Nutritional and socio-economic determinants of cognitive function and educational achievement of Aboriginal schoolchildren in rural Malaysia

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among Aboriginal schoolchildren aged 7–12 years living in remote areas in Pos Betau, Pahang, Malaysia to investigate the potential determinants influencing the cognitive function and educational achievement of these children. Cognitive function was measured by intelligence quotient (IQ), while examination scores of selected school subjects were used in assessing educational achievement. Blood samples were collected to assess serum Fe status. All children were screened for soil-transmitted helminthes. Demographic and socio-economic data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Almost two-thirds (67·6 %) of the subjects had poor IQ and most of them (72·6 %) had insufficient educational achievement. Output of the stepwise multiple regression model showed that poor IQ was significantly associated with low household income which contributed the most to the regression variance (r2 0·059; P = 0·020). Low maternal education was also identified as a significant predictor of low IQ scores (r2 0·042; P = 0·043). With educational achievement, Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) was the only variable to show significant association (r2 0·025; P = 0·015). In conclusion, the cognitive function and educational achievement of Aboriginal schoolchildren are poor and influenced by household income, maternal education and IDA. Thus, effective and integrated measures to improve the nutritional and socio-economic status of rural children would have a pronounced positive effect on their education

Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Control Approach for a Single Inverted Pendulum System

The inverted pendulum is an under-actuated and nonlinear system, which is also unstable. It is a single-input double-output system, where only one output is directly actuated. This paper investigates a single intelligent control system using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to stabilize the inverted pendulum system while tracking the desired position. The non-linear inverted pendulum system was modelled and built using MATLAB Simulink. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy logic controller was implemented and its performance was compared with a Sugeno-fuzzy inference system in both simulation and real experiment. The ANFIS controller could reach its desired new destination in 1.5 s and could stabilize the entire system in 2.2 s in the simulation, while in the experiment it took 1.7 s to reach stability. Results from the simulation and experiment showed that ANFIS had better performance compared to the Sugeno-fuzzy controller as it provided faster and smoother response and much less steady-state error

Molecular epidemiology of Plasmodium species prevalent in Yemen based on 18 s rRNA

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria is an endemic disease in Yemen and is responsible for 4.9 deaths per 100,000 population per year and 43,000 disability adjusted life years lost. Although malaria in Yemen is caused mainly by <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>and <it>Plasmodium vivax</it>, there are no sequence data available on the two species. This study was conducted to investigate the distribution of the <it>Plasmodium </it>species based on the molecular detection and to study the molecular phylogeny of these parasites.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Blood samples from 511 febrile patients were collected and a partial region of the 18 s ribosomal RNA (18 s rRNA) gene was amplified using nested PCR. From the 86 positive blood samples, 13 <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>and 4 <it>Plasmodium vivax </it>were selected and underwent cloning and, subsequently, sequencing and the sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Malaria was detected by PCR in 86 samples (16.8%). The majority of the single infections were caused by <it>P. falciparum </it>(80.3%), followed by <it>P. vivax </it>(5.8%). Mixed infection rates of <it>P. falciparum </it>+ <it>P. vivax </it>and <it>P. falciparum </it>+ <it>P. malariae </it>were 11.6% and 2.3%, respectively. All <it>P. falciparum </it>isolates were grouped with the strain 3D7, while <it>P. vivax </it>isolates were grouped with the strain Salvador1. Phylogenetic trees based on 18 s rRNA placed the <it>P. falciparum </it>isolates into three sub-clusters and <it>P. vivax </it>into one cluster. Sequence alignment analysis showed 5-14.8% SNP in the partial sequences of the 18 s rRNA of <it>P. falciparum</it>.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although <it>P. falciparum </it>is predominant, <it>P. vivax</it>, <it>P. malariae </it>and mixed infections are more prevalent than has been revealed by microscopy. This overlooked distribution should be considered by malaria control strategy makers. The genetic polymorphisms warrant further investigation.</p

Ultrastructure of antennal sensillae of the samsum ant, Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Black ant (Samsum), Pachycodyla sennarrensis, stings and injects venom and inflicts allergy (a rare clinical problem) due to its local and systemic reaction, which is considered as a health hazard amongst Saudi society. Thus, black ant is a source of serious concern for the government and experts as well.  Ultramorphological variations, distribution, differential sensillae counts (DSC) and total sensillae counts (TSC), were identified and estimated as a complementary part of the peripheral nervous system on the antennae of worker samsum ant, P. sennarrensis in order to understand its behavioral ecology. Based on scanning electron micrographs, four types of sensillae constituted with three trichoid types, which is an abundant form with a high distribution density at the apex, but a low density at subsequent proximal flagellomere of the antenna and a placoid type of sensillae (a rare form mostly found in the middle of the flagellum, that is, on the 4th, 5th and 6th flagellomere) were categorised. It is documented that nonporous trichoid type of sensillae are mechanoreceptors and thermoreceptors, whereas, the placoid types are olfactory receptors. Present findings in an indigenous species in Saudi Arabia may help in understanding the ecological behaviour of the ant, which subsequently may form the basis in producing its effective control measure in future.Key words: Samsum ants, Pachycondyla sennarrensis, ultrastructure, antenna, sensillae

The effect of palm oil fuel clinker powder and cockleshell powder as cement replacement on durability properties of the concrete mortar

The concepts of eco-friendly building are getting more attention today. The standard materials of concrete that used such as cement and aggregate are not totally environmentally friendly. Thus, many materials from natural sources can be an alternative to the realization of the green building concept. As a result, many researchers have devoted their attention towards identifying eco-friendlier substitutions to be used in concrete. This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of two different types of waste materials which are palm oil clinker (POC) and cockle shell (CS) as partial replacement of cement on durability aspects. The POC and CS materials were ground to achieve a small particle size to fit with the concrete mix as cement replacement. The replacement of cement was at different levels (10% and 20%). Six mix proportions were made with different percentage of palm oil clinker powder POCP and cockle shell powder CSP. The specimens were cured by immersing in water for 7 and 28 days. The tests that were conducted were acid resistance test and water absorption test. Therefore, the experiment result showed that the POC had a negative impact to the concrete in both tests while the CSP proved it is resistance to acid

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Management Methods on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Predators in Citrus Orchards

To evaluate the effectiveness of eco-friendly treatments based on detergents classified as non-hazardous and black soap on the pest Tetranychus urticae Koch 1836, and their predators (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960, Typhlodromus sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957), different treatments were applied to citrus orchards planted with Valencia late (Orange) in the Mechraa Belksiri region of Morocco (T0 = control experiment; T1 = spirodiclofen 0.5 L/Ha; T2 = 125 L/Ha (5%) of black soap; T3 = detergent; 4 L/Ha of Oni product + 2 L/Ha of Tide product). The results obtained during the whole monitoring period indicated that the three treatments used, namely spirodiclofen, black soap, and detergents, ensured a reduction in the rate of population of the pest T. urticae compared to the untreated plot. In the untreated plot, the average was 45.01 A± 4.90 mobile forms, while the plot treated with spirodiclofen it was only 21.10 C ± 2.71, the black soap 31.49 B ± 3.35, and in the plot treated with detergents, the average was similar to that obtained by spirodiclofen (22.90 C ± 2.18). On the predators (E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodropmus sp.), the black soap and the treatment with detergents were less harmful compared to the chemical spirodiclofen

Psiadia punctulata (DC.) Vatke induces cell apoptosis in highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells

Purpose: This study assessed the in vitro cell migration inhibitory and cell apoptotic effects of P. punctulata stem (PPS (and leaf hexane) PPL (extracts on breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 andMCF-7 cells).Methods: Cytotoxicity was quantified using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) release test after 48 h exposure of MDA-MB-231 cells to 0 – 200 μg/mL of PPS and PPL hexane extract. Cell apoptosis was determined using Muse™ cell cytometry, while the phytoconstituents of PPS and PPL hexane extracts were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results: The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for PPS and PPL hexane extracts against MDA-MB-231 cells was 44.33 and 52.16 μg/mL, respectively. T, whereas the IC50 of PPS and PPL hexane extracts was 102.22 and 59.53 μg/mL against MCF-7 cells, sequentially. Treatment with 100 and 200 μg/mL of PPS and PPL hexane extract increased late apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells to 16.005 ± 1.155 and 52.58 ± 3.02 %, respectively, for PPS hexane extract and 77.34 ± 0 % and 95.21 ± 1.61 %, respectively, for PPL hexane extract, when compared to control cells (3.81% ± 0.79%). PPL hexane extract decreased cell migration and filled ~15.5 % of the wound gap on MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 h, while PPS hexane extract decreased cell migration by ~35 and ~42.5 % at 24 and 48 h, respectively. PPS and PPL hexane extracts contained several phytocompounds. Stem and leaf extracts of P. punctulata showed significant (p &lt; 0.05) cell apoptotic and migration inhibition activities.Conclusion: The extracts P. punctulata exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against the tested breast cancer cells. Further research is required to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of the extracts

Prevalence and associated factors of Schistosomiasis among children in Yemen: implications for an effective control programme

BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, is a life-threatening public health problem in Yemen especially in rural communities. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of schistosomiasis among children in rural Yemen. METHODS/FINDINGS Urine and faecal samples were collected from 400 children. Urine samples were examined using filtration technique for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs while faecal samples were examined using formalin-ether concentration and Kato Katz techniques for the presence of S. mansoni. Demographic, socioeconomic and environmental information were collected via a validated questionnaire. Overall, 31.8% of the participants were found to be positive for schistosomiasis; 23.8% were infected with S. haematobium and 9.3% were infected with S. mansoni. Moreover, 39.5% of the participants were anaemic whereas 9.5% had hepatosplenomegaly. The prevalence of schistosomiasis was significantly higher among children aged >10 years compared to those aged ≤ 10 years (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that presence of other infected family member (P<0.001), low household monthly income (P = 0.003), using unsafe sources for drinking water (P = 0.003), living nearby stream/spring (P = 0.006) and living nearby pool/pond (P = 0.002) were the key factors significantly associated with schistosomiasis among these children. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study reveals that schistosomiasis is still highly prevalent in Yemen. These findings support an urgent need to start an integrated, targeted and effective schistosomiasis control programme with a mission to move towards the elimination phase. Besides periodic drug distribution, health education and community mobilisation, provision of clean and safe drinking water, introduction of proper sanitation are imperative among these communities in order to curtail the transmission and morbidity caused by schistosomiasis. Screening and treating other infected family members should also be adopted by the public health authorities in combating this infection in these communities

Evaluation of the Impact of Different Management Methods on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Their Predators in Citrus Orchards

To evaluate the effectiveness of eco-friendly treatments based on detergents classified as non-hazardous and black soap on the pest Tetranychus urticae Koch 1836, and their predators (Euseius stipulatus Athias-Henriot, 1960, Typhlodromus sp., Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot, 1957), different treatments were applied to citrus orchards planted with Valencia late (Orange) in the Mechraa Belksiri region of Morocco (T0 = control experiment; T1 = spirodiclofen 0.5 L/Ha; T2 = 125 L/Ha (5%) of black soap; T3 = detergent; 4 L/Ha of Oni product + 2 L/Ha of Tide product). The results obtained during the whole monitoring period indicated that the three treatments used, namely spirodiclofen, black soap, and detergents, ensured a reduction in the rate of population of the pest T. urticae compared to the untreated plot. In the untreated plot, the average was 45.01 A± 4.90 mobile forms, while the plot treated with spirodiclofen it was only 21.10 C ± 2.71, the black soap 31.49 B ± 3.35, and in the plot treated with detergents, the average was similar to that obtained by spirodiclofen (22.90 C ± 2.18). On the predators (E. stipulatus, P. persimilis, and Typhlodropmus sp.), the black soap and the treatment with detergents were less harmful compared to the chemical spirodiclofen