Factors Affecting Employee Performance: An Investigation on Private School Sector

Employees are valuable assets for any organization, and their productivity should be given due consideration, if an organization aims to meet its strategic goals. This can be done through implementation of effective policies for the most contributing determinants of performance of employees. Therefore, this paper studies the factors that affect employee performance significantly, and gauges their direction being positive or negative. The study is based on the case of education sector, specifically the private schools of Pakistan. The sample is drawn from private schools of Karachi, with respondents selected through Convenience Sampling. A qualitative design with Interpretivist approach and case study research strategy is used and 30 employees at Top, Middle and Lower job levels of schools have been interviewed. The instrument used for collecting the data comprises of semi-structured interview questions, the data then organized, coded and developed into themes for conducting the analysis. From our framework of ten factors, compensation, motivation, leadership, working environment, performance appraisal, job experience, and training are found to have significant and positive impact on work performance, while conflict, job stress, and working hours bear significant negative effect on employee work performance. These factors have varied level of impact through the three job levels. In addition to the established framework, eleven new factors were also identified while conducting the interviews and their effect through each employment level was gauged. Conclusively, several recommendations are drawn for the organizations to ensure maximum effectiveness and efficiency of their employees

Assessment on Radiation Hazard Indices from Selected Dumpsites in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

This research reports an assessment of ionizing radiation in some chosen Dumpsites in Lafia Local government area of Nasarawa State. Ionizing radiation measurement was conducted at four Dump sites. The survey was done using a radiation survey meter (Radex one Outdoor 55130719 NA). Radiation exposure rate in micro sievert per hour (μSvhr-1) was measured. Readings were taken by placing the detector at gonad level about 1 meter above the ground. Result showed that the average annual effective dose rate in the selected dumpsites were 0.22 mSv/yr for Lafia modern market, 0.17 mSv/yr for dumpsite opposite governor Isa house, 0.15 mSv/yr for Timber shade Lafia and 0.20 mSv/yrfor Science School Lafia respectively with a mean value of 0.19 mSv/yr for all location, while the mean calculated excess life cancer risk (ELCR) is 0.65 x 10-3.Dumpsites yearly absorbed dose rate and their corresponding ELCR values did not exceed the 1.0 mSv/y Basic Safety Standard set for the masses by International Council on Radiation Protection (ICRP, 1999) and mean world average ECLR value of 1.16 x 10-3. Based on these results there are no radiation consequence to the scavengers, dumpsite workers and residents living around the dumpsites

Screening for Barrett's Oesophagus: Are We Ready for it?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The targeted approach adopted for Barrett's oesophagus (BO) screening is sub-optimal considering the large proportion of BO cases that are currently missed. We reviewed the literature highlighting recent technological advancements in efforts to counteract this challenge. We also provided insights into strategies that can improve the outcomes from current BO screening practises. RECENT FINDINGS: The standard method for BO detection, endoscopy, is invasive and expensive and therefore inappropriate for mass screening. On the other hand, endoscopy is more cost-effective for screening a high-risk population. A consensus has however not been reached on who should be screened. Risk prediction algorithms have been tested as an enrichment pre-screening tool reporting modest AUC's but require more prospective evaluation studies. Less invasive endoscopy methods like trans-nasal endoscopy, oesophageal capsule endsocopy and non-endoscopic cell collection devices like the Cytosponge coupled with biomarker analysis have shown promise in BO detection with randomised clinical trial evidence. SUMMARY: A three-tier precision cancer programme whereby risk prediction algorithms and non-endoscopic minimally invasive cell collection devices are used to triage test a wider pool of individuals may improve the detection rate of current screening practises with minimal cost implications

Some Aspects of the Geology and Environmental Impact Assessment of a Proposed Gold Mining Site X in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria

Proposed Gold mining Site X is located on Nigerian basement rocks in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. The geology and geochemistry of the rock formations in a mining site contribute significantly to understanding the economics of the mineral deposits and the impacts on the environment, particularly the surface and groundwater viz-a-viz the health of the community inhabitants, soil, vegetation and other salient parameters, including weather conditions and socio-economy of the people. The geology and geochemistry of rock units, soils, stream sediments and water of Site X indicate rich deposits of Gold attractive for exploitation, concentrated in three delineated portions of the site as “Concentrates” A, B, C. With these results and impending mining of the gold deposits, some aspects of the environmental impact of mining the gold resources have been studied and reported herein. This is to ensure successful mining operations with minimum negative impacts on the surrounding environment when the applicant mining company obtains a mining lease from the Mining Cadastre Office. The lessons to learn are that a successful economic development depends on rational use of natural resources and on reducing as far as possible the adverse environmental and social impacts of developmental projects

Influence of Sustainable Construction Practices Awareness Level on Extent of Usage in Abuja-Nigeria

The construction industry has been under severe pressure in recent times to adopt environmentally friendly approaches to gain a competitive advantage. This is a result of failure to select durable and sustainable materials that comply with the acceptable requirement for standards, appropriate site selection, adoption of flexible and durable designs, proper planning and management of construction activities, and proper commissioning of building systems and equipment before occupation. This study, therefore, is on the influence of sustainable construction practices awareness level on the extent of usage in Abuja – Nigeria. The study elicited data from construction professionals in Abuja-Nigeria using structured questionnaires. Based on the awareness level, managing the site for an improved environment and smart homes had mean score values of 2.23 and 2.45 respectively. In a related development, the results of the extent of usage indicated that cost efficiency and smart homes had mean score values of 2.17 and 2.97 respectively. The paired t-test showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the level of awareness and the extent of usage of sustainable construction practices in the study area. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of the sustainable practice is influenced by prior knowledge and education in terms of awareness of the existence of such practices. Hence, there is a need for proper sensitization of sustainable construction practices on their importance and necessity to humans and the environment

Morphological characteristics, bioactive compounds content, and antioxidant activity of different accessions of African eggplant (Solanum anguivi Lam.)

African eggplant (Solanum anguivi Lam.) fruits reportedly exhibit antidiabetic properties, possibly due to the presence of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to assess the bioactive compounds content (BCC) and antioxidant activity (AA) in the fruits of fourteen African eggplant accessions. The relationship between the fruit BCC and AA, and the plant (leaf, stem and fruit) morphological characteristics was determined. Morphological traits for the plant accessions were characterized based on existing Solanum species descriptors. Total phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, vitamin C and AA  were determined by spectrophotometry, while total alkaloids were detected by gravimetry. HPLC was used for the quantification of phenolic compounds. Morphological characteristics, BCC and AA differed among the accessions. The fruit’s accessions contained total phenolics (8.0-12.4 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (DW)), saponins (51.1-124.8 mg diosgenin equivalent/g DW), alkaloids (81.4-127.7 mg/g DW), vitamin C (3.6-6.4 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g DW), and flavonoids (0.9-2.1 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/ g DW) and exhibited a high AA (1.2-4.6 mg QE/g DW). Amongst the quantified phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid (21.4-301.3 μg/ g DW) had the highest content. Cluster analyses showed that morphological characteristics might be useful to predict accessions with similar BCC and AA. Accessions with high total phenolics provided the highest AA, and, therefore, may mediate health benefits

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat yield of Boer goats fed diets containing leaves and whole parts of Andrographis paniculata

The study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding diets containing Andrographis paniculata leaves (APL), whole Andrographis paniculata plant (APWP) and a control without Andrographis paniculata (AP0), on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat yield of 24 intact Boer bucks. The results obtained indicated that inclusion of Andrographis paniculata significantly improved feed intake, weight gain, feed efficiency and live weight. The ratios of carcass to fat, lean to bone, lean to fat, and composition of meat were also improved. In addition, there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the dietary treatments in dressing percentage and chilling loss. Goats fed on AP0 (control) had significantly higher proportions of fat and bone, as well as thicker back fat than the supplemented animals (APL and APWP). Higher gut fill in animals fed Andrographis paniculata suggested slow rate of digestion, which could have improved utilization and absorption of nutrients by the animals. Goats fed Andrographis paniculata also produced higher meat yield and relatively lower fat contents (p<0.05)

COVID-19 Vaccination: Prevalence and Associated Factors among Students and Staff (A Case of Islamic University in Uganda)

Background: COVID-19 Vaccination is an important control measure for the spread of covid -19 with in Academic Institutions. This study aimed to investigated the Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccination and associated factors among University Students and staff. Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Islamic University, Uganda, from July to October 2021. A number of 397 students and staff of IUIU were selected purposively. The dependent variable was vaccination status. The independent variables were age, gender, education status, source of income, religion, marital status, nationality risk perception. Data were collected using an online google form sent via emails WhatsApp and ERP and analyze using Chi-square. Results: There were 397 participants, the modal age was 16-25 years 233 (58.7%) were male, the prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccination was 20.4 % (81). Factors such as age (OR= 0.59; 95% CI= 0.25 to 1.37; p<0.001), Gender (OR= 0.59; 95% CI= 1.06 to 3.00; p=0.026), marital status (OR= 1.55; 95% CI= 0.20 to 0.56; p<0.001) were associated with uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion: The Study found a low Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccination (20.4%) among students and staff at IUIU, and a number of factors presented above were responsible for this. More Education and sensitization on the importance of Vaccination is still needed. A follow up study on the same should be done after full opening of academic institutions. Keywords: prevalence, COVID-19, vaccination, factor, studend and staff, Uganda Correspondence: Naziru Rashid. University Medical Officer. Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). Soroti, Mbale Rd, Mbale, Uganda. Email: [email protected]. Mobile phone: +256702038 741 Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior (2022), 07(01): 18-27 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpb.2021.07.01.0

Mtrr hypomorphic mutation alters liver morphology, metabolism and fuel storage in mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with dietary folate deficiency and mutations in genes required for one‑carbon metabolism. However, the mechanism through which this occurs is unclear. To improve our understanding of this link, we investigated liver morphology, metabolism and fuel storage in adult mice with a hypomorphic mutation in the gene methionine synthase reductase (Mtrrgt ). MTRR enzyme is a key regulator of the methionine and folate cycles. The Mtrrgt mutation in mice was previously shown to disrupt one‑carbon metabolism and cause a wide-spectrum of developmental phenotypes and late adult-onset macrocytic anaemia. Here, we showed that livers of Mtrrgt/gt female mice were enlarged compared to control C57Bl/6J livers. Histological analysis of these livers revealed eosinophilic hepatocytes with decreased glycogen content, which was associated with down-regulation of genes involved in glycogen synthesis (e.g., Ugp2 and Gsk3a genes). While female Mtrrgt/gt livers showed evidence of reduced β-oxidation of fatty acids, there were no other associated changes in the lipidome in female or male Mtrrgt/gt livers compared with controls. Defects in glycogen storage and lipid metabolism often associate with disruption of mitochondrial electron transfer system activity. However, defects in mitochondrial function were not detected in Mtrrgt/gt livers as determined by high-resolution respirometry analysis. Overall, we demonstrated that adult Mtrrgt/gt female mice showed abnormal liver morphology that differed from the NAFLD phenotype and that was accompanied by subtle changes in their hepatic metabolism and fuel storage