bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding Variability in Carbon Foot Prints of Smallholder Dairy Farm, in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia.
Authors: Feyissa ABRAHAM ABERA , Senbeta Fayera , Diriba Dawit , Tolera Adugna 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Smallholder dairy farms face enormous challenges of increasing milk production while also mitigating associated GHG emission, thereby increasing climate resilience. Carbon foot prints (CF) of smallholder milk production is expected to increase with increasing demand for dairy products under business as usual scenario. This study estimate the carbon foot prints of smallholder milk production and examine variation across farms using data from 480 households in order to identify viable options for mitigating GHG emissions. We applied a cradle to farm-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach to examine the effects of farming systems on GHG emissions intensifies across intensification gradients of smallholder farm (SHF) from four dairy potential districts in central highlands of Ethiopia. Our study findings revealed that enteric fermentation was the primary source of GHG emission and CH4 emission from enteric fermentation and manure management comprised the bulk of total emission across farms. The estimated average CF varies depending on farm systems, Global Warming Potential (GWP), and allocation methods used. When GHG emissions were allocated to multiple products using economic allocation to milk, beef, finance and insurances, the overall average CF of milk production reported was 1.91 and 2.35 kg CO2e/kg fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM), and on average 72% of total GHG emissions were allocated to milk. With regard to farm typology, rural SHF tended to have significantly higher CF per kg of milk than urban and peri-urban SHF system. Variation in milk yield explained more than 50% of the variation in GHG emission intensity at farm level. Feed digestibility and feed efficiency had a negative and significant (P < 0.01) association with CF of SHF. Our findings suggested that improved feeding by increasing the proportion of concentrate and improved forage, and chemically upgrading straw and crop residue could provide opportunity to both increase milk yield and reduce the CF of milk production of SHF in the study area. Supporting SHF to realize strategies that contribute to climate resilient dairy development will requires interventions at several level in dairy value chain.
An analysis of the relationship between ACE2 genetic polymorphisms and the severity of COVID-19 disease in adult hospitalized patients - prospective observational study
Authors: Kotfis Katarzyna , Sieńko Jerzy , Marczak Izabela , Kotowski Maciej , Bogacz Anna , Tejchman Karol , Sieńko Magdalena 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first emerged in Hubei province of China in December 2019 and spread rapidly to other parts of the world, causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is recognized as the host receptor used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter its target cells. Recent studies suggest that ACE2 gene polymorphisms might be candidates for genetic susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of ACE2 polymorphisms on COVID-19 disease risk and severity. Results In our study we confirmed that there is a statistically significant increased risk of a more severe disease course of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with the need for hospitalization in the intensive care unit for patients with specific polymorphisms of the ACE2 gene. The most significant correlation was found for variant ACE2 rs2285666 (AA allele, OR=2.12, p=0.0189) and ACE2 rs2074192 (TT allele, OR=2.05, p=0.0016), and also for ACE2 rs4646174 (GG allele, OR=1.93, p=0.0016), ACE2 rs4646156 (TT allele OR=1.71, p=0.008) and ACE2 rs2158083 (TT allele OR=1.84, p=0.0025). Conclusions In conclusion, our findings identify that certain ACE2 polymorphisms impact the severity of COVID-19 disease independently of other well-known risk factors.
An assessment of health risks posed by consumption of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables among residents in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda
Authors: Ssemugabo Charles , Bradman Asa , Ssempebwa John C. , Sille Fenna , Guwatudde David 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Pesticide use for fruits and vegetable production in Uganda may result in presence of residues on produce which may pose health risks to consumers. Uganda does not have an established system for monitoring pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and assessing potential health risks. This research aimed to conduct a health risk assessment of presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in the Kampala Metropolitan Area in Uganda.
Method
Pesticides were measured in 160 fruits and vegetables samples collected at farms, markets, street vendors, restaurants and homes using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fruit and vegetable consumption information was collected from 2,177 people. Pesticide concentrations were compared with European Union maximum residual limits (MRLs). Mean values of pesticide concentration residues found in the sample of fruits and vegetables; and fruits and vegetables intake and body weight were used to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of pesticide residues. EDI values were compared with acceptable daily intakes (ADI) to calculate the hazard quotient by age group, and stage at which consumption happens along the chain.
Results
Overall, 57 pesticides were detected in fruits and vegetables from farm to fork. Of the 57, 39 pesticides were detected in all the fruits and vegetables studied. Concentrations of fonofos, fenitrothion and fenhexamid were above the European Union MRLs in some samples. Hazard quotients based on dietary ingestion scenarios for eighteen pesticides, including dichlorvos (444) alanycarb (314), fonofos (68), fenitrothion (62), dioxacarb (55) and benfuracarb (24) and others, were above 1, indicating the possibility of chronic health risk to consumers. Chronic health risk decreased with age but was stable for stage at which consumption happens along the food chain. The number of pesticides with EDI greater than the ADI decreased with increase in age; with 18, 13, 9, 11, 8, 9, and 9 pesticides for age groups < 5, 5–12, 13–19, 20–25, 36–49 and ≥ 50 respectively.
Conclusion
Chronic dietary pesticide exposures to Ugandans are likely common, and for some pesticides result in exposure exceeding health-based benchmarks. Risks were highest for younger participants. There is an urgent need to increase monitoring and regulation of pesticides in fruits and vegetables in order to protect consumers, especially the children who are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides.
Pan-Genome Analysis Reveals The Molecular Targets of Identification and Virulence Detection in Mucoralean Fungi
Authors: Zhang Meijie , Xu Wenqi , Mei Huan , Ge Naicen , Song Ge , Tao Ye , Liu Weida , Liang Guanzhao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Mucoralean fungi offer various pathogens to cause mucormycosis, especially in immunodeficient patients. Over the past decades, both the morbidity and mortality of mucormycosis have increased rapidly, particularly in developing countries. Nowadays, mucormycosis more often happens in India for the COVID-19 pandemic and its backward diagnostic techniques. Our epidemiologic outcomes show several identifications of Mucoralean fungi are limited to genus, while Rhizopus species, Mucor species and Lichtheimia species have high proportions. To find more molecular targets to make rapid and accurate identifications of Mucorales genus and species, Pan-genome analysis and Phylogenetic tree are conducted with four Mucorales isolates we sequenced and 43 fungi from NCBI. A few Mucorales-specific genes have been found such as STE/STE20 protein kinase, GH36 and sel1 repeat protein. Mucorales genus-specific genes are also found in Lichtheimia species and Cunninghamella species, which covered cellular structure, biochemistry metabolism, molecular processing, and signal transduction. Reported proteins related to the virulence of Mucorales species were run with Orthofinder and 112092, cotH3, gcn4 and igp1 have shown the potential to be the direct identification as well as the virulence detection of Mucorales species. The molecular biological techniques need to be promoted, for which our study provide hypothesis and feasibility analysis.
Patient perspectives on delays in cervical cancer screening and follow-up care in Botswana: a mixed methods study
Authors: Grover Surbhi , Rendle Katharine A. , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Monare Barati , Ogden Shannon , Toneff Hannah , Saia Chelsea , Wainwright Jocelyn , Friebel-Klingner Tara , Bonner Natalie , Bazzett-Matabele Lisa , Ralefala Tlotlo B , Bhatia Rohini , Luckett Rebecca , Vuylsteke Peter 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Delays in screening and timely diagnosis contribute significantly to global disparities in cervical cancer mortality in Botswana and other low- and middle-income countries, particularly those with high rates of HIV. Little is known about the modifiable factors shaping these delays from the perspectives of women themselves.Methods: From March-May 2019, we conducted a concurrent, mixed methods study of patients receiving cervical cancer care in Botswana. Structured questionnaires captured beliefs and knowledge related to cervical cancer screening and HIV. Clinical data were abstracted from medical records and confirmed by participants. Semi-structured interviews examined patients’ understanding of and experiences with cervical cancer screening. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using deductive and inductive content analysis and triangulated with quantitative data to identify areas of convergence and divergence.Results: Forty-two women were interviewed, 64% of whom were living with HIV. Median age was 45 years in women living with HIV (LWH) and 64 years in those without HIV. Overall screening rates prior to symptomatic disease were low (24%). Median time from most proximal screening to diagnosis was 52 median days (IQR: 15-176), with no significant differences by HIV status. General screening knowledge was higher among women living with HIV versus those without (100% vs 73%), but knowledge about specific risk factors including HPV was low in both groups. In interviews, participants expressed limited awareness of needing to be screened prior to symptoms. Additionally, participants reported significant delays in receipt of screening results and in obtaining referrals for follow-up care. However, participants also described myriad sources of social and tangible support that helped them to overcome some of these challenges. Conclusion: Interventions focused on increasing routine screening and supporting timely awareness and access to care are needed to reduce global disparities in cervical cancer.
Alkyl Ketene Dimer Grafted Cationic Cellulose Stabilizing Nano Magnesium Oxide for Efficient Protection of Aging Paper
Authors: He Bei , Ai Jingbo , Ren Junli , Zhao Lihong , Zhao He , Liu Chuanfu , Fan Huiming 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Alkyl ketene dimer grafted cationic cellulose (AKD-g-CMCC) was designed to stabilize nano magnesium oxide (MgO) in low polarity mixed solution of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDO) and isopropanol (IPA) for protection of aging paper. The highly stable nano MgO organic colloid exhibited a small average particle size (200 nm) and low viscosity (2.26 mPa·s), which is beneficial for the efficient protection of aging paper. Evaluation results showed that properties of treated aging paper were improved. Small-size MgO (200 nm) uniformly deposited on the paper endowed the treated paper with mild pH (8.30) and sufficient alkali reserve (1.00%, calcium carbonate equivalent) for deacidification. Meanwhile, the tensile index and tear index of treated paper increased by 40.78% and 27.28%, respectively. Moreover, the treated paper presented the low chromatic aberration (∆E=0.46) and the negligible influence in the appearance and clarity of writing. Additionally, the treated paper also had the excellent anti-aging and anti-adhesion performance.
Prevalence, Correlates, And Behavioral Outcomes For Alcohol Gifting In China
Authors: Zhang Lu , Huang Lixin , Li Ying , Wu Dan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
INTRODUCATION: Alcohol gifting is a very common phenomenon in China. However, little is known about the potentially adverse consequences of alcohol gifting. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with alcohol gifting and explore whether drinking and other substance use could be predicted by alcohol gifting.METHODS: Using a cross-sectional multi-stage survey, A sample of 982 household heads from Guangdong Province and 530 household heads from Shaanxi Province was collected online from 30 April to 30 July 2020 in China. Participants completed questionnaires regarding socio-demographic characteristics, social capital, drinking status, and gifting alcohol behavior. Chi-squared analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to verify the key factors associated with alcohol gifting, and to identify its relationship with alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, household annual income, province, drinking status, and social participation were prominent predictors for both offering and receiving alcohol. People who were married, had an education level of junior high school, and with a high social network were more inclined to receive alcohol. When two alcohol gifting behaviors were accounted for in the models, people who offered and received alcohol were 2.25 (95% CI: 1.70-2.96;) and 1.85 (95% CI: 1.43-2.38) times more likely to be a current drinker than those who did not offer and receive alcohol, respectively. Receiving alcohol has been found to significantly predict current smoking status (AOR=1.64; 95% CI: 1.25-2.14), while those who offered alcohol were less likely to be current smokers (AOR=0.71;95% CI:0.53-0.95).CONCLUSIONS: Social participation is an important correlative factor for alcohol gifting. Alcohol receiving behaviors not only predicts alcohol use but tobacco use significantly. The study data provide evidence to supports that it is necessary to further supervise and regulate alcohol gifting behavior to decrease alcohol consumption and other substance consumption.
Motivators and demotivators to accessing malaria in pregnancy interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-ethnographic review
Authors: Aberese-Ako Matilda , Doegah Phidelia , Acquah Evelyn , Magnussen Pascal , Ansah Evelyn , Ampofo Gifty Dufie , Agei Dominic Dankwah , Klu Desmond , Mottey Elsie Ewoenam , Balen Julie , Doumbo Safiatou , Mbacham Wilfred , Gaye Ouma , Gyapong Margaret , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Targbor Harry 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundDespite the introduction of efficacious interventions for malaria control, sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the highest burden of malaria and its associated effects on vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. This meta-ethnographic review contributes to literature on malaria in pregnancy interventions in sub-Saharan Africa by offering insights into the multiple factors that motivate or demotivate women from accessing MiP interventions.MethodsA meta-ethnographic approach was used for the synthesis. Original qualitative research articles published from 2010 to November 2021 in English in sub-Saharan Africa were searched for. Articles focusing on WHO’s recommended interventions such as intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, long-lasting insecticidal nets and testing and treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) were included. Selected articles were uploaded into Nvivo 11 for thematic coding and synthesis. ResultsTwenty-seven original qualitative research articles were included in the analysis. Main factors motivating uptake of MiP interventions were: (1) well organised ANC, positive attitudes of health workers and availability of MiP services; (2) Women’s knowledge of the effects of malaria in pregnancy, previous experience of accessing responsive ANC; (3) financial resources and encouragement from partners, relatives and friends and (4) favourable weather condition and nearness to a health facility. Factors that demotivated women from using MiP services were: (1) stock-outs, ANC charges and health providers failure to provide women with ample education on the need for MiP care; (2) perception of not being at risk and the culture of self-medication; (3) fear of being bewitched if pregnancy was noticed early, women’s lack of decision making power and dependence on traditional remedies and (4) warm weather, long distances to health facilities and the style of construction of houses making it difficult to hang LLINs. ConclusionsHealth system gaps need to be strengthened in order to ensure that MiP interventions become accessible to women. Additionally, health managers need to involve communities in planning, designing and implementing malaria interventions for pregnant women. It is important that the health system engage extensively with communities to facilitate pregnant women and communities understanding of MiP interventions and the need to support pregnant women to access them.
Exploring Factors That Influence Hrqol For People Living With Parkinson’s In One Region Of Ireland; A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Cassidy Irene , Doody Owen , Meskell Pauline 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The diversity of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and their impact on functioning have led to an increased interest in exploring factors that impact Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Although the experience of Parkinson’s is unique, some symptoms have a greater impact than others, e.g. depression. Moreover, as the risk of Parkinson’s increases with age, the financial and public health impact of this condition is likely to increase with the growing aging population. In Ireland, research is ongoing in the pursuit of causes and effective treatments for Parkinson’s; however, its impact on everyday living, functioning and HRQoL is largely under examined. This study aims to describe factors that influence HRQoL for people with Parkinson’s (PwP) in one region of Ireland. Methods: A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted of people (n=208) with Parkinson’s in one region of Ireland. This survey included socio-demographic questions, Nonmotor Symptoms Questionnaire for Parkinson’s disease (NMSQuest), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and the Parkinson's disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted using SPSS, IBM version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, II, USA).Results: Participants reflected a predominantly older population who were married and lived in their own home (91%). Participants diagnosed the longest reported poorer HRQoL regarding mobility, activities of daily living, emotional wellbeing, social support, cognition, and communication domains and overall HRQoL. Lower HRQoL correlated with higher depression scores p<0.001 and participants in the lower HRQoL cohort experienced 2.25 times more non-motor symptoms (NMSs) than participants with higher HRQoL. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis predicted Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS 15) score, non-motor symptom burden, and years since diagnosis to negatively impact HRQoL. Principal component analysis also indicated that for the population in this study, components measuring 1) independence/dependence 2) stigma 3) emotional wellbeing and 4) pain were central to explaining core aspects of participants’ HRQoL.Conclusions: Findings help to achieve a deeper understanding of the effects of Parkinson’s symptoms in Ireland, and direct future research priorities to identify interventions required to support people and improve their HRQoL. This study includes data on HRQoL influences and a conceptual person-centred guide for nurses and healthcare professionals in supporting care and QoL for people living with Parkinson’s.
Specification of Policy for the Barriers to Care and Treatment of Nepali Migrants Living with HIV/AIDS in India
Authors: Sarode Sunil , Ubale Pragati , Soletti Asha Banu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Nepal is one of the friendly nations of India in the Indian subcontinent. There are no severe international conflicts between India and Nepal. Moreover, cultural commonality is also essential in sustaining friendly relations between two countries. Therefore, the migration from Nepal to India is well established and unobjectionable phenomenon. There are no restrictions and basic requirements for Nepali migrants to come to India. Nepali migrants are coming to India without their families; hence there are high chances of being involved in sex avenues due to loneliness and their reproductive age group. Thus, they are at high risk and get infected with HIV. Later on, they transfer HIV to the general population in Nepal after their return. It is imperative to control such consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to provide preventive and health care services to Nepali Migrants. Therefore, it is crucial to study the existing policies for people living with HIV/AIDS concerning health care treatment. It is equally important to study the challenges for Nepali migrants to access health care treatment due to the existing policy. There is also a need to focus on the recommendations to develop the future policy to deal with the challenges of Nepali migrants to access the health care treatment without any hindrances. In this study, the qualitative and quantitative approach was adopted to collect the data from the Nepali migrants living with HIV/AIDS. Overall 50 Nepali migrants living with HIV/AIDS were interviewed and 4 Focussed Group Discussions were conducted to elicit the in-depth knowledge on the issues of Nepali migrants living with HIV/AIDS. Apart from that, the three Key Informant Interviews of health care providers were also done to understand their perspective regarding issues of Nepali migrants living with HIV/AIDS.
Treatment of Effluents from Food Services Establishment (FSEs) by Physico-chemical Processes: A Case Study for Trinidad &amp; Tobago
Authors: Cudjoe Shamika , GOUTAM BANERJEE , VINCENT COOPER 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In Trinidad & Tobago, it is estimated that approximately 231,304 kg/day of unaccounted for FOG-bearing wastewaters from Food Establishments, are released into the environment with no method of viable treatment in the country. This seeks to find a financially viable and optimal physico-chemical processes for the treatment of emulsified FOGs, for subsequent release into the environment. Bench-scale studies analysed the characteristics of FSE’s effluents from three popular sources, studied the treatment using Jar Tests experiments, and subsequent pilot plant study. The mean concentration of constituents in the FSEs’ samples were FOG (511 mg/l ± 116 mg/l), Suspended Solids (446 mg/l ± 146 mg/l), Chemical Oxygen Demand (2229 mg/l ± 963 mg/l) and pH (6 ± 0.3). Jar Tests were conducted using Poly-aluminium Chloride (PACl) as coagulant, anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes as flocculant aids with suitable pH adjustments of samples to determine the isoelectric point for the coagulant. FOG removal levels of 99.9% resulted in a final effluent concentration of 0.17 mg/l, which was within the regulatory standard of 20 mg/l. Required conditions were a PACl concentration of 250 mg/l, followed by flocculation aid with 4 mg/l of 0.1% low cationic polyelectrolyte (CP 1154) at pH adjusted to 8, and post-sedimentation for thirty minutes. The Jar test results were used as the basis for the design of a pilot-scale treatment plant. The plant achieved a 97.4% removal of FOG (residual of 16.8 mg/l) using 0.1% medium cationic polyelectrolyte (CP1156) and pre- and post-sedimentation times of 120 minutes, and 360 minutes, respectively.