Smart Shirt for Measuring Trunk Orientation

Improper cycling posture is linked to a variety of spinal musculoskeletal diseases, including structural malformation of the spine and back discomfort. This paper presents a novel smart shirt integrated tri-axial gyroscope and accelerometer that can detect postural variation in terms of spinal curvature changes. To provide accurate feedback to the wearer and improve the wearer's correct movement, the garment is able to recognize trunk body posture. The gyroscope/accelerometer was placed around the upper and mid trunk of the user to record tri-axial angular velocity data. The device can also be used to help determine the trunk bending angle and monitor body postures in order to improve optimal orientation and position. The garment enables continuous measurement in the field at high sample rates (50 Hz), and the sensor has a large measurement range (16 g, 2000°/s). As electronic components are non-washable, instead of encapsulating them, a detachable module was created. In this, magnets are embedded in the jersey, and allow the positioning and removal of the sensor. The test results show that the average trunk-bending angle was 21.5°, and 99 percent of the observed angle fell within the standard (ranging from 8° to 35°). The findings demonstrate the feasibility of employing the smart shirt sensor to estimate trunk motions in the field on a regular basis.

Characterization and optimization of the properties of untreated high land bamboo fibres

In this experimental study, untreated Ethiopian high land bamboo fibres were characterized and detected the optimal properties. In the investigation, SEM was applied to examine the surface texture of the fibres. The chemical bonds of the molecules (functional groups) were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The thermal properties of the fibre were explored with a thermogravimetric analyser, and the results were confirmed by differential thermo-gravimetric analysis (DTG). Mechanical properties were improved using the experimental design principle. The design is based on the RSM methodology three-factor three-level to present mathematical models. At various plant ages, the culm wall thickness in the radial direction and soaking duration of the single fibre is extracted using a roller crusher machine. The operating parameters and optimal mechanical properties were validated using confirmation tests. Breaking force 796.5cN, tenacity 46.8cNtex-1, work done 456cNmm, and modulus 1814cNtex-1 were the optimal mechanical characteristics achieved at the operating parameters 2.0 years age, a calm thickness layer coded values of 0.6 along the radial direction, and 3.8 days soaking time when compared to mechanical properties 1–3 years plant age, calm thickness layers of from primary (-1) to secondary layers (1) along with the radial direction, and 3–9 days soaking time.

Characterization and optimization of alkali-treated yushania alpina bamboo fiber properties: case study of ethiopia species

The mechanical properties of single Yushania alpina bamboo fibers have not been explored. This is a serious limitation on their application. The main purpose of this work is to fill up information gaps to prepare for the growing usage of Ethiopian bamboo in a variety of applications. This study looks at the characterization and optimization of Y.alpina bamboo fiber properties extracted both chemically and mechanically. Using response surface methodology (RSM) the mechanical properties were optimized and linear, quadratic and interaction of independent variables were determined. Samples of length 25–30 cm were harvested at various ages from the middle of the stem which was then soaked in different NaOH concentrations weight by volume for different times. Using a rolling machine that has three rollers, the fiber is mechanically extracted. The optimal mechanical properties were observed at plant age of 1.8 years, alkali concentration of 10%, and a soaking duration of 2.0 days. The model is significant (P ≤ 0.005) with a 95% confidence level for predicted values that were closer to the measured values, indicating that the model's fit to the measured properties was strong at the optimized values. The optimized points of age and soaking duration ware subjected to chemical, thermal and morphological analysis for each corresponding NaOH Concentration (6, 12, and 18%) levels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the microstructure of the fibers and discovered that the 18% NaOH treated fiber resulted in more wrinkles in the surface of bamboo fibers when compared with the 6 and 12%NaOH Bamboo fiber. Using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal gravimetric (DTG), the study investigated weight loss increased as alkali concentration increased but the scenario functioned for proper concentration.

Treatment outcome of pediatric tuberculosis in eastern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Children are more vulnerable to developing active Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection which causes significant morbidity and mortality. However, the contribution of childhood tuberculosis and its treatment outcomes have not been well documented, and no research has been conducted in eastern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the treatment outcome and its predictors of pediatric tuberculosis in eastern Ethiopia from September 1, 2017 to January 30, 2018.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted in eight selected hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Data on 2002 children with tuberculosis was extracted by using the standard checklist of the national tuberculosis treatment format. Treatment outcomes were determined according to the standard definitions of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme. Data were entered into Epi Data software version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable regression analyses were carried out to examine the associations between dependent and independent variables. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT

The overall successful treatment rate was 1,774 (88.6%) [95% confidence interval (CI): (80.59-97.40)]. A total of 125 (6.2%), 1,648 (82.3%), 59 (2.9%), and 19 (0.9%) children with tuberculosis (TB) were cured, completed, defaulted, and died, respectively. A high number of defaulters and deaths were reported in the age group <10 years. More children with smear-positive pulmonary TB (74.4%) were cured, while smear-negative tuberculosis had higher treatment completion rates. Being male in sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.96) and those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive sero status (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.90) had a lower chance of a successful treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

In this study, thee treatment success rate was higher than the recent World Health Organization report. Those males and HIV seropositive status were less likely to have a successful treatment outcome. Therefore, efforts should be made by each health institution in eastern Ethiopia by giving emphasis on male and HIV-positive individuals.

Pulp and paper mill wastes: utilizations and prospects for high value-added biomaterials

A wide variety of biomass is available all around the world. Most of the biomass exists as a by-product from manufacturing industries. Pulp and paper mills contribute to a higher amount of these biomasses mostly discarded in the landfills creating an environmental burden. Biomasses from other sources have been used to produce different kinds and grades of biomaterials such as those used in industrial and medical applications. The present review aims to investigate the availability of biomass from pulp and paper mills and show sustainable routes for the production of high value-added biomaterials. The study reveals that using conventional and integrated biorefinery technology the ample variety and quantity of waste generated from pulp and paper mills can be converted into wealth. As per the findings of the current review, it is shown that high-performance carbon fiber and bioplastic can be manufactured from black liquor of pulping waste; the cellulosic waste from sawdust and sludge can be utilized for the synthesis of CNC and regenerated fibers such as viscose rayon and acetate; the mineral-based pulping wastes and fly ash can be used for manufacturing of different kinds of biocomposites. The different biomaterials obtained from the pulp and paper mill biomass can be used for versatile applications including conventional, high performance, and smart materials. Through customization and optimization of the conversion techniques and product manufacturing schemes, a variety of engineering materials can be obtained from pulp and paper mill wastes realizing the current global waste to wealth developmental approach.

Wheat rust epidemics damage Ethiopian wheat production: A decade of field disease surveillance reveals national-scale trends in past outbreaks

Wheat rusts are the key biological constraint to wheat production in Ethiopia-one of Africa's largest wheat producing countries. The fungal diseases cause economic losses and threaten livelihoods of smallholder farmers. While it is known that wheat rust epidemics have occurred in Ethiopia, to date no systematic long-term analysis of past outbreaks has been available. We present results from one of the most comprehensive surveillance campaigns of wheat rusts in Africa. More than 13,000 fields have been surveyed during the last 13 years. Using a combination of spatial data-analysis and visualization, statistical tools, and empirical modelling, we identify trends in the distribution of wheat stem rust (Sr), stripe rust (Yr) and leaf rust (Lr). Results show very high infection levels (mean incidence for Yr: 44%; Sr: 34%; Lr: 18%). These recurrent rust outbreaks lead to substantial economic losses, which we estimate to be of the order of 10s of millions of US-D annually. On the widely adopted wheat variety, Digalu, there is a marked increase in disease prevalence following the incursion of new rust races into Ethiopia, which indicates a pronounced boom-and-bust cycle of major gene resistance. Using spatial analyses, we identify hotspots of disease risk for all three rusts, show a linear correlation between altitude and disease prevalence, and find a pronounced north-south trend in stem rust prevalence. Temporal analyses show a sigmoidal increase in disease levels during the wheat season and strong inter-annual variations. While a simple logistic curve performs satisfactorily in predicting stem rust in some years, it cannot account for the complex outbreak patterns in other years and fails to predict the occurrence of stripe and leaf rust. The empirical insights into wheat rust epidemiology in Ethiopia presented here provide a basis for improving future surveillance and to inform the development of mechanistic models to predict disease spread.

Comparative Analysis of Thermophysiological Comfort-Related Properties of Elastic Knitted Fabrics for Cycling Sportswear

This research focused on the investigation of the thermophysiological comfort properties of four selected knitted fabrics of different fiber blend ratios suitable for cycling wear. Comfort-related properties of the fabrics were determined and compared including air permeability, moisture management properties, drying time, thermal conductivity, and water vapor permeability. For those comfort properties of the fabric to be correlated, fabric structural properties, fabric density, fabric weight, and fabric thickness have been considered. Suited fabrics should have good air permeability, thermal conductivity, moisture management properties, and a short drying time. According to the measurement results, the fabric polyamide/elasane (58/42 PA6.6/EL) with good air permeability, thermal conductivity, moisture management properties, and short drying time was more suited for summer cycling clothing. Furthermore, this paper provides a new understanding of considerations that are needed for several end uses involving specific activity levels.

Valorisation of waste chicken feathers: Optimisation of keratin extraction from waste chicken feathers by sodium bisulphite, sodium dodecyl sulphate and urea

Extraction of keratin from keratinous waste materials, such as chicken feathers, has been identified as the favourable approach in beneficiation of this biomass. The chemical extractions of keratin by reducing agents are usually preferred because the process is much faster than its counterpart, oxidation extraction. One such reduction extraction is the use of a mixture of sodium bisulphite, sodium dodecyl sulphate and urea. There are at least five factors that may affect the keratin extraction process and its final properties when using this extraction. Even though this extraction method is often used, the effects of its independent variables have not been studied; as a result, the effects of independent variables cannot be fully linked to the extraction process and final keratin properties. Therefore, this study aimed to optimise the extraction of keratin from waste chicken feathers using sodium bisulphite, sodium dodecyl sulphate and urea. The optimisation was statistically performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) linked with Box-Behnken Design. After screening the independent variable using one factor at a time method, the concentration of sodium bisulphite, concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate, reaction temperature and reaction time were chosen for the study. Twenty-nine experiments were statistically designed and executed, and their results were used to analyse the effects of all the independent variables in order to optimise the extraction process. The reaction temperature was found to be the most significant factor, while the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate was the most insignificant factor of this extraction process. Independent variables significance order was reaction temperature > reaction time > concentration of NaHSO₃ > concentration of NaC₁₂H₂₅SO₄. The designed reduced cubic model was significant and was used to predict the protein yield from the keratin extraction using sodium bisulphite.

Optimisation of surfactant decontamination and pre-treatment of waste chicken feathers by using response surface methodology

Commercially processed, untreated chicken feathers are biologically hazardous due to the presence of blood-borne pathogens. Prior to valorisation, it is crucial that they are decontaminated to remove the microbial contamination. The present study focuses on evaluating the best technologies to decontaminate and pre-treat chicken feathers in order to make them suitable for valorisation. Waste chicken feathers were washed with three surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulphate) dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium chloride, and polyoxyethylene (40) stearate) using statistically designed experiments. Process conditions were optimised using response surface methodology with a Box-Behnken experimental design. The data were compared with decontamination using an autoclave. Under optimised conditions, the microbial counts of the decontaminated and pre-treated chicken feathers were significantly reduced making them safe for handling and use for valorisation applications.

Valorisation of chicken feathers: Characterisation of chemical properties

The characterisation of the chemical properties of the whole chicken feather and its fractions (barb and rachis), was undertaken to identify opportunities for valorizing this waste product. The authors have described the physical, morphological, mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of the chicken feathers and related them to potential valorisation routes of the waste. However, identification of their chemical properties is necessary to complete a comprehensive description of chicken feather fractions. Hence, the chicken feathers were thoroughly characterised by proximate and ultimate analyses, elemental composition, spectroscopic analyses, durability in different solvents, burning test, and hydrophobicity. The proximate analysis of chicken feathers revealed the following compositions: crude lipid (0.83%), crude fibre (2.15%), crude protein (82.36%), ash (1.49%), NFE (1.02%) and moisture content (12.33%) whereas the ultimate analyses showed: carbon (64.47%), nitrogen (10.41%), oxygen (22.34%), and sulphur (2.64%). FTIR analysis revealed that the chicken feather fractions contain amide and carboxylic groups indicative of proteinious functional groups; XRD showed a crystallinity index of 22. Durability and burning tests confirmed that feathers behaved similarly to animal fibre. This reveals that chicken feather can be a valuable raw material in textile, plastic, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, biomedical and bioenergy industries.