The Size, Growth and Profitability of Quoted Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria: Panel Data Analysis

The study examines the relationship among the size, growth and profitability of quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria, using data from the Fact Books of Nigerian Stock Exchange between 2007 and 2011. For adequate capturing of the objectives, three models are formulated: growth is expressed as a function of size in the first equation, growth is expressed as a function of profitability in the second model, and size is expressed as a function of profitability in the third model. The technique of panel data model is employed to capture the three models and the results of the study reveal that there is independent relationship between growth and size of the firms which is in line with Gibrat’s law. The study also indicates positive relationship between the growth and the profitability of the firms but statistically insignificant because the probability statistic is greater than 0.01 and 0.05 but it is rather 0.875. Moreso, the study reveals negative relationship between firm size and profitability and the coefficient of determination ( ) which is 0.82 indicates that about 82% variations in size of the firms can be explained by the variations in profitability. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommends that government should put in place policy options that can enhance manufacturing profitability in order to boost the performance of the sector and create employment in Nigeria. Key Word: Size, Growth, Profitability and Manufacturing Companies

OIL EXTRACT FROM LOCAL LEAVES - AN ALTERNATIVE TO SYNTHETIC MOSQUITO REPELLANTS

Apart from the fact that chemical based (synthetic) repellents have been discovered to have unfavourable effects on man and livestock, they are expensive, non-biodegradable and no longer efficient due to adaptation of mosquitoes to them. With these shortcomings, an eco-friendly plant based insecticide as an alternative is urgently needed. This study was based on using the oil extracts from local leaves namely: Hyptis Sauveolens, Mentha spicata, and Cymbopogon citratus leaves as mosquito repellent. The leaves’ oil extracts were screened for the presence of phytochemicals (secondary metabolites only). The phytochemical screening result showed that leaves’ oil extracts contained flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides and anthraquinones. Different concentrations of the oil extracts were incorporated into the formulated body lotion/body cream. The lotion with the highest concentration of the oil extract (0.6 ml) had the highest repellence time lasting up to about eight (8) hours. The leaves’ oil extract was analysed using Gas chromatography- Mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify the chemical composition, and only major chemical components were reported in this work

Performance, carcass and meat traits of grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) fed diets of different protein sources in captivity

The study investigated the effects of supplementing Soybean meal (SBM), Locust bean meal (LBM) and Melon seed meal (MSM) which are protein sources on performance, carcass and meat traits of grasscutters in captivity. A total of 30 grasscutters – 6 families of 24 females and 6 males weaners of age between 3 and 4 months of 600 to 680g weight range were used for this study. They were quarantined and raised in cages partitioned with wire mesh and necessary medications were given. Three iso-proteinous diets were prepared from fermented SBM, LBM and MSM with Basal diet as control and mixed with chopped cassava tubers dried to 12% moisture content and pelleted. The grasscutters were randomly allocated into 3 treatments diets and the control thus; T0 = Control, T1 = Diet with SB, T2 = Diet with LB and T3 = Diet with MS. They were fed for 124days with 150g of feed for 2 months and was increased to 250g for last four months, water was given ad-libitum. 12 animals were randomly selected, slaughtered and fabricated, meat samples were excised from leg cut for meat analysis. Data were analysed with ANOVA in a completely randomized experiment, significant means were separated at (p<0.05) with Duncan multiple range test. Performance, body morphometric, carcass profile, primal cuts, offals, meat physical, proximate and sensory characteristics values were higher (p<0.05) in T2 followed by T1 and least (p<0.05) in T3. Therefore, LBM was recommended for supplementing diets as a source of protein furnishing higher performance in grasscutters

Challenges in the logistics management of vaccine cold chain system in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Background: The success of national immunization programmes depends largely on effective logistics management of the vaccine cold chain system. This study assessed cold chain equipment functionality, healthcare workers’ knowledge and practice of the logistics management of vaccine cold chain system in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in immunization clinics of 35 health facilities in Ife East and Central Local Government Areas (LGA) in Ile-Ife. There were 100 immunization service providers in the (LGAs) and they were all recruited into the study. Information was obtained with the aid of an interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. Cold chain equipment functionality was assessed using a checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Eleven (31.4%) of the facilities had functional refrigerators for storing vaccines, 16 (45.7%) had cold boxes while 13 (37.1%) had thermometers for vaccine temperature monitoring. Fifty-four (54.0%) of the healthcare workers were aware of the “shake test” and 19 (19.0%) could correctly interpret colour changes on a vaccine vial monitor. Consumption record was considered by 69 (69.0%) of healthcare workers when making vaccine requisitions while the required lead time was considered by 24 (24.0%) of them. Only 29 (29.0%) of healthcare workers kept records of vaccines stock-on-hand.Conclusion: Adequate training and supportive supervision is essential to improve healthcare workers’ knowledge and cold chain practices. Relevant cold chain equipment should be provided to boost storage capacity across health facilities.Keywords: Vaccine cold chain; Logistics management; Nigeri

Comparative Study Of Students‘ Approaches And Strategies To Learning: Implications For Counselling

The researchers compared students’ approaches and strategies to learning in two African countries viz.; Nigeria and Uganda. Using a descriptive survey, fifty students, who were enrolled in the year 2012/2013 in guidance and counselling and computer science respectively, were sampled from the population. The students offered an ICT course separately in 200 level in the different institutions. The instrument used was the Approaches to study skills inventory (ASSIST) and the three hypotheses were postulated and tested. The results of the t-test analysis show that the null hypothesis was not statistically significant when using the strategic approach (t = 1.037, 1.056); p > .05 and the deep approach to learning of students in Nigeria and Uganda (t = -0.278, -0.279); p > .05. The second hypotheses revealed a no statistically significant difference in the Nigerian and Ugandan preferences for different types of courses in teaching and learning while the third hypothesis shows a significant correlation between a deep approach to learning and learning that supports understanding (r=.407; p <.001). It is recommended that lecturers need to accommodate their students’ individual differences in the teaching and learning process considering that most of the classes in higher institutions of learning are large for the prevalent part. Additionally, discussions on possible implications for counselling are discussed in the paper

Isolation, characterization and immunochemical studies on fibrous proteins from cowry shell (Cypraea moneta, Linnaeus)

Background: Biomaterials are non-drug substances used to treat, enhance or replace functions of body tissues or organs. Natural sources of biomaterials have recently become the focus of several research activities. Cowry shell constitutes one of the most promising natural sources of biomaterials because of its chemical stability, biodegradability and biocompatibility in the body. However, its applications may be limited due to immunogenic and toxic responses that may occur following implantation, hence this study.Materials and Methods: Crude fibrous protein extracted with citrate buffer from pulverised cowry shells (Cypraea moneta (L)), was resolved into two components (CSP1 and CSP2) by gel filtration. Immunological studies were performed with antisera obtained from rabbits by double immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis techniques. Mice treated with the proteins were observed for signs of toxicity and their liver, kidney, lungs and spleen were processed histologically.Results: The native molecular weight of CSP1 and CSP2 determined by gel filtration were 91kDa and 33kDa respectively. CSP1 and CSP2 displayed single bands on SDS-PAGE with subunit molecular weight values of 19kDa and 19.5kDa respectively. Antisera obtained from rabbits immunised with the crude citrate buffer extracts precipitated the antigen in double immunodiffusion tests. Histopathological examinations revealed a dose-dependent damaging effect of the shell proteins on liver, kidney, lung and spleen tissues of the treated mice.Conclusion: This study showed that cowry shells contain fibrous proteins which are immunogenic and toxic in mice at relatively high concentrations, causing visible organ damage without concurrent physical manifestations.Keywords: cowry shell protein, purification, immune activation, toxicit

Room temperature phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Momordica charantia: optical and antimicrobial properties

Nigeria is endowed with rich diversity of medicinal plants whose potential as “green” reducing agents are under-utilized. As the world is advocating for safe environment, plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles is considered as an eco-friendly and sustainable synthetic route instead of using toxic chemicals. The method is fast, easy and cheaper compared with other conventional techniques. In this study, phytochemicals present in the leaf extract of indigenous Momordica charantia served as reducing, capping/stabilizing agents. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with Uv-vis spectrophotometer, photoluminescence (PL) and energy- dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX). Antimicrobial activities of the synthesized nanosilver were investigated on isolated Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum. Optical measurement showed surface plasmon resonance with broad absorption peaks (400-450 nm). Significant growth inhibitions were also found at P <0.05 by means of analysis of variance SPSS tool. The leaf influenced nanosilver displayed highest activity on S. aureus, S. pyogenes and E. coli with MIC and MBC value of 12.5 mg/mL. Least activity was detected against P. aeruginosa (50 mg/mL MIC and 100 mg/mL MBC). From this work, the biogenic nature and optical properties displayed by the as-prepared nanosilver strongly suggest its applications as candidate for therapeutic drugs, diagnostic and medical imaging

Tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of tocilizumab in adult patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 with both hypoxia and systemic inflammation. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]), is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. Those trial participants with hypoxia (oxygen saturation &lt;92% on air or requiring oxygen therapy) and evidence of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein ≥75 mg/L) were eligible for random assignment in a 1:1 ratio to usual standard of care alone versus usual standard of care plus tocilizumab at a dose of 400 mg–800 mg (depending on weight) given intravenously. A second dose could be given 12–24 h later if the patient's condition had not improved. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ISRCTN (50189673) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04381936). Findings: Between April 23, 2020, and Jan 24, 2021, 4116 adults of 21 550 patients enrolled into the RECOVERY trial were included in the assessment of tocilizumab, including 3385 (82%) patients receiving systemic corticosteroids. Overall, 621 (31%) of the 2022 patients allocated tocilizumab and 729 (35%) of the 2094 patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days (rate ratio 0·85; 95% CI 0·76–0·94; p=0·0028). Consistent results were seen in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including those receiving systemic corticosteroids. Patients allocated to tocilizumab were more likely to be discharged from hospital within 28 days (57% vs 50%; rate ratio 1·22; 1·12–1·33; p&lt;0·0001). Among those not receiving invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline, patients allocated tocilizumab were less likely to reach the composite endpoint of invasive mechanical ventilation or death (35% vs 42%; risk ratio 0·84; 95% CI 0·77–0·92; p&lt;0·0001). Interpretation: In hospitalised COVID-19 patients with hypoxia and systemic inflammation, tocilizumab improved survival and other clinical outcomes. These benefits were seen regardless of the amount of respiratory support and were additional to the benefits of systemic corticosteroids. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research

Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 177 NHS hospitals from across the UK. Eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either usual care alone (usual care group) or usual care plus high-titre convalescent plasma (convalescent plasma group). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936. Findings: Between May 28, 2020, and Jan 15, 2021, 11558 (71%) of 16287 patients enrolled in RECOVERY were eligible to receive convalescent plasma and were assigned to either the convalescent plasma group or the usual care group. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between the two groups: 1399 (24%) of 5795 patients in the convalescent plasma group and 1408 (24%) of 5763 patients in the usual care group died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·93–1·07; p=0·95). The 28-day mortality rate ratio was similar in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including in those patients without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at randomisation. Allocation to convalescent plasma had no significant effect on the proportion of patients discharged from hospital within 28 days (3832 [66%] patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 3822 [66%] patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·94–1·03; p=0·57). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at randomisation, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients meeting the composite endpoint of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death (1568 [29%] of 5493 patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 1568 [29%] of 5448 patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·93–1·05; p=0·79). Interpretation: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, high-titre convalescent plasma did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research