bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Some Prevention Strategies against Contamination of Cyperus esculentus and Tigernut-Derived Products of Economic Importance
Authors: Maduka N. , Ire F. S.
Published: November 2019

Tigernut is a popular plant because of its sweet tubers (Cyperus esculentus) which has numerous benefits. Contamination of tigernut tubers could be of physical, microbial or chemical through post harvest processes, handling, packaging, storage and retailing. Any form of contamination of tiger nut tubers could impact on overall quality and shelf life of the tiger nut-derived products. Although several studies had been carried out on the nutritional, antinutritional, physicochemical, sensory and microbiological quality of tigernut tubers as well as numerous edible tiger nut-derived products, it is important to review recent research findings on contamination of tigernut tubers and popular tigernut-derived products in order to effectively implement prevention strategies. This will promote food safety and food security especially in developing countries such as Nigeria.
Domestication and Survival of Selected Medicinal Trees and Shrubs in Chapereria Division West Pokot County Kenya
Authors: Maina Peris Nyambura , Mandila Ms Brexidis
Published: November 2019

Depletion of medicinal plant species as a result of over over-extraction in their natural habitats will have detrimental effects on the livelihood of the locals that herbal medicine is part and parcel of their health systems. Though domestication is the best strategy to conserve medicinal tree and shrub species, most medicinal trees and shrubs have remained undomesticated due to low survival rates and inadequate information on the best strategies to improve survival rates. This study was designated to determine the domestication level and survival rates of selected medicinal tree and shrub species in the semi-arid regions of Chepareria division. A cross-sectional research design was employed in this study. Chepareria division was purposely selected. 384 households were selected using systematic random sampling technique. A pre-designed data collection sheet was used to collect the information on medicinal plant species and photographs were taken where necessary during data collection. The study indicated that there were 25 medicinal tree and/or shrubs in Chepareria division. It was also found that 91.7% households had domesticated trees on their farms with Croton megalocarpus (71.3%) being the highly domesticated tree while Myrsine afriana was the least (0.9%) prevalent medicinal tree in the area. Further analysis using Chi-Square (χ2) test of fitness indicated that there were significant differences in the number of households that have domesticated different medicinal trees and/or shrub species in Chepareria division (P <.0001). The indicated that the various medicinal trees and/or shrubs had different survival rates in the area. The mean survival rates of Aloe graminicola (62.6%), Croton macrostachyus (69.8%) Vernonia amygdalina (69.3%) and Croton megalocarpus (72.7%) are significantly higher while the survival rates of Tamarindus indica (12.0%), Myrsine afriana (6.6%), Dalbergia vaccinifolia (9. 4%) and Commiphoraboi viniana (7.2%) are significantly lower. Chapareria to increase the domestication and survival rate of trees/shrubs.
Analytic Travelling Wave Solutions and Numerical Analysis of Fisher’s Equation via Explicit-Implicit FDM
Authors: Ahmed Asif , Kamrujjaman Md.
Published: November 2019

We study the nonlinear parabolic Fisher’s equations for travelling wave solutions. The analyses focus on to describe the analytic solution in the spatial pattern of travelling wave solutions; especially the solutions are characterized in invariant with respect to translation in space. There are two phases in the work: in the first stage, we analyze dimensional reaction-diffusion equation with logistic type growth while in the second phase the non-dimensional equation known as Fishers’ equation is studied numerically. To investigate the results numerically, we select the explicit-implicit finite difference method (FDM) and the approximate solutions are compared with the exact solution in different time steps.
Factors Affecting Age Cohorts on Life Cycle Retirement Planning
Authors: Folk Jee Yoong
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this paper is to examine the cohort effect on different stages of the financial life cycle and the extent of planning for a financial safety net. A total of 990 questionnaires were distributed randomly in the Klang Valley of Malaysia which is the largest and most cosmopolitan region resulting in a 55.2% return rate. Analyses using hierarchical and ordinary regression were applied on four hypotheses. The results revealed that age cohort variables made significant contribution to life cycle retirement planning, particularly the younger age cohort. Strong relationship was found between current financial resources and consumption for all age cohorts. On the other hand, there were no significant effect between current financial resources and age cohorts except that the older age cohorts were relatively more significant predictors. The implication was that not only should their individual perceptions of retirement planning become an increasingly important part of people  s long-term commitment throughout their life-cycle, it must also assume the role as a self-directed life-long learning process, in view of the ever-changing and complicated financial environment. Consumption pattern would have reduced post retirement. During their retirement years, healthcare will become ever so important as the elderly cohorts will have different degrees of health, illness, and disability. This can translate to higher cost within the same age cohort.
Estimation of Background Induced Temperature in and Around Bakery Ovens for Some Selected Locations in Calabar
Authors: Kamgba F. A.
Published: November 2019

Estimation of background induced temperature from six selected Bakery Ovens in Calabar was investigated. An in-situ measurement approach was adopted in order to quasi-accurately estimate temperature of Oven; wind speed in bakery and ambient temperature around the bakery. The relationships between the measured parameters were obtained from plots of wind speed against Temperature and Temperature of oven against distance from Oven. Statistical correlations of wind speed values and temperature were estimated, which yielded a good positive correlation coefficient for wind speed and temperature in all cases and for all the six locations under study, with the relevant plots; these clearly show that all of the two parameters; wind speed and temperature are necessary to be used in analysing and assessing the wellbeing of workers in the perceived heat stressed environment. On the other hand, the coefficient of determination value shown on each of the correlation plots depicts that the models relating the Temperature and wind speed in each case respectively are good performing models. It was found out that the temperature exposure of workers in all the bakeries under study exceeded the WHO (20oC -29oC) exposure limit for comfort.  All the bakeries visited during this study used firewood industrial oven.
The Effective Agricultural Extension Approach
Authors: Abdel-Maksoud Bahgat M.
Published: November 2019

This paper is a review article. It depended on information obtained from secondary sources (books and scientific journals). The main purposes of this paper were to: review the definition of extension approach and present various types of agricultural extension approaches defined by researchers, determine attributes of the effective agricultural extension approach and qualities and necessary conditions for this approach, review different methodologies used to measuring the effectiveness of agricultural extension approaches, propose  determinants of the effectiveness measurement of extension approaches, and finally to present the application of extension approaches in Egypt.
Comparative Studies on Synthetic and Agricultural Product on Lysine Production by Alcaligenes aquatilis
Authors: Nwokolo C. B. , Uchefuna N. N. , Ekwealor I. A. , Ezeh C. T. , Ezemba C. C.
Published: November 2019

Production of lysine by Alcaligenes aquatilis from agricultural sub-products (banana and soybean) was compared to glucose and ammonium sulphate as a carbon and nitrogen source. Ammonium sulphate was constant as a nitrogen source when the two carbon sources were investigated and glucose constant as a carbon source when the nitrogen sources were investigated. The production of lysine was examined quantitatively by acidic ninhydrin method. The results showed that banana and soybean improved the maximum lysine yield (1.158 mg/ml and 1.279 mg/ml) for the fermentation period of 96 hrs.
Effects of Employees’ Perception of Organizational Injustice on Commitment to Work among Staff of Lagos State Fire Service
Authors: Etim Emmanuel E. , Okudero Gbolabo O.
Published: November 2019

Human resources managers have attempted, at different points, to figure out ways to prevent the perception of organizational injustice among employees. The perception of injustice has been found to be one of the most influential factors that affect commitment in the workplace. This study examines the effects of employees’ perception of injustice on commitment to work among staff of Lagos State Fire Service. The survey research design was utilized, through the administration of the questionnaire, for the collection of factual data that are measurable and quantifiable. Equity and Social exchange theories were applied to aid proper understanding of this phenomenon. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that perceived distributive, procedural, as well as interpersonal injustices, affect employees' commitment to work as exhibited among Fire Fighters in Lagos State. It was recommended that managers should ensure that employees perceive justice and fairness as they discharge their duties in the organization. They should introduce reward determination processes and practices, performance evaluation as well as employee-manager relationship. Findings of this research will contribute to knowledge on the drivers of employees’ commitment to work and sustainable employer-employee relations.
Personality Traits and Academic Underachievement of Secondary School Students in Bayelsa State
Authors: Taiwo Demaro E. , Amadi Glory N.
Published: November 2019

The study investigated the relationship between personality traits and academic underachievement among secondary school students in Yenagoa and Ekeremor local government areas in Bayelsa State. Correlational Survey research design was used for the study with a focus on three personality traits namely; openness to experience, conscientiousness and extraversion. The population of the study consisted of 3,610 SSII students in the two local government areas. Three instruments were used to gather the needed data; they are Bakare’s Progressive Matrices (BPM) which was used to identify students with high mental ability, Teachers Made Achievement Test (TMAT) and Students’ Personality Descriptive Scale (SPTDS). Purposive sampling techniques were used to draw a sample of 200 students identified as underachievers while simple random sampling technique was used to select the schools for the study. Pearson products moment correlation was used to answer the research questions and probability level with chosen alpha level of 0.05 used to test the hypotheses. The study found out that there was a significant negative relationship between openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion and academic underachievement among the senior secondary school students in Ekeremor and Yenagoa local government area. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that the government should establish effective guardian and counselling units in all the secondary schools in the local government areas to guide both high and low achieving students.
Infestation and Damage by Caryedon serratus (Olivier) Weevil on Stored Tamarindus indica (Linneaus) Fruits in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf S. R. , Ado R. A. , Sule H. , Wudil B. S.
Published: November 2019

A survey was conducted on the infestation and damage of Caryedon serratus on stored tamarind pods from September to November, 2014 in three local government areas (Doguwa, Gezawa and Kano Municipal) of Kano State in Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were randomly administered to 60 respondents. A total of 27 samples of tamarind pods were purchased for damage analysis.  Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data while ordinary least square Regression was used on damage data. Results obtained indicated that un-elevated room storage (in woven sacks) was the preferred (48.3%) form of tamarind storage practiced (91.7%), mostly for a period of 1 – 3 months (60%) of storage before being sold out. More so, about 98.3% of the respondents were aware of C. serratus as pest of tamarind pods. The pods are commonly attacked by such pest (48.3%) from inception to about 3 months of storage leading to highest damage levels (36.7%). The regression analysis revealed that the number of perforations were highly significant (P<.001) in relation to the total number of tamarind pods, however the effect observed on pods was insignificant on weight loss in any of the three locations. The combined models analysis shows Gezawa recorded significantly higher number of perforations (P<.001) compared to others which are similar. On the control measures, 46.7% have reported the application of a control method against C. serratus and that dried pepper (20%) was the most prevalent. Solarization and airtight polythene storage bags were found statistically similar. Only 5% of the respondents use synthetic chemicals although very effective. The present study revealed that C. serratus is a widespread and damaging pest of tamarind in the study areas. Therefore, there is need for a more advanced, cost effective and safe alternative means of control especially from the first three to six months of storage.
Analysis of Physiochemical Parameters of Ground Water: A Case Study
Authors: Nasir Sana , Samad Abdul , Majeed Waqar , Nargis Shahla , Ramzan Uzma , Ijaz Mahnoor
Published: November 2019

The main sources of water are rain, surface and ground water. These resources are contaminated due to human and industrial activities. Both urban and rural areas, ground water is an eminent source of drinking water. The main objective of this study was to access the quality of ground water in Faisalabad city. From twelve different colonies of the Faisalabad water samples were collected to estimate their physiochemical parameters. The physiochemical parameters such as (pH, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolve solids, Calcium, Bi-carbonates, Total Hardness and chloride) were analyzed and their values were compared with the standard values given by the WHO. In majority of the colonies some parameters were found within permissible parameters of above standard such as pH and total hardness. But in few colonies EC, TDS, Bi-carbonates and chlorides values deviated with reference to the recommended values. On the completion of data physiochemical parameters of ground water, statistical analysis was applied. Descriptive statistics was carried out to evaluate the significant different between means of samples.
Spatial Assessment of Urban Facilities and Services in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Wizor Collins H. , Wali Elekwachi
Published: November 2019

The rapid increase in both urban and rural populations in Rivers State has led to the problem of inadequate availability of urban facilities and social services thus giving rise to social disparity and unequal access to these basic facilities and services by people of the same population spectrum. Empirical research has shown that the problems of social disparity (inequality) particularly in urban areas are on the increase and is gaining global and local attention. Despite the efforts of successive governments in the study area to combat this social problem, it is still raising its head in form of unequal access to educational facilities, health care, urban housing, good roads, and emergency services. This study, therefore, spatially assessed urban facilities and services in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria.  The mixed research method was adopted. However, the sampling size for the study comprises of 160 users of these urban facilities/services and staff of the facilities who were also interviewed. Data for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools while Chi-square (X2) method of analysis was used to validate the research hypothesis. The result of the study revealed that accessibility to urban facilities and services is contingent on the level of income of residents in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The result further showed that the accessibility level to urban facilities and services varies across the sampled urban neighbourhoods. Arising from the above, the researchers recommended the deliberate formulation and implementation of policies targeted at eliminating the increasing inequality in access to urban facilities and services in Port Harcourt metropolis and the urgent need to increase the number of basic socio-economic, health, educational and recreational facilities/services to serve the increasing population in the metropolis.
Compensation Strategy as an Alternative Paradigm to Employee Performance: An Empirical Evidence from Nigerian Breweries PLC
Authors: Samuel Sajuyigbe, Ademola , Michael A. Adesola , Olanrewaju Omotoso
Published: November 2019

The study examines the influence of compensation on employee’s performance with particular reference to Nigerian Breweries Plc. Purposive sample technique was adopted to select 5 staff members each from the marketing department, quality control department, procurement department, human resources department and legal department and production department, totaling 60 participants as a sample size for the study. Data analysis was performed with the aid of mean, standard deviation and linear regression. The results reveal that the level of compensation and performance is manageable. The result also show that compensation has a significant impact on the employee performance. The study concludes that compensation strategy is a major predictor of employee performance. Therefore, study recommends that Nigerian breweries and other manufacturing firms in Nigeria should re-appraise their compensation programs within the context of their corporate strategy and specific human resource strategy to ensure that they are consistent with the necessary performance measures required by the manufacturing sector.
On Generalized Third-Order Pell Numbers
Authors: Soykan Yüksel
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we investigate the generalized third order Pell sequences and we deal with, in detail, three special cases which we call them third order Pell, third order Pell-Lucas and modified third order Pell sequences. We present Binet’s formulas, generating functions, Simson formulas, and the summation formulas for these sequences. Moreover, we give some identities and matrices related with these sequences.
Social Dynamics in the Workplace: Does Social Support Enhance Thriving at Work of Newbie Employees in the Private Sector?
Authors: O. Joe-Akunne, Chiamaka , E. Etodike, Chukwuemeka , I. Okonkwo, Kizito
Published: November 2019

Newly employed workers (newbies) usually find it difficult acclimatizing with their new life at work. Although modern-day organizations acknowledge this and attempt to buffer their stress; however, it is not known if social support dimensions can help their course. The objective of this study is to ascertain which dimensions of social support will predict thriving of newbie employees. Being the background to the study, responses of 274 newly employed workers (183 males and 91 females) aged 28yrs to 52yrs with mean age of 38.50 and SD = 2.20 were drawn as sample from universities in Anambra State, Nigeria were elicited. Mult-stage sampling technique was utilize in the selection of the participants’ institutions, faculties, departments and offices while a simple random sampling was used to selected actual participants from their offices. The study was anchored on Cohen and McKay’s Stress Buffering theory which emphasized that without buffering, work strain and stress may ultimately reduce workers’ thriving. The design of the study was correlational and multiple regression statistics was used to test the predictive influence of social support dimensions on thriving at work. The result of the analysis confirmed the three dimensions of social support (family support, friends’ support and significant others’ support) as predictors of thriving at work at β = .54, p < .05 for family support, β = .49, p < .05 for friends support and β = .37, p < .05 for significant others’ support (n = 274). The result accounted for 42.5% explanation of predictors of thriving at work among newbie employees. It is recommended that organizational climate be designed to provide more buffers to pressures of work especially for newly employed workers in order to boost their adaptability and effectiveness.
Modelling Secular Variation in the Southwest Pacific
Authors: Alfheid Maha Ali , Attia Mohana Faroug
Published: November 2019

A spherical cap harmonic analysis (SCHA) model has been used to derive a high resolution regional model of the geomagnetic field in the southwest Pacific region over the past 400 years. Two different methods, a self-consistent and the gufm1 dipole method, have been used to fill in gaps in the available data. The data used in the analysis were largely measurements of the magnetic field recorded in ships logs on voyages of exploration in the region.  The method chosen for the investigation used a spherical cap of radius
Radioactivity Concentrations and Their Radiological Significance in Sediments of Some Communities in Andoni, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ononugbo C. P. , Amah O. S.
Published: November 2019

Quantification of naturally occurring radioactive materials in sediment provides information on geological characteristics, the possibility of petroleum and mineral exploration, radiation hazards to the dwelling populace and so on. The coastal sediment collected from the densely populated coastal area of Andoni, Rivers State Nigeria, were analyzed using a Sodium Iodide activated with thallium γ-ray spectrometer with low background radiation environment. The result showed an inhomogeneous distribution of radionuclides at different sampling points. The activity concentration of 226Ra ranges from 9.82±3.41 to 33.37±3.27 Bqkg-1 with an average value of 22.64 Bqkg-1 and 232Th ranges from BDL to 26.78 Bqkg-1 with the average value of 8.45 Bqkg-1. The activity concentration of 40K was relatively higher than 226Ra and 232Th, ranging from 7.35±3.03 to 75.38±2.75 Bqkg-1 with an average value of 29.01 Bqkg-1. The average mass concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the sediments were found to be 2.04 ±0.002, 2.08 ±0.001 ppm and 0.09± 0.003 % respectively. The 232Th/226Ra ratio was found to be within the range of 0.00 to 3.59 with a mean value of 1.02 which is far below the continental crustal average concentration of 3.82. There was also a poor correlation of radionuclides in the sediment showing differences in their origin. The mean values of AGED, D, AEDE, Hex, Raeq, RLI, Iα, AUI and ELCR were below their recommended values. Thus the radioactivity levels in the studied sediments are generally of very little radiological concern for human health.
The Strategy of Instagram Use and the Installation of Modern Contemporary towards Millenial Generation’s Visiting Decision (Case Study in Yayoi Kusama Exhibition at Museum macan in Jakarta)
Authors: M. Hum Yulianti, S. Kom, , M. E. Yuni Deviyanti, S. E,
Published: November 2019

An interactive and an instagrammable tourism destination absolutely becomes an opportunity for the management part to invite more millennial visitors. Museum Macan with Contemporary Installation by Yayoi Kusama gets special attention from millennial generation to come and to enjoy the works. The strategy of promotion and publication of Cooper (Attraction, Access, Amenities, and Ancillary) is applied by the management party to use Instagram. However, it still has lack that should be fixed since it becomes the supporting factor of this strategy. The lack that the research found is regarding service quality performed by the assistants/officers of the museum that leads to the negative comments on the Instagram account of Museum Macan. The observation in the museum was done by the researcher in August 2018 and the random survey was done through direct message to the followers’ Instagram accounts that have visited Museum Macan when Yayoi Kusama exhibition was conducted; the results obtained will be analyzed by using SWOT and Grand Matrix qualitative methods to obtain solutions of the problems occurring. The strategy of Cronin and Taylor in form of tangible, emphaty, reliability, responsiveness, dan assurance is implemented by the researcher to solve the service problems occurring at Museum Macan.
Business Environment and Small and Medium Enterprises Performance: Pragmatic Evidence from Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwafolakemi Fasesin, Oladipo , Abiodun Ajiboye, Folasade , Bukola Aremu Atinuke
Published: November 2019

The dynamic and rapidly changing business environment in which most businesses operate has made a significant impact on organizational survival and performance. This study seeks to examine the impact of the business environment on SMEs' performance in Nigeria with particular reference to Oyo State. A survey of 153 randomly selected SMEs from three cities in every three senatorial zones of Oyo State. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire designed for the study. Descriptive statistics and Multiple Regression were used to analyze the data. The results reveal that the business environment has a significant impact on SMEs' performance. Furthermore, the results also show that infrastructural facilities accessibility, financial related problems, technological changes and attitude of people to locally made products are the most environmental factors militating against SMEs survival in Nigeria. Subsequently, the study recommends that government should do the needful in terms of provision of infrastructural facilities and implantation of National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) of making sure that a financial system is accessible to all Nigerian adults, at an inclusion rate of 80%, and to promote the country’s economic growth.
Waste-to-Energy: A Circular Economy Tool towards Climate Change Mitigation in Imo State, South-Eastern, Nigeria
Authors: Okere J. K. , Ofodum C. M. , Azorji J. N. , Nwosu O. J.
Published: November 2019

Waste is an indispensable by-product of most human daily activity. Prevailing waste management strategy, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria, is far below standard, resulting in environmental contamination and pollution which hampers sustainability. This forms the crux of the research paper which entails ascertaining how Waste-to-Energy can serve as a circular economy tool towards climate mitigation that will ensure environmental sustainability. Key challenges relate to moving beyond the perception of ‘waste as a problem’ to ‘waste as a resource’. Ultimately, both waste prevention, as well as a widespread growth in circular economy activities, will require a coherent and holistic approach that takes recovery options into account at every stage of the product life cycle. To achieve this, the study explored the potentials inherent in Waste-to-Energy (WtE) as a tool. The work is qualitative and involves a synchronic evaluation of previous research works relevant to the study to ascertain the viability of WtE as a circular economic tool for scaling back adverse environmental impact. Integration of results with detailed clarifications of circular economy and climate mitigation indicates WtE as an index of sustainable development. The bottom ash from combustion operations serves as feedstock to the construction industry, hence closing a potential pollution loop. Therefore, Waste-to-Energy is ascertained a viable tool that supports the circular economy while coupling with progressive externalities of climate mitigation. Thus, the study recommends that WtE as a tool should be duly considered as a key feature of climate change policy in developing countries, especially in Nigeria.
Knowledge Level of New Media Application Tools and Operational Use Challenges (A Survey of Radio and TV Journalists in Government-owned Media Organizations)
Authors: Obajuluwa T. M. , Talabi F. O. , Oluwasola O.
Published: November 2019

The study examined the knowledge of the use of new media tools and applications for the enhancement of information gathering and dissemination in the newsroom and the challenges faced in the integration of these tools in journalism practice, giving credence to peculiarities of the Nigerian situation. The study seeks to achieve the following objectives: to find out the challenges of news and information gathering in a digital age, to determine the knowledge level and operational skill of journalists use of the veritable tools such as apps and ICT facilities employed in the new media realm and also to enumerate ICTs challenges faced in order to engender support and vibrant journalism practice in Nigeria. The survey research method was adopted while the questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection. Respondents showed a slightly above average knowledge level of podcasting and Google image uses (64%). However, there was little knowledge demonstrated in the uses of the wiki, dejero/bambuser etc (38% and 29% respectively). Also, challenges plaguing journalism practice in Nigeria include inadequate staff training, epileptic telecommunication network and internet server problem as a major problem (among others). This study, therefore, among others; recommends that the government provides the needed social infrastructures, which the media need to operate. In this sense, the government should improve on the power supply situation so that ICT facilities can function under the right environment and adequate training for right knowledge and use of technological applications used for attaining the standards of international media best practices.
An Unusual Development of a Madura Foot: A Case Report
Authors: Benzarti S. , A. Triki M. , Kaziz H. , Mouelhi T. , L. Ben Ayeche M. , Naouar N.
Published: November 2019

Mycetomas are chronic inflammatory pseudo-tumoral lesions caused by fungal or bacterial agents developing in subcutaneous soft tissues and bone. Mycetoma is frequently located in the foot, realizing the Madura foot.

We report the case of a 42-year-old male farmer, who presented two years following an injury to the plant of the right foot. He already had two excisions elsewhere with recurrence and aggravation of the swelling.

He had a large painless subcutaneous swelling of his right foot with plantar sinuses discharging pale white and yellow grains. A surgical biopsy with histological study confirmed the diagnosis of mycetoma.

He received an antibiotic therapy consisting in penicillin G followed by amoxicillin then an association of penicillin G and co-trimoxazole during almost three years without any improvement. A below-knee amputation was performed complicated with necrosis and infection of the stump, which was resumed twice followed by an above-knee amputation.

Through this case of unusual development of a Madura foot we discuss the diagnostic and especially therapeutic difficulties of this chronic infection.
Qualitative Exploration of Ebola Risk Perception among Mortuary Workers in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ngodoo Adamu Helen , Aneshimi Lawani Mike
Published: November 2019

Aim:  To explore the risk perception of Ebola virus disease (EVD) among mortuary workers in Nigeria.

Study Design:  A qualitative research approach method, using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), conducted among 36 mortuary workers in Ibadan.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between October and November 2014 in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.

Methodology: A structured moderating approach with a non-directive style was developed. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide was used to explore participants’ ideas and opinions. The FGD guide consisted of five sections. Each section was framed to probe into the following issues:                  (1). Knowledge of EVD (2). Participant’s attitude to EVD (3). Adherence to infection control practices (4). Risk perception of EVD; and (5). Behavioural predisposition to the risk of mortuary-related infections. A total of six FGD sessions were conducted among 36 mortuary attendants, drawn from two government and four private health facilities in Ibadan. Six participants made up each focus group and one focus group discussion was conducted at a time in the respective health facilities.

Results: The qualitative exploration of mortuary workers revealed gaps in the knowledge of workers with regards to EVD, the high-risk perception of mortuary workers to Ebola virus disease and the unavailability of PPE in conducting autopsies and daily operations. In addition, a poor attitude to convalescent individuals and certain harmful behavioural practices in the morgue were revealed as key findings.

Conclusion: Efforts at bridging the knowledge gaps concerning EVD among mortuary workers should be sustained, despite the decline in Ebola outbreaks. It is also recommended that standard precautions should be followed when handling corpses due to the risk of infection.
Prevalence of Some Enteropathogens among Diarrhoeic and Apparently Healthy Children in two Contiguous Petroleum Resources - Rich Areas of Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Atting I. A. , Ibatt O. , Ekuma A. E.
Published: November 2019

Aims: The study characterised some intestinal bacterial and parasitic infections involved in diarrhoea causation in contiguous communities between October 2013 and April 2014.

Study Design: A total of 150 freshly-voided diarrhoeic samples of children attending PHC, Eket and General Hospital, Ibeno, and 50 non–diarrhoeic samples (Controls) were collected. The controls were recruited from subjects outside the health facilities.

Methodology: Standard bacteriological procedures were used in the identification while antibiotic susceptibility test was done. Questionnaires were also administered.

Results: The mean prevalence rate recorded for enteropathogens among children was 73%. A high prevalence of enteropathogens was observed in the parameters examined. The bacterial pathogens considered were Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella dysenteriae and Enterobacter species. Escherichia coli were the most prevalent with the rates of 43.5% and 45% in Eket and Ibeno, respectively. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) O26 and O111 were identified with an overall prevalence of 46.7%. Antibiotic susceptibility result shows that the organisms were most susceptible to Ciprofloxacin and resistant to Cotrimoxazole. The analyses of the questionnaires revealed that in the study area, children, whose parents have no formal education were more commonly infected with enteropathogens.

Conclusion: A systematic education of caregivers and children on personal hygiene is the best approach to reduce the intestinal pathogens.
Travel-blocking Optimal Control Policy on Borders of a Chain of Regions Subject to SIRS Discrete Epidemic Model
Authors: Bidah Sara , Rachik Mostafa , Zakary Omar , Boutayeb Hamza , Elmouki Ilias
Published: November 2019

With thousands of people moving from one area to another day by day, in a chain of regions tightly more interconnected than other regions in a given large domain, an epidemic may spread rapidly around it from any point of borders. It might be sometimes urgent to impose travel restrictions to inhibit the spread of infection. As we aim to protect susceptible people of this chain to contact infected travelers coming from its neighbors, we follow the so-called travel-blocking vicinity optimal control approach with the introduction of the notion of patch for representing our targeted group of regions when the epidemic modeling framework is in the form of a Susceptible-Infected-Removed-Susceptible (SIRS) discrete-time system to study the case of the removed class return to susceptibility because of their short-lived immunity. A discrete version of the Pontryagin’s maximum principle is employed for the characterization of the travel-blocking optimal control. Finally, with the help of discrete progressive-regressive iterative schemes, we provide cellular simulations of an example of a domain composed with 100 regions and where the targeted chain includes 7 regions.
Pattern of Anti-microbial Drug Resistance in Childhood Typhoid Fever in a Selected Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Siddiqui Hiba , Jahan Firdous , Siddiqui Muhammad A.
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Typhoid fever is a major public health issue in Pakistan. Variations in clinical manifestations make diagnosis a challenging task. Over use of antibiotics make the organism resistant. Antibiotic resistance is currently the most threatening issue as regards to infection control and our study would be helpful in the understanding of this feature of the microbes. The main purpose of this study was to determine the antimicrobial drug resistance and sensitivity pattern in Salmonella typhi and S. paratyphi.

Methods: This is a descriptive study carried out in a private hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. One hundred consecutive patients, children from age one day till 12 years admitted in the hospital with the history of fever and had positive blood culture for Salmonella typhi and S.paratyphi were included, 9 antimicrobial drugs were taken into account to check their sensitivity.  Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0). Data was expressed in frequencies and percentages.

Results: Most of the children belong to middle class 58% with 62% male and common age group (40%) was 1 day to 4 years. Nearly half of them drinking un-boiled water and had ladder pattern of high grade fever. Most pronounced symptoms were abdominal pain, nausea and anorexia. Resistance pattern was ciprofloxacin 100%, chloramphenicol 89.1%, Ampicillin 87.1% Ceftriaxone 76.2%, Cefixime 75.2%, Amoxicillin 65.3%.

Conclusion: Typhoid fever is most commonly observed with unhygienic practices, eating of unhealthy outside food and contaminated water. Pattern of anti microbial resistance gives us a little choice to select antibiotic for typhoid fever. Typhoid fever still remains the commonest bacteraemic illness in Pakistan with children being especially susceptible. Antimicrobial non-susceptibility continues to complicate management.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp Isolated from Diarrhoeic Children in Selected Health Centres in Sokoto, Nigeria
Authors: Najim Zainab , Kakako Saheed Ladipo , Ochei John , Alkali Bello Rabiu , Mohammed Kabiru , Opaluwa Saraja Ahmodu
Published: November 2019

Aim: To determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of E. coli and Salmonella spp. associated with childhood diarrhoea in our locality.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto between May and October 2017.

Methodology: A total of 236 faecal samples were collected from children less than or equal to five years and were processed, isolates were identified following standard bacteriological procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using disc diffusion method.

Results: About 96/236 (40.7%) of the sample yielded growth of E. coli, and 14/236 (5.9%) yielded growth of Salmonella species. Salmonella spp were 100% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and ceftriaxone whereas they demonstrated low sensitivity of 35.7%, 14.3% and 7.1% to cefuroxime, ceftazidime and cotrimoxazole respectively and none of the isolates was sensitive to ampicillin and augumentin. E. coli on the other hand were 73.9% sensitive to ceftriaxone, 69.8% to ciprofloxacin, 62.5% to gentamycin and 61.5% sensitive to ofloxacin. Sensitivity of E. coli to cefuroxime and cotrimoxazole was very low and none of the isolates was sensitive to ampicillin and augumentin. Conclusion: The prevalence of E. coli causing infectious diarrhoea among children in Sokoto is significantly high. Both bacterial agents presented with marked resistance to most antibiotics. Ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were found to be drugs of choice in the treatment of bacterial diarrhoea caused by both E. coli and Salmonella.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Manifestations in Probable Case of Rickettsial Infections in Children in Central Karnataka
Authors: Sachin K. R. , Pujar S. Madhu , Divya C. , Vinay K. M.
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations in children with rickettsial diseases are increasingly being reported from various parts of India but still rickettsial disease, as a cause of central nervous system (CNS) infections are underdiagnosed because of lack of freely available rapid and cheap diagnostic tests and varied clinical spectrum of rickettsial fever.

Objective: To report CNS manifestations in probable cases of rickettsial diseases so as to increase awareness amongst pediatricians.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of children (birth to 18 years) hospitalized in Bapuji Child Health Institute, which is secondary referral centre catering to children from five districts of Karnataka, with diagnosis of rickettsial disease from January 2016 to December 2018. The diagnosis of rickettsial infections was made by scoring system proposed by Rathi Goodman Aghai (RGA), weil felix test, prompt response to doxycycline within 48 hours and exclusion of differential diagnoses.

Results: Out of 278 patients, who were diagnosed as probable case of rickettsia, 172 patients had neurological involvement. Out of 172 patients with diagnosis of rickettsial disease having symptomatic neurological involvement, 148 (86%) had neurological manifestation as the main presenting feature while remaining presented with non-neurological manifestations of rickettsial diseases too, along with neurological manifestations. The youngest patient was 3 month old infant. The various neurological manifestations seen were altered mental status (76%), irritability (61%), headache (48%), meningeal signs (32%), seizures (31%), papilloedema (26%), focal neurological deficits (18%), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities (76%) and neuroimaging abnormalities (28%).

Conclusions: The myriads of neurological manifestations were seen with varying range of severity. Pediatricians should be aware of neurological manifestations seen in rickettsial infections and should have high index of suspicion for rickettsial diseases in febrile patients having neurological features specially in endemic areas.
The Pathogenesis and Immune-Response in Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever
Authors: Ahmad A. M. Meer , Arumugam S. , Leong Chee Loon
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Dengue fever has spread to be endemic in addition of 100 countries to a total estimate incidence of 50 – 100 million cases annually globally. About 0.7% of these cases become the complication that is dengue hemorrhagic fever which is severe and leads to about 22,000 deaths annually.

The pathogenesis of benign dengue fever becoming dengue hemorrhagic fever, and aspects of the immune-response behind it, have remained relatively unknown.

Methods: Existing literature on the Topic was retrieved through Google Scholar and PubMed searches, and the literature reviewed.

Results: Dengue hemorrhagic fever appears commoner in females and those with co-morbids such as diabetes-mellitus and obesity. Also, the case-fatality rate in severe dengue appears much bigger in females. The reasons for this are largely unknown but the additionally robust immune response in females, resulting in females to be additionally prone to develop bigger inflammatory response or enhanced susceptibility to capillary permeability could be the reason.

It has been shown that viremic-load, including the initial viremic-load at the bite of the Aedes-mosquito may be a factor leading to dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Yet different factors felt to be causative in the pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic fever include the role of the viral-protein, and then that which is termed the original antigenic-sin, the antibody-directed enhancement, autoimmunity, inhibition of interferon-alpha and cytokine-storm within the memory-cells.

Regionally, certain different strains of the DENV also seem to be associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Newer-vaccines, based on the immunology of the disease, offer much hope in the near future.

Conclusion: Much knowledge has been forthcoming in realizing the pathogenesis of dengue hemorrhagic fever. But, additional studies need to be done.
Newly Emerging Candida Specie: Should Clinicians and Mycologist be Concerned?
Authors: Ashcroft O. F. , Kumurya A. S. , Mohammed K. , Iduh M. U. , Yusuf A. A. , Bunza N. M. , Nataala S. U.
Published: November 2019

The emergence of C. auris as a global nosocomial pathogen associated with multidrug resistance and high mortality rates has been recently discovered. This emerging pathogen appears to be far more able to induce systemic infection and mortality than other potential multi drug resistance (MDR) yeast pathogens even though it is found to have reduced virulence factors compared to C. albicans. There are issues with regard to the identification of C. auris using both phenotypic and molecular techniques; this has raised concerns about detecting the true scale of the problem. This mini- review elucidates on the literature available on C. auris and highlights the mechanism of pathogenesis and antifungal resistance, which will give further direction to extensive research in this field.
Assessing Five Years of Management of Accidental Exposure to Blood at Gao Hospital, Mali
Authors: Cissoko Y. , Sidibé L. N. , Dembele J. P. , Oumar A. A. , Traoré A. , Samaké A. , Maïga A. A. , Diabira L. , Diarra D. , Dao S.
Published: November 2019

Accidental exposure to blood (AEB) constitutes a risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus especially amongst health workers. This study aims to describe accidental exposure to blood and post exposure management five years after it begin at the Hospital of Gao, since 2012 there is insurrection in this area making difficult to maintain health care system. This study will help to identify gaps to fill in order to improve the prevention of blood borne pathogen infection in this hospital.

All cases of AEB declared at the Hospital from January 1st 2007 to December 31, 2011 have been enrolled. The sociodemographic profile of victims, the circumstances of the accident, the post exposure management and the follow up of subject have been registered. Data were entered and analyzed with the SPSS software. Chi square test was used with the level of significance p<0.05.

During the 60 months of the study, an average of 124 workers were employed at the Hospital of Gao and 15 cases of accidental blood exposure were declared equal to an incidence density of 4.2 cases per 100 persons per year. Males were the most affected (60%). Nurses and lab technicians represent the majority of victims (53.3%). The most frequent type of accident was the injury by cannula needle sticks during intravenous injections (73.3%). Most of the cases received High Activity Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) within a mean delay of 25 Hours from the accident, and the regiment (AZT/3TC/LPV/r) is predominantly used. HIV serology was done in 53.3% of subjects and revealed 1 positive case. Initial blood tests in all victims were normal. The HAART observance was worst among medical doctors (p < 0.001). No contaminations by HIV were detected after 6 months of follow up.

The frequency of declared accidental exposures to blood at the Hospital of Gao is low. The post exposure management is facing a problem of observance of the treatment whenever it shows efficacy in all cases.