The productivity of Arabica coffee in the Gayo Highlands, Aceh, Indonesia is far below its potential because of climate change and inadequate agricultural practices. To develop a strategy on sustainable coffee yield and improvements of smallholder farming systems, we investigated coffee productivity in three classes of shade densities and three classes of total management intensities index (TMI) along six altitude gradients (1,000–1,600 m above sea level) over 234 farmers’ plots. Coffee productivity was significantly affected by altitude, shade density, and TMI. Our results showed a stronger positive altitudinal effect with coffee productivity in middle and higher altitudes than in lower altitudes and were related to shade density and TMI. Increasing elevation of coffee plantation from lower to middle altitudes and shade from low to medium density increased in coffee productivity but further increase to higher altitude seemed to depress coffee productivity. Increasing TMI positively increased coffee productivity across altitudes. Shade density and TMI played significant roles in coffee productivity in lower altitudes; therefore, coffee farmers have to increase the shade to medium or higher density and at the same time improve plantation management to medium or high TMI.

Based on the recognition that the sudden onset of disability with attendant, often prolonged hospitalization can compromise family integrity, mobilize anxieties in all family members, and lead to major role changes within a given family structure, this paper describes specific techniques designed to minimize family crisis secondary to the disability of a parent through the preparation of the children to understand parental disability within the limits of the child's readiness and to help the child master his feelings about these life events. Methods include the use of "special stories," creative play, and active involvement of the child with the handicapped parent in the rehabilitation process.

No abstract

The climate change and adaptation strategies for Arabica coffee farmers in Central Aceh Regency; the research that discuss the impact of climate change on Arabica coffee farming and how is the adaptation strategies of Arabica coffee farmers in Central Aceh Regency. The method used in sampling techniques is simple random sampling with 40 people were sampled. The analytical tool is a questionnaire given to arabica coffee farmers involved in coffee farming. From the results obtained, there are three categories of adaptation strategies undertaken by farmers in overcoming or mitigating the risk of impacts from climate change. These strategies include making rorak (dead-end trenches), planting shade plants and conducting water conservation. The study showed that the farmers was made the rorak manually by digging a 3 x 1 meter width and with 20-50 cm height, then the rorak excavation soil was used as a mound of soil that serves to hold water. The percentage of shade plant grown by coffee farmers in Central Aceh Regency are: lamtoro (65%), avocado (65%), kopyor orange (65%), jackfruit (47.5%), gayo tangerine (52.2%), banana (55%), durian (52.5%), mahogany (60%) and sengon (62.5%). Water conservation carried out by coffee farmers in Central Aceh Regency is by making infiltration wells that functioned as groundwater reserves in long droughts. As much as 66.5% of Coffee farmers in Aceh Tengah Regency experience the symptoms of climate change.

Blood lead (PbB) levels were determined in children living in Campania (in Naples and in a rural zone in the district of Caserta). Atmospheric lead (PbA) concentration in these considered areas was monitored for 1 yr (1993-1994). The children tested were questioned about common sources of lead, other than atmospheric, relating to their living and dietary habits. The PbB levels in children living in Naples were, at the 50th percentile, 13.8 micrograms/dl in males and 13.7 micrograms/dl in females; in children living in the rural area the median PbB levels were 8.9 micrograms/dl in males and and 8.8 micrograms/dl in females. The annual mean values of atmospheric lead were 1.15 +/- 0.24 micrograms/m3 in Naples and 0.23 +/- 0.07 micrograms/m3 in the rural area. Significant and congruent mean differences between urban and rural sites were found in children's blood and concurrent air lead. Considering the PbB level of 10 micrograms/dl as the maximum level that is not associated any known adverse effect in children, the Neapolitan group can be considered at risk of chronic intoxication by lead.