Sudan Research Articles

Evaluation of Some Herbicides for Weed Control in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Northern Sudan

A field trial was conducted at Hudeiba Research Station Farm,River Nile State, Sudan, during 2001/2002, 2002/2003 and 2003/2004winter seasons. The objective was to evaluate the activity and selectivityof three pre-emergence herbicides for weed control in wheat. Theherbicides treatments were pendimethalin (Stomp) at 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 kga.i. ha-1, oxyfluorfen (Goal) at 0.24, 0.36 and 0.48 kg a.i ha -1 andoxadiazon (Ronstar) at 0.72, 1.08 and 1.44 kg a.i ha -1 . The prevailingweed species in the experimental sites were Ipomoea sp, wild mustard(Sinapis arvensis L.), common beet (Beta vulgaris L.), sweet signal grass[Brachiaria eruciformis (Sm)] and Bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.)Pers.]. The results showed that the losses in grain yield of wheat, due toweeds competition, were 37%, 29% and 21% for seasons 2001/2002,2002/2003 and 2003/2004, respectively. The herbicide pendimethalin, atall rates tested, showed no phytotoxicity symptoms on wheat. The higherrates of oxadiazon and oxyfluorfen, however, showed slight phytotoxicityto the wheat crop. All herbicide treatments of Ronstar and Goal resultedin good to excellent control (72%–97%) of both grassy and broad-leavedweeds. The herbicide pendimethalin displayed excellent activity againstgrasses and poor to satisfactory activity (0%-67%) against broad-leavedweeds. The weed Cynodon dactylon tolerated all herbicide treatments.With the exception of Stomp, all herbicide treatments significantlyincreased wheat grain yield compared to the weedy check.

Prevalence and associated factors of symptoms of pica among adolescent schoolchildren in northern Sudan: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPica, the craving for and purposive eating of non-food items, is a common worldwide problem, especially among children and pregnant women. There are few published data on pica among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, and no study has been carried- out in Sudan. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of symptoms of pica among adolescent schoolchildren in northern Sudan.MethodsA school‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022 among adolescent students (aged 10–19 years) in four public primary and secondary schools in Almatamah locality in north Sudan. Sociodemographic information (age, sex, mother’s education, mother’s occupation, and father’s education) was collected through a questionnaire. Weight and height were measured using a standard procedure, and the body mass index Z-score was computed using the World Health Organization’s reference values. Logistic regression analysis was performed.ResultsOf the 384 enrolled adolescents, 180 (46.9%) were male and 204 (53.1%) were female. Their median (interquartile range) age was 15.1 (13.1‒16.3) years. The prevalence of symptoms of pica was found to be 30.7%, accounting for 118 adolescents. The most common type of pica was geophagia (eating clay and sand; 102 adolescents, 86.4%), followed by pagophagia (eating ice; 14 adolescents, 11.8%) and flour (starch; two adolescents, 1.6%). In the logistic regression analysis, females (adjusted odds ratio = 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.15‒5.78) and a lower level of father’s education (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.26‒3.34) were associated with symptoms of pica.ConclusionIn Sudan, symptoms of pica are common among adolescents, especially females. Caregivers need to assess pica in adolescents. Further research is needed to develop guidelines, medical training, and practice.

Changes and variability in rainfall onset, cessation, and length of rainy season in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa

Rainfall onset dates (ROD), rainfall cessation dates (RCD) and length of rainy season (LRS) are crucial for crop production and food security in Eastern Africa yet scantily documented. This paper seeks to investigate the spatial patterns of these parameters. Data used are Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS v2.0) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gridded temperature. Threshold of 1 mm for rainy day, 20 mm over 5 days with at least 3 rain days and dry spell not exceeding 7 days in the next 21 days were used to determine RODs. The Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) and Water Balance (WB) criteria were computed to determine RCDs. The differences between ROD and RCD were used in calculating LRS. The results showed early rainfall cessation over more than 30 counties in Kenya lead to shortened rainy season by 10–20 days during MAM season. Similarly, 20–40 days early onset dates are observed in most counties in upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei states in South Sudan, while 20–40 days delayed rainfall onset was observed in Khartoum and southern parts of Nile state western Darfur, eastern and Aljazeera states in Sudan, most parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea districts during JJA season. Highlands of western and Nyanza region in Kenya, most parts of Uganda observed rainfall onset by March and no sign of cessation before November. Early cessation over northern Uganda districts was behind shortened LRS, furthermore, the early RODs over western and southwestern Uganda districts increased LRS. Prolonged dry conditions over northern Sudan, southeastern parts of South Sudan, northern Kenya, central Somalia, northern Darfour, Kordofan and northern parts of Sudan exacerbated by significant delayed onset and early cessation of rainfall. These findings are important for rain-fed agricultural planning and food security in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa.

Uses, Harvesting, Consumption of Baobab Leaves, Pulps and Seeds in North and West Kordofan States Sudan

This study was conducted in North and West Kordofan States, Sudan during 2019 - 2022. The aim of the study was to identify the uses, harvesting and consumption of baobab leaves, pulps and seeds in the study area. Ten villages were selected from both states, then 404 households were chosen from total number data of 2425. Data was collected used a questionnaire then analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS version 22. The study results revealed that the respondents used baobab for many purposes for instance food, medicine and economic purposes. Consistent with 82.7% of the respondents used leaves and fruits and 92% of them used them as salad. Concerning the pulp, 80.8% of respondents used it as juice. The seeds were used in forms of coffee and snacks as stated by 33.3 and 66.7% of respondents, respectively. According to all respondents, leaves were harvested and consumed in early raining season. The majority of respondents stated that they consumed the pulps widely in fasting (Ramadan) month, wedding and festivals. The pulps have been harvested once and more than five times according to 29.5 and 28.2% of respondents, respectively. The quantities of harvested pulps during the season were estimated as more than 20 kg as said by 27.9% of respondents and 35.6% of them collected the leaves more than six times and their quantities were more than 2 kg according to 55.2% of them. The study results showed that the 24-hour recall pulp and leaves quantity eaten, were <250 g/day and 251-500 g/day as stated by 60.4% and 53.9% of respondents. As well as the form of consumption of pulp was drink or juice according to 99.2% of them. According to 53.9% of respondents the 24-hour recall leaves was 251-500 g/day. The study findings revealed that the respondents were consumed fruits and leaves 2-4 times a week due to 43.6 and 32.8%, respectively. The preference of respondents indicated that 56 and 96.5% of them like leaves and pulps very much, respectively whereas 81.4% of them dislike seeds. The study concluded that the baobab parts have many uses and benefits for the household. The study recommended more investigations about nutritional status of the households in the study area.

Assaults against health care workers in Sudan: An on-going issue

Background The increasing threat of workplace violence in the health sector in Sudan is a multifactorial problem which displayed lack of trust in doctors and health care workers (HCWs). Objective To study assaults against HCWs employed in Haj Elsafie Teaching Hospital, Khartoum North Sudan. Method An analytical cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried between September 2018 and October 2019. The data was collected through semi-structured questionnaire. Results The prevalence of assaults was 59.6% among 240 participants. Over history females get assaulted most with significant statistical association (p=0.024). Mostly doctors, lab doctors and nurses gone through assault and most of the incidence were happened at medicine department, with a significant statistical association (p=0.038). Verbal assaults were the most frequent among all jobs types, but sexual assault remains high in female. It was found that only 25.8% assault victim filed an official report to the hospital administration. Majority of assault victim explain that they found it unnecessary to report (54.0%), they believed hospital will not take action (30.0%) and assailant will not face any consequences (17.0%). Only, 5.0% disclosed feared from assailant. Conclusion High prevalence of assault incidents among HCWs were found yet official report filing to hospital administration remains low. While poor quality of care was believed to be the main reason for the assault. Training HCWs to deal with patients and teaching them proper communication skills is essential.

Towards understanding a complex borderscape in northern Sudan: the MUAFS project

Towards understanding a complex borderscape in northern Sudan: the MUAFS project The MUAFS project conducts a regional study of the Middle Nile in Northern Sudan between Attab and Ferka focusing on encounters of humans and landscapes in a marginal borderscape. The archaeological project considers all attested finds from Palaeolithic to Islamic times and compares its results with data from main urban centres of the region.

Risk Factors Associated with Xerophthalmia in Northern Sudan

The prevalence of eye signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency was determined among 29,615 Sudanese children between 6 and 72 mo of age, in five rural areas of Khartoum and Gezira provinces. Of all children, 2.9% were vitamin A deficient, and of these > 90% had Bitot's spots. Bivariate associations were found between xerophthalmia and the rural councils where the children lived, household wealth, consumption of vitamin A-containing foods, child sex, child age and weight-for-height Z-scores. Multivariate analysis showed that the following factors made significant independent contributions to the risk of xerophthalmia: living in remote and arid regions, male gender, age, poverty of the household, and prevalence of diarrhea. On the other hand, less xerophthalmia was observed among children who during the 24 h preceding the survey had consumed dairy products or non-leafy vegetables containing vitamin A. Intervention programs aimed at increasing household income and promoting consumption of foods containing vitamin A should contribute to the reduction of vitamin A deficiency among Sudanese children.

Evaluation of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system in the River Nile State - Northern Sudan, 2021

BackgroundOne of the four main elements of the worldwide polio eradication strategy is acute flaccid paralysis surveillance (AFP). This system is based on (acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases reported and tested at World Health Organization (WHO) accredited laboratories. To measure and monitor performance, indicators were created. The current study aims to evaluate the system components, performance, and efficiency in River Nile State, Northern Sudan, and their compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) requirements for it to be adopted as a good system; its results can be used to certify whether a country is polio-free or not.Material and methodsA facility-based retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the River Nile State, Northern Sudan, from Jan 2017 to Dec 2020. This study included all reporting sites/units, workers who reported acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, and officers at the locality level. A total of 50 health institutions were visited for surveillance, and interviews with 59 health workers who were part of the AFP surveillance system were undertaken. The data were collected from participants using a pre-tested questionnaire designed and constructed by the World Health Organization (WHO) framework, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS version (22).ResultsThe River Nile State’s AFP surveillance system was of high quality in terms of the infrastructure that had been put in place and the effectiveness of the system’s operations, as evidenced by the following statistics: from 2017 to 2020, the reported non-polio acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases were at a mean rate of 4.02 per 100,000 children under the age of 15; the majority of AFP reported cases were under 10 years; and males made up 73.3% of reported cases; The completeness of reports and surveillance documents exceeded 80%, and active surveillance was applied in 80% of reporting sites.ConclusionDespite the fact that the surveillance system is capable of detecting cases, Sudan continues to report cases of imported polio from other countries, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance systems and eradication efforts in these countries.

Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery Application to Monitor Soil Salinity and Calcium Carbonate Contents in Agricultural Fields

The estuary tides affect groundwater dynamics; these areas are susceptible to waterlogging and salinity issues. A study was conducted on two fields with a total area of 60 hectares under a center pivot irrigation system that works with solar energy and belong to a commercial farm located in Northern Sudan. To monitor soil salinity and calcium carbonate in the area and stop future degradation of soil resources, easy, non-intrusive, and practical procedures are required. The objective of this study was to use remote sensing-determined Sentinel-2 satellite imagery using various soil indices to develop prediction models for the estimation of soil electrical conductivity (EC) and soil calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Geo-referenced soil samples were collected from 72 locations and analyzed in the laboratory for soil EC and CaCO3. The electrical conductivity of the soil saturation paste extract was represented by average values in soil dataset samples from two fields collected from the topsoil layer (0 to 15 cm) characteristic of the local salinity gradient. The various soil indices, used in this study, were calculated from the Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. The prediction was determined using the root mean square error (RMSE) and cross validation was done using coefficient of determination. The results of regression analysis showed linear relationships with significant correlation between the EC analyzed in laboratory and the salinity index-2 “SI2” (Model-1: R2 = 0.59, p = 0.00019 and root mean square error (RMSE = 1.32%) and the bare soil index “BSI” (Model-2: R2 = 0.63, p = 0.00012 and RMSE = 6.42%). Model-1 demonstrated the best model for predicting soil EC, and validation R2 and RMSE values of 0.48% and 1.32%, respectively. The regression analysis results for soil CaCO3 determination showed linear relationships with data obtained in laboratory and the bare soil index “BSI” (Model- 3: R2 = 0. 45, p = 0.00021 and RMSE = 1.29%) and the bare soil index “BSI” & Normalized difference salinity index “NDSI” (Model-4: R2 = 0.53, p = 0.00015 and RMSE = 1.55%). The validation confirmed the Model-3 results for prediction of soil CaCO3 with R2 and RMSE values of 0.478% and 1.29%, respectively. Future soil monitoring programs might consider the use of remote sensing data for assessing soil salinity and CaCO3 using soil indices results generated from satellite image (i.e., Sentinel-2).

Red Cell Alloimmunization in Repeatedly Transfused Sudanese Patients with leukemia in Northern Sudan.

Leukemia frequently causes anemia; thus patients need products containing normal blood or RBCs for treatment. Anti-red blood cell alloantibody formation is still a critical challenge in transfusion. The current study aimed to investigate RBC alloantibodies in Sudanese leukemia patients who receive multiple blood transfusions at the cancer center in Dongola and Maroyee, Northern Sudan. At the Northern State oncology center in Dongola and Maroyee, Sudan, an across-sectional descriptive study design was used. In this study, 100 leukemic patients who had received blood transfusions three times or more were enrolled. From each participant, Peripheral blood was drawn in amounts of 3 ml in EDTA vacutainer tubes for ABO blood group and Rh factor testing and 3 ml in non-additive containers for antibody screening and Alloantibody identification. All individuals' ABO blood groups and Rh factors were determined using the slide method. Indirect Coombs test apply to detect alloantibodies by Polly Specific antihuman globulin reagents using tube method techniques. Alloantibody identification was performed by DiaMed-ID microtyping system. Incidence of alloimmunization was 11%, with 11 alloantibodies found in 11 patients. The most common alloantibody was kell (36.4%), followed by Lea (27.2%; 3/11), then P (18.2%; 2/11) and M (18.2%; 2/11). Anti kell antibody was the most prevalent alloantibody among leukemic patients with multiple transfusions.

History repeats itself: uncovering recurring patterns in Sudanese politics

Following its independence in 1956, Sudan confronted the tasks of constructing a distinct national identity, establishing effective governance and economic systems, and addressing internal ethnic conflicts stemming from the condominium era. In terms of ethnicity, the post-colonial history of Sudan can be segmented into two phases: sectarian politics, primarily observed in northern Sudan from 1956 to 1999, with the south not experiencing sectarianism in the same manner; and ethnic politics prevalent in South Sudan from 1955 to 2011 and in North Sudan from 1999 to the present. However, the postcolonial history of Sudan is actually a replay of a set of patterns that kept governing the politics of the country for centuries.

Perception of Doctors in Breaking Bad News in North Sudan: Are we in the right track?

Background: Bad news is defined as any news that adversely and severely affects an individual's view of his or her future. This study aims to assess doctors' perceptions of breaking bad news in Atbara, Ad-damer, and Alsalam Teaching Hospitals.

Assessment of Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes in Northern Sudan Using Calculated HbA1c.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly burdens health services worldwide. As a simple and cost-effective method, the mathematical calculation of HbA1c is coming to be of value in areas with scarce resources. This study aimed to use calculated HbA1c to ascertain the prevalence of uncontrolled DM and correlate it with the risk factors for DM. In the River Nile State of northern Sudan, a cross-sectional study was conducted in five leading cities from May to August 2021. Patients diagnosed and recorded as having type 2 or type 1 DM were included in this study. Enzymatic methods were used to assess fasting blood glucose (FBG). We used the mean of three FBG readings for three months to calculate HbA1c using the equation {HbA1c = (FBG mg/dl) x 0.03+2.6}, which was used to compute the estimated mediocre blood sugar over the course of three months. A total of 2047 diabetic patients from northern Sudan were studied for their DM control. Nearly two-thirds (65.2%) had uncontrolled DM. Of the patients studied, uncontrolled DM was significantly positivelyassociated with older age, history of ischemic heart disease, and being a housewife. Multivariate regression analysis showed significant correlations between uncontrolled DM, an inactive lifestyle, and obesity. The prevalence of uncontrolled DM among known patients with diabetic in northern Sudan is high (65.2%). The inactive lifestyles of housewives and freelance workers, having type 1 DM, and being hypertensive and obese are risk factors significantly associated with uncontrolled DM and its related complications.

What Is the Evidence for Dietary-Induced DHA Deficiency in Human Brains?

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a major constituent of neural and visual membranes and is required for optimal neural and visual function. DHA is derived from food or by endogenous synthesis from α-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid. Low blood levels of DHA in some westernised populations have led to speculations that child development disorders and various neurological conditions are associated with sub-optimal neural DHA levels, a proposition which has been supported by the supplement industry. This review searched for evidence of deficiency of DHA in human populations, based on elevated levels of the biochemical marker of n-3 deficiency, docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-6). Three scenarios/situations were identified for the insufficient supply of DHA, namely in the brain of new-born infants fed with high-linoleic acid (LA), low-ALA formulas, in cord blood of women at birth who were vegetarians and in the milk of women from North Sudan. Twenty post-mortem brain studies from the developed world from adults with various neurological disorders revealed no evidence of raised levels of 22:5n-6, even in the samples with reduced DHA levels compared with control subjects. Human populations most likely at risk of n-3 deficiency are new-born and weanling infants, children and adolescents in areas of dryland agriculture, in famines, or are refugees, however, these populations have rarely been studied. This is an important topic for future research.

Dying for a Drink on the Meroitic Frontier: Imported Objects in Funerary Assemblages at Faras, Sudanese Nubia

This paper examines the use of imported objects in funerary assemblages at the Meroitic cemetery of Faras in Sudanese Nubia (north Sudan). Excavated at the beginning of the 20th century by Francis Llewellyn Griffith (1862-1934), Faras was situated on the frontier between the Kingdom of Meroë (c.300 BCE – 350 CE) and Ptolemaic-Roman Egypt. Its location granted it access to wide-ranging commercial networks and imported objects were frequently utilised as grave goods. Drawing upon the author’s PhD research, this paper offers a nuanced assessment of how imports were selected and used in funerary practice at Faras. It disputes the traditional idea that the Meroitic frontier functioned as an acculturated buffer of the classical world and demonstrates that, despite centuries of material contact with Egypt, the people of Faras maintained a distinctly Meroitic identity expressed through local mortuary tradition.

Modelling land suitability to evaluate the potential for irrigated agriculture in the Nile region in Sudan

The Nile River serves as a central source of water for around 487 million people. Agriculture in the riparian states largely depends on the Nile's water supply due to irrigation. In this study, the potential for irrigated agriculture in Sudan is evaluated to estimate the future increase in water pressure in the region. In geographic information system (GIS) software a model for land suitability analysis (LSA) is developed. Datasets of parameters such as precipitation, temperature, slope, landcover, and selected soil properties represent the prevailing conditions. The resulting maps of the LSA show suitable and not suitable areas for irrigated agriculture. To determine the yearly water demand for irrigated agriculture the suitable areas are offset by the irrigation water demand for mixed cultivation of Faba beans, sorghum, and sugarcane calculated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO) software AquaCrop. It shows that there is great potential for irrigated agriculture, especially in the southeast, where large irrigation schemes already exist. In northern Sudan, not suitable areas accumulate. The calculated irrigation water demand is 33.5 BCM/year, which is 19.5 BCM/year additionally compared to 2017. The estimated irrigation amount shows the importance of collaboration between the countries in the Nile basin to increase the water resources available for irrigation to avoid conflict over resources. The uncontrolled extension of irrigated agriculture in Sudan will increase the pressure on the already scarce water resources in Egypt.

Modelling of Stratified River Bank Erosion Due to Undercutting

Theories of soil mechanics and basic hydraulic relations and principles of loose boundary channel hydraulics were combined and integrated to analyze stratified river bank failure due to undercutting (undermining) of a bottom loose layer. A near bank velocity distribution model was developed from which the boundary shear stress acting on the bank surface was determined. The model allows computation of the eroded soil volume from the bottom loose layer and the lateral undercut distance at any time in the flow hydrograph as long as the induced flow shear stress is greater than the particle critical shear stress resistance to hydraulic entrainment. At failure the size of the failure block and the ultimate critical value of the lateral undercut distance are determined. Therefore the annual rate of bank retreat and bank sediment load contribution can be identified for the reach under consideration. The application of the model to the River Nile hydrograph in Northern Sudan State showed a good agreement with field observations.

“Tuti is Losing its Uniqueness”: Genealogy Documentation of the Maḥas of Tuti Island and the (De)Construction of Belonging

ABSTRACT Tuti Island is a river island located at the junction of the Blue and the White Nile in Greater Khartoum, the capital region of the Sudan. Through the process of documenting their genealogies, some of inhabitants of Tuti Island have constructed a historical narrative about the origins and early settlement of the island and of the Maḥas extended families who live there. For many of the Maḥas of Tuti, documenting their genealogies is a way of overcoming their fear about the island losing its uniqueness, because of urban master plans through which the island is envisioned as a waterfront development. By attaching their families’ histories to the island, they hope to assert their sense of belonging. Moreover, some of the island’s genealogists have traced their genealogical lines as far back as the time before their ancestors migrated from northern Sudan and ended up on Tuti island. The social alienation Maḥas Tuti are experiencing plays a vital role in driving people to attach their genealogies and family histories to Qāmī, the “original” land of the Maḥas of Tuti island and construct an imagined homeland.

DESIGN OF AN ABSORBER PIPE FOR SOLAR TROUGH COLLECTOR

this paper presents a review of the design parameters, mathematical techniques and simulations used in the design of trough solar systems, along with a review on their applications. It deals with the design of an absorber pipe for a solar power plant system with trough collector. The pipe is designed for 1 KW power-generating unit accounting for collector performance and ambient parameters in north Sudan. It was found that the ambient temperature and wind speed have small effects on the output useful heat required in the present design.

Adherence to COVID-19 Vaccine among Health Care Providers in Merowe Hospital in Rural Area at North Sudan

Aim: To assess Adherence to COVID-19 vaccine among health care providers in Merowe hospital.
 Study Design: Across-sectional descriptive study.
 Methodology: Study was carried out among 108 participants; they were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by questionnaire. Data was entered in to SPSS version 25. Analysis was done using frequency tables and cross tabulations, significance was regarded as P ≤ 0.05.
 Results: 52.8% were not vaccinated, while 72.2% from total participants would recommend the covid-19 vaccine to their family, friends and patients and 53.7% said that they had contribution in community campaigns to encourage people to get the vaccine,64.7% of vaccinated participants took the vaccine because they were afraid of occupational hazards, 27.8% their respond about vaccine effect in prevention was negative and a there was a significant association between profession and contribution in community campaign P .value equal 0.035.
 Conclusion: Nearly half of participants (47.2%) were immunized. Getting enough and correct information about the vaccines that are available was the main aspect that could enhancement vaccination uptake. The current analysis offers the authorities profound insights into the anticipated challenges, issues, and potential course of action.