Ebonyi State University

About: Ebonyi State University is a education organization based out in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Pregnancy. The organization has 1351 authors who have published 1474 publications receiving 20111 citations.

Entrepreneurship and SMEs’ Productivity Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa, the majority of businesses operate in the form of a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). SMEs play a significant role in the economic development of many nations. This chapter considers the business environment and entrepreneurship activities in the Sub-Saharan countries of Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, South Sudan and Tanzania. The review of literature explores issues such as doing business in Africa, size and informality, start-up survival and closure, the determinants of growth and gender issues in African entrepreneurship. Using data from the World Bank Enterprise Surveys, it reflects on the factors affecting investment and productivity in Africa as follows: education of the labour force, access to infrastructure, access to finance, size of firms and other business climate variables. Finally, using data from the aforementioned survey, this chapter draws pertinent conclusions on the business environment of the region in focus.

Bacteriological Assessment of Stethoscopes Used by Medical Students in Nigeria: Implications for Nosocomial Infection Control

Abstract: Our study assessed bacteria on swabs taken from the surface of the diaphragm of stethoscopes used by medical students in Nigeria. We found bacterial contamination on 80.1% of the stethoscopes. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were major isolates. Bacterial colonization was highest among stethoscopes cleaned with only water and those never cleaned with any agent or never cleaned at all. The difference was statistically significant (chi2 = 31.9, p < .05). Stethoscopes from students who cleaned them after use on each patient and from those who practised handwashing after contact with each patient had significantly lower bacterial contamination (chi2 = 26.9; p < .05 and chi2=31.9, p < 0.05, respectively). Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest susceptibility to antibiotics, while the most effective antibiotics were Ciproflox and Erythromycin. Integration of stethoscope care in the training curriculum of medical schools will enhance the control nosocomial infections.

Technical and Economic Efficiencies in Poultry Production in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract: This study was carried out to estimate the technical and economic efficiencies of poultry farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The data was collected with semi-structured questionnaire from 140 randomly selected poultry farmers. A stochastic frontier production function was estimated by using the maximum likelihood estimation technique to obtain the technical and economic efficiencies of poultry farmers. The mean technical efficiency of poultry farmers was 75 percent, while their mean economic efficiency was 21 percent. The generalized likelihood test indicated that, the poultry farmers are not fully technically and economically efficient in resource use. There is 79% allowance to increase economic efficiency of poultry farmers by improvement in technical efficiency.

Mycotoxin exposure and adverse reproductive health outcomes in Africa: a review

Abstract: It is well established that mycotoxin exposure can have adverse effects on reproductive health resulting to poor reproductive potential. The most studied mycotoxin in relation to poor reproductive health in humans is aflatoxin, although fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearalenone have also been reported to impair reproductive function and cause abnormal foetal development. These potent fungal toxins contaminate many food products making them a prominent agricultural, food safety and public health challenge, especially in Africa due to little or lack of mycotoxin regulation in agricultural products. Neonates can be exposed to aflatoxins in utero, as the toxins pass from mother to the foetus through the placenta. This exposure may continue during breast feeding, to the introduction of weaning foods, and then foods taken by adults. The consequences of aflatoxin exposure in mothers, foetus and children are many, including anaemia in pregnancy, low birth weight, interference with nutrient absorption, suppression of immune function, child growth retardation and abnormal liver function. In males, reports have indicated a possible relationship between aflatoxin exposure and poor sperm quality culminating in infertility. Maternal exposure to fumonisin during early pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of neural tube defects among newborns in regions where maize is the common dietary staple with the possibility of chronic fumonisin exposure. Furthermore, zearalenone has been linked to precocious puberty and premature thelarche in girls, correlating with extremely high serum oestrogen levels. This review presents an overview of the several reports linking aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone exposure to poor reproductive health outcomes in Africa, with emphasis on birth outcomes, foetal health and infertility.

Biochemical effects of energy drinks alone or in combination with alcohol in normal albino rats.

Abstract: A B S T R A C T Purpose: To determine the biochemical effects of energy drink alone or in combination with alcohol in normal albino rats. Methods: Twenty male albino rats weighing 160-180g were assigned into groups A-E of four rats per group. Group A and B rats were given low and high doses of ED, respectively, groups C and D were administered low and high doses of EDmA, respectively while group E rats were given distilled water and served as control. The treatment lasted for 30 days after which the animals were killed and their blood collected for laboratory analyses using standard methods. Results: There were no significant differences in body weight, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration with either administration of ED or EDmA in comparison to the control. Energy drink alone or EDmA has significant effects on total white blood cell count, plasma potassium, calcium, renal functions, liver enzymes and plasma triglycerides, with EDmA having more effects than ED alone, except for body weight where the energy drink alone has higher effect. Conclusion: Consumption of energy drink alone or in combination with alcohol is associated with significant alterations in some biochemical parameters. Caution should be exercised while consuming either of them. Public health education is urgently needed to correct the wrong impression already formed by the unsuspecting consumers, especially the youths.