PfK13-Independent determinants of susceptibility of African Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin and partner drugs in vitro

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is currently the most effective treatment strategy against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. There have been reports from Southeast Asia of parasite resistance to artemisinin and its derivatives, and there are fears that resistance to this class of drugs will spread to Africa. Artemisinin resistance is recognised by a relatively slow parasite clearance rate in patients receiving an ACT or artemisinin. In-vitro or ex-vivo methods are conventionally used to determine the EC50 value – the effective concentration of drug that inhibits parasite growth by 50% for parasite lines in the laboratory. To date, there have been no consistent correlations between the estimated in-vivo half-life of P. falciparum treated with artemisinin in-vivo and in-vitro EC50 estimates from standard 48hr artemisinin susceptibility assays. This study investigates alternative methods of assaying artemisinin resistance by in vitro exposure to dihydroartemisin (DHA) - the major metabolite of all artemisinins. DHA has a short half-life (1-2hr) in-vivo and so short drug pulses were applied to parasites in an effort to better mimic in-vivo conditions. A 6hr drug pulse assay and a standard 48hr assay were used to observe any differences that may exist in EC50 values among field isolates from Kenya (HL1204), Ghana (HL1210) and Nigeria (HL1212). In all three isolates tested, the mean DHA EC50 values for the 6hr pulse assays were higher than estimates from standard 48hr assays. This trend was seen as an elevated EC50 value in the dose response curve, allowing discrimination of DHA EC50 6hr values among the isolates. Field isolates from Ghana (6 fold higher than 3D7 lab strain) and Nigeria (3.4 fold higher) showed elevated mean DHA EC50 6hr value compared to that from Kenya (1.7 fold higher than 3D7). When this assay was applied to parasites from Cambodia with known PfK13- determined artemisinin resistance, an elevated EC50 value in the 6hr pulse assay was again observed, but discrimination between Cambodian resistant and sensitive isolates was not achieved. We present results from a new DHA in vitro susceptibility assay format we have devised to overcome this problem. Experiments suggest this format can identify both PfK13- dependent Asian phenotypes and PfK13-independent phenotypes in African parasites. 6 Susceptibility to partner drugs lumefantrine and piperaquine was assessed with standard 48hr assays for all isolates. The genetic basis of the susceptibility phenotypes observed was explored by whole genome sequencing for each African isolate. Mutations present in 11 genes of interests for drug resistance loci were identified. As these isolates are multiclonal, all haplotypes present in selected genes of interests for every isolate were described. Implications of this work for continuing studies of parasite susceptibility of ACT in Africa are considered. This includes a new method that can be used to monitor and control the spread of drug resistance on the African continent

Does Foreign Portfolio Investment Affect Employment Growth in Nigeria?

In the wake of rising unemployment in Nigeria, and seeming helplessness on the part of government, the need has arisen to explore even non-traditional triggers of employment growth in the quest for solution. Portfolio investment was chosen on account of its pivotal role in the development of financial market, itself a primary facilitator of employment and investment. Using single equation, reduced form specification, and employing data for the period 1980 to 2014, it was found that in the long term, portfolio investment impacts employment growth positively and significantly. This outcome supports the general view in the literature of a positive relationship between portfolio investment and economic growth, and calls attention to this variable which has hardly been considered in employment generation constructs on account of its famed volatility and risk. Closer efforts to develop the Portfolio-Flow climate were recommended, in particular the cultivation of equity-end portfolio flow and stable foreign exchange regime. Keywords: Portfolio investment, employment growth, unemployment JEL Classification: E24 G11 G3

Governance, Institutions and Manufacturing Sector Performance in Nigeria

This study focused on the effects of governance and institutions on manufacturing firm performance in Nigeria, using World Bank’s Nigeria investment survey data. The lack of progress on the manufacturing front despite decades of oft-renewed efforts of government to reduce hurdles posed by governance and institutions-related factors to ‘ease of doing business’, indicates that such challenges are far from settled. A vector of indicators to measure governance and institutions was developed and employed in the study as instrumental variable. The indicator was composed of procurement process, access to land, policy uncertainty, political instability, corruption and security. From the analysis, it was found that the governance and institutions indicator had a positive and significant effect on firm performance, confirming that those variables still constitute a significant shackle on the performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria, and accordingly provide a window of opportunities, when addressed. Now that the prospects of export of industrial products have improved with the floating exchange rate, the weakening of the Naira and the consequent cheapening of exports emanating from the nation, the industrial export front should be vigorously pursued. To this end we recommend the revitalization of the clusters and export free zone concepts for industries.  Specifically, we recommend the creation of clusters and export free zones out of existing industrial facilities rather than along new or geographic lines. Keywords: Governance, Institutions, Firm performance, Manufacturing sector JEL Classification: L60, L78, N47, N67, O14, O1

Evaluation of Newspaper Reading Habits of Youths in Anambra State, Nigeria

This article examines newspaper reading habits of youths in Anambra State, Nigeria.  The study aims at ascertaining the newspapers that youths in Anambra State read most, the frequency of their readership of newspapers, the type of stories they mostly read and the ways through which they obtain the newspapers they read.  The study uses quantitative research technique.  It adopts a sample size of 300 youths, purposively drawn from Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi.  The survey is anchored on the Uses and Gratification theory of the mass media.  The paper employs the simple percentage method and frequency tables as analytical tools.  Findings of the study show that youths in Anambra State read newspapers a lot and that The Sun, The Guardian, Complete Sports and The Vanguard are the newspapers they mostly read.  Findings also reveal that sports, political and economic news are the major stories the youths read and that they obtain the newspapers  they read mainly by going to newspaper stands (to read without paying) browsing newspapers with their cell phones, borrowing from friends and neighbours and by visiting the public library.  The paper concludes that most youths in Anambra State do not buy newspapers they read and recommends massive empowerment of youths by the government through provision of employment and other poverty alleviation strategies to enable them buy newspapers. Key words: Newspaper, Reading, Habits, Evaluation, Youths, Anambra Stat

Replacement of fish meal with maggot meal in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) diets | Sustitución de harina de pescado con harina de larvas en dietas para el bagre Africano (Clarias gariepinus)

Maggot meal produced from maggots grown on a mixture of cattle blood and wheat bran was used in substituting fish meal in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, diet. A feeding trial was carried out for a period of ten weeks to evaluate the growth and nutrient utilization of catfish juveniles using diets in which fish meal was substituted with maggot meal at the following levels, 0, 50, and 100 %. Proximate and amino acid analyses of the maggot meal were carried out. Also the proximate composition of the test diets was determined. The results showed that maggot meal has 92.7% dry matter, 47.6% crudeprotein, 25.3% fat, 7.5% crude fiber, 6.25% ash, and an amino acid profile comparable to fish meal. Maggot meal-based diets compared favourably with fish meal-based diets as there were no significant differences in the growth and nutrient utilization indices (weight gain, length gain, daily growth rate, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio). It is concluded that maggot meal is a viable alternative protein source to fish meal in the diet of African catfish. Its utilization is expected to reduce feed cost drastically, thus leading to a viable and sustainable aquaculture industry.Kew words: Maggot meal, Clarias gariepinus, fish meal replacementRESUMENSe utilizó harina de larvas producida a partir de larvas cultivadas en una mezcla de sangre de ganado y afrecho de trigo en la sustitución de la harina de pescado en dietas pare el bagre Africano (Clarias gariepinus). Se realizó un ensayo dealimentación para investigar el eefcto de la harina de larvas sobre el crecimiento y la utilziación de alimento. Se formularon tres dietas las cuales contenían diferentes concentraciones de harina de larvas como sustituto de la harina de pescado (0, 50 y 100% nivel de sustitución). Después de un periodo de diez semanas, las dietas basadas en harina de larvas se compararonfavorablemente con las dietas basadas en harina de pescado debido a que no hubo diferencias significativas en el crecimiento y los índices de utilización del alimento (ganancia de peso, incremento de longitud, tasa de crecimientoespecífica, relación de conversión de alimento y relación de eficiencia proteica). Se concluye que la harina de larvas es una fuente de proteínas viable y alternativa a la harina de pescado en la dieta del bagre Africano. Se espera que su utilización reduzca drásticamente el costo de alimentación, lo que conduciría a una industria acuicola viable y sustentable.Palabras clave: Harina de larvas, Clarias gariepinus, sustitución de harina de pescado

Corporate Social Responsibility as a Critical Tool in achieving Harmony with Host Communities: The Case of SEPLAT

Sustainability is not just important for people and the planet but also for business success. Business experts will cite everything from strong loyalty programme to a personalised, mobile friendly shopping experience as keys to business success. These offerings are certainly important, but one thing that may tilt the scale in your favour is using your profits to do good in the world. This is where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) comes in. CSR refers to a business practice that involves participating in initiatives that benefit society. This study therefore appraises the use of cooperate social responsibility in achieving harmonious coexistence with host communities with its ripple effect on the economy and corporate image of an organisation. The study adopts the qualitative analytical technique in evaluating the very essence of corporate social responsibility practice by corporate organisations as an off-shoot of public relations practice vis-à-vis its salient contributions to the health of any organisation. It goes without saying that CSR determines to a large extent the existence, profitability and sustainability of an organisation. The foregoing underscores the particular mention of SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company Plc and its CSR model as an acme of good corporate citizen. The study concludes among others that without CSR, an organisation may find it difficult to operate in a safe environment and may even go into extinction. It recommends among others that organisations operating in Nigeria should take a cue from SEPLAT Petroleum Company Plc in developing a CSR model in tandem with the needs and aspirations of their host communities with an aim to promoting mutual and harmonious relationship with them. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Critical tool, Harmony, Host Communities, SEPLAT Plc

Prevalence of Candida spp. and age-related disparities amongst women presenting with vaginitis at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Clinic in a Tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Vaginitis, an infection of the lower genital tract in women, is known to be triggered by the overgrowth of the vagina\u2019s naturally occurring microorganisms. Objective: This study looked at the prevalence of Candida spp. and age-related disparities amongst women presenting with vaginitis at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) clinic in a tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred high vaginal swabs were collected from pregnant and non-pregnant women and examined microscopically and microbiologically. Results: Age-group 20\u201329 years had the highest incidence of candidal vaginitis. There was a higher occurrence of yeast cells in pregnant than in non-pregnant participants while the non-pregnant women had a greater level of bacterial cells. Forty (40) of the samples contained yeasts of Candida species representing a 40% prevalence. Three species of Candida were identified with C. albicans dominating. Of the 40 samples positive for Candida spp., 30 (75.0%) were confirmed to be C. albicans. The remaining isolates were C. tropicalis (15.0%) and C. parapsilosis (10.0%). Conclusion: The findings in this study would play a role in the future management of Candida-induced vaginitis

Preliminary assessment of black soldier fly ( Hermetia illucens ) larval meal in the diet of African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ): impact on growth, body index, and hematological parameters

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens ) larval meal (BSF) in practical diets of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus ). Four diets were formulated to contain levels of fishmeal replacement at 0, 25, 50, and 100% with BSF. A total of 360 fingerlings (2.67 ± 0.0 g/fish) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks (30‐L capacity) containing 30 fish each and fed with the respective diet to apparent satiation. After 6 weeks of feeding, growth performance and nutrient utilization indices of the groups fed 25 and 50% BSF diets were not significantly different (p  > .05) from the group fed the fishmeal‐based control diet. However, further increase in the replacement of fishmeal with BSF (100%) led to a significant (p   .05) compared with the control group. From the current study, it was clear that fishmeal could be replaced with BSF up to 50% without affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, survival, and welfare of C. gariepinus fingerlings

Access to lifesaving medical resources for African countries: COVID-19 testing and response, ethics, and politics

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has revealed how strikingly unprepared the world is for a pandemic and how easily viruses spread in our interconnected world. A governance crisis is unfolding alongside the pandemic as health officials around the world compete for access to scarce medical supplies. As governments of African countries, and those in low-income and middle-income countries around the world, seek to avoid potentially catastrophic epidemics and learn from what has worked in other countries, testing and other medical resources are of concern. With accelerating spread, funding is urgently needed. Yet even where there is enough money, many African health authorities are unable to obtain the supplies needed as geopolitically powerful countries mobilise economic, political, and strategic power to procure stocks for their populations. We have seen this before. In the AIDS pandemic lifesaving diagnostics and drugs came to many African countries long after they were available in Europe and North America. In 2020, this situation can be avoided. Although health system weakness remains acute in many places, investments by national governments, the African Union, and international initiatives to tackle AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, polio, and post-Ebola global health security have built important public health capacities. Global leaders have an ethical obligation to avoid needless loss of life due to the foreseeable prospect of slow and inadequate access to supplies in Africa

Growth performance, feed utilisation and body composition of advanced nursing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal

A 32-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects on the performance, feed utilisation efficiency and body composition of a strategic inclusion of Black Soldier Fly larvae meal (MM) in a commercially formulated diet for advance nursing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were commercially formulated and manufactured as a control and 3 test diets with strategic inclusions of MM inclusions (0, 30, 50 and 80 g kg-1) and poultry byproduct meal substituting gradually three conventional expensive feedstuffs: fish meal, fish oil and soybean meal. Fish (5.7±0.5 g fish-1) were nursed in a cage-in-lake system (Volta Lake, Ghana), under conditions similar to commercial farming practices. Control and experimental diets were fed to triplicate cages by hand to visual satiety, 6 times day-1. Growth performance (final weight; weight gain and SGR); feed utilisation efficiency indices (FCR and PER) and feed intake were not significantly different (P≥0.05) between treatments. Survival was significantly different (P<0.05) but more likely explained by the stress related to frequent handling on the smaller fish. Fish whole body composition (dry matter, crude protein, lipid, ash and fibre) was unaffected by the treatment (P≥0.05), except for the fatty acid compositions which mirrored that of the diets