Histopathological observations of the liver of albino rats orally exposed to the African black soap (Sabulun salo)

Aim: This is to determine the effect of oral administration of the sabulun salo (African traditional black soap) on the liver of albino rats. It is commonly produced and widely used in the Northern part of Nigeria and other parts of the country for herbal medication. Methods: Twenty (20) albino rats were divided into four groups of three test groups and a control group. The albino rats were administered with different concentrations of sabulun salo for the period of two weeks. The groups (AC, BC and FC) received 2000mg/kg, 3000mg/kg and 4000mg/kg of the sabulun salo respectively. And the control group received normal feed. Results: At end of the intervention, the albino rats were sacrificed and the livers were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. The blood samples were also collected for the biochemical and hematological analysis. At the end the analysis, the liver presented a normal histo-morphology across all the groups, the hematological and biochemical analysis showed some significant changes in the entire groups and the reduction in water and food consumption as the concentrations increased. There were also significant increased in white blood cell, hemoglobin and packed cell volume in the entire groups except in group FC when compared to the control and a haphazard changes in the blood biochemical parameters Conclusion: The results of this research have shown that the African traditional black soap (Sabulun Salo) is histologically non toxic to the liver of the albino rats exposed

Correlations Between Stress, Coping Strategies and Academic Performance of Undergraduate Students of Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

The paper investigated the relationships among stress, coping strategies and academic performance of undergraduate students of Federal University Birnin-kebbi, Kebbi State. A correlational type of survey design was used for the study. Three faculties were randomly selected from the university. A Random sampling technique was used in selecting 337 students, both male and female for the study. The two research instruments were adopted from Okorie (2016): The Students Stress Questionnaire (SSQ) and Students Coping Strategy Questionnaire (SCSQ), Students Academic Performance Scores (SAPS) was constructed by the researchers. All the questionnaires have 25 items, each scored on a four-point Likert Scale ranging from (Strongly Agreed, Agreed, Disagreed, and Strongly Disagreed). Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to test hypothesis 1, and hypothesis 2 was analyzed using the t-test analysis. The finding of the study revealed that negative relationship exists between stress and academic performance of students with (r= -0.850, p=0.000) and significant difference existed between male and female students in their coping strategies with (t=0.5823, p=0.000). It is therefore concluded that stress constitute serious problems that distract the students from maximum academic output and effective social life. It was recommended among others that university environment should be made conducive by improving on hostel accommodation, conducive classrooms for lectures and amenities such as light and water

FACTS Devices as a Solution to Power Industries Problems: A Review

With an ever-increasing demand for power and establishment of new industries with high load demand, the need to for constant upgrade of powers system network is high. Such transmission networks are prone to external disturbances from loads, environment and other sources which leads to low power quality. Sudden application or removal of large loads. Large loads are known to draw more reactive power than the generated reactive power which lead to reactive power imbalance which can lead to total system collapse. In this paper, a critical review of how Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) devices are used to mitigate such issues to ensure power quality is done. Previous work on the integration of different FACTS devices were review to establish the advantage of FACTS devices over conventional solutions to power transmission problems.&nbsp

Comparative study of the level of bacterial/helminths contamination of vegetables produced from polluted and unpolluted irrigation site of Kano

A comparative study was contaminations of five major crops (Lactuca veriso, Darcus carota, Solanum lycopersicum, Phylanthus amarus, Alium cepa) produced from polluted (industrial/residential effluents) Sharada and unpolluted (tube well water)Yarimawa using the method described by FAO, (1979). The result shows that the five crops, produced with polluted water viz, Lactuca veriso, Darcus carota, Solanum lycopersicum Phylanthus amarus, Alium cepa, had mean aerobic plate count of 2.0 x 102 cfu/g, 8.40 x 102 cfu/g , 1.13 x 103 cfu/g , 5.8 x 104 cfu/g cfu/g, 5.7 x 101 cfu/g, respectively, and all the five crops had mean coliform count of 180 MPN/g, while that of unpolluted water had mean aerobic plate count of of 1.22 x 102 cfu/g 5.1 x 102 cfu/g , 1.4 x 102 cfu/g, 1.43 x 102 cfu/g, 1.32 x 101 cfu/g respectively, and had mean coliform count of 30, 21,21, 21 and 21MPN/g respectively. The organisms isolated in all the crops produced with polluted water were E. coli, Salmonella sp, Shigella sp, S. aureus, Ascaris egg, Strongloides and Ancylostoma while E. coli, Shigella sp, S. aureus, wer the organisms isolated in the crops produced with unpolluted water, only Lactuca verosa and Solanum lycopersicum, shows the presence of helmiths in the crops produced with the unpolluted water.Key words: Kano, Bacteria, Helminth, effluent, Yarimawa, Sharad

Price Transmission, Volatility and Discovery of Gram in Some Selected Markets in Rajathan State, India

Market integration in many agricultural commodities had been extensively studied for the insight it provides into the functioning of such markets, thus giving valuable information about the dynamics of market adjustment, and whether there exist market imperfection, which may justify government intervention. This study empirically investigated price transmission, volatility and discovery of gram across four wholesale gram markets, viz. Jaipur, Kishangarh, Chomu and Malpura in Rajasthan state of India using Johansen's multivariate cointegration approach, VECM, Granger causality tests, GARCH, EGARCH and ARIMA. Monthly wholesale gram price data spanning from January 2011 to December 2015 sourced from AGMARKNET were used. Multivariate cointegration showed that all the selected gram markets were cointegarted in the long-run, meaning long-run price association among these markets. The degree of market integration observed is consistent with the view that Rajasthan state gram markets are quite competitive; thus, provide little justification for extensive and costly government intervention designed to enhance market efficiency through improve competitiveness. Therefore, in order to sustain the present system of market integration, there is need to evolve mechanism that will generate market information and market intelligence which would serve as a platform for guiding farmers in marketing their produce

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely

Advancing Teachers\u27 Professional Development: Exploring Models and Impact Assessment on ICT Integration in Colleges of Education

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education has revolutionized teaching and learning practices, necessitating proficient teacher utilization of ICT tools. This paper explores diverse models of advancing teachers\u27 professional development in ICT integration, assessing their impact on pedagogical practices and educational outcomes. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, highlighting effective strategies and gaps in existing research. Models like collaborative communities of practice, job-embedded learning, and blended learning are examined for their alignment with modern educational goals. Teacher perceptions and attitudes are explored, emphasizing the influence of institutional support and collaborative learning environments. Pedagogical strategies for effective ICT integration, supported by technological resources, administrative backing, and policy frameworks, are discussed. The study\u27s impact assessment reveals improvements in teachers\u27 ICT skills and subsequent positive effects on student learning outcomes. Recommendations for best practices, such as customization, blended formats, and administrative support, are derived from the findings. Overall, the research underscores the multifaceted approach necessary for successful teacher professional development in the context of ICT integration, enhancing the quality of educatio

Advancing Teachers\u27 Professional Development: Exploring Models and Impact Assessment on Ict Integration in Colleges of Education

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education has revolutionized teaching and learning practices, necessitating proficient teacher utilization of ICT tools. This paper explores diverse models of advancing teachers\u27 professional development in ICT integration, assessing their impact on pedagogical practices and educational outcomes. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, highlighting effective strategies and gaps in existing research. Models like collaborative communities of practice, job-embedded learning, and blended learning are examined for their alignment with modern educational goals. Teacher perceptions and attitudes are explored, emphasizing the influence of institutional support and collaborative learning environments. Pedagogical strategies for effective ICT integration, supported by technological resources, administrative backing, and policy frameworks, are discussed. The study\u27s impact assessment reveals improvements in teachers\u27 ICT skills and subsequent positive effects on student learning outcomes. Recommendations for best practices, such as customization, blended formats, and administrative support, are derived from the findings. Overall, the research underscores the multifaceted approach necessary for successful teacher professional development in the context of ICT integration, enhancing the quality of educatio

Determinants of utilization of maternity services in Gidan Igwe, Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: The provision of antenatal care is regarded as the cornerstone of maternal and perinatal health care especially in developing nations and is expected to have a significant impact on achieving the fifth millennium development goal. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of utilisation of maternity services in Gidan Igwe, Sokoto. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive one involving 300 women of child bearing age selected through a systematic sampling technique. Data was collected using a set of semi-structured interviewer and self administered questionnaires. Results: Majority, 214 (71.3%) of the respondents had no formal education, visited a health facility for antenatal care during their last pregnancy, 218 (72.7%) and had their last delivery at home, 190 (63.3%). Of the 190 subjects that delivered at home, 165 (85%) were assisted by Traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Education was statistically significantly associated with ANC attendance and hospital delivery (P=0.0012). Conclusion: Although, a high proportion of the respondents visited health facilities for ANC, only a few of them delivered in these facilities. There is need to increase public awareness on the use of antenatal care services and delivery by skilled attendants

Determinants of client satisfaction with family planning services in government health facilities in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria

Introduction: Satisfaction evaluation is an excellent opportunity to involve clients in the process of assessing programs from users′ perspective and is recognized as a component of quality of care. This study aimed to identify determinants of client satisfaction with the family planning (FP) services provided in government health facilities in Sokoto metropolis. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among FP clients that patronized the FP commodity delivery point in selected health facility in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the study respondents. List of the clients that attended each clinic was compiled and used as a sampling frame. A set of pretested exit interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the clients. Ethical approval was granted for the conduct of the study, and individual informed consent was obtained from each client. Thereafter, the exit questionnaire was administered. Results: All the respondents were females and those aged 25-29 years constituted a larger proportion of 26%. Overall mean age was 30.8 ± 7.0 years. Large proportion (85%) expressed satisfaction with FP services provided. About 49% of the respondents reported waiting for 30 min before being attended to by service providers while 13% waited for more than 2 h. Average waiting time was 60.3 ± 21.3 min with clients mean desired waiting time of 35.2 ± 11.1 min. Clinic waiting time, being examined during the visit, and attitude of both service providers and other clinic staffs were found to be the key determinants of client satisfaction. Conclusion: Although, most of the clients waited for more than 30 min, majority were satisfied with the services offered. There is a need to reduce waiting time of FP clients at the clinic and ensure clients are appropriately examined