School Adjustment and Dispositional Optimism as Correlate of Academic Achievement among Undergraduate Students in Nigeria

This research work investigated school adjustment, dispositional optimism as Correlate of academic achievement among undergraduate students in Nigeria. The study used survey design. The population of the study consisted of 14,756 undergraduate students out of which 378 subjects were sampled from seven conventional universities of the region (Krejcie & Morgan, 1970). They consisted both male and female drawn from the faculties of Arts and Sciences. The School Adjustment Scale and Dispositional Optimism Scale were deployed to measure each of the variables, while academic achievement was obtained via students’ cumulative grade point average (CGPA). Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses. Three research hypotheses were formulated and tested. The study did find significant relationships between school adjustment and academic achievement, dispositional optimism and academic achievement as well as school adjustment and dispositional optimism. The study recommended that school administrators should provide necessary school plant to assist students to adjust to the school environment, among others. This could be achieved through counselling, teaching, games and sporting activities

尼日利亚新冠疫情的社会经济驱动因素和风险因素

Received April 5, 2023; accepted September 3, 2023.Дата поступления 5 апреля 2023 г.; дата принятия к печати 3 сентября 2023.Relevance. The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted the need for a comprehensive understanding of its drivers and risk factors, particularly in the socioeconomic dimension. While previous research has primarily focused on biological vectors and mortality rates, less is known about the influence of socioeconomic factors on the spread of the virus. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective policy responses and addressing state-specific peculiarities. Research Objectives. This paper aims to assess the socioeconomic drivers and risk factors of the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the impact of socioeconomic forces on infection and mortality rates. The study seeks to shed light on the role of geographic distance to epicenters, the business environment, and income inequality in shaping the spread and impact of the virus. Data and Methods. The analysis employs two pooled multivariate regression models using data from 37 sub-national entities (States) in Nigeria. The first model explores the effect of socioeconomic forces on Covid-19 infection rates, while the second model examines their influence on fatality rates. The models are based on comprehensive observations and utilize state-specific data to account for variations across regions. Results. We found that proximity to epicenters is associated with higher infection rates, while areas with weaker business environments and higher inequality are more vulnerable. Income inequality emerges as the sole significant driver of mortality, possibly due to limited access to testing, vaccination, and treatment centers among income-constrained populations. Conclusions. The study emphasizes the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in pandemic response strategies, particularly in the context of Covid-19 in Nigeria. We reveal that geographic proximity to epicenters, business environment strength, and income inequality significantly influence infection rates. Addressing these factors, along with recognizing the impact of income inequality on mortality, can inform targeted policies and interventions for effective pandemic management. Policymakers should consider sub-national characteristics and state-specific peculiarities to tailor responses and mitigate the spread and impact of Covid-19.Актуальность. Пандемия Covid-19 вызвала необходимость всестороннего понимания ее движущих сил и факторов риска, особенно в социально-экономическом измерении. Хотя предыдущие исследования в основном были сосредоточены на биологических переносчиках и уровне смертности, о влиянии социально-экономических факторов на распространение вируса известно меньше. Понимание этих факторов имеет решающее значение для эффективных политических мер и решения специфических особенностей государства. Цель исследования. Целью данной статьи является оценка социально-экономических движущих сил и факторов риска пандемии Covid-19 в Нигерии. В частности, в нем исследуется влияние социально-экономических факторов на уровень заражения и смертности. Исследование призвано пролить свет на роль географического расстояния до эпицентров, деловой среды и неравенства доходов в формировании распространения и воздействия вируса. Данные и методы. В анализе используются две модели сквозной регрессии с использованием данных из 37 субнациональных образований (штатов) в Нигерии. Первая модель исследует влияние социально-экономических факторов на уровень заражения Covid-19, а вторая модель исследует их влияние на уровень смертности. Модели основаны на комплексных наблюдениях и используют данные по конкретным штатам для учета различий между регионами. Результаты. Мы обнаружили, что близость к эпицентрам связана с более высоким уровнем заражения, в то время как районы с более слабой деловой средой и более высоким уровнем неравенства более уязвимы. Неравенство доходов становится единственной значимой причиной смертности, возможно, из-за ограниченного доступа к центрам тестирования, вакцинации и лечения среди групп населения с ограниченными доходами. Заключение. В исследовании подчеркивается важность учета социально-экономических факторов в стратегиях реагирования на пандемию, особенно в контексте Covid-19 в Нигерии. Мы обнаружили, что географическая близость к эпицентрам, сила деловой среды и неравенство доходов существенно влияют на уровень заражения. Устранение этих факторов, наряду с признанием влияния неравенства доходов на смертность, может стать основой для целенаправленной политики и мер по эффективному управлению пандемией. Политики должны учитывать субнациональные особенности и особенности штата, чтобы адаптировать меры реагирования и смягчить распространение и воздействие Covid-19.现实性：由于新冠病毒带来的危机，有必要全面了解其驱动因素和风险因素，特别是社会经济方面的因素。尽管之前的研究主要集中在生物媒介和死亡率上，但人们对社会经济因素对于病毒传播的影响知之甚少。了解这些因素对制定有效的政策和解决各州的具体问题至关重要。 研究目标：本文旨在评估尼日利亚新冠疫情期社会经济驱动因素和风险因素。具体而言，它探讨了社会经济因素对感染率和死亡率的影响。该研究旨在揭示距病毒震中的地理距离、商业环境和收入不平等因素在影响病毒传播和影响方面的作用。 数据和方法：本分析使用了两个端对端回归模型，使用的数据来自尼日利亚的37 个次国家实体（州）。第一个模型研究社会经济因素对新冠感染率的影响， 第二个模型研究社会经济因素对死亡率的影响。这些模型以综合观测数据为基础，并使用各州的具体数据来考虑地区之间的差异。 研究结果：我们发现，靠近病毒震中的地区感染率较高，而商业环境较弱和不平等程度较高的地区则更易受损害。收入不平等是造成死亡的唯一重要原因，这可能是由于收入有限的人群获得检测、疫苗接种和治疗中心的机会有限。 结论：该研究强调了在疫情应对策略中考虑社会经济因素的重要性，特别是在尼日利亚出现新冠病毒的背景下。我们发现，距离病毒震中的地理位置、商业环境的强度和收入不平等对感染率有重大影响。解决这些因素，同时认识到收入不平等对死亡率的影响，可以为有针对性的政策和干预措施提供基础，从而有效应对疫情。政策制定者应考虑国家以下各级和各州的具体情况，以便有针对性地采取应对措施，减轻新冠病毒的传播和影响

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Comparative Analysis between DEM from Topographic, Aster GDEM and SRTM DEM

The difference between the DEM generated from Topographical map, ASTER DEM 1.5 arc second and SRTM DEM 3 arc second has been determine. As the ASTER GDEM has been known to be the highest resolution global digital elevation model purported to be 30m spacing (1 or 1.5) arc second, we have compared three different DEM’s by digitizing the contour of the existing topographical map covering the research area and downloading the ASTER GDEM data and SRTM data from online source. 3-D coordinates of some scattered was selected and generated from the three DEM created. Contour was also generated from the all the DEMs for further comparison. However, the contour value on the existing topographical map was converted from feet to meter to correspond with the ASTER GDEM and the SRTM DEM unit. The result of this research work was based on the Models generated from the 3D data obtained from the topographical DEM, ASTER GDEM and the SRTM DEM, Geographic information system GIS software like Global Mapper 13, Surfer 10 and ArcGIS 10.0 software was also used in doing the analysis. The height obtained from the topographic map was orthometric Height while the ASTER GDEM/SRTM DEM is an ellipsoidal height. In this study, the difference between the DEM generated from Topographical map, ASTER DEM 1.5 arc second and SRTM DEM 3 arc second has been determine. As the ASTER GDEM has been known to be the highest resolution global digital elevation model purported to be 30 m spacing i.e. 1 or 1.5 arc second, we have compare the three different DEM’s by digitizing the contour of the existing topographical map covering the research area as well downloaded the ASTER GDEM data and SRTM data from online source. 3-D coordinates of the some scattered was selected and generated from the three DEM created. Contour was also generated from the all the DEMs for further comparison. However, the contour value on the existing topographical map was converted from feet to meter to correspond with the ASTER GDEM and the SRTM DEM unit. The result of this research work was based on the Models generated from the 3D data obtained from the topographical DEM, ASTER GDEM and the SRTM DEM, Geographic information system GIS software like Global Mapper 13, Surfer 10 and ArcGIS 10.0 software was also used in doing the analysis. It is and evidence that the height obtained from the topographic map was orthometricHeight (Benchmark Elevations), and the ASTER GDEM/SRTM DEM is an ellipsoidal height (Geodetic Height)

The Impact of Health Expenditure on Maternal and Child Mortality in African Countries

he world has experienced a decline in maternal and child mortality in the last few decades, increase in global health expenditure over the years was the major factor responsible for that. But in Africa and other developing countries, the rate of maternal and child mortality has been soaring. The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of health expenditure on maternal and child mortality in African countries at different income level. On this note, the paper was based on the panel data covering the period of 2000 to 2017 for 39 African countries. After a cross sectional dependence test and panel unit root test, fixed effect results showed that, government health expenditure has no significant impact on reducing child mortality in African countries at all income level. Whereas, it has an impact on reducing the maternal mortality in low-income and lower middle income countries. It was also found that Private health expenditure has significant impact on reducing child and maternal mortality at all income level. Based on this, the paper recommends that governments at different level especially from low-income and lower middle income countries should provide quality health care services and regular immunization for women and children in order to reduce maternal and child mortality in Africa region

Evaluation of yam - sweet potato peels mixture as source of energy in broiler chickens diets

In the search for alternative energy sources for poultry feeding, a 9-week experiment was conducted to ascertain the replacement value of yam-sweet potato peels mixture (YSPPM) for maize in broiler chickens diets. One hundred and eighty (180) Anak-2000 broiler chicks aged 6 days were randomly assigned to 12 floor pens containing 15 birds each. Four diets, based on 23 and 20% crude protein in the starter and finisher respectively, were formulated to contain 0, 15, 30, and 45% YSPPM as replacement for maize grain. Each of the diets was fed to 3 pens of 15 birds in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on growth indices, haematological profile, and carcass measurements and organs weights. During the starter period (7-28 days), daily feed intake and feed cost/kg gain were not adversely affected by feeding the test ingredient, but weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were depressed above 15% replacement of maize with the test material. In the finisher phase (28-63 days), feed intake was significantly increased on the 45% replacement diet compared to the control but did not differ statistically amongst the YSPPM-based diets as well as amongst the control, 15 and 30% replacement diets. The highest daily gain was recorded on the 15% replacement diet, but its values did not differ markedly amongst the control, 30 and 45% diets. Feed conversion ratio was significantly increased above 15% replacement of maize with YSPPM. Feed cost per kg gain was significantly reduced on the 15 and 45% replacement diets. The results of haematology did not show any depressive effect of feeding YSPPM. Similarly, the results of carcass measurements and organs weights did not show any disadvantage of feeding YSPPM, but there were beneficial effects of its feeding over the control maize-based diet with respect to breast meat and abdominal fat deposition. It was concluded that YSPPM can replace maize up to 15 and 45% in broiler starter and finisher diets respectively without adverse effects on the growth, haematological profile and carcass measurements