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The growing animal welfare concerns regarding poultry production have led to the rearing of slow-growing meat type chickens also known as free-range chickens. In Zimbabwe these slow-growing chickens are gaining popularity as an alternative to the commercial broiler chickens owing to their preferred sensory attributes comparatively. Little is known regarding the quality of the meat versus that of the conventional broilers. We evaluated the physical characteristics and nutritional composition of meat from dual purpose slow-growing hybrids, Sasso C431 and TR51 in comparison with the commercial broiler breed Ross 308, under intensive feeding conditions. Birds were fed the standard commercial chicken feed produced by Hamara, a local chicken and chicken feed producing company. Birds were slaughtered on days 42, 56 and 70 of life where carcass and breast yield were measured. The pH, drip loss and cooking losses were determined for all carcasses. Proximate composition (dry matter, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate) and mineral composition (iron, zinc and phosphorus) were determined for all the meat samples. The fast-growing broiler breed had a higher breast yield; than the slower-growing breeds, Sasso C431 and TR51 breeds (P

The presence of harmful chemicals in water is a major problem in many regions worldwide. This study aimed to develop a nanocomposite of carbonised-chili and nanoparticles to remove nickel ions (Ni(II)), methylene blue (MB) and paracetamol (PARA) from water. The material was characterised by TEM, FTIR, XRD and TGA. The uptake for PARA and MB was endothermic with capacities of 39.98 and 44.31 mg/g at pH value 7, while that of Ni(II) was exothermic at 56.06 mg/g at pH value 5. The data were described by the Freundlich and PSO models. The reusability was tested up to four cycles. In conclusion, a low-cost nanocomposite adsorbent developed from chili carbon/Fe3O4 exhibited excellent adsorption capacity for various pollutants, indicating the versatility and potential of the material for water treatment.

Lors du confinement qui était dû au coronavirus, l’Unesco et l’Unicef avaient organisé et soutenu plusieurs initiatives afin de s’occuper des élèves en considération de la fermeture des écoles y relative. Parmi ces initiatives, il y avait l' « école à la radio » qui était un programme d’enseignement à distance initié par le Ministère de l’Enseignement Primaire, Secondaire et Technique (EPST), de la République Démocratique du Congo, en collaboration avec l’UNICEF et avec certains médias dont la Radio Okapi. Pendant que les émissions "Okapi école" et "école à la radio" étaient diffusées sur les ondes des radios Okapi et sur d’autres médias, il n’était pas exclu de voir les élèves, se promener inutilement ou jouer au football, au quartier Badara II, dans la commune de la Nsele. De même, il y avait des enfants qui, pendant ce temps, s’adonnaient à la pratique de petits métiers dans les rues. Devant ce constat heureux de la mise en œuvre de "l’Ecole à la Radio" et "d’Okapi école", il importe de se poser cette question : quel est l’impact de ‘l’école à la radio’ sur l’instruction des élèves ? Face à cette préoccupation, nous avons formulé l’hypothèse selon laquelle ‘l’école à la radio’ aurait un impact positif important sur l’instruction des élèves pendant le confinement dû au coronavirus. Pour vérifier notre hypothèse, nous avons utilisé la méthode d’enquête avec questionnaire. La technique statistique de pourcentage nous a permis de traiter et d’interpréter les données. A l’aide de l’échantillon occasionnel de 100 élèves des humanités, nous sommes arrivés aux résultats qui, après vérification ont infirmé notre hypothèse de départ.

We investigated intra-host genetic evolution using two SARS-CoV-2 isolates from a fully vaccinated (primary schedule x2 doses of AstraZeneca plus a booster of Pfizer), >70-year-old woman with a history of lymphoma and hypertension who presented a SARS-CoV-2 infection for 3 weeks prior to death due to COVID-19. Two full genome sequences were determined from samples taken 13 days apart with both belonging to Pango lineage FL.2: the first detection of this Omicron sub-variant in Botswana. FL.2 is a sub-lineage of XBB.1.9.1. The repertoire of mutations and minority variants in the Spike protein differed between the two time points. Notably, we also observed deletions within the ORF1a and Membrane proteins; both regions are associated with high T-cell epitope density. The internal milieu of immune-suppressed individuals may accelerate SARS-CoV-2 evolution; hence, close monitoring is warranted.

Potable water availability has been drastically reduced because of the indiscriminate discharge of pharmaceuticals into rivers and surrounding areas. Polluted water disrupts aquatic life and affects human health. This study investigated the potential of using NaOH-activated maize cobs for removing Ibuprofen (IBP) from a synthetic solution. The sorption capacity of the base-treated maize cob (BMC) and untreated maize cob (UMC) was compared. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted using several parameters, including a range of pH values (2–10), contact time (1–100 min), initial concentration (15–60 mg/L) and temperatures (25–65 °C). Ibuprofen's highest sorption capacity (44.92 mg/g) was obtained with BMC at pH 8.0, whilst the adsorption by UMC was 41.81 mg/g at pH 7.99. The sorption trend by both BMC and UMC indicated that the uptake of Ibuprofen increased at initial concentrations of 34.77 and 28.66 mg/g, respectively. The non-linear form of the Freundlich isotherm model best fits with the experimental results, describing the favorability of chemical interactions between IBP and both adsorbents. The removal time was fast, and the adsorption kinetics was based mainly on the pseudo-first-order model with capacities of 45.96 mg/g for BMC and 42.30 mg/g for UMC. The negative ∆Go and ∆H° values proved that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic, with maximum capacities of 44.07 and 40.33 mg/g obtained at 25 ℃ by BMC and UMC, respectively. The chemically treated BMC showed better sorption than the UMC. Batch studies showed that the overall maximum sorption capacities were 91.07% and 90.67% for BMC and UMC respectively. This research showed that maize cobs can be used as an adsorbent for removing Ibuprofen from solutions.

Environmental pollution is a significant problem and is increasing gradually as more and more harmful pollutants are being released into water bodies and the environment. Water pollutants are dangerous and pose a threat to all living organisms and the ecosystem. Paper waste is one of the most widespread and largest wastes in the world. This research aims to address two important problems simultaneously: the reduction in solid waste in the environment using activated carbon from paper waste as potential adsorbents and the removal of harmful contaminants from water. Carbon from paper waste was activated with H2O2, HNO3, and KMnO4 for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and MB. SEM, EDX, FTIR, Raman, and BET were used to determine the properties of the materials. The surface morphology of the materials consisted of amorphous particles. EDX shows that all activated samples have a higher content of (O) than carbon paper waste. Adsorption studies showed that there was a stronger interaction between the pollutants and the adsorbent at a higher initial concentration (200 mg/L) than at the lower initial concentrations. The contact time data show that uptake increases when the interaction time between the contaminant and the adsorbent is increased. The tests for the pH of the solution show that the adsorption of Cr(VI) decreases when the pH is gradually increased, whereas the adsorption of MB increases when the pH of the solution is increased. The results fit better with the Freundlich isotherm and PSO models. The temperature studies show that the enthalpy was positive, indicating that the uptake process is endothermic. The Gibbs free energy values were all negative, indicating that adsorption between the adsorbents and the pollutants was favored. After four consecutive cycles, all the samples retained more than 60% of their uptake capability.

Abstract Background Rice is one of the most important food crops in the world and mainly cultivated in paddy field by transplanting seedlings. However, increasing water scarcity due to climate change, labor cost for transplanting, and competition from urbanization is making this traditional method of rice production unsustainable in the long term. In the present study, we mined favorable alleles for mesocotyl elongation length (MEL) by combining the phenotypic data of 543 rice accessions with genotypic data of 262 SSR markers through association mapping method. Results Among the 543 rice accessions studied, we found 130 accessions could elongate mesocotyl length under dark germination condition. A marker-trait association analysis based on a mixed linear model revealed eleven SSR markers were associated with MEL trait with p-value less than 0.01. Among the 11 association loci, seven were novel. In total, 30 favorable marker alleles for MEL were mined, and RM265-140 bp showed the highest phenotypic effect value of 1.8 cm with Yuedao46 as the carrier accession. The long MEL group of rice accessions had higher seedling emergence rate than the short MEL group in the field. The correlation coefficient (r GCC−FSC = 0.485**) between growth chamber condition (GCC) and field soil condition (FSC) showed positive relationship and highly significant (P

As COVID-19 cases increased during the first weeks of the pandemic in South Africa, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases requested assistance with epidemiologic and surveillance expertise from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention South Africa. By leveraging its existing relationship with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases for >2 months, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention South Africa supported data capture and file organization, data quality reviews, data analytics, laboratory strengthening, and the development and review of COVID-19 guidance This case study provides an account of the resources and the technical, logistical, and organizational capacity leveraged to support a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa.

These days, good quality road construction materials are scarce and their haulage to the construction site is expensive. When unsuitable materials are encountered during flexible pavement construction, the most technical and economical option is always to improve them to meet design standards. One of these deficient materials mostly encountered in tropical regions is kaolin clay soils. Cement and lime that are traditional deficient soil improvement agents are on high demand therefore have kept the cost of engineering construction financially high. Thus, the use of agricultural wastes such as sawdust and rice husk as alternative construction materials will considerably reduce the cost of construction and as well mitigate the environmental hazards caused by the wastes and cement production. This study investigated and compared the performance of rice husk ash (RHA) and sawdust ash (SDA) geopolymer cements in improving the geotechnical properties of kaolin clay soil used for flexible pavement construction. All laboratory experimental tests were carried out in accordance with British Standard (BS) 1377 and BS 1924 for natural and modified kaolin clay soil samples respectively. Soil samples were mixed with geopolymer cement at stepped concentrations of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20% by dry weight of soil. Results indicated that the plasticity index value of the natural kaolin clay of 18.52% was reduced to 7.24% at 20% RHA geopolymer cement content. The unconfined compressive strength of the natural soil was improved by 600 and 400 % by RHA and SDA geopolymer cements respectively. It was concluded that the use of up to 20% RHA and SDA geopolymer cements can efficiently and eco-friendly improve kaolin clay for flexible pavement foundation purpose

Pharmaceutical pollutants in water pose a serious environmental challenge. This research compared the adsorption capacity of mandarin orange peels (MOP) and activated carbon mandarin orange peels (AC-MOP) to adsorb methylene blue (MB) and Ibuprofen (IBF) from an aqueous solution. This is the first study to report on the uptake of Ibuprofen using carbonized mandarin orange peels activated with hydrochloric acid. The biomaterials were characterized using FTIR and SEM. Batch experiments with operational parameters such as pH, contact time, concentration and temperature were investigated for the adsorption of MB and IBF. Isotherms, kinetic calculations and thermodynamic parameters were calculated for the adsorption of MB and IBF. A positive ΔH° suggested the reaction was endothermic, and ΔG° values showed that the sorption process was spontaneous. The isotherm models best fit the Langmuir model with maximum sorption capacities of 74.15 and 78.15 mg/g for MB and IBF, respectively. The adsorption rate for MB was fast and took place within the first 10 min, whilst the removal of IBF was observed at 40 min. The kinetic model evaluation showed that pseudo-second-order was a suitable fit for the mechanism. The re-usability data indicated that the recovery of MB was 70.13%, and IBF was 87.17%. The adsorption capacity of IBF with the carbon-based MOP was higher than that of MB. The results indicated that AC-MOP could be used as an adsorbent for MB and IBF from water. The major advantage of this method is its effectiveness in reducing the concentration of dyes and pharmaceutical pollutants using inexpensive adsorbents.

Gender-based power dynamics within intimate relationships such as controlling behaviours are driven by inequitable gender norms that perpetuate intimate partner violence (IPV). Yet, the ways in which we understand and measure gender-based power dynamics focus on the relationships of monogamous, cisgender, white, heterosexual women. This paper outlines our process of planning and implementing a qualitative, youth-led, community-based research (CBR) study exploring how diverse youth with intersecting identities perceive existing measures of gender equity and understand gender equity based on their own relationships. Between August-November 2022, we used purposive sampling to recruit 30 gender-inclusive young women and non-binary youth aged 17–29 with diverse identities, who live in British Columbia (BC), and have recent experience in a non-heterosexual and/or non-monogamous relationship (within prior 12 months). Using CBR methods, we hired and trained three Youth Research Associates (YRAs) and convened a 10-member Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) comprised of youth aged 19–28 years with queer, trans, and/or non-monogamous identities and experiences to consult on all aspects of our study. YRAs conducted cognitive interviews using an interview guide co-developed and piloted in partnership with the YAC and YRAs. Cognitive interviews explored youth perceptions of gender equity and two gender equity measures widely used in health research today. Interview data will be analyzed collaboratively using intersectional descriptive and thematic analysis. Results from our CBR study will be used to make recommendations to advance gender equity measurement to be more inclusive of and applicable to a diversity of youth relationships, experiences, and identities.

In British Columbia (BC), Canada, older adults living with HIV (OALHIV — i.e., age ≥50) now constitute over 50% of all people accessing HIV treatment. In addition to living with HIV, OALHIV face significant adversity from sociostructural factors. Popular notions of resilience view resilience as an individual attribute (Coutu, 2002), commonly placing the responsibility for overcoming adversity on the individual. This community-based research on the home and community care of OALHIV involved semi-structured interviews with 27 OALHIV in BC. Interviews were analyzed thematically. Resilience was a key theme across 23 of the 27 interviews with OALHIV. This research moves beyond an individualistic notion of resilience to discuss interpersonal, neighbourhood/community, and multi-levels of resilience, including the importance of public policy and epidemic levels of resilience led by government and healthcare organizations to support OALHIV and the general population to age with dignity.

This paper reviews the use of black cumin seeds (BCS), also known as Nigella sativa L., as an adsorbent for the sorption of harmful pollutants and methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solutions. Information for the adsorption of cobalt-Co(II), nickel-Ni(II), copper-Cu(II), chromium-Cr(VI), lead-Pb(II), cadmium-Cd(II) and methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions using black cumin seeds are discussed. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of pristine seeds of 2.7 m2/g increased to 10.1, and 9.3 m2/g for KMnO4 and H3PO4 treated seeds, respectively. Activation of the BCS with 10% and 20% H2SO4 increased the surface area to 20.14 and 21.54 m2/g, respectively. Seeds activated with 20% H2SO4 showed larger pore width of 7.13 nm compared to 6.81 nm for 10% H2SO4. Seeds treated with HCl and NaOH for quaternary adsorption studies showed that the maximum capacity for base treated-BCS was 190.7 mg/g whilst acid treated-BCS showed capacities of 180.1. Pristine seeds, H3PO4 and KMnO4 treated seeds showed that the trend for the removal of Cr(VI) ions was KMnO4> H3PO4> pristine with capacities of 16.12, 15.98 and 10.15 mg/g, respectively. Magnetite-sucrose functionalized seeds and pristine seeds had adsorption capacities for Cr(VI) were 15.6 and 13.0 mg/g, respectively. The same adsorbents had maximum sorption capacities of 39.7 and 37.9 mg/g for Pb(II) ions, respectively. The effectiveness of the defatted BCS using acetone and N,N dimethylformamide (DMF) showed that the acetone treated BCS had higher sorption capacities of 99.82 mg/g for MB, 96.89 m/g for Cd(II), and 87.44 mg/g for Cr(VI) compared to DMF treated seeds.

This research assessed the adsorption of a pharmaceutical compound, ibuprofen, using rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) leaves to prepare low-cost activated carbon through orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) activation. The activated carbon from rose geranium leaves (AC-RGL) was characterized by TGA, SEM and FTIR. The results were compared with those from natural rose geranium leaves (Raw-RGL). The influence of chemical parameters for the uptake of ibuprofen on both adsorbents was evaluated through adsorption experiments. The results were subjected to adsorption models, kinetics models and thermodynamic studies to determine the distribution of ibuprofen in the solid and liquid phases. The results for both Raw-RGL and AC-RGL best fitted the Freundlich model, and the kinetic studies were shown to be pseudo-first order. The thermodynamic evaluation suggested exothermic and spontaneous process sorption for ibuprofen on both adsorbents. The maximum sorption capacities for AC-RGL and Raw-RGL were 113.76 and 74.12 mg/g, respectively. This work confirms that low-cost rose geranium leaves can be used as a potential adsorbent for the sorption of ibuprofen in solution.

This work reports the preparation of carbon from black cumin seeds (BCC) and then activated with 10 and 20 % sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to obtain new adsorbents designated black cumin activated carbon (BCAC-10) and (BCAC-20) respectively for the adsorption of lead (Pb(II)) ions and methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution. The adsorbents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared (FIR), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) analysis. The SEM images show that both activated carbon adsorbents (BCAC-10 and BCAC-20) have rough irregular surfaces with cavities. FTIR results show the (-COO−), (-NH2), (-HSO−4), (-C=O) functional groups were involved in the adsorption processes of Pb(II) ions and methylene blue (MB) dye . Nitrogen adsorption studies show that there is an increase in surface area and pore size for both BCAC-10 and BCAC-20 in comparison with BCC. The operational parameters (concentration, contact time, temperature and pH) of Pb(II) ions and MB dyes adsorption were assessed in batch mode. It was observed that the trends for Pb(II) ions and MB dye adsorption increased with increasing initial concentration of the solution, (i.e.) greater uptake was observed in solutions with higher initial concentration. Therefore the adsorption of Pb(II) ions with initial concentration of 100 mg/L was 17.19, 17.71 and 17.98 mg/g onto BCC, BCAC-10 and BCAC-20 respectively. Whilst for MB dye it was 11.63, 12.71 and 16.85 mg/g onto BCC, BCAC-10 and BCAC-20 respectively. The equilibrium data for Pb(II) ions and MB dye fitted Freundlich isotherm model onto BCC, BCAC-10 and BCAC-20. This suggested that the process involve multi-layer adsorption with interactions between the adsorbate and the adsorbents. The results show that the adsorption processes of Pb(II) ions and MB dye were rapid in the first 20 min. It was observed that the maximum adsorption trend of Pb(II) ions and MB dye was obtained at pH 9 which made the surface of black cumin seeds to be negatively charged and therefore making it easier to be attracted to positively charged Pb (II) ions and MB dye. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of Pb(II) ions and MB dye onto BCC best fitted; pseudo-first order model whilst BCAC-10 and BCAC-20 data fits; pseudo-second order. The estimated pore adsorption for Pb(II) ions onto BCC, BCAC-10 and BCAC-20 was 65.85, 94.28 and 78.43 % respectively whilst MB dye was 73.37, 70.82 and 95.74 % respectively. Temperature and thermodynamics data indicated that the adsorption capacity of adsorbents increase with increasing temperature and the enthalpy (ΔH°) values indicated that the adsorption of Pb(II) ions and MB dye on the adsorbents was endothermic reaction. The entropy (ΔS°) gave positive values which indicated the randomness and degree of freedom for Pb(II) ions and MB dye in aqueous solution. The free energy (ΔG°) values for the adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto BCC, BCAC-10 and BCAC-20 show an increase in negative values as the temperature increases.

We report on qualitative findings from a mixed methods study, examining enacted and internalized stigma during mandatory HIV screening among immigration applicants living with HIV in Canada. Qualitative findings show alignment with characteristics of internalized HIV stigma. We conducted 34 semi-structured interviews, and analyzed the data through thematic analysis, using Intersectionality and the Internalized HIV Stigma Scale as our theoretical and analytical frameworks. Participants described experiences of enacted and internalized HIV stigma in ways that were consistent with the four main domains of stereotypes, disclosure concerns, social relationships, and self-acceptance, but also extended the description of HIV stigma beyond these domains. Experiences of internalized HIV stigma and enacted stigma during the Canadian Immigration Medical Examination could potentially influence individuals’ long-term engagement in the HIV care cascade during the process of migration to, and settlement in, Canada. We present recommendations for the broader migrant health research agenda, health and social care providers, and public health policies.

Introduction Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience accelerated ageing and an increased risk of age-associated diseases earlier in life, compared with women without HIV. This is likely due to a combination of viral factors, gender differences, hormonal imbalance and psychosocial and structural conditions. This interdisciplinary cohort study aims to understand how biological, clinical and sociostructural determinants of health interact to modulate healthy ageing in WLWH.Methods and analysis The British Columbia Children and Women: AntiRetroviral therapy and Markers of Aging-Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CARMA-CHIWOS) Collaboration (BCC3) study will enrol WLWH (n=350) and sociodemographically matched HIV-negative women (n=350) living in British Columbia. A subset of BCC3 participants will be past participants of CARMA, n≥1000 women and children living with and without HIV, 2008–2018 and/or CHIWOS, n=1422 WLWH, 2013–2018. Over two study visits, we will collect biological specimens for virus serologies, hormones and biological markers as well as administer a survey capturing demographic and sociostructural–behavioural factors. Sociodemographics, comorbidities, number and type of chronic/latent viral infections and hormonal irregularities will be compared between the two groups. Their association with biological markers and psychostructural and sociostructural factors will be investigated through multivariable regression and structural equation modelling. Retrospective longitudinal analyses will be conducted on data from past CARMA/CHIWOS participants. As BCC3 aims to follow participants as they age, this protocol will focus on the first study visits.Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the University of British Columbia Children’s and Women’s Research Ethics Board (H19-00896). Results will be shared in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and at community events as well as at www.hivhearme.ca and @HIV_HEAR_me. WLWH are involved in study design, survey creation, participant recruitment, data collection and knowledge translation. A Community Advisory Board will advise the research team throughout the study.

A new adsorbent obtained from alkaline treatment of black cumin seeds (BCS) has been developed for the adsorption of cation pollutants cobalt [Co(II), lead Pb(II), copper Cu(II) and nickel Ni(II)] from aqueous solutions. The alkaline treated black cumin seeds were labeled; base treated black cumin seeds (BT-BCS), acid treated black cumin seeds (AT-BCS) and untreated black cumin seeds (UT-BCS). The absorbents were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD). The SEM images showed that UT-BCS is composed of spherical shaped particles. AT-BCS and BT-BCS images showed irregular surface morphology. AT-BCS and BT-BCS –IR spectra observed new bands. Pseudo First Order kinetic (PFO) model gave consistent fit in describing the adsorption of all the cations. The PFO good fit suggest that the adsorption mechanism involved, Van der Waal forces. The estimated pore adsorption (EPA) was more dominant than estimated surface adsorption (ESA). Equilibrium data had a good fit for Langmuir isotherm model for all cations this indicates that adsorption took place on active sites having equal affinity for these ions and further suggests that monolayer adsorption occurred on adsorbents surface at the end of adsorption process. BT-BCS was the best performing adsorbent with capacity of 190.7 mg/g for Cu(II), AT-BCS and UT-BCS with capacities of 180.1 and 135 mg/g respectively for Pb(II). Adsorption trend is BT-BCS > AT-BCS > UT-BCS. Reusability data suggests that (BCS) adsorbents retained ≥ 90% of their initial cations adsorption, these adsorbents may be reusable in wastewater treatment. Keywords: Adsorption, Isotherms, Kinetic, Thermodynamic, Black cumin seeds

L’objectif général de cette recherche est d’inventorier les différentes activités liées à l’exploitation de ressources naturelles duPNS afin d’évaluer leurs impacts négatifs sur la viabilité des ressources dudit parc. Les données primaires collectées à travers les discussions en groupe focalisé (focus group) dans les dix (10) villages qu’occupent les Yaelima dans le bloc sud du Parc de la Salonga. Le recours aux données secondaires et observations se sont avéré également indispensable. Les investigations entreprises renseignent que la chasse non réglementée et incontrôlée, l’agriculture sur brûlis et la pêche illégale avec des techniques traditionnelles mettent à péril les ressources naturelles du parc. Les Yaelima n’envisagent pas un jour quitter le parc et considèrent celui - ci comme unedemeure éternelle léguée par leurs ancêtres. La sensibilisation des Yaelima sur la préservation des ressources naturelles du parc de la Salonga ainsi que l’implication des Yaelima dans la gestion dudit parc sont les quelques recommandations pouvant contribuer à la réduction de la pression anthropique sur les ressources naturelles du parc en vue de pérenniser ces dernières.

The aim of the present study was to utilise pristine and magnetite-sucrose functionalized Nigella Sativa seeds as the adsorbents for the uptake of chromium(VI) and lead(II) ions from synthetic wastewater. Prestine Nigella Sativa seeds were labelled (PNS) and magnetite-sucrose functionalized Nigella Sativa seeds (FNS). The PNS and FNS composites were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The FTIR analysis of both adsorbents revealed the presence of vibrations assigned to 1749 and 1739 cm-1 (-C=O) for ketonic group for both adsorbents. The amide (-NH) peak was observed at 1533 and 1527 cm-1 on FNS and PNS composites, respectively, whilst the carboxyl group (-COOH) were observed at 1408 cm-1 on both adsorbents. The XRD results of FNS and PNS composites showed a combination of spinel structure and y-Fe2O3 phase confirming the formation of iron oxide. The influence of operational conditions such as initial concentration, temperature, pH, and contact time was determined in batch adsorption system. The kinetic data of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions on both adsorbents was described by pseudo-first-order (PFO) model which suggested physisorption process. The sorption rate of Cr(VI) ions was quicker, it attained equilibrium in 20 min, and the rate of Pb(II) ions was slow in 90 min. Freundlich isotherm described the mechanism of Pb(II) ions adsorption on PNS and FNS composites. Langmuir best fitted the uptake of Cr(VI) ions on PNS and FNS. The results for both adsorbents showed that the removal uptake of Pb(II) ions increased when the initial concentration was increased; however, Cr(VI) uptake decreased when the initial concentration increased. The adsorption of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions on both adsorbents increased with temperature.

Helichrysum caespititium (DC.) Sond. Ex Harv., (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa. Its non-polar extracts exhibit significant antimicrobial and, in particular, antigonorrheal activity. This study aimed at isolating and purifying the active antigonorrheal compound from its chloroform extract and validating its inhibition potential on quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm formation of multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Phytochemical investigation of aerial parts of H. caespititium afforded a diterpene lactone (CF6). The effect of CF6 on violacein production and biofilm formation was studied using in vitro quantitative violacein inhibition (Chromobacterium violaceum) and biofilm formation (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The structure of CF6 was characterized using FTIR, NMR, and UPLC-MS data accordingly, as 10-methyl-8-(propan-17-ylidene)naphthalen-9-yl)-11-vinyl-14-hydroxyfuran-16-one. The susceptibility testing of the pathogens against CF6 revealed Neisseria gonorrhoeae was noticeably susceptible with a MIC value of 60 µg/mL, while Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus showed MIC of 125 µg/mL. All gram-negative pathogens, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were inhibited at 250 µg/mL. CF6 also inhibited the production of violacein by 51.88% at 250 µg/mL and prevented cell attachment by 40.76–81.18%, with N. gonorrhoeae being highly prohibited from forming biofilm. In conclusion, 10-methyl-8-(propan-17-ylidene)naphthalen-9-yl)-11-vinyl-14-hydroxyfuran-16-one is the first of its kind to be isolated from the non-polar (chloroform) extract of South African Helichrysum caespititium with antigonorrheal, antimicrobial, antiquorum sensing, and antibiofilm properties. The compound may serve as a drug candidate against MDR pathogens.

Summary: Background: Child stunting reduces survival and impairs neurodevelopment. We tested the independent and combined effects of improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and improved infant and young child feeding (IYCF) on stunting and anaemia in in Zimbabwe. Methods: We did a cluster-randomised, community-based, 2 × 2 factorial trial in two rural districts in Zimbabwe. Clusters were defined as the catchment area of between one and four village health workers employed by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care. Women were eligible for inclusion if they permanently lived in clusters and were confirmed pregnant. Clusters were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to standard of care (52 clusters), IYCF (20 g of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement per day from age 6 to 18 months plus complementary feeding counselling; 53 clusters), WASH (construction of a ventilated improved pit latrine, provision of two handwashing stations, liquid soap, chlorine, and play space plus hygiene counselling; 53 clusters), or IYCF plus WASH (53 clusters). A constrained randomisation technique was used to achieve balance across the groups for 14 variables related to geography, demography, water access, and community-level sanitation coverage. Masking of participants and fieldworkers was not possible. The primary outcomes were infant length-for-age Z score and haemoglobin concentrations at 18 months of age among children born to mothers who were HIV negative during pregnancy. These outcomes were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. We estimated the effects of the interventions by comparing the two IYCF groups with the two non-IYCF groups and the two WASH groups with the two non-WASH groups, except for outcomes that had an important statistical interaction between the interventions. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01824940. Findings: Between Nov 22, 2012, and March 27, 2015, 5280 pregnant women were enrolled from 211 clusters. 3686 children born to HIV-negative mothers were assessed at age 18 months (884 in the standard of care group from 52 clusters, 893 in the IYCF group from 53 clusters, 918 in the WASH group from 53 clusters, and 991 in the IYCF plus WASH group from 51 clusters). In the IYCF intervention groups, the mean length-for-age Z score was 0·16 (95% CI 0·08–0·23) higher and the mean haemoglobin concentration was 2·03 g/L (1·28–2·79) higher than those in the non-IYCF intervention groups. The IYCF intervention reduced the number of stunted children from 620 (35%) of 1792 to 514 (27%) of 1879, and the number of children with anaemia from 245 (13·9%) of 1759 to 193 (10·5%) of 1845. The WASH intervention had no effect on either primary outcome. Neither intervention reduced the prevalence of diarrhoea at 12 or 18 months. No trial-related serious adverse events, and only three trial-related adverse events, were reported. Interpretation: Household-level elementary WASH interventions implemented in rural areas in low-income countries are unlikely to reduce stunting or anaemia and might not reduce diarrhoea. Implementation of these WASH interventions in combination with IYCF interventions is unlikely to reduce stunting or anaemia more than implementation of IYCF alone. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UK Department for International Development, Wellcome Trust, Swiss Development Cooperation, UNICEF, and US National Institutes of Health.

Gochujang is a traditional Korean fermented soy-based spicy paste made of meju (fermented soybean), red pepper powder, glutinous rice, and salt. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Gochujang containing salt in DSS-induced colitis. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were partitioned into five groups: normal control, DSS control, DSS + salt, DSS + mesalamine, and DSS + Gochujang groups. They were tested for 14 days. Gochujang improved the disease activity index (DAI), colon weight/length ratio, and colon histomorphology, with outcomes similar to results of mesalamine administration. Moreover, Gochujang decreased the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 and inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNA expression in the colon. Gochujang downregulated the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and decreased the activation of NF-κB in the colon. Gochujang induced significant modulation in gut microbiota by significantly increasing the number of Akkermansia muciniphila while decreasing the numbers of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus sciuri. However, compared with the DSS group, the salt group did not significantly change the symptoms of colitis or cytokine levels in serum and colon. Moreover, the salt group significantly decreased the gut microflora diversity. Gochujang mitigated DSS-induced colitis in rats by modulating inflammatory factors and the composition of gut microflora, unlike the intake of salt alone.

This study investigates the socio-economic impact of the Cape Town Carnival (CTC) as perceived by residents of the Green Point suburb of Cape Town. In most cases, successful carnival events are underpinned by community support thus it is crucial to examine residents’ perceptions towards such events. The CTC is an annual cultural event which celebrates the transformative power of creativity as well as African identity. In this study, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 318 Green Point residents within a two weeks period after the 2016 CTC event (12 – 26th March). The respondents were surveyed using a spatially-based stratified random sampling method. The investigation explored the perceptions of the residents, in relation to the carnival event, as well as highlighting the positive and negative aspects of their experience. The research primarily adopted quantitative research approach by using a questionnaire with mostly closed-ended questions. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24 software and the findings were visually presented by the use of frequency tables. Key findings of the study highlighted that residents generally perceived the socio-economic impacts of the CTC event positively. However, few residents perceive the event negatively and suggested ways of ensuring that it continues flawlessly. The study recommends more community involvement in the planning of the event. Furthermore, due to the change of perceptions over time, it is recommended that longitudinal and comparative studies be conducted in order to assess the perceptions and to compare the impacts of hosting the CTC event in the Green Point area.

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Carnival events have become a significant factor in tourism development initiatives of most destinations. The economic and socio-cultural developments experienced by host communities of tourism attractions and resorts have led to the emergence of carnival events as useful destination products. However, an understanding of residents’ perceptions of event impacts on the area where they reside is necessary in order to gain local support for the event and tourism in general. Effects of carnival events at the personal level are increasingly being explored in tourism research. This is an exciting line of research since carnival events are being increasingly used to implement a wide range of public sector policies aimed at enhancing tourism offerings. The aim of this study is to examine residents’ perceptions of the impact of a carnival in Cape Town in order to establish the overall value of the event. The study explores the perceptions of Green Point suburb residents on the Cape Town Carnival event highlighting the positive and negative aspects of their experience with the event. This study will add to the understudied event in Cape Town and advance academic discourse on carnival events. The findings show that residents are in support of the event being hosted in their area. However recommendations to the identified problems such as limited parking and traffic congestion, drunk behaviors and littering associated to the event are proposed.

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are part of a major family of detoxifying enzymes that can catalyze the reductive dehydrochlorination of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). The delta and epsilon classes of insect GSTs have been implicated in conferring resistance to this insecticide. In this study, the inactivation of Anopheles gambiae GSTε2 by epiphyllocoumarin (Tral 1) was investigated. Recombinant AgGSTε2 was expressed in Escherichia coli cells containing a pET3a-AGSTε2 plasmid and purified by affinity chromatography. Tral 1 was shown to inactivate GSTε2 both in a time-dependent manner and in a concentration-dependent manner. The half-life of GSTε2 in the presence of 25 μM ethacrynic acid (ETA) was 22 minutes and with Tral 1 was 30 minutes, indicating that Tral 1 was not as efficient as ETA as an inactivator. The inactivation parameters kinact and KI were found to be 0.020 ± 0.001 min−1 and 7.5 ± 2.1 μM, respectively, after 90 minutes of incubation. Inactivation of GSTε2 by Tral 1 implies that Tral 1 covalently binds to this enzyme in vitro and would be expected to exhibit time-dependent effects on the enzyme in vivo. Tral 1, therefore, would produce irreversible effects when used together with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in malaria control programmes where resistance is mediated by GSTs.

Objectives: Approximately 70% of the military personnel experience chronic sleep insufficiency, which negatively impacts military readiness and health. Military sleep health does not appear to be improving despite targeted programs to optimize sleep. The present quasi-experimental study aims to evaluate a single-session sleep intervention in United States Air Force (USAF) Technical Training., Method: A group-based Brief Sleep Intervention (BSI) was developed for the target population. Participants included 321 technical school students (Mean age = 21; 82% male; 67% White) who were assigned to the BSI ( n  = 203) or a control group ( n  = 118). Propensity-score-weighted multivariable logistic regression was employed to compare outcomes., Results: At the 2-week follow-up, students in the BSI were significantly more likely to report sleeping 6 or more hours on weekdays (OR = 1.49, p  < .001) and "Good/Very Good" sleep quality (OR = 1.50, p  = .032) than those in the control group. In addition, 69.2% of the students in BSI reported having engaged in the self-selected "Action Step" chosen during the intervention., Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to test a preventative sleep intervention in USAF Technical Training. Results suggest that a single-session group intervention can promote behavioral changes and improve sleep health.

Inadequate sleep is an on-going risk to the health and mission readiness of U.S. Armed Forces, with estimates of sleep problems high above U.S. civilian populations. Intervening early in the career of active duty Air Force personnel (or "Airmen") with education and the establishment of healthy behaviors may prevent short and long term-detriments of sleep problems. This paper describes the results of a qualitative study seeking to understand the facilitators and barriers to achieving good sleep in a technical training school during the first year of entry into the United States Air Force. Using the social ecological framework and content analysis, three focus groups with Airmen were conducted to explore themes at the individual, social, environmental, and organizational/policy level. Overall, results indicated a cohort motivated to achieve good sleep, and also struggling with a number of barriers across each level. This paper highlights opportunities for population health interventions during technical training aimed at supporting Airmen in developing healthy sleep behaviors early in the course of their career.

U.S. surveys demonstrate recent decreases in the prevalence of alcohol use and binge drinking among young adults. The current study aims to determine whether similar trends are evident in a similarly aged cohort of service members in the US Air Force to inform ongoing prevention efforts. Participants were 103,240 Air Force personnel in entry-level training between 2016 and 2019. Participants anonymously completed the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) regarding their pre-service drinking. Logistic regression analyses and the Cochran-Armitage test were conducted to measure population trends over the study duration with stratification by age (<21 vs. ≥21) and evaluation of specific alcohol behaviors. Between 2016 and 2019, the proportion of young service members endorsing any alcohol use significantly decreased for both the <21 group (i.e. from 38.9% to 32.6%) and the ≥21 group (i.e. from 80.6% to 77.5%). Among those who endorsed drinking, a decrease over time in binge use was also observed from 46.6% to 37.8% for the <21 group and from 34.2% to 27.5% for the ≥21 group. Responses to other specific alcohol risk items and total AUDIT scores also demonstrated decreases. Binge use and risky drinking remained disproportionately common among those under the legal drinking age. It is encouraging to observe a shift toward abstinence and decreased binge use among this population of young military recruits. However, given the risk for many adverse health and legal consequences in this population, more work is needed to prevent problematic drinking, especially among those under the legal drinking age.

Introduction: We sought to determine what type of treatment reengagement after smoking relapse would increase long-term cessation., Aims and Methods: Participants were military personnel, retirees, and family members (TRICARE beneficiaries) recruited across the United States from August 2015 through June 2020. At baseline, consented participants (n = 614) received a validated, four-session, telephonic tobacco-cessation intervention with free nicotine replacement therapy. At the 3-month follow-up, 264 participants who failed to quit or relapsed were offered the opportunity to reengage in cessation. Of these, 134 were randomized into three reengagement conditions: (1) repeat initial intervention ("recycle"), (2) Smoking reduction with eventual cessation goal ("rate reduction"), or (3) Choose #1 or #2 ("choice"). Prolonged abstinence and 7-day point prevalence abstinence were measured at 12 months., Results: Despite being in a clinical trial advertised as having the opportunity for reengagement, only 51% (134 of the 264) of participants who still smoked at 3-month follow-up were willing to reengage. Overall, participants randomized to recycle had higher prolonged cessation rates at 12 months than rate reduction conditions (OR = 16.43, 95% CI: 2.52 to 107.09, Bonferroni adjusted p = .011). When participants who randomly received recycle or rate reduction were pooled, respectively, with participants who chose recycle or rate reduction in the Choice group, recycle had higher prolonged cessation rates at 12 months than rate reduction (OR = 6.50, 95% CI: 1.49 to 28.42, p = .013)., Conclusions: Our findings suggest service members and their family members who fail to quit smoking but are willing to reengage in a cessation program are more likely to benefit from repeating the same treatment., Implications: Finding methods that are both successful and acceptable to reengage people who smoke who want to quit can have a significant impact on improving the health of the public by reducing the portion of the population who smoke. This study suggests that repeating established cessation programs will result in more people ready to quit successfully achieving their goal., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

People who smoke often make several quit attempts before successfully maintaining abstinence. Therefore, incorporating re-engagement for people who fail to initially quit could increase quit attempts and ultimately increase cessation rates. Within the context of quit line-based interventions, it remains unknown what characteristics are associated with re-engagement. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between demographic and motivational characteristics, tobacco use, and initial intervention engagement with re-engagement in a tobacco quit line intervention. Among 372 adults who reported smoking three months after initiating a quit line-facilitated quit attempt as part of a larger randomized clinical trial, associations between personal characteristics (e.g., age, gender, nicotine dependence, and confidence in their ability to quit smoking) and initial intervention engagement (number of completed counseling sessions and use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)) with re-engagement (accepting an offer to re-initiate the quit line intervention) were determined using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Compared to non-White participants, White participants had lower odds of re-engaging (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.75). Number of initial counseling sessions completed was associated with re-engaging. NRT use during the initial intervention was not associated with re-engaging. Initial intervention engagement is important in the process of re-engagement, specifically attending counseling sessions. Exploration of associations between initial intervention engagement and potentially modifiable motivational factors is needed to be potentially leveraged in future interventions to maintain continued engagement in cessation among adults who smoke.

The field of neuropsychological rehabilitation frequently employs single case experimental designs (SCED) in research, but few if any, of the published studies use the effect sizes recommended by the American Psychological Association. Among the available methods for analysing single case designs, this paper focuses on nonoverlap methods. This paper provides examples and suggestions for integrating visual and statistical analysis, pointing out where contradictions may occur and how to be a critical consumer.

Background: Research suggests participation in sports is an important contributor to overall adolescent physical activity (PA). Sports play has become increasingly important in physical education (PE) classes as a means for promoting healthful and enjoyable PA. Research is needed that investigates physiological and perceptual responses to sport play., Methods: We studied 101 (55 males; 46 females, age 11-14) students who participated in flag football (FF), basketball (BB), and flag rugby (FR). Activity counts were collected using accelerometers. Perceived competence and enjoyment were measured using the intrinsic motivation inventory., Results: Each sport activity produced acceptable levels of activity and positive perceptual responses, but differences among sports were noted. Accelerometry data indicated that FR and BB were more intense than FF (p < .001). Perceptual data indicated participation in FR elicited higher perceptions of competence and greater enjoyment when compared to FF and BB (p < .001)., Conclusions: Participation in sport activity within middle school PE classes provides excellent opportunities for energy expenditure and positive perceptual responses. Most importantly, FR provides an activity stimulus that has potential benefits both physiologically and psychologically., (© 2013, American School Health Association.)