bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Malnutrition and Vitamin A Deficiency in Nigerian Preschool Children Subsisting on High Intakes of Carotenes
Authors: Adelekan D.A. , Fatusi A.O. , Fakunle J.B. , Olotu C.T. , Olukoga I.A. , Jinadu M.K. , Ojofeitimi E.O. 
Published: January 2012

The prevalence of malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency was determined in 204 preschool children of both sexes aged 3–57 months. The children were recruited from 2 rural communities of Atakumosa Local Government Area of Osun State in South West Nigeria. Dietary vitamin A intake was estimated from frequency of consumption of locally available vitamin A containing food items. Vitamin A status of the children was assessed from concentration of retinol in plasma. Nutritional status was assessed from height and weight compared with international reference standards. The results indicate widespread malnutrition among the children. The prevalence of stunting (low height for age) was 60.8% while prevalence of wasting (low weight for height) was 7.4% and of underweight (low weight for age) 27.5%. Dietary vitamin A intake appeared to be adequate in the children. Intake of vitamin A is predominantly from plant sources. At least 43% of the children consumed the carotene rich red palm oil 6 or more times per week in contrast to less than 1% who consumed eggs or milk for 6 or more times per week. Vitamin A deficiency was low in the children. Only 11.3% of the children had plasma retinol concentration <0.70µmol/L. The results indicate that childhood malnutrition of public health magnitude can coexist with adequate dietary vitamin A intakes or vitamin A status.
Effects of Smoking on Serum Levels of Lipid Peroxides and Essential Fat-Soluble Antioxidants
Authors: Al Senaidy Abdulrahman M. , Al Zahrany Y.A. , Al Faqeeh M.B. 
Published: January 2012

The effect of smoking on serum levels of the fat-soluble essential antioxidants (β-carotene, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and retinol) and lipid peroxides was studied in 31 smokers and 38 nonsmokers. The study subjects were male student, at King Saud University, aged 18–26 years. Smokers had significantly higher serum levels of lipid peroxides and significantly lower serum concentration of β-carotene than nonsmokers (P < 0.05). Mean serum concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and total vitamin E were lower among smokers than those of nonsmokers, but the differences were not statistically significant. The lower level of β-carotene among smokers is probably brought about by the destruction of this antioxidant during neutralization of free radicals present in cigarette smoke. It seems possible that, during such oxidative stress, the interaction among antioxidants and their relative levels in serum are a crucial determinant of the concentration of a particular antioxidant. Therefore, the lower mean levels of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol observed in smokers serum may also be related to cigarette smoking. This study has given rise to some concern about the adequacy of dietary β-carotene, vitamin A and vitamin E of Saudis. The combination of cigarette smoking and low dietary intakes of essential antioxidants may provoke damage by oxidants present in cigarette smoke.
Sources of Variability in the Reproducibility of Food Frequency Questionnaires
Authors: Joachim Gloria 
Published: January 2012

The reproducibility of food frequency questionnaires varies widely. Since reports of past intake are known to be biased toward the present and the forces of supply and demand affect what people eat at a given point in time, the questionnaire may capture an atypical snapshot of consumption rather than the intended view of usual consumption. The consumption of regularly consumed foods is the same throughout the year. The consumption of these foods is likely to be highly reproducible at another point in time. The consumption of seasonally consumed foods, however, fluctuates throughout the year, and may have peaks in winter or summer or particular holidays. There may be no common denominator among these foods necessary for the purpose of assessing reproducibility. Therefore, questionnaires that contain a combination of regularly and seasonally consumed foods, will be likely to have problems with reproducibility, the variance depending upon the number of seasonally consumed foods in the questionnaire. This explanation for variability in reproducing food frequency questionnaires raises a question about the importance of assessing reproducibility as a way of evaluating the worth of questionnaires. Perhaps an improved method of collecting data for seasonal foods is what is really needed to improve the quality of data collected.
The Significance of Dietary Boron, with Particular Reference to Athletes
Authors: Naghii M.R. 
Published: January 2012

Ergogenic substances and synthetic steroids have a wide spread use, particularly among nonprofessional athletes. To avoid the side-effect of drug abuse, it is suggested that the key to success is a proper athletic nutrition. It is a balanced intake of nutritional wholesome foods that contain a proper blend of essential nutrients. Knowledge of human physiology and nutrition has increased greatly, and so has application of dietary alterations and supplementation with specific nutrients. Modulation of dietary composition and/or supplementation with specific nutrients with the intent of improving human physical performance is a working definition of nutritional ergogenic aids. Boron is a trace element nutrient, and recently its supplements have been shown to increase the concentration of plasma steroid hormones. In a single blind cross-over trial, it resulted in a significant increase in plasma 17-B estradiol (E2) concentration (P<0.004) and there was a trend for plasma testosterone (T) levels to be increased. The ratio of E2/T increased significantly. However, there was no perturbation in plasma lipids. Furthermore, the effect of boron on steroidogenesis and its mechanism was also investigated in two more studies conducted on adult male rats. The elevation of endogenous steroid hormones as a result of boron supplementation suggest that boron may be used as an ergogenic safe substance for athletes which should be further investigated.
Food Coping Strategies: A Century on from Rowntree
Authors: Grant Diane K. , Maxwell Sheila 
Published: January 2012

The objectives of this study were to update Rowntree's food estimates to bring them into line with contemporary food habits and changing lifestyles; to determine whether food budgeting/coping strategies of low income households observed by Rowntree at the turn of the century were still prevalent in low income groups today: and to evaluate whether expenditure by low income households on food was sufficient to meet minimum dietary recommendations. Two hundred questionnaires were completed face to face with the interviewer within the Merseyside boundary and included only those households who were in the Post code area. Many low income households are unable to access a healthier diet due to income limitations. Many used a variety of coping strategies to stretch their incomes and were also found to rely on help from outside the immediate family such as extended family and friends and voluntary agencies. Households with children were found to be spending slightly more on food than the reconstructed Rowntree minimum dietary. There are thus two issues; firstly that there are households spending slightly more than the minimum yet that are unable to achieve a healthy diet. Secondly all the low income households are spending much less per person than the average person in the United Kingdom. It is concluded that whilst sterling work is being achieved within health promotion departments and within community health settings there is still a great deal to be undertaken. The value of Home Economics teaching in schools should be better recognised, and Home Economics should be reinstated in the National Curriculum. Secondly it is recommended that a standard approach be adopted to inform both welfare benefit payments and in-work top up payments, thus allowing households on low incomes to make informed choices within a budget that will accommodate healthier eating strategies.
Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns in the Aetiology of Cataracts in Nigerian Patients
Authors: Ojofeitimi E.O. , Adelekan D.A. , Adeoye A. , Ogungbe T.G. , Imoru A.O. , Oduah E.C. 
Published: January 2012

The objective of the study was to assess the dietary and lifestyle habits of patients with cataracts. A food frequency questionnaire was used to collect information on the consumption of a wide variety of food items especially fruits, vegetables and animal and dairy products. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on smoking and alcohol consumption habits. The study was conducted on 62 subjects made up of 31 patients with cataracts attending the Ophthalmology clinic of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and 31 control subjects without cataracts. There were 20 males and 11 females in each group. The study showed that higher percentages of controls than patients had adequate intakes of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin supplement usage was also higher in controls than patients. There was a strong negative association between past history of smoking, alcohol consumption and cataract. We could not demonstrate a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cataract in the present study.
A Study on the Effects of Urbanization on the Nutritional Status of Primary School Children in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Abidoye R.O. , Soroh K.W. 
Published: January 2012

A study on the effects of urbanization on the nutritional status of primary school children aged 5–10 years was carried out in Lagos. A total of 328 children and their parents were studied with the aid of a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements of weights and heights and stool microscopy. The study revealed a prevalence of protein energy malnutrition (PEM) among the children to be 37.9%. 125 (38.2%) of them were found to have weight-for-height below −2SD (standard deviation) signifying wasting, while another 133 (40.5%) had a height-for-age below −2SD, indicating the level of stunting among the children. Most of the malnourished children 125 (60.7%) were found to belong to mothers with a maximum of primary school education and 73 (52.5%) were from mothers who were skilled workers. There was a preponderance of malnourished children from single parents. All the children (100%) from single parents were found to be clinically malnourished. And 280 (84.9%) of all children examined had ova and cyst of intestinal parasites (Ascaris, Tricuris, Amoeba, etc.) in their stools. And finally, most children 223 (67.7%) spent less than 6 hours contact time with their parents per day.
Metacognitive Ability and Cognitive Strategies to Solve Maths and Transformation Problems
Authors: Benito Yolanda 
Published: January 2012

The higher extraordinary processes which regulate task analysis and the self-control of each one's behaviour for solving problems, are considered an important component to identify the gifted among average students. Some of the gifted children's most important features are metacognition, information processing, specially with regard to automatic processing. Besides, the gifted start to use spontaneously effective strategies from an early age. Furthermore, gifted children know not only which kind of processing they use to solve problems, but they also are capable of verbalising the strategies they use. This paper deals with the study of solving complicated problems, for which the famous Hanoi's tower problem has been used. Hanoi's Tower involves perceptive operations, complicated strategies to make the movements sequential and the memory operative.
Standing Out: Young People's Participation in Volunteering and Campaigning
Authors: Roker Debi , Player Katie 
Published: January 2012

“.. it was a strange feeling, like a connection with him.. someone I hadn't met and who didn't know me, but I might have had something to do with getting him released. When I read he'd been let out I felt different… it was like being on a whole different level of existence..” (16 year-old young woman, member of Amnesty International) This paper aims to challenge the way in which we view young people. Young people in most countries of the world are viewed stereotypically, as alienated, apathetic, and self-centred. This paper will present research which demonstrates that this image is not correct. Rather, many young people today are involved in a wide range of exceptional activities, in volunteering, campaigning, and a wide range of community activities. The data presented is drawn from a study undertaken by the authors of 1,150 young people, aged 14–16, from a variety of backgrounds and living in different parts of the U.K. The research demonstrates that participation in pro-social and altruistic activities is enormously beneficial not only for society in general, but also for the young people themselves, leading to the development of a range of practical, personal, and social skills. Quantitative and qualitative data from the study will be presented to illustrate these points.
Secondary Schools for Academically Talented Youth
Authors: Feldhusen John F. , Boggess Jeremy 
Published: January 2012

Many American high school students are bored with the slow pace and lack of intellectual challenge of the standard, inclusive, school curriculum (Feldhusen and Kroll, 1991; Feldhusen, Wood, Dai, 1997). With increased public funding and awareness in gifted education over the last three decades (U.S.O.E., 1993), there has been large growth in the number of secondary schools in the United States specializing in the education of academically talented youth (Feldhusen, 1995a; Kolloff, 1997; Stanley, 1991). These schools challenge the great inclusion movement of the last decade that groups students purely by age; they group students instead by readiness, achievements and/or ability. How are students chosen for these schools? What is different about the curriculum and teaching methods? What advantages does a student get from attending these high powered schools? Can they motivate students to strive for higher level academic and professional achievement than regular schools? Are they able to med the social and extracurricular needs of their students in addition to their academic needs? These are questions for which we sought answers by visiting anumber of these schools, observing classes, talking to students and teachers, and reading the schools' descriptive literature. While several reports have looked at single schools such as the Clarkson School (Kelly, 1985), the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Eilber, 1987), the Advanced Academy of Georgia (Boothe & Sethna, 1996), and the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (Andersen, 1996; Stanley, 1996) and there is research looking at the admissions processes of residential schools (Jarwan & Feldhusen, 1994), little research has been done on the academic environment of secondary schools for the academically talented. We have made an effort to synthesize the scarce literature that is available on these American secondary schools as well as summarize our observations from school visits and the schools' literature.
Reforms/Innovations in the Teaching of Reading
Authors: Roldan Aurora H. 
Published: January 2012

“Reforms and innovations in the teaching of reading” is an exciting and challenging topic. I have seen the development — or sadly sometimes the lack of development — of reading education in our country over the past four decades. And I have spent a good part of those years seeking to push this field in new and mare effective directions. When we say “reforms and innovations in reading”, what immediately comes to mind? Many of us think of new materials, new tests, more seminars, maybe even new devices and gadgets. It is easy to think in such terms, since these are concrete, visible and tangible. But how many of us have seeen new books, tests and devices come and go — and yet our students' reading levels remain wanting? What could the problem be? As I see it, the problem is that such reforms and innovations merely address the externals, the surface of the situation. What is needed is something far more fundamental. Genuine reforms and innovations can only come with an underlying change of attitude, of philosophy in the teaching of reading. To borrow a term from the corporate world — what we need is a “paradigm shift”, a change of mindset. The article will examine what is meant by “paradigm shift”.
Multiple Case Studies — on Korean Creatively Gifted Kindergarteners
Authors: Jeon Kyung-Won , Jeon Kyung-Nam 
Published: January 2012

This qualitative research study focuses upon 5 highly creative kindergartners and 5 low creative kindergartners and presents the results of a descriptive study, examining the profile of highly creative kindergartners and parent child rearing styles. The data sources were the mother, father, teacher, and the kindergartener. Research methods or investigation include document analysis, tests, questionnaires, in-depth interviews. The results from both parents (mothers and fathers) of high creative cases revealed that there is a consistency on child rearing style between mother and father. Agreement between mother and father was best for the level of achievement toward their child, values on creative education and process, permissive parenting style. The mothers of high creative cases provide rich home environments to foster creativity and encouragement, response to questions, and the level of educational expectation are high in comparison to those of low creative cases. The findings reported here describe uniqueness and challenges for consideration by researchers as well as parents and teachers who wish to foster creativity for the kindergarteners.
Achieving Excellence?
Authors: Hudspeth Albert 
Published: January 2012

I added a question mark to the title because I think that we should all be questioning what is being achieved in our school/college/university/place of work It also points an arrow at our heart and forces us to answer the question as to whether or not as individuals we are achieving excellence in our own performance. There is a difference between doing well and doing the best we can. Has any one of us ever achieved our full potential? I know I have not. To recognise that is important in itself This is not an erudite piece of educational research, so do not look for the statistics or the charts, they are not there. This little piece has no conclusive results or professional breakthrough to offer. Rather it is a perambulation through nearly forty years in teaching and an attempt to distil some thoughts about helping gifted children achieve the excellence of which they are capable.
Leadership for Transformation
Authors: West-Burnham John 
Published: January 2012

School improvement has been the dominant model for educational reform for many educational systems in recent years. It is still the most robust model in terms of its academic integrity, its capacity to inform policy making and its impact on professional practice in schools. The dominance of school improvement in largely explained by its consistent success. There is little doubt that it has had a significant impact on the comparative performance of schools and school systems. Evidence from a wide variety of national systems points to the demonstrable success of the model against a wide range of criteria. In essence, performance has improved, achievement has been raised and a range of related outcomes have been met. However, this success has always been subject to questioning when the criteria for success are changed from generic, system wide improvements to a focus on the achievement of the individual child. Whether it is the realisation of the potential of an outstandingly gifted young person or the maximisation of the life chances of a young person with profound learning difficulties the prevailing system does not always seem able to accommodate specific, personal needs. What might be described as the ‘Improvement Movement’ has created an effective hegemony since the mid 1980s. The combination of an emphasis on measurable outcomes and the improvement of the internal processes of the school has created an orthodoxy which has been reinforced by models of accountability and the redefinition of the characteristics of effective teaching and management in schools. It is an hegemony because it is a highly integrated model with educational policy moving from an enabling function to being deterministic. One of the key characteristics of educational policy making by many governments has been the increasing specificity of regulations and guidelines. It could therefore be argued that the school system is approaching an optimum state — it is difficult to envisage what else might be done to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. However, one characteristic of the school improvement strategy that is practised by governments is that it has not in any way questioned the fundamental premise of the nature of the school as an organisation or of the system of administering schools. There has been a tacit acceptance of the school as the optimum means of organising education. Indeed, education has come to be defined as the outcome of schooling. This notion will be questioned later in the following discussion.
Gifted Children in Slovenia between Theory and Practice
Authors: Ferbežer Ivan 
Published: January 2012

The base of literature for the analyses in this article are laws; expressions of official politics 'The White Book'; the conception of identification and work with the gifted; some empirical researches; training of teachers; educators and school guidance services; research project work of a group of elementary schools; characteristics of professional literature. The method of analysing the contents is orientated especially to following research problems: Conception and terminology of giftedness; identification of gifted pupils; realisation of specific intellectual, educational, social, emotional needs of gifted pupils at home and in school; training of teachers, educators, school guidance services; gifted education in the light of acceleration, segregation and enrichment; the sensitivity of the public; politics with regard to the needs of gifted children, records and informational arrangement of data, scholarships; and what could be learnt from the Slovenian experience.