High Level Of Occurrence Research Articles

Incorporating ultrashort-chain compounds into the comprehensive analysis of per- and polyfluorinated substances in potable and non-potable waters by LC-MS/MS

Ultrashort-chain (USC) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are small and very polar compounds with carbon chain lengths shorter than C4. Their ubiquitous and high levels of occurrence in environmental aquatic systems are emerging as a significant concern, rivaling the well-established issues associated with long-chain PFAS contamination. Therefore, it is important to analyze both USC and long-chain PFAS together in water samples to comprehensively assess and address the full spectrum of PFAS contamination. The high polarity of USC PFAS poses a challenge for standard chromatographic practices in PFAS analysis, primarily due to insufficient chromatographic retention. In this study, a simple and reliable workflow was developed for the simultaneous analysis of C1 to C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids, along with other groups of PFAS, in both potable and non-potable waters. The chromatographic separation was conducted using a polar-embedded reversed-phase LC column with an inert coating on the hardware. Three different water matrices (tap water, bottled water, sewage treatment wastewater) were chosen for method evaluation to demonstrate the applicability of the developed workflow for measuring 45 PFAS compounds in diverse water samples. A dilute-and-shoot workflow was evaluated by accuracy and precision analysis at five fortification levels, ranging from 2 to 250 ng/L. Eighteen isotopically labeled PFAS, serving as extracted internal standards, were added to the samples at 100 ng/L to validate the accuracy of the entire workflow. Calibration standards were prepared in reverse osmosis water due to its cleanliness for all analytes. The calibration ranges varied among different analytes, spanning from 1 – 1000 ng/L. All analytes and extracted internal standards exhibited recovery values ranging from 70% to 130% of the nominal concentration across all fortification levels. Satisfactory method precision was demonstrated with %RSD values below 20%. Additional potable and non-potable waters collected from various source waters were tested to further demonstrate that the established workflow is suitable for the accurate quantification of targeted PFAS in a wide range of water matrices.

Fungal pathogens of mold of winter wheat grains in Rostov region

Long-term monitoring of the colonization of winter wheat grain by fungal mold pathogens that negatively affect the quality of grain during storage, reducing the quality of seed material, food grains and forage, showed that a high level of occurrence on the grain ofRostov winter wheat samples for the period 2014–2021 was manifested by mold fungiMucorspp.,Aspergillusniger,Aspergillusglaucus,Aspergillus flavus, species of the genusPenicillium.Relatively low occurrence was observed inRhizopus nigricansandCladosporium herbarumspecies.Mold pathogens are producers of the most dangerous mycotoxins: ochratoxinA(species ofPenicillium,Aspergillus niger,A. glaucus), aflotoxinB1 (A.flavus), rhizonins (Rhizopusspp.), etc.In the regions ofSouthernRussia, with severe drought in the soil and on the lower parts of plants, the accumulation of the fungusPenicillium purpureogenumis often noted, for some time it could become dominant.When restoring the level of moisture supply, a decrease in the occurrence ofP. purpureogenumwas observed, often to zero, and an increase in the occurrence of mucor fungi (Fusarium solani,F.semitectum), non-circulatingMycelia sterilia fungi, etc., a noticeable increase in the total density of fungal colonies.The highest level of external infection of grain was due to colonization of grain by fungi from thePenicilliumgroup, as well asA. glaucusandA. niger, the highest level of internal infection was caused by thePenicilliumgroup,Rhizopus nigricans,A. niger.The dominance of external infection over internal infection was observed during colonization by penicilli and aspergillus, the dominance of internal over external infection by rhizopus and cladosporium.

Integration of ultrashort-chain compounds into the biomonitoring of per- and polyfluorinated substances in human plasma and serum

Ultrashort-chain (USC) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are small and very polar compounds with carbon chain lengths of shorter than C4. Their ubiquitous and high levels of occurrence in environmental aquatic systems have raised significant concern in conjunction with long-chain PFAS contamination. Measuring USC PFAS in blood can not only monitor human exposure but also serves as a valuable tool for studying the potential risks associated with USC PFAS exposure. The high polarity of USC PFAS poses a challenge to current analytical practices based on the reversed-phase liquid chromatography, primarily due to insufficient chromatographic retention. In this study, a simple and reliable workflow was developed for the simultaneous analysis of C1 to C10 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids, along with four alternative PFAS, in human plasma and serum. The chromatographic analysis was conducted using a polar-embedded reversed-phase LC column. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) was chosen for method validation due to its absence of all analytes, except for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Subsequently, a TFA isotope, 13C-TFA, was employed as a surrogate to assess the method accuracy for TFA in FBS. A single-step sample preparation procedure, conducted by mixing 100 µL of FBS with 200 µL of methanol, was demonstrated to be effective for the accurate and precise analysis of fortified FBS samples. Ten isotopes of C3 to C10 PFAS, serving as extracted internal standards, were added to the samples at 1 ppb to validate the accuracy of the entire workflow. Calibration standards were prepared in reverse osmosis water due to its cleanliness for all analytes. Phosphate-buffered saline was incorporated into the calibration standard solution to achieve similar chromatographic performance between standard and sample solutions. The calibration ranges varied among different analytes, spanning from 0.05 – 40 ppb, 0.1 – 40 ppb, 0.25 – 40 ppb, and 0.5 – 40 ppb. Method accuracy and precision were evaluated at three fortification levels, ranging from 0.4 to 30 ppb. All analytes and extracted internal standards exhibited recovery values within 20 % of the nominal concentration across all fortification levels. Satisfactory method precision was demonstrated with%RSD values <12 %. The validated method was applied to measure PFAS in NIST 1950 and 1957 standard reference human plasma and serum, affirming the established workflow is suitable for accurate quantification of C1 to C10 PFAS in human plasma and serum matrices.

Study of Genetic Drifts in Some Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene Variatiants in Type 2 Diabetics in Some Ethinic Groups Residing in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: Detailing and distribution of some predominant FTO genes among subjects with diabetes mellitus selected from Igbo, Ika, Ijaw and Isoko tribes of Delta state, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: Case-control, observational study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Federal Medical Center, Asaba, Delta State and Safety Molecular Pathology Laboratory Enugu, Nigeria, between March 2020 and Febuary 2022.&#x0D; Methodology:100 subjects (20 diabetic and 5 non diabetic from each of the four tribes; age range; 28-74 years) Venous blood was collected for the assay of FBS, Hb1ac and molecular assay of four variants of FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity Associated) gene. Results obtained were statistically analysed.&#x0D; Result: The genotypes identified in the subjects were AA, GA, GG, AC, CC, TT, and AT. AA (Ijaw 17, Urhobo 18, Ika 18, Igbo 19) and GG (Ijaw 17, Urhobo 18, Ika 19, Igbo 18) had highest level of occurrence in all tribes. Recombinant genotype and recessive allele had higher number of subjects as compared to the originating genotypes. Hardy- Weinberg statistics demonstrated significant genetic deviations in rs2388405(AA -0.12 x2 =0.0002, GA 0.12 x2=0.002) rs201041270(GG-0.12 x2 =0.0002, GA 2.12 x2=0.002), and rs8050136 (CC -0.34 x2 =0.001, AC 2.32, x2=0.05) proving a chance of finding new SNP in the studied population with a probability of 2.25 as seen in the odd ratio of T allele in Igbo tribe.&#x0D; Conclusion: Statistically significant genetic drifts exist in the studied population.

Мнение родительского сообщества о доступности детской оториноларингологической помощи.

The prevalence of ENT diseases in the pediatric population remains an urgent problem in practical pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology and healthcare, which is associated with their high level of occurrence in all age groups of children and the frequent development of various complications. One of the prerequisites for solving this problem is to ensure the availability of otorhinolaryngological care for children in primary health care. The purpose of the study was to study the opinion of the parent community on the availability of otorhinolaryngological care for children aged 0 to 14 years. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of state children’s clinics and private children’s ENT offices in the city of Ramenskoye, Moscow region in 2023; A survey of parents of children aged 0–14 years was conducted (1200 respondents). Statistical processing of the material involved processing and creating a database in electronic tables. The results and conclusions of the analysis of a survey of the parent community showed that the general priority areas for increasing the availability of care for children for public and private health care systems are improving the organization of care, overcoming the obstacles of geographic remoteness of health care facilities, improving the level of medical information for patients, developing telemedicine technologies and the availability of allied health care specialists.

The Saddleback Deformity in Teleost Fish: Identification of a Unique Global Hotspot in Eastern Australia

The saddleback deformity, an abnormality of the dorsal fin and profile, lacking one to all of the dorsal spines, accompanied by shape, number and position abnormalities of associated pterygiophores, has been reported in teleosts under culture conditions and in the wild in many locations throughout the world, including North and South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, India and the Middle East. A unique global hotspot for saddleback deformities in wild teleosts is the southeast Queensland Australia coastal region between 26° S and 28° S. At this location the incidence of saddleback has been relatively stable but very high at about 10% of individual teleosts taken in the associated fishery since 1997. Opinions on causation have focused on two possibilities, a developmental defect associated with water pollution or a physical injury. The range of skeletal deformities is vastly different in cultured teleosts compared with those occurring in the wild. There is now mounting evidence that physical injury is causing saddleback in teleosts in southeast Queensland Australia. Such injury could be caused by predatory behaviour of piscivorous fish or birds, parasites, or escapement or release from fishing nets and other fishing gear. Population mortality rates associated with saddleback in southeast Queensland are unknown, but expected to be high. The high level of occurrence of saddleback in teleosts in southeast Queensland Australia together with the good understanding of their fisheries biology (age and growth rates, reproductive biology, habitat dependence) and stock assessments of the associated fisheries provide excellent opportunities for further research which would add to the scientific understanding of the saddleback deformity in teleosts throughout the world. A recommendation from this review is that support should be sought by research providers (universities and Government research agencies) from routine annual funding offers from the Australian and Queensland Governments to achieve an increase in the scientific understanding of the saddleback deformity.

The bioinvasion of lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus - 1758) in brazilian waters: an urgent necessity to create strategies to contain the expansion of the species in Brazil

The lionfish Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) is considered the most well-established fish species in non-native regions around the world, causing severe environmental damage and risks for the food chain. In Brazil, the lionfish was reported for the first time in 2014 in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and currently, the P. volitans was observed in more eight States, being its high level of occurrence in the Northern region, which contains an immense biodiversity that has not been totally cataloged yet. Based on that, this study aims to ratify the occupation and permanent residence of the lionfish in the Great Amazon Reef System (GARS), which is an alert for the urgent need for developing control strategies for this invasive species in Brazil. The new specimens were collected in the State of Amapá, between 2021 and 2022, during commercial lobster fishing, using the method of “Caçoeira”, covering between 70 and 100 meters of depth, while for the snapper was collected with the manzuá, between 78 and 102 meters of depth. In the laboratory, the individuals were measured in total length (TL) and total weight (TW). 21 specimens of P. volitans from the GARS, the TL ranged from 21,5 to 35,6 cm with an average of 29,43 cm, while the TW ranged from 150,0 to 733,0 g, with an average of 413,8 g. These adult specimens reinforce the stabilization of the lionfish, which have probably completed reproductive cycles in the region, requiring an urgent action by environmental agencies to control the invasion of the lionfish in Brazil, becoming a future environmental impact on native biodiversity.

Wash Deployment and Geo-helminth Ova Dispersion in Primary Schools in Akure North and Owo Local Government Areas, Ondo State, Nigeria

Soil-Transmitted Helminths (geo-helminths) are intestinal parasites causing human infections that are soil-borne. The study assessed the level of soil contamination with geo-helminths ova and also evaluated the level of compliance to WASH policies in some selected public and private schools in Akure North and Owo Local Government Areas of Ondo state, respectively. The study was conducted in the major districts of the two towns.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; Soil samples were collected from three (3) different locations within each school premise: Toilet areas, classroom and playground. Assessment sheets were used to evaluate data on indicators of compliance to WASH interventions. Modified Baemann’s culture technique was used in the extraction of geo-helminths larvae and sedimentation techniques were used in the concentration and isolation of geo-helminths eggs. The significant difference in soil contamination between public and private schools was obtained using statistical analysis.&#x0D; Result&#x0D; Of the 162 soil samples examined from each local government area, Akure North had the highest number of contaminated samples, n=116 (71.61%), while Owo local government had the least, n =88 (54.32%). Four (4) different geo-helminth species were identified; Hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Trichuris trichiura. The most occurring parasites seen in Akure North were hookworm larvae (67.83%), Strongyloides stercoralis (67.83%), hookworm ova (11.25%) and ova of Ascaris lumbricoides (7.56%). Likewise, Hookworm larvae had the highest level of occurrence (51.67%), while Trichuris trichiura was the least occurring (0.77%) in Owo local government area. Public schools had the higher parasite count 668/780 (85.64%), while private schools had the lesser parasite count, 112 /780 (14.36%).&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; The study revealed poor deployment of WASH in the schools, and children were predisposed to geo-helminths infections due to the high level of contamination, particularly in the public schools.

Assessing the Level of Occurrence and Impact of Exogenous and Endogenous Risk Factors in the delivery of Educational Building Projects

Construction projects are greatly affected by endogenous and exogenous risk factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate risk factors with high levels of occurrence and their impacts on project goals. These will help in finding the most appropriate mitigating strategy used by contractors on educational building projects with a view to enhance performance and reduce cost. A convenience sampling method was used to select 3 professionals each from 44 contracting firms working in the Educational building construction projects in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Forty-eight risk factors were identified through a review of literature. Data was collected through a structured survey and the data was analysed using Mann-Whitney U-test, Mean item score and frequencies. The results showed that inadequate funding by the client, the financial instability of contractors and suppliers, fluctuations in market price and inflation (all finance related) are the most critical risk factors in terms of the level of occurrence and impact. These factors had a great effect on project success. The study highlights risk factors that are capable of causing negative effects on the success of educational building projects. It also helps to solve the problems associated with the handling of risk by contracting firms. The study will be of value to stakeholders in providing the information needed to devise response strategies to minimise the impact of a risk on projects.

NEONATAL BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS IN TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN SANA'A CITY, YEMEN

Background: Ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) is the most widespread eye infection occurring in the first 28 days of life. Although most of these cases are benign, some may progress to systemic complications or blindness if left untreated. Objectives: The current study was conducted with the aim of revealing the bacteriological causes of conjunctivitis in neonates and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of these bacteria. Subjects and methods: The study included all neonates at the age of 1 to 28 days presenting at the neonatal nurseries with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and level II care beds in three hospitals; Authority of Al-Thawra General Hospital, Al-Kuwait University Hospital and Al-Sabeen Maternity and Child Hospital in Sana’a city, Yemen. A full history was taken from each nurse and mothers of the neonates included in the study in which the findings were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire including socio demographic, maternal clinical information and therapeutic interventions. To isolate the causative agent, the conjunctival swabs were inoculated on proper media and bacteria were identified by standard microbiological methods and antibiotic resistance was done for the isolates. Results: 203 swabs were collected from newborns with eye discharge over a nine-month period. Positive growth rate was 51.7%, males were more affected (57.1%), 80% of affected neonates had low birth weight, 71.4% of preterm infants were most affected (p &lt;0.01). There was a significant relationship between invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation with neonatal conjunctivitis (p&lt;0.05). Gentamicin showed good in vitro sensitivity to all bacteria isolated, Staphylococcus aureus (83%), Escherichia coli 84.6%, with P. aeruginosa it was 60%. Conclusion: The vast majority of cases of neonatal conjunctivitis were mild with a high level of occurrence, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the major bacterial agents, neonatal conjunctivitis most likely to be a hospital-acquired infection. There was a significant association between phototherapy, non-invasive ventilation and incidence of neonatal conjunctivitis . Gentamicin had high activity against the bacteria isolated in this study. Peer Review History: Received: 9 November 2021; Revised: 11 December; Accepted: 27 December, Available online: 15 January 2022 Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, sally.elzahaby@yahoo.com UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, ahsndkyc@gmail.com Dr. Jucimary Vieira dos Santos, Hemonorte Dalton Barbosa Cunha, Brazil, jucimaryvieira@yahoo.com.br Similar Articles: BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS OF ADULTS: CAUSES AND OPHTHALMIC ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERNS FOR THE COMMON BACTERIAL ISOLATES BACTERIAL CAUSES AND ANTIMICROBIAL SENSITIVITY PATTERN OF EXTERNAL OCULAR INFECTIONS IN SELECTED OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINICS IN SANA’A CITY

Supply Chain Management and Risk Management in an Environment of Stochastic Uncertainty (Retail)

In the context of stochastic uncertainty and the increasing complexity of logistics processes in the retail sector, managers face a problem in obtaining accurate forecasts for the dynamics of changes in key business performance indicators. The purpose of the present work is to assess the impact of risk events and unstable conditions on the level of quality of supply chain services and economic indicators of the retail trade network. Using the anyLogistix software tool, a simulation model was constructed that allows assessing operational risks and their impact on key indicators of the supply chain using the bullwhip effect. Besides, a statistical model of the impact of the ripple effect in the event of failures caused by the occurrence of a man-made risk event and the shutdown of production of one of the suppliers on the financial, customer, and operational performance indicators of the supply chain of grocery retail. The results obtained show that the main factors of changes in the supply chain are operational risks associated with fluctuations in demand and order execution time by the distribution center. With a sufficiently high level of occurrence, their impact on productivity and quality of service is low because they can be eliminated in a short time. The simulation results show that the most tangible risks for the food retail supply chain are supply chain failures, whose consequences require significant coordinating efforts and longer recovery times, as well as additional investments. For example, events, such as a fire in one distribution center and the shutdown of production for 1 week of one of the suppliers of dairy products will lead to the loss of USD 181.75 million by the grocery retailer, which is 3% of the expected revenue. We believe that risk management in supply chains is becoming increasingly complex, and to make effective managerial decisions, it is necessary to constantly improve the tools that combine analytical and optimization methods, as well as simulation modeling.

METHOD AND DEVICE OF DIRECT AUTOMATED MEASURING CONTROL OF THE INSULATION OF THE WINDING OF ELECTRIC MACHINES

Today, the vast majority of technological processes, both production and agriculture, are based on the use of electric machines. Among which, a significant part of production equipment requires the use of electric motors, the power of which exceeds hundreds of kilowatts. Such electric machines have also become widespread as generating equipment, where they are an integral part of power plants, both using traditional energy sources (thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, etc.), and renewable (hydroelectric power plants, wind farms, etc.), where the unit power of a single electrical machine is usually higher than in other sectors of economy. When operating such equipment, systems for monitoring a significant number of technological parameters are often used, and in real time it characterizes the modes of their operation. This approach makes it possible to increase the reliability of operation and, with a fairly high probability, to avoid large-scale man-made threats that can be caused by an emergency failure of power electric machines (including powerful electric generators), which are quite often accompanied by the destruction of supporting structures, structural elements of industrial premises and can pose a threat to the life and health of production personnel. But the use of even the most modern systems for monitoring the technical condition does not provide one hundred percent reliability, and when operating electrical machines with a nominal power of the order of units of MW and below, their use can significantly increase the total cost of equipment with a still quite high level of occurrence of a serious man-made accident. Therefore, the development of direct methods and means for measuring the technical parameters of electrical machines in general, and insulation parameters in particular, is an urgent scientific and applied problem. In the article was proposed a new method of direct automated measuring control of insulation of windings of an electric machine, based on the use of combined signals to determine the technical parameters of the insulation of electrical machine units. And also, the design of the measuring control has been developed, it implements the proposed method.

GUNSHOT INJURY: THE ROLE AND PLACE IN THE STRUCTURE OF VIOLENT DEATH, FORENSIC DESCRIPTION OF LETHAL CASES IN THE CITY OF MINSK FOR THE PERIOD 2009-2018

The article sets out the main historical milestones in the development of forensic ballistics, summarizes the literature on the incidence of lethal gunshot injuries in the world, and presents the results of our own study of deaths from gunshot injuries in Minsk from 2009 to 2018. Medical and social laws have been established on the basis of which the forensic medical characteristic of a fatal gunshot injury, compiled average statistical “portraits” of those killed as a result of this type of violent death have been drawn up. Analysis of the results of the study allows us to come to the following conclusions: – the results of statistical reports and scientific literature indicate a high level of occurrence of fatal injuries in the structure of violent death in the world, is one of the main areas studied by forensic science and practice in the study of gunshot injuries; – on the basis of a retrospective study, this forensic medical characteristic of a fatal gunshot injury in Minsk for the period from January 01, 2009 to December 31, 2018. It includes the type of death, gender, age, time of year, time of day, district of the city, place of causing gunshot injuries, presence ethyl alcohol, the place of death, the type of weapon, the type of ammunition, the type and location of the wound; – the average “portraits” of people who died in Minsk in 2009-2018 were compiled because of this type of violent death. In the “Expert Conclusion” and the decisions on the appointment of forensic medical examinations for the studied period, information about the possible ricocheting nature of the gunshot injuries was not found. This may be due to the lack of methods for establishing the fact and parameters of the ricochet of the gunshot and testifies to the need for further experimental studies in areas of forensic ballistics.

Assessment of political risk factors influencing the corporate performance of multinationals construction companies in northeastern Nigeria

The transborder extension of the services offered by multinationals construction companies that have settled in Africa exposes them to the political risk factors pertinent to the host country. This paper seeks to identify and assess the prevalence of political risk factors influencing the corporate performance of multinational companies in the North-eastern zones of Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to 78 expatriates project managers from six multinationals construction companies within six states of Nigeria’s North-east area. Data collected were analysed using the relative importance index and factor analysis. Findings showed terrorism, corruption, insurgencies, sabotages and kidnapping were the five major political risk factors with the highest level of occurrence, while terrorism, kidnappings, sabotage, corruption and change in government are those with the highest impact on operations in the region. The recommendation includes the need for the Federal, State and Local Governments to provide adequate security for lives, properties and investments.&#x0D; Keywords: Construction companies, corporate performance, multinationals, political risk, terrorism.

Disaster management practices in selected university libraries in Nigeria

This study investigates disaster management practices in selected university libraries in Nigeria. A method using descriptive surveys was adopted for the study and its major findings revealed that there were no planned disaster management practices in place in the libraries that responded. Loss through theft, storm damage, computer crashes, pest infestation and vandalism all featured with a high level of occurrence. Common mitigating measures include: provision of fire extinguishers, air conditioning and security personnel. The study also revealed how acts of negligence, poor management vision and a lack of skills and training for library personnel were major factors affecting disaster management in university libraries. The study’s conclusion urges that adequate training of personnel, disaster preparedness and business continuity plans, as well as facilitating outreach programmes for library personnel, were the minimum measures recommended for disaster management preparedness.

Climate change in Upper East Region of Ghana; challenges existing in farming practices and new mitigation policies

Abstract Countries and international organizations are making conscious effort to address climate change threat to humanity. Rising fossil fuel burning and land use changes to meet human demands continuously emit large quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere thus causing climate change. The research used Talensi District as a case study to determine factors influencing farmers’ adaptation response and the actual practices used to avert climate change impact. A total of 225 small-scale farmers were sampled for survey and 100 key informants were used in focus group discussions. Utilizing the logistic regression model, the study indicated that education, transportation, inputs cost and extension services were the factors with high tendency of undermining farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change. In addition, Weighted Average Index used to measure weather extremes revealed that drought and temperature had the highest level of occurrence. Climate change adaptation practices assessed in the study showed that change in planting date, improved crops varieties and land rotation were the most preferred practices. The study concluded that farmers resilience could be enhanced if governments and concerned organizations intensify adaptation campaigns, increase access to weather information, and train farmers on adaptable practices including, timely planting and alternative sources of livelihood. In addition, intensifying government support for agriculture including input subsidies, and provision of irrigation facilities were also good interventions to improve climate change resilience.

Модифицируемые факторы риска ишемического инсульта

Strokes, being a heterogeneous syndrome, are the result of multifactorial accumulative disorders of the body. The urgency of the problem of cerebral stroke is due to the high level of occurrence and prevalence on a global scale, as well as the consequences. Thus, vascular diseases of the brain vessels occupy the second place in the structure of mortality from diseases of the circulatory system and total mortality of the population. The expected aging of the population, coupled with a decrease in mortality from stroke, creates a predisposition to an increase in the burden of strokes in the form of an increase in the number of victims. In Kazakhstan, as in most countries of the world, ischemic strokes prevail, which are the main cause of disability of the working-age population. Despite certain advances in the treatment of brain catastrophes caused by the introduction of protocols for early diagnosis and the development of algorithms for urgent actions, as well as the development of innovative pharmaceutical approaches, prevention of stroke development remains the most effective approach in all respects - medical, economic, social. Risk factors for stroke can be classified as changeable (modifiable) and not subject to change (non-modifiable, or risk markers). Age, gender and race, ethnicity, genetic predisposition are unchangeable risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, while hypertension, smoking, diet and physical inactivity are among the most common modifiable risk factors. Stroke prevention mainly focuses on managing variable risk factors. Lifestyles and behavior modification, such as changes in diet or smoking cessation, not only reduce stroke risk, but also reduce the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. Other preventive areas include the identification and treatment of diseases that increase the risk of stroke, such as hypertension, diabetes and atrial fibrillation.

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation in Northern Ghana: Evidence from Subsistence Farmers in Sissala West, Ghana

Most African countries are vulnerable to climate change as a result of poverty, weather extremes, and insufficient governmental agricultural support. Using the area of Sissala West District, factors influencing farmers’ adaptation to climate change and strategies used to avert climate change impact were determined. A total of 330 small-scale farmers were sampled and their views were determined Using logits regression model, weighted average index, and frequency table. Weighted average index was used to rank opinions of 150 key informants in focus group discussions. Using logits regression model, the study indicated irregular rainfall, high temperature, weather information, and high evaporation as the factors compelling farmers to adapt to climate change. Weighted Average Index used to measure weather extremes revealed that drought and temperature had the highest level of occurrence. Furthermore, climate change adaptation strategies assessed in the study showed that agroforestry practices, drought-resistant crops, and mulching were the most preferred methods. The study concluded that farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change can be improved if Environmental Protection Agency and Ministry of Food and Agriculture intensify climate adaptation campaigns, increase access to weather information, and training farmers on adaptable strategies including, but not limited to, alternative sources of livelihood.

Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Constraints in Northern Ghana: Evidence of Farmers in Sissala West District

Research findings indicate that most African countries are vulnerable to climate change as a result of challenges such as poverty, weather extremes, and insufficient governmental agricultural support. For this reason, the researchers used the Sissala West District as a case study to determine factors influencing farmers’ adaptation to climate change and strategies used to avert climate change impact. A total of 330 small-scale farmers were sampled for survey and 150 key informants were used in focus group discussions. Utilizing the logistic regression model, the study indicated irregular rainfall, high temperature, weather information, and high evaporation as the factors that highly influenced farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change. A Weighted Average Index used to measure weather extremes revealed that drought and temperature had the highest level of occurrence. Furthermore, climate change adaptation strategies assessed in the study showed that agroforestry practices, drought-resistant crops, and mulching were the most preferred methods. The study concluded that farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change can be improved if the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture intensify climate adaptation campaigns, increase access to weather information, and train farmers on adaptable strategies including, but not limited to, alternative sources of livelihood.

Climate Change Adaptation and Agricultural Development in Central Africa Republic-Evidence of North-West

Farmers' perceptions ethno-weather climate change in the North-west of Central African local knowledge is based on experiences to explain and understand the recent climate change. These farmers' knowledge on climate change has been capitalized using the tools and techniques of socio-anthropological investigations (interview, questionnaire and focus group). The results show that over 80% of people have noted strong sunlight which is in fact the way to express higher temperatures. Facts suggestive manifestations of climate change including reducing the number of days of rain and the duration of the rainy season, early arrival and late withdrawal of the harmattan, the disappearance of animal and plant species and seasons announcing the disruption of the cropping calendar. These climatic perturbations lead the peasantry to develop strategies to adapt to endogenous consequences of the observed changes. Perceptions ethno-conventional meteorological data observed face can help analyze the real impacts of climate change in the North-western of Central African. A total of 225 small-scale farmers were sampled for survey and 100 key informants were used in focus group discussions. The logistic regression model used in the study indicated that education, transportation, income, inputs cost and extension services were the factors with high tendency of undermining farmers’ ability to adapt to climate change. In addition, Weighted Average Index used to measure weather extremes established that drought and temperature had the highest level of occurrence. Change in planting date, improved crops varieties, mixed cropping, and land rotation was the most preferred practices. The study concluded that farmer’s resilience could be enhanced if governments and concern organizations intensify adaptation campaigns and train farmers on adaptable practices including, use of improved seeds, subsidies, increasing Agriculture Extension Agents and provision of irrigation facilities were also good interventions to improve climate change resilience.