AJOL - African Journals Online
Not a member yet
221688 research outputs found
Sort by
Reductionism or holism? The two faces of biology
No full textReductionism and holism, that is, antireductionism, are two of the prevailing paradigms within the philosophy of biology. Reductionists strive to understand biological phenomena by reducing them to a series of levels of complexity with each lower level forming the foundation for the subsequent level, by mapping such biological phenomena inasmuch as possible to the principal phenomena within the fundamental sciences of chemistry and physics. In this way, complex phenomena can be reduced to assemblages of more elementary explananda. Holism, in counterpart, claims that there independently exist phenomena arising from ordered levels of complexity that have intrinsic causal power and cannot be reduced in this way. When dealing with the nature of biology and its unique foundations of essentialism, determinism and ethics, the pedagogical lens through which these foundations are conveyed to learners could provide a limited perspective if only the reductive approach is followed as it would not sensitise learners to the true complexity of the phenomenon of life and the study thereof, and it is the purpose of this article to frame the reductionist–antireductionist debate in order to illustrate this.
Contribution: This article contributes new knowledge to the field of the philosophy of science; more specifically, the philosophy of biology by critically evaluating the pervasive dialectic between the theoretical frameworks of reductionism and antireductionism and alluding to the pedagogical consequences thereof
Medical Admissions in a Rural Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria: A Retrospective Review
No full textBackground: Hospital-based morbidity and mortality records reflect the health status of host communities. This helps policymakers and industry actors plan and allocate resources for health services, research, training, and development. This study aimed to determine the pattern and outcome of medical admissions in a Nigerian teaching hospital.
Methodology: This was a three-year retrospective review from 2019 to 2021.Data on morbidity andmortality were extracted from ward registers. The relevant data was analysed using the IBM SPSS software. Tests were considered significant at p values of less than 0.05.
Results: A total of 2544 patients were admitted during the study period. There were 1420 females (55.8%) and 1124 males (44.2%), and the majority (36.9%) of patients were middle-aged. The mean age was 53.81 ± 18.81 years, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 9.07 ± 8.41 days, with 97.2% of the patients spending less than 30 days on admission. Non-communicable diseases (70.6%) were the most common causes of admissions. The top disease-specific causes of admissions were diabetes mellitus with its complications (14.9%), renal failure (11.8%), heart failure (9.2%), hypertension and its emergencies (9.2%), stroke (7.8%) and tuberculosis (7.0%). Cardiology (15.5%), endocrinology (15.1%), nephrology (15.0%), pulmonology (14.8%), and neurology (13.3%) accounted for the majority (86.4%) of the admissions. The major causes of death were renal failure (16.2%), stroke (15.8%), diabetes mellitus and its complications (12.5%) and HIV/AIDS (8.7%). The majority (86.7%) of patients were discharged, 10.4% died, 2.2% were discharged against medical advice, and 0.7% were referred.
Conclusion: The study found an increased burden of non-communicable diseases relative to communicable diseases. Effective health education and promotion initiatives must be implemented to combat the impact of the increasing prevalence of these diseases
Kidney Dysfunction in HIV-Positive Patients on HAART in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Comparative Study
No full textBackground: There has been improvement in the overall outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV) following the advent and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, there is an increased risk of nephrotoxicity from using HAART in PLWHIV as their life expectancy improves. This study assessed and compared renal dysfunction among PLWHIV on tenofovir-based and non-tenofovir-based HAART.
Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study determined and compared glomerular and tubular dysfunction among PLWHIV on tenofovir-based and non-tenofovir-based HAART. Urine beta2-microglobulin, fractional excretion of bicarbonate, uric acid, and Phosphate were used to assess proximal tubular function. The modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formula was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
Result: There were 120 participants with a mean age of 42.2 ±9.2 years. Sixty participants were on tenofovir-based HAART, and 60 were on non-tenofovir-based HAART. The overall prevalence of proximal renal tubular dysfunction among PLWHIV on HAART was 9.1%. The proximal renal tubular dysfunction prevalence was higher in the tenofovir-based group (15.0%vs3.3% P= 0.01). The mean urine β₂ MG level was higher in the tenofovir-based HAART group (0.21±0.15ug/ml vs 0.14±0.12ug/ml; P= 0.01). The mean eGFR was lower in the tenofovir-based HAART group (86.99±18.51mls/min/1.73m² vs 99.59±34.48mls/min/1.73m²; P=0.01)
Conclusion: Tenofovir-based HAART was associated with a significant decrease in GFR and proximal renal tubular dysfunction compared to non-tenofovir-based HAART. Those on tenofovir should be regularly monitored with markers of tubular dysfunction
The Relationship Between Human Resource Competencies and Firm Performance: The Case of Financial Institutions in Tanzania
No full textThis paper sought to identify human resource competencies that influence the performance of financial institutions in Tanzania. The competencies were assessed based on five domains: strategic contribution, personal credibility, business knowledge, human resource delivery, and internal consultation skills. Otherwise, business growth, financial and market performance were used to assess business performance. The standardised multiple regression coefficients were used to determine the position of competencies in influencing the performance of financial institutions based on data collected from 118 respondents. The results show that strategic contribution is the most important competency influencing the performance of financial institutions. Internal consulting competency was the least important of the five competencies. Human resource delivery was more important than business knowledge and personal credibility in order of importance. The results suggest that recruiting and developing people who can make a strategic contribution to a business is important for growth, followed by the ability to ensure better human resource delivery, business knowledge and personal credibility in order of importance. The study extends the theoretical framework to the effect that while organisations or companies are man-made entities that rely on people to achieve their goals, the contribution of human resources consists of a set of competencies that are specific to a particular business environment. Based on the findings, we propose a model of human resource competencies that shows the range of human resource competencies and their impact on overall performance, and on specific performance indicators. In doing so, we find that competencies are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing, and that this interaction is the basis for economic rent, competitive advantage and performance
The role of the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration in promoting good governance
No full textThis article critically analyses the provisions of the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration from an interdisciplinary standpoint of law and public administration. It assesses the Charter’s substance and its potential role in the promotion of good governance in Africa, subject to internationally accepted standards for good governance. Central to this approach is identifying probable legal, institutional and structural shortcomings, thus helping to set out useful guidelines required in facilitating the effective application and implementation of the Charter. Since there is a lack of track records and benchmarks concerning the Charter, the article seeks to give it substance and prominence. It aims to establish that the Charter can play a catalytic role in the promotion of good governance by requiring political commitment to the rule of law, effective implementation of state policy, enforcement of professional ethics, and adherence to sound ethical standards by public service agents. The envisioned public service governance should be an accountable and effective public administration that is based on a functional legal framework, efficient regulatory structures, and transparent systems for financial and legal accountability.  
Reconceptualising sovereign debt in international law
No full textRecurring debt crises and innovations in the sovereign debt landscape over the past couple of decades have rekindled interest in the nature and forms of sovereign debt. There are multiple outlets for contracting loans, all with different policies, principles and procedures. For instance, resource-backed loans have provided an additional option for resource-rich countries in Africa and Latin America to support their quest for infrastructural development. However, these and other innovations in sovereign financing may affect the dominant understanding and dynamics of sovereign debt governance. The silence of the literature on the place of development in the conceptualisation of sovereign debt is striking. Therefore, using doctrinal methodology, this article proposes a reconceptualization of sovereign debt to reflect these innovations, gaps, and emerging trends. It is argued that sovereign financing needs a theoretical underpinning linked to the objective of development. This article proposes a distinction between development-driven and non- development-driven sovereign debt. It is argued that a development-based conception of sovereign debt would make the recurring legitimacy issues surrounding the character of the sovereign relevant and more reflective of contemporary changes in the practice of sovereign financing. 
Aina za Uongozi wa Kisiasa katika Riwaya za Kiswahili: Uchambuzi Linganishi wa Kusadikika na Rais Anampenda Mke Wangu
No full textMakala hii inahusu uongozi wa kisiasa katika riwaya za Kiswahili. Riwaya zilizochaguliwa ni Kusadikika (1952), na Rais Anampenda Mke Wangu (2003). Hali ya uongozi wa kisiasa kabla ya uhuru inaelezwa kuwa ni tofauti na hali ya baada ya uhuru. Hii inamaanisha kwamba uongozi wa kisiasa kabla ya uhuru inawezekana kuwa tofauti na uongozi wa kisiasa baada ya uhuru. Kwa upande mwingine, inaelezwa kwamba hali ya uongozi haijabadilika toka kabla ya uhuru mpaka baada ya uhuru. Lengo la makala hii ni kubainisha aina za uongozi wa kisiasa zinazosawiriwa katika riwaya teule. Hii ni kwa sababu fasihi ni zao la jamii inayozungumza masuala mbalimbali ya jamii. Aidha, katika uandishi wa kazi za fasihi waandishi huakisi yale yanayotokea katika jamii ikiwamo suala la kisiasa. Ikiwa kulikuwa na tofauti au tofauti hizo hazikuwapo, je, ni kwa namna gani waandishi wa fasihi ya Kiswahili wameuonesha uongozi wa kisiasa katika vipindi tofauti. Hili ni wazo la msingi lililotuchochea kujadili suala la uongozi wa kisiasa katika riwaya teule. Aidha, riwaya hizi zilichapishwa katika vipindi mahususi vya uongozi, yaani kabla ya uhuru na baada ya uhuru. Uchunguzi huu ulijikita katika aina za uongozi wa kisiasa zilizoshughulikiwa na waandishi katika riwaya teule. Nadharia ya Ubaadaukoloni iliyoasisiwa na Edward Said mwaka 1978 imetumika katika uchambuzi wa data. Msingi wake unaeleza kuwa uhusiano kati ya jamii mbili, yaani watawaliwa na watawala ulianzisha jamii ya ubaadaukoloni na historia inaeleza vizuri kuhusu jamii hizi. Tuliongozwa na msingi huu kubainisha aina za uongozi wa kisiasa katika riwaya teule ambazo ni uongozi wa kisiasa wa kijadi na uongozi wa kisiasa wa kisasa
Uhusiano wa China na Afrika Mashariki kama Ilivyobainishwa katika Fasihi ya Kiswahili
No full textMakala hii inalenga kuangazia uhusiano wa China na Afrika Mashariki kama ilivyobainishwa katika fasihi ya Kiswahili. Ili kufikia lengo hilo, makala hii imegawanywa katika sehemu kuu tano. Sehemu ya kwanza ni utangulizi ambao unaonesha lengo la makala hii na data zake zilizokusanywa kutoka katika fasihi simulizi na andishi ya Kiswahili. Sehemu ya pili inafafanua Nadharia ya Uhistoria Mpya iliyotumika katika makala haya. Sehemu ya tatu inajadili historia ya uhusiano wa China na Afrika Mashariki, vipindi ulivyopitia na nyanja zake kwa jumla. Sehemu ya nne ambayo ndiyo kiini cha makala haya, inaeleza uhusiano wa China na Afrika Mashariki kupitia tanzu za fasihi ya Kiswahili. Sehemu ya tano ni hitimisho ambalo linaelezea kwa muhtasari matokeo ya uchunguzi wa makala hii
The Effectiveness of Mostafa Maged Technique in Closure of the Episiotomy during Vaginal Delivery
No full textBACKGROUND: This study is done to assess the effectiveness of Mostafa Maged technique in suturing the episiotomy.
METHODS: At the time of delivery, this technique will be applied to all women with episiotomy or perineal or vaginal tears. The technique employs absorbable vicryl threads with 75 mm round needles. Mostafa Maged technique includes the continuous suturing of the vaginal epithelium and the muscle layer. Evaluation of the perineal region within the next twenty-four hours prior to discharge searching for (edema-hematoma-septic wound - continence - ecchymosis - dyspareunia).
RESULTS: The current study included 50 patients. All patients had an episiotomy during delivery; 25 patients' episiotomies were sutured using Mostafa Maged technique, while the remaining patients' episiotomies were by regular traditional technique. Mostafa Maged technique has demonstrated efficacy in achieving adequate hemostasis and avoiding dead space formation during an episiotomy. It was found that 100 % of patients with Mostafa Maged technique have no dead space, and 95.8% of Mostafa Maged patients do not have vulval edema. The technique of Mostafa Maged has also proven effectiveness in achieving postoperative hemostasis. Unlike patients with regular maneuvers, 83.3% do not have dead space, and 83.3 % do not have vulval edema.
CONCLUSION: Mostafa Maged technique is a simple technique and easy to apply when suturing episiotomy. Mostafa Maged technique is significantly superior to conventional maneuvers in preventing bleeding at the episiotomy site and preventing formation of dead space so achieving good hemostasis; therefore, it is highly recommended. I recommend more studies on efficacy of Mostafa Maged maneuver on large sample of patients
Household Poverty-Wealth and Decision-Making Autonomy as Predictors of Reproductive and Maternal Health Services Utilization among Rural Women in Nigeria: Evidence from a National Survey
No full textBACKGROUND: Adequate reproductive and maternal healthcare services utilization are significant in reducing maternal deaths, however, the prevalence rate of contraceptive use remains low, with inadequate maternal health services utilization among rural women in Nigeria. This study examined the influence of household poverty-wealth and decision-making autonomy on reproductive and maternal health services utilization among rural women in Nigeria.
Methods: The study analyzed data from a weighted sample of 13,151 currently married and cohabiting rural women. Descriptive and analytical statistics including multivariate binary logistic regression were conducted using Stata software.
RESULTS: An overwhelming majority of rural women (90.8%) have not used modern contraceptive methods, with poor utilization of maternal health services. About 25% who delivered at home received skilled postnatal checks during the first 2 days after childbirth. Household poverty-wealth significantly reduced the likelihood of using modern contraceptives (aOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.52-0.84), having at least four ANC visits (aOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.36-0.51), delivering in a health facility (aOR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.29-0.42) and receiving a skilled postnatal check (aOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15-0.88). Women’s decision-making autonomy regarding their healthcare significantly increased the use of modern contraceptives and the number of ANC visits, while women’s autonomy on how their earnings are spent positively influenced the use of maternal healthcare services.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of reproductive and maternal health services among rural women was associated with household poverty-wealth and decision-making autonomy. Government should formulate more pragmatic policies that will create awareness and promote universal access to reproductive and maternal healthcare services