74,471 research outputs found
Diffusive author(s), cohesive author: Analysis of S/N (1994)
No full textThis study indicates the ways in which various aspects of the author(s) are brought forth in Dumb type’s performance art, the S/N production. Previous research has suggested a non-hierarchical organization of Dumb type and the absence of a “privileged author” in Dumb type’s collaborative work, S/N. However, the results that I have investigated from member’s interviews on the creative process of S/N along with my analysis of the recorded images of S/N, indicate a different aspect of the author(s). First, S/N was created through, so to speak, the collective ideas of the members of Dumb type. Further, S/N has at least nine quotations from previous performances, installations, and printed writings, besides the work-in-progress technique. Explicating one of the “author functions” as given by Michel Foucault, each text has plural subjects of the author. However, it has been revealed from members’ interviews that Teiji Furuhashi had a decision-making role in selecting the members’ ideas within the performance. Since then, S/N has had plural subjects of creation; however, Furuhashi is one of the subjects of creation along with the “privileged author.” S/N has plural authors (diffusive authors) yet at the same time, it has a “privileged author,” Teiji Furuhashi (cohesive author)
Parecer qve dio en la consvlta que para dar garrote à Fr. Facundo Ribera
No full textConté: Parecer qve dio en la consvlta que para dar garrote à Fr. Facundo Ribera ... Fr. Matheo de Beaza [sic], de la Orden de N. P. S. Domingo, copiado de la declaracion que del hizo en el Tribunal del ... Arçobispo de Valencia. Die XIIIJ mensis Septembris ... M. DC.LXXXSign.:A
DAR-1 signaling is required for sugar-induced suppression of PAM-γ3 activity.
No full text(A) DAR-1-GAL4 expression in PAM-γ3. The MB γ lobe is labelled in blue. Scale bar, 20 μm. (B) Averaged time course of the baseline activity of PAM-γ3 with (yellow, n = 6 animals) or without (black, n = 5) DAR-1 knockdown. Gray bar: 500 mM sucrose application for 10 s. (C) Averaged calcium responses of PAM-γ3 neurons. DAR-1 knockdown significantly attenuated sugar-induced suppression of PAM-γ3 activity (Mann–Whitney test, n = 5–6). * p < 0.05.</p
Prevalence and Determinants of Obesity among Primary School Children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Get PDFChildhood obesity has increased dramatically and has become a public health concern worldwide. Childhood obesity is likely to persist through adulthood and may lead to early onset of NCDs. However, there is paucity of data on obesity among primary school children in Tanzania. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of obesity among primary school children in Dar es Salaam. A cross sectional study was conducted among school age children in randomly selected schools in Dar es Salaam. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken using standard procedures. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2). Child obesity was defined as BMI at or above 95th percentile for age and sex. Socio-demographic characteristics of children were determined using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine association between independent variables with obesity among primary school children in Dar es Salaam. A total of 446 children were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 11.1±2.0 years and 53.1% were girls. The mean BMI, SBP and DBP were 16.6±4.0 kg/m2, 103.9±10.3mmHg and 65.6±8.2mmHg respectively. The overall prevalence of child obesity was 5.2% and was higher among girls (6.3%) compared to boys (3.8%). Obese children had significantly higher mean values for age (p=0.042), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (all p<0.001). Most obese children were from households with fewer children (p=0.019) and residing in urban areas (p=0.002). Controlling for other variables, age above 10 years (AOR=3.3, 95% CI=1.5-7.2), female sex (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.4-4.9), urban residence (AOR=2.5, 95% CI=1.2-5.3) and having money to spend at school (AOR=2.6, 95% CI=1.4-4.8) were significantly associated with child obesity. The prevalence of childhood obesity in this population was found to be low. However, children from urban schools and girls were proportionately more obese compared to their counterparts. Primary preventive measures for childhood obesity should start early in childhood and address socioeconomic factors of parents contributing to childhood obesity
Urban agriculture and Anopheles habitats in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Get PDFA cross-sectional survey of agricultural areas, combined with routinely monitored mosquito larval information, was conducted in urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to investigate how agricultural and geographical features may influence the presence of Anopheles larvae. Data were integrated into a geographical information systems framework, and predictors of the presence of Anopheles larvae in farming areas were assessed using multivariate logistic regression with independent random effects. It was found that more than 5% of the study area (total size 16.8 km2) was used for farming in backyard gardens and larger open spaces. The proportion of habitats containing Anopheles larvae was 1.7 times higher in agricultural areas compared to other areas (95% confidence interval = 1.56-1.92). Significant geographic predictors of the presence of Anopheles larvae in gardens included location in lowland areas, proximity to river, and relatively impermeable soils. Agriculture-related predictors comprised specific seedbed types, mid-sized gardens, irrigation by wells, as well as cultivation of sugar cane or leafy vegetables. Negative predictors included small garden size, irrigation by tap water, rainfed production and cultivation of leguminous crops or fruit trees. Although there was an increased chance of finding Anopheles larvae in agricultural sites, it was found that breeding sites originated by urban agriculture account for less than a fifth of all breeding sites of malaria vectors in Dar es Salaam. It is suggested that strategies comprising an integrated malaria control effort in malaria-endemic African cities include participatory involvement of farmers by planting shade trees near larval habitats
Microbial larvicide application by a large-scale, community-based program reduces malaria infection prevalence in urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Get PDFBACKGROUND\ud
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Malaria control in Africa is most tractable in urban settlements yet most research has focused on rural settings. Elimination of malaria transmission from urban areas may require larval control strategies that complement adult mosquito control using insecticide-treated nets or houses, particularly where vectors feed outdoors.\ud
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METHODS AND FINDINGS\ud
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Microbial larvicide (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti)) was applied weekly through programmatic, non-randomized community-based, but vertically managed, delivery systems in urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Continuous, randomized cluster sampling of malaria infection prevalence and non-random programmatic surveillance of entomological inoculation rate (EIR) respectively constituted the primary and secondary outcomes surveyed within a population of approximately 612,000 residents in 15 fully urban wards covering 55 km(2). Bti application for one year in 3 of those wards (17 km(2) with 128,000 residents) reduced crude annual transmission estimates (Relative EIR [95% Confidence Interval] = 0.683 [0.491-0.952], P = 0.024) but program effectiveness peaked between July and September (Relative EIR [CI] = 0.354 [0.193 to 0.650], P = 0.001) when 45% (9/20) of directly observed transmission events occurred. Larviciding reduced malaria infection risk among children < or =5 years of age (OR [CI] = 0.284 [0.101 to 0.801], P = 0.017) and provided protection at least as good as personal use of an insecticide treated net (OR [CI] = 0.764 [0.614-0.951], P = 0.016).\ud
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CONCLUSIONS\ud
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In this context, larviciding reduced malaria prevalence and complemented existing protection provided by insecticide-treated nets. Larviciding may represent a useful option for integrated vector management in Africa, particularly in its rapidly growing urban centres
Impact of Community-Based Larviciding on the Prevalence of Malaria Infection in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Get PDFThe use of larval source management is not prioritized by contemporary malaria control programs in sub-Saharan Africa despite historical success. Larviciding, in particular, could be effective in urban areas where transmission is focal and accessibility to Anopheles breeding habitats is generally easier than in rural settings. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a community-based microbial larviciding intervention to reduce the prevalence of malaria infection in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania. Larviciding was implemented in 3 out of 15 targeted wards of Dar es Salaam in 2006 after two years of baseline data collection. This intervention was subsequently scaled up to 9 wards a year later, and to all 15 targeted wards in 2008. Continuous randomized cluster sampling of malaria prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics was carried out during 6 survey rounds (2004-2008), which included both cross-sectional and longitudinal data (N = 64,537). Bayesian random effects logistic regression models were used to quantify the effect of the intervention on malaria prevalence at the individual level. Effect size estimates suggest a significant protective effect of the larviciding intervention. After adjustment for confounders, the odds of individuals living in areas treated with larviciding being infected with malaria were 21% lower (Odds Ratio = 0.79; 95% Credible Intervals: 0.66-0.93) than those who lived in areas not treated. The larviciding intervention was most effective during dry seasons and had synergistic effects with other protective measures such as use of insecticide-treated bed nets and house proofing (i.e., complete ceiling or window screens). A large-scale community-based larviciding intervention significantly reduced the prevalence of malaria infection in urban Dar es Salaam
Urban Lymphatic Filariasis in the Metropolis of\ud Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFThe last decades have seen a considerable increase in urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa, and it is estimated that over 50% of the population will live in urban areas by 2040. Rapid growth of cities combined with limited economic resources often result in informal settlements and slums with favorable conditions for proliferation of vectors of lymphatic filariasis (LF). In Dar es Salaam, which has grown more than 30 times in population during the past 55 years (4.4 million inhabitants in 2012), previous surveys have indicated high prevalences of LF. This study investigated epidemiological aspects of LF in Dar es Salaam, as a background for planning and implementation of control. Six sites with varying distance from the city center (3–30 km) and covering different population densities, socioeconomic characteristics, and water, sewerage and sanitary facilities were selected for the study. Pupils from one public primary school at each site were screened for circulating filarial antigen (CFA; marker of adult worm infection) and antibodies to Bm14 (marker of exposure to transmission). Community members were examined for CFA, microfilariae and chronic manifestations. Structured questionnaires were administered to pupils and heads of community households, and vector surveys were carried out in selected households. The study indicated that a tremendous decrease in the burden of LF infection had occurred, despite haphazard urbanisation. Contributing factors may be urban malaria control targeting Anopheles vectors, short survival time of the numerous Culex quinquefasciatus vectors in the urban environment, widespread use of bed nets and other mosquito proofing measures, and mass drug administration (MDA) in 2006 and 2007. Although the level of ongoing transmission was low, the burden of chronic LF disease was still high. The development has so far been promising, but continued efforts are necessary to ensure elimination of LF as a public health problem. These will include improving the awareness of people about the role of mosquitoes in transmission of LF, more thorough implementation of environmental sanitation to reduce Cx. Quinquefasciatus breeding, continued MDA to high-risk areas, and set-up of programmes for management of chronic LF disease
Propuesta de mejoramiento de la gesti?n y manejo de los residuos s?lidos, en el cant?n Paute. Desde un enfoque integral
No full textEn el siguiente estudio de tesis se plantea una ?Propuesta de Mejoramiento del manejo de los desechos s?lidos en el cant?n Paute, Provincia del Azuay, desde un enfoque integral?. Como punto de partida se realiza un diagn?stico actual del manejo y la caracterizaci?n de los desechos s?lidos, la misma que se desarrolla con una muestra de 100 familias del cant?n y se toma como referencia lo que propone el Centro Panamericano de Ingenier?a Sanitaria y Ciencias del Ambiente (CEPIS), para obtener el siguiente resultado de producci?n per c?pita (PPC) de 0.42 Kg/hab/d?a. La Propuesta se enmarca a dar cambios en todos los niveles de la Gesti?n Integral de los desechos, desde la generaci?n, traslado ?transporte y disposici?n final; optimizando rutas, frecuencias, horarios de recolecci?n y tratamiento. Paralelamente a estos cambios se toma en cuenta la opini?n de la ciudadan?a, la misma que se registr? a trav?s de una encuesta. Para dar un sentido ?tico e integral a la Propuesta, se ejecuta un plan de capacitaci?n y sensibilizaci?n sobre el cuidado y protecci?n del medio ambiente, orientado principalmente en la clasificaci?n de los desechos desde la fuente, dicho plan estuvo dirigido a Instituciones Educativas y Barrios del centro cantonal, acompa?ada de visitas de observaci?n al relleno sanitario, campa?as de reciclaje y r?plicas de los talleres por parte de los estudiantes a otras Instituciones Educativas que facilitaron el proceso de aprendizaje. De los estudios realizados, procesos de capacitaci?n, del trabajo de campo efectuado con la ciudadan?a y con el apoyo total del GAD Municipal de Paute - Administraci?n 2009-2014, se logr? mejorar el manejo de los desechos s?lidos en todas sus etapas, por lo que se recomienda a partir de esta propuesta, que la Municipalidad acoja con un sentido de responsabilidad y permanencia en dichos cambios, y que en lo posible se implemente un programa permanente de educaci?n ambiental como una necesidad emergente frente al problema de consumismo que vive la sociedad actual.Mag?ster en Gesti?n Ambienta
Urban Agriculture and Operational Mosquito Larvae Control:\ud Mitigating Malaria Risk in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFGlobal commitment, political will and financial support to reduce the burden of malaria, a disease which kills about one million people each year, have reached an unprecedented level. Although global malaria eradication appears to be a distant goal, there are promising efforts towards regional control and local elimination of the disease. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the region with the world’s highest malaria burden, as well as the world’s fastest growing cities. Rapid urbanisation brings enormous challenges such as increasing poverty and malnutrition, the spread of informal settlements, inadequate sanitation and lack of access to safe water, as well as health risks. Malaria transmission in urban settings, although to a lesser extent than in rural areas, remains a significant problem. In Tanzania and many other developing countries, one response to increasing urban demand for food is urban agriculture (UA), especially in backyard gardens and larger open spaces. While urban farming is an integral part of livelihoods and food security, it may also increase the risk of vector-borne diseases, including malaria, by providing suitable grounds for mosquito breeding. However, it is unclear whether agricultural land use or rather geographical factors such as topography and hydrology lead to the creation of habitats for malaria vector mosquitoes. The overall aim of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of the importance of urban agricultural land use in the context of environmental malaria control in urban SSA, and identifying potential mitigation options. All field research for this study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and was fully integrated in the operational Urban Malaria Control Programme (UMCP), managed by the Dar es Salaam City Medical Office of Health. The main goal of the UMCP is to control mosquito larvae with the application of biological larvicides by community-based resource persons. The transdisciplinary research approach used in this study was a combination of natural and social scientific approaches, and took account of the knowledge and capacities of stakeholders in the context of the UMCP. Quantitative methods included participatory mapping of administrative boundaries, cross-sectional mapping of agricultural areas, and surveys of farmer’s agricultural practices. Qualitative methods consisted of semi-structured key informant interviews and Focus Group Discussions using interview guidelines. The theoretical framework that guided the study design and data analysis was based on the concepts of risk, resilience and threat, where risk is seen as a function of threat and resilience. In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of factors related to malaria risk (i.e. malaria infection and disease), aspects of malaria threat (i.e. presence of breeding sites with potentially malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes) and resilience to malaria (i.e. social resilience in terms of increased competence of stakeholders in the context of the UMCP) were investigated. In a first step, the current extent and characteristics of urban agriculture were assessed. This revealed that UA is widespread in Dar es Salaam, with more than 5% of the study area used for farming in 2005. Extrapolated to the total urban area, this corresponds to almost 20 km2 of land used for urban agriculture in Dar es Salaam. Furthermore, an analysis of the spatiotemporal changes of urban agricultural use showed that urban farming is a dynamic, but not a short-lived or transitional phenomenon. The overall extent of UA did not decrease during the last two decades, despite the city’s rapid growth and densification. UA thus appears to be resilient in terms of its ability to persist in the presence of high non-agricultural pressure on land use, and its ability to recover after disturbances by spatial shifts. In a second step, a participatory mapping method was developed that allowed linking the agricultural data from 2005 with mosquito larval data from the UMCP. This was necessary in order to assess correlations of these agricultural areas with Anopheles breeding sites. At the same time, this procedure facilitated comprehensive routine larval surveillance by the UMCP. The approach involved basic use of aerial imagery and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and was validated by mapping three urban wards of Dar es Salaam, covering an area of 16.8 km2. The procedure enabled verification and correction of cognitive sketch maps drawn by UMCP field staff as guidance for their work, and therefore complete coverage of targeted areas with larval control. It proved to be practical, affordable, and requires minimal technical skill. Thus, it can be readily integrated into malaria vector control programmes, scaled up, and adapted to urban settings elsewhere in Africa. In Dar es Salaam, the participatory mapping approach became an integral part of the novel management, monitoring and evaluation system for implementing routine larviciding developed by the UMCP. Therefore, it partly contributed to the reduction of malaria transmission by the primary vector, Anopheles gambiae s.l., by 31% (95% CI=21.6-37.6%; p=0.04). In a third step, the agricultural data was linked with the UMCP larval database. This revealed that the proportion of habitats containing Anopheles larvae was 1.7 times higher in agricultural areas compared to other areas (95% CI: 1.56-1.92). Significant geographic predictors of the presence of Anopheles larvae in gardens included location in lowland areas, proximity to rivers, and relatively impermeable soils. Significant agricultural predictors comprised specific seedbed types, mid-sized gardens, irrigation by wells, and cultivation of sugar cane or leafy vegetables. Significant negative predictors included small garden size, irrigation by tap water, rainfed production, and cultivation of leguminous crops or fruit trees. Although there was an increased risk of finding Anopheles larvae in agricultural sites, breeding sites in urban agriculture accounted for less than a fifth of all breeding sites of malaria vectors in Dar es Salaam. The identified indicators of relatively high and low odds of larval presence in agricultural areas can help improve the effectiveness of larviciding interventions. In a last step, in order to explore mitigation measures implemented within the UMCP, capacity building processes on various programme levels were analysed. By applying the Multi-layered Social Resilience framework in the context of the UMCP using a qualitative approach, it was found that exchange between and within administrative levels supported resilience-building processes in terms of mosquito breeding site elimination. “Reactive” and “proactive” capacities were successfully built among programme staff. However, more potential could be tapped among local leaders and household members, by increasing their competence in eliminating breeding sites of malaria vectors. Improving the communication skills of the programme's field workers might support such processes. Together with local leaders, they could act as multipliers of sensitisation messages. In conclusion, this study showed that urban agriculture is not only widespread in Dar es Salaam, but also a potential malaria risk with regard to breeding sites for Anopheles mosquitoes. Urban farming therefore needs to be considered by integrated vector control programmes. However, it should not be overemphasized; rather farmers should be regarded as potential assets in vector control. For example, they could be involved by planting shade trees near water bodies in agricultural areas. More generally, mitigation strategies related to environmental malaria control could build on increased participation of household members within the UMCP intervention area. This may be achieved by building capacities for breeding site elimination, for example through enhanced sensitisation of household members provided by UMCP field workers. These insights, gained by conducting transdisciplinary operational research, can provide a basis for optimising malaria control and urban planning in Dar es Salaam and other malaria-affected SSA cities with comparable climatic conditions
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