Comparative Study on The Potency of Antibiotic Discs With Commercially Sold Antibiotics on Clinical Isolates From Urinary Tract

A total of 250 urine samples were collected from patients attending Ahmadu Bello University Health Service Clinic (Sick bay), Salama Hospital and Major Ibrahim Abdullahi Memorial Hospital (Kaduna State Ministry of Health). The samples were screened for UTI and forty-three (43) were positive for Klebsiella and Escherichia coli. Of all the isolates, 24 were K. species and 19 were Escherichia coli. Their susceptibilities to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin were examined using the antibiotics disc and the commercially sold antibiotics. The susceptibility of K. species to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin for the antibiotics disc was 16.7%, 62.5% and 41.7% respectively. For the commercially sold antibiotics its susceptibility was 0%, 8.3% and 50.0% to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin respectively. The susceptibility of Escherichia coli to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin for the antibiotics disc was 31.6%, 52.6% and 57.9% respectively. For the commercially sold antibiotics its susceptibility was 0%, 36.8% and 31.6% to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin respectively. Our results showed that antibiotics disc was more effective than the commercially sold antibiotics and that both organisms were resistant to Ampicillin but susceptible to Gentamicin and Ciprofloxacin.Keywords: Potency, Antibiotics, Disc Isolates, Urinary tractNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19(2):231- 23

Phytochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Leaf Extracts of Ipomoea asarifolia

The antibacterial potency of aqueous and methanol extracts of Ipomoea asarifolia leaves; a plant widely used by traditional medical practitioners in Nigeria was determined in vitro against three bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by agar well diffusion method. The pattern of inhibition varied with the extracts and the organisms tested. Both the aqueous and methanol extracts were potent on E. coli and S. aureus with maximum zone of growth inhibition of 21mm and 20mm at 200mg/ml respectively Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant to both extracts at all the concentrations tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against E. coli for aqueous extract were 50mg/ml and 100mg/ml respectively; and 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml for methanol extract respectively. Similarly, The MIC and MBC against S. aureus for aqueous extract were 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml; 200mg/ml for the methanol extract. Preliminary phytochemical screening reveal the presence of anthraquinones, saponins and tannins in both aqueous and methanol extracts; triterpenes, flavonoids and glycosides were found only in the aqueous extract while alkaloids were found only in the methanol extract. However, carbohydrate and steroids were absent in both extracts. The spectra of activities shown by the extracts could be attributed to the presence of these phytochemicals which signifies the potential of I. asarifolia as a source of therapeutic agents. These findings therefore, justify the traditional medicinal use of the plant.Keywords: Ipomoea asarifolia, phytochemical, antibacterial potency, bacterial pathogensNigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Science (2011), 19 (2): 236-24

Moderating influence of emotional intelligence in the relationship between domain-based self-efficacy and task performance: A study of employee in Nigerian banking industry

Given the lowering of trade barriers among nations, the internet revolution, and a resultant increase in the bargaining power of consumers, coupled with the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic, firms are increasingly forced to make use of a high performing workforce. It is to raise the quality of their products and/or services as global competition for the consumer’s money severely punishes inefficiencies. As a result of this, it has become imperative for organizational researchers to determine the important antecedents of employee task performance. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the domain-based self-efficacy and employee task performance. Drawing on the Social Cognitive Theory, we propose that there is a relationship between these two variables, and that the relationship is moderated by emotional intelligence, with the view of shedding light on the inconsistent nature of the results from previous studies. Through the descriptive survey research design, the multi-stage sampling technique was applied in eliciting data from a total of 342 employees of the Nigerian banking industry who are employed in the customer services sector. From the simple moderation analysis conducted after utilizing the Process macro, results indicate that there is a positive and significant relationship between domain-based self-efficacy and task performance. However, emotional intelligence moderates this relationship in such a way that the positive relationship between self-efficacy and task performance was weaker among subjects who reported a higher level of emotional intelligence. In the light of these findings, it was recommended for managers particularly in the banking industry to set up intervention strategies that have the potentials of promoting a desirable level of domain-based self-efficacy among their employees while also ensuring that an optimal mix of emotional intelligence both within and across components is promoted with the view of achieving a desirable moderating impact of this relationship

Poliovirus seroprevalence before and after interruption of poliovirus transmission in Kano State, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: In September 2015, Nigeria was removed from the list of polio-endemic countries after more than 12months had passed since the detection of last wild poliovirus case in the country on 24 July 2014. We are presenting here a report of two polio seroprevalence surveys conducted in September 2013 and October 2014, respectively, in the Kano state of northern Nigeria. METHODS: Health facility based seroprevalence surveys were undertaken at Murtala Mohammad Specialist Hospital, Kano. Parents or guardians of children aged 6-9months, 36-47months, 5-9years and 10-14years in 2013 and 6-9months and 19-22months (corresponding to 6-9months range at the time of 2013 survey) in 2014 presenting to the outpatient department, were approached for participation, screened for eligibility and asked to provide informed consent. A questionnaire was administered and a blood sample collected for polio neutralization assay. RESULTS: Among subjects aged 6-9months in the 2013 survey, seroprevalence was 58% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51-66%) to poliovirus type 1, 42% (95% CI 34-50%) to poliovirus type 2, and 52% (95% CI 44-60%) to poliovirus type 3. Among children 36-47months and older, seroprevalence was 85% or higher for all three serotypes. In 2014, seroprevalence in 6-9month infants was 72% (95% CI 65-79%) for type 1, 59% (95% CI 52-66%) for type 2, and 65% (95% CI 57-72%) for type 3 and in 19-22months, 80% (95% CI 74-85%), 57% (49-63%) and 78% (71-83%) respectively. Seroprevalence was positively associated with history of increasing oral poliovirus vaccine doses. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant improvement in seroprevalence in 2014 over the 2013 levels indicating a positive impact of recent programmatic interventions. However the continued low seroprevalence in 6-9month age is a concern and calls for improved immunization efforts to sustain the polio-free Nigeria

Nigerian Lawyers and Reproductive Health Rights: A Survey of Knowledge, Practices and Opinions on Law Reforms among the Bar and Bench in North Eastern Nigeria

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of practicing Nigerian lawyers towards issues relating to reproductive health and reproductive rights, and their opinions about abortion law reform. It was a population- based study which consisted of interviews with practicing lawyers in north-east Nigeria. The results showed poor knowledge of issues related to reproductive health and reproductive rights among the lawyers. However, the majority (56.9%) disagreed that a woman can practice family planning without the consent of her husband. The prevalence of contraceptive use among the lawyers was low and attitude to abortion law not satisfactory. Only few lawyers (22.4%) supported safe abortion in cases of failed contraception. We conclude that reproductive health advocates must target legal professionals with a view to educating them on issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Lawyers in Nigeria should undergo capacity building in reproductive health laws and be encouraged to specialize in reproductive rights protection as obtainable in other developed countries Keywords: Reproductive health, Nigerian lawyers, Northeastern Nigeria, Knowledge, PracticeAfr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[1]:69-74

Risk Factors that contributes to Hookworm Infection among Primary School Pupils in Some Communities of Kaduna State, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate and possible risk factors associated with transmission of hookworm infection among primary school children in parts of Kaduna state, Nigeria. Nine hundred (900) faecal samples were collected and analyzed for hookworm infection using the direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. The data were subjected to chi-square analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and the significant level (0.05) determined at 95%confidence interval. The overall prevalence of the infection was 5.8%. The prevalence was higher among males 7.0% (32/457) and rainy season 7.1%. Also, the prevalence was highest among children aged 12-13 years 7.2%, whose parents were artisans 7.3%, children who used to defaecate in the bush and those who used well as source of water 5.6%. Statistical analysis showed significant association in the prevalence of hookworm infection with respect to gender (P = 0.03) and age group (P = 0.0013). However, there was no significant association between the prevalence of the infection and parent’s occupation (p=0.21), type of toilet used (p=0.20), children’s source of drinking water (P=0.16) and season (P=0.16). The present study has established that the transmission  hookworm is on-going among the school children in the study area. There is need for sustained mass de-worming programme, health education, provision of portable drinking water and toilet facilities in public schools within the study area

Les Avocats et les droits de santé de la reproduction: Enquête sur la connaissance, l’usage et les opinions sur la reforme de la loi au sein des barreaux et des juges au nord-est du Nigéria

The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of practicing Nigerian lawyers towards issues relating to reproductive health and reproductive rights, and their opinions about abortion law reform. It was a population-based study which consisted of interviews with practicing lawyers in north-east Nigeria. The results showed poor knowledge of issues related to reproductive health and reproductive rights among the lawyers. However, the majority (56.9%) disagreed that a woman can practice family planning without the consent of her husband. The prevalence of contraceptive use among the lawyers was low and attitude to abortion law not satisfactory. Only few lawyers (22.4%) supported safe abortion in cases of failed contraception. We conclude that reproductive health advocates must target legal professionals with a view to educating them on issues relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Lawyers in Nigeria should undergo capacity building in reproductive health laws and be encouraged to specialize in reproductive rights protection as obtainable in other developed countries (Afr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[1]:69-74).Cette étude a comme objectif de déterminer la connaissance et des attitudes des avocats nigérians en exercice par rapport aux problèmes relatifs à la santé de la reproduction et leurs opinions sur la reforme de la loi de l’avortement. Il s’agissait d’une étude basée sur la population qui comprenait des interviews auprès des avocats en exercice au nord-est du Nigéria. Les résultats ont montré une faible connaissance des problèmes relatifs aux droits de santé de la reproduction chez les avocats. Néanmoins, la majorité (56,9%) n’était pas d’accord qu’une femme puisse pratiquer la planification familiale sans le consentement de son mari. La prévalence de l’utilisation du contraceptif chez les avocates était faible et leur attitude envers la loi de l’avortement n’était pas satisfaisante. Il n’y avait que peu d’avocats (22,4%) qui aient soutenu l’avortement sans danger au cas de la contraception ratée. Nous concluons que les champions de santé de la reproduction doivent viser les avocats en vue de les éduquer par rapport aux problèmes relatifs aux droits de santé sexuelle et da la reproduction. Il faut que les avocats au Nigéria subissent un renforcement des capacités en ce qui concerne les lois de santé de la reproduction et il faut les encourager à se spécialiser dans la protection des droits de reproduction comme c’est le cas dans les pays développés (Afr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[1]:69-74)

EFFECT OF BOARD CHARACTERISTICS ON SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF LISTED ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Social and Environmental Disclosure has been at its adoption phase in Nigeria despite the trend of disclosure practices by firms around the world. As a step towards addressing this shortcoming, the paper examined Board characteristics and their effects on Social and Environmental Disclosure in Nigeria. Mixed theoretical approach was deployed in explaining relationship between board characteristics and Social and Environmental Disclosure. Companies were graded on their Social and Environmental Disclosure performance using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Index. For a period of seven years (2012 - 2018), data were obtained from the published Annual Reports of fifty (50) selected environmentally sensitive enterprises listed on the website of the Nigerian Exchange Group as of 2019. Panel corrected Standard Error (PCSE) regression was found appropriate in testing the hypotheses. Board size, board expertise, board independence and board gender diversity were found to be positive and significant to Social and Environmental Disclosure. The study concluded that Board Characteristics impact Social and Environmental Disclosure and further recommends that listed firms should comply adequately with corporate governance requirements related to Board Characteristics to ensure that Social and Environmental Disclosure is not compromised

Carcass characteristics and meat quality of Red Sokoto Bucks fed treated and untreated bagasse with or without enzyme supplementation

study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding treated or untreated bagasse with or without enzyme supplementation on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of Red Sokoto bucks. Sixteen Red Sokoto bucks averaging one year and weighing 10 ± 2 kg were used for the study. Four bucks were assigned per treatment and allotted to two dietary treatments with two level of supplementation in a completely randomized design. The enzyme was included based on the manufactures recommendation. The bucks were slaughtered and dressed according to normal dressing procedure and meat samples were analysed for moisture, protein and ash content. The result of the trial showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in hot carcass weight and protein content between bucks fed bagasse with enzyme and bucks fed bagasse without enzyme. Bucks fed untreated bagasse without enzyme had significantly (p<0.05) higher dressing percentage (44.11 %) when compared to bucks fed treated bagasse with enzyme (42.58 %). The study concluded that treated and untreated bagasse with or without enzyme has no adverse effect on carcass and meat quality of Red Sokoto bucks