Health-Related Quality of Life Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in Central Ethiopia: A Multicenter Study.

Introduction: Diabetes, one of the major global health emergencies of the 21st century, can affect a patient's quality of life. A compromised quality of life has adverse effects on self-care practices, resulting in inadequate glycemic control and an increased susceptibility to complications. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of information regarding the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study aimed to assess health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending diabetes follow-up clinics in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa using short form- 36 (SF-36) health survey measures. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study participants. Simple and multiple linear regressions were done to identify significantly associated factors with health-related quality of life. Result: A total of 309 patients participated in this study. The mean scores of the physical and mental component summaries were 40.15 (SD = 7.27) and 48.11 (SD = 8.87), respectively. Being old, being overweight or obese, living with type 2 diabetes mellitus for more than fifteen years, taking combined medication, having diabetes-related complications, and having comorbidities were factors that reduced the mean score of the physical component summary (p-value<0.05). Being obese and diabetes related complication were factors that negatively affect mental component summary (p-value <0.05). On the other hand, being married was factors that positively affect mental component summary (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Older age, being married, obesity, overweight, longer duration of diabetes, using combined medications, diabetic-related complications, and co-morbidities were factors associated with health-related quality of life. Healthcare providers should strengthen counseling patients on lifestyle modifications such as diet modifications, and weight reduction.

Eco-Friendly Solvent Engineered CsPbI2.77 Br0.23 Ink for Large-Area and Scalable High Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

The performance of large-area perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been assessed for typical compositions, such as methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3 ), using a blade coater, slot-die coater, solution shearing, ink-jet printing, and thermal evaporation. However, the fabrication of large-area all-inorganic perovskite films is not well developed. This study develops, for the first time, an eco-friendly solvent engineered all-inorganic perovskite ink of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a main solvent with the addition of acetonitrile (ACN), 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME), or a mixture of ACN and 2-ME to fabricate large-area CsPbI2.77 Br0.23 films with slot-die coater at low temperatures (40-50 °C). The perovskite phase, morphology, defect density, and optoelectrical properties of prepared with different solvent ratios are thoroughly examined and they are correlated with their respective colloidal size distribution and solar cell performance. The optimized slot-die-coated CsPbI2.77 Br0.23 perovskite film, which is prepared from the eco-friendly binary solvents dimethyl sulfoxide:acetonitrile (0.8:0.2 v/v), demonstrates an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.05%. Moreover, the device maintains ≈91% of its original PCE after 1 month at 20% relative humidity in the dark. It is believed that this study will accelerate the reliable manufacturing of perovskite devices.

The obesogenic side of Genistein.

Genistein (GN) has been highly recommended for its medicinal properties like anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antiviral, and antioxidant activities among others. Recently, scientists realized that Genistein is an endocrine disruptor. It is an obesogen that interferes with the endocrine system causing obesity through many mechanisms like inducing adipocyte differentiation, lipid accumulation, and transformation of some stem cells into adipocytes (bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for example) in vitro. Animal studies show that GN upregulates genes associated with adipogenesis like CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (Cebpα), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (Cebpß), and PPARγ. In silico studies reveal a strong binding affinity for estrogen receptors. All these findings were contingent on concentration and tissues. It is beyond dispute that obesity is one of the most frustrating medical conditions under the sun. The pathophysiology of this disease was first attributed to a high-calorie diet and lack of physical activity. However, studies proved that these two factors are not enough to account for obesity in both children and adults. This mini review highlights how Genistein interaction with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma protein can cause obesity.

Cryopreservation of bioflavonoid-rich plant sources and bioflavonoid-microcapsules: emerging technologies for preserving bioactivity and enhancing nutraceutical applications.

Bioflavonoids are natural polyphenolic secondary metabolites that are medicinal. These compounds possess antitumor, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-psoriasis properties to mention a few. Plant species that contain bioflavonoids should be preserved as such. Also, the bioactivity of the bioflavonoids as neutraceutical compounds is compromised following extraction due to their sensitivity to environmental factors like light, pH, and temperature. In other words, the bioflavonoids' shelf-life is affected. Scientists noticed that bioflavonoids have low solubility properties, poor absorption, and low bioavailability following consumption. Researchers came up with methods to encapsulate bioflavonoids in order to circumvent the challenges above and also to mask the unpleasant order these chemicals may have. Besides, scientists cryopreserve plant species that contain bioflavonoids. In this review, we discuss cryopreservation and bioflavonoid microencapsulation focusing mainly on vitrification, slow freezing, and freeze-drying microencapsulation techniques. In addition, we highlight bioflavonoid extraction techniques, medicinal properties, challenges, and future perspectives of cryopreservation and microencapsulation of bioflavonoids. Regardless of the uniqueness of cryopreservation and microencapsulation as methods to preserve bioflavonoid sources and bioflavonoids' bioactivity, there are challenges reported. Freeze-drying technology is costly. Cryoprotectants damage the integrity of plant cells, to say the least. Researchers are working very hard to overcome these challenges. Encapsulating bioflavonoids via coaxial electrospray and then cryopreserving the micro/nanocapsules produced can be very interesting.

Promoting Large-Area Slot-Die-Coated Perovskite Solar Cell Performance and Reproducibility by Acid-Based Sulfono-γ-AApeptide.

Homogeneous and pinhole-free large-area perovskite films are required to realize the commercialization of perovskite modules and panels. Various large-area perovskite coatings were developed; however, at their film coating and drying stages, many defects were formed on the perovskite surface. Consequently, not only the devices lost substantial performance but also their long-term stability deteriorated. Here, we fabricated a compact and uniform large-area MAPbI3-perovskite film by a slot-die coater at room temperature (T) and at high relative humidity (RH) up to 40%. The control slot-die-coated perovskite solar cell (PSC) produced 1.082 V open-circuit voltage (Voc), 24.09 mA cm-2 short current density (Jsc), 71.13% fill factor (FF), and a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.54%. We systematically employed a multi-functional artificial amino acid (F-LYS-S) to modify the perovskite defects. Such amino acids are more inclined to bind and adhere to the perovskite defects. The amino, carbonyl, and carboxy functional groups of F-LYS-S interacted with MAPbI3 through Lewis acid-base interaction and modified iodine vacancies significantly. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the C═O group of F-LYS-S interacted with the uncoordinated Pb2+ ions, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the lone pair of -NH2 coordinated with the uncoordinated Pb2+ and consequently modified the I- vacancies remarkably. As a result, the F-LYS-S-modified device demonstrated more than three-fold charge recombination resistance, which is one of the primary requirements to fabricate high-performance PSCs. Therefore, the device fabricated employing F-LYS-S demonstrated remarkable PCE of 21.08% with superior photovoltaic parameters of 1.104 V Voc, 24.80 mA cm-2 Jsc, and 77.00%. FF. Concurrently, the long-term stability of the PSCs was improved by the F-LYS-S post-treatment, where the modified device retained ca. 89.6% of its initial efficiency after storing for 720 h in air (T ∼ 27 °C and RH ∼ 50-60%).

Surface Capping Layer Prepared from the Bulky Tetradodecylammonium Bromide as an Efficient Perovskite Passivation Layer for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has increased and levels with silicon solar cells; however, their commercialization has not yet been realized because of their poor long-term stability. One of the primary causes of the instability of PSC devices is the large concentration of defects in the polycrystalline perovskite film. Such defects limit the device performance besides triggering hysteresis and device instability. In this study, tetradodecylammonium bromide (TDDAB) was used as a postsurface modifier to suppress the density of defects from the mixed perovskite film (CsFAMA). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses validated that TDDAB binds to the mixed perovskite through hydrogen bonding. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and two-dimensional grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (2D GIWAXS) study uncovered that the TDDAB modification formed a capping layer of (TDDA)2PbI1.66Br2.34 on the surface of the three-dimensional (3D) perovskite. The single charge transport device prepared from the TDDAB-modified perovskite film revealed that both the electron and hole defects were considerably repressed due to the modification. Consequently, the modified device displayed a champion PCE of 21.33%. The TDDAB surface treatment not only enhances the PCE but the bulky cation of the TDDAB also forms a hydrophobic capping surface (water contact angle of 93.39°) and safeguards the underlayer perovskite from moisture. As a result, the modified PSC has exhibited almost no performance loss after 30 days in air (RH ≈ 40%).

Determination of the Level of Heavy Metals in the Selected Cereals from Debre Markos Local Market, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Background: Environmental contamination by heavy metals has become a worldwide problem in recent years because of industrial and agricultural development which causes cereal crop contamination via their wastes. The presence of toxic heavy metals in cereal crops accumulate in the body for a prolonged period of time which poses acute and chronic health risks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of heavy metals in selected cereals sold at Debre Markos local market, in Ethiopia. Methods: The samples were prepared for analysis by using the dry ashing method, and their cadmium, lead, chromium, and copper contents were analyzed by using microwave-induced plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) and were expressed in mgkg-1 dry weight. The accuracy of the method was analyzed by the spike recovery test. Results: The percentage recovery for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Cd in each sample ranged from 85.6 to 112.8%. The levels of heavy metals (mean ± SD) were as follows: chromium, 2.20 ± 0.072, 2.22 ± 0.061, 1.57 ± 0.48, and 1.84 ± 0.26; copper, 2.94 ± 0.19, 2.31 ± 0.06, 1.28 ± 0.13, 1.52 ± 0.035, and 2.31 ± 0.06; lead, 0.49 ± 0.031, 0.34 ± 0.121, 0.52 ± 0.029, and 0.37 ± 0.15; and cadmium, 2.01 ± 1.73, 1.84 ± 1.60, 1.95 ± 1.69, and 1.93 ± 1.67 for barley, teff, wheat, and maize, respectively. This study revealed that the levels of Cr and Cu are generally below the permissible limit. However, the levels of Pb and Cd in all cereal samples were found to be above the permissible limit set by FAO/WHO, 0.2 and 0.1 mg kg-1, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that most of the analyzed crops contained unsafe levels of lead and cadmium that exceeded the WHO permissible limits. Therefore, regular monitoring of these toxic metals in cereal crops should be carried out to prevent heavy metal toxicity associated with the consumption of some cereal crops marketed in the Debre Markos local market, Ethiopia.

The Missing Quality of Tuberculosis Care and Treatment Delivered in Public-Health Facilities, Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global public-health problem. TB prevention and control measures are compromised by poor quality of care delivered to TB patients in health facilities during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up; thus, this study was intended to determine the quality of TB care and treatment delivered in public-health facilities in Northeast Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in health facilities in South Wollo zone from January to April 2018. Data were collected from each study participant through face-to-face interviews. A TB registration logbook was reviewed for every registered TB patient and compiled using a structured questionnaire and standard checklists. The quality of care for each health facility was graded as very good, good, marginal, poor, and very poor if health facilities achieved [90−100%], [80−90%), [70−80%), [60−70%), and <60% of performance indicators, respectively, using the Donabedian structure, process, and outcome model of healthcare quality. All the health facilities had at least one functional microscope, and all the facilities had sufficient TB drugs almost all the time. All the facilities had reported to have sufficient laboratory reagents and slides for sputum smear microscopy. Of 1579 patients registered, 18.5% and 66.1% were cured and successfully completed the course of treatment, respectively. The overall quality of TB care and treatment was good (72.5%), and ranged from 70.9% to 74.8% among health facilities. Outcome (83.4%) and process (80%) qualities of care were very good but the structural quality of care was very poor. In conclusion, the overall quality of TB care and treatment analysed in this study was found to be good. There should be an integrated approach to improve the quality of TB care and treatment in health facilities in Ethiopia. Based on the findings, continuous supply of anti-TB drugs, laboratory equipment and reagents, availing current guidelines, providing up to-date training for healthcare workers, and proper documentation are important to improve the quality of care delivered to TB patients.

Universal Surface Passivation of Organic-Inorganic Halide Perovskite Films by Tetraoctylammonium Chloride for High-Performance and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells has been showing rapid improvement in the last decade. However, still, there is an unarguable performance deficit compared with the Schockley-Queisser (SQ) limit. One of the major causes for such performance discrepancy is surface and grain boundary defects. They are a source of nonradiative recombination in the devices that not only causes performance loss but also instability of the solar cells. In this study, we employed a direct postsurface passivation strategy at mild temperatures to modify perovskite layer defects using tetraoctylammonium chloride (TOAC). The passivated perovskite layers have demonstrated extraordinary improvement in photoluminescence and charge carrier lifetimes compared to their control counterparts in both Cs0.05(FAPbI3)0.83(MAPbBr3)0.17 and MAPbI3-type perovskite layers. The investigation on electron-only and hole-only devices after TOAC treatment revealed suppressed electron and hole trap density of states. The electrochemical study demonstrated that TOAC treatment improved the charge recombination resistance of the perovskite layers and reduced the charge accumulation on the surface of perovskite films. As a result, perovskite solar cells prepared by TOAC treatment showed a champion PCE of 21.24% for the Cs0.05(FAPbI3)0.83(MAPbBr3)0.17-based device compared to 19.58% without passivation. Likewise, the PCE of MAPbI3 improved from 18.09 to 19.27% with TOAC treatment. The long-term stability of TOAC-passivated perovskite Cs0.05(FAPbI3)0.83(MAPbBr3)0.17 devices has retained over 97% of its initial performance after 720 h in air.

Knowledge and Practice of Health Care Providers Towards Proper Face Mask Utilization to Minimize the Extent of COVID-19 Infection in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic began in early 2020, causing tens of thousands of deaths, over a million cases, and widespread socioeconomic disruption. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess health care workers' knowledge and practice of proper face mask utilization to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in Amhara region referral hospitals, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional institutional-based quantitative study design was conducted from May 15 to 30/2020 using pre-tested self-administrated questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS version 20.0. The study included 422 health care providers, and the sample size was determined using a single population proportion formula with the assumption of a p value of 0.05. Data were collected using a consecutive sampling technique from all referral hospitals and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Finally, the outcome was presented in the form of a text and a table. RESULTS: The overall knowledge and practice of health care providers regarding proper face mask utilization were 278 (65.8%) and 252 (59.5%), respectively. Of them, 284 (67.3%) knew that face masks were worn with the white side facing in, 264 (62.6%) knew that face masks had three layers, and 331 (78.4%) knew that surgical face masks were worn for up to 8 hours. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The respondent's knowledge of proper face mask usage was high, in comparison with another studies but the proper utilization of face mask was relatively low. Ethiopian ministry of health in collaboration with Amhara region, zonal and woreda health institution works together to increase utilization of face mask and to alleviate scarcity of resource and provide training to the health care providers about the proper utilization of face mask to tackle COVID-19.

A star-shaped cyclopentadithiophene-based dopant-free hole-transport material for high-performance perovskite solar cells.

A new cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT)-based organic small molecule serves as an efficient dopant-free hole transport material (HTM) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Upon incorporation of two carbazole groups, the resulting CPDT-based HTM (C-CPDT) shows an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.68% with better stability compared with those of spiro-OMeTAD.

Evaluation of Aloe weloensis (Aloeacea) Mucilages as a Pharmaceutical Suspending Agent.

Natural polymers, specifically mucilages, have been used as a suspending agent for a long period of time. Natural excipients can serve as an alternative to synthetic products since they are less expensive, less toxic, and devoid of environmental pollution. There are many species of Aloe found in Ethiopia which can be used as a source of mucilage. In this study, mucilage from Aloe weloensis, which is found in Wollo floristic region, was extracted and tested as a suspending agent at different suspending agent concentrations and compared with standard suspending agents (acacia and sodium carboxy methylcellulose (NaCMC)) by formulating zinc oxide suspension. The mucilage obtained from Aloe weloensis leaves has shown comparable suspending agent ability with acacia. The rate of sedimentation and viscosity was higher at 1% and 4% mucilage concentrations than acacia though the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The suspension was slightly basic and easily dispersible than NaCMC. Suspensions formulated from NaCMC were superior in terms of viscosity and sedimentation volume which was significantly different (p < 0.05) accompanied by lower flow rates than suspensions formulated from acacia and Aloe weloensis mucilages. The results suggested that Aloe weloensis mucilage could be used as an alternative suspending agent.

Toward Large-Area and Fully Solution-Sheared Perovskite Solar Cells.

The solution shearing technique was used to prepare the various layers involved in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), with a device structure of FTO/c-TiO2/mp-TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag, in an area as large as 6 × 10 cm2. The film morphology and thickness of each layer were optimized by varying respective shearing parameters. The fully solution-sheared PSCs exhibited a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.89%. In comparison, the PSCs with only perovskite layer solution-sheared and other layers spin-coated showed a high PCE of 17.27%. These results demonstrate the potential of a simple, rapid, cost-effective, and scalable solution shearing process to fabricate large-area PSCs and modules.

Low-Cost Hole-Transporting Materials Based on Carbohelicene for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

Two hole-transporting materials (HTMs) based on carbohelicene cores, CH1 and CH2, are developed and used in fabricating efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Owing to the rigid conformation of the helicene core, both compounds possess unique CH-π interactions in the crystalline packing pattern and good phase stability, which are distinct from the π-π intermolecular interactions of conventional planar and spiro-type molecules. PSCs based on CH1 and CH2 as HTMs deliver excellent device efficiencies of 19.36 and 18.71%, respectively, outperforming the control device fabricated with spiro-OMeTAD (18.45%). Furthermore, both PSCs exhibit better ambient stability, with 90% of initial performance retained after aging with a 50-60% relative humidity at 25 °C for 500 h. Due to the low production cost of both compounds, these newly designed carbohelicene-type HTMs have the potential for the future commercialization of PSCs.

Predictors of Virological Failure after Adherence-Enhancement Counseling among First-Line Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Kombolcha Town, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: HIV virological failure is a common challenging problem, even after adherence-enhancement counseling. However, there have been few studies on the determinants of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling among adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia in general, and there is variation across clients and settings for unknown reasons. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling among adults living with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in the town of Kombolcha from January 1, 2019 to March 30, 2019 using simple random sampling for 338 participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews for social and personal characteristics and document review for clinical profiles. Descriptive statistics were used for frequency, proportions, and summary measures. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the predictors of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling among adults. For multivariate logistic regression,P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. AORs are presented with 95% CIs. RESULTS: The odds of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling were higher following poor antiretroviral medication adherence (AOR 7.3, 95% CI 2.57-20.79) and for patients who had had a first high viral load (≥10,000 copies/mL, (AOR 5, 95% CI 1.86-13.56) and a history of opportunistic infection (AOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.11-8.44) compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Poor antiretroviral medication adherence during adherence-enhancement counseling session, first viral load ≥10,000 copies/mL, and recent history of opportunistic infection were predictors of virological failure. Therefore, efforts should be strengthened to improve adherence to antiretroviral medication, which helps to boost immunity and suppress viral replication.

Another dengue fever outbreak in Eastern Ethiopia-An emerging public health threat.

BACKGROUND: Dengue Fever (DF) is a viral disease primarily transmitted by Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes. Outbreaks in Eastern Ethiopia were reported during 2014-2016. In May 2017, we investigated the first suspected DF outbreak from Kabridahar Town, Somali region (Eastern Ethiopia) to describe its magnitude, assess risk factors, and implement control measures. METHODS: Suspected DF cases were defined as acute febrile illness plus ≥2 symptoms (headache, fever, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, or hemorrhage) in Kabridahar District residents. All reported cases were identified through medical record review and active searches. Severe dengue was defined as DF with severe organ impairment, severe hemorrhage, or severe plasma leakage. We conducted a neighborhood-matched case-control study using a subset of suspected cases and conveniently-selected asymptomatic community controls and interviewed participants to collect demographic and risk factor data. We tested sera by RT-PCR to detect dengue virus (DENV) and identify serotypes. Entomologists conducted mosquito surveys at community households to identify species and estimate larval density using the house index (HI), container index (CI) and Breteau index (BI), with BI≥20 indicating high density. RESULTS: We identified 101 total cases from May 12-31, 2017, including five with severe dengue (one death). The attack rate (AR) was 17/10,000. Of 21 tested samples, 15 (72%) were DENV serotype 2 (DENV 2). In the case-control study with 50 cases and 100 controls, a lack of formal education (AOR [Adjusted Odds Ratio] = 4.2, 95% CI [Confidence Interval] 1.6-11.2) and open water containers near the home (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.5) were risk factors, while long-lasting insecticide treated-net (LLITN) usage (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05-0.79) was protective. HI and BI were 66/136 (49%) and 147 per 100 homes (147%) respectively, with 151/167 (90%) adult mosquitoes identified as Ae. aegypti. CONCLUSION: The epidemiologic, entomologic, and laboratory investigation confirmed a DF outbreak. Mosquito indices were far above safe thresholds, indicating inadequate vector control. We recommended improved vector surveillance and control programs, including best practices in preserving water and disposal of open containers to reduce Aedes mosquito density.

Epidemiology of measles in Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2007-2016.

INTRODUCTION: measles is the leading vaccine preventable childhood disease designated for elimination by WHO. More than 20 million people are affected by measles each year, particularly in Africa and Asia. With annual outbreaks reported from Ethiopia´s Oromia region. We analyzed measles containing vaccine coverage (MCV), measles cases and measles deaths over a 10-year period (2007-2016). METHODS: we reviewed Oromia measles surveillance data and first-dose measles containing vaccine (MCV1) administrative coverage. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess variables associated with measles death. Additional spatial mapping was performed to visually display key areas of measles case distribution in Oromia. RESULTS: a total of 26,908 measles suspect cases were identified, of which 18,223 (68%) were confirmed. A median age of 6 years (IQ range 0.5-71 years) and 288 deaths were observed. Among the total cases, 29% were unvaccinated and 46% had unknown vaccination status. The highest IR was seen in Guji zone (IR=190/100,000 population) among 1-4 years, with a majority from rural areas. Risk factors associated with death include age <5 years (AOR=1.82, CI: 1.42-2.33), unvaccinated status (AOR=1.44, CI: 1.06-1.95) and inpatient treatment (AOR=2.12, CI: 1.58-2.85). Of 8,732 measles IgM negative/indeterminate specimens, 10.5% tested positive for rubella specific IgM. CONCLUSION: outbreaks of measles are an ongoing public health concern in the Oromia region. Children aged 1-15 years remain at high risk for contracting measles in the region. We recommend strengthening routine immunization to reach all children, especially in rural areas and that the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine be considered.

New Helicene-Type Hole-Transporting Molecules for High-Performance and Durable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Three azahelicene derivatives with electron-rich bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amino or bis( p-methoxyphenyl)aminophenyl groups at the terminals were deliberately designed, synthesized, and characterized as hole-transporting materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Optical and thermal properties, energy level alignments, film morphologies, hole extraction ability, and hole mobility were studied in detail. PSCs using the newly synthesized molecules as HTMs were fabricated. A maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.34% was observed for the bis( p-methoxyphenyl)amino-substituted derivative (SY1) and 16.10% for the bis( p-methoxyphenyl)aminophenyl-substituted derivative (SY2). Longer-chain substituent such as hexyloxy group greatly diminishes the efficiency. In addition, the dopant-free devices fabricated with SY1 as the HTM shows an average PCE of 12.13%, which is significantly higher than that of spiro-OMeTAD (7.61%). The ambient long-term stability test revealed that after 500 h, the devices prepared from SY1 and SY2 retained more than 96% of its initial performance, which is much improved than the reference device with standard spiro-OMeTAD as the HTM under the same conditions. Detailed material cost analysis reveals that the material cost for SY1 is less than 8% of that for spiro-OMeTAD. These results provide a useful direction for designing a new class of HTMs to prepare highly efficient and more durable PSCs.

Compact TiO2 films with sandwiched Ag nanoparticles as electron-collecting layer in planar type perovskite solar cells: improvement in efficiency and stability.

Fabrication of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in a simple way with high efficiency and stability remains a challenge. In this study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were sandwiched between two compact TiO2 layers through a facile process of spin-coating an ethanolic AgNO3 solution, followed by thermal annealing. The presence of Ag NPs in the electron-transporting layer of TiO2 improved the light input to the device, the morphology of the perovskite film prepared on top, and eliminated leakage current. Photoluminescence and electron mobility studies revealed that the incorporation of Ag NPs in the ETL of the planar PSC device facilitated the electron-hole separation and promoted charge extraction and transport from perovskite to ETL. Hysteresis-free devices with incorporated Ag NPs gave a high average short-circuit current density (J sc) of 22.91 ± 0.39 mA cm-2 and maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.25%. The devices also showed enhanced stability versus a control device without embedded Ag NPs. The possible reasons for the improvement are analyzed and discussed.