scholarly journals Control of Suitability of the Culture Daphnia magna Straus for Bioassays of Aquatic Environments, Taking into Account Demographic Indicators of Model Populations

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 47
Author(s):  
Anna Olkova
Keyword(s):  
Daphnia Magna ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Average Lifetime ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Reference Groups ◽  
Demographic Indicators ◽  
Maximum Lifetime ◽  
Laboratory Populations ◽  
Test Cultures

The purpose of this work was to experimentally determine conditional reference demographic indicators of laboratory populations of Daphnia magna Straus (1820). These indicators can be used when determining suitability of the aquaculture for bioassays of aquatic environments. The experiments were carried out with parthenogenetic clones of D. magna, the temperature of the environment was 20 °C, the light period was 12 h. It was found that the maximum lifetime of crustaceans is observed in groups with a density of 25 individuals/dm3. In these groups, other demographic characteristics of D. magna such as the day of the first offspring (10 ± 2 days), average lifetime (79.7 ± 1.0 days), specific fertility (74.3 ± 2.4 days) and other related parameters of well-being were established. Then, it was showed that the culture of D. magna, having the necessary sensitivity to the model toxicant K2Cr2O7, can significantly differ in demographic characteristics from the conventional reference groups. Audit of the conditions of keeping this aquaculture revealed a complex reason for the unsatisfactory state of D. magna: the lack of daily aquaculture care and increased concentration of nitrate ions in the cultivation water. Therefore, regular monitoring of D.magna demographic characteristics can complement procedures of standardization of test-cultures. This will contribute to improving the accuracy of bioassay results.

Children with cerebral palsy: Family and parent demographic characteristics and family strengths in Greece and Italy

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910531990027
Author(s):  
Assimina Tsibidaki
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Family Strengths ◽  
Biological Child ◽  
The Family ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy ◽  
High Sense

The study focuses on families raising a child with cerebral palsy to investigate family strengths and their association with family and parent demographic characteristics in Greece and Italy. Participants were 120 parents raising a biological child with cerebral palsy. Data collection used a self-report questionnaire and the Family Strengths Inventory. According to the findings, families share a high sense of family strengths, which is mainly represented in the high sense of ‘pride’ and ‘accord’. In addition, demographic characteristics seem to be important predictors of well-being and strengthen parents and families raising a child with cerebral palsy.

scholarly journals Clinical Profiles and Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Adults with Specific Learning Disorder in Northern Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 602
Author(s):  
Eleni Bonti ◽  
Sofia Giannoglou ◽  
Marianthi Georgitsi ◽  
Maria Sofologi ◽  
Georgia-Nektaria Porfyri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adult Population ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Learning Disorder ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Specific Learning Disorder ◽  
Specific Learning

The manifestation of Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) during adulthood is one of the least examined research areas among the relevant literature. Therefore, the adult population with SLD is considered a “rare” and “unique” population of major scientific interest. The aim of the current study was to investigate, describe, and analyze the clinical, academic, and socio-demographic characteristics, and other everyday functioning life-skills of adults with SLD, in an attempt to shed more light on this limited field of research. The overall sample consisted of 318 adults, who were assessed for possible SLD. The diagnostic procedure included self-report records (clinical interview), psychometric/cognitive, and learning assessments. The main finding of the study was that SLD, even during adulthood, continues to affect the individuals’ well-being and functionality in all of their life domains. There is an ongoing struggle of this population to obtain academic qualifications in order to gain vocational rehabilitation, as well as a difficulty to create a family, possibly resulting from their unstable occupational status, their financial insecurity, and the emotional/self-esteem issues they usually encounter, due to their ongoing learning problems. Moreover, the various interpersonal characteristics, the comorbidity issues, and the different developmental backgrounds observed in the clinical, academic, personal, social, and occupational profiles of the participants, highlight the enormous heterogeneity and the continuum that characterizes SLD during adulthood. We conclude that there is an imperative need for further research and the construction of more sufficient tools for the assessment and diagnosis of SLD during adulthood, which will take into account the developmental challenges and milestones in a series of domains, in order to assist this “vulnerable” population with their life struggles.

scholarly journals Aquatic Toxicity Comparison of Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Nanowires

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Kyung Sohn ◽  
Seyed Ali Johari ◽  
Tae Gyu Kim ◽  
Jin Kwon Kim ◽  
Ellen Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Daphnia Magna ◽  
Silver Nanowires ◽  
Aquatic Toxicity ◽  
Oryzias Latipes ◽  
Aquatic Environments ◽  
Silver Nanomaterials ◽  
Raphidocelis Subcapitata ◽  
Test Organisms ◽  
Test Fish

To better understand the potential ecotoxicological impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) released into freshwater environments, the toxicities of these nanomaterials were assessed and compared using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines, including a “Daphniasp., acute immobilization test,” “Fish, acute toxicity test,” and “freshwater alga and cyanobacteria, growth inhibition test.” Based on the estimated median lethal/effective concentrations of AgNPs and AgNWs, the susceptibility to the nanomaterials was different among test organisms (daphnia > algae > fish), suggesting that the AgNPs are classified as “category acute 1” forDaphnia magna, “category acute 2” forOryzias latipes, and “category acute 1” forRaphidocelis subcapitata, while the AgNWs are classified as “category acute 1” forDaphnia magna, “category acute 2” forOryzias latipes, and “category acute 2” forRaphidocelis subcapitata, according to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). In conclusion, the present results suggest that more attention should be paid to prevent the accidental or intentional release of silver nanomaterials into freshwater aquatic environments.

scholarly journals COMORBIDITY OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG STUDENTS AT THE KENYA MEDICAL TRAINING COLLEGES IN KENYA

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 360-370
Author(s):  
Jared Menecha ◽  
Susan Muriungi
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Medical Training ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Middle Level ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Co Morbidity

Objectives: To determine comorbidity of depression and anxiety among students at the Kenya Medical Training College, Kenya Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study design. Study participants were basic diploma students in a middle level college in Kenya. Data was collected using a researcher designed self-administered questionnaire for socio-demographic characteristics, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for severity of depression and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for the severity of anxiety in all the students in the seven largest KMTC campuses. All the participants gave informed consent. Results: 18.4% and 20.2% of group A and B respectively had moderate depression while 48.5% and 45.8% respectively had severe depression. The equivalents for anxiety in groups A and B were 24.4% and 23.6% for moderate anxiety and 32.1% and 31.5% for severe anxiety. There was a higher rate of depression and anxiety in thesecond year; with a statistically significant association between depression and anxiety and the year of study in the two groups (p<0.0001 each respectively). All the other social demographic characteristics had no statistically significant association with depression or anxiety in the two groups. There was a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety co-morbidity in both groups which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety were highly prevalent and significantly co-existent among the KMTC students. These mental conditions seemed to vary with the level of study training among college students. Therefore, the psychological well-being of college students need to be carefully addressed. There is need to closely monitor anxiety and depression to eliminate the risk factors and consequently prevent the development of adverse outcomes.

scholarly journals An exploratory study of financial well-being among Malaysian households

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-302
Author(s):  
Nurul Shahnaz Mahdzan ◽  
Rozaimah Zainudin ◽  
Mohd Edil Abd Sukor ◽  
Fauzi Zainir ◽  
Wan Marhaini Wan Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
High Income ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Future Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time Perspectives

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the financial well-being (FWB) of Malaysian households and to construct a subjective FWB index with present and future time perspectives.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 1,867 respondents across five major regions in Malaysia. Adapting the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-being (IFDFW) Scale by Prawitz et al. (2006) and the method of computing an index by Devlin (2009), this study develops an FWB index using subjective measures that include future time perspectives (retirement). The index was employed to measure the FWB across low-, middle- and high-income groups and socio-demographic characteristics.FindingsThis study finds evidence that Malaysians' FWB is at an average level (46.8). Middle-income households' FWB (46.1) flanks between the financial well-being index (FWBI) levels of the low-income (37.4) and high-income households (58.7). Across age groups, education levels and employment sectors, the FWB of Malaysians significantly varies, although not across different ethnics, religions, zones and residential areas. Overall, the results suggest that the detrimental effects of FWB are perceived by all Malaysian households nationwide regardless of their religion, ethnicity and residential areas.Practical implicationsThe results of this study complement the other well-being indices used by policymakers and may serve as a useful input for government and policymakers for them to formulate appropriate strategies to promote higher FWB of Malaysian households based on their socio-demographic characteristics.Originality/valueThis study used primary data and developed a subjective FWB index that leverages on people's perceptions of their own financial well-being while including present and future time perspectives. The main contribution of this paper is to construct an index that is easily interpretable and that complements the existing FWB indices, and to identify the segments of society that have low vis-à-vis high FWB.

scholarly journals Cesarean delivery and its social determinants in women of childbearing age: analysis of Benin’s DHS

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Kpozehouen ◽  
Y Glèlè Ahanhanzo ◽  
E Klikpo ◽  
C Azandjeme ◽  
C Metonnou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Cesarean Delivery ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Caesarean Delivery ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Childbearing Age

Abstract Background Caesarean delivery, usually performed on a medical indication, is intended for maternal or fetal rescue. Accessibility issues justify setting up a so-called model of “free caesarean” in several developing countries, including Benin, in order to reduce social inequalities and contribute to the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. The study aimed to identify the determinants associated with caesarean delivery in women aged 15-49 in Benin. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from Benin’s Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2017 - 2018. It was limited to mothers aged 15 to 49 who gave birth to at least one child in the 5 years preceding the survey. The socio-demographic characteristics of the mother and the variables related to pregnancy were the independent variables. Association between cesarean delivery and its determinants was assessed by odds ratios and their 95% confidence interval using a logistic regression. Results The percentage of mothers who gave birth by caesarean was 6.84%, 95% CI = [6.07; 7.59]. The average age was 29.37 years, 95% CI = [29.20; 29.55]. The probability of cesarean delivery was higher with women aged 45 years and older (OR = 3.33, 95% CI = [1.85, 6.01]), living in urban areas (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = [1.08 1.84]), from rich or very rich households (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = [1.29, 3.05], OR = 1.87, 95% CI = [1.19, 2.96] respectively) and educated (OR = 1.63 95% CI = [1.19, 2.24] and OR = 1.81, 95% CI = [0.97, 3.39] for the secondary and upper levels respectively). Conclusions This analysis shows that cesarean delivery remains associated with the socio-demographic characteristics of the mother, including the level of economic well-being. The current financing model of cesarean should be evaluated for effectiveness and further interventions need to be implemented to account for other factors of disparity. Key messages Benin health authorities should improve the geographical accessibility of Cesarean section, especially in rural areas. The strategies proposed to improve the financial accessibility of cesarean section do not seem effective, so the Beninese authorities should think about revising them.

Cognitive reserve and patient-reported outcomes in multiple sclerosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn E Schwartz ◽  
Erin Snook ◽  
Brian Quaranto ◽  
Ralph HB Benedict ◽  
Timothy Vollmer
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Perceived Disability ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Disease Specific

Background: Adaptation and compensation in the face of changing pathology may be better understood by considering the concept of cognitive reserve, which may protect against disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objectives: The present work investigates the relationship between cognitive reserve and demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods: Cross-sectional data ( n=1142) were drawn from the North American Research Committee on MS (NARCOMS) Registry, from whom additional survey data were collected. Cognitive reserve was measured using the Stern and Sole-Padulles measures, the O*NET occupational classification system, and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. PROs were assessed using generic (SF -12v2, Perceived Deficits Questionnaire, Ryff Psychological Well-Being, Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale) and disease-specific (Patient-Determined Disease Steps, Performance Scales) measures. Psychometric analysis created unidimensional cognitive reserve subscales. Regression models examined relationships between cognitive reserve, demographic characteristics, and PROs. Results: The cognitive reserve measures assessed distinct but related constructs. Individuals with high cognitive reserve were more likely to report lower levels of perceived disability and perceived cognitive deficits, and higher levels of physical health, mental health, and well-being. Both active and passive reserve are associated with better outcomes, independent of demographic factors, and these associations apply to both generic and disease-specific outcomes. Conclusions: This expanded measurement of cognitive reserve captures both the passive and active aspects of the construct, and there is a consistent and substantial relationship with PROs. Individuals with high passive and/or active reserve are healthier and experience higher levels of well-being.

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