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This research examines the effects of trade openness on carbon emissions in Somalia from 1980 to 2021. Somalia’s economy is strongly dependent on exporting goods including cattle, charcoal, and raw agricultural products, which contribute to high carbon emissions. The study employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), full modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), and Canonical Co-integrating Regression (CCR) to analyze the immediate and long-term correlation between trade openness and carbon dioxide emissions in Somalia. When there are different types of variables, our approach, which includes the ADF unit root test, verifies that all variables show first-order integration (I (1)) and stationary behavior (I (0)). The ARDL-bound tests for co-integration reveal a durable connection between carbon emissions and several factors, including trade openness, gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), and population increase. The findings demonstrate a statistically significant and inverse relationship between trade openness and short-term carbon dioxide emissions. The heightened levels of trade openness have a noticeable detrimental effect on carbon emissions. Furthermore, there is a strong and statistically significant negative relationship between energy consumption, RGDP, and population increase with carbon emissions, except for RGDP which shows no significant impact. FDI exhibits a robust and meaningful correlation with carbon emissions in both the short and long term. In addition, Somalia’s population is experiencing significant growth, making it one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. This growth leads to an increased demand for energy, land, and consumption, which in turn contributes to higher emissions. However, the research did not take into account other possible factors that could have an impact, such as technical advancements, global economic changes, climate change, and policy adjustments. The report advised that future research explore the possibilities of sustainable trade practices, improvements in energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy as means to minimize CO2 emissions.

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is often detected late due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stage of the disease. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species contributes to various pathological processes through oxidative stress (OS), impacting on cellular structures and functions with previous studies suggesting a link between OS and CKD progression. This study investigated the association between serum peroxiredoxin-4 (Prx4), a biomarker of oxidative stress, and the development of CKD in the general population. Methods: This study featured data from the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort, involving 5341 participants without CKD at baseline who underwent extensive prospective health evaluations. Serum Prx4 levels were quantified using an immunoluminometric assay. The primary outcome was new-onset CKD as defined by the composite of urinary albumin excretion (UAE) > 30 mg/24-h, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

In the past three decades, dietary and lifestyle changes worldwide have resulted in a global increase in the prevalence of obesity in both adults and children. Known to be highly influenced by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, obesity is characterized by a low-grade chronic inflammation that contributes to the development of other metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recently, the gut microbiome has been added as a cause/contributor to the development of obesity. As differences in the microbiome between obese and normoweight individuals have been observed, we set out to determine whether infants harbor an obesogenic microbiome early on and whether the pre-pregnancy status of the mother (obese or normoweight) is correlated to their infant’s microbiome composition. Using shotgun sequencing, we analyzed stool samples throughout the first year of life from infants born to obese (n = 23 participants, m = 104 samples) and normoweight (n = 23 participants, m = 99 samples) mothers. We found that the infants’ microbiome diversity at taxonomic and functional levels was significantly influenced by time (ANOVA p

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have negative impacts on the health outcomes of individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is a lack of understanding regarding the relationship between OSA and type 2 diabetes despite the significant implications it has on health. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the association between OSA risk and type 2 diabetes, associated risk factors, and gender differences in OSA symptoms among Emirati adults.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) collected between February 2016 and March 2023. Our sample consisted of 4578 participants aged 18-71 who completed the STOP-BANG survey, provided body measurements and blood samples. We stratified the patients according to their OSA risk and diabetes. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to analyze the relationship between OSA risk and type 2 diabetes and to identify factors associated with risk for OSA and type 2 diabetes. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsThe mean age was 27.5 years (± 8.35), and 55.81% (n=2555) were men. The overall prevalence of high risk for OSA was 16.58% and was higher in men compared to women (26.46% vs 4.10%). Women reported feeling tired more often than men (68.02% vs 48.96%). Both genders have similar rates of stop breathing and BMI ≥ 35. There was a significant association between the OSA risk and type 2 diabetes in the unadjusted model (OR=2.44; 95% CI: 1.78-3.35; p-value

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, maternal complications, and neonatal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Mother-to-child transmission is a major route of HBV transmission in endemic areas. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B infection and its associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care clinics at SOS Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia.MethodsThe research followed a cross-sectional design, and the participants were chosen through systematic random sampling, including every fifth outpatient. Each participant provided a blood sample for standard testing, and their consent was obtained before conducting Hepatitis B screening using the ELISA method.ResultsIn our study of 384 pregnant women, 43 individuals (11.2%) tested positive for HBsAg. The frequency of HBsAg seropositivity was significantly higher in subjects with no education when compared to those with primary education (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01–0.96, p = 0.046). Caesarian Section (AOR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.004–0.0103, p = 0.001), blood transfusion (AOR = 11.6, 95% CI: 3.44–38.08, p = 0.001), previous dental procedures (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.04–0.38, p = 0.001), and unsafe injections in the past (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.09–0.91, p = 0.035) were identified as significant risk factors for hepatitis positivity.ConclusionsThe study found a higher prevalence of hepatitis B compared to previous studies. Factors such as blood transfusion, dental procedures, Caesarian Section, and unsafe injections were associated with hepatitis B infection. It is essential to raise awareness, promote preventive measures, and implement routine screening for pregnant women so as to stop the transmission of hepatitis B to their children.

Over the years, governments from all over the world have attempted to attain food security, albeit with varying degrees of success. To feed the expanding population, agriculture has significantly increased in intensity. One of the technologies employed is banana tissue culture. Most research studies indicate that small-scale farmers in Kisii County have not adopted this technology at high rates, despite efforts to spread its use among them. The objective of the study was to examine the how advantages of tissue culture banana adoption influence the use of tissue culture banana technology in Kisii County. The study adopted a descriptive study approach. A simple random sampling procedure was used to choose the respondents. Survey forms, interview schedules, and observation checklists were used in the data collection process. A five-Likert scale study was employed to gather farmers' advantages of Tissue Culture bananas. The associations between tissue culture banana adoption and advantages were displayed using mean comparison procedures. Non-adopters’ inadequacy of awareness of advantages about adopting bananas from tissue culture was proven to have a major impact on the practice. Compared to adopters, whose average mean was determined to be 1.28, non-adopters' average mean was 2.494. Comparing adopters of tissue culture banana technology to non-adopters in Kisii County, this suggests that the former had a better grasp of the advantages in tissue culture banana production. Consequently, there is a need to raise farmers' understanding of the general challenges surrounding technology in the area in order to improve on the technology adoption.

Background Low‐grade systemic inflammation is a relevant pathogenic mechanism underlying the development of hypertension. In this study, we hypothesized that plasma calprotectin levels, as a biomarker of neutrophil‐mediated inflammation, is associated with developing new‐onset hypertension in the general population. Methods and Results Plasma calprotectin levels were determined in 3524 participants who participated in the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End‐Stage Disease) study, a prospective population‐based cohort study. Plasma calprotectin levels were studied for associations with the risk of new‐onset hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure of at least 90 mm Hg, or the first recorded use of antihypertensives. Participants with hypertension at baseline were excluded. Median plasma calprotectin levels were 0.48 (0.34–0.66) mg/L, and median systolic blood pressure was 117 (109–126) mm Hg. Plasma calprotectin levels were significantly associated with the risk of new‐onset hypertension (hazard ratio [HR], per doubling 1.30 [95% CI, 1.21–1.41]; P9.3 mg per 24 hours) compared with lower urinary albumin excretion (≤9.3 mg per 24 hours). Conclusions Higher plasma calprotectin levels are associated with an increased risk of new‐onset hypertension in the general population. This association is dependent on baseline systolic blood pressure and is particularly prominent in men compared with women.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher susceptibility to infections compared to those without PCOS. Studies evaluating antibiotic use based on PCOS status are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to (i) assess the associations between self-reported PCOS and antibiotic use, and (ii) whether PCOS treatment and the age at PCOS diagnosis modified the associations above. This cross-sectional analysis used the United Arab Emirates Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) conducted from February 2016 to March 2023 involving 2063 Emirati women aged 18–62 years. We performed ordinal logistic regressions under unadjusted and demographic-health-characteristic-adjusted models to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to analyze PCOS and antibiotic use. Subgroup analyses were performed by treatment status and age at diagnosis. We found that women with PCOS were 55% more likely to frequently take a course of antibiotics in the past year (aOR 1.55; 95% CI 1.26–1.90). Similar likelihoods were also found among those being treated for PCOS and those without treatment but with a PCOS diagnosis at ≤25 years. Our study suggests that PCOS was associated with an increased use of antibiotics among Emirati women. Understanding the frequent antibiotic use susceptibility among those with PCOS may improve antibiotic use surveillance and promote antibiotic stewardship in these at-risk individuals.

Somalia is one of the countries where political instability and poor infrastructure have led to a decline in agricultural production, prompting foreign aid donors to encourage overall development and agricultural production. Our study focuses on the effect of foreign aid on crop production in Somalia, employing the ARDL model to analyze time-series data from 1985 to 2022. The study found that the development of food aid negatively affects crop production due to its timing and dependency but shows an insignificant effect in the short run. Humanitarian aid shows no significant effect in either the long or the short run. Climate change variables showed an immediate and long-run effect on crop production, with rainfall indicating a positive effect and temperature negatively affecting crop production. This study recommends better timing management of aid, improved water management, and effective utilization of rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Central Bank of Somalia faces challenges in implementing effective monetary policies due to limited authority over the nation's monetary system and the incomplete development of the banking industry. This constraint may impede the bank's ability to regulate inflation effectively. Nevertheless, this paper investigates the asymmetric impacts of inflation on public debt sustainability in Somalia from 1977 to 2021. This research employs a Nonlinear Autoregression Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The research explores how inflation impacts changes in public debt and uncovers potential nonlinearities or threshold effects within this dynamic association. Findings reveal asymmetric effects of inflation on public debt, indicating that inflation's increase positively influences public debt while its decrease adversely impacts it. Additionally, foreign direct investment exhibits a negative long-term correlation with inflation, and GDP shows a positive yet statistically insignificant connection with inflation in the long run. The study underscores the significance of prudent debt management practices and advocates caution when accumulating public debt, especially during periods of heightened inflation. Moreover, this study highlights the implications for governments in Somalia and similar economies facing analogous challenges. It emphasizes the importance of accounting for inflation's impact on public debt dynamics and advocates strategies to control inflation to mitigate the risks associated with rising public debt. The study supports the presence of asymmetrical effects between these variables, enriching theoretical frameworks. Despite, acknowledging limitations, such as temporal constraints and model assumptions, the study recommends future research employ more sophisticated methodologies, extend sequential scope, integrate qualitative approaches, explore policy interventions, and enhance data collection mechanisms for a more comprehensive analysis. Moreover, based on the study outcomes, policy recommendations proposed to enhance fiscal stability. These include implementing measures to curb inflation rates, prioritizing prudent debt management, strengthening fiscal responsibility, enhancing monetary policy's role in inflation management, diversifying investments, improving data monitoring, and focusing on long-term economic planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past three decades, dietary and lifestyle changes worldwide have resulted in a global increase in the prevalence of obesity in both adults and children. Known to be highly influenced by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, obesity is characterized by a low-grade chronic inflammation that contributes to the development of other metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recently, the gut microbiome has been added as a cause/contributor to the development of obesity. As differences in the microbiome between obese and normoweight individuals have been observed, we set out to determine whether infants harbor an obesogenic microbiome early on and whether the pre-pregnancy status of the mother (obese or normoweight) is correlated to their infant's microbiome composition. Using shotgun sequencing, we analyzed stool samples throughout the first year of life from infants born to obese (n = 23 participants, m = 104 samples) and normoweight (n = 23 participants, m = 99 samples) mothers. We found that the infants' microbiome diversity at taxonomic and functional levels was significantly influenced by time (ANOVA p < 0.001) but not by the mother's pre-pregnancy status. Overall, no deterministic succession of taxa or functions was observed. However, infants born to obese mothers were found to have a significantly higher Bacillota/Bacteroidota ratio (p = 0.02) at six months, were significantly depleted from six months old of the wellestablished obesity biomarkers Akkermansia municiphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (p < 0.01), and were at one week old, significantly enriched in pathways such as the UDP-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine biosynthesis II (p = 0.02) involved in leptin production, suggesting perhaps that there may exist some underlying mechanisms that dictate the development of an obesogenic microbiota early on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have negative impacts on the health outcomes of individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is a lack of understanding regarding the relationship between OSA and type 2 diabetes despite the significant implications it has on health. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the association between OSA risk and type 2 diabetes, associated risk factors, and gender differences in OSA symptoms among Emirati adults. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the baseline data from the UAE Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) collected between February 2016 and March 2023. Our sample consisted of 4578 participants aged 18-71 who completed the STOP-BANG survey, provided body measurements and blood samples. We stratified the patients according to their OSA risk and diabetes. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to analyze the relationship between OSA risk and type 2 diabetes and to identify factors associated with risk for OSA and type 2 diabetes. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The mean age was 27.5 years (± 8.35), and 55.81% (n=2555) were men. The overall prevalence of high risk for OSA was 16.58% and was higher in men compared to women (26.46% vs 4.10%). Women reported feeling tired more often than men (68.02% vs 48.96%). Both genders have similar rates of stop breathing and BMI ≥ 35. There was a significant association between the OSA risk and type 2 diabetes in the unadjusted model (OR=2.44; 95% CI: 1.78-3.35; pvalue <0.0001) and (OR=6.44; 95% CI: 4.32-9.59; p-value < 0.0001) among those who reported intermediate and high OSA risk, respectively. After adjusting the model for education attainment, marital status, waist circumference, and smoking, the association remained significant between diabetes and OSA risk, with an OR of 1.65 (95%CI: 1.18-2.32; p-value =0.004) for intermediate OSA risk and 3.44 (95%CI: 2.23-5.33; p-value <0.0001) for high OSA risk. Conclusions: This study conducted in the UAE found a significant correlation between OSA risk and type 2 diabetes. We suggest introducing routine screening of OSA for individuals with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This empirical study investigates how human capital, infrastructure, and government policies influence prospects for rebuilding manufacturing and enabling economic development in Somalia. A structured survey of 300 professionals examined direct impacts on the manufacturing industry. Analysis revealed human capital and stable governance positively affected economic progress, while infrastructure's effect was insignificant. The paper addresses Somalia’s critical need for promoting manufacturing amidst prolonged instability. Findings suggest policy and workforce development strategies for leveraging manufacturing for growth by overcoming binding constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-government, characterized by the utilization of information and communication technology (ICT) tools for delivering services to citizens, offers numerous synergies and advantages to governments and communities. However, there are a number of difficulties that prevent the successful implementation of e-government. This study delves into the identification and critical examination of the key variables influencing the adoption of e-government in Somalia while evaluating the barriers that need to be overcome for its successful implementation. The research focuses on data collected from the Benadir Regional Administration (BRA) in Mogadishu, Somalia, serving as a comprehensive case study. Data was obtained from a representative sample of 370 staff members, drawn from a total population of 5,000 registered staff, utilizing Slovin's formula for random sampling. Data analysis was conducted through multiple linear regressions using SPSS version 26. The findings of this study reveal the most prominent challenges and factors influencing the implementation of e-government in Somalia. There are three independent variables: technological factors, political factors, and social factors. The technological results revealed that technological factors had a substantially positive link with e-government, with a p-value (0.000) of less than 5% at the significant level, and regarding political characteristics, the result shows a positive association, with a p-value of 0.000. While social factors have implications, this variable has a modest positive relationship with e-governance, as its p-value is 0.192. It is advised that Somali governments take advantage of the benefits of e-government by addressing these difficulties collaboratively, taking into account the sensitivity of particular socioeconomic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher susceptibility to infections compared to those without PCOS. Studies evaluating antibiotic use based on PCOS status are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to (i) assess the associations between self-reported PCOS and antibiotic use, and (ii) whether PCOS treatment and the age at PCOS diagnosis modified the associations above. This cross-sectional analysis used the United Arab Emirates Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) conducted from February 2016 to March 2023 involving 2063 Emirati women aged 18–62 years. We performed ordinal logistic regressions under unadjusted and demographic-health-characteristic-adjusted models to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to analyze PCOS and antibiotic use. Subgroup analyses were performed by treatment status and age at diagnosis. We found that women with PCOS were 55% more likely to frequently take a course of antibiotics in the past year (aOR 1.55; 95% CI 1.26–1.90). Similar likelihoods were also found among those being treated for PCOS and those without treatment but with a PCOS diagnosis at ≤25 years. Our study suggests that PCOS was associated with an increased use of antibiotics among Emirati women. Understanding the frequent antibiotic use susceptibility among those with PCOS may improve antibiotic use surveillance and promote antibiotic stewardship in these at-risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the author's personal experiences and reflections on the impact of white supremacy in education. It discusses the emotional toll of navigating white supremacy and highlights the power dynamics and control exerted by whiteness in institutional spaces. The article explores different forms of white supremacy, such as conspicuous and prosaic, and how they perpetuate global wealth disparities. The author emphasizes the need to challenge and dismantle white supremacy in education, proposing solidarity contracts and a shift in strategy to focus on the actions of whiteness rather than the experiences of non-white individuals. The text also examines the concept of whiteness and its implications, questioning whether it is possible to critique whiteness without attacking white individuals. [Extracted from the article]

This study was set to establish the Bird strikes and wildlife measures at southern Sudan associated advocates (SSAA), Juba International Airport in Juba, South Sudan. It was guided by the following specific objectives, that included determining the (i) to identify the arrangements for assessing birds and wildlife hazards; (ii) To establish the arrangements for implementing birds and wildlife control programmes. (iii) Establish whether there is a relationship between bird strikes and wildlife measures at southern Sudan associated advocates (SSAA), Juba International Airport In Juba, South Sudan. The study adopted a descriptive survey design it used questionnaires, face to face interviews. The target population was 220 from which a sample size of 145 was derived. Findings revealed that respondents between 25-35 year were 32.1%, female respondents dominated the study (64.3%); married were (53.6%) other marital status category; masters certificate holders dominated the study 50% and on occupation others dominated the entire sample size with 54.2%. The findings on Inspection operations revealed that eight items were measured and rated as follows; Maintenance requirements (Average mean=2.43, std .99116) Maintenance of pavements (Average mean=2.50, std 1.02221), Inspection security dilemma (Average mean=2.64, std. 1.08997) Friction Testing (Average mean=2.41 std. .99248), Pavement markings (Average mean=2.18 std. 1.03375) Electrical Systems (Average mean= 2.25 std. .85146) and AG L Maintenance (Average mean=2.49 std .63617) with an overall mean of 2.41). The findings on Inspection revealed that seven items were measured and rated as follows; Public participation and Democracy (Average mean=3.06, std .74603) Nonpaved areas in the strip(Average mean=2.83, std .59523), Executive and rule of Law (Average mean=2.92 std. .70057) Traditional & customary arrangement (Average mean=2.78 std. .68791), Transparency and accountability (Average mean=2.80 std. .72664) Road maintenance (Average mean= 2.81 std. .59522) with an overall mean of 2.87). Regarding Inspection operations, it was recommended that; Equitable sharing of resources, Strengthening local administration, Empowerment of traditional leadership, Government to treat all communities equally, Minister visit all communities regularly, Provision of judges and public prosecutors; construction of courts in the counties, Upgrading of unqualified employees through capacity-building, compensation of salaries to employees. While issues of inclusive Inspection and equity are important drivers of operations, these statements highlight complex and in some cases long-standing Inspection-related issues which largely went beyond the mandate of the peace conference. Political accommodation approach tackles Inspection issues directly. Regarding Inspection it was recommended that; even passengers who normally receive expedited screening passengers, may at times receive a pat-down. A pat-down may include inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. This includes head coverings and sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and the buttocks. It is a requirement that the Runway and Taxiways are inspected at regular intervals to ensure that the surface complies with the criteria for use by aircraft. The Runway pavement is required to be in an acceptable state of repair, with access and egress unimpaired and to be free from FOD and wildlife. TSA incorporates unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to accomplish our transportation security mission. Security measures begin long before you arrive at the airport. TSA works closely with the intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information. Additional security measures are in place from the time you get to the airport until you get to your destination. TSA adjusts processes and procedures to meet the evolving threat and to achieve the highest levels of transportation security. Because of this, you may notice changes in our procedures from time to time. TSA counts on the traveling public to report unattended bags or packages; individuals in possession of a threatening item; and persons trying to enter a restricted area or similar suspicious activities at airports, train stations, bus stops and ports. If You See Something, Say Something™. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Passenger screening at the airport is part of TSA's layered approach to security to get you safely to your destination. TSA's screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport and are developed in response to information on threats to transportation security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]