scholarly journals Mycotoxins contamination of market maize and the potential of density sorting in reducing exposure in unregulated food systems in Kenya

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
F.M. Ngure ◽  
C. Ngure ◽  
G. Achieng ◽  
F. Munga ◽  
Z. Moran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Kernel Weight ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Legal Limit ◽  
Heavy Fractions ◽  
Aflatoxin B ◽  
Food Staples

Aflatoxins and fumonisins commonly contaminate key food staples in tropical countries, causing recurring acute and chronic public health problems. The present study was conducted to assess the potential of a simple device designed for density-based sorting of maize for its potential to reduce aflatoxins and fumonisins in diverse samples of naturally contaminated maize. A cross sectional survey was conducted, analysing market maize samples (n=204) from eight counties in Western Kenya. A quarter (25%) of the maize samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 above the legal limit of 5 μg/kg and nearly half (48%) were contaminated with fumonisins at levels above the legal limit of 2 μg/g. Analysis of additional samples (n=24) from Meru County showed that contamination of maize with the two toxins was also common in Eastern Kenya. A simple density sorter was used to separate grain samples into heavy and light fractions. With an out-sort rate of 31%, density sorting was effective in separating maize by bulk density and 100-kernel weight (P<0.001). Bulk density was negatively correlated with aflatoxins in unsorted (r=-0.20, P<0.01) and heavy fractions (r=-0.32, P<0.01). Density sorting was effective at reducing fumonisins; for maize samples with >1 μg/g, the heavy (accepted) fraction had 66% lower fumonisins than the unsorted maize. After density sorting, the light and heavy fractions fumonisin levels differed by an average of 8.38 μg/g (P<0.001). However, sorting was not effective at significantly reducing aflatoxin levels in maize that was highly contaminated. A simple density sorting equipment that could be adopted by local small-scale millers has potential to reduce fumonisins in maize. Additional and complementary sorting technologies, such as size screening and spectral sorting might improve the effectiveness of reducing aflatoxins in maize.

Distance to slaughter, markets and feed sources used by small-scale food animal operations in the United States

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.L. Beam ◽  
D.D. Thilmany ◽  
R.W. Pritchard ◽  
L.P. Garber ◽  
D.C. Van Metre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Direct Marketing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Implications ◽  
Food Animal ◽  
The Us ◽  
Systematic Sample

AbstractDistances to common production and marketing supply chain destinations may vary, and this has economic and animal health implications for small-scale food animal operations. Proximity to these destinations can affect the economic viability and marketing decisions of small-scale operations and may represent significant barriers to sustainability. Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey conducted by the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Animal Health Monitoring System in 2011 using a stratified systematic sample of 16,000 small-scale (gross annual farm sales between US$10,000 and 499,999) operations from all 50 states. A total of 7925 food-animal operations were asked about the farthest one-way distance (in miles) to slaughter facilities, destinations where they sold animals or products, and feed sources. Across all small-scale operations, 95% of operations reported the farthest distance animals or products were transported for sale was 241 km (150 miles) or less. For distance to slaughter facilities, 95% of operations reported the farthest distance was 145 km (90 miles) or less. For feed shipped by a supplier, 95% of operations reported the farthest distance was 322 km (200 miles) or less. The 95th percentile for distance increased as farm sales increased, indicating larger operations were more likely to travel long distances. The results of this study are an important benchmark for understanding the economic and animal health implications of long transportation distances for operations that are small and/or focused on direct marketing.

scholarly journals Neurobehavioural symptoms and acute pesticide poisoning: a cross-sectional study among male pesticide applicators selected from three commercial farming systems in Ethiopia

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beyene Negatu ◽  
Roel Vermeulen ◽  
Yalemtshay Mekonnen ◽  
Hans Kromhout
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Pesticide Exposure ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Pesticide Poisoning ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pesticide Applicators ◽  
Acute Pesticide Poisoning

ObjectiveTo estimate prevalence of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) and its association with neurobehavioural symptoms in Ethiopian pesticide applicators.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional survey among 256 pesticide applicators from small-scale irrigated farms, a large-scale open farm and large-scale greenhouses. APP was ascertained using a modified WHO case definition, and neurobehavioural symptoms were collected with a standardised questionnaire (Q16). Exposure to pesticides was estimated using detailed exposure algorithms specifically developed for Ethiopian farms. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate risk of APP and its association with neurobehavioural symptoms.ResultsOverall APP prevalence was 16%. Working as an applicator in greenhouses was strongly associated with APP (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.38 to 6.54). Estimated annual pesticide exposure was also associated with APP (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.20). Longer duration of employment appeared to be negatively associated with APP. Having had an APP was strongly associated with reporting more neurobehavioural symptoms (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.58) independent of cumulative pesticide exposure. Cumulative exposure to pesticides appeared to be associated with neurobehavioural symptoms among applicators without and with APP.ConclusionsWe showed a substantial prevalence of APP that differed between farming systems and was strongly associated with neurobehavioural symptoms. Intensity of exposure was also clearly associated with these symptoms. Reduction and control of occupational exposure to pesticides is urgently needed in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals Artificial insemination services under different institutional framework in Bangladesh

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-174
Author(s):  
MM Uddin ◽  
MN Sultana ◽  
GV Huylenbroek ◽  
KJ Peters
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Public ◽  
Small Scale Dairy

The objective of the study was to compare the provision of the existing artificial insemination service delivery system (AI-SDS) among public, private and autonomous institutions to the small-scale dairy farmers in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using a pre-tested and pre-designed questionnaire and face-to-face interview technique. A stratified-purposive sampling technique was applied to select 165 small-scale dairy farmers from four study areas. Descriptive statistics were performed to know the frequency of the provision of AI services. Public services were available in all study areas whereas autonomous services were only delivered in Mymensingh district. The private service was increasing faster than the public and autonomous service. The public service had higher incentives and network coverage compared to private and autonomous services. The results also showed that 50% of the respondent perceived the AI service as “public goods” and showed no willingness to pay (e.g., free of charge for public service). The demand for the services has been increasing but the existing organizations were not able to provide the services especially to the remote areas. From this study, it is recommended that farmers’ needs should be translated in a way that they get access to their required services in a satisfactory manner.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i3.21643 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (3): 166-174

scholarly journals Inequity of healthcare access and use and catastrophic health spending in slum communities: a retrospective, cross-sectional survey in four countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. e007265
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Health Expenditure ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Health Spending ◽  
Catastrophic Health Expenditure ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gini Coefficients ◽  
Country Level

IntroductionTracking the progress of universal health coverage (UHC) is typically at a country level. However, country-averages may mask significant small-scale variation in indicators of access and use, which would have important implications for policy choice to achieve UHC.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cross-sectional household and individual-level survey in seven slum sites across Nigeria, Kenya, Bangladesh and Pakistan. We estimated the adjusted association between household capacity to pay and report healthcare need, use and spending. Catastrophic health expenditure was estimated by five different methods.ResultsWe surveyed 7002 households and 6856 adults. Gini coefficients were wide, ranging from 0.32 to 0.48 across the seven sites. The total spend of the top 10% of households was 4–47 times more per month than the bottom 10%. Households with the highest budgets were: more likely to report needing care (highest vs lowest third of distribution of budgets: +1 to +31 percentage points (pp) across sites), to spend more on healthcare (2.0 to 6.4 times higher), have more inpatient and outpatient visits per year in five sites (1.0 to 3.0 times more frequently), spend more on drugs per visit (1.1 to 2.2 times higher) and were more likely to consult with a doctor (1.0 to 2.4 times higher odds). Better-off households were generally more likely to experience catastrophic health expenditure when calculated according to four methods (−1 to +12 pp), but much less likely using a normative method (−60 to −80 pp).ConclusionsSlums have a very high degree of inequality of household budget that translates into inequities in the access to and use of healthcare. Evaluation of UHC and healthcare access interventions targeting these areas should consider distributional effects, although the standard measures may be unreliable.

scholarly journals State Laws and Regulations Addressing Nurse-Initiated Protocols and Use of Nurse-Initiated Protocols in Emergency Departments: A Mixed-methods Cross-sectional Survey Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Castner ◽  
Lenore Boris
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Emergency Care ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
New York State ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractIntroductionState regulations may impede the use of nurse-initiated protocols to begin life-saving treatments when patients arrive to the emergency department. In crowding and small-scale disaster events, this could translate to life and death practice differences. Nevertheless, research demonstrates nurses do utilize nurse-initiated protocols despite legal prohibitions. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of the state regulatory environment as expressed in nurse practice acts and interpretive statements prohibiting the use of nurse-initiated protocols with hospital use of nurse-initiated protocols in emergency departments.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used with a cross-sectional nationwide survey. The independent variable categorized the location of the hospital in states that have a protocol prohibition. Outcomes included protocols for blood laboratory tests, x-rays, over the counter medication, and electrocardiograms. A second analysis was completed with New York State alone because this state has the strongest language prohibiting nurse-initiated protocols.Results350 surveys from 48 states and the District of Columbia were received. A hospital was more likely to have policies supporting nurse-initiated protocols if they were not in a state with scope of practice prohibitions. Four qualitative categories emerged: advantages, approval, prohibition, and conditions under which protocols can be used. Prohibitive language was associated with less protocol use for emergency care.ConclusionState scope of practice inconsistencies create misalignment with emergency nurse education and training, which may impede timely care and contribute to inequalities and inefficiencies in emergency care. In addition, prohibitive language places practicing nurses responding to emergencies in crowded work environments at risk.

“It’s of no value compared to your value”

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Soodeh Saadati ◽  
Gülşen Musayeva Vefalı
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
No Value ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
British English ◽  
Pragmatic Development ◽  
Efl Learners

Abstract In the present study, we attempt to develop EFL learners’ metapragmatic awareness of English compliments, which still remains an under-researched issue. Initially, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with intermediate-level Iranian EFL learners, Persian and British English native speakers. Although the analysis of the language learners’ realization of compliments and responses to compliments seemed to indicate that their pragmatic development was overall adequate, it also suggested the influence of the native socio-pragmatic schema on their pragmatic performance. We therefore undertook a pragmatic instruction aimed at developing the EFL learners’ metapragmatic awareness of complimenting. The results suggested that through discussion, analysis, small-scale research, and reflections on the native and target pragmalinguistic and socio-pragmatic complimenting conventions the learners were developing metapragmatic awareness. Finally, we make recommendations for more effective pragmatic teaching in EFL contexts.

Household Exposure to Livestock and Health in the CHILILAB HDSS Cohort, Vietnam

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 72S-83S ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinh Dang-Xuan ◽  
Lauren E. MacDonald ◽  
Janna M. Schurer ◽  
Hung Nguyen-Viet ◽  
Phuc Pham-Duc
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Biogas Production ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Household Wealth ◽  
Zoonotic Disease ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Symptoms

In Vietnam, pigs and poultry are predominantly produced by small-scale farmers, creating challenges for zoonotic disease management. The objective of this study was to characterize practices related to livestock and manure management and to measure association with 3 self-reported health symptoms (coughing, fever, and diarrhea/nausea/vomiting) in a region currently undergoing health transitions. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data collected from a subset (N = 5520) of the Chi Linh Health and Demographic Surveillance System cohort in Chi Linh district, Vietnam. Bivariate analyses indicated that female gender was a significant risk factor for all 3 health symptoms, whereas age (≥60 years), suburban living, low education level, and household wealth were risk factors for 2 symptoms. Overall, we found no indication that biogas production or exposure to livestock and manure adversely affected human health. Efforts to control zoonotic disease transmission should prioritize utilization of veterinarians, enhanced farm biosecurity, and improvements to commune drinking water/wastewater infrastructure.

scholarly journals Effect of Entrepreneurial Education on Unemployment Reduction Among Students in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 55-63
Author(s):  
Jacobs Chineze J. ◽  
Ezeokafor Uche R. ◽  
Ekwere Gabriel E.
Keyword(s):  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Business Administration ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Entrepreneurial Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Capital Theory ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
The Government

The study looked at the effect of entrepreneurial education on unemployment reduction among students in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbaria. The problem of the study is as a result of increasing rate of unemployment in Nigeria. The study was anchored on Human Capital Theory and risk taking theory. As a cross-sectional survey research design, a structured instrument of (5) points Likert Scale was developed by the researchers to obtain information from the respondents. The population of the study was limited to final year students of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship Studies Department in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam. The total population was 195. Business administration was 128 while entrepreneurship was 67. The study used convenience sampling technique in selecting the sample size for the study based on convenience and easy accessibility to the respondents. Research hypotheses were tested using Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) which was carried out with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Findings from the study revealed that Skill acquisition has a significant effect on unemployment rate, Entrepreneurship empowerment affects unemployment reduction, Infrastructural development has significant effect on unemployment reduction in Anambra State. The study recommended that entrepreneurial studies be encouraged in tertiary institutions where students are exposed to various entrepreneurial skills development leading to job creation and financial independence after their graduation. In doing this, more jobs will be created and people engaged meaningfully for the good of their family and the society at large. Soft loan should also be made available by the government to encourage the activities of small scale business in Nigeria

scholarly journals Factors influencing agripreneurs’ investment decision and level in clean seed potato enterprises in the highlands of Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (s1) ◽  
pp. 165-174
Author(s):  
R.M. Mutinda ◽  
E.W. Gathungu ◽  
A.M. Kibe ◽  
D.K. Wambua
Keyword(s):  
Seed Potato ◽  
Solanum Tuberosum L ◽  
Investment Decision ◽  
Potato Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Annual Household Income ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clean Seed

High quality seed potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) supply has failed to meet the growing demand estimated at 250,000 metric tonnes from 161,000 ha of ware potato for cultivation by 600,000-800,000 small-scale farmers in Kenya. Increased investments by private seed potato multipliers could alleviate the shortage of seed potato by enhancing availability and accessibility to quality seed, and bridging the supply that currently meets less than 5% of the demand. The objective of this study was to investigate factors that influence agripreneurs’ investment decisions and level of investment in clean seed potato enterprise in the highlands of the Rift Valley, Kenya. The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey of 380 agripreneurs. The Double hurdle (Craggit) model analysis revealed that training, frequency of extension services, family history in seed potato business, years spent in school and selling price, significantly (P<.05) influenced the probability of agripreneurs’ decision to invest in clean seed potato enterprises in the highlands of Kenya. Initial land size put under seed potato production at the commencement of the enterprise, higher annual household income, number of cropping seasons, total land under seed potato and group membership fee also significantly (P <.05) influenced the decision and level of investment in clean seed potato enterprise.

scholarly journals State Laws and Regulations Addressing Nurse-Initiated Protocols and Use of Nurse-Initiated Protocols in Emergency Departments: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 233-243
Author(s):  
Jessica Castner ◽  
Lenore Boris
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Care ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
New York State ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Scope Of Practice ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction State regulations may impede the use of nurse-initiated protocols to begin life-saving treatments when patients arrive to the emergency department. In crowding and small-scale disaster events, this could translate to life and death practice differences. Nevertheless, research demonstrates nurses do utilize nurse-initiated protocols despite legal prohibitions. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of the state regulatory environment as expressed in nurse practice acts and interpretive statements prohibiting the use of nurse-initiated protocols with hospital use of nurse-initiated protocols in emergency departments. Methods A cross-sectional approach was used with a nationwide survey. The independent variable categorized the location of the hospital in states that have a protocol prohibition. Outcomes included protocols for blood laboratory tests, X-rays, over-the-counter medication, and electrocardiograms. A second analysis was completed with New York State alone because this state has the strongest language prohibiting nurse-initiated protocols. Results A total of 350 participants returned surveys from 48 states and the District of Columbia. A hospital was more likely to have policies supporting nurse-initiated protocols if they were not in a state with the scope of practice prohibitions. Four categories emerged such as advantages, approval, prohibition, and conditions under which the protocols can be used. Prohibitive language was associated with less protocol use for emergency care. Conclusion State scope of practice inconsistencies create misalignment with emergency nurse education and training, which may impede timely care and contribute to inequalities and inefficiencies in emergency care. In addition, prohibitive language places practicing nurses responding to emergencies in crowded work environments at risk.

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