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Introduction: Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity are increasingly prevalent in Afro-Caribbean populations. Much remains unknown about the relationship between these cardiometabolic outcomes and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES). This study explores associations between neighborhood SES and cardiometabolic outcomes in urban Jamaica. Methods: Data from urban participants (n=833, women 577, men 282) in an ancillary study to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey 2016-2017 was analyzed to examine associations between neighborhood SES and cardiometabolic outcomes. Median property sales price was obtained from the Jamaica National Land Agency and selected as the primary neighborhood SES measure. Survey-weighted Poisson regression was used to assess prevalence ratios for measured diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity. Neighborhood percentages of educational attainment, dependency ratio, employment, and household state assistance were covariates in adjusted models. Results: Most participants were aged 45 to 64 (34.9%) and had at least a high school education (77.7%). Men were more likely to be adequately physically active (52.4% vs. 42.0%, p=0.003) and current smokers (29.7% vs. 10.8%, p <0.001). More women had hypertension (53.0% vs. 45.6%, p=0.047), high cholesterol (34.3% vs. 21.7%, p<0.001), and obesity (45.7% vs. 19.4%, p<0.001). Survey-weighted regression showed high neighborhood SES was associated with higher prevalence of hypertension (PR=1.33, p=0.044) and high cholesterol (PR=2.46, p<0.001) in fully adjusted models unstratified by sex when compared with low SES. Increased obesity was observed for the middle (PR=1.46, p<0.001) and high (PR=1.60, p<0.001) SES tiers. In stratified analyses, high neighborhood SES was associated with more obesity among women (P=1.32, p=0.015) and high total cholesterol among men (PR=4.70, p=0.005). Mid SES was associated with increased hypertension among men (PR=2.02, p=0.024). Conclusions: Amo

Background Namibia’s focus on the elimination of malaria requires an evidence-based strategy directed at understanding and targeting the entomological drivers of malaria transmission. In 2018 and 2019, the Namibia National Vector-borne Diseases Control Program (NVDCP) implemented baseline entomological surveillance based on a question-based approach outlined in the Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT). In the present study, we report on the findings of the ESPT-based NVDCP on baseline vector species composition and bionomic traits in malaria endemic regions in northern Namibia, which has the aim of generating an evidence base for programmatic decision-making.Methods Nine representative sentinel sites were included in the 2018 entomological surveillance program (Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West, Kavango East and Zambezi); the number was reduced to four sites in 2019 due to limited funding (Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East, and Zambezi). In the 2018 baseline collections, multiple sampling methods (human landing catches, pyrethroid spray catches, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps [CDC-LTs], resting boxes [RBs] and larval sampling) were utilized to evaluate indoor/outdoor human biting rates, resting behaviors and insecticide resistance (IR). CDC-LTs and RBs were not used in 2019 due to low and non-representative sampling efcacies. Results Overall, molecular evidence demonstrated the presence of three primary mosquito vectors, namely Anopheles arabiensis, rediscovered Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto and Anopheles funestus sensu stricto, alongside Anopheles squamosus and members of the Anopheles coustani complex. Vectors were found to bite throughout the night (1800 hours 0600 hours) both indoors and outdoors, with An. arabiensis having the highest biting rates outdoors. Low numbers of indoor resting Anopheles point to possible low indoor residual spraying (IRS) efcacy—with An. arabiensis fo

BackgroundDue to challenges in measuring changes in malaria at low transmission, serology is increasingly being used to complement clinical and parasitological surveillance. Longitudinal studies have shown that serological markers, such as Etramp5.Ag1, can reflect spatio-temporal differences in malaria transmission. However, these markers have yet to be used as endpoints in intervention trials.MethodsBased on data from a 2017 cluster randomised trial conducted in Zambezi Region, Namibia, evaluating the effectiveness of reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive vector control (RAVC), this study conducted a secondary analysis comparing antibody responses between intervention arms as trial endpoints. Antibody responses were measured on a multiplex immunoassay, using a panel of eight serological markers of Plasmodium falciparum infection - Etramp5.Ag1, GEXP18, HSP40.Ag1, Rh2.2030, EBA175, PfMSP119, PfAMA1, and PfGLURP.R2.FindingsReductions in sero-prevalence to antigens Etramp.Ag1, PfMSP119, Rh2.2030, and PfAMA1 were observed in study arms combining rfMDA and RAVC, but only effects for Etramp5.Ag1 were statistically significant. Etramp5.Ag1 sero-prevalence was significantly lower in all intervention arms. Compared to the reference arms, adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) for Etramp5.Ag1 was 0.78 (95%CI 0.65 - 0.91, p = 0.0007) in the rfMDA arms and 0.79 (95%CI 0.67 - 0.92, p = 0.001) in the RAVC arms. For the combined rfMDA plus RAVC intervention, aPR was 0.59 (95%CI 0.46 - 0.76, p < 0.0001). Significant reductions were also observed based on continuous antibody responses. Sero-prevalence as an endpoint was found to achieve higher study power (99.9% power to detect a 50% reduction in prevalence) compared to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) prevalence (72.9% power to detect a 50% reduction in prevalence).InterpretationWhile the observed relative reduction in qPCR prevalence in the study was greater than serology, the us

In deze handreiking bespreken wij voorstellen voor opleidingen Social Work die bijdragen aan verdere implementatie van het Landelijk Opleidingsdocument Sociaal Werk (LOD SW) en de ontwikkeling van de opleiding Social Work.

In deze handreiking bespreken wij voorstellen voor opleidingen Social Work die bijdragen aan verdere implementatie van het Landelijk Opleidingsdocument Sociaal Werk (LOD SW) en de ontwikkeling van de opleiding Social Work.

Background Hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is a rare inborn error of fructose metabolism caused by the deficiency of aldolase B. Since treatment consists of a fructose-, sucrose- and sorbitol-restrictive diet for life, patients are at risk of presenting vitamin deficiencies. Although there is no published data on the status of these vitamins in HFI patients, supplementation with vitamin C and folic acid is common. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess vitamin C and folate status and supplementation practices in a nationwide cohort of HFI patients. Methods Vitamin C and folic acid dietary intake, supplementation and circulating levels were assessed in 32 HFI patients and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results Most of the HFI participants presented vitamin C (96.7%) and folate (90%) dietary intake below the recommended population reference intake. Up to 69% received vitamin C and 50% folic acid supplementation. Among HFI patients, 15.6% presented vitamin C and 3.1% folate deficiency. The amount of vitamin C supplementation and plasma levels correlated positively (R = 0.443; p = 0.011). Interestingly, a higher percentage of non-supplemented HFI patients were vitamin C deficient when compared to supplemented HFI patients (30% vs. 9.1%; p = 0.01) and to healthy controls (30% vs. 3.1%; p < 0.001). Conclusions Our results provide evidence for the first time supporting vitamin C supplementation in HFI. There is great heterogeneity in vitamin supplementation practices and, despite follow-up at specialised centres, vitamin C deficiency is common. Further research is warranted to establish optimal doses of vitamin C and the need for folic acid supplementation in HFI.

Sanusi Umar,1– 3 Petrina Kan,4 Marissa J Carter,5 Paul Shitabata1,2,6 1Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA; 3Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic, Manhattan Beach, CA, USA; 4Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 5Strategic Solutions, Inc, Bozeman, MT, USA; 6Dermatopathology Institute, Torrance, CA, USACorrespondence: Sanusi Umar, Dr. U Hair and Skin Clinic, 2121 N. Sepulveda Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266, USA, Tel +1 (310) 318-1500, Fax +1 (310) 318-1590, Email drumar@dru.comPurpose: Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is the most common cause of scarring alopecia in women of African descent. However, current treatments for CCCA, such as immunosuppressants and immunomodulatory pharmaceutical agents, have suboptimal efficacy and undesirable side effects. This case series reports the therapeutic effect of a new botanical formulation (Dr. UGro Gashee) in four patients with histologically supported diagnoses of CCCA. The formulations contain at least three phytoactive ingredients that affect multiple targets in the cascade of pathophysiologic events contributing to CCCA. Possible mechanisms of action include anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, and the net antifibrotic effect of inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta while upregulating AMP-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator-associated receptor-gamma activity.Patients and Methods: Four African American women with treatment-refractory CCCA were treated with a new topical botanical formula (cosmeceutical) alone or in combination with its oral formulation (nutraceutical) for 8 weeks to 1 year. The cosmeceutical and nutraceutical treatments contain similar phytoactive ingredient profiles. Treatment outcomes were collected using documented patient reports

Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism characterised by the deficiency of the hepatic enzyme aldolase B. Its treatment consists in adopting a fructose-, sucrose-, and sorbitol (FSS)-restrictive diet for life. Untreated HFI patients present an abnormal transferrin (Tf) glycosylation pattern due to the inhibition of mannose-6-phosphate isomerase by fructose-1-phosphate. Hence, elevated serum carbohydrate-deficient Tf (CDT) may allow the prompt detection of HFI. The CDT values improve when an FSS-restrictive diet is followed; however, previous data on CDT and fructose intake correlation are inconsistent. Therefore, we examined the complete serum sialoTf profile and correlated it with FSS dietary intake and with hepatic parameters in a cohort of paediatric and adult fructosemic patients. To do so, the profiles of serum sialoTf from genetically diagnosed HFI patients on an FSS-restricted diet (n = 37) and their age-, sex- and body mass index-paired controls (n = 32) were analysed by capillary zone electrophoresis. We found that in HFI patients, asialoTf correlated with dietary intake of sucrose (R = 0.575, p < 0.001) and FSS (R = 0.475, p = 0.008), and that pentasialoTf+hexasialoTf negatively correlated with dietary intake of fructose (R = −0.386, p = 0.024) and FSS (R = −0.400, p = 0.019). In addition, the tetrasialoTf/disialoTf ratio truthfully differentiated treated HFI patients from healthy controls, with an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.97, 92% sensitivity, 94% specificity and 93% accuracy.

This paper reports on a project in one special school in Queensland Australia. The intention of the project was to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics to students from Preparatory to Year 12. The overarching concern of the project was the reported limited learning experiences provided to students, with maths learning reduced to a focus primarily on number. An action research/appreciative inquiry (AI) approach was used in the project to examine how teachers teach mathematics to the students. AI has been identified as a reconfiguration of action research within organisational settings such as schools. It closely interconnects with Timberley’s Inquiry Cycle which was used in the project. The project also drew on the Most Significant Change Technique. Findings indicate more work is needed to capture the actual achievement of students. There is strong evidence to suggest that teachers (not all) lack sufficient numeracy and mathematics content knowledge. There is a need for special education teachers to have a repertoire of instructional strategies that they can use to assist students. The adoption of a professional learning community is commendable, however, when decisions, planning and resource making are left to a limited few or one member, it is difficult to see the benefits of such a community.

This poster presents the design and rationale of a multi-faceted approach to STEM support for learning used at an Australian university. Co-curricular STEM academic support has contributed to improvements in student engagement and outcomes. This university-wide program has received national and international acclaim for enhancing the learner experience and draws upon a strong theoretical basis in its design. The practices are presented so others can potentially adapt ideas to their own contexts. Student support at this university applies theories of student engagement, learning development approaches and learning communities to improve student outcomes. It uses a complementary suite of approaches, including online learning resources, drop-in support in a social learning environment, group support and individual consultations, to suit the diverse needs of students. It is delivered by a team of specialist STEM Educators and over 100 volunteer student peer leaders, who offer STEM support across the university. The support has been particularly valuable for students entering higher education for the first time and it has helped to enhance student success and improve retention. The scaffolded transition into university develops academic skills; bridges gaps in knowledge, understanding and skills; and helps to build confidence. The program is data-informed, integrated with other student support services and coordinated centrally through a team of staff who are embedded within the faculties.

BackgroundIn Namibia, as in many malaria elimination settings, reactive case detection (RACD), or malaria testing and treatment around index cases, is a standard intervention. Reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA), or treatment without testing, and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) in the form of indoor residual spraying, are alternative or adjunctive interventions, but there are limited data regarding their community acceptability.MethodsA parent trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of rfMDA versus RACD, RAVC versus no RAVC, and rfMDA + RAVC versus RACD only. To assess acceptability of these interventions, a mixed-methods study was conducted using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) in three rounds (pre-trial and in years 1 and 2 of the trial), and an endline survey.ResultsIn total, 17 KIIs, 49 FGDs were conducted with 449 people over three annual rounds of qualitative data collection. Pre-trial, community members more accurately predicted the level of community acceptability than key stakeholders. Throughout the trial, key participant motivators included: malaria risk perception, access to free community-based healthcare and IRS, and community education by respectful study teams. RACD or rfMDA were offered to 1372 and 8948 individuals in years 1 and 2, respectively, and refusal rates were low (< 2%). RAVC was offered to few households (n = 72) in year 1. In year 2, RAVC was offered to more households (n = 944) and refusals were < 1%. In the endline survey, 94.3% of 2147 respondents said they would participate in the same intervention again.ConclusionsCommunities found both reactive focal interventions and their combination highly acceptable. Engaging communities and centering and incorporating their perspectives and experiences during design, implementation, and evaluation of this community-based intervention was critical for optimizing study engagement.

In areas of low and unstable transmission, malaria cases occur in populations with lower access to malaria services and interventions, and in groups with specific malaria risk exposures often away from the household. In support of the Namibian National Vector Borne Disease Program’s drive to better target interventions based upon risk, we implemented a health facility-based case control study aimed to identify risk factors for symptomatic malaria in Zambezi Region, northern Namibia. A total of 770 febrile individuals reporting to 6 health facilities and testing positive by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) between February 2015 and April 2016 were recruited as cases; 641 febrile individuals testing negative by RDT at the same health facilities through June 2016 were recruited as controls. Data on socio-demographics, housing construction, overnight travel, use of malaria prevention and outdoor behaviors at night were collected through interview and recorded on a tablet-based questionnaire. Remotely-sensed environmental data were extracted for geo-located village residence locations. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors and latent class analyses (LCA) used to identify and characterize high-risk subgroups. The majority of participants (87% of cases and 69% of controls) were recruited during the 2016 transmission season, an outbreak year in Southern Africa. After adjustment, cases were more likely to be cattle herders (Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 4.46 95%CI 1.05–18.96), members of the police or other security personnel (aOR: 4.60 95%CI: 1.16–18.16), and pensioners/unemployed persons (aOR: 2.25 95%CI 1.24–4.08), compared to agricultural workers (most common category). Children (aOR 2.28 95%CI 1.13–4.59) and self-identified students were at higher risk of malaria (aOR: 4.32 95%CI 2.31–8.10). Other actionable risk factors for malaria included housing and behavioral characteristics, including traditional home construction and sleeping in an open

This paper presents the results from an extensive interlaboratory comparison of angular-dependent measurements on encapsulated photovoltaic (PV) cells. Twelve international laboratories measure the incident angle modifier of two unique PV devices. The absolute measurement agreement is ±2.0% to the weighted mean for angles of incidence (AOI) ≤ 65°, but from 70°–85° the range of measurement deviations increases rapidly from 2.5%–23%. The proficiency of the measurements is analyzed using the expanded uncertainties published by seven of the laboratories, and it is found that most of the angular-dependent measurements are reproducible for AOI ≤ 80°. However, at 85° one laboratory’s measurement do not agree to the weighted mean within the stated uncertainty, and measurement uncertainty as high as 16% is needed for the laboratories without uncertainty to be comparable. The poor agreement obtained at 85° indicates that the PV community should place minimal reliance on angular-dependent measurements made at this extreme angle until improvements can be demonstrated. The cloud-based Daidalos ray tracing model is used to simulate the angular-dependent losses of the mono-Si device and it is found that the simulation agrees to the median measurement within 0.6% for AOI ≤ 70° and within 1.4% for AOI ≤ 80°. Finally, the impact that the angular-dependent measurement deviations have on climate specific energy rating (CSER) is evaluated for the six climates described in the IEC 61853-4 standard. When one outlier measurement is excluded, the angular-dependent measurements reported in this work cause a 1.0%–1.8% range in CSER and a 1.0%–1.5% range in annual energy yield, depending on the climate.

Chemistry42 is a software platform for de novo small molecule design that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques with computational and medicinal chemistry methods. Chemistry42 is unique in its ability to generate novel molecular structures with predefined properties validated through in vitro and in vivo studies. Chemistry42 is a core component of Insilico Medicine Pharma.ai drug discovery suite that also includes target discovery and multi-omics data analysis (PandaOmics) and clinical trial outcomes predictions (InClinico)., Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures

Contains fulltext : 225267.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access), BACKGROUND AND AIM: No marker to categorise the severity of chronic intestinal failure (CIF) has been developed. A 1-year international survey was carried out to investigate whether the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism clinical classification of CIF, based on the type and volume of the intravenous supplementation (IVS), could be an indicator of CIF severity. METHODS: At baseline, participating home parenteral nutrition (HPN) centres enrolled all adults with ongoing CIF due to non-malignant disease; demographic data, body mass index, CIF mechanism, underlying disease, HPN duration and IVS category were recorded for each patient. The type of IVS was classified as fluid and electrolyte alone (FE) or parenteral nutrition admixture (PN). The mean daily IVS volume, calculated on a weekly basis, was categorised as <1, 1-2, 2-3 and >3 L/day. The severity of CIF was determined by patient outcome (still on HPN, weaned from HPN, deceased) and the occurrence of major HPN/CIF-related complications: intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), catheter-related venous thrombosis and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). RESULTS: Fifty-one HPN centres included 2194 patients. The analysis showed that both IVS type and volume were independently associated with the odds of weaning from HPN (significantly higher for PN <1 L/day than for FE and all PN >1 L/day), patients' death (lower for FE, p=0.079), presence of IFALD cholestasis/liver failure and occurrence of CRBSI (significantly higher for PN 2-3 and PN >3 L/day). CONCLUSIONS: The type and volume of IVS required by patients with CIF could be indicators to categorise the severity of CIF in both clinical practice and research protocols.

The text presents a narrative of the journey of the people on the outskirts of Bairro Santa Cândida who, by the strength of women, discovered the arrival of the time for a more dignified life in a community to be built by us. It is the trajectory of struggles fought since the 1970s. The discovery that the media does not represent us, that democratization did not reach the peripheries, led us to fight for the right to information through the creation of the Community Radio of Bairro Santa Cândida - Rádio Mega FM, with its closure and, to continue taking Hip Hop Culture, we organized ourselves in the Vozes da Rua Collective with the objective of bringing information, education and being a bridge to the fraternity. Thus, we continued the Black August where its themes arise from studies and questions within the Vozes da Rua Collective. Philosophy came into our lives and led us to many questions, including about the Philosophy of the Academy that only white authors studied and said little about us. Through conversations and readings we discovered that Philosophy was born in Africa, that the Greeks "passed the mouse" on Egyptian texts. We discovered that Philosophy is in us, in the memories of our ancestors, in the streets, in the alleys and alleys of the peripheral communities, in the lyrics of the RAPS, as well as in the Slam of Perifa, cultures of resistance. We have a lot to study to take lessons on African Philosophy and collectively build the Philosophy of the Periphery born on the ground and in the life of the community., O texto apresenta uma narrativa da caminhada do povo da periferia do Bairro Santa Cândida que, pela força das mulheres, descobriu a chegada do tempo de uma vida mais digna em uma comunidade a ser construída por nós. É a trajetória de lutas travadas à partir dos anos de 1970. A descoberta que a mídia não nos representa, que a democratização não chegou nas periferias nos levou a lutar pelo direito de informação através da criação da Rádio Comunitária do Bairro Santa Cândida - a Rádio Mega FM, com o seu fechamento e, para continuarmos levando a Cultura Hip Hop, nos organizamos no Coletivo Vozes da Rua com o objetivo de levar informação, educação e ser ponte para a fraternidade. Assim, demos continuidade ao Agosto Negro onde seus temas surgem a partir dos estudos e questionamentos dentro do Coletivo Vozes da Rua. A filosofia entrou em nossa vida e nos levou a muitos questionamentos, inclusive sobre a Filosofia da Academia que só estudavam autores brancos e diziam pouco de nós. Através de conversas e leituras descobrimos que a Filosofia nasceu na África, que os gregos "passaram o rato" nos textos egípcios. Descobrimos que a Filosofia está em nós, nas memorias dos nossos ancestrais, nas ruas, nos becos e vielas das comunidades periféricas, nas letras dos RAPS, assim como no Slam de Perifa, culturas de resistências. Temos muito a estudar para levar aprendizados sobre Filosofia Africana e construirmos coletivamente a Filosofia da Periferia nascida no chão e na vida da comunidade.

"Distant water will not quench a nearby fire is a new project that looks at diasporic experiences of Hong Kong’s colonial histories and ongoing political unrest." -- Publisher's website.

Road user perceptions and roadway design elements play a vital role in determining the crash risk level on the roads. The study investigated factors that play a prominent role in causing road traffic crashes on rural roads on the Namibian road network. The study found that animals and pedestrians were the highest cause of road traffic crashes on the study sections. The high volume of vehicles traversing the roads section combined with the lack of appropriate barriers to separate traffic from the high presence of animals and pedestrians along the study section contributed to the hazardous safety situation on the road. The study identified that drivers losing control of vehicles on the study sections was one of the highest cause of traffic crashes. Speeding combined with negative design of various road elements directly impacts driver perceptions of the road environment and misleads road users, thereby leading to human errors that influence the frequency and severity of road crashes on the study section. The study identified under-reporting and misinformation on road crashes as some of the factors impeding the development of a vivid picture on the actual scale of the road safety problem on Namibian rural roads. The analysis of the road crashes will assist and enable road safety stakeholders in identifying, developing and implementing appropriate safety measures to sustainably address the road safety issue on Namibian roads. In addition to the road safety assessment, a road design audit carried out on the study section found that the shoulder grade and lane widths did not comply with the Technical Recommendations for Highways 17 on the Geometric Design of Rural Roads in Namibia. The study therefore developed multivariate road crash models using Negative Binomial Regression to investigate the extent of the link between road crash rates of various severity and the road design elements. The models identified several interactive relationships between lane widths, shoulders

Despite huge investments and implementation of effective interventions for malaria, progress has stalled, with transmission being increasingly localized among difficult-to-reach populations and outdoor-biting vectors. Targeting difficult pockets of transmission will require the development of tailored and targeted approaches suited to local context, drawing from insights close to the frontlines. Districts are best placed to develop tailored, locally appropriate approaches. We propose a reorganization of how malaria services are delivered. Firstly, enabling district health officers to serve as conduits between technical experts in national malaria control programmes and local community leaders with knowledge specific to local, at-risk populations; secondly, empowering district health teams to make malaria control decisions. This is a radical shift that requires the national programme to cede some control. Shifting towards a district or provincial level approach will necessitate deliberate planning, and repeated, careful assessment, starting with piloting and learning through experience. Donors will need to alter current practice, allowing for flexible funding to be controlled at sub-national levels, and to mix finances between case management, vector control and surveillance, monitoring and evaluation. System-wide changes proposed are challenging but may be necessary to overcome stalled progress in malaria control and elimination and introduce targeted interventions tailored to the needs of diverse malaria affected populations.

The relation of phase morphology and solid‐state microstructure with organic photovoltaic (OPV) device performance has intensely been investigated over the last twenty years. While it has been established that a combination of donor:acceptor intermixing and presence of relatively phase‐pure donor and acceptor domains is needed to get an optimum compromise between charge generation and charge transport/charge extraction, a quantitative picture of how much intermixing is needed is still lacking. This is mainly due to the difficulty in quantitatively analyzing the intermixed phase, which generally is amorphous. Here, fast scanning calorimetry, which allows measurement of device‐relevant thin films (<200 nm thickness), is exploited to deduce the precise composition of the intermixed phase in bulk‐heterojunction structures. The power of fast scanning calorimetry is illustrated by considering two polymer:fullerene model systems. Somewhat surprisingly, it is found that a relatively small fraction (<15 wt%) of an acceptor in the intermixed amorphous phase leads to efficient charge generation. In contrast, charge transport can only be sustained in blends with a significant amount of the acceptor in the intermixed phase (in this case: ≈58 wt%). This example shows that fast scanning calorimetry is an important tool for establishing a complete compositional characterization of organic bulk heterojunctions. Hence, it will be critical in advancing quantitative morphology–function models that allow for the rational design of these devices, and in delivering insights in, for example, solar cell degradation mechanisms via phase separation, especially for more complex high‐performing systems such as nonfullerene acceptor:polymer bulk heterojunctions.

This thesis studies Marcus Oscarsson, Joakim Lamotte, Dagens Nyheter and Aftonbladet, some of the biggest journalistic actors on Facebook in Sweden, and what kind of political material from them that gets spread and engaged with on Facebook. The thesis also analyze the difference between the private actors Oscarsson and Lamotte and the traditional actors Dagens Nyheter and Aftonbladet and what type of engagement and interactions they get on their Facebook posts. This is done using a quantitative content analysis, with data collected using Crowdtangle. The results are immersed with a qualitative analysis of certain Facebook posts from the actors. The collected data is analysed through four central themes: engagement, identity, the journalistic expert role and power. The results show that posts about the general election, suchs as polls and reports from debates are popular, which is discussed from Jesper Strömbäcks ideas of how media portray politics as a strategic game. They also show that the private actors manage to engage Facebook users to a larger extent than the traditional actors. From the qualitative analysis a trend pointing towards a new type of journalism can be seen: a type largely based on a personal brand, and where personal opinion and objective reporting can not be separated. Furthermore the thesis establish that the interplay between the actors, the users and the platform (Facebook) itself is crucial for an overall understanding of what and how the actors engage the users.

Penelitian ini mengkaji tentang Kewenangan Badan Penyelesaian Sengketa Konsumen berdasarkan Pasal 52 Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1999 Tentang Perlindungan Konsumen dalam sengketa antara Ita Witasari dengan Bank Tabungan Negara. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kewenangan Badan Penyelesaian Sengketa Konsumen Kota Tasikmalaya berdasarkan Pasal 52 Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1999 tentang Perlindungan Konsumen dalam Putusan Nomor 54/Pdt.Sus.BPSK/2017/PN. Tsm. Metode pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode pendekatan yuridis normatif, spesifikasi penelitian adalah preskriptif dengan menggunakan data sekunder yang disajikan dengan uraian secara sistematis dan logis, kemudian dianalisa secara normatif-kualitatif. Hasil penelitian pada Putusan Nomor 54/Pdt.Sus.BPSK/2017/PN.Tsm ini menunjukan bahwa antara Ita Witasari dan Bank Tabungan Negara tidak ada hubungan hukum keperdataan, karena Ita Witasari bukan merupakan nasabah yang terikat perjanjian dengan Bank melainkan pihak ketiga, Ita Witasari hanya terikat perjanjian dengan Afif Naofal yang merupakan sengketa perdata murni, oleh karena itu BPSK tidak berwenang untuk mengadili perkara tersebut karena tidak termasuk kualifikasi sengketa konsumen. Hal ini didasarkan pada Pasal 52 huruf k UUPK, Pasal 1 angka (8) dan Pasal 17 huruf b Keputusan Menteri Perindustrian dan Perdagangan Nomor 350/MPP/Kep/12/2001 Tentang Pelaksanaan Tugas dan Wewenang Badan Penyelesaian Sengketa Konsumen.

From the premise that education enables people to live with dignity, this study investigated, in meso-systemic settings (home and school), the lived experiences of orphaned learners (OLs) from two selected public secondary schools in the Outapi Constituency, Omusati Region, Namibia. Additionally, the study investigated the implementation of the 2013 Sector Policy on Inclusive Education in a rural setting, inquiring the strategies that schools employed to include OLs, and to further address barriers that hindered access to education. Orphaned learners in Namibia, as part of the educationally marginalised, are at risk of exclusion from education, and they are exposed to discriminatory education settings, despite the policies and various attempts for inclusive education (IE) practices. To better understand concepts and variables of the study, the researcher employed a phenomenological case study approach. The study did not only set out to observe and hear the voices and see visuals of the OLs, but also to engage their caregivers and educators to obtain their perceptions on IE. Furthermore, the study sought to gauge the understanding of caregivers and educators on the basic legal frameworks in place to promote inclusive practices in Namibia. The researcher did all these investigations in a bid to unravel how the lived experiences affected the orphaned learners’ schooling processes, and to develop a conceptual model of inclusion, care and support for OLs in Namibia. This conceptual model, in the form of a proverbial brick house, facilitates the development of a holistic approach for the care and support, psychosocial wellbeing, and optimal learning opportunities for orphaned and other vulnerable learners. Data was collected from eight orphaned learners, seven caregivers, and six educators through multiple strategies, and analysed using ATLAS.ti. The study found that OLs faced many social challenges, including the inability to access state sponsored welfare grants intende

Knowledge of the foci of plasmodium species infections is critical for a country with an elimination agenda. Namibia is targeting malaria elimination by 2020. To support decision making regarding targeted intervention, we examined for the first time, the foci of Plasmodium species infections and regional prevalence in northern Namibia, using nested and quantitative polymerase chain PRC methods.

BackgroundSubpatent malaria infections, or low-density infections below the detection threshold of microscopy or standard rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), can perpetuate persistent transmission and, therefore, may be a barrier for countries like Namibia that are pursuing malaria elimination. This potential burden in Namibia has not been well characterized.MethodsUsing a two-stage cluster sampling, cross-sectional design, subjects of all age were enrolled during the end of the 2015 malaria transmission season in Zambezi region, located in northeast Namibia. Malaria RDTs were performed with subsequent gold standard testing by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using dried blood spots. Infection prevalence was measured and the diagnostic accuracy of RDT calculated. Relationships between recent fever, demographics, epidemiological factors, and infection were assessed.ResultsPrevalence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection was low: 0.8% (16/1919) by RDT and 2.2% (43/1919) by LAMP. All but one LAMP-positive infection was RDT-negative. Using LAMP as gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of RDT were 2.3% and 99.2%, respectively. Compared to LAMP-negative infections, a higher portion LAMP-positive infections were associated with fever (45.2% vs. 30.4%, p = 0.04), though 55% of infections were not associated with fever. Agricultural occupations and cattle herding were significantly associated with LAMP-detectable infection (Adjusted ORs 5.02, 95% CI 1.77-14.23, and 11.82, 95% CI 1.06-131.81, respectively), while gender, travel, bed net use, and indoor residual spray coverage were not.ConclusionsThis study presents results from the first large-scale malaria cross-sectional survey from Namibia using molecular testing to characterize subpatent infections. Findings suggest that fever history and standard RDTs are not useful to address this burden. Achievement of malaria elimination may require active case detection using more sensitive point-of-care diagno

IntroductionTo interrupt malaria transmission, strategies must target the parasite reservoir in both humans and mosquitos. Testing of community members linked to an index case, termed reactive case detection (RACD), is commonly implemented in low transmission areas, though its impact may be limited by the sensitivity of current diagnostics. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) before malaria season is a cornerstone of vector control efforts. Despite their implementation in Namibia, a country approaching elimination, these methods have been met with recent plateaus in transmission reduction. This study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of two new targeted strategies, reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) in Namibia.Methods and analysisThis is an open-label cluster randomised controlled trial with 2×2 factorial design. The interventions include: rfMDA (presumptive treatment with artemether-lumefantrine (AL)) versus RACD (rapid diagnostic testing and treatment using AL) and RAVC (IRS with Acellic 300CS) versus no RAVC. Factorial design also enables comparison of the combined rfMDA+RAVC intervention to RACD. Participants living in 56 enumeration areas will be randomised to one of four arms: rfMDA, rfMDA+RAVC, RACD or RACD+RAVC. These interventions, triggered by index cases detected at health facilities, will be targeted to individuals residing within 500 m of an index. The primary outcome is cumulative incidence of locally acquired malaria detected at health facilities over 1 year. Secondary outcomes include seroprevalence, infection prevalence, intervention coverage, safety, acceptability, adherence, cost and cost-effectiveness.Ethics and disseminationFindings will be reported on clinicaltrials.gov, in peer-reviewed publications and through stakeholder meetings with MoHSS and community leaders in Namibia.Trial registration numberNCT02610400; Pre-results.

Setting: Kavango, a ‘moderate’ transmission risk region located in north-eastern Namibia, borders Angola, a country with higher malaria transmission levels. Objective: To determine 1) the trends in malaria incidence between 2010 and 2014 in Kavango, 2) the socio- demographic and clinical characteristics of confirmed cases in 2014, and 3) associated risk factors of cases classified as imported. Design: This was a retrospective study of malaria case investigation forms conducted in all 52 public health facilities in 2014. Incidence was derived from aggregate routine surveillance data from the Health Information System (HIS). Results: During the 5-year study, incidence fell from 53.6 to 3.6 cases per 1000 population, then increased again to 47.3/1000. Fifty-five per cent of cases were males, and 49% were aged between 5 and 17 years. Of the 2014 cases, 23% were imported, and were associated with higher odds of severe malaria (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.8; 95%CI 1.01–3.29), not having long-lasting insecticide treated nets (aOR 2.1, 95%CI, 1.3–3.4) and not receiving insecticide residual spraying (aOR 3.2, 95%CI, 2.1–5.1). Conclusion: Sporadic outbreaks in the 5-year period posed a threat to malaria elimination. Better targeting of vector control interventions, strong cross-border collaboration and robust health promotion will be key to achieving malaria elimination.

Setting: A comparison of routine Namibia National Malaria Programme data (reported) vs. household survey data (administrative) on indoor residual spraying (IRS) in western Zambezi region, Namibia, for the 2014–2015 malaria season. Objectives: To determine 1) IRS coverage (administrative and reported), 2) its effect on malaria incidence, and 3) reasons for non-uptake of IRS in western Zambezi region, Namibia, for the 2014–2015 malaria season. Design: This was a descriptive study. Results: IRS coverage in western Zambezi region was low, ranging from 42.3% to 52.2% for administrative coverage vs. 45.9–66.7% for reported coverage. There was no significant correlation between IRS coverage and malaria incidence for this region (r = –0.45, P = 0.22). The main reasons for households not being sprayed were that residents were not at home during spraying times or that spray operators did not visit the households. Conclusions: IRS coverage in western Zambezi region, Namibia, was low during the 2014–2015 malaria season because of poor community engagement and awareness of times for spray operations within communities. Higher IRS coverage could be achieved through improved community engagement. Better targeting of the highest risk areas by the use of malaria surveillance will be required to mitigate malaria transmission.

The aim of this work is to compare angle of incidence (AOI) measurement setups for solar cells between laboratories with such capability. For the first time, we compare relative light transmission measurements among eight laboratories, whose measurement techniques include indoor and outdoor methods. We present the relative transmission measurements on three 156 mm x 156 mm crystalline-Si (c-Si) samples with different surface textures. The measurements are compared using the expanded uncertainties provided by each laboratory. Five of the eight labs showed an agreement better than ±2% to the weighted mean between AOIs from -75° to 70°. At AOIs of ±80° and ±85°, the same five labs showed a worst case deviation to the weighted mean of -3% to 5% and 0% to 18%, respectively. When measurement uncertainty is considered, the results show that measurements at the highest incidence angle of ±85° are problematic, as measurements from four out of the six labs reporting uncertainty were found non-comparable within their stated uncertainties. At 85° AOI a high to low range of up to 75% was observed between all eight laboratories.

Introduction To interrupt malaria transmission, strategies must target the parasite reservoir in both humans and mosquitos. Testing of community members linked to an index case, termed reactive case detection (RACD), is commonly implemented in low transmission areas, though its impact may be limited by the sensitivity of current diagnostics. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) before malaria season is a cornerstone of vector control efforts. Despite their implementation in Namibia, a country approaching elimination, these methods have been met with recent plateaus in transmission reduction. This study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of two new targeted strategies, reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC) in Namibia. Methods and analysis This is an open-label cluster randomised controlled trial with 2×2 factorial design. The interventions include: rfMDA (presumptive treatment with artemether-lumefantrine (AL)) versus RACD (rapid diagnostic testing and treatment using AL) and RAVC (IRS with Acellic 300CS) versus no RAVC. Factorial design also enables comparison of the combined rfMDA+RAVC intervention to RACD. Participants living in 56 enumeration areas will be randomised to one of four arms: rfMDA, rfMDA+RAVC, RACD or RACD+RAVC. These interventions, triggered by index cases detected at health facilities, will be targeted to individuals residing within 500 m of an index. The primary outcome is cumulative incidence of locally acquired malaria detected at health facilities over 1 year. Secondary outcomes include seroprevalence, infection prevalence, intervention coverage, safety, acceptability, adherence, cost and costeffectiveness.

Background: A key component of malaria elimination campaigns is the identification and targeting of high risk populations. To characterize high risk populations in north central Namibia, a prospective health facility-based case–control study was conducted from December 2012–July 2014. Cases (n = 107) were all patients presenting to any of the 46 health clinics located in the study districts with a confirmed Plasmodium infection by multi-species rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Population controls (n = 679) for each district were RDT negative individuals residing within a household that was randomly selected from a census listing using a two-stage sampling procedure. Demographic, travel, socio-economic, behavioural, climate and vegetation data were also collected. Spatial patterns of malaria risk were analysed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for malaria. Results: Malaria risk was observed to cluster along the border with Angola, and travel patterns among cases were comparatively restricted to northern Namibia and Angola. Travel to Angola was associated with excessive risk of malaria in males (OR 43.58 95% CI 2.12–896), but there was no corresponding risk associated with travel by females. This is the first study to reveal that gender can modify the effect of travel on risk of malaria. Amongst non-travellers, male gender was also associated with a higher risk of malaria compared with females (OR 1.95 95% CI 1.25–3.04). Other strong risk factors were sleeping away from the household the previous night, lower socioeconomic status, living in an area with moderate vegetation around their house, experiencing moderate rainfall in the month prior to diagnosis and living <15 km from the Angolan border. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need to target malaria interventions to young male travellers, who have a disproportionate risk of malaria in northern Namibia, to coordinate cross-border regional malaria prevention initiatives

Reactive case detection (RACD) around passively detected malaria cases is a strategy to identify and treat hotspots of malaria transmission. This study investigated the unproven assumption on which this approach is based, that in low transmission settings, infections cluster over small scales.

Organization of epithelial cells during follicular lumen formation is crucial for thyroid morphogenesis and function of the thyroid gland; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. To investigate this process, we established threedimensional (3D) epithelial culture model systems using Fischer rat thyroid (FRT) cells or murine primary thyrocytes that developed polarized spherical structures with a central lumen, mimicking thyroid follicles. Using microarray-based differential expression analysis of FRT cells grown under 2D or 3D conditions, followed by RNAmediated interference (RNAi) and morphogenetic analysis, we identified a key role for the thyroid transcription factor Pax8 and its target cadherin-16 (Cdh16) in the generation of polarized follicle-like structures. Silencing Pax8 expression inhibited the acquisition of apical-basal membrane polarity and impaired lumen formation. Both laminin and ß1-integrin (Itgb1) expression was reduced, and cell cytoskeleton polarized distribution was altered. Silencing Cdh16 expression also led to the formation of defective structures characterized by very low laminin expression at the follicle-matrix interface, downregulation of Itgb1, and unpolarized distribution of cell cytoskeleton. Our results demonstrate that Pax8 controls apical- basal follicular polarization and follicle formation through Cdh16.

Focussing on the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, this collection of essays investigates the relation between the Queen and her subjects, which shapes contemporary and future politics and is actively crucial in the debate upon the divine right of kings. The book explores the ways in which political power, intensely aware of the possibilities of literature, encourages, ostracizes or manipulates the production of writing. Through the act of writing, the Queen and her country communicate: the moulding of this act of communication is no minor task for the Queen, no minor privilege for her country. The book investigates the Queen’s own writings, with particular attention to her poems and the speeches to the nation; the production of literary culture during her reign, including the presence of oppositional voices; and the treatment of her image and memory, as well as her political legacy, during the reign of James I and Charles I.

The long-term goal of the global effort to tackle malaria is national and regional elimination and eventually eradication. Fine scale multi-temporal mapping in low malaria transmission settings remains a challenge and the World Health Organisation propose use of surveillance in elimination settings. Here, we show how malaria incidence can be modelled at a fine spatial and temporal resolution from health facility data to help focus surveillance and control to population not attending health facilities. Using Namibia as a case study, we predicted the incidence of malaria, via a Bayesian spatio-temporal model, at a fine spatial resolution from parasitologically confirmed malaria cases and incorporated metrics on healthcare use as well as measures of uncertainty associated with incidence predictions. We then combined the incidence estimates with population maps to estimate clinical burdens and show the benefits of such mapping to identifying areas and seasons that can be targeted for improved surveillance and interventions. Fine spatial resolution maps produced using this approach were then used to target resources to specific local populations, and to specific months of the season. This remote targeting can be especially effective where the population distribution is sparse and further surveillance can be limited to specific local areas.

Study objectivesFew studies have examined the validity of actigraphy in school-aged children. The objective of this study was to examine the validity of a commonly used actigraph compared to polysomnography (PSG) in a sample of children age 5 to 12 y born prematurely, sleeping in their natural home environment.Methods148 children born preterm (85 boys and 63 girls), ages 5-12 y (mean = 9.3 y, standard deviation = 2.0) wore the Philips Respironics Actiwatch-2 for 1 night concurrently with comprehensive, ambulatory PSG in the child's home. Sleep outcome variables were sleep onset latency, total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency. Epoch-by-epoch comparisons were used to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Secondary analyses examined differences between children with no sleep issues, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS).ResultsActigraphy significantly underestimated TST (30 min) and sleep efficiency (5%). Actigraphy underestimated or overestimated sleep onset latency by at least 10 min for a third of the children. Sensitivity and accuracy were good at 0.88 and 0.84, respectively, whereas specificity was lower at 0.46. Differences between actigraphy and PSG for TST and sleep efficiency were greatest for children with PLMS.ConclusionsThis study adds to the small existing literature demonstrating the validity of actigraphy in middle childhood. Although actigraphy shows good sensitivity (ability to detect sleep), specificity (ability to detect wake) is poor in this age group. Further, the results highlight the importance of considering whether a child has PLMS when interpreting actigraphic data, as well as the difficulties in accurately capturing sleep onset latency with actigraphy.

During the election campaign period in Namibia, different political parties attempt to use all means possible to convince the electorate. Political discourse is one of the most crucial means of persuasion that political parties employ to woo voters. Political parties design their election manifestos through the use of stylistic features and rhetorical devices as means of persuasion. This qualitative study examines and explains how stylistic features and rhetorical devices were used in the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) and Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA) election manifestos during the 2014 Namibian presidential elections. The two parties were purposely selected because the SWAPO party won elections in 2014 while the DTA came second as the official opposition party and the stylistic and rhetorical components used in the manifestos may have contributed to their success. This study employed the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) theory to examine the stylistic features and rhetorical devices used in selected manifestos and used Aristotle’s three proofs of persuasion, ethos, pathos and logos to explain the rhetorical significance of the language techniques identified. The study revealed that the SWAPO party manifesto mainly used its past achievements to persuade the voters while the DTA focused on promises and future plans for persuasion. Both manifestos made use of multi-modal aspects, lexical, syntactic and semantic literary devices and deviations to persuade voters. Pathos was used in the manifestos to stir up the emotions of voters for respective parties and their presidential candidates. Ethos was employed through constant reference to individuals who are respected by voters. The manifestos made use of logos through the presentation of facts, mainly on what has been achieved and the country’s economic and social situation as well logical arguments on what should be done to develop the country. This study provides an understanding of how stylisti

A gap still exists between the propositions of the policy and guidelines on the application of the elements of informed choice in family planning services and the reality in practice. This paper presents the findings of the study that was conducted to partially assess and describe the application of the elements of informed choice by the nurses in providing modern contraceptives at the health care facilities in Khomas region of Namibia. A quantitative descriptive study design was employed among the study populations of 7,401 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) who use family planning services at the four (4) urban and two (2) rural health care facilities in Khomas region. Systematic random sampling was done for the urban and rural health facilities, while a convenience sampling was employed to select a sample of 184 client participants from the total population using the computer probability of 95% and the confidence limit of 5%. The data were collected through exit interviews of the clients and analysed using EPI Info. The findings indicated a glaring lack of the provision of the information which can constitute the basis for an informed choice by the clients. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others the provision of in-service training in family planning and communication skills for nurses, development and dissemination of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials for the clients and the availability of more family planning methods for the clients.