Prevalence, Molecular Detection, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolates from Poultry Farms across Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence, molecular detection, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates within 162 poultry farms in selected urban and peri-urban areas of central Ethiopia. A total of 1515 samples, including cloacal swabs (n = 763), fresh fecal droppings (n = 188), litter (n = 188), feed (n = 188), and water (n = 188), were bacteriologically tested. The molecular detection of some culture-positive isolates was performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by targeting spy and sdfl genes for Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively. Risk factors for the occurrence of the bacterial isolates were assessed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of PCR-confirmed Salmonella isolates was conducted using 12 antibiotics. In this study, it was observed that 50.6% of the farms were positive for Salmonella. The overall sample-level prevalence of Salmonella was 14.4%. Among the analyzed risk factors, the type of production, breed, and sample type demonstrated a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with the bacteriological prevalence of Salmonella. The PCR test disclosed that 45.5% (15/33) and 23.3% (10/43) of the isolates were positive for genes of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test disclosed multi-drug resistance to ten of the tested antibiotics that belong to different classes. Substantial isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis in poultry and on poultry farms, along with the existence of multi-drug resistant isolates, poses an alarming risk of zoonotic and food safety issues. Hence, routine flock testing, farm surveillance, biosecurity intervention, stringent antimicrobial use regulations, and policy support for the sector are highly needed.

Security Aspects of Social Robots in Public Spaces: A Systematic Mapping Study.

BACKGROUND: As social robots increasingly integrate into public spaces, comprehending their security implications becomes paramount. This study is conducted amidst the growing use of social robots in public spaces (SRPS), emphasising the necessity for tailored security standards for these unique robotic systems. METHODS: In this systematic mapping study (SMS), we meticulously review and analyse existing literature from the Web of Science database, following guidelines by Petersen et al. We employ a structured approach to categorise and synthesise literature on SRPS security aspects, including physical safety, data privacy, cybersecurity, and legal/ethical considerations. RESULTS: Our analysis reveals a significant gap in existing safety standards, originally designed for industrial robots, that need to be revised for SRPS. We propose a thematic framework consolidating essential security guidelines for SRPS, substantiated by evidence from a considerable percentage of the primary studies analysed. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, bespoke security standards and frameworks for SRPS. These standards ensure that SRPS operate securely and ethically, respecting individual rights and public safety, while fostering seamless integration into diverse human-centric environments. This work is poised to enhance public trust and acceptance of these robots, offering significant value to developers, policymakers, and the general public.