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Comparative Analysis of Radon Accumulation in Public Buildings of Different Class on the Example of Several Sogd Region Cities of Tajikistan
Ulmas Mirsaidov,
Kholmurod Maripovich Nazarov,
Manizha Mahkamovna Makhmudova,
Zhakhon Abdurakhmonovich Misratov,
Komiljon Abdulmalikovich Ermatov,
Matin Zafarjonovich Akhmedov
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
122-125
Received:
7 June 2021
Accepted:
26 June 2021
Published:
13 July 2021
Abstract: The article presents data and a comparative analysis of the accumulation of radon in public buildings (preschool, school and medical institutions) located near radioactive tailings, deployed in certain regions of Northern Tajikistan (Istiklol, Buston). Most of the preschool and school educational institutions buildings in Istiklol are two-storey and according to the type of building materials – brick, concrete and stone. It has been revealed that the average value of radon volumetric activity in indoor air in public buildings located in Istiklol city (formerly Taboshar) reaches up to 175 Bq/m3 and in Buston city (formerly Chkalovsk) to 26 Bq/m3. The values of radon equivalent equilibrium volumetric activity in indoor air at investigated objects are in the range of 10-330 Bq/m3 in Istiklol and 8-19 Bq/m3 in Buston cities. The range of the annual effective dose is from 0.3 mSv to 7.1 mSv. Toron has been measured in selected public buildings (schools, kindergartens and hospitals) in Istiklol city and its levels have been established between 20 and 160 Bq/m³. Indoor gamma dose values measured in schools and kindergartens fixed in the range of 0.1–1.3 mGy/h and the lowest reading determined less than 0.2 mGy/h. It has been discovered that building materials are the main source for radon intake. But the geology of the region also plays an important role. The data obtained from radon monitoring will be used in preventive measures to protect children from the effects of a radioactive factor. It is noted that the issue of protecting future generation from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation requires a comprehensive study and assessment. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to recommend mandatory periodic ventilation of preschool and school institutions.
Abstract: The article presents data and a comparative analysis of the accumulation of radon in public buildings (preschool, school and medical institutions) located near radioactive tailings, deployed in certain regions of Northern Tajikistan (Istiklol, Buston). Most of the preschool and school educational institutions buildings in Istiklol are two-storey an...
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Entomofaunal Assessment of Ecosystem Health and Suitability of Mangroves at Asarama, Andoni Local Government Area, Rives State, Nigeria
Gbarakoro Tambeke Nornu,
Uwagbae Michael,
Eman Ibrahim El Surtasi,
Odoemenam Peter
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
126-133
Received:
3 April 2021
Accepted:
16 April 2021
Published:
15 July 2021
Abstract: Insects which inhabit mangroves at intertidal zones of the aquatic ecosystem contribute immensely to the wellbeing and sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem, and consequently are used to determine the ecosystem health of mangroves. Investigations on the diversity and abundance of insects to assess ecosystem health of mangroves at Asarama, Niger Delta, Nigeria were undertaken. Sweep nets and forceps were used to collect insects from three mangrove-type habitats; Rhizophora mangle (Red), Avicennia germinas (Black) Laguncularia racemosa (White). The insects were placed in sample vials containing 70% alcohol and taken to the Entomology Research Laboratory of the Department of animal and Environmental Biology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, for sorting, and identification. A total of 24 taxa belonging to 7 orders and 15 families were collected during the study; red, black and white mangroves recorded 19, 14 and 7 taxa, respectively. Eight taxa Camnula pellucid, Jacobiasea formosana, Tettigonia caudate, Vespula vulgaris, Lucilia sericata, Pseudoleon superbus, Chrysocoris stolli, and Cordulia shurtleffi of the 19 that occurred on red were absent from black and white mangroves. Three species; Pieris rapae, Anopheles gambiae and Musca domestica, occurred across the three mangrove habitats. A total of 104 insects; 54 (red), 35 (black) and 15 (white) mangroves were recorded. In Asarama mangroves R.mangle is the most suitable habitat for insects species because it contained more entomofaunal diversity and abundance. The study revealed eight insect species that are indicators of good ecological health of the mangrove ecosystem, and used for the assessment of changes in the ecosystem.
Abstract: Insects which inhabit mangroves at intertidal zones of the aquatic ecosystem contribute immensely to the wellbeing and sustainability of the mangrove ecosystem, and consequently are used to determine the ecosystem health of mangroves. Investigations on the diversity and abundance of insects to assess ecosystem health of mangroves at Asarama, Niger ...
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Effect of Selenium on Weight Change of HIV 1 Positive Pre-puberty Treatment Naive Children: Tick Phenomenon
Otieno Samwel Boaz,
Were Fred,
Kabiru Ephantus Wanjoi
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
134-138
Received:
1 July 2021
Accepted:
10 July 2021
Published:
23 July 2021
Abstract: Background: Seleno-proteins, Iodothyronine 5’ dehydronases (DIO) affect the function of thyroid gland. The expression of receptors of DIOs are affected by sex hormones (Oestradiol and Testosterone). The objective of this research therefore was to study differential effect of these hormones in boys and girls (Tick-Phenomenon). Methods: Fifty HIV 1 positive, treatment Naïve children, were enrolled for the study. Half 25 were given fixed dose of 50 µgm yeast selenium while the matched 25 were on control. Weight was taken at 0, 3 and 6 months. Results: Children on selenium had weight gain of 2.5Kg at six months. The weight for age Z score increased above -2SDs cut off point at six months among children on selenium, in all age categories {, 3-5 years 1.20±2.45, 6-8years 0.19±0.880, 9-15 years 0.97±1.22}. In the matched Controls there was a decrease in WAZ in all the age categories to below -2SDs at six months {, 3-5 years -2.218±1.46, 6-8 years -2.95.±3.10, 9-15 -2.30±1.240}. There was a significant WAZ difference between controls and selenium group at six months {F (5,12)==5.758, P=0.006}. Female children on selenium initially had a decrease and then sharp increase in WAZ (Tick Phenomenon), compared to the males who had a gradual increase in WAZ. Conclusion: It can be concluded that intake of yeast Selenium led to significant increase in weight for age Z score at six months and that there is gender related differences in weight change between HIV 1 positive female and male children on test and controls, the females showing Tick phenomenon.
Abstract: Background: Seleno-proteins, Iodothyronine 5’ dehydronases (DIO) affect the function of thyroid gland. The expression of receptors of DIOs are affected by sex hormones (Oestradiol and Testosterone). The objective of this research therefore was to study differential effect of these hormones in boys and girls (Tick-Phenomenon). Methods: Fifty HIV 1 p...
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Hospitals Surfaces and Sites as a Reservoir for Pathogenic Bacteria That Play a Role in Transmission of Infectious Diseases
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
139-144
Received:
18 June 2021
Accepted:
6 July 2021
Published:
24 July 2021
Abstract: The key to success of healthcare quality is the control of hospital environment. Challenge of infection prevention and epidemiology practice continues to be an increasing emergence and spread of pathogenic bacteria is of great concern. The study is about the prevalence and isolation of bacteria from hospital surfaces environment in Kenya. About 246 samples of the two hospitals was obtained using sterile cotton swabs from random sampling of hospital different surfaces, drainages, hands of healthcare givers and hospital waste dump site among others. The samples were aseptically collected, transported and processed following standard procedures. Bacteria were isolated and identified using various biochemical tests and confirmed using API 20E. Door handle surfaces had the highest percentage of isolated bacteria (13%) while the least was cupboard surfaces (3%) in both hospitals. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) had the most isolated bacteria as compared to Kikuyu Mission Hospital (KMH) in most swabbed surfaces; the difference however was not significant. Various bacteria were isolated where the most abundant bacteria in both hospitals was Providencia species, while the least was Enterobacter species. There is therefore, high bacteria contamination of objects of hospitals frequently touched sites and surfaces act as a source of infectious diseases as they harbor potential pathogens.
Abstract: The key to success of healthcare quality is the control of hospital environment. Challenge of infection prevention and epidemiology practice continues to be an increasing emergence and spread of pathogenic bacteria is of great concern. The study is about the prevalence and isolation of bacteria from hospital surfaces environment in Kenya. About 246...
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Analysis of Pulmonary and Physical Function Three Months After Discharge for Moderate to Severe COVID-19
Bas Floris Maria Van Raaij,
Jordy Lauran Stöger,
Maarten Sebastiaan Werkman,
Michiel Alexander De Graaf,
Maria Louisa Antoni,
Geert Hendrik Groeneveld,
Anna Helena Elvire Roukens,
Frederikus Albertus Klok,
Soerindra Rajen Soeniel Ramai,
Jacomina Jessica Miranda Geelhoed
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
145-153
Received:
29 July 2021
Accepted:
11 August 2021
Published:
8 September 2021
Abstract: Pulmonary fibrosis with persistent physiological deficit is a previously described feature of patients recovering from coronaviruses. Long-term health consequences of COVID-19 are still largely unknown. We aimed to evaluate whether CT abnormalities persist in COVID-19 survivors three months after discharge, and whether the amount of affected lung tissue correlates with pulmonary and physical function. Therefore, we evaluated patients three months after discharge at our outpatient clinic. All patients underwent pulmonary function testing, high resolution chest CT, six-minute walk test and handgrip strength test. We compared severely ill patients to moderately ill patients, whom respectively received treatment at the Intensive Care Unit and the general ward. In total 84 patients were included with a median age of 61·4±12·9 years of whom 53 were male. 50 patients had moderate disease and 34 were severely ill. 66 patients had residual abnormalities on follow-up chest CT. Reticulation and curvilinear bands were more frequent in severely ill patients (resp. 21% vs 4%; p=0·029 and 55% vs 23%; p=0·004). DLCOc, FEV1 and FVC in percentage of predicted were lower in severely ill patients. Severely ill patients were more likely to show an abnormal 6MWT, lower HGS and lower self-reported ADL and condition. In conclusion, in patients recovering from COVID-19, residual abnormalities were frequently present three months after hospitalization and associated with impaired pulmonary and physical function. This association was even stronger in patients who had been admitted to the ICU.
Abstract: Pulmonary fibrosis with persistent physiological deficit is a previously described feature of patients recovering from coronaviruses. Long-term health consequences of COVID-19 are still largely unknown. We aimed to evaluate whether CT abnormalities persist in COVID-19 survivors three months after discharge, and whether the amount of affected lung t...
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Demographic and Socio-economic Factors Influencing Smoking Among Undergraduate Students in Owerri West, Imo State
Ejelonu Nelson Chukwuemeka,
Nwanya Emmanuel,
Okoroafor Ikenna Emmanuel,
Omo-Eboh Francis Omokhudu,
Nnamani Okechukwu Hosea,
Fauga Patrick Oluleke,
Sadiq Rukayyat,
Ojegbola Blessing,
Soyemi Chinedu Emmanuella,
Joel Bassey,
Akpofure Blessing Oyakhilome
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
154-161
Received:
22 April 2021
Accepted:
4 June 2021
Published:
10 September 2021
Abstract: The global prevalence of cigarette smoking is increasing especially in developing countries where more tobacco deaths occur. Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and death worldwide. The objective of the study is to determine the demographic and socio-economic factors influencing smoking among undergraduate students in the selected schools. The study design was a cross sectional descriptive study which aided in examining the relationship between other variables and the smoking status of the students in the selected higher institution. The selected schools were stratified into two and a random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of four hundred and fifty (450) students drawn from Federal University of Technology (200), Federal Poly Nekede (250) respectively. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results were displayed in frequency tables and charts. The highest percentage (51%) were found in 20-24 years in FUTO and 94(49%) in POLYNEK. The highest percentage (51%) of students that earned ₦6-10, 000 were from FUTO and 50% from POLYNEK. In general view of prevalence of smoking among students; 67% of them do smoke while 33% reported no to smoking habit. In socio-economic aspect of smoking among students, extra money on student has statistical influence on smoking where X2 =21.18; Df =2; P-value =0.001. In conclusion, it was proved statistically that demographic and socioeconomic factors had influence in smoking among students and most of the students were influenced into smoking by friends. Therefore, health education should be provided for the students on dangers of smoking in Imo State and beyond in order to reduce the effect of smoking on students.
Abstract: The global prevalence of cigarette smoking is increasing especially in developing countries where more tobacco deaths occur. Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of preventable morbidity and death worldwide. The objective of the study is to determine the demographic and socio-economic factors influencing smoking among undergraduate students in the se...
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Seasonal Microbial Quality of Drinking Water in Shendi Town, River Nile State, Sudan
Abdallah Ahmed Adam Belal,
Basheer Mohammed El hassan,
Ahmed Mohammed Hussein
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 3, September 2021
Pages:
162-168
Received:
18 August 2021
Accepted:
2 September 2021
Published:
15 September 2021
Abstract: The most common and widespread health risk associated with drinking water is microbial contamination which has the potential to cause large outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the bacteriological quality of drinking water in Shendi Town. A descriptive analytic study was used to examine the bacteriological quality of drinking water from sources, the distribution system, and household containers, Water samples were collected per season from all sources that used directly for drinking purpose in the community at study area according to the WHO Guidelines for drinking water quality. Water samples were examined for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli by using (lauryl treptose media, brilliant green bile broth and peptone water (BGB), and Earthen methylene blue (EMB)) methods respectively. The study revealed that the bacteriological quality of drinking water varied from one season to another, where 31.3% of tested samples indicated feacal pollution in the summer season, and 41.3% of samples pointed to E. coli bacteria presence in autumn, While 36.3% of samples were appeared E. coli positive in the winter season. Based on the findings of this study we recommend that: Civil Water Corporation should be improvement the quality of currently drinking water by subjecting it to treatment processes, and must be established a surface drinking water treatment plant as soon as possible.
Abstract: The most common and widespread health risk associated with drinking water is microbial contamination which has the potential to cause large outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the bacteriological quality of drinking water in Shendi Town. A descriptive analytic study was used to examine the bacteriological qua...
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