Niger State Nigeria Research Articles

Profitability and Technical Efficiencr of Irrigated Tomato Productinon in Some Selected Local Government Area of Niger State-Nigeria

Profitability and Technical Efficiencr of Irrigated Tomato Productinon in Some Selected Local Government Area of Niger State-Nigeria

Managerial Factors, School Security as Correlates of Academic Staff Job Effectiveness in Colleges of Education in Niger State, Nigeria

The study examined the managerial factors, school security and academic staff job effectiveness in Colleges of Education in Niger state, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive research design of the correlational type. The population of the study comprised 926 academic staff in public Colleges of education in Niger state as at year 2024 of carrying out this study. The sample for the study was 615 academic staff selected from 2 Colleges of Education in Niger state, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedures, involving simple random sampling technique and proportionate random sampling technique were used to select the sample for this study. Two sets of instruments tagged “Managerial Factors School Security Questionnaire (MFSSQ) and Academic Staff job Effectiveness Questionnaire (ASJEQ) were used for the study. The instruments were validated by experts in the field of test and measurement as well as Educational Management that ensured the face and content validity of the instruments. The reliability coefficients of 0.78 were obtained for the MFSSQ and 0.85 for the ASJEQ. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. All the hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that the level of academic staff job effectiveness was high in Colleges of Education in Niger state Nigeria. The study equally revealed that the commonly used managerial factors in the Colleges of Education in Niger state were delegation of duties, committee system and decision-making. There was significant relationship between managerial factors, school security and academic staff job effectiveness in Colleges of Education in Niger state, Nigeria. Also, it was revealed that managerial factors made significance contribution to academic staff job effectiveness in Colleges of Education in Niger state, Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the College authorities (Deans and HODs) should sustain the current high level of academic staff job effectiveness through the use of appropriate managerial factors. College authorities should always ensure that college environment that is secured for both lecturers and students for teaching, learning and research activities to take place among others.

Assessment of the Ecology of Diatoms in Relation to Environmental Variables in Landzu River Bida Niger State Nigeria

Diatoms are widely utilised as excellent environmental indicators due to their ability to react to a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological changes that take place in the aquatic environment. This study was carried out to investigate some aspects of the ecology of diatoms in relation to environmental variables in Landzu River Bida, Niger state Nigeria. Samples were collected from five (5) sampling station and analysed using standard methods and procedures. The results show water temperature (23.63±2.18-25.75±0.25°C), Water depth (23.76±4.87-36.32±3.21cm), Flow velocity ranged (0.011±0.00-0.182±0.01), Water pH (7.28±0.37-7.48±0.35), Transparency (20.50±0.15- 22.01±0.31cm), Electrical conductivity (118.95±0.21-144.6±0.23 µS/cm). Dissolved oxygen concentration (6.4±0.50-7.70±0.19 mg/l), the Biochemical oxygen demand (2.14±0.23-2.55±0.26mg/l), total hardness (30.5±3.19-31.26±2.8.33mg/l), alkalinity (13.83±0.74-14.00±0.71mg/l), Nitrate (0.014±0.00-0.035±0.00mg/l), Phosphate (0.028±0.01 to 0.03±0.00mg/l) the total dissolved solids (111.86±1.49 to 131.18±1.90), Magnesium (0.018±0.01-0.053±0.00mg/l), Zinc (12.02±9.00-23.45±3.00 mg/l), Nickel (4.90±0.45-5.51±0.52mg/ l), Lead (0.44±0.07-1.84±0.04mg/l) and Manganese (12.58±1.30-19.43±2.70 mg/l). All the physicochemical variables measured show no significant (p>0.05) difference between the sampling stations except depth, flow velocity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate and total dissolved solids which differ significantly (p<0.05) among the sampling stations while all the heavy metal differs significantly (p<0.05) between the sampling stations except magnesium and nickel. A total of 2499 individual organisms from 25 species were identified. Station 2 had the highest number of individuals with 561 organisms, followed by station 5 with 511 organisms while station 4 had 505 organisms. Station 1 had 481 organisms, while station 3 had the lowest with 441 organisms. The study shows diatom assemblage is influenced by human activities.

Resistivity Prospecting for Groundwater Potential at the Proposed Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital, Lapai, Niger State

Resistivity methods have been increasingly used for aquifer characterisation due to their high level of effectiveness. In this study, electrical resistivity survey was carried out at the Proposed Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital Lapai Niger State Nigeria in order to study the groundwater potential with a view of determining the depth to the bedrock and thickness of the overburden protective capacity. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using Schlumberger array was used to occupy thirty (30) VES stations using ABEM Terrameter (SAS 300) for the acquisition of apparent resistivity data. The field data obtained was analysed using computer software (IPI2win) which gave the secondary geoelectric parameters of depth, layer thickness and layer resistivities. The results revealed heterogeneous nature of the subsurface geological sequence comprising top soil (clayey-sandy and sandy-lateritic), weathered layer, partly weathered (fractured basement) and fresh basement. The resistivity value for the topsoil layer varied from 20Ωm to 600Ωm with thickness ranging from 0.5 to 7.2 m. The weathered basement had resistivity values ranging from 15Ωm to 593Ωm while the thicknesses varied between 2.75 and 33.04m. The fractured basement had resistivity values ranging from 201Ωm to 835Ωm and thicknesses having values between 11 and 20.4m. The fresh basement (bedrock) had resistivity values ranging from 1161Ωm to 3115Ωm with infinite depth. The depth from the earth’s surface to the bedrock surface varied between 2.5 to 47.75m. The VES 10, 11 and 19 had very good overburden protective capacity and can serve as good sites for borehole drilling.

Economic impact of the value chain development program on the food security of rice farmers in Nigeria

Abstract This study evaluated the economic impact of the value chain development program (VCDP) on the food security of rice farmers in Nigeria. Data from primary sources were used. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to select a total sample size of 292 rice farmers which comprises of 155 value chain development program beneficiaries and 137 non-beneficiaries. Data were analyzed using the following tools: descriptive statistics, food security index, Logit dichotomous regression model, F-Chow test, and t-test. About 61% and 27% of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the value chain development program were food secured based on head count ratio. The 2/3 MCFE for beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries were 13203.954 Naira and 4759.605 Naira respectively. The significant factors influencing food security among the rice VCDP beneficiaries were the following: gender (P< 0.10), household size (P< 0.01), farm experience (P< 0.10), access to credit (P< 0.05), and labour input (P< 0.10). The F-Chow test conducted reveals that the VCDP impacted positively on the food security of rice farmers. The study recommends that interest rate free loans or low-interest loans should be made available to rice farmers to increase production and food security. Keywords: economic impact, food security, Value Chain Development Program, rice farmers, Niger State Nigeria

EVALUATION OF CONSUMERS’ PURCHASING BEHAVIOR FOR PROCESSED RICE IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

The study evaluate consumers purchasing behaviour for processed rice in Minna, Niger State Nigeria. Data were collected from 114 respondent’s rice consumers across markets in Minna and this was done to understand the consumer preferences for rice variety for desired attributes. The study used multinomial logistic, garret ranking techniques and budget share index as analytical tools. The study revealed from the result that for the category of local rice only the coefficient of education is statistically significant at P< 0.01 and has a negative effect on the consumer preference for local rice. Result indicates that among the factors that consumers consider when they are purchasing rice in the study area, rice purity was the most important factor and ranked first with Garrett Mean Score of 61.04 followed by price ranked second with a garret mean score of 58.48 and the third factor was food safety with mean score of 56.53 while the least factor to be consider by the consumer was rice aroma with the mean score of 36.61. It was also revealed that the household’s monthly budget share on rice (local and foreign) in Minna was 0.35 which implies that 35% of the household’s monthly food expenditure were spent on rice consumption. The budget share on rice, beans, semovita/maize, yam and garri were estimated as 34%, 5%, 15%, 10% and 8% respectively and this clearly shows that rice constitutes a larger proportion of the household’s monthly food expenditure relative to beans, maize, yam and garri. It was concluded that as the marketing process becomes more complex and competitive, understanding consumers’ preference for rice attributes is becoming very important in order to improve the rice quality for marketability. Hence, paying attention to attributes of locally produced rice is therefore important right from production and through the entire market chain for improving competitiveness as well as securing future rice markets.

Studies on the Control of Mycotoxin Producing Fungi Isolated from Sorghum Sold in Bida, Niger State Nigeria

Sorghum is an important crop in Africa including Nigeria, Mali and Niger. Fungi contaminate grains including sorghum with fungal poisonous secondary metabolites called mycotoxins. The objectives of this study are the isolation of fungi associated with sorghum in storage and assay for the presence of mycotoxins in stored sorghum. Data obtained showed that stored sorghum used in this study contains Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergilus oryzae, Aspergilus flavus, Aspergilus niger, Aspergilus solani, Aspergilus terreus and Fusarium oxysposum. Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium oxysporum produced zearalenone while Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus solani and Aspergillus tereus produced aflatoxins B1. Fumanisin B1 and aflatoxinB1 were produced by Aspergillus flavus. Alium sativum and Zingiber officinale exhibited antifungal activity against the test fungi. This research work will provide a long term economic impact in reducing mycotoxicoses which are acute and chronic toxic diseases caused by mycotoxins. The findings will also serve the purpose of alerting consumers on the dangers of consuming poorly stored sorghum.

The Neonatal Rescue Scheme (NRS) concept reduces mortality by over 85% in Niger State Nigeria – A lesson for Nigeria and other LMICs

Nigeria is well-known for its extremely high neonatal mortality rate, putting the country at the top of the list of most needy LMICs. Daily, over 846 babies die from preventable reasons across the constituent States in Nigeria. The Niger State, located at the northwest of the middle belt, had one of the highest neonatal mortality rates prior to 2017. All Nigerian States habitually rely on federal government health centres for the special care of their growing population of needy neonates. Only one such centre is in the State of Niger, yet there has been no significant progress in the entire State. This resulted in the State government taking on an extraordinary step of independently trialing the new concept of a Neonatal Rescue Scheme (NRS), powered by LMIC-compatible frugal neonatal devices and procedures.The Amina-centre, so-commissioned in 2017, has sustainably used indigenous basic medical officers and nurses who received prior short-term training on the applications of the NRS to deliver impactful services to neonates. This 6-year impact and comparative assessment study explored how the services of the Amina-centre have radically transformed the Niger State's desperate situation by reducing the facility mortality from 90/100 neonates to 4/100 neonates. This innovative program also attracted and increased the average neonatal traffic from 20 neonates/month to an astronomical 264 neonates/month. The Amina-centre represents a typical transformation that could alleviate many precarious neonatal healthcare problems in every LMIC setting.

Proximate, Electrolyte and Biochemical Profile of Rabbits Fed with Tridax procumbens Residue Meal in Replacement of Vitamins and Minerals in Lapai Niger state Nigeria

Proximate, electrolyte and biochemical profile of rabbits fed with Tridax residue meal replacing Vitamin and Mineral were evaluated in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria using standard techniques. The dietary treatments evaluated were 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 0% inclusion level of Tridax. The results obtained did not follow any pattern except Urea, Globulin and Creatinine which had significant (P<0.05) decrease in the serum biochemical profile. The highest value for crude fat was seen in feed3 with value of 11.33±0.30 and the lowest was recorded in the control feed with value of 10.38±0.21. There was no significant difference in crude protein between feeds 1 and 2 with values of 58.13±0.15 and 56.13±0. 15 but feeds feeds3, 4 and the control feed showed significant difference at (P<0.05) The result of Chloride shows no significant differences (P<0.05) in feeds1, 2 and 3, with values of 7.26±0.96, 7.25 ±3.74 and 7.55±4.81 also feeds4 and the control feed shows no significant difference with values of 6.55±2.67 and 6.46 ± 0.96 but there is significant difference between feeds1, 2, 3 and feeds4 and control feed. The prepared feed supplemented with 20 and 40% Tridax is promising compared to others, hence could be used as a supplement in the feed of rabbit which can be consumed in place of red meat. Also the low cholesterol level in the feeds makes it idle for people with cardiovascular related problem. Thus, the cost of production of feed can be reduced using Tridax plant as a substitute for Vitamin and mineral premix. It is recommended that further studies on the optimum level of inclusion of Tridax plant to be established.

Species Composition and Distribution of Anopheles Mosquito Vectors in Kontagora, Niger State, Nigeria

The endemicity of malaria in any locality in determine by indigenous Anopheles species composition, distribution as well as Plasmodium infectivity. This research was conducted to determine the species composition and distribution of Anopheles mosquito vectors in Kontagora, Niger State Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were collected from five (5) sampling sites widely located in Kwangwara, Tudun wada, Dadin kowa, Sabon gari and Usubu areas of Kontagora metropolis. Collected mosquitoes were taken and examined in the laboratory, sorted into Anopheles and identified into species using standard taxonomic keys and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques respectively. Data generated were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software version 20.3 and excel package. Anopheles species composition was expressed as the percentage of total Anopheles mosquitoes collected. Chi-square test was used to compare the results from the five sampling locations. The results of the study revealed six (6) Anopheles species; namely An. gambiae, An. funestus, An. squamosus, An. coustani, An. nili and An. maculipalpis, whose distribution varied significantly (p < 0.05) between sampling locations with An. gambiae predominating. Findings therefore revealed the preponderance of Anopheles gambiae species, indicating high malaria transmission potentials in the study area. This underscores the importance of generating intensive spatio-temporal information on the risk factors associated with malaria transmission on a local scale.

Statistical Investigation of the Relationship between Gold and Associate Minerals: A case Study of Kagara Area of Niger State Nigeria Soil

In the Kagara region of Niger State, north-central Nigeria, an investigation was conducted into the gold occurrence and availability of other economic-benefit associate minerals. 39 samples from the study area were subjected to fire assay analysis and multi-element analysis to determine the gold and other mineral recovery in the case study formation. Statistical examination Methods of Pearson correlation and R-mode varimax rotated factor analysis were used to interpret the results. The analysis revealed that the recovered gold (Au) had a grade between 0.01g per tonne and 0.19g per tonne. Li was also identified as the associate mineral with the lowest quantity, with a range of 1-20% and a mean value of 8.49%, whereas Manganes displayed some skewness with a minimum value of 156 and a maximum value of 3080 ppm. According to the Pearson correlation analysis, Lithium and Magnesium have a moderately positive correlation, indicating that they come from the same source. In addition, Mo and Ni have a strong positive correlation whereas Au and Na have a weak positive correlation. The factor analysis performed on the gold and associated mineral occurrences revealed that the deposit had been significantly altered by both environmental and mineralization factors in the study area's soil. Importantly, the study demonstrates that an associated mineral with gold has substantial economic value. Considering the capital and operating costs required for the exploration and exploitation of gold-bearing soil and rock, it has been determined that the refining of other associate minerals to improve the cost-benefit ratio is highly advantageous.

Nutrient evaluation of different avian species eggs from Minna, Niger State Nigeria

Abstract The proximate composition and mineral contents of eggs from quail (Coturnix japonica) turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) commercial chicken (Gallus domesticus), local chicken (Gallus domesticus) guinea fowl, (Numida meleagris) and duck (Cairina moschata) obtained in Minna, Nigeria were studied. Standard laboratory procedures were used in determining the nutrients and mineral compositions of the egg samples. The local chicken eggs had significantly higher crude fat (11.73 ± 0.18%), ash (1.38 ± 0.01%), zinc (3.23 ± 0.11 mg/100 g), and manganese (0.44 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) contents, it also showed the lowest phosphorus (120.00 ± 3.50 mg/100 g, iron (19.70 ± 0.60 mg/100 g) and vitamin A concentration (1.62 ± 0.59 × 103 μg/L). Quail egg had the highest (p < 0.05) vitamin A (4.16 ± 0.16 × 103 μg/L) and protein (13.49 ± 0.33%) contents. The moisture content was significantly higher in guinea fowl eggs (80.28 ± 0.41%) than in others. The outcome of this study indicated that some eggs which are seemingly underutilised may provide an enormous supply of nutrients needed for adequate human nutrition and health. Hence, if properly exploited they may substantially improve the quality of diet.

Use of Markov Decision Model to Minimize Maintenance and Replacement Cost of Turbines in the Shiroro Hydro-Electric Power Station, Kaduna River, Niger State Nigeria

This paper presents the application of Markov decision model to minimize the maintenance and replacement cost of turbines in the Shiroro Hydro-Eletric Power Station, Kaduna River, Niger State, Nigeria. Data obtained reveals that minimum cost of equipment maintenance through the Markov reward model is achievable and able to ascertain long-run maintenance and the repair/replacement of turbine. Information obtained have the potential to assist engineers and utility staff to plan against turbine failure and hence, improve the stability of power generation which will in-turn lead to accelerate the economic growth of the nation.

Isolation of Fluoroquinolones Resistant Salmonella spp. from Stool Samples of Patients Attending General Hospital Minna and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital, Minna, Nigeria

Typhoid fever continues to be a major health problem despite the use of antibiotics and the development of newer antibacterial drugs. This study aim was to isolate fluoroquinolones resistant Salmonella spp from stool samples of informed and consenting patient attending General Hospital and Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital in Minna Niger State Nigeria. A total 450 stool samples were collected from the Hospital. The results showed that 69 (30.4%) of the sample collected were positive for Salmonella species. On the basis of age children within the age range of 0-10 recorded the highest prevalence of 22.7% followed by age range 51-60 having the prevalence of 19.4%, age range >60 had the prevalence of 16.7% and age range 21-30 and 11-20 had a similar prevalence of (10.1% and 10.3% respectively) while age range 31-40 had the least prevalence of 7.8%. There were 69 isolates of Salmonella species Identified, 65(94.2%) were Resistant to the antibiotics used. The highest resistance was shown to Pefloxacin 62 (89.9%) and the lowest was shown to Ciprofloxacin 27 (39.1%). Salmonella species exhibited 52 antibiotic resistant patterns for the ten antibiotics tested with multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) ranging from 0.3-1.0. Molecular analysis was carried out on 5 representative isolates to identify their strains. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay showed the identified Salmonella strains were Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae strain ATCC 13314, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi strain 2018K-0756, Salmonella bongori strain SL18, Salmonella bongori strain GH3Rp and Salmonella enterica subsp. arizonae strain ATCC 13314, they all showed resistance to fluoroquinolones.

Potential application of a thermosyphon solar water heating system for hot water production in beauty salons: A thermo-economic analysis

Solar water heating systems can be used in any climate. However, their performance varies depending on the quantity of solar energy available in the region, and more importantly, the temperature of the water entering the system – the colder the incoming water, the higher the operating efficiency of the solar water heater. One of the noble benefits of solar water heating systems is the ability to save money, which is a reason that motivates most people to adopt them. In this study, a thermosyphon solar water heater was built and experimentally tested in an open field in Minna, Niger State-Nigeria, to determine the maximum water temperature and stability of water temperature in a 300-L storage tank for use in commercial beauty salons. The systems' performance was evaluated on partly cloudy and clear sunny days. The maximum outlet water temperature of the collector was 70.0 °C and 84.0 °C on partly cloudy and clear sunny days, respectively. The maximum temperature values of stored water obtained were 67.0 °C and 78.0 °C on partly cloudy and clear sunny days, respectively. The maximum thermal efficiency values of the solar collector obtained on partly cloudy and clear sunny days were 81.0% and 81.5%, respectively. The respective quantitative values of the collector's operational parameters – the energy absorption ( F R ( τ α ) ) and the energy loss ( F R U L ) characteristics – were 0.621 and 2.66 on the partly cloudy day and 0.622 and 2.25 on the clear sunny day. Thus, the thermosyphon solar water heater can meet the hot water needs of commercial beauty salons in Nigeria.

FACTORS INFLUENCING MEDICATION ADHERENCE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

The global effort to address HIV/AIDS prevalence rest with a holistic intervention that promotes adherence and reduces the sociocultural factors limiting treatment adherence. This study assessed the predictors of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among Young People Living with HIV (YPLHIV) in Niger State, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional survey utilizing a 43-item validated questionnaire to collect information on HIV medication adherence among 208 young people living with HIV currently enrolled in four facilities providing free comprehensive HIV care and treatment services in Niger State Nigeria. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted at p=0.05 significance level. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 24 years with a mean age of 21.5 ± 1.92 years. Participants had been on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for a period ranging between one to 14 years. The overall adherence rate in the study was 20% and was unevenly distributed across the four sites. In bivariate analysis, factors associated with ART medication adherence include educational attainment, religion and knowledge of medication adherence practices. Participants with higher education of at least a secondary school certificate were significantly more likely to adhere to ART (100%) than the lowly educated persons (0%), (p <0.0001). Similarly, other significant correlates of adherence at the bivariate level included knowledge of medication adherence (p <0.0001) and religion (p=0.038). Medication adherence is sub-optimal among Young People Living with HIV in Niger State and this study recommends holistic youth-friendly health literacy interventions programs to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among this population.

Spatio-temporal Assessment of Phytoplankton and Physicochemical Parameters of Dangana Lake, Lapai, Niger State Nigeria

Dangana Lake was constructed primarily to provide water for drinking, domestic activities and control flood. Phytoplankton assemblage and physicochemical parameters of Dangana Lake, Lapai, Niger State Nigeria were investigated monthly between March and October 2019 using standard methods and procedures. Water samples were collected from 3 different stations in the Lake. The result of the lake shows water temperature (23.2-29.5ºC), Biochemical oxygen Demand (2.30-3.91mg/l), Dissolved oxygen (3.40-4.70mg/l), water pH (6.10-7.5), Electrical conductivity (60.00-121µS/cm), Nitrates (0.30-1.05mg/l) and Phosphate (0.53-1.75mg/l). Temperature, DO, BOD5, and pH shows no significant difference (p>0.05) among sampling sites, however, Electrical conductivity, Nitrate and Phosphate differs significantly among sampling sites (p<0.05). Seasonally there was a significant difference (p<0.05) among sampling months in all the physicochemical parameter measures. A total of Seventeen (17) species of phytoplankton in six (6) families were encountered. The percentage abundant of phytoplankton revealed Bacillariophyta (36.84%), Dinophyta (33.38%), Chlorophyta (17.05%), Heterokontophyta (6.93%) Cyanophyta, (4.76%), and Euglenophyta (1.02%). Phytoplankton population was significantly higher during the dry season than in the raining season. The Canonical Correspondence analysis (CCA) correlated positively between the measured physicochemical parameters and the observed organisms. The nutrient status of the lake shows a medium range as indicated by the measured environmental parameters.

Enhancement of mobile scissor lifting system for windy environments


 
 
 This paper focuses on the enhancement of mobile scissor lifting system for windy environments. This study was necessitated in order to address the lack of support arm problem on the mobile scissor lifting system for the strong wind environment such as Minna in Niger State Nigeria. The outstation broadcasting operations in Minna metropolis are usually challenging during windy days as wind often affects the stability and efficiency of the outstation broad-casting platforms. This research employs electronic control circuit to control mechanical hydraulic actuated scissor lifting system in response to variations in wind speed. The mechanical components were designed using solidworks software. The control unit was remodeled using Proteus 8.0 software with the code written in Arduino integrated development environment (IDE). The model simulation results for both electronic and mechanical system reveal the possibility of achieving system stability with the resultant signal fidelity in outstation telecommunication broad-cast within windy areas. The experiment result shows that the system was capable of lifting the telecommunication platform 2 meters high within 20 seconds considering the load range of 500 to 1000 kg. An overload alert mechanism was incorporated to signal the operators of excessive loading. Then, the system automatically deploys its support arms to counter the attendant consequences of the strong wind thereby restoring the stability of the mobile scissor lift. Therefore, the authors conclude that the enhanced mobile scissor lifting system would be deployed in the windy environment for the maximum attainment of stability objectives while physical model from this design should be subsequently fabricated in the near future.
 
 

A feasibility study to assess non-clinical community health workers\u2019 capacity to use simplified protocols and tools to treat severe acute malnutrition in Niger state Nigeria

BackgroundSevere acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major determinant of childhood mortality and morbidity. Although integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses is a strategy for increasing access to life-saving treatment, malnutrition is not properly addressed in the guidelines. This study aimed to determine whether non-clinical Community Health Workers (called Community-Oriented Resource Persons, CORPs) implementing iCCM could use simplified tools to treat uncomplicated SAM.MethodsThe study used a sequential multi-method design and was conducted between July 2017 and May 2018. Sixty CORPs already providing iCCM services were trained and deployed in their communities with the target of enrolling 290 SAM cases. Competency of CORPs to treat and the treatment outcomes of enrolled children were documented. SAM cases with MUAC of 9 cm to < 11.5 cm without medical complications were treated for up to 12 weeks. Full recovery was at MUAC≥12.5 cm for two consecutive weeks. Supervision and quantitative data capturing were done weekly while qualitative data were collected after the intervention.ResultsCORPs scored 93.1% on first assessment and increment of 0.11 (95% CI, 0.05–0.18) points per additional supervision conducted. The cure rate from SAM to full recovery, excluding referrals from the denominator in line with the standard for reporting SAM recovery rates, was 73.5% and the median length of treatment was 7 weeks. SAM cases enrolled at 9 cm to < 10.25 cm MUAC had 31% less likelihood of recovery compared to those enrolled at 10.25 cm to < 11.5 cm. CORPs were not burdened by the integration of SAM into iCCM and felt motivated by children’s recovery. Operational challenges like bad terrains for supervision, supply chain management and referrals were reported by supervisors, while Government funding was identified as key for sustainability.ConclusionThe study demonstrated that with training and supportive supervision, CORPs in Nigeria can treat SAM among under-fives, and refer complicated cases using simplified protocols as part of an iCCM programme. This approach seemed acceptable to all stakeholders, however, the effect of the extra workload of integrating SAM into iCCM on the quality of care provided by the CORPs should be assessed further.

Upgrading the Glass Bead Making Furnace for Ease of Operation: A Case Study of the Masaga Glass Guild

The glass bead making furnace of the Masaga Glass Guild in Bida, Niger State Nigeria was evaluated in comparison to those of Ghana (Krobo) and India (Firozabad); it was discovered that the Masaga furnace falls short of an efficient system for sustainable work that should facilitate appreciable productivity. Furthermore, the furnace is not built with refractory bricks, implying that it has a short life span; the furnace is operated by hand-worked traditional cloth bellows requiring sustained and strenuous efforts over a relatively long period of time; Following this assessment, efforts were directed at modifying the furnace by producing design drawings of the modified furnace, design and production of refractory bricks from the design drawing, constructing the modified furnace structure using the refractory bricks, producing suitable furniture for the furnace and subsequently, devising a suitable mechanical blower device as an alternative to the manually worked bellows for the supply of combustion air. Consequently, a furnace was developed which eliminates the strenuous manual working of the bellows as well as the bellow operator and ensures that a single individual can work unassisted at the furnace in the process of glassware production.