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The study examines the mineral content of table salts used by households in villages adjacent to the production areas. A total of 210 samples from commercial and local salts were collected, and analyzed using iodometry titration, spectrophotometry, colorimetry, and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques, followed by a household interview for salt type preference. The lowest detectable concentration LOD, lowest quantifiable concentration LOQ and, recovery of methods ranged (0.32–2.155 μg/kg), (0.117–6.387 μg/kg) and, (94.2–103.6 %), respectively. Significant differences in mineral contents were observed within and between local and commercially branded salts (p

This study investigated the abundance, distribution and diversity of planktonic organisms in Babati and Burunge lakes in Manyara region. Field sampling of phytoplankton and zooplankton were conducted in July and August 2022 followed by laboratory analysis. Phytoplankton communities were dominated by Bacillariophyceae (35.90%, 35.40%) and Chlorophyceae (32.10%, 24.00%) for Babati and Burunge lakes respectively. Among the zooplankton, Cladoceridae (37.70%) was most abundant in Lake Babati, while Cyclopidae (36.60%) was most abundant in Lake Burunge. Lake Babati had higher plankton species richness (S = 50) compared to Lake Burunge (S = 45). A slightly higher phytoplankton diversity, H = 3.14 was observed in Lake Burunge compared to Lake Babati, H = 3.04. Lake Babati had slightly higher zooplankton diversity, H = 2.61 compared to Lake Burunge, H = 2.30). Evenness (E) ranged 0.56 - 0.70 for phytoplankton and 0.77 - 0.80 for zooplankton indicating a moderate healthier and more diverse aquatic ecosystem. Phytoplankton and zooplankton typically exhibited a clear inverse correlation during various time intervals in different lakes. Sustainable management practices, protection of water quality and habitat preservation are needed in conservation of planktonic communities for maintaining the ecosystem health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted in Babati and Burunge lakes in Tanzania to assess the limnological characteristics and fishery resources from August 2022 to March 2023. Sampling was conducted from ten different stations in each lake using standard method ISO 5667-4:1987. 200 fishes representing ten different species were sampled at fishermen landing sites and measured. The results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in limnological characteristics within seasons and between lakes. Limnological characteristics were within WHO agreed values except biological oxygen demand (10.7 ± 6.43 mg/l), Chloride (31.33 ± 0.88 mg/l), pH (9.8 ± 0.06) and turbidity (51.3 ± 0.88 cm) which were all higher than the accepted values. Chlorophyll-a contents were lower than recommended standard for both lakes in both seasons. Ten fish species were found, six found exclusively in Lake Babati and four in Lake Burunge. Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis urolepis and Oreochromis variabilis were restricted to dry season in Lake Babati, while the rest were found in dry and wet seasons in both lakes. Majority of fish species sampled had larger size in the dry than in the wet season. Most fish species sizes were within the reported size ranges for that particular fish species. Clarias gariepinus recorded maximum size (872.3 ± 15.38 g and 54.2 ± 1.96 cm) in Lake Babati, while Tilapia melanopleura recorded maximum size (443.3 ± 6.17 g and 25.7 ± 0.33 cm) in Lake Burunge. The study concluded that both lakes water met the requirements for fish production and requires effective management against pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen escalating media, public and scientific interest in psychedelic medicine. Australia and New Zealand have been late to this research; however, in the past 2 years, rapid developments suggest that this is changing. Here, we argue for the need to critically review existing evidence in this field to guide future directions. We focus on (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, currently the most advanced area of clinical psychedelic research. Food and Drug Administration approval of this approach is likely in 2023, based on a series of promising findings. We provide a detailed overview of Phase 2 and 3 studies published to date. We identify several concerns related to this body of evidence, including methodological/design limitations and broader factors – such as robust involvement of advocacy groups in research and reliance on non-government financing leading to simplistic public messaging – that compound the methodological issues identified. We propose steps for future improvement, including the need for large, high-quality, independent efficacy trials with design enhancements, effectiveness trials and for researchers to consider their own engagement with media and public messaging around these modalities. We argue that, notwithstanding promising findings to date, rigorous and dispassionate science is needed to move the field forward and safeguard the welfare of participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been resounding national calls in the past several years to improve the academic achievement and social competence of students in public schools, especially students in low-performing K-12 schools that include low-income students of color in the nation's urban communities. Many educational stakeholders--students, teachers, administrators, and family members--have become involved in providing personal, material, and financial resources for improving student achievement and social competence in areas such as curriculum and instruction, professional development, and academic support programs. Community stakeholders, including elected officials, college and university representatives who work to align K-16 student knowledge and skill requirements, workplace representatives who will hire students as future employees, and funding officials of educational programs such as the federal government and foundations have also been involved in these efforts. One type of student academic support program that continues to receive national attention is the school and community partnership program, including partnerships with colleges and universities. Many stakeholders who provide program resources want to know if and how programs work, especially in times where educational needs are greater than resource availability. Research indicates that many of these partnership programs have positive impacts on student achievement, and this includes low-income students of color in low-performing schools. Given the growth of these programs, there is a need to address program evaluation issues. This article focuses on evaluating the co-construction of a school-based family, school, and community partnership program for black students in a low-income urban high school. This intervention, the Family, School, and Community Partnership Program (FSCPP), is one of several academic support programs that seek to improve student academic achievement and social competence in secondary schools in the Talent Development Secondary School Project (TDSSP) at Howard University's Center for Research on the Education of Students Placed At Risk (CRESPAR).

A study involving 64 Australian sex offenders and 33 non-sex offenders found childhood emotional abuse and family dysfunction, childhood behavior problems, and childhood sexual abuse were developmental risk factors for paraphilia. Emotional abuse and family dysfunction was found to be a risk factor for pedophilia, exhibitionism, rape, or multiple paraphilia. (Contains references.) (CR)

Describes how the Family Resource Center (FRC), one component of a School-Family-Community Partnership Program (SFCPP), was created and implemented to assist with institutionalizing SFCPP linkages at urban high schools. Data from surveys, focus groups, and observations highlighted four positive impacts (e.g., increasing visits to the FRC and creating positive attitudes about the FRC). (Contains references.) (SM)