Effects of climate change on tropical forest ecosystem of three selected local government in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study evaluated changes in climate on tropical rainforest ecosystem in three Local Government Area of Rivers state, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered randomly to 300 respondents. 89.7% affirms that they are aware of the change in climate, 10.3% were not aware. 33.6% attribute the source of their awareness to village leaders/neighbours and relations, 28.3% Radio, 17.7% television, 13.7% internet and 6.7% newspaper. On the causes of climate change, 32.7 attributes the cause to deforestation, 21.7% Urbanization and 20.7% Logging. 89.3% affirmed to being aware of the health implication of climate change, 10% were not aware while 0.7% were undecided. On the current state of the Tropical forest 82.7% expressed regret, 10% had no regret while 7.3% were undecided. 56% attest to loss in some indigenous specie while 44% were not aware. This research reveals that tropical forest ecosystems have been depleted and this has been attributed to human activities which include deforestation, urbanization, etc. leading to loss of forest. Enlightenment/awareness campaigns will help curtail further depletion of the forest

The Effect of Psychological Violence in the Workplace on Health: A Holistic Eco-System Approach

Background: Psychological violence has emerged as a priority concern in all workplaces because of its adverse consequences on victims' health. So far; limited research has been conducted on the effect of psychological violence on the five interrelated contexts of human existence. Objectives: This qualitative study investigated the perceived effect of psychological violence in the workplace on staff members' holistic health at a multi-campus South African Further Education and Training College. By investigating the effect of psychological violence on these five interrelated contexts; the resultant effect on holistic health might be more fully understood and applicable recommendations formulated to ameliorate the perceived effects.Method: A qualitative; exploratory and descriptive research design was used to investigate the perceived effect of psychological violence on staff members' health. Purposeful sampling was used to select 29 participants to be interviewed individually; based on their experiences of psychological violence; as well as data saturation. The researcher analysed the data and a co-coder cross-checked the codes.Results: The results pertaining to the perceived effects of psychological violence were positioned within the holistic eco-systemic approach as encompassing theory. Five themes were identified accordingly after data analysis; namely; psychological; biophysical; spiritual; ecological and metaphysical effects.Conclusion: Findings revealed that psychological violence impacts adversely on all five interrelated contexts of individual health; leading to an adverse cumulative effect on staff members' holistic health and on the systems in which psychological violence occurs. Based on the findings; recommendations could be made to ameliorate the perceived adverse effect of psychological violence

Observations on Dust Mites (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) in Coastal Hospitals in South Africa

Surveys of houses in South Africa have shown that dust mites and mite-derived antigens are more common along the eastern and southern coastal lowlands than on the central Highveld plateau. The present study extended this research to hospitals in the three major coastal cities; to determine whether or not dust mites were present in ward furnishings and on floors; and if so; at what densities. Sampling; over 22 months; in provincial and private hospitals in Durban; Port Elizabeth and Cape Town recovered 10 mite species; including the cosmopolitan pyroglyphids; Dermatophagoides farinae; D. pteronyssinus; Euroglyphus maynei and Malayoglyphus intermedius. Mites were found in all sampled habitats without any apparent preferences; but mean densities were mostly below 10/m2; lower than found previously in houses along the coast. To characterise mite habitats in these coastal hospitals; preliminary environmental data were collected in wards and from inside mattresses. These showed nearly constant environments; with moderate temperatures and relative humidity and narrow annual ranges. Temperature and relative humidity levels decreased with increasing latitude from Durban to Cape Town

Transmission of schistosoma mansoni in three ecological settings in Ethiopia : epidemiological aspects

The epidemiological indices of Schistosoma mansoni for three communities in Ethiopia; Jigga (Northwest); Metahara sugar estate (Southeast) and Lake Zway (Central); each representing the three major transmission ecologies in the country; the stream; irrigation scheme and lake; respectively were studied and compared. A total of 2897 people (913; 1614 and 370 from the stream; irrigation scheme and lake; respectively) was examined for S. mansoni ova by the Kato's smear method. The highest human prevalence (58 per cent) and intensity of infection (geometric mean of 450 EPG) were recorded for the lake ecology; whereas the irrigation scheme and stream showed moderate (218 EPG) and light (172 EPG) intensities of infection; despite fairly high disease prevalences of 20 per cent and 41 per cent respectively. Age-specific analysis of prevalence; intensity of infection and relative index of potential contamination (RIPC) indicated that children in their second decade of life to be most responsible. Nevertheless; the decline of all indices with increasing age was less obvious in the lake area than others. The disparity between prevalence and intensity of infection and their implication in disease control tactics are discussed