Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nano zinc oxide – An alternate zinc supplement for livestock

Aim: This study was aimed to investigate antimicrobial and cytotoxicity effect of nano ZnO in in vitro for the application of livestock feed supplement. Materials and Methods: Nano ZnO was synthesized by wet chemical precipitation method using zinc acetate as a precursor and sodium hydroxide was used for reducing the precursor salt. The properties of synthesized powder were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. In vitro antimicrobial activities were analyzed against the pathogenic bacteria in poultry Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus aeruginosa. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was conducted to analyze the cytotoxicity effect of nano ZnO. Results: SEM showed a spherical ZnO particle in the range of 70-100 nm. The size of the particle and purity of the sample were confirmed by XRD. The nano-sized ZnO particles exhibited the UV absorption peak at 335 nm. In FTIR spectroscopy, pure ZnO nanoparticles showed stretching vibrations at 4000-5000 cm−1. ZnO nanoparticles exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and S. aeruginosa bacterial strains. Cell viability was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in the cytotoxicity study. Conclusion: From the broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and the lower cytotoxicity observed at the prescribed dose, it is concluded that nano ZnO powder is a potential alternate zinc supplement for livestock.
A Pragmatic Epidemiological Approach to Confronting the Genocidal Death Effect of Homicide and Suicide among Young Black Males in the United States

ABSTRACT Genocide is a dehumanizing crime that threatens the welfare of any civilized society. Yet, before the annihilation of any targeted human group, the collective outcomes of the genocidal process (e.g., systemic desecrations) and genocidal death effect (e.g., years of mass deaths and death disparities) have often gone undetected, underestimated, or ignored by public health and human rights advocates. From1950–2010, the mass homicide-suicide killings engendering the premature deaths of Black males, ages15–24 years, corroborate that aspects of the genocidal process and genocidal death effect are happening in America. The mass killings of young Black males from these preventable homicide and suicide deaths are ethically alarming, and the determinants of death impacting their premature deaths command immediate primordial prevention and reinforced prevention efforts. An epidemiological genocide prevention matrix is explored as an innovative approach to address, prevent, and research premature deaths resulting from homicide and suicide, and genocidal death effect of young Black males. Undergirded by the Theory of Epidemiologic Transition, this article also examines the mass killings of young Black males through the genocidal and pragmatic lens. Death disparities, determinants of death, and genocidal death effect definitions are operationalized, and the Genocidal Death Effect Conceptual Framework is debuted in this article.
Pulse Wave Velocity Is Associated with Increased Plasma oxLDL in Ageing but Not with FGF21 and Habitual Exercise

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and adiponectin increase the expression of genes involved in antioxidant pathways, but their roles in mediating oxidative stress and arterial stiffness with ageing and habitual exercise remain unknown. We explored the role of the FGF21–adiponectin axis in mediating oxidative stress and arterial stiffness with ageing and habitual exercise. Eighty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were assigned to younger sedentary or active (18–36 years old, n = 20 each) and older sedentary or active (45–80 years old, n = 20 each) groups. Arterial stiffness was measured indirectly using pulse wave velocity (PWV). Fasted plasma concentrations of FGF21, adiponectin and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were measured. PWV was 0.2-fold higher and oxLDL concentration was 25.6% higher (both p < 0.001) in older than younger adults, despite no difference in FGF21 concentration (p = 0.097) between age groups. PWV (p = 0.09) and oxLDL concentration (p = 0.275) did not differ between activity groups but FGF21 concentration was 9% lower in active than sedentary individuals (p = 0.011). Adiponectin concentration did not differ by age (p = 0.642) or exercise habits (p = 0.821). In conclusion, age, but not habitual exercise, was associated with higher oxidative stress and arterial stiffness. FGF21 and adiponectin did not differ between younger and older adults, meaning that it is unlikely that they mediate oxidative stress and arterial stiffness in healthy adults.
Risk Perceptions and Safety Cultures in the Handling of Nanomaterials in Academia and Industry

Abstract Objectives Work and research with nanomaterials (NMs) has primarily focused on innovation, toxicity, governance, safety management tools, and public perceptions. The aim of this study was to identify academia and industry occupational safety and health (OSH) managers’ perceptions and handling of NMs, in relation to safety culture. Methods Semistructured interviews were carried out with OSH managers at six academic institutions and six industrial companies. The interview statements were coded into five topics regarding NMs: risk comprehension, information gathering, actions, communication, and compliance. The statements were then coded according to a five-step safety culture maturity model reflecting increasing occupational safety maturity from passive, to reactive, active, proactive, and exemplary occupational safety. Results The safety culture maturity of the academic institutions were primarily active and proactive, whereas the industry group were primarily active and reactive. None of the statements were rated as exemplary, with the majority reflecting an active safety culture. The topics varied from a passive approach of having no focus on NMs and regarding risks as a part of the job, to applying proactive measures in the design, production, application, and waste management phases. Communication and introduction to OSH issues regarding NMs as well as compliance provided challenges in both academia and industry, given the increasing cultural and linguistic diversity of students/staff and employees. Workplace leaders played a crucial role in establishing a legitimate approach to working safely with NMs, however, the currently available OSH information for NMs were described as insufficient, impractical, and inaccessible. There was an embedded problem in solely relying on safety data sheets, which were often not nanospecific, as this may have led to underprotection. Conclusions There is a need for more structured, up-to-date, easily accessible, and user-friendly tools and information regarding toxicity and threshold limit values, relevant OSH promotion information, legislation, and other rules. The study underscores the need for politicians and engineers to collaborate with communication experts and both natural and social scientists in effectively framing information on NMs. Such a collaboration should allow for flexible deployment of multilevel and integrated safety culture initiatives to support sustainable nanotechnology and operational excellence.
Molecular Detection of Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Eurasian Badgers (Meles meles) from the United Kingdom

Simple Summary Blood-sucking arthropods can cause infections in domestic and wild animals, as well as in humans by transmitting pathogens while blood feeding. During the first part of the twenty-first century, diseases caused by arthropods, including ticks, have increased significantly in Europe. In this study, the presence of different types of pathogens in badgers from Great Britain was evaluated by means of molecular techniques. While no bacteria were found, a blood parasite (Babesia sp.) was identified in half of the investigated animals. The same parasite has been reported in badgers from Spain, Scotland, China and Hungary, and recently also in a wild cat in Bosnia Herzegovina, a wolf in Italy and hunting dogs in Hungary, showing its widespread occurrence and potential presence in different host species. The impact on the health of these hosts and also of other wild carnivores needs to be further investigated. Abstract Arthropod-borne diseases (ABD) are of increasing interest in veterinary and public health. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are known to harbor a wide range of pathogens, but information on their role as ABD reservoirs and their potential epidemiological relevance is limited. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of arthropod-borne pathogens, specifically piroplasmids and the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis and Bartonella spp. , in badgers from Great Britain (GB). Blood and heart samples from 18 badgers were examined using PCR and sequencing. A neighbour-joining (NJ) phylogram was also produced. Nine animals tested positive for Babesia sp. , while none of the samples was positive for the investigated bacteria. The sequences obtained clustered with other sequences of Babesia sp. from badgers from GB and elsewhere, including China, Hungary, Spain and Italy, showing a widespread distribution of this parasite in badgers. Badger-associated Babesia DNA was also found recently in a wild cat in Bosnia Herzegovina, in a wolf in Italy and in dogs in Hungary. Further investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology of this putative pathogen and its impact on the health of wild and domestic carnivores.
The Perspectives of Adolescents and Young Adults on Adherence to Prophylaxis in Hemophilia: A Qualitative Study

Purpose Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with severe hemophilia use prophylaxis that requires a high level of adherence. The present study aimed to explore the underlying reason for adherence and non-adherence to prophylaxis in hemophilia from the perspective of AYAs. Patients and Methods A qualitative study in Dutch AYAs with hemophilia (14–25 years) using prophylaxis was executed. Focus group interviews and individual interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and analyzed using an iterative process. Member checking in three respondents was used to validate the potential model. Results A total of 21 interviews were performed. Parental support decreased when AYAs gained more treatment responsibilities, which resulted in a higher risk for non-adherence. AYAs were weighing their potential bleeding risk per activity based on the wish to do what they prefer while also wanting to simultaneously feel safe. When bleeding with low impact on their daily life occurred, or when bleeding remained absent, AYAs felt safe and the perceived need for prophylaxis decreased. Conclusion The level of treatment responsibility per AYA and estimated risks per activity were the two main underlying reasons for (non-)adherence. Clinical implications We suggest using a conversation technique to discuss adherence, especially during bleeding assessment visits.
Forecasting head lice (Pediculidae: Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation incidence hotspots based on spatial correlation analysis in Northwest Iran

Background and Aim: Pediculus humanus capitis has been prevalent throughout the world, especially in developing countries among elementary students and societies with a weak socio-economic status. This study aimed to forecast head lice (Pediculidae: P. capitis) infestation incidence hotspots based on spatial correlation analysis in Ardabil Province, Northwest Iran. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analytical study, all cases of head lice infestations who were confirmed by Centers for Disease Control office have been studied from 2016 to 2018. Head lice infestation incidence hotspots in the province should be detected based on general G statistics in ArcMap GIS10.4. 1. Furthermore, MaxEnt.3.3. 3 model was used for modeling the high-risk areas. Results: The prevalence rate of pediculosis was 14.90/100,000 populations. The general G statistics revealed that the head lice infestation in this study area has a high cluster pattern. The analysis showed that the Parsabad and Germi counties were identified as a head lice infestation incidence hotspots. Statistical and spatial analyses of head lice infestation incidence showed a significant positive correlation with head lice infestation incidence hotspots and the altitudes (15-500 m), annual temperature range (14-16.5°C), and slope and average diurnal temperature (12-18°C). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the most ecologically suitable areas of head lice occurrence were identified in two hotspots (Parsabad and Germi) in the Northern areas of Ardabil Province (Parsabad and Germi counties); in the borderline of Iran and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
“Childhood Cancer a Big Burden of Low Middle Income Settings in Bangladesh: Evidence From Cross Sectional Study Dhaka, Bangladesh”

Background: Cancer is big burden among children and adolescents are largely unknown in Bangladesh. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview on childhood and adolescent cancers and to contribute to the future strategies to deal with these diseases in Bangladesh. Childhood Cancer is the leading cause of disease related death among children and adolescents. Literature Review: The prognosis of malignancy in children depends primarily on two type extent of disease at diagnosis and rapidly on response to treatment. Childhood Cancer is the leading cause of disease related death among children and adolescents. Leukemias, which are cancers of the bone marrow and blood, are the most common childhood cancers. They account for about 31% of all cancers in children. The most common types in children arc acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenousleukemia (AML). Leukemia may cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, weakness, pale skin, bleeding or bruising, The prognosis of malignancy in children depends primarily on two type extent of disease at diagnosis and rapidly on response to treatment. Methods: Data on malignant neoplasm’s in patients aged less than 20 years diagnosed between 2001 and 2014 (N = 3143) in Bangladesh was collected by the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and ASHIC Foundation. The age pattern and distribution of cancer types were analysed and the incidence rates were calculated. Results: The age-standardized incidence rate was 7.8 per million person-years for children (0–14 years) in the last time period (2011–2014). Retinoblastoma (25 %) and leukaemia (18 %) were the most common childhood cancers. For adolescents (15–19 years), the age-specific incidence rate was 2.1 per million person-years in the same time period. Most common adolescent cancers were malignant bone tumours (38 %), germ cell and gonadal tumours (17 %), and epithelial tumours (16 %). There were more boys affected (M: F ratio 2.0 in children and 1.4 in adolescents) than girls. Conclusion: Cancer incidences were lower than expected most likely due to a low level of awareness about cancer among clinicians and the population, inadequate access to health care, lack of diagnostic equipment and incomplete recording of cases. Improvements on different levels should be made to get a better epidemiologic insight and to detect cancer earlier resulting in a better outcome for affected children and adolescents.
Socio-Economic and Institutional Factors Influencing Adoption of Agroforestry in Arid and Semi Arid (ASALs) Areas of Sub Saharan Africa

The slow pace in adoption of agroforestry in the Sub Saharan Africa, particularly in arid and semi arid areas (ASALs) warrant an understanding of the underlying factors. Several studies have indicated that in resource limited countries including the ASALs, socio-economic and institutional factors may play a key role in adoption of agricultural production and technologies. Therefore, this study evaluated 16 socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry in Eastern Kenya within the Sub Saharan Africa. The study used survey research design. Based on a sample of 248 household heads, we gathered data using questionnaires and interviews. The influence of socio-economic factors on adoption was performed using binary logistic regression model. Our results showed that agroforestry was adopted by 82% of the respondents. The main agroforestry practices adopted by farmers were boundary planting (73.8%), hedgerow (69.4%), woodlots (53.2%), scattered planting (51.2%) and alley cropping (37.1%). The levels of education, household size, access to credit, and training were significant (P < 0.05) factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry. More resources in the forms of access to credit, inputs and training on agroforestry adoption should be high priority focus to enhance adoption of the practice.
Effects of Microencapsulated Blends of Organics Acids (OA) and Essential Oils (EO) as a Feed Additive for Broiler Chicken. A Focus on Growth Performance, Gut Morphology and Microbiology

Simple Summary Replacing antibiotics with natural alternative compounds in poultry feeding is being increased in the last few years to challenge the antibiotic resistance problem. Among natural compounds, organic acids and essential oils could be a favorable option. The goal of the trial was testing the dietary supplementation of a blend of organic acids and essential oils in broiler diets in order to evaluate growth performance and gut healthiness. The blend of organic acids and essential oils improved growth performances at the end of the growing period and favorably affected, to a certain extent, gut morphology at different gut districts. Moreover, a selective microbial control against Clostridium perfringens, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci and Mesophilic bacteria was found. Additionally, in litter, organic acids and essential oils dietary treatment drove to an overall decrease of Mesophilic bacteria and Enterococci counts. Overall, dietary strategy oriented to a supplementation of a mixture of organic acids and essential oils in broiler diets could offer some favorable perspectives in order to maintain adequate growth performance and gut healthiness either in term of morphology or of microbiology. Nevertheless, improving knowledge on the mechanisms of action of these natural additives together with a potential synergistic action is pivotal to clarify their potential as antibiotic replacers. Abstract The goal of the trial was testing the effects of a blend of organic acids and essential oils dietary supplementation on growth performance and gut healthiness in broiler chickens. In total, 420 male Ross 308 chicks (1-day old) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: basal (BD) and organic acids and essential oils (OA&EO) diets (three replicates/treatment; 70 broilers/replicate). BD group received commercial diets whereas OA&EO group basal diets + 5 g/kg of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils. OA&EO treatment improved the average daily gain (p < 0.01) and feed conversion ratio at 37–47 days compared to BD treatment. OA&EO treatment improved gut morphology mostly at ileum and duodenum levels in terms of villi height, crypt depth, number of villi, mucosa thickness and villi area at 24 and 34 sampling days. A certain selective action against Clostridium perfringens in ileum of OA&EO group was shown at 33 (p = 0.053) and 46 days (p = 0.09) together with lower median values for Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci, Mesophilic bacteria and Clostridium perfringens at ceca level. Overall, organic acids and essential oils supplementation improved growth performance in the final growth stage and some morphological gut traits and reduced to a certain extent Clostridium perfringens count in ileum.
Determinants of overweight/obesity among reproductive age group women in Ethiopia: multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey

Objective Overweight/obesity among women is associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, low birth weight, congenital malformation and neonatal deaths. Although the magnitude of overweight and obesity among the reproductive age group women is a common problem in Ethiopia, there are limited studies that determine the associated factors of overweight and obesity at the national level. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinant factors of overweight/obesity among reproductive age group women in Ethiopia. Design Cross-sectional study design. Setting Ethiopia. Participants Non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years. Primary outcome Overweight/obesity. Methods The present study used the Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) data for 2016. A total of 10 938 non-pregnant reproductive age group women were included in the analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression were performed to determine the determinants of overweight and obesity among women in Ethiopia. The OR with a 95% CI was estimated for potential determinants included in the final model. Results Those women with secondary education (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.48, 1.01, 2.18), higher education (AOR=1.78, 1.13, 2.81), richer (AOR=1.85, 1.15, 2.98) and richest wealth index (AOR=3.23, 1.98, 5.29), urban residence (AOR=4.46, 2.89, 6.87), married (AOR=1.79, 1.21, 2.64), widowed (AOR=2.42, 1.41, 4.15), divorced (AOR=1.84, 1.13, 3.00), aged 25–34 years (AOR=2.04, 1.43, 2.89), 35–44 years (AOR=2.79, 1.99, 3.93) and 45–49 years (AOR=2.62, 1.54, 4.45) had higher odds of developing overweight and obesity. Conclusion Women with higher education level, high wealth status, older age, formerly married and those urban dwellers had higher odds of overweight and obesity. Therefore, regular physical activity, reducing consumption of fat/energy-dense food as well as modifying the mode of transportation is recommended.
A tale worth telling: prices and regional development

This paper explores the overlooked story of prices and regional development. In doing so, we base our analysis on the Balassa-Samuelson effect (Balassa, 1964; Samuelson, 1964), which states that productivity differences, resulting mainly from traded goods and services, have an effect on non-traded sectors, pushing salaries and prices up, and hence the general price level. Thus, we first document the existence of a contemporaneous relationship between prices and income in relatively well-integrated markets, e.g. United States, Spain. Then, we evaluate the changing nature of the price-income relationship in Spain and estimate the long-run elasticity. Using these findings, we follow Costa et al (2015) approach and estimate historical price levels for 49 provinces. Then, the estimated prices are contrasted with historical price data for early twentieth-century Spain. Finally, we discuss the implications of our main findings regarding the evolution of regional income inequality along the process of national development. JEL codes: E31, N9, O18, R12