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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With technological advances, mining industries use more crude oil and its products. Finding fast, effective, and eco-friendly repair techniques for oilcontaminated soil is crucial. Clay-titanium dioxide/manganese was used to investigate how oil breaks down in soil under sunlight. Various soil remediation techniques have been used to discard oil pollutants in soil. A polluted site must be cleaned effectively with a suitable method. Natural attenuation takes too long to produce positive results, whereas landfarming can produce toxic intermediates due to the organisms' inability to degrade other oil components. Photochemical oxidation is a promising eco-friendly technique that can be employed as an alternative remediation method. The speed at which natural attenuation, photochemical oxidation, and landfarming could remove oil from contaminated soils was examined. Photochemical oxidation's superiority as a remediation technique over landfarming is hypothesized. METHODS: Using clay modified with titanium dioxide and manganese, the effectiveness of landfarming and photochemical oxidation on oil-contaminated soil was investigated, together with the processes' kinetics. To establish the processes' effectiveness and kinetics, the oil residue was calculated at 7-day intervals for 35 days. FINDINGS: Initial oil concentration was 56.6 milligrams per kilogram, and degradation rates ranged from 23.91-80.47 percent. Highest oil reduction was 10.86 milligrams per kilogram. Combined remediation (biocarb and grafted clays) produced high degradation rate constants, k (0.046-0.049/day) and low degradation half-lives, t½ (15.2, 17.4 days). Photochemical oxidation rate constants ranged from 0.015-0.03984/day and half-lives ranged from 17.395-44.971 days, whereas landfarming had a rate constant of 0.008 and half-life of 83.094. Natural attenuation had the lowest k (0.007) and longest half-life (t½) of 94.8 days. Significant differences in means were observed among treatments (control, biocarb, and bicarb + grafted clays) at p = 0.05, suggesting that treatment caused oil decrease in microcosms for biocarb + grafted clays. Grafted clays plus biocarb show potential for combined remediation of oil-contaminated soil. CONCLUSION: One primary indicator used to assess treatments' efficacy is oil reduction, calculated using difference in oil content in soil before and after remediation. This shows that oil can be quickly removed from oil-contaminated soil by using biocarb + grafted South Luangwa with 80 percent oil reduction. Results suggest that photochemical oxidation may be used to effectively degrade oil and shorten remediation time. Photochemical oxidation is environmentally friendly and degrades oil faster than landfarming. Zambia's Mopani Copper Mines can consider adopting photochemical oxidation as a remediation technique in treating oil-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude oil continues to impact many nations as it is among the major sources of fuel. Its role in making life in modern societies comfortable cannot be overemphasized as it is readily available and easy to use. Contamination resulting from its use in industries such as mining, transportation and petroleum especially soil contamination cannot be overlooked. Soil pollution resulting from oil contamination can be seen as being among the twenty-first-century vulnerabilities because if not well taken care of the consequences can be devastating. Soil contamination is of interest in most societies because it affects both the environment and humans. This review highlights common sources of soil pollution and their effects, oil waste disposal methods, soil remediation techniques that are well established and those still in their infancy. Such techniques include bioremediation such as phytoremediation and landfarming, where percent removal of contaminated soils was reported from 68% to 89 % in 40 days to 1 year, respectively; physical methods such as excavation and incineration (75-86% removal); chemical methods such as oxidation (48 % by Fenton process); and photocatalysis (67% using titanium dioxide). The choice of remediation in mining, transportation and petroleum industries depends on the urgency and hazardous effects of the pollutant. In Zambia, Mopani Copper Mines uses landfarming as a means to mitigate large amounts of soil contaminated with oil wastes, but the process is slow. In the proposed research, photocatalysis coupled with adsorption of oil on clay will be used to assess the effectiveness of this emerging technology to quicken the degradation of oil in soils. Clay will be incorporated with metal ions and with hydrophobic groups to enhance light absorption and oil-clay interaction, respectively. Photochemical remediation techniques for remediation of soils polluted with oil have attracted considerable interest as the processes are reported to enhance the degradation of oils in soil compared to the biological and physical methods. The extent of photo-degradation of oil waste will be evaluated using the Soxhlet technique by determining the percent residual oil. The importance of remediating contaminated soil in any nation cannot be overemphasized as consequences of not remediating this precious resource might be devastating. Since economic development through industrialization will continue, there is need to constantly improve on methods of mitigating the impact of wastes on the environment, especially in developing countries, where engineering of cheap, nontoxic materials for soil remediation is paramount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achieving optimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is challenging. Consistency in HIV care and treatment is crucial for achieving viral load suppression and preventing HIV-related illnesses, disease progression to AIDS, mortality, drug resistance, and onward transmission., Objectives: The purpose of this research was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the beliefs that play a role in determining the level of ART adherence among individuals newly diagnosed with HIV. By examining these beliefs, the researchers aimed to identify potential barriers and facilitators to adherence, ultimately contributing to the development of effective interventions and strategies to improve ART adherence., Method: An exploratory qualitative approach was employed in this study, utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as its theoretical framework. To gather insights, in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 participants recruited post diagnosis, who shared their beliefs regarding ART adherence. Thematic analysis identified beliefs, categorised under TPB precursors, namely behavioural outcomes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control., Results: Participants emphasised health improvement, treatment effectiveness, and disease prevention as advantages to ART adherence, while disadvantages included fear of lifelong commitment, side effects, and stigma. ART adherence was enhanced by family support but impeded by a number of social factors. Participants expressed confidence in creating personal reminders or seeking external help, but anticipated various challenges., Conclusion: The research has shown that the beliefs affecting ART adherence in individuals recently diagnosed with HIV but not yet on treatment are like those that have been reported to influence adherence in HIV-positive participants currently receiving treatment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article., (© 2024. The Authors.)

Infections with Taenia solium cause significant public health and economic losses worldwide. Despite effective control tools, long-term sustained control/elimination of the parasite has not been demonstrated to date. Success of intervention programs is dependent on their acceptability to local communities. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires (QS) were conducted in two study communities in eastern Zambia to assess local perceptions and acceptance of two piloted intervention strategies: one targeting pigs only ('control' study arm), and one integrated human- and pig-based ('elimination') strategy. QS (n = 227) captured data regarding participation in project activities, knowledge and perceptions of T. solium and of the interventional drugs used in the study. FGDs (n = 18) discussed perceived advantages and disadvantages of the interventions and of the project's delivery and value. QS data revealed 67% of respondents participated in at least one educational activity, and 80% correctly identified at least one disease targeted by the education. All elimination study arm respondents (n = 113) had taken the human treatment, and 98% intended to do so next time. Most (70%) indicated willingness to pay for future treatments (median 0.20 USD per dose). Of pig-owning respondents, 11/12 (92%) had allowed their pigs to be treated/vaccinated and all intended to do so again next time. Four pig owners indicated willingness to pay 0.10-0.50 USD per dose of treatment or vaccine. FGD feedback revealed positive perceptions of interventions; people reported improved health in themselves and their pigs, and fewer cysticerci in pork. Latrine use, hand washing, meat inspection and proper cooking of pork had reportedly increased since the program's inception. Preliminary assessment indicates that the piloted intervention methods are generally acceptable to the communities. The reported willingness of many respondents to pay for the medications would contribute to the feasibility of long-term, government-led T. solium intervention programs in future., (© 2019 The Authors. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Background: Taenia solium is a neglected zoonotic parasite endemic throughout many low-income countries worldwide, including Zambia, where it causes human and pig diseases with high health and socioeconomic burdens. Lack of knowledge is a recognized risk factor, and consequently targeted health educational programs can decrease parasite transmission and disease occurrence in endemic areas. Preliminary assessment of the computer-based education program 'The Vicious Worm' in rural areas of eastern Zambia indicated that it was effective at increasing knowledge of T. solium in primary school students. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 'The Vicious Worm' on knowledge retention by re-assessing the same primary school students one year after the initial education workshops., Methodology/principal Findings: Follow-up questionnaires were administered in the original three primary schools in eastern Zambia in 2017, 12 months after the original workshops. In total, 86 pupils participated in the follow-up sessions, representing 87% of the initial workshop respondents. Knowledge of T. solium at 'follow-up' was significantly higher than at the initial 'pre' questionnaire administered during the Vicious Worm workshop that took place one year earlier. While some specifics of the parasite's life cycle were not completely understood, the key messages for disease prevention, such as the importance of hand washing and properly cooking pork, remained well understood by the students, even one year later., Conclusions/significance: Results of this study indicate that 'The Vicious Worm' may be an effective tool for both short- and long-term T. solium education of rural primary school students in Zambia. Inclusion of educational workshops using 'The Vicious Worm' could be recommended for integrated cysticercosis control/elimination programs in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly if the content is simplified to focus on the key messages for prevention of disease transmission., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objective: The zoonotic helminth Taenia solium is endemic in Zambia, causing human (taeniasis and (neuro)cysticercosis) and pig (porcine cysticercosis) diseases with high health, social and economic burdens. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a health educational program intended to lead to powerful and cumulative improvements in knowledge, attitudes and practices that decrease parasite transmission and disease occurrence., Methods: Half-day health education workshops were conducted in three primary schools in the highly endemic Eastern Province of Zambia, using the computer-based T. solium educational program 'The Vicious Worm'. Questionnaires were administered before and after the educational component to determine the program's impact on knowledge uptake in primary school students., Results: In total, 99 students participated: 38 males and 61 females, with a median age of 14 years (range 10-18 years). Baseline general knowledge of T. solium, including awareness of the different human and pig disease states, and disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention, was quite high (average score 62%) and consistent across all three study areas. Participants' knowledge had significantly increased after the educational component, particularly regarding parasite transmission and disease prevention., Conclusion: Preliminary assessment of 'The Vicious Worm' indicates it is an effective tool for the short-term T. solium education of primary school students in Zambia. Follow-up studies are planned to assess the longer term impact of the program on knowledge uptake in the study neighbourhoods. Inclusion of tailored 'The Vicious Worm' educational workshops should be considered in integrated cysticercosis control programs in endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa., (© 2018 The Authors. Tropical Medicine & International Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The tapeworm Taenia solium is endemic in Zambia, however its socioeconomic cost is unknown. During a large-scale interventional study conducted in Zambia, baseline economic costs of human and porcine T. solium infections were measured. Questionnaire surveys were conducted within three neighbourhoods in Zambia's Eastern province in 2015 and 2016. A human health questionnaire, capturing costs of clinical symptoms commonly attributable to human cysticercosis and taeniasis, was conducted in randomly selected households (n = 267). All pig-keeping households were administered a pig socioeconomic questionnaire (n = 271) that captured pig demographic data, costs of pig-keeping, and economic losses from porcine cysticercosis. Of all respondents 62% had reportedly experienced at least one of the surveyed symptoms. Seizure-like episodes were reported by 12%, severe chronic headaches by 36%, and vision problems by 23% of respondents. These complaints resulted in 147 health care consultations and 17 hospitalizations in the five years preceding the study, and an estimated productivity loss of 608 working days per year. Of all pigs 69% were bought within villages. Nearly all adult pigs were sold to local traders, and tongue palpation for detection of cysticerci was commonly performed. Reportedly, 95% of pig owners could not sell tongue-positive pigs, while infected pigs fetched only 45% of the normal sale value. These preliminary costing data indicate that human and porcine T. solium infections substantially impact endemic areas of Eastern Zambia. A full socioeconomic burden assessment may enable improved T. solium management in sub-Saharan Africa., (Copyright © 2018 Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This paper discusses the application of an information, motivation and behavioural skills (IMB) model in a school-based programme for the reduction of HIV risk behaviour among 259 Grade 11 learners in two high schools in Alexandra township, Johannesburg. School 1 was the Experimental group, while School 2 was the Control group. After a baseline study (Time 1) at both schools, a 3-week intervention programme was conducted at School 1. A post-test (Time 2) was conducted at both schools. The intervention was repeated at School 2, followed by another post-test (Time 3) at both schools. A final test (Time 4) was conducted at both schools. While there were positive changes in the levels of HIV&AIDS IMB in learner participants, these changes may not be entirely attributed to the intervention. If an IMB model-based intervention is to be maximally effective in reducing HIV-risk behaviour among adolescents, it must focus on the behavioural, structural and socio-cultural contexts in which adolescents live.

One-year-old children who failed to thrive in infancy were identified through a specialist clinical service using a conditional weight gain criterion which identified the slowest gaining 5%. Control children of the same age and sex were recruited from the same local geographical area and had the same primary care physician. The food intake and feeding behaviour of the groups was compared using a detailed observational micro-analysis of a lunchtime meal, using a behavioural coding scheme developed for use over the weaning period. Both food and fluid intake at the test meal were significantly lower in the children who failed to thrive than the controls. There was no significant difference in the energy density of the foods they consumed. As recorded in the behaviour counts at the meal, the mothers of the children who failed to thrive fed them as much as or more than the control mothers fed their children. The children who failed to thrive tended to refuse or reject the offered food more, and also fed themselves significantly less often than the controls. These behavioural differences during the meal accounted for about one third of the difference in energy intake between the groups.

Background: Failure to thrive is generally attributed to undernutrition, but little is known about the appetite or eating behaviour of children with the condition. The hypothesis that young children who fail to thrive lack a normal sensitivity to internal hunger or satiation cues was tested in this study using an energy compensation procedure., Method: Twenty-seven children under assessment by a community-based service for failure to thrive, with weight gain in the lowest 5% for their age, were studied at one year of age with 26 controls of the same age and sex with normal weight gain, resident in the same local geographical area. Test meals were given in the child's own home on two separate days. The test meals were preceded by either a high energy (402 kJ) drink, or by a low energy (1 kJ) drink on a control day. The order was randomised, and the study conducted double blind, without the experimenter or the mother knowing which drink was which. Energy intake at the test meal was measured., Results: There was no significant difference in the birth weight of the children in the two groups but by the time of the test the cases weighed significantly less than controls, with mean (SD) weight 9.06 (1.05) kg and 11.59 (1.59) kg respectively. In relation to the British Growth Reference for weight this is a difference of 2.2 SD. Mean (SD) energy intake at the meal on the control day was significantly lower in the case children than the controls (FTT 687.5 (334.3) kJ; controls 1065.9 (431.8) kJ; p < .001). After the high energy drink, controls reduced their energy intake at the meal by a mean (SD) -257.3 (383.3) kJ while the cases showed a slight average increase of +78.1 (365.9) kJ; t = 3.26, df 51, p < .001. Per kJ of the pre-load, the average change was -1.18 kJ in controls and +0.80 kJ in cases., Conclusions: The controls compensated as expected for their high energy load at the subsequent meal, but the case children did not, showing that they lack the normal responses to internal hunger/satiation cues. High energy snacks may improve the nutritional status of children who fail to thrive.