Implications Of Changes In Commodity Prices And Income On Nutrient Availability Among Households In Northern Nigeria

Food calorie intake has been found to have a strong empirical linkage with both human health and productivity. This study sets out to determine the probable influence of price and income changes on the availability of food nutrients to households in Northern Nigeria. Demand elasticities were obtained from survey respondents and the nutritional effects of changes arising from changes in income and prices were computed using both the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) methodology and a technique developed by Huang. The findings show that yam, maize and guinea corn are the foods that would have the greatest implications for the nutrient status of the households. The study concludes with the likely applications of the methodology used to derive nutrient elasticitie

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF TREAP AND HEAP SORT ALGORITHMS

The task of storing items to allow for fast access to an item given its key is an ubiquitous problem in many organizations. Treap as a method uses key and priority for searching in databases. When the keys are drawn from a large totally ordered set, the choice of storing the items is usually some sort of search tree. The simplest form of such tree is a binary search tree. In this tree, a set X of n items is stored at the nodes of a rooted binary tree in which some item y ϵ X is chosen to be stored at the root of the tree. Heap as data structure is an array object that can be viewed as a nearly complete binary tree in which each node of the tree corresponds to an element of the array that stores the value in the node. Both algorithms were subjected to sorting under the same experimental environment and conditions. This was implemented by means of threads which call each of the two methods simultaneously. The server keeps records of individual search time which was the basis of the comparison. It was discovered that treap was faster than heap sort in sorting and searching for elements using systems with homogenous properties.   &nbsp

Treasury Single Account: A Nudge towards Public Sector Accountability in Nigeria

This study examined treasury single account, as a nudge towards public sector accountability in Nigeria. Specifically, the study analyzed the influence of adoption of treasury single account on the effectiveness of cash management, reduction of fraudulent activities and improvement in the level of accountability in the Nigerian public sector. The study made use of primary data collected through the use of a questionnaire, based on a sample of 400 respondents randomly selected from government parastatals, departments, institutions and ministries, across the six southwest states in Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed with frequency and percentage response analysis. The result showed that adoption of treasury single account provoked effective management of cash, sustained a considerable reduction in the level of fraudulent activities and aided improved level of accountability in the Nigerian public sector. Thus, there is no doubt that treasury single account is a nudge towards public sector accountability in Nigeria. Therefore, the government can further harness the potency of centralize control of public resources to birth a corrupt free society, where utmost accountability and transparency of resources mobilization and management can be attained

Traditional wisdom confirmed by scientific research: Jatropha species from Mexico is non-toxic

The seeds of _Jatropha platyphylla_, available on the pacific coast from Sinaloa to Michoacán including the Nayarit and Jalisco states in Mexico, are consumed by local communities after roasting them in a manner similar to that used for peanuts. The kernels and kernel meal of _J. platyphylla_ were found to be free of phorbol esters but the kernel meal contained antinutritional factors: trypsin inhibitor, lectins and phytate at levels similar to those in _J. curcas_ kernel meal. However, trypsin inhibitor and lectins are heat labile so this explains why the local people can eat roasted seeds without ill effect. The fatty acid profile of _J. platyphylla_ oil was similar to that of _J. curcas_ and the kernels of both these species contained _ca_ 58% oil. The crude protein content of _J. platyphylla_ kernel meal was 75% against 60% in _J. curcas_, and the amino acid compositions were similar. All the essential amino acids, except lysine, were more abundant than, or comparable to those, in soybean meal or the FAO Reference protein.

	Tilapia and other fish species have been found to be particularly sensitive to Jatropha toxins. For this reason they are useful subjects for bioassays. The heated _J. platyphylla_ kernel meal was included in a standard diet (crude protein 36%) for Nile tilapia (_Oreochromis niloticus_) to replace 50% of the fish meal protein. The fish grew as well as those on a control diet in which none of the fish meal was replaced and those on a diet in which 50% of the fish meal protein was replaced by soybean meal. In all the three groups, blood biochemical parameters that serve as biomarkers for toxicity were within the normal ranges. This study confirmed the non-toxic nature of _J. platyphylla_. 

	The kernels and kernel meal of this species could help alleviate protein and energy deficiency in malnourished children in the lower mountain skirts of pacific coastal areas of Mexico. It could also be used to produce new cultivars with desirable traits using conventional inter species cross breeding and molecular breeding techniques. 
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A MODELING FRAMEWORK ON DISTANCE PREDICTING FUNCTIONS FOR LOCATION MODELS IN CONTINUOUS SPACE

Continuous location models are the oldest models in locations analysis dealing with the geometrical representations of reality, and they are based on the continuity of location area. The classical model in this area is the Weber problem. Distances in the Weber problem are often taken to be Euclidean distances, but almost all kinds of the distance functions can be employed. In this survey, we examine an important class of distance predicting functions (DPFs) in location problems all of practical relevance. This paper provides a review on recent efforts and development in modeling travel distances based on the coordinates they use and their applicability in certain practical settings. Very little has been done to include special cases of the class of metrics and its classification in location models and such merit further attention. The new metrics are discussed in the well-known Weber problem, its multi-facility case and distance approximation problems. We also analyze a variety of papers related to the literature in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the taxonomy and to get insights for possible research directions. Research issues which we believe to be worthwhile exploring in the future are also highlighted

Utilization of insecticide treated nets during pregnancy among postpartum women in Ibadan, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pregnant women are susceptible to symptomatic malaria due to invasion of the placenta by plasmodium. Malaria increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers, the foetuses and newborns. The effective use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) would be of benefit to these vulnerable women. Previous studies have focused on prenatal-women but this study sought to explore the actual trend of utilization of the proven strategy across all the pregnancy stages among postpartum women in Ibadan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This cross-sectional survey utilized a validated structured questionnaire for data collection. A calculated sample of 335 postpartum women was proportionately recruited from three fee-paying facilities within Ibadan, Nigeria using a simple random sampling technique. These hospitals have high client flow for maternity cases and are known for provision of care under traditional ANC model. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by means of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15. The level of significance was set at = 0.05.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The women's age ranged between 18 and 47 years, mean age was 29.4 ± 0.8 years. Various irregularities marked the traditional model of ANC provided at the settings and no exposure to preconception care. Also, 276 (82.4%) had heard of ITNs. Antenatal clinics formed the major source of information. Low utilization and compliance rates were observed. One hundred and twenty-seven (37.9%) of the women had high knowledge of Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) but only 70 (20.9%) demonstrated positive attitude towards the use of ITNs. Participants' educational status, family types, employment and residential areas significantly influenced ITNs utilization.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The women knew and learned about ITNs from ANC visits. Majority of the women did not own ITNs because of lack of access to free distribution. The existing traditional model of ANC was marked by irregularities and none of the women was exposed to preconception care. In addition, negative attitude in spite of increased knowledge of MIP was observed among the women. Therefore, evaluation of free distribution of ITNs is recommended. Integration of focused ANC and preconception care are advocated to promote early access to health information.</p

The scientific basis of climate-smart agriculture: A systematic review protocol

Background: ‘Climate-smart agriculture’ (CSA)—agriculture and food systems that sustainably increase food production, improve resilience (or adaptive capacity) of farming systems, and mitigate climate change when possible—has quickly been integrated into the global development agenda. However, the empirical evidence base for CSA has not been assembled, complicating the transition from CSA concept to concrete actions, and contributing to ideological disagreement among development practitioners. Thus, there is an urgent need to evaluate current knowledge on the effectiveness of CSA to achieve its intended benefits and inform discourse on food, agriculture, and climate change. This systematic review intends to establish the scientific evidence base of CSA practices to inform the next steps in development of agricultural programming and policy. We will evaluate the impact of 73 promising farm-level management practices across five categories (agronomy, agroforestry, livestock, postharvest management, and energy systems) to assess their contributions to the three CSA pillars: (1) agronomic and economic productivity, (2) resilience and adaptive capacity, and (3) climate change mitigation in the developing world. The resulting data will be compiled into a searchable Web-based database and analytical engine that can be used to assess the relative effectiveness and strength of evidence for CSA, as well as identify best-fit practices for specific farming and development contexts. This represents the largest meta-analysis of agricultural practices to date. Methods/Design: This protocol sets out the approach for investigating the question: How do farm-level CSA management practices and technologies affect food production and/or farmers’ incomes, resilience/adaptive capacity, and climate change mitigation in farming systems of developing countries? The objective of this ongoing systematic review is to provide a first appraisal of the evidence for CSA practices in order to inform subsequent programming. The review is based on data found in English-language peer-reviewed journals with searches using terms relevant to CSA practices and CSA outcomes. Searches were conducted via Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. Articles located were screened first by abstract and then full text according to predefined eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review. Data capturing the context of the study (e.g., geographic location, environmental context), management practices, and impacts (e.g., indicators of CSA outcomes) will be compiled from those studies that meet the predetermined criteria. Statistical relationships between practices and impacts will be evaluated via meta-analytical approaches including response ratios and effect sizes. Mechanisms to identify bias and maintain consistency continue to be applied throughout the review process. These analyses will be complemented with an analysis of determinants of/barriers to adoption of promising CSA practices covered in the meta-analysis. Results of the review will be incorporated into a publicly available Web-based database. Data will be publicly available under Creative Commons License in 2016

Peer education: The effects on knowledge of pregnancy related malaria and preventive practices in women of reproductive age in Edo State, Nigeria

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is limited uptake of measures to prevent malaria by pregnant women in Nigeria which is often related to the lack of knowledge on Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) and its effects on mother and foetus. This study, explored peer to peer education as a tool in raising knowledge of MIP among women of child bearing age.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>1105 women of child bearing age were interviewed in their households using a structured questionnaire about their knowledge of malaria in general, MIP and use of preventive measures. Thereafter, a peer education campaign was launched to raise the level of knowledge in the community. The interviews were repeated after the campaign and the responses between the pre- and post-intervention were compared.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the pre-assessment women on average answered 64.8% of the question on malaria and its possibility to prevent malaria correctly. The peer education campaign had a significant impact in raising the level of knowledge among the women; after the campaign the respondents answered on average 73.8% of the questions correctly. Stratified analysis on pre and post assessment scores for malaria in general (68.8 & 72.9%) and MIP (61.7 & 76.3%) showed also significant increase. Uptake of bed nets was reported to be low: 11.6%</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Peer education led to a significant increase in knowledge of malaria and its prevention but we could not asses its influence on the use of preventive measures.</p

A review of the occurrence and causes for wildfires and their impacts on the geoenvironment

Wildfires have short- and long-term impacts on the geoenvironment, including the changes to biogeochemical and mechanical properties of soils, landfill stability, surface- and groundwater, air pollution, and vegetation. Climate change has increased the extent and severity of wildfires across the world. Simultaneously, anthropogenic activities—through the expansion of urban areas into wildlands, abandonment of rural practices, and accidental or intentional fire-inception activities—are also responsible for a majority of fires. This paper provides an overall review and critical appraisal of existing knowledge about processes induced by wildfires and their impact on the geoenvironment. Burning of vegetation leads to loss of root reinforcement and changes in soil hydromechanical properties. Also, depending on the fire temperature, soil can be rendered hydrophobic or hydrophilic and compromise soil nutrition levels, hinder revegetation, and, in turn, increase post-fire erosion and the debris flow susceptibility of hillslopes. In addition to direct hazards, wildfires pollute air and soil with smoke and fire suppression agents releasing toxic, persistent, and relatively mobile contaminants into the geoenvironment. Nevertheless, the mitigation of wildfires’ geoenvironmental impacts does not fit within the scope of this paper. In the end, and in no exhaustive way, some of the areas requiring future research are highlighted