Food

Health management using probiotics

Published on: 19th January, 2023

‘Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’, the age-old quote by Hippocrates is evidently proved in today’s life management as probiotics have become a valuable part of human day-to-day life [1]. 
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Physical assets life cycle analysis in a food industry company - case study

Published on: 7th February, 2023

Monitoring the life cycle of physical assets (PA) implies addressing issues, such as PA’s energy efficiency and its replacement and definition of the most proper moment to renew. The goals of this article are: to present a characterization of energy sources and analyze the PA life cycle in a food sector company. First, it will be characterized the costs and the expenses of the organization’s energy sources, then, a study about the replacement of PA is presented; Traditional methods were used, such as economic life; The models that underlie it are discussed throughout the article, using actual data, for validation. Three methods for depreciation of PA are used: Linear Depreciation; Sum of Digits and Exponential. Other methods were used to determine the Economic Cycle for replacing PA: Uniform Annual Expenditure (MRAU); Minimizing the Average Total Cost (MCMT); and the MCMT-Reduced to Present Value (MCMT-RVP). The equipment of the study was bakery ovens (gas and electrical). Results and conclusions from the application of the methods used in the evaluation of these PAs are presented.
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Assessment of on farm agrobiodiversity and its role in food sufficiency in mid hill, Nepal

Published on: 31st March, 2023

A survey was conducted in the agricultural farms in Dhulikhel Municipality, mid-hill, Kavre, Nepal aiming at assessing the status of agrobiodiversity with the purpose of understanding its role in food security taking altogether 133 farming households scattered in several settlements with lowland, upland, and home garden being the general agricultural land use systems. Biodiversity index: Shannon-Wiener Index was used to assess diversity of plant. The main purpose was to assess the farm agrobiodiversity and to find out whether biodiversity level has a direct link to household food self-sufficiency. For descriptive analysis frequency, percentage, mean and standard errors were used. In the case of inferential statistics independent sample t - test and binary logistic was used to find the odd ratio of practicing home garden. The result showed that the average landholding size was 0.66 ha/household with 0.37 ha, 0.3 ha, and 0.06 ha being upland, low land, and home garden, respectively. A total of 136 plant species were documented out of which 74 were the effective number of species in the study area. Among the used plants, fodder shared 27% of the total plant diversity followed by fruit (21%), vegetable (19%), medicinal plants (8%), pulses (8%), spices (7%), oilseeds (5%) and cereals (5%). Similarly, the mean livestock unit (LSU) was 2.65. The overall Shannon-Wiener Index was 4.30 indicating high diversity of species and 87.7% of the species were evenly distributed. The Index was higher for vegetable (3.11) followed by fruits (2.9) and fodder (2.85). Higher diversity was found in fodder trees in lowlands whereas vegetable species were more diverse in upland and home garden. Similarly, the Index was 4.29 in the upland whereas it was 4.078 in the home garden followed by 3.13 in the lowland. The evenness was 0.899, 0.87, and 0.74 in upland, home garden and lowland, respectively. Higher species diversity revealed that the site was rich in agrobiodiversity. A significant positive correlation (0.22) was observed between Shannon-Wiener Index and farming years. Similarly, positive correlation (0.33) was found between an increase in the level of agrobiodiversity and food self-sufficiency. The result demonstrated that increasing crop diversity increases the household’s ability towards food sufficiency implying the need for the formulation and implementation of efficient policy to conserve the agrobiodiversity at municipality as well as national levels.
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Study of kabul river canal sediments for heavy metals status and its accumulation in wheat plant (triticum aestivum)

Published on: 21st April, 2023

Canal cleaning is a routine activity on the canals diverted from the Kabul River. As a result, thousands of tons of sediment are removed as sludge and flushed back into the Kabul River. In Peshawar city, most people use this sediment as a soil conditioner in lawns. But the farmers are hesitant to apply it in agricultural fields. It is perceived that the sediment may be rich in heavy metal contents and, if used as a soil conditioner, may contaminate the food chain. To unveil the facts, this study was conducted with the aim of analyzing sediment samples for selected heavy metals and their uptake and accumulation in different parts of the wheat plant. For this purpose, the sediment collected from Warsak Gravity Canal (WGC) was analyzed for total essential heavy metals including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn). Wheat crop was grown in four different pots consisting of pure soil, pure sediment, and two amendments i.e. soil mixed with 25% and 50% sediments. In comparison to sediment, the soil samples were high in copper, cobalt, and Zinc concentration. The concentration of iron and manganese was comparatively high in pure sediment but within permissible limits. The heavy metals uptake by the wheat crop was also within the permissible limits. The highest accumulation of copper, iron, and Zinc was observed in the roots of wheat plants. The highest value of cobalt was observed in the seed (0.407 mg Kg-1), which was within the safe range. Therefore, it is concluded that the sediment of the Kabul River canal cannot be considered a source of pollution in terms of heavy metals and can be used as a soil conditioner.
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Water, energy, and food nexus with agroforestry system for sustainable development goals

Published on: 30th May, 2023

Food production program faces tight competition on land, water, energy, and efforts against the negative effects of food production on the environment [1,2]. 
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Perceptions of Adolescent Mothers on Feeding and Nutrition of their Children aged 0-3 Years in Rural Bangladesh

Published on: 16th June, 2023

Proper feeding practices at an early age are the key to improving a child’s overall health and achieving developmental milestones. In Bangladesh, a large portion of rural girls become mothers before the age of 18. Past records show that most interventions are designed to improve infant and young child feeding practices targeting older mothers. That is why, this study has been designed with an aim to explore the perceptions and practices of infant and young children feeding among rural Bangladeshi mothers aged <19 years old. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and group discussions with a total of 40 adolescent mothers who have children aged 0-3 years. Data has revealed that the majority of the mothers hold very limited knowledge of nutrition and child nutrition but those who are educationally a bit ahead hold a little better knowledge. Participants are aware of breastfeeding but they all misinterpret the term ‘exclusive breastfeeding’ with other liquid food. It has also emerged that most of the mothers know the ideal timing of starting complementary feeding but very few of them actually understand what to feed children. In spite of having misconceptions and superstation rural adolescent mothers practice responsive feeding instead of force-feeding. No gender discrimination has been found regarding child feeding. The findings of the study pinpointed that mothers are unable to practice proper infant and child feeding due to a lack of knowledge and limited affordability. Educating girls & young mothers and improving financial security could be an effective way to promote improved infant feeding practices.
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Anticancer Activity of Genistin: A Short Review

Published on: 16th June, 2023

Genistein is an isoflavone glycoside that provides a variety of health advantages. The possibility of cancer chemopreventive drugs derived from natural sources, such as polyphenols, may constitute a novel, cost-effective strategy to reduce the rising burden of cancer throughout the world. A soy-rich diet was linked to cancer prevention in several epidemiological studies, which was explained by the presence of the phenolic component genistein in soy-based foods. Inhibiting metastasis and changing apoptosis, the cell cycle, and angiogenesis are the key ways that genistin fights various cancers. It acts as a chemotherapeutic agent against different types of cancer, mainly by altering apoptosis, the cell cycle, and angiogenesis and inhibiting metastasis. This study critically evaluates the literature that is currently available on the therapeutic benefits of genistin for various cancers.
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An Urticaria Closet Simulating Leprosy in A 36-Year-Old Woman

Published on: 24th June, 2023

Urticaria corresponds to a papular edematous pruriginous fleeting rash on the skin whose cause is most often allergic (food, medicines, insect bites, etc.).Its management is often difficult because of its significant impact on quality of life. Its prevalence is estimated at 0.6% - 1.3% of the general population. Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae) or Hansen’s bacillus (BH). Considered as the great simulator leprosy can pose a diagnostic problem with many other dermatological pathologies. This is a 36-year-old patient with a history of chronic urticaria treated with Loratadine 10 mg who consulted the Bamako Dermatology Hospital for a large erythematous cupboard, oedematous fixed on the buttocks evolving for more than 3 days. The interrogation found the notion of pruritus, hives, and physical examination, showed large erythematous plaques, edematous very limited, dark red color, and slightly copper resembling the closet infiltrated by leprosy. The pruriginous nature of the lesions and the absence of other cardinal signs of leprosy allowed us to make the diagnosis of chronic urticaria.
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Management of Fungal Diseases of Temperate Rice in the Kashmir Valley, India

Published on: 4th July, 2023

Over half of the world's population is fed by rice. It is consumed as a staple food by many countries worldwide. It is affected by a number of diseases among which fungal diseases contribute to its significant loss. Kashmir Valley located in the North Western Himalayan region of India is known for various coarse varieties of rice for their taste and elite class. However, the diseases cause a serious problem for the local farmers as well as the people who also consume rice as their staple food. One of the best remedies for disease management is the adoption of integrated disease management strategies, which include the use of resistant varieties, cultural practices, and judicious use of fungicides. In this review, we present the major fungal diseases affecting rice in Kashmir Valley and their management using Integrated Plant Disease Management (IDM).
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Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentration in Poultry Feed and Poultry Products

Published on: 11th July, 2023

The study was conducted to determine the absorption of essential and non-essential trace minerals from poultry feed to poultry products. Poultry feed, liver, muscles, and egg samples were collected from six poultry farms in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Iron were analyzed in the samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrophotometer. Iron, Lead, and Chromium exceeded the permissible limits set by World Health Organization and National Research Council in Poultry feed. Lead was high in the liver, breast muscles, thigh muscles, egg albumen, and egg yolk. Chromium was found in feed, egg yolk, egg albumen, and two (02) of the liver and breast muscle samples. Mercury was not detected in any of the samples. The liver contains significantly higher concentrations of detected heavy metals as compared to thigh and breast muscles and egg yolk contained significantly high concentrations of Iron, Cadmium, and Lead as compared to egg albumen. Standards requirements for feed manufacturers and poultry farmers should be maintained to monitor and mitigate routes of entry of contaminants in the food chain.
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A Perspective on Conservation Technologies for Endangered Marine Birds

Published on: 26th July, 2023

Seabirds are species in a collection of avian orders that live on and feed in saltwater and include penguins; albatrosses and petrels; gannets and cormorants; and gulls, terns, and auks. They are at risk from human activities with habitat loss, fisheries bycatch, food shortages, introduced predators and pollution impact. These effects are all exacerbated by human-induced climate change. Many researchers, non-governmental organizations, communities, and governments are working to conserve endangered seabird species by developing and implementing technologies and conservation management systems to assist seabird conservation. More recently moves are afoot to ensure organizations share data and outcomes.
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Impact of Moringa oleifera Leaf Flour supplement on Weight Gain in Moderately Acutely Malnourished Children in Benin

Published on: 10th August, 2023

In developing countries, malnutrition represents a public health problem, which affects many children under five, during their complementary feeding period. One way to overcome this problem is through the supplementation of complementary flours with locally available food resources, such as Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL). An experimental study was conducted from June through November 2019 in the southern-Benin, with moderately acutely malnourished (MAM) children, using a porridge made of a mixture of corn, malted sorghum, soybean, peanut, milk, and moringa leaf powder. A total of 150 MAM children aged 12-59 months were recruited and divided into two groups, an intervention group (48) and a control group (75). The intervention group received the test food, a porridge made of maize flour supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf flour (MOL-flour), at least 5 times/week for 6 months. The control group, whose mothers received nutritional education sessions on food diversification as well as the different ways of preparing MOL meals. Sensory evaluation, anthropometric and dietary diversity data were collected. Z-scores Weight/Height, Weight/Age et Height/Age were determined before and right after the intervention. Results showed that 70% of the children and more than 75% of the mothers assessed the porridge as palatable. A significant average weight gain of 1.720 g (p < 0.005) was observed in the intervention group at the end of the experimentation, with a reduction of the prevalence of underweight by 1,33% (p > 0.05), and the number of acute Malnutrition children by 10,42% (p < 0.005).
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Edible Mushrooms and Their Holistic Approach on Health

Published on: 14th August, 2023

During this period of time, mushroom experience changes in functional aspects and consumption areas. Due to its magnificent role in promoting health, it was considered one of the most healthy sources of food. Agaricus spp., Marcrolepoita spp., Auricularia spp, Armillaria spp, Pholoita, Hericium, Grifola spp, Flammulina, and Hypsizygus spp. are some most commonly consumed mushrooms in the world. They provide inexpensive means of nutritious and tasty food worldwide. However, ancient people are also very much aware of their holistic function towards health and that was why they used mushrooms for medicinal purposes in the past onwards. Mushroom plays an important role in the treatment of some lethal diseases like cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, allergy, hypertension, arthritis, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, and many more. Meanwhile, researchers still focus on other functions of mushrooms in health science and also explore their anticancerous activity. However, many findings are left to be found in the future. This review paper throws light on the various important mushrooms and their functions related to human health, and also ongoing research towards treating some critical diseases.
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Effect of Pesticides on Human Health

Published on: 14th August, 2023

The demand for pesticides has increased in today’s world of expanding population in order to boost crop productivity and eliminate undesirable plants (weeds) that grow alongside the primary crop. Along with the various benefits, it is also used in animal farms to get rid of pests. This has an impact not only on humans but also on animals and the environment. The usage of pesticides has increased, and occasionally some of them linger in the food products they are applied to, a condition known as pesticide residue. This residue is linked to human health and can result in a variety of diseases and disorders. In the current environment, even pesticides that are marketed as benign have negative long-term effects and exacerbate issues like bioaccumulation and bio-magnification. To avoid food contamination with pesticides, different methods like crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management should be used as alternatives. Today, it is essential for all pesticide users to be aware of the risk and proper handling of these pesticides. New methods of pest management should be fostered in the realm of development.
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Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet and Plasma Lamp Interaction with Plants: Electrostimulation, Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species, and Side Effects

Published on: 22nd August, 2023

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP) treatment is a highly effective method of protecting seeds, plants, flowers, and trees from diseases and infection and significantly increasing crop yields. Here we found that cold atmospheric pressure He-plasma jet (CAPPJ) can also cause side effects and damage to plants if the plasma exposure time is too long. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), electromagnetic fields, and ultraviolet photons emitted by CAPPJ can cause both positive and negative effects on plants. CAPPJ can interact with biological tissue surfaces. The plasma lamp has no visible side effects on Aloe vera plants, cabbage, and tomatoes. A plasma lamp and a cold atmospheric pressure plasma He-jet cause strong electrical signaling in plants with a very high amplitude with frequencies equal to the frequency of plasma generation. The use of plasma lamps for electrostimulation of biological tissues can help to avoid side processes in biological tissues associated with the generation of RONS, UV photons, and direct interaction with cold plasma. CAPP technology can play an important role in agriculture, medicine, the food industry, chemistry, surface science, material science, and engineering applications without side effects if the plasma exposure is short enough.
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Utilization of Molecular Simulation Applications for Stability Testing of Anthocyanin Compounds in Black Elderberry

Published on: 1st September, 2023

Recently, many studies on the molecular activity of compounds have been carried out using simulations through computer programs or in silico simulations. Anthocyanins are one of the compounds that are often used as food coloring agents and can function as antioxidants to prevent blockage of blood vessels, as an anti-cancer that can prevent the development of cancer cells and tumors and have anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of the research is to determine the stability of anthocyanins using molecular simulations and determine the best mixing sequence of ingredients to produce the most stable anthocyanin mixture. Based on the results of the simulations carried out, it can be proven that the final 3 sets (the modeled compound belonging to namely AP and AZ followed by a number based on the simulation order) selected are AP17, AP18, and AZ17. The AP17 set had the lowest potential energy at the end of molecular dynamics simulations, but molecular visualization showed structural instability indicated by the formation of gaps in the molecular conformation. The AP18 set had the second lowest potential energy at the end of molecular dynamics simulations and molecular visualization showed molecular conformation that tended to be stable during molecular simulations with no change in structure. The AZ17 set had the highest potential energy of the final 3 sets selected and molecular visualization showed a gap in the conformation at the beginning of the simulation, but over time the gap became denser, indicating that the molecule became more stable over time. Based on the research results, the AP18 set was chosen because it has relatively low potential energy and it can be proven that the structure visualization of this set tends to be more stable over time during molecular dynamics simulations.
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Impact of Balanced Lifestyles on Childhood Development: A Study at Crèche

Published on: 9th January, 2024

Introduction: In our fast-paced world, children’s dietary habits and behaviour are increasingly concerning, with a tendency toward indulging in sweets and snacks. Insights are derived from observations of 20 children at a crèche facility.Temptation of sweets: Children’s inherent attraction to sweet and salty snacks challenges maintaining a healthy diet. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues, recognizing the pivotal role parents and caregivers play in guiding children toward healthier choices.Significance of a balanced diet: A well-rounded and nutritious diet is crucial for a child’s physical and mental development. Providing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential.Role of activities: Diversifying a child’s routine with engaging activities is a powerful strategy to redirect their focus from unhealthy snacks. Sports, arts, outdoor play, and educational games promote physical fitness, creativity, and cognitive development, contributing to a well-balanced lifestyle.Strategies for encouraging healthy choices:•    Lead by example: Modelling healthy habits inspires children to adopt similar behaviour.•    Educate about nutrition: Imparting knowledge about the nutritional value of foods equips children to make informed choices.•    Make healthy options accessible: Stocking the kitchen with nutritious snacks makes it convenient for children to opt for healthier alternatives.•    Limit unhealthy choices: Setting clear limits on sugary snacks helps children develop moderation and self-control.•    Create a fun and active environment: Fostering an enjoyable environment involves family outings, games, and making exercise a natural part of daily life.Results: Encouraging results were observed among the 20 children. Two children, aged around 12, demonstrated awareness of healthy habits. Excluding these two, others showed positive changes in behaviour towards sweets and snacks through activities and counselling.Conclusion: Maintaining a balance between a child’s consumption of sweets and snacks and engaging in diverse activities is crucial for overall development. A combination of nutritious choices and engaging activities guides children toward a path of health and happiness
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Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Commercial Baby Foods

Published on: 21st February, 2024

Nutritious and safe foods are essential to meet normal physiological and metabolic functions. This study evaluated heavy metals in selected food products for newborns and toddlers. These substances may result in adverse health risks and young children are extremely vulnerable due to their immature immune systems and organs. Industrialization and technological advancement have contributed to an increase in heavy metals in the soil; therefore, entering the food system in potentially harmful amounts. Safe levels have been established by monitoring agencies to reduce the presence of heavy metals. Ten national brands of baby foods were analyzed for selected heavy metals. The main ingredients ranged from vegetables, fruits, dairy, poultry, meats, and grains. The products were analyzed in triplicates using QQQ-ICP-MS instrumentation to detect the presence of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, lead, nickel, aluminum, and chromium. Based on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [1] guidelines for safe quantities, aluminum (4.09 µg/g and 2.50 µg/g) and zinc (33.5 µg/g 69.5 µg/g, and 30.2 µg/g) exceeded the recommended levels of 1 µg/g/day and 2 - 3 µg/g /day respectively. Mixed model analysis found significant differences in metal concentrations (F6,24 = 2.75, p = 0.03) with an average metal concentration of 0.96 µg/g. However, no significant correlations were found between the packaging materials used and the observed metal concentrations in the food samples. The study concluded that the presence of heavy metals may be due to food type and the soil on which it is grown and not the packaging materials, establishing food system contamination by heavy metals.
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Rida Herbal Bitters Improve Cardiovascular Function in High-fat Diet/Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Published on: 28th February, 2024

Background: Effective medication to manage diabetes mellitus-related organ complications with minimal adverse drug toxicity is still in pursuit by scientists worldwide. This study investigated the cardio-protective of Rida herbal bitter (RHB) in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Thirty-two matured male Wistar rats (250 ± 20g) were used. The animals were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks before diabetes induction. A single dose of (35 mg/kgb.wt) freshly prepared STZ was injected intraperitoneally to induce diabetes. The animals were allocated into four groups, 8rats/group. Group I: control; Group II: HFD/STZ-induced diabetic rats; Groups III & IV: HFD/STZ-induced diabetic rats treated with 0.3 ml RHB & 200 mg/kgb.wt metformin respectively. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, blood was sample collected via cardiac puncture and the heart was excised and homogenized. The blood samples and cardiac homogenates tissue were centrifuged to retrieve clear supernatant plasma for biochemical assay.Results: Diabetic rats exhibited significant (p < 0.05) elevated blood glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), cardiac biomarkers, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), pro-inflammatory cytokines, food, and water intake levels with a reduction in body weight, cardiac antioxidant activity, and total protein. RHB administration significantly (p < 0.05) diminished the blood glucose, insulin, HbA1c, cardiac biomarkers, MDA, pro-inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, food, and water intake, and improved the body weight cardiac antioxidant activity, and total protein.Conclusion: Rida herbal bitter possesses a cardio-protective effect from this study and could be a better alternative medication for managing diabetes and its related cardiovascular complications.
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Factors Influencing Knowledge on the Completion of Treatment among Tuberculosis Patients under Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) in a Selected Health Facility, the Bahamas

Published on: 25th March, 2024

Objective: To determine the factors influencing completion of DOTS in Tuberculosis treatment in the Bahamas.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey. Tuberculosis patients aged 18 years and above were considered regardless of the site or the smear status of their TB. The sample size was 40. Data analysis and interpretation were done using the statistical package for the social sciences software (SPSS version 24), through the exploration and calculation of descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and inferential (Anova) statistical methods. Statistical significance was determined to be a p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents, was 39.9 years, SD 11.65, and 73% of them were men. 63% of participants, 78% of whom were citizens of the Bahamas, reported having no annual income. Seventy-eight percent (31) of the participants said they had insufficient food and drink while they were unwell. More than half of the participants in the survey reported being on at least one pharmaceutical regimen, although 36% said they were not actively taking any of the prescription medications.Conclusion: Less than a third were noncompliant with DOTS, this was influenced by factors such as annual income, no family support, marital status, employment status, and educational level.
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