Skin Cancers Among Albinos at a University Teaching Hospital in Northwestern Tanzania: A Retrospective Review of 64 Cases.

Skin cancers are a major risk associated with albinism and are thought to be a major cause of death in African albinos. The challenges associated with the care of these patients are numerous and need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to outline the pattern and treatment outcome of skin cancers among albinos treated at our centre and to highlight challenges associated with the care of these patients and proffer solutions for improved outcome. This was a retrospective study of all albinos with a histopathological diagnosis of skin cancer seen at Bugando Medical Centre from March 2001 to February 2010. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 64 patients were studied. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. The median age of patients was 30 years. The median duration of illness at presentation was 24 months. The commonest reason for late presentation was financial problem. Head and the neck was the most frequent site afflicted in 46(71.8%) patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histopathological type in 75% of cases. Surgical operation was the commonest modality of treatment in 60 (93.8%) patients. Radiotherapy was given in 24(37.5%) patients. Twenty-seven (42.2%) of the patients did not complete their treatment due to lack of funds. Local recurrence following surgical treatment was recorded in 6 (30.0%) patients. Only thirty-seven (61.7%) patients were available for follow-up at 6-12 months and the remaining patients were lost to follow-up. Skin cancers are the most common cancers among albinos in our environment. Albinism and exposure to ultraviolet light appears to be the most important risk factor in the development of these cancers. Late presentation and failure to complete treatment due to financial difficulties and lack of radiotherapy services at our centre are major challenges in the care of these patients. Early institution of preventive measures, early presentation and treatment, and follow-up should be encouraged in this population for better outcome

Intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren in different settings of Côte d'Ivoire : effect of diagnostic approach and implications for control

BACKGROUND: Social-ecological systems govern parasitic infections in humans. Within the frame of assessing the accuracy of a rapid diagnostic test for Schistosoma mansoni in Cote d'Ivoire, three different endemicity settings had to be identified and schoolchildren's intestinal parasitic infection profiles were characterized. METHODS: In September 2010, a rapid screening was conducted in 11 schools in the Azaguie district, south Cote d'Ivoire. In each school, 25 children were examined for S. mansoni and S. haematobium. Based on predefined schistosome endemicity levels, three settings were selected, where schoolchildren aged 8-12 years were asked to provide three stool and three urine samples for an in-depth appraisal of parasitic infections. Triplicate Kato-Katz thick smears were prepared from each stool sample for S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth diagnosis, whereas urine samples were subjected to a filtration method for S. haematobium diagnosis. Additionally, a formol-ether concentration method was employed on one stool sample for the diagnosis of helminths and intestinal protozoa. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to analyse associations between schoolchildren's parasitic infections, age, sex and study setting. RESULTS: The prevalences of S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections in the initial screening ranged from nil to 88% and from nil to 56%, respectively. The rapid screening in the three selected areas revealed prevalences of S. mansoni of 16%, 33% and 78%. Based on a more rigorous diagnostic approach, the respective prevalences increased to 92%, 53% and 33%. S. haematobium prevalences were 0.8%, 4% and 65%. Prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma spp., soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoan infections showed setting-specific patterns. Infections with two or more species concurrently were most common in the rural setting (84%), followed by the peri-urban (28.3%) and urban setting (18.2%). CONCLUSIONS: More sensitive diagnostic tools or rigorous sampling approaches are needed to select endemicity settings with high fidelity. The observed small-scale heterogeneity of helminths and intestinal protozoan infections has important implications for contro

Kinetics and Mechanism of the Oxidation of Orange II by Chlorate Ion in Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid

Communication in Physical Sciences 2020, 5(2):165-170 Authors: B. Myek, S. O. Idris, A. D. Onu and M. K. Yakubu Received 05 March 2020/Accepted 03 May 2020 The kinetics of the oxidation of orange II (OR-) by ClO3-was studied in aqueous hydrochloric acid where the ionic strength and other parameters of the reaction mixture was, I = 0.50 mol dm-3 (NaCl), [H+] = 5.0 10-2 mol dm-3 (HCl) and T = 21 +/_ 1o C. The redox reaction displayed a stoichiometry of 1:2 and obeys the rate law given as,−????[????????−]/???????? = ????[????][????????][???????????? ]. The observed second order rate constant was found to increases with increase in hydrogen ion concentration. The rates of reaction displayed a zero salt effect and was inhibited by some added cations and anions. From the Michaelis-Menton Buck plot, there was no evidence for the formation of intermediate during the course of the reaction. Based on the results obtained, the outersphere mechanism was proposed for the reaction.&nbsp

INSECTICIDAL EFFECTS OF THE ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PSEUDOCEDRELA KOTSCHYI AGAINST DERMESTES MACULATUS (COLEOPTERA: DERMESTIDAE) ON TREATED DRIED CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

This research work was carried out to assess the insecticidal properties of the ethanol extract of Pseudocedrela kotschyi in the control of Dermestes maculatus infesting dried fish (Clarias gariepinus) in storage. Ethanol extract of P.kotschyi was administered in different concentrations to dried fish infested with larvae and adult stages of D.maculatus. 96 gram of dried fish sample was divided into 12 groups of 8 g each and each group was subdivided into three (3) replicates of 2.7g of dried fish in each treatment. For the bioassay test, groups 1-6 were infested with 10 larvae of D. maculatus each and treated with 0.1, 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0g of plant extract respectively. Groups 7 and 8 were infested with 10 adult D.maculatus and treated with 3.0 and 9.0g of plant extract respectively. Groups 9 and 10 were infested with 10 larvae and adult D.maculatus respectively and treated with 9.0g of standard insecticide each. Groups 11 and 12 were infested with 10 larvae and adult D. maculatus respectively but not treated with either the plant extract or pestox (standard insecticide) but as controls. The set-up was monitored daily for seven days. In the groups treated with the plant extract, the highest mortality rate was observed in smoked fish treated with 0.1g (2.23%) plant extract while the mortality rate of 1.1 % each was recorded in smoked fish treated with 1.5g and 9.0g plant extracts, compared 4.44 % recorded in the untreated (control). The extract had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the mortality of the insects. The groups treated with 9 g pestox (standard insecticide)recorded the highest mortality 25 (27. 78 %) compared to the groups treated with the plant extract. The ethanol stem bark extract of P.kotschyi reduced the activities of D.maculatus larvae and adults

Socio-economic Factors Influencing Adoption of Dual-purpose Cowpea Production Technologies in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria

This study investigated the socio-economic factors influencing adoption of dual-purpose cowpea production (DPC) technologies among farmers in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. Data were collected with the use of questionnaire administered to 200 farmers selected randomly. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and step-wise multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that 35.7% of the farmers were within 41-50 years. The largest percentage (24.5%) had a family size within the range of 11-15, with a mean of 8. Majority of the farmers had formal education, ranging from primary to post-secondary. They had more than 1ha of land, with a mean of 2.2ha. They all participated in one form of farmers’ organization or the other. The mean adoption rate was 77.5%. The use of improved seeds and insecticides had the highest adoption score (100%). Result of the correlation analysis indicated that level of education, household size, farming experience; number of ruminants owned, social participation and contact with extension agents were significantly related to technology adoption and hence, influenced adoption of DPC production technologies. Moreover, level of education, social participation and extension contact made the highest contribution in explaining variations in the differential adoption of the DPC production technologies among the farmers. It was concluded that educational level, social participation and extension contacts were the major socio-economic factors influencing adoption of the DPC production technologies. The need for improvements in promoting these factors, were therefore recommended

Appraisal of Participation in Contract Farming among Tomato Farmers in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

This study appraised the participation of tomato farmers in contract farming in Ankpa L.G.A, Kogi State. Multistage sampling technique was employed for selecting of 120 respondents. Primary data were used for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Probit model were used to analyse data collected. The results show that the average age of respondents was 37 years, 85% of the respondents were male, 81.67% were married and 69.17% had secondary education. Average household size was 7 people. Mean farming experience was 15 years. Mean farm size was 3 hectares. Also, 97.50% had no access to extension services, 80.83% did not belong to any co-operative society, while 71.67% had no access to agricultural credit. Sex (0.008) was statistically significant 1%, marital status (0.049), co-operative membership (0.019) and extension services (0.034) were all statistically significant at 5% in determining participation in contract farming. It is recommended that more co-operative societies should be formed in the study area to create awareness on contract farming, thereby making more tomato farmers involved in contract farming

Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Women Participation in Agricultural Digitization in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Agriculture, a fundamental sector globally, is undergoing a digital transformation, yet the participation of women in this transition remains variable due to socio-cultural dynamics. The research delved into how societal norms, cultural perceptions, access to resources, educational opportunities, and gender roles impact women\u27s engagement in adopting digital tools and technologies within the agricultural sphere. This study analyzed between sociocultural factors and women\u27s involvement in agricultural digitization initiatives. Employing qualitative and quantitative methodologies, this research aimed to uncover the multifaceted barriers and facilitators influencing women\u27s participation in agricultural digitization. The study drew upon interviews, surveys, and case studies to comprehend the nuances of socio-cultural factors that shape women\u27s decision-making, access to information, and technology adoption in agricultural practices. Factors found to influence rural women farmers’ decision on adopting agricultural digitalization were gender roles and expectations (0.000), access to land (0.098), networks and support systems (0.036), decision-making power (0.000), access to education (0.082), age of farmers (0.093), social stigma and discrimination (0.00) and Technological Literacy (0.044). Addressing socio-cultural barriers was crucial in ensuring equitable access to technological advancements, fostering economic empowerment, and sustainable development within the agricultural sector. Findings of this research would contribute significant insights into designing gender-inclusive policies, tailored interventions, and empowerment strategies aimed at enhancing women\u27s agency and involvement in agricultural digitization

Perceived Effect of Dry Season Farming on Household Food Security in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State

Some farm households engage in dry season farming to reduce the problem of food deficit due to low access to food and low income from agriculture. Coping strategy and daily calorie intake of farm households used to determine the level of food security is often subject to bias, thus determining the farmers’ perceived level of food security becomes imperative. This study was therefore conducted with main objective of assessing the perceived effects of dry season farming on household food security in Goronyo Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State. A sample of 100 farmers was used. Data were obtained with the use of an interview schedule. Descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (Chi-square analysis) statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that the entire farmers were male; majority of whom were in their economically active age group of less than 50 years, married (73.0%), with no formal education (83.0%). Farming was their major occupation (94.0%), to which they devoted 1-5 hectares (91.0%) of their personal land (69.0%) for dry season farming. They cultivated mainly rice (76.0%) during the season and perceived that they were food secured (85.0%). They reported that dry season farming improved their standard of living (= 4.26), served as a source of income (= 3.84) and lowered their food insecurity level (= 3.65), among others.  Result of the Chi-square analysis indicated that a significant relationship between educational attainment of the farmers and their perceived level of food security (x2 = 0.003 < P value = 47.69). It was concluded that dry season farmers in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State believed that dry season farming had a positive effect on their household food security

Perceived Effects of Farmer Participation in Utilization and Conservation of Forest Resources in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State

This study assessed the perceived effects of farmer participation in utilization and conservation of forest resources in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Data were collected from 150 farmers randomly selected, using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive (percentages, frequencies and means) and inferential statistics (multiple linear regression).  Result of the analysis indicated a low participation of farmers in forest conservation. The farmers however, had a positive perception on the fact that community participation in forest conservation increases job opportunities ( 4.65) and reduces poverty (4.16). Result of the linear regression analysis revealed that age had a negative (-0.009142: p < 0.01) and significant relationship with farmers’ perceived effect of community participation in utilization and conservation of forest resources, while household size (0.0169081: p < 0.05), education (0.0503444: p < 0.1) and farm size (0.1228889: p < 0.1) all had positive and significant relationships with farmers’ perceived effects of community participation in utilization and conservation of forest resources. It was concluded that farmers’ participation in conservation of the forest was very low. The need for sensitization of the farmers on the importance of participation in forest conservation by all the stakeholders was recommended

Use of Information and Communication Technologies among Extension Agents In Kano State, Nigeria

The study assessed the use of ICTs among extension agents in Kano State Nigeria. Two hundred and twenty-one (221) extension agents were randomly selected from the 44 local government areas. Data for the study were obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to extension agents. Majority of extension agents were in the age range of 41-50 years. Majority (87.3%) of them were males and married (100%), with family sizes of 5-14 (53.95%). The entire extension agents had formal education including HND (35.8%), OND (33.3%) and secondary school certificate (27.2%). Most of the extension agents had an annual income of N100,000- N300,000, with N376,984 as mean. They were aware and had access to radio, television, telephone, DVD, video, camera, computer, satellite and printer. They however recorded a low usage of the Web, satellite, e-mail, CD-ROM, search engines, scanner, fax and Web publishing. The result also indicates a positive correlation between ICT use and socio-economic characteristics of the agents; including age, work experience, membership of agricultural associations (p<0.05). It was concluded that the benefits of the ICTs were not fully utilized by extension workers in the state due to some factors associated with low income, ICTs training, awareness and access