Inappropriate Practices Research Articles

The Modification of Waste Polystyrene and Its Application as a Heavy Oil Flow Improver

The widespread use of polystyrene has brought great convenience to people's lives, but inappropriate recycling practices can also have a significant negative impact on the environment and public health. In this work, waste polystyrene was refined using maleic acid anhydride to produce flow improvers. The effect of the modified polystyrene perception of viscosity reduction and pour point depression of Henan oil was evaluated. The results show that modified polystyrene reduces the viscosity of Henan oil by 96.5% at most and depresses the pour point by 6.1 °C at most. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HH NMR) were used to investigate the modified polystyrene. The mechanism of modified polystyrene that improves the fluidity of heavy oil was proposed and analyzed through the study of wax crystal morphology (at 20 °C below the pour point).

Assessing the Compliance of Complementary Food Labeling Practices in Niger with International Guidelines

Optimal infant and young child feeding practices are among the specific interventions implemented during the first 1,000 days to prevent malnutrition. They include exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth and continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years or more, and appropriate complementary feeding practices between 6 and 36 months. However, inappropriate labeling practices for complementary foods intended for children under 2 years of age could impact on parents' or guardians' choices. The aim of this study was to assess the conformity of labelling practices for complementary foods marketed in Niger. A survey was carried out at various sales outlets to identify all types of complementary foods sold in Niamey. The European nutrient profile model developed by WHO in 2019 was used to assess the compliance of the complementary foods surveyed with the model's requirements in terms of labeling practices. A total of 20 outlets selling complementary foods, corresponding to 85 complementary foods, were selected after elimination of repetitions. In terms of nutritional composition, 12.9% of imported supplements met this requirement. No local supplements complied, compared with 25% of supplements imported from Nigeria. Compliance is 100% for the requirement for legibility of the label and clarity of the product name, and 89.4% for the presentation of a clear list of ingredients on the label. The label is the interface between customers and products. It must be presentable and provide all the product information needed to guide the customer's choice. Our results will guide the government in creating national guideline for infant foods.

Population age structure and conservation status of Ferula sinkiangensis (Apiaceae) in Xinjiang, China

Abstract Ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen is a threatened medicinal plant endemic to Xinjiang, China, with a small population size and a narrow distribution range. We assessed the status of this species with respect to its population age structure, the level of threat and extinction risk. Only one population remains, in Yining County, Xinjiang. We conducted field surveys of the population in 2022 and 2023, counting 2,033 and 1,515 individuals, respectively, in 144 sample quadrats. We assessed the age structure of the population by counting the number of basal leaves of each individual. The frequency distribution had an inverted J-shape, indicative of a relatively stable age structure. However, the number of mature individuals was small, raising concerns about the risk of genetic drift and inbreeding. This species is also threatened by habitat destruction and inappropriate collection practices. We recommend that F. sinkiangensis is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List on the basis of criteria B2ab(iii), C2a(i) and D.

Behavioral Nudges to Encourage Appropriate Antimicrobial Use Among Health Professionals in Uganda

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern exacerbated by inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing practices, particularly in low-resource settings such as Uganda. The research aimed to develop a culturally sensitive behavioral intervention, leveraging a “nudge” strategy, to improve healthcare provider adherence to the 2016 Uganda Clinical Guidelines (UCG 2016) in five Ugandan hospitals. This intervention formed part of broader antimicrobial stewardship initiatives led by the United States Agency for International Development Medicines, Technologies, and Pharmaceutical Services Program. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining formative research and behavioral intervention. Guided by the Deloitte Behavioral Insights Framework, the research team conducted key informant interviews to identify prescribing barriers and motivators and developed three suitable behavioral interventions: perceived monitoring, ward leaderboards, and educational workshops. The study evaluated the interventions’ impact through point prevalence surveys (PPS), using the World Health Organization PPS methodology at three stages: pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and one-month post-intervention. Results: Key behavioral themes across individual, social, environmental, and organizational elements informed the intervention design and implementation. The behavioral intervention package increased antimicrobial prescription compliance with the UCG 2016 from 27% at baseline to 50% immediately post-intervention, though these effects diminished at one-month post-intervention. Conclusions: Our study addresses an existing gap in behavioral nudges-based operational research on antimicrobial prescribing in low- and middle-income countries. These results showed an immediate improvement in adherence to the UCG 2016 among healthcare providers in Ugandan hospitals, though the effect was attenuated at one-month follow-up. Despite the attenuation, behavior change presents a feasible, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to improving antimicrobial prescribing practices and addressing AMR.

Bulb Yield and Economic Return of Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by the Application of Integrated Nutrient Management at Selekleka, Northwestern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia

Onion is an important crop as a condiment and income generation for smallholder farmers in northwestern Zone of Tigray. However, Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate soil fertility management practices are among the major factors limiting onion productivity in the North Western Tigray. Therefore, a field experiment was undertaken in selekleka district from October 2015 to June 2016 to assess the effects of integrated nutrient management on bulb yield and economic return of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments consisted of combinations of two rates of farmyard manure (FYM) (10 and 20 t ha-1) and two rates of vermicompost (VC) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) each combined with three rates of nitrogen (25, 50 and 75) of recommended N fertilizers, RDF. In addition, 100% RDF N (69 kg N ha-1), 100% (5 t ha-1) of VC, 100% (20 t ha-1) FYM and zero rates (unfertilized treatment) were used for comparison. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. (ANOVA) revealed that combined application of 5 t ha-1 VC+50% inorganic N fertilizers recorded the highest bulb yield (35.13 t ha-1) and economic return (246,354 Birr ha-1). On the other hand, the lowest bulb yield (18.48 t ha-1) and economic net return (143,018 Birr ha-1) were obtained from the control. It could, thus, be concluded that, based on the partial budget analysis and bulb yield result the application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost and 50 % recommended inorganic nitrogen was the appropriate combination for better onion production and economic return in the study area.

Inappropriate ceftriaxone utilization and predictor factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ceftriaxone stands as a cornerstone in global antibiotic therapy owing to its potent antibacterial activity, broad spectrum coverage, and low toxicity. Nevertheless, its efficacy is impeded by widespread inappropriate prescribing and utilization practices, significantly contributing to bacterial resistance. The aim of this study is to determine the overall national pooled prevalence of inappropriate ceftriaxone utilization and its predictor factors in Ethiopia. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases including, PubMed, Science Direct, Hinari, Global Index Medicus, Scopus, Embase, and a search engine, Google Scholar, to identify relevant literatures that meet the research question, from March 20 to 30, 2024. This meta-analysis, which was conducted in Ethiopia by incorporating 17 full-text articles, unveiled a national pooled inappropriate ceftriaxone utilization of 55.24% (95% CI, 42.17%, 68.30%) with a substantial heterogeneity index (I2 = 99.24%, p value < 0.001). The review has also identified predictive factors for the inappropriate use of ceftriaxone: empiric therapy (AOR 21.43, 95% CI; 9.26–49.59); multiple medication co-prescription (AOR: 4.12, 95% CI; 1.62–8.05). Emergency ward (AOR: 4.22, 95% CI; 1.8-12.24), surgery ward (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI; 1.44–7.82) compared to medical ward, prophylactic use (AOR: 500, 95% CI; 41.7–1000), longer hospital stay-8-14 Days; (AOR: 0.167, 95% CI; 0.09–0.29), > 14 days; (AOR: 0.18, 95% CI; 0.1–0.32). The study reveals a high national pooled prevalence of inappropriate ceftriaxone utilization, standing at 55.24%, highlighting a significant hazard in the use of this antibiotic. This could be attributed to instances of overuse, misuse or prescription practices that deviates from established guidelines. This eminent challenge can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, increased healthcare costs, adverse drug reactions, and treatment failures, necessitating multifaceted approach such as improved antibiotic stewardship, better adherence to guidelines, and enhanced clinician education on appropriate antibiotic use.

ESG risk management in banks – towards its measurement

The concept of sustainable development has been gaining importance and increasing society's awareness of the need to stop climate change, inequality, social exclusion, and inappropriate corporate practices. Banks increasingly integrate ESG objectives into their business activity. However, it is associated with their exposure to a new type of risk – the ESG risk. ESG risk management for banking institutions has now become not only a fashion and trend but an obligation that they have to fulfil. The main aim of the article is to identify ESG risk and methods of quantification, as well as to assess the exposure to ESG risk of commercial banks in Poland. That’s why the paper presents an in-depth literature review in the field of ESG concept and ESG risk in banks. Then, it describes the adopted methodology of the empirical research. The third section covers a presentation of the obtained results, which include the analysis of ESG risk exposure of the largest banks in the world and selected commercial banks in Poland, mainly based on the volume of the carbon footprint they generate and finally, ESG risk ratings for Polish banks. The following research methods were used in the article: literature studies, case study analysis, observation methods and synthesis methods. The empirical research that was conducted allowed the verification of the research hypothesis, stating that commercial banks in Poland are aware of the need to measure and monitor ESG risk increases. The research indicated that some of the banks in Poland are at an advanced stage of ESG risk management, while the rest of them are just starting their activities in this area. Currently, banks' involvement in ESG issues globally is one of the leading market trends. It becomes not only an option but an imperative for institutions wishing to maintain their market position. Therefore, commercial banks in Poland can and should participate in the implementation of sustainable development assumptions in the coming years.

Exploring the association between phytopharmaceutical use and antibiotic prescriptions in upper respiratory infections: results from a German cohort study evaluating the impact of naturopathy qualifications of general practitioners using routine data.

Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat, exacerbated by inappropriate prescribing practices, particularly for upper respiratory infections that are predominantly viral. Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM), including the use of phytopharmaceuticals, offers a potential strategy to reduce antibiotic prescriptions. This study aimed to describe the impact of General Practitioners' (GPs) naturopathy (NP) qualifications and phytopharmaceutical prescriptions on the rate of antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory infections (RTI). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routine data from the CONTinuous morbidity registration Epidemiologic NeTwork (CONTENT), which includes over 200,000 patients across four federal states in Germany. The study included data from n = 36 GPs who recorded at least one ICD-10 diagnosis of RTI. Antibiotic and phytopharmaceutical prescriptions were identified and analyzed through mixed-effects logistic regression models to explore the influence of GPs' naturopathy qualifications and phytopharmaceutical use on antibiotic prescribing patterns. The study included 40,344 patients managed by 36 GPs. Prescriptions of phytopharmaceuticals significantly reduced the likelihood of antibiotic use (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.45-0.52). Additionally, holding a naturopathy qualification was associated with lower rates of antibiotic prescriptions (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.69-0.78). The interaction between naturopathy qualification and phytopharmaceutical prescriptions also showed a significant effect (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.27-1.62). Patient's year of birth influenced prescribing patterns indicating a reduction of antibiotic prescriptions for younger patients, while patients' gender did not reveal a significant effect. Prescriptions of phytopharmaceuticals were significantly associated with a decrease antibiotic prescriptions among GPs, especially when combined with naturopathy qualifications. Training in naturopathic approaches could enhance antibiotic stewardship efforts in primary care settings, suggesting that broader integration of CIM elements into medical training could be beneficial in mitigating antibiotic resistance.

Determination of NPS Fertilizer Rate on Bread Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) in Yaya Gullele District of North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Inappropriate crop management practices are among the key elements that contributed to the low production of wheat. Moreover, the application of balanced fertilizers and nutrient requirements of the crop is the basis to produce more crop yield from the land under cultivation. Hence, a field experiment was conducted in the 2020 &amp; 2021 main cropping season to determine the NPS fertilizer rate in relative to determined the P-critical and P-requirement factor for wheat and to estimate the economically feasible NPS fertilizer rate for higher yield of wheat in Yaya gulale District. Accordingly the result indicated that, plant height was not significantly (P &gt; 0.05 ) influenced by the NPS fertilizer rate but spike length, biomass, and grain yield were highly significantly (P &lt; 0.05) affected by the NPS fertilizer rate. The highest plant height (86.72cm), spike length (6.57cm), biomass yield (12163kg ha-1) and grain yield (3327 kg ha-1) of wheat were recorded by the application of 75% P-critical from NPS fertilizer rate supplemented with recommended Nitrogen whereas, the lowest value was recorded from the field without fertilizer which was significantly inferior to all other treatments. Furthermore, the economic analysis indicates that, application of NPS fertilizer at the rate of 75% P-critical in NPS fertilizer with recommended Nitrogen fertilizer (92 kg N ha-1) for the production of wheat was more economically beneficial for the district. In conclusion, farmers and other end users could be advised to use 75% PC from NPS fertilizer rate with recommended nitrogen for wheat production in the district and other areas having similar soil types and agro- ecology.

Exploring beliefs among Chinese preschool teachers and their associations with perceived practices and process quality

ABSTRACT This study delves into Chinese preschool teachers’ beliefs within a developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) framework, advocating for a more detailed understanding beyond traditional dichotomies. Using a person-centred approach, we analysed data from 202 preschool teachers in China to identify profiles of teachers’ beliefs, predictors of profile membership, and impacts on educational outcomes. Findings revealed three latent profiles: higher-level, moderate-level, and lower-level beliefs. Professional titles and years of experience were significantly associated with profile membership. Teachers with higher-level beliefs demonstrated superior perceived practices and process quality. They also reported higher scores for both DAP and developmentally inappropriate practice (DIP). This paradoxical finding suggests that certain practices traditionally viewed as developmentally inappropriate within Western educational contexts may be adapted or hold particular relevance in Chinese educational settings.

Revisiting education for co-operatives: Exploring the value of signature pedagogies

Educational practices have always played an important role in developing approaches that reflect the plurality of forms of co-operative organisations. Arguably, education is fundamental to the endurance of the co-operative movement. While these practices are intended to reproduce the unique knowledge and social structures that inform co-operatives, they may not always reflect the intrinsic and distinctive values of the co-operative principles. In fact, inappropriate educational practices have had the effect of weakening the co-operative movement by perpetuating a mindset that fosters social and economic inequities. I explore key constructs from education theory and their relevance to pedagogical practices that are intended to support education for co-operatives. In this paper, I argue that education for co-operatives could benefit greatly from identifying and developing signature pedagogies.

Clinical imaging guidelines: current status and challenges

Background: Advances in medical technology and health insurance coverage policies have significantly promoted radiological examinations in Korea. In 2019, the number of computed tomography examinations performed in Korea was approximately 1.5-times higher than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average. This surge in radiological examinations has raised concerns regarding inappropriate imaging practices that may lead to unnecessary radiation exposure and increased healthcare cost.Current Concepts: Two fundamental principles guide the radiation safety practices in medicine: Optimization and justification. Optimization, represented by the “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” principle, minimizes the radiation dose while maintaining the diagnostic quality. Justification ensures that the benefits of radiological procedures outweigh their potential risks. Evidence-based clinical imaging guidelines, such as the UK iRefer guidelines and USA American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria, have been internationally proposed to implement these principles. In Korea, collaborative efforts between the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency and Korean Society of Radiology have led to the development of Korean evidence-based clinical imaging guidelines.Discussion and Conclusion: Implementation of evidence-based imaging guidelines is crucial to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and optimize resource utilization. However, various challenges, including the adaptation of the guidelines to individual patient needs and successful integration of rapidly advancing medical technologies, remain. Continuous updates, professional education, and system-wide support are essential to ensure the effective implementation of these guidelines. Future studies should focus on enhancing the precision and applicability of these guidelines in clinical practice to improve the patient safety and healthcare efficiency.

Exploring barriers to and facilitators of infection prevention and control practices in the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

BackgroundAdherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) standards and guidelines by healthcare workers is essential for reducing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). However, IPC practices among healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Ethiopia, are generally inadequate. This research aims to identify the barriers to and facilitators of IPC practices in the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Ethiopia.MethodsWe employed a rapid ethnographic assessment (REA) approach for this study, using focus group discussions (FGDs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and observations to collect data. Participants were selected from the Pediatrics and Child Health Department of TASH, and data collection took place in March and April 2022. Two FGDs and eight IDIs were conducted in the participants’ workplace within the department. Unstructured guides were used to facilitate the FGDs and IDIs. Nvivo version 10 software was used for data organization and analysis. The data were coded deductively through thematic analysis to identify similar ideas and concepts, based on the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model.ResultA total of 23 healthcare workers participated, with 15 in FGDs and 8 in IDIs. The study identified several barriers to IPC practices, including nonadherence to IPC practice protocols, lack of pre-employment training, space constraints, insufficient maintenance and repair of equipment, limited management engagement and support, shortage of resources and budget, incidents of needle stick injuries and infections, high workloads for healthcare workers, shortages of personal protective equipment and water supply, and inadequate waste management. We also identified some facilitators, including the existence of an IPC team and committee, a health education schedule for patients and visitors, morning sessions for healthcare providers, and the presence of television screens in waiting areas. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the facilitators, department heads, IPC team leaders, and decision-makers can develop targeted strategies and interventions to improve infection control, reduce the spread of HAIs, and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare services.ConclusionThis study explored several barriers that contribute to inappropriate and suboptimal IPC practices in the study area. These barriers create significant challenges for healthcare workers and hindering their ability to effectively implement IPC practices. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the problems, which not only affect the current working environment but also compromise the overall quality of care. The hospital administrator should address these critical issues to improving IPC practices and ensuring a safer healthcare environment.

Complementary feeding and food handling practices among caregivers in a semi-urban setting in Northern Uganda

Background: Complementary feeding practices influence the nutritional status and health of children, especially in developing countries where sub-optimal infant feeding practices are the major cause of childhood undernutrition, morbidity, and mortality. This study sought to characterize the adequacy of complimentary feeding and food handling practices among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months in a semi-urban setting. Methods: Exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in Adyel division, Lira district in Northern Uganda among 127 child-caregiver pairs randomly selected from three villages. Caregivers were interviewed about their child-feeding practices, complementary foods used, and common practices in handling and preparation of foods used as complementary feeds. Results: Overall, children’s feeding patterns met the recommended dietary intake when assessed using the child feeding index (CFI) whereby children aged 6-8, 9-11, and 12-23 months scored 8.03, 9.17, and 7.59, respectively. However, most children were complemented with foods from the household meals and dietary diversity was limited by frequent use of food leftover from the previous meals. Conclusions: Inappropriate meal patterns and food handling practices identified are likely to compromise child nutrition and health. Nutrition education is needed to improve the caregivers’ child-feeding and food handling practices within their socio-economic and cultural context. Keywords: Complementary feeding practices; food handling; diet quality; food safety; children; Uganda.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Prescribing Doctors Towards Direct Oral Anticoagulants: First Cross-sectional Study from Sudan

Background: During recent years, the prescription rates of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have increased rapidly worldwide. Little is known about situation of DOACs in Sudan. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess prescribing doctors’ knowledge, attitude, and practice level regarding DOACs. Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted at three large hospitals in Khartoum, Sudan. The doctors were recruited from a wide range of disciplines such as cardiology, surgery, and nephrology. A four-section questionnaire consisting of questions on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice was designed and administered. Results: A total of 100 doctors responded over a period of four months, 52% of them were found to correlate with a low level of knowledge. Moreover, 56% and 81% of the doctors demonstrated inappropriate attitude and practice levels, respectively. With regard to switching protocols between DOACs and warfarin, the majority of the doctors did not have sufficient information when converting from rivaroxaban to warfarin and vice versa. Conclusion: The overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices of prescribing doctors regarding the use of the DOACs were found to be inadequate and insufficient for maintaining high therapeutic outcomes in patients necessitating anticoagulants agents. A well-structured educational program about DOACs is urgently needed.

Kurangnya Unsur Hara pada Tanaman Cabai Merah serta Pemeliharaannya

This research examines the causes of the lack of nutrients in red chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.) and how to properly maintain them. Using qualitative descriptive research methods, this study was conducted in Dahadano Botombawo Village, Hiliserangkai District, Nias Regency for 3 months. Research results show that deficiencies in key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium can cause various symptoms in chili plants, including stunted growth and reduced fruit quality. Factors such as environmental conditions, soil quality, pest and disease attacks, and inappropriate cultivation practices also contribute to delayed plant growth. Proper maintenance, including selecting quality seeds, good soil cultivation, appropriate fertilization, and integrated pest and disease control, is very important to increase the productivity of red chili plants.

Knowledge and practices of vegetable consumption in Accra and greater Lomé: nutritional, health and environmental sustainability

In Accra and Greater Lomé, research into the harmful effects of food transitions focuses scarcely on the levels of knowledge and good practices (LKGP) of vegetable consumers. However, these foods play a key role in the nutritional, health, socio-economic and ecological sustainability of cities. This research aims to assess the health, nutritional, ecological and socio-economic sustainability of LKGP linked to vegetable consumption in these conurbations. A quantified multi-criteria evaluation approach was adopted. The respondents (394), selected via judgmental sampling, were equally distributed between the two cities. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire administered by Kobocollect. The overall average rate of good vegetable consumption knowledge and practices in Accra and Greater Lomé is low (37.43%). This result stems from the low LKGP for daily vegetable consumption (24.62%), their inclusion in the main daily meals (33.50%) and consideration of their nutritional composition (30.86%). The target population is unaware of the health, nutritional and ecological drawbacks of poorly preserved vegetables (66.93%) and adopts inappropriate waste management practices when handling them (65.91%). The average proportions of access to vegetable procurement technology (47.08%) and sustainable food education (11.29%) were also low. The research results, unfavorable to the achievement of the SDGs in Accra and Greater Lomé, call for an inclusive, integrated and continuous sustainable food education program.

Inappropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundInappropriate complementary feeding is widely practiced in low and middle income countries. These contribute to undernutrition, morbidity and mortality among young children. The incidence of malnutrition in the first two years of life has been directly linked with inappropriate complementary feeding practices along with high infectious disease levels.ObjectiveTo assess the level of inappropriate complementary feeding practice and associated factors among children aged 6 to 23 months in Shashemene, Southern Ethiopia.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2021 among 609 children aged 6 to 23 months paired with their caregivers. Systematic random sampling was used to identify study participants. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 25 software. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Statistical significance was determined using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI).ResultsThe prevalence of inappropriate complementary feeding practice among children aged 6–23 months was 55.3%. Being a mother under the age of 25 years [AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.31], aged 25–34 years [AOR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.91], having an occupation [AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.84, 4.05], and households where husbands’ are the sole decision makers on their income [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.77] increased the chance of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. On the other hand, mother’s whose infants were aged 9–11 months [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.45] were less likely to practice inappropriate complementary feeding.ConclusionsThe prevalence of inappropriate complementary feeding practice in the study area was high compared to the WHO recommendation. Child’s age, maternal age, maternal occupation, and decision-making role on income were found to be associated with inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Appropriate behavioral change communication to family and community decision-makers, and involvement of husbands in infant and young child feeding practice are recommendable.

Knowledge and practices on home medication storage and disposal in Syria: a population-based, cross-sectional study

BackgroundMedications are commonly found in every household. In Syria, where healthcare infrastructure faces significant challenges, improper storage can lead to reduced medication efficacy and increased health risks. Additionally, inappropriate disposal practices pose serious environmental concerns, especially in a region already grappling with environmental degradation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, and practices of Syrian individuals regarding the appropriate storage and disposal of home medications.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted from September 22 to October 20, 2023, using an online survey distributed via social media apps (WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram) in Syria. The questionnaire, adapted from a similar study in Saudi Arabia, was translated to Arabic using the forward–backward translation technique. A convenience sampling technique was used. Inclusion criteria were participants over eighteen with expired or unused medications at home. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 27, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 2,217 responses were analyzed, with the majority of participants being female (79%) and aged between 21–30 years (56%). The study found that 90.7% of respondents dispose of expired medications in the garbage, while 95% keep medications in their original containers. Additionally, 30% consult pharmacists for storage instructions, and 64% read storage information on medication leaflets. Logistic regression analysis revealed that males were less likely to check expiration dates before use (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.84) and periodically (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54–0.85). Participants aged 31–40 years were less likely to check expiration dates periodically (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31–0.68), while those with children under six years old were more likely to do so (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01–1.67). Males were also less likely to read storage instructions (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50–0.76) but more likely to ask pharmacists about them (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.57). There was no significant difference in these practices between medical professionals and the general population.ConclusionThis study reveals gaps in the practices related to the storage and disposal of medications among the Syrian public. The findings suggest a need for targeted public education and awareness programs to improve these practices and reduce the associated health and environmental risks.

Anthropogenic and climatic impacts on historic sediment, carbon, and phosphorus accumulation rates using 210Pbex and 137Cs in a sub-watershed linked to Zarivar Lake, Iran

To estimate a watershed’s response to climate change, it is crucial to understand how human activities and climatic extremes have interacted over time. Over the last century, the Zarivar Lake watershed, Iran, has been subjected to various anthropogenic activates, including deforestation and inappropriate land-management practices alongside the implementation of conservation measures like check dams. To understand the effects of these changes on the magnitude of sediment, organic carbon (OC), and phosphorus supplies in a small sub-watershed connected to the lake over the last century, a lake sediment core was dated using 210Pbex and 137Cs as geochronometers. The average mass accumulation rate (MAR), organic carbon accumulation rates (OCAR), and particulate phosphorus accumulation rates (PPAR) of the sediment core were determined to be 6498 ± 2475, 205 ± 85, and 8.9 ± 3.3 g m−2 year−1, respectively. Between the late 1970s and early 1980s, accumulation rates were significantly higher than their averages at 7940 ± 3120, 220 ± 60, and 12.0 ± 2.8 g m−2 year−1 respectively. During this period, the watershed underwent extensive deforestation (12%) on steep slopes, coinciding with higher mean annual precipitations (more than double). Conversely, after 2009, when check dams were installed in the sub-watershed, the sediment load to the lake became negligible. The results of this research indicate that anthropogenic activities had a pronounced effect on MAR, OCAR, and PPAR, causing them to fluctuate from negligible amounts to values twice the averages over the last century, amplified by climatic factors. These results imply that implementing climate-smart watershed management strategies, such as constructing additional check dams and terraces, reinforcing restrictions on deforestation, and minimum tillage practices, can facilitate protection of lacustrine ecosystems under accelerating climate change conditions.Graphical