SARS-CoV-2: Current Perspective on Control, Prevention, and Therapeutic Promise

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has halted activities throughout the globe because of its rapid spread. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) a β-coronavirus first detected in China. SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated to be transmitted via direct contact, fomite, respiratory droplets, and possibly aerosol. The spread of the disease is complicated due to the slow onset of symptoms and asymptomatic infected patients. Methods: This narrative communication summarizes the recent researches sourced using sensitive search strategies to identify COVID-19 current perspectives on the control, prevention, and therapeutic promise. Result: Several strategies and multiple control measures have been implemented around the globe to contain COVID-19. Considering the exponential spread of the pandemic, several scientists and physicians have been racing to discover possible therapeutics and vaccines for COVID-19. There are clinical trials to investigate the vaccine designed to protect against the infection and also to substantiate the claim made for BCG protection against COVID-19. Although, there is currently no universally approved medication to treat SARS-CoV-2, there have been random reports of existing medications ameliorating the infection, and these regimens are still under clinical trial. There is also the potential therapeutic prospect of rhinothermy to fight SARS-CoV-2 judging from its success in fighting upper respiratory tract viral infection. Conclusion: The information provided in this communication gives a reliable intellectual grounding regarding the current perspective on COVID-19 control, progress made in the development of vaccines and therapeutic regimen, and where future research in this area should be focused. Key words: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; control; WHO; respiratory; cases; trac

SARS-CoV-2: Current Perspective on Control, Prevention, and Therapeutic Promise

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has halted activities throughout the globe because of its rapid spread. COVID-19  is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) a β-coronavirus first detected in China. SARS-CoV-2 has been implicated to be transmitted via direct contact, fomite, respiratory droplets, and possibly aerosol. The spread of the disease is complicated due to the slow onset of symptoms and asymptomatic infected patients. Methods: This narrative communication summarizes the recent researches sourced using sensitive search strategies to identify COVID-19 current perspectives on the control, prevention, and therapeutic promise. Result: Several strategies and multiple control measures have been implemented around the globe to contain COVID-19. Considering the   exponential spread of the pandemic, several scientists and physicians have been racing to discover possible therapeutics and vaccines for COVID-19. There are clinical trials to investigate the vaccine designed to protect against the infection and also to substantiate the claim made for BCG protection against COVID-19. Although, there is currently no universally approved medication to treat SARS-CoV-2, there have been random reports of existing medications ameliorating the infection, and these regimens are still under clinical trial. There is also the potential therapeutic prospect of rhinothermy to fight SARS-CoV-2 judging from its success in fighting upper respiratory tract viral infection. Conclusion: The information provided in this communication gives a reliable intellectual grounding regarding the current perspective on COVID-19  control, progress made in the development of vaccines and therapeutic regimen, and where future research in this area should be focused. Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; control; WHO; respiratory; cases; trac

Determinants of Communication Channel Used among Rice Value Chain Actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria

The study assessed the determinants of communication channel use among rice value chain actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select six hundred (600) respondents. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with the forced entry method. Results show that the full Logit Regression model containing all the predictors for determinants of use of face-to-face communication channel (x2 = 19.74), mobile phone (x2 = 46.453), radio (x2 = 55.12), television (x2 = 34.41) and print media (x2 = 29.71) were statistically significant. The key determinants for the use of mobile phones include: sex, age, number of social organizations, and years of experience while sex, age, and number of years spent in school were key determinants in the use of television. Therefore, extension agents should consider the different socio-economic groups in selecting communication channels in reaching out to rice value chain actors as identified. Also, extension agencies should create awareness, and provide training opportunities to enable actors to take advantage of the available channels in rice value chain communication

Farmers Use of Erosion Control Measures in Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract The study investigated the attitude of farmers to the use of erosion control measure in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers used for the study. Results show that majority (99.2%&98.3%) of the respondents indicated that rain water run-off and poor road construction respectively were the major causes of soil erosion in the area. All (100%) the respondents used mixed cropping, tie ridging and mulching as control practice against erosion. Challenges to farmers’ use of erosion control practices were: unavailability of resource required (ẋ=3.44), and high cost of using the practice (=3.23). Respondents had positive attitude to erosion control as indicated by the results including: it is good to adopt some erosion practices as it helps to save the soil (=2.68), interested in issues concerning erosion as this will help me gain knowledge of how to control it (=2.68),I always teach their family members how to control erosion on their farmland/homes (=2.56), I will like to be trained about erosion control even though it has not directly affected them(=2.55).in the area. The paper advocates that government at all levels should provide financial incentives to farmers so that they can afford some good erosion control practices which are costly for them.   Key words: erosion, environmental degradation, farmers’ attitude, erosion control practices

Determinants of Communication Channel Used among Rice Value Chain Actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria

The study assessed the determinants of communication channel use among rice value chain actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select six hundred (600) respondents. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with the forced entry method. Results show that the full Logit Regression model containing all the predictors for determinants of use of face-to-face communication channel (x2 = 19.74), mobile phone (x2 = 46.453), radio (x2 = 55.12), television (x2 = 34.41) and print media (x2 = 29.71) were statistically significant. The key determinants for the use of mobile phones include: sex, age, number of social organizations, and years of experience while sex, age, and number of years spent in school were key determinants in the use of television. Therefore, extension agents should consider the different socio-economic groups in selecting communication channels in reaching out to rice value chain actors as identified. Also, extension agencies should create awareness, and provide training opportunities to enable actors to take advantage of the available channels in rice value chain communication

Farmers Use of Erosion Control Measures in Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract The study investigated the attitude of farmers to the use of erosion control measure in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers used for the study. Results show that majority (99.2%&98.3%) of the respondents indicated that rain water run-off and poor road construction respectively were the major causes of soil erosion in the area. All (100%) the respondents used mixed cropping, tie ridging and mulching as control practice against erosion. Challenges to farmers’ use of erosion control practices were: unavailability of resource required (ẋ=3.44), and high cost of using the practice (=3.23). Respondents had positive attitude to erosion control as indicated by the results including: it is good to adopt some erosion practices as it helps to save the soil (=2.68), interested in issues concerning erosion as this will help me gain knowledge of how to control it (=2.68),I always teach their family members how to control erosion on their farmland/homes (=2.56), I will like to be trained about erosion control even though it has not directly affected them(=2.55).in the area. The paper advocates that government at all levels should provide financial incentives to farmers so that they can afford some good erosion control practices which are costly for them.   Key words: erosion, environmental degradation, farmers’ attitude, erosion control practices

Determinants of Communication Channel Used among Rice Value Chain Actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria

The study assessed the determinants of communication channel use among rice value chain actors in Nasarawa and Benue States, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select six hundred (600) respondents. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with the forced entry method. Results show that the full Logit Regression model containing all the predictors for determinants of use of face-to-face communication channel (x2 = 19.74), mobile phone (x2 = 46.453), radio (x2 = 55.12), television (x2 = 34.41) and print media (x2 = 29.71) were statistically significant. The key determinants for the use of mobile phones include: sex, age, number of social organizations, and years of experience while sex, age, and number of years spent in school were key determinants in the use of television. Therefore, extension agents should consider the different socio-economic groups in selecting communication channels in reaching out to rice value chain actors as identified. Also, extension agencies should create awareness, and provide training opportunities to enable actors to take advantage of the available channels in rice value chain communication

The Capability of Extension Agents in Disseminating Climate Change Information in Delta State Nigeria

The study assessed the capacity for outreach to farmers on climate change among extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria. It identified; the capacity for outreach of extension agents to farmers; existence of linkage on cc; sources of information on cc; constraints to building capacities for outreach; and strategies to strengthen capacities. A multi-stage technique was used in selecting 60 respondents. Mean, percentage, frequency were used for analysis. Findings showed that 23.3% of the respondents indicated existence of training on cc. Also, 20% of the agents had practical learning experience on cc adaptation. All agents (100%) acknowledged no investment in infrastructural development on cc within the last three years. Lack of human resources (M= 3.30), training programmes on cc (M= 3.23)  were constraints. Strategies to strengthen capacity included; organization of seminars, workshops (M= 3.58), proper staffing (M= 3.57), provision of incentives (M= 3.55), among others. The agents had knowledge of cc and its accompanied effects; but operational environment is characterized by inadequate facilities for outreach. Government and development agencies should commit more human, financial and technical resources to extension delivery in Delta State in order to boost production and address climate challenges. Keywords: Climate change, adaptation, capacity, agriculture, extension agents  

The Capability of Extension Agents in Disseminating Climate Change Information in Delta State Nigeria

The study assessed the capacity for outreach to farmers on climate change among extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria. It identified; the capacity for outreach of extension agents to farmers; existence of linkage on cc; sources of information on cc; constraints to building capacities for outreach; and strategies to strengthen capacities. A multi-stage technique was used in selecting 60 respondents. Mean, percentage, frequency were used for analysis. Findings showed that 23.3% of the respondents indicated existence of training on cc. Also, 20% of the agents had practical learning experience on cc adaptation. All agents (100%) acknowledged no investment in infrastructural development on cc within the last three years. Lack of human resources (M= 3.30), training programmes on cc (M= 3.23)  were constraints. Strategies to strengthen capacity included; organization of seminars, workshops (M= 3.58), proper staffing (M= 3.57), provision of incentives (M= 3.55), among others. The agents had knowledge of cc and its accompanied effects; but operational environment is characterized by inadequate facilities for outreach. Government and development agencies should commit more human, financial and technical resources to extension delivery in Delta State in order to boost production and address climate challenges. Keywords: Climate change, adaptation, capacity, agriculture, extension agents  

The Capability of Extension Agents in Disseminating Climate Change Information in Delta State Nigeria

The study assessed the capacity for outreach to farmers on climate change among extension agents in Delta State, Nigeria. It identified; the capacity for outreach of extension agents to farmers; existence of linkage on cc; sources of information on cc; constraints to building capacities for outreach; and strategies to strengthen capacities. A multi-stage technique was used in selecting 60 respondents. Mean, percentage, frequency were used for analysis. Findings showed that 23.3% of the respondents indicated existence of training on cc. Also, 20% of the agents had practical learning experience on cc adaptation. All agents (100%) acknowledged no investment in infrastructural development on cc within the last three years. Lack of human resources (M= 3.30), training programmes on cc (M= 3.23)  were constraints. Strategies to strengthen capacity included; organization of seminars, workshops (M= 3.58), proper staffing (M= 3.57), provision of incentives (M= 3.55), among others. The agents had knowledge of cc and its accompanied effects; but operational environment is characterized by inadequate facilities for outreach. Government and development agencies should commit more human, financial and technical resources to extension delivery in Delta State in order to boost production and address climate challenges. Keywords: Climate change, adaptation, capacity, agriculture, extension agents