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In the realm of public health and organizational operations, janitors are the unsung heroes, essential yet often overlooked. Their work is fundamental in maintaining the hygienic and safe conditions of society, promoting its effective functioning. This study explores the nuanced experiences of janitors, focusing on their life narratives, work challenges, and the impact of their work on their personal and social lives. The study adopts a narrative inquiry approach which includes in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six janitors from the National Capital Region (NCR) chosen through purposive sampling. The study revealed the janitors' personal and professional hardships, resilience and coping strategies, in addition to how their vital roles in maintaining school cleanliness contribute to fostering a sense of community. Ultimately, this research offers a distinctive viewpoint on the life stories of janitors and affirms the integral role of janitorial services in the overall well-being of the educational landscape and the larger community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Multiplex families have higher recurrence risk of schizophrenia compared to the families of sporadic cases, but the source of this increased recurrence risk is unknown. We used schizophrenia genome-wide association study data (N = 156,509) to construct polygenic risk scores (PRS) in 1005 individuals from 257 multiplex schizophrenia families, 2114 ancestry-matched sporadic cases, and 2205 population controls, to evaluate whether increased PRS can explain the higher recurrence risk of schizophrenia in multiplex families compared to ancestry-matched sporadic cases. Using mixed-effects logistic regression with family structure modeled as a random effect, we show that SCZ PRS in familial cases does not differ significantly from sporadic cases either with, or without family history (FH) of psychotic disorders (All sporadic cases p = 0.90, FH+ cases p = 0.88, FH− cases p = 0.82). These results indicate that increased burden of common schizophrenia risk variation as indexed by current SCZ PRS, is unlikely to account for the higher recurrence risk of schizophrenia in multiplex families. In the absence of elevated PRS, segregation of rare risk variation or environmental influences unique to the families may explain the increased familial recurrence risk. These findings also further validate a genetically influenced psychosis spectrum, as shown by a continuous increase of common SCZ risk variation burden from unaffected relatives to schizophrenia cases in multiplex families. Finally, these results suggest that common risk variation loading are unlikely to be predictive of schizophrenia recurrence risk in the families of index probands, and additional components of genetic risk must be identified and included in order to improve recurrence risk prediction.

The article discusses Anopheles melas Theobald had been reported from coastal areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Topics include larval collection has the method used to find mosquitoes; and morphologically identified as belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex as adults have identified to species using polymerase chain reaction methods.

The article discusses the first report of Aedes albopictus mosquito found in Kinshasa, Democratic Repiblic of Congo (DRC) in January 2016. Topics mentioned include the unexpected finding in the Jardin Zoologique zoo, the collection of the mosquitoes using aspirators, and the findings that the presence of the mosquitoes could have been the cause of the chikungunya outbreak in the country.

Current blockchain-based cloud (BBC) systems have several security vulnerabilities regarding smart contracts (SC), and several attacks have been reported recently. The SC development lacks standard design processes that follow software lifecycle principles to model secure SC. Secondly, the security mechanisms in the SC are not constantly evolved to resist evolving adversary attacks. BBC systems lack self-adaptive security capability to make spontaneous decisions when adversarial attacks are encountered. To build a self-adaptive secure BBC system that follows standard software development lifecycle principles to model secure SC, we propose the so-called self-adaptive security RE_BBC framework. The framework would utilize the MAPE-BBC adaptation loop to make decisions internally based on the threat models, goal models, and service level agreement (SLA) SC security specifications. The framework identifies vulnerabilities and threats and takes precautionary measures using self-adaptive SC agents. We validated the proposed methodology theoretically and empirically, and statistically proved the research questions and hypothesis using the t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. Subsequently, we compare our proposed approach with the Security Quality Requirements Engineering approach (SQUARE). The feasibility results and the replicated study results indicate that the proposed approach outperformed the SQUARE approach in terms of artifacts quality, self-adaptive security evaluation quality, efficiency in response time, complexity, and usefulness of the proposed approach for the Healthcare Data Management (HDM) system. SC security developers can immensely benefit from our proposed methodology. They need not reengineer SC from scratch; depending on their security needs and plan, the contract can be adapted to execute a new plan.

Expanded polystyrene ( EPS) beads have been shown to be an effective tool for controlling immature stages of mosquitoes, as well as preventing oviposition by adults. Polystyrene does not biodegrade quickly, resulting in some concerns about its effect on the environment. A potential solution is the use of biodegradable materials that cover the surface of mosquito breeding sites in the same way as EPS beads. Two candidates are polylactic acid ( PLA) beads and corn starch shreds. Larval mortality and adult emergence of Culex quinquefasciatus Say ( Diptera: Culicidae) were monitored in bowls with each of four treatments: EPS beads, PLA beads, corn starch shreds and a control. The PLA beads were as effective as EPS beads at preventing mosquito emergence, whereas the shredded corn starch treatment resulted in significantly higher rates of emergence to the control. Similarly, EPS and PLA beads resulted in 100% mortality after 10 days, while there was low mortality of larvae in the corn starch (9%) and control treatments (20%). PLA beads provided similar levels of mortality and reduction in adult emergence as EPS beads. However, the production requirements of PLA beads may limit its use in field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gravid traps are important tools for disease monitoring and for research on mosquito ovipositional behavior. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate a 2% nonanal lure in gravid mosquito traps in Ifakara, Tanzania. The 1st experiment focused on whether water was needed in the pan below the trap for the nonanal lure to be effective. There was no significant difference between the numbers of gravid females of Culex quinquefasciatus collected in traps using a nonanal lure either with or without water. The 2nd experiment compared the lure, without water, to a grass infusion and a blank trap, without water or attractant. Significantly more mosquitoes were collected in traps with grass infusion than in traps with the other attractants, which were not significantly different from each other. Although more mosquitoes were collected in traps with grass infusion, substantial numbers were also collected in traps with the nonanal lure and unbaited traps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The typical attractant used in gravid trapping of Culex quinquefasciatus is an aged infusion of organic materials, which can change in attractiveness over time. A standardized chemical attractant dispenser derived from grass infusion, the Atr Aedes™ lure, has been produced for the surveillance of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. A study using this lure in combination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gravid traps was conducted in Tanga, Tanzania. The addition of the lure to traps baited with either grass infusion or tap water did not result in significant increases in trap catch. Grass infusion-baited traps (with and without the Atr Aedes lure) collected significantly more Cx. quinquefasciatus than traps baited with Atr Aedes + tap water, tap water alone, or Atr Aedes alone. The catches of the traps baited with Atr Aedes + tap water, tap water alone, and Atr Aedes alone were not significantly different from each other. Although the placement of the lure in the base of the trap may have decreased trap catches, it seems that the Atr Aedes is not as effective as grass infusion for collecting Cx. quinquefasciatus in Tanzania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Insecticide treated plastic sheeting (ITPS), sometimes known as durable lining, has potential as a long-lasting insecticidal surface for malaria vector control when used as lining for interior walls and ceilings inside the home. Against a backdrop of increasing long lasting net (LN) coverage, we examined the effect of combining permethrin-treated plastic sheeting (ITPS) with LNs in Burkina Faso. Methods A verandah trap experimental hut trial of ITPS with or without Olyset LN was conducted in the Vallée du Kou near Bobo-Dioulasso, where the two molecular forms of Anopheles gambiae s.s., S (frequency 65%) and M (frequency 35%), occur. The S form is mostly pyrethroid resistant (Fkdr = 92%) owing to the kdr mechanism, and the M form is mostly kdr susceptible (Fkdr = 7%). The treatment arms included ITPS, Olyset, ITPS plus Olyset, ITPS plus untreated net (with or without holes), and untreated control. Results ITPS was significantly inferior to Olyset LN in terms of mortality (37% vs 63%), blood feeding inhibition (20% vs 81%) and deterrence (0 vs 42%) effects, and hence altogether inferior as a means of personal protection (16% vs 89%). The addition of ITPS to Olyset did not improve mortality (62%), blood feeding inhibition (75%), deterrence (50%) or personal protection (88%) over that of Olyset used alone. Use of untreated nets - both holed and intact - with ITPS provided greater protection from blood-feeding. The intact net/ITPS combination killed more mosquitoes than ITPS on its own. Conclusions Although ITPS has a potential role for community control of malaria, at low coverage it is unlikely to be as good as Olyset LNs for household protection. The combination of pyrethroid IRS and pyrethroid LN - as practiced in some countries - is unlikely to be additive except, perhaps, at high levels of IRS coverage. A combination of LN and ITPS treated with an alternative insecticide is likely to be more effective, particularly in areas of pyrethroid resistance.

Abstract Background Anopheles gambiae, the main malaria vector in Benin has developed high level of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, which is a serious concern to the future use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). In this context, one of the pathways available for malaria vector control would be to investigate alternative classes of insecticides with different mode of action than that of pyrethroids. The goal of this study was to evaluate under field conditions the efficacy of a carbamate (bendiocarb) and an organophosphate (fenitrothion) against pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae s.s. Methods Wild populations and females from laboratory colonies of five days old An. gambiae were bio-assayed during this study. Two pyrethroids (deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin), an organophosphate (fenitrothion), a carbamate (bendiocarb) and a mixture of an organophosphate (chlorpyriphos + a pyrethroid deltamethrin) were compared in experimental huts as IRS treatments. Insecticides were applied in the huts using a hand-operated compression sprayer. The deterrency, exophily, blood feeding rate and mortality induced by these insecticides against An. gambiae were compared to the untreated control huts. Results Deltamethrin, alphacypermethrin and bendiocarb treatment significantly reduced mosquito entry into the huts (p < 0.05) compared to untreated huts. Blood feeding rates in huts treated with fenitrothion and the mixture chlorpyriphos/deltamethrin were reduced from 10.95% respectively to 3.7% and 4.47% three months after treatment and from 10.20% to 4.4% and 2.04% four months after treatment. Exophily rates in huts with deltamethrin, alphacypermethrin and the mixture chlorpyriphos/deltamethrin were significantly higher than in the huts with fenitrothion. Deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin had the lowest mortality rate while fenitrothion killed 100% of An. gambiae (in the first month) and 77.8% (in the fourth month). Bendiocarb and the mixture chlorpyriphos/deltamethrin mortality rates ranged from 97.9 to 100% the first month and 77.7-88% the third month respectively. Conclusion After four months, fenitrothion, bendiocarb and the mixture chlorpyriphos/deltamethrin performed effectively against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles. These results showed that bendiocarb could be recommended as an effective insecticide for use in IRS operations in Benin, particularly as the mixture chlorpyriphos/deltamethrin does not have WHOPES authorization and complaints were mentioned by the sleepers about the safety and smell of fenitrothion.

Abstract Background Pyrethroid resistance is now widespread in Anopheles gambiae, the major vector for malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. This resistance may compromise malaria vector control strategies that are currently in use in endemic areas. In this context, a new tool for management of resistant mosquitoes based on the combination of a pyrethroid-treated bed net and carbamate-treated plastic sheeting was developed. Methods In the laboratory, the insecticidal activity and wash resistance of four carbamate-treated materials: a cotton/polyester blend, a polyvinyl chloride tarpaulin, a cotton/polyester blend covered on one side with polyurethane, and a mesh of polypropylene fibres was tested. These materials were treated with bendiocarb at 100 mg/m2 and 200 mg/m2 with and without a binding resin to find the best combination for field studies. Secondly, experimental hut trials were performed in southern Benin to test the efficacy of the combined use of a pyrethroid-treated bed net and the carbamate-treated material that was the most wash-resistant against wild populations of pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. Results Material made of polypropylene mesh (PPW) provided the best wash resistance (up to 10 washes), regardless of the insecticide dose, the type of washing, or the presence or absence of the binding resin. The experimental hut trial showed that the combination of carbamate-treated PPW and a pyrethroid-treated bed net was extremely effective in terms of mortality and inhibition of blood feeding of pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae. This efficacy was found to be proportional to the total surface of the walls. This combination showed a moderate effect against wild populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus, which were strongly resistant to pyrethroid. Conclusion These preliminary results should be confirmed, including evaluation of entomological, parasitological, and clinical parameters. Selective pressure on resistance mechanisms within the vector population, effects on other pest insects, and the acceptability of this management strategy in the community also need to be evaluated.

Abstract Background An important advantage of pyrethroid-treated nets over untreated nets is that once nets become worn or holed a pyrethroid treatment will normally restore protection. The capacity of pyrethroids to kill or irritate any mosquito that comes into contact with the net and prevent penetration of holes or feeding through the sides are the main reasons why treated nets continue to provide protection despite their condition deteriorating over time. Pyrethroid resistance is a growing problem among Anopheline and Culicine mosquitoes in many parts of Africa. When mosquitoes become resistant the capacity of treated nets to provide protection might be diminished, particularly when holed. An experimental hut trial against pyrethroid-resistant Culex quinquefasciatus was therefore undertaken in southern Benin using a series of intact and holed nets, both untreated and treated, to assess any loss of protection as nets deteriorate with use and time. Results There was loss of protection when untreated nets became holed; the proportion of mosquitoes blood feeding increased from 36.2% when nets were intact to between 59.7% and 68.5% when nets were holed to differing extents. The proportion of mosquitoes blood feeding when treated nets were intact was 29.4% which increased to 43.6–57.4% when nets were holed. The greater the number of holes the greater the loss of protection regardless of whether nets were untreated or treated. Mosquito mortality in huts with untreated nets was 12.9–13.6%; treatment induced mortality was less than 12%. The exiting rate of mosquitoes into the verandas was higher in huts with intact nets. Conclusion As nets deteriorate with use and become increasingly holed the capacity of pyrethroid treatments to restore protection is greatly diminished against resistant Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes.