Tribal Association Research Articles

Clinical Presentations, Diagnosis, and Genetic Features of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Single Institutional Experience With the Saudi Population.

Background Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an uncommon, potentially fatal condition caused by high immune activation. The present study aimed to identify the clinical manifestations, geographic distribution, and associated pathogenic genetic mutations of HLH in Saudi Arabia. Method A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), with a total of 59 patients diagnosed with HLH in the period between 2006 and 2018. All genetic results and clinical and biochemical data were retrieved and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The results revealed that 48 patients (81.4%) had 15 pathogenic mutations of primary HLH whereas 8 (13.6%) patients had no genetic mutation. The most common variant mutation identified was c.1430C>T of the STXBP2 gene (42.4% of total patients), followed by c.1122G>A of the PRF1 gene (10.2% of patients), which demonstrated a distinctive geographic and tribal association. Patients with RAB27A mutation tend to present at an older age than the others with a median age of presentation of 5.5 months vs 2 months for patients with PRF1 mutations. No significant differences in clinical features were observed among the various groups. Conclusion This study highlights the incidence of genetic mutations among the Saudi population with HLH. The STXBP2 is the most common mutation followed by PRF1 mutations, many mutation variants are associated with a distinctive tribal and geographic association.

Lythria (Microlythria subgen. nov.) venustata Staudinger, 1882 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae): distribution and description of the female, with a brief review of the genus

The article provides new localities for the little-known species Lythria venustata Staudinger, 1882; a map with all currently known locations is presented. A new subgenus, Microlythria subgen. nov., within Lythria Hübner is proposed for L. venustata. A morphological description of L. venustata female and illustration of its genital structure are given for the first time; some corrections in the description of the male genitalia are made. Both male and female genitalia of all other species of the genus are also shown, and a comparison of L. venustata with its congeners is made. Colour plates depicting males and females of all species of the genus Lythria are provided. The systematic position of the genus in the family Geometridae, and the implication of the features of L. venustata female genitalia for tribal association within the Sterrhinae are discussed. Identification keys (based on external morphology and genital structure) to Lythria species are given.

Nomadic turkic tribes and their role in political history of Transoxiana in XII century: on the example of Qarluks

The migration of the nomadic Turkic tribes of the eastern Desht-i Kipchak and their participation in various political processes in the lands of Transoxiana and adjacent regions in the XII century remains quite an urgent scientific problem for a number of reasons. Muslim geographers of this time on this issue often broadcast information from earlier monuments in their writings and rarely provide up-to-date information. And in the historical writings proper, nomadic Turkic tribes are mentioned, in most cases, only when they take part in military clashes on the territory of the mentioned regions. Muslim historians rarely note other forms of interaction between representatives of settled cultures and nomads in this historical period, and they often provide extremely scant information about the migration routes of the latter in general. In this article, using the example of a specific tribal association, which are the Karluks, we will try to reconstruct their migration routes throughout the twelfth century, as well as analyze their participation in the political history of Transoxiana during this period. In this article we will try to link not only these two historical events, but also highlight other facts related to the history of the Karluks and their participation in the political life of Transoxiana in the XII century.

Ethnic history of the roksolans and alans

The article deals with the issues of ethnic origin of the tribes of the Early Iron Age Roksolans and Alans. These tribes are considered the largest tribes in the Sarmatian-Sauromatian tribal association. The role of the Roksolans and Alans in the history of Europe after their advance from the southern Ural Mountains and western regions of Kazakhstan to Europe was very significant. Some were among the first migrating tribes that conquered European Scythia and further complicated the history of Eastern Europe, while others were one of the tribes that traveled through Europe and reached North Africa, which led to the emergence of new historical processes. This article highlights the early information in the sources about the tribes that contributed to such significant historical events, the continuity of their ethnic roots with today's generation. In addition, ancient ancient data and opinions of various researchers of that time and modernity are presented in connection with this problem. The history of the ethnic origin is very important. Because the history of the ethnic origin of the Roksolans and Alans is considered an important part of the history of the formation of the Turkic peoples. That is why this article provides some information about the ethnic history of the Roksolan and Alan tribes, which are not studied much today.

EARLY MEDIEVAL HOARD FROM SUMY REGION: NEW ARRIVALS AND RESEARCH PROSPECTS

This paper contains the information about new finds of hoards of the early Middle Ages (Martynivka circle), which were discovered recently in the Sumy region. Until recently, only two similar assemblages were known in this area — Nyzhnya Syrovatka (fig. 1) and Velyki Budky (fig. 2).
 However, recently their number has increased significantly. Some of them got to the museum institutions of Sumy region (fig. 10).
 In 2011, the Shevchenkove hoard was transferred to the Putivl State Historical and Cultural Reserve. The assemblages contained the decoration of women’s and men’s clothing and a number of household and handicraft items.
 In recent years, Mykilske (fig. 3: A), Myropillya (fig. 4) and Pozhnya (fig. 5), Mohrytsya (fig. 6) and Kamyanka hoards have been transferred to the Sumy Regional Museum of Local Lore. Parts of finds from the Rusanivka (fig. 7) and Mala Rybytsya assemblages were transferred to this museum also.
 Some of the finds from the First Parkhomivka and Dobryanske — Sydorova Yaruha hoards, and almost the entire Second Parkhomivka hoard, have been transferred to the Trostyanetsky Museum and Exhibition assemblage.
 Preliminary archaeological research has been carried out at the site of some of the assemblages. As a result of these works, it was possible to find out quite accurately the location of the Mykilske (fig. 3: B; 8: A; 9: 1), Pozhnya and Parkhomivka hoards. Similar finds have been recorded in the prospect trench. The exact location of the Mogritsky assemblage has not yet been determined. Although archaeological research has been in the microregion (fig. 8: B—G; 9: 2, 3).
 All newly discovered assemblages described above belong to the hoards of Martynivka circle. Jewelry from their composition dates from the second half of 6th — the end of 7th century. And «concealment» occurs in the middle — third quarter of 7th century. The appearance of treasures is connected with the military-political tribal association of Slavs in the Middle Dnieper and the Dnieper Left Bank. The archaeological equivalent of this formation could be parts of the carriers of the Penkivka and Kolochyn cultures.
 Further research of the hoards is planned in the following areas: 1) survey of the sites and the surrounding area to more accurately determine the ethnocultural situation; 2) analysis of jewelry from the composition of assemblages; 3) attempt to reconstruct the outfit; 4) conducting research on the elemental composition of things with the involvement of modern nuclear-physical research methods; 5) compiling a catalog of early Slavic monuments in the Sumy region and writing a general ethnocultural history of the region. Work in these areas has only just begun.

On the Issue of Genetic Genealogy of the Kazakh Clan Zhagalbayly

The subject of the research is historical sources, oral Kazakh genealogies (shezhire) of the Kazakh-Nogai heroic and lyrical epic, as well as the results of Y-DNA research. The object of research is the Kazakh genus Zhagalbayly. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as the entry of the Zhagalbayly clan into the composition of the main peoples who stood out from the imperial super ethnos of the Golden Horde. The data on the places of settlement of Zhagalbayly in various historical periods in the post-Ordyn space are given. Various versions of such works as "Kyz Zhibek", "Kobylandy Batyr" and "Er Sayyn" in Kazakh, Nogai and Kyrgyz languages have been studied as folklore sources. The reasons and time of the emergence of the Kazakh tribal association Zhetiru, which included the genus zhagalbayly, are considered. The main conclusions of the study are to establish the availability of information about the early settlement of the ancestors of modern Kazakh Zhagalbayly clan on a vast territory from the Crimea to Afghanistan. This fact is confirmed by the presence of Zhagalbaila in the list of clans of the Crimean Khanate, Nogai Hordes, the Timurid Empire and the Kazakh Khanate. As a result of the analysis of the data of the oral Kazakh genealogy (shezhire) and the Kazakh-Nogai heroic and lyrical epic, for the purpose of their historical synthesis, the character Karabukan is established. He is represented as a batyr and a soothsayer of the Kiyat tribe troops. It is proposed to consider him as a possible legendary ancestor of the Kazakh Zhagalbayly. The results of studies of Y-chromosome polymorphism of representatives of various divisions of the Kazakh zhagalbayly are presented. When comparing the seven results of the Y-DNA12 samples, the probability that the number of generations before their common ancestor is equal to 24 generations is 91.41%. When comparing the three results for Y-DNA 67, it is equal to 99.61%. This information is consistent with shezhire, in which the distance to the common ancestor is 22-24 generations.

VOLODYMYR FRANKOVYCH STAKHOVSKYI – RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY IN ANIMAL REPRODUCTION

VOLODYMYR FRANKOVYCH STAKHOVSKYI – RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY IN ANIMAL REPRODUCTION

Scientific hypotheses of the origin of Radimichi

The article deals with the scientific hypotheses of the origin of the Radimichi tribal association, set out in the scientific literature. It is noted that, despite the fact that the problem of the genesis of the Radimichi has interested scientists for more than a decade, the generally accepted theory of the “Lyash” origin of the Radimichi causes a number of contradictions that will have to be considered in modern historical science. In the article, the author identifies the most important theories for further study of the origin of the Radimichi tribal association. In particular, the Upper Dniester theory of V. V. Sedov

Историко–культурные связи населения бассейна р. Вычегды и Верхнего Прикамья в эпоху Средневековья (по материалам вымской и родановской археологических культур)

The latest materials of the excavations of medieval sites in the Vychegda basin and the Upper Kama region confirm the ethno-cultural proximity of the Rodanovo and Vym archaeological cultures associated with the related peoples – the ancestors of the Komi-Permians and Komi-Zyryans, which was proved by A.P. Smirnov, V.A. Oborin, A.F. Melnichuk, R.D. Goldina and other researchers. It can be traced in the most conservative, traditional elements of culture – in funeral rites, ceramics, and women's costume decorations. Both cultures are characterized by underground burial grounds, burials in which are made by the method of inhumation and cremation. Ceramics are represented by stucco vessels of cup-shaped and pot-shaped forms, ornamented with comb, rosette stamp, and cord prints. Common adornments of women's costume are umbonoid, arched, anchor and bronze bi-anchor rattle pendants, a variety of tubular thread decorations. The greatest affinity to the Rodanovo culture is found in the sites adjacent to the Upper Kama areas – Sysola, Mid-Vychegda, dating back to the 10th – 11th, 11th – 12th centuries. On the Sysola river, three burial grounds were investigated, different from the Vym, Mid- and Low Vychegda ones. The Votcha burial ground on the Middle Sysola river, dating back to the 10th – 11th centuries, refers to the earliest ones. According to the funeral rite and ware implements, it shows the greatest cultural proximity to the sites of the Kama region, which is most likely due to the relocation of a small group of the Kama population to the Sysola basin. The Uzhga I and II burial grounds on the Upper Sysola are distinguished by their great originality. The burial rite of the Uzhga burial grounds is characterized by dismembered burials, burials of individual skulls, and the tradition of deliberate destruction of graves for ritual purposes. These features of the funeral rite find analogies in the Upper Kama burial grounds, in particular, Averino I in the Afanasyevsky district of the Kirov region, as well as Plotnitsy, located in the Kudymkar district of the Perm region. It is most likely that the population that had left Uzhga burial grounds, was part of the same territorial–tribal association as the northern Upper Kama population, associated with Zyuzdino Komi-Permians, which is confirmed by the data of ethnography and linguistics. The infiltration of the Rodanovo population into the Vychegda basin in the 11th and 12th centuries is documented by the excavations of the Chezhtyyag and Vym Kichilkos I burial grounds. They belong to the Vym culture of the Vychegda Perm, the early complexes of which, dating from the 11th –12th centuries, may be associated with the Rodanovo newcomers. In the burial 37 of the Chezhtyyag burial ground, a characteristic Rodanovo women's costume is represented. At the Kichilkos I burial ground, numerous highly artistic Bulgar silver articles from the Kama region were found, as well as typical Rodanovo decorations, stucco vessels similar in shape and ornamentation, and burials that show the greatest similarity to the Early Rodanovo ones. These materials testify not only to the active trade and cultural relations between the population of the Vym and Rodanovo cultures, but also to the infiltration of the Upper Kama Rodanovo groups into the Vychegda basin in the 11th and 12th centuries.

“We like insects here”: entomophagy and society in a Zambian village

Entomophagy—the practice of eating insects—has been touted as a means to combat undernutrition and food insecurity globally. Insects offer a nutritious, environmentally friendly alternative to resource-intensive livestock. But the benefits of edible insects cannot be realized if people do not choose to eat them. We therefore examine the social acceptability of edible insects in rural Zambia, where entomophagy is common but underexplored. Through a village case study, we show that edible insects are not valued equally, are understood socially, and seem to reflect and reinforce social values. We utilize grounded theory and ethnographic methods, including semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and observation to examine collective entomophagy beliefs. While we expected to see differentiation in perceptions across groups based on kinship, we demonstrate that social values related to class, urbanism, gender, and age emerge as more germane explanations for entomophagy perceptions, reflecting their social weight. By expanding on current apperception of entomophagy behavior, our findings inform future research and efforts to promote entomophagy through minilivestock farming. Systems designed to maximize output, minimize labor, and highlight benefits are more likely to be widely accepted. We do not anticipate tribal association will be the primary limitation on minilivestock adoption in this context.

АҢЫЗҒА АЙНАЛҒАН АЛШЫН АТАУЫ

The article analyzes the legend, which has become widespread in historical literature, about the name of the tribal association Alshyn in the Junior Zhuz. In this case, the author compares the historical name Alshyn with the dynasty of Ashin, and intends to show that Alshyn is a very ancient name dating from the 8th century. It states that Alshyn, according to legend, was called Kalsh (Alshyn) Kadir. The author shows the ancient origin of this man, citing as an example the image of a bird on the headdress of Kültigin in the 8th century, and relying on the legend of how Kadyra, rescued from the army by Kalsh (Alshyn), is rescued by a white goose (Oaz aқ). The author comparing the fate of Ashin and Kalsh (Alshyn) Kadyr finds similarities in the plot lines of these legends. Based on the legend, the author not only notes the ancient origin of the name Alshyn, but also emphasizes its importance for the unification of the Kazakh tribes, at a time when the ethnonym Kazakh was being formed. At the same time, based on genealogical sources that ended during the Kazakh Khanate period, the author also does not ignore the unification of the tribes of Bayula, Alim, and Zhetyra into one tribal union. Earlier in the historical literature this issue was not of interest to researchers, but this problem is of great importance for research.

Development and implementation of a remote-sensing and in situ data-assimilating version of CMAQ for operational PM2.5 forecasting. Part 1: MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD) data-assimilation design and testing

This two-part paper reports on the development, implementation, and improvement of a version of the Community Multi-Scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model that assimilates real-time remotely-sensed aerosol optical depth (AOD) information and ground-based PM2.5 monitor data in routine prognostic application. The model is being used by operational air quality forecasters to help guide their daily issuance of state or local-agency-based air quality alerts (e.g. action days, health advisories). Part 1 describes the development and testing of the initial assimilation capability, which was implemented offline in partnership with NASA and the Visibility Improvement State and Tribal Association of the Southeast (VISTAS) Regional Planning Organization (RPO). In the initial effort, MODIS-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) data are input into a variational data-assimilation scheme using both the traditional Dark Target and relatively new “Deep Blue” retrieval methods. Evaluation of the developmental offline version, reported in Part 1 here, showed sufficient promise to implement the capability within the online, prognostic operational model described in Part 2. In Part 2, the addition of real-time surface PM2.5 monitoring data to improve the assimilation and an initial evaluation of the prognostic modeling system across the continental United States (CONUS) is presented.Implications: Air quality forecasts are now routinely used to understand when air pollution may reach unhealthy levels. For the first time, an operational air quality forecast model that includes the assimilation of remotely-sensed aerosol optical depth and ground based PM2.5 observations is being used. The assimilation enables quantifiable improvements in model forecast skill, which improves confidence in the accuracy of the officially-issued forecasts. This helps air quality stakeholders be more effective in taking mitigating actions (reducing power consumption, ride-sharing, etc.) and avoiding exposures that could otherwise result in more serious air quality episodes or more deleterious health effects.

Shale gas development and community response: perspectives from Treaty 8 territory, British Columbia

Northeast British Columbia (BC), Canada, is the site of a fast-growing shale gas industry that is a cornerstone of the current provincial government's economic policy. In this paper, we explore the perspectives of local First Nations (members of Treaty 8) regarding governance of this industry, focusing in particular on the experiences of the Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN). Based on findings from 15 in-depth interviews with staff from four Treaty 8 First Nations, the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, oil and gas companies, and the Government of BC, we argue that current governance processes fail to adequately protect the environment and treaty rights. We also explore the diverse tactics that the FNFN is using to gain influence over shale gas development within its territories as the Nation seeks to achieve “balanced development” that protects the local ecology and treaty rights while maximising local economic benefits. Through an array of tactics and collaboration with diverse actors, the FNFN has been partially successful in challenging industry's social license to operate and has brought the provincial government back to the table to negotiate new decision-making arrangements on a “government to government” basis. Still, the regulation and management of a fast-paced global industry are a vast burden for a small community to bear. The FNFN's work has also shown the need for further research on how local efforts for equitable and environmentally sustainable approaches to shale gas regulation can be scaled up, institutionalised, and used to create political opportunities in other contexts.

"WE ARE FIGHTING FOR OURSELVES" — FIRST NATIONS' EVALUATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AND CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESSES

This article presents results from research into the perspectives on environmental assessments of Canadian indigenous peoples, in particular British Columbia's West Moberly First Nations, the Halfway River First Nation, and the Treaty 8 Tribal Association. This collaborative project interviewed First Nation government officials and staff as well as community members to determine their analyses of what worked and, more significantly, what did not work in engaging and consulting indigenous people. This research identified significant failings in Canadian and British Columbia environmental assessment processes, including substantive procedural failures, relational failures between First Nation, provincial and federal governments, and fundamental philosophical differences between assessment processes and indigenous worldviews. Based upon their review of environmental assessment failings, the collaborating First Nations recommend a fundamental revision of environmental assessment processes so as to protect into the future their Treaty and Aboriginal rights and to ensure their survival as distinct and viable cultures upon the land.

Improving First Nations' participation in environmental assessment processes: recommendations from the field

This paper presents results from research into the perspectives on environmental assessments of Canadian indigenous peoples, in particular British Columbia's West Moberly First Nations, the Halfway River First Nation and the Treaty 8 Tribal Association. This collaborative project included interviews with First Nation government officials and staff as well as community members to determine their analyses of what worked and, more significantly, what did not work in engaging and consulting indigenous people. Based upon this research, six key recommendations, derived from First Nations' experiences, are made; these recommendations would facilitate First Nations' future participation in environmental assessment processes in British Columbia and Canada.

Industry and government perspectives on First Nations' participation in the British Columbia environmental assessment process

Research was conducted with West Moberly First Nations, Halfway First Nation and the Treaty 8 Tribal Association (located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada) on effective engagement in environmental assessment processes. As part of this research, we examined the perspectives of a subset of resource industry proponents and their consultants, as well as staff from the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office on their experiences with the requirement to consult with Canada's indigenous peoples. Research into the perspectives of industry proponents and consultants is almost non-existent, yet industry and governments are key participants within environmental assessments. This research found that industry proponents were disenfranchised by the British Columbia environmental assessment process and its mechanisms for consulting with First Nations, and that they sought changes to that process. Their concerns and their implications are documented and some recommendations are offered for addressing those concerns. Understanding industry and government views on First Nations engagement could suggest not only potential improvements in EA processes that facilitate all parties but provide common grounds for mutually engaging to resolve challenges.

Few differences in diet and health behaviors and perceptions were observed in adult urban Native American Indians by tribal association, gender, and age grouping

Diet and health behaviors and perceptions of adult urban Native American Indians in a large Midwestern city were evaluated for differences by tribal association, gender, and age grouping. The hypothesis was that human behavior is influenced by tribal association, gender, and age grouping in the subject population. The subjects included 33 men and 32 women, with 26 being Sioux; 22 Omaha; and 17 a combination of other tribes. The descriptive survey included two interviewer-administered 24-hour recalls. The majority of subjects were overweight or obese. Significant differences (P< .05) were observed in vitamin A and calcium intakes by tribal association. Men reported consuming significantly more (P< .05) kilocalories, vitamin C, and sodium. Over half the subjects consumed more than the recommended 20% to 35% kcal from fat, >or=10% kcal from saturated fat, and >or=300 mg cholesterol/d. Less than Estimated Average Requirements for vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron were consumed by 31%, 59%, and 6%, respectively; 79% consumed less than Adequate Intakes for calcium. Ninety-two percent consumed more than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for sodium. Few differences were observed in the kilocalorie, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and sodium intakes of these Native American Indians by tribal association, gender, or age grouping. Significant differences in percentages consuming alcohol were observed by gender (P< .05) and by age grouping (P< .01). A significant difference (P< .01) was observed by gender regarding the subjects' perceptions of their being alcoholics. Overall, few differences were observed in diet and health behaviors and perceptions of adult urban Native American Indians by tribal association, gender, and age grouping.

Several differences observed in selected nutrient intakes and perceptions of health/diet of adult urban Native American Indians in Lincoln, NE by tribal association, gender, and age grouping

Nutrient intakes and health/diet perceptions of adult urban Native American Indians in Lincoln, Nebraska were evaluated for differences by tribal association, gender, and age grouping. Subjects included 33 men and 32 women, with 26 being Sioux; 22, Omaha; and 17, a combination of other tribes. Two interviewer‐administered 24‐h recalls and written questionnaires were used. A significantly larger (P&lt;0.05) percentage of men reported consuming alcohol, with a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) being observed by age grouping. Fifty‐five percent were overweight and 32%, obese. Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed by tribe in saturated fat, vitamin A, and calcium intakes. Men reported consuming significantly more (P&lt;0.05) calories, vitamin C, and sodium. Over half consumed more than the recommended 20–35% kcal from fat, ≥10% kcal from saturated fat, and ≥300 mg cholesterol/d. Less than Estimated Average Requirements for vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron were consumed by 31%, 59%, and 6%, respectively, while 79% consumed &lt; Adequate Intake for calcium. Over 90% consumed &gt; Tolerable Upper Intake Level for sodium. A significantly larger (P&lt;0.01) percentage of men agreed or strongly agreed that they perceived themselves as alcoholics. Several differences were observed in nutrient intakes and health/diet perceptions of these Native American Indians by tribal association, gender, and age grouping.

Model sensitivity evaluation for organic carbon using two multi-pollutant air quality models that simulate regional haze in the southeastern United States

Photochemical grid models are being used in technical analyses by the Visibility Improvement State and Tribal Association of the Southeast (VISTAS), a regional air quality planning organization in the southeastern United States, to support state implementation plans for regional haze and related air quality issues. VISTAS has embarked on a multi-phase process of testing and evaluating regional meteorological, emissions and air quality models that will be used to project visibility improvements as required by the regional haze rule. VISTAS has generated 2002 annual emissions and meteorological inputs for two photochemical grid models, the community multi-scale air quality (CMAQ) and the comprehensive air-quality model with extensions (CAMx), at a 36 km resolution for the continental US and at 12 km resolution for the eastern US. The two models were evaluated using speciated PM measurements from various monitoring networks and detailed analysis was performed for organic carbon (OC) mass using the IMPROVE, STN, and SEARCH networks. The differences in model performance between CMAQ and CAMx were used as a diagnostic tool to investigate performance issues for several compounds. CAMx performed substantially better than CMAQ for OC (defined as 1.4×measured organic carbon) which led to investigations into methods for improving the CMAQ OC model performance. The treatment of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) was identified as an area needing improvements in both models. The impact of replacing the CMAQ SOA parameters with those from CAMx was investigated. Further analysis identified several processes that are potentially important for SOA formation that are not treated in either model including, polymerization of the SOA into non-volatile particles and SOA formation from sesquiterpene, isoprene and other biogenic VOCs. A prototype mechanism for several of these missing processes was developed and the CMAQ SOA module was enhanced to include these SOA formation processes. SOA yields, specifically from biogenic emissions, were increased by the modified SOA module and CMAQ model performance for particulate OC at the IMPROVE, SEARCH, and STN sites in the VISTAS region was improved.

Distribution and clustering ofOesophagostomum bifurcumand hookworm infections in Northern Ghana

Human Oesophagostomum infections are locally common in northern Ghana. The present study describes the results of a cross-sectional survey involving 1011 subjects, selected by a compound-based random sampling method from 1227 compounds in 24 villages. Selected persons were examined by both Kato and coproculture methods. Hookworm-like eggs, representing ova of Oesophagostomum bifurcum and hookworm were detected in 87.5% of the Kato smears. The geometric mean egg count of the infected subjects was 1018. Upon coproculture, third-stage larvae of O. bifurcum and hookworm were detected in 53.0% and 86.9% of subjects respectively. Oesophagostomum infections were clustered but no clear explanation for aggregation of infections could be found as yet. Subjects infected with hookworm had a 5-fold higher risk of being infected with O. bifurcum. Infection rates in adult women were higher than in adult men. No association was found with family size, level of hygiene or with the presence of animals in the compounds. Representatives of the Bimoba-tribe were significantly more infected than those of the other tribes. It appears, however, that this tribal association is a geographical phenomenon: Bimoba are mostly living in villages with the highest infection rates.