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Land application of water treatment residual (WTR) in combination with phosphate‐rich organic wastes, like compost or sewage sludge, in nutrient‐poor soils was previously shown to promote crop growth. This WTR diversion from landfill to agriculture supports local and international mandates for waste circularity. Although soil–water dynamics—like saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention, and hydrophobicity—are well‐defined for compost and somewhat defined for WTR (except for hydrophobicity), the impacts of co‐amending sandy soils with both are not well‐defined. In laboratory analyses, co‐amendment had an intermediate effect between individual amendments on the hydrophobic sandy soils, increasing water retention by 27% (WTR and compost both increased water retention), decreasing hydrophobicity by increasing hydraulic conductivity twofold (WTR and compost both decreased hydrophobicity), and having no effect on saturated hydraulic conductivity (decreased by WTR and increased by compost). With two positive effects and one “no effect” on soil–water dynamics in laboratory trials, the co‐amendment was expected to buffer both crop water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient availability under drought stress, for Swiss chard (Beta vulgarisL. var. cicla), co‐investigated in a multifactorial pot trial. Soil nutrients, particularly phosphate, were shown more critical than soil–water dynamics to improve crop WUE. Thus, co‐amended soils have significantly higher crop biomass and WUE than sandy soils. Phosphate‐rich organic co‐amendment is necessary for crop nutrient sufficiency and thus drought resilience in sandy soils amended with WTR. Thus, pairing wastes to soils for optimum fertility is a critical consideration in waste land application for both biomass and drought resilience. Water retention is increased in sandy soils by water treatment residual (WTR), compost, and their co‐amendment.Hydrophobicity is decreased in sandy soils by WTR, compost, and their co‐amendment.Saturated hydraulic conductivity is increased by compost, decreased by WTR, and co‐amendment has no effect.WUE strongly correlates with soil phosphate and crop biomass, more than soil–water parameters.WTR must be co‐applied with a nutrient‐rich waste, promoting crop biomass and consequently drought resilience. Sludge wastes from the clean drinking water treatment process (called water treatment residuals, WTR) can improve sandy soil, for growing crops. Sludges have nutrients and clay‐like properties that fortify the sandy soil. However, they also limit soil phosphate by sorbing it, and phosphate is important for plant growth. So, high‐phosphate wastes like compost are added with these WTR sludges to sandy soils, to help plants grow. There is not much work on the effects of compost and WTR added together, on soil‐water patterns. Here, it was shown that WTR and compost added together increase the soil's capacity to hold water (water retention, infiltration), which is good for crop growth. Together, they also make the soil less hydrophobic and water repellent, which is also good for crop growth. Finally, spinach grown on the sandy soils used water more efficiently with the co‐amendment added, more because of the added soil phosphate than soil‐water dynamics.

Water treatment residual (WTR) is composed of sludges from the potable water treatment process, currently largely destined for landfill. This waste can be diverted to rebuild degraded soils, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Consumption and Production) and 15 (Terrestrial Ecosystems). Biosolids are tested against stringent pathogen guidelines, yet few studies have explored the microbial risk of WTR land application, despite anthropogenic impacts on water treatment. We explored the microbial risks and benefits of amending nutrient‐poor sandy soil with WTRs. Our results showed that the culturable pathogen load of wet and dry WTRs did not warrant pre‐processing before land application, according to South African national quality guidelines, with fecal coliforms not exceeding 104colony forming units per gram dry weight in wet sludges sampled from four South African and Zimbabwean water treatment plants and decreasing upon drying and processing. There was no culturable pathogenic (fecal coliforms, enterococci, Salmonella, and Shigella) regrowth in soil incubations amended with dry WTR. However, the competition (microbial load and diversity) introduced by a WTR co‐amendment did not limit pathogen survival in soils amended with biosolids. Application of WTR to nutrient‐poor sandy soils for wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) growth improved the prokaryotic and eukaryotic culturable cell concentrations, similar to compost. However, the compost microbiome more significantly affected the bacterial beta diversity of the receiving soil than WTR when analyzed with automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis. Thus, although there was a low pathogen risk for WTR amendment in receiving soils and total soil microbial loads were increased, microbial diversity was more significantly enhanced by compost than WTR. Microbial risks and benefits of water treatment residual (WTR) land application were explored to inform SDG12 and SDG15.Pathogen concentrations in WTR did not require pre‐processing for land application.No pathogen regrowth was evident in nutrient‐poor sandy soils incubated with WTR.Microbial competition in WTR, did not limit biosolid pathogen persistence.Both WTRs and, more so, compost co‐amendments increased soil microbial load and diversity.

IMPORTANCE: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with different genetic etiologies. Prospective examination of familial-risk infants informs understanding of developmental trajectories preceding ASD diagnosis, potentially improving early detection. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes and trajectories associated with varying familial risk for ASD across the first 3 years of life. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This longitudinal, prospective cohort study used data from 11 sites in the Baby Siblings Research Consortium database. Data were collected between 2003 and 2015. Infants who were younger siblings of children with ASD were followed up for 3 years. Analyses were conducted in April 2018. Of the initial 1008 infants from the database, 573 were removed owing to missing necessary data, diagnostic discrepancies, or only having 1 older sibling. EXPOSURES: Number of siblings with ASD. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Outcomes included ASD symptoms, cognitive abilities, and adaptive skills. Diagnosis (ASD or no ASD) was given at 36-month outcome. The no-ASD group was classified as atypical (developmental delays and/or social-communication concerns) or typical for some analyses. Generalized linear mixed models examined developmental trajectories by ASD outcome and familial-risk group. RESULTS: In the 435 analyzed participants (age range at outcome, 32-43 months; 246 male [57%]), 355 (82%) were from single-incidence families (1 sibling with ASD and ≥1 sibling without ASD) and 80 (18%) were from multiplex families (≥2 siblings with ASD). There were no significant group differences in major demographics. Children from multiplex families were more likely than those from single-incidence families to be classified as having ASD (29 of 80 [36%] vs 57 of 355 [16%]; 95% CI, 9%-31%; P < .001) and less likely as typical (26 of 80 [33%] vs 201 of 355 [57%]; 95% CI, −36% to −13%; P < .001), with similar rates of atypical classifications (25 of 80 [31%] vs 97 of 355 [27%]; 95% CI, −7% to 15%; P = .49). There were no differences in ASD symptoms between multiplex and single-incidence groups after controlling for ASD outcome (95% CI, −0.02 to 0.20; P = .18). During infancy, differences in cognitive and adaptive abilities were observed based on ASD outcome in the single-incidence group only. At 36 months, the multiplex/no-ASD group had lower cognitive abilities than the single-incidence/no-ASD group (95% CI, −11.89 to −2.20; P = .02), and the multiplex group had lower adaptive abilities than individuals in the single-incidence group after controlling for ASD outcome (95% CI, −9.01 to −1.48; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Infants with a multiplex family history of ASD should be monitored early and often and referred for early intervention at the first sign of concern. Direct examination of genetic contributions to neurodevelopmental phenotypes in infants with familial risk for ASD is needed.

Water treatment residual (WTR) is an underused clean water industry byproduct, generally disposed to landfill. This study assesses the benefits and risks of ferric‐WTR as a soil amendment or co‐amendment for plant growth in a nutrient‐poor sandy soil. A 12‐wk pot trial tested the efficacy of WTR and a locally available, low‐quality, municipal compost as single (1, 5, and 12.5% dry mass) and co‐amended treatments (1:1 WTR/compost ratio, at 2, 10, and 25%) on wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) growth in a sandy soil. The low total N content of the compost and low WTR P and K contents resulted in significantly lower (up to 50% lower, p< 0.05) plant biomass in single amendments compared with the control, whereas the highest co‐amendment produced significantly higher plant biomass (33% higher, p< 0.05) than the control. This positive co‐amendment effect on plant growth is attributed to balanced nutrient provision, with P and K from the compost and N from the WTR. Foliar micronutrient and Al levels showed no toxic accumulation, and co‐amended foliar Mn levels increased from near deficient (20 mg kg−1) to sufficient (50 mg kg−1). Total WTR metals were well below maximum land application concentrations (USDA). Trace element bioavailability remained the same (Ni, Cu, and Hg) or significantly decreased (B, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, and Cd; p< 0.05) during the pot trial. These results suggest, within this context, that a WTR–compost co‐amendment is a promising soil improvement technology for increasing crop yields in sandy soils. Iron (Fe) water treatment residual (WTR) is a byproduct of potable water production.Wheat biomass increased by 33% when poor‐quality compost and Fe‐WTR were combined.Combined amendments and control outperformed single amendments of compost and WTR.Bioavailable metals measured after the pot trial did not increase.Co‐application of compost with WTR may counter the negative effects of P sorption.

Nations can build and rebuild degraded soils to help address climate change and potentially improve the nutritional content of food if we change policies that allow the addition of safe mineral and organic wastes to soil. We present a framework that facilitates the transition from intensive conventional to more regenerative farming practices by considering soil's natural cycle. Our paper is presented in three parts. Firstly, we consider that 'soil is living'; just like humans, the soil biome needs a balanced diet of macro and micronutrients as well as a nurturing environment. We simplify the soil science and take a systems approach which focuses on restoring soil's natural cycle to benefit both health (by increasing micronutrients in soil) and wealth (through climate change adaptation and mitigation). Secondly, we consider the scale of the problem of soil degradation and the timescales involved in rebuilding soils and barriers to implementation. Thirdly, we propose a potential framework which enables communities to identify what might be missing from soil's natural cycle. This framework helps communities consider how they might change soil texture by addition and manipulation of both minerals and organic matter. We present an educational tool, ‘soil in a jar’ based on a narrative of nurturing soil which is designed to engage and inspire society to get their hands dirty. Communities can use the framework to produce locally specific solutions to restore their soil's natural cycle and rebuild their local and national economies.

OBJECTIVE To compare the early social-communicative development of younger siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) with that of younger siblings of children with typical development, using parental report and child-based measures. DESIGN Group comparison. SETTING Vanderbilt University, between July 1, 2003, and July 31, 2006. PARTICIPANTS Younger siblings of children with ASD (n = 64) and younger siblings of children with typical development (n = 42) between the ages of 12 and 23 months (mean, 16 months). MAIN EXPOSURE Having a sibling with an ASD. OUTCOME MEASURES Child-based measures included a cognitive assessment; an interactive screening tool assessing play, imitation, and communication; and a rating of autism symptoms. Parental report measures were an interview of social-communicative interactions and a questionnaire assessing language and communication skills. RESULTS Younger siblings of children with ASD demonstrated weaker performance in nonverbal problem solving (mean difference [MD], 5.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.48-9.34), directing attention (MD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.07-0.97), understanding words (MD, 33.30; 95% CI, 3.11-63.48), understanding phrases (MD, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.85-7.27), gesture use (MD, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.51-2.47), and social-communicative interactions with parents (MD, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.27-2.37), and had increased autism symptoms (MD, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.05-4.03), relative to control siblings. A substantial minority of the ASD sibling group exhibited lower performance relative to controls. Significant correlations between child-based measures and parental reports assessing similar constructs were found (r = −0.74 to 0.53; P range, .000-.002). CONCLUSION The weaker performance found for children in the ASD sibling group may represent early-emerging features of the broader autism phenotype, thus highlighting the importance of developmental surveillance for younger siblings.--

To relate parentally reported sleep concerns in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to polysomnographic (PSG) findings and measures of daytime behavior and autism symptomatology.

A great deal of the research into the determinants of labour market outcomes has focussed on the role of human capital and the structure of the labour market. Relatively little attention has been paid to the role of social capital. This paper investigates the extent to which an individual's social capital relates to their labour market outcomes. The relationships between social capital and labour force status and social capital and job search method are explored using data collected from a national random sample of Australians. Both a network and typology approach to measuring social capital are used.

Presents information on the Masai olngesherr elderhood ceremony in East Africa. Main stages that a Masai male must passed through; Features of the ceremony; Selection of a bull for the ceremony.

Provides information on the social and economic status of the Nuer, a people in southern Sudan. Interaction with Arab merchants; Interest of the Nuer in their herds; Details on the vaccination effort to eradicate polio; Creative medical solutions in remote areas.

Relationships between parenting stress as measured by the Parenting Stress Index and other maternal and child characteristics were investigated in a sample of 66 low income mothers and their 5- to 8-year-old children who are at risk for educational disabilities. The data provide concurrent and construct validity support for the Parenting Stress Index. In addition, child characteristics (self-esteem, behavior conduct, and spelling achievement) and maternal characteristics (self-esteem and crowding stress) related to parenting stress in this sample. That these variables combined to explain approximately half of the variance on the Parenting Stress Index suggests that they represent important sources of parenting stress, at least during the early grade school years. Because the children's behavior and academic achievement constituted significant sources of parent stress, supportive counseling services may be needed that are often required for children of low income, less well-educated parents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which behavioral characteristics of autism are apparent in early childhood and to examine the relative contributions of clinical observation and parental reports to early identification of autism. DESIGN: Blinded comparison of behavioral data obtained through parental reports and clinical observation. SETTING: Child development referral center. PATIENTS: Twenty-six children (23 boys and three girls) younger than age 48 months with a clinical diagnosis of autism. SELECTION PROCEDURES: Consecutive sample. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Social interaction, communication, and activities and interests were evaluated using standard diagnostic criteria for autism. Results suggested that deficits in the areas of social interaction, imitation, play, and nonverbal communication are more prominent than insistence on sameness and routines in young children with autism. Also, parental reports and clinical observation appear to detect different aspects of abnormal behavior patterns in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: Improved awareness of the early signs of autism should help physicians recognize this disorder in a timely manner. Further research may identify how observation of play and parental reports might be incorporated efficiently into a physician's repertoire of developmental and behavioral screening tools.(Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:174-179)

Changing conceptualizations of autism have led to an increased focus on parents and teachers as treatment agents. In order to evaluate the views of autism held by these two groups, 47 teachers of autistic students and 47 parents of autistic children completed a survey assessing beliefs regarding various aspects of the disorder. Parent and teacher responses were compared to those obtained from a group of 22 “specialists” in autism, drawn from across the country. Both parents and teachers were found to harbor misconceptions regarding cognitive, developmental, and emotional features of autism. Furthermore, parents and teachers hold discrepant views in some areas that may have implications for their collaborative efforts.

This study was designed to determine whether learning-disabled (LD) children differed from nondisabled (NLD) children in their ability to comprehend nonverbal communication when potential attentional differences between the groups were controlled. In addition, the relationship between nonverbal comprehension and social competence was assessed. Thirty LD and 30 NLD boys between 9 and 12 years of age were administered a short form of the Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity (PONS) to assess nonverbal comprehension; social competence measures included teachers' ratings of aggressive and withdrawn behaviors using the Behavior Problem Checklist, and “blind” judges' ratings of performance on a role-play of friendshipmaking skills. Under attention-incentive conditions, no performance differences between LD and NLD children were found on the PONS; however, LD children were judged to be more withdrawn and less socially skilled. While PONS scores were not related to other social competence measures, hey were associated with academic achievement and IQ. Results emphasize the importance of considering the presence of attentional problems in LD children that may interfere with an accurate assessment of their skills.

Thirty children with autism were observed during their everyday school activities in order to examine patterns of spontaneous communication. The forms, functions, and targets of their communication were recorded by trained observers. The prototypical communicative event consisted of a child directing a motoric form of communication toward the teacher to request something or to attract attention to himself or herself. However, communication patterns were found to vary as a function of the child's cognitive level and severity of autism. Deficits in joint attention functions were observed, and were most striking in the subgroup of children who did not use speech. Results are discussed with reference to Wetherby's (1986) model for the development of communicative functions in autistic children.

The aim of this study was to identify specific social behaviors that differentiate autistic preschoolers from other children at comparable developmental levels. A parent report measure, the Preschool Social Behavior Checklist (PSBC), was developed for this purpose. The PSBC consists of 22 items representing social milestones usually achieved within the first 4 to 5 years of life. Results obtained from a sample of 20 parents of children with autism and 14 parents of children with mental retardation revealed group differences in specific aspects of imaginative play, peer play, and imitation skills. The importance of examining the specific manifestations of social deficits and implications for the diagnosis of autism are discussed.

ABSTRACTImmunoisolation of allogeneic cells within a membrane-bound device is a unique approach for gene therapy. We employed an immunoisolation device that protects allograft, but not xenograft, cells from destruction, to implant a human fibroblast line (MSU 1.2) in athymic rodents. Cells, transduced with the MFG-human factor IX retroviral vector, and expressing 0.9 μμg/106cells/day in vitro, were implanted in rats (four 40-μμl devices, each containing 2 ×× 107cells, two subcutaneously, two in epididymal fat) and in mice (two 20-μμl devices, each containing 2 ×× 106cells, subcutaneously). Plasma factor IX levels increased for 50 days, reaching maxima of 203 ng/ml (rat) and 597 ng/ml (mouse), and both continued at greater than 100 ng/ml for more than 140 days. A clone derived from the transduced cells, making 5 μμg of factor IX/106cells/day, was implanted within a device (one 20-μμl device containing 2.5 ×× 106cells), or without a device (1 ×× 107cells implanted freely), either subcutaneously or in epididymal fat. The freely implanted cells expressed transiently, reaching more than 100 ng/ml in each site by day 4, but dropped to zero by day 20 (subcutaneous) or day 90 (epididymal fat). In devices, levels gradually increased to 100 ng/ml (subcutaneous) or 300 ng/ml (epididymal fat), remaining high for more than 100 days. These results show long-term, high-level expression of a human protein: (1) when cells are implanted within a cell transplantation device, but not when the cells are freely implanted, and (2) from a transgene driven by a viral promoter. An alloprotective device will enable the use of cloned cell lines that can be subjected to stringent quality control assessment that is impossible to achieve with autologous approaches.

Reports on the Lamu Maulidi festival, a celebration in Kenya being held in commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birth. Activities featured in the festival; Reason for the ceremony's resilience; Respect to God for sending the Prophet.

Discusses the renaissance of East African art in Kenya. Success of the Kenya-based National Museum's art competition; Establishment of the Kuona Trust for struggling artists; Reason for the decline of East African art; Establishment of an art colony in Kenya in 1965; Opportunities for young artists; Projects to widen interest in art.

Looks at agricultural development in Ethiopia. Role of agriculture in Ethiopian society and economics; Changes in Ethiopia's agriculture and food management since 1991; Efforts to address problems of waterlogged soil and field flooding; Introduction of new technologies. INSETS: A tripled harvest.;Seven years younger..

Reports on how civil war is devastating the cattle-herding Dinkas in southern Sudan. Dinka's enemies' focus on stripping the tribe of the thing forming the nexus of Dinka life, cattle; Casualties of the struggle between the Dinkas and the Arab-Muslim regime; Cow as life for the Dinkas; Cattle raids. INSET: `To be good Dinkas', by G.L..

Reports on the white minority in Kenya. Living peacefully as whites in an independent African country; Effect of political aspirations of conservationist Richard Leakey on the group's peaceful co-existence; Origins; Distinction from white expatriates; Cultural gaps with blacks.

Focuses on the slow disappearance of the culture of the Mbuti pygmies of Zaire's Ituri Forest. Symbiotic relationship with the Lese; Most commonly pursued game; Women's duties.

Presents an overview of homeless street children in Nairobi, Kenya. Plight of homeless street children; Rehabilitation of street children; Economic condition of Kenya; Lack of government assistance; Kenya's urban poor. INSETS: Dodo & Dutch.;Not even garbage to pick up..

Discusses how on January 18 and 19, members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrate Timqat in an explosion of joy. It is their most significant holiday, a celebration of the Epithany--which among Eastern Christians commemorates the baptism of Christ. Details of the celebration.

A letter to the editor is presented which mentions readers views on the trend of slick covers and airbrushed models on MASSAGE Magazine, editor's response is also included.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues, including "Joint Sessions," in the February 2008 issue, a list of some of the Great Marathons of the World in a 2007 issue and a letter about the advantages of running for parents.

Provides information on the Zanzibar archipelago, which lies in the Indian Ocean off Tanzania in East Africa. Overview of Zanzibar's archipelago; Activities that dominated Zanzibar's economy; Source of income for Zanzibaris.