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As an outcome of agricultural activities, land degradation causes detrimental impacts on the environment and soil. It requires sustainable measures to combat the problem that is becoming critical worldwide. Despite many technological improvement programmes in agriculture, especially on land conservation, adoption has remained low in many developing countries. This situation triggered a further investigation into potential factors influencing sustainable land management practices (SLMPs) adoption in Mbulu district, a semiarid area in northern Tanzania so as to determine and suggest appropriate measures that can promote greater adoption. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and data from 120 farmers was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The adoption index was computed and determined the level of SLMPs adoption to be low. Probit regression analysis examined the factors influencing the adoption of SLMPs. Results show that gender, marital status, education, land size, and the distance to the extension office significantly influenced the adoption of SLMPs. Specifically, being male, widowed, having formal education, owning a larger size of land, and being closer to the extension office significantly increased the likelihood of the adoption. Also, being unmarried and unaware of SLMPs reduced the probability of the adoption. Awareness-raising programmes must be more targeted and effective to reach the intended audience. In addition, promoting sustainable land management practices that support income diversification and livelihood improvement is crucial in the study area. Furthermore, the adoption of sustainable land management practices requires supportive policy and institutional frameworks in the study area. Overall, addressing these factors requires a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including farmers, communities, the government, civil society organisations, and the private sector. By working together, these stakeholders can create an enabling environment that promotes SLMPs adoption and contributes to more sustainable livelihoods and income diversification in the study area.

Furfural is a promising renewable platform compound derived from lignocellulosic biomass that can be further converted to bio-based industrial chemicals. About 90% of what is used in Nigeria is imported, translating to hundreds of millions of Dollars in foreign exchange. Hence, this research aim was to optimize the production process of furfural from corncobs, a lignocellulosic biomass using a three steps methods which includes; pretreatment of raw materials, acid hydrolysis and distillation according to standard methods. The corncobs were grind to powdered form and then hydrolysed in a stirred reactor using p-toluene sulphonic acid (p-TsOH) by varying parameters which includes; temperature (60, 65 and 70 oC), reaction time (1, 2 and 3hrs) and concentration (30 ml, 40 ml and 50 ml). Analysis using FTIR was conducted to identify the functional group present in the furfural produced. The results showed yield of furfural increased from 23.66 % to 28 %, and the highest yield of furfural production was obtained using 50 ml p-TsOH at 70 oC for 3 h.

This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the prevalence of smoking among healthcare workers and to investigate the anxiety level of healthcare professionals who have knowledge of COVID-19-related mortality and morbidity and are burdened by the anxiety and stress caused by the pandemic, and its effect on their smoking habits. An online questionnaire was used to facilitate the participation of busy healthcare workers. The survey was shared on all health platforms and various social network groups (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.) for doctors (specialists, physicians, residents, dentists), nurses, and all other healthcare workers This questionnaire consisted of two tests, namely the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS) and the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test (FNDT), and sociodemographic questions. A total of 806 healthcare workers, of whom 74.2% were physicians, 8.8% were midwives/nurses, and 15.1% were assistant health workers, participated in the study. Among all the participants, 501 (62.1%) were nonsmokers, 305 (37.9%) were smokers, and 8(1%) resumed smoking during the pandemic. In terms of the smoking habits of the participants during the pandemic period, 34% of the women who smoked had increased their amount of smoking. With respect to the smoking cessation rates of the participants, the physicians had quit or reduced smoking more than the other participants. The rate of smoking cessation in our study was 2.23%. Among those who quit, 88.8% were doctors, and the rate of quitting among them was 7.8%.

Low socio-economic development can support the conditions for social violence and conflict, but it is also a consequence of violence and conflict. Through Goal 16, the SDGs recognize the long reaching consequences of conflict and violence for development outcomes. Not only is violence a severe hindrance for development, it can reverse many years of development gains. A whole of society approach is required to proactively address on and offline misinformation networks, ensuring that government, civil society, private sector and vulnerable populations work together to inform policies and programming that balances freedom of expression with the need to curb mis/disinformation. Recognizing the centrality of Goal 16 as an enabler and accelerator for the 2030 Agenda, further efforts are required to strengthen national capacities for data collection, analysis and data prioritization. As with many other Sustainable Development Goals it is also urgent to address the lack of data disaggregated by sex, race, colour, age, language, religion, national, ethnic or social origin, disability, migration or other status. KEYWORD: crime, peace, SDG16, conflict, sustainable development, COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countries’ health services into sharp focus. It was drawn to our group’s attention that healthcare workers (HCWs) had a lower mortality rate against higher COVID-19 incidence compared to the general population in Turkey. Since risk of exposure to tuberculosis bacillus among healthcare workers are higher than the population, we aimed to investigate if there is a relationship between BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure history with COVID-19 severity in infected HCWs. This study was conducted with 465 infected HCWs from thirty-three hospitals to assess the relationship between COVID-19 severity (according to their hospitalization status and the presence of radiological pneumonia) and BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure history. HCWs who required hospital admission had significantly higher rates of chronic diseases, radiological pneumonia, and longer working hours in the clinics. Higher rates of history of contact and care to tuberculosis patients, history of tuberculosis, and BCG vaccine were observed in hospitalized HCWs. HCWs who had radiological pneumonia had a significantly increased ratio of history of care to tuberculosis patients and a higher family history of tuberculosis. The findings from our study suggest that the lower mortality rate despite the more severe disease course seen in infected HCWs might be due to frequent exposure to tuberculosis bacillus and the mortality-reducing effects of the BCG vaccine.

Urban centres in Sub-Saharan Africa have been undergoing unprecedented urbanization in the past decades at annual rates of almost 4%; with attendant impacts on the cities’ thermal conditions. This study aimed at characterizing the noon-time maximum temperature of two selected cities each in the Sudan and Tropical Rainforest zones of Nigeria. The study utilized daily ERA Interim (European Reanalysis) grid-based 2 meter above ground daily noontime maximum temperature (°C) data of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) from 1990 to 2019. R Statistical package version 3.6.1 was employed to detect the trend and seasonality in the maximum noon-time temperature of the four cities using non-parametric Mann-Kendall trend and seasonal trend tests. The statistical properties of the data were first analyzed by graphical examination of the data, using time plots, and boxplots. Also, the normality test of Shapiro-Wilk (S-W test) was applied. Pettitt test was then employed to test for single change-point detection in the temperature series. The study revealed higher mean temperature values of 27.49°C and 25.56°C respectively for Birnin Kebbi and Kano both in the Sudan, and lower temperature values of 24.08°C and 23.17°C respectively for Ibadan and Owerri located in the Tropical rainforest. The Tau statistics for Kano, Ibadan and Owerri are 0.07084, 0.09848 and 0.09113 and the corresponding p-values are 0.0447, 0.0053 and 0.0098 which are less than 0.05 alpha value; indicating significant trends for the three cities. The results also show significant seasonal increase at 0.05 significant levels in the maximum noon-time temperature series for all the locations. The study recommends urban landscape planning and design for optimization of outdoor thermal comfort and creation of heathier urban environments for the city dwellers.

This study aimed to examine the effects of climate variability on annual crop yield at smallholder farmers’ level in the Guinea Savanna Region of Nigeria, using Niger State as a case study. Climate data (rainfall and maximum temperature) for a period of 38 years (1971-2008) was acquired from National Cereals Research Institute, Bida and Nigeria Meteorological Agency, while crop yield data was acquired from Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Development Authority (NAMDA). Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were undertaken in 18 communities in six local government areas in Niger State spread across the three agricultural zones in the State to validate the impact of climate change and variability. The climate data was analyzed with the aid of charts. Results showed a generally rising trend in both temperature and rainfall across the State. It shows that rainfall is not only more variable, but its onset and cessation patterns have shifted and its occurrence very inconsistent. Linear relationships between climatic variables and the major crops showed moderate to strong positive and negative relationships. However, when crop yields were regressed with the climate variables, only maize (.032), bambara groundnut (.029) and groundnut (.007) were very significant at .05 confidence level (95%). The policy implication of this finding is the need to provide the farmers with local climate information and the need for vigorous pursuance of the development of high yield crop varieties better suited to changing climate conditions in the Guinea Savanna ecological zone by research institutes and other relevant agencies.

Aim and Objectives: Aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of the block, hemodynamic effects, postoperative analgesia and side effects of combined psoas compartment sciatic nerve block with continuous spinal anaesthesia in adult patients undergoing lower extremity surgeries. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of either sex, ASA grade I, II and III, age between 18-70 years, were randomly allocated into two groups. In group A, psoas compartment block was performed by posterior approach using 30cc of 0.25% bupivacaine and sciatic nerve block by classical posterior approach using the 20cc of 0.25% bupivacaine. In group B, continuous spinal anaesthesia was performed in the L3-L4 interspaced with the patient in lateral decubitus position using 3cc (15 mg) of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine. We studied various parameters of block, hemodynamic effects, duration of postoperative analgesia and any complications. Results: Group B had earlier onset of sensory and motor block as compare to group A. The mean duration of sensory and motor block was significantly prolonged in group A than in group B. The efficacy of sensory blockade was comparable in both the groups while in group A 90% patients and in group B 97% of patients had complete motor blockade. The incidence of hypotension was more with group B as compared to group A. The duration of post-operative analgesia was longer in group A than in group B. No major complications were observed in both the groups. Conclusions: It was concluded that combined psoas compartment block and sciatic nerve block is a beneficial alternative to existing anaesthesia techniques for lower extremities surgeries. Keywords: Bupivacaine, Combined psoas compartment-sciatic nerve block, Continuous spinal anaesthesia, Lower extremity surgeries, Post-operative analgesia, Sensory and motor blockade.

The aim of this work was to substitute chicken egg yolk with quail egg yolk in two semen extenders and to evaluate the quality of the extended canine semen following chilled storage. Semen was pooled from male dogs (n= 4) of about 18-months old and body weight of about 28 kg. Four extenders were tested: (1) tris buffered chicken egg yolk extender (2) tris buffered quail egg yolk extender, (3) skimmed milk chicken egg yolk extender and (4) skimmed milk quail egg yolk extender. Semen was diluted with corresponding extender in the ratio 1:4. The diluted semen samples were analyzed for motility, mass activity, viability, abnormalities percentage and pH for three consecutive days. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between chicken egg yolk and quail egg yolk in either tris diluent or skimmed milk extender with respect to pH, mass activity and sperm motility. Samples stored in both the tris and skimmed milk-based extenders with quail egg yolk displayed greater viability than those in chicken egg yolk but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Viability, mass activity and sperm motility decreased as treatment days increased in both chicken and quail egg yolk extenders. Results showed that a pH of 6.5 was maintained from day 0 to day 3. There was no difference in semen quality between chicken and quail egg yolk in either the tris diluent or skimmed milk extender (P> 0.05). It was recommended that quail egg yolk could be substituted for chicken egg yolk in the two canine semen extenders. Further modifications of the diluents with quail egg yolk might produce an improved result. Keywords: Canine, Chicken Chilled, Egg yolk, Extenders, Quail, Semen

Social media is a new trend in communication and a new platform for sharing, engagement and networking in all spheres of life including agriculture. This study analysed social media mainstreaming in e-extension services delivery by the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) in North Central Zone of Nigeria. Four ADPs of Kogi, Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states that participated in the Research Extension Farmer Input Linkage (REFIL) activities in November 2017 were purposively selected and used for the study. Secondary data were generated from the REFIL reports and descriptively analysed. Result established insufficient field extension agents to effectively reach out to1.412 million farm families in the zone. Also, the result reveals zero exclusion of social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Chats, YouTube and Mobile phone tools in the ADPs communication strategies. ADPs communication targets dwelled more on old media such as radio (21%) and television (50%) were costly and achieved low projected targets. Mainstreaming social media in e-extension will be more effective to reach out to farm families and overcome observed field manpower shortage problems. Modern networking tools and proactive creative measures such as Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Chat, mobile phone tools of short message sending and voice call are recommended for inclusion in their communication strategies. In this regard, REFIL organisers and Federal Department of Extension should facilitate ADPs innovativeness and staff training on social media to improve competence and skills of actors in the agricultural value chain providers in extension delivery to the agribusiness community. Key words: Social media, communication, extension, agriculture, Nigeria.

Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus from a pregnant HIV-infected woman to her unborn child is one of the ways through which new HIV infections can be acquired. Utilization of contraceptives among HIV-positive women can prevent unintended pregnancies, and the use of dual methods reduces the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections including HIV, hence the need to support contraception in them. This study sought to describe the various choices of contraception used by women accessing family planning services integrated with the antiretroviral therapy facility of Jos University Teaching Hospital. In a retrospective study, relevant information was extracted from the records of all women who had sought contraception in the Family Planning unit of the facility from 1st March 2019 – 29th February 2020. The data obtained was analysed using EPI info 7 statistical software. Results: A total of 137 records were reviewed. The most frequent choice of contraception was hormonal implants (61.3%), while the least frequent choice was using condoms alone (1.5%). Less than half (46.7%) of them used dual contraception. Secondary and tertiary educational status, as well as disclosure of HIV-positive status to partner were significantly associated with utilization of dual contraceptive methods (P value =0.0010 and 0.0245 respectively; Odds ratio =5.8199 and 4.3307 respectively). Conclusion: Integration of family planning services with HIV care as a strategy for the prevention of unintended pregnancy is promoted in this facility but there is need to improve the uptake particularly of dual method of contraception. There is also need for inclusion of IUCD in the choices of contraception offered as this method is highly effective, long lasting and has been proven to be safe in well selected HIV patients. Furthermore, screening the clients to identify unmet needs and implementing strategies to meet those needs would enhance the impact of family planning.

Wind energy is a popular from the non-conventional energy sources in the World. In India states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Orissa, and Maharashtra are as regarded as superior areas with respect to this type energy. The installed capacity of wind in India till December 2010 was 13,056.37 MW, principally distributed throughout the Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, etc. In Maharashtra, there are 38 wind farms and the 3655 wind machines are installed with the 3431.86MW capacity of power generation up to September 2013. In Satara district, 17 wind sites and also other some sites are discovered. At present there are 1636 wind turbines are installed with its capacity of power generation is 1122.61MW and the production of wind energy of 2183745.15KWh average per annum in Satara district. The main objectives of the present paper are to assess the scope of non-conventional energy resources especially the power generation from wind and to analyze the trend and distribution of the wind mills and wind farms in Satara district. It is find out the amount of recovered from the power generation comes around 12 years without subsidy and around 8 years with subsidy. The total life span of wind turbines is 25 years. It is very much clean and does not cause any problem to the environment as well as to the survival on the surface of the earth. Therefore, it is inferred that the generation of power from wind is not only cheaper and permanent energy source but also a non-polluting, freely available source. It is helpful for the development of economically and socially in a region especially in rural development. With these consequences the income level will increase and it will further help in minimising the social disparities.

Tubal sterilisation using Essure is a minimally invasive technique for permanent contraception, with high rates of patient satisfaction. However, some women subsequently choose removal of the inserts, due to side effects such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, dyspareunia or allergic dermatitis. This case series presents the management of eight women who underwent laparoscopic removal of Essure inserts in conjunction with salpingectomy. We describe our surgical technique, its underlying principles and immediate surgical outcomes.Eight patients were identified as having undergone removal of Essure inserts, via an electronic search of the surgical procedures database. A retrospective review of case records was undertaken. The primary outcome was safety and feasibility of the laparoscopic salpingectomy approach. Secondary outcome measures included implant fracture rate, operative time, blood loss and length of patient stay.All eight women were able to undergo laparoscopic salpingectomy and removal of the Essure inserts without the need for laparotomy or hysterectomy. There were no incidences of fracture or incomplete removal of the insert. Immediate postoperative recovery was uncomplicated in all eight women; the mean length of stay was 17 h. One patient had a small bowel serosal tear attributed to laparoscopic entry.This case series suggests that laparoscopic salpingectomy for removal of Essure inserts is safe and feasible. We acknowledge that the numbers were small. However, consistent use of a laparoscopic approach in these eight patients indicates that this procedure is a feasible and suitable alternative to hysterectomy.

Objectives Effective antiretroviral therapy has prolonged the survival of patients with HIV. Accordingly, studies of the consequences of ageing are increasingly important. We determined the prevalence of early menopause (EM) and its associated factors in a cohort of HIV-infected and HIV-negative controls in Jos, Nigeria. Methods HIV-infected women accessing care in an ambulatory setting and their negative counterparts from the general population were included. Menopause was defined as having gone one year since the last menstrual period. EM was defined as the onset of menopause at ≤45 years of age. Baseline characteristics were compared and logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors independently associated with EM. Results Out of a total of 253 women included, 58 attained menopause early, giving an EM prevalence of 22.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.9–28.6%). Women with EM were younger (P

Objective To describe the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and its determinants among women with HIV infection enrolled for care and treatment in an ambulatory care setting. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among women attending the HIV clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between March 2013 and February 2014. The self-administered Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess FSD; a score of less than 26.55 indicated FSD. Pearson coefficient was used to assess interdomain correlation, and multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with FSD. Results Among 370 participants, 330 (89.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 85.6%-92.2%) had FSD. The overall median FSFI score was 19.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.4-23.9). The arousal domain had the lowest subscore (median 2.7, IQR 0.0-3.6). The highest interdomain correlations were between lubrication and orgasm (r=0.87), arousal and lubrication (r=0.84), and arousal and orgasm (r=0.81) domains. Satisfactory health (β=3.34, 95% CI 1.16-5.52) and history of alcohol use (β=2.38, 95% CI 0.28-4.47) were independently associated with FSD. Conclusion FSD was prevalent among women with HIV infection. Care providers need to routinely address FSD as part of a comprehensive care package in the study setting.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus pandemic is negatively affecting the reproductive health of women in Nigeria. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially where secondary infections exist. Studies document that HIV positive women are prone to reproductive and urinary tract infections, and due to physiologic changes in pregnancy, there is higher incidence of urinary infections among pregnant women, with or without symptoms. This prospective cohort study investigates for asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy among HIV seropositive women, to identify if HIV positivity confers additional risks for occurrence. We recruited 119 pregnant HIV positive women and 152 HIV negative controls from Jos University teaching hospital and Faith Alive hospital in Jos, Nigeria and screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Bacteriuria was confirmed when two separate urine samples, in the same woman, showed presence of 105 CFU/ml (100,000 organisms) of same species. Laboratory personnel performing tests were unaware of participants HIV status. Antibiotic sensitivity were determined and participants were followed-up/evaluated for features of pyelonephritis throughout antenatal care. Prevalence was determined and analysis to determine if HIV positivity conferred risks. There were 22 women with confirmed bacteriuria, with prevalence of 8.1% among all participants, with 9.4% (14) among HIV Negative cohort and 6.8% (8) of HIV positive women. HIV status, demography and previous pyelonephritis/UTI were not statistically associated with development of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Two women with medical conditions (Diabetes and Sickle cell disease) had confirmed bacteriuria, but numbers were insufficient to deduce an association. Staphylococcus aureus predominated (78.6%) among HIV negative, while for HIV positive women, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus each affected 44.4%. Antibiotic sensitivity favoured Cefuroxime in both HIV positive and negative women, but organisms were resistant to penicillins and Nitrofurantoin. Treatment was not possible because of antibiotics cost and/or unwillingness of participants to receive treatment for an asymptomatic condition. Analysis of the HIV positive cohort showed no further conferment of risk by CD4 counts, viral load, duration of HIV positivity, the anti-retroviral drug type/class or duration/adherence to ARVs. No woman with CD4 count >500 cells/mm3 developed asymptomatic bacteriuria but there was no statistical association. Similarly, women who had undetectable viral load had lower bacteriuria rates, while women with high viral load had higher rates of asymptomatic bacteriuria, but this was only significant when analysis was performed using the logarithm of viral load.

Home based care (HBC) is a key component of care and support for people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Understanding the pattern of HBC needs in a population is beneficial in planning and providing optimal HBC services for the people. This retrospective study assessed the pattern of home based care needs and services in patients of the adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos, Nigeria. All documented home based care visits to patients of the clinic from September 2008 to December 2013 were reviewed. Relevant information was obtained from the patients’ clinical and home visit records. Data was analysed using Epi info version 7 statistical software. A total of 152 patients with 542 home visits were reviewed. There were 112 (73.7%) females and 40 (26.3%) males, with a mean age of 34±8.9 years at the time of initial home visits. The three commonest primary reasons for home visits were psychological counselling (22.7%), adherence counselling (15.5%) and ill-health (12.4%), while follow up visits accounted for 32.5% of the home visits. The 3 most frequent services provided during home visits were counselling on clients medication for adherence (77.5%), basic nursing care (61.6%), and psychological counselling (41.5%). By December 2013, out of 152 patients reviewed, 61.8% were alive, 15.1% had died and 23.1% were lost to follow up. The services provided during home visits extended beyond the patients’ perceived needs (primary reasons for visit). Home based care brings to light some patient needs that may not be evident or catered for at the facility level of care. This supports the endorsement of home based care as a useful strategy to complement facility care towards achieving an overall patient well-being. Key words: Home based care, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), adult, Nigeria.

We compared the prevalence of menopause symptoms between women living with HIV to their HIV-negative peers and determined predictors of severe menopause symptoms in Jos, Nigeria. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 714 women aged 40–80 years. We compared prevalence and severity of menopause symptoms using the menopause rating scale (MRS). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of severe symptoms. Six-hundred and seven (85.0%) were HIV-positive, with a mean duration of infection of 5.6 ± 2.7 years. The mean age of the cohort was 46 ± 5 years. The most prevalent menopause symptoms were hot flushes (67.2%), joint and muscle discomfort (66.2%), physical/mental exhaustion (65.3%), heart discomfort (60.4%), and anxiety (56.4%). The median MRS score was higher for HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative women (p = 0.01). Factors associated with severe menopause symptoms included HIV-positive status (aOR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.20–7.54) and history of cigarette smoking (aOR: 4.18, 95% CI: 1.31–13.26). Being married (aOR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32–0.77), premenopausal (aOR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39–0.94), and self-reporting good quality of life (aOR: 0.62. 95% CI: 0.39–0.98) were protective against severe menopause symptoms. We found HIV infection, cigarette smoking, quality of life, and stage of the menopause transition to be associated with severe menopause symptoms. As HIV-positive populations are aging, additional attention should be given to the reproductive health of these women.

Background Older age at initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Our objectives were to compare outcomes between older and younger patients in our clinical cohort in Jos, Nigeria. Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients enrolled on cART at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between 2004 and 2012. We compared baseline and treatment differences between older (≥50 years) and younger (15–49 years) patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models estimated survival and loss to follow-up (LTFU) and determined factors associated with these outcomes at 24 months. Results Of 8352 patients, 643 (7.7%) were aged ≥50 years. The median change in CD4 count from baseline was 151 vs 132 (P = .0005) at 12 months and 185 vs 151 cells/mm3 (P = .03) at 24 months for younger and older patients, respectively. A total of 68.9% vs 71.6% (P = .13) and 69.6% vs 74.8% (P = .005) of younger and older patients achieved viral suppression at 12 and 24 months, with similar incidence of mortality and LTFU. In adjusted hazard models, factors associated with increased risk of mortality were male sex, World Health Organization (WHO) stage III/IV, and having a gap in care, whereas being fully suppressed was protective. The risk of being LTFU was lower for older patients, those fully suppressed virologically and with adherence rates >95%. Male sex, lack of education, WHO stage III/IV, body mass index Conclusions Older patients achieved better viral suppression, and older age was not associated with increased mortality or LTFU in this study.

The chromatographic investigation of the chloroform soluble fraction of methanolic root extract of Ochna schweinfurthiana using a combination of silica and sephadex LH-20 led to the isolation of tri-methoxy derivative of lophirone A. The structure of this new compound was determined using both 1 and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The antimicrobial activity of the isolated compound was also investigated using agar diffusion and broth dilution techniques. Clinical isolates obtained from the Department of Medical Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria were used for the studies. The compound was found to show activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyrogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia and Samonella typhi, but was not active at the tested dose on methicillin resistant S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Corynobacterium ulcerans, Escherichia coli and the only fungi tested Candida albicans. The low concentration for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 5 μg/ml) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC, 20 μg/ml) suggests the compound has a good antimicrobial activity against the susceptible organisms and validates the ethno medicinal use of the plant in the treatment of various bacterial infections, including infected wounds and typhoid fever. Key words: Ochna schweinfurthiana extract, antimicrobial, tri-methoxy, lophirone A, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

Objectives Our objectives were to assess trends in late presentation and advanced HIV disease (AHD) and determine associated risk factors. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who had received care and treatment at the AIDS Prevention Initiative Nigeria Plus (APIN)/Harvard School of Public Health−President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programme at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria from 2005 to 2010. We used the European Consensus Definition to assess trends in late presentation (CD4 count

The chronicity of HIV infection predisposes the infected to mental health problems such as depression that demand a need for social support. The perception of social support is key to its beneficial effects. This study aimed to assess the level of perceived social support and its association with depression among patients infected with HIV in a hospital in Jos, Nigeria. In a cross-sectional study, 386 participants selected by systematic random sampling were interviewed to obtain their sociodemographic information, and they were assessed for perceived social support and depression using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the PHQ-9 Questionnaire respectively. Data was analysed using Epi info version 7. Half the proportion of participants (50.5%) had a moderate level of perceived social support, while 39.9% and 9.6% had low and high levels of perceived social support respectively. Female gender, age ≥ 45 years, absence of a history of being affiliated with a HIV support group, low educational status, low income, unemployment and shorter duration of known HIV diagnosis were negatively associated with lower levels of perceived social support. The prevalence of depression was 32.6%, and lower levels of perceived social support were significantly associated with depression. The results suggest gaps in the social support needs of the participants. This highlights a need for interventions aimed at improving the perception of social support among people living with HIV. Further studies are needed to identify those unmet needs so as to device strategies to address them in order to close the gaps in perception and enhance mental health in HIV care.

Scholars and business executives have become increasingly interested in the concept of an organizational service orientation. Service excellence is a strategic priority and that service significantly affects the creation of superior value, customer satisfaction, competitive advantage, growth, and profitability. The aim of the study is to explore relationships between organizational service orientation, job satisfaction, customer satisfaction and financial performance in banking industry in Turkey. Hypotheses are developed in due course. Next, hypotheses are tested with data collected from a sample of 745 branch managers and employees of banks operating in Turkey. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), results reveal that service orientation is significantly related to job satisfaction, which in turn impacts customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to higher financial performance. Beside service orientation is directly related to customer satisfaction and also to financial performance. At the end, the research findings are discussed and also managerial implications and future research opportunities are presented.

AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (AIDS-KS) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. We describe the pattern of presentation and survival in Jos, Nigeria. We identified 48 HIV-positive patients with AIDS-KS and matched them for age and sex with an equal number of HIV-positive patients without AIDS-KS. We compared their clinical, immunological, virological characteristics and survival. They were similar in age and body mass index profile but patients with AIDS-KS had more tuberculosis co-infection ( P, 0.02), lower median CD4 count ( P, 0.003) and higher mortality ( P, 0.002). Surprisingly, patients with AIDS-KS had lower levels of median viral load (29,347 copies/mL) compared with controls (80,533 copies/mL). We recommend specific AIDS-KS therapy in addition to highly active antiretroviral therapy in order to improve survival.

Few studies have compared ivermectin directly with topical agents in developing countries. We compared the effectiveness of oral ivermectin (200 microg/kg) with topical 25% benzyl benzoate and monosulfiram soap in 210 subjects of age 5 to 65 years with scabies. Subjects with persistent lesions after 2 weeks received a second course of treatment. All lesions had resolved after 2 weeks in 77 of 98 (79%) subjects treated with ivermectin and in 60 of 102 (59%) subjects treated topically (P = 0.003). The improvement in severity score was greater in the ivermectin group than in the topical treatment group (P < 0.001). The overall cure rate after 4 weeks was 95% in the ivermectin group and 86% in the topical treatment group (P = 0.04). Compared with topical benzyl benzoate and monosulfiram in the treatment of scabies, ivermectin was at least as effective and led to more rapid improvement.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among HIV-infected adults in Nigeria. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: HIV-infected adults aged ≥ 30 years with no acute ailments accessing care at the antiretroviral therapy clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital were enrolled consecutively. Participants were interviewed to obtain pertinent demographic and clinical information, including exposure to risk factors for COPD. Post-bronchodilator spirometry was carried out. HIV related information was retrieved from the clinic medical records. COPD case-definition was based on the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria using post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC 50 years was independently associated with COPD with OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.42-8.17 when compared to ages 30-40 years. Conclusion: HIV-associated COPD is common in our population of HIV patients.

In 2010 cooperation between Germany and Indonesia has been initiated in the field of sustainable geothermal energy development. Within this German project “Sustainability concepts for exploitation of geothermal reservoirs in Indonesia – capacity building and methodologies for site deployment” several research activities have been carried out which were closely accompanied by capacity building measures, such as a PhD-program in Germany with focus on Indonesian topics. Research activities and knowledge transfer were carried out bidirectional in order to strengthen science and technology for both, Indonesian and German partners. In the field of exploration, low enthalpy geothermal green fields in magmatic (East Java) and amagmatic settings (North Sumatra) have been investigated. Also analyses on the controlling mechanisms of operated geothermal fields in North Sulawesi and West Java have been carried out. Regarding sustainable exploitation, we report on the integrated geoscientific monitoring networks that were established and on solutions developed for on-line fluid-chemical monitoring in operating geothermal plants. In the field of plant technology, the technical concept for a demonstration binary power plant as bottoming unit at an existing site has been elaborated and the construction of the demonstration binary power plant for Lahendong is ongoing. In this paper, we are reporting on the objectives, status, progress and achievements of the scientific investigations. We suggest that the project findings can be applied to other locations in Indonesia and that they can be used for further developments. The realization of the demonstration binary power plant is carried out in another collaboration project which could be the basis for a more widespread deployment of binary power plants and for a decentralized use of geothermal energy in Indonesia.

The effect of reinforcement on early-age cracking in high strength concrete was investigated on laboratory scale. A temperature stress testing machine was used for simulating total restraint and for imposing different curing temperatures onto the concrete. The behaviour of the used high strength concrete was compared to a normal strength concrete. In order to separate thermal effects and autogenous shrinkage specimens were cured isothermally and semi-adiabatically. Further test variables were the reinforcement percentage (0%, 0.75%, 1.34% and 3.02%) and configuration (one reinforcement bar and four reinforcement bars). In order to visualise the crack formation in the early phase, cracks had been impregnated with fluorescent epoxy. The so obtained photos show that reinforcement can induce the formation of smaller cracks. These smaller cracks can postpone the moment at which major cracks are formed. Finally, a procedure is discussed for quantifying the effect of reinforcement decreasing the risk of through-cracking at early age. For that purpose a strain enhancement factor is introduced.

Plasma cell vulvitis (Zoon's vulvitis) is an idiopathic condition with characteristic clinical and histological findings that generally occur in isolation to other medical disorders (Salopek and Si...

This study was carried out to evaluate breakfast consumption pattern of university students and determine nutrient composition of some commonly consumed breakfast foods. Seventy five (75) students took part in the study, using semi-structured questionnaires to obtain information on breakfast consumption pattern and 24-hour dietary recall to document dietary intake. Standard methods were used to determine weight and height from which their body mass index was calculated. Proximate and mineral compositions of some breakfast foods were determined using standard methods. Results obtained showed 85.3% of respondents eat breakfast while 14.7% skipped breakfast. Breakfast contribution to total calorific consumption of breakfast eaters was 2651.86 kcal compared to 1981.00 kcal for breakfast skippers. Both groups showed lower intake of some vitamins and micronutrients when compared to RDA. Nutrient content of commonly consumed breakfast foods revealed moimoi and bean cake had 16.44±0.70g/100g and 22.19±0.08g/100g crude protein respectively, while fried yam had high amount of carbohydrate 41.12±2.12g/100g. Millet pap recorded higher content of magnesium (18.55 + 0.03mg/100g), calcium (28.73 + 0.52mg/100g), copper (26.33 + 0.08mg/100g) and Chromium (1.09 + 0.05mg/100g). A healthful breakfast food choices by students may be an important strategy for improving the nutritional quality of their dietary intake. Keywords: Students, Breakfast, Food, Nutrient composition

Cracks in freshly cast structures can be the consequence of restrained thermal deformations. Additional to these deformations high strength concrete undergoes autogenous deformations which make this material even more prone to early-age cracking.