House Hold Research Articles

Developing Biodegradable Liquid Soap Detergent Solution for Domestic and Industrial Applications

Liquid soap solution is a versatile and widely used personal care product, offers a convenient and hygienic way to maintain cleanliness. This abstract summarizes the key aspects of liquid soap. This is soap in a liquid form. Generally liquid detergent are used with soft water. Where as in case of detergent powder cloths can be washed in hard as well as soft water. Liquid soap for Industrial use as well as house hold use can be manufactured by employing a very simple process. A typical formula for 1 kg of product is given below. This is called 25% liquid soap, since the acid slurry (active matter) used is 25% For lesser Concentration the quantity of acid slurry may be decreased correspondingly. The main aim of this project is to develop the liquid soap solution.

Understanding water, sanitation, and hygiene situation through participatory appraisal in urban slum of Dhaka City

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is an imperative issue for infection prevention, and disease control. To understand the existing resources, and WASH situation, a participatory appraisal was conducted at Bauniabadh slum, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh from February-March 2022, and June-July 2023. <i>Social mapping</i>, <i>transect walk</i>, and <i>informal discussion </i>were conducted to identify available resources in the community for maintaining WASH, and also understand the challenges related to these; explore the surrounding cleanliness, waste disposal, and drainage system. Most of the households (HHs) fetched water from the nearest supply stations. Few families did not treat drinking water for purification; the gas flow was not sufficient to boil drinking water most of the time. A number of HHs did not clean their water reservoirs regularly, resulting in odor in supplied water. Regular garbage removal system was absent. WASH being a communal issue in slum setting, community engagement for WASH management is strongly recommended.

Elevation and Slope as Key Determinants of Landslide-Prone Areas in Murang’a County, Kenya

Landslide studies in Kenya have received less interest as opposed to other regions of the world. Murang’a County in Central Kenya presents a unique case of geographical interest not only due to its positioning within the alpine Aberdare Ranges but also because it has experienced serious, deadly and repeated landslide disasters. This study seeks to ascertain whether elevation and slope are key determinants of landslide in the county. Primary data collection instruments were Household (HH) questionnaires where a sample size of 393 HH was sampled at a confidence level of 95%. Secondary data for elevation and slope were derived from satellite imagery. A significant 95.5% of the respondents said that slope was a major landslide causal/trigger factor. A significant number of people (r=0.806) who had migrated to their current locations described steepness as a major causal/trigger factor. Elevation factor was mentioned by 90.2% of the respondents as a key factor contributing to the occurrence of landslides. The study concludes that elevation and slope are key and significant landslide causal/trigger factors in Murang’a County. The study recommends that people living in areas delineated as ‘high-risk zones’ should be advised to relocate to safer grounds to avert huge losses from potential landslide disasters

Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi-purpose Household Survey (MPHS) Based Tax Assessment Approach for manifold revenue generation in Mandav, Dhar (M.P.), India: A pilot ward study

Abstract: This study has been done under project entitled “Prepare Property Tax Register based on GIS & Multi-Purpose Household Survey its integration E-Nagarpalika with Technical Handholding Support” by M.P. Government. In Mandav, as a pilot ward 05 (Rampura Ward) were selected and that aims to find out the comparison of revenue generation in terms of taxation for individual household properties in the same ward. Study ward had 98 existing house hold properties according to Nagar Parishad, Mandav records and after MPH survey it became 164. Using GIS techniques and existing tax assessment approach, in a totality 191% demand growth has been observed. 100% demand growth has been found in commercial properties followed by 39% growth in residential properties and 16% growth in mixed properties. Land Use and Land Cover map has also been made using drone imagery (resolution 0.35cm) and GIS techniques. In study ward agriculture land were found 35.44% of the total area followed by built-up area 27.16%, waste land 17.63%, water bodies 14.36%. Keywords: Manifold Revenue Generation, Demand Growth, Land Use and Land Cover, Multi-purpose Households Survey and GIS techniques.

AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR SOLAR-POWERED AQUAPONICS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

Aquaponics system is an alternative solution for food generation in urban areas where there is a scarcity of land for food production. With the advent of solar energy technologies, the energy requirement of the system will not be added to the existing power consumption of the house hold. This paper presents an expert system for solar-powered aquaponics that provides users the aquaponics system dimensions, power requirements, bills of materials, cost-benefit analysis and payback period given land area available and the type of plants and fishes to culture.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Pesticides Use and Serum Cholinesterase Level Among Farm Workers in Bhaktapur – A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction/Objective Pesticides use has been an integral part of modern agricultural practices. Lack of knowledge and unsafe handling of pesticides uses have kept the farm workers in the frontline of vulnerability. Serum cholinesterase show a dose-exposure relationship with organophosphorus. This study aims to identify the existing knowledge, attitude and practices of pesticides use among farm workers and to measure the serum cholinesterase level before and after spraying of the pesticides. Methods/Case Report This is a cross-sectional study carried out among farm workers of Madhyapur Municipality, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Ethical clearance was obtained from Nepal Health Research Council, Nepal. House hold survey was carried out for the knowledge, attitude and practices of pesticides use using structured questionnaires. Written consent was taken. Blood was collected twice, before and after spraying season for 97 farm workers. Serum cholinesterase was analyzed in the vitros 4600 biochemistry analyzer. Paired t-tests and chi square tests were used for statistical analysis. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The mean cholinesterase of farm workers before and after pesticide spraying was 6.92±1.47 U/mL and 6.49±1.47 U/mL respectively, with p value of <0.001. There were also significant differences of serum cholinesterase level among farm workers before and after pesticide spraying on the basis of education level, type of involvement either full time or part time and prior integrated pest management training. This study found that 63% of respondents had good knowledge on pesticides while 25% had average and 12% had poor knowledge. Similarly, this study also found that 54% of respondents had good knowledge on pesticides use while 26% had average and 20% had poor knowledge. However, this study showed that only 44% of farm workers had good practice. Association between knowledge of pesticide and practices and between knowledge of pesticides use and practices were statistically significant with p-value of 0.001 and 0.001 respectively. Conclusion There is a significant difference in the level of serum cholinesterase before and after spraying pesticides in farm workers. Lack of education, lack of integrated pest management training and poor practices of pesticides use are the reasons behind the difference in the serum cholinesterase level.

Salinity challenges and adaptive strategies in salinization-affected coastal Bangladesh: Implications for agricultural sustainability and water resource management

Abstract Salinization has become a rising global concern due to its notable effects on agriculture and freshwater resources. Coastal region of Bangladesh has been struggling with elevated levels of soil and water salinity, exacerbated by storm surges and rising sea levels. We assessed nutrient and salinity contents in agricultural and homestead lands, and the level of salinity in pond and canal water in six sub-districts in coastal Bangladesh. Finally, using household (HH) survey, focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview (KII), we explored the adaptive practices and challenges of salinity issues in agriculture and drinking water management. Soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents exhibited significant variations across the sub-districts, which reflect the diversity of agricultural practices and soil management strategies. However, there was no notable difference in soil salinity across the sub-districts, which underscores the commonality of soil salinity as a pressing concern. Shyamnagar (13.99 dS m−1) recorded the highest level of pond water salinity, followed by Assasuni (13.96 dS m−1), Dacope (13.91 dS m−1), Koyra (13.58 dS m−1), Morrelganj (13.33 dS m−1), and Mongla (13.19 dS m−1) sub-districts, which highlights that water salinity decreased from exposed coast to the landward areas. Respondents in HH surveys, FGDs and KIIs identified salinity as a major challenge in agriculture and drinking water. Furthermore, climate-related stresses were recognized as significant challenges impacting crop productivity. The research highlights the feasibility of rainwater harvesting, with 89%–100% of HHs harvest rainwater in HH tanks, as an effective adaptive practice for managing drinking water. The study emphasizes the positive impact of vermicompost in reducing soil salinity levels, which is demonstrated by the 43%–88% of HHs using this practice, indicating its potential as a nature-based solution to address soil salinization. The findings underscore the need for resilient agricultural systems and sustainable water management approaches to tackle these challenges.

Analysis of data from a national micronutrient survey with a linear mixed model: estimates, predictions and lessons for future surveys.

Because micronutrient deficiencies affect public health, countries monitor population status by national-scale, multi-stage, micronutrient surveys (MNS). In design-based surveys, inclusion probabilities are specified for sample units and the corresponding sample weights allow design-unbiased estimates to be made of population parameters. Corrections may be possible on departures from the design; an alternative is to use linear mixed models (LMM), with an estimated covariance structure reflecting the sampling design, to obtain model-based estimates. The Ethiopia National Micronutrient Survey (2016) specified inclusion probabilities at enumeration area (EA) and household (HH) levels, and sample weights are provided. However, the design was not followed as it would have resulted in insufficient sampling from women of reproductive age. Having found no evidence that sample weights were informative for target serum micronutrient concentrations (Zn), we estimated LMM parameters, with Regions as fixed effects, and the variation of individuals nested within households, households within EA, and EA within regions, random effects. We obtained LMM standard errors, Best Linear Unbiased Estimates (BLUEs) of regional means, and empirical Best Linear Unbiased Predictions for sampled/unsampled EA and HH. The probability that each true regional mean exceeded the sufficiency threshold was evaluated. The variances of BLUEs of regional means, under alternative sampling designs, were bootstrapped from LMM variance components. We demonstrate use of LMM to obtain model-unbiased estimates and predictions when surveys deviate from the original design; and the use of LMM variance components to evaluate alternative designs for further sampling, or for sampling comparable populations.

The Effect of Income and Consumption on Consumer Behavior

This research was conducted in Deli Serdang Regency with the aim of knowing the effect of income and consumption on consumer behavior in Deli Serdang Regency. Family income is the main factor in household consumption behavior. In carrying out consumption activities, this must be in accordance with the Indonesian economy. This study aims to determine the influence of family income on household consumption behavior in accordance with the principles of consumption in Islam. This research is a type of field research. The research sample was taken using a non-probability sampling technique with 50 respondents. Data collection using the questionnaire method the collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques, classical assumption tests, and simple regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that there is a positive influence between family income and house hold consumption behavior.

Investigating urban morphological drivers of household water use in developing economies: A structural equation model approach

Urban populations are snowballing, increasing household (HH) water consumption. The growing housing density, the expanding infrastructure, and altered land use patterns place increasing pressure on the water supply and usage. This makes it harder for urban HHs to obtain clean water and worsens water scarcity, with infrastructural and environmental implications for highly populated metropolitan areas. This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the impact of urban morphology on household water use in a developing economy using a Structural Equation Model (SEM), specifically within the growing urban centres surrounding Kolkata in South Bengal. The primary hypothesis projects an increase in urban morphological indicators and HH characteristics that significantly affect water use. The findings reveal that increases in urban morphological indicators are associated with a 34.2% decrease in HH water use, highlighting the importance of urban planning strategies that emphasize compact and diverse urban forms. This work highlights new ways of building cities that consider morphological aspects and allow cities to expand in a way that conserves HH water while being resilient to rapid urban change.

IMPACTS OF FLOODING AND THE COPING STRATEGIES AMONG THE ARTISANAL FISHERS COMMUNITY IN KOTON KARFE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the impacts of flooding and the coping strategies among the artisanal fishers community in Koton Karfe Local Government area Kogi State, Nigeria. Multi stage random sampling technique was used to obtain data from the respondents. The first stage involved random sampling of three major fishing communities in the study area (Akpasu, Chikara North and Chikara), the next stage involved random selection of forty (40) artisanal fishers from each of the three fishing communities to obtain a total sample size of one hundred and twenty respondents (120), structured questionnaire were administered to the respondents. Data obtained were analyzed through frequency counts and percentages (descriptive) and Chi square (inferential) statistics. Majority (60.1%) of the respondents were male, 47% are between 26-30 years, 47.7% were single, 37.6% had Senior School Certificate, 37.6% have house hold size of 5-10 persons with 35.9% fishing experience of 6-10 years and 43.4% earned between #5,000 to #10,000 per week. Flood impacted household livelihood through reduction in income (49.1%). Significant relationship existed between gender, age, marital status, income and coping strategies among the artisanal fishers. The study concluded that artisanal fishers’ income reduced whenever there is flooding while migration to other fishing areas was the major coping strategy. The study recommended that the Government through the Extension agents and Fisheries Officers should provide platform for capacity building for the artisanal fishers on various coping strategies during flood.

Assessment of livestock husbandry practices and production constraints among smallholder mixed crop-livestock production systems in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia

Livestock production plays a significant role in improving the livelihoods of poor smallholder farmer households in the Majang zone. However, despite its importance, there is limited information on husbandry practices and constraints on livestock production to design and implement effective interventions to maximize productivity. The aim of this study was to assess husbandry practices and major constraints on livestock production in the Majang zone, southwest Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 168 households (HHs) through a face-to-face interview from January to May 2021. The results revealed that mixed crop-livestock farming is the dominant livestock production system in the study area. The overall average herd size per household (HH) was 2.15 ± 0.11 cattle, 0.15 ± 0.01 sheep, 0.31 ± 0.09 goats, 0.10 ± 0.02 donkey, 0.04 ± 0.00 mule, 0.13 ± 0.02 horses and 0.24 ± 0.02 chickens. Overall herd size did not differ significantly by AEZ except for sheep (p < 0.05). The primary reason for keeping cattle, goats, sheep, equines and poultry were milk production (27.4 %), meat for home consumption (33.9 %), cash income (33.3 %), transportation (85.1 %), and meat for home consumption (72 %), respectively. In the dry and wet seasons, natural pasture, crop residues, indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs), nonconventional feed resources (NCFRs), crop stubbles and improved forages were the main livestock feed resources. The majority (60.1 %) of respondents practiced free-grazing systems. Separate sheds, family dwellings, kraals, and open-walled sheds were the main housing systems used for animals. The majority (79.2 %) of respondents used rivers as a source of livestock drinking water. Trypanosomiasis (18.45 %), African horse sickness (66.1 %) and Newcastle disease (47.02 %) were the most important diseases of livestock. Diseases (35.7 %), lack of access to artificial insemination (35.7 %) and inadequate veterinary services (11.3 %) were identified as the top three constraints limiting production. It is recommended that constraints identified by farmers should be considered in developing and implementing effective interventions to improve livestock productivity and their contribution to poverty alleviation in the study area.

Factors Influencing the Practices and Adherence of Isoniazid Prophylactic Therapy Among Under 5 Years Children in Tb Referral Units, Peshawar

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Importance&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The under 5 years children of house hold contact with active tuberculosis cases is one of the main cause for the transmission of TB in pediatrics population, responsible for many complications and childhood mortality. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: To determine the factors influencing the practice and adherence of Isoniazid Prophylactic Therapy (IPT) among under 5 years children of house hold with cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Design: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The study’s design was cross sectional. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Setting: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This study was conducted in TB referral units of the National Tuberculosis Control Program in Peshawar City. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Participants&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The study participants included patients with sputum-positive pulmonary TB having at least one under-5 years’ child in their household. Secondly, the doctors who were directly dealing with TB patients for diagnosis and treatments in referral units of the respective hospitals. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Most of the patients reported that doctors neither got some information about the under-5 years&amp;apos; children at their family nor to bring them for TB screening. Just 13.2% patients (36 out of 273) conceded that doctors mentioned them for prophylactic treatment with Isoniazid (INH) medication for their contact positive under-5years children. But only 4 of these 36 patients [(11.11%) 1.46%of the aggregate] completed the IPT course for their under-5 year children for 6 months duration. (Table 2) All the doctors claimed that they got information about the presence of under five years household contact in the family of TB patients. While the majority of the doctors/physicians (80%) had recognized that they neither requested the patients for screening from their family contact nor to give INH medication for their prophylaxis. This study showed that the practice of IPT was 13.2% and the adherence rate was just 11.11%, and the main factors for this poor result were poor healthcare system, lack of awareness, financial constraint and attitude of the patients. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;This study concludes that the extremely poor practice and adherence to isoniazid prophylactic therapy by doctors and patients in TB referral units in Peshawar city for under-5-year-old children of households with active tuberculosis patients was primarily caused by a lack of awareness, financial constraints, patient attitudes, and an inefficient healthcare system.

Fodder trees: Identification, leaf biomass yield, nutritional quality and socioeconomic importance in Essera district, Dawuro zone, southwest Ethiopia

The scarcity of feed in terms of quantity and quality tremendously impacts livestock productivity in Ethiopia. Using fodder trees (FTs) as livestock feed could partially overcome this gap. Thus, the present study aimed to identify species, estimate leaf biomass yield (LBY), evaluate nutritional quality and assess the socioeconomic importance of FTs in the Essera district. The study sites and households (HHs) were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data on the socioeconomic importance of FTs were collected from 134 randomly selected HHs. Ten FT species were evaluated for LBY determination, and 15 FTs (including nine FT species) were evaluated for nutritional quality across three agroecologies (AEs). In total, 34 FTs were identified at the species level. The overall mean of LBY of the FTs ranged from 14.32 to 370.94 kg/tree, with the lowest and highest values of 10.85 and 430.27 kg/tree at mid- and low-altitudes, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition of the selected FTs was observed between AEs. The overall mean of dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents of the FTs ranged from 90.03 to 93.55 %, 6.26–16.52 %, 13.05–25.50 %, 33.06–50.42 %, 25.58–34.52 %, and 4.19–8.38 %, respectively. Moreover, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the FTs ranged from 37.80 to 67.89 %. The results indicated that the overall mean tannin, phytate, and oxalate contents were 2.84 ± 0.12 %, 0.60 ± 0.05 %, and 1.66 ± 0.21 %, respectively. Antinutritional factors (ANFs) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by FT species. In addition to feed sources, FTs were used for air pollution reduction (52.2 %), income generation (44.0 %), and soil erosion prevention (34.3 %) in the studied areas. In conclusion, due to the high CP content, high digestibility potential, low to moderate fibre and lignin contents, and tolerable levels of ANFs in FTs, the use of FTs as supplementary feed to livestock in the study area is recommended. Further experimental studies should be conducted on the impact of FTs on livestock performance.

Impact of Citizens Do-It-Yourself Activities on Digital Platform of Community Policing in Malawi

Digital platform has become catalyst for effective and efficient enforcement of rule of law in human society. This study examines impact of citizens do-it-yourself activities on digital platform of community policing in Malawi. Under exploratory sequential mixed methods design, Interviews followed purposive sampling targeting four focus group discussions of 10 participants each using interview guide instrument. House hold survey identified 432 respondents guided by Yamene (1969) formular, and were randomly distributed within 10 centers of Muloza, structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Transcribed interviews were coded, then grouped into sub themes, further merged into themes responding to research questions with help of NVivo application. House hold survey analysis implored descriptive statistics in SPSS version 20. Guided by pragmatics philosophical assumptions under lens of social-disorganization, democratic participation, and broken window theories, findings reveal citizens have participated in virtual interaction through ICTs in community policing, characterized by formal and non-formal wide participation improving police accountability and transparency in handling policing and, citizens are satisfied with level of engagement during virtual interaction. Multinominal regression shows gender has no impact on factors that influence Do-It-Yourself participation are (1) communication and sharing information between citizens and police p=.747, (2) to be aware of rights violations and safety needs, (3) people’s involvement in rights violations and suspicious activities p=.708, (4) citizen’s involvement in crime prevention and community policing efforts, (5) to maintain community dialogue and engagement p=.088, (6) looking for faster emergency response times, and (7) to provide evidence and share information with authorities p=.806. Effectiveness of digital participation of Do-It-Yourself is that it is at random and influenced by different causes surrounding personal interests. As such they could be engaged on daily, weekly, occasionally or monthly basis as long as citizens secure their environments. The discussion is that while other studies reveal that ICTs may reduce corruption, this current study reveals that flexibility and user friendly of ICTs allowing formal and non-formal wide participation that has improved police accountability and transparency in policing empowers citizens to participate claiming for their rights to secure their environments in community policing. Based on findings the study recommends community guardians including duty bearers like police officers to enlighten citizens to embrace ICTs for more security empowerment to take part in security issues of their times.

Technology in Diabetes &amp; Homoeopathy

The use of technology to deal with diabetes started in the hospitals &amp; institutions but currently it has percolated to the house hold level. Diabetics are asked to monitor glucose levels frequently every 24 hours. The irony is that it has not reduced the number of diabetics &amp; instead the numbers are increasing on a regular basis in the country. Primarily, the article deals with the Type 2 diabetes. The article also deals with the most appropriate technology that is sustainable, cost effective and clinically effective while having no side effects. However, the article proposes a review of blood sugar once every month with the sustainable methods like dietary changes, lifestyle changes, doing yoga &amp; meditation while integrating homoeopathy that has the triad properties of an essential medicine. Constant dwelling on the sugar levels leads to an occupied mind that is full of stress. Such situations complicate the problem without helping to deal with the problem. In order to deal with the dual problem of mental &amp; physical issues, the article suggests a treatment protocol based on homoeopathic therapeutics.

Estimating the Impacts of Livelihood Support Interventions on Poverty Reduction in Rural Balochistan

The study evaluates the impacts of livelihood intervention programs implemented by the Balochistan Rural Support Program (BRSP) on poverty reduction in Balochistan. The estimation of livelihood impacts is gauged through several indicators, including the Income Generating Grant (IGG), Community Investment Fund (CIF), and Skill Development (TVET). To this end, data from 1500 households segregated into 950 IGG, 250 CIF, and 300 TVET are selected using a two-stage stratified sampling technique in 8 selected districts of Balochistan. This study mainly adopted mixed research approaches, including the descriptive analysis of the data to reflect the role of these interventions in poverty reduction in Balochistan. In addition, Poverty Score Cards (PSC) values have been used to determine the poverty levels. After implementing livelihood support intervention, it was obtained that Households (HHs) monthly income of IGG, CIF, and TVET beneficiaries increased by 17%, 20%, and 39%, respectively, on average. The meaningful tabulation of livelihood interventions positively impacts multifaceted aspects of rural HHs. The results also give evidence of employment generation and income-earning prospects in rural Balochistan. The results also show that gender equality and support for women's empowerment are positively changed in rural Balochistan. Therefore, the tabulated results of community and HHs’ specific funding programs and human capital formation via skills provisions to ultra-poor and poor rural people justify Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment (BRACE) as a livelihood support initiative for poverty reduction in rural Balochistan. The government and non-government organizations (NGOs) may get insightful policy interventions from this study to bring effective socioeconomic development in rural Balochistan.

Insights into canine rabies vaccination Disparities in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional household study.

Annually, Sierra Leone records an estimated 301 human fatalities due to rabies. Canine vaccination is crucial for rabies prevention and control efforts. However, considerable variability exists in vaccination rates. Reasons for this variation remain unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study across 2,558 dog-owning households (HHs) to provide insights into factors influencing canine vaccination for targeted prevention and control towards elimination by 2030. First, we described dog ownership practices, then built a probabilistic model to understand factors associated with dog vaccination, and finally used a spatial scan statistic to identify spatial clusters where vaccination rates were low. Our results indicated that only 14% (358/2,558) of participating HHs had fully vaccinated their dogs against rabies. The probability of dog vaccination increased when comparing civil servants to private workers/artisans, with an Odds Ratio(OR) of 1.14 (95% credible interval (Crl) of 0.82-1.56), residing in locations with a veterinary establishment vs. none (OR = 6.43, 95% Crl (4.97-8.35), providing care to dogs vs. allowing dogs to roam freely (OR = 2.38, 95% Crl(1.80-3.17) and owning a single dog vs multiple dogs (OR = 1.20, 95 Crl (0.92-1.56). Conversely, there was a decrease in the estimated probability of vaccination when comparing dog owners located in rural vs. urban areas (OR = 0.58, CrI 95% (0.43-0.78). Latent understanding, a measure of overall understanding of rabies virus, which we estimated using participant education levels and responses to questions about rabies epidemiology, was also an important predictor of vaccination probability (OR = 1.44, 95% Crl (1.04-2.07). The spatial analysis identified high-risk clusters for low vaccination in the cities of Moyamba, with a radius of 40 km, a relative risk (RR) of 1.10, and Bo, with a radius of 19.9 km with RR of 1.11. These data do not support Sierra Leone reaching the 2030 goal of human rabies elimination caused by dogs. Our study highlights a critical need for public outreach and education, improved vaccination rates, increased accessibility to veterinary services, and targeted interventions in Bo and Moyamba to support rabies prevention and control efforts.

Association between dietary vitamin A intake and risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity

The association between vitamin A and single cardiometabolic diseases has been extensively studied, but the relationship between dietary vitamin A intake and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) has not been studied. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the association with CMM risk by analyzing different sources of vitamin A. This study utilized 13,603 subjects aged ≥ 18 years from 1997 to 2015 from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Dietary intake was calculated from 3 consecutive 24-h dietary recalls combined with a house hold food inventory. CMM is defined as the development of at least two cardiometabolic diseases. After a median follow-up of 9.0 years, there were 1050 new cases of CMM. The risk of CMM was significantly lower in those with higher vitamin A intake (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.81). β-carotene (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.66–1.02) and retinol (Q1 vs Q5 HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.48–0.73) intake had a similarly negative correlation. Using restricted cubic spline found an L-shaped relationship between retinol intake and CMM (p non-linear < 0.001). Negative associations were also found in specific CMD groups (hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes). Dietary intake of vitamin A was negatively associated with CMM risk, and this protective effect was more pronounced in patients with cardiovascular disease. There was an L-shaped association between retinol intake and CMM risk.

Contribution of Banana Production on Household Income Generation Among Smallholder Farmers in Kitagata Town Council, Sheema District

The study was about contribution of banana production on house hold income generation among Smallholder farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema District. The specific objectives included to; examine the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder banana farmers, establish innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers and identify the factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey that applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection. Data was captured from a sample of 302 respondents using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that there were socio-economic characteristics of farmers which also affected banana production. Such characteristics included; age, marital status, level of education land size and gender. The study also concluded that there were innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema district. These included; Integrated Pest Management, use of hybrid varieties, Irrigation, mulching, climate-Smart Agriculture through use of drought resistant varieties, agro-forestry, use of fertilizer application and organic manure to replenish soil fertility. The study finally concluded that there were factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. Such as; access to extension and advisory services which had a significant effect on production and smallholder farmer’s income at (p=.004), access to financial services was a strong predictor of production improvement and farmer’s income at (p=.002), a positive and a significant relationship were observed between availability of quality farm inputs and banana production (at p=.023), The study further discovered that ready market was a strong predictor of production and small holder farmer’s income at (p=.003) and Lastly, a positive and a significant relationship were observed between banana varieties grown and banana production as well as income at (p=.005). The study recommends that the government, NGOs, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry and Fisheries in collaboration be established with the aim of implementing innovative agricultural strategies geared towards banana productivity increments, there is also a need for the government to provide enough facilities to extension agents that will help them facilitate enhanced training to farmers and inform them of new techniques in farming, there is a need for the government to provide some production inputs at subsidized cost.