Grand Corruption in Sub-Saharan Africa and Feasibility of Establishing International Anti-Corruption Court

Grand corruption remains a devastating challenge in most part of the sub-Saharan Africa rendering developmental efforts continually negligible. Part of the explanations for this have been the domestic challenges of dysfunctional anti-corruption and legal institutions, most especially, the inability of these institutions to prosecute perpetrators effectually by allowing their trials to linger on. This paper examines some grounds on which the formation of International Anti-corruption Court (IACC) could be based to prosecute the past and future perpetrators. It submitted that given the global dimension of corrupt acts and the inability of sub-Saharan African countries to effectively tame this menace, beyond the criminalisation of corruption or regarding it as human rights issue by various international and regional legal instruments, the establishment of International Anti-corruption Court will intensify and make anti-corruption drive in sub-Saharan African countries more effective. The methodology adopted for the paper is qualitative and the gathered data from the secondary sources were subjected to content analysis.Keywords: grand corruption, international anti-corruption court, anti-corruption convention, sub-Saharan Afric

Diuretic Effects of Aqueous Crude Extract of Musanga Cecropioides in Normotensive Sprague Dawely Rat

The diuretic effects of the water extract of Musanga cecropioides was investigated to see the mechanism of its reported blood lowering effect. Sprague dawley rats were divided into four groups and giving water, 1.33mg/100ml, 5.3mg/100ml and furosemide (0.6mg/100ml). The water intake and the urine volume were measured and their cation content was determined by flame photometry. Musanga cecropioides extract (1.33mg/100ml) increases urinary output, sodium excretion significantly (p< 0.001) compared to control. There was no significant difference in these parameters between Musanga cecropioides and furosemide. This suggests a diuretic effect. Chemical analysis of the plant shows a flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid, anthraquinone and reducing sugar which alone or in combination may account for this diuretic effect and thus the antihypertensive mechanism. Keywords: Musanga cecropioides, Diueresis, Hypertension, Urinary output

The cost of open heart surgery in Nigeria

Introduction: Open Heart Surgery (OHS) is not commonly practiced in Nigeria and most patients who require OHS are referred abroad. There has recently been a resurgence of interest in establishing OHS services in Nigeria but the cost is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the direct cost of OHS procedures in Nigeria. Methods: The study was performed prospectively from November to December 2011. Three concurrent operations were selected as being representative of the scope of surgery offered at our institution. These procedures were Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair, Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (OPCAB) and Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR). Cost categories contributing to direct costs of OHS (Investigations, Drugs, Perfusion, Theatre, Intensive Care, Honorarium and Hospital Stay) were tracked to determine the total direct cost for the 3 selected OHS procedures. Results: ASD repair cost $6,230 (Drugs$600, Intensive Care $410, Investigations$955, Perfusion $1080, Theatre$1360, Honorarium $925, Hospital Stay$900). OPCAB cost $8,430 (Drugs$740, Intensive Care $625, Investigations$3,020, Perfusion $915, Theatre$1305, Honorarium $925, Hospital Stay$900). MVR with a bioprosthetic valve cost $11,200 (Drugs$1200, Intensive Care $500, Investigations$3040, Perfusion $1100, Theatre$3,535, Honorarium $925, Hospital Stay$900). Conclusion: The direct cost of OHS in Nigeria currently ranges between $6,230 and$11,200. These costs compare favorably with the cost of OHS abroad and can serve as a financial incentive to patients, sponsors and stakeholders to have OHS procedures done in Nigeria.Pan African Medical Journal 2013; 14:6

Antioxidant enhancing ability of different solvents extractable components of Talinum triangulare in some selected Tissue homogenates of Albino Rats -In vitro

Antioxidant contents, mostly from plant source have been the major combating components against membranous peroxidation that causes degenerative diseases and among others in the living cells. In this work, we did look into how ethanol and aqueous extractable components of Talinum triangulare could effectively and synergistically enhance the activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities in the different tissues used in vitro. Different methods were employed in the assay and the results showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in ethanolic extract when the GSH enhancing competencies were considered in the organs when compare with that of aqueous and relatively with the control, also, the levels of catalase activities (CAT) observed showed significant (p < 0.05) difference as observed in the organs. Considering the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, aqueous extract showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in the liver and brain while significant (p < 0.05) increase was only observed in the ethanolic extract in the kidneys tissue. Indisputably, it could be claimed based on these facts that, Talinum triangulare could enhance the activities of these antioxidant enzymes assayed for and in turns could be helpful in the phytotherapeutic management of common diseases associated with the hypoactivity of the enzymes when involve in the diet

Enhancement of mechanical properties of concrete using microwave cured bamboo composites

Microwave curing of bamboo fiber increases the physical and mechanical qualities of cement concrete, according to previous studies. However, there are limited research on their endurance when used as an additive in concrete manufacturing to increase strength. The impact of bamboo fiber and Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) on the mechanical and microstructure of the resulting concrete is investigated in this study. With the inclusion of bamboo fiber ranging from 0-1.5%, a mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 was used. To make the samples, 10% SBR by weight of cement was dissolved in the mixing water. The batching was done by weight, with a water cement ratio of 0.6. Compressive strength, water absorption, swelling, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture were all studied as mechanical properties. Various characterization tests such as SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and TGA were performed on the microstructure, crystalline nature, and mineral composition of certain samples. According to the FTIR study’s findings, peak levels were detected in the O-H stretching, C-H fiber and CH2 functional groups, carbonyl group, C-O and C-C functional groups. As the temperature climbed, TGA measurements showed a drop in weight. The XRD test revealed peak levels of 6.611, 4.255, and 3.855 for sanidine, quartz, and calcite, respectively. After 28 days, the inclusion of bamboo fibers as an additive in concrete shows some promising outcomes in compressive strength, with samples containing 1% and 1.5% bamboo fiber cured at 80C having a higher compressive strength value

INFLUENCE OF CULTIVAR DIFFERENCES IN OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus) ON NUTRIENT COMPOSITION AND QUALITY OF "ORUNLA"(OKRA) POWDER.

"Orunla" is a dehydrated product of okra, which is often consumed as vegetable soup in Nigeria. In this study, pods of 12 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivars were evaluated for differences in their physical characteristics and quality of "orunla" powder produced from them. Weight, diameter and length of okra pods were determined while "orunla "powders obtained from them were evaluated for yield, nutrient composition, functional and sensory characteristics. Cultivar differences significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected the physical characteristics of okra pods and the nutrient composition and quality of "orunla" powder. Pod weight, diameter, length and appearance of okra pods varied significantly among cultivars; while "orunla" powder obtained from different cultivars of okra were significantly different (p&gt;0.05) in their yield, moisture content, crude protein, energy, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, bulk density, dispersibility, water hydration capacity, wettability and viscosity. A significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was also observed in the colour and sliminess of reconstituted "orunla "powders. Although, the component plot and dendogram (average linkage) grouped the "orunla" powders obtained from the twelve cultivars of okra into three groups, two cultivars (NI and ON) were the most acceptable. The differences in the properties of the okra cultivars may have implication in their potential application as food thickeners in the food industry. This study provides a baseline data which may be useful to geneticists for breeding okra samples of desirable qualities for "orunla" production.Â

Determinants of anthropometric characteristics of under-five children in internally displaced persons´ camps in Abuja municipal area council, Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction:&nbsp;displacement predisposes to deprivation and hunger and consequently malnutrition. In Nigeria, information on anthropometric characteristics and associated factors among displaced under-five children is important to strengthen strategies to ameliorate malnutrition and promote child health. This study was conducted to identify the determinants of anthropometric indices among under-five children in internally displaced persons’ camps in Abuja, Nigeria. Methods:&nbsp;this cross-sectional study involved 317 mother-child (0-59 months) pairs selected using two-stage simple random sampling technique. Information on socio-demographic, care practices (infant feeding, immunization, deworming) and anthropometric characteristics of index children was obtained using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Weight and length/height were assessed using standard procedure and analysed using World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression at p&lt;0.05. Results:&nbsp;median age was 24 months, 50.8% were male and 42.3% were delivered at health facility. Only 45.4% were exclusively breastfed, 28.8% were fed complementary foods too early, 45.4% were dewormed in the preceding six months and 43.9% had complete/up-to-date immunisation. Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 42%, 41% and 29.3%, respectively. Poor anthropometric indices were higher among male than female children, except wasting. Having good anthropometric index was 2.5 times higher among children &lt;12 months than children ≥37 months (CI:1.08-5.8), 2.4 times higher among 1st&nbsp;birth order than 5th&nbsp;order (CI:0.19-0.93), 1.7 times higher among female than male children (CI:1.08-2.82). Conclusion:&nbsp;malnutrition is a major health problem among under-five children in internally displaced camps and major determinants include age, birth order, gender and deworming status

Optimal Allocation of Photovoltaic Distributed Generations in Radial Distribution Networks

Photovoltaic distributed generation (PVDG) is a noteworthy form of distributed energy generation that boasts a multitude of advantages. It not only produces absolutely no greenhouse gas emissions but also demands minimal maintenance. Consequently, PVDG has found widespread applications within distribution networks (DNs), particularly in the realm of improving network efficiency. In this research study, the dingo optimization algorithm (DOA) played a pivotal role in optimizing PVDGs with the primary aim of enhancing the performance of DNs. The crux of this optimization effort revolved around formulating an objective function that represented the cumulative active power losses that occurred across all branches of the network. The DOA was then effectively used to evaluate the most suitable capacities and positions for the PVDG units. To address the power flow challenges inherent to DNs, this study used the Newton–Raphson power flow method. To gauge the effectiveness of DOA in allocating PVDG units, it was rigorously compared to other metaheuristic optimization algorithms previously documented in the literature. The entire methodology was implemented using MATLAB and validated using the IEEE 33-bus DN. The performance of the network was scrutinized under normal, light, and heavy loading conditions. Subsequently, the approach was also applied to a practical Ajinde 62-bus DN. The research findings yielded crucial insights. For the IEEE 33-bus DN, it was determined that the optimal locations for PVDG units were buses 13, 25, and 33, with recommended capacities of 833, 532, and 866 kW, respectively. Similarly, in the context of the Ajinde 62-bus network, buses 17, 27, and 33 were identified as the prime locations for PVDGs, each with optimal sizes of 757, 150, and 1097 kW, respectively. Remarkably, the introduction of PVDGs led to substantial enhancements in network performance. For instance, in the IEEE 33-bus DN, the smallest voltage magnitude increased to 0.966 p.u. under normal loads, 0.9971 p.u. under light loads, and 0.96004 p.u. under heavy loads. These improvements translated into a significant reduction in active power losses—61.21% under normal conditions, 17.84% under light loads, and 33.31% under heavy loads. Similarly, in the case of the Ajinde 62-bus DN, the smallest voltage magnitude reached 0.9787 p.u., accompanied by an impressive 71.05% reduction in active power losses. In conclusion, the DOA exhibited remarkable efficacy in the strategic allocation of PVDGs, leading to substantial enhancements in DN performance across diverse loading conditions