Relationships between selected characteristics of Tennessee broiler producers, their production operations and their use of recommended management practices

The purposes of the study were: (1) to characterize Tennessee broiler producers and their farming operations; (2) to identify practices they were using; (3) to study factors influencing practice adoption and (4) to characterize Tennessee broiler contracts in terms of type and content. Extension agents interviewed 123 randomly selected broiler growers in the Fall of 1982, in a state-wide survey. Analysis of variance and Chi-square statistics were used to determine relations between six dependent variables and 30 independent variables. Dependent variables included: mean house capacity; mean years having grown broilers; main source of income; future plans; mean total Extension contacts; and mean percent of total practices used. Independent variables included: 15 recommended management practices and 15 characteristics, including six used as dependent variables plus nine others. Regarding characteristics of broiler growers and their opera-tions, it was found that: (1) mean broiler house capacity was 31,500 birds; (2) growers had produced broilers a mean of nearly 11 years; (3) one-half of the growers gave poultry as a major source of income; (4) almost all growers planned to continue at the same or increased size of operation; (5) most had one or more Extension con-tacts in 1981; (6) nearly all used conventional type of housing and most used a combination of ventilation types; and (7) most used shavings and/or sawdust for litter, and put used litter on land. Highly significant and significant relations included the following: 1. For mean house capacity: poultry as a major source of income; type of ventilation; use of fogger for cooling; type of feeder; water medicator; and three recommended management practices (i.e. check thermostat, add feed to trays, and use milk solution with viral vaccine). 2. For mean years having grown broilers: main source of income; total house capacity; type of feeders; type of waterers; type of litter; and four recommended management practices (i.e. clean waterers daily and between growouts, check house three times daily, mow grass around houses). 3. For main source of income: total house capacity; years grown broilers; total Extension contacts; used foggers for cooling; type of waterers and had water medicators; dead bird disposal; types of litter; use of litter; and use of six recommended management practices (i.e. clean waterers between growouts; check thermostat for accuracy; clean waterers daily; add feed to trays three times daily; check each house three times daily; and use milk solution with viral vaccine. 4. For future plans: type of housing; type of waterers; and keep mortality records. 5. For total Extension contacts: main income source; house capacity; type feeders; growouts on same litter; use of litter; and one recommended practice (i.e. check each house three times daily). 6. For mean percent of total practices used: total house capacity; type housing; use of foggers for cooling; and feeder type. Regarding broiler contracts, it was seen that contractors tended to make most decisions, giving growers improved economic security in return. The economic reward built into the broiler contracts and resulting constant supervision seemed to be the major factor influencing producers to use recommended practices, since growers\u27 payments were based on feed conversion adjusted for mortality and condemnation. Implications and recommendations also were included

OPASNOSTI FINANCIRANJA DUGOM: VANJSKI DUG I NJEGOVE IMPLIKACIJE NA EKONOMSKI RAST NIGERIJE

This paper examines the impact of external debt on the growth of the Nigerian economy between 1990 and 2018 with a view to drawing key implications for the management of the economy. Having ascertained that the variables of the study are non-stationary in levels but stationary after first differencing and also being cointegrated, error correction model (ECM) technique was used for the analysis. The pairwise Granger causality test results show that while a one-way causal relationship exists between fiscal balance and external debt with the causality running from fiscal balance to external debt, no causal relationship exists between external debt and real output. From the short run ECM and long run models, it was found that a statistically insignificant positive relationship exists between external debt and real output both in the short run and the long run. The statistical properties of the estimated ECM model show that the model is consistent, efficient and feasible for forecast and policy making. The recommendations that emanated from the study suggest that the Nigerian government should improve on fiscal policy governance, entrenching transparency and professionalism in the management of the country’s debt and that the larger public finance for debt should be made to be viable instrument for economic growth.Ovaj rad ispituje utjecaj inozemnog duga na rast nigerijskog gospodarstva između 1990.-2018. godine s ciljem izvlačenja ključnih implikacija za upravljanje gospodarstvom. Nakon što je utvrđeno da su varijable studije nestacionarne po razinama, ali stacionarne nakon prvog diferenciranja te da su također kointegrirane, za analizu je korištena tehnika ispravljanja pogrešaka (ECM). Rezultati Grangerovog testa uzročnosti u paru pokazuju da, iako postoji jednosmjerna uzročna veza između fiskalnog salda i inozemnog duga s uzročno-posljedičnim vezama od fiskalnog salda do inozemnog duga, ne postoji uzročna veza između inozemnog duga i stvarne proizvodnje. Iz kratkoročnih ECM i dugoročnih modela utvrđeno je da postoji statistički beznačajan pozitivan odnos između inozemnog duga i realnog outputa kako u kratkom tako i u dugom roku. Statistička svojstva procijenjenog ECM modela pokazuju da je model dosljedan, učinkovit i izvediv za predviđanje i kreiranje politike. Preporuke proizašle iz studije sugeriraju da bi nigerijska vlada trebala poboljšati upravljanje fiskalnom politikom, učvrstiti transparentnost i profesionalizam u upravljanju dugom zemlje te da bi veći javni dug trebao biti održivi instrument za gospodarski rast

Initiative to progress research on medicine utilization in Africa : formation of the Medicines Utilization Research in Africa group

This two day meeting brought together drug utilisation researchers from across Africa. The purpose was to share current drug utilisation (DU) research findings to further DU research across Africa including the development of a medicines utilisation research group. This led to the formation of the MURIA (Medicine Utilisation Research in Africa) Group, with a tentative vision and mission as well as the first planned research methodology training course and a symposium in Botswana later in the year. Future research projects were also planned including studies on drug utilisation of ARVs in Botswana and across Africa as well as ways to enhance the appropriate use of antibiotics and increase generic utilisation

Comparative Study of Microwave-assisted and Conventional Synthesis of 3-[1-(s-phenylimino) Ethyl]-2H-chromen-2-ones and Selected Hydrazone Derivatives

In this study, 3-acetylcoumarin 1, used as the essential precursor was synthesized by the reaction of salicyaldehyde with ethyl acetoacetate in the presence of a catalytic amount of piperidine in solvent-free medium. Schiff bases 2-9 were obtained by the condensation reaction of 3-acetylcoumarin, 1 with various aniline derivatives while reaction of 3-hydrazinoquinoxalin-2-one with four different 6-susbtituted 3-acetylcoumarins afforded the corresponding hydrazones 10-13. Both Schiff bases and hydrazone products were synthesized under microwave irradiation method and conventional synthetic strategy for comparative study. The microwave assisted reaction was remarkably successful and gave both Schiff bases and hydrazones in higher yields at shorter reaction time compared to conventional heating method. The characterization of the synthesized compounds were structurally confirmed by analytical data as well as spectroscopic means which involved 1H-and 13C-nmr, ir, UV-visible and mass spectra

A systematic review of generative AI for teaching and learning practice

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in academia is a subjective and hotly debated topic. Currently, there are no agreed guidelines towards the usage of GenAI systems in higher education (HE) and, thus, it is still unclear how to make effective use of the technology for teaching and learning practice. This paper provides an overview of the current state of research on GenAI for teaching and learning in HE. To this end, this study conducted a systematic review of relevant studies indexed by Scopus, using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search criteria revealed a total of 625 research papers, of which 355 met the final inclusion criteria. The findings from the review showed the current state and the future trends in documents, citations, document sources/authors, keywords, and co-authorship. The research gaps identified suggest that while some authors have looked at understanding the detection of AI-generated text, it may be beneficial to understand how GenAI can be incorporated into supporting the educational curriculum for assessments, teaching, and learning delivery. Furthermore, there is a need for additional interdisciplinary, multidimensional studies in HE through collaboration. This will strengthen the awareness and understanding of students, tutors, and other stakeholders, which will be instrumental in formulating guidelines, frameworks, and policies for GenAI usage

Higher education assessment practice in the era of generative AI tools

The higher education (HE) sector benefits every nation’s economy and society at large. However, their contributions are challenged by advanced technologies like generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive assessment of GenAI tools towards assessment and pedagogic practice and, subsequently, discuss the potential impacts. This study experimented using three assessment instruments from data science, data analytics, and construction management disciplines. Our findings are two-fold: first, the findings revealed that GenAI tools exhibit subject knowledge, problem-solving, analytical, critical thinking, and presentation skills and thus can limit learning when used unethically. Secondly, the design of the assessment of certain disciplines revealed the limitations of the GenAI tools. Based on our findings, we made recommendations on how AI tools can be utilised for teaching and learning in HE

The IUPHAR sub-committee on clinical pharmacology in developing countries and the medicines utilization research in Africa (MURIA) group co-organized the third training workshop on drug utilization research in Africa

The IUPHAR Sub-Committee on Clinical Pharmacology in developing countries continues to partner with The Medicines Utilization Research In Africa (MURIA) Group to advance Drug Utilization research (DUR) in Africa and promote sustainable rational uses of medicines (RUM) through training, workshops, networking and cross national research.1-6 The Third Annual MURIA Training Workshop and Symposium took place between 26 and 28 June, 2017 at The University of Windhoek, Namibia, with the theme ‘Medicines Utilization Research in Africa influencing patient care and policy.

Adherence to antimicrobial guidelines across sectors among African countries; findings and implications

Background and objectives: Adherence to standard treatment guidelines (STGs) is a pragmatic way to improve the quality and safety of antimicrobial prescribing. Previous studies showed adherence to guidelines as superior to assess quality compared to WHO/INRUD criteria and indicators, which include percentage INN prescribing and the number of antibiotics/prescription. Point prevalence surveys (PPS) are used to assess the quality of antimicrobial prescribing in hospitals, including guideline adherence. This study aimed to document STG adherence rates and associated rationale across sectors in Africa to highlight transferable learning and provide future direction. Method: Mixed approach, utilizing previous published studies coupled with unpublished studies, comprising one retrospective cross-sectional survey among ambulatory patients in one hospital in Ghana managing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and recently submitted PPS studies in Nigeria and South Africa. Results: Published studies in ambulatory care in Namibia showed 73% adherence, lower than the 80% target, with similar rates in a follow-up study among a range of public healthcare facilities. Key factors enhancing adherence were programmatic, including easy access to up-to-date and objective guidelines and ease of referencing. This compares to previous studies in Botswana where availability of guidelines in ambulatory care was a challenge, and in South Africa where adherence to guidelines for STIs was low. In Ghana, among 1929 CAP patients, adherence to national guidelines was only 32.5%. Factors affecting adherence included duration of antibiotic use, number of antibiotics prescribed, and certain patient clinical characteristics. This compared to a 50.0% to 66.7% rate of guideline adherence among two hospitals in Ghana, although for many indications, no guideline existed. In Namibia, adherence to national guidelines among referral hospitals was a 62%, lower than 95% target. Among hospitals in South Africa, there were concerns with adherence to guidelines for surgical prophylaxis in pediatric patients. This compares to 90.2% to 98% of prescribed antibiotics within South African STGs and Essential Medicine List in recent PPS studies. In Nigeria, there were no national or local guidelines to assess adherence in a recent PPS. The instigation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) among hospitals in Africa can enhance future adherence to guidelines through a variety of measures including education, prescribing toolkits and regular audit, reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and costs. Conclusion: Adherence to agreed national and local guidance is variable across Africa due to a variety of reasons. Typically, multiple measures surrounding ASPs in hospitals and community settings are needed to enhance adherence to guidelines

The prescribing of generic medicines in Nigeria : knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of physicians

Generic medicines have the same efficacy and safety as originators at lower prices. However, there are concerns with their utilization in Nigeria. Evaluate physicians’ understanding and perception of generics. Questionnaire among physicians working in tertiary healthcare facilities in four geo-political regions of Nigeria. Response was 74.3% (191/257) among mainly males (85.9%). The mean knowledge score regarding generics was 5.3 (maximum of 9) with 36.6%, 36.1% and 27.2% having poor, average and good knowledge respectively. Cross-tabulation showed statistical significance (P = 0.047) with the duration of practice but not with position, subspecialty or sex. The majority did not agree that generic medicines are of lower quality than branded medicines. Therapeutic failure was a major concern in 82.7%, potentially discouraging prescribing of generics. Majority (63.9%) did not support generic substitution by pharmacists. Knowledge gaps were identified especially with the perception of generics. These need to be addressed

Is timing and extended prophylaxis with antibiotics to prevent surgical-site infections still a concern across Africa? Findings and implications

Background and Objectives: Increasing inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials increases antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - a growing concern across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A key area is healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) with their subsequent impact on morbidity, mortality and costs. Major issues include the timing and extended use of antibiotics to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs), with studies across SSA documenting concerns with these two issues, increasing adverse drug reactions, AMR and costs. Successful initiatives can improve future antibiotic use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in SSA. Consequently, a need to document the timing and duration of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) among SSA countries together with potential ways forward. Methods: A narrative review of submitted and published studies among SSA countries coupled with studies across LMICs documenting successful approaches to improve SAP. Results: Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for SAP is common in SSA. In Botswana, a study showed only 15% of surgical patients received antibiotics pre-operatively, 58.3% post-surgery, and 26.8% were not prescribed any antibiotic. In Ethiopia, 62.2% of patients received SAP longer than one hour pre-operatively, and in Nigeria, between 57.6% and 83.5% of patients were not administered their first antibiotic dose within the 60-minute window. In Nigeria, 98.7% of patients in one study and all patients in another were given prophylaxis for more than one day with a mean of 8.7 days, and in Botswana extended prophylaxis was common in one study with a mean (SD) of 5 (2.6) days. In a point prevalence survey (PPS) in Botswana, extended prophylaxis was also common, i.e. 100% of tertiary- and primary hospitals, with similar high rates in Ethiopia (88.9%), Ghana (69% to 77%), Kenya (100% in neurotrauma patients) and Rwanda (92%). In recent PPS studies in Nigeria and South Africa, 76.2% and 73.2% patients respectively received SAP for longer than 24 hours. Multiple approaches have been used across LMICs to improve SAP, including educational initiatives and audits. Studies have shown such initiatives improve the timing and duration of antibiotic use and reduce costs. In one study, timing and appropriateness of antibiotics improved from 30.1% to 91.4%, prolonged duration reduced from 92.1% to 5.7% and mean antibiotic costs decreased eleven-fold. Other studies have also shown appreciable improvements. Conclusion: There are considerable concerns with the timing and duration of SAP across Africa. Multiple interventions, including effective guidelines, education and audit, can reverse this and provide future direction to reduce AMR and costs