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Despite the high protein levels, essential fatty acids and minerals that are found in edible insects, they are still not being used in complementary feeding. The aim of this study was to investigate maternal perception on use of edible insects for complementary feeding and nutrition status of children in Kakamega and Siaya Counties, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design which was used on a sample of 592 mother-child pairs (aged 6-23 months) in Kisa North, West Yimbo and West Ugenya wards. Majority of the mothers were in the childbearing age group of 15-49 years, were married and 57.9% in Kisa North, 65.7% in West Ugenya and 64.6% in West Yimbo had attained primary education. Generally, 50.9%, 54.2% and 48.8% of the household heads in Kisa North, West Ugenya and West Yimbo, respectively had attained primary education. About 49.5% and 38.9% of the mothers in Kisa North and West Ugenya practiced farming while 35.3% of those in West Yimbo engaged in business. About 40.3% of the household heads in West Ugenya were farmers, 48.7% in Kisa North were casual labourers while 66.3% in West Yimbo engaged in fishing. Approximately 42.1%, 33.7% and 39.3% of the mothers in Kisa North, West Ugenya and West Yimbo respectively disagreed about the use of edible insects for complementary feeding. More than half (65.3%, 56.6% and 61.7%) of the children in Kisa North, West Ugenya and West Yimbo respectively attained the Minimum Dietary Diversity. More than half (58.9% and 55.8%) of the children in West Yimbo and West Ugenya respectively and 29.7% in Kisa North attained the Minimum Acceptable Diet. In terms of nutrition status, the prevalence rates of wasting were (6.3% in West Ugenya, 7.0% in West Yimbo and 6.0% in Kisa North), stunting rates (19.5% in West Ugenya and an equal proportion of 19.9% in West Yimbo and Kisa North) and underweight rates (9.2% in West Ugenya, 9.0% in West Yimbo and 8.8% in Kisa North). There were significant relationships between the maternal perceptions of the appropriateness of insects in complementary food and the ward of residence ([chi squar]=16.86, p value=0.030), marital status of the mother ([chi squar]=11.14, p value=0.025), main source of income for the household head ([chi squar]=33.35, p value=0.007) and the education level of the household head ([chi squar]=48.67, p value=0.009). This information will be useful to the Ministry of Health through the division of nutrition for inclusion in the MIYCN policy the use of edible insects as a complementary food. Key words: Children, Complementary feeding, Edible Insects, Nutritional Status, Maternal Perception, INTRODUCTION Insects can play a significant role in food security because they are readily available and affordable [1]. Edible insects are high in vitamins, protein, energy, minerals (iron, zinc, calcium [...]

Global warming can accelerate soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition resulting in faster carbon (C) loss and positive climate-C feedback. Previous studies on response of SOM decomposition to climate change mainly focus on plow soil layer. However, the effects of elevated CO2 and soil warming on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents and mineralization are rarely studied in subsoil layer. In this study, soil samples were collected from the 0–50-cm paddy soil layer of the Tsukuba free-air CO2 enrichment experimental site with elevated CO2 (+200 ppm) and soil warming (+2 °C), Japan, after 5-year rice growth season. The amounts of SOC, TN, δ13C, and δ15N were analyzed. A 4-week anaerobic incubation experiment was conducted to measure C decomposition and N mineralization potentials. Due to the intrinsic variation in SOC and TN contents in soil layers and fields, the effects of elevated CO2 and soil warming on C decomposition and N mineralization potentials could not be determined here. However, the effect of elevated CO2 on δ13C was only found in 0‒10-cm soil layer. In the 0–50-cm soil profiles, significant correlations were observed among SOC and TN, δ13C and δ15N, decomposed C and mineralized N, and δ13C of decomposed C. The variables associated with soil C and N pools, and dynamics showed large spatial heterogeneity within paddy field, due to variation in the original land use history. Therefore, great caution should be exercised when evaluating the effects of elevated CO2 and temperature on SOM decomposition and sequestration in paddy soil profiles.

More and more cities in Southern Africa are struggling to manage their waste in a context of rapid urbanisation and increasing poverty. In the Cameroon’s largest city, Yaoundé, managing household waste is a growing concern. The public and the authorities cast blame on each other, and the actions taken by each party far from guarantee an efficient management of household waste, which litters the streets. Considering the above, this paper analyses the socio-political practices of stakeholders and their influence on household waste management in Yaoundé. Based on a qualitative survey that combined both a literature review and interviews, the research analysed the challenges related to household waste management with regard to the economy, the environment, and public health. In addition, a cartographic survey using KoboToolbox was conducted in all seven municipalities to analyse the geographical distribution of the waste areas, their size, and their status within the city organizational framework. In total, 264 waste dumps were collected, of which 110 were formal waste using a waste bin of varying size. Social constructivism, stakeholder theory, and strategic analysis were mobilized to analyse the urban waste governance in Yaoundé. Thus, the poor quality of household waste management in Yaoundé was explained using political, economic, sociocultural, and environmental parameters. The social practices and dynamics of the stakeholders generate undesirable consequences that hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By combining social science and engineering methods, this research aims to demonstrate that the shortcomings of waste governance in Yaoundé are both a collective (authorities/public powers) and individual (citizens) matter.

Forest reserves play an important role in the provision of ecosystem goods and services; however, these reserves are facing increasing anthropogenic impacts primarily because of agricultural activities. In sub-Saharan Africa, studies on understanding the extent and impacts of agricultural expansion into forest reserves are generally lacking. Thus, this study aimed to assess the extent of agricultural expansion into forest reserves in Zambia on a national scale between 2000 and 2018 and explores the drivers. We used a remote sensing approach by employing Google Earth Engine (GEE) and Random Forests classifier to map land cover changes at five-time steps: 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2018. Landsat images were used to map six land cover classes (forest, cropland, wetland, grassland, settlement, and water body) determined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A social survey was also undertaken to understand the drivers of agricultural expansion into forest reserves at two study sited located in eastern and north-western part of Zambia. Based on the land cover maps which were produced with high accuracies ranging from 82% to 94%, the results indicated a general decline of 10% in forest area and an increase of 25% in cropland. Almost 50% of the forest reserves in Zambia are experiencing some form of encroachment, and 10% of these are heavily encroached (>90% loss). Local communities indicated that population growth, loss of soil fertility, high market demand for crops, land tenure system, and lack of law enforcement are the major drivers of agricultural expansion into forest reserves. This study highlights the need for policy marker to consider trade-offs in agricultural expansion and conservation of forest reserves relation to population growth. Enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening the implementation of different legislative frameworks is key in addressing the challenges of conservation, while enhancing food security.

Introduction: Zinc deficiency is a common health problem among people who rely heavily on cereal-based foods. Consequently, most people from low-income families, particularly young children in Sub-Saharan Africa, who rely mainly on cereal-based meals, have suffered from Zinc deficiency-related health issues. It is therefore recommended that children who show signs of zinc deficiency like poor growth and cognitive impairment be fed zinc-rich meals; however, in severe cases, they should be given zinc supplements to reduce risks of morbidity and mortality. In that regard, since edible mushrooms are nutritionally rich and contains essential minerals as well as health-promoting compounds, they are a promising tool for improving the nutritional and health quality of commonly carbohydrate-rich foods. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the Zinc bioaccessibility and sensory properties of HMT finger millet porridge blended with Zinc-dense mushroom. Methods: Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was grown on rice straw enriched with zinc sulfate at various concentrations. After reaching full maturity, the mushrooms were harvested, dried, and milled into a fine powder. Zinc-rich mushroom powder was mixed with millet flour in various proportions and used to prepare porridge. The zinc bioaccessibility in millet-mushroom flour blends was determined using a simulation method of gastro intestinal digestion. In addition, panelists comprising of mothers and caregivers of children aged between 6 and 23 months were asked to evaluate the sensory attributes of millet-mushroom porridge. Results: Adding Zinc to growth substrates had a significant (p˂0.05) effect on mushroom yield. Control substrates without Zinc yielded 120 g of mushroom per kilogram substrate. However, when 100 mg Zinc was added to the substrate, the yield increased by 65.6%. The study further noted that substrates with Zinc beyond 100 mg had a negative effect on mushroom yield. Consequently, substrates with the highest Zinc level (600 mg) produced the lowest mushroom yields. Increasing substrates Zinc content, on the other hand, had positive effect on mushroom Zinc levels. Substrates without Zinc produced mushrooms containing 8.9 mg Zinc, which increased by 30.9% when 600 mg Zinc was added. Furthermore, HMT finger millet porridge without mushrooms had a phytates: Zinc molar index of 60.3, which decreased to 34 when 20% (w/w) mushroom proportions were added. Despite having the highest bioaccessible Zinc with the least effect on texture and appearance, a 20% mushroom proportion in HMT finger millet porridge considerably compromised the taste, aroma and general consumer acceptability. Conclusion: Amending HMT finger millet flour with mushroom powder improved Zinc bioaccessibility of the porridge. However, when added beyond a certain limit, mushroom reduced organoleptic qualities of the porridge, which affected overall consumer acceptance. The study recommends, therefore, that mushroom powder be added to finger millet flour in the appropriate proportions to enhance nutritional and health benefits of porridge while minimizing possible negative impacts on sensory properties.

The In Dialogue piece in this issue, brings together Megan Seneque Aggie Kalungu-Banda, Martin Kalungu-Banda and Sharon Munyaka, to explore how different knowledge systems, including science, can be brought into conversation in an effort to democratize knowledge and support transformative societal change. The vehicle for this exploration is the philosophy and practice of Ubuntu, and how this is being brought to life across the African continent in the context of the Ubuntu.Lab and the Ubuntu Institute. The conversants delve into what it might mean, and what it looks like in practice, to have a distinct (African) identity that lies within the context of local cultural and spiritual traditions and indigenous knowledges, while also actively participating in and contributing to the global community and movement of the Presencing Institute. This exploration reveals both the complexities and the generative potential of weaving different wisdom traditions and knowledge systems, in the interests of creating a future for the continent from which the rest of the world might learn.

Quality healthcare service delivery has a significant influence on customer satisfaction, the burden of meeting health service costs, and the recovery of patients. Therefore, health facilities should make use of electronic health management systems to improve the quality of their service delivery in administration and patient care. The purpose of carrying out this study was to establish how Service Delivery can be improved through Electronic Communication in Public Hospitals in Kenya. A pragmatic research paradigm was employed coupled with Descriptive and correlational research design. The target population was all the 1207 professional staff working in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret and Kenyatta National Hospital Nairobi as well as 1841 outpatients treated in both hospitals between January and May 2020. To select the 341 respondents of the research, a stratified random sampling technique was used. The researcher used secondary and primary data. Semistructured questionnaires were distributed to the respondents to allow for the collection of primary data. Qualitative data was analyzed with the help of thematic analysis. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Descriptive statistics that were used include mean, percentages, frequencies, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics that were used are multiple regression analysis, correlation analysis, and univariate regression analysis. From the findings, the utilization of electronic communication had a positive influence on service delivery in public hospitals in Kenya as indicated by the regression coefficient of 0.715 (p-value=0.000). This implies that a unit improvement in the utilization of electronic records management would lead to a 0.715 improvement in service delivery in public hospitals in Kenya. Since the p-value (0.000) is less than the significance level (0.05), the null hypothesis was rejected and hence utilization of electronic records management has a significant influence on service delivery in public hospitals in Kenya. It can be recommended that health facilities in Kenya should improve the utilization of personal digital assistants, social media platforms, and local area networks to improve service delivery through reduced queuing and turnaround time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban agriculture (UA) is an ancient practice in Africa that meets social- and health-related needs. However, it is unclear whether architects and urban planners have incorporated the topic into their research and practices. This study aimed to assess the scientific contributions of these fields to UA and their relevance compared to other disciplines. The research objectives were to evaluate the trends in the subject, architects’ and planners’ involvement, and the effects of UA on health in Africa. As a method, a review was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The research query was (“urban agriculture” OR “urban farming”) AND Africa AND (“health” OR “global health” OR “urban health”), and the time frame considered was January 2000 to December 2020. Zotero, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Excel, and VOSviewer were used to collect and analyze metadata. After excluding duplicates, a total of n = 390 articles were involved. The results displayed the mixed health effects of UA, a growing interest in the topic with prominence on food security, and evidence from public health, not architecture and planning. The study recommends more theoretical research on UA by architects, which should be translated into policies and implementation.

Appropriate weeds control is needed against weeds constraints in field, especially the organic field. With the appropriate management, weeding would benefit the organic field not only in reducing weeds but also in increasing nitrogen (N) availability in organic rice fields. This research aims to observe soil available N changes affected by weeding frequencies in organic paddy fields. Treatments applied were five weeding frequencies (WF) such as 0 WF, 2 WF, 4 WF, 6 WF, and 8 WF, to study the effect of various weeding frequencies on soil total N and available N ( NH4+ and NO3–) in the organic rice field. The soil in the conventional field was analyzed as a comparison to organic field soil. The results showed that soil C and N contents are similar in all treatments. Meanwhile, 6 WF performed the highest soil NH4+ among organic plots (10.36 mg N kg–1) and 8 WF enhanced soil NO3– to the highest average among all plots (10.12 mg N kg–1). The treatment of 6 WF and 8 WF also maintain the increase of soil NH4+ to 51 days after transplanting (DAT), meanwhile 0 WF, 2 WF, and 4 WF decreased after 40 DAT. Water samples from fields inlet-outlet and river showed that NH4+ content found in water sample was higher than NO3–. We concluded that the more frequencies of weeding applied to organic fields potentially preserved soil inorganic N longer, which is very important in supporting rice growth.

African urban agriculture (UA) has garnered attention for its contributions to food security and socio-economic improvement. However, its impact on the psychological well-being of farmers has received minimal focus. This study explores the psychosocial effects of UA by surveying 733 farmers in Dar es Salaam and Greater Lomé. Utilizing the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF) and bespoke questionnaires, our research evaluates the emotional benefits of urban farming. Findings from regression analyses and spatial assessments conducted using Python and QGIS 3.32.2-Lima indicate significant variations in UA-related happiness across different city zones, with peripheral farmers experiencing greater satisfaction than their urban counterparts. Notably, female farmers reported higher levels of happiness, underscoring UA's potential to empower women. This study advocates for the integration of UA into urban planning frameworks to foster psychologically beneficial urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperkalemia is common among patients with end stage kidney disease. Management involves diet modification. Hot water blanching is recommended to leach potassium in vegetables which results in losses of water‐soluble and heat labile vitamins. Evidence on the effect of blanching in reducing potassium level of locally consumed vegetables in Kenya is limited. This study sought to establish effect of hot water blanching time‐temperature on level of potassium, vitamin B1, B3 and C in kales (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and spinach (Spinach oleracea) on potassium and vitamins B1, B3 and C retention/loss. The study adopted a full factorial experimental design. Vitamins were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Potassium was quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. To compare nutrient content between samples, independent t‐test and Analysis of Variance were used at 95% confidence level. Nutrient content of fresh kales and spinach were potassium (102 mg/100 g and 615 mg/100 g), vitamin B1 (124 μg/100 g and 51 μg/100 g), vitamin B3 (1165 μg/100 g and 812 μg/100 g) and vitamin C (102 mg/100 g and 116 mg/100 g) respectively. In kales, blanching for 20 min at 1000°C resulted to retention of 86.9%, 55.6%, 27.6% and 12.9% of vitamin B1, B3, C and potassium respectively. In spinach, blanching for 20 min at 1000°C resulted in retention of 79.9%, 88.6%, 12.2% and 40.6% retention of vitamin B1, B3, C and potassium respectively. Vitamin C and Potassium were the most sensitive to heat and leaching. Time had a greater effect than temperature in this study. This study recommends blanching of kale at 15.2 min at 800°C, spinach at 17.7 min at 840°C. Further research on optimal blanching time‐temperature for potassium and vitamin retention/loss is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMalnutrition due to inadequate dietary intake is commonly reported in children with Cerebral palsy (CP). Poor dietary intakes are majorly caused by feeding dysfunctions secondary to oro-motor impairment characteristic of the condition. Strategies that improve nutrient densities in foods can help enhance nutrient intakes by these children.ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of consumption of fermented finger millet porridge fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MoLP) on the protein and vitamin A status of children with CP.DesignA randomized controlled trial was conducted among 113 children aged 5-11 years with CP. The study had two arms (intervention [N = 57] and control [N = 56]). The intervention group received a daily serving of fortified finger millet porridge for 3 months while the control group received non-fortified finger millet porridge servings. All children received the same amounts of porridge servings. The levels of serum albumin and retinol between the groups were compared at both baseline and end line. The BMI-for-age Z-scores (BMIAZ) and morbidity prevalence of the children were also assessed.ResultsAt baseline, the two study groups were similar in all demographic and socio-economic characteristics, nutrient intakes, serum levels of albumin and retinol, weight status and morbidity. At end line, the children from the intervention group had significantly higher intakes of vitamin A at 717.12±432.7 μg/d (p = 0.038) and protein at 44.367±17.2 g/d (p = 0.031) respectively. The serum nutrients levels increased significantly from baseline by 0.456±0.12 g/dL (pConclusionConsumption of M. oleifera fortified porridge significantly improved the children's serum albumin and retinol levels, as well as BMIAZ.Registration number and name of trial registryThe trial is registered at Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, number PACTR202107669905145 URL link: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/.

Information on consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods and their influence on iron status among women of childbearing age (WCA) is scarce in Kenya despite iron deficiency being rampant. The present study investigated consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods on iron status among WCA in Kapsabet Ward, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design. A sample of 160 respondents was systematically selected proportionately in the eight villages. Consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods were assessed using a modified 7-d Food Frequency Questionnaire. Venous blood (2 ml) was drawn from participants. Serum ferritin and C-reactive proteins were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Consumption patterns of iron- and ascorbate-rich foods were analysed using descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression was conducted to investigate the association between iron- and ascorbate-rich foods consumption and iron status. Confounding variables such as consumption of foods high phytate levels, milk and milk products, recent major blood losses and parasitic infections were controlled for during analysis. The prevalence of iron deficiency among the WCA was 45⋅0 %. Iron-rich foods were rarely (

Rural mobility in Africa is an under-researched issue. Rural communities have often suffered from reduced mobility that has hampered their access to essential services and facilities such as education, health care, food, and clean water. In many rural communities, a more affordable mobility option, such as non-motorized mobility (cycling and walking), is the preferred way for people to travel. Apart from its well-known advantages, little is known about the impact of topography and routes on the mobility options adopted by rural communities. Therefore, this study aims to use Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to analyze the impact of topography and routes on rural mobility patterns at the level of formal and informal cycle track networks in the Bugesera District, focusing on the Nyamata and Mayange sectors, Rwanda. This study used GPS devices given to 50 participants to collect mobility patterns in the two previously mentioned sectors. Then, the study imposed a 30-m buffer on the official road networks of Rwanda collected by the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA). These data were joined to GPS tracks to highlight official and unofficial roads (tracks that did not fall within the 30-m buffer). In addition, Digital Elevation Models were applied to analyze the SRTM (30 m resolution) and ALOS PALSAR (12.5 m resolution) elevation data of the Bugesera region. The findings revealed an elevation range of 1333 to 1535 for SRTM and 1323 to 1641 for ALOS PALSAR. The study calculated the slope to find the slope percentage (m) and length (m). The findings from the DEMs and the slope calculation revealed that Bugesera has a relatively flat surface, favorable for cycling. The slope percentage was further classified into five levels of slope ranging from steep to very steep. And the Van Zuidam classification results confirmed that Bugesera has “a flat or nearly flat surface, without significant denudation processes”. With a favorable topography and a higher bicycle ownership ratio, residents of the Bugesera district favor cycling in their daily activities more than any district in Rwanda. Cycling in Nyamata or Mayange links residents to areas with higher social, educational, administrative, and economic activities.

Introduction: Tea consumption with meals affects iron absorption, increasing the risk of iron deficiency. Our study investigated the association between tea consumption patterns and serum ferritin levels among women of childbearing age (WCA) in Nandi County, Kenya. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study among 160 WCA selected using a systematic random sampling technique from Kapsabet Ward. Information on tea consumption practices was gathered using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and serum ferritin and C-reactive protein were measured. We assessed associations between tea consumption and iron status of respondents by multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, including parasitic infections and recent severe blood losses. Results: The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency among the study participants were 86.2% and 45%, respectively. Majority (90.6%) of the respondents consumed tea or coffee, with an infusion time of more than 5 min (60.0%) and a moderate tea strength (64.1%), within 1 h before or after meals. Iron deficiency was associated the number of teacups consumed (adjusted odds ratio = 7.282, 95% CI = 3.580–14.812). Conclusion: High tea consumption is positively associated with iron deficiency among WCA. Lower tea infusion strength, shorter tea infusion duration, and a lower number of teacups overall consumed, as well as consuming tea 1 h before or after meals instead of with meals, may be recommended for better outcomes in iron status among WCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry-litter biochar and Azolla as green manure amendments are reported to enhance paddy soil fertility and rice yields. However, whether their co-application in lowland rice paddies has synergistic effects and whether those benefits are accompanied by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions remains unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of poultry-litter biochar (hereafter: biochar) and its co-application with Azolla as green manure (hereafter: Azolla), on the simultaneous methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from a lowland paddy soil planted with rice during a single rice growing season in Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan. Biochar and Azolla amendments were applied once before rice was transplanted at a density of 20 t ha−1 and 133.9 kg N ha−1, respectively. Compared with NPK, NPK + biochar, and Azolla only treatments, Azolla and biochar co-application (i.e., Azolla + biochar) significantly increased CH4 emissions by 33%–197.6% in the early stages of rice growth (before 63 days after transplanting, DAT), but did not significantly influence CH4 emissions at both late rice growth stages (after 63 DAT,) and whole rice growth period (112 DAT). Conversely, Azolla + biochar significantly reduced N2O emissions by 83.0%–97.1% before 63 DAT, and by 76.4%–95.9% during the whole rice growth period at 112 DAT, with a significantly high interaction between biochar and fertilizer amendments. There were no significant N2O emission differences among all treatments after 63 DAT. Additionally, Azolla + biochar significantly increased rice grain yield by 27.3%–75.0%, and consequently, decreased both yield-equivalent CH4 emissions by 24.7%–25.0% and N2O emissions by 81.8%–97.7%. Our findings suggest that the co-application of poultry-litter biochar and Azolla as green manure offers a novel approach to increase rice yield while reducing the emissions of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases.

The pro-inflammatory mediator receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) plays a significant role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis; however, its role in inflammatory bowel disease is unknown. Genome-wide association meta-analysis for Crohn’s disease (CD) identified a variant near the TNFSF11 gene that encodes RANKL and CD risk allele increased expression of RANKL in specific cell lines. This study aims to elucidate if the RANKL inhibitor denosumab can reduce the severity of experimental colitis and modify the gut microbiota composition using murine dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS)-experimental model of colitis mimicking CD. In colitic conditions, denosumab treatment significantly decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α within the colonic mucosa. Moreover, colitis was accompanied by disruption of gut microbiota, and preventative treatment with denosumab modulated this disruption. Denosumab treatment also modified the alpha- and beta diversity of colonic mucosa and fecal microbiota. These results provide a rationale for considering denosumab as a future potential therapy in CD; however, more detailed experimental and clinical studies are warranted.

Hot water- and water-extracted organic matter was extracted from soil samples collected after a 31-year long-term experiment which aimed to assess the effect of different fertilization strategies (inorganic fertilizers and organic matters) commonly used for paddy rice cultivation in Yamagata, northeastern Japan. The ratio of soil to extracted water was 2:3. The amounts of hot water-extracted organic carbon and nitrogen (HWEOC and HWEN) at 80 oC and 16 hours, water-extracted organic carbon and nitrogen (WEOC and WEN) at room temperature, and their δ13C and δ15N were measured from the five fertilizer treatment plots as [1) PK, 2) NPK, 3) NPK + 6 Mg ha-1 rice straw (RS), 4) NPK + 10 Mg ha-1 rice straw compost (CM1), and 5) NPK + 30 Mg ha-1 rice straw compost (CM3)], for surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-25 cm) layers. HWEOC and WEOC accounted for an average of about 1.51 and 0.66% of SOC, while HWEN and WEN accounted for an average of about 1.09 and 0.40% of soil TN, respectively. About 90% of the extracted N was organic form among all treatments. The values of δ13C for HWEOC and WEOC ranged from -28.2 to -26.5‰ and from -28.3 to -27.0‰, similar to the original rice straw and rice straw compost, and lower than the value of original soil at -22.5‰. The values of δ15N of HWEN, WEN and bulk soil ranged from 0.8 to 3.8‰, from 1.0to 4.0‰, and from 0.8 to 2.8‰, respectively. It was clear that δ15N decreased in RS but increased in CM3 treatments. Our results indicated that the amounts of hot water- and water-extracted organic matter were affected by long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and organic matters remarkably. However, the values of δ13C for HWEOC and WEOC were not different among 5 treatments, but values of δ15N of HWEN and WEN were affected by RS and CM3 applications clearly.

To determine the difference in greenhouse gas emissions between two rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties; Takanari (Tak) and Koshihikari (Kos), under organic rice cultivation with or without weeds management, a pot experiment was conducted at Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan. The Tak and Kos varieties were transplanted individually and interplanted as Tak+Kos, with the main treatments of weeding (w) and no-weeding (nw). Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and plant night respiration (CO2 emission) fluxes were measured once weekly or biweekly during the rice growth period. As the results, N2O fluxes were not detected but CH4 fluxes varied with the rice growth stage for all treatments. Compared with the Kos(w), Tak(w) and Tak+Kos(w) significantly decreased total seasonal CH4 emissions by 12.4% and 19.1%, respectively. This was attributed to higher rhizospheric CH4 oxidation and the offset of potential methanogenic activities because of the larger root biomass and a higher harvest index for both Tak(w) and Tak+Kos(w) compared with Kos(w). Conversely, Kos(nw) significantly reduced cumulative CH4 emissions by 31.7% and 48.6% compared with Tak(nw) and Tak+Kos(nw), respectively. This was ascribed to high rhizospheric CH4 oxidation promoted by the presence of significantly higher weed biomass for Kos(nw) at 65.0% and 44.0% compared with Tak(nw) and Tak+Kos(nw), respectively. On average, the no-weeding practice significantly decreased cumulative CH4 emissions by 50.5% compared with the weeding practice, with a significantly high (P<0.001) interaction between weed management and variety differences observed. The CH4 emissions and plant biomass under variety interplanting (Tak+Kos) were not significantly different to Tak individual planting, but were significantly different to Kos individual planting, which implied variety Tak had strong competition to variety Kos. More studies on appropriate variety choice and pairs, and the effect of aquatic weeds presence in no-weeding organic paddy fields are necessary to estimate CH4 emission and attenuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different weeding frequencies (WFs)―0WF, 2WF, 4WF, 6WF, and 8WF―were adopted in an organic rice field to investigate their influence on weed types, rice and weed biomass, rice tiller and weed number, N concentration, and N uptake. The study field was located in Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan. Rice (cv. Sasanishiki) was planted from May to September 2019, and all weeding events were carried out until 49 days after transplantation (DAT) using a rotary weeder. Rice and weed samples were collected at 60, 88, and 110 DAT. Echinochloa crus-galli (E. crus-galli), Schoenoplectus juncoides, and Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) were the most commonly found weeds. High weed diversity was observed at both 6WF and 8WF, E. crus-galli was the dominant weed at 0WF. Compared to 0WF, 2WF displayed a significantly decreased weed biomass. However, at 8WF, the weed biomass was reduced by 79.0%, the rice biomass was increased by 277%, and the rice tiller number was almost three times higher than that at 0WF and 110 DAT. Compared to 0WF, a significantly increased rice N uptake was observed at 4WF, and rice N uptakes achieved at 6WF and 8WF were two and four times higher than those at 0WF, respectively. Higher weeding frequencies provide notable benefits in suppressing weeds and supporting rice growth, especially in N uptake competition with weeds.

This paper reviews some challenges faced by humanitarian logistics and supply chain organisations in the transportation of resources, evacuees, and emergency supplies for disaster relief operations in the SADC region. To identify the appropriate transportation to assist in the region, three models were reviewed and proposed: A typical transportation problem, a genetic algorithm based on a spanning tree, and a linear optimisation using Excel Solver. Reviewing the literature revealed that both man-made and natural disasters have caused over ninety thousand fatalities and affected millions just over the past three decades. A further review shows that most disaster deaths are the result of poor infrastructure, especially in populated areas. This presents a challenge to relief organisations in their efforts to provide on-time relief to victims in pre- and post-disaster periods. Although each proposed transportation problem has particular complexities, each of them could assist the region to decrease the relief operation response time and cost. This paper provides the reader with a greater understanding of the challenges faced by the humanitarian supply chain in the SADC region. This paper proposes a conceptual model based on an actual empirical case.