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Challenges and Training Needs for Integrating Social Media into Agricultural Extension Services in Enugu State, Nigeria
No full textThis research examined the challenges, and training needs for the integration of social media into extension in Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety-seven agricultural extension workers were proportionately selected from six agricultural zones in Enugu State. Data were generated through a questionnaire and results were presented with percentages and mean scores. The major challenge to the use of social media was the lack of access to social media by some target audiences ( x̄ =1.55) and the complexity of the devices (phone and media). Some areas of training needs of the extension workers were how to place advertisements using Youtube (89.5%), how to transform images on Instagram (89%), how to post a link on Twitter (83.6%) and how to update WhatsApp application (79.4%). The government and extension organization should provide internet and internet-enabled devices as part of tools for extension work and the use of social media should be incorporated as part of continuous professional development (CPD) for extension agents by extension organizations in Enugu State
Quality assessment of the physicochemical properties of soils from automobile workshops and transformer installations site in Lafia, Nasarawa State
No full textAnalysis of soils for physical and chemical properties from selected auto-mechanic workshops and transformer installations in Lafia town, Nasarawa State was carried out according to standard methods. The levels of heavy metals concentration in the soil were assessed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES Thermo Fisher ICAP 6300). The results obtained for the physicochemical properties and concentrations of heavy metals in the auto-mechanic workshops and the transformer installations varied according to the sampling locations and the type of metals. It was observed that in the auto-mechanic workshops, the levels of these metals were: Co (0.50-0.72 mg/kg), Fe (1.36-1.96 mg/kg), Pb (0.53-0.69 mg/kg), Cu (1.49-1.79 mg/kg), Cd (0.94-1.12 mg/kg), Ni (0.05-0.10 mg/kg), and Zn (10.14-11.14 mg/kg) while that of the transformer site ranged: Co (0.88-0.96 mg/kg), Fe (1.35-1.77 mg/kg), Pb (0.06-0.08 mg/kg), Cu (0.75-0.92 mg/kg), Cd (0.05-0.11 mg/kg), Ni (0.12-0.15 mg/kg), and Zn (6.00-7.14 mg/kg). The values obtained for the physiochemical parameters of the soil samples varied with the nature of activities taken place where samples were collected. The pH of the soil from the auto-mechanic workshop ranged from: (5.87-6.20), conductivity (77.59-126 s/m), organic carbon (0.63-0.93), organic matter (1.08-1.60), sand (66.14-89.05), clay (4.91-14.95), silt (6.04-22.03), sulphate (2.16-3.14), and phosphate (2.16-4.08). Values obtained for the soil from the transformer installations site showed that the pH ranged (5.55-6.54), electric conductivity (86.22-121.92 s/m), organic carbon (0.46-0.97), organic matter (1.21-1.48), sand (74.14-89.47), silt (6.28-13-33), clay (4.25-12.53), sulphate (3.21-4.16), and phosphate (3.22-4.12), respectively. Although most of the physicochemical parameters of the samples analyzed are in conformity with the standard soil guideline range, the results obtained for heavy metals revealed that soils from some of the sampling locations are impacted negatively as observed in the significant concentrations of some heavy metals which are above the threshold limit for normal agricultural soil
The effect of addition of fly ash on physical properties of transetererified calabash oil as source of biodiesel
No full textThe change in climatic patterns, depletion of fossils fuels and environmental issues have led to the search of alternative energy sources. One of these renewable sources of energy is biodiesel. This work investigates the effects of the addition of fly ash on the physical properties of transesterified calabash oil. The physical and chemical properties of fly ash were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Xray fluoroscopy (XRF) characterizations. The crude calabash oil was purified, transeterified and fly ash were dispersed in the trans-esterified oil with concentration ranging from 0.1% to 0.4% in the interval of 0.1% Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FTIR) was used to examine the structures of the samples were ester presence. SEM characterizations indicate the presence of dispersed particles with irregular shape on the nanoparticles. The pour point, fire point and the flash point of the samples were studied. It was found out among other things that small amount of fly ash (0.3%) in the oil could improve the physical properties of the fluid. The Nano fluid with 0.3% concentration of fly ash appears to have optimum physical property
The Quality of Logistics Management Information System and the Availability of Tracer Drugs at Health Posts in Rural Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study
No full textBACKGROUND: Proper implementation of the logistics management information system (LMIS) would facilitate access to essential pharmaceutical products. It also prevents wastage at health posts. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the LMIS and the availability of tracer drugs at health posts in rural Ethiopia.
METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional descriptive design with a mixed-method approach. The data used for this paper was collected from March to May 2019 as part of the National HEP assessment. The study involved 343 health posts randomly selected from nine regions of Ethiopia. Women’s Development Army members and household heads participated in the qualitative study (i.e. in FGD and KII). The quantitative data were exported from Open Data Kit (ODK) to Stata 15.1 for statistical analysis, and the qualitative data were entered into NVivo 12 and analyzed using thematic content analysis.
RESULTS: Of the health posts, 59.4% had a space for storing drugs; less than half (41.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) [36%, 48%]) had a functioning refrigerator. The mean percentage of the availability of selected tracer drugs at health posts was 59.6%, with a 95% CI (58.9%, 60.3%). Bin cards were available at 43% (95% CI [40%, 46%]) of health posts, and among these, only 27.5% of the health posts adequately used the bin cards.
CONCLUSION: The absence and poor use of LMIS tools was observed at health posts. Proper implementation of the LMIS has the potential to improve the availability of essential drugs that, in turn, improve health post level delivery of health services
Gender stereotypes and career choices: a cross-sectional study on a group of South African students in construction programmes
No full textGendered perceptions may determine the aspirations and expectations, as well as the academic and career choice of young people. This article examines the role of gender stereotypes as a predictor of career choices of students in construction. A survey of 229 conveniently sampled students, enrolled in construction-related programmes was conducted. The objectives of the study are to measure the relationship between gender stereotypes and career choice behaviour, and to measure the effect of gender and socio-economic status on how gender stereotypes influence student’s career choices. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to test for significant differences between gender and socio-economic status (SES) groups. Results show that, as opposed to men, women seem to perceive gender stereotypes as having more influence on their career choices than men. The study finds statistically significant differences in gender stereotypes among the low and medium socio-economic groups
Assessment of the level of awareness of intelligent buildings in Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textThe feasibility of achieving sustainable building development, an eco-friendly environment, and building investment conservation by integrating technological intelligence in buildings is highly viable. Intelligence features are, therefore, increasingly being incorporated in new designs and existing buildings to enhance the useful life, productivity and satisfaction of occupants, and a greener environment. This article evaluates the use of intelligent building systems in Nigeria. Primary data were obtained with the use of structured questionnaires that were self-administered to construction professionals in the private and public sectors in Lagos State. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings established that 90.24% of the respondents were aware of intelligent building systems, while practitioners who have worked or were working on buildings with intelligent features were limited to 51.2%. Approximately 64.60% of the respondents have used intelligent buildings previously, but only thirteen (13) notable buildings were identified to have employed intelligent building systems to a reasonable extent in the study area. The features of intelligent buildings with top level of awareness were CCTV system; access control and locks (mean = 3.96); alarms and alerts (mean = 3.92); HVAC system (mean = 3.90), and fire alarm system (mean = 3.89). Features with high level of utilisation include lighting system, which was the most utilised feature (mean = 3.57); fire alarm system (mean = 3.48); access control and lock; CCTV system (mean = 3.45), and HVAC system (mean = 3.43). The results showed that most of the features with a high level of awareness were also those with a high level of utilisation. The study established that the level of awareness and utilisation of intelligent building systems in the study area is high, but full adoption of the system is still low
Entrepreneurship for unsettled times in the architectural profession – A review.
No full textInternationally, the architectural profession is doing introspection and debating its future role and relevance. In South Africa, the profession, like others in the built-environment sector, is under pressure, due to political and economic uncertainties and a low growth rate. While many voices call for a greater emphasis on the business aspect of architectural practice, this review article suggests that, in addition, if architects were to adopt a more entrepreneurial approach – as many have already done – the profession could gain new ground and fresh relevance. In support of this suggestion, the article proposes how the inclusion of entrepreneurship education into architectural education can inculcate an entrepreneurial attitude. Based on a literature study, the article provides examples of entrepreneurial endeavours by architects in practice. The study found that entrepreneurial architects have created opportunities not only for themselves, but also for others, including persons who previously enjoyed hardly any benefit from architects; that entrepreneurial architects can practise away from mainstream locations; that the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution might bring a host of entrepreneurial opportunities to those who are ready and have an entrepreneurial mindset; that entrepreneurial architects seem willing to share and help others who wish to follow, and that entrepreneurship and good design are not incompatible. A further finding was that the profession in general benefits, and will continue to do so, from the entrepreneurial endeavours of its members. A change of mindset was found to be the main factor prohibiting support for the notion that architectural education should include entrepreneurial outcomes into current and new programmes. Finally, it emerged that there is a need for support in the form of mentorship, incubators, and support groups from professional organisations such as the South African Institute of Architects
Interlocking nailing of lower limb fractures at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital(UPTH), Rivers State
No full textBackground: The interlocking intramedullary nail has become the standard treatment for most longbone diaphyseal and selected metaphyseal fractures. The Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) intramedullary nail is a set designed for use in treating patients in resource poor regions who need,but cannot afford an intramedullary interlocking system.
Aim: To assess the demographics, pattern of injuries and surgical outcome of patients with lower limb fractures treated with the SIGN interlocking nails at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Methods: All patients who had intramedullary nailing of lower limb long bone fractures between March 2013 and March 2016 using the SIGN nails were included in this study. Details on demographics, bone fractured and surgical technique were collected using the SIGN database proforma.
Results: Fifty one surgeries were performed on forty eight (48) patients, fourteen females and thirty four males. Male to female ratio was 2.4: 1 and ages ranged between 18 and 90 years, the mean age being 38.7± 1.6 years. Thirty seven (72.5%) patients had femoral fractures while fourteen (27.5%) patients had tibial fractures, three (5.9%) of these patients had floating knees. A total of forty nine (96.1%) fractures showed clinical and radiologic evidence of fracture healing at six months. Total complication rate was 10.5%, and included two (4.2%) cases of surgical site infection, one (2.1%) case of post- operative bleeding and one (2.1%) case each of missed distal interlock and implant failure.
Conclusion: The advantages of interlocking intramedullary nail fixation of long bone diaphyseal fractures have been well documented. Despite the disadvantages of opening the fracture site and disrupting the fracture hematoma, the SIGN system, with open reduction of the fracture is quite adequate in treating these fractures. 
Cardiovascular risk factors and renal impairment among young adults in a tertiary institution in southwest Nigeria
No full textBackground: Specific research is sparse on renal dysfunction among homogenous group of young adults. This study estimated the prevalence of renal dysfunction among apparently healthy young adults and determine association (if any) between renal dysfunction and some cardiovascular risk factors.Methodology: Undergraduates (18-37 years) of a tertiary institution were studied on 2017 World Kidney Day. Their biodata, blood pressure, anthropometry, total cholesterol and stimated glomerular filtration rate were determined. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: A total of 640 students were studied (M:F=1:3.8). Their mean age was 23.1±2.8 years. Thirty-three (5.2%) participants had renal dysfunction (eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2). The mean age of subjects with renal dysfunction (eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2) was significantly higher with an inverse association to renal function (p = 0.005). Two hundred and fifty-seven (40.2%) and 58 (9.1%) participants were pre-hypertensive and hypertensive respectively; overweight, abdominal obesity and hypercholesterolaemia were found among 12.2%, 14.2% and 8.1% of subjects respectively. The mean body mass index (p = 0.009) and serum total cholesterol (p = 0.003) were significantly higher among females. There was a higher prevalence of renal dysfunction among females even though this was not to the significant level (5.9 v 2.2%, p = 0.12).Conclusions: The prevalence of renal dysfunction among young adults is lower than current global estimates. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors for CKD were lower than that of older adults with no significant association to renal dysfunction. Increasing age was found to be significantly associated with reduced renal function
