Synthesis And Characterization Of MgO And MgO/ZnO Multilayer Thin Films For Heat Spreading Application In Light Emitting Diode Packaging

This research was carried out to synthesize magnesium oxide (MgO) and magnesium oxide - zinc oxide (MgO/ZnO) multilayer thin film as a TIM cum heat spreader for efficient thermal management in LEDs packaging system. MgO (10 layers) and MgO/ZnO multilayer (stacked separately in a configuration of 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4 and 5:5 layers) thin films are coated over aluminum (Al 5052 grade) and copper (Cu) substrates using spin coating technique. In the first part, MgO thin film was synthesis using 0.6 M, 10 coating cycles, preheated at 200 °C for 20 minutes, and finally annealed at 600 °C for 1 hour. Structural characterization by XRD shows the presence of (200), (220), and (222) MgO phases with crystalline size (37.47 nm), reduced microstrain (2.5 x 10-3) and dislocation density (7.0 x 10-4 lines/m2) for 0.6 M MgO coated Al. Uniform distribution of 74 nm size grains and surface roughness of 19.11 nm were confirmed by FESEM and AFM analysis. A significant difference in junction temperature (ΔTJ = 24.7%) and total thermal resistance (ΔRth-tot = 3.86 K/W) were recorded for LED fixed on 0.6 M MgO coated Al compared to that of bare Al. In the second part, ZnO was added to the monolithic MgO to improve the structural, surface, and thermal transport properties of MgO. Among the studied MgO/ZnO multilayers, 6:4 L MgO/ZnO displayed larger crystalline sizes of 52 nm (Al) and 35 nm (Cu) with thermal conductivity of 24.31 W/mK (Al), and 15.13 W/mK (Cu) respectively. 6:4 L MgO/ZnO multilayer films showed lower surface roughness (9.6 nm (Al) and 2.6 nm (Cu)) with uniformly distributed grains and presence of large numbers of contact points to the LEDs packag

Effects of exchange rate volatility on outputs in some selected West Africa countries

This study investigates empirically the effect of exchange rate volatility on the output level of the five English speaking countries in ECOWAS, namely Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, the Sierra Leones and Liberia, over the period 1991 to 2014.Co-integration test and error correction modelling were used as estimation techniques.Estimates of co-integration relations were obtained and the short-run and long-run dynamic relationships between the variables were obtained for each country utilizing the tests.In general, exchange rate volatility has a significant impact on outputs at least for all the countries considered in the study, with all except Liberia having negative impact

Penggunaan transparensi sebagai alat bantu mengajar oleh pensyarah dalam mata pelajaran P315 pengurusan perniagaan bagi pelajar-pelajar perdagangan di politeknik Sultan Ahmad Shah

Kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk meninjau penggunaan transparensi oleh pensyarah dan hubungannya dengan pencapaian akademik pelajar dalam sesi pengajaran dan pembelajaran. Responden kajian terdiri daripada pelajar di peringkat diploma yang sedang mengikuti mata pelajaran P315 Pengurusan Perniagaan di Politeknik Sultan Ahmad Shah, Kuantan, Pahang. Seramai 60 orang pelajar dipilih secara rawak bagi mewakili populasi beijumlah 300 orang pelajar. Transparensi dan nota edaran digunakan oleh pensyarah terhadap kumpulan percubaan manakala bagi kumpulan kawalan diajar dengan kaedah pengajaran tradisional. Kajian direka bentuk menggunakan kaedah tinjauan dan eksperimen melalui kaedah instrumentasi borang soal selidik dan soalan ujian. Penganalisisan data adalah menggunakan perisian Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) versi 11.0. Data dianalisis bagi mendapatkan peratusan dan min bagi setiap persoalan. Dapatan kajian yang diperoleh adalah positif. Ini menunjukkan semua responden bersetuju bahawa transparensi yang digunakan oleh pensyarah dalam mata pelajaran P315 Pengurusan Perniagaan adalah baik dan boleh meningkatkan pencapaian akademik pelaja

The Socio-Cultural Ceremonies amongst the Koro People in Kaffin – Koro Town in the 19th Century

The Koro people in Kaffin-Koro like any other ethnic group of modern Nigeria have their socio-cultural ceremonies. These socio- cultural ceremonies are formal activities which formed an integral aspects of Koro people’s way of life. The socio-cultural ceremonies amongst the Koro people in Kaffin-Koro were not only believed to be means for gathering the Koro citizens together for the purpose of promoting unity and love but essential for the progress of Koro community. These socio-cultural ceremonies through their values and norms have sustained the Koro society as a unified entity and provide not only valuable opportunity for these socio-cultural ceremonies to be pass on from one generation to another but remain ways  in which the 19th century Koro people in Kaffin – Koro preserved their traditions and cultural heritage

Effect of Blanching and Sun-Drying on the Nutritional and Microbiological Qualities of Vegetables in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

Vegetable has been identified as a potential tool to curb the menace of malnutrition%253B however, leafy vegetables are highly perishable. This study evaluated the nutritional and microbiological qualities of vegetables before and after blanching and solar-drying. The vegetables were evaluated for proximate and microbiological analysis using streak and pour plate methods. Four bacteria and seven fungi were isolated and characterized, their percentages of occurrence show%253B Pseudomonas putida (25%25), Bacillus cereus (12.5%25), Staphylococcus aureus (37.5%25), Aeromonas hydrophila 25%25. Also, Aspergillus niger 25%25, Aspergillus flavus 12.5%25, Rhizopus stolonifer (16.66%25), Mucor micheli (8.34%25), Candida albicans (8.34%25), Alternaria alternate (16.66%25) and Rhizopus oligoporus (12.5%25). Nutritional compositions were determined. These results showed evidence of contaminations by potential pathogens during production and a slate change in nutritional content of the preserved vegetables. It is now important to pay attention on microbial qualities of leafy vegetables to safeguard the health of the consumers and forestall the possible risk of vegetable borne diseases

Perceptions on Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Disease among Livestock Marketers at Wudil Cattle Market, Wudil, Kano

African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a debilitating disease that hinders livestock productivity in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Numerous strategies have been developed over time to fight this devastating disease, which are emphasized mostly on containing the spread of its causative agent and principal vector. However, very little has been done to include livestock marketers in decision making, planning and implementation of control programs. Therefore, this study was carried out to fill that void, by evaluating the knowledge of this group of people on Tsetsefly and Trypanosomosis in Wudil Cattle Market. Questionnaires were developed to collect relevant information, and were administered through ‘Standard Focus Group Discussions’. The results revealed that tsetse fly was known by all respondents (100%), who significantly reported that they were most commonly found in the forests (95%), during the wet season (85%). Respondents also reported that these flies prefer to bite animals (71.25%). Similarly, a majority of respondents (97.5%) reported to being cognizant of trypanosomosis disease, while also stating that it had infected their animals at some point in time. Respondents believed infection was most prevalent during the wet season (60%) than the dry season (40%). Respondents had mixed views when it came to perceived causes of the disease, as some associated it with bite from flies (53.75%), while others linked it to transhumance (38.75%). In terms of signs and symptoms, 80% of respondents were able to identify with at least four symptoms of the disease. In essence, this study further intensifies the need to engage livestock marketers in tsetse and trypanosomosis control programs, in addition to emphasizing the need to create awareness campaigns that can further limit the spread of the disease and ensure vector control

The seroprevalence trend of Helicobacter pylori infection in Gombe, Nigeria: A 5-year retrospective study

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is highly prevalent globally and half of the world’s population are carrying the pathogen with infection rates higher in low and middle-income countries. The study aim was to retrospectively determine the seroprevalence trend of H. pylori infection among patients suspected to have dyspepsia and identify socio-demographic determinants for H. pylori seropositivity. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the State Specialist Hospital, Gombe, Nigeria from January 2015 to December 2019. A total of 11,935 patients were included in the study and lateral flow immunochromatographic immuno assay was used to screen for total anti H. pylori antibodies. Results: The overall sero-prevalence of H. pylori infection was 58.9%. There was significant association between H. pylori seroprevalence rate and age of subjects, (χ2=20.86; p < /em><0.001). The study subjects between the age group 31-40 years had the highest seroprevalence, 62.3%. The seroprevalence of H. pylori was associated with sex of subjects (χ2=39.73; p < /em><0.0001). The seroprevalence trend of H. pylori was highest in 2016 with 61%, followed by 2019 (60.8%), then 2017 (59.3%), 2018 (54.7%) and least in 2015 (50.5%). Conclusion: Findings from the study showed a steady rise in the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection over the five years of study. Furthermore, H pylori infection appears to be higher among adults in their most productive years. Based on these, it is needful to develop strategies for eradication of the infection, encourage health education by creating awareness towards improving environmental and household sanitation, water, personal and food hygiene

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

Neonatal sepsis and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries from a facility-based birth cohort: an international multisite prospective observational study

Background Neonatal sepsis is a primary cause of neonatal mortality and is an urgent global health concern, especially within low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 99% of global neonatal mortality occurs. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and associations with neonatal sepsis and all-cause mortality in facility-born neonates in LMICs. Methods The Burden of Antibiotic Resistance in Neonates from Developing Societies (BARNARDS) study recruited mothers and their neonates into a prospective observational cohort study across 12 clinical sites from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa. Data for sepsis-associated factors in the four domains of health care, maternal, birth and neonatal, and living environment were collected for all mothers and neonates enrolled. Primary outcomes were clinically suspected sepsis, laboratory-confirmed sepsis, and all-cause mortality in neonates during the first 60 days of life. Incidence proportion of livebirths for clinically suspected sepsis and laboratory-confirmed sepsis and incidence rate per 1000 neonate-days for all-cause mortality were calculated. Modified Poisson regression was used to investigate factors associated with neonatal sepsis and parametric survival models for factors associated with all-cause mortality. Findings Between Nov 12, 2015 and Feb 1, 2018, 29 483 mothers and 30 557 neonates were enrolled. The incidence of clinically suspected sepsis was 166·0 (95% CI 97·69–234·24) per 1000 livebirths, laboratory-confirmed sepsis was 46·9 (19·04–74·79) per 1000 livebirths, and all-cause mortality was 0·83 (0·37–2·00) per 1000 neonate-days. Maternal hypertension, previous maternal hospitalisation within 12 months, average or higher monthly household income, ward size (>11 beds), ward type (neonatal), living in a rural environment, preterm birth, perinatal asphyxia, and multiple births were associated with an increased risk of clinically suspected sepsis, laboratory-confirmed sepsis, and all-cause mortality. The majority (881 [72·5%] of 1215) of laboratory-confirmed sepsis cases occurred within the first 3 days of life. Interpretation Findings from this study highlight the substantial proportion of neonates who develop neonatal sepsis, and the high mortality rates among neonates with sepsis in LMICs. More efficient and effective identification of neonatal sepsis is needed to target interventions to reduce its incidence and subsequent mortality in LMICs. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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