Ultraspinning limits and super-entropic black holes

By employing the new ultraspinning limit we construct novel classes of black holes with non-compact event horizons and finite horizon area and study their thermodynamics. Our ultraspinning limit can be understood as a simple generating technique that consists of three steps: i) transforming the known rotating AdS black hole solution to a special coordinate system that rotates (in a given 2-plane) at infinity ii) boosting this rotation to the speed of light iii) compactifying the corresponding azimuthal direction. In so doing we qualitatively change the structure of the spacetime since it is no longer possible to return to a frame that does not rotate at infinity. The obtained black holes have non-compact horizons with topology of a sphere with two punctures. The entropy of some of these exceeds the maximal bound implied by the reverse isoperimetric inequality, such black holes are super-entropic.Comment: 19 pages, 6 figures; minor corrections as in published version, updated reference

Integrated approach to malaria prevention at household level in rural communities in Wakiso district, Uganda: impact evaluation of a pilot project

Background: The integrated approach to malaria prevention, which advocates for the use of several malaria prevention methods at households, is being explored to complement other existing strategies. We implemented a pilot project that promoted the integrated approach to malaria prevention in two rural communities in Wakiso district, Uganda. Objectives: This paper presents the impact evaluation findings of the project carried out 2 years after implementation with a focus on changes in knowledge and practices on malaria prevention. Methods: The project evaluation was cross-sectional in design and employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The quantitative survey was conducted among 540 households (household heads being participants) while the qualitative component involved 4 focus group discussions among community health workers (CHWs). Chi-square test was used to compare quantitative results from the evaluation with those of the baseline while thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data. Results: There was a statistically significant positive change in malaria prevention practices in the evaluation compared with the baseline regarding indoor residual spraying (χ2 = 7.9, p = 0.019), mosquito screening of windows and ventilators (χ2 = 62.3, p = 0.001), and closing windows of houses before 6:00 pm (χ2 = 60.2, p < 0.001). The CHWs trained during the project were found to be highly knowledgeable on the various malaria prevention methods in the integrated approach, and continued to promote their use in the community. Conclusion: Findings of the impact evaluation give promise that utilisation of integrated malaria prevention can be enhanced if use of multiple methods is promoted in communities

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES ON ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG MAKERERE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, KAMPALA, UGANDA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background The need for electronics such as laptops and phones are on the rise, especially in academic institutions including universities. These electronics are required for day-to-day activities such as lectures and communication. As time goes by, these electronics may no longer be required by the original user hence resulting in high volumes of electronic waste (e-waste). This generation of e-waste requires proper management to protect human health and the environment. This study therefore assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on e-waste management among Makerere University students in Kampala, Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study using a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data was conducted among 336 Makerere University students. Collected data was analysed at a univariate level in STATA 14 software to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on e-waste management among the students. Results The majority of participants 267 (79.5%) were aged between 20-25 years, and more than half 179 (53.3%) were males. Most participants 153 (45.5%) had low knowledge levels on e-waste management, though the majority 180 (53.6%) knew what e-waste is. The majority of participants 275 (81.8%) had positive attitudes toward e-waste management, and nearly all 319 (94.9%) agreed that e-waste should not be disposed of with general waste. Mobile phones 223 (42.6%) were the most disposed of e-waste. Many students 125 (35.3%) discarded e-waste by selling as second-hand. Conclusion There was low knowledge, positive attitudes, and poor practices towards e-waste management among the university students. Recommendation There is a need for various stakeholders to enhance knowledge among students regarding the effects of poor e-waste management on humans and the environment to improve management practices. For example, university administrations can organise campaigns, webinars, and seminars that focus on proper e-waste management including disposal practices and effects on human health and the environment

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CURRENT USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG YOUNG MARKET WOMEN WORKING AT ST. BALIKUDDEMBE MARKET IN KAMPALA, UGANDA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background:  Despite increased access to modern contraception among young women globally, little is known about modern contraceptive use among women working in the informal sector who are usually missed out on in most national surveys. We assessed the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among young market women in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 343 young women aged 15-24 years, working at St. Balikuddembe Market in Kampala, the Capital City of Uganda. Data were collected on socio-demographic and behavior characteristics including the current use of modern FP methods. We computed the proportion of young women who reported the current use of modern FP methods and determined the factors associated with the current use of modern FP methods using a modified Poisson regression model.   Results:  Of 343 young market women, 56% (192) were food handlers. Nearly half of the women (48.4, n=166) had at least one biological child. Forty-seven percent (160) of the women reported the current use of modern FP methods. Having 1-2 living children (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR] =1.81, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.20, 2.72) or three or more living children (aPR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.33, 3.64), age 20-24 years (aPR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.46, 3.17), having secondary education (aPR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.05, 7.21), and having a positive attitude towards modern FP (aPR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.71) were positively associated with current use of modern FP methods. Conclusion:  The use of modern contraception among young market women remains sub-optimal. Having at least one living child, older age, and secondary education were the factors associated with modern contraceptive use in this population.  Recommendation:  Our findings suggest a need for innovative, target-specific FP interventions with a focus on several biological children, level of education, and age, to improve the uptake of modern contraceptive services among young market women in this setting. 

PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POOR PHARMACEUTICAL WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN NANSANA MUNICIPALITY, WAKISO DISTRICT, UGANDA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Introduction The rising demand for pharmaceuticals globally raises concerns about poor disposal of pharmaceutical waste. Pharmaceutical waste lacks clear guidelines for its management, contributing to environmental pollution and high healthcare costs. While some countries implement effective pharmaceutical waste policies, many developing nations including Uganda, face challenges due to insufficient awareness, regulations, and infrastructure. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with poor pharmaceutical waste disposal practices in Nansana Municipality Wakiso District, Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 399 households in Nansana Municipality. Stratified sampling was conducted across the four divisions of Nansana Municipality, and a random selection of respondents was made. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire that included demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and pharmaceutical waste disposal practices. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses identified the prevalence and factors associated with poor pharmaceutical waste disposal. Results The study revealed that 72.2% of Nansana Municipality households used poor pharmaceutical waste disposal, predominantly using toilets (91%). Several factors were significantly associated with poor pharmaceutical waste disposal practices in Nansana Municipality. Respondents aged ≥ 30 years were 1.33 times more likely to engage in poor disposal compared to those aged 20-25 years (APR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.15-1.54). Household monthly income above USD 137 was linked to a lower likelihood of poor pharmaceutical waste disposal (APR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59-0.98). Conclusion The study found a high prevalence of poor pharmaceutical waste disposal in Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District Uganda. Given the influence of age, gender, education, and income on these behaviors, public health strategies must combine educational, economic, and infrastructural measures for effective impact. Recommendation  Implementing voluntary take-back programs, enforcing producer responsibility for eco-friendly packaging, and raising public awareness of safe pharmaceutical waste disposal are needed

Menstrual health and school absenteeism among adolescent girls in Uganda (MENISCUS): a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Management of menstruation can present substantial challenges to girls in low-income settings. In preparation for a menstrual hygiene intervention to reduce school absenteeism in Uganda, this study aimed to investigate menstruation management practices, barriers and facilitators, and the influence of menstruation on school absenteeism among secondary school students in a peri-urban district of Uganda. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted among consenting girls and boys aged 14-17 years in four secondary schools in Entebbe sub-District, Uganda. Methods included group and in-depth interviews with students, a quantitative cross-sectional questionnaire, a prospectively self-completed menstrual diary, key informant interviews with policy makers, and observations of school water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with school absenteeism during the most recent menstrual period. RESULTS: Girls reported substantial embarrassment and fear of teasing related to menstruation in the qualitative interviews, and said that this, together with menstrual pain and lack of effective materials for menstrual hygiene management, led to school absenteeism. All policy makers interviewed reported poverty and menstruation as the key factors associated with school attendance. The 352 girls with questionnaire data had a median age of 16 (inter-quartile range (IQR) = 15,16) years, with median age at menarche of 13 (IQR = 13,14) years. Of these, 64 girls (18.7%) reported having stained their clothes and 69 (19.7%) reported missing at least 1 day of school, during their most recent period. Missing school during the most recent period was associated with physical symptoms (headache (odds ratio (OR) = 2.15, 95%CI:1.20, 3.86), stomach pain (OR = 1.89, 95%CI:0.89, 4.04), back pain (OR = 1.75, 95%CI:0.97, 3.14), and with changing protection 4 or more times per 24 h period (OR = 2.08, 95%CI:1.06, 4.10). In the diary sub-study among 40 girls, school absence was reported on 28% of period-days, compared with 7% of non-period days (adjusted odds ratio = 5.99, 95%CI:4.4, 8.2; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this peri-urban Ugandan population, menstruation was strongly associated with school attendance. Evaluation of a menstrual management intervention that address both psychosocial (e.g. self-confidence, attitudes) and physical (e.g. management of pain, use of adequate menstrual hygiene materials, improved water and sanitation facilities) aspects of menstruation are needed

Induction of humoral immune response to multiple recombinant Rhipicephalus appendiculatus antigens and their effect on tick feeding success and pathogen transmission

BACKGROUND: Rhipicephalus appendiculatus is the primary vector of Theileria parva, the etiological agent of East Coast fever (ECF), a devastating disease of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesized that a vaccine targeting tick proteins that are involved in attachment and feeding might affect feeding success and possibly reduce tick-borne transmission of T. parva. Here we report the evaluation of a multivalent vaccine cocktail of tick antigens for their ability to reduce R. appendiculatus feeding success and possibly reduce tick-transmission of T. parva in a natural host-tick-parasite challenge model. METHODS: Cattle were inoculated with a multivalent antigen cocktail containing recombinant tick protective antigen subolesin as well as two additional R. appendiculatus saliva antigens: the cement protein TRP64, and three different histamine binding proteins. The cocktail also contained the T. parva sporozoite antigen p67C. The effect of vaccination on the feeding success of nymphal and adult R. appendiculatus ticks was evaluated together with the effect on transmission of T. parva using a tick challenge model. RESULTS: To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of the anti-tick effects of these antigens in the natural host-tick-parasite combination. In spite of evidence of strong immune responses to all of the antigens in the cocktail, vaccination with this combination of tick and parasite antigens did not appear to effect tick feeding success or reduce transmission of T. parva. CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight the importance of early evaluation of anti-tick vaccine candidates in biologically relevant challenge systems using the natural tick-host-parasite combination

Factors associated with management of pneumonia among children by Community Health Workers in Abim district, Uganda

Introduction: Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under five years of age in Uganda. Community Health Workers (CHWs) can prevent pneumonia deaths if they know how to manage the disease correctly. We conducted a study to determine factors associated with management of pneumonia among under-five year children by CHWs in Abim district, Uganda. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. We obtained data from 374 CHWs using a training video, questionnaire, Sick Child Job Aid (SCJA) and case vignettes. We determined the proportion of CHWs that correctly managed pneumonia. Modified Poisson regression established factors associated with management of pneumonia in children by CHWs. We conducted four key informant interviews with CHWs focal persons, and five focus group discussions with community members. Results: We found that 15.5% of CHWs correctly managed pneumonia among children as per the SCJA. In addition, 73.8% of the CHWs respiratory rate counts were close to the respiratory count of the training video with +/- five range. Educational level (Adj. PR 2.06; 95% CI: (1.18-3.61) p-value 0.011), having a CHW register (Adj. PR 0.54; 95% CI (0.30-0.98) p-value 0.041) and drug stock outs (Adj. PR 4.24; 95% CI (1.37-13.13) p-value 0.012) were significantly associated with CHW management of pneumonia. Refresher training, availability of equipment and supplies, and support supervision were the main health facility factors influencing management of pneumonia. Perceptions that CHWs could not manage pneumonia among children, drug stock outs, and lack of trust were community factors influencing CHW management of pneumonia. Conclusion: A low proportion of CHWs correctly managed pneumonia among children. Strategies to improve provision of CHW registers, drugs, support supervision, refresher trainings, as well as recruiting CHWs with a minimum of secondary level of education are necessary to improve management of pneumonia among children. Communities also need to be sensitised on roles and responsibilities of CHWs in management of pneumonia

AWARENESS OF INDOOR AIR POLLUTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF UNCLEAN COOKING FUELS AMONG RESIDENTS OF MBALALA TOWN, MUKONO DISTRICT, UGANDA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background In most low- and middle-income countries, many households still rely on unclean cooking fuels (such as firewood and charcoal) despite the associated indoor air pollution exposure. We assessed people’s awareness of indoor air pollution and factors related to the use of unclean cooking fuels among residents of Mbalala town, Mukono district.  Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which we collected both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of indoor air pollution (effects, causes, risks, control measures), and cooking practices (including the use of clean/unclean cooking fuels) from 385 respondents. We computed the proportions of respondents who were aware of indoor air pollution, and who used unclean fuels, and determined the factors associated with using a modified Poisson regression model. Qualitative data were collected from 10 key informants (community leaders and village health teams) and analyzed manually following a thematic framework approach.   Results The mean age was 32.5 years (SD: ±11.5). Three-quarters of the respondents (75.3%, n=290) were aware of indoor air pollution. Awareness of indoor air pollution was associated with being 46 years or older, being male, having a tertiary/University education, and earning between US$104 and US$209 monthly. Ninety-four percent (n=350) used unclean cooking fuels. Use of unclean cooking fuels was significantly lower among men than women, and among respondents with primary/secondary education than those without education. Qualitative findings showed that participants used unclean cooking fuels because they were cheaper and accessible. Restrictions on the use of electric appliances by landlords and lack of electricity limited the use of gas cookers or other electric appliances.  Conclusion Despite the high awareness of indoor air pollution, nearly all respondents reported using unclean cooking fuels.   Recommendation Community sensitization on the health risks associated with the continued use of unclean cooking fuels is urgently needed.