Poor Utilization Research Articles

Bridging Education Finance Inequality for Sustainable Development in India: Challenges and Policy Pathways

Education finance inequities remain a key barrier towards the attainment of sustainable development in India because funding gaps help to reinforce social and economic disparities. This paper aims to review the research literature on education with an understanding of the concept of educational inequity: equity in regards to both access to education and education quality and afterward with the focus on the consequences for different income levels. Some of the key problems are lack of sufficient funding, imbalance of the financing between regions, and poor utilization of the funding received. Also, increased costs of education serve to deepen the marginalization of other vulnerable groups making the disparities worse. The research examines the relations between the policy instruments, financial tools, and socio-economic factors to determine practical strategies. The paper outlines new policy directions including resources in access and parity models, partnership models, and community models to fill these gaps. These measures are designed to establish inclusive education technology use and data-driven governance to achieve this goal.

CNT encapsulated nickel-doped hollow porous manganese oxide scaffold as a sulfur cathode host for Li-S battery applications.

Recently, lithium-sulfur batteries have captivated those in the energy storage industry due to the low cost and high theoretical capacity of the sulfur cathode (1675 mA h g-1). However, to enhance the practical usability of Li-S batteries, it is crucial to address issues such as the insulating nature of sulfur cathodes and the high solubility of lithium polysulfides (LiPS, Li2S x , 4 ≤ n ≤ 8) that cause poor active sulfur utilization. Designing innovative sulfur hosts can effectively overcome sulfur bottlenecks and achieve stable Li-sulfur batteries. This study presents novel hollow porous structures of Ni-doped MnO2 encapsulated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) used as an efficient host material for a sulfur cathode. These hollow, porous, hierarchical structures, combined with transition metal (Ni) doping, serve to enhance the adsorption of LiPS and contribute to improved redox kinetics during the electrochemical process. Furthermore, the remarkable conductivity provided by the CNT encapsulation significantly enhances the sulfur and LiPS conversion kinetics, effectively suppressing the undesirable shuttling effect and promoting efficient utilization of the active material. The prepared cathode (S@Ni-MO/CNT) not only meets but exceeds expectations, delivering superior cyclability, rate capability results, and improved Li-diffusion properties. These results underscore the effectiveness of constructing novel host materials for sulfur cathodes, leaving no doubt about the potential of this novel host material to address the challenges in lithium-sulfur batteries.

Cost Conversations to Mitigate the Effects of Financial Toxicity in Oncology: Current State, Opportunities, and Barriers.

The direct and indirect financial burden of cancer care, from medication costs to lost wages, results in financial toxicity for patients. Despite the growing recognition of financial toxicity as a problem for patients, there are few solutions available at the point of care. Structured cost conversations between oncologists and patients to help identify financial toxicity and intervene early when it is recognized have been posited as a patient facing intervention. Cost conversations fit into a framework of shared decision making within cancer care. Although more than 90% of patients with cancer express a desire to discuss the costs of their care, <15% report that such conversations occurred. This contrasts with oncologists who self-report that they discuss costs with patients up to 60% of the time. Poor utilization of cost conversations may be due to both patient and oncologist reluctance of discussing money; this can be driven by fear that lower cost care is less effective and lack of training/guidance for oncologists on how to effectively conduct cost conversations. Currently, there is an abundance of small, pilot studies showing benefits of cost conversation or other decision aids in meaningfully reducing financial toxicity. However, no large randomized prospective study has assessed the role of structured conversations designed exclusively to address costs in cancer care. This review suggests a framework for cost conversations in oncology and outlines the steps necessary to develop a full cost conversation guide.

Flexible Local Differential Privacy Mechanism for Collecting Location Data

To address issues in existing location data collection methods, such as poor data utility and large deviations between perturbed and true locations, this paper proposes a personalized local differential privacy (LDP) mechanism for location data collection. Users can select their privacy protection range based on their needs, limiting the perturbed output to this range, thereby improving data utility. To address the issue of large deviations between perturbed and true locations, we introduce a new strategy where the location is perturbed with a probability that is higher the closer it is to the true location. By analyzing the mutual information upper bound of the true and estimated location distributions, the optimal perturbation probability range is determined. Finally, a probability transition matrix is generated from the location transfer probabilities, and the true location distribution is estimated from the perturbed location distribution.

Emergency Obstetric Care Access Dynamics in Kampala City, Uganda: Analysis of Women's Self-Reported Care-Seeking Pathways.

Timely access to emergency obstetric care (EmOC) remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, influenced by poor health care utilization and rapid urbanization. Studies show poor maternal health outcomes in African cities, reflecting weak health systems. Understanding care-seeking pathways is key to improving service delivery and health outcomes. We examined self-reported care-seeking pathways among women with obstetric complications in Kampala City, Uganda. In this cross-sectional survey, we collected sequential data from 433 women (15-49 years) from 9 health facilities in Kampala City. We developed typologies of common pathways to EmOC and descriptively analyzed key attributes, including median time spent at each step, comparing pathways across complications and participant characteristics. Provider utilization and service delivery performance issues were also assessed. Participants' average age was 26 years (standard deviation=6), with 55% (237/433) living outside Kampala. We identified 4 common pathways based on number and location of steps: pathways with 1 step, directly to a facility that provided required care (42%, 183/433); 2 steps, mostly including direct facility referrals (40%, 171/433); 3 steps (14%, 62/433); and 4 or more steps (4%, 17/433). Comprehensive EmOC facilities referred elsewhere 43% (79/184) of women who initially sought care in these facilities. Peripheral facilities referred 65% of women directly to the national referral hospital. A majority (60%, 34/57) of referred women returned home before reaching the final care facility. Our findings suggest that care pathways of women with obstetric complications in Kampala often involve at least 2 formal providers and reflect possible inefficiencies in the referral process, including potential delays and unnecessary steps. Efforts to strengthen urban health and referral systems should adopt multidisciplinary and integrated approaches, supported by clear policies and structures that facilitate effective interfacility and interdistrict care coordination. This should include streamlined care/referral pathways and equitable emergency transportation systems.

MHTAPred-SS: A Highly Targeted Autoencoder-Driven Deep Multi-Task Learning Framework for Accurate Protein Secondary Structure Prediction.

Accurate protein secondary structure prediction (PSSP) plays a crucial role in biopharmaceutics and disease diagnosis. Current prediction methods are mainly based on multiple sequence alignment (MSA) encoding and collaborative operations of diverse networks. However, existing encoding approaches lead to poor feature space utilization, and encoding quality decreases with fewer homologous proteins. Moreover, the performance of simple stacked networks is greatly limited by feature extraction capabilities and learning strategies. To this end, we propose MHTAPred-SS, a novel PSSP framework based on the fusion of six features, including the embedding feature derived from a pre-trained protein language model. First, we propose a highly targeted autoencoder (HTA) as the driver to encode sequences in a homologous protein-independent manner. Second, under the guidance of biological knowledge, we design a protein secondary structure prediction model based on the multi-task learning strategy (PSSP-MTL). Experimental results on six independent test sets show that MHTAPred-SS achieves state-of-the-art performance, with values of 88.14%, 84.89%, 78.74% and 77.15% for Q3, SOV3, Q8 and SOV8 metrics on the TEST2016 dataset, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrate that MHTAPred-SS has significant advantages in single-category and boundary secondary structure prediction, and can finely capture the distribution of secondary structure segments, thereby contributing to subsequent tasks.

Diarrhea and associated factors among under-five children in open defecation free and open defecation rural households of Degem district, Oromia, Ethiopia

IntroductionDiarrheal diseases are the top cause of preventable death, particularly among children under the age of five in developing countries like Ethiopia. Despite the national level of latrine coverage being 61%, diarrhea is responsible for the deaths of half a million children under 5 years annually. Therefore, this study aimed to assess diarrhea and its associated factors among children in open defecation free (ODF) and open defecation (OD) households of Degem district, Oromia, Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted within the community, involving 398 participants (200 from open defecation free [ODF] and 198 from open defecation [ODF] households). The selection of study participants from OD and ODF households was done using a multistage sampling approach. Data input was carried out using Epi Data 3.1, while data analysis would be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software, employing appropriate testing methods. Statistical significance and the strength of relationships were assessed using odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe prevalence of diarrhea among children in open defecation free and open defecation households was 26 and 38%, respectively. Factors such as children who were not vaccinated for rotavirus, mothers or caregivers did not have diarrhea, mothers or caregivers did not wash their hands at critical times, and individuals with poor latrine utilization were significantly associated with diarrhea among children in ODF households. On the other hand, children who were not vaccinated for rotavirus, not received vitamin A supplementation, mothers or caregivers did not wash their hands at critical times, children lacking access to latrines and children whose their families practice open field solid waste disposal were significantly associated with diarrhea among children in open defecation free households.ConclusionThe study results indicated that the prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in open defecation areas was notably higher compared to those residing in open defecation free areas. Consequently, it is imperative for all responsible bodies to focus on evidence-based strategies to combat childhood diarrhea and to ensure child health status.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the 9-Cis Epoxy Carotenoid Dioxygenase Gene Family and Their Responses to Salt Stress in Hordeum vulgare L.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is among the earliest crops to be cultivated and is also considered a crucial staple crop. Nevertheless, the negative effects of abiotic stress on both the quality and productivity of barley are significant. Nine-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases (NCEDs) are rate-limiting enzymes in plants that cleave carotenoids and produce abscisic acid (ABA). The poor utilization of barley NCEDs in stress-resistant genetic breeding is due to the lack of appropriate information about their potential function in abiotic stress. The current study revealed five NCED genes in the barley genome (HvNCED1-HvNCED5), which are distributed unevenly on barley chromosomes. The PF03055 domain is present in all HvNCEDs, and they encode 413~643 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NCED genes were categorized into three distinct clades, confirming the homology of NCED genes between H. vulgare L., Arabidopsis thaliana L., and Oryza sativa L. Expression analysis revealed that HvNCED1 is significantly upregulated under high salt stress, indicating its potential role in enhancing salt tolerance. In contrast, HvNCED3 and HvNCED4 exhibited downregulation, suggesting a complex regulatory mechanism in response to varying salt stress levels. These findings will enhance our comprehension of the genetic composition and evolutionary development of the HvNCED gene family and provide a basis for future research on their role in response to salt-induced stress.

Measuring general health literacy using the HLS19-Q12 in specialty consultations in Spain

BackgroundGeneral health literacy (general HL) affects both individual and population health on numerous levels, with low general HL leading to increased morbidity, poor health service utilization, and increased healthcare spending. This study calculated health literacy scores of a population attending specialty consultations in the community of Aragon, Spain. It further produced a sociodemographic profile and examined the relationships between patients’ scores and sociodemographic variables.MethodsA sample of 150 patients from specialty consultations completed the internationally- validated HLS19-Q12 to measure adult general HL. A 4-point-Likert scale gathered information regarding 12 items of health literacy. Final scores were divided into four categorical levels: excellent, sufficient, problematic, or inadequate. Independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and a generalized linear model (GLM) analysis were performed to examine key relationships with respect to sociodemographic variables and health literacy scores.ResultsThe survey was completed by 150 subjects aged 18 and over in specialty clinics in Aragon, Spain. 59% of respondents had inadequate or problematic general HL, while 41% had sufficient or excellent general HL. Income level had a significant effect on health literacy scores, F = 2.129, (p < 0.05), as did different work situations, F = 3.762, (p < 0.001). Patients who self-reported as having diabetes had a significantly higher health literacy score, t = 2.356 (p < 0.05) than those reporting other health conditions. According to GLM analysis, education, health status, income, and the number of appointments were the strongest predictors of the heath literacy score.ConclusionsGeneral HL in this patient population was limited, and lower than in some comparable studies. The sociodemographic profile constructed, and associations with health literacy established, provide policy makers, healthcare administrators, and clinicians with information to consider new policies, processes and strategies to improve general HL in this specific population.

Enabling Separator Modification with Sulfiphilic CoTe2 Sites on Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers for High-Performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have been recognized as a promising candidate for next generation electrochemical energy-storage technologies owing to their unparalleled theoretical capacity and energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, the sluggish redox kinetics of the electrochemistry and the formidable dissolution of polysulfides during cycling lead to poor sulfur utilization, serious polarization, cyclic instability, and hazardous Li corrosion/dendrites issues. Herein, cobalt tellurides and carbon nanofibers composites (CoTe2@CNFs) were designed, synthesized by facial electrospinning, and applied to modify the separator of Li–S batteries, providing a viable solution for these challenges. The composites feature polar CoTe2 nanoparticles embedded in each carbon nanofiber, and the carbon nanofibers intertwine with each other to form an interconnected 3D nanofiber network. The sulfiphilic CoTe2 nanoparticles exhibit dual functionality, as they both strongly interact with soluble polysulfides and dynamically facilitate polysulfide redox reactions. Moreover, the 3D nanofiber network not only provides an additional physical barrier to lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) but also enables uniform sulfur distribution, thereby significantly inhibiting LiPSs shuttling and accelerating sulfur conversion reactions. In summary, the functionally modified separator synergistically works as both redox mediators, catalyzing the sulfur conversion, and a buffer layer, regulating Li ions stripping/deposition behaviors. This work has provided a new avenue for designing nanomaterials with synergistic effect of catalytic conversion and chemisorption of polysulfides to promote high-performance Li-S batteries. Furthermore, it is expected to inspire the engineering of novel material architectures with enhanced properties for various energy-storage devices.

A yarn-ball-shaped graphene microsphere-coated separator design for enhanced electrochemical performance in Li-S batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) present a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries due to their high energy density and theoretical capacity. However, their practical application is hindered by issues such as poor sulfur utilization, highly soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and rapid capacity decay. This study introduces an innovative cell configuration using a separator coated with reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube (rGO/CNT) microspheres. The rGO/CNT-coated separator aims to enhance electron transfer, confine LiPSs within the cathode region, and mitigate their migration to the anode. In particular, the LSB cell with an rGO/CNT-modified separator delivers an impressive initial capacity of 1482 mAh g−1 and demonstrates a low capacity decay rate of 0.09% per cycle. The highly conductive rGO/CNT-coated separator enhances active material utilization even at high rates, resulting in a significant capacity of 824 mAh g−1 at 4C. Furthermore, the rGO/CNT-modified separator shows an impressive capacity of 895 mAh g−1 under high sulfur loading of 4.8 mg cm−2 with long-term cycling performance. The results demonstrate that the rGO/CNT-coated separator significantly enhances sulfur reutilization, reduces capacity decay, and improves the electrochemical stability of LSBs. This configuration simplifies the manufacturing process and offers a viable solution for the practical application of LSBs.

Accessibility and Utilization of Contraceptives and Its Associated Factors among Students of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Introduction: The use of modern contraceptives among young citizens has been documented to be effective in reducing STIs, unwanted pregnancies, as well as teenage pregnancy. Therefore, it has become necessary to determine utilization patterns of contraceptive services among young individuals as it is very critical for planning to meet the reproductive needs of young persons. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted using 404 undergraduates from two tertiary institutions. Simple random sampling was utilized in the study. Structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics of chi-square test at p &lt; 0.05. Results: About 53.5% are between 18–22 years with a mean age of 22.62 ± 2.948; 51.5% are males, 88.6% still single. About 51.9% do not have access to contraceptives, and 66.83% are not utilizing contraceptives. Side effect of the drugs, lack of access to modern contraceptives, lack of money to access it and lack of appropriate knowledge of the one to use are major factors for non-utilization. Gender was not significantly associated with utilization of contraceptives (p = 0.204). A statistically significant association was observed between religion of the respondents and utilization of contraceptives (p = 0.013), and between accessibility of contraceptives and their utilization (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: There is poor accessibility and utilization of modern contra- ceptives among young people. Individual’s religion and accessibility could influence utilization.

A Brief Review of the Microweiseinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) of the Indian Region, Including Description of a New Species.

Indian species of Microweiseinae are reviewed, comprising eight species (five species of Serangium Blackburn, one species of Microserangium Miyatake, and two species of Scymnomorphus Weise, including one new species from the southern Indian state of Kerala, Scymnomorphus ochraceus sp. n.). Illustrated diagnostic accounts are given for all species with details of distribution, biology, and host insects, wherever they are known. Immature stages are illustrated for Serangium parcesetosum Sicard and Serangium chapini (Kapur). An updated checklist of the Microweiseinae of India is given. The need for focused collections and systematic studies to unearth the hidden diversity of Indian Microweiseinae is discussed, and comments on their poor utilization in applied biological control in India are made.

Synthesis and mechanism of Mg/Al layered double oxides-silica nanocomposites for sustainable multi-nutrient delivery in agricultural applications

Potassium (K), urea (N), phosphate (P), and selenite (Se) are widely used in modern agriculture for improvement of crop yield and quality. However, traditional fertilizer suffers from poor fertilizer utilization efficiency and noncontrollable slow-release behavior. To improve nutrient utilization, we developed a layered double oxides-silica (LDO@Si) based on calcined Mg/Al layered double hydroxide-silica nanocomposites (LDH@Si), for slow release of K, N, P, and Se to crops. In this study, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, BET, and TGA were employed to analyze the structure, morphology, and microstructures of the samples. Results show that LDH@Si successfully transforms into LDO@Si after calcination, where LDO is mainly connected to silica via M-O-Si bonds. Furthermore, after K, P, and Se loading, the LDH@Si structure was successfully restored, indicating that phosphate and selenite ions have been effectively embedded in the inner layer of LDH. K ions are firmly fixed to the material surface via M-O-K bonds. After urea introducing, the pore structure of the material was completely filled, and excess urea formed a urea layer on the surface of the material. LDO@Si can continuously release nutrients into water through diffusion and LDO@Si dissolution for up to 240 h. Compared with chemical fertilizers, LDO@Si based slow-release fertilizer (CRSF2) significantly improves plant fresh weight, dry weight and chlorophyll content, increasing them by 13.91 %–23.13 %, 18.20 %–34.40 % and 2.24 %–14.81 %, respectively. Furthermore, a modest increase in the levels of nutrients N, P, and K is observed, while the Se concentration in plants treated with CRSF2 demonstrates significant enhancements of 9.57 %, 72.49 %, and 50.97 % compared to control treatments. These results illustrate the potential agricultural application of LDO@Si as a slow-release fertilizer for improving crop yields while minimizing the required amount of fertilizer.

Sunflower-disc-inspired vertical growth of 2D ZnIn2S4 on ultra-thin TiO2: Constructing a 3D porous photocatalytic glass film for ultra-efficient organic pollutant degradation

Thin-film catalysts show immense potential for photocatalytic applications due to their versatility and ease of recovery. However, their stability is often compromised by detachment and poor surface utilization. In this study, inspired by the architecture of sunflower discs, we present a novel 3D porous photocatalytic film by vertical growth of 2D ZnIn2S4 on ultra-thin TiO2/glass for ultra-efficient degradation of organic pollutants. Crucially, ZnIn2S4 nanosheets were vertically grown on the stable TiO2/glass substrate to form a 3D porous structure, and the vertical growth mechanism is demonstrated by DFT. In contrast, when directly grown on glass, only aggregated ZnIn2S4 spheres formed. The enhanced surface area of the 3D ZnIn2S4 structure allows for maximum light absorption, while the rapid separation and transfer of photogenerated charges follow a Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism in the ZnIn2S4/TiO2 heterojunction. This synergy significantly improves the photocatalytic performance, surpassing most previously reported semiconducting films.

Population Dynamics of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L. 1758) in Lake Nubia, Sudan

This study aims to investigate the population dynamics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Nubia, Sudan. Monthly samples were collected from fishermen from January to December 2021, and recorded total lengths (TL) of 996 specimens nearest to 1.0 mm using a standardized measuring board; the lengths (TL) exhibited a range from 5.2 to 41.3 cm. Population parameters were assessed using the ELEFAN I routine within FiSAT II software, which produced von Bertalanffy growth parameters as follows: an asymptotic length (L∞) of 43.05 cm, a growth curvature (K) of 0.230 yr⁻¹, and a theoretical length at age zero (t0) of -0.1816. The growth performance index (Φ') was calculated to be 2.639. The instantaneous mortality rates were evaluated, revealing total mortality (Z) at 0.65 yr⁻¹, natural mortality (M) at 0.63 yr⁻¹, and fishing mortality (F) at 0.02 year⁻¹; While the exploitation rate (E) was determined to be 0.04 yr⁻¹. The size at first capture (Lc) was obtained as 5.2 cm, while L50 was estimated at 10.07 cm, both being below the size at first maturity (Lₘ) of 13.5 cm, and the longevity (Tmax) was noted to be 12.86 years. The results indicated poor utilization of the Nile tilapia population in Lake Nubia, and its size at first capture and L50 was below the size at first maturity. This situation is an indication of the need for a continuous process of monitoring and managing to reduce the harvesting of smaller individuals and to improve productivity toward achieving levels that optimize sustainable yield.

Determinants Influencing Utilization of Antenatal Care Services in Tabora Region, Tabora Municipality, Tanzania

This study examines the determinants influencing the utilization of antenatal care services (ANC) in in Tabora region with a particular focus on Tabora Municipality, Tanzania. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the problem. The study uses primary and secondary data obtained from the field. Tools used for data collection were questionnaires, interviews, and observation. This study employed a cross-sectional research design. This design was preferred because the design allowed the collection of data from different groups of respondents at one point at a time. Similarly, the design had a greater degree of accuracy and precision in the data collected and used for statistical description and interpretation. The study found that there was low utilization of antenatal care services in Tabora Municipality. The study revealed that the low utilization of ANC in Tabora Municipality can be solved by addressing the determinants that are responsible for the low use of ANC services. The study identified a number of determinants that influence ANC visits such as spousal involvement in antenatal clinics, the attitudes of health service professionals, clinic opening days for the antenatal care services by client satisfaction and integrated approach to antenatal care services. The determinants that affect the use of ANC visits are not only many and complex, but they play different roles in different situations. The study revealed that men and the whole community should be included in the ANC campaign so that they understand more about potential risks for pregnant women. This would increase the level of ANC use and thus reduce the high incidence of maternal and neonatal death in Tanzania including the Tabora region that results from poor utilization of ANC services. Also, this study adds knowledge to health service providers in understanding the determinants that limit pregnant women’s utilization of antenatal services finding ways to improve the services and encourage women to utilize ANC services. The study findings will enable programme planners, policymakers, implementers and managers to come up with strategies for interventions that will enable pregnant women to start seeking and utilizing ANC services early in pregnancy and to have fewer pregnancy complications that lead to maternal and neonatal deaths

Navigating vaccine procurement and financing challenges in Cameroon: Insights and recommendations from a mixed-methods study (2015–2020)

ObjectivesVaccine stockouts at the national level has been recognized as a critical challenge in ensuring sustained and equitable immunization coverage. These stockouts often arise from inherent issues within countries, including delays in government funding, suboptimal forecasting and stock management practices, and inefficiencies in the procurement process amongst others. Understanding the complexities and barriers within vaccine procurement and financing systems is crucial for developing effective strategies to enhance vaccine availability and strengthen immunization programs. This is particularly relevant in the context of reaching zero dose children and transitioning from Gavi. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the vaccine procurement and financing landscape in Cameroon from 2015 to 2020. Study designThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study. MethodsEmploying a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a desk review of pertinent documents and engaged in in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in the procurement and funding mobilization processes. Through data collection and analysis using Microsoft Excel 365 and Dedoose software, we delineated the intricacies of the procurement process and pinpointed specific barriers that have contributed to vaccine stockouts. ResultsThe mapping of vaccine procurement processes revealed complexity, protracted timelines, and the involvement of multiple stakeholders. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) faced a USD 4 million funding deficit for vaccine procurement between 2016 and 2019. Consequently, the program experienced delays in acquiring 20 million vaccine doses, leading to 41 months of stockout for at least one antigen. Major bottlenecks identified by key stakeholders in vaccine procurement and financing encompassed delayed fund mobilization, inefficient and lengthy processes for fund mobilization and disbursement, poor data utilization, and discrepancies between forecasted, allocated, and mobilized funds. ConclusionThe findings of this research hold significant implications for many EPIs. By elucidating procurement and financing challenges, we can formulate evidence-based recommendations aimed at optimizing resource allocation, streamlining procurement processes, and bolstering vaccine availability. These insights are essential for fostering collaboration between government agencies, technical partners, and financial partners to achieve sustainable vaccine access in Cameroon. Establishing a joint procurement working group could streamline processes, potentially reducing stockouts and improving vaccine coverage.

Survey on Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities towards Integration of Traditional Smallholder Crop-livestock Systems in Kenya

The current study reports the results of a baseline survey conducted to establish current status of optimizing productivity of crop-livestock systems in Kenya. Results from the study showed that 74% and 18% of the household head and respondents were male and female respectively, indicating a male dominance of household headship. The household head (69%) and respondents (16%) reported to have completed classes for formal school. On average, farmers were walking 1.83 Km, 5.18 Km, 4.65 Km, and 12.79 Km to the nearest village market, town market, extension office and farmers’ training centers respectively. This shows that extension and communication services are still far apart from the farming communities, with a negative implication on technology adoption and household food and nutrition security. Majority of the farmers did not utilize organic nutrients for crop production (96%). Open heaping/piling, composting with other materials, use of solid and liquid manures was reported to be utilized on average 67 kg, 30 kg, 11 kg and 2 kg respectively. This implies a poor manure management, low adoption and utilization levels of organic manures, with subsequent impact on climate change, crop productivity and household food and nutrition security. The main constraint limiting the use of organic fertilizers were ranked as follows; ignorance of the technical aspects linked to the use of manure as an organic fertilizer (17.8%), low awareness of manure usefulness to improve soil fertility (16.4%), high affordability and timely accessibility of chemical fertilizers (16.3%). Results further show that majority of the respondent did not utilize Nitrogen fixing plants (66%), nutrient cycling (84%) and legume crops (75%). The main Nitrogen-fixing plants were faba bean (10%), Sesbania (9%), cowpea (5%), alfalfa (2%) and sunflower (1%) respectively. The survey recommends promotion of climate smart interventions and organic soil fertility management approaches, farmers capacity building and promotion of agribusiness.

Synchronous conversion and targeted separation of valuable metals from spent hydroprocessing catalysts

Sustainable recovery of spent hydroprocessing catalysts (sHPC) is crucial to address environmental and resources issues. However, the existing recycling methods recover limited metal components due to uncontrollable phase transition and complicated separation procedures, leading to poor utilization efficiency of the sHPC. Herein, a synchronous conversion and targeted separation strategy was designed to achieve full-component recovery of the sHPC. The insoluble phases of Al/Ni/Mo/V could be completely transformed into soluble sulfate via sulfation roasting at 400 °C. The roasted sulfate products can be directly leached by water with efficiencies close to 100%. Targeted separation of the multi-ions could be achieved based on their species difference in the leachates. Anionic HV10O285− and HMoO4− species were co-extracted by basic trioctylamine extractant, while cationic Ni2+ and Al3+ were extracted by acidic HBL110 and P204, respectively. Benefiting from the sulfation roasting and selective extraction procedures, the recovery efficiencies of Al, Ni, Mo, and V elements achieved 97.2%, 95.8%, 94.1%, and 94.3%, respectively. The explored synchronous conversion and targeted separation strategy is an industrial-feasible candidate for sustainable utilization of the retired catalysts.