Screening of some rice varieties and landraces cultivated in Nigeria for drought tolerance based on phenotypic traits and their association with SSR polymorphisms

Breeding for drought tolerance based on direct selection for high grain yield under drought has been hindered by the complex nature of drought tolerance mechanisms and the approaches used. Molecular marker-based approaches are a promising alternative. In this study, 30 rice (Oryza sativa L.) accessions cultivated in Nigeria were screened in a greenhouse for drought tolerance based on morpho-physiological traits and assessed for DNA polymorphisms using SSR markers for possible marker – trait associations. Our results showed that five Nigerian rice landraces (IJS-02, IJS-09, IK-PS, IK-FS and Lad-f) and three improved varieties (FARO-44, IR-119 and IWA-8) were highly drought tolerant. Sixteen of 20 markers tested yielded amplified products and generated 221 alleles (4 – 5 alleles per marker) with PIC values ranging from 0.24 - 0.95 per marker. Although, none of the markers were present in all the accessions that were found to be highly drought tolerant with respect to any particular morph-physiological trait, some of the markers (RM252, RM331, RM432, RM36, RM525, RM260 and RM318) amplified alleles unique to nearly all the tolerant Nigerian landraces (IJS-02, IJS-09, IK-PS, IK-FS) and FARO-11, a drought tolerant control. These markers may be usefully exploited for molecular breeding of rice for drought tolerance

Isolation and characterization of resistant gene analogs in cassava, wild Manihot species, and castor bean (Ricinus communis)

Cassava, Manihot esculenta, is one of the major food crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) providing the bulk of dietary calories to hundreds of millions of households. Two viral diseases, namely cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) pose a serious threat to cassava production. The emergence of new virus species and strains that overcome the existing resistant/tolerant cultivars entails identification and pyramiding of new sources of resistance using marker-aided selection. The isolation of resistance gene analogues (RGAs) using a homology-based approach can provide useful resources towards this goal. Degenerate primers based on the conserved motif of the nucleotide binding site (NBS) domain from resistance (R) genes were used to isolate RGAs from genomic DNA and cDNA in cassava, wild Manihot species, and castor bean (Ricinus communis). A total of 552 RGAs sequences were identified and deposited in GenBank. Conserved motifs such as P-loop, Kinase-2a and GLPL were present in the NBS domain. This study sheds light on the nature of NBS- leucine-rich repeat (LRR) R genes in cassava and closely related taxa in the family Euphorbiaceae. These candidate sequences mapped to the draft cassava genome with high sequence similarity to predicted NBS-LRR genes. These novel sequences may serve as a stepping stone for further characterization and experimental validation of predicted R genes in the draft cassava genome, ultimately leading to the development of functional gene-targeted markers that can be used in molecular resistance breeding aimed at combating CBSD and CMD.Key words: Cassava, resistance, Manihot, castor bean, resistance gene analog, nucleotide binding site

A Triad of Uppsala Internationalization of Emerging Markets Firms and Challenges: A Systematic Review

The economic advancement of emerging markets such as China, Brazil, and India has been regarded as one of the benefits of a globalized world. This paper revisits and evaluates the Uppsala model to teases out the process, speed, determinants, and challenges of early internationalization approaches of firms in transition and emerging markets (TEMs). Applying Systematic Literature Review (SLR), this article collects, disintegrates, and categorizes previous studies, synthesizing the theoretical models to shed light on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) characteristics, behaviour, and motives to internationalise, as well as the approaches to internationalisation. This method identified 183 articles published between 2008–2018 from 84 international journals. A triad (a set of three related things) highlights the three main features of the Integrated Uppsala Model including the basic assumptions, influential factors, and competitive strategies of firms. The findings suggest that the institutional–legal environment constitutes key barriers that firms in TEMs must overcome to develop an early internationalization strategy. It appears that internationalization literature focusing on emerging markets is biased towards China. The review identifies a need for future studies to (i) focus on emerging markets firms in Africa and South America; and (ii), provide a cross-country analysis and evaluation of internationalization strategies of TEMs

Barriers to BIM Implementation for Cost Management in the Irish Construction Industry

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry that enables efficient collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders in the industry. It has been identified as a powerful tool for construction cost management because it provides accurate and timely information about the cost implications of design decisions. BIM development in Ireland is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the proposed 2024 government mandate, continued state supports and the benefits that BIM brings to the construction industry, including improved collaboration, reduced errors and waste, and increased efficiency. Notable developments have occurred over the years to leverage the adoption and implementation of BIM in Ireland such as Build Digital Project geared towards the delivery of Project Ireland 2040, recent launch of the BIM mandate on Public Works Projects, the introduction of Agreed Rules of Measurement fifth edition (ARM5) and the introduction of the International Construction Measurement Standards (ICMS) in Ireland that aims at harmonizing cost reporting across the globe. However, BIM implementation in Ireland still suffers setbacks as most projects adopt traditional approaches to construction implementation and cost management. The aim of this article is to evaluate the key barriers that is hampering the full adoption and implementation of BIM in the Irish construction industry for cost management of projects. Data was gathered from Irish construction professionals and academics in construction related disciplines using a structured questionnaire. The data gathered was analyzed quantitatively using severity indices, and mean values, to identify the top barriers. Structural equation modelling of the identified barriers was performed using SmartPLS software to determine the level of effect on the variables (barriers) leading to the efficient cost management of projects. Lack of awareness and understanding, cost, resistance to change, a skills shortage, and lack of standardization were identified as the top barriers to BIM implementation for cost management of projects in Irish construction industry. Addressing these barriers will require a concerted effort from industry stakeholders, government, and educational institutions to promote awareness, provide the much-needed training and education to Quantity Surveyors, develop standardization, and address legal and contractual implications of introducing BIM into traditional contract settings

STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING THE ABILITY OF RURAL FARMERS TO DEAL WITH CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Agriculture has become the main stay of the economy of developing countries in the world especially south-east, Nigeria. Rural farmers in South-east, Nigeria have suffered significant losses due to extreme weather events and natural disasters attributed to climate change such as severe flooding, drought, decease and pest attack etc. The responses and reactions of rural farmers to these extreme weather events and natural disasters has suggested that there is a lack knowledge of climate change. This study therefore is aimed at developing strategies that could help enhance the ability of rural farmers to cope and deal with the effects of climate change. Descriptive survey design was considered for the study. The population of the study comprises of 449, 632 registered rural farmers in south east, Nigeria. Again, Enugu and Ebonyi State were chosen as sample states with 510 registered rural farmers from the two states considered for the study while questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) schedule were used as instrument for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean to answer the research questions. Findings of the study revealed that rural farmers in South East, Nigeria lack adequate knowledge of climate change etc. The study recommended that effective strategies should be developed by stakeholders to help farmers deal with climate change. Again, extension agents and other stakeholders should inculcate the right type of skills and attitudes in rural famers to enhance their ability to cope and deal with climate chang

Hygiene practices in abattoir and slaughter slab, determinants and assessment of abattoir and slaughter slab facilities in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State South-East Nigeria

Background: Workers in slaughterhouses engaging in unhygienic practices create conducive environments for zoonoses and meat contamination. Knowledge of hygiene practices and their determinants provides evidence for the design of targetedinterventions.Objectives: We investigated knowledge and determinants of hygiene practices among workers in slaughterhouses and assessed slaughterhouse facilities in Abakaliki.Methods: Workers in the Central Meat Market abattoir and Slaughter slab Abakaliki were interviewed in a cross-sectional quantitative study to ascertain their knowledge and hygiene practices while abattoir facilities were assessed using a checklist. Associations were analysed with Chi-square while predictors were determined using binary logistic model.Results: We interviewed 188 workers 75.5% and 85.6% of whom had good knowledge and good hygiene practices respectively. However, hand-washing before and after handling meat (44.1%), cleaning work surfaces with soap and water (45.2%) and sanitary disposal of waste (6.9%) were suboptimal. Knowledge of good hygiene practice was a predictor of good hygiene practice (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 2.0-11.3, p=0.001). Well water and borehole were present in both slaughterhouses and cold rooms were available in Central Meat market abattoir.Conclusions: The level of good knowledge was high and this was a determinant of good hygienic practices. Training on hygiene practices is recommended to prevent meat contamination and zoonoses. Keywords: Knowledge; Hygiene Practices; Abattoir; Slaughter slab; Determinants; Ebonyi; Nigeria

Inflammatory-Induced Hibernation in the Fetus: Priming of Fetal Sheep Metabolism Correlates with Developmental Brain Injury

Prenatal inflammation is considered an important factor contributing to preterm birth and neonatal mortality and morbidity. The impact of prenatal inflammation on fetal bioenergetic status and the correlation of specific metabolites to inflammatory-induced developmental brain injury are unknown. We used a global metabolomics approach to examine plasma metabolites differentially regulated by intrauterine inflammation. Preterm-equivalent sheep fetuses were randomized to i.v. bolus infusion of either saline-vehicle or LPS. Blood samples were collected at baseline 2 h, 6 h and daily up to 10 days for metabolite quantification. Animals were killed at 10 days after LPS injection, and brain injury was assessed by histopathology. We detected both acute and delayed effects of LPS on fetal metabolism, with a long-term down-regulation of fetal energy metabolism. Within the first 3 days after LPS, 121 metabolites were up-regulated or down-regulated. A transient phase (4–6 days), in which metabolite levels recovered to baseline, was followed by a second phase marked by an opposing down-regulation of energy metabolites, increased pO2 and increased markers of inflammation and ADMA. The characteristics of the metabolite response to LPS in these two phases, defined as 2 h to 2 days and at 6–9 days, respectively, were strongly correlated with white and grey matter volumes at 10 days recovery. Based on these results we propose a novel concept of inflammatory-induced hibernation of the fetus. Inflammatory priming of fetal metabolism correlated with measures of brain injury, suggesting potential for future biomarker research and the identification of therapeutic targets

Patterns of Antimicrobial Use in a Specialized Surgical Hospital in Southeast Nigeria: Need for a Standardized Protocol of Antimicrobial Use in the Tropics

Background: Antimicrobial resistance remains a growing global health menace. One of the key actions to curb this menace by the World Health Organization is antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). A prescription protocol is one of the cost‑effective AMS interventions in surgery. This study determines the patterns of antimicrobial usage in a hospital specialized in orthopedic and plastic surgeries care in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out at National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, a tertiary hospital specialized in orthopedic and plastic surgeries in Southeast Nigeria in May 2019. All the inpatients were included in the study. A standardized tool for point prevalence survey was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.4. Results: A total of 127 inpatients  participated in the survey with 387 antimicrobial encounters. The most common reasons for antimicrobial use were for the treatment of community-acquired infections (65.0%) and prophylaxis (29.4%). The decision for their use was made majorly on an empirical basis (92.4%). The reasons for antimicrobial prescriptions were documented in the majority (97.5%) of the cases and stop review dates in all (100%) of the prescriptions. Ceftriaxone (25.7%), tinidazole (21.9%), and metronidazole (14.6%) were the commonest antimicrobials prescribed among the patients. Conclusion: Orthopedic and plastic surgery practices require tailored prophylactic antibiotic regimens in the tropics due to peculiarities of both the specialties and the subregion. The claim that existing protocols in the temperate regions may apply in the tropics has been questioned due to the microbial profile on the tropics. Keywords: Antimicrobial protocol in surgery, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, prophylactic antibiotic

Awareness, knowledge, risk perception and uptake of maternal vaccination in rural communities of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Introduction: Knowledge and uptake of maternal vaccination has been reported to be low in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives: To determine the knowledge, uptake and determinants of uptake of maternal vaccination among women of childbearing age. Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 607 women of childbearing age selected from rural communities in Ebonyi State using multi-staged sampling technique. A pretested, interviewer administered questionnaire was used. The proportion of maternal vaccination uptake and predictors of uptake was determined at 5% level of significant using multiple logistic regression model. Results: Most of the respondents (39.9%) were in the 15-24 years age group. Only 1.3% and 41.5% were knowledgeable and had received any form of maternal vaccines respectively. The main reasons adduced for non-receipt of the vaccine was lack of information (65.8%) and not being pregnant (23.5%). Pregnancy was the predictor for uptake of maternal vaccine among the study population. Conclusions: There was low level of knowledge and uptake of maternal vaccine among rural women and a myth that the vaccine is only given when pregnant. This calls for increase targeted enlightenment of rural women on maternal vaccine in order to improve uptake. Keywords: Maternal vaccination; rural communities; Nigeria