bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Vitamin D Fortification: Implications for Nutrition Programming in Southeast Asia
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Laillou Arnaud , Smith Geoffry , Schofield Dominic , Moench-Pfanner Regina
Published: November 2015

Background

Vitamin D is vital for bone health and has important roles in nonskeletal health and organ function. Most vitamin D is generated in the body by exposure to sunlight, with limited amounts added by the diet. Despite the presence of regular sunshine in Southeast Asia, vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is being found there more commonly, primarily due to reduction of sunlight exposure as a result of lifestyle changes. Some of these lifestyle changes are unlikely to be reversed, and foods naturally containing vitamin D are not widely consumed, so fortification of foods with vitamin D may raise vitamin D status.

Methods

The literature database was searched for studies of vitamin D fortification, and we estimated potential vitamin D intakes from fortified vegetable oil.

Results

Almost all of the studies showed that circulating vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D [(25OHD]) increased in a dose-dependent manner with increased intake of vitamin D–fortified foods. However, in a number of studies the additional intake was insufficient to increase vitamin D levels to 50 nmol/L. Vegetable oil fortified with vitamin D at a level of 10 μg/100 g could provide 3.9% to 21% of the Institute of Medicine Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of vitamin D for adults in Southeast Asia.

Conclusions

Fortification of widely consumed foods, such as edible oil, with vitamin D could contribute to improved vitamin D status in Southeast Asian countries. Intake modeling studies should be conducted to calculate the resulting additional intakes, and fortification of additional foods should be considered. More nationally representative studies of vitamin D status in the region are urgently needed.
Learning from the Design and Implementation of Large-Scale Programs to Improve Infant and Young Child Feeding
Authors: Baker Jean , Sanghvi Tina , Hajeebhoy Nemat , Abrha Teweldebrhan Hailu
Published: November 2015

Background

Improving and sustaining infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices requires multiple interventions reaching diverse target groups over a sustained period of time. These interventions, together with improved maternal nutrition, are the cornerstones for realizing a lifetime of benefits from investing in nutrition during the 1000 day period.

Objective

Summarize major lessons from Alive & Thrive's work to improve IYCF in three diverse settings—Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam.

Methods

Draw lessons from reports, studies, surveys, routine monitoring, and discussions on the drivers of successful design and implementation of IYCF strategies.

Results

Teaming up with carefully selected implementing partners with strong commitment is a critical first step. As programs move to implementation at scale, strategic systems strengthening is needed to avoid operational bottlenecks. Performance of adequate IYCF counseling takes more than training; it requires rational task allocation, substantial follow up, and recognition of frontline workers. Investing in community demand for IYCF services should be prioritized, specifically through social mobilization and relevant media for multiple audiences. Design of behavior change communication and its implementation must be flexible and responsive to shifts in society's use of media and other social changes. Private sector creative agencies and media companies are well equipped to market IYCF. Scaling up core IYCF interventions and maintaining quality are facilitated by national-level coordinating and information exchange mechanisms using evidence on quality and coverage.

Conclusions

It is possible to deliver quality IYCF interventions at scale, while creating new knowledge, tools, and approaches that can be adapted by others and contribute to accelerated scale up of IYCF programs globally.
Childhood Dual Burden of Under- and Overnutrition in Low- and Middle-inCome Countries: A Critical Review
Authors: Tzioumis Emma , Adair Linda S.
Published: November 2015

Background

In low- and middle-income countries, the distribution of childhood nutritional diseases is shifting from a predominance of undernutrition to a dual burden of under- and overnutrition. This novel and complex problem challenges governments and health organizations to tackle opposite ends of the malnutrition spectrum. The dual burden may manifest within a community, household, or individual, but these different levels have not been addressed collectively.

Objective

To critically review literature on the prevalence, trends, and predictors of the dual burden, with a focus on children from birth to 18 years of age.

Methods

We reviewed literature since January 1, 1990, published in English, using the PubMed search terms nutrition transition, double burden, dual burden, nutrition status, obesity, overweight, underweight, stunting, body composition, and micronutrient deficiencies. The findings were classified and described according to dual burden level (community, household, or individual).

Results

Global trends indicate decreases in diseases of undernutrition, while overnutrition is increasing. On the community level, economic status may influence the extent of the dual burden, with obesity increasingly affecting the already undernourished poor. In a household, shared determinants of poor nutritional status among members can result in disparate nutritional status across generations. Within an individual, obesity may co-occur with stunting or anemia due to shared underlying determinants or physiologic links.

Conclusions

The dual burden of malnutrition poses a threat to children's health in low- and middle-income countries. We must remain committed to reducing undernutrition while simultaneously preventing over-nutrition through integrated child health programs that incorporate prevention of infection, diet quality, and physical activity.
Comparison of the Effects of Conditional Food and Cash Transfers of the Ethiopian Productive Safety Net Program on Household Food Security and Dietary Diversity in the Face of Rising Food Prices: Ways Forward for a more Nutrition-Sensitive Program
Authors: Baye Kaleab , Retta Negussie , Abuye Cherinet
Published: November 2015

Background

In light of the continuing rise in food prices during and after the 2008 world food crisis, whether food and cash transfers are equally effective in improving food security and diet quality is debatable.

Objective

To compare the effects of conditional food and cash transfers of the Ethiopian Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on household food security and dietary diversity.

Methods

Data on household dietary diversity, child anthropometry, food security, and preference of transfer modalities (food, cash, or mixed) were generated from a cross-sectional survey of 195 PSNP beneficiary households (67 receiving food and 128 receiving cash) in Hawella Tulla District, Sidama, southern Ethiopia.

Results

Most beneficiaries (96%) reported food shortages, and 47% reported food shortages that exceeded 3 months. Households receiving cash had better household dietary diversity scores ( p = .02) and higher consumption of oils and fats ( p = .003) and vitamin A–rich foods ( p = .002). Compared with households receiving food, households receiving cash were more affected by increases in food prices that forced them to reduce their number of daily meals ( p < .001) and spend less on nonstaples ( p < .001). While most households receiving food (82%) preferred to continue receiving food, households receiving cash (56%) preferred a mix of food and cash.

Conclusions

Households receiving cash had better household dietary diversity than households receiving food, a result suggesting that cash transfers may be more effective. However, the continuing rise in food prices may offset these benefits unless cash transfers are index-linked to food price fluctuations.
Community Development and Livestock Promotion in Rural Nepal: Effects on Child Growth and Health
Authors: Miller Laurie C. , Joshi Neena , Lohani Mahendra , Rogers Beatrice , Loraditch Meghan , Houser Robert , Singh Padma , Mahato Shubh
Published: November 2015

Background

More than 50% of children in Nepal are malnourished. Economic growth and poverty reduction are not always sufficient to improve the health and nutritional status of children. Heifer Nepal uses livestock training as a tool for community development and poverty alleviation but does not directly address child health and nutrition.

Objective

To systematically assess the effects of Heifer activities on child health and nutrition.

Methods

The study was a 2-year, longitudinal, randomized, controlled trial in six communities in Nepal (both Terai and hills), pair-matched for specific characteristics, randomly assigned to receive Heifer community development activities at baseline (intervention) or 1 year (control). At 6-month intervals over a period of 2 years, child anthropometric and comprehensive household surveys were performed.

Results

Four hundred fifteen households were enrolled containing 607 children 6 months to 5 years of age. The intervention and control communities were equivalent for baseline socioeconomic status, household size, ownership of land and animals, and child nutrition and health. At 12 months (prior to animal donations), the Terai intervention group had improved child weight ( p = .04), improved child height ( p = .05), and reduced sick days ( p = .03), as well as increased household income ( p = .004), increased ownership of animals ( p = .04) and land ( p = .04), and improved sanitation practices ( p < .01). In all districts, longer participation in Heifer activities corresponded to more improvement in child height-for-age z-scores.

Conclusions

Heifer interventions resulted in improved socioeconomic status and household income per family member. Children under 60 months of age in the intervention group had greater incremental improvement in height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores than children in the control group, and longer participation in Heifer activities was associated with better growth. Poverty alleviation programs, such as Heifer, may indirectly benefit child growth.
Nutritional and Sensory Evaluation of a Complementary Food Formulated from Rice, Faba Beans, Sweet Potato Flour, and Peanut Oil
Authors: Mahmoud Amal H. , Anany Ayman Mohammed El
Published: November 2015

Background

Childhood malnutrition is a common disorder in developing countries.

Objective

To formulate a complementary food from rice, germinated-decoated faba bean, orange-fleshed sweet potato flour, and peanut oil (RFPP formula) for infants aged 6 to 24 months.

Methods

The nutritional and sensory characteristics of the RFPP complementary food in comparison with those of a commercial complementary food were determined using standard official procedures.

Results

The levels of protein (17.89 g/100 g), fat (10.35 g/100 g), carbohydrate (67.82 g/100 g), and energy (435.99 kcal/100 g) of the RFPP complementary food met the specifications of the Codex standard (1991) and the Egyptian Standard No. 3284 (2005). The essential amino acid contents of the RFPP complementary food were higher than the amino acid profile of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (2002) reference protein for children 0.5 to 1 and 1 to 2 years of age. The RFPP complementary food had high levels (54.00%) of monounsaturated fatty acids. However, the highest level of saturated fatty acids (51.10%) was recorded for the commercial complementary food. The sensory evaluation results, using a nine-point hedonic scale ranging from 1 (dislike extremely) to 9 (like extremely), show that the RFPP complementary food was acceptable in appearance (7.20), color (6.35), aroma (6.75), taste (7.25), and mouthfeel (7.10) and had an overall acceptability of 6.40.

Conclusions

The RFPP formulated complementary food was acceptable and adequate in nutrients for weaning purposes.
Health in Action Program, Brazil: A Program Impact Pathways (PIP) Analysis
Authors: Slater Emily , Lasco Mary-Lynne , Capelli Joyce , Pen Gabriela
Published: November 2015

Background

The Health in Action Program was established in Brazil in 2010 to address the critical issues of health and nutrition among vulnerable children in the northeast and southeast regions of the country. By offering school-based nutrition education and increased access to nutritious foods from school gardens, the program has benefited more than 200,000 children aged 6 through 14 years in 430 schools and an additional 670,000 family and community members. The program is now expanding to reach an additional 260,000 students in 570 schools.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to perform a Program Impact Pathways (PIP) analysis to identify Critical Quality Control Points (CCPs) and a suite of impact indicators in order to better understand and illustrate the impact of the program.

Methods

The analyses of the PIP and the suite of impact indicators were conducted in collaboration with INMED Brasil's program management and evaluation team and the international evaluation team of INMED Partnerships for Children. INMED presented the results at a seven-country Healthy Lifestyles Program Evaluation Workshop held in Granada, Spain, 13–14 September 2013, hosted by the Mondelēz International Foundation, where it received feedback from evaluation experts.

Results

The PIP analysis enabled INMED to clarify the goals of the program, understand the ways in which program activities lead to stated goals, identify CCPs to monitor, and select achievable impact indicators, including changes in diet, physical activity, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, as well as body mass index.

Conclusions

While the program had previously demonstrated benefits through internal impact evaluation, the PIP Healthy Lifestyles Program Evaluation Workshop led to the identification of potential improvements in program processes and activities, as well as corresponding evaluation methodologies.
WinFood Data from Kenya and Cambodia: Constraints on Field Procedures
Authors: Owino Victor O. , Skau Jutta , Omollo Selina , Konyole Silvenus , Kinyuru John , Estambale Benson , Owuor Bethwel , Nanna Roos , Friis Henrik ,   The WinFood Project Team
Published: November 2015

Background

Researchers face myriad challenges in the design and implementation of randomized, controlled trials. Apart from summaries on limitations, these challenges are rarely documented in detail to inform future research projects.

Objective

To describe methodological challenges encountered during randomized, controlled trials (WinFood Study) designed to assess the efficacy of locally produced complementary foods based on traditional animal-source foods (edible termites and spiders) to support growth and nutritional status in Kenyan and Cambodian infants.

Methods

In a randomized, controlled design, infants received WinFood or corn—soy blend (CSB) for 9 months from 6 to 15 months of age. Lean mass accrual and blood nutrition indicators (lipid profile, iron and zinc status) were measured cross-sectionally at 9 and 15 months of age, respectively. Lean mass was determined by measuring deuterium oxide enrichment in saliva samples following a standard dose of deuterium solution (0.5 g/kg body weight) to infants. Blood nutrition indicators were determined following the drawing of 3 mL of blood by venipuncture.

Results

Challenges included rapid depletion of food rations, high rate of loss to follow-up, delayed ethical approval, lack of local food-processing capacity, low capacity among staff to draw blood, and lack of laboratory capacity to perform both deuterium oxide and micronutrient status measurements. Spillage of deuterium oxide solution during dosing was a major challenge in the Kenya context. A high rate of morbidity among infants made some assessments very difficult, especially drawing of blood and saliva samples.

Conclusions

The challenges were largely contextual. Improvement of local laboratory capacity, training of staff, and sensitization of the communities and the Ethics Review Committee are highly recommended.
Home Gardening and Access to Animals in Households with Xerophthalmic Children in Rural Nepal
Authors: Shankar Anita V. , Gittelsohn Joel , Pradhan Elizabeth K. , Dhungel Chandra , West Keith P.
Published: November 2015

This case–control study compares the home garden and animal husbandry practices of households with and without xerophthalmic children in south-central Nepal, focusing on the relationship between these practices and household intake of vitamin A–rich foods. Eighty-one households with a child between the ages of one and six years diagnosed with xerophthalmia (cases) and 81 households with an age-matched, non-xerophthalmic child (controls) were studied. There was little difference between case and control households in the size of their gardens. However, case households were significantly less likely to plant carotenoid-rich vegetables from October to March than were control households (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.16 to 0.96). The mean consumption of non-carotenoid-rich vegetables, but not of carotenoid-rich vegetables, increased linearly with garden size. Case households were significantly more likely than control households to rent domesticated animals from others (χ2 = 5.91; p < .05). Control households were more likely than case households to own chickens and pigeons (χ2 = 6.6–9.2; p < .05). During specific seasons, household meat consumption was significantly lower in case households, regardless of access to animals. Case households appeared to have significantly lower intakes of key vitamin A–rich foods, particularly green leaves and meat, regardless of their socio-economic level (as determined by ownership of material goods), access to animals, or availability of home gardens.
Food Fortification: A Tool for Fighting Hidden Hunger
Authors: Nilson Alberto , Piza Jaime
Published: November 2015

This paper reviews the fortification of staple food as a tool to prevent micronutrient deficiencies. The rationale for fortifying salt, wheat flour, milk, and margarine was developed in the 1920s and 1940s, mainly in industrialized countries. At that time, fortification of staple foods was considered by only a few developing countries. Recent research has shown that the prevalences of some deficiencies (clinical and marginal) in some developing countries are higher than expected. Even more important has been the realization that the impact of marginal deficiencies on health and socio-economic development is considerably more important than the impact of clinical deficiencies. Iron, vitamin A, and iodine have gained more attention, but deficiencies of other micronutrients are also relevant. This paper shows that fortification of staple foods to prevent micronutrient deficiencies is effective, easy, fast, safe, and relatively inexpensive.
Multiple Fortification of Beverages
Authors: Barclay Denis
Published: November 2015

Diet-related micronutrient deficiencies rarely occur in isolation; deficiencies of iodine and vitamin A or of iron and vitamin A or zinc are often observed in the same populations. In addition, widespread deficiencies of some micronutrients, for example, zinc and calcium, may often go undiagnosed because of the absence of specific and sensitive status indicators. Multiple micronutrient supplementation can be more effective in improving nutritional status than supplementation with single key micronutrients; therefore, the multiple fortification of appropriate food vectors, including beverages, is of interest from the nutritional standpoint.

Beverages fortified with multiple micronutrients include dairy products, chocolate beverages, fruit juices, and soya-based drinks. As well as the documented or estimated micronutrient deficiencies and the requirements of the target population or consumer group, the conception of such a multiply fortified beverage must take into account a number of other important factors. The choice of the chemical form of the fortification micronutrients should be made with consideration of bioavailability, the effects on the organoleptic characteristics of the particular beverage, and cost. The initial calculation of the composition of the micronutrient premix should include the levels of micronutrients in the raw materials used and the estimated losses of specific micronutrients during processing and storage. Preliminary production and storage trials are then needed to determine the actual losses. The composition of the micronutrient premix may then be finalized. Interactions, both positive and negative, between fortification micronutrients may also need to be considered. For example, the bioavailability of iron may be enhanced by the addition of vitamin C, whereas mineral–vitamin and vitamin–vitamin interactions can accelerate the destruction of some vitamins.

To render quality control procedures simple and cost-effective, only a limited number of fortification micronutrients, which are especially sensitive to losses and which are easy to measure, may be analysed. Simple, inexpensive, and rigorous analytical methods for such measurements are now available.
Operationalizing Household Food Security in Rural Nepal
Authors: Gittelsohn Joel , Mookherji Sangeeta , Pelto Gretel
Published: November 2015

This paper operationalizes household food security and links it to household food consumption patterns in rural Nepal. Food security has long been used as a macro-level indicator of agricultural stability by both agricultural and economic researchers. However, little work has been done to operationalize it at the household level. We view household food security as reflecting three different dimensions: past food supply, current food stores, and future supply of food adequate to meet the needs of all household members. A key method is the construction of scales that capture these different aspects of household food security. When operationalized in this way, household food security is associated with increased consumption of non-staple foods in this setting. Past household food security is associated with increased frequency of meat consumption and increased variety of food consumed. Current household food security predicts a higher frequency of meat and dairy intake and greater dietary variety. Future household food security is associated with increased total dietary variety and future consumption of dairy products. We feel that this conceptual approach to assessing household food security, i.e., the use of scales to measure past, current, and future components of food security, can be used as a framework in other settings.
Trends in Body Mass Index in Developing Countries
Authors: Pelletier David L. , Rahn Maike
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which adult body mass index (BMI) has changed in developing countries over the past several decades. The analysis is based on a compilation and analysis of mean BMI in 1,432 published samples from developing countries measured between 1957 and 1994. A hierarchical multiple-regression model is applied to these data, controlling for country and study as random covariates and modelling age, sex, socio-economic status, and year as fixed effects. The results reveal a statistically significant increase in mean BMI between 1957 and 1994 in all major regions of the developing world. The size of the increase was 1.4 kg/m2 over the 37-year period, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.4 to 2.4 kg/m2. Mean BMI appears to have increased in all major regions of the developing world, although the size of the increase varies across regions. Using assumptions about the statistical distribution of BMI within populations and cut-off points recommended by the World Health Organization, the analysis suggests that the increase in mean BMI may have resulted in a slight decrease in the prevalence of underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) but is unlikely to have produced an increase in obesity (BMI>30 kg/m2) in most regions. By contrast, the use of lower cut-off points to define obesity, as is done in many individual studies, would suggest that obesity has increased in developing countries. These results highlight the importance of using standardized definitions for underweight and obesity among adults, the need to assess and consider the prevalence of both conditions simultaneously during planning and policy development, and the need to identify policy instruments appropriate to the nutritional profile within a country.
Guidelines for the Development of Research Proposals following a Structured, Holistic Approach for a Research Proposal (SHARP)
Authors: Gross Rainer , Karyadi Darwin , Sastroamidjojo Soemilah , Schultink Werner
Published: November 2015

SHARP (a Structured, Holistic Approach for a Research Proposal) is a structured method for developing a research proposal that can be used either by individuals or by teams of researchers. The eight steps in SHARP are (1) setting up a causal model, (2) establishing a fact–hypothesis matrix (FaHM), (3) developing a variable–indicator–method matrix (VIM), (4) selecting the study design, (5) defining the sampling procedure and calculating the sample size, (6) selecting the statistical methods, (7) considering the ethical aspects, and (8) setting up an operational plan. The objectives of the research proposal are to help the researcher to define the contents and to plan and execute a research project, and to inform potential collaborators and supporters about the topic. The proposal that is produced during the process can be submitted to agencies for possible funding.
Anaemia in Central Asia: Demographic and Health Survey Experience
Authors: Sharmanov Almaz
Published: November 2015

Nationally representative anaemia levels among women and children were recently determined in conjunction with the Demographic and Health Surveys in Kazakstan (1995), Uzbekistan (1996), and the Kyrgyz Republic (1997). Anaemia was assessed by measuring the haemoglobin level in capillary blood of women aged 15 to 49 and their children under the age of 3 using the photometric Hemocue technique. The numbers of women tested were 3,658, 4,333, and 3,760 in Kazakstan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic, respectively. All three Central Asian republics had a high prevalence of anaemia. The highest overall rates were in the regions of Kazakstan and Uzbekistan near the Aral Sea, which are characterized by severe agrochemical pollution and other environmental and socio-economic problems. Approximately half (49%) of the women in Kazakstan, 60% of the women in Uzbekistan, and 40% of the women in the Kyrgyz Republic suffered from some degree of anaemia. Mild anaemia (haemoglobin level, 10.0–11.9 g/dl; 10.0–10.9 g/dl for pregnant women) was diagnosed in 37%, 45%, and 28% of the women in Kazakstan, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic, respectively. Eleven percent of the women in Kazakstan, 14% in Uzbekistan, and 9% in the Kyrgyz Republic had moderate anaemia (haemoglobin level 7.0–9.9 g/dl). Severe anaemia (haemoglobin level less than 7.0 g/dl) was found among 1% of the women in all three Central Asian republics.

In Kazakstan, 69% of the children under the age of three suffered from some degree of anaemia. About the same number of children had mild (30%) and moderate (34%) anaemia. A smaller, but substantial, proportion of children (5%) were severely anaemic. In Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, 61% and 50% of children, respectively, suffered from anaemia. The percentages of children with mild, moderate, and severe anaemia were 34%, 26%, and 1%, respectively, for Uzbekistan, and 24%, 24%, and 1%, respectively, for the Kyrgyz Republic.

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that negative iron balance is probably a major cause of anaemia among both women and children in Central Asia. Our findings provide important information for the development of health intervention programmes to prevent iron-deficiency anaemia among women of certain ethnic, educational, and residential groups in this region. Based on the results of the Demographic and Health Survey as well as other geographically focused studies, the UNICEF Area Office for the Central Asian Republics and Kazakstan proposed an integrated strategy of education, supplementation, fortification, and research to address the problem and called for donors' support. It is expected that this approach can considerably improve maternal and child health in Central Asia.
Concurrent Prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency and Obesity among Women in Purworejo, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Nurdiati Detty Siti , Hakimi Mohammad , Wahab Abdul , Winkvist Anna
Published: November 2015

There are few studies on the nutritional status of nonpregnant women. A population-based, cross-sectional study of nutritional status in 5,817 non-pregnant women 15 to 49 years of age was conducted in Purworejo District, Indonesia, in 1996. Weight, height, mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), and triceps skinfold thickness were measured, and information on socio-economic, demographic, and reproductive factors was collected. Seventeen percent of the women had chronic energy deficiency and 11% were obese. Mean weight, MUAC, and triceps skinfold thickness corresponded to the 25th percentile of standards and mean height to the 5th percentile. Obesity was more common among older women and chronic energy deficiency among both the oldest and the youngest women. Women working in agriculture, not using contraceptives, and not owning a television, radio, or refrigerator were more likely to have chronic energy deficiency. In summary, both chronic energy deficiency and obesity existed in Purworejo, and risk factors were identified. Interventions are needed to improve the nutritional status of girls and women before and after pregnancy.
Use of a Participatory Learning Process to Develop a Curriculum for Postgraduate Nutrition Training
Authors: Gross Rainer , Khoi Ha Hui , Senemaud Beatrice
Published: November 2015

A participatory learning process (PLP) was used in Viet Nam to formulate a curriculum for a master of science (M.Sc.) degree in community nutrition. Students and professionals from different disciplines participated in a two-day workshop to develop a curriculum. The knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of a community nutritionist were identified and a curriculum was formulated. The experience showed that broad participation is necessary, the metaplan technique is useful, time is essential, and facilitation is needed. The PLP was used to collect a maximum number of experiences, document the outcomes, develop a consensus, and create a sense of ownership within the principal actors in the process.
Stability, Predictive Validity, and Sensitivity of Mental and Motor Development Scales and Pre-School Cognitive Tests among Low-Income Children in Developing Countries
Authors: Pollitt Ernesto , Triana Nina
Published: November 2015

This paper documents the stability, predictive power, and sensitivity of mental and motor development scales and pre-school cognitive tests in the context of economically impoverished populations in low-income countries. Stability and predictive power comprise forecasting; stability includes repeated measures using the same test, whereas predictive power includes different tests. Sensitivity is the track record of the test in discriminating among groups of children exposed to different nutritional interventions. Psychometric data from three longitudinal studies of the assessment of the impact of early supplementary feeding on child development were used. Two studies were conducted in West Java, Indonesia, and the third study was carried out in El Oriente, Guatemala. Repeated measures allowed for the calculation of stability and predictive correlation coefficients. the mental development scales administered up to about 18 months had modest stability but no predictive power. This trend changed during the second year of life as the strength of the stability and predictive power increased. the pre-school tests were good predictors of a child's enrollment and school achievement. the findings on infant scales and pre-school tests agree with what has been reported in other populations in industrialized countries. There is no reason to believe that the developmental risk of the subjects that were assessed in each of the three target studies strengthens the psychometric attributes that were evaluated.
Economic Considerations for Analysis of Early Childhood Development Programmes
Authors: Behrman Jere Richard
Published: November 2015

The first section of this paper presents analytical frameworks for considering the determinants of and the impact of human resources investments in childhood development. These are investments, because resources devoted to child development may have returns not only currently, but in the future. Emphasis is placed on the underlying behaviours that determine such investments by households, given their resources and the prices and programmes that they face. Important implications are that: (1) households have their own objectives and therefore may not make the decisions that policy makers anticipate; (2) households make such decisions together with many other decisions in light of all their resources and current and expected prices and programmes, so there may be important cross-programme effects; (3) for empirical analysis or casual observations, many of the determinants of childhood development investments and many of their impacts include not easily observed variables, so inferences that do not control for such variables may be wrong; and (4) the expected returns and costs may differ substantially, depending on a range of markets, programmes, and macro contexts. the second section considers estimation issues in ascertaining the determinants of and the impact of investments in childhood development: (1) random measurement error, which may bias towards zero the estimated effects of right-side variables; (2) omitted variable bias, which causes the estimated effects of observed variables to be misrepresented because these variables in part are representing the effects of the omitted variables; (3) simultaneity bias of a direction that depends on the model being considered if the right-side variables are determined simultaneously with the dependent variable; and (4) selectivity bias if data are available only on a selected sample. the third section presents a framework for policy choices related to childhood development. the two basic motives for policy interventions are discussed: (1) Efficiency to obtain the maximum output for given resources and technologies and (2) distribution of resources or products among members of society. Illustrations are given, with explicit reference to possible child development policies.
Psychological Autopsies of Three Academically Talented Adolescents Who Committed Suicide
Authors: Cross Tracy L. , Cook Robert S. , Dixon David N.
Published: November 2015

In 1994, three adolescents associated with a state-supported, residential high school for academically talented students committed suicide. A psychological autopsy of each of the three suicides was, completed. This article provides a brief overview of psychological autopsy as a research method, information about the unique characteristics of each suicide, factors among the three cases that were consistent with research on adolescent suicides generally, commonalities across the three cases believed to be related to the subjects' giftedness, and themes which emerged across the cases. Suggestions are offered about how to prevent the suicides of academically talented adolescents.
Issues and Factors Involved in Credit and Placement for Accelerated Summer Coursework
Authors: Olszewski-Kubilius Paula M. , Laubscher Leswin , Wohl Valerie , Grant Barry
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the ways in which students' home schools currently respond to their participation in university summer programs and the effect of program accreditation on their responses. We also studied the factors that affect schools' policies toward summer coursework. Specifically, we compared the actions of schools for students who completed coursework in a fast paced, accelerated summer program in 1992, before accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, to those actions in 1994 after accreditation. Responses that were analyzed included: (a) giving course credit; (b) appropriate placement within the content area; and (c) placement in a special program. It was found that there was a significant increase from 1992 to 1994 in the number of students whose schools took one or more of these actions, mostly due to increases in the awarding of high school credit. An increase in credit given for required rather than elective courses and greater amounts of credit awarded were observed after accreditation. We also found that most schools do not have policies against awarding credit for outside coursework and that factors that facilitate credit include notice of the child's intent to take a summer course and petitions by parents for recognition of the course credit. The nature of the outside institution and the qualifications of the instructor were not important factors in school's decisions about awarding credit for summer coursework.
An Empirical Study of the Achievement of International Baccalaureate Students in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics—In Alberta
Authors: Poelzer G. Harold , Feldhusen John F.
Published: November 2015

This study compared the achievement of biology, physics, and chemistry students in Higher Level (HL) International Baccalaureate (IB) programs with that of students in Subsidiary Level (SL), and the achievement of students in IB with that of students in regular Alberta programs. The samples included 708 participants from seven schools in two cities in Alberta. The research employed a quasi-experimental factorial design with repeated measures (pre-test-post-test). ANOVA analyzed the data. In all sciences, students in IB out-performed students in regular programs. Within IB, HL and SL achieved equally well in biology and physics. In biology, males and females achieved equally well. In physics, males scored higher than females. In chemistry, males in HL out-performed all other students; males in SL performed as well as females in HL; females in SL scored lower than but showed the same increase in achievement as both males in SL and females in HL.
Assimilating the Talent Search Model into the School Day
Authors: McCarthy Carol Rohrer
Published: November 2015

Programs for talent search students traditionally are offered to students outside of their school setting. This paper discusses a multi-district/higher education collaborative model that incorporates the three components of the talent search model within the school-year schedule. In this community effort, the focus of the talent search's summer programs—content acceleration and fast-paced instruction—have been assimilated into the students' regular school day. In 180 hours of instruction scheduled over two school years, middle school students complete four years of high school mathematics; with a similar program for writing/literature, many expository writing students earn favorable AP English composition scores. The community's experience with content acceleration created byproducts of parent advocacy networks and district policies on granting high school credit. Key elements for a successful model are discussed, as well as unplanned, but related outcomes that occurred. The relationship of content acceleration to the state's dual enrollment legislation is identified.
Demonstrating Creativity in the Arts through Competitions
Authors: Karnes Frances A. , Riley Tracy L.
Published: November 2015

Painting, singing, dancing, drawing … what do these have in common? Each one allows for creative expression and, when enjoyed, enhances creative development. Furthermore, these are areas of the fine and performing arts in which competitions for youth abound. Students with creative potential can demonstrate their abilities through participation in a wide array of competitions. This article discusses the connections between creativity and competitions, and shares with readers a sampling of competitions that might entice secondary students to maximize their creative abilities.
Surgical Repair of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in a Neonate With Mosaic Trisomy 8
Authors: Hasegawa Tomomi , Oshima Yoshihiro , Sato Yumi , Tanaka Akiko
Published: November 2015

Trisomy 8 mosaicism is a relatively rare chromosomal abnormality and has extremely variable phenotype with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Although no well-defined criteria for cardiac surgical indications are available for patients with mosaic trisomy 8, we present a case of hypoplastic left heart syndrome with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) in a neonate with mosaic trisomy 8. Although primary sutureless repair of TAPVC with concomitant bilateral pulmonary artery banding was performed successfully in this case, the indications for cardiac surgery in patients with mosaic trisomy 8 should be carefully individualized. The entire dialog with parents and family, including the process of informed consent, is of great importance.
An Explanation for the Gender Gap in Perceptions of Discrimination among African Americans
Authors: Ifatunji Mosi Adesina , Harnois Catherine E.
Published: November 2015

Studies indicate that African American men report more personal experiences with discrimination than do African American women. According to the subordinate male target hypothesis, this gender difference reflects an underlying reality in which African American men are the primary targets of anti-Black discrimination. From the perspective of intersectionality theory, African American women and men experience racial discrimination differently; and therefore greater reports of discrimination among African American men might be a result of measurement bias that favors the experiences of African American men vis-à-vis African American women. To assess these perspectives, the authors analyze data from the 1995 Detroit Area Study and the 2001–2003 National Survey of American Life. The authors use multiple-group confirmatory factor analytic models with latent means and categorical outcomes to observe the degree to which gender bias in measurement accounts for disparities in perceived discrimination among African American women and men. The results show that gender bias in the measures most often used to assess unfair treatment in social surveys is responsible for the gender gap in certain kinds of perceived discrimination among African Americans. Measures of everyday discrimination are mostly gender balanced, but measurement bias is responsible for a large portion of the gap in perceptions of major life discrimination and the entire gap when major life discrimination is attributed to race. The results highlight the importance of intersectionality theory for assessing discrimination, and the authors argue that revisions in the measurement of perceived discrimination are required to better reflect the experiences of African American women.
Hydrothermal alteration of chevkinite-group minerals. Part 2. Metasomatite from the Keivy massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Macdonald R. , Bagiński B. , Kartashov P. M. , Zozulya D. , Dzierżnowski P.
Published: November 2015

Chevkinite-(Ce) in a mineralized quartz-epidote metasomatite from the Keivy massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia, underwent at least two stages of low-temperature alteration. In the first, it interacted with hydrothermal fluids, with loss of Ca, Fe, LREE and Si and strong enrichment in Ti. The altered chevkinite was then rimmed and partially replaced by a zone of ferriallanite-(Ce) and davidite-(La), in turn rimmed by a zone of allanite-(Ce) richer in the epidote component. The allanite zone was in turn partially replaced by rutile-titanite-quartz assemblages, the formation of titanite postdating that of rutile. Aeschynite-(Y), aeschynite-(Ce) and REE-carbonates are accessory phases in all zones. The hydrothermal fluids were alkaline, with significant proportions of CO2 and F. At various alteration stages, the Ca, Si ± Al activities in the fluid were high. Formation of the aeschynite is discussed in relation to its stability in broadly similar parageneses; it was a primary phase in the unaltered chevkinite zone whereas in other zones it formed from Nb, Ti, REE and Th released from the major phases.
The uses of Kenyan aloes: an analysis of implications for names, distribution and conservation
Authors: Bjorå Charlotte S. , Wabuyele Emily , Grace Olwen M. , Nordal Inger , Newton Leonard E.
Published: November 2015

Background

The genus Aloe is renowned for its medicinal and cosmetic properties and long history of use. Sixty-three Aloe species occur in Kenya, of which around 50 % are endemic. Several species of aloes are threatened with extinction and knowledge about their use is of major importance for sound conservation strategies. The main aims of this study were to assess the biocultural value of Aloe in Kenya by documenting local uses of aloes and evaluating how the vernacular names reflect the relative importance in different ethnic groups.

Methods

Ethnobotanical and ethnotaxonomical data were collected using field observations and semi-structured interviews. Information was collected by interviewing 63 respondents from nine different ethnic groups, representing different ages, gender and occupations. Statistical analyses were performed using R version 3.1.2.

Results

A total of 19 species of Aloe were found in the study area, of which 16 were used. On the generic level Aloe was easily distinguished. At species level, the local and scientific delimitation were almost identical for frequently used taxa. Aloe secundiflora, with 57 unique use records was the most important species. The two most frequently mentioned Aloe treatments, were malaria and poultry diseases. In our study area neither age nor gender had a significant influence on the level of knowledge of Aloe use. Finally, no correlation was found between extent of use and people’s perception of decrease in local aloe populations. The aloes are highly appreciated and are therefore propagated and transported over large areas when people relocate.

Conclusion

Biocultural value is reflected in the ethnotaxonomy of Aloe in Kenya. Different ethnic groups recognise their most-valued Aloe at the genus level as “the aloe” and add explanatory names for the other species, such as the “spotted aloe” and the “one-legged aloe”. Widespread species of Aloe have the highest number of uses. There is no obvious correlation with high use and decrease in abundance of aloes locally, and we found no compelling evidence for local uses causing devastating damage to populations of the 19 species in use, whereas habitat loss and commercial harvesting appear to be of urgent concern for these important plants.
Change in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a population of medical students: 6-year follow-up
Authors: Lavalle Fernando J. , Villarreal Jesús Z. , Montes Juan , Mancillas Leonardo G. , Rodríguez Susana E. , González Patricio , Lara Reynaldo
Published: November 2015

Students of a university hospital were assessed in 2007 and later in 2013 to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 17.0.

A total of 213 students were evaluated in both 2007 and 2013 (48.3 % women and 51.7 % men). The diagnosis of overweight and obesity increased from 24.9 to 37.1 % (p < 0.05), central obesity from 17.8 to 28.6 % (p < 0.05), and prevalence of metabolic syndrome from 9.8 to 14.5 % (p ≥ 0.05); up to 20 % in male gender. It is important to implement programs for early diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.