A Case study mapping literacy learning opportunities and identity construction among African immigrant youth in a Canadian Secondary School

Studies with immigrant and refugee youth highlight challenges, school failure and early push-out rates (Anisef, 2008; James, 2012; Roessingh, 2010). There is limited research about how immigrant students especially from continental Africa negotiate their identity at school for positive outcomes. The goal of this qualitative case study was to explore literacy learning opportunities afforded by the school for African youth who were learning to become literate in English as an additional language in a Canadian secondary school and the implications for the students’ communicative and identity options. The study utilized ethnographic tools, i.e., interview, classroom observation, mapping literacy activities and artefacts, students’ out-of school and school literacy practices across migratory ecologies over a period of three months with six students, two teachers, and a social worker at the school. Perspectives of literacy as social practices (Barton & Hamilton, 2000), multiliteracies theory (NLG, 1996), and critical post-colonial perspectives (Bhabha, 2004) provided a lens to explore the intersection of place, voice, identity, language and literacy learning. Study results highlighted students’ aspirations to a promising future in Canada and the nature of the school curriculum in responding to the aspirations, funds of knowledge, and the contextual challenges encountered by the students. The agentive role of choice artefacts to communicate interests, experiences, and knowledge of minoritized students. The study recommends that schools and community agencies map students’ experiences across migratory ecologies to adequately plan relevant supports. Reimagining school curriculum and high stakes testing to draw on minoritized students’ funds of knowledge, and intercultural learning and scaffolding to foster co-construction of knowledge. The study contributes to the knowledge base about literacy education for minoritized groups that draws on asset models rather that deficit ones, and advances equity and social justice in education and society

Actors and networks in resource conflict resolution under climate change in rural Kenya

The change from consensual decision-making arrangements into centralized hierarchical chieftaincy schemes through colonization disrupted many rural conflict resolution mechanisms in Africa. In addition, climate change impacts on land use have introduced additional socio-ecological factors that complicate rural conflict dynamics. Despite the current urgent need for conflict-sensitive adaptation, resolution efficiency of these fused rural institutions has hardly been documented. In this context, we analyse the Loitoktok network for implemented resource conflict resolution structures and identify potential actors to guide conflict-sensitive adaptation. This is based on social network data and processes that are collected using the saturation sampling technique to analyse mechanisms of brokerage. We find that there are three different forms of fused conflict resolution arrangements that integrate traditional institutions and private investors in the community. To effectively implement conflict-sensitive adaptation, we recommend the extension officers, the council of elders, local chiefs and private investors as potential conduits of knowledge in rural areas. In conclusion, efficiency of these fused conflict resolution institutions is aided by the presence of holistic resource management policies and diversification in conflict resolution actors and networks

Amid Dual Pandemics of COVID-19 and Racism: Helping Black Doctoral Students Thrive

How can we help Black doctoral students thrive in a world of COVID-19 and racism? In the special issue’s final contribution, we explore this question first by identifying the longstanding challenges Black doctoral students have faced in higher education. Examples of such challenges include structural racism, microaggressions, and biases based on the intersectionality of race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We next address how the “dual pandemics” of COVID-19 and racial injustice have magnified such challenges. Then, we consider how institutions can better support Black doctoral students by recruiting and retaining faculty of color and enhancing student support initiatives. Finally, we suggest strategies that faculty and the students themselves can employ to increase Black doctoral students’ retention and overall success, including empathic mentoring, student and faculty collaboration, peer support, and attention to self-care and mental health needs

Satisfaction Rating of Coordination Mechanisms by Dairy Producers around Community Milk Cooling Plants in Western Kenya

A number of studies have used value chains approach to look at critical constraints that limit the growth of milk production and marketing. However, existing literature is limited on case studies that have first considered establishing the satisfaction levels of support services provision to individual producer households so as to inform accurate constraints identification for sustainable policy and technical intervention. This study undertook to identify and analyze coordination mechanisms that had been developed to support producer households around community milk cooling plants using factor analysis approach. Primary data from 273 households selected through simple random sampling method was collected using a semi structured interview schedule. From the results,  the overall satisfaction mean score  rating was 5.4 with feeds provision and clinical services had the highest satisfaction mean scores respectively. From factor analysis, three factors were generated, and were named as support for training, support for inputs and support for marketing respectively. Cronbach’s α test results confirmed reliability for support for input and training factors. It was concluded that though efforts had been made to provide support services to producers, service provision was inefficient and uptake still low in some services. It is recommended that in order to enhance the proportion of milk that entered the community milk cooling plants, pricing policies based on grade of milk should be put in place so as to attract more producers to join and supply regularly to the cooling plant at premium prices and also to make the producers benefit from the services being offered Key words: Community Milk Cooling Plant, Factor Analysis, Producers, Support Services

Comparative genomics of dairy-associated Staphylococcus aureus from selected sub-Saharan African regions reveals milk as reservoir for human-and animal-derived strains and identifies a putative animal-related clade with presumptive novel siderophore

Staphylococcus aureus infection is considered to be a neglected tropical disease with huge impact on human and animal health alike. Dairy production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) relies heavily on various animals such as cows, goats, and camels, depending on the region. S. aureus causes mastitis and exhibits high prevalence in raw milk. The population structure including genotypic and phenotypic traits of dairy S. aureus in relation to animal and human isolates is, however, unknown for SSA. In this work, 20 S. aureus dairy isolates from East and West Africa were selected for comparative genomics and phenotypic analysis. Comparing their population structure revealed a large diversity of different origins suggesting milk to be a reservoir for human and animal strains alike. Furthermore, a novel putative siderophore was detected in multiple strains in a distinct animal-clade with strains of global origin. This putative siderophore shares a high genetic identity with that from Streptococcus equi suggesting possible horizontal gene transfer. These findings combined with the virulence genes harbored by these dairy-derived strains such as pvl, human evasion factor scn, various enterotoxin, leucocidin and antibiotic resistance genes, stresses the need for an integrative One Health approach to tackle the problem of S. aureus infections in animals and humans in sub-Saharan Africa

Unraveling the Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity of the Psychrophilic Clostridium estertheticum Complex, a Meat Spoilage Agent

The spoilage of vacuum-packed meat by Clostridium estertheticum complex (CEC), which is accompanied by or without production of copious amounts of gas, has been linked to the acetone–butyrate–ethanol fermentation, but the mechanism behind the variable gas production has not been fully elucidated. The reconstruction and comparison of intra- and interspecies metabolic pathways linked to meat spoilage at the genomic level can unravel the genetic basis for the variable phenotype. However, this is hindered by unavailability of CEC genomes, which in addition, has hampered the determination of genetic diversity and its drivers within CEC. Therefore, the current study aimed at determining the diversity of CEC through comprehensive comparative genomics. Fifty CEC genomes from 11 CEC species were compared. Recombination and gene gain/loss events were identified as important sources of natural variation within CEC, with the latter being pronounced in genomospecies2 that has lost genes related to flagellar assembly and signaling. Pan-genome analysis revealed variations in carbohydrate metabolic and hydrogenases genes within the complex. Variable inter- and intraspecies gas production in meat by C. estertheticum and Clostridium tagluense were associated with the distribution of the [NiFe]-hydrogenase hyp gene cluster whose absence or presence was associated with occurrence or lack of pack distention, respectively. Through comparative genomics, we have shown CEC species exhibit high genetic diversity that can be partly attributed to recombination and gene gain/loss events. We have also shown genetic basis for variable gas production in meat can be attributed to the presence/absence of the hyp gene cluster

Violence Against Women and Girls: Providing Therapy for Gender Based Violence Survivors

The purpose of the study was to highlight the factors associated with violence against women and girls and how they can benefit from therapy. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the factors associated with the occurrence of violence, determining the effectiveness of therapy in dealing with survivors of violence, exploring factors influencing or blocking effectiveness of therapy. A cross sectional research design was used in which questionnaires, an interviewing guide, focus group discussion and psychological assessment scale were used to collect study data. A sample of 75 women and girls was purposively selected from health facilities, counselling centres, chief camps, police station, NGOs and CBOs within Kibra Constituency. All respondents were females aged 18 years and above. The findings showed that all the respondents (100%) had been exposed to violence. The respondents who reported physical abuse were 30%, sexual abuse was reported by 10%, psychological and emotional abuse was reported by 16%, financial coercion was reported by 15%, neglect of children and duty by 13%, and verbal assault was reported by 16%.  Further, the results showed that the most common victims of violence are expectant mothers and children who are under the care of irresponsible persons. The most reported people to perpetrate violence were cited to be men. The responses given by the respondents as factors that trigger violence are: Previous assaults (61%), cultural expectations (61%), alcohol abuse and other drugs (49%), poor communication skills (49%), poor problem solving skills (49%), perpetrator outstretched demands on resources (49%), infidelity(37%), unemployment (37%), peer pressure (37%), frustration emanating from blocked goals (24%), childlessness (24%) and  personality traits (12%). Violence against women and girls impact negatively on their lives. The most common negative impact mentioned are depression by 75 respondents, children suffering cited by 65 respondents, family disintegration cited by 56 respondents, non-productivity, physical injury, and anxiety respectively cited  by 46 respondents. The survivors of violence have knowledge of where they can access help in order to cope with the consequences of violence. Of the 75 respondents, 75 of them said that counselling is very helpful. Perseverance is another coping mechanism mentioned by 75 respondents. Separation and keeping quite are strategies mentioned by 65 respondents. Going to hospital is another support and help available mentioned by 56 respondents. The respondents who opted for spiritual intervention were 47 while those who opted to start a business for sustainability were 38. Those who preferred sharing with significant others as a coping mechanism were 28. Last but not least, 18 women indicated that support groups are helpful in dealing with violence. The study recommended that women and girls should be empowered financially and policies put into place to curb violence. The government and other stakeholders should partner to support women and girls to overcome violence in the society

Hazard analysis and critical control point plan for hazards in Ugandan amaranth vegetable value chain

Currently, there is a high demand for amaranth due to its ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions, making it an ideal crop in the changing climate. There is also increased awareness and education on its nutritional and overall health benefits, and the availability of improved recipes. However, the presence of hazards can hinder the commercialisation of amaranth, which is in most cases traded informally. Food safety issues along the amaranth value chain should, therefore, be addressed to cope with both production and safety demands. The objective of this study, therefore, was to develop a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan for hazards in the amaranth value chain in Uganda. The seven principles outlined by Codex Alimentarius were followed to develop the HACCP plan. A tree diagram was further used to identify each potential hazard at each processing stage and Critical Control Points (CCPs) along the chain. For the CCPs identified, reliable control mechanisms and corrective actions were established to fulfil the requirements set by the critical limits to guarantee the safety of the products. Verification and records systems were proposed to determine the effectiveness and traceability of the HACCP plan. For each of the identified CCPs, samples were collected purposively and analysed for chemical and microbial contaminants. From the analysis, fifteen processing stages, starting from the land section to cooking and serving, were identified. Out of these, eight stages were defined as CCPs. These were site selection, land and seedbed preparation, irrigation, market display/humidity control, washing before preparation, chopping, cooking, and holding time and serving. At CCP 1, soils were contaminated with lead and cadmium, mercury and aflatoxins but at considerably low levels. At CCP 2, organic fertilisers were only contaminated with E. coli. At CCP3, E. coli was present in irrigation water. Heavy metals were also present in the irrigation water but were below the critical limits. At CCP4, E. coli was absent in water and display surfaces. E. coli was, however, present on raw amaranth. S. aureus was detected on vendors’ hands. At CCP5, water was not contaminated with E. coli. At CCP6, only personnel hands were infected with S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae. No contamination was detected in CCP7 and CCP8. Strict control of E. coli in manure and water and S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae on personnel hands is required to ensure the amaranth value chain attains good food safety output.Keywords: Amaranth, food safety, prerequisite programs, HACCP plan, hazards, Ugand

Metabolic syndrome and total cancer mortality in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PURPOSE: Although metabolic syndrome incidence has substantially increased during the last few decades, it largely remains unclear whether this metabolic disorder is associated with total cancer mortality. The present study was carried out to investigate this important question. METHODS: A total of 687 cancer deaths were identified from 14,916 participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by linking them to the National Death Index database through December 31, 2006. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for total cancer mortality in relation to metabolic syndrome and its individual components. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounders, a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was associated with 33% elevated total cancer mortality. Compared with individuals without metabolic syndrome, those with 3, 4 and 5 abnormal components had HRs (95% CIs) of 1.28 (1.03-1.59), 1.24 (0.96-1.60), and 1.87 (1.34-2.63), respectively (p-trend = 0.0003). Systolic blood pressure and serum glucose were associated with an increased risk of death from total cancer [HR (95% CI) for highest vs. lowest quartiles: 1.67 (1.19-2.33), p-trend = 0.002 and 1.34 (1.04-1.74), p-trend = 0.003, respectively]. Overall null results were obtained for lung cancer mortality. The effects of metabolic syndrome and its components on non-lung cancer mortality were generally similar to, but somewhat larger than, those for total cancer mortality. CONCLUSION: Our study is among the first to reveal that metabolic syndrome is associated with increased total cancer mortality

Targeted Genome Mining Reveals the Psychrophilic Clostridium estertheticum Complex as a Potential Source for Novel Bacteriocins, Including Cesin A and Estercticin A

Antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria is considered a major public health issue necessitating the discovery of alternative antimicrobial compounds. In this regard, targeted genome mining in bacteria occupying under-explored ecological niches has the potential to reveal such compounds, including bacteriocins. In this study, we determined the bacteriocin biosynthetic potential of the psychrophilic Clostridium estertheticum complex (CEC) through a combination of genome mining and phenotypic screening assays. The genome mining was performed in 40 CEC genomes using antiSMASH. The production of bacteriocin-like compounds was phenotypically validated through agar well (primary screening) and disk diffusion (secondary screening) assays using cell free supernatants (CFS) and partially purified extracts, respectively. Stability of four selected CFS against proteolytic enzymes, temperature and pH was determined while one CFS was analyzed by HRMS and MS/MS to identify potential bacteriocins. Twenty novel bacteriocin biosynthetic gene clusters (BBGC), which were classified into eight (six lantibiotics and two sactipeptides) distinct groups, were discovered in 18 genomes belonging to C. estertheticum (n = 12), C. tagluense (n = 3) and genomospecies2 (n = 3). Primary screening linked six BBGC with narrow antimicrobial activity against closely related clostridia species. All four preselected CFS retained activity after exposure to different proteolytic, temperature and pH conditions. Secondary screening linked BBGC1 and BBGC7 encoding a lantibiotic and sactipeptide, respectively, with activity against Bacillus cereus while lantibiotic-encoding BBGC2 and BBGC3 were linked with activity against B. cereus, Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant), Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MS/MS analysis revealed that C. estertheticum CF004 produces cesin A, a short natural variant of nisin, and HRMS indicated the production of a novel sactipeptide named estercticin A. Therefore, we have shown the CEC, in particular C. estertheticum, is a source of novel and stable bacteriocins that have activities against clinically relevant pathogens