Assessing the Degree of Food Insecurity among Farming Households: Evidence from the Central Region of Ghana

This study seeks to determine the level of food insecurity among farming household in the Central Region of Ghana. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents that were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. In all 240 households were interviewed for the study (i.e., 120 farming households in each of the Forest Communities and Coastal Communities). Data was obtained from 1690 individuals for the analysis of the food security status of the households. The empirical results reveal that majority of the respondents were food insecure. Though majority of the households were food insecure, the level of food insecurity was not severe. The months of April and May are the periods in which households experience severe food shortage. The immediate food insecurity coping strategies households adopt when faced with food insecurity are eating less preferred food, food rationing and skipping meal within a day. Most of the food insecurity coping strategies used by farming households are moderate, and only employed to temporarily minimize the impact of food insecurity. These results have implications for agricultural food policy in developing countries. Key words: Food insecurity, farming households, copping strategies, Ghan

Observed cumulative time delay between second harmonic and fundamental component of pressure wave fields propagating through ultrasound contrast agentss

Several studies on the propagation velocity of pressure wave fields through ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) have been reported in the literature. However, the variation of propagation velocity between the fundamental and the second harmonic component generated during the propagation of ultrasound through UCAs has, to our knowledge, not been studied yet. To this scope, dedicated transmission and backscattering measurements of pressure wave fields propagating through SonoVue and Definity contrast agents, are analyzed. Results show the occurrence of a cumulative delay between the time signals related to the second harmonic and fundamental component, suggesting a smaller propagation velocity for the second harmonic as compared to the fundamental component. Moreover, this time delay increases with increasing UCA concentration and propagation path length of ultrasound trough microbubbles, depends on mechanical index and frequency, and, most importantly, is not observed in the absence of UCAs. These results may be relevant to contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, opening up to new possibilities to increase contrast-to-tissue ratios and to quantify UCA concentration

Contractual approach to optimising risk sharing: A quantitative study of the multidimensional nature of risk in private provision of road infrastructure

In 2009 and 2010, we conducted an international survey to identify the extent to which risk-sharing in tollroad projects procured under the public-private-partnership (PPP) method and the structures of PPP concession contracts lead to the value for money outcome. The survey was conducted using an advanced computer-aided personal instrument technique within which the stated choice methodology was deployed to capture the risk perceptions of contracting parties. Information drawn from the project experience of 101 respondents over 32 countries was used to test the impact of contractual conditions and external institutional variables on their risk preferences, and hence, their choice behaviour in relation to the PPP procurement. The empirical findings affirmed a number of significant relationships that involve the risk preferences of contracting parties: choice of procurement method, contractual conditions, institutional environment, clarity of government’s strategic objectives, property rights, and the way in which risks are shared among contracting parties. We conclude that risk-sharing can be optimised through more equitable risk allocation, better handling of public misperception about the scheme and misperceived social risks associated with ownership transfer, undertaking reforms at the institutional level to make the environment more conducive to PPP investments, and selecting a reputable private partner for a sustainable partnership

Towards dynamic contrast specific ultrasound tomography

We report on the first study demonstrating the ability of a recently-developed, contrast-enhanced, ultrasound imaging method, referred to as cumulative phase delay imaging (CPDI), to image and quantify ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) kinetics. Unlike standard ultrasound tomography, which exploits changes in speed of sound and attenuation, CPDI is based on a marker specific to UCAs, thus enabling dynamic contrast-specific ultrasound tomography (DCS-UST). For breast imaging, DCS-UST will lead to a more practical, faster, and less operator-dependent imaging procedure compared to standard echo-contrast, while preserving accurate imaging of contrast kinetics. Moreover, a linear relation between CPD values and ultrasound second-harmonic intensity was measured (coefficient of determination = 0.87). DCS-UST can find clinical applications as a diagnostic method for breast cancer localization, adding important features to multi-parametric ultrasound tomography of the breast.</p

Kemampuan Mengenal Pola Abcd dengan Media Gambar di Taman Kanak-kanak PGRI Karya Nilam Ketapang

This research is motivated in a child's cognitive ability to know ABCD-ABCD pattern is still not optimal development as the children can not distinguish a pattern ABCD-ABCD, children may not be able to sort the ABCD-ABCD pattern, children may not be able to complete the pattern ABCD-ABCD. Learning activities that teachers do not show the maximum results, especially in improving cognitive abilities in a familiar pattern of ABCD-ABCD. This research is a form of action research with descriptive methods. Subjects were children who totaled 15 children. Based on the research that has been done and through the results obtained after the analysis of the data held, in general can be drawn a conclusion that: 1) Planning learning include: formulating the Core Competencies, Basic Competence, Indicators, learning outcomes, 2) Implementation of the lesson, including: implement environmental footing, footing before playing, while playing a foothold, footing after the play. The planning that teachers do with the criteria of "good". 3) the child's response to learning include: a) Children sort the ABCD-ABCD pattern, b) Children complement ABCD-ABCD pattern, c) Child find ABCD-ABCD pattern

Eliminating Fc N-linked Glycosylation and Its Impact on Dosing Consideration for a Transferrin Receptor Antibody-Erythropoietin Fusion Protein in Mice

Erythropoietin (EPO), a hematopoietic growth factor and a promising therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, has low permeability across the blood–brain barrier. The transferrin receptor antibody fused to EPO (TfRMAb-EPO) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that ferries EPO into the brain via the transvascular route. However, TfRMAbs have Fc-effector function-related adverse effects including reticulocyte suppression. To overcome this, we recently developed an effectorless TfRMAb-EPO fusion protein, designated TfRMAb-N292G-EPO, by eliminating the Fc N-linked glycosylation site at position 292 of the antibody heavy chain. The mutant fusion protein showed enhanced plasma clearance and dramatically reduced plasma concentrations compared with the wild-type (WT) nonmutant fusion protein. This increased clearance of the aglycosylated TfRMAb is expected to increase the injection dose of the mutant fusion protein. To provide a basis for future therapeutic uses of this IgG-neurotrophin fusion protein, the current study aimed to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of this effectorless TfRMAb-N292G-EPO at different doses following different routes of administration in the mouse. Adult C57BL/6J male mice were injected with a single dose (3, 6, 9, or 20 mg/kg; n = 3–6 per dose) of TfRMAb-N292G-EPO through either the subcutaneous (SQ) or intraperitoneal (IP) route. TfRMAb-N292G-EPO plasma concentrations were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after injection, and terminal blood was used for a complete blood count. Brain concentrations in the WT- and mutant fusion protein-treated mice were compared. We observed stark differences in the plasma pharmacokinetics of TfRMAb-N292G-EPO between the IP and SQ routes of administration. Dose escalation from 3 to 20 mg/kg increased the plasma Cmax only 3.5-fold for the SQ route, compared with a 35-fold increase for the IP route. The plasma Cmax was 15.0 ± 2.0, 21.3 ± 4.1, 21.3 ± 6.4, and 52.8 ± 27.9 ng/mL following SQ injection and 288 ± 47, 389 ± 154, 633 ± 194, and 10,066 ± 7059 ng/mL following IP injection for 3, 6, 9, and 20 mg/kg doses, respectively. The plasma Cmax following the SQ route was therefore 19- to 190-fold lower than that following the IP route. This finding is consistent with a 31-fold higher apparent clearance following the SQ route compared with the IP route at the highest dose administered. The brain concentrations in the mice treated with a 3 mg/kg dose of the mutant fusion protein were lower than those in the nonmutant WT-treated mice. No reticulocyte suppression was observed at the 3 mg/kg SQ dose of TfRMAb-N292G-EPO. However, reticulocyte suppression increased with an increase in dose and area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) for both the IP and SQ routes. Overall, elimination of Fc N-linked glycosylation, to mitigate TfRMAb effector function side effects, has a profound effect on the plasma exposure of TfRMAb-N292G-EPO at therapeutic as well as high doses (3–20 mg/kg). This effect is more pronounced following SQ injection. The low plasma concentrations of the mutant fusion protein following a 3 mg/kg dose resulted in negligible brain uptake. The beneficial rescue of reticulocyte reduction by the N292G mutation is a function of AUC and is negated at high doses of the N292G mutant

Provider Perspectives in Serving Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Their Families using Tele-Intervention

Purpose: In the second of a two-part survey series, this cross-sectional survey study explored professionals’ perceptions of tele-intervention (TI) services for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Using Likert rating scales and open-ended questions, the survey queried professional’s confidence in providing TI services, including their views and recommendations. Data were collected March-May 2020, not realizing the survey release would coincide with the Covid-19 pandemic and the influx of unexpected virtual services. For this reason, data were stratified between those who had been providing TI services for more than versus less than three months. Responses for in-person providers were also evaluated for additional context. Methods: Responses from 123 participants who provided TI and 21 participants who provided in-person services (n=144) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Cronbach’s alpha showed high internal consistency for all Likert scales; items of each subscale were sum-scored to examine relationships across queried areas of service delivery. Results: Provider perceptions of TI services were largely favorable. However, providers with more than three months’ experience were significantly more confident in coaching and supporting parents through TI, including more overall favorable views of a TI delivery than providers with less than three months of TI experience. There were no differences in provider confidence in coaching and supporting parents between providers with more than three months’ TI experience using TI delivery and in-person providers using in-person delivery. Conclusions: Experienced providers reported confidence in service delivery and positive views of the TI model. Programs seeking to implement virtual services should consider TI training, with a commitment to TI longevity to improve provider efficacy and confidence in TI services

Parents’ Perspectives about Tele-Intervention Services for their Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Purpose: In the first of a two-part survey series, this cross-sectional survey study explored parent perceptions of tele-intervention (TI) services for their young children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Using Likert rating scales, the survey queried parent confidence in understanding their child’s language development, perceptions of the coaching and support they received, the parent-professional partnership, and overall views and recommendations. Data were collected March-May 2020, not realizing the survey release would coincide with the Covid-19 pandemic and the influx of unexpected virtual services. For this reason, data were stratified between those who had received TI services for more than versus less than three months. Responses for in-person services were also evaluated for additional context. Methods: Responses from 48 participants who received TI and 18 participants who received in-person services (n=66) were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Cronbach’s alpha showed high internal consistency for all Likert scales; items of each subscale were sum-scored to examine relationships across queried areas of service delivery. Results: Ninety-six percent of all respondents were highly or mostly satisfied with their TI services and 90% would definitely or probably recommend TI to other families. Overall positive findings were found across Likert scale queries, with no differences between parent perceptions of TI and in-person services, nor between TI for more than versus less than three months. However, findings also highlighted areas in which TI and in-person providers could improve intervention effectiveness, including coaching and supports to optimize parent confidence in understanding and facilitating their child’s language and communication goals. Conclusions: Parent perceptions of the TI delivery model were favorable. Implications and recommendations for both TI and in-person providers are discussed