Television as a source of COVID-19 information: a qualitative inquiry into the experiences of the deaf during the pandemic

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) came as a rude shock to all. Its emergence was sudden and its attendant effects on psychosocial adjustment of all citizens especially among the Deaf were traumatic. Thus, the need to access the required information about the virus became necessary. While information about COVID-19 came from various media sources, television as an audio-visual material remains one of the most reliable sources of COVID-19 to the deaf. However, issues of quality assurance and comprehensibility of televised COVID-19 related information remain a concern among the deaf during the pandemic. Thus, as there is scarcity of research reports on such circumstances among the deaf, this study explores the perceived quality of and comprehensibility of televised sign language interpreted COVID-19 briefing by the Nigerian deaf. The motor theory of sign language perception was used as a theoretical lens in this study. An individualised semi-structured interview was used to gather data that was used to achieve an answer to the research objectives. Thematic content analysis was employed for data analysis. The following themes resulted from the analysis: visibility, incomplete interpretation, Camera handlers’/Television stations’ inadequate knowledge of deafness and deaf communication processes and partial comprehension of interpreted COVID-19 briefings. Camera handlers and technical crew must ensure adequately illuminated interpreters space and a contrasting backdrop of picture-in-picture is ensured. Also, SLIs should endeavour to use a transparent face shield or adopt the 1.5m–2.5m physical distancing rul

Traditional Perceptions of Climate Change Phenomenon Influencing Adaptation Decisions among Women Crop Farmers in Southern Nigeria

The study assessed traditional perceptions of climate change phenomenon influencing adaptation decision and responses among rural women crop farmers in southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 420 rural women crop farmers for the study. Questionnaire administration through the use of ODK collect, Focused group discussion (FGD) and In depth interview (IDI) was used to collect data. Analyses of data was done usescriptive statistics and Binary Logit regression. Relatively good proportion (89%) had deliberately taken decision to adapt to climate change with 81% supporting their decision with action by utilizing available climate change adaptation strategies. Approximately 86% indicated that the nature of climate change knowledge possessed affect their response to climate change. The belief that climate change is too complex to understand (X?= 2.83), caused solely by man’s carelessness over his environment (X? = 2.97) and rainfall and temperature variation (X? = 3.07) were the major traditional perceptions of climate change influencing adaptation decisions among rural women. Rural women traditional perception of climate change was found to influence their decision to adapt to climate change. Knowledge building through training workshops on climate change is key to stimulating right adaptation decision and action among rural women crop farmers.

Traditional Perceptions of Climate Change Phenomenon Influencing Adaptation Decisions among Women Crop Farmers in Southern Nigeria

The study assessed traditional perceptions of climate change phenomenon influencing adaptation decision and responses among rural women crop farmers in southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 420 rural women crop farmers for the study. Questionnaire administration through the use of ODK collect, Focused group discussion (FGD) and In depth interview (IDI) was used to collect data. Analyses of data was done usescriptive statistics and Binary Logit regression. Relatively good proportion (89%) had deliberately taken decision to adapt to climate change with 81% supporting their decision with action by utilizing available climate change adaptation strategies. Approximately 86% indicated that the nature of climate change knowledge possessed affect their response to climate change. The belief that climate change is too complex to understand (X?= 2.83), caused solely by man’s carelessness over his environment (X? = 2.97) and rainfall and temperature variation (X? = 3.07) were the major traditional perceptions of climate change influencing adaptation decisions among rural women. Rural women traditional perception of climate change was found to influence their decision to adapt to climate change. Knowledge building through training workshops on climate change is key to stimulating right adaptation decision and action among rural women crop farmers.

Review on the Fate of Contaminants in the Niger Delta Environment

Niger Delta environment had suffered from impacts of waste over the years. The significant wastes in the region are crude oil and municipal wastes. Studies have shown the effect and fate of contaminants in the environment and human life. This paper reviews the impact and fate of contaminants in the Niger Delta environment with the focus on crude oil waste and municipal waste. The substantial quantities of waste generated resulted from unreasonable consumption and production, non-compliance to environmental laws and regulations, migration to urban cities, and sporadic expansion of unregulated industrial operations. These contaminants affect various life forms, natural resources, and increase the rate of global warming. It is of urgent importance for concerted efforts from corporate bodies, government, and individuals to ensure proper implementation of effective, safe management of waste. This review used Niger Delta environmental contaminant analysis and remediation case studies to highlight the fate of organic and inorganic contaminants and their associated adverse effects on the environment. This review contains secondary data from online journal articles, radio, symposium, doctoral thesis, organisations, and websites. Keywords: Crude oil, Heavy hydrocarbons, Spills, Dumpsite, Pesticides, Fate, contaminants, Toxic, Degradation. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-5-05 Publication date:May 31st 202

Traditional Perceptions of Climate Change Phenomenon Influencing Adaptation Decisions among Women Crop Farmers in Southern Nigeria

The study assessed traditional perceptions of climate change phenomenon influencing adaptation decision and responses among rural women crop farmers in southern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 420 rural women crop farmers for the study. Questionnaire administration through the use of ODK collect, Focused group discussion (FGD) and In depth interview (IDI) was used to collect data. Analyses of data was done usescriptive statistics and Binary Logit regression. Relatively good proportion (89%) had deliberately taken decision to adapt to climate change with 81% supporting their decision with action by utilizing available climate change adaptation strategies. Approximately 86% indicated that the nature of climate change knowledge possessed affect their response to climate change. The belief that climate change is too complex to understand (X?= 2.83), caused solely by man’s carelessness over his environment (X? = 2.97) and rainfall and temperature variation (X? = 3.07) were the major traditional perceptions of climate change influencing adaptation decisions among rural women. Rural women traditional perception of climate change was found to influence their decision to adapt to climate change. Knowledge building through training workshops on climate change is key to stimulating right adaptation decision and action among rural women crop farmers.

Verification and Enhancement of VIIRS Day-Night Band (DNB) Power Outage Detection Product

This case study of Hurricane Matthew (October 2016) uses the NASA Short-Term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center DNB power outage product (using GSFC VIIRS DNB preliminary Black Marble product, Roman et al.. 2017) and 2013 LandScan Global population data to look for correlations between the post-event %-of-normal radiance and the utility company-reported outage numbers (obtained from EAGLE-1)

THE NEXUS BETWEEN HUMAN CAPITAL AND INCOME INEQUALITY: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

The study examines the relationship between human capital and income inequality in Nigeria from 1981 to 2019. The study made use of secondary data and the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test estimation technique to analyze the data. The variables used in the analysis include income inequality, tertiary education enrolment, secondary school enrolment, government health expenditure, inflation rate, employment rate and gdp per capita. The results of the findings showed that one-year lagged income inequality and secondary school enrolment are both significant at the 5% level. In the long run, tertiary education enrolment, secondary school enrolment, government expenditure on health and employment rate are all statistically significant at the 1% level. Thus, in the long run, all the indicators of human capital are significant drivers of income inequality in Nigeria. Notwithstanding, of all the indicators, only tertiary school enrolment is negatively related to income inequality, as expected. The implication is that, in Nigeria, it is tertiary school enrolment that significantly lowers income inequality. Sequel to the finding in respect of the importance of tertiary school enrolment, it is recommended that policy makers continually support enrolment to tertiary schools in order to continuously witness significant declines in income inequality in Nigeria

Exploring barriers to guideline implementation for prescription of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in Nigeria.

Background: In Nigeria, the prescription of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infection tends to be driven by local policy rather than by published guidelines (e.g. WHO and Sanford). Objectives: To triangulate three datasets and understand key barriers to implementation using a behavioural science framework. Methods: Surgeons (N = 94) from three teaching hospitals in Nigeria participated in an online survey and in focus group discussions about barriers to implementation. The theoretical domains framework (TDF) was used to structure question items and interview schedules. A subgroup (N = 20) piloted a gamified decision support app over the course of 6 months and reported barriers at the point of care. Results: Knowledge of guidelines and intention to implement them in practice was high. Key barriers to implementation were related to environmental context and resources and concern over potential consequences of implementing recommendations within the Nigerian context applicable for similar settings in low-to-middle-income countries. Conclusions: The environmental context and limited resource setting of Nigerian hospitals currently presents a significant barrier to implementation of WHO and Sanford guidelines. Research and data collected from the local context must directly inform the writing of future international guidelines to increase rates of implementation

ImPROving TB outcomes by modifying LIFE-style behaviours through a brief motivational intervention followed by short text messages (ProLife): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background: South Africa is among the 7 highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries. Harmful lifestyle behaviours, such as smoking and alcohol, and poor medication adherence can affect clinical outcomes. Modification of these behaviours is likely to improve TB treatment outcomes and has proven possible using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques or use of short message service (SMS) text messaging. There have been no studies assessing the effect of combined MI and SMS interventions on multiple lifestyle factors and TB treatment outcomes. Methods: This is a prospective, multi-centre, two-arm individual randomised controlled trial looking at the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a complex behavioural intervention (the ProLife programme) on improving TB and lifestyle-related outcomes in 3 provinces of South Africa. The ProLife programme consists of an MI counselling strategy, delivered by lay health workers, augmented with subsequent SMS. We aim to recruit 696 adult participants (aged 18 years and over) with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB who are current smokers and/or report harmful or hazardous alcohol use. Patients will be consecutively enrolled at 27 clinics in 3 different health districts in South Africa. Participants randomised individually to the intervention arm will receive 3 MI counselling sessions 1 month apart. Each MI session will be followed by twice-weekly SMS messages targeting treatment adherence, alcohol use and tobacco smoking, as appropriate. We will assess the effect on TB treatment success, using standard World Health Organization (WHO) treatment outcome definitions (primary outcome), as well as on a range of secondary outcomes including smoking cessation, reduction in alcohol use and TB medication and anti-retroviral therapy adherence. Secondary outcomes will be measured at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Discussion: This trial aligns with the WHO agenda of integrating TB care with the care for chronic diseases of life-style, such as provision of smoking cessation treatments, and with the use of digital technologies. If the ProLife programme is found to be effective and cost- effective, the programme could have significant implications for TB treatment globally and could be successfully implemented in a wide range of TB treatment settings

Treatment After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Panther Symposium ACL Treatment Consensus Group

© The Author(s) 2020. Treatment strategies for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries continue to evolve. Evidence supporting best-practice guidelines for the management of ACL injury is to a large extent based on studies with low-level evidence. An international consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance toward consensus opinions regarding the best available evidence on operative versus nonoperative treatment for ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to report the consensus statements on operative versus nonoperative treatment of ACL injuries developed at the ACL Consensus Meeting Panther Symposium 2019. There were 66 international experts on the management of ACL injuries, representing 18 countries, who were convened and participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Proposed consensus statements were drafted by the scientific organizing committee and session chairs for the 3 working groups. Panel participants reviewed preliminary statements before the meeting and provided initial agreement and comments on the statement via online survey. During the meeting, discussion and debate occurred for each statement, after which a final vote was then held. Ultimately, 80% agreement was defined a priori as consensus. A total of 11 of 13 statements on operative versus nonoperative treatment of ACL injury reached consensus during the symposium. Overall, 9 statements achieved unanimous support, 2 reached strong consensus, 1 did not achieve consensus, and 1 was removed because of redundancy in the information provided. In highly active patients engaged in jumping, cutting, and pivoting sports, early anatomic ACL reconstruction is recommended because of the high risk of secondary meniscal and cartilage injuries with delayed surgery, although a period of progressive rehabilitation to resolve impairments and improve neuromuscular function is recommended. For patients who seek to return to straight-plane activities, nonoperative treatment with structured, progressive rehabilitation is an acceptable treatment option. However, with persistent functional instability, or when episodes of giving way occur, anatomic ACL reconstruction is indicated. The consensus statements derived from international leaders in the field will assist clinicians in deciding between operative and nonoperative treatment with patients after an ACL injury