Dividend policy and political uncertainty: Does firm maturity matter?

Previous evidence has shown that numerous factors influence dividend policy, but how political uncertainty affects a firm’s cash dividend policy remains blurry. This study examines the relationship between cash dividends and political uncertainty in Nigeria. More so, the study analyses whether this relationship prevails on matured and non-matured firms. The study employed ordinary least squares dummy variable (LSDV) approach with robust standard error on a data set of non-financial listed Nigerian firms. The results revealed that political uncertainty strongly influences firm’s cash dividend, and a matured firm tends to pay greater dividends than non-matured firms (firms with more growth options). Thus, this finding suggests that matured firms pay more dividends during period of political uncertainty. Consequently, the study supported the agency theory and the life cycle theory

Linear Subspaces of Solutions Applied to Hirota Bilinear Equations

- Linear subspace of solution is applied to Boussinesq and Kadomtseve-Petviashvili (KP) equations using Hirota bilinear transformation. A sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of linear subspaces of exponential travelling wave solutions to Hirota bilinear equations is applied to show that multivariate polynomials whose zeros form a vector space can generate the desire Hirota bilinear equations with given linear subspaces of solutions and formulate such multivariate polynomials by using multivariate polynomials which have one and only one zero

Promoting Sustainable Development through ICT in Developing Countries

This paper outlines how ICTS in general will promote sustainable development in developing countries. This can be promoted through acquiring ICT skills in various ways which include: software development commercial outfit, computer training maintenance, networking and internet service as well as enhancing teaching and learning activities. Also the paper revealed the possibilities for locating independent working environment through ICT facilities such as economic sustainability, social sustainability, and political sustainability. It also looks at the possible challenges of implementing ICT such as lacks of maintenance culture, budgetary constrain, and infrastructure related problems. Finally the paper emphasized that proper utilization of ICTs is necessary for promoting sustainable development in developing countries Keywords: Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, sustainable development, prospects and challenges

Investigation of the inhibition efficiency of Irish potatoes leaves extract on aluminium sheet in acidic medium

Aluminium is the most widely used non-ferrous metal, hence there is need to protect it from corrosion. This research work, investigated the inhibitive property of the ethanol extract obtained from Irish potato leaves (Solamun tuberosum) for aluminium corrosion using 2M H2SO4 as a medium. The inhibitive effect of the extract against the corrosion of aluminium was investigated using gravimetric technique at various concentrations of the extract (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 g/L). The results revealed that with increase in concentrations of the extract, the corrosion rate decreases and the highest inhibition efficiency was found to be 77.78% at 4.0 g/L of the extract. Additionally, the adsorption of the extract on the aluminium surface was found to obey Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. However, the plant extract proved to be effective inhibitor on the corrosion of aluminium in the acid medium and can be used as green inhibitor

Clinical observations and haematological changes following subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Crotalaria lachnosema Stapf. (Fabaceae) in male Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to determine the Clinical observations (Visually and via Laboratory analysis) and haematological changes induced by subchronic administration of methanolic leaf extract of Crotalaria lachnosema (C. lachnosema) leaf (MLECL) on male Wistar rats. Four groups designated as Groups 1(control), 2, 3 and 4, of ten rats each, which were exposed to the extract in feed at dose levels of 0, 40, 200 and 1000 mg/kg for 42 days respectively. The clinical observations were recorded. At the end of the study period, the surviving rats were sacrificed following light ether anaesthesia and blood was collected from each rat via jugular venesection. The extract was found to cause impairment in both the body weight and relative organ weights of the exposed rats at termination of the experiment (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. The extract was found to affect the erythron only in group 2 with total red blood cell count (7.72 ± 0.25 × 1012/L), haemoglobin concentration (127.00 ± 2.66 g/L) and packed cell volume (48.44 ± 2.11 %) being significantly (P < 0.05 ) lower relative to those of the control (8.86 ± 0.32 × 1012/L, 150.80 ± 6.03 g/L and 48.44 ± 2.11 %, respectively). It was concluded from these studies that exposure to MLECL caused toxic effects in male Wistar rats (toxic effect like the decreased erythron; haematopoietic system is one of the most sensitive targets of toxic compounds, and thus considered an important index in pathophysiological status in man and animal). Human food or animal feed products contaminated with the plant C. lachnosema, even at very low concentrations, with the LD50 of 1300 mg/kg should be discouraged.Keywords: Crotalaria lachnosema, Haematology, LD50, Toxicity, Weight change

Issues and Challenge towards Enhancement of Web Application Development

This paper discusses issues and challenges toward enhancement of Web application development. Firstly, the paper examines the concept of Web application and its importance to the technological development. Secondly, it reveals the problem and challenges encountered during Web application development such as difficulties in Web design, accessibility, browser compatibility, poor navigation structure, content placement, availability of various browsers, cookies, multicultural and search engines. Thirdly, it provides possible ways to overcome the challenges that affect Web application development.  These solutions include; readability, user-friendliness, good response time, efficient interaction, less color application, well-structured text layout, page structure, well organised navigation structure and considering divers cultural background of stake holders. Finally, the paper gives recommendations that assist Web application developers as well as stake holders of the IT industries. Keywords: Website, Web application, Information Technology, Web development, Enhancement, issues and Challenges.

Small Holder Poultry Management Practices and Constraints among Women Poultry Farmers in Kano, Nigeria

The poultry population in Nigeria is estimated at 104.3 million comprising of 72.4 million chickens, 11.8 million ducks, 4.7 million guinea fowls, 15.2 million pigeons and 0.2 million turkeys (FDLPCS, 1992; Ajala et al., 2007). The main sources of animal protein in Nigeria include beef, chicken, mutton, eggs, fish and rabbit. Of all these sources, poultry has the highest contribution to animal protein intake of rural dwellers (Ajala et al., 2007). Women in Africa and Asia make up more than one third of the farm work force, accounting for about 70% of the agricultural workers, 80% of the food producers and 100% of those who process basic foodstuff and 60-90% of those involved in marketing agricultural products (Anon, 1993; Maigida, 2000; Herath, 2008). Yet the role of women in these activities, as economically important as they are, has for many years not been appreciated either because women play very little part in the political activities or the decision making process, until recently (Anon, 1993). Women have important roles to play in animal production (Sanni, 2004; Herath, 2008) although these roles may vary according to the types of animals' being kept, type of production and other economic and cultural constraints (Oladele and Adekoya, 1990; Ogbosuka et al., 2003; Herath, 2005). Ample evidence indicates that many women across Nigeria whether in purdah or not, are engaged in various aspects of animal production (Maigida, 2000). However, as poultry farmers, women in many parts of Africa and Asia experienced or faced problems that tend to undermine their determination to raise income through rearing of animals on daily basis (Anon, 1993; Herath, 2005; Sonaiya, 2007). The integration of women as both agents and beneficiaries of development in the main sectors of the agricultural economy must therefore be a priority objective (Sanni, 2004). Kano is renowned as a centre of commerce and increasing number of people are engaged in rearing livestock particularly poultry. This serves to keep the women engaged and also supplement the income of the family especially among the working class in addition to providing eggs and meat to the family for consumption. Against this background, the objective of the survey was therefore to find out the management practices and associated problems faced by women poultry farmers in Kano.Keywords: Women, Smallholder, Poultry, Management, KanoNigerian Veterinary Journal 32(2) 201

Classes of Ordinary Differential Equations Obtained for the Probability Functions of Harris Extended Exponential Distribution

In this paper, the differential calculus was used to obtain some classes of ordinary differential equations (ODE) for the probability density function, quantile function, survival function, inverse survival function and hazard function of the Harris extended exponential distribution. The case of reversed hazard function was excluded because of its complexity. The stated necessary conditions required for the existence of the ODEs are consistent with the various parameters that defined the distribution. Solutions of these ODEs by using numerous available methods are new ways of understanding the nature of the probability functions that characterize the distribution. The method can be extended to other probability distributions, functions and can serve an alternative to estimation and approximation

Assessment of the Capacity and Availability of Post Abortion Care Resources in Secondary Healthcare Facility-Based Hospital in Kano State

Post-abortion care (PAC) is a global approach towards solving the problem of maternal mortality and morbidity arising from abortion and its related complications. It is designed to manage the complications of abortion and to improve women’s sexual and reproductive health. This study was therefore conducted to assess the capacity of secondary health care facilities within Kano metropolis towards the provision of PAC. An explorative research design was adopted for this study. Results show that; All the first four-components (71%) with an exception of community and service provider partnership were rendered as part of the PAC component and more than half (65%) of the required resources for the provision of PAC were available. It can be concluded that; The capacity toward post-abortion care provision was high and more than half of the required resources for delivering PAC were available. It is recommended that; more health personnel are recruited to enable the facility to incorporate the last component of the PAC, notably community and service provider partnership.&nbsp