A Case Study on Off-grid Microgrid for Universal Electricity Access in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Microgrid is progressively an option for electricity access in unelectrified areas in developing nations. This study investigates the costs of microgrid solutions in comparison to grid extension to provide universal electricity access in Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software was used to carry out simulation, optimization and sensitivity analyses. The results showed that a Wind/Diesel Generator/Battery-powered microgrid has the lowest cost with a breakeven grid extension distance of -45.38 km. The proposed microgrid could supply electricity at $0.320/kWh, with 0.0057 kg/kWh CO2 emissions and 90.5% renewable fraction, which are lower than grid extension. Therefore, a Renewable Energy Source (RES) hybrid microgrid solution can be a viable option for electrifying far-from-the-grid unelectrified areas of the Eastern Cape

EFFECT OF CONFLICTS ON THE LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES OF RURAL DWELLERS IN OWO FOREST RESERVE OF ONDO STATE

The study investigated the effect of conflicts on rural livelihood in Owo forest reserve of Ondo state. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents were selected from six communities in Owo forest reserve of Owo local government area of Ondo state using purposive sampling and simple random sampling technique. The relationship between personal characteristics such as age, marital status, religion etc and livelihood activities were determined using chi-square. Also relationship between perception of conflict and the effect of livelihood activities were also determined using PPMC as well as the relationship between causes of conflict and livelihood activities. T-test was used to determine the significant difference between, before and after conflict livelihood activities in the local government. From the study, 65.8% of the respondents were married, 55.8% were female, and 59.5% were Christians. The study showed that 69.2% had farming as their major source of income. The study showed that 59.2% had trading as their other income generating activity, 68.3% were non-indigenes, all the respondents (100%) had experienced conflict in the study area and 69.2% agreed that the major type of conflict is for resource control. A significant relationship existed between Sex (x2=16.153, P=0.003), Religion (x2=16.153, P=0.003) Educational level (x2=18.569, P=0.002) and indigene/non indigene (x2=10.050, P=0.018). Marital status (x2=3.896, P=0.273) and sources of income (x2=5.930, P=0.204) showed non-significant relationship. The correlation (r =0.173, p=0.059) between perception of conflict and livelihood activities was not significant. There existed a significant relationship between causes of conflict (r=0.443, P=0.000) and livelihood activities. Also the test of difference (t=0.768, p=0.000) between rural dwellers before and after conflict livelihood activities. Conflict had negative effect on livelihood and the battle for resources was the major cause of conflict. It was also concluded that conflict can be resolved amicably by the parties involved in conflict. It is recommended that proper documentation should be made on conflicts and conflict situation in the study area. Necessary action should be taken to resolve conflict in the study area. Participatory and sustainable approach to resolving conflict should be adopted

Propagation of neuronal signals in intact and injured peripheral nerves: The role of nonlinear diffusion of transmembrane potential

We present results of a computational study of the influence of nonlinear diffusion on propagation of electrical excitation generated in normal and injured peripheral nerves (PN) using a one-dimensional Fitzhugh-Nagumo (FN) model. Changes in action potential duration (APD) and repolarization intervals (RI) were observed based upon modification of the FN model. Namely, the model has been altered by adding an additional power function type nonlinear diffusion term which accounted for substantial intra-extracellular charge balance changes developing during action potential formation in small peripheral nerves. It was found that changes in magnitude of nonlinear diffusion coefficient result in oscillations of APD and RI in both normal and injured PNs with partially reduced conductivity. It was also found that these oscillations in injured PNs had markedly higher amplitudes dependent on the PN's length as well as on the width of its injured part. Results of our study may be useful in improving of monitoring of peripheral nerve growth and adjusting propagation of excitation to enhance impaired connectivity in injured peripheral nerves

Management of Low Back Pain: - Attitudes and Treatment Preferences of Physiotherapists in Nigeria

Back Pain is one of the most frequent reasons for visiting a general practitioner or physical therapist. The objectives of this study were to investigate the attitudes and treatment preferences of Physiotherapists in Nigeria about the management of Low back Pain. A survey of 101 practicing physiotherapists from selected health institutions was carried out using a structured questionnaire. The results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of Chi – square at 0. 0 5. More than 90% of the physiotherapists surveyed recommended review of x-rays, and palpation methods, in the evaluation of patients, About 70% employed assessment of posture, McKenzie evaluation, Sacroiliac joint and neurological screening. The common treatment preferences by 83% of the physiotherapists surveyed was education regarding proper body mechanics in daily activities. More than 82.5% of the physiotherapists perceived McKenzie approach as very effective, while 60% rated it as most useful method in managing LBP. About 23% of the subjects believed muscle strain and disc problem as the principal underlying causes of LBP among their patients. It was concluded that McKenzie approach was the most effective and useful method for managing LBP and education in proper body mechanics in daily activities was preferred in the management of LBP