Economic Concern Research Articles

Avian Colibacillosis: A Review of Cases (2013 – 2023) Diagnosed at the Avian Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Avian colibacillosis, caused by Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is a major economic concern for the poultry industry worldwide, leading to significant morbidity, mortality, and production losses. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective survey on colibacillosis diagnosed, from January, 2013 to December, 2023, at the Avian Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data was extracted from the record book, entered into Microsoft Excel sheet, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that out of 1,922 cases presented to the Clinic, 13.1% (95% CI: 11.7 – 14.7%) were diagnosed with colibacillosis.

Midline vs. lateral flank approach for spaying nutrias (Myocastor coypus)

The nutria (Myocastor coypus), an invasive semi-aquatic rodent in Europe introduced for the fur and meat industry at the beginning of the 20th century, has rapidly become a significant ecological and economic concern. In Italy, the damage caused by nutrias to crops, wetlands, and drainage systems has prompted the development of containment plans. However, these efforts, while effective in the short term, are challenged by rapid recolonization and local resistance. One emerging approach for controlling nutria populations is sterilization. This study compared two surgical techniques for ovariectomy in 60 free-ranging nutrias: 30 animals underwent the flank approach (FA), and 30 underwent the ventral midline approach (VMA). The animals were randomly assigned to one of the two groups and monitored for anesthesia duration, surgery time, recovery, and return to feeding. Results indicated that the FA group exhibited significantly shorter surgical and recovery times than the VMA group, with a positive correlation between body weight and surgery duration only in the VMA group. Additionally, a higher percentage of animals in the FA group resumed feeding within 12 h, suggesting better post-operative recovery. The FA technique thus demonstrated advantages over the VMA, reducing the risk of intraoperative complications and shortening recovery times. These findings suggest that the FA technique may be more suitable for reproductive control of nutria as part of invasive wildlife management strategies.

Can public education campaigns equitably counter the use of substandard and falsified (SF) medical products in African countries?

Substandard and falsified (SF) medical products are a serious health and economic concern that disproportionately impact low- and middle-income countries and marginalized groups. Public education campaigns are demand-side interventions that may reduce risk of SF exposure, but the effectiveness of such campaigns, and their likelihood of benefitting everybody, is unclear. Nationwide pilot risk communication campaigns, involving multiple media, were deployed in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda in 2020-2021. Focus group discussions (n=73 FGDs with n=611 total participants) and key informant interviews (n=80 individual interviews and n=4 group interviews with n=111 total informants) were conducted within each of the four countries to ascertain the reach and effectiveness of the campaign. Small proportions of focus group discussants (8.0%-13.9%) and key informants (12.5%-31.4%) had previously encountered the campaign materials. Understandability was varied: the use of English and select local languages, combined with high rates of illiteracy, meant that some were not able to understand the campaign. The capacity for people to act on the messages was extremely limited: inaccessibility, unavailability, and unaffordability of quality-assured medicines from official sources, as well as illiteracy, constrained what people could realistically do in response to the campaign. Importantly, reach, understandability, and capacity to respond were especially limited amongst marginalized groups, who are already at greatest risk of exposure to SF products. These findings suggest that there may be potential for public education campaigns to help combat the issue of SF medicines through prevention, but that the impact of public education is likely to be limited and may even inadvertently widen health inequities. This indicates that public education campaigns are not a single solution; they can only be properly effective if accompanied by health system strengthening and supply-side interventions that aim to increase the effectiveness of regulation.

Inverted Patterns of Schistosomiasis and Fascioliasis and Risk Factors Among Humans and Livestock in Northern Tanzania.

Fascioliasis and schistosomiasis are parasitic trematodiases of public health and economic concern in humans and livestock. However, data on the distribution and risk factors for fascioliasis remain limited, while epidemiological gaps hinder schistosomiasis control in Tanzania. This One Health, cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and risk factors of schistomiasis and fascioliasis in northern Tanzania, involving 310 livestock and 317 human participants from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara regions. Using standard parasitological methods, livestock fascioliasis prevalence was 21.3%, while schistosomiasis prevalence was 1.0%. Human fascioliasis prevalence was 1.9%, while schistosomiasis prevalence was 12.6%. Female animals, particularly cattle in Kilimanjaro and Manyara, had higher odds of fascioliasis. Human-animal contact through husbandry increased schistosomiasis risk (aOR = 4.21; 95% CI: 1.81-9.80), while the use of borehole-water was protective (aOR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11-0.97). Fascioliasis risk was higher among individuals aged 36-55 years (aOR = 7.66; 95% CI: 1.36-43.23), with cabbage consumption offering protection (aOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.89). The study revealed inverted prevalence patterns of fascioliasis and schistosomiasis in humans and livestock, driven by vector-dependent transmission dynamics. These findings emphasize the need for an integrated One Health approach to manage shared human and animal health risks in Tanzania.

Genome-Wide Approach Identifies Natural Large-Fragment Deletion in ASFV Strains Circulating in Italy During 2023.

African swine fever (ASF), characterized by high mortality rates in infected animals, remains a significant global veterinary and economic concern, due to the widespread distribution of ASF virus (ASFV) genotype II across five continents. In this study, ASFV strains collected in Italy during 2022-2023 from two geographical clusters, North-West (Alessandria) and Calabria, were fully sequenced. In addition, an in vivo experiment in pigs was performed. Complete genomic sequencing of 30 strains revealed large-fragment deletions and translocations. In Alessandria, five samples showed two different deletions in the 5' genomic region: a ~4340 bp deletion (positions ~9020-13,356 in Georgia 2007/1) in four samples and a 2162 bp deletion (positions 17,837-19,998) in one sample. Another strain showed a truncation of 1950 bp at the 3' end. In Calabria, strains showed a 5137 bp deletion (positions 10,755-15,891) and ~2 kb truncations in the 3' region. Two strains showed a translocation from the region 1-2244 to positions 188,631-190,584. In vivo characterization of the deleted strain 22489.4_2312/RC/2023 revealed identical disease progression to the wild-type strain, with severe ASF symptoms in inoculated pigs. This study is the first to report natural deleted strains of ASFV in Italy, revealing unique genomic deletions distinct from those in previously known strains.

Standardized Outcomes for Randomized Controlled Trials Targeting Early Interventions in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for the Development of a Core Outcome Set.

: With more than 60 million new cases around the world each year, traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes substantial mortality and morbidity. Managing TBI is a major human, social, and economic concern. In the last 20 years, there has been an increase in clinical trials in neurocritical care, leading mostly to negative results. The evaluation of neurological outcomes, predominantly as primary outcomes, using clinical scales (Glasgow Outcome Scale) has limitations that could explain these results. Moreover, patient-centered outcomes are seldom reported despite their recognized clinical relevance. : The aim of this project is to establish a core outcome set (COS) for patients with moderate-to-severe TBI in randomized control trials in neurocritical care research. This study will follow five distinct steps: (1) systematic review to identify outcomes that have been reported in trials; (2) semistructured interviews with patients and their families to identify their priorities after TBI and explore potential patient-centered outcomes; (3) health care stakeholder focus groups with clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to describe potential outcomes; (4) an eDelphi survey with stakeholder groups to make a list of previously identified core outcomes; and (5) a consensus workshop to establish a COS for moderate-to-severe TBI clinical trials. : The systematic review was published in August 2024. Regarding Step 2, 30 semistructured interviews of patients and relatives were performed from July 2021 to December 2023, and analyses were completed in October 2024. Step 3 is currently under development, and Step 4 is planned for the end of 2025. Step 5 is expected to occur during fall/winter 2026. Conclusions: Establishing a COS, to be consistently measured and reported in TBI trials in neurocritical care will ensure rigorous reporting, avoid bias, and improve the integrity, transparency, and usability of clinical research. The French context of the study is the main limitation, but we are seeking international collaboration on the project. The results of each step of the project will be disseminated through abstracts, publications, and patient associations. Establishing a COS, to be consistently measured and reported in TBI trials in neurocritical care will ensure rigorous reporting, avoid bias, and improve the integrity, transparency, and usability of clinical research. The French context of the study is the main limitation, but we are seeking international collaboration on the project. The results of each step of the project will be disseminated through abstracts, publications, and patient associations. DERR1-10.2196/54525.

Optimism, economic concern, trust in the government, and entrepreneurial intention during the COVID-19 pandemic

Optimism, economic concern, trust in the government, and entrepreneurial intention during the COVID-19 pandemic

Optimism, economic concern, trust in the government, and entrepreneurial intention during the COVID-19 pandemic

Optimism, economic concern, trust in the government, and entrepreneurial intention during the COVID-19 pandemic

Atmospheric environmental resources and corporate green innovation: Blessing or curse of the weather?

Atmospheric environmental resources and corporate green innovation: Blessing or curse of the weather?

The increasing importance of Dengue virus infection in Saudi Arabia: A review.

Exacerbated by the rise of global warming due to climate change, as well as ease of international travel and mass migration, the dengue virus infection remains of particular economic and global concern. Of note, the emergence of the first case of dengue viral infection occurred in Saudi Arabia in the 1990s, and since then there has been a steady rise in the number of cases. Moreover, the arrival of imported dengue virus variants poses a significant challenge to dengue fever surveillance and control efforts within the region, especially as Saudi Arabia attracts millions of religious pilgrims throughout the year. Herein, we discuss the epidemiology of dengue viral infection in Saudi Arabia, dengue fever biology and clinical manifestation. Current management strategies, amongst other factors influencing dengue fever in Saudi Arabia are also deliberated upon. Future ongoing research and consistent monitoring of both established and emerging dengue viral strains within Saudi Arabia are needed, given the lack of current comprehensive studies.

Effect of Temperatures on Green Synthesis of Amide-based Corrosion Inhibitors from Sustainable Source

This research addresses the critical need for effective anticorrosion solutions, focusing on the development of environmentally friendly coatings using Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD), a byproduct of crude palm oil production, as a key component in amide inhibitors. Traditional inorganic corrosion inhibitors pose environmental and economic concern due to their expense and toxicity while PFAD based amides promote a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The synthesis of PFAD based amides using ethylenediamine in ethanol at reflux at various temperatures (25, 40, 60 and 90˚C) revealed that higher synthesis temperatures enhance inhibition properties. Amides containing double bonds and nitrogen-functional groups demonstrated excellent efficiency in attaching to metal surfaces. This study evaluates the synthesized amide’s inhibitory potential through physicochemical analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and corrosion inhibition efficiency using the Linear Polarization Resistance Method (LPRM). Physicochemical analysis using FTIR indicated the prominence of the amide group of N-H in the product with clear bonds at 1600 cm⁻¹, and visible amide groups of O-H at 3350 cm⁻¹. They showed the disappearance of the carboxylic acid (C=O) peak from the raw material of PFAD, indicating that the amide synthesis reaction occurred successfully. LPRM analysis revealed that the amides at 90°C achieved a 75% corrosion inhibition efficiency in a 3.5% NaCl solution, outperforming other tested temperatures. This efficiency is attributed to the adsorption of nitrogen-containing fatty amide molecules on the metal surface. These findings highlight the potential of PFAD based amides as green corrosion inhibitors, offering a promising solution for sustainable corrosion mitigation strategies.

What curbs food waste in Italian households? The impact of consumer sentiments and online shopping routines via food-related lifestyles

ABSTRACT This study examines how economic and environmental concerns, along with online food shopping habits, influence consumer efforts to reduce household food waste, directly and through food-related lifestyles. Using SEM analysis on data from a survey of 1000 Italian respondents aged 18–70, our findings highlight that economic concern positively impacts waste avoidance efforts, while environmental concern does so indirectly via frugal shopping and greater use of food information. However, online shopping seems to lower commitment to waste avoidance, by fostering impulsive buying. Our study offers a comprehensive model integrating psychological factors, social practices, and lifestyles, especially relevant in disruptive scenarios.

Redefining equality in European contract law: protecting consumer interests in a post-consumer society

Abstract Consumers have in law been defined as the weaker parties in a transaction. Contract laws have integrated consumer protection with a view to balancing the interests of the parties, ensuring equal bargaining power and to some extent substantive fairness in contractual relations. Rules of consumer protection have therefore, from a contract lawyer’s perspective, been construed as expressions of a general principle of equality. The principle of equality, conceived in this way, complements the general principle of autonomy underlying contract law, which embodies the idea that parties should have the capacity for self-realisation. Does this construction of consumer contract law still hold in EU consumer markets transformed by the rise of online platforms and the overall move towards an economy based on services and experiences rather than the sale of physical goods? Or do we need to redefine the ways in which the principle of equality is expressed in European contract law in order to correct for new inequalities arising between consumers and businesses? This article aims to answer that question against the backdrop of established insights of the ways in which the rationality of European contract law differs from that of national, doctrinal private law systems. It concludes that the rules laid down in instruments such as the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD) and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive (UCTD) can protect consumers against exploitative practices. However, problems arise in cases where the interest at stake go beyond economic interests and concern also non-economic interests, such as data protection or freedom of expression, or do not have a market exchange value. Solutions can be pursued, it is submitted, by the European legislator and the European Court of Justice, potentially using the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as a catalyst for reform.

OD17 Future Health And Economic Burden Of Cardiovascular Disease In Type 2 Diabetes In Australia From 2021 To 2031

IntroductionDiabetes is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a two-to-four-times higher risk than that in non-diabetes. The health burden associated with CVD imposes a major economic concern on healthcare systems and on society. We sought to estimate the future burden of CVD in terms of health and economic outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) from 2022 to 2031.MethodsFrom Australian public healthcare and societal perspectives over the next decade, two dynamic models with annual cycles were designed to predict myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients aged 40 to 90 years. First events at risk of CVD people were estimated using the 2013 pooled cohort equation, while recurrent events in existing CVD were acquired from the global Reduction of Atherothrombosis for Continued Health registry. Costs and utilities were obtained using public sources. Outcomes were fatal and non-fatal MI and stroke, years of life lived, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total direct and indirect costs. An annual discount rate of 5 percent was used.ResultsOver the next 10 years, the model projected a total of 83,618 non-fatal MIs (95% confidence interval [CI]: 83,170, 84,053) and 58,774 non-fatal strokes (95% CI: 58,458, 59,013). In terms of health outcomes, total years of life lived and QALYs were 9,549,487 (95% CI: 9,416,423, 9,654,043) and 6,632,897 (95% CI: 5,065,606, 7,591,679), respectively. In terms of economic outcomes, total direct and indirect were AUD9.59 billion (USD6.38 billion) (95% CI: AUD1.90 billion [USD1.26 billion], AUD30.45 billion [USD20.26 billion]) and AUD9.07 billion (USD6.03 billion) (95% CI: AUD663.53 million [USD441.61 million], AUD33.19 billion [USD21.96 billion]), respectively. The chronic costs of CVD contributed most of the total direct cost, while morbidity contributed most of the total indirect costs.ConclusionsOur study shows that from 2022 to 2031, CVD as a complication from T2D will cause a significant impact on the Australian healthcare system and society. These estimates can be used to explore different strategies to optimize the control of risk factors for the prevention and management of CVD in T2D in Australia.

Climate Crisis and Human Psychology: Profound Impacts on Economic Concerns and Psychological Health

Climate Crisis and Human Psychology: Profound Impacts on Economic Concerns and Psychological Health

Comparative evaluation of laboratory methods for performance assessment of cementitious materials in wastewater networks: Biological and chemical tests versus field exposure

Comparative evaluation of laboratory methods for performance assessment of cementitious materials in wastewater networks: Biological and chemical tests versus field exposure

The Effect of Nighttime LED Lighting on Tomato Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Content of Fruits

Food insecurity is a top economic and national security concern in many countries, and scientists worldwide are working to increase crop productivity in order to address this issue. In line with this information, the present study aimed to test the possibility of improving the yield and fruit quality of two tomato cultivars, namely ‘Vspyshka’ and ‘Lyana’. The effect of LSL (light of sodium lamps—control) and the short additional 4 h treatment of nighttime LED lighting (LSL+night LED) with an increase in the proportion of red, blue, and far-red spectra on tomato fruit yield as well as its physiological, biochemical, and consumer attributes were compared in this study. The results suggested that LSL+night LED significantly increased soluble solids concentration, vitamin C content, and polyphenolic compounds of tomato fruits, taking into account the varietal characteristics. Moreover, a moderate to high relationship was also observed between the polyphenolic complex, vitamin C content, and antioxidant activity. It was concluded that the LSL+night LED could further enhance the relationship between polyphenols and antioxidants, as well as soluble solids concentration. LSL+night LED treatment also provided an increased accumulation of five essential amino acids associated with the taste characteristics of fruits, namely histidine, valine, threonine, licin, and the sum of isoleucine. In addition, the contents of lysine and methionine increased in the ‘Lyana’ cultivar. LSL+night LED treatment was also noted to have a less pronounced effect on the contents of aspartic acid and asparagine, as bio stimulators of plant growth processes, as well as the amino acids arginine, serine, glycine, and tyrosine, which were additionally consumed to restore photosynthesis. LSL+night LED treatment reduced the concentration of nitrates in fruits, which is a toxic element for human health. Overall, the results of the study are believed to be demanded in practical applications, with potential benefits in improving the elements of resource-saving technology for growing vegetable crops.

Prevalence of unused medications and determinants among the general public in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundAccumulation, improper storage, and disposal of unused medications in the households have become a growing public health, environmental and economic concern. However, the magnitude, reasons, and disposal practices of the problems are not well studied in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of unused medications at household levels in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used to collect data in Addis Ababa from April to May 2021. A total of 759 households in the Gulele and Lideta sub-cities were included in the survey using systematic random sampling techniques. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and structured observation checklist. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with unused medications. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21.ResultsAmong the surveyed households, 463 (61%) had unused medications of which anti-pains (30%) and anti-microbials (29%) were found to be the most common classes. The main reasons for the presence of unused medications were saving for future use (35.8%) and ‘relief’ or disappearance of symptoms (23.8%). The majority of households (69.2%) used household garbage for the disposal of their unused medications. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified households who earned higher incomes, namely 8,001–12,000 ETB (AOR = 2.6 (1.2–5.7)) and more than 12,000 ETB (AOR = 2.9 (1.2-7.0)) were more likely to have unused medications.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of unused medications and unsafe disposal practice in households of Addis Ababa. Education about the rational use and safe disposal practice of prescribed medications should be given to the community. The government should come up with appropriate legal frameworks and device appropriate collection and disposal mechanism for unused medications emanating from households.

In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Grape Seed, Green Tea, and Rosemary Phenolic Extracts Against Liver Abscess Causing Bacterial Pathogens in Cattle.

Liver abscesses, which occur in finishing cattle, are of significant economic concern to the feedlot industry. The causative agents include both Fusobacterium necrophorum subspecies (F. necrophorum and F. funduliforme), Trueperella pyogenes (T. pyogenes), and Salmonella enterica serotype Lubbock (S. Lubbock). Tylosin, a macrolide antibiotic, is supplemented in the feed to reduce liver abscesses. However, due to the concern with emergence of antimicrobial resistance, the antimicrobial activities of the plant-based phenolic compounds could be an antibiotic alternative to control liver abscesses. We investigated the inhibitory activities of phenolic compounds extracted from grape seed, green tea, and rosemary on liver-abscess-causing bacterial pathogens. Total phenolic content was determined spectrophotometrically. Anaerobic Brain-Heart Infusion broth (for Fusobacterium) and Muller-Hinton broth (for S. enterica and T. pyogenes) with phenolic extracts at 0, 0.1, 1, and 2 mg/mL were prepared. Growth was measured at 0, 12, 24 and 48 h by determining bacterial concentrations. A micro-broth dilution method was used to quantify the inhibition. Grape seed and green tea phenolics inhibited growth of both Fusobacterium subspecies, T. pyogenes and S. enterica. Green tea at 1 mg/mL concentration was more effective in inhibiting the growth of Fusobacterium when compared to grape seed and rosemary. Green tea at 2 mg/mL was more effective than at 1 mg/mL against Salmonella. The inhibitory effect was dose-dependent, which was consistent across all strains within the same bacterial species. The phenolic extracts were inhibitory against T. pyogenes with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 6.25 to 12.5 µg/mL. Among the phenolic extracts tested, green tea showed the most potent activity, suggesting its strong potential as a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics. Plant-based phenolic compounds supplemented in the feed may have the potential to control liver abscesses.

Literature review on sustainable development in bali province through the lens of financial aspects

This literature review discusses the relationship between regional financial performance, capital expenditure, and environmental expenditure and their role in sustainable development. Sustainable development is defined as development that is able to meet current needs without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Previous studies have shown that the allocation of regional spending, especially environmental spending, is still low despite having an important contribution to preserving ecosystems and reducing the impact of climate change. This review emphasizes that regional financial performance plays a significant role in determining capital expenditure and environmental allocation. Unbalanced spending policies can hinder the achievement of sustainable development. In addition, effective allocation of environmental spending is key to supporting various climate change mitigation programs and maintaining environmental quality in the future. The results of this study conclude that improving financial performance needs to be accompanied by appropriate budget policies, especially in capital expenditure and the environment. Efforts to ensure sustainable development require synergy between economic growth and environmental concern so that long-term development goals are achieved.