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Item Stratified Sampling of Neighborhood Sections for Population Estimation: A Case Study of Bo City, Sierra Leone(Public Library of Science, 2015-07-15) Hillson, RogerThere is a need for better estimators of population size in places that have undergone rapid growth and where collection of census data is difficult. We explored simulated estimates of urban population based on survey data from Bo, Sierra Leone, using two approaches: (1) stratified sampling from across 20 neighborhoods and (2) stratified single-stage cluster sampling of only four randomly-sampled neighborhoods. The stratification variables evaluated were (a) occupants per individual residence, (b) occupants per neighborhood, and (c) residential structures per neighborhood. For method (1), stratification variable (a) yielded the most accurate re-estimate of the current total population. Stratification variable (c), which can be estimated from aerial photography and zoning type verification, and variable (b), which could be ascertained by surveying a limited number of households, increased the accuracy of method (2). Small household-level surveys with appropriate sampling methods can yield reasonably accurate estimations of urban populations.Item Surveillance of COVID-19 in Cameroon: Implications for policymakers and the healthcare system(AOSIS, 2021-01-29) Bonnechère, BrunoAt first less impacted than the rest of the world, African countries, including Cameroon, are also facing the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to analyze the spread of the COVID-19 in Cameroon, one of the most affected countries in sub- Saharan Africa. We used the data from the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, reporting the number of confirmed cases and deaths, and analyzed the regularity of tests and confirmed cases and compared those numbers with neighboring countries. We tested different phenomenological models to model the early phase of the outbreak. Since the first reported cases on the 7th of March, 18,662 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 as of the 24th of August, 186,243 tests have been performed, and 408 deaths have been recorded. New cases have been recorded only in 50% of the days since the first reported cases. There are considerable disparities in the reporting of daily cases, making it difficult to interpret these numbers and to model the evolution of the pandemic with the phenomenological models. Currently, following the finding from this study, it is challenging to predict the evolution of the pandemic and to make comparisons between countries as screening measures are so sparse. Monitoring should be performed regularly to provide a more accurate estimate of the situation and allocate healthcare resources more efficiently.Item High prevalence of multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from outpatient urine samples but not the hospital environment in Bo, Sierra Leone(BioMed Central, 2016-04-18) Łęski, Tomasz A.BACKGROUND: The rising level of antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens is one of the most significant public health problems globally. While the antibiotic resistance of clinically important bacteria is closely tracked in many developed countries, the types and levels of resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR) among pathogens currently circulating in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa are virtually unknown. METHODS: From December 2013 to April 2014, we collected 93 urine specimens from all outpatients showing symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) and 189 fomite swabs from a small hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone. Culture on chromogenic agar combined with biochemical and DNA sequence-based assays was used to detect and identify the bacterial isolates. Their antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined using a panel of 11 antibiotics or antibiotic combinations. RESULTS: The 70 Enterobacteriaceae urine isolates were identified as Citrobacter freundii (n = 22), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 15), Enterobacter cloacae (n = 15), Escherichia coli (n = 13), Enterobacter sp./Leclercia sp. (n = 4) and Escherichia hermannii (n = 1). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated that 85.7 % of these isolates were MDR while 64.3 % produced an extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL). The most notable observations included widespread resistance to sulphonamides (91.4 %), chloramphenicol (72.9 %), gentamycin (72.9 %), ampicillin with sulbactam (51.4 %) and ciprofloxacin (47.1 %) with C. freundii exhibiting the highest and E. coli the lowest prevalence of multidrug resistance. The environmental cultures resulted in only five Enterobacteriaceae isolates out of 189 collected with lower overall antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The surprisingly high proportion of C. freundii found in urine of patients with suspected UTI supports earlier findings of the growing role of this pathogen in UTIs in low-resource countries. The isolates of all analyzed species showed worryingly high levels of resistance to both first- and second-line antibiotics as well as a high frequency of MDR and ESBL phenotypes, which likely resulted from the lack of consistent antibiotic stewardship policies in Sierra Leone. Analysis of hospital environmental isolates however suggested that fomites in this naturally ventilated hospital were not a major reservoir for Enterobacteriaceae or antibiotic resistance determinants.Item The Recharge Potential of Groundwater in the Mokonde Community in Southern Sierra Leone(Scientific Research Publishing, 2015) Mansaray, Abubakarr SidiqueUnderstanding the hydrologic budget is crucial in planning for community based water supply. The water budget includes rainfall intensity, groundwater recharge, interception, evapotranspiration, and surface runoff. The percentage of rain going to recharge groundwater, rivers, and lakes is very important from the standpoint of human water consumption and ecosystems service. The objective of this work is to determine the recharge potential of groundwater in the Mokonde Community, Southern Sierra Leone. The community is dependent on wells as the main source of domestic water supply. This research need was born out of the absence of available data to show the relationship between rainfall amounts and groundwater recharge in the study area. In this study we monitored groundwater in a well at the United Methodist Church (UMC) compound at Ngegba Street. Automatic water logging devices were deployed to take readings in water level fluctuations every 15 minutes. Monitoring continued throughout the hydrological year of Sierra Leone. A rain gauge was deployed at neighboring UMC Primary School, and daily rainfall records taken at 9:00 a.m. Our team members also deployed at the well on a daily basis to collect data on abstraction of water. The results revealed, through a 29-year rainfall data and the Specific Yield, that 1170 mm of rainfall (48%) was the maximum potential of rainfall that would make groundwater a convenient source of water supply in the area. This demand was higher with the recent 1-year rainfall data. Increase in settlement had likely led to reduction in pervious area, and hence more and more rainfall needed for recharge. The time it took for maximum recharge (4 weeks) was shorter than that for maximum discharge (28 - 30 weeks). Groundwater flowed southwards towards the Gbengitay stream, which drained into the Tia River. These results would inform first step in delineating the water balance in the study area. Future studies could include the quality aspect, stream/river flow, interception and evapotranspiration. These pieces of information are required to help informed decision for water security.Item Use of Real Object Media to Improve Students' Multiplication Learning Outcomes in Elementary School Classes(Muhammadiyah University of Malang, 2024-07-17) Hasanah, Diana AgustinaPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengamati penggunaan media benda nyata dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa pada materi perkalian di kelas II Sekolah Dasar. Latar belakang penelitian ini adalah rendahnya hasil belajar matematika siswa pada materi perkalian yang masih di bawah Kriteria Ketuntasan Minimal (KKM). Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas II SDN 1 Sukamanah yang berjumlah 20 orang, yang terdiri dari 10 orang siswa laki-laki dan 10 orang siswa perempuan. Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) ini dilaksanakan pada semester ganjil tahun pelajaran 2023/2024 dengan menggunakan media benda nyata yang terdiri dari dua siklus. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui evaluasi, dan alat yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data adalah tes tulis pilihan ganda. Analisis data dilakukan secara mekanis dengan menggunakan persentase data kuantitatif yaitu hasil belajar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan yang signifikan hasil belajar matematika pada materi perkalian di kelas II Sekolah Dasar. Berdasarkan analisis ketuntasan hasil belajar siswa, data awal menunjukkan presentase ketuntasan sebesar 35% dengan rata-rata kelas mencapai 57,5 yang belum mencapai KKM yang ditetapkan yaitu 70. Setelah menggunakan alat peraga berupa media benda nyata pada siklus I ketuntasan mencapai 30% dengan nilai rata-rata 57,5. Pada siklus II ketuntasan meningkat menjadi 70% dengan nilai rata-rata 72,5. Oleh karena itu, siklus PTK yang dilaksanakan secara berulang menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan benda nyata efektif dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa pada konsep perkalian. Dengan melibatkan media benda nyata, pembelajaran perkalian menjadi lebih menyenangkan dan relevan bagi siswa sehingga dapat mencapai hasil belajar yang lebih baik.Item EXAMINE THE EFFECTS OF GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) AND ITS COMPLIANCE: REFERENCE TO SIERRA LEONE(GRDS Publishing, 2024-03-15) Kaira, LaminThis study analyzes the effects of (GST) and how it is being implemented in Sierra Leone. GST replaces previous taxes, including domestic sales tax, import sales tax, entertainment tax, hotel room tax, restaurant tax, food tax etc. The objectives of this study are to know the effect of GST on the Sierra Leone Economy, to know if GST implementation will lead to an increase in prices of goods and services; to assess GST compliance rate in Sierra Leone; and to know the reasons for GST implementation in Sierra Leone. The data collection method used both primary and secondary sources the study's participants were 89 employees of NRA and business owners in Sierra Leone 2021 to 2023. Questions were analyzed using SPSS in the form of descriptive analysis, chart, and correlation coefficient. The results showed that GST implementation has positive effects on Sierra Leone Economy. The introduction of GST is to boost revenue and promote economic growth in Sierra Leone. GST introduction in Sierra Leone has resulted in increased prices of goods and services. It is recommended that the NRA should provide tax education and awareness and provide availability and accessibility of technological infrastructure for GST implementation in the country.Item Revolutionizing University Mathematics Education: The Impact of Deep Learning and Educational Technology(Muhammadiyah University of Malang, 2025-01-31) Budiarti, ErnaThe integration of deep learning into university mathematics education presents transformative possibilities. This study conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), examining 80 studies from sources like IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The focus was on the application of deep learning in formal education, excluding non-educational contexts. Findings indicate that deep learning enhances learning through interactive visualization and simulation tools, with virtual reality applications improving geometry and statistics comprehension by up to 30% compared to traditional methods. Challenges such as limited infrastructure and resistance from lecturers were identified. To address these, the study advocates for regular technology-based training for lecturers and gradual curriculum integration of technology. Strengthening collaboration between universities, the technology industry, and policymakers is recommended to support implementation. Additionally, the proposal of an online evaluation platform is suggested to continuously monitor student competency improvements. A systematic approach to implementing deep learning is anticipated to optimize mathematics education effectiveness in universities, preparing students for complex workforce challenges.Item Recycling Pineapple Leaf (Ananas Comosus) Agro-Waste as an Alternative Raw Material to Produce Eco-Friendly Paper(Science Publishing Group, 2025-10-10) Yongai, IsaacThis study investigates the viability of recycling pineapple leaf agro-waste (PALF) as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to wood-based pulp for paper production in Sierra Leone. The research addresses the dual challenges of heavy reliance on imported paper products and the environmental problem of agricultural waste mismanagement. An experimental design was employed to compare two distinct pulping techniques: a chemical method using an 11% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution and a traditional method using a locally sourced wood ash lye solution. Fibers were extracted from pineapple leaves, converted into pulp, and then formed into handmade paper sheets. The physical and mechanical properties of the resulting papers, including thickness, water absorbency, writing quality, tensile strength, and tearing resistance, were systematically analyzed. The findings indicate that the NaOH pulping method produced higher quality paper, exhibiting superior tensile strength (500 N/m breaking force), a smoother finish, and minimal ink feathering, making it suitable for writing and printing applications. In contrast, the wood ash lye method yielded a functional but lower-grade paper that was thicker, coarser, and possessed lower mechanical strength (410 N/m breaking force). The study concludes that pineapple leaf agro-waste is a highly promising non-wood fiber source for paper production. While the NaOH method is technically superior, the wood ash lye method presents a compelling, low-cost, and accessible alternative for small-scale, rural enterprises in resource-limited settings like Sierra Leone. This research demonstrates a practical model for waste valorization that aligns with circular economic principles, promoting environmental sustainability, green entrepreneurship, and import substitution. The study recommends scaling up production for pilot testing, optimizing chemical usage, and developing training programs to support local adoption of these sustainable technologies. This study, therefore, recommends that future researchers should explore optimal NaOH concentrations and environmentally friendly alternatives to reduce chemical use without compromising quality, and combining PALF pulp with other fibers (e.g., recycled paper, banana pseudo-stem pulp) could improve paper properties and reduce costs.Item Key Factors Influencing the Quality of Mathematics Education in Rural Communities. A case study on Lower Bambara Chiefdom - Kenema District - Sierra Leone(2025-10-24) Sandy, ChristianThe study examines key factors influencing mathematics education quality in rural Sierra Leone, highlighting persistent challenges such as resource shortages, inadequate teacher training, and low student performance. Using a mixed methods approach, data from 50 pupils and 10 teachers across ten schools revealed that most students underperform academically, with an average score of 31.5 out of 100. Teachers generally possess moderate experience, yet many are rated as poor performers, underscoring the need for professional development. Perception surveys indicated that both pupils and teachers recognize teacher quality and student engagement as crucial factors affecting learning outcomes. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, identified teaching quality (p=0.008), resource adequacy (p=0.025), and pupil engagement (p=0.045) as significantly influencing mathematics instruction, while curriculum relevance was not statistically significant. The results underscore that improving teacher competence, increasing instructional resources, and fostering student motivation are vital for enhancing mathematics learning in rural contexts. Addressing infrastructural deficits and implementing targeted interventions can promote equitable access to quality education and booster academic achievement. Ultimately, the findings provide empirical evidence for policymakers and educators to prioritize resource allocation, teacher training, and student engagement strategies, fostering sustainable improvements in mathematics education and supporting broader socioeconomic development in Sierra Leone.Item Investigate the Radiation Safety Awareness Among Medical Workers at Government Hospital, Bo(Science Publishing Group, 2025-03-11) Massaquoi, Ibrahim**Background:** Radiation safety awareness among healthcare professionals was essential to protect both workers and patients in settings where ionizing radiation is utilized, such as government hospitals. This study focuses on assessing the level of radiation safety awareness among medical staff at the Government Hospital in Bo. **Methods:** Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study incorporated quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews targeting a diverse group of medical workers, including doctors, radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare personnel. **Results:** The results indicate considerable variation in radiation safety awareness across different professional roles, with significant gaps particularly noted among nursing staff. Although many participants acknowledged the importance of radiation safety, their understanding of specific protective measures and regulations was inconsistent. Awareness levels were significantly impacted by factors such as years of experience, educational background, and availability of training opportunities. The analysis showed a highly significant difference (p <.001) in awareness levels based on educational backgrounds, with a mean difference of 1.392 (95% CI: 1.32 to 1.46). Notably, a significant disparity (p <.001) existed between the awareness levels of doctors and nurses compared to lab technicians and other healthcare workers, with a mean difference of 3.223 (95% CI: 2.99 to 3.45). Overall, the total knowledge level was found to be low, with a mean score of 2. A mere 12.3% of respondents reported consistently adhering to safety protocols, and a considerable proportion of medical professionals displayed insufficient knowledge (58.1%) and inadequate practice (63.8%). Comparatively, a Swedish survey indicated that 59% of medical staff had "low knowledge" regarding X-ray radiation. **Conclusion:** The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive radiation safety training programs and the incorporation of radiation safety education into medical curricula to foster a stronger safety culture within healthcare settings. Implementing effective radiation safety workshops and conducting continuous assessments are recommended to enhance knowledge and compliance among medical workers, ultimately safeguarding healthcare personnel and patients from the risks associated with radiation exposure.