Performance of transition metal-doped CaCO3 during cyclic CO2 capture-and-release in low-pressure H2O vapour and H2O plasma

The effects of transition metal doping of calcium carbonate on the subsequent performance of the material during CO2 release and recapture have been evaluated for calcination under low-pressure (~0.1 mbar) water vapour and water plasma conditions. The initial samples were prepared by precipitation method from analytical grade carbonate, calcium and transition metal (Fe, Co, Zn, Cu and Ni) containing precursors. The release-recapture properties of the sorbents were monitored over five cycles involving calcination at 1200 K and carbonation at 825 K. The most noteworthy effects were observed for the Zn-doped samples, which exhibited rapid CO2 recapture. Calcination in H2O plasma was tested to evaluate the potential for in-situ material processing as a means to counteract material degradation. The impact of plasma exposure during calcination on the looping performance was mixed and dependent on the specific sample composition. The performance of the Zn-doped CaCO3 was consistently improved by plasma calcination, yielding high uptake and better retention of carrying capacity over the five cycles. All samples exhibited a deterioration in carrying capacity over repeated cycles. The Zn-doped samples also performed best in this respect (least loss of carrying capacity). The beneficial effects of Zn-doping were dependent on the Zn-content of the precursor solutions used for material synthesis.</p

Exploring low-carbon futures: A web service approach to linking diverse climate-energy-economy models

© 2019 by the authors. The use of simulation models is essential when exploring transitions to low-carbon futures and climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. There are many models developed to understand socio-environmental processes and interactions, and analyze alternative scenarios, but hardly one single model can serve all the needs. There is much expectation in climate-energy research that constructing new purposeful models out of existing models used as building blocks can meet particular needs of research and policy analysis. Integration of existing models, however, implies sophisticated coordination of inputs and outputs across different scales, definitions, data and software. This paper presents an online integration platform which links various independent models to enhance their scope and functionality. We illustrate the functionality of this web platform using several simulation models developed as standalone tools for analyzing energy, climate and economy dynamics. The models differ in levels of complexity, assumptions, modeling paradigms and programming languages, and operate at different temporal and spatial scales, from individual to global. To illustrate the integration process and the internal details of our integration framework we link an Integrated Assessment Model (GCAM), a Computable General Equilibrium model (EXIOMOD), and an Agent Based Model (BENCH). This toolkit is generic for similar integrated modeling studies. It still requires extensive pre-integration assessment to identify the ‘appropriate’ models and links between them. After that, using the web service approach we can streamline module coupling, enabling interoperability between different systems and providing open access to information for a wider community of users

Review of ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological evidences of some Ethiopian medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of cancer

Background: Ethiopia is endowed with enormous diversity of plants. However, the majority of these plants have not been scientifically investigated. Traditional knowledge on the use of plants as medicinal agents has been transferred from generation to generation, as guarded secrets, through the word of mouth, and scientific studies on these herbs have not been properly compiled.Objectives: The main objective of this study was to review published ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological evidences of Ethiopian medicinal plants with anticancer potentials.Material and methods: A total of 92 articles have been reviewed. They were obtained from search engines such as PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used to search for the literature inside the databases: plant extract, anticancer, Ethiopia, antioxidant compounds, cytotoxic compounds and in vivo toxicity.Results: The current literature review revealed that about 136 anticancer plants belonging to 57 families have been identified in Ethiopia. Among these, 98 plant species were reported for their traditional use to treat different types of symptomatic cancers. However, only 29 species were scientifically studied for their in vitro cytotoxic or free radical scavenging activities. Plant parts commonly used for preparation of anticancer remedies were leaves (41.4%) and roots (32.8%). Among the reported plant species, whilst the crude extracts of Artemisia annua, Acokanthera schimperi and Catha edulis were found to be potent cytotoxic agents (IC50&lt;15 g/ml), the total extracts of Cassia arereh, Rubus steudneri and Thymus schimperi showed strong radical scavenging activity (IC50 &lt;15 g/ml). Chronic administration of Syzygium guineense hydroalcoholic leaf extract, on the other hand, induced pathological changes in liver and kidney of mice.Conclusions: Although several Ethiopian plants traditionally used for the treatment of cancer were shown to possess cytotoxic and free radical scavenging activities, in most cases compounds responsible for such activities have not been identified. Therefore, activity-guided detailed phytochemical studies coupled with evaluation of the safety particularly on those plant extracts that demonstrated potent activities should be carried out as this may lead to the discovery of safe and cost effective anticancer agents. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2017;31 (3):161-187]Keywords: Ethiopian medicinal plants, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Ethnopharmacology, Traditional us

Identification and nutritive vale of potential fodder trees and shrubs in the mid Rift Valley of Ethiopa

The aim of this study was to identify potential browse species in the mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia and to assess their nutritive value. A total of 120 household from four districts in the mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia were interviewed to identify locally important browse species. Herbarium samples were collected for identification and/or confirmation of the scientific names. Samples were also taken for chemical composition analysis. A total of 18 different browse species were identified, which are regarded as being important for different classes of livestock. The CP value of the edible component ranged between 8.95-20.9%, the NDF values ranged from 30.41-78.55%, the ADF values ranged from 19.42- 47.5%.,and the ADL values ranged from 7.16 to 24.68. Generally the differences in chemical composition between different browse species were significant. These results indicate that there is a number of promising browse species in the indigenous flora. However, apart from chemical composition, they need to be characterized further in terms of palatability, digestibility, feed intake, animal response trials and anti-nutritional factors, in order to be able to enhance their utilization in the future.Oromia Agricultural Research Institutehttp://www.thejaps.org.pk/am2016Animal and Wildlife Science

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Sensorineural Hearing Impairment Among Patients with T2DM in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: A Multi-Centered Cross-Sectional Study

Dereje Esubalew,1 Mihret Melese,2 Melese Belete,3 Adugnaw Ambelu,2 Bezawit Mulat,2 Tadegew Adane,4 Wubet Tazeb Wondie,5 Mengistie Diress2 1Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 2Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Human Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 4Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; 5Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Dereje Esubalew, Tel +251942868674, Email [email protected]: Generally, people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in various countries experience a significant rate of sensorineural hearing impairment. Nonetheless, there is scant evidence of sensorineural hearing impairment among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Northwest Ethiopian. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence rate and contributing factors of sensorineural hearing impairment in type 2 diabetics at comprehensive and specialized referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was carried out from May 3, 2022, to June 14, 2022, on 846 study participants in Ethiopia, with a response rate of 99.65%. The research subjects were chosen by simple random sampling techniques. Data was gathered by using audiometric measurements and structured interview-administered questionnaires and then entered into EPI data version 4.6. Finally, it was exported to STATA 14 for analysis. Binary logistic regression, chi-square test, and odds ratio were done to verify the assumptions and degree of association. Ultimately, factors exhibiting a p-value < 0.05 with a 95% CI were regarded as significant predictors of hearing impairment.Results: The magnitude of sensorineural hearing impairment in this investigation was 50.49% (95% CI: 45.67%, 55.26%). Factors significantly associated with sensorineural hearing impairment were age (AOR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.14), hyperlipidemia (AOR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.05, 7.82), duration of diabetes (AOR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.06), hypertension (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.69) and regular physical exercise (AOR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.68).Conclusions and Recommendations: In this study, relatively high rates of sensorineural hearing impairment were observed. Stakeholders should establish routine hearing screening, and participants will advise to incorporate regular physical exercise into their routines.Keywords: hearing loss, impairment, audiometer, diabetes, Ethiopi

Developing logistic software platforms: e-market place, a case study

This paper describes a framework for software development with emphasis on logistics platforms. Specifically, a case study is presented regarding the Logport program in Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The software development is based on the merging of modeling, design, and agile development techniques aimed towards software production. The agile methodologies discussed herein include Scrum, XP, and Crystal among others, and specific verification and validation aspects of CMMI 1.3 are evaluated. Furthermore, the integration of emerging technologies including elastic computing in cloud computing that allows scaled integration, security, load balancing, process speed, and high concurrency among other features are discussed. Finally, the proposed solutions cover actual and emergent needs in a B2B or B2C electronic commerce dynamic environment where suppliers and clients offer and demand transport, storage, and customs services. In this environment, their goal is to ensure there is added value to their logistics processes starting at the inputs and all the way to the outputs of the commercial business processes. Colombia’s Caribbean region is one such multimodal and multiport environment in which there is constant demand for low cost, time and storage optimization, and customs reliability for the businesspersons of this region, which serves as a Hub for the American Caribbean

Variations in seasonal solar insolation are associated with a history of suicide attempts in bipolar I disorder

Background Bipolar disorder is associated with circadian disruption and a high risk of suicidal behavior. In a previous exploratory study of patients with bipolar I disorder, we found that a history of suicide attempts was associated with differences between winter and summer levels of solar insolation. The purpose of this study was to confirm this finding using international data from 42% more collection sites and 25% more countries. Methods Data analyzed were from 71 prior and new collection sites in 40 countries at a wide range of latitudes. The analysis included 4876 patients with bipolar I disorder, 45% more data than previously analyzed. Of the patients, 1496 (30.7%) had a history of suicide attempt. Solar insolation data, the amount of the sun's electromagnetic energy striking the surface of the earth, was obtained for each onset location (479 locations in 64 countries). Results This analysis confirmed the results of the exploratory study with the same best model and slightly better statistical significance. There was a significant inverse association between a history of suicide attempts and the ratio of mean winter insolation to mean summer insolation (mean winter insolation/mean summer insolation). This ratio is largest near the equator which has little change in solar insolation over the year, and smallest near the poles where the winter insolation is very small compared to the summer insolation. Other variables in the model associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts were a history of alcohol or substance abuse, female gender, and younger birth cohort. The winter/summer insolation ratio was also replaced with the ratio of minimum mean monthly insolation to the maximum mean monthly insolation to accommodate insolation patterns in the tropics, and nearly identical results were found. All estimated coefficients were significant at p < 0.01. Conclusion A large change in solar insolation, both between winter and summer and between the minimum and maximum monthly values, may increase the risk of suicide attempts in bipolar I disorder. With frequent circadian rhythm dysfunction and suicidal behavior in bipolar disorder, greater understanding of the optimal roles of daylight and electric lighting in circadian entrainment is needed.Peer reviewe

Access to Water Source, Latrine Facilities and Other Risk Factors of Active Trachoma in Ankober, Ethiopia

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence and correlates of active trachoma in Ankober, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted during July 2007. A total of 507 children (ages 1–9 years), from 232 households were included in the study. All children were examined for trachoma by ophthalmic nurses using the WHO simplified clinical grading system. Interviews and observations were used to assess risk factors. Logistic regression procedures were used to determine associations between potential risk factors and signs of active trachoma. Results: Overall, the prevalence of active trachoma was found to be 53.9 % (95%CI 49.6%–58.2%). Presence of fly-eye (fly contact with the eyelid margin during eye examination) (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.03 95 % CI 1.40–11.59), absence of facial cleanliness (OR = 7.59; 95%CI 4.60–12.52), an illiterate mother (OR = 5.88; 95%CI 2.10–15.95), lack of access to piped water (OR = 2.19; 95%CI 1.14–6.08), and lack of access to latrine facilities (OR = 4.36; 95%CI 1.49–12.74) were statistically significantly associated with increased risk of active trachoma. Conclusion: Active trachoma among children 1–9 years of age in Ankober is highly prevalent and significantly associated with a number of risk factors including access to water and latrine facilities. Trachoma prevention programs that include improved access to water and sanitation, active fly control, and hygiene education are recommended to lower the burde