Exploring Social Media Contexts for Cultivating Connected Learning with Black Youth in Urban Communities: The Case of Dreamer Studio.

Using the Connected Learning framework as a conceptual lens, this study utilizes digital ethnographic methods to explore outcomes of a Hip-Hop Based Education program developed to provide music related career pathways for Chicago youth. Using the narratives of the participants within the program, I draw on participant observation online and in-depth interviews collected to explore the link between the tenets of Connected Learning and digital participation in this artistic community of practice. I explore participants' work within social media platforms toward building their creative skill, cultivating a public voice, connecting to mentors, and communicating in ways that strengthens the social bonds within their peer community. This study's findings affirm prior studies that suggest late adolescence is an important time frame where children are developing social identities online in affinity spaces but in ways that are tied to civic engagement, self-empowerment, and critical skill development for their future pathways. To conclude, I suggest that investigating participant activity on social media platforms as a part of field work can help ethnographers to better connect their impact to the agency and life trajectories of their youth participants.

In vitro activity of econazole in comparison with three common antifungal agents against clinical Candida strains isolated from superficial infections.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Candida species are the most common organisms involved in superficial fungal infections, worldwide. Although econazole is among the most frequently used topical formulations for the treatment of candidiasis, no information is available regarding the susceptibility profiles of Candida species in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro susceptibility of 100 clinical Candida isolates belonging to 6 species from superficial candidiasis of Iran towards to econazole was compared with three other common antifungal agents including itraconazole, fluconazole, and miconazole. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values were analyzed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A3 document. All isolates were previously identified to the species level, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) on ITS region. RESULTS: The MIC of econazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and fluconazole were within the range of 0.016-16, 0.032-16, 0.016-16, and 0.25-64 µg/ml, respectively. In general, econazole and miconazole were more active against Candida isolates, compared to the other two agents. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that for Candida albicans isolates, miconazole and econazole had the best effect, but in non-albicans Candida species, itraconazole and miconazole displayed more activity than other antifungal agents.

Estudio del papel de la educación nutricional en el proceso de pérdida de peso / Study of the role of nutrition education in the process of weight loss

Objetivo: Este estudio intenta evaluar la eficacia dela educación nutricional en la lucha contra el sobrepeso y la obesidad. Métodos: El estudio se reclutó a mujeres adultas sanas de Casablanca, Marruecos con sobrepeso u obesidad.96 mujeres participaron en el estudio, pero sólo52 participaron hasta el final. Participantes fueron distribuidos aleatoriamente en 3 grupos: grupo control(GC), grupo 1 (G1 participó en un seminario de educación sobre la nutrición), y grupo 2 (G2 participó en dos sesiones de educación nutricional al mes). Las mediciones antropométricas y de composición corporal se tomaron al inicio y después de 12 semanas del comienzo del estudio. Resultados: Ambos grupos participantes mostraron una disminución significativa en el peso después de las12 semanas, (G2: 3,2 kg ± 0,65 (p <0,01); G1: 1,4 kg± 1,33 (p <0,01)). Cambios significativos también se han notado en los parámetros de la composición corporal(grasa corporal y músculos esqueléticos) en ambos grupos. El grupo de control no mostro cambios significativos Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que la educación nutricional puede ser una forma costo-efectiva para combatir y prevenir la obesidad en Marruecos, especialmente en las comunidades con poco cono -cimiento sobre la dieta buena y las consecuencias de la obesidad (AU)

Objective: Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education in fighting overweight and obesity. Methods: The study enrolled healthy adult women from Casablanca, Morocco with overweight or obesity.96 women participated to the study, but only 52 participated to the end. Participants were randomized into3 groups: control group (CG), group 1 (G1 participated to a seminar of nutrition education), and group 2 (G2participated to 2 follow-up sessions per month).Anthropometric measurements and body composition were taken at the baseline and after 12 weeks of the beginning of the study. Results: Both participating groups showed a significant decrease in weight after the 12 weeks, (G2: 3.2kg ± 0.65 (p<0.01); G1: 1.4 kg ± 1.33 (p<0.01)). Significant changes also have been noticed in the body composition parameters (body fat and skeletal muscles)in both groups. The control group didn’t show any significant changes. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that nutrition education might be a cost-effective way to fight and prevent obesity in Morocco especially in communities with little knowledge about good diet and the consequences of obesity (AU)