Efficacy of Computer Assisted Multimedia Instruction on students’ academic performance and retention of ecology in some northwestern states, Nigeria

Introduction: The emergence of the computer in the 20th century, coupled with the development in its software design in the 21st century, made teachers and educational researchers to initiate the idea of incorporating computers and its gadgets or application software in teaching and learning. Purpose: This study investigates the effectiveness of Computer Assisted Multimedia Instruction (CAMI) and school location on senior secondary school students’ academic performance and retention of Ecology in Some Northwestern States, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted quasi-experimental design involving experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught using the CAMI package.  The control group was taught using the Lecture method. The population of the study consists of 5331 SS 2 Biology students from 27 Science Secondary Schools in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States. The sampling procedures used are purposive and simple random sampling techniques. A total of 282 students were selected from six secondary schools in the three states (2 schools from each state). The instrument used for data collection was Ecology Performance Test (alternatives A and B). Alternative A was used for Pretest and Posttest while alternative B was used for Post-posttest.  A reliability coefficient of 0.726 and 0.712 were obtained for alternatives A and B respectively after pilot study. The statistical tools used for data analyses includes Mean and Standard Deviations, independent t-test and ANOVA. Results: The findings revealed among others that senior secondary school students taught ecology using CAMI performed higher than those taught with Lecture method. And school location has no effect on both academic performances of students and retention when CAMI method was used in teaching ecological concepts, Recommendations/Classroom Implications: Biology teachers should incorporate Computer Assisted Multimedia Instruction alongside the Lecture method in teaching ecological concepts

Security Threats and Countermeasures In Cloud Computing

Security issues have given rise to immerse anactive area of research because of the many security threatsthat many organizations have faced today. Addressing theseissues requires gaining the trust of application users andcloud services. In this research paper, we highlighted themajor threats to the security of cloud systems, whileintroducing the most appropriate responses. We mentionedand discussed the latest potential threats. After someeffective countermeasures are listed and explained

Escherichia coli dominance and antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections among diabetic patients: Insights from Birnin Kebbi Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: The global rise in antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a growing concern, particularly among diabetic patients. This study examines the antibiotic resistance patterns of bacterial uropathogens in diabetic patients at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. Methods: A purposive sampling approach was used to collect 51 mid-stream urine samples in sterile containers. Cultural and biochemical methods were employed for the isolation and identification of uropathogenic bacteria. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was performed using the disc diffusion method, with results interpreted according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: UTIs were prevalent in 23.5% (12/51) of the samples. Escherichia coli was the most prevalent uropathogen, accounting for 41.3% (7/17) of cases, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae at 23.5% (4/17). Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis each contributed to 17.6% (3/17) of cases. Notably, E. coli and K. pneumoniae exhibited 100% resistance to chloramphenicol and sparfloxacin, respectively. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for further molecular research to characterize these uropathogens and identify the genes contributing to antibiotic resistance

The Need to Accelerate Cloud Adoption in Developing Countries of Africa

Cloud computing is an emerging computing paradigm that has been made very easy to use and adopt as a result of complex technological abstraction. It increases the economic benefit of individuals and organizations by reducing cost of system operation and maintenance. This has made some countries to embrace the technology in order to compete in the global village. The consequences of slow adoption of this promising technology in African countries need to be addressed. This study shifts ground from slow adoption to strategies of rapid acceptance of cloud computing in African developing countries. It compared the cloud readiness and level of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) of four Non-African developing countries (China, India, Brazil and Mexico) against four African developing countries (Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya and Ghana). Results indicated that African developing countries are lagging behind. This places them in a competitive disadvantage in the economy of the information age. The study suggests that African developing countries need to invest and give proper legislative attention to cloud economy in order to close the digital divide that keeps on widening as time passes by

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Determination of Microbiological Quality of Bread and Sanitation Conditions of Local Bakeries in Aliero Town, Kebbi State

Several variations and changes can occur during bread processing and storage that affect the quality and safety characteristics and acceptability of the bread. The study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of bread and the hygienic conditions of local bakeries in Aliero, Kebbi State. A total of 16 bread samples were obtained (3 from each bakery). Data on socio-demographics and sanitary conditions were collected through interviews and an observation checklist. Standard microbiological methods were used to enumerate, isolate and identify bacteria and fungi. The result of sanitary conditions shows that four bakeries (66%) use boreholes as a source of water supply, two (33%) use well and none of them use pipe borne. In addition, zero (0%) use a flush system of latrine, 66% have a pit latrine while 33% have no latrine facility. All (100%) have stored refuse also and adequately use open surfaces/ditch as a waste disposal method. The result of the study indicated the mean bacterial count (CFU/g) range is 7.4×105- 14.4x105, while the mean fungal count (CFU/g) range is 9.0×103- 1.1×103. Isolated bacteria include Escherichia coli (29.4%), Pseudomonas spp. (14.7%), Proteus spp. (20.6%), and Bacillus spp. (35.3%). Penicillium spp. (44%), Aspergillus spp. (8%), Rhizopus spp. (28%), Fusarium spp. (20%) were the fungi isolated and identified. Several types of pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms were found to contaminate bread samples in the bakeries. Therefore, relevant regulatory agencies should ensure compliance with the guidelines and requirements for bread manufacturing. In addition, Educational programs have been recommended

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Study of Retailed Cow Milk collected from Different Locations in Birnin Kebbi

Abstract Milk is an excellent source of both major and minor components needed to meet the nutritional requirements of the human body. The current study was conducted to evaluate the bacteriological and physicochemical quality of cow milk collected from various locations in Birnin Kebbi. &nbsp;A total of twenty-four (24) milk samples (six from each location) were purchased. All samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis using total plate count, and physicochemical composition analysis, which included PH, moisture content, fat content, protein content, and mineral determination (calcium, sodium, and potassium). The mean range for Total Plate Count is 1.83x106-3.42x106 CFU/ML. Furthermore, bacteria isolated and identified from milk samples include Streptococcus spp, Shigella spp, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, and Proteus spp. The physicochemical analysis results indicated that the mean range is PH (4.87±0.04-5.52±0.05) Moisture content (82.22±0.60-87.50±2.16), Fat content (0.56±0.02-1.84±0.01), Protein content (11.27±4.4-12.55±4.99), Calcium (173.83±4.43-475.67±22.24), Sodium (11.83±4.26- 111±12.44) and Potassium (131±9.12-596±6.16) respectively. The study's findings highlight the poor bacteriological quality of milk, as evidenced by a higher Total Plate Count. Moreover, the presence of pathogenic microbes in milk, such as Bacillus spp, Shigella spp, and Escherichia coli, is likely to pose a serious public health risk. As a result, it is recommended that proper hygiene practices be implemented, as well as the incorporation of effective monitoring throughout the production to delivery chain. &nbsp

Biochemicals extraction for sustainable feedstocks from dried leaves of Gmelina arborea

Research on biomass for the production of biochemicals is getting more attention to find suitable feedstocks for our industries capable of replacement of petrochemicals that are not only hazardous to our environment but with diminishing sources. In this study, 50g of pulverized dead waste dried Gmelina arborea leaves were hydrothermally extracted with 500 mL of distilled water over 0.5, 0.75 and 1.5g of ZnCl2 catalyst yielded 266 - 274.2g of fatty acids, 7.8 -18.5g 3-methyl butanol, 11.13 -16.09g furfural, 23.45 -26.32g α-farnesene, 20.8 -29.47 eugenol, 20.8 -25.26g phytol and 10.63 – 14.07g spathulenol. This method seems to be the cheapest for the production of biodiesel feedstock and feedstocks for food, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries

Bioethanol Production from Two Varieties (Saccharum Officinarum and Saccharum Barberi) Of Sugarcane Peels

Provision of an alternative clean source of fuel with less cost, will reduce fossil fuel demand. Pollution is the major environmental problem. Air pollution is among the three types of pollution where harmful substances such as CO2 and CO are introduced to the environment and cause harm to humans and animals. Fossil fuel combustion from automobiles and industries causes this type of pollution. There is need to replace another source of fuel with renewable feedstock such as the peels of Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum barberi which are lignocellulose materials to produce bioethanol that has a lower impact on air pollution and the Ozone layer which causes Green-House effect than fossil fuels. Dilute H2SO4 at different concentrations of 1M,2M,3M,4M and 5M were replicated into three different parts respectively as hydrolysing solution. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as fermentation enzymes. Different pH values of 5, 6 and 7 was used for fermentation periods of 5, 6 and 7 days, respectively. The Bioethanol was distilled by the use of fractional distillation. Hydrolysed samples of 3M for 6th day of both Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum barberi produced the best yields of bioethanol at the pH of 5 and 5M hydrolysed samples of both Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum barberi produced the least bioethanol for all pH values and fermentation days. The Bioethanol produced was blended with kerosene fuel to create EK10 and EK20 kerosene-bioethanol blends for use as a fuel source in a kerosene lamp. EK10 blend took 126 hours to burn in a rotary kerosene lamp, while EK20 blend took 167 hours to burn-off in the same kerosene lamp. Hydrolysed H2SO4 of 3M, pH 5 and fermentation period of 6 days for both Saccharum officinarum and Saccharum barberi shows the best sample to produce bioethanol. The bioethanol kerosene blend EK10 and E20 was concluded to show long period of burning with clean soot in a rotary kerosene lamp, therefore the bioethanol kerosene blends can be used as substitutes for kerosene fuel