Effects of probiotics on child growth : a systematic review

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Green site practices and environmental performance: how project complexity moderates the relationship

The characteristics of a project that makes it hard to understand, predict, and manage its general behavior despite the availability of required information relating to the project dynamics is referred to as project complexity. A good knowledge of project complexity at the construction phase of a project, as well as a well thought out plan to manage complexity will determine how proficiently construction projects are planned, managed, and executed in an environmentally friendly manner. The level of complexity of construction projects to a large extent determines the performance or otherwise of the projects with regards to achieving specific environmental standards. At construction sites, the effects of adopting green site practices on environmental performance is largely dependent on the level of complexity inherent in the project’s construction processes. This study investigates the moderating effects of project complexity on the relationship between various green construction site practices and environmental performance of construction projects. A survey was conducted on class A contractors in Nigeria and 168 usable responses were received. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique. The results show that project complexity moderates the relationship between waste management and environmental performance, and the relationship between materials management and environmental performance. But project complexity does not moderate the relationship between energy management and environmental performance. The study provides important theoretical and practical information for construction managers in understanding the dynamics involved in managing of projects with different degrees of complexity, while adopting certain green site practices with the aim of delivering projects with high degree of environmental performance

Determining The Effects Of Adopting Green Construction Site Practices On Project Performance In Nigeria

The negative effects of traditional construction practices on the environment has resulted in increased advocacy for green construction site practices to be adopted in developing countries. Despite the advocacy for the adoption of green construction site practices, the rate of adoption is still low and this has been attributed to uncertainties regarding project performance, and lack of attention given to project complexity. This study is aimed at determining the effects of adopting green construction site practices on project performance taking into consideration project complexity. The deductive research approach was adopted using correlational research design, and the survey method was used for data collection. The questionnaires were self-administered. Non-probability sampling technique was used in this study for a population of 227 projects and 168 usable responses were collected with a response rate of 78%. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean score) and the partial least squares-structural equation modelling. All the green construction site practices had high rates of adoption. It was observed that all the green construction practices studied had significant effects on project performance of construction projects except for site layout planning and development. The findings also indicate that project complexity moderates 2 out of the 6 hypothesized moderating relationships but weakens the relationship. The highest moderating effect is the effect of project complexity on the relationship between stormwater management and project performance

Prevalence of hypoglycaemia in under-five children presenting with acute diarrhoea in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

Background: The clinical features of hypoglycaemia and severe dehydration are similar, and these two can occur in a child presenting with acute diarrhoea. Hypoglycaemia occurring in a growing brain is deleterious and must be detected and treated. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypoglycaemia among under-five children presenting with acute diarrhoea in UCTH, Calabar. Method: This was a prospective study of 150 children aged six weeks to five years presenting with acute diarrhoea in UCTH, Calabar from June 1st to October 31st 2008. Consecutive children who met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. Blood samples were collected for random blood sugar and serum electrotype estimation using One Touch Ultra Test Strips 2006 model and Flame photometry respectively. Results: The overall prevalence of hypoglycaemia in under-five children presenting with acute diarrhoea was 4%. There was no sex difference. It was commonest among children of the low socioeconomic class (83.3%). Risk factors to developing hypoglycaemia were longer duration of last feeds greater than five hours and severe  dehydration, both reaching statistically significant differences (p=0.022 and 0.002; FET respectively). Forty percent of patients who died had hypoglycaemia constituting 33.3% of patients with hypoglycaemia. Conclusion: Children with diarrhoea complicated with severe dehydration are prone to developing hypoglycaemia. It causes high mortality and thus this parameter should be checked for and managed on time.Key words: Hypoglycaemia, acute diarrhoea, under-five children

Maternal obesity in Africa : a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Maternal obesity is emerging as a public health problem, recently highlighted together with maternal under-nutrition as a ‘double burden’, especially in African countries undergoing social and economic transition. This systematic review was conducted to investigate the current evidence on maternal obesity in Africa. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched (up to August 2014) and identified 29 studies. Prevalence, associations with socio-demographic factors, labour, child and maternal consequences of maternal obesity were assessed. Pooled risk ratios comparing obese and non-obese groups were calculated. Results: Prevalence of maternal obesity across Africa ranged from 6.5 to 50.7%, with older and multiparous mothers more likely to be obese. Obese mothers had increased risks of adverse labour, child and maternal outcomes. However, non-obese mothers were more likely to have low-birthweight babies. The differences in measurement and timing of assessment of maternal obesity were found across studies. No studies were identified either on the knowledge or attitudes of pregnant women towards maternal obesity; or on interventions for obese pregnant women. Conclusions: These results show that Africa's levels of maternal obesity are already having significant adverse effects. Culturally adaptable/sensitive interventions should be developed while monitoring to avoid undesired side effects

Effects of probiotics on child growth: a systematic review

Background: Child undernutrition has short and long term consequence for both individuals and society. Previous studies show probiotics may promote child growth and have an impact on under-nutrition. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out on three electronic databases to assess evidence. The outcome measured was change in weight or height. A narrative analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity of included studies. Results: Twelve studies were included in the review of which ten were randomised controlled trials. A total of 2757 children were included, with 1598 from developing countries. The studies varied in type and quantity of probiotics given, duration of interventions, characteristics of participants, setting and units of outcome measures. Overall, five studies found a positive effect of probiotics on child growth. All five were conducted in developing countries with four studies conducted in mostly under-nourished children and one in well-nourished children. No significant effect on growth was found in the seven studies that were conducted in developed countries. Conclusion: The limited evidence suggests that probiotics have the potential to improve child growth in developing countries and in under-nourished children. More research is needed to explore this further

Theoretical modeling of heat transfer in vertical upward and downward annular flow boiling

International audienceThis work entails experimental measurement and theoretical modeling of heat transfer coefficient (HTC) for annular flow boiling in upward and downward flow configurations. The working fluid used was HFE-7000 and experimental measurements were carried out inside a 6mm sapphire tube coated externally with indium-tin-oxide (ITO) for Joule heating. The range of vapor quality, mass flux, and heat flux investigated were 0.15 − 0.7, 75–400 kg/(m2s), and 0.5 − 3.0 W/cm2, respectively. Theoretical models for predicting HTC in upward and downward flows were developed using heat-flux-dependent wall shear stress correlations and roll-wave-velocity-based interfacial damping function. It was found that interfacial damping depends on the Reynolds number of the liquid film. The proposed models predicted over 96% of the measured HTC within ±20% in both upward and downward flows and reproduced the heat flux dependence of the HTC. The models also predicted over 96% of the measured liquid film thickness within ±30% in both upward and downward flows

EMPLOYEE VOICE ON JOB SATISFACTION: A STUDY OF NIGERIA LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS, RIVERS STATE.

This research examined employee voice on job satisfaction: A study of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Rivers State. The study focused on promotive, prohibitive, and considerate employee voice on job satisfaction as a whole. The survey research design method was adopted for the study, while copies of questionnaires were administered to gather relevant data for this research. The study adopted the use of a simple random sampling, while a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The target population size was 287 employees but a sample size of 167 respondents was arrived at using the Yamane (1967) formula. From the 167 questionnaire copies that were distributed and retained only 159 copies were certified valid for analysis. The data obtained were analysed with the SmartPLS software as well as the tested hypothesis. The result revealed that promotive, prohibitive, and considerate employee voice had significant effects on job satisfaction. The study recommended among all other things that businesses should create a positive and effective environment that encourages employees to contribute their opinions and suggestions as employee voice is a unique and vital key in enhancing job satisfaction levels

Chest Xray findings in HIV positive patients in Port Harcourt

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