Search Results (681)

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are a primary source of milk in Pakistan, where bovine mastitis is a significant health issue among cattle, leading to substantial economic losses. Staphylococcus aureus is a predominant pathogen associated with mastitis; however, a detailed molecular characterization of the strains in the country remains limited. We previously characterized mastitis strains from the Hazara division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In this study, we investigated mastitis cases in the Peshawar division, including samples from both animals and human farm workers for comparison. Higher rates of mastitis (67.27% of animals) and sub-clinical mastitis (91.03% of positive animals) were identified in Peshawar than for those (34.55% and 75.31%, respectively) previously observed in Hazara. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) belonging to clonal complex 9 (ST2454) were predominant. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) belonging to ST22 and ST8 were also detected in the Nowshera district. While no S. aureus colonization was observed among animal handlers, evidence of hand contamination suggests a potential route for pathogen spread. Low levels of antibiotic resistance were noted amongst isolates, but higher rates were seen in MRSA. This study presents only the second comprehensive molecular investigation of S. aureus isolated from buffalo mastitis in Pakistan and indicates a concerning rise in mastitis within the province. Full article

Africa’s rapid urbanization often exceeds the capacity of governments to provide essential services and infrastructure, exacerbating structural inequalities and exposing vulnerable populations to serious health risks. This paper examines the case of Douala, Cameroon, to demonstrate that health inequities in African cities are not simply the result of urban growth but are shaped by spatial inequities, historical legacies, and systemic exclusion. Disadvantaged neighborhoods are particularly impacted, becoming epicenters of health crises. Using a mixed-methods approach combining spatial analysis, household surveys and interviews, the study identifies three key findings: (1) Healthcare services in Douala are unevenly distributed and dominated by private providers, which limits access for low-income residents. (2) Inadequate infrastructure and environmental risks in informal settlements lead to a higher disease burden and an overflow of demand into better-equipped districts, which overwhelms public health centers across the city. (3) This structural mismatch fuels widespread reliance on informal and unregulated care practices. This study positions Douala as a microcosm of broader public health challenges in rapidly urbanizing African cities. It highlights the need for integrated urban planning and health system reforms that address spatial inequalities, strengthen public health infrastructure, and prioritize equity—key principles for achieving the third Sustainable Development Goal (ensuring good health and well-being for all residents) in sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) is a vital parasite that causes fasciolosis. Liver fluke infections affect livestock animals, and the Fasciola species (Fasciola spp.) vaccine has been tested for many types of these diseases. Currently, computer-based vaccine design represents an attractive alternative for constructing vaccines. Thus, this study aimed to design the epitopes of linear B-cells (BCL) and helper T lymphocytes (HTL) using an immunoinformatic approach and to investigate in silico and the mice’s immune response. A non-conserved host region, overlapping F. gigantica cathepsin B proteins (FgCatB), and the highest conserved residue percentages were the criteria used to construct epitopes. The GPGPG linker was used to link epitopes in the multi-epitope Fasciola gigantica cathepsin B (MeFgCatB) peptide. The MeFgCatB peptide has high antigenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, good solubility, and a high-quality structure. The molecular docking between the MeFgCatB peptide and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) was evaluated. The IgM, IgG1, and IgG2 levels were elevated in silico. In mice, the MeFgCatB peptide was synthesized and administered as an injection. The MeFgCatB-specific IgG1 and IgG2a levels were elevated after week 2, showing a predominance of IgG1. The rFgCatB1, rFgCatB2, and rFgCatB3 were detected using the MeFgCatB peptide-immunized sera. The MeFgCatB peptide-immunized sera were detected at approximately 28–34 kDa in the whole body. In addition, the MeFgCatB immunized sera can positively signal at the caecal epithelium in the NEJ, 4WKJ, and adult stages. In summary, the MeFgCatB peptide is able to induce mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses with Th2 dominating and to detect the native protein of F. gigantica. The MeFgCatB peptide should help against F. gigantica in future experiments. Full article

The present study was conducted in Dacope Upazila, a sub-district located within the Khulna District of the coastal region in Bangladesh. The research methods employed included the implementation of 350 household questionnaire surveys (HQSs), 12 focus group discussions (FGDs), and 20 key informant interviews (KIIs) to assess economic security status in disaster-vulnerable areas. The findings indicate that the economic well-being of the region is precarious due to a paucity of revenue sources and the occurrence of various calamitous events, induced risks, and vulnerabilities. To achieve long-term economic security for households, a considerable proportion of the population (approximately 22%) in the study areas is dependent on agricultural activities for their livelihoods. The study also revealed that approximately 22% of households in the study areas reported experiencing salinity intrusion. Furthermore, most of the households, around 68%, reported cyclones as their primary obstacle to building disaster-resilient communities. Consequently, the prevailing local and institutional strategies to ensure economic security were found to be inadequate and unsustainable in the study upazila. Therefore, the study resulted in the formulation of a conceptual framework intended to measure the contribution of economic security to the adaptability and sustainability of disaster-resilient communities in vulnerable coastal areas of Bangladesh. Full article

This paper describes the spatiotemporal distribution and risk factors of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Uganda for the period of 2010 through 2023. The study utilized a comprehensive dataset from monthly reports (2010–2023) from District Veterinary Officers (DVOs), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), and the Food and Agriculture Organization, Uganda. Using GPS coordinates, ASF cases were mapped using QGIS to show ASF distribution and spread in Uganda. Moran’s I analysis was used to delineate clusters of ASF. A total of 1521 ASF cases were recorded. The data show that cases of ASF were disseminated throughout the country, with more cases of ASF documented in the central region and border districts (hotspots for ASF), and few cases were reported in Acholi, Karamoja, and Lango, Ankole, West Nile, and Kigezi sub-regions. The time series analysis revealed incidences of ASF disease occurring year-round; notable peak cases were observed in some districts, and districts with ≥30,000 pigs reported higher cases of ASF. The Moran’s I (≥1) analysis showed that ASF is either aggregated (p = 0.01), especially in central districts bordering Tanzania and lake shores, or sporadic in occurrence. The disease was present in 66% of the districts, with ASF occurring throughout the year. More cases were aggregated in central and border districts and districts with large pig populations (≥30,000). Sporadic cases were reported in districts bordering the DRC, Sudan, Kenya, the lake shores, Karamoja, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions. Full article

The peening process plays a pivotal role in enhancing the properties of aluminium alloys across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and construction. Among the critical factors influencing this process, the shot peening time is of paramount importance for studying material characteristics. In the present study, we undertook a comprehensive investigation into the mechanical properties, surface roughness, and damage evolution behaviour of 7075 aluminium alloy subjected to different shot peening durations. This investigation was conducted using a microhardness tester, laser confocal microscope, scanning electron microscope, and other advanced equipment, in conjunction with digital image correlation methods and temperature evolution analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the shot peening time has a profound impact on the mechanical properties of the 7075 alloy. Specifically, the microhardness, tensile strength, and surface roughness of the alloy increased with increasing shot peening time, whereas the elongation rate exhibited a non-monotonic trend, initially decreasing and then increasing. Utilising DIC and temperature evolution analysis, we analysed the influence of shot peening time on the damage evolution behaviour of the alloy and developed tensile damage evolution equations tailored to different shot peening durations. The damage evolution of the 7075 alloy under various shot peening times was observed to proceed through two distinct stages: smooth development and rapid damage. Notably, the damage evolution laws derived from both techniques exhibited good consistency and agreement. The present study serves as a theoretical foundation for exploring the surface peening and damage evolution of 7075 aluminium alloy, which holds significant implications for optimising peening parameters and predicting material life in engineering applications. Full article

Urbanization is rapidly transforming cities, especially in the Global South, with Sub-Saharan Africa expected to see the fastest growth in the next 30 years. In South Africa’s Mopani District, this urban expansion has led to the growth of informal settlements, increasing disaster risks related to water, health, and fire. This study focuses on Giyani Local Municipality, examining disaster risks in its informal settlements and the factors influencing the implementation of spatial planning tools. Using a SWOT analysis combined with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study found that while the municipality has strong land use and disaster management policies, poor enforcement, lack of integration, and weak governance limit their effectiveness. Opportunities for improvement include securing grants from the National Government and Disaster Management Centre to support disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives. However, challenges such as land shortages and ecological degradation threaten sustainable planning. The findings provide important insights for policymakers, urban planners, and disaster management professionals. The SWOT-AHP approach helps in prioritizing resource allocation, identifying risk trends, and focusing on key areas for mitigation. Overall, the study supports efforts to enhance resilience and promote sustainable urban development in informal settlements through better spatial planning. Full article

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a leading cause of death in the early neonatal period, disproportionately affecting newborns in sub-Saharan Africa. In a setting without access to rapid assessment via transcutaneous bilirubin meter, we sought to determine how closely the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal jaundice at an urban district hospital aligned with retrospective assessment and treatment recommendations using the BiliApp (based on the UK NICE Guideline CG98). This retrospective chart review study aimed to identify: (1) What percent of admissions within 8 days of birth to the Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) at our study site were admitted for a primary diagnosis of neonatal jaundice, and what characterized those admissions? (2) How did treatment provided compare to the recommendations of the United Kingdom NICE Guideline CG98 via the “BiliApp”? and (3) Among those with jaundice, what factors were associated with an increased likelihood of severity indicative of the need for blood exchange therapy? The charts of all neonates admitted to the MBU at Suntreso Government Hospital (SGH), in Kumasi, Ghana, in 2020 were reviewed by trained research assistants. Data were collected regarding demographics, reason for admission, diagnostic markers (e.g., serum bilirubin level), treatments performed in the hospital, and outcome. Data were analyzed using Stata 18.0. There were 1059 newborns admitted to the MBU in 2020 at less than 8 days of age. A total of 179 (16.9%) were admitted with a primary diagnosis of neonatal jaundice. According to the BiliApp, 29.4% (n = 50) of newborns admitted for jaundice had bilirubin levels that were normal or below the phototherapy threshold for their gestational age on admission; 25.3% (n = 43) were at or near the threshold for phototherapy; 21.2% (n = 36) were above the phototherapy threshold; and 24.1% (n = 41) were above the blood exchange therapy threshold. The BiliApp recommended no treatment for 21.2% (n = 36) of newborns, repeated assessment for 33.6% (n = 57), phototherapy for 21.2% (n = 36), and exchange therapy for 24.1% (n = 41). By comparison, 8.2% (n = 14) of neonates admitted for jaundice received no treatment, 77.8% (n = 133) received phototherapy only, and 14.0% (n = 24) received both phototherapy and exchange therapy. Without sufficient data on G6PD status and parent/newborn blood type to include in the analysis, the biggest risk factors for a BiliApp recommendation of exchange therapy included serum bilirubin level (OR 1.01, p < 0.001) and gestational age (OR 0.51, p < 0.001), even after controlling for breastfeeding and male sex of the newborn. Without access to rapid assessment tools, many providers in low-resource settings are put in a position to presumptively treat newborns suspected of having jaundice, rather than waiting for serum lab tests to return. Given the cost of transcutaneous bilirubin meters, additional options for rapid diagnostic testing are warranted. Full article

Given the widespread use of gas-fired boilers and combined heat and power (CHP) units in existing district heating (DH) systems, this study investigates the integration of medium-scale heat pumps (HPs) into such configurations. Fifteen DH system variants were analysed, differing in installed HP capacity, operational strategies, and the synchronisation of heat and electricity production with thermal demand. A dynamic simulation model incorporating real-world equipment performance was developed to assess energy efficiency, environmental impact, and economic viability under three distinct energy price scenarios. The results demonstrate that an HP sized to 17% of the total heating capacity of the DH system achieves a 54% decrease in primary energy consumption and a 68% decrease in emissions compared to the base system. Larger HP capacities enhance environmental performance and increase the share of renewable energy but also entail higher investment. An economic analysis reveals that electricity-to-gas price ratios strongly influence the cost-effectiveness of HP integration. Under favourable electricity pricing conditions, systems with HP operational priority achieve the lowest levelized cost of heating. The most economically viable configuration consists of 600 kW HP and achieves a payback period of 4.7 years. The findings highlight the potential for HPs to decarbonize DH systems while emphasising the importance of market conditions and system design in ensuring economic feasibility. Full article

Climate change has increasingly disrupted traditional farming systems, particularly in highland areas where environmental changes are more pronounced. This study explores how rice farmers in the Lake Toba highlands, Indonesia—both irrigated and non-irrigated—have gradually shifted away from traditional knowledge (TK) in response to climate challenges and what new adaptation strategies have emerged to sustain rice production. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a broad and holistic perspective. Data were collected from 130 purposively selected rice farmers in two sub-districts: Harian (irrigated) and Pangururan (non-irrigated). Data were gathered through in-depth interviews guided by semi-structured statements, focusing on farmers’ lived experiences and adaptation strategies across the rice farming cycle—from planting to harvesting. The findings revealed that while the two groups differ in water access and environmental conditions, they show similar trends in shifting away from traditional indicators. Farmers increasingly adopted new adaptation strategies such as joining farmer groups, using water pumps in non-irrigated areas, switching to more climate-resilient crop varieties, and adjusting planting calendars based on personal observation rather than inherited natural signs. This shift from traditional to practical, experience-based strategies reflects farmers’ responses to the fading reliability of traditional knowledge under changing climatic conditions. Despite the loss of symbolic TK practices, farmers continue to demonstrate resilience through peer collaboration and contextual decision-making. This study highlights the need to strengthen farmer-led adaptation while preserving valuable elements of TK. Future research should expand across the Lake Toba highlands and incorporate quantitative methods to capture broader patterns of local adaptation. Full article

In recent years, the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters have underscored the urgent need for resilient urban development. In cold-region cities, low temperatures pose a distinct and underexplored threat, with serious implications for human well-being, infrastructure performance, and ecological stability. Despite growing attention to climate resilience, existing urban risk assessments have largely focused on heatwaves and flooding, leaving a notable gap in research on cold-weather vulnerability. To address this gap, this study develops a fine-scale cold-climate vulnerability assessment framework grounded in the widely recognized “Exposure–Sensitivity–Adaptive Capacity” (ESA) model. Using subdistricts as the basic units of analysis, we integrate multi-source spatial data—including demographics, built environment, services, and ecological indicators—to construct a comprehensive evaluation system tailored to low-temperature conditions. The model is applied to the central urban area of Harbin, China, a representative cold-region city. The results reveal distinct spatial disparities in vulnerability: older urban districts exhibit higher vulnerability due to high population density and inadequate public services, while newly developed areas show relatively greater adaptive capacity. Further analysis identifies key drivers of vulnerability in different zones. Based on these insights, the study proposes differentiated, subdistrict-level planning strategies aimed at reducing exposure, mitigating sensitivity, and enhancing adaptive capacity. By extending the ESA model to cold-climate scenarios and operationalizing it at the subdistrict scale, this research contributes both methodologically and practically to the field of urban climate resilience. The findings offer actionable strategies for policymakers and provide a replicable framework applicable to other cold-region cities facing similar challenges. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite ongoing national interventions, pockets of acute malnutrition persist in rural settings of South Africa, contributing to disproportionate rates of child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with acute malnutrition among under-five children attending primary healthcare facilities in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal Province, with a specific focus on dietary diversity and selected infant and young child feeding indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional, facility-based study was conducted among 415 mother–child pairs attending five randomly selected PHC facilities in the Msinga sub-district. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling design from a sampling frame of 18,797 under-five children. Of the 551 mother–child pairs approached; the final analytic sample comprised 415 observations. Data were collected through structured interviews, anthropometric assessments, and dietary diversity scores (DDS). Data were analyzed using Stata 18, and Poisson regression was applied to identify risk factors. Results: The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 29% based on weight-for-height/length z-scores (WHZ/WLZ) and 27% based on mid–upper-arm circumference z-scores (MUACZ). Children aged ≥36 months had significantly higher prevalence of acute malnutrition (aPR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.15–2.10). Children from households with five or more members had reduced risk (aPR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.74), and those born full-term showed a strong protective association (aPR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.64). Maternal age was associated with reduced risk, with children of mothers aged 25–34 years (aPR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.48–0.93) and ≥35 years (aPR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35–0.84) experiencing significantly lower prevalence. Mixed feeding was significantly associated with reduced risk (aPR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.55–1.17), while a DDS ≥4 was protective (aPR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.04–0.84). Consumption of protein-rich foods was notably low, with only 21% consuming flesh foods and 10% consuming eggs. Conclusions: Acute malnutrition in under-five children was significantly associated with poor diet quality, older age, low household income, and mixed feeding practices. Protective factors included full-term pregnancy, larger households, older maternal age, and adequate dietary diversity, highlighting the importance of targeted, multisectoral interventions. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a predominant greenhouse gas significantly contributing to atmospheric heat retention, primarily driven by anthropogenic activities intensifying the greenhouse effect. This study aims to evaluate the diversity of plant species, above-ground biomass (AGB), and carbon stock within a dry dipterocarp forest, which is a vital local natural resource. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of plant species diversity, AGB, and carbon stock capacity within a dry dipterocarp forest at the Nature Study Center, Mahasarakham University, located in the Kham Riang Subdistrict of Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province, spanning an area of 20.80 hectares. Ten sample plots, each measuring 40 × 40 m, were established and distributed across the study area. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and the height of the trees were meticulously recorded for all trees within these plots. Advanced statistical techniques were employed to calculate the relative dominance (RD), relative frequency (RF), and Importance Value Index (IVI), alongside a comprehensive assessment of plant species diversity. The AGB was assessed using precise allometric equations, with a focus on analyzing carbon storage within woody biomass. The findings revealed the presence of 52 tree species across 26 families within the forest. The total AGB was measured at 144.510 tons, with carbon stock reaching 67.920 tCO₂. These results offer critical insights into enhancing land management strategies to optimize carbon stock, thereby playing a vital role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, a significant factor in climate change dynamics. Full article

Research on the spread of dengue fever is typically measured periodically, producing longitudinally structured data. The varying coefficient model for longitudinal data allows the coefficient to vary as a smooth function of time. The data in this study have a longitudinal structure that offers a long-term presentation of dengue fever in Bandung City, Indonesia, influenced by a set of covariates that vary over time and space. The former are temperature, rainfall, and humidity, and the latter is residential location, such as vector index and population density. Considering space- and time-varying effects, a space-time varying coefficient model was proposed. The model parameters were estimated by minimizing the P-splines quantile objective function. The results implemented on the data show that the model and method satisfy the condition of the data, which means the coefficients vary over space and time. Based on the three quantile levels, each subdistrict in Bandung City has a different level of incidence rate category. Due to differences in covariate effects both over time and over space, Bandung City also exhibits a heterogeneous incidence rate pattern based on its three quantile levels. The result provides a quantile pattern that can be used as a guide for high-performance dengue fever classification. Full article

A significant amount of livestock manure is generated in Bangladesh, creating challenges for sustainable manure management. Bioenergy and organic fertilizer production from manure are expected to provide opportunities for renewable resources, including environmental benefits. Therefore, this research aimed to spatially assess the potential of manure for biogas and compost using GIS (geographic information system) symbology and hot spot analyses, based on theoretical estimations. This study identified hot spots for biogas and compost production from various types of livestock manure at the district and sub-district levels, whereas previous studies have only explored these at a national level. The estimated total biogas and compost potential was approximately 15,035.50 million m³ and 67.36 million tons, respectively, from livestock manure in 2024, distinguishing it as a feasible alternative to fossil fuels for electricity generation and synthetic fertilizers for crop production. Overall, the regional pattern maps of the socio-economic potential, hot spot identification, and environmental benefits assessments of manure will provide a more localized approach to planning sustainable manure management strategies for biogas and compost production in Bangladesh. Full article