BACKGROUND The impact of mental health,including anxiety,on academic performance has been studied in several countries,but few data exist for Sudan.AIM To investigate the correlation between anxiety scores and academi...BACKGROUND The impact of mental health,including anxiety,on academic performance has been studied in several countries,but few data exist for Sudan.AIM To investigate the correlation between anxiety scores and academic performance among adolescent schoolchildren in Northern Sudan.METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out during the 2021–2022 academic year among schoolchildren from randomly selected schools in Almatamah locality,River Nile State,Northern Sudan.A questionnaire was used to collect the parti-cipants’sociodemographic data.Anxiety levels were assessed using the ques-tionnaire tools of the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale.Students’academic performance scores were obtained from school records.Multivariate linear regression was performed.RESULTS A total of 328 students participated in this study,comprising 156 boys(47.6%)and 172 girls(52.4%).The median[interquartile range(IQR)]age of the students was 14.9 years(13.9–15.6 years).The median(IQR)of the students’academic scores was 27.6%(22.2%–48.1%).The median(IQR)of the students’anxiety scores was 0(0–3).In univariate linear analysis,anxiety scores were positively associated with academic performance scores(coefficient=1.19,P value<0.001).In multivariate linear analysis,after controlling for age,sex,parental education,occupation,and body mass index-Z-score,anxiety scores were positively associated with academic performance scores(coefficient=0.60,P value<0.001).CONCLUSION The current study revealed a positive correlation between anxiety scores and students’academic performance scores.However,the association between mental health disorders,including anxiety,and academic performance is a complex issue.Therefore,further studies are recommended.展开更多
The relation between conflict and governance has been dominated by type of government rather than by system of government.With increasing conflict in countries with ethnic and religious diversity,the debate has gradua...The relation between conflict and governance has been dominated by type of government rather than by system of government.With increasing conflict in countries with ethnic and religious diversity,the debate has gradually shifted to understand better the link between conflict and system of government.There is a growing evidence that suggests federal system performs better than unitary system in managing diversity and reducing conflict.Decentralization is even seen to be more effective than federal system not only in managing diversity and reducing conflict but also in delivering public goods.This article provides an account of evolution of system of government in South Sudan.It finds a clear association of centralized unitary system with violent conflict and a relative peace during period of decentralized government or federal system.A decentralized federal system may be appropriate for South Sudan in managing diversity and mitigating conflict.Despite the popular demand by their citizens for a federal system to manage diversity and reduce violent conflict,the ruling elites in the post-independent South Sudan adopted instead an autocratic centralized unitary system that contributed among other factors to the persistent violent conflicts,erosion of social cohesion,and rising mistrust between state and citizens and between and among the communities of South Sudan.展开更多
There is a growing recognition of the critical role of security governance in advancing democratic transition in the post-conflict environment.Despite such a recognition,the security sector reform concept has overshad...There is a growing recognition of the critical role of security governance in advancing democratic transition in the post-conflict environment.Despite such a recognition,the security sector reform concept has overshadowed the importance of the overarching strategic role of security governance in transition to democracy,particularly in Africa.This paper assesses the status and challenges facing security governance and how they thwarted the efforts to furthering the democratic transition in South Sudan.The paper shows a deterioration in security,safety and security governance outcomes since the independence of South Sudan in 2011 with such a trend unlikely to be abated in the near future without strategic interventions.Some of the challenges facing security governance in South Sudan include the legacies of some historical events including the“Big Tent Policy”,absence of strategic leadership,lack of overarching policy framework,impractical and tenuous security arrangements in the 2018 peace agreement,persistent postponement of the first elections,and dysfunctional justice sector.The paper provides some strategic and operational recommendations to improve security governance and advance democratic transition in South Sudan.These recommendations include formulation of an inclusive and people-centered national security policy,rigorous judicial reform,and early political agreement on new political infrastructure if conditions for holding the first national elections are not met in 2026.展开更多
BACKGROUND Catatonic syndrome is a mental health issue,as well as a medical,neurological,and toxic condition.There are few published data on catatonic syndrome in African countries and none in Sudan,the third-largest ...BACKGROUND Catatonic syndrome is a mental health issue,as well as a medical,neurological,and toxic condition.There are few published data on catatonic syndrome in African countries and none in Sudan,the third-largest African country.AIM To assess the prevalence and presenting symptoms of catatonic syndrome in an acute psychiatric inpatient population in four governmental psychiatric hospitals in Sudan.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in four psychiatric hospitals in the capital,Khartoum,in Sudan.The data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire tool,which included sociodemographic data(age,sex,educational level,marital status,and residence).Signs and symptoms of catatonic syndrome were assessed using the Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale(BFCRS)and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5)diagnostic criteria.χ^(2) tests were used to compare categorized variables.Multivariate analysis was not performed because none of the variables were found to be different between patients with and without catatonic syndrome.RESULTS Of the 384 patients,50.0%and 49.3%were males and females,respectively,and their median age was 30.0 years.One hundred and sixty-three(42.4%)patients had catatonic syndrome according to the BFCRS criteria.Of these patients,104 fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria,with a 27.1%prevalence of catatonic syndrome.Echopraxia/echolalia(84.5%),mutism(71.2%),posturing/catalepsy(67.3%),and mannerisms(66.3%)were the main manifestations among patients with catatonic syndrome.There was no significant difference in age,sex,marital status,or job between patients with and those without catatonic syndrome.Of the 163 patients with catatonic syndrome,31.3%had bipolar disorder,28.2%had schizophrenia,and 19.6%had major depressive disorder.CONCLUSION Catatonic syndrome is highly prevalent in an acute psychiatric inpatient population in Sudan regardless of age or sex.Echopraxia/echolalia(84.5%)and mutism were the main manifestations among the patients with catatonic syndrome.展开更多
The trajectory of democratic transition in Africa has been marred by optimism in the post-cold war period,but it has taken a new turn in recent years with surge in autocracies and a remarkable resurgence of abrupt unc...The trajectory of democratic transition in Africa has been marred by optimism in the post-cold war period,but it has taken a new turn in recent years with surge in autocracies and a remarkable resurgence of abrupt unconstitutional seizures of power in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa.This is well manifested in the Horn of Africa,as the process of democratic transition has largely retrogressed and stalled at the best,particularly in the case of South Sudan.Despite this bumpy road to democratic transition,there is a dearth of understanding of the drivers stalling democratic transition in South Sudan.This necessitates a better analysis of these drivers and to put South Sudan on a sustainable path toward democratic transition.This paper is an attempt to provide evidence-driven understanding of democratic transitions in South Sudan.The paper adopts a multidisciplinary framework of various theoretical approaches for analyzing the democratic transition in South Sudan.Based on hybrid research methods and a thorough analysis that is grounded on the political economy approach,the paper shows that the path toward democratic transitions in South Sudan has been constrained by a web of intertwined political,economic,and security challenges that inhibit the conduct of the first general elections in the youngest country of South Sudan.Some of these challenges include the fallacy of power-sharing peace agreement,kleptocratic economic governance,and politicized and ethnicitized security sector.As a microcosm of the Horn of Africa,the case study of South Sudan provides some implications and practical recommendations for governing better the democratic transitions in the region.Some of these recommendations include adoption of a realistic and regionally-centered mediation strategy,considering other options beyond power-sharing formula for managing the post-conflict political transitions,considering more credible sunset clause besides the conduct of elections for ending the political transitions,and more involvement of civil society in all phases of peace agreements,particularly the monitoring and oversight mechanisms.展开更多
The study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Third Edition(WPPSI-III)scores in a sample of kindergarten and lower primary pupils from Khartoum S...The study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Third Edition(WPPSI-III)scores in a sample of kindergarten and lower primary pupils from Khartoum State,Sudan.It also aims to examine whether test’s factor structure in this sample replicated that of the original WPPSI-III.The study sample consisted of 384 kindergarten and primary school children in Khartoum State(females=50%mean age=4.14,SD=1.37),selected using stratified random sampling across its seven localities:Khartoum,Jebel Awliya,Khartoum Bahri,East Nile,Omdurman,Ombada,Karari.For concurrent validation,the children additionally completed the Goodenough Draw-a-Man Test,and the Colored Progressive Matrices.WPPSI-III scores demonstrated high internal consistency across the subtest items.Confirmatory factor analysis indicators for total,verbal,and performance intelligence were all excellent.The scale also showed weak to strong score stability ranging from 0.25(weak)to 0.88(strong)based on the Spearman-Brown equation,0.25 to 0.75 based on the Guttman split-half method.The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient scores ranged from 0.54 to 0.93.The WPPSI-III and Goodenough Draw-a-Man Test scores concurrent validity scores were poor(0.05)to modest(0.31),and while those with the Colored Progressive Matrices test were poor(r=0.04–0.18).Thesefindings provide evidence to suggest that the WPPSI-III is appropriate for research use with kindergarten and lower primary school students in Khartoum State,Sudan.展开更多
The paper gives an overview of language planning and policy( LPP) in Sudan. It mainly focuses on language problem in two different periods, namely, the colonial period and the post colonial one. The question of Arabic...The paper gives an overview of language planning and policy( LPP) in Sudan. It mainly focuses on language problem in two different periods, namely, the colonial period and the post colonial one. The question of Arabicization of Education in Sudan is also discussed, followed by a critical conclusion.展开更多
This article focuses on examining entangled factors that complicate the claim over Abyei and have therebyhindered any peaceful settlement of the dispute on the county. Many works of literature that presented the confl...This article focuses on examining entangled factors that complicate the claim over Abyei and have therebyhindered any peaceful settlement of the dispute on the county. Many works of literature that presented the conflictin Abyei as natural resource conflict or identity-driven within a broader picture of conflicts in Sudan are factuallyflawed and poorly explained the nature and causes of the conflict. This paper contends that multiplicity of factorshas reinforced each other, thus these factors in unison created a stalemate and continuing claim over Abyei. Inexamining these interwoven factors, the paper employed a qualitative approach to conduct the study. Both primaryand secondary data sources were used adequately. Various academic pieces of literature, researches, and conferencereports have been used as secondary data sources. Key informant interviews were used to gather primary data totest secondary sources. Hence, the study comes up with three basic findings. First, claim over Abyei has beensustained by the elites’ manipulation of identity for their political and economic goals that hinder peacefulco-existence among communities in Abyei. Second, the competition over resources chiefly oil and locally, pastureand water complicated already fragile and tense relation by alluring national actors that even more protractedconflict on the ground to control these resources. Finally, the double standard in U.S. policy towards Abyei, by andlarge, helps Khartoum to continue its obstruction tactics to maintain the status quo.展开更多
There are abundant proved oil reserves in Sudan and South Sudan,and Chinese companies are looking for petroleum business opportunities in Sudan and South Sudan.There is a bright future for cooperation in oil developme...There are abundant proved oil reserves in Sudan and South Sudan,and Chinese companies are looking for petroleum business opportunities in Sudan and South Sudan.There is a bright future for cooperation in oil development in both Sudan and South Sudan.China,Sudan and South Sudan will continue to benefit from collaboration in petroleum industry.展开更多
Objective:To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths(STHs) among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga,Central Sudan.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,three fresh f...Objective:To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths(STHs) among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga,Central Sudan.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child,which were examined by direct wet mount,brine flotation,formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques.The intensity of each STH infection was expressed as the mean of eggs per gram counts of the three samples.Results:In total,142(90.4%) of 157 children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite.Ascaris lumbricoides,Hymenolepis nana,Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found,with prevalence rates of 32.5%,30.6%,33.1%and 19.7%,respectively.Out of these 157 children,29(18.5%) harboured more than two intestinal parasitic infections.No cases of Schistosoma mansoni or Enterobius vermicularis were identified. Conclusions:The study demonstrates significant burden of intestinal protozoa and STH infections in this part of Sudan and highlights the need for preventive and intervention measures.展开更多
AIM： To assess the frequency and associated risk fac- tors of diabetic retinopathy among Sudanese individuals with diabetes attending Makka Eye complex in Khartoum, Sudan. METHODS： The cross sectional hospital base...AIM： To assess the frequency and associated risk fac- tors of diabetic retinopathy among Sudanese individuals with diabetes attending Makka Eye complex in Khartoum, Sudan. METHODS： The cross sectional hospital based study recruited 316 individuals with diabetes from Makkah Eye Complex Retina Clinic. Standard questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, medical history and life style characteristics. Blood samples were taken to measure HbAlc and lipid profile. Fundus and slit lamp examination were performed for screening of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS： Among 316 participants, 187 （59.2%） were males and 129 （40.8%） were females. The mean age of participants was 58.7＋_10.5y. The overall frequency of retinopathy was 261 （82.6%）. The percentages of the total participants with proliferative diabetic retinopathy （PDR） were 126 （39.9%） and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy （NPDR） were 135 （42.7%）. importantly, duration of diabetes mellitus （DM） （72.2% of more than 10y）, being on oral hypoglycaemic drugs （versus insulin）, and hypertension were all significant risk factors for diabetic retinopathy （P=0.00, 0.01 and 0.00 respectively）. Complications ofdiabetes like diabetic foot （17.7%）, history of amputation （6.7%） and clinically significant macular edema （CSME） （47.4%） of the eyes were all significant risk factors （P〈0.05）. Logistic regression analysis showed that duration of diabetes, hypertension and CSME were found to be absolute risk factors （P=-0.007, 0.003 and 0,000 respectively）. Duration of DM of more than 10y have more than double risk （OR--2.8）, while having hypertension triples the risk of retinopathy （OR=3.1）. CONCLUSION： High rates of diabetic retinopathy are noted among individuals with diabetes attending Makkah Eye hospital in capital Khartoum. Urgent strategies are needed to monitor and treat hypertension and optimize diabetes control in individuals with diabetes. More investment in diabetes services is urgently needed.展开更多
Purpose: This study was conducted to audit prophylactic antibiotic use and to quantify the rate of wound infection. Methods: Across-sectional prospective study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department...Purpose: This study was conducted to audit prophylactic antibiotic use and to quantify the rate of wound infection. Methods: Across-sectional prospective study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan during March 1st to 31st October 2010. All Patients (aged >18 years) were included. Results: Overall 725 patients were included. The performed surgical procedures were 751;of these 578 (76.9%) were Caesarean sections. Overall rate of wound infection was 7.8%. The rate of wound infection among patients operated on for caesarean section and abdominal hysterectomy was 8.3%, and 9.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2 OR 2.1, 95% CI (1.1 - 4.0), (P = 0.019) was the major independent risk factor for occurrence of wound infection. Evaluation of prescriptions’ parameters against the stated criteria showed that 113 (15.8%) patients were given antibiotics with adequate spectrum of activity, 611 (85.3%) given sub-dose/s, 83 (11.6%) received the first preoperative dose/s in a proper time window, and 716 (100%) had prophylaxis for extended duration. Overall conformity to the stated criteria for the evaluation of prescription’s parameters was not achieved in all prescriptions. Conclusions: In this setting, antibiotics were irrationally used and wound infection rate was high, and the situation calls for multiple interventions to correct the situation, through the activation of the infection control committee in the hospital and development of antimicrobial subcommittee to develop policies for the use and auditing of prophylactic antibiotics.展开更多
Acacia senegal, the gum arabic producing tree, is the most important tree species for the livelihood of the people in South Kordofan State, Sudan. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum tapping date ...Acacia senegal, the gum arabic producing tree, is the most important tree species for the livelihood of the people in South Kordofan State, Sudan. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum tapping date for gum arabic production in the study area. A randomized complete block design experiment with three replications was conducted at （Mead） area for two continuous growing seasons 2008/2009 - 2009/2010. The treatments comprised six tapping dates （1 Oct, 15 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov, 1 Dec, and 15 Dec）. Results ishowed highly significant differences （p 〈 0.001） in gum arabic yield （g／tree） in all pickings and in the total gum yield between the tapping dates. The results also showed that tapping of trees on 15 October and 1 November gave a higher yield compared to the other dates. The highest gum yield of 1086.6 and 661.2 g/tree was recorded on 15 October and 15 November, while the lowest gum yield of 297.9 g/tree was recorded when the trees were tapped on 1 October. The two highest-yield dates of tapping （15 Oct and 1 Nov） are recommended as the best time for tapping for gum arabic production in South Kordofan State. These results can be used to increase gum arabic production and farmer income in South Kordofan State.展开更多
Pot experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Biological Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria, during the 2013 dry season. The main objective of this research was to determi...Pot experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Biological Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria, during the 2013 dry season. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of water stress and variety on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) at Sokoto. The treatment consisted of water stress at three growth stages (Tillering, flowering, Grain filling) and unstress (control) and three rice varieties (FARO 44, NERICA 2 and FARO 15) laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) replicated three times. The result indicated that water stress significantly (P < 0.05) resulted to decreased in plant height, number of leaves per plant, total biomass, harvest index and grain yield. The results indicated significant (P < 0.05) differences among genotypes. Faro 44 differed significant from in plant height, number of leaves per plant, total biomass, harvest index and grain yield. FARO 44 differed significantly from NERICA 2 and FARO 15 at all the parameters under study. Water is very vital as far as rice production is concern should be applied at every stage of rice production. FARO 44 is recommended for the area for higher yield.展开更多
Twenty-six soil samples were collected from five soil profiles at different climatological and ecological regions in central Sudan. Soil profile was dug in each studied area and morphological profile description was c...Twenty-six soil samples were collected from five soil profiles at different climatological and ecological regions in central Sudan. Soil profile was dug in each studied area and morphological profile description was carried out for different horizons. All samples were analyzed using two different methods to determine Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Statistical analysis (T-test) was used in order to investigate the differences between soil samples for the studied locations. Significant differences appeared when compared the two methods for CEC determination at Gedaref area, Wad Medani and Nile flood plain and that appeared in evaluation of ESP at Nile flood plain and Shambat area. The results also revealed that, the developed method used in this study was more practical, simple and reliable for determination of CEC and ESP as the currently used in most soil laboratories. In addition, it will be safer than the other methods in some problematic soils. The adoption of this developed method is advisable because it is less time consuming as it omits the washing step. In contrast, the old method cannot be a good substitute in laboratories which have no possibility to determine sodium by using flame photometer. We conclude that when the developed method is used to determine CEC and ESP time will be saved, that fewer amounts of chemicals will be used and that accurate results will be achieved.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the levels of serum Cortisol in patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) malaria in an area of unstable malaria transmission in eastern Sudan. Methods:The concentrations...Objective:To investigate the levels of serum Cortisol in patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) malaria in an area of unstable malaria transmission in eastern Sudan. Methods:The concentrations of Cortisol were measured in sera of 25 patients with uncomplicated P.fylciparum malaria(at presentation,24 h and 7 d later) and 25 healthy volunteers using radioimmunoassay gamma counter.Results:There was no significant difference in mean(SD) of total Cortisol levels in patients with malaria in comparison with the control group;602.2(369.6) vs. 449.2(311.7) ng/mL,P=0.12.In patients with uncomplicated P.falciparum malaria,the mean(SD) presenting Cortisol levels were significantly higher in comparison to the levels on day 7;602.2 (369.6) vs.373.6(139.1) ng/mL,P=0.009.In the patients with uncomplicated P.falciparum malaria (on presentation) Cortisol levels were not correlated with initial temperature or the presenting parasitaemia.Conclusions:Thus,Cortisol levels were not significantly different between the patients and the controls.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological factors of tubereulosis(TB)in eastern Sudan.Methods:The socio-demographic and clinical data was retrieved from the database at Kassala hospital during the year of 2011.The ...Objective:To investigate the epidemiological factors of tubereulosis(TB)in eastern Sudan.Methods:The socio-demographic and clinical data was retrieved from the database at Kassala hospital during the year of 2011.The medical file of consequent patients who was discharged from the same ward in the hospital was reviewed to act as control for the TB patients.Results:A total of 670 patients were registered at Kassala hospital with clinical,laboratory and radiological evidence proven TB.Pulmonary TB accounted for 73.4%while extra-pulmonary TB was reported in 26.6%of all TB patients.The mean age(SD)was not significantly different between the cases and controls(670 in each arm).TB patients were those who had less education,and the infection more likely common among male patients.Conclusions:Intervention from outside the health field in particular awareness of associated risk factors and improvement of the educational level potentially will strengthen TB control.展开更多
This study aimed to conduct measurement uncertainty assessment of a new method for determination of Sudan colorants（Sudan Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ） in food by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Samples were ex...This study aimed to conduct measurement uncertainty assessment of a new method for determination of Sudan colorants（Sudan Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ） in food by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Samples were extracted with organic solvents（hexane, 20% acetone） and first purified by magnesium trisilicate（2Mg O·3Si O2）. The Sudan colorants（Sudan Ⅰ–Ⅳ） were also initially separated on C8 by gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1%（v/v） formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phases and detected with diode-array detector（DAD）. The uncertainty of mathematical model of Sudan Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ is based on EURACHEM guidelines. The sources and components of uncertainty were calculated. The experiment gave a good linear relationship over the concentration from 0.4 to 4.0 μg/m L and spiked recoveries were from 74.0% to 97.5%. The limits of determination（LOD） were 48, 61, 36, 58 μg/kg for the four analytes, respectively. The total uncertainty of Sudan colorants（Sudan Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ） was 810±30.8, 790±28.4, 750±27.0, 730±50.0 μg/kg, respectively. The recovery uncertainty was the most significant factor contributing to the total uncertainty. The developed method is simple, rapid, and highly sensitive. It can be used for the determination of trace Sudan dyes in food samples. The sources of uncertainty have been identified and uncertainty components have been simplified and considered.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND The impact of mental health,including anxiety,on academic performance has been studied in several countries,but few data exist for Sudan.AIM To investigate the correlation between anxiety scores and academic performance among adolescent schoolchildren in Northern Sudan.METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out during the 2021–2022 academic year among schoolchildren from randomly selected schools in Almatamah locality,River Nile State,Northern Sudan.A questionnaire was used to collect the parti-cipants’sociodemographic data.Anxiety levels were assessed using the ques-tionnaire tools of the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale.Students’academic performance scores were obtained from school records.Multivariate linear regression was performed.RESULTS A total of 328 students participated in this study,comprising 156 boys(47.6%)and 172 girls(52.4%).The median[interquartile range(IQR)]age of the students was 14.9 years(13.9–15.6 years).The median(IQR)of the students’academic scores was 27.6%(22.2%–48.1%).The median(IQR)of the students’anxiety scores was 0(0–3).In univariate linear analysis,anxiety scores were positively associated with academic performance scores(coefficient=1.19,P value<0.001).In multivariate linear analysis,after controlling for age,sex,parental education,occupation,and body mass index-Z-score,anxiety scores were positively associated with academic performance scores(coefficient=0.60,P value<0.001).CONCLUSION The current study revealed a positive correlation between anxiety scores and students’academic performance scores.However,the association between mental health disorders,including anxiety,and academic performance is a complex issue.Therefore,further studies are recommended.
文摘The relation between conflict and governance has been dominated by type of government rather than by system of government.With increasing conflict in countries with ethnic and religious diversity,the debate has gradually shifted to understand better the link between conflict and system of government.There is a growing evidence that suggests federal system performs better than unitary system in managing diversity and reducing conflict.Decentralization is even seen to be more effective than federal system not only in managing diversity and reducing conflict but also in delivering public goods.This article provides an account of evolution of system of government in South Sudan.It finds a clear association of centralized unitary system with violent conflict and a relative peace during period of decentralized government or federal system.A decentralized federal system may be appropriate for South Sudan in managing diversity and mitigating conflict.Despite the popular demand by their citizens for a federal system to manage diversity and reduce violent conflict,the ruling elites in the post-independent South Sudan adopted instead an autocratic centralized unitary system that contributed among other factors to the persistent violent conflicts,erosion of social cohesion,and rising mistrust between state and citizens and between and among the communities of South Sudan.
文摘There is a growing recognition of the critical role of security governance in advancing democratic transition in the post-conflict environment.Despite such a recognition,the security sector reform concept has overshadowed the importance of the overarching strategic role of security governance in transition to democracy,particularly in Africa.This paper assesses the status and challenges facing security governance and how they thwarted the efforts to furthering the democratic transition in South Sudan.The paper shows a deterioration in security,safety and security governance outcomes since the independence of South Sudan in 2011 with such a trend unlikely to be abated in the near future without strategic interventions.Some of the challenges facing security governance in South Sudan include the legacies of some historical events including the“Big Tent Policy”,absence of strategic leadership,lack of overarching policy framework,impractical and tenuous security arrangements in the 2018 peace agreement,persistent postponement of the first elections,and dysfunctional justice sector.The paper provides some strategic and operational recommendations to improve security governance and advance democratic transition in South Sudan.These recommendations include formulation of an inclusive and people-centered national security policy,rigorous judicial reform,and early political agreement on new political infrastructure if conditions for holding the first national elections are not met in 2026.
基金Supported by The Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Qassim University,No.QU-APC-2025.
文摘BACKGROUND Catatonic syndrome is a mental health issue,as well as a medical,neurological,and toxic condition.There are few published data on catatonic syndrome in African countries and none in Sudan,the third-largest African country.AIM To assess the prevalence and presenting symptoms of catatonic syndrome in an acute psychiatric inpatient population in four governmental psychiatric hospitals in Sudan.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in four psychiatric hospitals in the capital,Khartoum,in Sudan.The data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire tool,which included sociodemographic data(age,sex,educational level,marital status,and residence).Signs and symptoms of catatonic syndrome were assessed using the Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale(BFCRS)and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5)diagnostic criteria.χ^(2) tests were used to compare categorized variables.Multivariate analysis was not performed because none of the variables were found to be different between patients with and without catatonic syndrome.RESULTS Of the 384 patients,50.0%and 49.3%were males and females,respectively,and their median age was 30.0 years.One hundred and sixty-three(42.4%)patients had catatonic syndrome according to the BFCRS criteria.Of these patients,104 fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria,with a 27.1%prevalence of catatonic syndrome.Echopraxia/echolalia(84.5%),mutism(71.2%),posturing/catalepsy(67.3%),and mannerisms(66.3%)were the main manifestations among patients with catatonic syndrome.There was no significant difference in age,sex,marital status,or job between patients with and those without catatonic syndrome.Of the 163 patients with catatonic syndrome,31.3%had bipolar disorder,28.2%had schizophrenia,and 19.6%had major depressive disorder.CONCLUSION Catatonic syndrome is highly prevalent in an acute psychiatric inpatient population in Sudan regardless of age or sex.Echopraxia/echolalia(84.5%)and mutism were the main manifestations among the patients with catatonic syndrome.
基金This paper is largely based on the chapter entitled“Governing Political Transition in South Sudan:The Anatomy of Elusive Quest for Democratic Transition”prepared for the Good Governance Africa-Horn of Africa(GGA-HARO)for a Book Project Entitled Governing Political Transitions in the Horn of Africa.
文摘The trajectory of democratic transition in Africa has been marred by optimism in the post-cold war period,but it has taken a new turn in recent years with surge in autocracies and a remarkable resurgence of abrupt unconstitutional seizures of power in recent years in sub-Saharan Africa.This is well manifested in the Horn of Africa,as the process of democratic transition has largely retrogressed and stalled at the best,particularly in the case of South Sudan.Despite this bumpy road to democratic transition,there is a dearth of understanding of the drivers stalling democratic transition in South Sudan.This necessitates a better analysis of these drivers and to put South Sudan on a sustainable path toward democratic transition.This paper is an attempt to provide evidence-driven understanding of democratic transitions in South Sudan.The paper adopts a multidisciplinary framework of various theoretical approaches for analyzing the democratic transition in South Sudan.Based on hybrid research methods and a thorough analysis that is grounded on the political economy approach,the paper shows that the path toward democratic transitions in South Sudan has been constrained by a web of intertwined political,economic,and security challenges that inhibit the conduct of the first general elections in the youngest country of South Sudan.Some of these challenges include the fallacy of power-sharing peace agreement,kleptocratic economic governance,and politicized and ethnicitized security sector.As a microcosm of the Horn of Africa,the case study of South Sudan provides some implications and practical recommendations for governing better the democratic transitions in the region.Some of these recommendations include adoption of a realistic and regionally-centered mediation strategy,considering other options beyond power-sharing formula for managing the post-conflict political transitions,considering more credible sunset clause besides the conduct of elections for ending the political transitions,and more involvement of civil society in all phases of peace agreements,particularly the monitoring and oversight mechanisms.
基金The authors extend their appreciation to the Ongoing Research Funding Program,number(ORF2025R705),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia,for funding this work.
文摘The study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence–Third Edition(WPPSI-III)scores in a sample of kindergarten and lower primary pupils from Khartoum State,Sudan.It also aims to examine whether test’s factor structure in this sample replicated that of the original WPPSI-III.The study sample consisted of 384 kindergarten and primary school children in Khartoum State(females=50%mean age=4.14,SD=1.37),selected using stratified random sampling across its seven localities:Khartoum,Jebel Awliya,Khartoum Bahri,East Nile,Omdurman,Ombada,Karari.For concurrent validation,the children additionally completed the Goodenough Draw-a-Man Test,and the Colored Progressive Matrices.WPPSI-III scores demonstrated high internal consistency across the subtest items.Confirmatory factor analysis indicators for total,verbal,and performance intelligence were all excellent.The scale also showed weak to strong score stability ranging from 0.25(weak)to 0.88(strong)based on the Spearman-Brown equation,0.25 to 0.75 based on the Guttman split-half method.The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient scores ranged from 0.54 to 0.93.The WPPSI-III and Goodenough Draw-a-Man Test scores concurrent validity scores were poor(0.05)to modest(0.31),and while those with the Colored Progressive Matrices test were poor(r=0.04–0.18).Thesefindings provide evidence to suggest that the WPPSI-III is appropriate for research use with kindergarten and lower primary school students in Khartoum State,Sudan.
文摘The paper gives an overview of language planning and policy( LPP) in Sudan. It mainly focuses on language problem in two different periods, namely, the colonial period and the post colonial one. The question of Arabicization of Education in Sudan is also discussed, followed by a critical conclusion.
文摘This article focuses on examining entangled factors that complicate the claim over Abyei and have therebyhindered any peaceful settlement of the dispute on the county. Many works of literature that presented the conflictin Abyei as natural resource conflict or identity-driven within a broader picture of conflicts in Sudan are factuallyflawed and poorly explained the nature and causes of the conflict. This paper contends that multiplicity of factorshas reinforced each other, thus these factors in unison created a stalemate and continuing claim over Abyei. Inexamining these interwoven factors, the paper employed a qualitative approach to conduct the study. Both primaryand secondary data sources were used adequately. Various academic pieces of literature, researches, and conferencereports have been used as secondary data sources. Key informant interviews were used to gather primary data totest secondary sources. Hence, the study comes up with three basic findings. First, claim over Abyei has beensustained by the elites’ manipulation of identity for their political and economic goals that hinder peacefulco-existence among communities in Abyei. Second, the competition over resources chiefly oil and locally, pastureand water complicated already fragile and tense relation by alluring national actors that even more protractedconflict on the ground to control these resources. Finally, the double standard in U.S. policy towards Abyei, by andlarge, helps Khartoum to continue its obstruction tactics to maintain the status quo.
文摘There are abundant proved oil reserves in Sudan and South Sudan,and Chinese companies are looking for petroleum business opportunities in Sudan and South Sudan.There is a bright future for cooperation in oil development in both Sudan and South Sudan.China,Sudan and South Sudan will continue to benefit from collaboration in petroleum industry.
文摘Objective:To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and soil-transmitted helminths(STHs) among primary schoolchildren in El dhayga,Central Sudan.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,three fresh faecal samples were collected from each child,which were examined by direct wet mount,brine flotation,formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques.The intensity of each STH infection was expressed as the mean of eggs per gram counts of the three samples.Results:In total,142(90.4%) of 157 children harboured at least one type of intestinal parasite.Ascaris lumbricoides,Hymenolepis nana,Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the most common parasites found,with prevalence rates of 32.5%,30.6%,33.1%and 19.7%,respectively.Out of these 157 children,29(18.5%) harboured more than two intestinal parasitic infections.No cases of Schistosoma mansoni or Enterobius vermicularis were identified. Conclusions:The study demonstrates significant burden of intestinal protozoa and STH infections in this part of Sudan and highlights the need for preventive and intervention measures.
基金Supported by Makkah Eye Hospital and Health Insurance Corporation,Khartoum State(HIKS)
文摘AIM： To assess the frequency and associated risk fac- tors of diabetic retinopathy among Sudanese individuals with diabetes attending Makka Eye complex in Khartoum, Sudan. METHODS： The cross sectional hospital based study recruited 316 individuals with diabetes from Makkah Eye Complex Retina Clinic. Standard questionnaire was used to collect demographic data, medical history and life style characteristics. Blood samples were taken to measure HbAlc and lipid profile. Fundus and slit lamp examination were performed for screening of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS： Among 316 participants, 187 （59.2%） were males and 129 （40.8%） were females. The mean age of participants was 58.7＋_10.5y. The overall frequency of retinopathy was 261 （82.6%）. The percentages of the total participants with proliferative diabetic retinopathy （PDR） were 126 （39.9%） and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy （NPDR） were 135 （42.7%）. importantly, duration of diabetes mellitus （DM） （72.2% of more than 10y）, being on oral hypoglycaemic drugs （versus insulin）, and hypertension were all significant risk factors for diabetic retinopathy （P=0.00, 0.01 and 0.00 respectively）. Complications ofdiabetes like diabetic foot （17.7%）, history of amputation （6.7%） and clinically significant macular edema （CSME） （47.4%） of the eyes were all significant risk factors （P〈0.05）. Logistic regression analysis showed that duration of diabetes, hypertension and CSME were found to be absolute risk factors （P=-0.007, 0.003 and 0,000 respectively）. Duration of DM of more than 10y have more than double risk （OR--2.8）, while having hypertension triples the risk of retinopathy （OR=3.1）. CONCLUSION： High rates of diabetic retinopathy are noted among individuals with diabetes attending Makkah Eye hospital in capital Khartoum. Urgent strategies are needed to monitor and treat hypertension and optimize diabetes control in individuals with diabetes. More investment in diabetes services is urgently needed.
文摘Purpose: This study was conducted to audit prophylactic antibiotic use and to quantify the rate of wound infection. Methods: Across-sectional prospective study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Khartoum Teaching Hospital, Sudan during March 1st to 31st October 2010. All Patients (aged >18 years) were included. Results: Overall 725 patients were included. The performed surgical procedures were 751;of these 578 (76.9%) were Caesarean sections. Overall rate of wound infection was 7.8%. The rate of wound infection among patients operated on for caesarean section and abdominal hysterectomy was 8.3%, and 9.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2 OR 2.1, 95% CI (1.1 - 4.0), (P = 0.019) was the major independent risk factor for occurrence of wound infection. Evaluation of prescriptions’ parameters against the stated criteria showed that 113 (15.8%) patients were given antibiotics with adequate spectrum of activity, 611 (85.3%) given sub-dose/s, 83 (11.6%) received the first preoperative dose/s in a proper time window, and 716 (100%) had prophylaxis for extended duration. Overall conformity to the stated criteria for the evaluation of prescription’s parameters was not achieved in all prescriptions. Conclusions: In this setting, antibiotics were irrationally used and wound infection rate was high, and the situation calls for multiple interventions to correct the situation, through the activation of the infection control committee in the hospital and development of antimicrobial subcommittee to develop policies for the use and auditing of prophylactic antibiotics.
文摘Acacia senegal, the gum arabic producing tree, is the most important tree species for the livelihood of the people in South Kordofan State, Sudan. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum tapping date for gum arabic production in the study area. A randomized complete block design experiment with three replications was conducted at （Mead） area for two continuous growing seasons 2008/2009 - 2009/2010. The treatments comprised six tapping dates （1 Oct, 15 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov, 1 Dec, and 15 Dec）. Results ishowed highly significant differences （p 〈 0.001） in gum arabic yield （g／tree） in all pickings and in the total gum yield between the tapping dates. The results also showed that tapping of trees on 15 October and 1 November gave a higher yield compared to the other dates. The highest gum yield of 1086.6 and 661.2 g/tree was recorded on 15 October and 15 November, while the lowest gum yield of 297.9 g/tree was recorded when the trees were tapped on 1 October. The two highest-yield dates of tapping （15 Oct and 1 Nov） are recommended as the best time for tapping for gum arabic production in South Kordofan State. These results can be used to increase gum arabic production and farmer income in South Kordofan State.
文摘Pot experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Biological Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Nigeria, during the 2013 dry season. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of water stress and variety on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) at Sokoto. The treatment consisted of water stress at three growth stages (Tillering, flowering, Grain filling) and unstress (control) and three rice varieties (FARO 44, NERICA 2 and FARO 15) laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) replicated three times. The result indicated that water stress significantly (P < 0.05) resulted to decreased in plant height, number of leaves per plant, total biomass, harvest index and grain yield. The results indicated significant (P < 0.05) differences among genotypes. Faro 44 differed significant from in plant height, number of leaves per plant, total biomass, harvest index and grain yield. FARO 44 differed significantly from NERICA 2 and FARO 15 at all the parameters under study. Water is very vital as far as rice production is concern should be applied at every stage of rice production. FARO 44 is recommended for the area for higher yield.
文摘Twenty-six soil samples were collected from five soil profiles at different climatological and ecological regions in central Sudan. Soil profile was dug in each studied area and morphological profile description was carried out for different horizons. All samples were analyzed using two different methods to determine Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). Statistical analysis (T-test) was used in order to investigate the differences between soil samples for the studied locations. Significant differences appeared when compared the two methods for CEC determination at Gedaref area, Wad Medani and Nile flood plain and that appeared in evaluation of ESP at Nile flood plain and Shambat area. The results also revealed that, the developed method used in this study was more practical, simple and reliable for determination of CEC and ESP as the currently used in most soil laboratories. In addition, it will be safer than the other methods in some problematic soils. The adoption of this developed method is advisable because it is less time consuming as it omits the washing step. In contrast, the old method cannot be a good substitute in laboratories which have no possibility to determine sodium by using flame photometer. We conclude that when the developed method is used to determine CEC and ESP time will be saved, that fewer amounts of chemicals will be used and that accurate results will be achieved.
文摘Objective:To investigate the levels of serum Cortisol in patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum(P.falciparum) malaria in an area of unstable malaria transmission in eastern Sudan. Methods:The concentrations of Cortisol were measured in sera of 25 patients with uncomplicated P.fylciparum malaria(at presentation,24 h and 7 d later) and 25 healthy volunteers using radioimmunoassay gamma counter.Results:There was no significant difference in mean(SD) of total Cortisol levels in patients with malaria in comparison with the control group;602.2(369.6) vs. 449.2(311.7) ng/mL,P=0.12.In patients with uncomplicated P.falciparum malaria,the mean(SD) presenting Cortisol levels were significantly higher in comparison to the levels on day 7;602.2 (369.6) vs.373.6(139.1) ng/mL,P=0.009.In the patients with uncomplicated P.falciparum malaria (on presentation) Cortisol levels were not correlated with initial temperature or the presenting parasitaemia.Conclusions:Thus,Cortisol levels were not significantly different between the patients and the controls.
文摘Objective:To investigate the epidemiological factors of tubereulosis(TB)in eastern Sudan.Methods:The socio-demographic and clinical data was retrieved from the database at Kassala hospital during the year of 2011.The medical file of consequent patients who was discharged from the same ward in the hospital was reviewed to act as control for the TB patients.Results:A total of 670 patients were registered at Kassala hospital with clinical,laboratory and radiological evidence proven TB.Pulmonary TB accounted for 73.4%while extra-pulmonary TB was reported in 26.6%of all TB patients.The mean age(SD)was not significantly different between the cases and controls(670 in each arm).TB patients were those who had less education,and the infection more likely common among male patients.Conclusions:Intervention from outside the health field in particular awareness of associated risk factors and improvement of the educational level potentially will strengthen TB control.
基金supported by grants from Non-profit Projects of Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China(No.201309044)the Foundation for Excellent Young Talents of Hubei Center for Disease Control and Prevention,and the Foundation for Medical Leading Personnel of Hubei Province
文摘This study aimed to conduct measurement uncertainty assessment of a new method for determination of Sudan colorants（Sudan Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ） in food by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Samples were extracted with organic solvents（hexane, 20% acetone） and first purified by magnesium trisilicate（2Mg O·3Si O2）. The Sudan colorants（Sudan Ⅰ–Ⅳ） were also initially separated on C8 by gradient elution using acetonitrile and 0.1%（v/v） formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phases and detected with diode-array detector（DAD）. The uncertainty of mathematical model of Sudan Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ is based on EURACHEM guidelines. The sources and components of uncertainty were calculated. The experiment gave a good linear relationship over the concentration from 0.4 to 4.0 μg/m L and spiked recoveries were from 74.0% to 97.5%. The limits of determination（LOD） were 48, 61, 36, 58 μg/kg for the four analytes, respectively. The total uncertainty of Sudan colorants（Sudan Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ） was 810±30.8, 790±28.4, 750±27.0, 730±50.0 μg/kg, respectively. The recovery uncertainty was the most significant factor contributing to the total uncertainty. The developed method is simple, rapid, and highly sensitive. It can be used for the determination of trace Sudan dyes in food samples. The sources of uncertainty have been identified and uncertainty components have been simplified and considered.
