ABSTRACT
The cowries have a very long history in the Grassfields of Cameroon. This emblematic object that was once used as legal tender in this area is a very invaluable element of cultural identity and social stratification. When this object ceased to be used as money, it was and is reserved for the royalty where it was and is being used to demonstrate their authority. It was also used in ritual and divination. The cultural meaning of this object continuous to change, thereby making it to lose its original functions. Today, it is used to play more social functions and by just anyone who can have money to purchase. As the days go by, original cowries are fast disappearing, giving way to artificial ones. This change noticed in cowries is an indicator of socio-cultural changes currently on going with many cultural elements in the Grassfields and in Africa in general. The more time passes, the more their functions change. The question which arises therefore is ‘what are the changes that have taken place in the significance and use of cowries in the Grassfields’? This paper explores how the Grassfields people perceive cowries, their functions and change in their use. Both the qualitative and quantitative methods of data collections were used to gather information for the paper. The data collected was analysed and interpreted using the theories of cultural evolution and functionalism.

ABSTRACT
Background: Globally, foreign bodies (FBs) in the ear are commonly encountered by otolaryngologists and its removal can result in complications if attempts of removal are made outside the healthcare setting by untrained personnel. This study describes the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes among patients presenting with FB s in the ear at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC). Methods: This was a cross sectional study that was conducted at BMC between May 2019 and October 2019. Results: A total of 70 patients (M: F ratio = 1.3:1) were studied. The mean age at presentation for children was 5.1[±2.2] years, whereas that of adults was 28.9 [±16.1] years. The FBs were found in the right ear in 44(62.9%) patients, left ear in 25(35.7%) patients and in both ears in 1(1.4%) patient. Cotton was the most common FB in 34.3% of cases. Previous history of failed attempted ear FB removal by peripheral hospitals was reported in 15(21.4%) patients. Methods used in the removal of ear FB were ear syringing in 42(60.0%) patients, forceps extraction in 15(21%) cases, FB removal by suctioning 4(6%) and hooks in 9(15%) patients. Complications observed were external ear canal laceration (n=13; 50.0%), tympanic membrane perforation (n=9; 34.6%), otitis externa (n=3; 11.5%) and chronic otitis media (n=1; 3.8%) and were significantly associated with late presentation (≥ 7 days) (p-value =0.021) and previous history of failed attempted ear FB removal (p-value < 0.001). The outcome of treatment was excellent as all of the ear FBs were successfully removed with good improvement in hearing and clinical relief of symptoms. Conclusion: Ear FBs are common at BMC with the highest incidence in children less than 10years. Removal attempts by peripheral hospitals and delayed attending to specialized hospitals predisposes to complications. Parental education on close monitoring of their children to avoid such incidences and the need to immediately seek otorhinolaryngologists to prevent ..............

ABSTRACT
Introduction This study was the first at the level of the obstetrics gynecology department of the Reference Health Center (CSRef) of Kalaban-coro Kati Mali. The objective was to determine the profile of the pathogenic germs identified and their proportion in case of imbalance of the vaginal flora in the genesis of lower genital infections in women at the level of our service. Methods: This was a descriptive study of the cross-sectional survey type which took place in the gynecology department of the Reference Health Center (CSRef) in the municipality of Kalaban – coro circle of Kati Koulikoro Mali. The study extended over a period of 12 months from February 2015 to January 2016 and involved patients seen in outpatient gynecology at our Center. The size of our sample consisted of 90 patients who agreed to participate in our study. The data was collected through a previously established survey form. Word processing was processed on World 2007 software and data entry and analysis were performed on SPSS 23.0 fr software. The statistical test used was the Chi2 considered significant when P<0.05. Results: The frequency of genital infections was 10.01%. The most represented age group was 20 to 35 years old with 61.1%. The main germs identified were respectively: Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Gram-negative Bacilli with 16.7%, 15.7%, 13.4% and 11.1% respectively. Conclusion: At the end of this study, we found that the most frequent germs of lower genital infections were mainly represented by: Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Gram-negative bacilli.

ABSTRACT
Chromium is one of the most common elements in the earth’s crust and is used in more than 50 different industries. There are three oxidation states in case of Chromium viz., Cr (II), Cr (III), Cr (VI). Among which Cr (II) is most unstable. Cr (III) and Cr (VI) are the stable oxidation state of Chromium in the environment. Being one of the commonly used metals Chromium and its particulates enter the aquatic medium through effluents discharged from different industries like textiles, tanneries, electroplating workshops, ore mining, dyeing, printing-photographic and medical industries. The discharge from these industries pollutes the waters and affects the biota. Chromium is known to cause various health effects. The health hazards associated with exposure to chromium are dependent on its oxidation state. The Hexavalent form is toxic than trivalent form. The hematological alterations produced on exposure to sub-lethal concentration (1/10th of LC50/96 hrs) of chromium were investigated in fresh water fish, Labeo rohita. Labeo rohita common name (Rohu) is a species of fish of the carp family, found in rivers of South Asia. This fish is commonly found in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, China, Kampuchea and Sri Lanka. The rich source of high-quality protein filled with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids encourage the human being to uptake fish as a major food source. Significant decrease in haematological indices RBC, Hb, PCV, MCH, and MCHC and WBC and MCV values were significantly increased. The decrease in hematological parameters clearly indicates that the exposed fishes have become anemic due to heavy metal exposure.

ABSTRACT
Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a global issue. Improper MSW management has adverse effects on human health and the environment. In view of this, promoting sound MSW management has been the focus of many policy makers, researchers and academics. In most countries including Ghana, this complex task has been entrusted to the local government. However, the success of the local government in this endeavor largely depends on the involvement of other actors of solid waste management. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the involvement of actors by the local government in MSW management using the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana as a case study. Qualitative case study approach involving observations, one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions with a wide range of actors is employed. The results of the study underscore major drawbacks in the MSW management system in the Kumasi metropolis where policies are formulated by the top-down approach. This study contributes to literature by encouraging the habit of source separation of waste among solid waste service users since it has the tendency of reducing the quantity of waste to be dumped at the disposal sites and consequently, protracting the lifespan of landfills and dumpsites in the metropolis. The study further entreats the local government to formulate MSW management regulations and policies with a bottom-up approach through broader consultations with actors to ensure that the provisions take into consideration the cultural and distinct local needs in the area.