Njala University

In Sierra Leone, poor access to health and safety measures remains among the causes of occupational hazards. Further understanding is required regarding how to enhance safety and well-being in the workplace. This study aimed to assess occupational health and safety (OHS) in both the formal and informal sectors while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and compliance by sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 516 participants. Using a multistage stratified sampling approach, data were collected with a validated, semi-structured questionnaire. This instrument measured sociodemographic characteristics, workplace safety policies, safety factors, and primary outcome variables such as compliance. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used at a significant level (p < 0.05) to examine associations between independent and outcome variables. Cross-sectional design captures a moment in time, not a trend, while self-reported data may overstate positive practices. A significantly greater percentage of the formal sector (76.9%) had safety policies than did the informal sector (23.7%). Most participants (81.8%) acknowledged the significance of emergency exits, with a higher level of recognition observed in the formal sector compared to the informal sector (92.9% versus 72.3%, respectively). Poor ergonomics was prevalent (54.5%), especially in the formal sector (62.9%). Male sex was significantly associated with lower odds of OHS compliance than female sex was (OR = 0.1; 95% CI 0.02–0.38; p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed key factors associated with OHS compliance: awareness of national OHS policy in the workplace (aOR = 10.4; 95% CI 1.76–61.20; p < 0.010). The study revealed a significant disparity in OHS measures between the formal and informal sectors, with the formal sector showing better compliance with OHS procedures. We recommend that employers establish inclusive workplace policies and tailor training programmes and that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security implement comprehensive OHS policies.

Abstract An inventory of terrestrial small mammals was conducted at five sites in southeastern Sierra Leone with the aim of documenting species diversity, abundance and distribution. Trapping was done using Sherman live traps, Victor traps, Tomahawk live traps and pitfall traps in five habitats across five sites. Based on morphological and DNA barcode-based identification, we recorded a total of 28 terrestrial small mammal species, including 20 rodents and eight shrews in 13,770 trap nights with an average trap success rate of 7 %. We document a possible country record for the rodent species Dephomys cf. eburneae , raising the total known rodent species for the country to 42 species. Furthermore, we document first country record for the shrew species Crocidura longipes , raising the total known shrew species for the country to 15. This study contributes to the knowledge and conservation of terrestrial small mammal diversity and occurrence in Sierra Leone and also provides baseline information for the five study sites. Finally, this study further demonstrates the potential importance of the study sites for conservation of terrestrial small mammals in Sierra Leone.

ABSTRACT In conventional structural design, columns are typically placed at the center of footings to ensure symmetrical load distribution and structural stability. However, architectural constraints often require eccentric placement along the edge mid-length, mid-breadth, or corner resulting in biaxial loading and non-uniform stress distribution. This study investigates the seismic behavior of a G + 7 framed structure (an eight-storey reinforced concrete frame comprising ground plus seven floors) simulated in ABAQUS, analyzing 250 mm × 250 mm columns positioned on 900 mm × 900 mm footings in four locations. Inclined knee bracings at 0°, 30°, 45°, and 60° were implemented to enhance lateral and rotational resistance. The number of bracings varied by column position: four for centrally placed columns, three for edge-mid, and two for corner placements. Fracture mechanics methods stress intensity factor and fatigue life analysis were used to evaluate crack propagation and failure modes. While central columns demonstrated better uniaxial load performance, inclined bracing significantly enhanced the seismic resilience of eccentric layouts, increasing critical rocking angles by up to 12%. Nonlinear dynamic analyses and fragility curves quantified the probability of exceedance, offering probabilistic insights into the vulnerability of 16 column–footing configurations.

Upland gravelly soils of Sierra Leone pose serious challenges to agriculture due to their low ability to retaining nutrients and water. Their highly weathered states, dominance of low activity clays and low organic matter content exacerbates their nutrient retention capabilities leading to high leaching of essential nutrients. However, there little knowledge about the magnitude of nutrient loss on Njala soils. This study was therefore conducted to quantify leaching losses of nitrogen from urea fertilizer in soils treated with and without biochar. In this study, four treatments were used to set up leaching columns: (i) Soil without Biochar (Control), (ii) Soil+Biochar, (iii) Soil+Fertilizer, and (iv) Soil+Biochar+Fertilizer. Each treatment was replicated three times. Leaching experiment was conducted daily for seven days. Leachates were collected daily and analyzed for total Nitrogen. The results showed a high rate of nutrients loss in soils not treated with biochar than soils treated with biochar. Hence, the study has revealed the magnitude of nitrogen loss from applied urea fertilizer is 74.1% while the addition of biochar can reduce the loss significantly to 40% on the gravelly upland soils of Njala. The study showed the vulnerability of nitrogen loss on the Njala uplands and the role of biochar in minimizing such loss.

Abstract Background Sierra Leone’s food system faces persistent nutritional challenges, largely due to limited crop diversity and reliance on imported staples. Neglected and Underutilized Food Crops (NUFCs), though culturally embedded and ecologically resilient, remain underexplored in formal nutrition and agricultural strategies. This study evaluates the mineral composition of selected NUFCs cultivated in Bo and Kenema districts regions known for their agricultural activity and vulnerability to micronutrient deficiencies. Methodology A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining ethnobotanical surveys with laboratory-based nutritional analysis. Plant samples were collected through guided field walks and community engagement, then identified and authenticated at the National Herbarium, Njala University. Mineral profiling was conducted using standardized procedures: Kjeldahl digestion for nitrogen (converted to protein), Bray I extraction for phosphorus, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and flame photometry for trace elements including iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and phosphorus (P). All concentrations were standardized to mg/100g for comparability. Result The results revealed that Piper unbellatum exhibited the most diverse mineral profile, with high concentrations of zinc (12.49 mg/100g), phosphorus (103.1 mg/100g), magnesium (8.94 mg/100g), calcium (11.62 mg/100g), and sodium (1.93 mg/100g). Celosia argentea and Luffa aegyptiaca were iron-rich, while Ipomoea aquatica showed the highest protein content (7.00%) and notable potassium levels. These findings affirm the nutritional relevance of NUFCs and their potential to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in rural communities with limited access to fortified foods. Conclusion This study confirms the nutritional value of selected indigenous NUFCs, providing empirical evidence to support their role in nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Crops such as Piper unbellatum, Celosia argentea , and Ipomoea aquatica show strong potential to improve dietary diversity, public health, and food system resilience in Sierra Leone. The findings lay a foundation for future research, policy action, and community-level nutrition initiatives.

IntroductionIt has been established by various researchers that the type of coagulants affects the quality of Tofu. Still, no work has been published on how the chemical composition and textural attributes influence the sensory acceptability of Tofu. This study aims to assess the relationship between the chemical composition, textural attributes, and sensory acceptability of Tofu.MethodsSoymilk was produced from soybeans, with soymilk protein denatured by heat, and curdled using different coagulants like vinegar, lime juice, alum solution, and steeped ogi water to get different samples of Tofu. The Tofu samples were evaluated for chemical composition, textural attributes, and sensory acceptability using standard methods.Results and discussionThe results showed that the vinegar-coagulated Tofu significantly possesses the highest fat, ash, crude fiber, total carbohydrate, and total energy contents, and the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu had the highest protein content. The calcium, magnesium, and zinc contents were higher in the vinegar-coagulated Tofu, while the sodium content was higher in the alum solution-coagulated Tofu. Total phenolics and total flavonoids were higher in the vinegar-coagulated Tofu, while the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu had the highest DPPH value. The lime-coagulated Tofu had the lowest of all the chemical compositions. The adhesiveness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and gumminess were higher in the vinegar-coagulated Tofu, while the fracturability and hardness were higher in the lime juice-coagulated Tofu. Steeped Ogi water was shown to be the most effective coagulant in improving the sensory aspects of Tofu, followed by vinegar, providing a tasty and aesthetically beautiful product, while lime was the least popular choice. The calcium and zinc contents, total flavonoid and phenolic contents, and DPPH may have also contributed to the fracturability of the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu, and the protein content may have contributed to the springiness and subsequent overall acceptability of the steeped Ogi water-coagulated Tofu.ConclusionTherefore, steeped Ogi water could be used to produce quality Tofu that will balance the chemical composition, textural attributes and sensory acceptability.

<title>Abstract</title> Background Achieving food security in Sierra Leone is increasingly constrained by environmental degradation, climate variability, and weak institutional capacity. Despite growing challenges, empirical evidence on the combined influence of environmental stressors, renewable energy use, technological adoption, and institutional quality on food security remains scarce. Food security in this study is assessed through a multidimensional lens, focusing on the production of key staple and export crops. Methods The study analyzes both direct and mediated effects using time series data from 1990 to 2023. Dynamic Autoregressive Distributed Lag (DYNARDL) simulations and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) are employed to capture short- and long-term dynamics, nonlinearities, and asymmetric responses to shocks. Results Renewable energy adoption and technological progress significantly enhance agricultural output, with institutional quality serving as a partial mediator. Conversely, air pollution and temperature variability consistently reduce crop yields, underscoring agriculture’s vulnerability to ecological and climatic stress. Nonlinear estimates indicate diminishing returns when energy and technology inputs exceed optimal levels, while dynamic simulations reveal asymmetric effects between positive and negative shocks. Robustness checks confirm that clean energy and modern inputs bolster production of rice, maize, cassava, cocoa, vegetables, and fruits, whereas environmental degradation uniformly depresses output. Conclusion The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated strategies that combine clean energy transition, sustainable technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and institutional reform. The study offers policy-relevant insights for building climate-resilient food systems in Sierra Leone and other low-income, environmentally vulnerable regions.