Improving Sample Collection Of Trace Particles Of Mock Explosive On Nano Coated Sensor

In protection against explosive-based terrorism, development and mass deployment of miniature sensors can play a tremendous role. In trace explosive detection, one of the challenges is bringing explosive vapor samples from the environment to the sensor element. Such collection of a selective and sufficient amount of air sample will enable the device detect the explosive at lower concentration. This can be done by adsorption of the explosive vapor on a substrate. This research implements the idea by developing a nano coated sensor on a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) substrate. The effects of varying the amount of polyethyleneimine in the nano coating solution of the sensor to adsorb trace particles of a mock explosive are studied. A nano coating mixture of ferrofluid, polyethyleneimine and epoxy are coated on the surface of PZT substrate, and exposed to a magnetic field to create a pattern of cones. Then it is exposed to ultraviolet rays for curing during a 24 hours period. Finally, adsorption tests are conducted on the newly created sensor. In the adsorption test, nitrogen gas is used as carrier and 2-nitrotoluene is used as the mock explosive. The carrier gas is routed to the 2-nitrotoluene in a bubbler. Then the vapor mixture of 2-nitrotoluene and nitrogen is routed to the sensor box. Next the sensor is scanned with a Raman spectrometer for spectral identification. This procedure is conducted on different sensors which are made by varying the amount of polyethyleneimine, and tested before and after plasma etching using argon gas. The results shothat increasing the amount of polyethyleneimine by mass yields an increase in the adsorption rate and also leads to the adsorption of a smaller concentration of the mock explosive. In addition, plasma etching of the sensor further improved these results. It enabled adsorption at a less concentration up to 19 ppm. This research shothat the best composition for consistent and reliable adsorption is 80% ferrofluid, 15% polyethyleneimine and 5% epoxy. The trends in this work indicate further research can lead to this sensor concept being able to capture trace explosive particles on a much lower level

Factors associated with compliance with community directed treatment with ivermectin for onchocerciasis control in Southwestern Ethiopia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Although ivermectin is distributed free of charge through the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), not all eligible individuals within communities receive the annual treatment. This poses a serious threat to efforts aimed to control onchocerciasis. This study attempts to determine factors associated with compliance to Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) and provides a basis for trying to understand how best to sustain long-term compliance in order to achieve success in the control of onchocerciasis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An unmatched case-control study was conducted in Bebeka coffee plantation southwest Ethiopia. Cases were, compliant i.e., those individuals who had been registered on the relevant treatment registers and had taken all the five annual doses of Ivermectin. Controls were non-compliant, i.e. those individuals who had been recorded in the relevant treatment registers during the first treatment round(2003), and did not take at least two doses of which one being in the last treatment round (2007). Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Data were edited, cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSS version 12.0.1 for Microsoft Windows. Multiple logistic regression models was used to identify factors associated with compliance to ivermectin.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>From the total of 456 individuals selected for administration of the survey questionnaire, 450(225 cases and 225 controls) were contacted and completed the study 2 refused and 4 were unavailable. Five factors associated with compliance were identified: high risk perception [Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 1.98, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.32-2.95], one's family support [AOR = 1.86, 95% CI, 1.22-2.84], perceiving that the Community Drug Distributors (CDDs) are doing their work well [AOR = 2.84, 95% CI, 1.50-5.37] and perceiving measuring height is the best way to determine a person's treatment dose [AOR = 6.37, 95% CI, 2.10-19.29] are positive predictors of compliance to ivermectin.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Interventions to improve compliance in the area should focus on health education using epidemiological data in order to increase risk perception and dispelling misconceptions. Motivation and continued support to improve CDD's performance including training and incentives are crucial.</p

KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF ABOUT CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF ONCHOCERCIASIS IN BEBEKA, SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA

No abstract - Available on PD

Knowledge and belief about cause and prevention of onchocerciasis in Bebeka, southwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Ignorance and incorrect beliefs can lead to negligence in prevention, control measures and in seeking appropriate treatment. Involvement of individuals and communities is an important component of Onchocerciasis control activities. To attain community participation and design socially acceptable control strategies, researchers must be familiar with people’s knowledge, beliefs and behavior in relation to Onchocerciasis. Such information is scanty as very few studies have been carried out to understand these issues. The objective of this study was to investigate people’s knowledge and beliefs in relation to the cause and prevention of onchocerciasis in rural areas of Southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2008 among 450 study participants selected by multistage probability sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered structured questionnaire which then were analyzed using SPSS for windows version 11.5. RESULTS: All the 450 respondents had heard about onchocerciasis. A range of causes for onchocerciasis were identified. Overall, 248 (55.3%) of respondents had at least one misconception about the cause of onchocerciasis. There is a range of misconceptions about modes of transmission including contact with infected person, airborne, sharing cloths and sexual. Only 10% knew that black fly breeding in fast flowing rivers and streams as a cause for the transmission. Overall 397(88.2%) said that onchocerciasis is preventable, out of which 376 (94.7%) indicated use of drug as the means of preventing onchocerciasis. Nearly three-forth of respondents 334 (74.3%) rated the severity of onchocerciasis as high. Nearly half (48%) rated the magnitude of onchocerciasis in their village as high, and 195 (43.3%) of them stated that they are highly at risk. CONCLUSIONS: While Onchocerciasis is endemic in the study area, large proportion of the community held misconceptions about its causation, transmission, prevention and risk. Therefore, community interventions for onchocerciasis need to include behaviour change communications aimed at dispelling misconceptions and increasing risk perception

The influence of the Gilgel-Gibe hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia on caregivers' knowledge, perceptions and health-seeking behaviour towards childhood malaria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria remains the most important public health problem in tropical and subtropical areas. Mothers' or caregivers' ability to recognize childhood malaria-related morbidity is crucial as knowledge, attitudes and health seeking behavior of caregivers towards childhood malaria could influence response to signs of the disease.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 1,003 caregivers in 'at-risk' villages in close proximity to the Gilgel-Gibe hydroelectric dam in south-western Ethiopia, and 953 caregivers in 'control' villages further away from the dam were surveyed using structured questionnaires to assess their knowledge, perceptions and health seeking behaviour about childhood malaria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Malaria (<it>busa</it>) was ranked as the most serious health problem. Caregivers perceived childhood malaria as a preventable ('at-risk' 96%, 'control' 86%) and treatable ('at-risk' 98% and 'control' 96%) disease. Most caregivers correctly associated the typical clinical manifestations with malaria attacks. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) was mentioned as a personal protective measure, whereas the role of indoor residual spraying (IRS) in malaria prevention and control was under-recognized. Most of the caregivers would prefer to seek treatment in health-care services in the event of malaria and reported the use of recommended anti-malarials.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Health education to improve knowledge, perceptions and health-seeking behaviour related to malaria is equally important for caregivers in 'at risk' villages and caregivers in 'control' villages as minimal differences seen between both groups. Concluding, there may be a need of more than one generation after the introduction of the dam before differences can be noticed. Secondly, differences in prevalence between 'control' and 'at-risk' villages may not be sufficient to influence knowledge and behaviour.</p

Prejudice and misconceptions about tuberculosis and HIV in rural and urban communities in Ethiopia: a challenge for the TB/HIV control program

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Ethiopia, where HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are very common, little is known about the prejudice and misconceptions of rural communities towards People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) and TB.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We conducted a cross sectional study in Gilgel Gibe Field Research area (GGFRA) in southwest Ethiopia to assess the prejudice and misconceptions of rural and urban communities towards PLHA and TB. The study population consisted of 862 randomly selected adults in GGFRA. Data were collected by trained personnel using a pretested structured questionnaire. To triangulate the findings, 8 focus group discussions among women and men were done.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 862 selected study participants, 750(87%) accepted to be interviewed. The mean age of the respondents was 31.2 (SD ± 11.0). Of the total interviewed individuals, 58% of them were females. More than half of the respondents did not know the possibility of transmission of HIV from a mother to a child or by breast feeding. For fear of contagion of HIV, most people do not want to eat, drink, and share utensils or clothes with a person living with HIV/AIDS. A higher proportion of females [OR = 1.5, (95% CI: 1.0, 2.2)], non-literate individuals [OR = 2.3, (95%CI: 1.4, 3.6)], rural residents [OR = 3.8, (95%CI: 2.2, 6.6)], and individuals who had poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS [OR = 2.8, (95%CI: 1.8, 2.2)] were more likely to have high prejudice towards PLHA than respectively males, literates, urban residents and individuals with good knowledge. Exposure to cold air was implicated as a major cause of TB. Literates had a much better knowledge about the cause and methods of transmission and prevention of TB than non-literates. More than half of the individuals (56%) had high prejudice towards a patient with TB. A larger proportion of females [OR = 1.3, (95% CI: 1.0, 1.9)] and non-literate individuals [OR = 1.4, (95% CI: 1.1, 2.0)] had high prejudice towards patients with TB than males and literate individuals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>TB/HIV control programs in collaboration with other partners should invest more in social mobilization and education of the communities to rectify the widespread prejudice and misconceptions.</p

Microbiome to Brain:Unravelling the Multidirectional Axes of Communication

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in host physiology. Disruption of its community structure and function can have wide-ranging effects making it critical to understand exactly how the interactive dialogue between the host and its microbiota is regulated to maintain homeostasis. An array of multidirectional signalling molecules is clearly involved in the host-microbiome communication. This interactive signalling not only impacts the gastrointestinal tract, where the majority of microbiota resides, but also extends to affect other host systems including the brain and liver as well as the microbiome itself. Understanding the mechanistic principles of this inter-kingdom signalling is fundamental to unravelling how our supraorganism function to maintain wellbeing, subsequently opening up new avenues for microbiome manipulation to favour desirable mental health outcome

Effects of soil and water conservation practices and landscape position on soil physicochemical properties in Anuwa watershed, Southern Ethiopia

Ethiopia's main environmental problem has been soil erosion. To control and reverse the problem, soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques have been deployed over the past two to three decades. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of implemented soil and water conservation measures on soil physicochemical properties in the Anuwa watershed, southern Ethiopia, under various conservation structures (Soil bund, Fanya Juu, Stone bund and Micro Basin) and topographic positions (upper, middle and lower) of conserved plots. The soil samples were collected from 45 locations to analyze topsoil texture, bulk density (ρd), pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), CEC, exchangeable Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. All soil samples were analyzed using standard and recommended methods. Using the SPSS computer program 21, the effect of independent variables (SWC practices and landscape position) on the dependent variables (soil properties) was statistically tested. The significance test was performed using two-way ANOVA. The findings indicated that the SWC measure significantly decreases the percent values of sandy soil texture, while it increased the mean values of organic carbon, available phosphorus, exchangeable Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and CEC (P < 0.05). The sand content, the bulk density, the SOC, and the total nitrogen showed statistically significant variations between the conserved and non-conserved upper topography (P < 0.05). The effects of conservation measures were significant in almost all soil physicochemical properties at P < 0.01 except for the silt content, bulk density, and Ca2+ in the lower topography. The study findings revealed that Fanya Juu SWC measures are by far the most efficient, and recommended method to minimizing soil erosion, and improving selected soil physical and chemical quality in the Anuwa watershed. Local governments and other stakeholders should work cooperatively to strengthen and sustain the implementation process