Women In University Management: The Nigerian Experience

This study examined women in university management in Nigeria. It was a descriptive research of the survey type. The population of the study comprised all the public universities in southwest Nigeria, out of which three were selected through the stratified random sampling technique. Three hundred respondents who were in management positions were purposively sampled for this study. A questionnaire tagged Women in University Management Questionnaire (WUMQ) was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, t-test analysis and Pearson products for research questions and hypotheses raised for the study. Results showed that the level of women participating in university management in Nigerian University was dismally low; most of the high management positions were occupied by men. Results of the study further revealed that many women in the university system were being deprived of high management positions because they do not have the same opportunities for advancement as their male counterparts and also, the undue strictness of many women jeopardizes their chances of attaining high management positions in Nigerian universities. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the parochial belief of some people ‘that women do not have what it takes to manage a university simply because they are women’ should be discarded. Women should also put a check on their undue strictness in the workplace and also, conducive working environments that will promote women’s advancement should be promoted in Nigerian Universities

AMBIENT LEVELS OF GASEOUS, PARTICULATE AND BIO-AEROSOL POLLUTANTS IN FARM SETTLEMENTS ACROSS OGUN STATE, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

This study assessed the levels of air pollutants emitted outdoor of farm settlements (FS), the seasonal and temporal variations, and the relationship among the parameters monitored. Seven FS within Ogun State were investigated, with 211 sampling points established across the FS. The concentrations of VOCs, SO2, NO2, CO, O3, NH3, CO2, TSP, PM2.5 and PM10 were monitored in replicates using active potable samplers while bacteria and fungi were isolated using settle plate technique. Descriptive (means and standard deviation) and inferential statistical tools (Pearson correlation) were used to analyse the data. The mean ranges of VOCs, CO and CO2 (ppm); 20.8±10.53 – 48.67±19.05, 17.95±6.65 – 21.5±3.93, 3562.15±1200.85  –  4266±1176.85, and for bacteria and fungi (cfu/m3); 548.98±1.18 – 2255.01±1.27 and 525.68±1.15 – 1282.38±1.27 respectively were above the threshold limits. There were significant seasonal, spatial and temporal differences among observed means of VOCs, CO2 O3, TSP, PM2.5, and fungi. The bacteria and fungi count increased as TSP, PM2.5 and PM10 increased. The study established that levels of air pollutants are dependent on the type of farming practice. &nbsp

POTABILITY AND IRRIGATION POTENTIAL OF GROUNDWATER SOURCES AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Groundwater is an important source of freshwater and its quality determines it’s potential for domestic and agricultural use. Water samples from ten boreholes located within the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria were collected and analysed for physico-chemical and bacteriological properties, cations and metals using standard procedures. Results were compared with the regulatory standards while water quality index (WQI) method was used to classify the water potability. Potential of groundwater for irrigation was investigated using appropriate indices. The range of values for the measured parameters include: pH: 6.9 – 7.82; electrical conductivity(EC): 127 – 650 μS/cm; total dissolved solids (TDS): 58 to 284 mg/L; magnesium (Mg2+): 10 - 61 mg/L; nitrates (NO3-): 0.01 – 1.38 mg/L; iron (Fe): 0.02 – 0.05 mg/L; biological oxygen demand (BOD): 0.1 – 2.83 mg/L and total coliform: ND - 28×10cfu/mL. Majority of the water quality parameters fell within regulatory limits with the exception of magnesium and total coliforms. Escherichia coli, an indicator of faecal contamination was also absent in the water samples. On the average, groundwater within the study area has a WQI = 46.3 and can be classified to be of good quality for domestic use.  Sodium absorption ratio (SAR) was less than 10% and Magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR) was less 50 %, and are therefore classified as of excellent quality for irrigation purpose. Soluble sodium percentage (SSP) values range between 11.1 and 51 %. All samples were found to be good or fair for irrigation purpose with no harmful effects to the soil.     &nbsp

Indoor Air Quality of Beauty Salons in Commercial and Residential Areas of Camp, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Growing increase of beauty salons and exposure to associated chemical substances present serious concern of chemical hazards and health problems. This study assessed indoor air quality (IAQ) of selected beauty salons in commercial and residential areas of Camp settlement in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria using Aeroqual GasSensing Monitor and WindMate® Weather Station. Human thermal sensation (HTS) was computed using Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) Indices. Data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed TVOC exceeded permissible exposure limit (0.2 mg/m3) in all salons and critical safe level (2500 ppm) for CO2 was exceeded in one-third. Exceedance was observed in less than one-third of salons for P.M2.5 and P.M10, due to varying activities taking place per time, and location differences. Where detected, H2S was below permissible limit (1.4 mg/m3). HTS was above the acceptable thermal comfort levels (PMV: ±0.5; PPD: <10%) in all salons. Generally, the IAQ indicates prevalence of inadequate ventilation, and portends increased exposure risk to hazardous chemical substances associated with salon activities. Therefore, formulation of policy, stipulating minimum operating standards and enforcement, alongside enlightenment campaign are necessary to promote human safety and prevent escalation of chemical related hazards in salons.

Assessment of Traffic Related Heavy Metals Pollution of Roadside Soils in Emerging Urban Centres in Ijebu-North Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the concentration of eight critical heavy metals in the roadside soils of selected urban centres in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State, SW, Nigeria. Thirty-six composite soil samples were collected along the roadside based on distances to the roads. Physiochemical properties and concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in roadside soils in some selected locations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Accumulation of heavy metals in top soils is greately influenced by traffic volume and all the heavy metals exhibited a significant reduction in the roadside soils with increasing distance from the road. Metal concentrations in the roadside soils followed order of Zn&gt;Pb&gt;Fe&gt;Cu&gt;Mn&gt;Cd&gt;Cr. Concentration of Zn was 156.09 mg/Kg in roadside soils of Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye which is experiencing high volume of traffic , while it ranged from 10 \u2013 47 mg/Kg for Ijebu-Igbo/Bajowa/Akanran road with low traffic volume. Pb concentration of 26.7 mg/Kg was observed in : Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye road especially in centre of the city. Concentration of all heavy metals examined were below the EU guideline, however, the paper suggested a regular monitoring and assessment to ensure sustainable management of the urban environment and reduction of traffic-related contamination of soil, plants and water

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND PATTERN OF SINONASAL INJURIES AT THE EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, ADO-EKITI, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA

Background: Sinonasal trauma is a common otorhinolaryngology disorder worldwide. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, sociodemographic features, aetiology, clinical presentation, management and outcome of injuries to the nose and paranasal sinuses. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of patients with sinonasal injuries that presented at our tertiary health institution. Consented patients were studied between October 2015 and September 2017. Analysis of obtained data was done with SPSS version 16.0. Results: The prevalence of sinonasal injury was 2.7%. There were 67.1% males and 32.9% females with male to female ratio of 2:1. Foreign body was the commonest cause of injury in 35.4% followed by road traffic accidents in 24.4%. Commonest anatomical region of sinonasal injury were nasal cavity and nasal vestibule in 57.3% and 19.5%. Common clinical features among the patients were pain in 72.0%, bleeding in 53.6% and foreign bodies impaction in 35.4%. Acute sinonasal injury in 95.1% was commoner than chronic sinonasal injury (≥13 weeks) in 4.9%. Commonest associated complications of the sinonasal injuries were rhinosinusitis in 37.8% others were 22.0% epistaxis, 11.0% nasal septal abscess and 3.7% adhesion. Pre-hospital treatment in the patients was 62.2%. Major treatments offered to the patients were conservative/medical therapy in 53.7%. Commonest surgical interventions were 35.4% foreign body removal and 7.3% epistaxis control. Conclusion: Sinonasal injuries are common in the otorhinolaryngology practice. Commonest causes are self-inflicting foreign bodies impaction and road traffic accident. Pre-hospital treatment in the patients was very high

Impact of Exchange Rate on the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria

Various studies have been conducted on the impact of exchange rates on the performance of the manufacturing sector and how it influences growth in different climes of the world. These studies have examined; drawing out the relationship between exchange rate and macroeconomic performance, with respect to manufacturing output and its related variables. This study examined the impact of exchange rates on the performance of the Nigerian manufacturing sector using the independent variables of exchange rates, inflation rates, capacity utilization rate, the manufacturing sector’s foreign direct investments, and imports over a period of 25 years (1990-2014). Unit Root test, Johansen co-integration test, Granger causality test and Error Correction Model were used to test for stationarity, long-run relationship, causal relationship, and the short and long run equilibrium relationship respectively. The empirical results of the study shows that a devaluation of the Naira has a negative impact on the performance of the Nigerian manufacturing sector as it was found that exchange rates has a negative significant relationship, long run relationship and causal relationship with the performance of the sector. It was also ascertained from the results that inflation rates(INF), and capacity utilization rates(CUR) have a positive significant relationship with the performance of the sector, while exchange rates, imports(IMP) and manufacturing foreign direct investment(MFDI) have a negative significant relationship with the performance of the Nigerian manufacturing sector. The results of the analysis showed that the independent variables have a significant relationship with the R2 at 64.5%

Track E Implementation Science, Health Systems and Economics

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138412/1/jia218443.pd

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Background: Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. // Methods: We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. // Findings: We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. // Interpretation: Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030