Assessing the Functions of African Cultural Values in Journalism Practice: A Case for Ethical Journalism in Africa

This study investigated the functional role of African cultural values in the practice of ethical journalism in Nigeria, using Ananmbra State as a case study. The objectives centred on determining the functions and use of African cultural values in ensuring ethical journalism practice in Nigeria. The survey of 162 journalists working with different media and information organizations in Anambra State used questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions to obtain data. Findings revealed that the journalists studied perceived African cultural values as having a useful role in the practice of journalism in Nigeria. This role covers a broad range of issues which centre on encouraging: ethical practice, dedication to duty, hard work, and development-inclined journalism. It was recommended that the training and re-training of journalists to equip them with knowledge of African cultural values and inculcate in them the orientation of resorting to the values in their day-to-day journalistic activities is imperative.    Key words: African cultural values, ethical challenges, ethical journalism, functions, journalism practice, perception

Promoting Good Governance in Nigeria through Pre-Election Discourse: The Challenges for the Media

The current trend in media has opened up more active participation of the media in the promotion of good governance. As the media provides a platform through which the framework of governance is viewed, it is imperative to examine the challenges and bottlenecks that media practitioners face in the course of promoting good governance. Proper management of information and communication can never be overemphasized in a developing country like Nigeria. Hence, the paper reviews the current situation by bringing to fore various challenges of the media and necessary recommendations for the promotion of governance, especially, at pre-election period.

An Assessment of Open Dumps and Landfill Management in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria- Using Scotland as a Case Study for Structural Development

Environmental pollution resulting from improper waste collection and disposal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is becoming a cause for concern; and with an alarming population growth rate of 9.3% per annum, continued degradation of the environment is inevitable unless a well-structured sustainable waste management system is adopted. Being the capital of the most populous nation in Africa, it is of great importance that the FCT becomes a model city not just for the benefit of the population but also to create a sustainable conducive environment. This research was undertaken to assess and analyse the state of waste management in the FCT and propose engineered landfilling using the UK (Scotland) as a model/benchmark. The study reveals that in the FCT there are no organized well engineered landfill sites on ground that are equipped with liner systems and infrastructure to detect, extract and treat/refine leachate or landfill gas. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) which is the agency responsible for the control, removal and disposal of solid and liquid waste, lacks an established system for segregation and recycling of waste. Although Waste incineration is quite common in the FCT, it is unfortunately not done in a properly controlled environment like that of Scotland, the case study area. It is often done by scavengers and local residents, and when it is carried out by AEPB, it is done haphazardly. This poses a huge environmental, human health and safety risk. This paper therefore recommends that the government should explore the option of developing the current infrastructure to improve collection, segregation and disposal of waste, incorporate in its plans the construction of well-engineered landfill site(s) as well as recycling and utilizing waste as an alternative source of energy. This will enhance efficient waste management, reduce the adverse effects of the current inefficient disposal methods on the environment, strengthen economic development as well as reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Keywords: Landfill management, waste, AEPB, SEPA and Environment

Food packaging materials : Health and environment

Food packaging is just one among the ways of food preservation which helps in the extension of the shelf-life of the food product and easy for shipment and marketing. The goal of food packaging is to contain food in a cost-effective way that satisfies industry requirements and consumer desires, maintain food safety, and minimizes environmental impact. Different food Packaging materials such as metals, steel, aluminum, plastic, glass, polyethylene, polypropylene, paper, paperboard, laminates, metalized films, plant leaves etc play major roles in terms of protection and preservation which include chemical, physical and biological protection, containment and food waste reduction, convenience, marketing and information, traceability, tamper indication. The chemicals used in the production of these food packaging materials includes but not limited to intentionally added ingredients (ortho-phthalates. perchlorate, per-and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances, benzophenone, ethyl and methyl-glycol, toluene, n-methyl-pyrrolidone, bisphenol A,F,S) and non intentionally added materials which is not limited to contaminants like- heavy metals(lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury etc) leached into food and is being consumed into the body unknown to us thereby causing a lot of negative effect on human health via endocrine disruption, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancers, tooth development defects, hormonal imbalance which results in reproductive disorder in men and women, decrease semen quality in men, endometriosis in women etc. These food packaging materials affect our environment which also result to littering the environment, causing health effect and pollution. In order to reduce these effects, the use of these chemicals should be reduced or totally removed

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF Indigofera zollingeriana SEED OIL

The objective of this present study was to examine the physico-chemical properties of Indigofera zollingeriana seed oil. Physico-chemical parameters of oils are important in the determination of edibility and other industrial applications. All the laboratory analysis were carried out using standard procedures according to AOAC (2000). The acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, saponfication value, refractive index and free fatty acids of cold pressed Indigofera zollingeriana seed oil was found to be 17.11 mg NaOH/g, 23.04 meq/kg, 180.4 gI2/100g, 118.7 mg/KOH/g and 14.10 %. The refractive index (20oC) and specific gravity (25oC) was 2.01 and 1.02 respectively. The extracted oil was Indigo in colour at liquid state. It was concluded the oil has a high acid value, peroxide value and free fatty acid which favours the use of the oil for industrial use such as soap production and cosmetics

Genetic and agronomic evaluation of rainfed tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) accessions in Ibadan, Nigeria

The extent of genetic variability among 19 accessions of tomato was studied using genetic variability parameters. Four-week old seedlings were transplanted in a well levelled field with 0.6 x 0.6 spacing and replicated three times in randomized complete block design. High significant differences among the accessions for all attributes studied. Cluster analysis based on 37 agro-morphological attributes separated accessions into two distinct groups according to the fruit types. Values for genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation showed variability among the accessions. Correlation analysis showed fruit/plant is positively and significantly correlated to plant height, number of branches/plant and leaf length. Very high genetic advance and heritability estimates for leaf length, leaf width, days to flower, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits/plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and 1000 seed weight suggest simple inheritance system and thus amenability for these attributes to selection in tomato improvement

Determinants and effects of sexual exploitation among female students of tertiary institutions in Rivers State

Background: Labor induction methods are continuously evolving to ensure safer and more effective outcomes for both mother and neonate. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of combined use of misoprostol with intracervical catheter for labor induction. Methods: This single-blinded, parallel-group randomized control trial conducted at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, included 200 women with term gestation and Bishop score ≤6. Participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group (group B) received misoprostol juice and Foley’s catheter, while the control group (group A) received misoprostol in the posterior fornix. Results: In Group A, 58% had vaginal deliveries, while in Group B, 65% had vaginal deliveries. Group B experienced a longer mean length of labor in the 1st stage (13.25±1.095) compared to Group A (12.98±1.982, p=0.008). The 3rd stage was shorter for Group B (10.00±0.000) than Group A (12.02±2.469, p<0.001). The most common induction reason was labor pain with an unfavorable cervix (31 in Group A and 33 in Group B). Group B had a higher percentage of inductions at less than 12 hours and a lower percentage at more than 24 hours. Neonatal outcomes were generally better for Group B. The Cox regression hazard model showed a lower likelihood of positive outcomes in Group B (hazard ratio 0.337, 95% CI 0.243-0.469, p=0.000), indicating a statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: The combined use of misoprostol with Foley’s catheter for labor induction is safe and effective, resulting in shorter labor duration and higher rates of vaginal delivery compared to misoprostol alone

Effects of Englerina drummondii Balle ex Polhill and Wiens leaves extract on selected female rat organs’ weights

Background: Herbal medicine are patronized by several people across the globe This herbal medicine is routinely use and are more accessible and available. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Englerina drummondii Balle ex Polhill and Wiens leaves on rat organs (thyroid gland, kidneys, ovary and fallopian tubes) weights in female rats. Methods: 20 female rats were selected randomly into 4 groups with 5 rats per group. Group 1 received 5 ml/kg of water, group 2 received extract 100 mg/kg, group 3 received extract 200 mg/kg, and group 4 received extract 400 mg/kg. Administration of extract was done for 28 days. Results: The study revealed significance decreased in the weight of the left ovary organ when extract of medium dose (200 mg/kg) and high dose (400 mg/kg) was administered, as compared to control. The result also shows decrease in the organs weight of the thyroid gland, left kidney, right and left fallopian tubes extract of low, medium and high dose were administered. The right kidney shows increase when low dose extract was given but decrease when both low and medium dose of extract was given. However, this decrease is not significance and could be due to dose or time dependent. Statistical analysis was done using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 23 and p<0.05 was significant. Conclusions: There was significance decreased in the weight of the left ovary organ when extract of medium dose (200 mg/kg) and high dose (400 mg/kg) was administered. Also, there is decrease in other organs weight when low, medium and high dose was given but not significance

Tropical Data: Approach and Methodology as Applied to Trachoma Prevalence Surveys

PURPOSE: Population-based prevalence surveys are essential for decision-making on interventions to achieve trachoma elimination as a public health problem. This paper outlines the methodologies of Tropical Data, which supports work to undertake those surveys. METHODS: Tropical Data is a consortium of partners that supports health ministries worldwide to conduct globally standardised prevalence surveys that conform to World Health Organization recommendations. Founding principles are health ministry ownership, partnership and collaboration, and quality assurance and quality control at every step of the survey process. Support covers survey planning, survey design, training, electronic data collection and fieldwork, and data management, analysis and dissemination. Methods are adapted to meet local context and needs. Customisations, operational research and integration of other diseases into routine trachoma surveys have also been supported. RESULTS: Between 29th February 2016 and 24th April 2023, 3373 trachoma surveys across 50 countries have been supported, resulting in 10,818,502 people being examined for trachoma. CONCLUSION: This health ministry-led, standardised approach, with support from the start to the end of the survey process, has helped all trachoma elimination stakeholders to know where interventions are needed, where interventions can be stopped, and when elimination as a public health problem has been achieved. Flexibility to meet specific country contexts, adaptation to changes in global guidance and adjustments in response to user feedback have facilitated innovation in evidence-based methodologies, and supported health ministries to strive for global disease control targets

Adverse reactions to blood donation: A descriptive study of 3520 blood donors in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Background: The occurrence of adverse reactions to blood donation significantly hampers donor retention and negatively impacts on the universal availability of adequate numbers of blood donor units. Objective: To analyze the spectrum and prevalence of adverse reactions in blood donors in a tertiary hospital-based blood bank in Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: The details of 3520 blood donors who presented for donation over a 12 months period were retrieved from the departmental archives for analysis. These included sociodemographic information, type of donor, type and frequency of adverse reactions to blood donation. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) computer software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to represent the distribution of donor characteristics (as percentages) and compare reaction rates by gender and severity, respectively. Results: The prevalence of adverse reactions to blood donation was (56/3520) 1.60%; this occurred more frequently in male and family replacement donors (55.35% and 100.0%, respectively). The spectrum of donor adverse reactions included anxiety 25 (44.64%), generalized body weakness 11 (19.64%), hematoma 10 (17.86%), fainting 5 (8.93%), and vomiting 5 (8.93%). Vasovagal reactions were the most frequent adverse reaction encountered among the donors (46/56; 82.14%). Conclusion: Vasovagal reactions are common adverse phenomena in our blood donor set; this has implications on transfusion safety and blood donor retention