Financial Statements Fraud of Banks and other Financial Institutions in Nigeria

Purpose: There is evidence that managers engage in opportunistic practice to manipulate reported performance to attract unsuspecting investors. This paper seeks to detect the likelihood of manipulations on the financial reports of financial service firms (banks and other financial institutions) as well as to identify the financial indicators that are the likely predictors of the probability of manipulations in Nigeria.   Theoretical framework: The M-score models, from Beneish (1999), are employed as theoretical basis for the paper. The model use financial ratios computed using accounting data to confirm the probability that firms’ reported earnings are manipulated.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The study uses data from the Nigerian Exchange Group, from 2010 to 2019 to compute M8/M5-scores and classify firms into likely manipulators and unlikely manipulators. In addition, a probit regression model was applied to establish financial ratios that significantly predict the likelihood of FSF amongst the financial firms.   Findings: The results based on M8 (M5)-score indicate that 26.67% (23.33%) of firms likely manipulate financial books and exhibit the possibility of FSF. In addition, only sales in receivable, sales growth, depreciation expenses, leverage and accruals to assets ratios are found to be (positive) significant predictors of the probability of manipulations.   Research, Practical & Social implications: The implication of the outcome is that subjecting financial statements to empirical and statistical scrutiny should not be ignored because it would detect and reduce associated risks to manipulations. Therefore, more regulatory interventions and empirical auditing of reports are needed to ensure their readability and reliability to the investors.   Originality/Value: The study offers a novel and first evidence, based on Beneish M-score, to scrutinise reports of financial firms in Nigeria. The evidence ensures quality reporting of the financial statements in order to credibility as well as protect the integrity of the capital markets

Use of Information and Communication Technologies and Perceived Job Performance of University Libraries’ Personnel in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract This study investigated use of information and communication technologies and perceived job performance of university libraries’ personnel in Oyo State, Nigeria. The descriptive research design of the survey type was adopted for this study. The university libraries’ personnel in Oyo State, Nigeria formed the population of the study using purposive sampling technique. A total of 219 questionnaires were distributed across the universities with a retrieval success of 187 copies, representing 85.4% return rate. Data were analysed using percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis. The findings of this study revealed that preparing reports (mean=3.13), scanning of documents (mean=3.05), and sending and receiving e-mail messages (mean=3.06) were the major purposes of use of ICTs by the university libraries’ personnel. Findings revealed that computer (mean=5.96), telephone (mean=5.95), and photocopiers were the major ICTs used daily. Findings also revealed that llimited budget for the library (mean=3.09) was the major challenge to the use of ICTs by the university libraries’ personnel. Findings revealed that the level of perceived job performance of university libraries’ personnel in Oyo State, Nigeria is high (mean=98.26); and there is no significant relationship between the use of ICTs by the university libraries’ personnel and their perceived job performance (Df= 185, N= 187, r= .052, P \u3e 0.05). It was recommended that the library personnel should keep updating themselves with new trends of ICTs. This will be useful in the provision of library services and to keep developing the library to suit that of the present 21st century library

Absorptive Capabilities as Determinants of Economic Sustainability of Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises

Purpose – Drawing from the Absorptive Capabilities theory, this paper examines the role played by dimensions of absorptive capabilities (i.e., knowledge acquisition, knowledge assimilation, knowledge transformation, and knowledge exploitation) on the economic sustainability of SMEs in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a cross-sectional research design to collect quantitative data from 343 owners/managers of SMEs in Plateau State. Structural equation modeling through the use of the Analysis of Moments of Structures (AMOS) software, version 23 was employed to test the hypotheses. Findings – Research results indicate that all the dimensions of absorptive capabilities exert significant influence on the economic sustainability of SMEs. Thus the dimensions of absorptive capabilities serve as the antecedents of the economic sustainability of SMEs could be realized. Limitations- The focus of this study is on SMEs in Plateau State alone. The use of a cross-sectional design may also undermine the results of the study. Implications – This work adds to existing research on the subject of sustainability by revealing that dimensions of absorptive capabilities are necessary for the attainment of economic sustainability. Originality – Based on current literature, studies on the dimensions of absorptive capabilities as predictor variables are limited. No study has been conducted on the influence of absorptive capabilities using four dimensions, on the economic sustainability of SMEs. Thus it is a pioneering study in terms of both content and context.

Desempenho de crescimento e resposta fisiológica de leitões desmamados alimentados com dieta suplementada com novos fitogênicos.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the growth performance and physiological response of weaned pigs fed diets supplemented with a novel phytogenics (FCTNC). A total of 100 cross bred male pigs (Landrace × Duroc) with an initial weight of 6.31 ± 0.25 kg and weaned at 21 days were individually housed in a semi-open sided pens. Pigs were distributed into five treatments groups with five replicates, each replicates comprises of 20 pigs. Experimental diets were adequate in all nutrients recommended by NRC (2012). Treatment one (T1): basal diet without antibiotics; T2 (basal diet with neomycin at 1.5 g/kg-1); T3, T4 and T5 were fed basal diet with 5 g/kg-1, 10 g/kg-1 and 15 g/kg-1 respectively. Feed and water were offered unrestricted throughout the 56 days trial. Result revealed that there was effect of treatments (P ˂ 0.05) in average body weight gain (ADG), daily feed intake (ADFI), mortality and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Pigs in T4 (24.54 kg) and T5 (24.22 kg) had the highest weight gain, intermediate in T2 (21.55 kg) and T3 (22.51 kg) and lowest in T1 (12.83 kg) (P ˂ 0.05). There was a remarkable improvement in all the immune parameters examined among pigs fed FCTNC (P ˂ 0.05). Microbial population of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp decreased as the level of FCTNC increases (P ˂ 0.05). Conversely, Lactobacillus spp count were highest in T4 and T5 relative to the other treatments. Haematological parameters were significantly influenced (P ˂ 0.05) by the treatments. However, all values were within the normal range for a clinically healthy pigs. The study established that FCTNC could be fed to weaned pigs up to 15 g/kg-1 without having any negative effect on the health of animals.El objetivo de este experimento fue investigar el desempeño zootécnico y la respuesta fisiológica de lechones destetados alimentados con dietas suplementadas con un nuevo fitogénico (FCTNC). Un total de 100 cerdos machos mestizos (Landrace × Duroc) con peso inicial de 6,31 ± 0,25 kg y destetados a los 21 días se alojaron individualmente en corrales semiabiertos. Los cerdos se asignaron a cinco grupos de tratamiento con cinco repeticiones, cada una de las cuales constaba de 20 cerdos. Las dietas experimentales fueron adecuadas en todos los nutrientes recomendados por la NRC (2012). Tratamiento uno (T1): dieta basal sin antibióticos; T2 (dieta basal con neomicina a 1,5 g/kg-1); T3, T4 y T5 recibieron dieta basal con 5 g/kg-1, 10 g/kg-1 y 15 g/kg-1, respectivamente. Se ofreció alimento y agua sin restricciones durante los 56 días del experimento. Los resultados revelaron que hubo un efecto de los tratamientos (P ˂ 0.05) sobre la ganancia de peso corporal promedio (GMD), el consumo diario de alimento (ADFI), la mortalidad y la conversión alimenticia (CA). Los cerdos en T4 (24,54 kg) y T5 (24,22 kg) tuvieron la mayor ganancia de peso, intermedia en T2 (21,55 kg) y T3 (22,51 kg) y menor en T1 (12,83 kg) (P ˂ 0,05). Hubo una mejora notable en todos los parámetros inmunológicos examinados entre los cerdos alimentados con FCTNC (P ˂ 0.05). La población microbiana de Escherichia coli y Salmonella spp disminuyó con el aumento del nivel de FCTNC (P ˂ 0.05). Por otro lado, el conteo de Lactobacillus spp fue mayor en T4 y T5 en comparación con los demás tratamientos. Los parámetros hematológicos fueron influenciados significativamente (P ˂ 0.05) por los tratamientos. Sin embargo, todos los valores estuvieron dentro del rango normal para cerdos clínicamente sanos. El estudio estableció que FCTNC puede administrarse a lechones destetados hasta 15 g/kg-1 sin tener ningún efecto negativo sobre la salud de los animales.O objetivo deste experimento foi investigar o desempenho zootécnico e a resposta fisiológica de leitões desmamados alimentados com dietas suplementadas com um novo fitogênico (FCTNC). Um total de 100 suínos machos mestiços (Landrace × Duroc) com peso inicial de 6,31 ± 0,25 kg e desmamados aos 21 dias foram alojados individualmente em baias semiabertas. Os porcos foram distribuídos em cinco grupos de tratamentos com cinco réplicas, cada réplica composta por 20 porcos. As dietas experimentais foram adequadas em todos os nutrientes recomendados pelo NRC (2012). Tratamento um (T1): dieta basal sem antibióticos; T2 (dieta basal com neomicina a 1,5 g/kg-1); T3, T4 e T5 receberam dieta basal com 5 g/kg-1, 10 g/kg-1 e 15 g/kg-1, respectivamente. A ração e a água foram oferecidas sem restrições durante os 56 dias de experiência. Os resultados revelaram que houve efeito dos tratamentos (P ˂ 0,05) no ganho médio de peso corporal (GMD), consumo diário de ração (ADFI), mortalidade e conversão alimentar (CA). Suínos em T4 (24,54 kg) e T5 (24,22 kg) tiveram o maior ganho de peso, intermediário em T2 (21,55 kg) e T3 (22,51 kg) e menor em T1 (12,83 kg) (P ˂ 0,05). Houve uma melhoria notável em todos os parâmetros imunológicos examinados entre os porcos alimentados com FCTNC (P ˂ 0,05). A população microbiana de Escherichia coli e Salmonella spp diminuiu com o aumento do nível de FCTNC (P ˂ 0,05). Por outro lado, a contagem de Lactobacillus spp foi maior em T4 e T5 em relação aos outros tratamentos. Os parâmetros hematológicos foram significativamente influenciados (P ˂ 0,05) pelos tratamentos. No entanto, todos os valores estavam dentro do intervalo normal para porcos clinicamente saudáveis. O estudo estabeleceu que a FCTNC pode ser fornecida a leitões desmamados até 15 g/kg-1 sem ter qualquer efeito negativo na saúde dos animais

Spatial analysis of tuberculosis and risk factors at the lowest administrative level in Nigeria

BACKGROUNDFew studies have utilized modern techniques of spatial data analysis to understand the distribution of tuberculosis (TB) and its possible predictors. In 2013, an estimated 9 million new TB cases and 1.5 million deaths occurred worldwide, out of which 360,000 deaths were HIV related. AIMTo assist in planning key interventions for the control of TB at a sub-national level, the studysought to explore the spatial distribution of TB and associated risk factors at the lowest administrative level in Nigeria. METHODOLOGYThis was an ecological study carried out using number of notified TB cases for the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 2013. Bayesian spatial regression analysis was conducted to identify high-risk clusters of the disease and to assess associated factors . RESULTSAnalysis revealed that TB was significantly clustered in 138 (17%) LGAs. Significant associations were found with household size, urban residence, access to transportation, population density, number of TB diagnostic services. Other predictors, including a composite index of socioeconomic status, living in a single room, number of TB treatment centres, and total health facilities in the LGA were not significantly associated with TB incidence. CONCLUSIONThe study identified LGAs with elevated risk as well as significant factors associated with TB. This information can assist policymakers in rationally planning targeted specific interventions with the potential to effectively control TB in the country

Organizational Culture and Organizational Sustainability in the Hotel Industry: Does Organizational Commitment Mediate the Relationship?

Purpose – This study examines the relationship between organizational culture and organizational sustainability and the mediating role of organizational commitment in the hotel industry in Nigeria, with a focus on Plateau State. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach was adopted with the use of structured questionnaires to elicit responses from 369 employees from 67 hotels. Data were analyzed with the use of SPSS software and the hypotheses were tested with the aid of the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software. Findings – The result reveals that organizational culture exerts a significant effect on organizational sustainability, and organizational culture also significantly exerts a positive effect on organizational commitment. Surprisingly, organizational commitment did not have a significant relationship with organizational sustainability, and organizational commitment did not mediate the relationship between organizational culture and organizational sustainability. Practical implications – This study’s findings will assist business owners and managers, especially in the hotel industry to pay more attention to building a robust culture in the workplace for their employees and also put in place the necessary ingredients needed to make employees more committed to the organization, as these factors are needed to build and maintain a sustainable business. Originality/value – This study is designed to fill some gaps as no study has been found in the literature which researched the existing relationships among the variables of organizational culture, organizational commitment, and organizational sustainability

A Conceptual Framework for a Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Educative-Communication Approach

Global interest in Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has grown following forecasts of a compound annual growth rate of 18.7% and a total of 5.4 GW installed worldwide from 2013 to 2019. Although the BIPV technology has been in the public domain for the last three decades, its adoption has been hindered. Existing literature asserts that proper information and education at the proposal or early design stage is an important way of addressing adoption barriers. However, there is a lack of BIPV communication approaches for research, and market proposals that focus on clear information about its benefits. This has limited the adoption of BIPV.. Based on this, the present study aims to develop a conceptual framework for an educative-communication approach for presenting BIPV proposals to encourage its adoption. This is aimed at developing holistic research and market proposals which justify scholarly investigation and financial investment. Using a multiple case study investigation and Design Research Methodology (DRM) principles, the study developed an approach which combines core communication requirements, the pillars of sustainability and a hierarchical description of BIPV alongside its unique advantages. A two-step evaluation strategy involving an online pilot survey and a literature-based checklist, was used to validate the effectiveness of the developed approach. Our results show that understanding environmental and economic benefits was found to be significantly important to people who are likely adopters of BIPV (p < 0.05), making these benefits crucial drivers of adoption. Statistical significance was also found between those who do not know the benefits of using solar energy for electricity, and interest in knowing these benefits (p < 0.05). We thus conclude that proper communication of these benefits can safely be advanced as important facilitators of BIPV adoption. In general, this study elaborates the need and strategies for appropriate dissemination of innovative ideas to encourage and promote adoption of technological advancement for a sustainable global future

Heat transfer, void fraction and pressure drop during condensation inside inclined smooth and microfin tubes

This paper presents experimental heat transfer and pressure drop measurements during the condensation of R134a at a mean saturation temperature of 40 °C inside a microfinned copper tube with an inner diameter of 8.92 mm and a helix angle of 14°. Experiments were conducted for mean qualities from 0.1 to 0.9 at different inclination angles ranging from −90° (vertically downwards) to +90° (vertically upwards), at mass fluxes of 200–600 kg/m2s. Heat transfer coefficients were calculated directly from measured data, while the frictional pressure drops were obtained from the experimental data using the Bhagwat and Ghajar void fraction correlation developed in 2014. Results were compared with those obtained from a similarly sized smooth tube having an inner diameter of 8.38 mm to obtain the relative microfin heat transfer enhancement and pressure penalty factors. For both tubes, it was found that the heat transfer coefficient increased significantly with the mean vapour quality and mass flux. For the microfin tube, the highest heat transfer coefficients were obtained at tube inclinations of between −15° and −5° (downward flows), while for the smooth tube, the highest heat transfer coefficients occurred between inclinations of between −30° and −15° (downward flows). The heat transfer enhancement factor for the microfin tube was between 0.98 and 2.38 depending on the inclination angle. For both tubes, it was found that higher frictional pressure drops occurred at higher mass fluxes. In most cases, higher vapour qualities produced higher frictional pressure drops depending on the flow pattern. The lowest frictional pressure drop occurred at either horizontal tube positions or vertical downward flow inclinations. Microfin pressure drop penalty factors ranged between approximately 0.8 and 4 depending on the mass flux, inclination and vapour quality.The NRF (South Africa) and DST (South Africa)http://www.elsevier.com/locate/etfs2020-12-01hj2019Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineerin

An improved heat transfer correlation for condensation inside inclined smooth tubes

To date, there has been no robust model that can satisfactorily predict the condensation heat transfer coefficients in smooth tubes when oriented at some angles other than horizontal and vertical. Therefore, it was the motivation of this investigation to develop a universally acceptable model capable of predicting the heat transfer coefficients during convective condensation inside inclined tubes subject to diabatic conditions. An extensive database of experimental results collected from our previous studies was used in the development of the proposed model. The database consisted of five hundred and fifty-nine data sets for tube orientation varying between - 90o and + 90o, mass velocities 100 kg/m2s to 400 kg/m2s, mean vapour qualities 10% to 90% and saturated condensing temperatures 30 °C to 50 °C. The proposed model showed a magnificient agreement with the experimental data within an global average and mean absolute deviations of −5.74% and 1.13% respectively. The performance of the new empirical model was validated with inclined flow data from three sources in the open literature and was found to predict them with high accuracy.The NRF, SANERI/SANEDI, TESP, Stellenbosch University/University of Pretoria, EEDSM Hub, CSIR and NAC.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ichmthj2021Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineerin

The Progress of Tobacco Control Research in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Past 50 Years: A Systematic Review of the Design and Methods of the Studies

Over one billion of the world’s population are smokers, with increasing tobacco use in low-and middle-income countries. However, information about the methodology of studies on tobacco control is limited. We conducted a literature search to examine and evaluate the methodological designs of published tobacco research in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the past 50 years. The first phase was completed in 2015 using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. An additional search was completed in February 2017 using PubMed. Only tobacco/smoking research in SSA countries with human subjects and published in English was selected. Out of 1796 articles, 447 met the inclusion criteria and were from 26 countries, 11 of which had one study each. Over half of the publications were from South Africa and Nigeria. The earliest publication was in 1968 and the highest number of publications was in 2014 (n = 46). The majority of publications used quantitative methods (91.28%) and were cross-sectional (80.98%). The commonest data collection methods were self-administered questionnaires (38.53%), interviews (32.57%), and observation (20.41%). Around half of the studies were among adults and in urban settings. We conclud that SSA remains a “research desert” and needs more investment in tobacco control research and training