HIV/AIDS and family support systems: A situation analysis of people living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State

Current statistics about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria do not reveal the broader social and economic impacts of the disease on the family.The study therefore primarily aimed to address the socio-economic effects of HIV infection on individuals and their families.The study was carried out in Lagos State. In-depth interviews were employed to collect information from 188 people living with HIV/AIDS through support groups in the state, while four focus group discussions were conducted to elicit information from people affected by AIDS about the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS on families in Nigeria. From the survey, among people living with HIV/AIDS, 66% of females and males were in the age group 21-40 years, while 10% were older people above 60 years of age. Findings revealed that as HIV/AIDS strikes at parents, grand parents are assuming responsibility for bringing up the children of the infected persons and the orphans of those killed by the virus. It was striking that some of the older caregivers could not meet the requirement of these children.They are often forced to work more than they would have, or borrow in order to cope with the needs of these extra mouths. Some of the infected people have sold their properties to enable them to cope with the economic effects of the virus, while their children have had to drop out of school, since they could not afford the school fees and other related expenses. It was suggested that PLWHA should be economically empowered with adequate medical treatment, in order to reduce the impact of the disease on the family. Keywords:Family, orpharns, HIV/AIDS, NigeriaSAHARA J Vol. 4 (3) 2007: pp. 668-67

NIGERIA’S MONO-CULTURAL ECONOMY AND THE AFRICAN CATFISH AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY

Crude oil was discovered in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria in 1956. This paper provides that oil at the period of discovery was not lucrative until the Arab-Israeli war of 1973 otherwise known as the Yom Kippur war which was characterized by Arab states boycotting oil supplies to the western world who were allies of Israel. It was the period from 1973-1983 that witnessed a boom which was the most luring temptation Nigeria was faced with and which she gradually fell into. Since the oil-boom period, Nigeria’s economy tended towards a mono-cultural direction where other sectors of the economy were abandoned for just one single sector giving Nigeria’s economy another alias “mono- product” economy. This paper employed the key informant interview as the method for sourcing primary data from the African catfish aquaculture field and also engaged content analysis for data derived from secondary sources. Comparative Advantage theory is the theoretical framework used in explaining this research. The paper concludes by suggesting the African catfish aquaculture industry as a viable contribution to the diversification of the economy based on its lucrative potentials of earning foreign exchange and providing massive employment for the teeming unemployed population in Nigeria

Synthesis and characterization of some transition metal complexes of N'- [(E)-(1H-indol-2-yl) methylidene]pyridine-4-carbohydrazide

N'-[(E)-(1H-indol-2-yl)methylidene]pyridine-4-carbohydrazide was prepared by refluxing indole-2- carbaldehyde and isonicotinic hydrazide in ethanol for 4 hrs. Fe3+, Co2+ and Cu2+ complexes of the hydrazone ligand were similarly prepared and the compounds characterized spectrophotometrically. The melting point and conductivities of the ligand and complexes were recorded. The asymmetric hydrazone and the metal complexes obtained showed melting points/ decomposition temperature range 156 - >300 oC. Two ligands was found to coordinate to the metal centre via the carbonyl O and azomethine N along with two chloride ions giving rise to octahedral geometry. Ligand and complexes are insoluble in water, ethanol and other common organic solvents but soluble in DMSO and DMF. Molar conductivity values obtained (2.55-7.23 cm-2mol-1) shows they are nonelectrolytes in solution.Keywords: Asymmetric, Bioactive, Hydrazone, indole, Isoniazi

Clinical and biochemical manifestations of severe sickle cell anemia in adult patients in steady state in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: There are documented established markers (indices) of disease severity in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and they determine the course of the disease. This study investigated the pattern and prevalence of some of these markers of disease severity in adult patients with SCA in steady state attending the hematology clinic of a federal tertiary teaching hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study. Basic demographic data and relevant clinical information was obtained using a well-structured questionnaire and the case files (hospital records) of 50 consecutive SCA (HbSS) patients.Results: The study group comprised of 21(42%) males and 29(58%) females. The age range was 18–45years with a mean(±SD) of 27.6±7.607. Hepatomegaly (64%), frequent episodes of vaso-occlusive crisis, that is, ≥ 3 episodes per year(30%) and Dactylitis in infanthood(26%) were the most common clinical parameters identified in these patients while a high serum total bilirubin of > 51μmol/L(26%) was the most common laboratory parameter seen in these patients.Conclusion: Markers of disease severity were identified in the patients with SCA inthis study. The presence of these markers in an SCA patient connotes severe disease and they determine the course of the disease. Therefore, there is a need to pay more attention to these patients by following them up more closely.Keywords: disease severity, markers, sickle cell anemia, steady state, adults, patient

Clinical and Biochemical Manifestations of Severe Sickle Cell Anemia in Adult Patients in Steady State in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: There are documented established markers (indices) of disease severity in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) and they determine the course of the disease. This study investigated the pattern and prevalence of some of these markers of disease severity in adult patients with SCA in steady state attending the hematology clinic of a federal tertiary teaching hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study. Basic demographic data and relevant clinical information was obtained using a well-structured questionnaire and the case files (hospital records) of 50 consecutive SCA (HbSS) patients. Results: The study group comprised of 21(42%) males and 29(58%) females. The age range was 18–45years with a mean(±SD) of 27.6±7.607. Hepatomegaly(64%), frequent episodes of vaso-occlusive crisis, that is, ≥ 3 episodes per year(30%) and Dactylitis in infanthood(26%) were the most common clinical parameters identified in these patients while a high serum total bilirubin of > 51µmol/L(26%) was the most common laboratory parameter seen in these patients. Conclusion: Markers of disease severity were identified in the patients with SCA in this study. The presence of these markers in an SCA patient connotes severe disease and they determine the course of the disease. Therefore, there is a need to pay more attention to these patients by following them up more closely

Technological Innovation Sources and Institutional Supports for Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria

The study examined the technological innovation sources, the relevance of these sources as well as institutional supports and their significance to the innovativeness of small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Southwestern Nigeria. The data for the study were collected through questionnaire and interview schedule from a sample of 100 manufacturing SMEs. The results reveal that the key information sources for innovation among these companies are customers; suppliers of equipment and machinery; seminars, training and conferences; market research and business associations. None of the external inputs that the companies needed for internal learning and innovation come from government agencies. The results suggest the urgent need for enterprise-oriented technology transfer from public funded R&D institutions to link the science and technology system with small and medium enterprises production units. Similarly, the SMEs associations should be strengthened to provide opportunities for their members to continuously learn about new technology developments and opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the sector.The study examined the technological innovation sources, the relevance of these sources as well as institutional supports and their significance to the innovativeness of small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Southwestern Nigeria. The data for the study were collected through questionnaire and interview schedule from a sample of 100 manufacturing SMEs. The results reveal that the key information sources for innovation among these companies are customers; suppliers of equipment and machinery; seminars, training and conferences; market research and business associations. None of the external inputs that the companies needed for internal learning and innovation come from government agencies. The results suggest the urgent need for enterprise-oriented technology transfer from public funded R&D institutions to link the science and technology system with small and medium enterprises production units. Similarly, the SMEs associations should be strengthened to provide opportunities for their members to continuously learn about new technology developments and opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the sector.The study examined the technological innovation sources, the relevance of these sources as well as institutional supports and their significance to the innovativeness of small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) in Southwestern Nigeria. The data for the study were collected through questionnaire and interview schedule from a sample of 100 manufacturing SMEs. The results reveal that the key information sources for innovation among these companies are customers; suppliers of equipment and machinery; seminars, training and conferences; market research and business associations. None of the external inputs that the companies needed for internal learning and innovation come from government agencies. The results suggest the urgent need for enterprise-oriented technology transfer from public funded R&D institutions to link the science and technology system with small and medium enterprises production units. Similarly, the SMEs associations should be strengthened to provide opportunities for their members to continuously learn about new technology developments and opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in the sector

In vivo anti-plasmodial activities and toxic impacts of lime extract of a combination of Picralima nitida, Alstonia boonei and Gongronema latifolium in mice infected with Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei.

Background: Lime extracts of powdered combination of seeds of Picralima nitida, stem bark of Alstonia boonei and leaves of Gongronema latifolium is a common remedy used in the treatment of malaria in South Western Nigeria.Objective: To determine the antiplasmodial activities of the combined herbal extracts and its impact on the haematological, hepatological and renological parameters in mice.Methods: The 4-day suppressive and curative tests were used to assess the antiplasmodial activities of the extract in mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei at concentration of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg body weight. The haematological parameters including red blood cells, white blood cells, packed cell volume and haemoglobin count were analysed with an auto analyser. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined, while urea, protein and creatinine were analysed by standard procedural methods.Results: The 4-day suppressive test revealed that the test extract achieved percentage suppression of 39.0%, 41.6% and 54.68% for the 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg concentration respectively. Additionally, the curative test achieved a high percentage suppression of 80.97%, 83.84% and 86.16% at the 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg concentration respectively. The extracts did not induce significant change on haematological parameters (P>0.05), while significant elevation in the values of the ALT and AST (P<0.05) was observed and elevation of creatinine (P<0.05) at 800mg/kg.Conclusions: The results support the traditional use of the herbal combination in the treatment of malaria, however the liver cells were impacted by the extracts in bioassay conducted with mice.Keywords: In vivo anti-plasmodial lime extract, Picralima nitida, Alstonia boonei, Gongronema latifolium, mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive plasmodium berghei

Residents\u27 Social Interactions in Market Square and Its Impact on Community Well-Being

This study aims at ameliorating the associated challenges emanated from the ineffective planning, management and design of market square as well as appraisal of the interactions among people of diverse ethnicity. Hence, the study explores users\u27 interactions and activities within three markets square in rural neighborhoods of South-west, Nigeria. The significant relationship between resident\u27s interactions and the community well-being was explored. Consequently, this study highlights the influence of the market square as a typical neighborhood open space on residents\u27 well-being. The study\u27s quantitative approach encircled the purposive structured survey questionnaire data obtained from Yorubas, Hausas, and Ibos respondents (n=382); and analyzed by SPSS statistical package (version 22). Meanwhile, the qualitative data included observation of various activity pattern among the three ethnic groups. The study\u27s findings revealed that an improvement in the market square quality becomes necessary in order to increase residents\u27 interactions and well-being. Also, the study elucidates the appropriate link between the built environment, residents\u27 interactions, and well-being. It is concluded that residents\u27 well-being is a reflection of an experience manifested within the interplay of individuals and groups\u27 social interactions. This study of people and place relationships could better equip the professionals in the built environment on the importance of creating a sustainable open space towards improving residents\u27 well-being and rural community revitalization efforts

HABCSm: A Hamming Based t-way Strategy based on Hybrid Artificial Bee Colony for Variable Strength Test Sets Generation

Search-based software engineering that involves the deployment of meta-heuristics in applicable software processes has been gaining wide attention. Recently, researchers have been advocating the adoption of meta-heuristic algorithms for t-way testing strategies (where t points the interaction strength among parameters). Although helpful, no single meta-heuristic based t-way strategy can claim dominance over its counterparts. For this reason, the hybridization of meta-heuristic algorithms can help to ascertain the search capabilities of each by compensating for the limitations of one algorithm with the strength of others. Consequently, a new meta-heuristic based t-way strategy called Hybrid Artificial Bee Colony (HABCSm) strategy, based on merging the advantages of the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm with the advantages of a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. HABCSm is the first t-way strategy to adopt Hybrid Artificial Bee Colony (HABC) algorithm with Hamming distance as its core method for generating a final test set and the first to adopt the Hamming distance as the final selection criterion for enhancing the exploration of new solutions. The experimental results demonstrate that HABCSm provides superior competitive performance over its counterparts. Therefore, this finding contributes to the field of software testing by minimizing the number of test cases required for test execution

In vivo anti-plasmodial activities and toxic impacts of lime extract of a combination of Picralima nitida , Alstonia boonei and Gongronema latifolium in mice infected with Chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei.

Background: Lime extracts of powdered combination of seeds of Picralima nitida , stem bark of Alstonia boonei and leaves of Gongronema latifolium is a common remedy used in the treatment of malaria in South Western Nigeria. Objective: To determine the antiplasmodial activities of the combined herbal extracts and its impact on the haematological, hepatological and renological parameters in mice. Methods: The 4-day suppressive and curative tests were used to assess the antiplasmodial activities of the extract in mice infected with chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei at concentration of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg body weight. The haematological parameters including red blood cells, white blood cells, packed cell volume and haemoglobin count were analysed with an auto analyser. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined, while urea, protein and creatinine were analysed by standard procedural methods. Results: The 4-day suppressive test revealed that the test extract achieved percentage suppression of 39.0%, 41.6% and 54.68% for the 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg concentration respectively. Additionally, the curative test achieved a high percentage suppression of 80.97%, 83.84% and 86.16% at the 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg concentration respectively. The extracts did not induce significant change on haematological parameters (P>0.05), while significant elevation in the values of the ALT and AST (P<0.05) was observed and elevation of creatinine (P<0.05) at 800mg/kg. Conclusions: The results support the traditional use of the herbal combination in the treatment of malaria, however the liver cells were impacted by the extracts in bioassay conducted with mice