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The correlation of thermal energy storage on the efficiency of thermal storage integrated solar water heatingsystem. The evaluation of the thermal storage and analyzing the efficiency of the collector for solar water heating systems were done in Sokoto. The system was investigated without phase change materials; with usedengine oil and Shea butter oil in other determine the best thermal storage material that improves the collector’sefficiency. The optimum performance analyzed has efficiencies of 4.7 %, 49.2 % and 78.8 % for the water heater without phase change materials and then with used engine oil and Shea butter oil, respectively. Indicating that the increase in temperature of the system using thermal energy storage is significant. Shea butter oil shows optimum performance compared to used engine oil.

The research was conducted in the year 2017 at the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Crop Protection, Bayero University, Kano to assess fumigation properties of Jatropha curcas L. leaf and seed powders on Callosobruchus subinnotatus (Pic) infesting stored bambara nut, Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdcourt. The study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of the products with conventional chemical insecticide (pirimiphos-methyl 2%). Factorial experiment of 2×2×2 levels (leaf and seed powders at the rates of 0.0, 0.5. 1.0 and 1.5 g, with and without addition of the synthetic chemical at 0.01 g/20 g bambara nut seed) were laid out in a completely randomized design and replicated three times. Fumigant toxicity effect was observed on the emerged insects, though the result was significantly (P< 0.001) lower. In conclusion, appreciable level of protection on bambara nut seeds was achieved using seed powder of J. curcas. Therefore, it is recommended that for effective management of C. subinnotatus infesting bambara nut, farmers could use 1.0 g seed powder on 20 g bambara nut seeds.

Vaccination is a critical tool in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has not been well explored in parts of Nigeria. We assessed the predictors of acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and identified reasons for vaccine hesitancy among adults in urban Kano, northern Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design, we administered structured questionnaires to a cross-section of adults (n = 446), complemented with 20 in-depth interviews. Binary logistic regression and the framework approach were used to analyze the data. About one-half (51.1%, n = 228) of the respondents were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine acceptance was higher among older respondents (≥30 years) (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.76, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.14–2.99 (≥30 vs.

This study examined the support for vaccine mandates and uptake among clinical and non-clinical staff at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria, focusing on variation of survey responses based on job position, socio-demographic characteristics, and perceived risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Using an explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods design and deploying a pragmatic paradigm, 370 healthcare workers were administered structured questionnaires. This was followed by in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of respondents to further clarify the responses regarding support for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine mandate. Findings demonstrated that less than one-half of respondents supported the COVID-19 mandate, and only one in three had received the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. Support for the vaccine mandate and vaccine uptake were predicted by profession, work experience, number of children, health status, and risk perception. Support for the vaccine mandate was ascribed to ethical and professional duty, whereas opposition was associated with respect for autonomy and human rights. This study documents the need to enhance support for vaccine mandates and uptake among healthcare workers through sustainable strategies, as Nigeria’s healthcare workers are considered a source of trust and role models for the rest of society.

Electrolytes, urea and creatinine are major factor in the determining a healthy kidney performance. Renal impairment is one of the kidney stages that can alter the concentration of these electrolytes. This study was carried out in order to access the biochemical concentrations of urea, electrolytes and creatinine in patients with renal impairment attending Yobe state specialist hospital Damaturu. One hundred (100) blood samples were collected randomly from the patients. Automated chemistry analyzer (Selectra proS) was used for determination of urea and creatinine. For the determination of concentration of electrolytes in blood samples, electrolytes analyzer known as Ion selective electrolyte (ISE) was used. Electrolytes determined and compare with normal values includes: bicarbonate (HCO3-) 20-30 mmol/l, potassium (K+) 2.5-5.0 mmol/l, chloride (Cl-) 95-110 mmol/l, and sodium (Na+) 135-145 mmol/l. The results obtained was distributed into three (3) groups depending on the age categories; group 1 (1-30years), group 2 (31-60 years), and group 3(60-90 years). The gender ratio male to female patients examined was 52:48. Generally, the obtained result showed that females age 31-60 years are the most affected by the renal impairment, and this called for Government intervention in order to solve the causes of kidney impairment in the society.

Olax subscorpioidea (Oliv.) leaf is widely used as a traditional remedy for pain, reduction of small tumors, edema, painful swellings, and other inflammatory conditions. Its anti-inflammatory potential in experimental animals has been documented. Furthermore, an anti-inflammatory assay guided fractionation showed that the aqueous and butanol leaf fractions were the most active. This study is aimed at investigating further, the acute and sub-acute anti-inflammatory potentials of the aqueous and butanol leaf fractions in mice and rats.Carrageenan induced paw edema in rats, xylene induced ear edema in mice, and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats were the models employed for the studies. For each of the methods, four randomly-selected groups of animals (n=5/6) were orally administered with distilled water (1 ml/kg), aqueous or butanol fraction (1,000 mg/kg) and standard drugs (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA] 300 mg/kg or dexamethasone, 1 mg/kg).The aqueous and butanol fractions each showed significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of ear swelling, the fractions also significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) decreased the paw edema, and significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited the granuloma formation.The result of the study suggests that aqueous and butanol leaf fractions of Olax subscorpioidea are effective against acute and sub-acute inflammation.

The study was carried out with the aim of determining the age and percentage wastage of foetus due to the slaughter of pregnant does in Zango Abattoir, Samaru, Zaria. Out of a total of 680 female goats slaughtered during three months (January to March, 1998), 275 (40.44%) of the were pregnant. From the pregnant uteri, 460 foetuses were recovered and used for the study. Out of the recovered foetuses 41.09, 21.82 and 37.09% were twins, triplets and single respectively. The weight as well as the crown-rump of the foetuses were measured and the results obtained were used to determine their estimated ages. It was found that the highest percentage (46.2%) 0f the foetuses fell within the first trimeter of pregnancy, while the second and third trimesters had 30% and 23.8% respectively. The regression equations and the results of the correlation analysis showed that the gestational age of the local breeds of goats can be accurately estimated by crown-rump measurement. It was concluded that complete lack of pregnancy dignostic test on does before slaughtering in the abattoirs resulted in heavy losses of foetuses which call to question the role of the veterinary personnel at the abattoir with the consequence reduction in the availability of animal protein in the country. The study also gave an insight into the use of two easily measured variables: foetal weight (FW) and crown rump lenght (CRL) as a means for age estimates in goats.

Aventriculy is a very rare observation and is generally associated with holoprosencephaly. We report here a case of polymalformation affecting the brain, hands, and feet observed in a highly consanguineous family in Niger.A boy was born from a highly consanguineous family presenting multiple malformations (aventriculy, extreme microcephaly, polydactyly, polymicrogyria, callosal agenesis, and parietal encephalocele). To the best of our knowledge, such association has never been reported so far.We propose to name this association PAPEC (for polymicrogyria, aventriculy, polydactyly, encephalocele, and callosal agenesis). The occurrence of this disease in a highly consanguineous family suggests a genetic origin. Furthermore, we propose hypotheses that could explain pathophysiology of this defect.

The prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications have continued to increase globally. Tight glycemic control has been one of the effective ways towards the management of diabetes and its complications. This study was conducted to investigate independent predictors of glycemic levels among patients with diabetes attending a diabetic clinic of a tertiary health care facility. More than half (54.2%) of the 216 participants had good glycemic control. Participants with Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 25 had 79% lower odds of having controlled glycemic levels (95% CI; 0.095, 0.479), compared to those with BMI$

Declining soil fertility is a major threat to agricultural productivity and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Niger, where most farmers have few resources and depend on degraded lands. Large-scale adoption of soil fertility management technologies (SFMT) by small-scale farmers is among the proposed solutions, but this remains low because of various constraints. A better understanding of the socioeconomic factors that influence farming practices is needed to adapt SFMT to farmers' use. A survey using semi-structured interviews with 101 household heads was conducted in 2013 in Karabedji, Niger. The influence of household socio-economic factors on soil fertility management practices (SFMP) was assessed through farmers that were involved in demonstration activities as part of a long-term research project (13 years) on the restoration of soil fertility on farmers’ fields. The results showed that the farmer's household size was between 9 and 14 people and that the majority of farmers did not attain formal education. Fifty percent (50%) of the non-participating farmers and 69% of the participants of the demonstration were affiliated with farmers' organizations. The proportion of demonstration participants and non-participants having an average farm income of less than 300,000 FCFA (about US $ 600) was 70 to 75%. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant positive effect (P

Incident HIV infections in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers pose significant challenges to prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. We identified the predictors of willingness to self-test for HIV when retesting in pregnancy and postpartum among antenatal clients in a tertiary hospital in Northern Nigeria.Structured and validated questionnaires were administered to a cross section of antenatal attendees (n = 370) in March 2021. Willingness to self-test and adjusted odds ratios of potential predictors were generated from logistic regression models.Of the 317 respondents who agreed to repeat HIV test during pregnancy, 29.3% (n = 93) were willing to self-test. Similarly, of those (n = 350) willing to retest after delivery, 27.4% (n = 96) were willing to self-test. Willingness to self-test during pregnancy was higher among respondents who were multiparous (2-4 births) (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 2.40, 95% confidence interval CI, 1.14-6.43), employed (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI, 1.13-4.53) and those with at least secondary education (aOR = 2.96, 95% CI, 1.43-11.47). In contrast, willingness to self-test was lower among those who were unaware of the husband's HIV status (aOR = 0.05, 95% CI, 0.02-0.13). Willingness to self-test after delivery was higher among respondents who were married (aOR = 15.41, 95% CI, 3.04-78.2), multiparous (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI, 1.27-5.63), employed (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI, 1.08-2.35) and had at least to secondary education (aOR = 6.12, 95% CI, 1.36-27.47). In contrast, willingness to self-test postpartum was lower among those who booked late (≥29 weeks) (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI, 0.022-0.52), those who were unaware of the risk of HIV transmission during breastfeeding (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI, 0.12-0.68) and participants who were unaware of the husband's HIV status (aOR = 0.076, 95% CI, 0.03-0.19).Willingness to self-test for HIV in pregnancy and postpartum was low in this population and was influenced by risk perception, socio-demographic and obstetric attributes. Communication interventions and training of potential mentor mothers among early adopters could improve self-testing in this group and similar settings.

Vegetables containing micronutrients such as manganese and copper are widely consumed due to their essential role in the human body. Human activities due to environmental pollution significantly contribute to high levels of manganese and copper in the human body, which can lead to toxic effects. The research is aimed at determining the level of manganese and copper in selected vegetables (Lactuca sativa, Telfairia occidentalis, Vernonia amygdalina, Spinacia olaracea and Adansonia digitata) marketed in Kaduna metropolis. The selected vegetables were processed and digested using a tri-acid mixture (HNO3:HClO4:H2SO4 = 5:1:1) and the Cu and Mn content of the digests obtained was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The results obtained indicated that Spinacia olaracea had the highest (0.336 ± 0.001) level of Mn while Telfairia occidentalis had the least (0.018 ± 0.013). The highest (0.139 ± 0.0002) level of Cu was recorded in Vernonia amygdalina and the lowest level (0.068±0.005) was found in Lactuca sativa. All the concentrations recorded are within the official WHO permissible limit of 5mg/kg for manganese and 4mg/kg for copper in vegetable plant materials. Therefore, these values may suggest that the selected vegetables are safe for human consumption.

This study examined the support for vaccine mandates and uptake among clinical and non-clinical staff at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria, focusing on variation of survey responses based on job position, socio-demographic characteristics, and perceived risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Using an explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods design and deploying a pragmatic paradigm, 370 healthcare workers were administered structured questionnaires. This was followed by in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of respondents to further clarify the responses regarding support for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine mandate. Findings demonstrated that less than one-half of respondents supported the COVID-19 mandate, and only one in three had received the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. Support for the vaccine mandate and vaccine uptake were predicted by profession, work experience, number of children, health status, and risk perception. Support for the vaccine mandate was ascribed to ethical and professional duty, whereas opposition was associated with respect for autonomy and human rights. This study documents the need to enhance support for vaccine mandates and uptake among healthcare workers through sustainable strategies, as Nigeria’s healthcare workers are considered a source of trust and role models for the rest of society.

A new deterministic mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is proposed and fully analyzed. The presented model exhibits a unique...

Dried and powdered leaves of Albizia chevalieri were extracted using ethanol. The extract was fractionated to give methanol, chloroform and pet-ether. The four extracts obtained; ethanol, chloroform, methanol and pet-ether were evaluated for antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity assay. The results of the DPPH scavenging activity indicated a concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The DPPH scavenging activity of the ethanol, chloroform and methanol extracts were found to be promising. There is no significant difference in the antioxidant activity between the ethanol, chloroform and methanol extracts with that of standard Ascorbic acid at 10, 25, 250 and 500 μg/ml concentrations. This showed that the ethanol, chloroform and methanol leave extracts of the plant has the potency of scavenging free radicals in vitro and may provide leads in the ongoing search for natural antioxidants from Nigerian medicinal plants to be used in treating diseases related to free radical reactions.

Abstract The present study focused on pollution status of groundwater in the industrial areas of Challawa and Sharada in Kano city based on pollution indices, statistical and spatial analyses. Twenty groundwater samples representing groundwater of the studied areas (Ten from each area) were analyzed for the presence of Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn and Zn using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The result showed 95%, 5%, 60%, 15% and 25% of the analyzed water samples had detectable Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, and Mn above the drinking water limits of both Nigerian standards for drinking water quality NSDWQ and World Health Organization (WHO) with Cd dominating other analyzed heavy metals in the groundwater. Evaluation of heavy metal pollution revealed a low polluted status based on the contaminant index (Cd), synthetic pollution index, heavy metals evaluation index, and heavy metal pollution index. Metal index categorized the groundwater as seriously polluted. The statistical evaluation gave strong and positive correlations between indices and a moderate one between the metallic ions. Component analysis revealed a strongly positive loading of Fe, Ni and Zn while Cd had a strong negative loading. Cr and Mn were positive and moderately loaded. Statistical analyses suggested both anthropogenic and geogenic sources for the heavy metals mainly from the industrial and agricultural practices and rock weathering processes, respectively. This study is expected to be a useful tool in the planning, monitoring and mitigation of pollution activities in the area. Article Highlights The pollution status of groundwater with respect to heavy metals was investigated in the Challawa and Sharada industrials zones in Kano city Nigeria The concentration of Cd, Fe, Ni, Cr Mn and Zn was determined using the AAS Different Pollution indices of HPI, HEI, SPI, Cd and MI were utilized to categorized the area as low, medium and highly polluted. Spatial and temporal distribution maps demarcated based on the metal concentrations and computed indices in the area. CA, PCA, and HCA were used to identified the geochemistry, relationship, sources and origin of heavy metals in groundwater. The study revealed zones with low to high-risk groundwater in terms of toxic heavy metals and pollution status.

International audience; The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an invasive pest native to South America. Outside of its native range, it was first detected in Spain in 2006 and then rapidly spread to most tomato-growing regions in Central America, Europe, Africa and Asia where the species has become a major threat to tomato production. To implement appropriate policy and surveillance practices, to limitnew introductions and spread, and inherent economic losses, better knowledge of its invasion pathways is required. To this end, a large sampling of T. absoluta was performedin native and invaded areas including European and for the first time many African countries. Samples were analysed using a mitochondrial marker (mtCOI) and a phylogenetic approach. Despite extensive sampling and sequencing efforts, an overall lack of genetic variation among the tested specimens (140) was observed. This striking finding may result from a combination of factors and phenomena such as extensive gene flow, severe bottlenecks, reproductive system and human activities, and will be discussed in the framework of biological invasion and pest management.

Introduction L’objectif de notre etude est d’evaluer la prise en charge de la malnutrition aigue severe dans le centre de recuperation nutritionnelle intensive du centre hospitalier regional de Niamey. Materiels et methodes : nous avons mene une etude prospective de soins courants realisee entre le 1er janvier 2016 et le 31 decembre 2016 en incluant les enfants de 0 a 59 mois qui presentaient un rapport poids/taille ≤ - 3 Z score et ou des œdemes de denutrition chez lesquels une malformation cardiaque ou neoplasies ou autres maladies chroniques etaient eliminees. Le protocole national de la recuperation nutritionnelle est divise en phase 1 pendant laquelle les patients sont mis sous le lait F-75 (130ml/kg/j), en phase de transition avec la mise sous le F-100 (130ml/kg/j) et en phase 2 pendant laquelle les patients sont mis sous l’alimentation therapeutique pres a l’emploi et ou le F-100. Le passage d’une phase a une autre est bien codifie par le protocole. Resultats : Durant la periode de l’etude, 5773 patients ont ete recenses, parmi lesquels 814 etaient atteints de MAS soit une frequrepresentaient 75%. Le marasme representait 86,30% des cas de malnutrition, le kwashiorkor 5,03% et la forme mixte 8,70%. La grande majorite des malades (91,52%) avait un Z score ≤ - 3. L’ECBU etait positive chez 85 patients. L’E Coli representait 87% des germes rencontres. Les facteurs de comorbidite etaient le paludisme (88,8%) ; les pneumopathies (5,28%) et le VIH (1,4%). Les principales complications rencontrees au cours de l’hospitalisation etaient la deshydratation (26,5%), la detresse respiratoire (6,14%) et l’hypothermie (3,2%). La duree moyenne de sejour hospitalier etait de 15,7±5,2 jours et 12% des patients avaient un sejour de plus de 20 jours. Le gain ponderal moyen journalier etait de 12,5±3,9g/kg/jour. Nous avions enregistre 66 cas de deces (8,1%). Conclusion: L’etude montre une prevalence tres elevee du marasme, une predominance des enfants de moins de 24 mois et une mortalite elevee chez les nourrissons. Promouvoir une bonne diversification alimentaire chez le nourrisson permettrait d’ameliorer la situation. ence de 14,1% de toutes les pathologies rencontrees dans notre service. Le sexe masculin etait predominant (52,5%) avec l’âge moyen des patients a 14,4±9,14 mois. Les patients issus de familles a niveau de vie faible representaient 75%. Le marasme representait 86,30% des cas de malnutrition, le kwashiorkor 5,03% et la forme mixte 8,70%. La grande majorite des malades (91,52%) avait un Z score ≤ - 3. L’ECBU etait positive chez 85 patients. L’E Coli representait 87% des germes rencontres. Les facteurs de comorbidite etaient le paludisme (88,8%) ; les pneumopathies (5,28%) et le VIH (1,4%). Les principales complications rencontrees au cours de l’hospitalisation etaient la deshydratation (26,5%), la detresse respiratoire (6,14%) et l’hypothermie (3,2%). La duree moyenne de sejour hospitalier etait de 15,7±5,2 jours et 12% des patients avaient un sejour de plus de 20 jours. Le gain ponderal moyen journalier etait de 12,5±3,9g/kg/jour. Nous avions enregistre 66 cas de deces (8,1%). Conclusion: L’etude montre une prevalence tres elevee du marasme, une predominance des enfants de moins de 24 mois et une mortalite elevee chez les nourrissons. Promouvoir une bonne diversification alimentaire chez le nourrisson permettrait d’ameliorer la situation. Background: The objective of our study is to evaluate the management of severe acute malnutrition in the intensive nutrition recovery center of the Regional Hospital Center of Niamey.Methods: we carried out a prospective study of routine care performed between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016 including children from 0 to 59 months who presented a weight / height ratio ≤ - 3 Z score and or edema of undernutrition in which a heart malformation or neoplasms or other chronic diseases were eliminated. The national protocol for nutritional recovery is divided into phase 1 during which patients are put on F-75 milk (130ml / kg / d), in the transition phase with putting on F-100 (130ml / kg / d ) and in phase 2 during which the patients are put on therapeutic food ready for use and / or F-100. The transition from one phase to another is well codified by the protocol. Results: During the study period, 5,773 patients were identified, among which 814 had SAM, ie a frequency of 14.1% of all pathologies encountered in our department. Male sex was predominant (52.5%) with the mean age of patients at 14.4 ± 9.14 months. Patients from families with a low standard of living accounted for 75%. Marasmus accounted for 86.30% of malnutrition cases, kwashiorkor 5.03% and mixed form 8.70%. The vast majority of patients (91.52%) had a Z score ≤ - 3. The urine culture was positive in 85 patients. E Coli accounted for 87% of the germs encountered. The comorbid factors were malaria (88.8%); pneumonia (5.28%) and HIV (1.4%). The main complications encountered during hospitalization were dehydration (26.5%), respiratory distress (6.14%) and hypothermia (3.2%). The mean length of hospital stay was 15.7 ± 5.2 days and 12% of patients had a stay of more than 20 days. The mean daily weight gain was 12.5 ± 3.9g / kg / day. We had recorded 66 cases of death (8.1%).