Optimisation Study on the Production of Anaerobic Digestate Compost for Application on Arable Soils

Organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a rich substrate for biogas and compost production. Anaerobic Digestate compost (ADC) is an organic fertilizer produced from stabilized residuals of anaerobic digestion of OFMSW. This paper reports the result of studies carried out to optimise the production of ADC from organic fractions of domestic wastes and the effects of ADC amendments on soil quality. In general, ADC amended soils showed greater bioactivity and soil biomass compared to unamended soils. The diversity of soil community structures also increased with increasing ADC amendments with fungal populations showing greater variation than bacteria, suggesting that ADC amendment has greater impact on fungi than bacteria. It was found that seed germination in ADC amended soils increased with dilution and incubation time, suggesting that lower ADC application rates and longer lag periods between soil applications and planting can improve the benefits of ADC as an amendment for arable soil. Keywords: Anaerobic digestion; anaerobic digestate compost; food waste; green waste, postaerobic digestion; soil qualit

Variability on growth and storage roots yield in cassava under three planting methods

The increasing importation of starch in Malaysia for poultry and bio-processing industries is a call for concern. The development and released of improved cassava genotype (Sri Pontian) in 2003 by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development (MARDI) was a good step to enhance cassava productivity. Sri Pontian was reported to show higher yield than those of Manihot Mardi 92 and Sri Medan (the popular table variety). Such claim has not been verify in East Malaysia. This research was carried out to verify the aforementioned claim by comparing selected yields attributes of Manihot Mardi 92, Sri Medan and Sri Pontian at Bintulu, Sarawak, East Malaysia. This study was conducted at experimental field of University Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus Sarawak from July to December, 2011. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. The three varieties evaluated were: Manihot Mardi 92, Sri Medanand Sri Pontian. These varieties were planted on ridges with three planting methods: Vertical planting (forming 90° angle to the ridges), incline planting (forming 45-60° angle to the ridges) and horizontal planting (forming 180° to the ridges). Variations among the varieties were observed for number of shoots retained per plant, leaf longevity, leaf area index, number of storage roots formation and fresh storage roots yield. Significant interaction effect between variety and planting method was observed for all the variables tested, except for number of shoots retained per plant and number of storage roots per plant. All varieties showed similar number of shoots per plant regardless of planting method except for Sri Pontian which had lowest effect with respect to number of storage roots formation per plant in incline planting. Similarly, leaf longevity in Sri Pontian was the lowest regardless of planting method. Sri Medan showed the greatest leaf area index, number of storage roots formation per plantand fresh storage roots yield. The effect of Manihot Mardi 92 in terms of leaf area index, number of storage roots formation per plantand total storage roots yield in vertical planting was comparable to that of Sri Medan. Sri Pontian had the lowest storage roots yield. This study showed in East Malaysia, Sri Medan was identified as the best genotype with good agronomic attributes. This variety has the potential to increase cassava productivity over a wide range of environmental conditions

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

SPARC 2018 Internationalisation and collaboration : Salford postgraduate annual research conference book of abstracts

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts for the 2018 SPARC conference. This year we not only celebrate the work of our PGRs but also the launch of our Doctoral School, which makes this year’s conference extra special. Once again we have received a tremendous contribution from our postgraduate research community; with over 100 presenters, the conference truly showcases a vibrant PGR community at Salford. These abstracts provide a taster of the research strengths of their works, and provide delegates with a reference point for networking and initiating critical debate. With such wide-ranging topics being showcased, we encourage you to take up this great opportunity to engage with researchers working in different subject areas from your own. To meet global challenges, high impact research inevitably requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This is recognised by all major research funders. Therefore engaging with the work of others and forging collaborations across subject areas is an essential skill for the next generation of researchers

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

First report of Theileria annulata in Nigeria : findings from cattle ticks in Zamfara and Sokoto States

Background: Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a significant economic burden to cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. However, in the northern part of this country, where the largest livestock population resides, little is known about the contemporary diversity of ticks and TBPs. This area is particularly vulnerable to climate change, undergoing marked transformation of habitat and associated flora and fauna that is also likely to include ticks. This study aimed to document the occurrence of tick species and Apicomplexan TBPs in cattle from north-western Nigeria. Methods: In 2017, ticks were collected from cattle in Zamfara and Sokoto States and identified morphologically. Additionally, a subset of ticks was screened molecularly for the detection of apicomplexan DNA. Results: A total of 494 adult ticks were collected from 80 cattle in Zamfara and 65 cattle in Sokoto State. Nine tick species were encountered, among which the presence of one, Hyalomma turanicum, had not previously been recorded in Nigeria. Hyalomma rufipes was the most prevalent tick infesting cattle in Zamfara State (76%), while Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent in Sokoto State (44%), confirming the widespread transfer of this species from camels onto livestock and its adaptation to cattle in the region. Of 159 ticks screened, 2 out of 54 (3.7%) from Zamfara State and 29 out of 105 (27.6%) from Sokoto State harboured DNA of Theileria annulata, the agent of tropical theileriosis. Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of a broad diversity of tick species in cattle from north-western Nigeria, providing the first locality records for Zamfara State. The occurrence of H. turanicum indicates a distribution of this tick beyond northern Africa. This study provides the first report for T. annulata in Nigerian ticks. Given its enormous burden on livestock farming in north Africa and across Asia, further investigations are needed to better understand its epidemiology, vector transmission and potential clinical significance in cattle from northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahelian countries

Global variation in anastomosis and end colostomy formation following left-sided colorectal resection

Background End colostomy rates following colorectal resection vary across institutions in high-income settings, being influenced by patient, disease, surgeon and system factors. This study aimed to assess global variation in end colostomy rates after left-sided colorectal resection. Methods This study comprised an analysis of GlobalSurg-1 and -2 international, prospective, observational cohort studies (2014, 2016), including consecutive adult patients undergoing elective or emergency left-sided colorectal resection within discrete 2-week windows. Countries were grouped into high-, middle- and low-income tertiles according to the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). Factors associated with colostomy formation versus primary anastomosis were explored using a multilevel, multivariable logistic regression model. Results In total, 1635 patients from 242 hospitals in 57 countries undergoing left-sided colorectal resection were included: 113 (6·9 per cent) from low-HDI, 254 (15·5 per cent) from middle-HDI and 1268 (77·6 per cent) from high-HDI countries. There was a higher proportion of patients with perforated disease (57·5, 40·9 and 35·4 per cent; P < 0·001) and subsequent use of end colostomy (52·2, 24·8 and 18·9 per cent; P < 0·001) in low- compared with middle- and high-HDI settings. The association with colostomy use in low-HDI settings persisted (odds ratio (OR) 3·20, 95 per cent c.i. 1·35 to 7·57; P = 0·008) after risk adjustment for malignant disease (OR 2·34, 1·65 to 3·32; P < 0·001), emergency surgery (OR 4·08, 2·73 to 6·10; P < 0·001), time to operation at least 48 h (OR 1·99, 1·28 to 3·09; P = 0·002) and disease perforation (OR 4·00, 2·81 to 5·69; P < 0·001). Conclusion Global differences existed in the proportion of patients receiving end stomas after left-sided colorectal resection based on income, which went beyond case mix alone

Meeting the Needs of Small Scale Farmers in Nigeria: The Commodity Price Broadcast Approach

Commodity price is a systematic process of disposing farm produce to give farmers a good remuneration for products. Giwa market from North West Zone was purposively choosen. 120 farmers were randomly selected from market surrounding villages. Information was obtained by the use of structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics which were used to describe the mean (x) distribution of the prices per commodity; bar charts and tables were used to present the result of the study. Farmers derived more information on market prices of agricultural produce and facilitated decision on what, how, when, and where to market their produce. This would aid farmers to have better earnings. The recommendations included: more market information from other location should be sought and intervention should be intensified to create more awareness on the importance of commodity price for agricultural and national development.Keywords: Small scale farmers, farmers’ needs, commodity price broadcast

Effect of planting methods on growth and yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown with polythene-covering

Cassava and Sago constitute the main sources of starch in South East Asia. The production of these starchy plants is in declining due to the problem of low yield, high labor cost, pest and diseases damage, and shortage of land. These production bottlenecks forced Malaysia to import cassava roots from neighboring producer countries. One simple method to enhance cassava productivity is incorporating polythene-covering in agriculture. Present research was carried out to reveal information on the effect of planting methods on some yield attributes in cassava grown with polythene-covering. The involving factors are three cassava varieties, three planting methods, and four black polythene-covering types. The planting methods evaluated were: (і) vertical planting forming 900 angles with ridges, (іі) incline planting forming 450 to 600 angles with ridges, and (ііі) horizontal planting forming 1800 angles with ridges. Significant differences among planting methods in all variables tested were observed. Horizontal and incline plantings were the most efficient in terms of leaf longevity with leaf fall reduction of 49.17% as compared to vertical planting. However, vertical planting recorded the maximum leaf area index of 3.73 per plant. The mean storage roots number of 17.44 per plant obtained in incline planting was the highest. Regardless of variety, the effect of incline planting in terms of fresh storage roots yield was the highest (yields of 20.12 to 32.99 t ha-1). This investigation suggests that storage roots yield of cassava could be enhanced by planting cuttings in an incline position with polythene-covering. Farmers interested in vertical planting could incorporate polythene-covering at day 1 after planting

Effect of polythene-covering on above-ground tuberization and storage roots yield in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of polythene-covering on activation of dormant auxiliary buds on the stem for lateral tuber formation and the resultant effect on total storage roots yield. Three time intervals i.e. 1 day after planting, 30 days after planting and 60 days after planting used as treatment, and uncovered stem used as control. Treatments were tested in randomized complete block design with three replications. Regardless of the variety, stem polythene-covering at day 1 after planting showed the highest effect with respect to storage roots production and yield components tested. However, the effect of stem polythene-covering at day 1 after planting in terms of dry mass partitioning to storage roots was the lowest across all the treatments (25.50 to 27.37% of the biomass) compared to that of stem covering at day 60 after planting (33.10 to 37.20%). This study opens new perspectives in cassava yield improvement which hitherto has not been exploited