Centralized Database: A Prerequisite for Security and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract-The volume of data organizations and government agencies usually collect and store are increasing rapidly. Centralized database according to Elmasri and Navathe [1] stores data or information in a particular location within a network. It allows data from existing database to be collected and stored in a single database for sharing, analysis or updating in an organisation. In Nigeria, organizations and government agencies usually operates distributed databases and do not have a centralised database in a central location for sharing and other policy making. Therefore, this paper highlights the need for centralised database that can be adopted by government to control data redundancy and inconsistency for security and sustainable development. The paper is a survey paper that explored the use of research schedules for data collection. Enumeratorwas picked from each of the four agencies that constitutes the population and samples of the study. The data collected were categorised and presented based on the research schedules retrieved. The results show the common fields used on personal information of individuals as ID, names, Date of Birth, Gender, address, phone no, finger print, and photograph. The results also show that data sharing among agencies are rarely done using the distributed databases, but plans are on the way to actualize that especially with the yet-to-be implemented model of National Identity Management Commission known as National Identity Management System (NIMS). Finally, the paper recommends that government should explore the possibility of adopting centralised database that can harmonise records of organisations and agencieswhich will help in ensuring security and sustainable development in the country; a model of centralised database should be designed to ascertain the feasibility of implementing a centralised database in Nigeria; thorough research should also be made to ensure the compatibility between organisations and agencies with the centralised database for data sharing and other accessibility issues

Impacts of agricultural mechanization adoption on floodplain sugar-cane (Saccharrum officinarum L.) farmers’ income in Mubi, N.E. Nigeria

I. J. Tekwa1, G. M. Bunu1, M. S. Abubakar2(1. Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B 35, Mubi;2. Department of Agricultural Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B 35 Mubi)Abstract: A survey was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of agricultural mechanization adoption on floodplain sugar-cane farmers’ income in four locations, namely: Bahuli, Muchalla, Mijulu and Kirya, all within Mubi area.  The survey was conducted during growing season between September, 2006 and May, 2007.  Information related to the subject was sourced from target farmers (80) through purposively administered questionnaires.  Information sought centered on inventory of practiced technologies, levels of adoption and its economic returns.  Data generated during the study were statistically validated using the test-re-test method of reliability test and correlated positively (r=0.80).  The data were analyzed and compared using simple bar charts, percentages, chi–square and Likert scaling test types.  It was indicated that there was a higher concentration of traditional technologies among the farmers prior to the adoption of modern agricultural mechanization as judged numerically.  However, despite the awareness by the extension workers, there were about 5% of farmers who were adamant of the modern technological changes.  Also, about 95% of the farmer population experienced drastic rise in farm output and sales income from their sugar-cane produce after the adoption process. Sugar-cane farmers’ perception analysis further attested to positive effectiveness of both the modern agricultural mechanization and farm incomes during the study period.  The challenge for better prospective outputs further depends on the extent of extension awareness among practicing farmers in the study area.Keywords: adoption rate, farm input, farmers’ perception, traditional technology, modern technology, NigeriaCitation: Tekwa, I. J., G. M. Bunu, and M. S. Abubakar.  Impacts of agricultural mechanization adoption on floodplain sugar-cane (Saccharrum officinarum L.) farmers’ income in Mubi, N.E. Nigeria.  Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 2010, 12(2): 42-48.&nbsp

Public Health Leadership Theory In Immunization Campaigns: a look at the Transactional and Transformational Leaderships Styles

The need for public health practitioners to acquire the attributes and the necessary skills that makes up an effective leader should not be over emphasized especially now that the challenges in the public health sector is more than ever before with emerging and re-emerging diseases. We all know that public health leadership aims to protect health of the public, promote good health at a population level, prevent diseases, and to reduce health inequity and inequality. There is no doubt that public health leaders require certain traits and skills to enable them build infrastructure that would prevent diseases, serve people irrespective of their backgrounds, ensure population based approach on public health issues, create strategies aimed at preventing diseases, promoting good health, adhere to timeliness and completeness of data collection, and have community-wide health strategies. The role of transactional and transformational leadership styles in immunization campaigns aims to give the desired leadership for policy makers to understand problems associated with immunization campaigns, so that the end result would be to create awareness on the importance of immunization among parents and other stakeholders, to enlighten the public on benefits associated with eligible children getting vaccinated with the vaccines. It is expected that once the right leadership is at the helm of affairs, social change would be promoted within communities to improve on the country’s the health indicators. Keywords: Public Health, Leadership Theory, Immunization Campaigns, Transactional Leadership and Transformational Leadership, Vaccine Preventable Disease

Nigeria research reactor-1 : vertical detector efficiency calibration using conventional and semi-empirical approach for large samples NAA implementation

Detector efficiency calibration is mandatory for accurate measurement of induced activity in irradiated samples and for safe operation of the reactor with minimal uncertainty. This paper reported the efficiency calibration of vertically dIpstick High Purity Germanium detector, installed at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for the purpose of large sample Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) using Nigeria research reactor-1 (NIRR-1). The performance of the detector was evaluated for the radioisotope activity measurements during the reactor operation for large samples neutron activation analysis. The detector performance in terms of radioisotopes detection ability was inspected using the standard conventional and semi-empirical approaches. The full energy peak efficiencies were determined at the corresponding energies for three different geometries (source to detector distance of 1, 5 and 10 cm). The semi-empirical approach produced better and precise results that logically rhymed with theory than the traditional approach. Besides that, a consistency in the nature of the graphs and values were evidenced. The determined efficiencies and their corresponding energies revealed encouraging outcome and ensured the successful NAA for large samples of different material compositions

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Giardia lamblia infection among cattle from Jere local government area of Borno state, Northeastern Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle in Jere local government area (LGA) of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. A total of 279 faecal samples were randomly collected from 12 cattle herds of the six wards of Jere LGA. The samples were screened for Giardia lamblia antigens with Copro-antigen Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Risk factors were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate, and multivariable logistic regression. The overall prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection among cattle was 5.7% (95% CI = 3.20, 8.60). Location-specific prevalence of 5.4% (95% CI = 1.1, 9.8), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 4.3% (95% CI = 0.0, 10.6), 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7), 6.4% (95% CI = 0.0, 14.9) and 8.7% (95% CI = 0.0, 21.7) for Old Maiduguri, Khaddamari, Bale Galtimari, Mashamari, Maimusari and Dusuman wards were respectively detected among the cattle herds. Multivariable logistic regression model revealed that Giardia lamblia positivity among cattle could be strongly predicted by age (Young cattle ≤ 1 year; OR = 32.0; 95% CI = 8.40, 120.13; p < 0.0001). The even spread of the infection among cattle throughout the wards could be described as endemic in Jere LGA suggesting high risk potential for infection of cattle handlers from calves. Therefore, further studies on genetic characterization to determine the incriminating assemblage as well as public enlightenment of cattle handlers on the public health significance of giardiasis in the study area was recommended

Proximate analysis of waste-to-energy potential of municipal solid waste for sustainable renewable energy generation

Over-dependence on virgin resources has been a major topic of social and political debates as the world's population and urbanization continue to rise. The high rate of rural–urban migration and changes in standard of living habits give rise to rapid economic activities that have an enormous impact on the gradual increase in waste generation and continued demand for electricity in urban centres. The solutions to these concerns can be achieved through efficient waste management options by waste resource utilization for energy and nutrient recovery and reduced solid waste pollution footprint. This research examined the viability of present and projected municipal solid waste streams to generate green energy through field surveys by physical characterization of the waste composition, projected waste quantity based on available population and waste data for the period 2000 – 2014, modelled methane gas generated by IPCC method, and the energy value was determined respectively. The findings indicated a high organic content of 54.1% of MSW and a per capita waste generation rate of 0.49–0.57 kg/capita/day. The waste was projected to increase from 353717.41 to 2,223497 tonnes between 2014 and 2035 at a population growth rate of 9.15%. This accounted for methane gas generated estimated to be 9.85Gg/year with an energy value of 15 MW/day in 2014 and projected to increase to 33.4 MW/day by 2035. The energy value estimated represented an increase from 6.14% to 212.74% of the allocated power supply from the national grid within the projected period. However, it is worth noting that, there are some limitations associated with the research due in part to inadequate field data which was supplemented by default model values as recommended by IPCC, although within an acceptable uncertainty band of result sensitivity. Therefore, the WTE management option can serve as a pathway for green energy integration for sustainable development

Diverse sustainable materials for the treatment of petroleum sludge and remediation of contaminated sites : a review

Activities in the petroleum industry unavoidably generates huge amount of petroleum sludge that contain hazardous constituents. Numerous treatment techniques are proven to reduce toxicity, sludge volume, and extract petroleum products. Their efficiency is determined by the sludge properties. These treatment technologies can lessen the hazardous elements in sludge and alleviate their negative environmental and human health impacts. However, only a few, can strike a compromise between meeting strict environmental regulations and consuming notable quantity of water, energy, and chemicals. Now, there are no waste-free and cost-effective technologies available for petroleum sludge treatment. Therefore, this review was designed to highlight the several waste, plants, and other materials that have been utilized during petroleum sludge or petroleum contaminated site treatment for resource recovery and to ensure environmental safety. The application of various additives to remediate petroleum sludge contaminated areas has been proven to be a practical and environmentally beneficial alternative. The review found that reusing remediated soils for bioremediation activity on soil contaminated with oil sludge was efficient. The review further revealed that phytoremediation by sowing plants in the soil can remarkably boost microorganism's growth and TPH elimination rate. Also, in planted treatments using Zea mays L., Secale cereale L., Festuca arundinacea, Onobrychis viciifolia, Vertiver zizanioide, Cajanus cajan, Medicago sativa, Lolium perenne, Ttrifolium pratense etc. the most probable number were significantly higher than in unplanted treatments. It was also discovered that there is a commercial potential for the use of plants as sources of biosurfactant for use in accelerated TPHs degradation. Biosurfactant supplementation in the phytoremediation of metals and petroleum hydrocarbons co-contaminated soil was effective. The review suggests the use of composite materials for petroleum sludge treatment

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions associated with antimicrobial stewardship among veterinary students : a multi-country survey from Nigeria, South Africa, and Sudan

In African countries, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issue remains pertinent. Despite this, little efforts have been made to assess the future veterinary prescribers on their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to antimicrobial usage. This multi-country survey attempts to explore the KAP of future veterinarians on stewardship of antimicrobial and identify knowledge gaps. Eight veterinary schools participated from Nigeria, Sudan and South Africa. Data regarding perceptions and knowledge were analyzed using Chi-square χ² test, Spearman’s (Rho) Rank order correlation and factor analysis using principal component factoring extraction method. Fifty-two percent of the study participants were final year veterinary students, respectively, and majority (77.2%) had no previous knowledge of biomedical sciences. Majority age were 22–27 years (24.7 ± 2.8) 79% and multiple career fields post-graduation were preferred. Overall, poor perceptions and knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship were observed with variations among countries and only 36.3% (n = 123) of the students were confident in their ability to choose the ideal antimicrobial agents for a specific patient/group of animals. The majority of the final year students were confident of their knowledge regarding AMR (68%), making of Gram staining (69.2%) and in choosing the most ideal route for administering a specific antimicrobial (74.7%). The final year students had significantly (p < 0.05) higher confidence level for knowledge compared with the pre-final year students. Tetracyclines, penicillins, and sulphonamides represent the three most abused veterinary antimicrobials with similar ranking across countries. South African (69.7 ± 20.5) and Sudanese (68.1 ± 15.4) had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher mean scores compared to the Nigerian students (44.3 ± 6.8) in the student’s ability to correctly match some specific antimicrobials against their classes but Nigerian students performed better in ranking antimicrobials. This survey revealed poor to average knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship among veterinary students with significant knowledge gaps across the countries. It is recommended that the relevant regulatory and standardization authorities should make concerted efforts and interventions to regularly review curricula to ensure the delivery of targeted formative and normative training, and improved lectures on antimicrobial usage and stewardship in order to improve the awareness and behaviors of future prescribers. The identified knowledge gaps of veterinary medical students on antimicrobial stewardship must be bridge to safeguard the future.The Peer Enhanced Scholarship of Teaching and Learning under the Vice-Principal, Research and Postgraduate Education, University of Pretoria; Education Innovation Project under the Department of Education Innovation, University of Pretoria; Department of Higher Education and Training, Cost Centre: UP-A0W589.http://frontiersin.org/Public_Healthpm2021Nursing ScienceParaclinical SciencesProduction Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical Disease

Comparison of total endoscopic thyroidectomy with conventional open thyroidectomy for treatment of papillary thyroid cancer

BackgroundRecent advance of endoscopic techniques has allowed surgeons to perform thyroidectomy via an incision placement at hidden places which lead to better cosmetic acceptability compared with conventional open thyroidectomy.AimsThis study was conducted to summarize the current evidence that compare open thyroidectomy with endoscopic ‎thyroidectomy in treatment of papillary thyroid cancer‎.‎Methods An electronic literature review, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO that examining randomized trials of endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET), conventional open thyroidectomy (COT), and management of papillary thyroid carcinoma was carried out.Results The review included 8 randomized studies that compare total endoscopic thyroidectomy versus conventional open thyroidectomy in treatment of papillary thyroid cancer. The findings showed endoscopic thyroidectomy had statically significant cosmetic appearance, less amount of blood loss and occurrence of transient hypocalcaemia than conventional open thyroidectomy in form of cosmetic outcome, amount lower blood loss.ConclusionThe current review showed that, ET has a better cosmetic outcome and lower blood loss compared with COT. While COT was associated with significantly low operation time, hospital stay, drainage time, amount of drainage fluid and transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy