Urban Planning and Residential Segregation in Brazil—The Failure of the “Special Zone of Social Interest” Instrument in Londrina City (PR)

The objective of this analysis is linked to the discussion of urban residential segregation marked by the Brazilian urban land structure and perpetuated by urban planning instruments at the municipal level. The spatial focus of the study is the municipality of Londrina (state of Paraná/Brazil). We aimed to analyze the relationship between urban zoning and the dynamics of residential segregation, unfolding two foci: verify to what extent the objectives presented in the municipal instrument translate the objectives of the instrument at the federal level (the City Statute–CE) and the national program “My Home, My Life” aimed to provide housing to socially vulnerable populations; the second focus, aims to assess how the planning instrument—the Special Zone of Social Interest (ZEIS), contemplated in the Land Use and Occupation Law and in the Municipal Master Plan of Londrina (PDPML, 2008)—materializes in practice the objectives of promoting equity in access to housing. The results show that although the objectives defined at the federal level are transposed to the municipal level, demonstrating a theoretical coherence between the instruments, there are flaws in their implementation. The case study results show that the urban zoning of Londrina has as a guideline a segregationist territorial ordering, leading to a residential segregation of the population with low purchasing power. On the other hand, the planning instrument that could change this reality is the ZEIS that, on the contrary, reinforced social housing in the periphery, conditioning the right to the city and perpetuating the social vulnerability of disadvantaged groups, in a process common to other Brazilian cities. Such constraints make relevant the establishment of land reserves for social housing based on clear roles of a social and functional mix, reinforced by the combat of vacant spaces and the definition of minimal housing and infrastructure densities to allow urban occupation.

​Feed Quality Test, Prevalence of Aflatoxin Contamination in Dairy Feed and Raw Milk in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne, Ethiopia

Background: The study was attended in Oromia special zone around Finfinne with the objective to asses feed quality composition, detect and quantify the amount of aflatoxine (AFM1) in raw cow’s milk and AFB1 in home-mixed feed of dairy. Methods: For this purpose, 90 milk and 90 samples of feed from dairy farmers were collected. Analysis for AFM1 and AFB1 was conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography. Result: The study discovered that the occurrence of AFM1 in all samples of milk and detection level ranged from 0.02 ppb to 0.08 ppbL. Overall, 64 (71.1%) out of a total of 90 milk samples contained less than or equal to 0.05 ppb of AFM1. Moreover, 26 (28.9%) milk samples exceeded 0.05 ppb. All the feed samples were contaminated with AFB1 minimum 12.67 ppb and a maximum of 45.67 ppb. Overall, out of a total of 90 feed samples collected, about 66 (73.3%) contained AFB1 at a level less than or equal to 20 ppb. At the same time, 34 (26.7%) of the feed samples contained AFB1 at a level exceeding 20 ppb. The linear regression displayed that the significant associations between the presence of AFB1 in the feed and the levels of adulteration in AFM1 in milk. The level of aflatoxin pollution found during this study in milk and feed ought to prompt action to spot appropriate interventions. These results recommend that risk mitigation should focus on reducing aflatoxin impurity in raw materials feed which can ultimately minimize AFM1 in milk.

Practices of anti-malaria pharmaceuticals inventory control system and associated challenges in public health facilities of Oromiya special zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Background Anti-malaria pharmaceuticals inventory control system helps to maintain an appropriate stock level using logistics management information system records and reports. Antimalaria pharmaceuticals are highly influenced by seasonality and demand variation. Thus, to compensate the seasonality, resupply quantities should be adjusted by multiplying the historical consumption with the Look-ahead seasonality indexes (LSI) to minimize stock-outs during the peak transmission season and overstocks (possible expiries) during off-peak seasons The purpose of this study was to assess anti-malaria pharmaceuticals inventory control practice and associated challenges in public health facilities of the Oromiya special zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methodology Facility-based cross-sectional study design employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, explanatory sequential mixed method, of data collection and analysis was used in all public health facilities in the Oromia special zone from September 1 to September 30, 2019. The study was conducted in 27 health centers and 2 hospitals, the dispensing units managing anti-malaria pharmaceuticals and data was collected using observation checklists The quantitative data were analyzed by Statistical package for social sciences using linear regression. Purposive sampling was used to select key informants and 12 in-depth interviews were conducted by the principal investigator. Thematic analysis was performed using Nvivo 11 plus and interpretation by narrative strategies. Results The quantitative finding in this study revealed that none of the health facilities surveyed calculated months of stock and multiplied the historical consumption with look ahead seasonal indices (LSI) to forecast the upcoming year consumptions.. Average months of stock of anti-malaria pharmaceuticals were 5.32 months with the annual wastage rate of 11.32%. The point and periodic availability of anti-malaria pharmaceuticals was 72.38 and 77.03% respectively. The number of stocks out days within the previous 6 months was 41.34 days. The study also reported bin card usage (β = − 3.5, p = 0.04) and availability of daily dispensing register (β = − 2.7, p = 0.005) had statistically significant effect on anti-malaria pharmaceuticals inventory control practice. The perceived challenges attributed to the poor anti-malaria pharmaceuticals inventory control practice were lack of integrated pharmaceutical logistics system training, management support, inadequate and near expiry supply from pharmaceuticals supply agency, job dissatisfaction, and staff turnover. Conclusion Inventory control practices for anti-malaria pharmaceuticals was poor as indicated by maximum stock level and none of the health facilities calculated months of stock and the previous consumption was not multiplied by look ahead seasonal indices to compensate the seasonal and demand variation. Efforts should be under-taken by concerned bodies to improve inventory control practice; such as training and regular follow up have to be provided to the health professionals managing anti-malaria pharmaceuticals.

The role of microfinance institutions on poverty reduction in Ethiopia: the case of Oromia Credit and Saving Share Company at Welmera district

The purpose of this study is to assess the contribution of Oromia Credit and Saving Share Company microfinance institution on poverty alleviation in Welmera district, Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfine, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Both random and purposive sampling techniques were used for data collection. Three hundred and fifty-seven respondents were selected from twelve different villages for the data collection. The study used a binary logistic regression to identify the key determinants of the income improvement of respondents. The findings confirmed that education level, voluntary saving, and utilization of loan for the intended purposes are statistically significant and positively contributed to the income improvement of the respondents in the study area. The finding revealed that most of the respondents' income improved after they joined the program which impacted positively in improving their standards of living.

CHARACTERIZATION OF FUTURE CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN OROMIA SPECIAL ZONE, NORTH EASTERN ETHIOPIA

This study was undertaken in Oromia special zone of nort eastern Ethiopia to analyze future climate variability. Downscale future rainfall and temperature data from ensemble of three GCMs by RCP4.5 emission scenario using a web based software tool (Marksim GCM). Standard statistical descriptors and statistical software like Instat V3.37, MAKESENS, XLSTAT 2014 and Arc GIS 10.1 were employed for the analysis data.

Undernutrition, Food Insecurity and Associated Factors among Adult HIV Positive people on HAART in Public Health Facility in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Background: Malnutrition is resulted from inequalities in nutrients intake and body demands. People living with Human Immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are more vulnerable to malnutrition, due to opportunistic infection, metabolic disorder, and increased need of energy during infection. Worldwide, over 800 million people are chronically undernourished. The dual burden in areas of severe food insecurity and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic are highly contributing to morbidity and mortality of people living with HIV, especially in developing countries particularly Sab- Saharan Africa is considered as home of malnutrition and food insecurity. The major problem of PLHIV in Ethiopia is under nutrition and its complication. Objective: This study aimed to assess magnitude of under nutrition, food insecurity and associated factors among adult clients on ART attending ART clinic, at public health facilities, Oromia regional states central Ethiopia Method: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult PLHIV and on highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART) attending public health facility in Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne (OSZSF) was conducted from August 2020 to May 2021. A systematic sampling was applied for sample selection. A pre tested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate and multivariable analysis also employed to identify the presence, strength, direction of association and other confounding. After calculating for both first objective (prevalence of under nutrition) and second objective or factors associated with under nutrition the maximum sample size 305 was selected for this study.Result: The prevalence of under nutrition was 22.4% and house hold food insecurity was also high in current study 54.3%. Factors associated with under nutrition among participants were absence of ration (AOR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.0-0.9), World health organization clinical stage II, III and VI (AOR= 6.8, 95%CI: 2.5-18.6) and household food in secure (AOR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.27-0.95) while literacy status primary and less (AOR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.1-4.6), household average monthly income <2250 Ethiopian birr (AOR=0.41, 95%CI:0.21-0.8) and meal frequency less or equal to two (AOR=4.14, 95%CI:1.3-13.46).Conclusion and recommendation: This study finding reveals high prevalence of under nutrition and HH food insecurity results in disturbing the success of the program, thus Comprehensive care and support bio-medical and inter-sectorial collaboration is suggested for alleviating the problem.

Mapping Geographical Differences and Examining the Determinants of Childhood Stunting in Ethiopia: A Bayesian Geostatistical Analysis

Understanding the specific geographical distribution of stunting is essential for planning and implementing targeted public health interventions in high-burdened countries. This study investigated geographical variations in the prevalence of stunting sub-nationally, and the determinants of stunting among children under 5 years of age in Ethiopia. We used the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) dataset for children aged 0–59 months with valid anthropometric measurements and geographic coordinates (n = 9089). We modelled the prevalence of stunting and its determinants using Bayesian geospatially explicit regression models. The prevalence of stunting among children under five years was 36.3% (95% credible interval (CrI); 22.6%, 51.4%) in Ethiopia, with wide variations sub-nationally and by age group. The prevalence of childhood stunting ranged from 56.6% (37.4–74.6%) in the Mekelle Special zone of the Tigray region to 25.5% (10.5–48.9%) in the Sheka zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples region. Factors associated with a reduced likelihood of stunting in Ethiopia included non-receipt of breastmilk, mother’s BMI (overweight/obese), employment status (employed), and higher household wealth, while the enablers were residence in the “arid” geographic areas, small birth size of the child, and mother’s BMI (underweight). The prevalence and determinants of stunting varied across Ethiopia. Efforts to reduce the burden of childhood stunting should consider geographical heterogeneity and modifiable risk factors.

Integration of family planning services with HIV treatment for women of reproductive age attending ART clinic in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

Background In settings where HIV prevalence is high, management of sexual and reproductive health is critical to reducing HIV transmission and maternal mortality. Integration of family planning with HIV services is appropriate for HIV therapy, HIV prevention, and care in a resource-limited country s like Ethiopia. The study aimed at examining the status of integration of family planning services with HIV treatment and factors associated with successful integration of family planning and HIV services for women of reproductive age in Oromia, Ethiopia for better health outcomes. Methods The research design of this study was a quantitative survey, non-experimental, explorative and descriptive. A questionnaire was used to collect data from women living with HIV attending ART clinics in the special zone of surrounding Finfinne, Oromia Region in five health centers. Simple random sampling was used to select 654 respondents. Data was analysed through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated integration of family planning with HIV services with the significant association at an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to controlled effects of possible confounders from the final model. Result The response rate of this study was 97.6% (654/670). The ages of those who responded to the administered questionnaires ranged between 18 and 49 years. The mean age of the respondents was 31.86 years with an SD of ± 6.0 years. Most of the respondents in the sample were in the age group 26–35 (n = 374, 57%), and only 96 (14.7%) were in the age group 18–25. This overall integration of FP-HIV services among reproductive-age women living with HIV in Oromia regional state of special zone health centers was found to be 55.8%. Almost all respondents (n = 635, 97.1%) preferred integrated family planning and HIV services from the same facility and the same providers. the study found that 622 (95%) were most satisfied with the utilization of integrated family planning/HIV services. Conclusion This study established that in overall, the integration of family planning/HIV services was relatively moderate among women of reproductive age living HIV. The identified factors that affected the integration of family planning with HIV services were the level of education, occupational status, residence, discussion of family planning with healthcare providers, fertility desire and CD4 counts.

Food security and environment conservation through sustainable use of wild and semi-wild edible plants: a case study in Berek Natural Forest, Oromia special zone, Ethiopia

Background Wild edible plants (WEPs) have an important role for rural communities in safeguarding food security, nutritive variation and continued earnings. Their significance, management and utilization are not fully documented. Objectives are to identify and document wild and semi-wild edible plants (WSWEPs) and their conservation status in Berek natural forest, Oromia special zone. Methods Various data collection tools were employed to gather data on WSWEPs. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 142 household representatives (77 men and 65 women) being at least 14 years old. Most of them (73.9%) had not received formal education. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, preference ranking, paired comparison, direct matrix ranking and informant consensus factor. Results A total of 34 useful WSWEP species belonging to 32 genera and 24 families were collected and identified. The family Rosaceae had the highest number of species (five species, 14.7%), followed by Anacardiaceae and Solanaceae with three species (8.8%) each. Growth form analysis showed that the majority of the species were trees (14 species; 41.2%), followed by herbs and shrubs (10 species each, 29.4%. These edible plants were available in different seasons; 15 (44%) of the plant species reached maturity in spring season while seven species (20.6%) were found in all seasons and eight (23.6%) species were able to reach maturity in autumn and winter. Although most of the local communities have an intimate relationship with their natural environment, there are common threats to WSWEPs and their habitat, particularly through overgrazing, fragmentation of the vegetation for agricultural expansion, introduction of exotic species, selective logging for construction purpose and charcoal making. Conclusion WSWEPs are valuable resources for improving the environment, food and nutritional security and income of households in rural areas. Moreover, to sustainably use edible plant species of the study area local communities and the Forest Administration should collaborate in managing these resources before becoming critically endangered.