła i świni domowej.
The Inflammatory Mechanism in Depression and Some Possible Effective Agents
Authors: Shamabadi Ahmad , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: January 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Mental Health of Health Care Workers at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rouhbakhsh Ashraf , Arbabi Mohammad , Nejatisafa Ali-Akbar , Sharafi Sayedeh Elham , Etesam Farnaz , Shahmansouri Nazila , Bagheri Amiri Fahimeh , Badrfam Rahim , Noorbala Ahmad Ali
Published: January 2022

Background: In this study, screening of mental health problems among Health Care Workers (HCWs) was performed in order to assess the prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress at Iran’s largest teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, HCWs who were working professionally in specific wards for COVID-19 patients were selected by availability sampling. The patients who met the inclusion criteria and answered the submitted questions were included in the study. Next, two instruments including HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and PSS-4 (Perceived Stress Scale-4) were used.
Results: The study was conducted on 306 HCWs. The mean score and standard deviation of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress were 6.33±4.10, 8.33±4.29, and 6.88±2.90, respectively. Fifty-four percent and 36.6% of the participants showed some degree of anxiety and depression, respectively.
Conclusion: It is necessary to use screening methods for psy- chological disorders among HCWs, along with psychosocial support and appropriate psychological interventions in this field.
Evaluation of Epidemiology and Etiologies of Acute Limping in Children Presented to the Emergency Department of Pediatric Hospital of Amirkola in Babol, Iran
Authors: Jowkar Rahmatollah , Sharyf Pour Delavari Maryam , Mohammadi Mohsen , Oladi Somayeh
Published: January 2022

Background: Limping is a common complaint of children presenting to the emergency departments of hospitals; therefore, it is important to identify its causes and avoid unnecessary measures. In this study, common etiologies for limping in children presenting to the emergency department of Pediatric Hospital of Amirkola in Babol, Iran were evaluated.
Methods: All children under 15 years of age presented to the emergency department of Pediatric Hospital of Amirkola, during 2017-2018, with complaints of acute limping were retrospectively evaluated. Initially, 71 patients were found among whom 53 were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study. The census method was used to obtain the required samples. Patient information including demographic data, clinical signs, and symptoms at admission were gathered. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v22 software (IBM, USA), and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of 53 children, 33 (62.3%) were boys and 20 (37.7%) were girls. The mean age of participants was 4.53±2.79 years old, and the mean length of hospital stay was 10.5±7.2 days. Inflammation and infections were the most common etiologies with a cumulative prevalence of 58.49 and 28.30%, respectively. Transient synovitis was the most common differential diagnosis with a prevalence of 43.4%, and the most affected joints were hips with a prevalence of 73.5% (p-values=0.001).
Conclusion: Most of the diseases for acute limping in children are self-limited, but this should not lead to disregard for infection as a differential diagnosis.
Impact of Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Nerve Block on Ease of Positioning for Spinal Anesthesia in Patients with Femoral Fracture
Authors: Teymourian Houman , Saeedi Nima
Published: January 2022

Background: Spinal anesthesia is commonly used for orthopedic surgeries. The most important issue to improve outcome is patient cooperation to have a proper position for reducing pain during spinal anesthesia procedure. However, any change in position is painful which leads to sympathetic activation, tachycardia and hypertension, which may put patients with ischemic heart disease at risk. Peripheral nerve block is a safe and reliable alternative to systemic analgesia. Using the ultrasound-guided method reduces local anesthetics’ amount and side effects.
Methods: In this study, 53 patients who came to the operating room with femoral fracture as candidates for spinal anesthesia were enrolled and received ultrasound-guided Femoral Nerve Block (FNB) (10 ml Lidocaine 1.5%). Before and after receiving the nerve block, the patients were asked about the severity of their pain using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Both groups of patients and physicians were asked about their satisfaction according to a 5-point Likert scale.
Results: Mean pain intensity in the NRS score at the time of admission to the operating room was 7.6±0.8, which was reduced to 1.8±1.5 after blockade. In this study, 39 (73.5%) patients were very satisfied (Likert scale 5), 10 (18.8%) were satisfied (Likert scale 4), 2 (3.7%) had no opinion (Likert scale 3), 2 (3.7%) were not satisfied (Likert scale 2), and no one was very dissatisfied (Likert scale 1). There was significant difference in physician’s satisfaction.
Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided nerve block is a safe and effective method to be used for positioning during spinal anesthesia procedure.
The Role of Lymph Node Ratio in Predicting Survival in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Salari Abolfazl , Saeedi Elnaz , Hadji Maryam , Jalaeefar Amirmohsen , Zendehdel Kazem , Shirkhoda Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the role of lymph node ratio (LNR) in the prediction of Overal Survival (OS) of patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods: Patients with ESCC who underwent radical esophagectomy and radical lymph node dissection were entered into the study. The survival rate of patients was determined using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Also, the effect of LNR and other variables on the OS of patients was assessed applying COX proportional hazards regression model. Based on its mean, LNR was divided into two groups of ≤0.25 and >0.25.
Results: In total, 116 patients were entered into the study. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that LNR was an independent prognostic factor for the prediction of the OS of patients with ESCC. An increase of LNR more than 0.25 led to an increase in the mortality risk by 1.57 times. Also, the five-year survival of patients was 26% with LNR≤0.25 and 5% with LNR>0.25.
Conclusion: LNR can be used as an independent prognostic factor in determining and predicting the OS of patients with ESCC. There was a relationship between the increase of this factor and the worsening of patients’ OS.
Risk Stratification for In-Hospital Mortality in Adult Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Pazoki Marzieh , Payandemehr Pooya , Montazeri Mahnaz , Kafan Samira , Sheikhvatan Mehrdad , Sotoodehnia Mehran , Salimzadeh Ahmad , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Najafi Atabak , Shariat Moharari Reza , Khajavi Mohammad Reza , Talebpour Mohammad , Ashraf Haleh , Kazem Aghamir Seyed Mohammad , Karbalai Saleh Shahrokh , Shakouri Rad Ali , Moradi Tabriz Hedieh , Najmeddin Farhad , Arya Pantea , Peirovi Niloufar , Kazemian Sina , Kashani Mehdi , Babaei Sorya , Hadadi Azar
Published: January 2022

Background:  Since the outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), identifying risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality has been a global priority. In this study, the purpose was to evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 to develop a predictive model and scoring system for in-hospital mortality.
Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 611 adult patients with COVID-19, admitted to Sina hospital were enrolled and followed up.
Results: Out of the total number of 611 patients, 104 patients (17%) deceased during hospitalization, including 75 (12.2%) deaths in ICU and 29 (4.7%) deaths in the wards. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, several characteristics including age >55 years, previous history of malignancy, history of cerebrovascular accident, tachypnea on admission, CRP>54 on admission, D-dimer>1300, and bilateral pulmonary consolidation on chest Computed Tomography (CT) were shown to be the main determinants for stratifying the risk for in-hospital death. The factors were finally considered for introducing a new predictive scoring system for COVID-19 related death.
Conclusion: In-hospital mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 is estimated to be 17%. A new scoring system for predicting in-hospital mortality in such patients was structured based on determinant factors of advanced age, history of malignancy, cerebrovascular accident, tachypnea, raised CRP, raised D-dimer on admission, and bilateral pulmonary consolidation on chest CT scan.
Virtual Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Health Care Providers During COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran
Authors: Mohammadsadeghi Homa , Shariat Seyed Vahid , Shariati Behnam , Eftekhar Ardebili Mehrdad , Tat Somayyeh
Published: January 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Commitments of Government Towards the Private Health Sector, with A Look at Iran
Authors: Mousavinejad Shahriar , Kiani Mehrzad , Bazmi Shabnam
Published: January 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
“Covid-19 Management” Induced Mania! A Call for Alert and Further Research
Authors: Hosseinnia Zahra , Yahyavi Seyyed Taha
Published: January 2022

The article's abstract is not available.
Assessing the Components of Crisis Management: A Comparative Study in Private and Public Hospitals
Authors: Ghiyasi Samira , Verdi Baghdadi Fatemeh , Hashemzadeh Farshad , Soltanzadeh Ahmad
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Crisis management, as one of the areas of consequence management, can increase crisis resilience and reduce the level of organizational vulnerability in times of crises. Therefore, this study was designed and conducted to assess the components of crisis management in private and public hospitals.
Method: The present study was conducted in 10 hospitals, in 2020. The sample size was estimated to be 200. The components of crisis management in this questionnaire included: management commitment, taking the blame, learning, awareness, preparedness, flexibility and transparency. Data analysis was performed using Independent samples t-test and Chi-square/Fisher exact test.
Results: The results showed that the two groups of public and private hospitals did not have significant differences in terms of individual variables (p<0.05). The crisis management index in the two groups of public and private hospitals was estimated to be 4.11 and 3.22, respectively. The results of comparative assessment of the crisis management components in the two groups revealed that all these components in public hospitals are estimated to be higher than that of the private hospitals, and their differences are also statistically significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that although the resilience of private hospitals was higher than average, the comparative assessment of the crisis management components revealed that the level of resilience in times of crises in public hospitals was higher than the private ones. Therefore, the components of crisis management in these hospitals should be improved with a proper design and a comprehensive crisis management program.
The proximate and chemical composition of improved chickpea cultivars grown under the pure stand and banana intercrop systems in south western Uganda agro ecological zone.
Authors:   Makerere University, Uganda, Matovu HA , Muyanja CK ,   Makerere University, Uganda, Byenkya S ,   Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Uganda
Published: January 2022

South Western Uganda Agro ecological Zone is a major banana producing region faced with malnutrition, partly due to high intake of banana, which is low in protein, essential amino acids and most micronutrients compared to other foodstuffs with high protein and micronutrients. Five improved chickpea cultivars (ICCV 00108, 1CCV 00305, 1CCV 92318, 1CCV 96329, 1CCV 97105), introduced as an alternative protein source were grown as monocrop and intercrop with bananas and the effect of the cropping method on their nutritive value investigated. Their proximate and chemical compositions were determined, using standard methods. Moisture content ranged between 11.11 and 12.14 %, crude protein content ranged between 18.00 to 19.04 %, crude fat content varied from 3.29 to 4.69 %, ash content ranged between 3.38 and 12.14 %; whereas crude fibre ranged between 4.43 and 11.20 %. The Fe content varied from 15.98 to 31.19 mg/100g, Zn ranged between 248.42 and 292.18 mg/100g, Cu varied between 12.91 and 25.95 mg/100g, whereas Mn varied from 84.82 to 112.1 mg/100g. The K content ranged from 855.00 to 1060 mg/100g, Na ranged from 269.17 to 590.00 mg/100g, Mg varied from 85.84 to 95.84mg/100g, Ca ranged between 464.17 and 507.50 mg/100g whereas P varied between 366.67 and 418.34 mg/100g. The cropping method did not affect the proximate composition of the chickpea but the crude fibre and ash contents varied significantly (P<0.05) among the cultivars. All the mineral contents except P, varied significantly (P<0.05) among cultivars. The cropping method significantly (P<0.05) affected all mineral contents except Ca, Cu and P. Cultivar ICCV 97105 was more nutrient-dense, compared to other cultivars. The results indicate differences in the seed ash and crude fibre contents of the cultivars studied. The findings of this study establish the five analysed chickpea cultivars as a potential source of protein and appreciable amounts of both trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) and macro-elements such as K, P, Mg and Ca.
Central obesity and diet quality in rural farming women of Ngamiland, Botswana.
Authors:   University of Botswana, Ramolefhe GT , Nnyepi MS , Ama NO , Chimbari MJ ,   University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Published: January 2022

Rapid economic growth in Botswana like in other countries has led to the emergence of nutrition transition . Overweight/obesity , central adiposity and associated co - morbidities are on the rise, especially amongst women. Urban women have been shown to be more prone to overweight/obesity compared to men . However , the situation in rural women has not been studied. Therefore, this paper assesses the prevalence of central obesity in rural female farmers (N=113) of Ngamiland, Botswana over two years. Estimation of central obesity was made through assessment of waist circumference (WC) and waist hip ratios (WHR) . The WHO Indicator cut - off points ( WC: l ow risk = <80 cm ; increased = 80 - 87.9 cm ; and substantially increased = >88 cm and WHR: low risk = ≤0.85 and high risk = 0.85+ ) for risk of metabolic complication were used to categorize women according to body fat ness levels . A non - quantified dietary diversity questionnaire was also administered to individual s with responsibility over food , to assess the participant ’ s dietary diversity. Women were assigned dietary diversity score s (DDS) ranging from 0 to 8, depending on the number of food groups represented in their diet in the past 24 hours. The higher the number t he more diversified the diet . These measurements were collected in August 2010 and September 2011. Between 2010 and 2011 the mean WC increased from 87±11.8 to 90.2±14.5 while the WHRs in 2010 increased from 0.83±0.1 to 0.86±0.1 respectively . Diets comprised mostly of starchy foods, milk and miscellaneous foods such as fats/oils, sugars, and condiments. Mean DDS for both periods was 3 showing poo r quality diet and little change over the two years. Central adiposity was observed amongst the women as shown by a significant increase in WC between 2010 and 2011 (t=2.818, df=112, p=0.006) . Contrary to expectations that rural female farmers in Ngamiland Botswana would be healthy compared to their non - farming counterparts, there seems to be an observable similar trend of overweight. Furthermore, quality of traditional diets seems to be deteriorating with less consumption of healthy protective and nutrient dense foods , which are likely to influence a rise in metabolic complications. The authors therefore recommend strategies that will facilitate reduction of waist size s to 80.0 cm such as farming and consumption of healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables along with the commonly produced ones in the fields . F arming communities should also value and include traditional and wild foods in their diets to increase dietary diversity and reduce the risk of development of chronic diseases.
Efficacy of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) varieties as a source of food and feed in Endamehoni district, northern Ethiopia.
Authors:   Jigjiga University, Ethiopia, Gebreegziabher Z , Tsegay BA ,   Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Published: January 2022

Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) serves as a source of food, feed, as well as a means of additional income to the people in northern Ethiopia. The species has different varieties with varied rate of productivity and palatability. This study was conducted to assess the food and feed value of the Cactus Pear varieties in Endamehoni District, northern Ethiopia. It was carried out in three “Tabias” (small administrative subdistricts) and nine sub-Tabias (also known as “Kushets”). These areas were purposively selected as they are well known for their good diversity of Cactus varieties. A total of one hundred and twenty households (n = 120) were randomly selected for interviews using a semi-structured interview. This was supplemented by information obtained through key informants’ interviews and field visits. The local farmers made the identification and characterization of cactus varieties traditionally based on the outstanding phenotypes like fruit characteristics, seed size and content, cladode descriptors and plant height. A total of 13 Cactus varieties were identified and recorded. To assess the food and feed value and to select the best used varieties in the area, preference rankings were made. It was found that not all varieties were equally edible and palatable. The most serious constraints in palatability were associated with fruit taste, fruit size, presence of spines, and hardness of seeds. The ethnobotanical study on palatability was supplemented by chemical analysis on Dry Matter (DM), Ash, Organic Matter (OM) and Crude Protein (CP) content from two-year-old young cladodes of four Cactus varieties (Kille, Wadwada, Magalla and Limo) that are more preferred for food and feed. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in DM, OM and Ash content at p<0.05 (not at p<0.10). There was no variation in crude protein content amongst the varieties tested. From the results, it is concluded that propagation and use of varieties Kille, Limo, Magalla and Wadwada by farmers of the area is advisable.
Evaluation of the quality of malted acha-soy breakfast cereal flour
Authors:   Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Nigeria, Agu HO , Ayo JA ,   Federal University, Wukari, Nigeria, Jideani AIO ,   University of Venda, South Africa
Published: January 2022

Breakfast cereals are increasingly in demand for health reasons and are primarily made from different cereal grains. Acha (Digitaria exilis Stapf) cereal grain and malted soybean flours (MSFs) were used in the ratio 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40 to produce five Acha-soy breakfast cereal (ASC) products. Acha grains were cleaned, washed, dried, milled and sieved through 600 μm sieve to obtain wholemeal flour. The soybean was soaked (24 hr), drained, germinated (96 hr), dried using cabinet drier at 60oC for 8 hr, devegetated, winnowed, dry milled and sieved to obtain flour. The quality of ASC flour products was assessed in terms of proximate analysis, energy content and microbial analysis. Significant differences (p<0.05) existed in all the proximate and energy compositions. There was a general increase in protein, fat and ash contents as the proportion of malted soybean increased while crude fibre, moisture and carbohydrate contents decreased. The energy contents increased with increase in the proportion of malted soybean. Microbial analysis showed no count at first week for both bacteria and fungi. Microbial growth began during the second week after production and increased with storage time. Sensory evaluation was conducted on gruel (thin porridge) made from ASC products. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in aroma, flavour, texture and overall acceptability amongst the products. A general decrease existed in the mean scores of the breakfast gruel in all the parameters monitored with increase in MSF. Whole meal Acha breakfast gruel (100%) had the highest mean values except in flavour while ASC gruel (60:40%) had the lowest mean value in all the parameters. Gruel made from 10 and 20% MSFs had the best sensory qualities. These resultsshowed the potential utilization of this unique cereal grain (Acha/fonio) in enriched breakfast cereal production targeting diabetic individuals and the efforts made to introduce a semifinished Acha product in the market.
Engaging fathers and grandmothers to improve maternal and child dietary practices: Planning a community-based study in western Kenya.
Authors:   University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya, Thuita FM , Martin SL ,   Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA, Ndegwa K ,   PATH, Kenya, Bingham A ,   PATH, Nairobi, Kenya, Mukuria AG ,   Independent consultant, formerly with the Infant & Young Child Nutrition (IYCN) Project
Published: January 2022

Fathers and grandmothers are key family influencers who have an impact on maternal and child health . This paper describes the planning, design , and implementation of a four - phased evaluation study on the impact of engaging fathers or grandmothers in improving diet s of mothers and feeding practices of infants and young children in a rural setting in western Kenya. The study used a quasi - experimental, non - equivalent comparison group design with pre - and post - test observations. It tested the hypothesis that families participating in activities to engage fathers or grandmothers have better knowledge and adopt better practices related to maternal nutrition and complementary feeding than families for which nutrition messages are targeted only to mothers. Information gene rated from previous formative research was used to design culturally relevant interventions for fathers and grandmothers. Interventions included separate but parallel peer education dialogue groups with fathers and grandmothers . They were held twice a month, and family bazaars and special fathers’ days at local clinics were held once per month. The study team selected t he dialogue - based group methodology , including promotion of social support actions , because it engages participants to actively discuss new information and experiences providing social support rather than passively receive information. Community health extension workers and Ministry of Health nutritionists provided supportive supervision and monitoring of the dialogue group activities. Father and grandmother interventions were implemented in two separate sub - locations of Kenya’s former Western Province , and the program effects were compared to findings in a population with a similar socioeconomic background living in a similar sub - location in t he same province. An examination of the study implementation methodology provides useful insights into practical issues that need to be addressed in programs seeking to engage key household influencers of maternal nutrition and infant and young child feeding behaviours. Results showed that t he dialogue group methodology, formative research to inform intervention design, use of the existing Ministry of Health community health unit structure to provide critical support supervision , and actions that motivated peer mentors were key factors for successful implementation of the study intervention.
A national survey of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain quality in Sierra Leone II: Evaluation of physical grain quality.
Authors:   Njala University, Njala, Sierra Leone, Kamara JS , Leigh AU ,   Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Cooke RA ,   University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
Published: January 2022

Rice is a very important item of food and commerce in Sierra Leone and so information o n the quality of available rice grains can serve as a useful indicator for the technical status and level of competitiveness in the local rice industry . During this study a n objective evaluation was conducted to measure and characterize the quality of rice grains available in the local markets of Sierra Leone. A total of 315 randomly selected rice samples from 45 markets selected from the four major cities of Sierra Leone (Makeni, Bo, Kenema and Freetown, representing urban communities from the northern, southern, eastern and western parts of the country , respectively ) were evaluated. Quality evaluation involved measurement of moisture content, number of paddy (unmilled rice kernels) in 1 kg of milled rice and other quality factors normally used for the grading of milled rice. Rice samples were then graded based on criteria adapted from the Philippines Rice Grading Standards for milled rice grains. The results showed that the quality of all grain samples evaluated was generally poor, with 63.2% of the samples failing to meet the criteria set for Grade III rice quality ( meaning that the quality level was worse than grade III ) . Quality measures obtained for imported samples appeared to be superior to that obtained for the local samples in terms of higher proportions of superior grades (grade II or better ) . Comparison of measures of grading factors revealed that among the four cities considered in this study, grains from Kenema were of the lowest quality . Further examination of grade limiting factors revealed that the most critical factors responsible for poor quality outcomes in grain sample were (i) the number of paddy in 1kg of milled rice and (ii) the moisture content of grains . The study provided quantitative measures of the quality status of rice grains available in Sierra Leone , as well as a means of identifying the major binding constraints to rice grain quality, in terms of the grade limiting factors. It is speculated that t he low quality of rice grains observed in this study could be the result of avoidable quality defects that may be linked to an undeveloped national system for rice milling and handling .
Evaluation of Individual Contribution in Blended Collaborative Learning
Authors: Gao Shurui , Liu Jiaqi , Zheng Haolin , Wu Fati
Published: January 2022

With the deepening of classroom teaching reform, blended collaborative learning has become a common collaborative learning method, and its significance and value has been verified by many parties. However, there is still a lack of quantitative analysis and detailed insight into the internal interaction dynamics of the group at the individual level. There are limitations in the evaluation dimensions and methods of individual contribution in collaborative learning in previous studies, so it is difficult to obtain a comprehensive evaluation of individual contribution. The purpose of this study is to build an effective evaluation model of individual contribution in blended collaborative learning. Discussion recordings and text data in collaboration were collected in a non-invasive way to validate the model. Based on evaluation model, the characteristics and rules behind the data deeply were explored, the collaborative process of the blended collaborative learning was analyzed and mined, and the characteristics of learners' contribution were summarized to support the development of blended collaborative learning.
Challenges and Expectations of Online Arabic Language Teaching In The Covid-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Mustapa Al Muslim , Mohd Saad Mohd Faizulamri , Abdul Ghani Mohamad Zulkifli
Published: January 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the educational landscape around the world. In this era, higher education institutes offer fully online teaching and learning delivery as an alternative implementation. During the transition period, faculty and students experimented extensively to adapt to the new norms of education. This paper aims to reveal the positive academic experiences of Arabic language teachers during the past semester and their challenges. Belief in one's ability and readiness to face the coming day is essential for the following action plan by those in charge. It becomes an indicator for individuals to equip themselves and not be adequate with existing skills. Data were obtained through a questionnaire instrument to 12 respondents of Arabic language instructors and then analyzed based on the Fuzzy Delphi method. The study lists five (5) positive experiences and three (3) most fundamental challenges of online teaching. Belief in the readiness of implementing online teaching for the coming semester was also expressed. The actual situation of the teaching staff is an essential indicator in evaluating the effectiveness and quality of delivery during the Covid-19 pandemic. The educational landscape is far from changing and will never return to how it was before.
Language Learning Strategies And Readability Of Form Four KBD Arabic Textbooks
Authors: Ismail Mohd Fadzli , Nik Yusoff Nik Mohd Rahimi
Published: January 2022

There have been efforts to empower the Arabic language as a subject with the potential to strengthen the Early Integrated Curriculum (KBD) in Malaysia. The importance of mastering this subject is also emphasized in the Malaysian Education Development Plan (2013-2025). Thus, the need to examine language learning strategies with students’ text readability is relevant. However, studies related to the readability of Arabic texts have been found to be limited and there are still weaknesses of students in using language learning strategies. Thus, this study aims to identify the relationship between language learning strategies and the readability of form four KBD Arabic textbooks among Government Aided Religious Schools (SABK) students. The Schema theory and the Interactive Reading Model by Rumelhart (1977) were used as the basis of this study. Meanwhile, quantitative design by survey was implemented on 694 students in five zones of SABK using the proportional strata random sampling technique. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially covering frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation tests, and Kuder Richardson 20. The results of the study showed that the language learning strategies were at a moderate level. On the other hand, the level of readability of the Arabic textbooks of the students was disappointing. There was a weak significant positive relationship between language learning strategies and readability of form four KBD Arabic textbooks among SABK students. The implications of the study contributed to the applicability of the theories and models underpinned in the context of this study. The results of the study can also be used by teachers to help students improve their language learning strategies as well as to increase the readability achievement.
Conceptual Framework For Multilingual Bidayuh’s Pupil In Teaching And Learning Arabic As Foreign Language
Authors: Shafie Muhammad Safreen , Baharudin Harun
Published: January 2022

This paper outlines the conceptual framework of the study that takes into account the elements of the environment during the learning and teaching sessions of Arabic as well as the role played by teachers as knowledge movers in giving the maximum possible Arabic experience to these Bidayuh’s pupils, located in a rural area in Sarawak. In addition, the conceptual framework was created by combining two language theories, the bi/multilingual language theory by Cummins and the social theory by Vygotsky. These theories are relevant to be used and combined to suit the issues regarding teaching and learning the Arabic Language among Bidayuh’s multilingual pupils. Arabic is their fourth or fifth language. Based on this conceptual framework, the combined two theories play a significant role in teaching multilingual pupils because it can be seen from the formation of language from the pupils’ brain (common underlying proficiency). Teachers can strengthen the use of foreign languages by the Social Theory proposed. It is crucial to the teachers to know how to be competent to let the pupils use the language whereby the language is already stored in their brains. Based on that, the research came with ‘The Shopping Cart’ analogy. It describes the importance of teachers controlling the cart, which determines how competent they create the lesson (using social theory) while the things in the cart as the pupils and the cart itself as a lesson created. The analogy fills the 'paradigm gap' of previous studies in looking at how Arabic teachers in primary schools impart Arabic language education to pupils of different races and ethnicities
Mitigating Devices in Mosuli Iraqi Arabic With Reference To English
Authors: Hazem Ali Hussein , Mohammad Suha Idress
Published: January 2022

The Mosuli dialect is the dialect of the people of the city of Mosul in northern Iraq. It is one of the dialects of northern Mesopotamia, which is an extension of the Arabic dialects that prevailed in Iraq and the Euphrates Island in the Abbasid era. The Mosuli dialect, like other dialects of northern Mesopotamia, contains some of the ancient characteristics that are found in Standard Arabic, but it also has some unique features which distinguish it from the others. In comparison with the dialects of southern Mesopotamia, this dialect retains the features of urban dialects such as the letter qaaf. This study explores the most common uses, and the different types of expressions of mitigation used by people who speak the Mosuli Iraqi Arabic dialect in their everyday life in different situations. Mitigating devices are speech utterances used to lesson the force of the speech on the listener to avoid face-threatening situations. Although mitigating devices are widely used in writing and speaking, they have not been adequately investigated in previous studies. It is assumed that people use mitigation to lesson the force of direct speech. In order to prove this surmise, the data are collected from the native speakers of Mosuli Arabic dialect and analyzed according to Fraser’s 1981 model. The findings reveal that many participants use several expressions with the appropriate mitigating devices suited to different situations. More importantly, the findings show new ways of communication for those interested in the study of pragmatics in the Arabic language as well as English and in the language of other non-native speakers of Arabic.
ПИЩЕВАЯ СОЛЬ НА СТЫКЕ НАУКИ О ПИТАНИИ, ЗДРАВООХРАНЕНИЯ И ПИЩЕВОЙ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТИ
Authors:   Институт изучения и развития устойчивых экосистем, Момчилович Б.
Published: January 2022

Представлено сообщение о новых данных в области науки о питании. Для оценки пищевого поступления Na и K обычно воспользуется краткосрочный показатель – выведение Na и K с мочой. В этом исследовании были использованы волосы в качестве долгосрочного биологического индикатора алиментарного обмена Na и K. Методы. Волосы 1073 практически здоровых взрослых европеоидов [734 женщины (♀) и 339 мужчин (♂)] были проанализированы на содержание Na и K методом ИСП-МС. Математический анализ проводился методом оценки медианных производных после лог-трансформации данных. Результаты. Медианные значения (мкг/г) составили: ♀Na – 254, ♂Na – 371, ♀K – 74,3 и ♂K – 143. Линейные (адекватные) интервалы сигмовидной кривой составили для Na 55,6–1307 (♀) и 84,0–1450 (♂), для K 18,9–46,7 (♀) и 25,8–107,9 (♂). Строгий гомеостатический контроль Na и K в цельной крови делает её непригодной для оценки алиментарного обмена этих элементов. Отношение калия к натрию (K/Na) у женщин выглядит стабильным на всем протяжении линейного сегмента сигмовидной кривой, в отличие от постоянно увеличивающегося отношения K/Na у мужчин. Заключение. Результаты показывают, что концентрация Na в волосах не должна быть ниже 55,6 и 84,0 или выше 1307 и 1450 мкг/г у женщин и мужчин соответственно. Аналогичным образом, концентрация калия в волосах не должна быть ниже 18,0 и 25,8 и выше 46,7 и 107,9 у женщин и мужчин соответственно. Соотношение K/Na в волосах должно быть на уровне 0,600 у мужчин и 0,400 у женщин. Выявленный средний уровень алиментарного потребления натрия населением в настоящее время не может служить основанием для введения массовых ограничений по потреблению поваленной соли; коррекция должна носить индивидуальный характер.
РОЛЬ ВОДЫ В ОБЕСПЕЧЕННОСТИ СЕЛЕНОМ БИОТЫ МОЛДАВИИ
Authors:   Приднестровский государственный университет им. Т.Г. Шевченко, Капитальчук М.В.
Published: January 2022

В результате системных биогеохимических исследований содержания селена в экосистемах Молдавии выяснилось, что валовое содержание селена в почвах (100–668 мкг/кг, среднее 246 мкг/кг) и в сельскохозяйственных растениях (80–166 мкг/кг, среднее 112 мкг/кг) не в полной мере отражает обеспеченность этим элементом животных и человека. В мышечной массе сельскохозяйственных животных содержание селена 147–590 мкг/кг; в сыворотке крови человека – 76–254 мкг/л, среднее значение – 146 мкг/л, у сельских жителей селеновый статус выше, чем у городских. В почвах степного района наблюдаются участки с недостатком селена (100 мкг/кг), в то время как именно в степном районе отмечаются аномально высокие концентрации селена в биоте водных экосистем. Agaricus bisporus аккумулирует селен в диапазоне 1980–24920 мкг/кг, то есть шампиньон является чувствительным биоиндикатором доступного селена в почвах. В геохимических условиях Молдавии важную роль в обеспеченности селеном живых организмов играет его повышенное содержание в природных водах: 0,200–6,090 мкг/л, при среднем значении 1,831 мкг/л для поверхностных и 1,795 мкг/л для грунтовых вод. В водных экосистемах этой страны биота может накапливать аномально высокие концентрации селена. В водных растениях содержание селена 19–2917 мкг/кг. Среднее содержание селена в растениях водных экосистем следующее, мкг/кг: прибрежные растения – 139, гелофиты – 182, водоросли – 532, гидрофиты – 855. Содержание селена в мышечной ткани рыб фоновых водных объектов 323–517 мкг/кг, в рыбных хозяйствах 409–646 мкг/кг, в Кучурганском водохранилище-охладителе тепловой электростанции 665–1277 мкг/кг. В мышечной ткани водоплавающих птиц содержание селена в фоновых водоемах до 1158 мкг/кг, а в Кучурганском водохранилище – до 2370 мкг/кг. Таким образом, на фоне невысокого содержания валового селена в почвах природные воды Молдавии характеризуются высокими концентрациями селена, а водные организмы его очень интенсивно накапливают.
El texto de “La poesía enemiga” de Efraín Huerta. De los borradores a las versiones impresas
Authors:   El Colegio de México, Mexico, Delgadillo Martínez Emiliano
Published: January 2022

This article aims to reconstruct the writing process and the textual transmission of “La poesía enemiga,” a poem by Efraín Huerta with an intricate history, particularly in its pre-textual stage. Through the study of the poem’s drafts, the article discovers little-known aspects of the genesis of Huerta’s new poetic style, which came to be shaped by the authorial reworking of the original manuscripts and typescrpits. Finally, it collates the printed testimonies to show similar processes in the textual phase of the cycle of Los hombres del alba as well as in other instances of his poetic oeuvre.
Constelaciones poéticas: sobre algunas antologías de la nueva poesía mexicana (2010-2020)
Authors:   Harvard University, Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, Mireles Cristino Israel
Published: January 2022

With the recent change of decade, we can turn our gaze to trace a concise outlook of recent Mexican poetry. As a significant sign of the poetics that have defined the work of young Mexican writers in the new millennium, I believe that the reflection on some anthologies can provide a firm basis for analysis. In these notes I offer a review of a selection of seven anthologies of Mexican poetry published between 2010 and 2019 to highlight some of the trends that have defined the national poetic state during this decade. The study is divided into two sections. In the first one, I sift through some theoretical and methodological reflections to rethink the function of anthologies no longer from the concept of canon but from the concept of literary constellations. In the second section I focus on the study of each of the selected works, with special emphasis on the proposals outlined by the anthologists in the prologues and paratexts. In this way, at the end I synthesize some of the dominant features of young Mexican poetry, especially from what I consider to be its political manifestation.
Current knowledge on the Cuvette Centrale peatland complex and future research directions
Authors: BIDDULPH George Elliot , BOCKO Yannick Enock , BOLA Pierre , CREZEE Bart , DARGIE Greta C. , EMBA Ovide , GEORGIOU Selena , GIRKIN Nicholas , HAWTHORNE Donna , JOVANI-SANCHO Jonay , KANYAMA T. Joseph , MAMPOUYA Wenina Emmanuel , MBEMBA Mackline , SCIUMBATA Matteo , TYRRELL Genevieve
Published: January 2022

The Cuvette Centrale is the largest tropical peatland complex in the world, covering approximately 145,000 km2 across the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It stores ca. 30.6 Pg C, the equivalent of three years of global carbon dioxide emissions and is now the first trans-national Ramsar site. Despite its size and importance as a global carbon store, relatively little is known about key aspects of its ecology and history, including its formation, the scale of greenhouse gas flows, its biodiversity and its history of human activity. Here, we synthesise available knowledge on the Cuvette Centrale, identifying key areas for further research. Finally, we review the potential of mathematical models to assess future trajectories for the peatlands in terms of the potential impacts of resource extraction or climate change.