EU Sanctions against Russia: A Punishment, a Signal of Displeasure or a Wild-Goose Chase

The decision of the European Union (EU) to maintain sanctions against Russia has raised concerns among scholars and pundits on the actual reasons for the sanctions. In mid 2014, the EU introduced series of sanctions against Russia, shortly after the latter annexed Crimea through a referendum considered to be illegitimate by the EU and many other Western countries. The EU considers the annexation of Crimea by Russia as an illegal intrusion into Ukraine’s sovereignty and therefore, Russia must be punished for its action, thus favoring the use of sanctions. However, instead of the impact of the sanctions restricted to Russia alone, they also have serious adverse impact on the EU’s economy. Thus, it raises questions about their purpose. What is the purpose and objective of the EU sanctions against Russia? Sanctions in general are meant to fulfill four main purposes: cohesion, punishment, signal and symbolism. The EU sanctions against Russia however, seem not to clearly fulfill any of these identified purposes. Instead, sanctions have created a hostile relationship between the EU and Russia with a consequent odious impact on the economies of both parties. Worrisomely, it is the ordinary citizens that bear the brunt of the sanctions. Apparently, sanctions have failed to produce positive result in terms of addressing the casual factors that led to its adoption, which includes ending the alleged Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and restoring peace and stability in the country. In light of the above, the study suggests that the adoption of sanctions by the EU and countersanctions by Russia not being the appropriate way to deal with the conflict and other sundry issues in Ukraine. It therefore, advocate for the engagement of selfless diplomacy as the appropriate and lasting solution to the Ukraine-EU-Russia impasse. Keywords: European Union, Russia, Sanctions, Countersanctions, Economic Impact, Diplomacy

Targeted or Restrictive: Impact of U.S. and EU Sanctions on Education and Healthcare of Zimbabweans

Since the end of the Cold War, the use of sanctions as a soft approach in international diplomacy has gained pre-eminence among states that want to influence the perception and behaviour of other states. In 2001, the United States (U.S.) through the adoption of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) imposed targeted sanctions against selected Zimbabwean officials. Similarly, in 2002, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions that it officially referred to as restrictive measures against Robert Mugabe and some of his allies. These sanctions were meant to influence a change in the behaviour of the Mugabe regime, particularly in the area of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Unfortunately, after more than a decade and a half, sanctions have still been unable to achieve its set goals; instead, there are daunting records of their gloomy impact on the rights and well-being of ordinary and otherwise innocent civilians. This study focuses on the impact of U.S. targeted sanctions and EU restrictive measures on the right to education and healthcare of Zimbabweans. The study concluded that the use of sanctions is not a plausible way of resolving international disagreements and conflicts, and instead advocated for the adoption of non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.Key Words: Sanctions, Civilian Population, Economic Impact, Democracy, Human Rights

AQUATIC PHYCOMYCETES AND ASCOMYCETOUS FUNGI ISOLATED FROM ARTEMISIA ANNUA L. PLANTATION SOIL IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Survey was carried out on the ascomycetous and aquatic fungi present in the soil of University of Jos Artemisia annua Plantation in Gangnum, Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Portions of the soil samples collected from three (3) locations were steamed in glass beaker placed in a steamer for 4-10 minutes at 100o C before inoculation. Fungal isolation was carried out using soil plate method incubated at 25 ± 2o C. Aquatic phycomycetes were isolated using baits. Two (2) genera of aquatic phycomycetes were isolated, including Achyla dubia and Allomyces arbuscular. Fifty–eight ascomycetous fungi were also isolated from the soil samples. The predominant ascomycetous fungi isolated include among others; Chaetomium bastrychodes, C. cancriodeum, C. cochloides, C. globosum, C. nigricolor, C. senegalensis, C. spirale, Aspergillus candidus A. flavus, A. fumigatus , A. glaucus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. oryzae, A. terreus, F. avenaceum, F. oxysporum, F. roseum, F. solani, F. sporitrichioides, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. citrinum, P.notatum, P.expansum, Trichoderma harzianum, T. piluliferum, Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium sp, Curvularia lunata, Scopulariopsis sp, Torula herbarum, Unidentified sp and a Basidiomycete. The physico-chemical properties of the soil samples were found to be varied, and were found to affect the distribution and population of fungi. The soil was found to be high in organic matter content which could have been as a result of activities of the species of fungi numerous in the soil. The implications of the results are discussed

AQUATIC PHYCOMYCETES AND ASCOMYCETOUS FUNGI ISOLATED FROM ARTEMISIA ANNUA L. PLANTATION SOIL IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY

Survey was carried out on the ascomycetous and aquatic fungi present in the soil of University of Jos Artemisia annua Plantation in Gangnum, Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Portions of the soil samples collected from three (3) locations were steamed in glass beaker placed in a steamer for 4-10 minutes at 100o C before inoculation. Fungal isolation was carried out using soil plate method incubated at 25 ± 2o C. Aquatic phycomycetes were isolated using baits. Two (2) genera of aquatic phycomycetes were isolated, including Achyla dubia and Allomyces arbuscular. Fifty–eight ascomycetous fungi were also isolated from the soil samples. The predominant ascomycetous fungi isolated include among others; Chaetomium bastrychodes, C. cancriodeum, C. cochloides, C. globosum, C. nigricolor, C. senegalensis, C. spirale, Aspergillus candidus A. flavus, A. fumigatus , A. glaucus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. oryzae, A. terreus, F. avenaceum, F. oxysporum, F. roseum, F. solani, F. sporitrichioides, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. citrinum, P.notatum, P.expansum, Trichoderma harzianum, T. piluliferum, Alternaria alternata, Aureobasidium pullulans, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium sp, Curvularia lunata, Scopulariopsis sp, Torula herbarum, Unidentified sp and a Basidiomycete. The physico-chemical properties of the soil samples were found to be varied, and were found to affect the distribution and population of fungi. The soil was found to be high in organic matter content which could have been as a result of activities of the species of fungi numerous in the soil. The implications of the results are discussed

On-Street Parking Prohibition and Travel Behaviour of Motorists in Aba, Nigeria

The prevalence of on-street parking in the city of Aba has continued to generate much concern to all road users and the government in Nigeria as it hinders traffic flow and increases traffic accidents. Consequently, the government initiated the policy of on-street parking prohibition at the downtown area of Aba, leading to increased travel difficulty for motorists. This study examined the policy of on-street parking prohibition and the resultant travel behaviour of motorists. The study adopted survey design whereby primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire, measurement, and observation. The sample size of 400 respondents was determined from the study population of 420,665 motorists using the Standard Traffic Count (STC) approach. Cluster, purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to proportionately select the roads and respondents used in the study. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square were used for data analysis. The study revealed among other thing that: there were significant differences in the geometric characteristics of roads where on-street parking was prohibited and where on-street parking was not prohibited. On-street parking prohibition was found to have impacted the travel behaviour of motorists as follows: (i) motorists travel less with single occupancy vehicles (SOVs) but more with KEKE (tricycle) during the working hours; (ii) there is reduction in the frequency of trips by motorists to the city centre whereas they divert to the outlying areas; and (iii) there is increased city bound (non-work) trips during early morning and late evening hours. It was recommended among others that government should embark on the construction of modern off-street parking facilities at designated locations within the city of Aba. Government should also recover sidewalks and road setbacks which have been totally invaded by commercial activities in Aba, and develop paid curb-parking there as alternative to on-street parking

Treatment of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Drinking Water in Niger Delta, Nigeria Using Low-Cost Adsorbents (Coconut Shell)

The basic aim of this research was to explore how to effectively treat hydrocarbon contaminated drinking water using activated carbon made from coconut shell, in the context of Niger Delta region of Nigeria. While adsorption was seen as a viable option for easy removal of hydrocarbon contaminated drinking, simulation of contaminated drinking water was carried out using diesel as contaminant. The results indicated that there was more of a physical process in the tests/analysis rather than the anticipated chemical process. When fitted into existing Isotherm models, values charts and values obtained showed that the adsorption was not a favorable one for treatment of hydrocarbon contaminated drinking water. The study identified huge hydrocarbon contamination in drinking in Niger Delta and concluded that further studies be carried out in order to effectively curb the problem, in a more economical and viable manner. Keywords: Hydrocarbon contaminated drinking water, Pollution, Activated Carbon, Water Treatment, Niger Delta, Nigeri

Critical appraisal of dabigatran in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Objective To compare the safety and efficacy of dabigatran to warfarin for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease comprised of two conditions: deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. VTE is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with an annual incidence estimated at 1–3 cases per 1,000 individuals. This incidence increases with age from 0.1 per 1,000 in adolescence to eight per 1,000 in those 80 years of age and older. As the proportion of patients 65 years of age and older expands, the number of patients presenting with VTE will also increase. Anticoagulation remains the cornerstone of VTE treatment. Traditionally, vitamin K antagonists have been used to minimize the risk of thrombus extension and for secondary prevention. Unpredictable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, routine monitoring, drug–food and drug–drug interactions, and potentially severe adverse events have all been cited as barriers to optimal care. Dabigatran has been proposed as a suitable alternative to warfarin therapy in the treatment of VTE. Therefore, a critical appraisal of dabigatran’s safety and efficacy is necessary to determine its role in therapy. Conclusion Dabigatran remains an alternative to warfarin therapy for the treatment of VTE. However, dabigatran also has distinct disadvantages that warrant consideration. Clinicians must ensure that drug characteristics align with patient characteristics to optimize patient outcomes

Utilization and perception of Community Health Insurance Scheme services by enrolees in Obio Cottage Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Background: Community Based Health Insurance Scheme is a social service organized at community level. It is a mutual health organization or micro-insurance scheme that targets informal sector and applies the basic principles of risk-sharing and pooling of funds for healthcare. As part of her corporate social responsibility. Shell in collaboration with four communities in Obio-Akpor LGA, Port Harcourt, started a Community Health Insurance Scheme in February 2010. An evaluation of enrollees' utilization and perception of the services provided was done.Methodology: Quantitative data were collected by the use of structured interviewer questionnaire. Two hundred and fifty enrollees who utilized the health facility before and after the introduction of the scheme were selected and interviewed. Also a two year review of monthly out-patients and ante natal attendance records before and after the Scheme was introduced were done. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 17 and presented as contingency tables and bar charts for comparisons.Results: A high proportion (80.9%) of the respondents said they were satisfied with Community Health Insurance services provided at the hospital. Consultations by the doctors had the highest rate (91.7%) of client's satisfaction followed closely by the laboratory services. The staff attitude to patients had the least (76.2%) satisfaction rate. Over 75% of the enrollees felt that the various services being rendered now are better than what they had before the introduction of the scheme. A month after the introduction of the scheme out patients' attendance doubled while ante natal clinic attendance tripled.Conclusion: Most of the enrollees said that they were satisfied with all the services provided in the Health Insurance Scheme. There was a sharp increase of healthcare utilization with the introduction of Community Health Insurance Scheme. There is the need for the employment of more staff and expansion of existing infra-structure to accommodate increasing patronage. Re-orientation of staff for better attitude to work and patient relationship is advocated.Keywords: Healthcare, Community Health Insurance, Perception, Utilization

DRUG USE INDICATORS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES IN A TERIARY HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN NIGERIA

Objective: The study analyzed the utilization pattern of antidiabetic drugs at the outpatient clinic of a teaching hospital in Nigeria to document information for enhancing the rational use of drugs in type 2 diabetes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prescription records of patients with type2 diabetes, seen between the months of May and October, 2013 was carried out; adapting the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended drug use indicators. Data was analyzed for drug use indicators, concurrent illnesses and co-prescribed medications. Results: A total of 286 prescriptions of T2DM were collected and analyzed. Mean age of patients was 61(±11.8) years. The number of drugs per prescription averaged 4(±1.6), with majority of prescriptions, 70% containing between 3 and 5 drugs each. Metformin (55.8%) was the most commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug followed by glibenclamide (35.1%). Antibiotics were prescribed in 11% of encounters. The percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name was 58%. Hypertension was identified in 42.2% of the diabetic patients as the most co-existing condition. Conclusion: The study suggests a significant compliance to T2DM treatment guidelines but with scope for improved rational use of drug to reduce the risk of drug therapy problems and enhance patients' quality of life. It provides a baseline data for further studies on institutional drug use in diabetes

Economic feasibility of on-farm fuel ethanol production from cassava tubers in rural communities

A simple process for on-farm bioethanol production from cassava, using cassava koji supplemented with crude liquid enzyme and yeast was described. On a small scale, a fed-batch mode where 4 kg of koji, 2 kg of gelatinized cassava flour and 30 g of yeast cells were mixed and allowed to ferment for two days, followed by addition of 1.5 kg of cassava flour and fermenting for another three days, gave higher ethanol concentration of 7.05% (0.34 g-ethanol/g-cassava flour) than when 3.5 kg of gelatinized cassava flour, 4 kg of koji and 30 g of yeast cells were mixed at the same time and allowed to ferment for five days. The process was scaled up 100 times and economic feasibility was evaluated. The total investment cost was seven million, five hundred thousand Nigerian naira (₦) (US$46,875). With a payback period of five years, the cost of cassava tubers represented 71.73$0.641/l), which is not profitable considering the current market price of ethanol (US$0.597-0.748/l). The process becomes profitable only when the price of fresh cassava tuber is reduced to ₦5,000/ton (US$31.25/ton). At this price, the ethanol production cost would be ₦58.53/l (US$0.366/l). The process is recommended for vertically integrated system (on-farm process) where the cassava produced in the farm is used, thereby shielding it from high and fluctuating market prices of cassava.Keywords: Fuel ethanol, bioenergy, koji, economic analysis, cassava ethanolAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(37), pp. 5618-562