Can the restrictive harvest period policy conserve mopane worms in Southern Africa? A bio-economic modelling approach

Imbrasia Belina also known as the mopane worm, like other edible insects and caterpillars, is a vital source of protein to Southern African countries. The worms live and graze on mopane trees, which occupy agricultural land. With increasing commercialization of the worm, the management of the worm, which was hitherto organized as a common property resource, has degraded to a near open access. In this paper, a simple bio-economic modeling approach has been taken to show that, for some optimal land allocation, the restrictive period harvest season policy that is advocated by community leaders may not lead to sustainable harvesting of the worm.

Enhancing School-Based Sexuality Education in Rural Areas of South Africa: Educators’ Perspectives

Sexuality Education aims to reduce teenage pregnancies and other consequences of risky sexual practices such as sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young people. This descriptive-explorative study explored and described how teachers in the senior phase at Soutpansberg West Circuit, South Africa perceived Sexuality Education in their schools. Ten purposively recruited teachers in the research setting were individually interviewed in 2019. The collected data were thematically analysed. The research findings revealed the teachers’ perceived benefits of Sexuality Education, the barriers to Sexuality Education and impact of Sexuality Education on senior level learners in the study setting. Furthermore, it emerged that teachers used different approaches such as lectures, questions and answers, class discussions, and targeted individuals to facilitate Sexuality Education lessons in their schools. This study recommends the provision of support to teachers through training, access to relevant curriculum resources, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of Sexuality Education programmes in the study setting.College of Human Science

Longevity of hybrid immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in adults vaccinated with an adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccine

Background: Hybrid immunity provides better protection against COVID-19 than vaccination or prior natural infection alone. It induces high magnitude and broadly cross-reactive neutralising anti-Spike IgG antibodies. However, it is not clear how long these potent antibodies last, especially in the context of adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study and enrolled 20 adults who had received an adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccine before a laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We followed up the study participants for 390 days post the initial breakthrough infection. We assessed the longevity and cross-reactive breadth of serum antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), including Omicron. Results: The binding anti-Spike IgG antibodies remained within the reported putative levels for at least 360 days and were cross-neutralising against Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. During the follow up period, a median of one SARS-CoV-2 re-infection event was observed across the cohort, but none resulted in severe COVID-19. Moreover, the re-exposure events were associated with augmented anti-Spike and anti-RBD IgG antibody titres. Conclusions: This study confirms that hybrid immunity provides durable broadly cross-reactive antibody immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern for at least a year (360 days), and that it is further augment by SARS-CoV-2 re-exposure

Determinants of stillbirth from two observational studies investigating deliveries in Kano, Nigeria

Background: Stillbirths are a poignant representation of global inequality. Nigeria is documented to have the second highest rate; yet, the reporting system is inadequate in most Nigerian healthcare facilities. The aim was to identify the determinants of stillbirth among deliveries in the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano, Nigeria. Methods: Two study designs were used: a case-control study (S1) and a prospective cohort study (S2). Both studies were carried out at the MMSH. For S1, stillbirths were retrospectively matched to a livebirth by time (target of 24 hours' time variation) to establish a case-control study with a 1:1 ratio. Eligibility into S2 included all mothers who were presented at the MMSH in labour regardless of birth outcome. Both were based on recruitment durations, not sample sizes (3 months and 2 months, respectively, 2017–2018). The demographic and clinical data were collected through paper-based questionnaires. Univariable logistic regression was used. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore relationships between area type and other specific factors. Findings: Stillbirth incidence in S2 was 180/1,000 births. Stillbirth was associated with the following factors; no maternal education, previous stillbirth(s), prematurity, living in both semi-rural and rural settings, and having extended time periods between rupture of membranes and delivery. Findings of the multivariable analysis (S1 and S2) indicated that the odds of stillbirth, for those living in a rural area, were further exacerbated in those mothers who had no education, lived in a shack, or had any maternal disease. Interpretation: This research identifies the gravity of this situation in this area and highlights the need for action. Further understanding of some of the findings and exploration into associations are required to inform intervention development. Funding: This collaboration was partially supported by funding from Health and Care Research Wales

Effects of antibiotic resistance, drug target attainment, bacterial pathogenicity and virulence, and antibiotic access and affordability on outcomes in neonatal sepsis: an international microbiology and drug evaluation prospective substudy (BARNARDS)

Background Sepsis is a major contributor to neonatal mortality, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). WHO advocates ampicillin–gentamicin as first-line therapy for the management of neonatal sepsis. In the BARNARDS observational cohort study of neonatal sepsis and antimicrobial resistance in LMICs, common sepsis pathogens were characterised via whole genome sequencing (WGS) and antimicrobial resistance profiles. In this substudy of BARNARDS, we aimed to assess the use and efficacy of empirical antibiotic therapies commonly used in LMICs for neonatal sepsis. Methods In BARNARDS, consenting mother–neonates aged 0–60 days dyads were enrolled on delivery or neonatal presentation with suspected sepsis at 12 BARNARDS clinical sites in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. Stillborn babies were excluded from the study. Blood samples were collected from neonates presenting with clinical signs of sepsis, and WGS and minimum inhibitory concentrations for antibiotic treatment were determined for bacterial isolates from culture-confirmed sepsis. Neonatal outcome data were collected following enrolment until 60 days of life. Antibiotic usage and neonatal outcome data were assessed. Survival analyses were adjusted to take into account potential clinical confounding variables related to the birth and pathogen. Additionally, resistance profiles, pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic probability of target attainment, and frequency of resistance (ie, resistance defined by in-vitro growth of isolates when challenged by antibiotics) were assessed. Questionnaires on health structures and antibiotic costs evaluated accessibility and affordability. Findings Between Nov 12, 2015, and Feb 1, 2018, 36 285 neonates were enrolled into the main BARNARDS study, of whom 9874 had clinically diagnosed sepsis and 5749 had available antibiotic data. The four most commonly prescribed antibiotic combinations given to 4451 neonates (77·42%) of 5749 were ampicillin–gentamicin, ceftazidime–amikacin, piperacillin–tazobactam–amikacin, and amoxicillin clavulanate–amikacin. This dataset assessed 476 prescriptions for 442 neonates treated with one of these antibiotic combinations with WGS data (all BARNARDS countries were represented in this subset except India). Multiple pathogens were isolated, totalling 457 isolates. Reported mortality was lower for neonates treated with ceftazidime–amikacin than for neonates treated with ampicillin–gentamicin (hazard ratio [adjusted for clinical variables considered potential confounders to outcomes] 0·32, 95% CI 0·14–0·72; p=0·0060). Of 390 Gram-negative isolates, 379 (97·2%) were resistant to ampicillin and 274 (70·3%) were resistant to gentamicin. Susceptibility of Gram-negative isolates to at least one antibiotic in a treatment combination was noted in 111 (28·5%) to ampicillin–gentamicin; 286 (73·3%) to amoxicillin clavulanate–amikacin; 301 (77·2%) to ceftazidime–amikacin; and 312 (80·0%) to piperacillin–tazobactam–amikacin. A probability of target attainment of 80% or more was noted in 26 neonates (33·7% [SD 0·59]) of 78 with ampicillin–gentamicin; 15 (68·0% [3·84]) of 27 with amoxicillin clavulanate–amikacin; 93 (92·7% [0·24]) of 109 with ceftazidime–amikacin; and 70 (85·3% [0·47]) of 76 with piperacillin–tazobactam–amikacin. However, antibiotic and country effects could not be distinguished. Frequency of resistance was recorded most frequently with fosfomycin (in 78 isolates [68·4%] of 114), followed by colistin (55 isolates [57·3%] of 96), and gentamicin (62 isolates [53·0%] of 117). Sites in six of the seven countries (excluding South Africa) stated that the cost of antibiotics would influence treatment of neonatal sepsis

Can the restrictive harvest period policy conserve mopane worms in southern Africa? A bioeconomic modelling approach

ABSTRACTThe mopane worm, which is the caterpillar form of the Saturnid moth Imbrasia belina Westwood, is – like other edible insects and caterpillars – a vital source of protein in southern African countries. The worms live and graze on mopane trees, which have alternative uses. With increasing commercialization of the worm, its management, which was hitherto organized as a common property resource, has been degraded to almost open access. This paper uses a bioeconomic modelling approach to show that for some optimal allocation of the mopane forest stock, the restrictive harvest period policy advocated by community leaders may not lead to sustainable harvesting of the worm.</jats:p

A review of bioreremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soils in Niger Delta area of Nigeria

Bioremediation technologies are an environmentally friendly approach for the treatment of polluted soils. This review take a look at the various remediation efforts by various scientist to ameliorate the effect of crude oil contamination on the environment. Contamination of the total environment (air, soil, water and biota) by crude oil has become a paramount interest in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. With the frequent reports of oil spillages in the Niger Delta area, there is need to seek for a cost effective method for remediation of crude oil impacted soils. Studies have revealed variable impacts of oil toxicity on the environment and exposed populations. Soil contamination is caused mainly by the leakage of underground storage tanks and pipes. The most common conventional method for the remediation of contaminated soils is excavation followed by landfilling or incineration and other technologies that have been widely practiced. Contaminated sites pose a threat to human life due to severe health problems caused by adverse health effects from exposure to soil contamination. Once it is being detected, assessment strategies, type of sampling, chemical analyses, evaluation of parameters and its effect must be done. Several technologies and parameters have been developed to treat petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil but the problem still exists.</jats:p

PROPELLERS OF MUSLIM UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES’ ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: DOES GENDER MODERATES

Religious affiliation is a strong force in regulating and predicting human actions and behaviours. Accordingly, this paper seeks to determine predictors of entrepreneurial intentions among Muslim undergraduates in northwest, Nigeria, vis a vis, testing the Theory of planned behaviour. Theory of planned behaviour was empirically tested on Muslim undergraduates. It was analyzed using AMOS structural equation model on a sample of 300 Muslim undergraduates in northwest Nigeria, using Federal University Gusau and Usman Danfodio Sokoto. This study discovered that perceived behavioural control and attitude significantly and positively predict Muslim undergraduates' entrepreneurial intention, but subjective norm did not. The moderating effects of gender indicated that the relations of the dimensions of intention to the dimensions of attitude, subjective norm and PBC were gender-invariant. Furthermore, Muslim youths have the intention to become entrepreneur. Being informed of what motivate a particular religion will assist government in making policy without wastage of unnecessary time, resources and effort. Theory of planned behaviour has been applied in general term and mostly in western cultures. Therefore, this study applied Theory of Planned behaviour in the context of religious affiliation, Muslim undergraduate

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION: THE PLACE OF TEACHING METHOD

As part of the strategy to curb the rising unemployment among Nigerian undergraduates, entrepreneurship subjects were made compulsory in the curriculum of all the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Nigeria. The idea is to trigger strong desire for enterprise creation rather than remaining job seekers among the undergraduates upon graduation. Accordingly, this paper seeks to determine effects of education on entrepreneurial intentions among university students and argue on the best teaching method. The model was empirically tested and was analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modelling technique on a sample of 312 higher institution students in Zamfara State. The finding shows that entrepreneurial intention is taken as a function of educational support. We conclude that the teaching method should be more of practical, apprenticeship than lecture method

EVALUATING THE PROSPECTS OF BENEFIT SHARING SCHEMES IN PROTECTING MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN CENTRAL AFRICA

Presently, the mountain gorilla in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo is endangered mainly by poaching and habitat loss. This paper sets out to investigate the possible resolution of poaching involving the local community by using benefit sharing schemes with local communities. Using a bioeconomic model, the paper demonstrates that the current revenue sharing scheme yields suboptimal conservation outcomes. It is, however, shown that a performance-linked benefit sharing scheme in which the Park Agency makes payment to the local community based on the growth of the gorilla stock can achieve socially optimal conservation. This scheme renders poaching effort by the local community, and therefore poaching fines and antipoaching enforcement toward the local community unnecessary. Given the huge financial outlay requirements for the ideal benefit sharing scheme, the Park Agencies in central Africa could reap more financial benefits for use in conservation if they employ an oligopolistic pricing strategy for gorilla tourism