Gollis University

IntroductionContraception is the deliberate prevention of unwanted pregnancy through various contraceptive methods. Its uptake is low in Sub-Saharan African countries, particularly in east Africa. This might be linked to the high prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and the high fertility rate in the area. Although studies reporting the prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive uptake are available in other African countries, no study has been conducted in Somaliland. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess its prevalence and associated factors in Somaliland using Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey (SLHDS) data.Methods and materialsThe study used Somaliland Demographic Health Survey (SLDHS) 2020 data. The survey was a national-level survey using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 3656 reproductive-age women were included in the current study. To determine independent predictors of modern contraceptive uptake, a multi-level multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Random effect analysis, standard error (SE) and intra-cluster correlation (ICC) were computed.ResultsThe proportion of modern contraceptive uptake among reproductive age groups in Somaliland is 1%. Modern contraceptive uptake is significantly associated with the residence, educational level and wealth index of participants. Women from nomadic communities had lower odds (AOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.66) of modern contraceptive uptake compared to those from urban areas. Being in the highest wealth quintiles (AOR: 17.22; 95% CI: 1.99, 155.92) and having a tertiary educational level (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.29, 9.11) had higher odds of using the modern contractive method compared to those with the lowest wealth quintiles and non-formal education, respectively.ConclusionThe prevalence of modern contraceptive uptake in Somaliland was very low. It is associated with the level of education, wealth index and residence of the women.

Flooding during the rainy season poses a significant threat to the city of Hargeisa, impacting the well-being of both its residents and the local ecosystems. This research focuses on urban flood control, with a specific emphasis on finding sustainable solutions for managing large stream in Hargeisa. The study identifies five key dimensions, including infrastructure, transportation, environmental soil, life, and property, as critical factors in addressing the issue. By employing a comparative method and collecting data through closed-ended questions, the research aims to analyze and weigh eleven potential solutions, seeking to identify the most effective approaches. The findings of the study indicate that constructing a dam emerges as a promising and sustainable solution, with a weightage of 70 percent. This highlights the potential of a dam in mitigating the impact of floods in the region. Additionally, considering the government's economic capacity, the implementation of check dams is identified as another viable option, with a weightage of 95 percent for reducing the flood power of the stream. These solutions offer practical and effective measures to address the recurring problem of flooding in Hargeisa. To support future decision-making and planning, the research underscores the need for establishing a comprehensive rainfall data database. This database would store relevant information on rainfall patterns, enabling better understanding and prediction of flood events. The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local government authorities, environmental organizations, and stakeholders to develop and implement effective flood control strategies. This research provides a systematic approach that can inform and benefit regional and global researchers, policymakers, and municipal governments in their efforts to address urban flood control challenges, not only in Hargeisa but also in similar contexts worldwide.

Flooding during the rainy season poses a significant threat to the city of Hargeisa, impacting the well-being of both its residents and the local ecosystems. This research focuses on urban flood control, with a specific emphasis on finding sustainable solutions for managing large stream in Hargeisa. The study identifies five key dimensions, including infrastructure, transportation, environmental soil, life, and property, as critical factors in addressing the issue. By employing a comparative method and collecting data through closed-ended questions, the research aims to analyze and weigh eleven potential solutions, seeking to identify the most effective approaches.
 The findings of the study indicate that constructing a dam emerges as a promising and sustainable solution, with a weightage of 70 percent. This highlights the potential of a dam in mitigating the impact of floods in the region. Additionally, considering the government's economic capacity, the implementation of check dams is identified as another viable option, with a weightage of 95 percent for reducing the flood power of the stream. These solutions offer practical and effective measures to address the recurring problem of flooding in Hargeisa.
 To support future decision-making and planning, the research underscores the need for establishing a comprehensive rainfall data database. This database would store relevant information on rainfall patterns, enabling better understanding and prediction of flood events. The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local government authorities, environmental organizations, and stakeholders to develop and implement effective flood control strategies. This research provides a systematic approach that can inform and benefit regional and global researchers, policymakers, and municipal governments in their efforts to address urban flood control challenges, not only in Hargeisa but also in similar contexts worldwide.

Taxonomic records of the genus Cyathus in Brazil are revisited, and the description of the species was re-evaluated. In total, 145 samples from Brazilian fungal collections were analyzed and compared with the descriptions present in the literature and type collections, totaling 31 species. New records and new identifications of the collections are presented. Updated descriptions, photo plates, and an identification key for the Cyathus species occurring in Brazil until the present moment are provided.

El inicio de la guerra de guerrillas obedece siempre a una respuesta generada por el levantamiento en armas de la poblacion como reaccion ante el invasor de un pais. No obstante, su importancia ha variado a lo largo de la historia, aunque siempre surge como una lucha contra un ocupante mas poderoso. Pero la guerrilla tal y como se conoce hoy en dia surge en Espana como consecuencia de la invasion de la peninsula por parte del Ejercito napoleonico, y que concluyo con la derrota de la Grande Armee en Bailen en 1808. Despues, se pueden encontrar innumerables ejemplos de la guerrilla moderna. Por ejemplo, la Guerra de los Boers en Sudafrica, que fue una guerra de guerrillas a gran escala, o de los criollos contra el Imperio de Gran Bretana, que finalizo en la Paz de Vereeniging en 1902. Otro ejemplo es Lawrence de Arabia, que constituyo una fuerza irregular para enfrentarse a los turcos, a los que vencio en Jerusalen y Damasco, obligandoles a firmar la rendicion en octubre de 1918. Ya durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial podemos hablar de los Wingate en Indonesia, enfrentandose a los japoneses, o la de Tito en Yugoslavia contra los alemanes. Sin embargo, los mas brillantes estrategas de esta forma de lucha son los espanoles, Mao Tse Tung y Ernesto Che Guevara

The use of plant extracts as antidote against animals venoms is an old practice, mainly envenomations by snakes, besides also may used as supplemental of serum therapy. Snake venoms are a rich mixture of proteins involved in a complex series of events that depends on the synergic action of these molecules. The present study explores the ability of Triacontil p-Coumarate (PCT) an active compound isolated from root bark of Bombacopsis glabra vegetal extract (Bg) against harmful effects of Bothropoides pauloensis snake venom and isolated toxins. For assays Bg or PCT were previously incubated with venom or toxins at ratios 1:1 and 1:5 (w/w; venom/PCT) for 30 min at 37 C before the tests. Treatment condition was also assayed to simulate a snake bite with PCT inoculated at same site of venom or toxin. The PCT was able to neutralize brinogenolytic activity and plasmatic brinogen depletion induced by B. pauloensis venom or toxins tested. This compound was also able to inhibit the myotoxicity and hemorrhage caused by Bothropoides pauloensis venom or jararhagin toxin. These results were conrmed by histological studies of inoculated gastrocnemius muscle showing that jararhagin is strongly inhibited and is possible see the protective effect of PCT by larger number of regenerative cells after one week of inoculation. Our results suggest that PCT present a specicity to inhibit snake venom metalloproteinases. To determinate the possible inhibition mechanism from PCT a molecular modeling was made with docking simulations using Neuwiedase structure data. Thus, we suggest that Neuwiedase inhibition by PCT is due an interaction inside of the catalytic domain causing steric hindrance and/or disorganization of the catalytic net. In this way, PCT may provide new complementary alternative to treatments for ophidian envenomations.

Introduction: Inulin and FOS are prebiotics with potential benefit in cardiovascular risk factors. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is the metabolic precursor of the long chain n-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3), this fatty acid has anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of our study was to evaluate the response of the cardiovascular risk profile in obese patients after inclusion in the diet of an ALA, FOS and inulin enriched-cookie. Material and methods: 36 patients were randomized in both branches: group I (inulin, FOS and ALA enriched cookie) Gullon SL ® and group II (control cookie). Previous and after 1 month of the treatment, a nutritional and biochemical study was realized. Results: 15 patients finished the procotol in each group. In group I, a significantly increase in soluble fiber (2,3+/-0,8 g/day vs 7,7+/-0,8 g/day: p<0,05) and ALA (0,6+/-0,5 g/day vs 3,8+/-0,5 g/day;p<0,05) intakes was detected. In this group a significant decrease of total cholesterol (238,1+/-45,3 mg/dl vs 210,5+/-38,1 mg/dl:p<0,05), LDL cholesterol (153,6+/-23,2 mg/dl vs 127,1+/-27,9 mg/dl:p<0,05) and C reactive protein (6,6+/-1,4 mg/dl vs. 4,4+7-1,8 mg/dl: p<0,05) was reached in males. Anthropometric parameters did not change in both groups. The increase in soluble fiber and ALA dietary intakes did not produce any gastrointestinal adverse effect. Conclusion: The increase of 2 grams per day of inulin, 3,1 grams per day of FOS and 3,2 grams per day of alpha linolenic (ALA) dietary intakes from an enriched-cookie, improved total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and C reactive protein levels in obese males. As far as we know, this is the first study that has evaluated the effect on risk factors of an ALA enriched cookies

La comparaison des solutions apportées au problème de l’absence d’héritier mâle dans deux régions albanaises, l’une au nord, l’autre au sud, fait apparaître, au-delà des traits communs, les représentations symboliques divergentes qui sous-tendent les systèmes de parenté albanais. En particulier, le sang est dans le nord un principe strictement patrilinéaire, alors qu’il prend dans le sud un caractère cognatique qui rappelle des faits observés en Grèce. La conception même du lignage et de sa perpétuation présente ainsi des formes contrastées au nord et au sud.