Natural Family Research Articles

Support Systems for children with disability in alternative care system in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Nigeria maintains residential homes as a form of alternative care for children with disability (CWD) despite its reversal in developed nations. This cross-sectional study profiled the nature of care for CWDs in alternative residential homes (ARHs) in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study administered 131 copies of a standardized questionnaire to CWDs, while eight interviews were conducted among staff of residential homes and regulatory bodies. The male (54.2%) population dominated the homes. Satisfaction in healthcare services (61%) and in quality of feeding (73%) were reported, while 32% CWDs expressed willingness to leave the residential homes for reasons of inadequate support structures. There was no significant relationship between respondents’ duration of stay and the likelihood of recommending residential homes as the best model for supporting CWD (P<0.05). Residential homes provided in-group solidarity and basic survival needs for CWDs, but lacked formal mechanisms for reporting and responding to abuses. Social workers can play a pivotal role in public sensitization to challenge the placing of CWDs in deficient ARHs and can also be at the forefront of advocating for social welfare programmes for parents of CWDs to enable the children to grow within their natural family settings.

Further results on random walk labelings

In a previous work, we defined and studied random walk labelings of graphs. These are graph labelings that are obtainable by performing a random walk on the graph, such that each vertex is labeled upon its first visit. In this work, we calculate the number of random walk labelings of several natural graph families: The wheel, fan, barbell, lollipop, tadpole, friendship, and snake graphs. Additionally, we prove several combinatorial identities that emerged during the calculations.

Deinstitutionalisation of foster care in Poland. Experiences of selected foster care organisers in the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship

Placing a child in foster care is a last resort and should take place after all possible forms of support and assistance have been exhausted. However, if a child is placed under the care and upbringing of foster care, it is necessary to create conditions as close as possible to those of a family. Since 2000, the Polish foster care system has been subject to the process of deinstitutionalisation. The organisers of foster care were obliged to take actions aimed at reducing the importance of the foster care system in the full childcare system, a smooth transition to a system where full community-level childcare is provided. The aim of the article is to present the foster care system and directions of changes in foster care in quantitative terms and to evaluate the organisation of foster care in the context of the process of its deinstitutionalisation. The conclusions were based on statistical data analysis on the foster care system, which constituted the background for discussions by organisers of foster care in selected poviats of the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship. The system of foster care in Poland is based on family foster care. Reducing the number of institutional foster care facilities is possible, but in the current system, it is only likely to partially eliminate them. The most significant identified challenge of the foster care system is the dropping number of foster families. Additionally, the deinstitutionalisation of foster care requires, above all, measures to increase the effectiveness of the support system and upbringing of the child and natural family in the local environment.

ON MATRICES ARISING IN FINITE FIELD HYPERGEOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Abstract Lehmer [‘On certain character matrices’, Pacific J. Math.6 (1956), 491–499, and ‘Power character matrices’, Pacific J. Math.10 (1960), 895–907] defines four classes of matrices constructed from roots of unity for which the characteristic polynomials and the kth powers can be determined explicitly. We study a class of matrices which arise naturally in transformation formulae of finite field hypergeometric functions and whose entries are roots of unity and zeroes. We determine the characteristic polynomial, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and kth powers of these matrices. The eigenvalues are natural families of products of Jacobi sums.

Stereodivergent photobiocatalytic radical cyclization through the repurposing and directed evolution of fatty acid photodecarboxylases.

Despite their intriguing photophysical and photochemical activities, naturally occurring photoenzymes have not yet been repurposed for new-to-nature activities. Here we engineered fatty acid photodecarboxylases to catalyse unnatural photoredox radical C-C bond formation by leveraging the strongly oxidizing excited-state flavoquinone cofactor. Through genome mining, rational engineering and directed evolution, we developed a panel of radical photocyclases to facilitate decarboxylative radical cyclization with excellent chemo-, enantio- and diastereoselectivities. Our high-throughput experimental workflow allowed for the directed evolution of fatty acid photodecarboxylases. An orthogonal set of radical photocyclases was engineered to access all four possible stereoisomers of the stereochemical dyad, affording fully diastereo- and enantiodivergent biotransformations in asymmetric radical biocatalysis. Molecular dynamics simulations show that our evolved radical photocyclases allow near-attack conformations to be easily accessed, enabling chemoselective radical cyclization. The development of stereoselective radical photocyclases provides unnatural C-C-bond-forming activities in natural photoenzyme families, which can be used to tame the stereochemistry of free-radical-mediated reactions.

Adverse childhood experiences and 8-year trajectories of depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults: Results from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

IntroductionThe negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health has been well documented. While most of the evidence comes from samples of adolescents and young adults, few studies have investigated whether ACEs contribute to poorer mental health among older adults. In particular, depressive symptoms are common in old age, and they display heterogeneous patterns of development across individuals. Therefore, it is important to examine if ACEs are predictive of distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms among older adults.ObjectivesUsing longitudinal data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), we aimed to examine if ACEs could differentiate between distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms over eight years in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsParticipants from ELSA aged 60 or above who reported no psychiatric diagnoses and completed the items of ACEs at baseline (wave 3) were included in the current study. Nine items of ACEs were subject to a principal component analysis to identify the underlying subtypes. Data of depressive symptoms from waves 3 to 7 (2-year apart), assessed with the 8-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, were extracted for modelling the distinct trajectories using latent class growth analysis. The trajectories were predicted by subtypes of ACEs using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for childhood socioeconomic status, sex, age and ethnicity.ResultsThe final sample consisted of 4057 participants (54.4% female, mean age= 71.34 (SD= 8.14)). We identified five trajectories of depressive symptoms (Figure 1): ‘low stable’ (73.4%), ‘increasing then decreasing’ (9.9%), ‘high decreasing’ (7.1%), ‘high stable’ (5.7%) and ‘moderate increasing’ (4.0%). Four subtypes of ACEs (i.e., sexual abuse, separation from natural parents, family dysfunction and physical assault) were evident. Compared to the ‘low stable’ group, higher levels of family dysfunction were reported in the ‘increasing then decreasing’ (aOR = 1.35, 95% CI [1.10 - 1.66], p = .012), ‘high stable’ (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.30 - 1.96], p < .001) and ‘moderate increasing’ (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.18 - 2.04], p = .011) groups. The ‘high stable’ group also reported a higher level of separation from natural parents than the ‘low stable’ group (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.04 - 1.72], p = .047). Sexual abuse and physical assault did not predict any group differences.Image:ConclusionsDistinct trajectories of depressive symptoms among older adults were predicted by family dysfunction in childhood. Our findings suggested that the negative impact of ACEs on mental health may extend beyond adolescence and young adulthood into the old age.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Strategie wspierania zdolnych podopiecznych pieczy zastępczej

The issue of gifted children growing up in a natural family environment has been addressed quite widely. However, small amount of research regarding gifted children residing in the foster care environment is noticeable. At the same time, the issue of having, developing and supporting abilities is extremely significant, especially with regard to pupils of foster care environments deprived of their primary developmental environment, which is the family. Foster care environments can also effectively support the potential of their pupils. The publication is an attempt to answer the question of what support activities are undertaken in the foster care environment in relation to gifted pupils? The research method is case studies. The research indicates various forms of support for gifted pupils: the organization of additional activities, depending on the interests or abilities of the pupil or the financial support as the one they need for the future process of independence, as well as emotional support and others. At the same time, some differences are visible between the activities of institutional and family care, as the latter definitely more often uses the help of psychological and pedagogical counseling centers or organizations supporting gifted students, even if in the form of funded scholarships.

Parameter estimation for strict arcsine distribution

The two-parameter strict arcsine distribution as a member of the natural exponential family with cubic variance function has been shown to be a viable candidate for statistical analysis of count data. Efficient methods of parameter estimation will be essential in practical applications of the distribution. In this paper we examine some methods of parameter estimation. Due to the simple expression of the probability generating function, a probability generating function-based estimation procedure is considered and compared with other estimation procedures. Since the accuracy of the parameter estimation procedure affects the probability of correct selection in choosing the correct probability distribution, we extend the investigation by examining the discrimination between strict arcsine and generalized Poisson distributions in which both have cubic variance functions.

Non-modular fatty acid synthases yield distinct N-terminal acylation in ribosomal peptides.

Recent efforts in genome mining of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) have expanded the diversity of post-translational modification chemistries. However, RiPPs are rarely reported as hybrid molecules incorporating biosynthetic machinery from other natural product families. Here we report lipoavitides, a class of RiPP/fatty-acid hybrid lipopeptides that display a unique, putatively membrane-targeting 4-hydroxy-2,4-dimethylpentanoyl (HMP)-modified N terminus. The HMP is formed via condensation of isobutyryl-coenzyme A (isobutyryl-CoA) and methylmalonyl-CoA catalysed by a 3-ketoacyl-(acyl carrier protein) synthase III enzyme, followed by successive tailoring reactions in the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway. The HMP and RiPP substructures are then connected by an acyltransferase exhibiting promiscuous activity towards the fatty acyl and RiPP substrates. Overall, the discovery of lipoavitides contributes a prototype of RiPP/fatty-acid hybrids and provides possible enzymatic tools for lipopeptide bioengineering.

Demographic and socio-economic correlates of knowledge of the ovulatory cycle among tribal women in India: Evidence from the nationally representative survey (NFHS-5)

BackgroundThe knowledge of ovulatory cycle (KOC) is the basis for natural family planning methods. The absence of knowledge is a notable issue since the ovulatory cycle plays a crucial role in reproductive health and empowers women to make informed decisions that influence their lives. This study examines the knowledge of the ovulatory cycle among reproductive tribal women in India and its demographic and socio-economic determinants.MethodsThe data were derived from the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2019–2021. The effective sample size for the present study was 1,01,914 tribal women aged 15–49 years in India. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis were conducted to find the preliminary results. Additionally, multivariable binary logistic regressions were conducted to determine the likelihood of KOC among tribal women across different characteristics. We conducted statistical analysis in STATA 17.0 (StataCorp) and used ArcGIS 10.8.2 for spatial mapping.ResultsOut of 1,01,914 tribal women, 78.8 per cent lack correct knowledge of the ovulatory cycle. Notably, Education level significantly influences KOC, with secondary education showing higher odds of KOC (AOR: 1.24, 95% CI:1.006–1.528) compared to no education. Christian women exhibit lower odds of having KOC (AOR: 0.749, 95% CI:0.564–0.996) compared to Hindu women. Husband/partner’s education level shows a strong association, with higher-educated partners correlating with higher odds of KOC (AOR: 2.501, 95% CI: 1.807–3.461) for higher education. Knowledge of any contraceptive method and current contraceptive use type are strongly associated with KOC. Additionally, rural residence negatively influences KOC (AOR: 1.545, 95% CI: 1.236–1.932), while exposure to mass media has a positive effect (AOR: 1.152, 95% CI: 0.975–1.362) albeit modest.ConclusionThe study highlights the need for targeted educational and awareness programs to improve KOC among tribal women in India. By addressing factors such as education, religious influences, and place of residence, we can empower these women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life. This knowledge is not only a foundation for natural family planning but also a key driver of women’s agency and autonomy in shaping their lives.

Which global constitution? The illiberal globalism of the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision

Abstract Fostering global constitutional discourse has long been anathema to the conservative legal movement within the United States. In Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Services, which overturned Roe v Wade’s right to an abortion, the court’s conservative justices relied on a globalized analysis. In this article, I identify three potential hypotheses to explain this deviation from conservative orthodoxy. Dobbs’ conservative globalism could be explained by attitudinal preferences, legitimation concerns or the influence of illiberal legal networks. I compare the proceedings of Dobbs against Carson v Makin and Kennedy v Bremerton School District, the other significant Constitutional cases from the court’s 2021–22 term, to deal with religious issues. These two other cases did not feature global citations, despite such citations being able to advance the Justices’ policy preferences or blunt legitimation concerns. Lending credence to the illiberal network hypothesis, Alito’s Dobbs opinion was reliant on a unique amicus briefing by a global network of anti-abortion scholars advocating on behalf of the natural family. Such network campaigns were absent from the proceedings of Carson and Kennedy.

The comparison of species diversity and abundance of insect natural enemies in the domesticated species of cotton using the yellow pan trap method.

India is the world's largest cotton producer and the only country that grows all four cultivated cotton species. There have been very few studies on the diversity and abundance of natural enemies of cotton insect pests in these cultivated cotton species. Therefore, the current study (2016-2018) was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of natural enemies that cultivated cotton species harbour. Phule Dhanwantari, Suraj, Suvin, RCH-2, and DCH-32 were the five genotypes used in the study, each with a distinct genetic background. Using the adiv 2.0.1 and vegan R packages, we identified significant differences in natural enemies in terms of species diversity, richness, evenness, and abundance. Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM) and Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) indicated substantial differences in the natural enemy community structure among the examined genotypes. A total of 17,279 natural enemies were collected and identified across genotypes from seven predatory families and five parasitoid families. The percentage share of these natural enemy families across genotypes and years, in descending order, is Coccinellidae (28.23%) < Tachinidae (19.23%) < Braconidae (12.68%) < Chrysopidae (11.65%) < Chalcididae (9.41%) < Aphelinidae (6.33%) < Pentatomidae (3.29%) < Ichneumonidae (2.37%) < Syrphidae (2.33%) < Vespidae (1.81%) < Asilidae (1.79%) < Geocoridae (0.89%). Coccinellidae, Tachinidae, Braconidae, Chrysopidae, Chalcididae, and Aphelinidae are the six major families that account for more than 85% of all recorded natural enemies. These six families have a higher percentage share in Phule Dhanwantary (90%) compared to the other genotypes. The conservation and better utilization of these natural enemies are crucial for the ecological and safe management of insect pests in the cotton ecosystem.

In vivo functional phenotypes from a computational epistatic model of evolution

Computational models of evolution are valuable for understanding the dynamics of sequence variation, to infer phylogenetic relationships or potential evolutionary pathways and for biomedical and industrial applications. Despite these benefits, few have validated their propensities to generate outputs with in vivo functionality, which would enhance their value as accurate and interpretable evolutionary algorithms. We demonstrate the power of epistasis inferred from natural protein families to evolve sequence variants in an algorithm we developed called sequence evolution with epistatic contributions (SEEC). Utilizing the Hamiltonian of the joint probability of sequences in the family as fitness metric, we sampled and experimentally tested for in vivo [Formula: see text]-lactamase activity in Escherichia coli TEM-1 variants. These evolved proteins can have dozens of mutations dispersed across the structure while preserving sites essential for both catalysis and interactions. Remarkably, these variants retain family-like functionality while being more active than their wild-type predecessor. We found that depending on the inference method used to generate the epistatic constraints, different parameters simulate diverse selection strengths. Under weaker selection, local Hamiltonian fluctuations reliably predict relative changes to variant fitness, recapitulating neutral evolution. SEEC has the potential to explore the dynamics of neofunctionalization, characterize viral fitness landscapes, and facilitate vaccine development.

Discovery of Diverse Sesquiterpenoids from Crossiella cryophila through Genome Mining and NMR Tracking.

Terpenoids, the largest and most structurally diverse natural product family, are predominantly found in fungi and plants, with bacterial terpenoids forming a minor fraction. Here, we established an efficient platform that integrates genome mining and NMR-tracking for prioritizing strains and tracking bacterial terpenoids. By employing this platform, we selected Crossiella cryophila for a comprehensive investigation of its capacity for terpenoid production, resulting in the characterization of 15 sesquiterpenoids. These compounds comprise nine new sesquiterpenoids (1-9), along with six known analogs (10-15), which are categorized into five distinctive carbon skeletons: bicyclogermacrane, maaliane, cadinane, eudesmane, and nor-eudesmane. Their chemical structures were determined through a combination of spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations. Notably, the absolute configurations of compounds 1, 2, 5-7, 9, and 13-15 were determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The selected compounds were evaluated for their anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities; however, none of these compounds displayed any significant bioactivity. This study enriches the repertoire of bacterial terpenoids, offers a practical process for prioritizing strains for bacterial terpenoids discovery, and establishes a foundation for exploring terpenoid biosynthesis.

Comparison of the structure-function of five newly members of the calcin family

Calcins are a group of scorpion toxin peptides specifically binding to ryanodine receptors (RyRs) with high affinity, and have the ability to activate and stabilize RyR in a long-lasting subconductance state. Five newly calcins synthesized compounds exhibit typical structural characteristics of a specific family through chemical synthesis and virtual analysis. As the calcins from the same species, Petersiicalcin1 and Petersiicalcin2, Jendekicalcin2 and Jendekicalcin3, have only one residue difference. Both Petersiicalcin1 and Petersiicalcin2 exhibited different affinities in stimulating [3H]ryanodine binding, but the residue mutation resulted in a 2.7 folds difference. Other calcins also exhibited a stimulatory effect on [3H]ryanodine binding to RyR1, however, their affinities were significantly lower than that of Petersiiicalcin1 and Petersiiicalcin2. The channel domain of RyR1 was found to be capable of binding with the basic residues of these calcins, which also exhibited interactions with the S6 helices on RyR1. Dynamic simulations were conducted for Petersiicalcin1 and Petersiicalcin2, which demonstrated their ability to form a highly stable conformation and resulting in an asymmetric tetramer structure of RyR1. The discovery of five newly calcins further enriches the diversity of the natural calcin family, which provides more native peptides for the structure-function analysis between calcin and RyRs.

Precezomycin, a novel antibiotic biosynthetic precursor of cezomycin, from actinomycete Kitasatospora putterlickiae 10-13.

A novel antibiotic biosynthetic precursor of cezomycin, named precezomycin (1), was isolated from culture broth of actinomycete Kitasatospora putterlickiae 10-13. The planar structure was determined by 1D/2D NMR and HR(ESI)MS data analyses, and the absolute configurations were established by TDDFT calculation of ECD spectra. Precezomycin (1) exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The discovery of 1 extends the natural product family of cezomycin and provides a new insight into understanding the biosynthetic process of these polyether ionophore metabolites.

Chimeric Antigen Cytotoxic Receptors for In Vivo Engineering of Tumor-Targeting NK Cells.

Chimeric Ag receptor (CAR) NK cells are challenging to manufacture and fail to achieve consistent tumor infiltration and sustained cytolytic function in the tumor microenvironment. In vivo engineering of NK cells using mRNA-based CAR delivery may overcome these issues. In this study, we developed an invivo programming method by designing CARs that leverage the biology of NK cell receptors for cell type-specific expression and function. These CARs were engineered by fusion of a tumor recognition domain with the natural cytotoxic receptor family including NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46. Our results demonstrated that these natural cytotoxic receptor-based CARs can engage endogenous signaling adaptors to effectively activate human NK cells for tumor lysis and cytokine production. Specifically, we discovered that stable expression of an NKp44-based CAR was contingent on the presence of the immune cell-specific signaling adaptor DAP12. This innovative strategy facilitates direct in situ programming of NK cells, enhancing safety and minimizing off-target effects in nontargeted, healthy tissues.

Knowledge and Perceptions of the Billing’s Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning among Married Women in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Based on existing literature, it was observed that modern contraceptives are the most widely used family planning methods in Nigeria, and that they have serious side effects for their users. Despite these effects, women of reproductive age have made little or no effort to embrace Billing’s ovulation as an alternative family planning method. In order to better understand the dynamics surrounding the adoption of Billing’s ovulation method, this study examined the knowledge, perceived effectiveness, and spousal attitude toward the use of Billing’s ovulation as a method of natural family planning among married women in Lagos metropolis. Method: To accomplish this, a pure qualitative methodological approach was used, with in-depth interviews (IDI) used to collect qualitative data from (20) married women. Manual content analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Results: Findings showed that; high level of knowledge and awareness of BOM, positive perceptions of its efficacy, and a favorable spousal attitude toward BOM are indicators of the rate at which married women in Lagos metropolis use the Billing’s ovulation method as their preferred family planning alternative. Conclusion: The study then recommends that a rigorous sensitization program based on door-to-door intervention be launched to educate married women in Lagos metropolis on the need for Natural family planning as an alternative family planning method, particularly BOM, while teaching them the procedures and techniques in order to increase people’s access to natural family planning.

Adolescents' personhood and the effects of their institutionalization

This paper aims to make a comparison of personality disorders in adolescents in residential care versus adolescents raised in natural families. The aim is to identify differences in personality traits and personal autonomy between adolescents living in residential care and those living in natural families, and to compare personality traits between the two groups, including by gender and age.

Pengembangan Pariwisata Halal pada Objek Wisata Linggo Asri Kabupaten Pekalongan: Social Media Approach

This research examines advertising or promotion to develop Linggo Asri tourist attraction through social media with the aim of describing in depth the halal tourism development strategy through social media, a study at Linggo Asri tourist attraction, Pekalongan Regency. This research method uses qualitative research and field research. The results of this study indicate that the Linggo Asri Tourism Object in Pekalongan Regency is still very potential to be developed further, if you pay attention to the results of development strategies that exist in tourist attractions, managers can take advantage of this potential to make tourist attractions grow. Not only that, by knowing these strategies, the manager will be able to examine and analyze so that he can make the best decisions in managing the Linggo Asri tourist attraction in the future. Social media plays an important role in the development of Linggo Asri Tourism Objects in Pekalongan Regency. Because indirectly with the use of social media, several aspects related to the development of tourist attractions can be fulfilled and well exposed. Not only that, with the halal tourism standardization that has been explained, Linggo Asri tourist attraction can be categorized as halal tourism which refers to nature tourism, educational tourism, and family tourism. Although there are some things that must be improved again to get a perfect score in the standardization of sharia tourism.