Dynamics of MOOC Discussion Forums

In this integrated study of dynamics in MOOCs discussion forums, we analyze the interplay of temporal patterns, discussion content, and the social structure emerging from the communication using mixed methods. A special focus is on the yet under-explored aspect of time dynamics and influence of the course structure on forum participation. Our analyses show dependencies between the course structure (video opening time and assignment deadlines) and the overall forum activity whereas such a clear link could only be partially observed considering the discussion content. For analyzing the social dimension we apply role modeling techniques from social network analysis. While the types of user roles based on connection patterns are relatively stable over time, the high fluctuation of active contributors lead to frequent changes from active to passive roles during the course. However, while most users do not create many social connections they can play an important role in the content dimension triggering discussions on the course subject. Finally, we show that forum activity level can be predicted one week in advance based on the course structure, forum activity history and attributes of the communication network which enables identification of periods when increased tutor supports in the forum is necessary

Knowledge, perceptions and myths regarding infertility among selected adult population in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The reported prevalence of infertility in Pakistan is approximately 22% with 4% primary and 18% secondary infertility. Infertility is not only a medical but also a social problem in our society as cultural customs and perceived religious dictums may equate infertility with failure on a personal, interpersonal, or social level. It is imperative that people have adequate knowledge about infertility so couples can seek timely medical care and misconceptions can be rectified.</p> <p>We aim to assess the knowledge, perception and myths regarding infertility and suggest ways to improve it.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional survey was carried out by interviewing a sample of 447 adults who were accompanying the patients at two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. They were interviewed one-on-one with the help of a pretested questionnaire drafted by the team after a thorough literature review and in consultation with infertility specialists.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The correct knowledge of infertility was found to be limited amongst the participants. Only 25% correctly identified when infertility is pathological and only 46% knew about the fertile period in women's cycle. People are misinformed that use of IUCD (53%) and OCPs (61%) may cause infertility. Beliefs in evil forces and supernatural powers as a cause of infertility are still prevalent especially amongst people with lower level of education. Seeking alternative treatment for infertility remains a popular option for 28% of the participant as a primary preference and 75% as a secondary preference. IVF remains an unfamiliar (78%) and an unacceptable option (55%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Knowledge about infertility is limited in the population and a lot of misconceptions and myths are prevalent in the society. Alternative medicine is a popular option for seeking infertility treatment. The cultural and religious perspective about assisted reproductive technologies is unclear, which has resulted in its reduced acceptability.</p

High ANC coverage and low skilled attendance in a rural Tanzanian district: a case for implementing a birth plan intervention

BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, more than 90% of all pregnant women attend antenatal care at least once and approximately 62% four times or more, yet less than five in ten receive skilled delivery care at available health units. We conducted a qualitative study in Ngorongoro district, Northern Tanzania, in order to gain an understanding of the health systems and socio-cultural factors underlying this divergent pattern of high use of antenatal services and low use of skilled delivery care. Specifically, the study examined beliefs and behaviors related to antenatal, labor, delivery and postnatal care among the Maasai and Watemi ethnic groups. The perspectives of health care providers and traditional birth attendants on childbirth and the factors determining where women deliver were also investigated. METHODS: Twelve key informant interviews and fifteen focus group discussions were held with Maasai and Watemi women, traditional birth attendants, health care providers, and community members. Principles of the grounded theory approach were used to elicit and assess the various perspectives of each group of participants interviewed. RESULTS: The Maasai and Watemi women's preferences for a home birth and lack of planning for delivery are reinforced by the failure of health care providers to consistently communicate the importance of skilled delivery and immediate post-partum care for all women during routine antenatal visits. Husbands typically serve as gatekeepers of women's reproductive health in the two groups - including decisions about where they will deliver- yet they are rarely encouraged to attend antenatal sessions. While husbands are encouraged to participate in programs to prevent maternal-to-child transmission of HIV, messages about the importance of skilled delivery care for all women are not given emphasis. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing coverage of skilled delivery care and achieving the full implementation of Tanzania's Focused Antenatal Care Package in Ngorongoro depends upon improved training and monitoring of health care providers, and greater family participation in antenatal care visits

Genetic Control of Resistance to Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infection in Mice

Trypanosoma brucei are extracellular protozoa transmitted to mammalian host by the tsetse fly. They developed several mechanisms that subvert host's immune defenses. Therefore analysis of genes affecting host's resistance to infection can reveal critical aspects of host-parasite interactions. Trypanosoma brucei brucei infects many animal species including livestock, with particularly severe effects in horses and dogs. Mouse strains differ greatly in susceptibility to T. b. brucei. However, genes controlling susceptibility to this parasite have not been mapped. We analyzed the genetic control of survival after T. b. brucei infection using CcS/Dem recombinant congenic (RC) strains, each of which contains a different random set of 12.5% genes of their donor parental strain STS/A on the BALB/c genetic background. The RC strain CcS-11 is even more susceptible to parasites than BALB/c or STS/A. In F2 hybrids between BALB/c and CcS-11 we detected and mapped four loci, Tbbr1-4 (Trypanosoma brucei brucei response 1–4), that control survival after T. b. brucei infection. Tbbr1 (chromosome 3) and Tbbr2 (chromosome 12) have independent effects, Tbbr3 (chromosome 7) and Tbbr4 (chromosome 19) were detected by their mutual inter-genic interaction. Tbbr2 was precision mapped to a segment of 2.15 Mb that contains 26 genes

Effect of The Methanol Leaf Extract of Anonna muricata(MEAM) on The Serum Chemistry of Trypanosoma brucei brucei Infected Albino Rats

This study investigated the effect of the methanol leaf extract of Annona muricata (MEAM) in the serum chemistry of albino rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. A total of 20 adult male albino rats weighing between 78g and 100g were used for the study. They were randomly assigned into 4 groups (I shyshyshyshyshyshyshyshyshyshyshyshyshyshyndash IV) of five rats each. Groups I and II were infected intraperitoneally with 1.0 times106 trypanosomes suspended in 0.2ml of Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) on day 8 of experiment. Group I was treated was treated with 200 mg/kg of MEAM orally every day for 3 days following detectable parasitaemia (4-5days of post infection). Group II was treated with 7.0 mg/kg of diminazene aceturate intramuscularly on day 14 of experiment (6 days post infection). Group III served as the uninfected untreated control while Group IV was uninfected and treated with 200mg/kg MEAM. Parameters such as Parasitaemia, Packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration, Total leucocytes count, Differential leucocytes count,Rectal temperature and serum activities of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST),Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as serum levels of creatinine, Urea, Albumin,Total protein and Globulin were used to assess the anti trypanosomal activity of MEAM. The acute toxicity test and the in vitro anti nbsptrypanosomal activity of the extract were studied using standard methods prior to commencement of the study. The results of the acute toxicity test showed the LD 50 of the MEAM to be 447 mg/kg whereas the LC50 of the extract was recorded at 0.01 in vitro. The pre- patent period of infection was 3days. Treatment with diminazene aceturate cleared the Parasitaemia in group II. An overall significant decrease (Plt 0.05) in PCV and Haemoglobin were observed in the infected groups. Similarly, a significant decrease (Plt 0.05) in total leucocytes count was also seen in the infected groups. This decrease was mainly due to a significant decrease (Plt0.05) in the leucocytes count of the infected groups. There was a significantly higher (Plt0.05) mean serum AST and ALT activities in rats of group I than those of group II, III and IV. A significantly higher (Plt0.05) mean serum creatinine level was also seen in groups I and IV than in groups II and III, whereas the mean urea level was significantly higher (Plt0.05) in group I than in groups II, III and IV.It is therefore concluded that MEAM showed an in vitro anti trypanosomal activity. However, this was observed in vivoat the dose and route of administration., MEAM may be nephrotoxic as seen with the elevated levels of creatinine in group IV

Danger Signs of Childhood Pneumonia: Caregiver Awareness and Care Seeking Behavior in a Developing Country

Background. Efforts to reduce child mortality especially in Africa must as a necessity aim to decrease mortality due to pneumonia. To achieve this, preventive strategies such as expanding vaccination coverage are key. However once a child develops pneumonia prompt treatment which is essential to survival is dependent on mothers and caregiver recognition of the symptoms and danger signs of pneumonia. Methods. This community based cross-sectional study enrolled four hundred and sixty-six caregivers in Enugu state. It aimed to determine knowledge of caregivers about danger signs of pneumonia and the sociodemographic factors that influence knowledge and care seeking behaviour of caregivers. Results. There is poor knowledge of the aetiology and danger signs of pneumonia among caregivers. Higher maternal educational attainment and residence in semiurban area were significantly associated with knowledge of aetiology, danger signs, and vaccination of their children against pneumonia. Fast breathing and difficulty in breathing were the commonest known and experienced WHO recognized danger signs while fever was the commonest perceived danger sign among caregivers. Conclusion. Knowledge of danger signs and health seeking behaviour among caregivers is inadequate. There is need for intensified public and hospital based interventions targeted at mothers to improve their knowledge about pneumonia