scholarly journals Harnessing Nutritional Benefits of Spirulina platensis: Standardization of Cultivating Conditions of Spirulina in Kilimanjaro

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 1412-1423
Author(s):  
David O. Nyakundi ◽  
Phocus Cleophas
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Spirulina Platensis ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
World Health ◽  
Filamentous Cyanobacterium ◽  
Partial Shading ◽  
Mixing Frequency ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Nutritional Benefits

Malnutrition remains a challenge in Tanzania, notwithstanding government initiatives and health education geared towards assuaging the problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there will be more than 600,000 severely malnourished children in Tanzania by the year 2030. In particular, protein based malnutrition remains the greatest challenge due to the irreplaceable nature of its essential amino acids. Macronutrients and micronutrients which are found in Spirulina platensis have been recommended by WHO to address malnutrition in developing countries. Spirulina platensis is a filamentous Cyanobacterium microalgae with the highest recorded protein content of plant origin with several immune boosting nutrients. Spirulina cultivation requires sufficient aeration, proper light intensity and salinity for maximum biomass yield, cell productivity, specific growth rate, and protein content. This paper presents the findings of a study carried out in Kilimanjaro on the optimized conditions, locally and economically tailored approach system required to grow spirulina in the region. The study established the use of food grade organic media with low-cost urea as nitrogen source, a greenhouse average temperature of 30–32 °C in the months between December to March, alkalinity of 5 g/L, mixing frequency of 3 times per day/100 L  and partial shading, as the optimum conditions for outdoor cultivation of spirulina. Keywords: Malnutrition, Spirulina, Protein, growth condition

scholarly journals IoT and Deep Learning Based Approach for Rapid Screening and Face Mask Detection for Infection Spread Control of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3495
Author(s):  
Shabir Hussain ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Muhammad Ayoub ◽  
Akmal Khan ◽  
Rukhshanda Rehman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Screening ◽  
Screening System ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
The Face ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Vaccine Distribution

The spread of COVID-19 has been taken on pandemic magnitudes and has already spread over 200 countries in a few months. In this time of emergency of COVID-19, especially when there is still a need to follow the precautions and developed vaccines are not available to all the developing countries in the first phase of vaccine distribution, the virus is spreading rapidly through direct and indirect contacts. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides the standard recommendations on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the importance of face masks for protection from the virus. The excessive use of manual disinfection systems has also become a source of infection. That is why this research aims to design and develop a low-cost, rapid, scalable, and effective virus spread control and screening system to minimize the chances and risk of spread of COVID-19. We proposed an IoT-based Smart Screening and Disinfection Walkthrough Gate (SSDWG) for all public places entrance. The SSDWG is designed to do rapid screening, including temperature measuring using a contact-free sensor and storing the record of the suspected individual for further control and monitoring. Our proposed IoT-based screening system also implemented real-time deep learning models for face mask detection and classification. This module classified individuals who wear the face mask properly, improperly, and without a face mask using VGG-16, MobileNetV2, Inception v3, ResNet-50, and CNN using a transfer learning approach. We achieved the highest accuracy of 99.81% while using VGG-16 and the second highest accuracy of 99.6% using MobileNetV2 in the mask detection and classification module. We also implemented classification to classify the types of face masks worn by the individuals, either N-95 or surgical masks. We also compared the results of our proposed system with state-of-the-art methods, and we highly suggested that our system could be used to prevent the spread of local transmission and reduce the chances of human carriers of COVID-19.

Development of a polystyrene latex-based reagent for rheumatoid factor detection

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-243
Author(s):  
Grisel Marrero ◽  
Lilian P. Delgado ◽  
Humberto Caroll ◽  
Neise Ortiz ◽  
Alexis Musacchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Factor ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Total Surface Area ◽  
Polystyrene Latex ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Sera ◽  
Reference Preparation ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Blood Fraction

Abstract A rapid, specific and sensible polystyrene latex-based reagent has been developed to detect rheumatoid factor (RF) in human sera. Detection of RF is one of the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. RF includes immunoglobulins IgG, IgM or IgA targeting human-IgG Fc region, found in sera of 70–90% of patients with RA. Spherical, clean polystyrene particles of 480±80 nm with a Z-potential of -28 mV were synthesized. Purified gamma-globulin human blood fraction, used as IgG source, was adsorbed on particles in glycine-buffered saline with a fivefold excess of the immunoglobulins needed to saturate the calculated total surface area of the particles. The reagent was calibrated against the World Health Organization international serum reference preparation and tested with commercial positive and negative RF controls. Reactivity of the developed diagnostic reagent with human sera, either positive or negative for RF, was evaluated. The sera were tested both intact and following complement inactivation. When complement-inactivated sera were used, our reagent showed 100% coincidence of results with a commercial diagnostic kit of specificity of 80% and sensibility of 93%. The in-house reagent developed in the present work is easy to prepare and at relatively low cost, making it ideal for RF detection in low-income settings.

scholarly journals Adaptation and validation for Colombia of the WHO safe childbirth checklist

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-212
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Amaya Arias ◽  
Óscar Zuluaga ◽  
Douglas Idárraga ◽  
Javier Hernando Eslava Schmalbach
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Neonatal Care ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Safe Childbirth Checklist ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Safe Childbirth

Introduction: Most maternal deaths that occur in developing countries are considered unfair and can be avoided. In 2008, The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed a checklist for childbirth care, in order to assess whether a simple, low-cost intervention had an impact on maternal and neonatal mortality in low-income countries. Objective: To translate, adapt and validate the content of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) for its use in Colombia Methods: The checklist was translated and adapted to the Colombian context. It was subsequently validated by a panel of experts composed of 17 health workers with experience in maternal and neonatal care and safety. Reliability among judges was estimated (Rwg) and items were modified or added to each section of the list according to the results. Results: Modifications were made to 28 items, while 19 new items were added, and none was removed. The most important modifications were made to the management guidelines included in each item, and the items added refer to risks inherent to our environment. Conclusion: The Colombian version of the SCC will be a useful tool to improve maternal and neonatal care and thereby contribute to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in our country.

Development of improved low-cost ceramic water filters for viral removal in the Haitian context

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Guerrero-Latorre ◽  
M. Rusiñol ◽  
A. Hundesa ◽  
M. Garcia-Valles ◽  
S. Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
World Health ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Virus Removal ◽  
Ceramic Water Filters ◽  
Removal Efficiencies ◽  
Reductive Atmosphere ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Water Filters

Household-based water treatment (HWT) is increasingly being promoted to improve water quality and, therefore, health status in low-income countries. Ceramic water filters (CWFs) are used in many regions as sustainable HWT and have been proven to meet World Health Organization (WHO) microbiological performance targets for bacterial removal (2–4 log); however, the described viral removal efficiencies are insufficient to significantly reduce the associated risk of viral infection. With the objective of improving the viral removal efficiencies of ceramic water filters, new prototypes with different oxide compositions and firing atmospheres have been developed and evaluated. For removal efficiencies human adenoviruses, MS2 bacteriophage and Escherichia coli were quantified in all prototypes. A new model of CWF that was fired in a reductive atmosphere presented virus and bacteria removal efficiencies greater than 3.0 log and 2.5 log, respectively, which would fulfill the viral targets that are recommended by the WHO. Ceramic characterization of the selected filters, which were fired in a reductive atmosphere, showed that a larger specific surface area than those of control filters and higher fraction of a positive Z-potential fraction are the most likely explanations for this increase in virus removal.

scholarly journals Monitoring and Support for Elderly People Using LoRa Communication Technologies: IoT Concepts and Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 206
Author(s):  
José Paulo Lousado ◽  
Sandra Antunes
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
World Health ◽  
Security Forces ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Health Organization

The pandemic declared by the World Health Organization due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) awakened us to a reality that most of us were previously unaware of—isolation, confinement and the massive use of information and communication technologies, as well as increased knowledge of the difficulties and limitations of their use. This article focuses on the rapid implementation of low-cost technologies, which allow us to answer a fundamental question: how can near real-time monitoring and follow-up of the elderly and their health conditions, as well as their homes, especially for those living in isolated and remote areas, be provided within their care and protect them from risky events? The system proposed here as a proof of concept uses low-cost devices for communication and data processing, supported by Long-Range (LoRa) technology and connection to The Things Network, incorporating various sensors, both personal and in the residence, allowing family members, neighbors and authorized entities, including security forces, to have access to the health condition of system users and the habitability of their homes, as well as their urgent needs, thus evidencing that it is possible, using low-cost systems, to implement sensor networks for monitoring the elderly using the LoRa gateway and other support infrastructures.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of cases of podoconiosis in Ethiopia using geostatistical methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Jorge Cano ◽  
Emanuele Giorgi ◽  
David M. Pigott ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Geostatistical Model ◽  
Geostatistical Methods ◽  
Health Organization

Background: In 2011, the World Health Organization recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases. Nonetheless, the number of people with podoconiosis and the geographical distribution of the disease is poorly understood. Based on a nationwide mapping survey and geostatistical modelling, we predict the prevalence of podoconiosis and estimate the number of cases across Ethiopia. Methods: We used nationwide data collected in Ethiopia between 2008 and 2013. Data were available for 141,238 individuals from 1,442 villages in 775 districts from all nine regional states and two city administrations. We developed a geostatistical model of podoconiosis prevalence among adults (individuals aged 15 years or above), by combining environmental factors. The number of people with podoconiosis was then estimated using a gridded map of adult population density for 2015. Results: Podoconiosis is endemic in 345 districts in Ethiopia: 144 in Oromia, 128 in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s [SNNP], 64 in Amhara, 4 in Benishangul Gumuz, 4 in Tigray and 1 in Somali Regional State. Nationally, our estimates suggest that 1,537,963 adults (95% confidence intervals, 290,923-4,577,031 adults) were living with podoconiosis in 2015. Three regions (SNNP, Oromia and Amhara) contributed 99% of the cases. The highest proportion of individuals with podoconiosis resided in the SNNP (39%), while 32% and 29% of people with podoconiosis resided in Oromia and Amhara Regional States, respectively. Tigray and Benishangul Gumuz Regional States bore lower burdens, and in the remaining regions, podoconiosis was almost non-existent.  Discussion: The estimates of podoconiosis cases presented here based upon the combination of currently available epidemiological data and a robust modelling approach clearly show that podoconiosis is highly endemic in Ethiopia. Given the presence of low cost prevention, and morbidity management and disability prevention services, it is our collective responsibility to scale-up interventions rapidly.

A novel pyrene based highly selective reversible fluorescent-colorimetric sensor for the rapid detection of Cu2+ ions: application in bio-imaging

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1063-1073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupam Ghorai ◽  
Jahangir Mondal ◽  
Amit Kumar Manna ◽  
Shubhamoy Chowdhury ◽  
Goutam K. Patra
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Rapid Detection ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Colorimetric Sensor ◽  
World Health ◽  
Selective Detection ◽  
Imaging Methods ◽  
The World ◽  
Bio Imaging ◽  
Health Organization

A simple, low-cost pyrene derivative containing a benzilmonohydrazone moiety has been exploited for the selective detection of Cu2+ by colorimetric, absorption, emission and bio-imaging methods. The sensitivity of the fluorescence based assay is 7.8 nM for Cu2+, which is far below the limit mentioned in the World Health Organization.

scholarly journals Estimating the number of cases of podoconiosis in Ethiopia using geostatistical methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kebede Deribe ◽  
Jorge Cano ◽  
Emanuele Giorgi ◽  
David M. Pigott ◽  
Nick Golding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Geostatistical Model ◽  
Geostatistical Methods ◽  
Health Organization

Background: In 2011, the World Health Organization recognized podoconiosis as one of the neglected tropical diseases. Nonetheless, the  magnitude of podoconiosis and the geographical distribution of the disease is poorly understood. Based on a nationwide mapping survey and geostatistical modelling, we predict the prevalence of podoconiosis and estimate the number of cases across Ethiopia. Methods: We used nationwide data collected in Ethiopia between 2008 and 2013. Data were available for 141,238 individuals from 1,442 communities in 775 districts from all nine regional states and two city administrations. We developed a geostatistical model of podoconiosis prevalence among adults (individuals aged 15 years or above), by combining environmental factors. The number of people with podoconiosis was then estimated using a gridded map of adult population density for 2015. Results: Podoconiosis is endemic in 345 districts in Ethiopia: 144 in Oromia, 128 in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s [SNNP], 64 in Amhara, 4 in Benishangul Gumuz, 4 in Tigray and 1 in Somali Regional State. Nationally, our estimates suggest that 1,537,963 adults (95% confidence intervals, 290,923-4,577,031 adults) were living with podoconiosis in 2015. Three regions (SNNP, Oromia and Amhara) contributed 99% of the cases. The highest proportion of individuals with podoconiosis resided in the SNNP (39%), while 32% and 29% of people with podoconiosis resided in Oromia and Amhara Regional States, respectively. Tigray and Benishangul Gumuz Regional States bore lower burdens, and in the remaining regions, podoconiosis was almost non-existent.  Conclusions: The estimates of podoconiosis cases presented here based upon the combination of currently available epidemiological data and a robust modelling approach clearly show that podoconiosis is highly endemic in Ethiopia. Given the presence of low cost prevention, and morbidity management and disability prevention services, it is our collective responsibility to scale-up interventions rapidly.

scholarly journals Therapeutic Applications of Ethanol: A Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 525-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan Le Daré ◽  
Thomas Gicquel
Keyword(s):  
Ethylene Glycol ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal ◽  
Withdrawal Syndrome ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome ◽  
World Health ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Track Record ◽  
Therapeutic Uses ◽  
Health Organization

Purpose: To review knowledge on therapeutic uses of ethanol and the latter’s effectiveness and safety profiles in a range of indications. Methods: MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed papers published in English between 1888 and 2018 using the following search terms: ethanol, therapeutic, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, antiseptic, antidote, methanol, ethylene glycol, neurolysis, embolization, cyst, sclerosing agent, sclerotherapy, arteriovenous malformations, ablating agent. Studies providing information about association between alcohol and therapeutic indications, or mechanic explanation for the association were included for review. Results: According to the World Health Organization, approximately three millions deaths worldwide are attributable to alcohol consumption each year. However, the low-to-moderate consumption of ethanol has a number of beneficial effects (mainly on cardiovascular mortality and diabetes). Hence, ethanol has an unusual spectrum of effects that seems interesting for therapeutic purposes. Ethanol’s risk-benefit ratio appears to be positive in some therapeutic indications such as antidote to methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, neurolysis, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or antiseptic. Conclusion: With the development of interventional radio technologies, and thus extremely precise access to anatomical structures, alcohol has been given new indications - particularly as an embolization, sclerosing or ablation agent. Moreover, constant progress in our knowledge of ethanol’s pharmacodynamics might highlight other therapeutic indications for this compound in the future. Ethanol’s low cost and wide availability make it a valuable therapeutic agent, compared with other reference treatments. Furthermore, ethanol has a long track record of safety and effectiveness in the indications mentioned above.

scholarly journals Toward Control? The Prospects and Challenges of Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Introduction

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (Supplement_5) ◽  
pp. S408-S411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E Carey ◽  
Zoey I Diaz ◽  
Martin Broadstock ◽  
Roderick Bailey ◽  
Adwoa D Bentsi-Enchill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conjugate Vaccine ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Program ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Optimal Deployment ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Communication Planning

Abstract With a newly World Health Organization (WHO)–prequalified typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), Gavi funding for eligible countries, and a WHO policy recommendation for TCV use, now is the time for countries to introduce TCVs as part of an integrated typhoid control program, particularly in light of the increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Continued vaccine development efforts will lead to secure supply of low-cost vaccines, and ongoing vaccine studies will provide critical vaccine performance data and inform optimal deployment strategies, in both routine use and in outbreak settings. TCV programs should include thoughtful communication planning and community engagement to counter vaccine hesitancy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document