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This study examines the status of pollutants in Nsudu River for drinking water purpose. Water samples were collected from Nsudu River and analyzed at Enugu State Water Corporation (quality control unit) laboratory. Physical, chemical and bacteriological tests were conducted on the collected samples following standards and acceptable methods of water analysis. The results obtained showed that turbidity, total solid, total suspended solid, total dissolved solid, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, pH, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride, etc. conformed with the acceptable limits stipulated by both World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigerian standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) with the exception of the biological parameters which were found to be above the standards stipulated by the two bodies. More so, ANOVA results showed (P < 0.01) and (F-test of 12094 > F-crit. of 6.9) indicating significant difference between the biological contaminants

Varieties of resources abound in the forests of Nigeria and especially in Abia state, an economic treasure house of resources. Sustainable management of the forests in Nigeria is crucial for a consistent supply of forest resources. Ten forest reserves were surveyed to determine the extent of the government’s involvement in sustainable forest management in Abia State. The government consider the forest reserves, as a revenue-generating venture, leading to the excessive exploitation of forest resources in the state. The exploitation is without regard for sustainability as the harvest is consistently higher than its growth. The government’s involvement in funding the forestry sector over these years has been the payment of salaries to staff of the State forestry department and revenue collection, while international donors, corporate organizations and private sectors have not considerably invested in the Abia State forest sector. The survey revealed the challenges militating the productivity of the forest sector in Abia State, namely: inadequate capital, administrative incompetence and bureaucratic bottleneck, political instability, ecological challenge, insufficient skilled personnel, corruption, lack of forest equipment and inefficient forest laws. Training should be organized for the forest staff and communities to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources. There is a need for the modernization of forestry practice in Abia State and all that go with it being accorded a well-deserved priority in the present economic dispensation in Nigeria.

Quality of concrete explains considerably the state of affairs involved in the production of concrete in a particular area. The antecedents of the production process to a greater extent therefore have a way of predicting the expected quality of a product. Hence, the degree of relationship between the quality of concrete and its production characteristics is determined in the study. Field work adopted in the study comprises activity sampling and ex post facto experimental designs. These two different research designs were applied to obtain data for performance assessment of activities involved in the production procedures and laboratory tests of concrete produced at various sites in the study area respectively. The corresponding data obtained in the field work are in ordinance and ratio scales of measurement. Regression analysis was used to establish a casual relationship between the two variables - performance level of the production characteristics (x) and the compressive strength (y) of the concrete at various sites in the study area. A model relationship of simple regression analysis for the dependent and independent variables is established. Finding reveals that the better the ranking of sites in compliance with the standard practice of production characteristics, the higher the compressive strength property of the concrete produced on site; hence the linear relationship. The coefficient of determination shows that 93% of changes in the strength property of concrete are caused by the production characteristics. Although the highest value of compressive strength obtained as 10.80 N/mm2 goes with the best state of affairs of the production characteristics in the study, it does not meet the minimum stipulated specification for the strength. Hence, other critical factors such as; aggregate type, and mix design should be considered for desired quality of concrete in the study area. Besides, enforcement of uniformity in production process as standard practice by all the firms should as a matter of urgency be implemented formally by the government in the state for improved quality of concrete in general.

The adoption of virtual teaching and learning of a second language in the Nigerian educational system has received little attention. COVID-19 lock-down, imposed by the governments of the nations, forced educational institutions globally and locally to adapt virtual teaching and learning of English language. This research paper investigated the challenges of virtual teaching and learning of a second language (English) in selected secondary schools, Isu Ikwuato L.A. Abia State, Nigeria. It used a mixed method convergent parallel research design. The purposive sampling technique was used to select secondary schools that adopted virtual teaching and learning. The targeted population was 2000 English students and teachers with a sample size of 333. The results revealed that the schools made use of synchronous, asynchronous and blended types of online teaching and learning, and the students had a positive attitude. Both students and teachers experienced challenges of poor network, lack of ICT training, unstable electricity, and financial constraint. This study recommends the following: Language Policy Makers in Nigerian Educational System to map out the strategies that will incorporate online second language teaching and learning skills in the curriculum. That Marist Educational Board in partnership with the Ministry of Education in Nigeria, provide virtual supplementary materials for English language education. Adequate virtual training to be provided for English teachers and students. That the challenges of internet fluctuation, power shortage, insufficient virtual materials, inadequate funds, technical issues, virtual skills be addressed by all the stakeholders in education.

Aim: Bioremediation of soil play a critical role in removing pollutants from crude oil polluted soil. To investigate the mycoflora of crude oil polluted area of Ukwa West Local Government in the present Abia State. Methodology: Portions of the soil samples collected from three (3) locations were plated out separately on Yeast Starch Agar, Starch Agar, and Cellulose Agar using soil plate methods. The culture plates were examined after 5-7 and 14 days for the presence of fungi. Pure cultures of the isolates were obtained by subculturing and the physico-chemical properties of the soil samples were determined using standard methods. Results: Twenty species (20) of fungi were isolated from the crude oil polluted soil sample and represented by their respective genera. Eight (8) species of Aspergillus representing 40%, two (2) species of Thermomyces representing 10% each, and one (1) species of Penicillium, Cladosporium, Cunninghamella, Curvularia, Trichoderma, Scopulariopsis, Sporotrichum and Basipetospora representing 5% each. Aspergillus species were predominant which include among others A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. parasiticus, A. oryzae, A. terreus. The physico-chemical properties of the soil sample were found to be varied and have affected the distribution and population of fungi. The pH values ranged from 4.81- 5.58 as compared to the control ranging from 5.72- 6.50 for soil samples A, B and C. The moisture content values ranged between 26.46-29.59% as compared to the control ranging from 29.41-32.51%. The soil was found to be high in organic matter content with values of 70.3-82.7% as compared to the control which was 94% for each of the locations. Conclusion: Crude oil polluted soils of Ukwa West of Abia State, Nigeria is rich in fungal biodiversity with the soil’s samples having different physico-chemical properties.

Across the developing world, rural women suffer widespread gender-based discrimination in laws, customs and practices which cause severe inequalities in their ability to access, control, own and use land and limit their participation in decision-making at all levels of land governance. Most literature on land tenure in sub-Saharan Africa has presented women as a homogenous group. This study uses cases from Ohafia to show that women have differentiated problems, needs, and statuses in their quest for land access and tenure security. Ohafia in Abia State, Nigeria was the study area. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods including household surveys, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and observations. The experience of women revolved around fear of been cheated (19.7%), need a supporting hand (46.8%) and need approval from their husband (33.6%). The consequences of perceived exclusion and/or marginalization of women as revealed by women owner-occupiers are women subordination (70.2%) and marginalization of widow (29.8%). The study recommends the promotion of gender integration at all levels of projects and programmes by integrating gender perspectives in all future activities as it is required, for example, the FAO Gender Plan of Action and the UNCHS. To ensure gender inclusiveness in project and programme planning and in policy and decision-making, aiming towards a balanced representation of men and women in these bodies. Keywords: Land, Land Rights, Land Tenure, Women, Legal Security of Tenure

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. A previous study in Abia State, Nigeria, showed a high prevalence of diabetes, with no significant difference in urban and rural communities. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors for impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), which represent reversible and preventable early signs of DM. A cross-sectional comparative study of 2800 adult residents of Abia State, comprising equal number of urban and rural respondents. Interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Fasting blood glucose was performed for all the respondents, while oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done for 2424 respondents, comprising 1117 urban residents and 1307 rural residents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Mean age of the respondents was 48.54 ± 13.24 years: rural = 54.23 ± 14.26 years and urban = 42.85 ± 13.24 years, p

2D Electrical Resistivity (ER) and Instantaneous Potential (IP) geophysical techniques were used at Eziama village in Abia state of Nigeria to investigate possible Pb-Zn mineralization. The dipole-dipole electrode configuration was employed for data acquisition and Earth Imager software was used for inversion of the acquired data. The analysis of the result of the study showed the presence of the Pb-Zn ore along traverses 1, 2 and 3 while traverses 4 and 5 appear barren. Along traverse 1, the mineralized zone falls within the fractured basement and is characterized by low resistivity (about 316 – 5623 ohm-m) and high chargeability (33.2 – 128 ns) at lateral distance of 73 – 103 m. On traverse two, the ore body was identified at lateral distance of about -18 to 53 m as delineated on the IP structure with resistivity and chargeability of the anomalous zone ranging from 4.6 – 677 ohm-m and 41.8 – 142 ns respectively at depth of about 21.4 m while on traverse three, two ore bodies labeled a, a’ and b, b’ on the ER and IP cross-sections were delineated at lateral distance of about -130 to -93 m and 78 to 98 m respectively with depth to the top of the suspected ore bodies ranging from about 7.1 m for body ‘a’ and about 14.3 m for ‘a’. Traverses four and five however showed no prospect for Pb-Zn mineralization. The result of this investigation has once again demonstrated the usefulness of combined electrical resistivity and induced polarization techniques in solid mineral exploration.

In the rural and communal settings, land rights are culturally attached to indigenous peoples in Nigeria, especially the inhabitants of the southern part of the country. Culturally, the customary land tenure system has generic value and security in such ways that it could be transferred from one owner to owner without restrictions. Security of land tenure is a vital ingredient that enhances the transferability of greater altitudes of investment. The study adopted a random sampling method and selected 1,061 house-owners and administered a set of structured questionnaires that contained questions that probed into issues on their accessibility to land and legal security of tenure. Another set of questionnaires was differently designed to elicit information from other stakeholders (Land managers, Town planning Agencies, Community/Family Heads, etc). Data obtained from the primary source were subjected to empirical analysis. The data were also complemented by secondary data. The findings revealed the socio-economic characteristics of the house-owners, means and duration of the period of land acquisition, determinants of access to land, and the implications on the securing planning permission, construction of illegal structures and the quality of construction. Finally, the paper recommended that tenure security in customary areas can be enhanced through the formalization of customary tenure. Governments should facilitate this process, initially where there is a demand for formalization. There is a need to harmonize reform efforts across customary and statutory law, regulations. Keywords: Land, Access to Land, Security of Tenure, Statutory law, Customary law, Rural Land.

The broad objective of the study was to ascertain the nature of relationship existing between Strategic Thinking and the Competitive Advantage of SMEs in South-East Nigeria. The study deployed survey research design, with a population of three hundred and eleven (311) selected SMEs in Anambra and Abia State of southeast Nigeria, and a sample size of 172 arrived at using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze the data, and hypothesis was tested at 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that a statistically significant relationship exists between Innovative Thinking and Value Creation of SMEs in South-East Nigeria (r = .972, p-value < 0.05). Sequel to this, it was concluded that the continuous existence of firms in a changing business environment require more than having resources of whatever kind; it transcends owning finance, equipment or even personnel. It was recommended among other things that owners of SMEs need to give other people, like family members and employees the opportunity to contribute to the innovative processes of their organization, as it will help them to create more value for their customers. Keywords: Strategic Thinking, Competitive Advantage, SME’s, Innovative Thinking and Value Creation.

Abia nitens (Linnaeus, 1758) Tenthredo nitens Linnaeus, 1758: 556. &male; [because the conspicuous dark dorsal patches on abdomen are mentioned]. Syntypes (assumed). Type locality: Europe. Lectotype designated by Malaise and Benson (1934). LSUK. Images of the lectotype (LINN 2402) in dorsal and lateral view are available (The Linnean Society of London 2022). Tenthredo sericea Linnaeus, 1767: 921. Sex not stated [but probably female, because dark dorsal patches on abdomen are not mentioned]. Syntypes (assumed). Type locality: Leipzig. syn. nov. Abia sericea: de Dalla Torre (1894), Konow (1905b), Enslin (1917), Liston and Späth (2006), Taeger et al. (2010). Abia dorsalis Costa, 1859: 5-6. &female;. Holotype [not examined]. Type locality: Italy, Cape Miseno near Naples. syn. nov. Notes. Abia nitens was successively mentioned as occurring in Sweden by Fallén (1807), Dahlbom (1836), and Thomson (1871), who all placed Tenthredo sericea as its synonym. Thomson’s description of leg color indicates that he had before him specimens of the species called by Taeger (1998) A. sericea, or perhaps A. candens [not distinguished from the former in Thomson’s time]. Influenced by the continued, widespread use of the name Abia nitens in Scandinavian literature, Taeger et al. (2006) and ArtDatabanken (2015) included Sweden within the range of A. brevicornis [as A. nitens auct.]. In fact, no Swedish specimens of A. brevicornis have been located in the MZLU or NHRS collections, and there are no published records from other Fennoscandian countries. Abia brevicornis is restricted to extremely dry, summer-warm sites, where its larval hosts occur (Scabiosa spp.) (Liston and Späth 2006). Probably it has a strongly continental distribution: its most north-westerly known localities in Europe are in Central Germany, whereas it is not definitely known in France (Noblecourt 2020), and a single old record from Spain needs confirmation. Although a presence of A. brevicornis in southern Sweden cannot be ruled out, we consider it likely that all references to A. nitens auct. in Sweden relate to either A. nitens [= Abia sericea] or A. candens., Published as part of Liston, Andrew, Mutanen, Marko, Heidemaa, Mikk, Blank, Stephan M., Kiljunen, Niina, Taeger, Andreas, Viitasaari, Matti, Vikberg, Veli, Wutke, Saskia & Prous, Marko, 2022, Taxonomy and nomenclature of some Fennoscandian Sawflies, with descriptions of two new species (Hymenoptera, Symphyta), pp. 151-218 in Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 69 (2) on page 151, DOI: 10.3897/dez.69.84080, {"references":["Malaise, R, Benson, RB, 1934. The Linnean Types of Sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta). Arkiv foer Zoologi 26(4 [A20]): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933408654888","2022. . http://linnean-online.org","de Dalla Torre, CG, 1894. Catalogus Hymenopterorum hucusque descriptorum systematicus et synonymicus. Vol. 1: Tenthredinidae incl. Uroceridae (Phyllophaga & Xylophaga). Guilelmus Engelmann, Lipsiae, [[6] pp.+ pp. I-VIII +] 1-459. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.10348","Konow, FW, 1905b. Hymenoptera. Fam. Tenthredinidae. Genera Insectorum 29: 1 - 176","Enslin, E, 1917. Die Tenthredinoidea Mitteleuropas VI. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift (Beiheft 6): 539-662.","Liston, AD, Spaeth, J, 2006. On the Biology of Abia nitens (Linne, 1758): a Thermophile Sawfly with a Diurnal Larval Feeding-Pattern (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Cimbicidae). In: Blank, SM, Schmidt, S, Taeger, A, Eds., Recent Sawfly Research: Synthesis and Prospects. Goecke and Evers, Keltern: 129 - 138","Taeger, A, Blank, SM, Liston, AD, 2010. World Catalog of Symphyta (Hymenoptera). Zootaxa 2580 (1): 1 - 1064, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2580.1.1","Fallen, CF, 1807. Foersok till uppstaellning och beskrifning a de i Sverige fundne Arter af Insect-Slaegtet Tenthredo Linn. Kongliga Vetenskaps Academiens nya Handlingar 28 (3): 179 - 209","Dahlbom, G, 1836. Prodomus Hymenopterologiae Scandinavicae. C. F. Berling, Lund, DOI: https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.67771","Thomson, CG, 1871. Hymenoptera Scandinaviae (Tenthredo et Sirex Lin.). H. Olsson, Lund 1: 1 - 342","Taeger, A, 1998. Bestimmungsschluessel der Keulhornblattwespen Deutschlands (Hymenoptera: Cimbicidae). In: Taeger, A, Blank, SM, Eds., Pflanzenwespen Deutschlands (Hymenoptera, Symphyta). Kommentierte Bestandsaufnahme. Goecke and Evers, Keltern: 193 - 205","Taeger, A, Blank, SM, Liston, AD, 2006. European Sawflies (Hymenoptera: Symphyta) - A Species Checklist for the Countries. In: Blank, SM, Schmidt, S, Taeger, A, Eds., Recent Sawfly Research: Synthesis and Prospects. Goecke and Evers, Keltern: 399 - 504","ArtDatabanken (2015) Roedlistade arter i Sverige 2015. [Introduction pp 1-17; Hymenoptera pp 92-97]. ArtDatabanken SLU, Uppsala, 1-209.","Noblecourt, T, 2020. Liste systematique des Hymenopteres Symphytes de France (2020-2). Office National des Forets, Laboratoire National d'Entomologie Forestiere, Quillan"]}

Abia brevicornis Leach, 1817 nom. rev. Abia brevicornis Leach, 1817: 114. Sex not stated [but probably female, because conspicuous dark dorsal patches on abdomen are not mentioned]. Syntypes (assumed). Type locality: not stated. Type material probably lost or destroyed. Cimbex splendida Klug, 1820 [incorrect original spelling]: 98-99. &female;, &male;. Syntypes. Type locality: Germany; rare in this area [around Berlin]. Syntype &male; [examined]: “GBIF-GISHym2903”, “13567”, “Germania”, "nitens L. Soldanski det.". ZMHB. Abia rossica Semenov, 1896: 159, 167-168. &female;. Holotype [not examined]. Type locality: Ukraine, Kamjanez-Podilskyj. Abia nitens auct. nec Linnaeus. Misidentification of Tenthredo nitens by, for example: de Dalla Torre (1894), Konow (1905b), Taeger (1998), Liston and Späth (2006). Notes. Taeger et al. (2010) also listed Abia nitens var. vernetensis Pic, 1928 (type locality: France, Allier) as a junior synonym of Abia nitens auct. However, no type specimen has been examined subsequent to its description, as far as we are aware. Pic wrote [translated from French] "differs from the typical form in the black-marked base of the posterior femora". This suggests that it possibly does not belong to A. brevicornis., Published as part of Liston, Andrew, Mutanen, Marko, Heidemaa, Mikk, Blank, Stephan M., Kiljunen, Niina, Taeger, Andreas, Viitasaari, Matti, Vikberg, Veli, Wutke, Saskia & Prous, Marko, 2022, Taxonomy and nomenclature of some Fennoscandian Sawflies, with descriptions of two new species (Hymenoptera, Symphyta), pp. 151-218 in Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift 69 (2) on page 151, DOI: 10.3897/dez.69.84080, {"references":["de Dalla Torre, CG, 1894. Catalogus Hymenopterorum hucusque descriptorum systematicus et synonymicus. Vol. 1: Tenthredinidae incl. Uroceridae (Phyllophaga & Xylophaga). Guilelmus Engelmann, Lipsiae, [[6] pp.+ pp. I-VIII +] 1-459. https://doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.10348","Konow, FW, 1905b. Hymenoptera. Fam. Tenthredinidae. Genera Insectorum 29: 1 - 176","Taeger, A, 1998. Bestimmungsschluessel der Keulhornblattwespen Deutschlands (Hymenoptera: Cimbicidae). In: Taeger, A, Blank, SM, Eds., Pflanzenwespen Deutschlands (Hymenoptera, Symphyta). Kommentierte Bestandsaufnahme. Goecke and Evers, Keltern: 193 - 205","Liston, AD, Spaeth, J, 2006. On the Biology of Abia nitens (Linne, 1758): a Thermophile Sawfly with a Diurnal Larval Feeding-Pattern (Hymenoptera: Symphyta: Cimbicidae). In: Blank, SM, Schmidt, S, Taeger, A, Eds., Recent Sawfly Research: Synthesis and Prospects. Goecke and Evers, Keltern: 129 - 138","Taeger, A, Blank, SM, Liston, AD, 2010. World Catalog of Symphyta (Hymenoptera). Zootaxa 2580 (1): 1 - 1064, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.2580.1.1"]}

The study was a survey aimed at understanding the awareness level among cocoa farmers in Abia state on climate change, its effects on Pests and Diseases of cocoa and how they adapt and mitigate the effects. A multi stage-sampling procedure was used to select 50 respondents from Bende local government area and 50 respondents from Ikwuano local government area of Abia State. Result showed that 96% of the respondents are aware that climate change has a negative effect on cocoa production as a result of high incidence of Pest and diseases and that the effect ranges from high to moderate. Majority of the respondent in the study area adopted various adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on Pests and Diseases prevalence. High level of awareness, adaptation and coping strategies adopted by farmers, made them less vulnerable to the adverse effects of Pests and Diseases as a result of the change in climate has been currently experienced.

Water-borne parasitic infections have become a source of concern in recent times due to the contamination of various water sources. A survey on the parasitic contamination of local drinking water sources in Aba metropolis was carried out between August and October 2018. This was done to evaluate the extent of contamination of these water sources and their public health implications. A total number of eighty (80) water samples were investigated from five (5) major water sources within the study area using the standard sedimentation method and examined for parasite cysts, eggs and larvae. Physical/macroscopic examination was done to determine the pH, colour, odour, temperature and presence/absence of particles. Among the water sources analyzed, stream water samples had the highest rate of parasite contamination 27 (44.3%) followed by river water 14 (22.9%) while the least contaminated was borehole 7 (11.5%). Rainwater was found free from parasitic infestation. The differences in the level of contamination among the water sources analyzed were found to be statistically significant (P

Dog bite cases pose a major public health threat in Nigeria and other nations of the world. Millions of people are bitten by dogs, and most cases are fatal when bitten by rabid dogs. This study evaluated dog bite cases in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. It is a retrospective study on the clinical records of dog bite patients managed between 2016 to 2018 at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia. Out of 98 reported cases of dog bites, there was a higher incidence rate of (65.3%) among the male victims than females (37.7%). 19.4% of the cases were victims of less than 15 years of age. Lower limb (59.2%) was the major site of bite cases. 58.2% of the offending dogs were owned while 41.8% were stray dogs. Only 31.6% of offending dogs had up-to-date anti-rabies's vaccination. Clinic records showed that 52% of the patients werepresented within 24hrs of the incidence at the hospital. Use of herbal balms (48%) was the most pre-hospital treatment received by dog bite victims. 4 victims had confirmed rabies case. Wound sustained by victims included open wound, lacerations, bruises and avulsion. Treatment pattern was based on evaluated risk of exposure of victims. In conclusion, dog bite cases in this study occurred more in malesand adults with mostly owned dogs being involved in the reported cases. Most victims of dog bite cases at the Centre promptly presented their cases for medical consultation. Public awareness is required on the need to avoid provocative dog bites, prompt hospital visitation when bitten by a dog, and there is a need for dog owners to vaccinate their dogs annually against rabies. Keywords: Appraisal, Dog- bite, rabies,treatment-regimen, Umuahia

Aim: To determine the prevalence of Streptococcus pnenumoniae in pnenumonia patients attending Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia; Abia State. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of Streptococcus pnenumoniae among patients in Madonna Catholic Hospital, Umuahia. It lasted for a period of three months (September 2019 to January 2020). Standard microbiological techniques were used to evaluate 60 sputum samples collected from pneumonia patients and the modified Kirby-Buar disk diffusion technique was used to test the sensitive pattern of the isolates to some antibiotics. Results: A total of thirty-three (33) Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates were recovered from sixty (60) sputum samples from pneumonia patients. 17(51%) were gotten from male and 16 (49%) of isolates were gotten from female. The highest frequency of occurrence among the age groups was observed with adults (19-59 years) (34.4%) followed by adolescence (13-18 years) (33.3%), while the least frequency was from those of senior adults (>60) (9.1%). However, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from the sputum samples shows varying degrees of sensitivity and resistance to the antibiotics. From the study, Streptomycin and Cotrimoxazole showed a high percentage of sensitivity against Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates at 78.8% and 72.7% respectively. The highest percentage of resistance was observed with Gentamicin and Tetracycline at 42.4% each. Conclusion: This study highlights that there was no distinct variation in occurrence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in relation to gender and age. As most patients were hospitalized in separated wards, this suggests a role for local dissemination of this bacterium in the respective wards rather than age or gender specific predilection. This study also suggests that streptomycin and Cotrimoxazole could be a drug of choice in the treatment of pneumonia.

Aims: To study the prevalence and identification of non-dermatophytic molds associated with cattle in Abia and Imo States, Nigeria. Study Design: The systematic random sampling method was adopted. Place and Duration of Study: A total of 2255 cattle was encountered, out of which 451 skin samples from both infected and asymptomatic animals were sampled from six cattle markets in Abia and Imo States, Nigeria between January and August, 2018. Methodology: The 451 samples were analysed for their colonial and microscopic morphology and molecular analysis. Polymerase chain reaction of the 16SrRNA internal transcriber spacer (ITS) sequence techniques were carried out on the isolates. Pathogenicity of the isolates were determined. Results: A total of 16 non-dermatophytic molds were obtained from 451samples analysed at different frequency of occurrences from the cattle skins in both states and these include Aspergillusfumigatus (3.6%), Aspergillus terreus (2.7%), Aspergillus wewitschiae (13.5%), Aspergillus flavus (10.0%), Aspergillus aculeatus (9.0%), Aspergillus sydowii (5.0%), Fusarium solani (3.2%), Fusarium lichenicola (17.9%), Fusarium succisae (12.0%), Fusarium oxysporum (2.0%), Penicillium citrinum (3.0%), Curvularia kusanol (0.6%), Cladosporium tenuissimum (4.9%), Pestalotiopsis microspora (0.1%), Talaromyces kendrickii (0.1%) and Absidia specie (12.9%). Conclusion: The study revealed that non-dermatophytic molds were highly prevalent and are possible causative agent of cutaneous mycoses in cattle. Pathogenicity evaluation carried out in this study revealed that Aspergillus welwitschiae, Cladosporium tenuissimum and Absidia sp. were highly virulent.

Background A study was conducted to determine the co-infection of Trichomonas vaginalis and HIV infection prevalence and its risk factors among prison inmates in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 350 inmates (280 males and 70 females) participated in the study. Three hundred and fifty (350) blood and urine samples including 70 high vaginal swabs (from females) were screened using direct serological and wet mount methods respectively. Structured questionnaire were administered to obtain socio-demographic and behavioral risk factor data. Results An overall prevalence 43.4% was recorded for Trichomonas vaginalis single infection and 2.6% for HIV single infection. A total of 8(2.3%) prevalence for Trichomonas vaginalis and HIV co-infection were recorded in our study. Females recorded more infection (2.8%) than their male counterpart (2.1%). Age groups 21–30 and 31–40 had highest prevalence in male and age group 31–40 in females. This study also identified multiple sex partners and unprotected sex as the major risk factors that influence transmission of T. vaginalis and HIV infection although was insignificant. Conclusions Prevalence of T. vaginalis and HIV co-infection was minimal, however, should not be ignored. Adequate healthcare facility should be provided in the prison. Inmates should be tested and treated upon their release to reduce the spread of the infection to the general population.

The study provided an empirical evidence on the use of improved goat production technologies among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondent, ascertain the extent of use of improved goat production technologies, determine factors influencing use of improved goat production technologies and identify the constraint to access and use of improved goat production technologies in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample size 120 respondents. Data for the study were collected through the use of questionnaire. The data collected for the study were analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the socioeconomic characteristics revealed the mean age of the respondents was 43 years, majority 69.16% of the respondents were married, about 45% had secondary education, a mean household size of 6 persons, majority 66.67% were farmers, mean years of arming experience at 5.7 years, mean income of #102,000, mean farm size of 11 goats and majority (78.33%) of respondents were non- members of cooperative societies. The result on extent of use of improved goat production technologies, revealed that the respondents highly used most of improved goat production technologies as affirmed with the grand mean of = 3.20. On constraint to use of improved goat production technologies, all the respondents 100% agreed that lack of access to credit was a constraint to use, 100% agrees on lack of credibility from source of technological information, 99.2% agreed that they were afraid of taking risk, 93.3% agreed on difficulty in technology application among others. The OLS regression estimates of the influence of socioeconomic characteristics the respondents on the use of improved goat production technologies in the study area, revealed that age at 10%, education at 1%, household size at 1%, farming experience at 1%, farm size at 1%, income at 1% and access to credit at 5% were the determinants of use of improved goat production technologies in the study area and the null hypotheses rejected. In conclusion, greater use of available improved technologies will promote productivity, and therefore there is need for proper sensitization and awareness by relevant agencies. The study recommended that credit should be made available to farmers by relevant governmental and non- governmental agencies to increase the level of use of available improved technologies.

Background: Postnatal period is as important as pregnancy and childbirth. Half of all postnatal deaths occur during the first week after birth. During postnatal period, the mother’s body undergoes major changes from pregnancy. Therefore, there is need for continuity of care after birth to prevent and manage complications that may arise during postnatal. This study was carried out to determine factors associated with the utilisation of postnatal care services in a rural community in Abia state. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from March 2019 to May 2019 among women living in Amuvi community in Arochukwu Local Government Area (LGA)of Abia state. The study participants were women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) who had at least been pregnant once, carried pregnancy to full maturity and delivered at term. Data was collected using pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Four hundred and sixty-seven (467) women participated in the study. Four hundred and forty-three (95.1%) women attended postnatal visits while 23 (4.7%) did not. Reasons given for attending postnatal care by respondents were; routine check-ups, counselling on family planning, appointment with health workers 54 (11.7%), same day appointment as child’s immunisation, child was sick. Respondents who were married were 2 times (AOR=2.587, 95% CI:-0.878-0.120) more likely to use postnatal care services than single mothers. Mothers who had an occupation were 2 times (AOR=2.897, 95% CI: 0.051-0.267) more likely to use postnatal care services than those who did not. Husband’s occupation was statistically significant with utilisation of postnatal services. Conclusion: Utilisation of postpartum care services was high among women in Amuvi community of Abia state. PNC services utilisation were associated with marital status, mother’s occupation and husband’s educational status.

The study adopted survey design to determine the entrepreneurial skills for empowering women in cocoyam production in Abia and Imo States of Nigeria. Objectives of the study were to determine the entrepreneurship skills available that are utilized for empowering women in cocoyam production and determine the extension strategies for empowering women in cocoyam production. The hypothesis of the study states that there is no significant mean difference between the available entrepreneurship skills and strategies utilized for empowering women in cocoyam production. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection constructed on a 4-point measuring scale which has ( as the cut of point. Instrument was validated by peer review of two experts in agricultural extension and statistics. The reliability was achieved by subjecting the data collected from pre-survey to Cronbach’s Alpha which yield a reliability co-efficient rα = 0.83 which affirmed high reliability index. Multi-stage simple probability and disproportionate sampling technique was used to select sample size of 250. In Abia, 100 women cocoyam farmers were sampled while 150 were sampled from Imo State. The instrument was administered and retrieved by the help of research assistants such as extension agents and executives of women development union in the sampled areas. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, mean and inferential statistics as t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that entrepreneurship skills were available in empowering women with the pooled mean scores of ( for Abia and ( for Imo State. The Imo women were better than Abia cocoyam farmers. It was also indicated that strategies for empowering women cocoyam farmers were used more in Imo State with 2 than Abia State 1 . The hypothesis of no significant mean difference was not rejected because t = -0.003 at P ≥ 0.05 indicated no mean difference between the strategies utilized in Abia and Imo State for empowering women on entrepreneurship skills in cocoyam production. It was concluded that women cocoyam farmers were less empowered and had less access to land, fund and extension services in both Imo and Abia State. But the Imo cocoyam farmers were marginally better than their Abia women cocoyam farmers counterpart on the strategies used on empowering women on entrepreneurship skills in cocoyam production. It was concluded that cocoyam farmers were less empowered on entrepreneurship skills, hence, they had less access to land, fund and extension services. The study recommended that more women should be employed into the WIA arm of the ADP to enable them sufficiently empower women to get access to entrepreneurship skills such as agronomic and business skills to enhance cocoyam production.

The study provided an empirical evidence on the use of improved goat production technologies among rural farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were, ascertain the extent of use of improved goat production technologies, determine factors influencing use of improved goat production technologies and identify constraints to access and use of improved goat production technologies. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 120 respondents. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire and analysed with frequency, percentage, mean and regression model. Respondents were aware of dipping (100%),deworming (99.2%) fostering of kids (93.3%) and colostrum feeding (71.7%), among others. On extent of use of improved goat production technologies, respondents highly used most of improved goat production technologies [grand mean = X̄ = 3.20]. All the respondents [100%] agreed that lack of access to credit was a constraint to use, 100% agreed on lack of credibility from source of technological information, 99.2% agreed that they were afraid of taking risk, 93.3% agreed on difficulty in technology application, among others. Age education, household size, farming experience, farm size, income and access to credit were the determinants of use of improved goat production technologies at 5% level of probability Greater use of available improved technologies will promote productivity, and therefore there is need for proper sensitization and awareness by relevant agencies. Again, credit should be made available to farmers by relevant governmental and nongovernmental agencies to increase the level of use of available improved technologies. Keywords: improved goat production technologies and farmers

This study investigates the effect of the provision on non-audit services on Auditor’s independence: evidence from accounting practitioners and consequent effect on the auditor’s objectivity and professional skepticism in the financial statement audited. The study used the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) domiciled in Abia State. The data for the study were generated from primary source: questionnaires were the major instrument for data collection. The instrument was subject to both content and faces validity by experts. Three questions were structured in Likert scale form and the formulated hypotheses were tested with ordinary Logistic regression using SPSS package. The study found that non-audit services have no effect on auditor’s independence, the auditor’s objectivity and professional skepticism. The study therefore recommends that the audit committee should have full oversight of the auditor’s independence, including the nature and extent of the work they do and their fees. The audit committee should make its charter public. The charter should give investor information about how the audit committee chooses its auditors and how it decides the type of service they can provide.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for local treatment of hypertension in Abia State was conducted in Bende Local Government Area. The study adopted the use of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) comprising elderly men, women, hunters, farmers and herbalists, with the view to obtaining vital information about the plants, parts used for medicine, mode of preparation and administration of medicinal preparations. Results showed that 26 plant species belonging to 23 families were identified. Investigations on the plant part(s) used and mode of preparation and administration indicated that water was the main medium for all medicinalpreparations. Treatment regimes generally included drinking the aqueous preparation at certain specifications until symptoms disappear. Although the anti-hypertensive efficacy of the plants described in this paper is not known with certainty, this survey adds to the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the search for natural anti-hypertension medicines and provides a basis for future research on these plants. Key words: ethnobotanical survey, medicinal plants, local treatment, hypertension, Abia State

The study was carried out to evaluate water quality index (WQI) of Ogbor River, a freshwater system flowing through the commercial city of Aba, Southern Nigeria using selected physicochemical parameters. The levels of the physicochemical parameters were determined using standard analytical procedures in the Laboratory. The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Excel spreadsheet (Version 16).Water Quality index was calculated using mean values of the selected nine parameters and the World Health Organisation standard for drinking water. The result of physicochemical parameters used showed that Dissolved Oxygen (DO) with mean 4.44 ± 0.70 mg/L, and Nitrate (NO3- ) with mean 7.58 ± 6.25 mg/L were below National and International standards. The value of WQI calculated was 83.05. The result revealed that Ogbor River water quality was very poor, so it is unfit for human consumption, and should be treated to avoid water related diseases. Keywords: Characteristics, Evaluation, Ogbor River, Physicochemical, Water Quality Index

Educational intervention on food industry personnel on hygiene has been recommended as a means of improving food handling practices and food safety. This is because human handling errors are responsible for the major outbreaks of food poisoning and food-borne illnesses in developing and developed countries. The study aim toassess the impact of education on knowledge, attitude and practice of food vendors in study Areas in Abia State Nigeria. This study adopted a quasi-experimental study research design which involved one experimental group and one control group for the selection of the 52 food handlers in the five selected Local Government Areas in Abia State. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. Descriptive analysis was done with frequencies and summary statistics, T-test and independent sample test was computed to determine the mean difference and significant relationship of variables. Level of significance was set at 0.05 significant levels.Themean knowledge score of the control group was 4.02 ± 1.55 while the mean knowledge score of the experimental group was 7.92 ± 2.50 before the intervention. The difference between the means of the two groups was statistically significant (t=9.28; p=0.000). Also, the mean attitude score was 37.58 ± 3.31 in the control while mean attitude score was 37.79 ± 5.10 in the subjects. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (t=0.24; p=0.813). The mean practice score was 8.21 ± 2.69 in the control group while the mean practice score was 8.73 ± 4.76 in the experimental group. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (t=0.67; p=0.506).After the intervention, the mean knowledge score for the experimental group was 9.02 ± 1.58 while that of the control group was 5.55 ± 1.54. The difference between the group was statistically significant (t= 11.03; p=0.000). The mean attitude score for the experimental group was 40.33 ± 4.10 while that of the control group was 41.81 ± 1.963. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (t=2.26; p=0.026). Educational and training programs should be implemented to influence the food vendors’ knowledge, attitude, and practice positively.

Around the world today, road pavement is increasingly vulnerable and Southeast Nigeria is no exception. To this end, the Delphi technique is used in this study to ascertain experts opinions in order to identify and prioritize road pavements vulnerable to climate change in Abia and Imo states of Southeast Nigeria. As a measure of stability, standard deviation of two rounds of questionnaire responses was used to assess the level of convergence of opinions of 10-member Delphi panel. The Delphi panel achieved acceptable level of agreement at threshold values of standard deviation = 0.10 for stability and mean = 0.20 for consensus. Out of 14 federal roads considered in the study, 1 road had high vulnerability status, 5 roads had medium vulnerability status, 5 roads were rated low vulnerability and 2 roads were rated very low vulnerability. The only highly vulnerable road is from Abia state. This study has shown that the vulnerability of road pavements to climate change can be assessed comprehensively using collective and subjective judgement in the form of Delphi technique. Government should therefore apply adaptive maintenance plans that reflect the relative vulnerability rating of these roads.

Purpose This study is aimed at providing a deduction on the necessity of social and cultural capital for entrepreneurial outcomes on a community-wide scale. Design/methodology/approach There is a drift from an individualised form of entrepreneurship to community-based entrepreneurship with a grand focus on social needs of current and emergent nature. This study is both archival and exploratory and has pictured culture and communality as drivers that are needful for enterprising communities. Findings This paper finds communality, social network, social capital and trust as push-factors for community-based entrepreneurship and development drives. Originality/value This study is an original exposé on the Abia Ohafia community’s Model of community-based entrepreneurship which thrives on strong institutions (like the Age Grade System) and age-long practices that have built trust and stability. This local community through its networks, culture and communalities creates relationships, rational innovation, consensual leadership and participatory followership under which resources, opportunities and solutions are deliberately advanced for meeting social and community purposes.

This study evaluated air pollution tolerance plants as well as anticipated performance indices of some medicinal plants growing in the Lokpaukwu rock quarrying area in order ascertain their suitability for green belt development. Two quarry locations A which is older and has a higher level of activity, and B were used for the study with a control location at Abia State University, Uturu. Out of the sixteen dominant plant species identified, five species; Alchornea cordifolia, Baphia pubescens, Napoleona imperialis, Nauclea latifolia and Vitex doniana. were randomly selected for the study. Leaf samples were randomly collected in triplicate from the lowest branch of each selected plants with similar characteristics. Relative water content of plants was significantly higher (p

Heavy metals (HM) have been a global concern for its toxic and detrimental effect on the environment especially when it exceeds the permissible limit through anthropogenic activities like kaolin mining. Kaolin mining has improved the economic wellbeing of the local people through employment and otherwise; and at the same time attached with environmental consequences that threatens the livelihood of the community members. This study was carried out to ascertain the concentrations of selected heavy metals in kaolin mined soils and water body and its pollution density using single pollution indices such as contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation (Igeo) and ecological risk factor (Er ). Soil sample were collected from three different kaolin mined sites labelled (A,B and C) also surface water samples were collected from upper and down streams of Iyi-ugbohoroAmaudara, both samples were digested and elemental analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS UNICAM 919 model). The concentration of the metals in three different kaolin mined soil samples ranges from Pb(40.00, 52.00 and 55.09 mg/kg) Cr(45.01, 70.00 and 71.00 mg/kg) Ni( 32.10, 50.50 and 51.00 mg/kg) Cd( 2.16, 6.25 and 6.15 mg/kg) Co( 19.68, 57.06 and 56.00 mg/kg) Se(1.06, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/kg) Mn(0.001, 0.01 and 0.01 mg/kg) Hg( 2.01, 2.00 and 2.50 mg/kg) As( 1.07, 1.10 and 1.05 mg/kg) and Cu(33.01, 60.00 and 57.5 mg/kg). Results from single pollution indices used for the selected heavy metals from kaolin mined soil, samples (A,B and C) showed that Mn, As, Cr, Ni and Cu indicated low to moderate contamination factor while Cd, Se, Co and Hg indicated high to very high contamination factor in all the samples. The distribution trend of heavy metals concentrations in the upper and down streams of the river body during wet season, showed that there were significant difference between upper and down streams while dry season showed variations in significant differences between the upper and down streams of some of the heavy metals. The study therefore concludes that kaolin soils are contaminated with heavy metals as a result of kaolin deposit and its mining activities. The single pollution indices used for the study pointed out that Cd, Se, Co and Hg are very high in the kaolin soils. The surface waters of Iyi-ugbohoroAmaudara River at the study area are polluted with heavy metals as a result of kaolin mining activities in the area; more especially during wet season of the study. Consequently, these outcomes would pose a toxic effect to both fauna and flora and possibly threatens the aquatic lives and the local populace.

Coccidiosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of poultry worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the principal means to control this disease albeit the increasing problems of drug resistance. The aim of this study was to examine the drug usage of anticoccidials in the six communities of Umuahia, Abia state. Data such as type, class and composition of drugs used, level and frequency of usage, route ofadministration and anticoccidial program adopted by different farms were collected from 85 poultry farms within the study region. Results showed that the ionophores anticoccidials were not in use whereas the sulphonamides constituted the bulk of the drugs used (79.3%). Others were; thiamine analogue (21.1%), aminopyrimidine (33.7%), guanidine (14.4%), pyrimidine derivative (15.1%) and nitroimidazol (8.6%). Most of the drugs (>60) contained vitamin A and K. The most popular drug combinations were sulphaquinoxaline and diveradine with vitamin A and K (Embazine Forte) among thirteen trade-marked drugs under use. Close to 25.0% of farms practiced shuttle program and the rest continuous program of administration. Anticoccidials were administered through in-water medication for prophylactic and therapeutic use, and for both in the different farm applications in 43.5, 27.7 and 31.8 (%) respectively. The lack of usage of the ionophores and the massive use of sulphonamides coupled with low application of the right anticoccidial programs in this region presents a serious danger of anticoccidial resistance with consequent high prevalence of the disease. Keywords: Anticoccidials, Coccidiosis, Drug resistance, Ionophores, Poultry, Sulphonamides

Background: Early diagnosis of breast cancer has been associated with better outcomes in diagnosed cases. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an inexpensive but effective method of identifying breast masses that may be cancerous. Objectives: To identify the knowledge, attitude and practice of BSE among women in Abia State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study of 415 women in Aba, a commercial city in Abia State. Pretested questionnaires were administered on women who consented to participate in the study. Analysis of data was done using IBM SPSS Version 20. Results: The mean age of the 415 participants was 36.7±9.9 years. About 9% of respondents had a positive family history of breast cancer. Majority of the women; 76% (331) had heard of BSE with highest (34%) source of information being radio and television. While 67.5% knew how to do BSE, only 32% knew the right frequency for performing BSE. Though majority of women agreed that it was necessary to see a doctor for breast examination; only 39% had done so previously while 54% felt having a doctor examine their breast would be embarrassing. Only 28% of the women had practiced BSE in the past. Reasons given for not practicing BSE were lack of knowledge and forgetfulness. Conclusion: This study demonstrated high knowledge and good attitude but poor practice of BSE.

The investigation of groundwater contamination from septic tank siting was done in Umungasi/Abayi, Abia State. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of siting septic systems on the quality of groundwater in Umungasi, Abayi, Aba. Twenty (20) water samples were randomly collected from boreholes located less than 30 m away from septic systems in Umungasi, Abayi Aba, Nigeria to determine their physico-chemical and heavy metals characteristics. While three (3) water samples at distances ranging from 60 m from the nearest septic system were sampled for analyses as controls. Standard analytical techniques were employed in the investigation. The result showed that most of the physicochemical parameters analysed in the borehole water samples were within the WHO/SON/NAFDAC recommended limits except for pH in BH4 and BH7 which had values of 6.3 respectively and were not within the WHO/SON/NAFDAC standard limit of 6.5-8.5. Some of the heavy metals analysed during the period of study were within the permissible limits except for iron in BH5 (0.443 mg/L), BH7 (0.367 mg/L), BH8 (0.511 mg/L), BH9 (0.31 mg/L), BH15 (0.41 mg/L), BH16 (0.327 mg/L), BH17 (0.337 mg/L) and BH18 (0.315 mg/L) that were above the permissible limits of WHO standards of 0.3 mg/l. There was no influence of septic tank siting to the boreholes on groundwater quality during the period of study even though the distance of septic tanks from boreholes in the areas investigated did not conform with that recommended by WHO of 30 – 40 m. The contamination is from the general unhygienic condition of the environment.

Introduction HIV prevention services to in-school adolescents need good planning and management. HIV risk reduction interventions are geared toward measuring sexual risk behaviour outcomes of adolescents that predispose them to HIV infection. The sexual behaviour of adolescents, especially in-school adolescents should be assessed in the process. Adolescents have been identified as the most vulnerable group for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and as such, measures should be taken to prevent them from infection. One important reason for higher HIV prevalence among adolescents, especially girls, is the frequent practice of age-discrepant partnering, where older men, who are more likely to be infected with HIV, form sexual partners with younger girls. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in the prevention of HIV and AIDs in rural areas of Abia State. Materials and Methods This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey that was conducted between January and March 2020. Information was collected from 66 students of a community secondary school in the state. Participants were selected by a multi-stage sampling method and data were obtained using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Results Respondents consisted of 40(60.6%) females and 26(39.4%) males with ages ranging from 13 to 19. Some of the respondents 28 (42.4%), are living with parents while 24(36.4%) live with close relatives. A good number of the respondents 39(59.1%), accepted that their friends are HIV positive. Majority of them 49(74.2%) have not been approached for sexual relationships. About 17(25.8%) of the respondents accepted that they have boyfriends and girlfriends. Out of this number, 12(18.2%) of them said they have been approached for sex and only 2(3%) of them accepted having sexual relationships with the opposite sex. Finding showed that only 1(1.5%) of the respondents claimed to have ever used condoms during sex. Of the sexually active respondents, 49(74.2%) of them are aware that HIV is a virus infection caused by having multiple sex partners while 14(21.2%) were not sure whether HIV is a virus or bacterial infection. Conclusion The study revealed a gap in the knowledge of HIV prevention as well as inappropriate sexual behaviour among the respondents. Therefore, meaningful strategies that will be culturally sensitive to modify adolescent sexual risk behaviours should be adopted.

Background: One of the key strategies in the HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in Nigeria is Voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT). However, its utilization among young adults, particularly undergraduates, is very low. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of non-uptake of VCT among undergraduates. Methods: A cross sectional study using quantitative methods was conducted. Using simple random sampling, three faculties were selected out of nine and 422 respondents were selected from three faculties. Interviews were conducted using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences version 20. Prevalence was measured by the percentage of respondents that had never used VCT. Analytical statistics were done using chi-square test to measure strength of association between VCT uptake and knowledge and attitude of respondents. Association with P-value 0.05 was considered significant. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of non-uptake of VCT. The associations were presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Overall, 59.3% of respondents were knowledgeable about VCT while majority, 64.7% had negative attitude towards it. Knowledge (X2 = 9.89, P-value 2 = 10.78, P-value OR 1.874 (1.058 - 3.289), P Conclusions: VCT uptake among undergraduates was low and determined by VCT-related ignorance, poor attitude, fear of positive result and HIV/AIDS-related stigma/discrimination. In order to change the narrative, HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs in Nigeria should address the identified predictors of non-VCT uptake. There is a need to focus on young adults when designing, expanding and implementing VCT services in the country.

This study aimed at flood modeling and vulnerability analysis of Abia State using Remote Sensing and Flood modeler. The methodology involved acquisition of Sentinel-2 imagery covering Abia State, Rainfall data and ALOS PALSAR. Image subsetting was done to extract the area of study from the acquired dataset, this was followed by analysis of DEM accuracy using root mean square error, image classification to extract the landuse/ landcover of the study area, surface runoff modelling to determine surface runoff potential in the study area and flood modelling. The flood frequency return as modeled by Flood Modeler indicated a 25.04km2 inundation extent for 2-year return period, 28.10km2 inundation extent for a 5-year period and 26.04km2 inundation extent for a 10-year return period. Increasing to its peak extent by 3.67% by the 5-year return period, and then decreased by 2.24% by the 10-year return period. The surface runoff potential revealed that 35.99% of the study area with an area coverage of 1630.19 km2 had low infiltration potential, 32.51% with an area of 1472.56 km2 had moderate infiltration while 31.50% with an area of 1426.82 km2 had high infiltration. This indicated that the study area had a high extent of low surface infiltration which will lead to flooding during heavy or frequent rainfalls. This study recommends flood modeler as it is reliable for flood modeling, having been proven with correlation results of 0.8196that it fits to the ground flood points gotten during field validation.

In Nigeria, Universal health coverage has been sub-optimal due to limited access and inequality. This is worsened by poor health-seeking behavior due to out-of-pocket expenditure health system financing being practiced by a greater percentage of the population. However, leveraging on the increasing population of Nigerian’s using communication technologies provides a viable and robust platform for improving patient’s care. Consequently, tele-health initiative provides a complementary approach to improving access to quality health and universal health system coverage. Tele-health initiative is Abia state’s input in progressing the Universal Health Coverage mandate of the Federal Government of Nigeria, anchored on the e-Health policy of Nigeria, after its adoption at the 58th NCH in Sokoto in 2016, of which Abia became the pioneer state for the Project. Abia state’s telecommunication market caters to almost 3.5 million active subscribers, making it the single largest provider of services in the state. Objective: The project is designed to ascertain the impact of the tele-health initiative on healthcare service coverage in Abia State. Methodology: This is a descriptive study with the quantitative and qualitative arm. The study was conducted in all the seventeen local government areas in the State. Result: 29,488 incoming calls were related to general health inquiries about basic information, counseling, and support that improved callers’ knowledge and attitude towards their health, concerns, and symptoms. Also, 66.8% of all calls (19,382) were for routine health information, complaints on mild everyday symptoms, chronic disease management, and follow-up care. About 29.6% of total calls (8751) were made by persons seeking information on socially stigmatizing topics and conditions.

Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) in Nigeria prompted decision‑making at the various levels of governance. Ebonyi State Government in South‑east Nigeria closed her borders with neighboring states as a preventive measure for the spread of the pandemic. This study was an assessment of the effectiveness and challenges of border closure and surveillance activities in controlling the dispersion of the disease across states. Materials and Methods: The five major borders of Ebonyi State with her neighboring States of Enugu, Cross River, and Abia were visited. Information was collected about movement restrictions and surveillance at the borders using an observation checklist and key informant interviews. Data collected were analyzed using IBM‑SPSS and thematic interpretation. Results: Commuters on essential duty were enforced to wear face masks, perform hand hygiene, and undergo screening for the symptoms of COVID‑19 before entering the State. All the first 13 COVID‑19 confirmed persons in the State were from those picked up as suspected cases by surveillance at the State borders. People who travelled hundreds of kilometers across several States were stopped from entering Ebonyi State. However, movement restriction at the borders was undermined by some security personnel who were bribed by commuters to allow them crossover during night hours. Conclusion: The lockdown and surveillance activities at the borders were effective in controlling the spread of COVID‑19, but alternative routes of entry and corrupt act during odd hours constituted serious risks. Uniformity of movement restriction across all the states borders with vigilante groups manning inter‑community boundaries may control the disease spread across regions. Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019 surveillance, infection control, inter‑state borders, lockdown, suspected cases

The study examined the effects of agricultural credit on the output and profitability of egg farms in Abia State, Nigeria Primary data were collected with structured questionnaire during the 2004 production season from a total of 120 ege farmers selected using purposive random sampling technique with which the productions, prosir and cost functions were estimated using the Ordinary I Synares (OLS regression focuique Results strow thar total quality of feed jam size and cost of drugs positively and significantly influenced egg out(% 7% and 5% levels respectively Results of the profit function reveals war total output output eggs, agricultural credit and average price of eggs per chale had positive and significant effects own profit at 1% 1% and 5% levels actively Sufficient evidence exists to suggest that productivity level differ across arms with and we wishow access to credit. This study recommends increased incentives to farmers in form of credit facilities, Farmers should be encouraged to belong to organized farmers' groups such as Co-operatives

Bacteria including the pathogenic species have been isolated from fomites, these organisms are sometimes multidrug resistant and are of public health concern. It is therefore important to isolate and identify potential bacterial pathogens associated with the internal surface of ladies handbags, in Umuahia, Abia state. One hundred and forty swabbed samples were collected from the ladies hand bags in different groups of individuals which include; Nurses, civil servants, students and market women. Also the handbags from which the samples were collected includes: Leather, Cotton, Nylon and Polyester and velvet handbags. The bags were swabbed with sterile swab sticks and inoculated on different types of culture media and incubated at 37o C for 24 hours. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods including biochemical tests before subjecting isolates to different antimicrobial sensitivity test that was carried out by disc diffusion method. The following bacteria were isolated from the internal surface of the handbags, Coagulase Negative Staphylococci 6(2.6%), Escherichia coli 36(15.7%), Klebsiella spp. 14(6.1%), Staphylococcus aureus 49(21.3%), Bacillus spp. 48(20.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 5(2.2%), Proteus spp. 5(2.2%), streptococcus spp. 31(13.5), Micrococcus spp. 20(8.7%), Salmonella spp. 3(1.3%) and Enterococcus faecalis 13(5.7%). Most of the isolates were sensitive to levofloxacin, gentamicin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and resistant to ampiclox, chloramphenicol and erythromycin. Potentially pathogenic bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics can be spread by hand contact from ladies handbags. Keywords: Bacterial pathogens, ladies handbags, antibiogram