Inadequate Use Research Articles

EVALUATION OF AN HERBAL FEED SUPPLEMENT (ANIMUNIN POWDER®) IN NURSING LAMBS FOR GROWTH AND HEALTH

Enteric and respiratory infections cause lamb death during and after weaning, resulting in economic losses in intensive ovine production systems. These infections have been treated with antibiotics, but their inadequate use has resulted in bacterial resistance. Plant-derived secondary metabolites can be used as an alternative to antibiotics in lambs. We hypothesized that Animunin could improve lamb performance and immunological response during and after weaning. The objective of this study was to see how Animunin supplementation affected the profile of blood metabolites related to health status and weight changes in nursing lambs. The experimental design was completely randomized, with treatments consisting of supplementation with Animunin gel caps at doses of 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 g d-1 for 60 d. Treatments were assigned at random to 40 male Hampshire x Suffolk nursing lambs (initial body weight (IBW) 10.8±2.6 kg, 25 d old). Weight at weaning (WW) was determined on day 83±2. During lactation, the lambs were offered pre-starter feed and water ad libitum, in addition to nursing. SAS GLM procedure was used to analyze the data. The level of polyherbal mixture had no effect on most blood components. However, as the dose of Animunin in the gel caps increased, glucose, urea, and creatinine levels decreased. In contrast, the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood of lambs given the 1 g dose increased by 39.4 and 45.9 %, respectively, compared to lambs given 0 g. The final body weight and daily gain were not affected (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the phytogenic Animunin had hypoglycemic effects while having no affecting lamb growth.

Towards Trusted Data Sharing and Exchange in Agro-Food Supply Chains: Design Principles for Agricultural Data Spaces

In the modern agricultural landscape, realizing data’s full potential requires a unified infrastructure where stakeholders collaborate and share their data to gain insights and create business value. The agricultural data ecosystem (ADE) serves as a crucial socio-technical infrastructure, aggregating diverse data from various platforms and, thus, advertising sustainable agriculture and digitalization. Establishing trustworthy data sharing and exchange in agro-food value chains involves socioeconomic and technological elements addressed by the agricultural data space (ADS) and its trust principles. This paper outlines key challenges to data sharing in agro-food chains impeding ADE establishment based on the review of 27 studies in scientific literature. Challenges mainly arise from stakeholders’ mistrust in the data-sharing process, inadequate data access and use policies, and unclear data ownership agreements. In the ADE context, interoperability is a particularly challenging topic for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system. Considering these challenges and data space principles and building blocks, we propose a set of design principles for ADS design and implementation that aim to mitigate the adverse impact of these challenges and facilitate agricultural data sharing and exchange.

Quality analysis of borehole water in federal polytechnic ado Ekiti hostels

The quality of drinking water has always been a major health concern, especially in developing countries, where 80 % of the disease cases are attributed to inadequate sanitation and use of polluted water. This study was designed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbial analysis of drinking water of the hostels in the Federal polytechnic Ado, Ekiti state. Water samples were collected from the three hostels on campus. Physiochemical analysis, heavy metal analysis using Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), and microbiological analysis were carried out using standard procedure. The Results of physico-chemical analysis indicated that mean values of Turbidity (6 NTU), Total Hardness (195 mg/L) and Fluoride 1.59 mg/L in water obtained from hand dug wells have exceeded the threshold limits recommended by regulatory authorities. The bacteriological analysis showed no growth on the eosin methylene plates indicating the absence of coliform bacteria in the three boreholes. Thus, the water is suitable for drinking. The total bacterial counts are within permissible levels that all the three boreholes. From the study, it was proven that the water is safe for drinking and other domestic purposes because the physiochemical and metal parameters are below the WHO permissible limit and pathogenic bacterial are absent in the sample water.

Rapid Point-of-Care PCR Testing of Drug-Resistant Strains on Endotracheal Aspirate Samples: A Repurposed Effective Tool in the Stepwise Approach of Healthcare-Acquired Pneumonia-A Pilot Study.

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is a common nosocomial infection with high morbidity and mortality. Culture-based detection of the etiologic agent and drug susceptibility is time-consuming, potentially leading to the inadequate use of broad-spectrum empirical antibiotic regimens. The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of rapid point-of-care multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays from the endotracheal aspirate of critically ill patients with HCAP. A consecutive series of 29 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with HCAP and a control group of 28 patients undergoing elective surgical procedures were enrolled in the study. The results of the PCR assays were compared to the culture-based gold standard. The overall accuracy of the PCR assays was 95.12%, with a sensitivity of 92.31% and a specificity of 97.67%. The median time was 90 min for the rapid PCR tests (p < 0.001), while for the first preliminary results of the cultures, it was 48 h (46-72). The overall accuracy for rapid PCR testing in suggesting an adequate antibiotic adjustment was 82.98% (95% CI 69.19-92.35%), with a specificity of 90% (95% CI 55.50-99.75%), a positive predictive value of 96.77% (95% CI 83.30-99.92%), and a negative predictive value of 56.25 (95% CII 29.88-80.25%). This method of rapid point-of-care PCR could effectively guide antimicrobial stewardship in patients with healthcare-acquired pneumonia.

Factors Related to Phlebitis in Internal, Surgical and Child Hospital Treatment Rooms

Phlebitis is an inflammation of the veins that occurs as a result of unsuccessful vein puncture, contamination of IV equipment and inadequate use of hypertonic solutions which can chemically irritate the veins. To minimize the risk of infection, nurses need to be aware of and recognize which factors are dominant in the incidence of phlebitis. This study aims to determine the incidence of phlebitis in the internal, surgical and pediatric ward of the hospital. The research design used was an analytic survey with a prospective (Study Cohort) approach, which is an observational study, meaning that the risk factors to be studied are identified first. It is then followed up prospectively. Sampling was carried out by purposive sampling method with a total sample of 57 people, then the results were tested using a computer program with the Chi Square test with a significance level of α = 0.05. The results of this study showed that there was no relationship between age and the incidence of phlebitis (p value = 0.531 &gt; 0.05), there was a relationship between gender and the incidence of phlebitis (p value = 0.007 &lt;0.005), there was a relationship between the size of intravenous catheter cannula and the incidence of phlebitis (p value = 0.001 &lt; 0.05), there was no relationship between the type of fluid and the incidence of phlebitis (p value 0.373 &gt; 0.05), there was a relationship between the type of infusion set and the incidence of phlebitis (p value 0.016 &lt; 0.05), and There is a relationship between the infusion procedure and the incidence of phlebitis (p value 0.004 &lt;0.05). The conclusion is that there is a relationship between gender, type of infusion set, size of intravenous catheter cannula, infusion procedure and no relationship between age and type of fluid with the incidence of phlebitis.

Widespread distribution of rodenticide resistance-conferring mutations in the Vkorc1 gene among house mouse populations in Portuguese Macaronesian islands and Iberian Atlantic areas

Growing evidence of widespread resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in house mice pose significant challenges to pest control efforts. First-generation ARs were introduced in the early 1950s but resistance to these emerged later that decade. Second-generation rodenticides were then developed, with resistance being reported in the late 1970s. Research has linked resistance to ARs with mutations in the Vkorc1 gene, leading to the use of more toxic and environmentally harmful compounds. In this study, 243 tail tips of house mice from mainland Portugal and Southern Spain, the Azores and Madeira archipelagos were analysed for all 3 exons of the Vkorc1 gene. Mutations L128S, Y139C, along with the so-called spretus genotype Vkorc1spr are considered responsible for reduced susceptibility of house mice to ARs. All these sequence variants were broadly detected throughout the sampling regions. Vkorc1spr was the most often recorded among mainland populations, whereas Y139C was nearly ubiquitous among the insular populations. In contrast, L128S was only detected in mainland Portugal and four islands of the Azores archipelago. All first generation ARs such as warfarin and coumatetralyl are deemed ineffective against all Vkorc1 variants identified in this study. Second-generation bromadiolone and difenacoum should also be discarded to control populations carrying Vkorc1spr, Y139C or L128S mutations. Inadequate use of ARs in regions where resistant animals have been found in large proportions will result in the spreading of rodenticide resistance among rodent populations through the positive selection of non-susceptible individuals. Consequently, ineffectiveness of rodent control will increase and potentiate environmental contamination, hazarding non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning. We highlight the need for Vkorc1 screening as a crucial tool in rodent management, aiding in the selection of the most appropriate control/eradication method in order to prevent misuse of these toxic biocides and the spread of rodenticide resistance among house mouse populations.

Use of personal protective equipment and work accident prevention habits adopted by waste collection and cleaning and conservation agents in urban area

Introduction: The inadequate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as the absence of work accident prevention habits by waste collection agents, cleaning and conservation of urban areas can directly impact the health and safety indexes of workers. Objective: The present work aimed to investigate how the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the habits of prevention of accidents at work adopted by agents of waste collection and cleaning and conservation of urban areas. Methodology: Quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research was carried out with a sample of 10 workers (8 direct collectors and 2 drivers) from the municipality of Nanuque-MG, the research sought to identify which PPE are provided to these professionals and the reasons why they possibly do not use them properly. Through literature review and application of questionnaires, it was possible to obtain information on the safety practices adopted and identify the role that employers should play for the safety of workers. Results: It was observed that 20% of workers claim to have already suffered an accident at work, of these 90% say that the employer distributed PPE. Of those interviewed, 10% say they have already suffered an accident with removal from the current job, the same percentage that confirms having already suffered a mild intercurrence and did not communicate to the employer. When asked if the company offered some kind of training, 50% say yes, 50% say no. Conclusion: The results revealed that the inadequate use of PPE is influenced by several factors, such as discomfort and lack of training.

An Analysis of Student’s Difficulty in Understanding English Reading on Descriptive Text

This research was aimed to find out students’ difficulties in understanding descriptive texts of the eight grade students at MTS Al-Jihad. This is descriptive qualitative research. The purpose of this research was to discover students’ difficulty in understanding reading on descriptive text and causes behind it. The population of this research was the students of the eight grade students of SMP Al-Jihad Pontianak. The sample of this research was 33 students of the eight-grade class A who have been selected. The data were collected by using tests and questionnaires. The test consisted of 40 questions and the questionnaire consisted of 15 questions. The findings of this study based on the percentage of incorrect answers of reading test showed that there are eight components of reading comprehension. Six of them were categorized high level as difficult question aspects for the students. There were difficulties in identifying vocabulary, generic structure, factual information, references, language features, and social function. Two of them were categorized medium level as a not difficult question. There was difficulty in identifying the main idea and inference. Based on the result of the questionnaire, the students felt difficulties in understanding descriptive texts because of internal and external factors. There was limited vocabulary knowledge, weak verbal reasoning, problems with recalling information, difficulty understand the text because of the level of the text, lack of familiarity with the subject matter, lack of fluency in reading, problems with processing information after reading, and inadequate use of reading strategies in the teaching and learning process.Keywords: Analysis, Students’ Difficulties, Reading, Descriptive Text

Quality Assurance for Frozen Fish (Decapterus sp) Utilizing Fault Tree Analysis at PT XYZ (Fish Freezing Company)

Fish product quality is crucial, and any flaws in frozen fish, such as unpleasant odor, breakage, dents, tears, or texture damage, can negatively impact its overall quality. These defects can lead to reduced customer satisfaction and adversely affect the company's brand reputation. To enhance product quality, the company must establish an efficient quality assurance system and closely monitor the handling of raw materials. The main objective of this practical work is to identify potential risks of damage and develop strategies to prevent such incidents from occurring. The Fault Tree Analysis method is utilized to systematically identify and analyze the root causes of existing errors and find appropriate solutions to address the problem. The FTA results reveal 18 basic event factors that can cause damage to fish, including worker negligence during raw goods placement, inadequate use of plastic protection, lack of rubber carpets in baskets, failure to adjust freezing temperature properly, insufficient inspections, non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, improper fish arrangement, excessively hard freezing temperature, employee laziness and carelessness, absence of basket mats, prolonged freezing step, unset temperature checks, mishandling of raw goods due to a rush to finish quickly, and irregular temperature checking schedules. The study aims to understand the step-by-step process of handling flying catfish, identify the factors contributing to fish damage, and analyze the potential damage scenarios.

Efektivitas Penggunaan Media Instagram Komik dalam Pembelajaran Menulis Sinopsis Teks Cerita Bima Bungkus pada Siswa Kelas X Di SMA Negeri 9 semarang Tahun ajaran 2022-2023

This study aims to describe in detail the effectiveness of using Instagram Comic media in learning to write a synopsis of the Bima Bungkus story text for class X students at SMA Negeri 9 Semarang in the 2022-2023 Academic Year. This is motivated by students' lack of interest in reading and students' lack of interest in wayang stories. Inadequate use will affect student learning outcomes. So we need media that is adequate and can attract students' learning interest in the process of understanding the story of wayang Bima Bungkus. Thus, the formulation of the problem obtained is how effective is the use of Instagram Comic media in learning to write a synopsis of the story text Bima Bungkus in class X students.This research is included in the experimental research, with the type of research One-Group Pretests-Posttest Design. The data obtained will be used to determine the effect of treatment on controlled conditions. The approach used is descriptive qualitative. The data obtained from this study were in the form of test results, questionnaires and interviews.After analyzing the data, the following research results were obtained: From the results of the learning competency test scores using Instagram Comic media, the final average score of the competency test was 93.58. While learning that only uses Power Point media, gets an average final competency test score of 34.70. From the acquisition of the final average score of the competency test, it can be said that the final average score of the first meeting competency test using only Power Point media is lower than the predetermined KKM score of 75 and the final average score of the second meeting competency test those using Instagram Comic media are higher than the specified KKM score. Thus, the use of Instagram Comic media in learning to write a synopsis of the Bima Bungkus story text for class X students can have an influence on the achievement of the specified learning objectives.

Testing Efficacy of a Conserved Polypeptide from the Bm86 Protein against Rhipicephalus microplus in the Mexican Tropics.

Rhipicephalus microplus economically impacts cattle production in tropical and subtropical countries. Application of acaricides constitutes the major control method; however, inadequate use has increased resistant tick populations, resulting in environmental and cattle product contamination. Anti-tick vaccines based on the Bm86 antigen are an environmentally friendly, safe, and economically sustainable alternative for controlling R. microplus infestations. Nevertheless, variable efficacy has been experienced against different geographic tick strains. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of a conserved polypeptide Bm86 derived from a Mexican R. microplus strain previously characterized. Twelve cows were assigned to three experimental groups and immunized with three doses of the polypeptide Bm86 (pBm86), adjuvant/saline alone, and Bm86 antigen (control +), respectively. Specific IgG antibody levels were measured by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. In addition, the reproductive performance of naturally infested R. microplus was also determined. The more affected parameter was the adult female tick number, with a reduction of 44% by the pBm86 compared to the controls (p < 0.05), showing a vaccine efficacy of 58%. Anti-pBm86 IgG antibodies were immunogenic and capable of recognizing the native Bm86 protein in the eggs, larvae, and guts of R. microplus. The negative correlation between antibody levels and the reduction of naturally tick-infested cattle suggested that the effect of the polypeptide Bm86 was attributed to the antibody response in immunized cattle. In conclusion, the polypeptide Bm86 showed a specific immune response in cattle and conferred protection against R. microplus in a Mexican tropical region. These findings support further experiments with this antigen to demonstrate its effectiveness as a regional vaccine.

ANALYSIS OF DEFECTS IN DIAGNOSIS AND FORENSIC MEDICAL ASSESSMENT OF SKULL BONE FRACTURES

Determining the age of skull bone fractures, especially flat fractures, is a challenging task for forensic medical expertise, as these fractures don't always heal properly due to poor alignment of their edges.&#x0D; Aim of the work. To investigate diagnostic defects and forensic medical expert defects that complicate the assessment of skull bone fractures by analyzing the archive database of the Main Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine for the years 2017-2021.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The material consisted of 928 forensic medical commission examinations of traumatic brain injuries conducted at the Main Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine from 2017 to 2021.&#x0D; Statistical indicators were used: mean values, standard deviation (M±ϭ), frequency of cases (N), confidence interval (Р±95%СІ), Student's criterion for relative values (t) to assess the statistical significance of differences between fractions (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Results. Diagnostic defects of skull fractures by physicians included: insufficient detailing of fracture description in medical documentation, unreliability of soft tissue injury description, inadequate use of neurovisualization methods, incorrect recording of trauma circumstances in medical records, and incomplete description of neurological symptoms. The main expert errors in affected individuals were the absence of correlation between skull bone fractures and intracranial injuries and soft tissue head injuries, while in corpses, there was incorrect description of skull fracture morphology.&#x0D; Conclusion. The use of additional neurovisualization methods and a comprehensive approach correlating all head injuries can improve forensic medical assessment of skull bone fractures.

Mean disease alleviation between surgery and CPAP in matched adults with obstructive sleep apnea.

Polysomnography parameters measure treatment efficacy for obstructive sleep apnea, such as reduction in apnea hypopnea index. However, for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, polysomnography measures do not factor in adherence and thus do not measure effectiveness. Mean disease alleviation (MDA) corrects polysomnography measures for CPAP adherence and was used to compare treatment effectiveness between CPAP and multilevel upper airway surgery. This retrospective cohort study consisted of a consecutive sample of 331 patients with obstructive sleep apnea managed with multilevel airway surgery as second line treatment (N=97) or CPAP (N=234). Therapeutic effectiveness (MDA as % change or as corrected change in apnea hypopnea index) was calculated as the product of therapeutic efficacy (% or absolute change in apnea hypopnea index) and adherence (% time on CPAP of average nightly sleep). Cardinality and propensity score matching was utilised to manage confounding variables. Surgery patients achieved greater MDA % than CPAP users (67 ± 30% vs. 60 ± 28%, p=0.04, difference 7 ± 3%, 95% confidence interval 4% to 14%) in an unmatched comparison, despite a lower therapeutic efficacy seen with surgery. Cardinality matching demonstrated comparable MDA % in surgery (64%) and CPAP (57%) groups (p=0.14, difference 8 ± 5%, 95% confidence interval -18% to 3%). MDA measured as corrected change in apnea hypopnea index showed similar results. In adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea, multilevel upper airway surgery and CPAP provide comparable therapeutic effectiveness on polysomnography. For patients with inadequate CPAP use, surgery should be considered.

Improving Students’ Writing Skill by Using Role, Audience, Format, Topic (R.A.F.T) Strategy

The writing skills of students in class VIII A of SMP N 2 Jujuhan Bungo are still low. Evaluation of student assessment is categorized as low because of a number of aspects, namely students have difficulty understanding ideas in writing, preparation in understanding ideas in writing, inadequate vocabulary, inadequate use of learning methods applied by teachers in class. For this reason, this research was conducted in developing student competencies in writing by applying the RAFT method. This study used class action research (PTK) with the subject of the study as many as 25 students of class VII A of SMPN 2 Jujuhan Bungo. The study went through two cycles that were divided into five meetings. This research was supported by informants collected in the form of writing assignments, writing tests, interviews, and field recordings. The results of the study based on field notes of cycle I and cycle II showed that the average value of students' writing ability increased from cycle I to 66.08 increased to 74.24 in cycle II. This research resulted in the improvement of students' writing skills through the RAFT method which was influenced by several aspects, namely material, media, learning activities, classroom management, teacher approaches and teacher strategies.

The Role of Election Commission in Strengthening Democracy System of Pakistan: An Analysis

The objective of this research is to examine the role of the Election Commission in strengthening the democracy system in Pakistan through a comparative analysis of electoral management systems in India, USA, and Pakistan. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of recent electoral reforms and recommend further improvements in the electoral process in Pakistan. A comparative analysis of electoral management systems in other countries can provide valuable insights and recommendations for Pakistan. The research methodology used in this research is a qualitative approach, including a review of existing literature, analysis of data from official reports, and interviews with key stakeholders. The study found that the Election Commission in Pakistan has faced challenges due to political interference, lack of resources, and inadequate use of technology. Comparatively, the Election Commissions in India and the USA have implemented best practice. The report suggests the following changes to improve Pakistan's voting system based on its results. The first step is to create a neutral Election Commission, followed by the use of technology, the promotion of voter education, the reform of campaign financing, and the avoidance of violence at polling places.

Evaluasi Risiko Postur Kerja Pegawai Administrasi Menggunakan Metode SNQ dan ROSA di CV. Rempah Sari

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) is damage to the musculoskeletal system that accumulates and causes abnormalities due to repeated trauma, causing complaints of pain in the muscles. Ergonomics has an important role in preventing MSDs. Employee work activities at CV. Rempah Sari is an industrial company engaged in cinnamon bark. Workers feel complaints on the upper neck, lower neck, left shoulder, right shoulder, back, right arm, left arm, waist, hips and on the knee. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and analyze the risk level of the administrative department's work posture using the Standard Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) and Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) methods. The results of this study using the SNQ method show that employees complain about the neck, shoulders, arms, back, waist, hips, buttocks, and need immediate repairs. The results of the ROSA calculation show that employees A, employees B, and employees C employees have a high or dangerous risk, and urgent repairs are needed. The cause of the high risk experienced is caused by the inadequate use of facilities, the need to update work facilities according to ergonomic standards in the world of work, and the holding of good and correct computer office ergonomics training to reduce injuries when using computers.

Behavioral Components and Context of Antimicrobial Prescription in a Tertiary Hospital in Portugal.

Consumption of antimicrobials is an important driver of antimicrobial resistance. There is limited knowledge of the key determinants of antimicrobial prescribing behavior in hospitals. An understanding of these determinants is required for the successful design, adoption, and implementation of quality improvement interventions in Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP). This study aimed to describe the main factors that influence the doctor's decision on antimicrobials prescribing and to identify the behaviors that drive physicians' decision making. A structured web-based questionnaire focused on behavioral components of antimicrobial prescription was applied to the medical staff of three different departments-Internal Medicine, General Surgery, and Intensive Care Medicine-of a university hospital. All doctors agreed that inadequate use of antimicrobials increases AMR. A total of 77% of the surgeons and 100% of the internists and intensivists perceived antimicrobial prescription as a priority in the department. Full autonomy in antimicrobial prescription was preferred by internists (64%) but not by surgeons (18%) and intensivists (24%). Most physicians were keen to have ASP advice, but most did not want advice from colleagues of the same service. Almost all surgeons ask for advice when prescribing, but only 68% of the internists do it. Less than half of all physicians and only 25% of the surgeons felt free to prescribe contrary to guidelines. Most physicians, particularly in Intensive Care Medicine (94%), adopt the "wait and see" strategy when no microbiologic confirmation is available, but 27% of the surgeons start empirical therapy. In conclusion, the context of antimicrobial prescription, autonomy, and confidence in antimicrobial prescription demonstrated heterogeneity between the three departments and this should be considered when planning ASP.

Exploring the Nexus between Agricultural Seasonal Dynamics and Rural Household Food Security in Kilombero Wetland, Morogoro Region, Tanzania

It is recognized that wetlands have great potential for enhancing agricultural activities due to their prolonged periods of water availability and good fertile soils making great expansion and intensification of agricultural production enhancing household food security in rural areas hence, communities have been relying on those wetlands for their livelihoods in different ways. It is from this interdependence that this study was proposed to examine the seasonal patterns of agriculture in the wetland and their implications on food security in three villages, Njage, Mngeta and Mkangawalo in the Kilombero wetland. The study employed mixed method approach whereby household questionnaires,-key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, wealth ranking and documentary review were used to collect primary and secondary data. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain 150 respondents. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data while descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Chi-square test was used to test the statistical significances of the differences between wetland and upland yields as well as size of wetland plots cultivated among socio-economic groups. The findings revealed that wetland users were the average wealthy (42.7%) and poor farmers (40.7%) who depended on the wetland for their survival. Crop production in Kilombero wetland was low as farmers practiced mono-cropping of rice and maize in both dry and wet seasons depending on rain-fed agriculture. Very few wealthy (8.7%) practiced dry season farming. The small size of the wetland plots cultivated, inadequate use of agro-inputs and over dependence on subsistence led to low crop production. Consequently, farmers experienced seasonal food shortages and food insecurity, particularly among the poor and very poor households. The study concludes that, despite its agricultural potential, Kilombero wetland had not contributed much to improve the food security status of the poor and very poor households, only the well-off and average wealthy were benefiting from the wetland. Therefore, Kilombero district authorities should ensure that village governments allocate adequate land for both the poor and very poor farmers to enable them increase crop production. The agricultural extension officials of Kilombero district should build capacity to farmers on the importance of intensive agriculture, use of improved seeds and use of a variety of cropping methods in order to improve their produce.

Implementation of flexible manufacturing systems in Africa: Multiple case studies in the Gambia and Ghana

In comparison to Europe, Asia, and America, the African manufacturing sector performs poorly. This is largely attributable in part to inadequate use of advanced manufacturing concepts and technologies, as well as the insufficiently skilled workforce. African manufacturing companies must adopt and implement advanced manufacturing technologies and concepts such as flexible manufacturing systems in order to boost growth and accelerate development in the sector. In this study, we conducted multi-case studies on the implementation of flexible manufacturing systems in the manufacturing sectors of two West African countries (The Gambia and Ghana). Six manufacturing companies from The Gambia and eight from Ghana were chosen. Many of the companies involved in the study are small businesses that specialize in mechanical parts/system production, welding, and fabrication. The findings revealed that the use of advanced manufacturing technologies and concepts, as well as the adoption of flexible manufacturing systems, is extremely low. The results also show that the major obstacles to the adoption and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies are, cost and, lack of qualified personnel. Companies have agreed to adopt and implement advanced manufacturing technologies and concepts if the opportunity arises. They also require more information on some cutting-edge technologies before deciding whether to adopt and implement them. Some of the other major challenges faced by African manufacturing companies include, high energy costs and unstable power supply, poor transportation network, and, lack of adequate finance.

Theory-guided process evaluation of a multicomponent, technology-based 'SMART Eating' trial among Indian adults: an embedded mixed-methods study.

We report process evaluation findings from the 'SMART Eating' intervention trial, which significantly improved fat, sugar and salt (FSS), and fruits and vegetables (FVs) intake among adults. Intervention used information technology [short message service (SMS), WhatsApp and website] and interpersonal communication (distribution of SMART Eating kit) and pamphlet for comparison group. Guided by UK Medical Research Council's framework, using embedded mixed-methods design, continuous process evaluation documented fidelity, dose, reach, acceptability and mechanisms. Intervention was implemented as intended, with high reach (91%) in both groups: 'comparison group' (n = 366): inadequate use of pamphlets (46%); 'intervention group' (n = 366): with timely remedial measures to remove implementation/usage barriers, dose of SMS (93%), WhatsApp (89%) and 'SMART Eating' kit (100%) was adequate, but website usage was low (50%); compliance was evident from participants' interactions with the implementor and observations on kit usage. All these might have improved attitude, social influence, self-efficacy and household behaviours, which, in turn, mediated intervention's effect on improving FSS and FV intake. Among poor performers, lack of effect on FV intake was perceived to be related to high cost/pesticides use and FSS intake was related to lack of family support. Low website usage, challenges with WhatsApp messaging and contextual factors (cost, pesticides abuse and family support) need to be considered while designing similar future interventions.