A Framework for the Self-Configuration of Wireless Mesh Networks

The use of wireless radio technology is well established for narrowband access systems, but its use for broadband access is relatively new. Wireless mesh architecture is a first step towards providing high-bandwidth wireless network coverage, spectral efficiency, and economic advantage. However, the widespread adoption and use of Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) as a backbone for large wireless access networks and for last-mile subscriber access is heavily dependent on the technology’s ease of deployment. In order for WMNs to be regarded as mainstream technology, it needs to gain a competitive edge compared to wireline technologies such as DSL and cable. To achieve this, a broadband wireless network must be self-configuring, self-healing and self-organizing. In this thesis, we address these challenges. First, we propose a four-stage scheme (power-up, bootstrapping, network registration, and network optimization). We develop algorithms for each of these stages, taking advantage of the inherent properties of WMNs to determine the network’s topology. The novel part of our scheme is in the de-coupling of the subscriber’s credentials from the network hardware. This is a key part of our architecture as it helps ensure quick network enrolment, management and portability. It also helps, in our opinion, make the concept of widespread deployment using commodity hardware feasible

Determinants of resumption of vaginal intercourse in puerperium period in Ogbomoso: consideration for early use of contraceptives

Background: Early postpartum period for mothers is characterized with high demand for neonatal care, adjusting to sudden withdrawal of hormones of pregnancy and dealing with sexual desires of the husband. The study aimed at determines the timing, factors influencing postpartum resumption of vaginal intercourse and the contraceptive usage.Methods: Women in puerperium were interviewed with structured questionnaire on their socio-demographic status, obstetric history, sexual activities, contraception usage and reason for sexual abstinence.Results: About 40% (143) of participants had resumed vaginal intercourse within puerperium with mean resumption period of 3.2 ± 1.8 weeks. Only 12% (48) of them used modern contraceptive. Educational status (P <0.001); occupation (P <0.001); educational status of the husband (P <0.001); occupation of the husband (P <0.001); parity (P <0.05); husband’s income (P <0.05) and use of modern contraception (P <0.001) showed significant statistical difference between the women who had resumed vaginal sexual intercourse and those who have not. Logistic regression showed that educational status of the participants (OR = 0.48, CI = 0.246-0.938; P = 0.032) and parity (OR = 0.34, CI = 0.196-0.591; P = 0.001) were the most significant factors associated with early resumption of vaginal intercourse. One hundred and eighty-five (72%) of women who were yet to resume coitus, did so because of fear of pregnancy.Conclusions: Significant number of women resumed vaginal intercourse during the puerperium despite low contraception usage. There is need to initiate a contraception method before discharge home following delivery.  

Bridging the Gap: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Mhealth Interventions in Improving Antenatal Care Uptake and Reducing Maternal Mortality in Rural Northern Nigeria

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) interventions in improving antenatal care (ANC) uptake and reducing maternal mortality in rural Northern Nigeria. Drawing from 50 studies involving over 85,000 participants, the findings reveal that mHealth interventions—particularly SMS-based solutions—significantly enhance attendance at ANC (OR 1.85), skilled birth attendance (OR 1.67), and utilisation of postnatal care (OR 1.94). Researchers found that educational text messages improved ANC uptake by up to 67%, with SMS interventions proving to be the most cost-effective. Despite these promising outcomes, barriers such as digital illiteracy, poor network infrastructure, and socio-cultural resistance remain. The study supports the integration of tailored mHealth strategies into maternal health policies for rural Nigerian contexts

Ophthalmic manifestations in patients with intracranial tumours

Introduction L’étude a pour but d’apprécier les manifestations ophtalmologiques des patients présentant des tumeurs cérébrales au Nigéria dans un hôpital tertiaire. Méthode Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective avec une revue des tumeurs cérébrales dans le Neurosurgical Unit of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile- Ife de janvier 2003 à décembre 2007. L’analyse des données, diagnostique, acuité visuelle, et prise en charge, ont été analysées selon la fréquence en utilisant avec la version 1 11 SPCS . L’acuité visuelle a été classifiée selon celle de l’OMS. Résultat Sur un total de 94 patients, 88 patients ont été revus. Il s’agissait de 53 patients de sexe masculin et 35 de sexe féminin. La moyenne d’âge était de 36.2 plus ou moins 20 ans. 14 patients ont été pris en charge par les ophtalmologistes. La répartition des tumeurs était la suivante: méningiomes, 36,4 %, craniopharyngiomes, 13,6 % et gliomes, 9,1 %. 67,9 % des patients se plaignaient de troubles visuels à l’admission dont 46,6 % avec une baisse importante et 12,5 % une vision double. Il a été objectivé une artrophie optique dans 23,9 % . 46 malades (52 %) étaient aveugles et 14 (16 %) avaient un trouble visuelimportant. Conclusion Les troubles visuels sont des manifestations cliniques fréquentes de présentation des tumeurs cérébrales. Une information médicale précoce est requise

Antidiabetic and anti-oxidant activities of the methanol leaf extract of <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> in alloxan-induced diabetes in Wistar rats

The methanolic leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina (MLVA) was assessed to evaluate its antidiabetic potential in rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by the administration of alloxan monohydrate at 100 mg/kg of body weight. After 48 h, rats with fasting blood glucose levels of 200 mg/dL and above were considered diabetic and used for the study. The experimental animals were grouped into five groups (A–E) of 10 animals each. Group A rats were non-diabetic normal control, Group B consisted of diabetic control rats that received no treatment, groups C, D and E rats were diabetic rats but treated with glibenclamide, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of MLVA respectively. Blood samples were collected at days 14 and 28 after induction for haematological and serum biochemical indices such as triglycerides, LDL, cholesterols etc. The intestine was collected and intestinal homogenate was prepared for the antioxidant studies. The extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses significantly (p < 0.05) reduced blood glucose levels in extract-treated diabetic rats and also significantly increased weight gain in these rats. Most haematological parameters in treated rats experienced, while platelets and neutrophils were decreased. Biochemical indices measured were reduced in MLVA-treated groups compared with diabetic control. Treatment with MLVA also produced significant (p < 0.05) decrease in markers of oxidative stress but increased levels of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant markers in intestinal homogenates of treated groups compared with diabetic control. This study showed that V. amygdalina has antihyperglycaemic and in vivo antioxidant effects

Cardioprotective effects and antioxidant status of Andrographis paniculata in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Background: Myocardial infarction has been regarded as one of the fastest killer diseases of modern-day man. Aim: The protective effect of Andrographis paniculata on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats was investigated. Setting: The study was carried out in a laboratory setting. Methods: Animals were randomly divided into six groups of seven animals per group, and the treatment was as follows: normal control received normal saline for 9 days, isoproterenol group; three extract-treated groups in pre-treatment phase and an extract-treated group in post-treatment phase. The doses were given at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for pre-treatment phase respectively while 200 mg/kg dose was given to the post-treatment phase group. Blood and heart tissues were collected for biochemical assays, haematological and histological analyses. Results: Myocardial infarction was recorded in ISO group but was corrected by the extracts in both pre-treatment and post-treatment phases. The ISO group experienced a significant decrease in antioxidant parameters, whereas the extract at all doses caused a significant increase in the activities of in these parameters. The extract caused a significant decrease in malondialdehyde content and hydrogen peroxide generation, whereas reverse was the case for the ISO group. Although no significant histopathological changes were recorded for the extract, the ISO group showed marked histopathological changes. ISO caused higher expressions of cardiac C-reactive protein (CRP) and CTnI and decreased the expressions of IL-10β; but this was the opposite for the extract. Conclusion: The ethanol leaf extract of A. paniculata significantly exhibits cardioprotective effects

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Health Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, towards Ebola Viral Disease

Background. Health workers are more prone to Ebola viral disease (EVD) than the general population. This study assessed the preparedness of health workers in the control and management of EVD. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Consenting 400 health workers completed a semistructured questionnaire that assessed participants’ general knowledge, emergency preparedness, and control and management of EVD. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. The mean age (SD) was 34.5 ± 8.62 years ranging from 20 to 59 years. Most participants were medical doctors (24.6%) and nurses (52.2%). The majority had practised <10 years (73.8%) and were aware of the EVD outbreak in the West African subregion (85.5%). Colleagues (40%) and radio (37.2%) were their major sources of information. Only 42% had good knowledge while 27% knew that there was no vaccine presently to prevent EVD. About one-quarter (24.2%) had low risk perception. The majority (89%) felt the hospital infection control policy was inadequate to protect against EVD. The only predictor of good knowledge was participants’ occupation. Conclusion. There is knowledge gap and poor infection control preparedness among respondents. Thus, knowledge and practices of health workers towards EVD need improvement

Study on acute ulcerous pain in rats treated with aqueous root extract of Lonchocarpus cyanescens

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the antiulcer and analgesic effects of the aqueous root extract of Lonchocarpus cyanescens (L. cyanescens) since the plant is said to have medicinal properties.MethodsThe filtrate of the aqueous root extract of the plant (100 mg/mL) was used to evaluate for antiulcer activity in 20 rats divided into five groups of four rats each, which were Groups A, B, and C that received 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg doses respectively, while Group D was served as negative control and animals of Group E received 20 mg/kg dose of ranitidine. Indomethacin at a dose of 15 mg/kg was used to induce ulcer on the day of sacrifice. For acetic writhing test (antinociception), same design was used except that Group E received 100 mg/kg dose of acetyl salicylic acid as standard drug. Abdominal contractions were induced in the animals by intraperitoneal administration of 10 mL/kg of 0.6% of acetic acid.ResultsThe aqueous root extract of L. cyanescens at all doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant (P < 0.05) decrease in ulcer parameters compared with the negative control. The extract also produced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the number of writhing reflexes in treated rats compared with negative control.ConclusionsThe aqueous root extract of L. cyanescens exhibited both antiulcer and analgesic effects justifying folklore claim for the health benefits of this plant