Histopathology of the gill and liver tissues of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus exposed to lead

An investigation on the effect of the heavy metal, lead (Pb) on the gill and liver of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus was carried out in the laboratory. One hundred and sixty (160) fingerlings of the fish were exposed to continuous exposure to sub-lethal concentrations (0.006 mg/l and 0.008 mg/l) of lead for a period of three weeks. The liver and gill of fish were removed every 9 days for histological examination. The results showed that the degree of distortion of the gills and liver was proportional to the exposure periods and concentration of the metals was found to be dose and time dependent. Key Words: Lead, Clarias gariepinus, histopathology, gill, liver. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.4(1) 2005: 117-12

Alternative Core Inflation Measures in Nigeria: An Examination

Core inflation measures have played an important role in the conduct of monetary policy at various central banks around the world. We examine core inflation in Nigeria using non-traditional measures and assess their persistence, to determine whether the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should pay attention to one or other of these measures when assessing inflation developments. We find that the two new measures outperform the official core rate in tracking the persistence of headline inflation. The findings of this study will aid policy making within the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) particularly where inflation targeting is adopted as the monetary policy framework. These core inflation measures provide a useful guide to central bankers both for monetary policy decisions and as a communication tool. They are a better predictor of future inflation depicting the more persistent influences on underlying inflation, which are of interest to policymakers (e.g. Clark, 2001; Blinder and Reis, 2005; Smith, 2004 and Dolmas &Wynne, 2008)

Morphometric study of sciatic nerve and its topographic anatomical variations in relation to landmark structures around pelvis: a Nigerian population study

Background: Sciatic nerve presents significant variations that pertain to its topography and divisions. The topographic variation shows sex effect due to differences in the dimension of pelvis that makes for the adaptability of female pelvis for pregnancy and childbirth. The objective therefore was to evaluate the sciatic nerve morphology and its topographical variations in relation to landmark structures in the pelvis of both sexes. Materials and methods: Ninety-eight lower limb adult cadavers, sixty-six males and thirty-two females devoid of any gross pathology from Nigerian were used for the study. The cadavers were dissected to expose the sciatic nerves and the variations recorded. Anthropological measurements were taken and analysed using a Spearman’s rank-order correlation model. Results and Conclusions: The relationships between sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle shows five varied types with the typical type comprising 83.0%. The largest thickness of SN in males and females were 18.5 cm and 17.3 cm respectively while the smallest thickness were 8.6 cm and 11.9 cm respectively. The dimensions between posterior superior iliac spine and greater trochanter (PSIS-GT) and between lateral edges of sciatic nerve intersection with piriformis to the tip of greater trochanter (LESN-GT) shows inverse correlation relationship between the two sexes. In males, there was a weak positive correlation (rs = 0.165) between LESN-GT (4.75 ± 1.52) and PSIS-GT (15.3 ± 2.90) which was not statistically significant at 0.01 level (p = 0.989). In females, the relationship between LESN-GT (6.39 ± 0.59) and PSIS-GT (12.2 ± 3.70) shows moderate negative correlation (rs = -0.476) which was not statistically significant at 0.01 level (p = 0.195). The dimension of LESN-GT which was observed to be longer in females was deemed to account for the deviation of sciatic nerve of females from the males’ topographic anatomical relations

Preparedness of Secondary School Management in the Planning, Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation of School Projects in Gucha District, Kenya

Infrastructure developments in schools are a major factor towards realization of the Kenya’s vision 2030. Different stakeholders sponsor various school constructions; building of class rooms, school halls, laboratories, libraries, dormitories and so on.  This research sought to establish the factors influencing the implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools in Gucha South District, Kisii County. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the extent to which competency of principals in project management influence implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools in Gucha South District; to assess the extent to which stakeholders’ involvement influence the implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools in Gucha South District, to explore the extent to which availability of skilled labour influence the implementation of construction projects in public secondary schools in Gucha South District, Kisii County. Descriptive survey design was used in carrying out the study. All the forty two schools were used in the study. The respondents were 42 principals and 42 P.T.A chair persons representing the schools. The findings of the study showed that school principals lacked competency in planning, supervising and monitoring of school construction projects. The school chair persons similarly lacked the capacity to assist principals in project implementation. In conclusion school principals as managers of school constructions be trained and capacity build on project development, planning, management and supervision

PERCEPTIONS DES FEMMES ACCOUCHEES SUR L’ACCOUCHEMENT A DOMICILE DANS LA VILLE DE LUBUMBASHI: Cas de la Commune de Kampemba, Quartier Bongonga 2021

CONTEXT  Home births remain a global concern. Despite efforts to ban them, they are frequent and continue to claim many victims (3) the objectives of this study are to describe the socio-demographic profile, assess their knowledge of the risks, their perceptions, and determine the factors favoring home births in the Bongonga district. METHOD:  A qualitative study of phenomenological approach was  made for a period of one month on a population made up of women who gave birth at home. The data collection makes semi-structured interviews from an interview guide; data entered and encoded on Word, the analysis is the subject of an audition and transcription in theme. Then proceed to group the units of significance. By confronting similarities and contradictions, in order to identify free and imaginary variation and then achieve triangulation. RESULTS On 13 interview of women the result shows that the age of the women interviewed was 30 years old varying up to 43 years old. 6 out of 13 had given birth once at home; 4 out of 13 had given birth twice; 3 out of 13 had given birth 3 times at home. Their socio-demographic profile shows that 11 out of 13 were married, the major factors being the lack of money, occupation and the negligence of the care providers. CONCLUSION: The results of the qualitative study of phenomenological approach on home births is a real problem and women need help. However, they have a negative perception and remain optimistic about the resolution of the problem. Reproductive authorities needed to find lasting solutions to this situation.  CONTEXT  Home births remain a global concern. Despite efforts to ban them, they are frequent and continue to claim many victims (3) the objectives of this study are to describe the socio-demographic profile, assess their knowledge of the risks, their perceptions, and determine the factors favoring home births in the Bongonga district. METHOD:  A qualitative study of phenomenological approach was  made for a period of one month on a population made up of women who gave birth at home. The data collection makes semi-structured interviews from an interview guide; data entered and encoded on Word, the analysis is the subject of an audition and transcription in theme. Then proceed to group the units of significance. By confronting similarities and contradictions, in order to identify free and imaginary variation and then achieve triangulation. RESULTS On 13 interview of women the result shows that the age of the women interviewed was 30 years old varying up to 43 years old. 6 out of 13 had given birth once at home; 4 out of 13 had given birth twice; 3 out of 13 had given birth 3 times at home. Their socio-demographic profile shows that 11 out of 13 were married, the major factors being the lack of money, occupation and the negligence of the care providers. CONCLUSION: The results of the qualitative study of phenomenological approach on home births is a real problem and women need help. However, they have a negative perception and remain optimistic about the resolution of the problem. Reproductive authorities needed to find lasting solutions to this situation. &nbsp

Uganda's experience in Ebola virus disease outbreak preparedness, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: Since the declaration of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in DRC on 1st Aug 2018, several neighboring countries have been developing and implementing preparedness efforts to prevent EVD cross-border transmission to enable timely detection, investigation, and response in the event of a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. We describe Uganda's experience in EVD preparedness. RESULTS: On 4 August 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the National Task Force (NTF) for public health emergencies to plan, guide, and coordinate EVD preparedness in the country. The NTF selected an Incident Management Team (IMT), constituting a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) that supported activation of the District Task Forces (DTFs) and District Rapid Response Teams (DRRTs) that jointly assessed levels of preparedness in 30 designated high-risk districts representing category 1 (20 districts) and category 2 (10 districts). The MoH, with technical guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), led EVD preparedness activities and worked together with other ministries and partner organisations to enhance community-based surveillance systems, develop and disseminate risk communication messages, engage communities, reinforce EVD screening and infection prevention measures at Points of Entry (PoEs) and in high-risk health facilities, construct and equip EVD isolation and treatment units, and establish coordination and procurement mechanisms. CONCLUSION: As of 31 May 2019, there was no confirmed case of EVD as Uganda has continued to make significant and verifiable progress in EVD preparedness. There is a need to sustain these efforts, not only in EVD preparedness but also across the entire spectrum of a multi-hazard framework. These efforts strengthen country capacity and compel the country to avail resources for preparedness and management of incidents at the source while effectively cutting costs of using a "fire-fighting" approach during public health emergencies

Evaluation of Haematinic Activity and Subchronic Toxicity of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Menispermaceae) Seed Oil

Aim: The haematinic activity and subchronic toxicity of Sphenocentrum jollyanum (Menispermaceae) seed oil was evaluated and compared with the control. Materials and Methods: In acute toxicity study the animals tolerated up to 16 g/kg body weight (bw) of the extract in 2 % Tween 80 solution administered orally after 24 hrs fast. Another set of mice (6 per group) fasted for 24 hrs were administered with the extract intra-peritoneal (IP) at different doses (250, 500, 1000, 2000 mg/kg bw) until 100% mortality was achieved. In subchronic toxicity study, 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg bw of the extract in 2 % Tween 80 were administered on the animals for 120 days. Results: In acute toxicity study, the extract was found to be non toxic when it was administered orally for up to 16 g/kg bw within 24 hrs. Subchronic toxicity test showed no mortality after 120 days of oral administration. The animals showed appreciable increase in feeding habit and water intake. Increase in body and vital organs weights occurred while tissue histology showed no abnormal features. The liver function profile showed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) compared to the control except for the albumin that increased markedly. The extract led to significant increase (p < 0.05) in RBC. The packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin count (Hb) increased with increase in dose. On the other hand, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and white blood cells (WBC), did not vary markedly. Similarly, WBC differentials did not record appreciable difference compared to the control. Conclusion: The result showed that SJ seed oil possessed haematinic and hepato-protective property thereby justifying its therapeutic use in traditional medicine

Health and Energy at MADEV 2017 Photovoltaic Hybrid Systems for remote villages: Systemes Hybrides Photovoltaiques pour les villages isolés

International audienceElectricity access in remote areas of Sub-Saharan Africa is limited due to high costs of grid extension to areas characterised by low population and low energy densities. Photovoltaic hybrid systems can be computed using an energy balance equation involving one unknown. For hypothetical village with an average daily energy demand of 153.6 kWh/d, the monthly energy output of photovoltaic modules at Garoua, Cameroon, enabled the evaluation of feasible photovoltaic hybrid (PVHS) options. An option with a renewable energy fraction of 0.557 having lower initial investments is suggested for electrification of more remote villages in Sub-Saharan African countries which have high solar radiation levels. This option comprises a 23.56 kWp PV array, a 15 kWp PV inverter, a 25 kW bi-directional inverter, a battery bank of capacity 324.48 kWh and a 25 kW diesel generator with an operating time of 1309 h/yr or 3.59h/d. The size of the PV array determined is smaller compared to the sizes of PV arrays which have been evaluated in the range 30-45 kWp using HOMER software for medium villages in Senegal.L’access à l’éléctricité en Afrique Sub-saharienne est limité par le cout élevé d’extension des resaux electriques vers les zones isolées caracterisés par une faible densité de la population et une faible densité de consummation de l’energie electrique. Les systemes hyrides photovoltaiques peuvent étre evalués avec une equation energétique à un inconue. Pour un village hypothetique avec une demande énergétique quotidienne de 153.6 kWh/jr, les productions énergetique mensuelles des modules photovotaiques à Garoua, au Cameroun, ont permis l’evaluation des options photovoltatiques hybrides realisables. Une option avec une fraction d’énergie renouvelable de 0,557 ayant un investment initial inféreur est suggerée pour l’électrification de villages plus éloignés dans l’Afrique subsaharienne qui ont des niveaux élevés de rayonnement solaires. Cette option comprend un générateur photovotaique de 23,56 kWc, un onduleur photovoltaique de 15 kWc, un inverseur bidirectionnel de 25 kW, un groupe de batterie d’une capacité de 324.48 kWh, et un groupe electrogene diesel de 25 kW avec un temps de fonctionnement de 1309 h/an ou 3.59h/j. La taille du générateur photovoltaique determiné est inférieur à celle des générateurs photovoltaiques dans la plage allant de 30 à 45 kWc à l’aide du logiciel HOMER pour les villages moyenne du Senegal comptant 750 habitants

Histopathology of the gill and liver tissues of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus exposed to lead

An investigation on the effect of the heavy metal, lead (Pb) on the gill and liver of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus was carried out in the laboratory. One hundred and sixty (160) fingerlings of the fish were exposed to continuous exposure to sub-lethal concentrations (0.006 mg/l and 0.008 mg/l) of lead for a period of three weeks. The liver and gill of fish were removed every 9 days for histological examination. The results showed that the degree of distortion of the gills and liver was proportional to the exposure periods and concentration of the metals was found to be dose and time dependent

Cooking up a storm: Community-led mapping and advocacy with food vendors in Nairobi's informal settlements

Food security is rarely prioritised in African cities, and food vendors are similarly ignored or stigmatised, despite providing a range of affordable, accessible meals. Furthermore, past research and urban policies usually overlook food hawkers selling inside informal settlements. Based on participatory research in Nairobi, this paper aims to address the invisibility of vendors in informal settlements and to inform more appropriate, inclusive urban food security strategies. Balloon-mapping and other novel mapping techniques were combined with focus group discussions to explore vendors’ practices, challenges, and opportunities for promoting food safety. Our detailed maps, vivid narratives, and community-led strategies may cook up a storm that can create safer foods and more secure livelihoods, with benefits extending across African informal settlements