Semi-urban Zones Research Articles

Insights into polybrominated diphenyl ethers: occurrence, sources, and exposure health risk in selected solid waste impacted soils

<p>The Coordinated management of solid waste dumps from different anthropogenic environments is important for pollution management of immediate and adjacent ecosystems. This study took three soil profile samples from three functional zones: the rural, the suburban, and the urban solid waste dumps. The samples were analyzed for the concentration, origin, and associated risks of thirty-nine Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (Ʃ39PBDEs). Σ39PBDEs demonstrated high concentrations and ranged from 0.12 to 119 ng g−1 dw, in the order of rural > suburban > urban, and topsoil > subsoil > bottom soil. BDE-10, -11, -13, -15, -17, -99 and -119 showed relative abundance. Penta-BDE was moderately above standard and screening levels and demonstrated high and medium ecological risk in the rural and semi-urban zones. The non-carcinogenic and cancer risks highlight onsite exposure risks. PCA evaluation depicts an abundance of persistent and toxic flame retardant additives, and cluster analysis showed PBDEs were from a common source—cancer and hazard index exposure risk depicted rural > suburban > urban zone. The results suggested the continual use of banned flame retardant additives in commercial formulations. A comparison of PBDE implied that PBDEs in the suburban and urban zones could have undergone environmental processes, and the rural zone received fresh deposition. Migration and exposure to the detected -BDEs may increase the risk to humans in these zones. The results highlighted the need to establish a standard management protocol and monitor legacy pollutants in environmental and biological samples around solid waste dump sites and similar catchments.</p>

Spatial distribution of lower intertidal decapods on the northern Patagonian coast (Pelluhuín beach, Puerto Montt, 41°29′S, Chile)

Abstract The decapod fauna of Chile’s intertidal shores in inner seas south of 40°S has relatively low diversity because of the presence of low-salinity waters due to river inputs and glacial smelts; nevertheless it is possible that the same decapods species are found as on the northern and central Chilean coast. The aim of the present study was to determine the spatial distribution patterns of lower intertidal decapods on Pelluhuín beach, a small beach south of Puerto Montt, northern Patagonia. Data were obtained by counting individuals from random quadrants in intertidal zones; to the obtained data the variance/mean ratio was applied to determine if the specimens have a random, aggregate or uniform distribution, which are associated with Poisson, negative binomial or positive binomial distributions respectively. Among four of the species observed, a uniform distribution (positive binomial) was reported, and one had an aggregated pattern (negative binomial). The sites correspond to rocky shores in semi-urban zones, and in a protected zone. Our results on the interpretative probabilistic models of aggregated distribution patterns agree with previously reported observations of decapods on the rocky shores of Northern and Central Chile, specifically in interpretative probabilistic models.

Evaluation of the residual efficacy and physical durability of five long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in Senegal

BackgroundThe preventive and curative strategies of malaria are based on promoting the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and treating confirmed cases with artemisinin-based combination therapy. These strategies have led to a sharp decline in the burden of malaria, which remains a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan countries. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the residual efficacy of LLINs recommended by the World Health Organization.MethodsThe study was conducted in six villages in two sites in Senegal located in the Sahelo-Sudanian area of the Thiès region, 70 km from Dakar and in Mbagame, a semi-urban zone in the Senegal River Valley. A census was conducted of all sleeping places in each household to be covered by LLINs. Five brands of LLIN were distributed, and every six months, retention rates, net use, maintenance, physical integrity, insecticide chemical content, and biological efficacy were examined for each type of LLIN.ResultsA total of 3012 LLINs were distributed in 1249 households in both sites, with an average coverage rate of 94% (95% CI 92.68–95.3). After 36 months, the average retention rate was 12.5% and this rate was respectively 20.5%, 15.1%, 10%, 7%, and 3% for Olyset Net®, Dawa Plus® 2.0, PermaNet® 2.0, NetProtect® and Life Net®, respectively. The proportion of LLINs with holes and the average number of holes per mosquito net increased significantly during each follow-up, with a large predominance of size 1 (small) holes for all types of LLINs distributed. During the three-year follow-up, bioassay mortality rates of a susceptible strain of insectary reared Anopheles coluzzii decreased in the following net types: in Dawa Plus® 2.0 (100% to 51.7%), PermaNet® 2.0 (96.6% to 83%), and Olyset Net® (96.6% to 33.3%). Mortality rates remained at 100% in Life Net® over the same time period. After 36 months, the average insecticide content per brand of LLIN decreased by 40.9% for Dawa Plus® 2.0, 31% for PermaNet® 2.0, 39.6% for NetProtect® and 51.9% for Olyset Net® and 40.1% for Life Net.ConclusionsAlthough some net types retained sufficient insecticidal activity, based on all durability parameters measured, none of the net types survived longer than 2 years.

Beehive wind turbine: A new design for electric power generation in urban and semi-urban zones

A new wind turbine design for domestic use in urban and semi-urban areas has been studied to examine their implementation and efficiency. In this work, the development of a wind turbine, based on the beehive shape is proposed for possible domestic implementation in urban and semi-urban zones. A first prototype is presented and results of testing it in a mobile assembly are reported. The wind turbine was designed using CAD and to compute the air flow pressure distribution on the blades and assess the mechanical response of the turbine, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and static structural simulations were performed. The CFD results showed pressure on all the wind turbine blades and a small pressure increase in the cavities generated by the beehive arrangement. On the other hand, the prototype was manufactured using a 3D printer and tested under working conditions on a mobile assembly in urban and semi-urban routes (freeway and highway, respectively). The revolutions per minute of the turbine and the relative wind velocity were measured and employed for structural simulations. The results demonstrated that the proposed beehive wind turbine is able to operate on urban and semi-urban areas. [Formula: see text]

Studies of Atmospheric PM2.5 and its Inorganic Water Soluble Ions and Trace Elements around Southeast Asia: a Review

Air pollution is a worldwide issue that is mainly caused from excessive inhalation of hazardous PM2.5 pollutant that is emitted into the air. The objective of this study is to assess the fundamental knowledge revolving PM2.5 (particles aerodynamic diameter of lower than or equal to 2.5 μm) and its inorganic composition in ambient air of urban areas, mainly in Malaysia in comparison to other Southeast Asia countries. This research also investigates the theory of particle number concentration (PNC) with PM2.5, also the health effects and origins of the emissions. The factors affecting the PM2.5 mass include the local emission, El Nino phenomenon, land, meteorological effects, monsoons, rainfall events, sea breeze, transboundary pollution and seasonal changes. 24 h mean PM2.5 mass concentration for metropolitan regions in the SEA is in the range of 11 μgm−3 and 72.3 μgm−3, while between 5.30 μgm−3 and 55.89 μgm−3 for semi-urban zones. For rural area, the 24 h mean PM2.5 value is about 30 μgm−3. The findings indicate that metals in PM2.5 emission are frequently Pb, Se, Zn, Cd, As, Bi, Ba, Cu, Rb, V, Ni, Fe, Ca, Mn, Cr, Al, Si and K, where Zn has the uppermost range of 133.50 to 419.30 ngm−3 while the major water-soluble ions exist are NH4+, K+, Ca2+, Na+, in which Na+, NH4+ and Cl- are present in aged sea salt and mixed industrial, Ca2+ and Mg2+ present in mineral dust, NH4+, K+ and SO42− present in mixture of SIA and biomass burning. There is a high correlation between the particle mass concentration and PNC level, especially the ones in accumulation mode (PNC0.1–1.0) which are mostly originated from the emission of heavy traffic streets.

CATASTROPHIC SHIFT OF OBESITY IN THREE ZONES OF SUB-HIMALAYAN REGION, INDIA, AND ITS CORELATION WITH THE DIETARY INTAKE

Objective: The objective is to study the prevalence of obesity and overweight in three zones of sub-Himalayan Region and its corelation with the dietary intake.Methods: A survey was conducted in three zones of Uttrakhand (Dehradun, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi), India, representing the urban, semi-urban, and rural village population (18–45 years) of the state. For the study, 100 adults were selected from each of the 3 zones, respectively, to make a total sample size of 300 adults using purposive random sampling.Results: The high prevalence obesity and overweight occur among urban zone (Dehradun), followed by semi-urban zone, Rudraprayag, district of Uttrakhand. In Dehradun, 6.1% of males and 29.4% of females were obese, whereas 62.1% males and 58.8% of females were overweight. In Rudraprayag, 13.6% of males and 14.6% of females were obese, whereas 35.6% of males and 39% of females were overweight. In rural zone (Uttarkashi), there were no cases of obesity among both males and females.Conclusion: A high prevalence rate of obesity was depicted in the urban zone of Uttrakhand region. Urbanization seems to have a positive significant impact on the prevalence of obesity with women being at greater risk.

Terrestrial Snail Fauna and Associated Helminth Parasites in a Tropical Semi-Urban Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria

Terrestrial Snail Fauna and Associated Helminth Parasites in a Tropical Semi-Urban Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria

Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) infected with the American-Asian genotype of dengue type 2 virus in Medellín suggests its possible role as vector of dengue fever in Colombia.

Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are recognized vectors of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika arboviruses in several countries worldwide. In Colombia, Ae. albopictus geographical distribution has increased to include highly populated cities such as Cali and Medellín. Although this species has been frequently found in urban and semi-urban zones in the country, its role as vector of the dengue fever is poorly known. To identify the presence of Ae. albopictus specimens naturally infected with dengue virus collected in Medellín. Insects were collected in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia campus in Medellín. Individuals were classified as Ae. albopictus and confirmed by DNA barcode region analysis. Mosquitoes were processed for dengue virus identification, and a fragment of the NS3 gen was sequenced and compared with DENV-2 genotypes reported in the literature. Sequence analysis of COI indicated Ae. albopictus individuals were similar to those recently reported in Colombia, and genetically close to those from other regions worldwide. Among the pools tested one was positive for DENV-2, and the NS3 analysis indicated it belonged to the Asian-American clade. We report the presence Ae. albopictus naturally infected with the Asian-American genotype of DENV-2 in Colombia. The presence of Ae. albopictus specimens carrying the most common genotype infecting humans in a highly populated city such as Medellín indicates its potential role as dengue vector in Colombia and highlights the relevance of including it in current vector surveillance strategies.

Infección de Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) con el genotipo asiático-americano del virus del dengue serotipo 2 en Medellín y su posible papel como vector del dengue en Colombia

Introduction: Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are recognized vectors of dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika arboviruses in several countries worldwide. In Colombia, Ae. albopictus geographical distribution has increased to include highly populated cities such as Cali and Medellin. Although this species has been frequently found in urban and semi-urban zones in the country, its role as vector of the dengue fever is poorly known. Objective: To identify the presence of Ae. albopictus specimens naturally infected with dengue virus collected in Medellin. Materials and methods: Insects were collected in the Universidad Nacional de Colombia campus in Medellin. Individuals were classified as Ae. albopictus and confirmed by DNA barcode region analysis. Mosquitoes were processed for dengue virus identification, and a fragment of the NS3 gen was sequenced and compared with DENV-2 genotypes reported in the literature. Results: Sequence analysis of COI indicated Ae. albopictus individuals were similar to those recently reported in Colombia, and genetically close to those from other regions worldwide. Among the pools tested one was positive for DENV-2, and the NS3 analysis indicated it belonged to the Asian-American clade. Conclusion: We report the presence Ae. albopictus naturally infected with the Asian-American genotype of DENV-2 in Colombia. The presence of Ae. albopictus specimens carrying the most common genotype infecting humans in a highly populated city such as Medellin indicates its potential role as dengue vector in Colombia and highlights the relevance of including it in current vector surveillance strategies.

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in an african semi-urban area: Results from a cross-sectional survey in Gueoul, Senegal.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health priority worldwide; however, its prevalence and incidence are difficult to assess. In Africa, few studies have been conducted on the prevalence of CKD. This study sought to describe the epidemiological characteristics and profile of CKD, as well as the related risk factors in Guéoul, a semi-urban zone in Senegal. An observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted in Guéoul city in Senegal from November 1, 2012, to December 10, 2012, according to the WHO STEPS approach. People older than 35 years living in Guéoul city were included in the study. Cardiovascular and renal disease risk factor screening was conducted for this population. Data were analyzed using the 3.5.1 version of Epi Info software. The significance level was a P <0.05. One thousand four hundred and eleven participants with a mean age of 48 ± 12.68 years and a sex ratio of 0.34 were included in the study (359 men/1052 women). The prevalence of renal disease was 36.5%. Sixty-eight people showed proteinuria greater than two cross with urinary dipsticks. Two hundred and six people had a glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min, and among them, 201 were in stage III, two in stage IV, and three in stage V according to the modification of diet in renal disease formula. Ninety-eight participants had morphological abnormalities. Cardiovascular risk factors found among participants with renal disease were obesity (25.2%), hypertension (55.5%), diabetes (2.3%), and renal and metabolic syndrome (32.43%). Those that statistically significantly correlated with renal disease were obesity (P = 0.0001), hypertension (P = 0.0001), and diabetes (P = 0.021). This study assessed the extent of renal disease in the population of Guéoul city. Being aware of the prevalence of CKD in the general population of Senegal is mandatory for defining appropriate strategies for the management of these risk factors and progression of renal diseases.

Anticoncepción de emergencia en estudiantes mexicanos

To evaluate emergency contraception (EC) knowledge and use as well as identify factors associated to correct EC knowledge among public schools students in Morelos, Mexico. Cross-sectional study conducted in 2003-2004 in a sample of 1,550 students (ages 14-24). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated to EC correct knowledge. Among all, 40% were men and 60% women with an average age of 19 years. Sixty percent have heard about EC, nevertheless, only 45% have correct knowledge about it; 3% of sexually active students (43%) reported its use. Factors associated to EC correct knowledge are: being a woman (OR=1.66; CI 1,33, 2,06), being sexually active (OR=1.77; CI 1,43, 2,18), middle income (OR=1.87; CI 1,04, 3,37), living in a semi-urban zone (OR=1.34; CI 1,02, 1,77), drinking alcohol (OR=1.78; CI 1,42, 2,22). In Morelos, adolescents' knowledge of EC is scarce. Specific messages regarding its correct use are necessary.

Spatial Analysis of Agricultural Finance and Microfinance: The Case of India

With 70% of poor Indians working in agriculture, this sector is one of the pillars of the national poverty reduction strategy. Given it represents 20% of GDP and 60% of employment; it is difficult to imagine how India could strive for equitable growth without revitalizing the agricultural sector. Microfinance, defined as the provision of financial services (loans, savings, insurance and money transfers) to people excluded from the banking sector, is often invoked as the solution for financing rural India. But financing of small farms and, more broadly of the agricultural sector, is difficult for numerous reasons. Banking institutions must face a variety of obstacles: insufficient infrastructure resulting in high transaction costs; covariance risks related to climate, price fluctuations and markets; lack of experience in evaluating the value of produce they are asked to finance; low education levels of farmers and farm laborers; and difficulties securing guarantees, to name but a few. Our research addresses the financing of Indian agriculture. It describes the localization and evolution of financing in this sector while attempting to determine the role of microfinance. The objective is to advance knowledge of both agricultural finance and microfinance by integrating the spatial element. Cartographic analysis and symbol maps cross several variables and permit us to better visualize the extremely heterogeneous situation in this country, which concentrates one-sixth of humanity. Our results show that the supply of rural and agricultural finance is subject to considerable territorial inequalities. Supply tends to concentrate in richer regions with two consequences: i) reinforcement of existing territorial inequalities; ii) and the risk of saturation and client overindebtedness. Following the reforms of the banking sector in the 1990's, the Indian bank network contracted, causing a part of the population to see their access to banks cut off. While the liberalization of the sector favored urban and semi-urban zones, agricultural and rural finance have suffered. Even more alarming is that zones already underserved prior to the 1990's reforms seem to be particularly affected by this debancarization phenomenon. Furthermore, the spatial comparison of the supply of microfinance and bank services with agricultural activity shows that microfinance covers very few of the least banked zones in the country.

Conversion of traditional village gardens and new economic strategies of rural households in the area of Bogor, Indonesia

Multistoried village gardens in the vicinity of Bogor (West Java, Indonesia) have long been essential multi-purpose production systems for low-income households. However they are being subjected to important conversion processes linked to socio-economic changes presently found in overcrowded semi-urban zones. Determining factors in their development are a high population increase and the rise of a market economy. Some gardens tend to specialize in commercial growing of fruits or of export crops, others are colonized by houses and associated home-gardens. Traditional gardens gradually lose their earlier ecological and economic features but also become a major asset for the modernization of village economy and society. In addition they bring socio-professional changes to villagers and play a determining role in the search for a new balance in the relationship between cities and villages.