CONCEPTUALIZATION OF URBANIZATION STRUCTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Urbanization is synonymous with environmental challenges. In developing countries, thechallenges have assumed higher dimensions proportionally due to multifarious issues of rapidchanges in the environment, due to development, through population growth andindustrialization, and accompanied by all kinds of pollution such as air pollution, wastedisposal, land use degradation, and vehicular pollution as the resultant effects of man’sinteraction with the environment. The main characteristic effect is the raised temperature of thecity centre (UHI) leading to excessive energy use for cooling and putting urban population atgreat morbidity and mortality risks. This paper literally explores the conceptual framework ofinteraction between urbanization structure and understanding social impacts of climate changeand variability for the evaluation of strategies in the urbanized environment that might serve asadaptive response to climate change. The urbanization structure that affects Lagos state isdiscussed in relation to the location of the city, the size, the population density, urbangeometry, thermal property, air pollution, land use pattern, wind speed and anthropogenicactivities. The study revealed that climate change is posing increasing challenges for citiesplacing greater stress and impacts on multiple social and biophysical systems, including urbaninfrastructure, water and energy demand simultaneously, followed by a strong global trendtowards urbanization of urban poverty. The study concluded that climate change has impactedgreatly on virtually all the socio-economic aspects of man

Mixed-methods evaluation of integrating female genital schistosomiasis management within primary healthcare: a pilot intervention in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Detection and management of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) within primary healthcare is crucial for achieving schistosomiasis elimination, however, current technical strategies are not feasible in many settings. In Nigeria, there are currently no established standard operating procedures to support front-line health workers. This article presents an evaluation of piloting an FGS care package in two LGAs of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: We used quantitative and qualitative analysis, including 46 interviews with patients, health workers and the quality improvement team; observations of training, learning sessions and supervision across 23 heath facilities; and records of patients detected and managed. Results: Of 79 women and girls who were screened, 66 were treated and followed up. Health workers assimilated knowledge of FGS and effectively diagnosed and managed patients, demonstrating the feasibility of using symptomatic screening and treatment tools to diagnose and care for women or girls with suspected FGS. Challenges included establishing a referral pathway to tertiary care for patients with complications, insecurity, gender norms that limited uptake and sensitization, the limited capacity of the workforce, conflicting priorities and praziquantel acquisition. Conclusions: Simple tools can be used in primary healthcare settings to detect and manage women and girls with FGS. Contextual challenges must be addressed. Sustainability will require political and financial commitments

A quality improvement approach in co-developing a primary healthcare package for raising awareness and managing female genital schistosomiasis in Nigeria and Liberia

Background: Girls and women living in endemic areas for urogenital schistosomiasis may have lifelong vulnerability to female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). For >2 decades, the importance of FGS has been increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but without established policies for case detection and treatment. This research aimed to understand the level of FGS knowledge of frontline health workers and health professionals working in endemic areas and to identify health system needs for the effective management of FGS cases and prevention of further complications due to ongoing infections. Methods: Workshops were conducted with health workers and stakeholders using participatory methods. These workshops were part of a quality improvement approach to develop the intervention. Results: Health workers’ and system stakeholders’ knowledge regarding FGS was low. Participants identified key steps to be taken to improve the diagnosis and treatment of FGS in schistosomiasis-endemic settings, which focused mainly on awareness creation, supply of praziquantel, development of FGS syndromic management and mass administration of praziquantel to all eligible ages. The FGS intervention component varies across countries and depends on the health system structure, existing facilities, services provided and the cadre of personnel available. Conclusion: Our study found that co-developing a new service for FGS that responds to contextual variations is feasible, promotes ownership and embeds learning across health sectors, including healthcare providers, NTD policymakers and implementers, health professionals and community health workers

Effect of Aqueous, Ethanolic and N-hexane Extracts of Annona senegalensis on Germinability of Okra Seeds

Annona senegalensis, generally known as African custard-apple has been indicated to inhibit the growth of pathogenic strains of Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa while flavonoids isolated from the stem bark of Annona senegalensis have been shown to inhibit the growth of Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Shigella sp. The aim of this study was to develop a safe, cheap and cost effective treatment against selected plants pathogens and also at evaluating the protective potential of the extracts of Annona senegalensis against selected fungal pathogens of okra seeds. In this study, the effect of Aqueous, Ethanolic and N-hexane Extracts of Annona senegalensis on germinability ofAbelmoschus esculentus was observed. A total of ten different concentrations (1000 mg/L to 10000 mg/L) of the respective crude extracts were used for the study. To each universal bottle containing 20 mL of the known concentrations of the respective extracts, approximately 20 surface sterilized seeds were added and allowed to stand for 30 min. At the termination of the planting period, the seedling height, % germination, germination rate, germination time, germination capacity, germination index and seeds vigor of each of the slots were estimated. In conclusion, it can be seen from the results of the study that aqueous, ethanol and N-hexane A. senegalensis extracts solution tested in this study have priming and antifungal potency. &nbsp

Impact of E-Learning and Digitalization in Primary and Secondary Schools

This study examines into the impact of e-learning and digitalization in primary and secondary schools, using Greensprings School in Lagos State, Nigeria as a case study. Questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument, and descriptive statistical method was adopted for analysis. Responses from students and teachers reveal that application of e-learning technology in schools will help to promote an efficient, effective and productive way of teaching. More so, e-learning promotes better communication and helps teachers and students to share accountability for learning and achievements. The study shows that most students agreed that e-learning help students to have access to unlimited source of information; reveals connection between subjects; promotes critical thinking; and encourages students’ way of learning. The study further shows that majority of the teachers agreed that e-learning is easier and effective; helps to further develop teachers’ computer skills; and brings out the best in students. Interestingly, the two parties agreed that e-learning helps teachers and students to share accountability for learning and achievements

Growth Performance and Economy of Production of Pullets Fed on Different Energy Based Sources

This experiment was conducted for 8 weeks to evaluate the growth performance and economics of pullets fed on different dietary energy sources. A total of 300 Harco black was used for this experiment. The birds were completely randomized and divided into four diet treatment groups. Each treatment group had three replicates of twenty-five birds per replicate. Four diets containing maize, spaghetti, noodles, and biscuit was formulated to represent diet 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Diet 1 containing maize is the control, while diet 2, 3, and 4 contains spaghetti, noodles, and biscuit waste meal at 100% replacement for maize on weight for weight basis. Performance indices on Feed intake, body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and economy of production were measured. Blood samples were also collected for heamatology and serum biochemistry assessment. The result of the experiment indicated that different dietary energy source fed to birds significantly (P < 0.05) affect feed intake, body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The best cost of feed per kilogram of body weight gain was obtained in Spaghetti based diet (₦559.30). However, the best performance were obtained from diet 1(maize), it can be concluded that spaghetti as a replacement for maize in diet of pullet is most economical and profitable for production without any deleterious effects attached. Blood parameters of birds were not significantly (p > 0.05) influenced by the use of the dietary energy sources used in this experiment

Factors affecting the practice of cocoa rehabilitation techniques in Nigeria: A case of South-west and South- south geo-ecological zone

This study reports the factors affecting the practice of cocoa rehabilitation in Nigeria. Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed to determine the factors affecting rehabilitation practices. From the results obtained, most of the farmers are aged with less than 1 ha of cocoa farm land. Also, majority of the cocoa farmers are aware of cocoa rehabilitation techniques and coppicing form of rehabilitation is widely practiced. Determinant for rehabilitation practice among the farmers were found to be their level of education (5% level of significance), farm size and farmers experience (1% level of significance) which are all positively correlated to rehabilitation practices. It was recommended that more training on cocoa rehabilitation techniques be encouraged by extension agents and other stakeholders, Youths should be encouraged to go into cocoa farming by providing land and other inputs at subsidized rates to them as a form of encouragement. Hybrid cocoa should equally be introduced to farmers so that other rehabilitation techniques such as partial replanting, complete replanting, phased farm replanting, etc, can be adopted and practiced by farmers

Spreading Oro-fascial Infections: Is the Trend in Burden Changing?

Spreading orofacial infections are often encountered and managed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Several factors have been attributed to this spread. It has been reported to be the leading cause of death in maxillofacial patients seen in most hospitals, especially in a resource constraint country like Nigeria. The current study aims to assess factors that contribute to the disease burden of patients with orofacial infection. The case files of 101 patients who were diagnosed clinically of spreading orofacial infections with radiographic confirmation of involved tooth/teeth managed at the LASUTH and OAUTHC Ile Ife over twelve months. The following information was obtained in a prospective study using a proforma; patients’ demographics, underlying morbidity, teeth involved, site location, fascial spaces involved, treatment, and outcome. Patients with incomplete data were excluded. All patients had adequate rehydration followed by incision and drainage or decompression as the case required before administration of empirical antibiotics via the intravenous route. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0. One hundred and one cases were retrieved for the study. There was an almost equal gender distribution of males 51 (50.05%) and females 50 (49.50%). The female to male ratio of 1.02:1.00. The age range was 12-82 years, the mean age for females and males was (17.6 ± 0.448). The majority of the cases were in the 21-40 age group. A significant percentage (95.0%) of the patients were managed as in-patients. The majority of the death 8 out of 12 were recorded among the age group 51-82 years. Mandibular teeth were more affected compared to the maxillary teeth. Though not statistically significant (p=0.054). The lower right first and second molar (17.82%) each were mostly implicated in the mandible while the maxillary upper right second molar tooth (one-third of the total number of maxillary teeth affected) was the most implicated tooth in the maxilla. Twenty-five of the patients had underlying medical conditions with diabetes mellitus being the commonest (66.7%) among the patients under review. Majority of the patients presented with multiple facial spaces involvement with Ludwig’s angina being the commonest presentation. The submandibular space was the most involved space both in single and multiple spaces involvement. The mortality recorded were in patients with Ludwig’s angina, temporal and parapharyngeal space involvement. Seven (58.33%) out of the recorded death had involvement of more than four fascial spaces. The commonest treatment offered was incision and drainage with the extraction of the offending tooth/teeth. There was a positive correlation between the length of hospital stay and the duration of drain in-situ. Fascial space infections in a resource- and personnel-scarce setting still confers a great burden on management. The need for quick surgical intervention, aggressive and adequate antibiotics administrations, high protein nutritional support, and co-managing of patients with other medical teams in controlling associated morbidities are very essential to a good outcome