Economic Model-Based Calculation of Per Capita Income Level in Nigeria

A survey carried out revealed that socio-economic human development programme (SHDP) is a major item of United Nations development agenda. The objective of the nations` development plan had always aimed to ascertain and improve quality of living (QL) worldwide. Due to inaccuracy of available population and national income data, the existing method of calculating per capita income is inadequate and does not manifest true life situation. This paper is aimed to develop alternative method of calculating per capita income level, based on details of Nigerian workers` pay package. The Nigerian population figures were classified into three economic groups of varying capabilities. The adjustment error affecting accuracy of the calculation was subjected to H-test to facilitate relevance to true life affairs. Keywords: human development elements; pay indices; 25:75 SHDP; QL parameters; formatted figure distribution

Growth Performance, Shank Pigmentation and Blood Profile of Broiler Chickens Fed Neem Leaf Meal-Based Diets

The many benefits of all parts of neem (Azadirachta indica) tree are well documented. Thus, this study was done to ascertain the effects of sundried neem leaf meal (NLM) on growth performance, shank pigmentation and blood profile of broiler chickens. One hundred and forty four day-old chicks were randomly distributed after 1 week pre-experimental period to four experimental diets which comprised NLM at 0% (control), 5% (5NLM), 10% (10NLM) and 15% (15NLM). A completely randomized design was adopted with 12 birds per replicate and 3 replicates per treatment. Feed and water were given ad-libitum and other management practices were carried out. Initial weight of chicks and final weights at the end of the starter and finisher phases were taken. Feed intake was measured weekly and feed conversion ratio (FCR) calculated. Shank pigmentation was assessed from 3 birds/ replicate at the end of the trial. Blood samples were collected from 3 birds/ replicate at the end of the starter and finisher phases. For the starter phase, final weight, total weight gain and FCR were significantly influenced by NLM inclusion. Chicks fed control and 5NLM diets had similar higher values than others. Blood parameters were not significant except basophil values. At the finisher phase, total weight gain and FCR were not significantly different although feed intake significantly reduced with inclusion of NLM in the diets. Blood parameters were not significant except lymphocyte values. There was a non-significant increase in shank pigmentation with increase in NLM inclusion. It is concluded that NLM inclusion in broiler diets at both phases should not exceed 5% based on growth performance. Neem leaf meal increased yellow colouration of shank and was not harmful to broiler blood parameters

INTEGRATED GEOPHYSICAL METHODS IN THE CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS OF LAPITE DUMPSITE IN IBADAN, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Groundwater contamination within the vicinity of dumpsites has elicited public health concern in recent time. Studies have shown that contaminants may infiltrate into the groundwater through permeable soils, weathered and fractured bedrocks. Lapite village, underlain by Basement Complex rocks, hosts one of the largest and most active dumpsites in Ibadan. The dumpsite came into existence without prior hydrogeophysical evaluation of its suitability as a landfill site, especially its likely impacts on the surrounding groundwater. This study was designed to assess the suitability of the dumpsite for waste disposal by evaluating hydrogeophysical properties of rocks in the area. Geological field mapping was carried out around Lapite dumpsite to determine various rock types. Very Low Frequency-Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) measurements consisting of four transverses and sixty-one Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES, using Schlumberger array) were carried out along the 200.0 and 400.0 m of the dumpsite. Banded and migmatite gneisses were the underlying rocks in the area. The VLFEM pseudo-section showed high conductivity zones indicating the presence of fluid-filled fractures in the rocks. The VES geoelectric section revealed four layers namely, topsoil (33.6-973.7Ωm), lateritic sand (82.0-520.4Ωm), weathered layer (11.9-133.0Ωm) and fractured/fresh bedrock (387.0-3767.4Ωm) with thicknesses (m) of 0.1-2.8, 0.8-4.8, 1.2-49.2 and undeterminable respectively. The presence of fractured basement as indicated by VLF-EM pseudo-section and VES geoelectric section may act as a transmitting medium for leachate that may emanate from waste dump into the surrounding groundwater. Lapite dumpsite is located on weathered and fractured bedrocks and these may permits infiltration of contaminants into the surroundinggroundwater. Thus, the present condition of waste dumpsite is not suitable for an ideal waste dumpsite.&nbsp

Polypharmacy in psychiatric outpatient practice in northern Nigeria

Objective:To describe and analyze patterns of polypharmacy among psychiatric outpatients in northern Nigeria and identify predictors of psychotropic polypharmacy.Method:A cross-sectional study, using chart review of new patients at out-patient clinics of two regional psychiatric hospitals in northern Nigeria,measuring rates, patterns and predictors of psychotropic polypharmacy.Results: A total of 278 patients were seen, of whom 92%were given two ormore psychotropic agents.The pattern of psychotropic polypharmacy revealed that total, multi-class and adjunctive polypharmacy rates were high, while augmentation and same class polypharmacy rates were low. Age of respondent and diagnosis were the factors associated with total polypharmacy. Conclusion: The complex interplay of factors influencing physician prescription practices requires that a more pragmatic approach be adopted in efforts to curtail polypharmacy practice, rather than a wholesale, absolute condemnation of the practice.African Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 10 (4) 2007: pp. 215-21

The effects of etonorgestrel implant (ImplanonR) on the lipid profile of Nigerian women

Background: Provision of contraceptive methods with minimal side effects will enhance uptake of contraception particularly in Nigeria where contraceptive prevalence rate remains low. The safety profile of ImplanonR, a long‑acting hormonal subdermal contraceptive containing etonogestrel, has not been adequately evaluated among Nigerian women.Objective: To assess the effects of etonogestrel subdermal implant (ImplanonR) on lipid profile among Nigerian women.Materials and Methods: The study was a longitudinal follow‑up of 54 consenting women selected over a 6‑month period at the Family Planning Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan. After ImplanonR insertion, each woman was followed‑up monthly for a period of 12 months. Fasting venous blood samples were collected for quantification of serum lipids prior to insertion of the implant, then at 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of follow‑up.Results: The mean age of the women was 34.4 ± 5.6 with a range of 22–47 years. The modal number of children was 2 ranging from 1 to 6. Total cholesterol (TC) levels showed a general tendency toward a rise. The rise was, however, only significant in the 3rd and 12th months of use. Serum triglycerides showed a tendency toward reduced levels, which were only significant at the 6th and 9th months of use. High‑density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were consistently and significantly elevated above baseline levels. Beyond the 3rd month, low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were lower but not significantly compared with baseline levels. HDL/TC and HDL/LDL ratios were consistently and significantly elevated in comparison with baseline values.Conclusion: Etonogestrel implant seems to cause significant effects on the lipid profile of Nigerian women. The increases were mainly in the HDL fraction, which suggests that the atherogenic and cardiovascular disease risks are reduced. We recommend larger studies to confirm our findings.Keywords: Implanon; laevonorgestrel; subdermal implan

Design of Pre-Dumping Ring Spin Rotator with a Possibility of Helicity Switching for Polarized Positrons at the ILC

The use of polarized beams enhance the possibility of the precision measurements at the International Linear Collider (ILC). In order to preserve the degree of polarization during beam transport spin rotators are included in the current TDR ILC Lattice. In this report some advantages of using a combined spin rotator/spin flipper are discussed. A few possible lattice designs of spin flipper developed at DESY in 2012 are presented.Comment: Talk presented at the International Workshop on Future Linear Colliders (LCWS15), Whistler, Canada, 2-6 November 201

CHARACTERISATION OF THE NIGERIAN-GROWN EUCALYPTUS CAMALDULENSIS TIMBER SPECIE ACCORDING TO EN 338 (2009) AND NCP 2 (1973)

 In this work, the Nigerian-grown Eucalyptus camaldulensis timber specie was characterized based on the NCP 2 (1973) and EN 338 (2009) code. The specie was obtained from timber markets in Sabon Gari, Zaria and Fanteka, Kaduna, North-western Nigeria. The elastic modulus, bending strength (using four-point flexural test) and density of the timber as stated in EN 384 (2004) were determined at their various moisture contents with which other respective derived properties were obtained. The experiments were carried out using a 500 kN capacity Universal Testing Machine at the Department of Civil Engineering laboratory, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Results obtained indicate that the mean density of Eucalyptus camaldulensis timber is 975.9 kg/m3 at an adjusted moisture content of 18%. The flexural strength of Eucalyptus camaldulensis timber species was determined to be 69.02 N/mm2 and the mean Modulus of Elasticity of 5409.4 N/mm2. With these results, Eucalyptus camaldulensis was allocated to strength class D60 based on EN 338 (2009) and strength class N1 based on NCP 2 (1973) classification systems which makes it suitable for bridge construction, railway sleepers, pier construction as well as heavy duty flooring

GROWTH RESPONSE OF BROILER BIRDS FED Asystasia gangetica LEAF MEAL IN HOT HUMID ENVIRONMENT

A 35- day feeding trial was conducted to study the effects of inclusion of Asystasia gangetica leaf meal (AGLM) on the growth response of broiler chickens. Samples of Asystasia gangetica leaves were sourced from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta environment. The leaves were chopped and wilted, sun dried to reduce the moisture level to the minimal level. The dried leaves were milled to produce leaf meal. Asystasia gangetica leaf meal contain 19.38% crude protein, 15.30% crude fibre, 12.70% ether extract, 1.70% ash and 36.34% NFE.  A total number of 120 day old Marshal Strain of broiler chicks was used. A standard starter diet was fed to the birds prior to the commencement of the experiment. At the end of the 3rd week, birds were allotted into four treatments having three replicates of 10 birds each. Four experimental diets were formulated with varying levels of A. gangetica leaf meal (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 %) respectively.  Final live weight and daily weight gain varied significantly (P<0.05) among treatment groups. The feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Final weight and weight gain values were found to decrease across the dietary treatments with increasing level of A. gangetica leaf meal. The results of the experiment show that the use of A. gangetica as feed ingredient in broiler production significantly depressed growth.Â