Semi-urban Areas Research Articles

Application of machine learning to assess people's perception of household energy in the developing world: A case of Nepal

Research on social aspects of energy and those applying machine learning (ML) is limited compared to the ‘hard’ disciplines such as science and engineering. We aim to contribute to this niche through this multidisciplinary study integrating energy, social science and ML. Specifically, we aim: (i) to compare the applicability of different ML models in household (HH) energy; and (ii) to explain people's perception of HH energy using the most appropriate model. We carried out cross-sectional survey of 323 HHs in a developing country (Nepal) and extracted 14 predictor variables and one response variable. We tested the performance of seven ML models: K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Extra Trees Classifier (ETC), Random Forest (RF), Ridge Classifier (RC), Multinomial Regression–Logit (MR-L) and Probit (MR-P) in classifying people's responses. The models were evaluated against six metrics (confusion matrix, precision, f1 score, recall, balanced accuracy and overall accuracy). In this study, ETC outperformed all other models demonstrating a balanced accuracy of 0.79, 0.95 and 0.68 respectively for the Agree, Neutral and Disagree response categories. Results showed that, compared to conventional statistical models, data driven ML models are better in classifying people's perceptions. It was seen that the majority of the surveyed people from rural (68%) and semi-urban areas (67%) tend to resist energy changes due to economic constraints and lack of awareness. Interestingly, most (73%) of the urban residents are open to changes, but still resort to fuel-stacking because of distrust in the state. These grass-root level responses have strong policy implications.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanocomposite for fluoride ion removal from aqueous solution.

In India, the problem of fluorosis has arisen in semi-urban and rural areas due to the intake of groundwater. The development and application of zinc oxide nanocomposite recently received a lot of attention for fluoride ion removal. Nanotechnology and nanocomposites are widely used by researchers to treat wastewater and control water pollution. Rice husk is extensively found in rice-producing countries such as India that contributes about twenty-two percent of worldwide rice production. Rice husk is used to synthesize nanocellulose using chemical and mechanical approaches. To increase the effectiveness, nanocellulose was modified and coated with a zinc oxide layer to form nanocomposite by chemical precipitation method. Functional groups and morphological, structural, and surface area analysis were characterized by FTIR, FESEM, XRD, and BET. Results revealed that zinc oxide modification on nanocellulose was observed at 440.29 cm-1 and 616.94 cm-1. Maximum fluoride ion removal was achieved at varied initial ion concentrations 2 ppm (86%), 5 ppm (84%), 8 ppm (82%), 10 ppm (80%), 13 ppm (76%), and 15 ppm (75%) at pH 5 using 0.8 g/50 ml at 30°C in 60 min using zinc oxide nanocomposite in the batch study. The isotherm model's best-fitted order was Langmuir (R2=0.999) > Sips (R2=0.996) > Baudu (R2=0.993) > Fritz-Schluender (R2=0.992) > Freundlich (R2=0.986). A pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2=0.989) fitted well with fluoride ion adsorption data showed chemical adsorption. The thermodynamic study showed the adsorption of fluoride ions due to physical adsorption.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and components in rural, semi-urban and urban areas in the littoral region in Cameroon: impact of physical activity

BackgroundLiving areas in developing countries impact seriously lifestyle by modifying energy consumption and energy expenditure. Thus, urbanization is associated with less practice of physical activity (PA), a leading cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which prevalence vary in African countries. The present study aimed to assess the effect of PA on MetS according to urbanization level in the littoral region, Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in three geographical settings (urban, semi-urban, and rural) in the littoral region in Cameroon. A total of 879 participants were included (urban: 372, semi-urban: 195 and rural: 312). MetS was defined according to the International Federation of Diabetes 2009. The level of PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire.ResultsLow level of PA was (P < 0.0001) reported in urban (54.5%), semi-urban (28.7%) and rural (16.9%) and high level in rural area (77.9%). The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban areas (37.2%), then rural (36.8%) and finally semi-urban (25.9%). Hyperglycemia (p = 0.0110), low HDL-c (p < 0.0001) and high triglyceridemia (p = 0.0068) were most prevalent in urban residents. Participants with low level of PA were at risk of MetS (OR: 1.751, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p = 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.909, 95% CI 1.335–2.731, p = 0.0004) abdominal obesity(OR: 2.007, 95% CI 1.389–2.900, p = 0.0002), low HDL-c (OR: 1.539, 95% CI 1.088–2.179, p = 0.014) and those with moderate level of PA were protected against high blood pressure(OR: 0.452, 95% CI 0.298–0.686, p = 0.0002) and compared to those with high level of PA. Urban dwellers were at the risk of MetS compared to rural residents (OR: 1.708, 95% CI. 1.277–2.285, p = 0.003) and protected against high blood pressure (OR:0.314, 95% CI 0.212–0.466, p < 0.0001), abdominal obesity (OR: 0.570, 95% CI 0.409–0.794, p = 0.0009), and low HDL-c (OR: 0.725, 95% CI 0.534–0.983, p = 0.038) compared to rural residents.ConclusionsMetS was more prevalent in urban dwellers and was associated with a low level of PA.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Financial Performance of Indian Public Sector Banks

Recently, the government consolidated numerous public sector banks. The basis for conducting this study is this. This article's goal is to pinpoint the variables that influence public sector bank performance in India as well as the connections between those variables and the performance of particular banks operated by the government. In this article, we will examine the financial information from all public sector commercial banks over an 11-year period (from 2009 to 2019). Both the system generalised method of moments (GMM) analysis and the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) have been used to analyse the effects of determinants on public sector bank performance assessment.. CAMEL, which stands for Capital Adequacy, Assets Quality, Management Efficiency, Earning, and Liquidity, has been used to assess performance. Several public sector banks have lately been consolidated by the government. The basis for conducting this study is this. This article's goal is to identify the variables that determine Indian public sector banks' performance as well as the connections between those variables and performance. In this study, we will examine the financial data from all public sector commercial banks over an 11-year period (from 2009 to 2019). Both the system generalised method of moments (GMM) analysis and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) have been employed to assess the influence of determinants on the performance measurement of public sector banks Performance has been assessed using the CAMEL framework, which stands for Capital Adequacy, Assets Quality, Management Efficiency, Earnings, and Liquidity. This framework is widely used to evaluate the financial system in India. For a number of reasons, the financial health of public sector banks (PSBs) is crucial.First and foremost, PSBs are essential in delivering financial services to the general population, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where private banks might not be present. Therefore, the availability of financial services to a wide portion of the public has a direct impact on their financial health.Second, PSBs frequently serve as the primary lenders to important economic sectors like infrastructure, SMEs, and agriculture. As a result, their financial performance may have a big impact on how these industries grow and develop. Thirdly, PSBs frequently have government ownership and are subject to public scrutiny. As a result, one key indicator of their efficiency is their financial performance. Alternate Parameters taken as SBI, BOB, PNB, BOI, CANARA. Evaluation Parameter taken as The following financial performance indicators have been considered: net profit margin%, return on assets%, return on net worth%, interest income to total assets%, interest expenses to total assets%, and operating expenses to total. In August 2015, a target was set for PSBs to raise $110,000 crore from the markets by the years 2018-19. However, compared to this target, only Rs. 7,726 crore was raised between January 2015 and March 2017. Given the CCEA's assurance to prevent an excessive influx of banking equity issues in the market simultaneously, it appears impossible to achieve this goal by March 2019.DFS decided that additional capital injections will only be granted if specific PSBs met the performance standards stated in the MoUs with those PSBs (signed in February/March 2012). However, in practice, this was not done. According to Audit Report No. 28 of 2017 55, the MoU targets for some metrics decreased year over year while no specific targets were specified for others.

A Community Based Study to Find Out the Profile, Risk Factors and Outcome of People Affected With COVID-19 at Semi Urban Area of Kudi, Jodhpur, and Rajasthan

A Community Based Study to Find Out the Profile, Risk Factors and Outcome of People Affected With COVID-19 at Semi Urban Area of Kudi, Jodhpur, and Rajasthan

Food insecurity and levels of marginalization: food accessibility, consumption and concern in Mexico

BackgroundFood insecurity continues to be a problem throughout the world. When estimating food insecurity, few studies analyze the contexts where the phenomenon takes place. By bearing in mind levels of marginalization in four states of Mexico, this paper answers two questions: (I) What problems are experienced with access to food, and how these difficulties affect the amount of food consumed in households? and (II) How do households experience the concern of running out of food?MethodsOur qualitative study draws data from urban and semi-urban areas of four Mexican states: Mexico City, Tamaulipas, the State of Mexico, and Oaxaca. Each state presents different levels of well-being. The study’s participants are selected using the snowball method. Eligibility criteria are based on demographic characteristics such as education, age, and gender. A thematic analytical approach is conducted to analyze collected data from a total of 212 semi-structured interviews.ResultsThe study’s findings indicate that concern of food scarcity is a generalized feeling among participants across different levels of marginalization. Individuals with stable jobs living in contexts of low levels of marginalization experience worriedness when their budgets tightened before the end of the payday, a bi-weekly payment format, named the quincena in México. This psychological state of mind changes through the payday cycle, a period when the direct relationship between food accessibility and consumption weakens. In response, individuals develop strategies to cope with the uncertainty of experiencing food insecurity, such as rationing food portions and/or hoarding food supplies. Even when food accessibility exists, interviewees identify insufficient income as the primary issue in contexts of low and very low levels of marginalization.ConclusionsConclusive remarks drawn from our analysis underline the importance of the context of marginalization in influencing households’ experiences with food insecurity. At the quincena’s end, food insecurity increases, even in contexts of very low marginalization. Our study calls for rethinking the scales employed to measure food insecurity, specifically the questions related to fear of food scarcity. Coping strategies are implemented by surveyed individuals to resolve issues and repercussions that emerge from experiencing food insecurity differ by context of marginalization.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive and negative groups in some selected semi-urban areas in Nasarawa state, Nigeria

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and negative groups. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in four semi-urban areas in Nasarawa State. The study enrolled 422 participants. Stool samples were collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Blood sample was collected to investigate for HIV infection. Results: The overall prevalence of intestinal infections among HIV-positive individuals was 37.7% (78/207). For geohelminth infections, HIV-positive individuals were more commonly infected by hookworm at a rate of 9.7% (20/207). For Protozoa infections, HIV-positive groups were identified more with Giardia lamblia, at a rate of 8.2% (17/207). The binary logistic regression showed that factors significantly associated with parasite infections among HIV-positive individuals included being under 43 years of age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.192, confidence interval [CI]: 0.082, 3.736) and subjects with diarrhea (OR = 1.521, CI: 0.112, 2.891) for geohelminth parasite. While in the case of Protozoa infections, parasitic infections are higher among study subjects with diarrhea (OR = 1.767, CI: 0.111, 3.009). Conclusion: HIV-positive individuals are more susceptible to coinfections with hookworm (geohelminth) and G. lamblia (Protozoa), which are more prevalent among those with poor personal hygiene habits. This indicates a need for an integrated approach to hygiene promotion, surveillance, and treatment.

Childhood Tetanus Complicating Snakebite: A Case Report From a Semi-urban Area, Northwestern Nigeria

Childhood Tetanus Complicating Snakebite: A Case Report From a Semi-urban Area, Northwestern Nigeria

War and Health Care Services Utilization for Chronic Diseases in Rural and Semiurban Areas of Tigray, Ethiopia

The war in Tigray, Ethiopia, has disrupted the health care system of the region. However, its association with health care services disruption for chronic diseases has not been well documented. To assess the association of the war with the utilization of health care services for patients with chronic diseases. Of 135 primary health care facilities, a registry-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 44 rural and semiurban facilities of Tigray. Data on health services utilization were extracted for patients with tuberculosis, HIV, diabetes, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders in the prewar period (September 1, to October 31, 2020) and during the first phase of the war period (November 4, 2020, to June 30, 2021). Records on the number of follow-up, laboratory tests, and patients undergoing treatment of the aforementioned chronic diseases were counted during the prewar and war periods. Of 4645 records of patients with chronic diseases undergoing treatment during the prewar period, 998 records (21%) indicated having treatment during the war period. Compared with the prewar period, 59 of 180 individuals (33%; 95% CI, 26%-40%) had tuberculosis, 522 of 2211 (24%; 95% CI, 22%-26%) had HIV, 228 of 1195 (19%; 95% CI, 17%-21%) had hypertension, 123 of 632 (20%; 95% CI, 16%-22%) had psychiatric disorders, and 66 of 427 (15%; 95% CI, 12%-18%) had type 2 diabetes records, which revealed continued treatment during the war period. Of 174 records of patients with type 1 diabetes in the prewar period, at 2 to 3 months into the war, the numbers dropped to 10 with 94% decline compared with prewar observations. This study found that the war in Tigray has resulted in critical health care service disruption and high loss to follow-up for patients with chronic disease, likely leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Local, national, and global policymakers must understand the extent and impact of the service disruption and urge their efforts toward restoration of those services.

The Pathways study: a cohort study of new food-aid users in rural, semi urban, and urban areas of Quebec, Canada

BackgroundWhile considerable research has been conducted on household food insecurity (HFI), little research has examined the effects of food donation programs on users’ living conditions. The Pathways study was established to investigate the long-term effects of food donation programs on food insecurity as well as other critical outcomes, such as diet, health, and social support. Herein, we describe the design of the Pathways Study and the participants’ characteristics at baseline.MethodsThe Pathways study is a prospective cohort study of 1001 food-aid users in Quebec (Canada). We recruited newly registered users of food donation programs from 106 community-based food-aid organizations that partnered with the study. Baseline data were collected through face-to-face interviews from September 2018 to January 2020, with planned follow-up interviews at 12 and 24 months after enrollment. Household food insecurity, diet, food competencies, food shopping behaviors, perceived food environment, health status, social support and isolation, sociodemographic characteristics, housing conditions, negative life events, and the impacts of COVID-19 were assessed with validated questionnaires.ResultsThe cohort included 1001 participants living in rural (n = 181), semi-urban (n = 250), and urban areas (n = 570). Overall, household food insecurity was reported as severe among 46.2% and moderate in 36.9% of participants. Severe household food insecurity was more prevalent in rural (51.4%) and urban (47.8%) areas compared to semi-urban (39%) areas. Overall, 76.1% of participants reported an annual income below C$20,000. Half (52%) had low education levels (high school or lower), 22.0% lived in single-parent households, and 52.1% lived alone. Most (62.9%) experienced at least one major financial crisis in the preceding year.ConclusionsResults show that newly registered users of food donation programs often have low-income and severe food insecurity, with major differences across geographical locations. The Pathways study is the first study designed to follow, over a 2-year period, a cohort of newly registered users of food donation programs and to quantify their trajectories of service use. Findings from the Pathways study might help adapt the community response to the strategies used by food-insecure households to feed themselves.

Analysing Competencies of Health Care Workers of Private Multispecialty Hospital toward Responsibility of Job the Training Need Analysis Approach

The healthcare and hospital industry in India has grown rapidly. People are conscious about their health and well-being. Multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals have been established in many urban and semi-urban areas of our country. Several and super hospitals offer quality medical and technological services. There is no doubt that these hospitals have highly qualified doctors, but the support staff has been neglected. Nursing plays a key role in this hospital industry. The need for training, which is the skills of the employee and the required training skills, has never been evaluated for nursing staff. A Training Needs Analysis (TNA) is a job needs analysis that aims to identify which training needs are truly a priority. Roles and responsibilities must be considered when assessing these training needs. Communicating these needs helps the organization use resources effectively and efficiently. It also helps to avoid unnecessary exercise. Analysis of training needs can also mean a systematic and comprehensive study of various problems to accurately identify the dimensions of any organizational problem. Therefore, the organization will determine whether the problem will be solved through a training program or in some other way. Organizational problems refer to a lack of skills or knowledge when normal results cannot be achieved; the above explanation explains the difference between real and situational performance.

INDIAN NORTHERN REGION OLD HERITAGE HAND EMBROIDERY MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES

The embroidery handicrafts of a country reflect its rich cultural and artistic history and are an important part of that country's economy. Embroidery Handicraft: Artists and craftspeople use a variety of methods and beautiful, colorful designs to create the most interesting of art. In rural and semi-urban areas, the embroidery craft employs a large number of artisans. It also contributes to the preservation of culture. Handicrafts are essential to the preservation of a country's cultural identity, and can also be viewed as works of art in their own right. These works of art are often viewed as pieces of nostalgia, providing a connection to the past that can be shared by those who appreciate and admire them. Every state in India has its own textile handicraft. In this paper, only the ancient textile embroidery of the Northern Region has been discussed, in which the history of embroidery, the craftsmen who make it, the fabric, the color of the thread, and the motifs have been told. The Northern Region's ancient textile embroidery is, Kashidkari from Jammu and Kashmir, Chambal Rumal from Himachal Pradesh, Phulkari from Punjab, and Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh. These embroidery pieces are also very expensive because they are only made by skilled artisans. In addition to being expensive, these embroidered items are also labour intensive and time consuming.

Assessing spatiotemporal patterns of mesocarnivores along an urban‐to‐rural gradient

AbstractRapid increases in human development and activity are affecting the spatial and temporal dynamics of mammalian mesocarnivore communities. We used 40 motion‐sensitive cameras along an urban‐to‐rural gradient, and single‐season occupancy models, to evaluate the habitat use of a local mesocarnivore guild (coyote [Canis latrans], bobcat [Lynx rufus], red fox [Vulpes vulpes], gray fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus], and raccoon [Procyon lotor]) near Newburgh, New York, USA, during May–September 2021. Additionally, we fit circular kernel density estimations to assess how mesocarnivores may alter their diel and nocturnal activity patterns in response to human development. Red foxes were positively associated with urban areas and were also significantly more active at night in semiurban areas versus rural and urban locations. Coyotes demonstrated some adaptability to urban areas, being generally more nocturnal as urbanization increased but were also more likely to use higher elevation sites and areas with more natural habitat cover. We did not find support for a spatial shield hypothesis, as red foxes and raccoons were often detected in the same semiurban and urban sites as coyotes. Bobcats generally avoided human‐dominated areas, whereas raccoons were ubiquitous throughout the gradient and exhibited similar daily and nocturnal activity levels in all land cover types. Overall, our results document how anthropogenic disturbance may alter mesocarnivore community structure and landscape use, providing information for managing urban carnivore populations and mitigating human–wildlife conflict, particularly at the local scale.

Rural Entrepreneurship through Vermicomposting – Case Studies

Solid waste management continue to be a major challenge and permanent problem of urban as well as semi-urban areas of the country. A number of initiatives have been taken by several public and private sector organizations to overcome this serious problem. One such initiative taken at the Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV), Haridwar has successfully turned the bio-degradable part of the solid waste into a thriving and profitable enterprise. DSVV has transferred this technology to a number of entrepreneurs through their on-going capacity development programmes for rural development and organic farming. The paper describes how DSVV continue to manage its solid waste of over 5 MT generated daily in the Campus as well as that of Shantikunj by converting it into valuable vermicompost and handmade paper, after segregation, and thus helping DSVV as well as Shantikunj to become completely organic in managing their total area of over 200 acres lush green campus. The paper also describes how rural entrepreneurship training on vermicomposting at DSVV has helped three entrepreneurs, besides many, to develop large commercial vermicompost units with attractive returns. The paper also highlight potential of vermicomposting in solid waste management, employment generation and organic farming with least damage to environment.

A randomized controlled trial evaluating a theory driven, complex intervention centered on task sharing and mobile health to improve selfcare and outcomes in heart failure – The PANACEA-HF RCT: Design and rationale

BackgroundWe developed a three-pronged complex intervention to improve selfcare and deliver whole person care for patients with heart failure, underpinned by the ‘extant cycle’ theory – a theory based on our formative work. MethodsThis is a 3 centre, 2-arm, 1:1, open, adaptive stratified, randomized controlled trial. We included patients aged ≥ 18 years with heart failure, taking any of the key guideline directed medical treatments, with a history of or currently on a high ceiling diuretic. We excluded end stage renal disease, clinically diagnosed severe mental illness or cognitive dysfunction and having no caregivers. Interventions included, (i) trained hospital based lay health worker mediated assessment of patients' current selfcare behaviour, documenting barriers and facilitators and implementing a plan to ‘transition’ the patient toward optimal selfcare. (ii) m-health mediated remote monitoring and (iii) dose optimization through a ‘physician supervisor’. ResultsWe recruited 301 patients between Jan 2021 and Jan 2022. Mean age was 59.8 (±11.7) years, with 195 (64.8 %) from rural or semi-urban areas and 67.1 % having intermediate to low health literacy. 190 (63.1 %) had an underlying ischemic cardiomyopathy. In the intervention arm, 142 (94.1 %) had a Selfcare in Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) score of ≤70, with significant barriers being ‘lack of knowledge’ 105 (34.5 %) and ‘behavioural passivity’ 23 (7.5 %). ConclusionThis is the first South Asian trial evaluating a complex intervention underpinned by behaviour change theory for whole person heart failure care. These learnings can be applied to heart failure patient care in other resource constrained health systems.

Prevalence and associated factors of school re-entry among teenage mothers in Ghana’s Volta Region: a cross-sectional survey

ABSTRACT This study examines the determinants of school re-entry among teenage mothers in the Ho and Hohoe Municipalities of the Volta Region, Ghana. These districts were selected based on their high prevalence of teenage pregnancy, their representation of urban and semi-urban areas, and the lack of existing research on the topic. Data were collected from 220 teenage mothers through a cross-sectional survey. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to estimate the factors associated with school re-engagement. Results show that 31.8% of the respondents had re-engaged in school, while 70% expressed a willingness to do so. Socioeconomic status, academic performance before pregnancy, parental support, external support, and family history of teenage pregnancy were identified as significant factors influencing school re-engagement. These findings highlight the importance of addressing socioeconomic barriers, strengthening parental and external support systems, and providing the necessary resources to facilitate the re-entry of teenage mothers into the education system.

Modeling the dengue risk in Sri Lanka

Dengue fever is a viral infection that spreads from infected mosquitoes to humans. This is a leading cause for most of the deaths in the tropical and subtropical areas around the globe. Dengue virus spread has risen largely in urban and semi-urban areas. This has become a main public health concern problem in the world. Dengue virus was discovered in early 1950s in Sri Lanka. Country experienced several outbreaks of dengue until the disease became endemic in 1989. In the early stages dengue was considered as a sporadic disease. Most of the dengue patients were found in Colombo. The human population was high in Colombo at that time. The number of infected patients exponentially increased in the year 1989. This happens in a severe form. The highest incident was informed in the year 2017. It was reported as 186,101 patients and 440 deaths [3]. The majority of reported from Colombo and Gampaha districts [3]. Gampaha is another district with a higher human population. Now, dengue is one of the noticeable among epidemic diseases in find in children and adults admitted to hospitals. Rapid urbanization is one of the key reasons that worsens dengue disease. Dengue has become significantly noticeable in other districts in Sri Lanka.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Greece and Cyprus during the Pandemic.

Despite the rigorous investigation of the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy and refusal during the COVID-19 pandemic, the socioeconomic determinants of this phenomenon remain poorly investigated on a global scale. Following proportional quota sampling, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study. We recruited participants on-site and online from different settings, regions, and socioeconomic strata in two Eastern Mediterranean populations, Greece and Cyprus. Our approach provided a nationwide sample (n = 576) approaching the adult population structure of the two countries, with a slight underrepresentation of men and older people. Our results indicate clear socioeconomic differences in vaccine hesitancy and vaccination coverage, consistent with wider social inequalities in health. In particular, we reveal a clear socioeconomic gradient characterized by lower vaccine hesitancy and higher vaccination coverage, with increasing educational attainment and income. Additionally, participants residing in semi-urban areas show higher vaccine hesitancy and have lower vaccination coverage than those residing in urban and rural areas. Our results could inform Public Health approaches aiming to tackle the alarming phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy by enabling the targeting of population groups who are particularly vaccine-hesitant, rendering such approaches more targeted and effective while at the same time reducing inequalities in the control and prevention of infectious diseases.

Factors Associated With Atopic Dermatitis In Elementary School Children In Suburban Area In Indonesia: Original Research

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;: There was limited data of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) prevalence and its associated factors in Indonesia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the AD prevalence and factors associated with AD in elementary school children in suburban area in Banten.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 3 elementary schools children age 6–7 years old who were randomly selected. Information was obtained through an Indonesian version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire (ISAAC).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;: From 304 school children in semi-urban area, AD was reported as ever had an itchy rash which was reccurent for at least 6 months in 17.4% of the children, 19.5% of the children had this itchy rash at any time in the past 12 months, and 11.4 % reported doctor-diagnosed AD. The factors found to be associated with an increased risk of AD were allergic rhinitis (OR 2.151 CI: 1.086-4.261), history of premature birth (&amp;lt;37 weeks) (OR 5.306, CI:1.577-17.858), exclusive breastfeeding (OR 3.126 CI:1.314-7.439), and food allergy (OR 2.912 CI:1.386-6.119).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: The results of this study showed that allergic rhinitis, history of premature birth (&amp;lt;37 weeks), exclusive breastfeeding, and food allergy were factors associated with AD in Indonesian schoolchildren. &lt;/p&gt;

Soursop botany, chemical composition and medicinal prospects: a concise review

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) belongs to the family Annonaceae and is reported to have the largest fruit in the genus, Annona. It is best known as “sawasop” in Nigerian vernacular. It is a fruit tree that was in almost every home garden in time past. The need for space, urbanization, inadequate knowledge about the fruit tree potentials, economic relevance and/or preference, has led to its fast eroding out of the urban and semi-urban areas, with relatively fewer stands, compared to decades ago.Soursop has been reported to originate from the American tropics but has been successfully introduced and domesticated around the world. Several past and current researches have been aimed at revealing the medicinal potential and other properties of soursop. Hitherto, the reported ethnomedicinal properties of soursop include but not restricted to analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, antiulcer, antiviral, anti-arthritic, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, anti-rheumatic, anti-stress, immune enhancing, as well as wound healing capacity. This review highlights a brief description of the botany, chemical composition and the burgeoning need for the utilization of soursop based on its inherent medicinal properties.