Demand for, and Supply of Credit in Nigerian Banking Sector

The study investigated the determinant of the volume of demand and supply of credit in the banking industry in Nigeria 1986 and 2007.     The study utilized secondary data. Annual time series data covering the period 1986 to 2007 on bank credit supply, lending rate, saving deposit ratio, nominal exchange rate, liquidity ratio, numbers of banks and loan-to-deposit ratio. The result showed that LDR and SDR were the primary drivers behind changes in the supply and demand for credit in the banking sector as they exhibited some degree of sensitivity to changes that are statistically significant (t = 2.56, p < 0.05) and (t = -2.70, p < 0.05) respectively. The conclusions drawn from the finding is that the neo-liberal economic policy prescriptions such as financial sector reforms, most often, failed to work through the postulated channels for developing countries like Nigeria. Thus, the policy package should only be adopted with modifications within the context of existing and prevailing social, macroeconomic and political situations in the country.  Therefore, within the range of factors that can lead to credit rationing in Nigeria, asymmetric or imperfect information is expected to become less relevant. Key words: Credit, demand and supply, banking, regulatio

Perception and Determinants of Uptake of Preventive Health Services among the Staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State

Background: The rising burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in Nigeria makes the need for preventive health services (PHS) imperative. Thus, this study assessed the perception and determinants of uptake of preventive health services among the staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was employed. Two hundred and ninety academic and non-academic staff of the university were enrolled in the study, using a stratified random sampling technique. The sample size was proportionally allocated to various subunits in the institution. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Determinants of uptake of PHS were assessed using binary logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: The majority of the respondents, 280 (96.6%) had good perceptions of PHS, and 176 (60.7%) reported barriers in access to PHS. Although a majority of the respondents, 268 (92.4%) had positive attitudes towards PHS, most of the respondents 196 (67.6%) had poor uptake. Common barriers to uptake of PHS were availability and affordability of the services, time constraints, and interference with other activities. Being an academic staff (p = 0.001) and presence of chronic illness (p = 0.043) were significant determinants of PHS uptake.Conclusion: Uptake of PHS was poor among majority of the respondents despite their good perception of the services. This may be linked to the perceived barriers to access. Thus, there is a need for policy formulation and provision of an enabling environment by the University’s authority for ease of access to PHS

Mathematical model for the control of measles

We proposed a mathematical model of measles disease dynamics with vaccination by considering the total number of recovered individuals either from natural recovery or recovery due to vaccination. We tested for the existence and uniqueness of solution for the model using the Lipchitz condition to ascertain the efficacy of the model andproceeded to determine both the disease free equilibrium (DFE) and the endemic equilibrium (EE) for the system of the equations and vaccination reproduction number are given. Numerical simulation of the model shows that vaccination is capable of reducing the number of exposed and infectious population.Keywords: Measles, Vaccination, Equilibrium States, Basic Reproduction Numbe

Solution of a deterministic mathematical model of typhoid fever by variational iteration method

The aim of this paper is to apply Variational Iteration Method (VIM) to solve typhoid fever model for a given constant population. This mathematical model is described by nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations. First, we find the solution of this model by using Variational Iteration Method (VIM). In order to show the efficiency of the method we compare the solutions obtained by VIM and RK4. The validity of the VIM in solving the model is established by using the computer in-built classical fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. We illustrated the profiles of the solutions of each of the compartments, from which we speculate that the VIM and RK4 solutions agreed well.Keywords: Typhoid Fever, Variational Iteration Method, Runge-Kutta Metho

The Pharmaceutical Properties, Microbial Quality, In-vivo Aphrodisiac Effect and Safety of Some Herbal Bitters Sold in Southwest Nigeria

Aphrodisiac drugs are used to enhance sexual activity and rectify erectile dysfunction especially among older men. In Nigeria, herbal medicinal products formulated as herbal drinks/bitters are prevalent and sold in various locations including motor parks, store and markets. Despite their wide use, the potency and safety of the herbal drinks have not been ascertained. Thus, pharmaceutical and aphrodisiac properties of five randomly selected herbal drinks with aphrodisiac claim have been evaluated. Pharmaceutical and microbial qualities were evaluated using standard procedures and the in vivo aphrodisiac activities were evaluated in male Wistar rats. The effects of chronic consumption of the bitters on the biochemical and tissue histology were assessed. The herbal bitters exhibited low viscosity (< 10 cP), high alcohol content (30 – 52 %), acidic pH (3.33 - 5.40), and low density (0.942-1.070 g/ml). The phytoconstituents include alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardenolides, tannins and anthraquinone. Microbial contaminations were with the limits for oral preparations. The bitters exhibited significant (p < 0.001) aphrodisiac effect but had no significant effect on fertility and hematological parameters. Chronic consumption of the herbal drinks at 250mg/kg following was hepatotoxic while two brands were cardiotoxic and nephrotoxic. There is therefore the need to monitor and control the quality and use of herbal bitters/drinks sold in the Nigerian market to safeguard public healt

Combined oral administration of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel alters the expression of antioxidant and apoptotic markers in female rats

The use of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel (E/L) for birth control may result in serious adverse effects. Herein, the effect of (E/L) on the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT)), and apoptotic regulator genes (B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), caspase 1 and 3) was evaluated. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A (Control) received 0.5% DMSO, Group B, C and D received 0.015, 0.030, and 0.060 mg of E/L orally and daily for 21 days respectively. RNA extracted from brain, liver and kidney were purified, and the genes amplified using RT-PCR. Following analysis of the intensity of the amplicon bands on 1.2% agarose, the gene's relative expression compared with the expression β-actin was determined. There was significant downregulation of SOD and CAT genes in the liver, brain and kidney in all groups treated with E/L compared to control. Caspase 1 and 3 expressions were significantly elevated by 3.8 and 3.5 folds, respectively in the brain at the lowest E/L concentration. Expression of BCL-2 was downregulated in the brain and kidney in animals administered E/L at all concentrations. These findings suggest that E/L could modulate the expression of antioxidant and apoptosis marker genes. Keywords: Ethinylestradiol, Levonorgestrel, Contraceptive, Antioxidant, Apoptosi

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND PHASE EVOLUTIONS IN HEAT-TREATED CAST Al-SiC-TiO2 METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

The effect of heat treatment with an addition of titania on the phase development and mechanical properties of sand casted Al-SiC-TiO2 metal matrix composite was investigated. The standard samples dimensions for tensile properties, wear and hardness were prepared. These samples were heat treated at different temperature of 180°C to 220°C without solution treatment. The samples were held at the heat treatment temperature for an hour after which they were allowed to cool in the air. Thereafter, samples were subjected to various mechanical and wear tests, respectively. The phases evolved due to heat treatment of the samples were examined using X-ray diffractometry. It was observed that the increase in heat treatment temperature of samples leads to the formation of precipitates within the aluminium matrix composite reinforced with SiC. The addition of 5 % titania inhibits the formation of aluminium silicon carbide phases in preference to SiO2 and TiO2 . The increase in heat treatment temperature leads to the formation of precipitates like TiSi2 , Si11.4TiO24.4, TiC, Al2 O3 and buckminsterfullerene C70 within the aluminium matrix composite. The addition of 10 % titania leads to the development of precipitates like Al5 Ti3 and Ti-rich oxides with the aluminium matrix. At 220°C, alumina was formed within the metal aluminium matrix and no trace of SiC was found. All the samples have low wear loss but the heat treated at 180°C sample (A) has the lowest wear loss. The heat treatment of the sample without solution treatment has impact on the phase development in the samples. It gives rise to the development of precipitates in the samples which affects the hardness and other mechanical properties. The addition of SiC and TiO2 to aluminium matrix makes the sample harden. Sample A heat treated at 200°C have the highest hardness

2k Factorial Experiments on Factors that Influence the Recovery of Gold during the Upgrade of Ilesha-Itagunmodi Gold Ore through Froth Flotation

A low-grade gold ore from Ilesha-Itagunmodi, south western Nigeria was panned, dried and ball-milled before sieving into fractions. The morphological, mineralogical and chemical composition was studied by optical micro-scopy (Reflected and Transmission), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF), respectively. The sieved fractions were subjected to chemical analysis (AAS). The +106 μm sieve had the highest concentration of the mineral and was then selected for the upgrade through froth flotation using standard rea-gents. In this paper a report on a 2k factorial experiment that provides an understanding of the impact of opera-tional variables on the quantity of gold mineral obtained from the ore during froth flotation is presented. Analy-sis results showed that Ilesha-Itagunmodi gold ore is non-refractory with fine grain particles, amenable to froth flotation and contained about 20 other associated minerals, gold had a concentration of about 0.0024%. A com-bination of P-Xanthate and amine glycol collectors at a pH of 9.2 only produced a considerable increase in gold yield. This translated to about 87.13% increase in recovery of gold from the ore. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and the model equation obtained was subsequently optimised to obtain a model equation that could be used in predicting the recoverable quantity of gold, indicating that F11,1-values for Collector concentra-tion, Frother concentration, pH and Conditioning time were 156.86, 6.96, 43.81, and 56.77 respectively. A model with an F value of 88.41 was obtained which indicated that the model was significant. The model equation obtained was subsequently optimised to be able to predict the recoverable quantity of gold. A “Pred R-Squared” value of 0.9365 (93.65%) was also obtained and is in reasonable agreement with the “Adj R-Squared” value of 0.9534 (95.34%). It was established that Ilesha placer gold ore is amenable to froth flotation using standard reagents

Changes in nutritional, texture, rancidity and microbiological properties of composite biscuits produced from breadfruit and wheat flours enriched with edible fish meal

Open Access Article; Published online: 30 Apr 2021The use of indigenous crops in the preparation of nutritious snacks such as biscuits has been reported as a means of alleviating the perennial problem of malnutrition among Nigerians, especially children. However, storage has been recognised as a factor affecting the attributes of these biscuits. This study investigated the quality changes of biscuit produced from fish meal enriched-composite flour of breadfruit and wheat. Freshly harvested seedless variety of breadfruit, matured catfish, wheat flour and other ingredients were procured from local outlets in Ogun State, Nigeria. Breadfruit flour (BF) was produced by washing, manual peeling, washing, grating, bagging, dewatering, pulverizing and drying. Edible fish meal (EFM) was produced by washing, eviscerating, steaming and drying Catfish. Five blends of BF, WF and EFM were obtained from the optimised solutions of the D-optimal mixture design. Samples were stored (HDPE; 28 ± 2 °C) for 12 weeks. The proximate and mineral compositions, rancidity, texture profile and microbial counts of the biscuits were determined. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test. The means from ANOVA were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p ≤ 0.05. At the end of the storage period, the biscuit blends were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) different in moisture, protein, fat, fibre, ash, carbohydrate, calcium, iron and zinc. Increased levels of EFM in the blends led to increase in protein, fat, calcium, peroxide value (PV) and free fatty acid (FFA) value of the biscuits. At the end of the storage period, moisture increased, while fat decreased. The PV and FFA of most samples increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with storage, and were within the maximum permissible level. Total bacterial and mould counts also increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) and exceeded the permissible level after 4 weeks of storage. Hence, the biscuits are suitable for consumption within 4 weeks under the investigated storage conditions

Nutritional, texture, and sensory properties of composite biscuits produced from breadfruit and wheat flours enriched with edible fish meal

Open Access Article; Published online: 30 Sept 2020This study aimed to develop biscuits with improved nutritional contents using edible fish meal from catfish as the source of macro‐ and micronutrient enrichment while trying to reduce the input of wheat flour in biscuit‐making process. The biscuit was produced using edible fish meal (EFM: 0%–40%) from catfish, improved quality breadfruit (IQBF: 0%–60%), and wheat flours (WF: 0%–40%). Macro (crude protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate)‐ and micro (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and iron)‐nutrient contents of the biscuit were determined. The color (lightness—L*, redness—a*, and yellowness—b*), texture (hardness, springiness, and adhesiveness), and sensory (taste, texture, and overall acceptability) attributes of the biscuits were assessed using standard methods. Model characteristics of the responses were profiled, and numerical optimization technique was used to predict combination/blends that produce biscuits with desired nutritional contents. Moisture, crude protein, fat, fiber, and ash values were in the range of 3.50%–5.57%, 3.06%–15.52%, 13.62%–26.00%, 0.31%–1.40%, and 1.98%–5.32%, respectively. The iron, calcium, and phosphorus contents of the biscuit ranged from 103.85 to 201.30 mg/100 g, 100 to 754 mg/100 g, and 8 mg/100 g to 304 mg/100 g, respectively. Interaction between the models for WF and EFM was significant and this significantly affected the L* (36.37–51.90) and adhesiveness (0.01–0.29) values for color and texture, respectively. Similar observations were also noticed for most of the nutrients. The quadratic models selected for the nutrients were all significant (p < .05) and the adjusted R2 ranged from 0.61 to 0.84 and 0.59 to 0.97 for the macro‐ and micronutrients, respectively. In conclusion, a biscuit from IQBF, WF, and EFM of 61.33, 0.07, and 38.60 with protein, fat, ash, iron, and calcium contents of 10.41%, 17.59%, 2.05%, 120.52 mg/100 g, and 500.00 mg/100 g, respectively, was produced