Effects of disinfection, packaging and evaporatively cooled storage on sugar content of mango

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of post-harvest disinfection, packaging, evaporative cooling storage and their combined effect on the changes in sugar content ofmango (Mangifera indica L.). The experiment was laid out in a factorial combination of disinfection, packaging and storage in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The mangoeswere periodically analyzed for reducing sugar and total sugar. Non-reducing sugar was computed from the difference between experimental reducing and total sugars. Storage conditions significantly (P 0.01) affected sugar content in mangoes. Storage at ambient conditions with higher temperature and lower relative humidity as compared to the evaporatively cooled storage resulted in rapid deterioration in sugar content of the mangoes. During the storage period, packaging generally maintained higher (P 0.01) levels of reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and total sugar. Similarly, disinfection treatment significantly (P 0.01) affected the changes in reducing, non-reducing and total sugars of mangoes during storage. Two-way interactions were significant (P 0.01) in terms of the changes in sugar content of mangoes. The benefits of the combined effect of post-harvest treatments on mangoes included maintenance of high reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and total sugar

Trauma in Ethiopia Revisited: A systematic Review

Background: This is a systematic review on trauma/injury incidents which has tried to examine the variety of socio-demographic, vehicular,  environmental, and behavioral factors that are associated with injury and its outcome across different settings.Data Sources: Electronic searches for trauma/injuries from peer-reviewed literature and websites from 1960 to August 2013.Study Selection: 36 studies met the study inclusion criteria.Data Extraction: A systematic narrative summary was conducted that included study design, methodology, risk factors, and other study variables.Results: A higher proportion of injury was found in economically active age groups of 15-59 years (Range 56.4 %–80%) across all studies. Similarly majority of the articles reported a higher proportion (Mostly 2/3rd) of injuries among male than female patients (range 53.9 %-91.2 %). Eventhough in all studies injuries were a concern for every population, some studies [12, 13, 15, and, 29] showed a higher incidence among farmers, students and house wife that other occupation. Unintentional injuries were the primary cause for the majority of injury-related reports made withthe weighted pool average percentage of 60.7% (range from 44.6 %11 to 98%20). MVIs were the leading cause of injury among lists of unintentional injuries followed by Falls (16%) machine/tools injury (5.9%), burn (5.3%), poisoning (1.0%) and Animal bite (1.3%). Trauma from interpersonalviolence (Homicide) is the leading causes of intentional injury (24.4%) reported followed by disproportionately low incidence of Fire arm(5%) and Self-harm injuries( 2.1%). Nine of the 36 articles reported percentage distribution of Mortality by Mechanism of injury and the rates of deathfrom MVIs and homicide are generally higher with an average weighted pool percentage of 37.5% and 24.1% respectively.Conclusion: The review showed injury as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Based on the available data, possible strategies relating to trauma prevention are discussed. Because of the uncertainties about the quality and the absence of some data in certain region of Ethiopia, we recommend a need to more accurately define this burden at a national scale.Key words: Trauma, Injury, Accident, Ethiopi

Does export dependency hurt economic development? Empirical evidence from Singapore

A rapid export growth in East Asia was once identified as a source of the sustainable economic development that the region enjoyed. However, the current global recession has turned exports from an economic virtue to a vice. There is a growing awareness that a heavy reliance on exports has caused a serious economic downturn in the region. The present paper chooses Singapore as a case study to examine the relationship between the origin of the East Asian Miracle (i.e. export dependency) and the economic growth. For this purpose, the study employs a causality test developed by Toda and Yamamoto. The empirical findings indicate that despite a negative long-run relationship between export dependency and economic growth, Singapore's heavy reliance on exports does not seem to have produced negative effects on the nation's economic growth. This is because the increase in export dependency was an effect, and not a cause, of the country's output expansion.

The Gap between Surgical Resident and Faculty Surgeons Concerning Operating Theatre Teaching: Report from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: In a continent like Africa where the number of surgeons is alarmingly few, training of a large number of residents is the way forward. However, sudden expansion in the number of trainees in an existing teaching environment may bring the quality of the most fundamentaleducation i.e. operation room teaching into question.Method: We wanted to investigate the different perceptions of our surgeons-under-training and faculty concerning preoperative preparation, intra operative teaching and postoperative feedback. A validated questionnaire was administered to our surgical residents and faculty at the Addis Ababa University, School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. Results were analyzed with 2-sample t tests, comparing Likert scores. Findings were significant if the p value was < 0.05.Results: Forty residents (15 second year, 15 third years and 10 final years) and 30 faculty members completed the survey. With respect to preoperative preparation, faculty were significantly more likely to claim that residents’ preparation in terms of reading is low (3.77 vs 2.45; p=0.001) and anatomy review (3.73 vs 2.34; p=0.001) before the procedure. There was a very significant difference with regards to intra-operative teaching activities, i.e teaching of the operative steps (2.60 vs 3.79; p=0.048), instrument handling (2.30 vs 3.72; p=0.002), and surgical technique (2.23vs 3.83; p= 0.001). Residents’ perception of the effort of the faculty to act as a teacher in the operating room was significantly lower compared to the faculty (2.13 vs 3.94; p=0.002). Postoperatively, significant differences were found in perceptions of positive feedback (2.48 vs 3.86; p=0.01) and feedback on areas to improve (1.85 vs 3.34; p=0.001).Conclusion: There is a universal agreement on the need to improve the current residency training. However, the difference between resident and faculty in the teaching-learning process is alarmingly significant. As there is no substitute for the intra-operative training of residents, every effort must be made to not to trade off number of graduates with quality and  competence of surgeons-under-training.  Keywords: Resident, Surgeons, Operating, Theatre, Teachin

Adoption of climate smart technologies in East Africa: Findings from two surveys and participatory exercises with farmers and local experts

As part of the “Policy Action for Climate Change Adaptation” (PACCA) project this info note summarizes findings of a project activity entitled “Influencing and linking policies and institutions from national to local level for the development and adoption of climate‐resilient food systems in East Africa” undertaken by researchers from Bioversity International and Arizona State University. By conducting a network analysis and participatory exercises with district officials and farmers, the study assesses the extent to which farmers are adopting agricultural practices and correlates the findings about the size and “make up” of the networks in which the farmers are embedded

Influence of social networks on the adoption of climate smart technologies in East Africa: Findings from two surveys and participatory exercises with farmers and local experts

As part of the Policy Action for Climate Change Adaptation (PACCA) project, this info note summarizes findings of a project activity entitled “Influencing and linking policies and institutions from national to local level for the development and adoption of climate‐resilient food systems in East Africa” undertaken by researchers from Bioversity International and Arizona State University. By conducting a network analysis and participatory exercises with district officials and farmers in Lushoto (Tanzania) and Rakai (Uganda), the study assesses the extent to which farmers are adopting agricultural practices and correlates the findings about the size and “make up” of the networks in which the farmers are embedded

Longer delays in diagnosis and treatment ofpulmonary tuberculosis in pastoralist setting, Eastern Ethiopia

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the extent of patient, health system and total delays in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Somali pastoralist setting, Ethiopia. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study among 444 confirmed new pulmonary TB patients aged ≥15 years in 5 TB care units was conducted between December 2017 and October 2018. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and record review. We measured delays from symptom onset to provider visit, provider visit to diagnosis and diagnosis to treatment initiation. Delays were summarized using median days. Mann- Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare delays between categories of explanatory variables. The Log-binomial regression model was used to reveal factors associated with health system delay ≥15 days, presented in adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The median age of patients was 30 years, ranged from 15 to 82. The majority (62.4%) were male, and nearly half (46.4%) were pastoralists. The median patient, health system and total delays were 30 (19-48.5), 14 (4.5-29.5) and 50 (35-73.5) days, respec-tively. The median patient delay (35.5 days) and total delay (58.5 days) among pastoralists were substantially higher than the equivalent delays among non-pastoralists [p<0.001]. Of all, 3.8% of patients (16 of 18 were pastoralists) delayed longer than 6 months without initiating treatment. Factors associated with health system delay ≥15 days were mild symptoms [APR (95% CI) = 1.4 (1.1-1.7)], smear-negativity [APR (95% CI) = 1.2 (1.01- 1.5)], first visit to health centers [APR (95% CI) = 1.6 (1.3-2.0)] and multiple provider contacts [APR (95% CI) = 5.8 (3.5-9.6)]. Conclusion: Delay in diagnosis and treatment remains a major challenge of tuberculosis control targets in pastoralist settings of Ethiopia. Efforts to expand services tailored to transhumance patterns and diagnostic capacity of primary healthcare units need to be prioritized. © 2020 Getnet et al.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the extent of patient, health system and total delays in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Somali pastoralist setting, Ethiopia. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study among 444 confirmed new pulmonary TB patients aged ≥15 years in 5 TB care units was conducted between December 2017 and October 2018. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and record review. We measured delays from symptom onset to provider visit, provider visit to diagnosis and diagnosis to treatment initiation. Delays were summarized using median days. Mann- Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare delays between categories of explanatory variables. The Log-binomial regression model was used to reveal factors associated with health system delay ≥15 days, presented in adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The median age of patients was 30 years, ranged from 15 to 82. The majority (62.4%) were male, and nearly half (46.4%) were pastoralists. The median patient, health system and total delays were 30 (19-48.5), 14 (4.5-29.5) and 50 (35-73.5) days, respec-tively. The median patient delay (35.5 days) and total delay (58.5 days) among pastoralists were substantially higher than the equivalent delays among non-pastoralists [p<0.001]. Of all, 3.8% of patients (16 of 18 were pastoralists) delayed longer than 6 months without initiating treatment. Factors associated with health system delay ≥15 days were mild symptoms [APR (95% CI) = 1.4 (1.1-1.7)], smear-negativity [APR (95% CI) = 1.2 (1.01- 1.5)], first visit to health centers [APR (95% CI) = 1.6 (1.3-2.0)] and multiple provider contacts [APR (95% CI) = 5.8 (3.5-9.6)]. Conclusion: Delay in diagnosis and treatment remains a major challenge of tuberculosis control targets in pastoralist settings of Ethiopia. Efforts to expand services tailored to transhumance patterns and diagnostic capacity of primary healthcare units need to be prioritized. © 2020 Getnet et al

Challenges in delivery of tuberculosis services in Ethiopian pastoralist settings: clues for reforming service models and organizational structures

BACKGROUND: The End-TB strategy aims to see a world free of tuberculosis (TB) by the coming decade through detecting and treating all cases irrespective of socioeconomic inequalities. However, case detections and treatment outcomes have not been as they should be in Somali pastoral settings of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to explore the challenges that hinder the delivery and utilization of TB services in pastoral areas. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted between December 2017 and October 2018 among pastoralist patients with delay of >/=2 months in seeking healthcare, healthcare providers and programme managers. Data were collected from different sources using 41 in-depth interviews, observations of facilities and a review meeting of providers from 50 health facilities. The data were transcribed, coded and analyzed to identify pre-defined and emerging sub-themes. ATLAS.ti version 7.0 was used for coding data, categorizing codes, and visualizing networks. RESULTS: Poor knowledge of TB and its services, limited accessibility (unreachability, unavailability and unacceptability), pastoralism, and initial healthcare-seeking at informal drug vendors that provide improper medications were the key barriers hindering the uptake of TB medical services. Inadequate infrastructure, shortage of trained and enthused providers, interruptions of drugs and laboratory supplies, scarce equipment, programme management gaps, lack of tailored approach, low private engagement, and cross-border movement were the major challenges affecting the provision of TB services for pastoral communities. The root factors were limited potential healthcare coverage, lack of zonal and district TB units, mobility and drought, strategy and funding gaps, and poor development infrastructure. CONCLUSION: In pastoral settings of Ethiopia, the major challenges of TB services are limited access, illicit medication practices, inadequate resources, structural deficits, and lack of tailored approaches. Hence, for the pastoral TB control to be successful, mobile screening and treatment modalities and engaging rural drug vendors will be instrumental in enhancing case findings and treatment compliance; whereas, service expansion and management decentralization will be essential to create responsive structures for overcoming challenges

Protective Efficacy of Menthol Propylene Glycol Carbonate Compared to N, N-diethyl-Methylbenzamide Against Mosquito Bites in Northern Tanzania.

The reduction of malaria parasite transmission by preventing human-vector contact is critical in lowering disease transmission and its outcomes. This underscores the need for effective and long lasting arthropod/insect repellents. Despite the reduction in malaria transmission and outcomes in Tanzania, personal protection against mosquito bites is still not well investigated. This study sought to determine the efficacy of menthol propylene glycol carbonate (MR08), Ocimum suave as compared to the gold standard repellent N, N-diethyl-methylbenzamide (DEET), either as a single dose or in combination (blend), both in the laboratory and in the field against Anopheles gambiae s.l and Culex quinquefasciatus. In the laboratory evaluations, repellents were applied on one arm while the other arm of the same individual was treated with a base cream. Each arm was separately exposed in cages with unfed female mosquitoes. Repellents were evaluated either as a single dose or as a blend. Efficacy of each repellent was determined by the number of mosquitoes that landed and fed on treated arms as compared to the control or among them. In the field, evaluations were performed by human landing catches at hourly intervals from 18:00  hr to 01:00  hr. A total of 2,442 mosquitoes were collected during field evaluations, of which 2,376 (97.30%) were An. gambiae s.l while 66 (2.70%) were Cx. quinquefaciatus. MR08 and DEET had comparatively similar protective efficacy ranging from 92% to 100 for both single compound and blends. These findings indicate that MR08 has a similar protective efficacy as DEET for personal protection outside bed nets when used singly and in blends. Because of the personal protection provided by MR08, DEET and blends as topical applicants in laboratory and field situations, these findings suggest that, these repellents could be used efficiently in the community to complement existing tools. Overall, Cx. quinquefasciatus were significantly prevented from blood feeding compared to An. gambiae s.l. The incorporation of these topical repellents for protection against insect bites can be of additional value in the absence or presence of IRS and ITNs coverage. However, a combination of both the physical (bed nets) and the repellent should be used in an integrated manner for maximum protection, especially before going to bed. Additional research is needed to develop repellents with longer duration of protection

Identification of mosquito repellent odours from Ocimum forskolei

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Native mosquito repellent plants have a good potential for integrated mosquito control in local settings. <it>Ocimum forskolei</it>, Lamiaceae, is used in Eritrea as a spatial mosquito repellent inside houses, either through crushing fresh plants or burning dry plants. We verified whether active repellent compounds could be identified using gas-chromatography coupled electroantennogram recordings (GC-EAD) with headspace extracts of crushed plants.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>EAD active compounds included (R)-(-)-linalool, (S)-(+)-1-octen-3-ol, trans-caryophyllene, naphthalene, methyl salicylate, (R)-(-)-α-copaene, methyl cinnamate and (E)-ocimene. Of these compounds (R)-(-)-linalool, methyl cinnamate and methyl salicylate reduced landing of female <it>Aedes aegypti </it>on human skin-odor baited tubes. The latter two are novel mosquito repellent compounds.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The identification of mosquito repellent compounds contributes to deciphering the mechanisms underlying repulsion, supporting the rational design of novel repellents. The three mosquito repellent compounds identified in this study are structurally dissimilar, which may indicate involvement of different sensory neurons in repulsion. Repulsion may well be enhanced through combining different repellent plants (or their synthetic mimics), and can be a locally sustainable part in mosquito control efforts.</p