Assessment of Factors Influencing Beneficiary Participation in Fadama II Project in Niger State, Nigeria

The paper investigated factors influencing beneficiary participation in Fadama II project in Niger State. Three LGAs out of eleven LGAs that benefited in Fadama II project were randomly selected for the study. To this end, one Fadama Community Association (FCA) and five Fadama User Groups (FUGs) were randomly selected from each LGA that benefited. Five beneficiaries were also randomly sampled from each FUG. Seventy five (75) beneficiaries were randomly sampled for the study. Descriptive statistics and logit regression model were used to analyze the data collected. However, large proportion of the beneficiaries participated in problem identification (69.3%) and project implementation (80%) in the stages of project development. Women participation in Fadama II project was identified to be low (28.0%). Meanwhile, educational level and membership of cooperative society significantly influenced participation (P < 0.01). Household size was a positive factor that significantly influenced participation (P < 0.05) in Fadama II project in the study area.Keywords: Fadama II Project, Beneficiary, Participation, Fadama Community Association, Fadama User GroupNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19 (2): 248-25

Injection safety practices in a main referral hospital in northeastern Nigeria

Background: No adherence of safe injection policies remains a major challenge, and, worldwide, annually, it leads to 21 million new hepatitis B cases and 260,000 HIV infection cases. This descriptive observational survey was conducted to determine the level of adherence to universal precaution for safe injection practices in the hospital.Materials and Methods: The study units were selected using a simple random sampling of injection services provider/ phlebotomist in 27 units/wards of the hospital. The study instruments were observation checklist and interviewer administered questionnaires. EPI info (version 3.5.2) software was used for data entry and generation of descriptive statistics was done with units of analysis (units/wards) on injection safety practices of health workers, availability of logistics and supplies, and disposal methods.Results: Only 33.3% of the units (95% CI, 16‑54) had non‑sharps infectious healthcare waste of any type inside containers specific for non‑sharps infectious waste and 17 (77.3%) of the observed therapeutic  injections were prepared on a clean, dedicated table or tray, where contamination of the equipment with blood, body fluids, or dirty swabs was unlikely. Absence of recapping of needles was observed in 11 (50.0%) units giving therapeutic injections. Only 7.4% of units surveyed had separate waste containers for infectious non‑sharps.Conclusions: This study depicts poor knowledge and a practice of injection safety, inadequate injection safety supplies, and non‑compliance to injection safety policy and guidelines.Key words: Injection waste management, safe injections practices, tertiary health care facilit

Longitudinal Analysis of the Gill microbiomes of Atlantic Salmon from four Scottish farms reveals dynamics in bacterial richness and seasonal trends in diversity.

Atlantic Salmon aquaculture in Scotland is a major industry being both Scotland, and the UK’s largest food export. Gill disease, in particular Complex Gill Disease, is a significant challenge of salmon production. It is increasingly understood that the microbiome can influence host health and immunity. Therefore, the objective of the study is to identify and characterise the gill microbiome from stocking to harvest from four sites in Scotland 2018-2020. At each site, mucosal gill swabs were collected fortnightly (sites A &amp; C) or monthly (sites B &amp; G) from eight fish in two pens (n=623 fish). Gill samples underwent 16S rRNA Illumina MiSeq amplicon library preparation and analysis to characterise changes in the gill mucosal communities. Complex Gill disease was identified in sampled fish from each site (A: 20%, B: 11%, C: 24%, G: 13%).At the four sites we showed species richness (alpha diversity) varied over time ranging from 68 ±SD31 to 777 ±SD152 (average 353 ±SD 158). Interestingly, 1100–1500 degree-days after seawater transfer, a distinct decline in species richness and evenness was observed at three of the four sties (A:410 SD± 134 to 276 SD±86 , B:264 SD±67 to 156 SD±71 , C:356 SD±130 to 228 SD±89). In terms of community composition, 1) while there were similarities between all four sites, the communities were statistically different (R = 0.067, P&lt;0.001) from each farm, indicating that sites contributes to differences seen in the microbiome. Within each farm, a seasonal pattern in the microbiome was seen, with community shifts through winter-spring-summer-autumn (A: R2 = 0.11, P&lt;0.001, B: R2 = 0.30, P&lt;0.001, C: R2 = 0.22, P&lt;0.001, G: R2 = 0.11, P&lt;0.001). Proteobacteria dominated the gills (average: 73.6%), with Bacteriodota (average: 18.2%) also highly abundant at all sites. Overall, we have shown changes in the bacterial communities over time and between sites indicating both seasonal and temporal changes in the gill microbiome. Understanding this will help us to better understand the role of the gill microbiome and its role in fish health. <br/

Longitudinal Analysis of the Gill microbiomes of Atlantic Salmon from four Scottish farms reveals dynamics in bacterial richness and seasonal trends in diversity.

Atlantic Salmon aquaculture in Scotland is a major industry being both Scotland, and the UK’s largest food export. Gill disease, in particular Complex Gill Disease, is a significant challenge of salmon production. It is increasingly understood that the microbiome can influence host health and immunity. Therefore, the objective of the study is to identify and characterise the gill microbiome from stocking to harvest from four sites in Scotland 2018-2020. At each site, mucosal gill swabs were collected fortnightly (sites A &amp; C) or monthly (sites B &amp; G) from eight fish in two pens (n=623 fish). Gill samples underwent 16S rRNA Illumina MiSeq amplicon library preparation and analysis to characterise changes in the gill mucosal communities. Complex Gill disease was identified in sampled fish from each site (A: 20%, B: 11%, C: 24%, G: 13%).At the four sites we showed species richness (alpha diversity) varied over time ranging from 68 ±SD31 to 777 ±SD152 (average 353 ±SD 158). Interestingly, 1100–1500 degree-days after seawater transfer, a distinct decline in species richness and evenness was observed at three of the four sties (A:410 SD± 134 to 276 SD±86 , B:264 SD±67 to 156 SD±71 , C:356 SD±130 to 228 SD±89). In terms of community composition, 1) while there were similarities between all four sites, the communities were statistically different (R = 0.067, P&lt;0.001) from each farm, indicating that sites contributes to differences seen in the microbiome. Within each farm, a seasonal pattern in the microbiome was seen, with community shifts through winter-spring-summer-autumn (A: R2 = 0.11, P&lt;0.001, B: R2 = 0.30, P&lt;0.001, C: R2 = 0.22, P&lt;0.001, G: R2 = 0.11, P&lt;0.001). Proteobacteria dominated the gills (average: 73.6%), with Bacteriodota (average: 18.2%) also highly abundant at all sites. Overall, we have shown changes in the bacterial communities over time and between sites indicating both seasonal and temporal changes in the gill microbiome. Understanding this will help us to better understand the role of the gill microbiome and its role in fish health. <br/

Plasma kinetics of intravenously administered lactosein- saline in healthy and Trypanosoma congolense infected rams

The effect of Trypanosoma congolense infection on plasma kinetics of intravenously administered lactose was investigated in apparently healthy and T. congolense infected rams. Four rams infected with T. congolense and 4 uninfected rams were each infused intravenously with repeated doses of 0.5 g/kg body weight lactose in saline, thrice daily at 4 h interval. Blood was collected at specified intervals and analyzed for residual lactose. Plasma kinetic parameters such as biologic half-life (t1/2), eliminationrate constant (Ke), total clearance (CT) and volume of distribution (Vd) were calculated from the data obtained. The mean values for the t1/2, Ke, Vd and CT for the infected group were 5.328 &#177; 1.045, 1.682 &#177;0.289 h-1, 508.75 &#177; 41.987 ml/kg and 68.378 &#177; 1 7.571 ml/kg/h, respectively. The mean values for the uninfected group were 5.336 &#177; 0.753, 2.408 &#177; 0.817 h-1, 517.00 &#177; 196.592 ml/kg and 53.223 &#177; 14.888 ml/kg/h respectively. Infection with T. congolense significantly affected only the elimination rate constant Ke

Clinical and radiographic evaluations of healing femoral fractures managed with conventional and novel allo-cadaveric bone plates in dogs

Femoral diaphyseal fractures are usually amenable to reduction with the use of orthodox fixation implants, which in most cases are expensive and cause intense stress to the patient, hence the need for safer, new biomaterials. This study assessed the use of allo-cadaveric bone plates (CBP-A) and conventional bone plates in managing femoral fractures in dogs. A total of four 8-12 kg Nigerian indigenous dogs were randomly divided into two groups, with each consisting of a male and female dog. Sterilized osteotome wire was employed to surgically create transverse mid-shaft femoral fractures in all the dogs. The fractures in Group I dogs were managed using Vitallium-alloy bone plates and served as control, while Group II fractures were reduced and fixed using CBP-A. Clinical and radiographic assessments for three months were carried out to compare the fracture healing between the groups. Results showed an early stabilization of vital parameters with a premature attempt to use the operated limb on days 4 and 5 post-reduction in groups I and II, respectively. The radiographs revealed good fracture reduction and fixation in all the dogs with the gradual disappearance of the fracture line, as well as progressive bone remodelling as the fracture healing advanced through the sixth week. At 12 weeks, there was distinct medullary and cortical continuity in all the dogs. Therefore, the novel CBP-A used in this study has effectively provided the needed fixation stability with minimal external immobilization for the repair of dog femoral fractures; hence, it should be recommended for use

Peran Yayasan Al Khaeraat Dalam Pengembangan Sarana Dan Prasarana Madrasah Tsanawiyah Alkhaeraat Buntulia Kabupaten Pohuwato

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi sarana dan prasarana MTs. Alkhairaat Buntulia Kabupaten Pohuwato juga untuk mengetahui peran Yayasan Alkhairaat dalam pengembangan&nbsp;&nbsp; sarana dan prasarana MTs. Alkhairaat Buntulia Kabupaten Pohuwato. Metode yang digunakan masuk dalam jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan pendekatan manajerial, sosiologis, dan psikologis dengan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kondisi sarana dan prasarana pada MTs. al Khaeraat Buntulia Kabupaten Pohuwato belum lengkap. Disamping sarana yang belum cukup, peneliti juga menemukan bahwa prasarana di MTs. Al Khaeraat Buntulia Kabupaten Pohuwato masih perlu penambahan dan perbaikan seperti: sarana Projector Liquid Crystal Display&nbsp;(LCD proyektor), Perangkat Komputer, Bangku Santri, Buku Pelajaran Santri, Alat Olahraga, Tempat Wudhu. Yayasan Alkhaeraat&nbsp; dalam memenuhi sarana dan prasarana di MTs. Alkhairaat melakukan langkah pengembangan seperti proses perencanaan, pengadaan dan pendistribusian

Analisis Magnetoimpedansi Multilapisan [Ni80Fe20/Cu]N Hasil Elektrodeposisi Pada Substrat Cu-PCB

Sampel Multilapisan [Ni80Fe20/Cu]N telah dibuat menggunakan metode elektro-deposisi pada substrat Cu-PCB. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji hubungan rasio antara MI dengan: (i) frekuensi arus ac pengukuran (20 kHz – 100 kHz) (ii) pengaruh variasi ketebalan lapisan konduktif Cu (iii) pengaruh jumlah perulangan multilapisan N, (iv) pengaruh geometri panjang sampel, (v) pengaruh treatment panas sampel, (vi) pengaruh geometri sudut sampel. Metode eksperimen fabrikasi elektro-deposisi dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan langkah-langkah sebagai berikut: preparasi, pembuatan larutan elektrolit, elektrodeposisi, karakterisasi sampel, analisis, dan kesimpulan. Hasil karakterisasi menunjukkan nilai rasio Magneto-impedansi (MI) meningkat dengan bertambahnya frekuensi arus AC (20 kHz – 100 kHz). Hasil ini konsisten untuk semua sampel multilayer yang telah dihasilkan. Rasio MI juga didapat bertambah dengan penambahan jumlah perulangan multilapisan [Ni80Fe20/Cu]N atau meningkat ± 1.61 kali lipat (3.32 % menjadi 5.36 %). Sedangkan hasil karakterisasi pada variasi/modifikasi ketebalan lapisan spacer Cu menunjukkan bahwa rasio MI meningkat ±1.02 kali lipat dengan berkurangnya ketebalan lapisan spacer Cu yaitu semakin tebal lapisan spacer Cu maka rasio MI semakin kecil. Ekspresi lain dari hasil karakterisasi pada variasi panjang sampel menunjukkan bahwa rasio MI meningkat ±1.7 kali lipat dengan bertambahnya panjang substrat Cu-PCB dari 2 cm hingga 4 cm. Selain itu Rasio MI meningkat ± 2.05 kali lipat dengan bertambahnya geometri sudut sampel. Hasil karakterisasi lain menunjukan rasio MI menurun dengan meningkatnya suhu (heat treatment) dari 7,63 % (tanpa treatment panas pada sampel) menjadi 4,78 % (treatmen panas 100 ºC) pengukuran hari pertama dan 6,39 % (tanpa treatment panas pada sampel) menjadi 4,25 % (treatmen panas 100 ºC) dihari kelima. Kata kunci: Magnetoimpedansi, Elektrodeposisi, Multilapisan NiFe/Cu, Ketebalan Spacer Cu, Jumlah Perulangan multilapisan [Ni80Fe20/Cu]N, panjang sampel, treatment panas, annealiing, geometri sudut sampel

Experimental Study of the Corrosiveness of Ternary Blends of Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel is an alternative renewable resource to petroleum-based diesel. The aim of using biodiesel is to reduce environmental pollution and combat global warming. Biodiesel application in compression ignition engines has shown its compatibility with better combustion characteristics and high engine performance. Many advantages can be obtained by using biodiesel, including reducing exhaust gases, reducing air toxicity, providing energy security, and being biodegradable. However, biodiesel’s disadvantage involves oxidation stability, corrosion, degradation, and compatibility with other metallic materials. The present study investigates the corrosive behavior of the ternary blend (waste cooking-Calophyllum inophyllum biodiesel-diesel) fuel that occurs in contact with mild steel and stainless steel 316. The observation study for mild steel and stainless steel 316 material under the static immersion method was performed for 7,200 h and 14,400 h, respectively, at room temperature (25°C–30°C). In every 720 and 1,440 h of immersion time, the coupon’s profile was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/electron-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and the mass loss was observed, for corrosivity investigation. Based on the obtained results, the average corrosion rate of mild steel and stainless steel 316 is 0.6257 and 0.0472 nm/year at 7,200 h, respectively; the difference in corrosion rate for these metallic materials is approximately 92.46%. The degradation of the fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity, density, refractive index, and acid value was monitored. In this study, stainless steel 316 was more resistant to corrosion attack with some micro pitting and showed better compatibility with the ternary blend than mild steel. The regression analysis and the correlation of corrosion rate were studied.</jats:p

HIV Prevalence, Risks for HIV Infection, and Human Rights among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Malawi, Namibia, and Botswana

BACKGROUND: In the generalized epidemics of HIV in southern Sub-Saharan Africa, men who have sex with men have been largely excluded from HIV surveillance and research. Epidemiologic data for MSM in southern Africa are among the sparsest globally, and HIV risk among these men has yet to be characterized in the majority of countries. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional anonymous probe of 537 men recruited with non-probability sampling among men who reported ever having had sex with another man in Malawi, Namibia, and Botswana using a structured survey instrument and HIV screening with the OraQuick(c) rapid test kit. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The HIV prevalence among those between the ages of 18 and 23 was 8.3% (20/241); 20.0% (42/210) among those 24-29; and 35.7% (30/84) among those older than 30 for an overall prevalence of 17.4% (95% CI 14.4-20.8). In multivariate logistic regressions, being older than 25 (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 2.0-8.0), and not always wearing condoms during sex (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3-4.9) were significantly associated with being HIV-positive. Sexual concurrency was common with 16.6% having ongoing concurrent stable relationships with a man and a woman and 53.7% had both male and female sexual partners in proceeding 6 months. Unprotected anal intercourse was common and the use of petroleum-based lubricants was also common when using condoms. Human rights abuses, including blackmail and denial of housing and health care was prevalent with 42.1% (222/527) reporting at least one abuse. CONCLUSIONS: MSM are a high-risk group for HIV infection and human rights abuses in Malawi, Namibia, and Botswana. Concurrency of sexual partnerships with partners of both genders may play important roles in HIV spread in these populations. Further epidemiologic and evaluative research is needed to assess the contribution of MSM to southern Africa's HIV epidemics and how best to mitigate this. These countries should initiate and adequately fund evidence-based and targeted HIV prevention programs for MSM