Extending Entropy Stability Measure To External Debt Structure

This study focuses on the measure of stability of external debt using entropy. This is achieved by modifying the conglomerate of Shannon and Boltzmann entropy. This modification rectifies the limitations of these models. Practical illustration of the modified model is also given to justify its use.Journal of Science & Technology (Ghana) Vol. 27 (3) 2007: pp. 156-16

Bacteriological quality and antibiogram of isolates from potable water sources in ekosodin community, Benin City, Nigeria

This study sought to determine the bacteriological quality of some boreholes and storage tanks used for drinking and other domestic purposes in Ekosodin community and evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the groundwater resources isolates. A total of 48 samples were collected from three boreholes and storage tanks for a period of two months. Samples were analyzedfor microbiological content following standard procedures. Feacal Coliform (FC) and Feacal Streptoccocci (FS) counts and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were evaluated using the Most Probable Number and Kirby-Bauer methods respectively.The mean FC counts (1.2±0.3Cfu/100ml - 55±10Cfu/100ml) and meanSF counts (0cfu/100ml – 9.25±1.1Cfu/100ml) in some of the samples examined, exceeded the WHO limit of 0Cfu/100ml for drinking water. Significant differences were recorded for mean FS counts betweensome boreholes and storage tanks. Escherichia coli (34%), Klebsiella sp (23%), Pseudomonas sp (19%) and Feacal Streptococci(12%) were amongst the identified isolates from the water samples. The antibiogram analysis revealed that all isolates (87%) except some strains of Feacal Streptococci were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and 73% of isolates were resistant to Erythromycin. All isolates exhibited a multi drug resistance to at least eight antibiotics. The microbial analysis revealed a faecal contamination of the groundwater, making it unfit for drinking without proper disinfection.Keywords: Ciprofloxacin, Multidrug resistance, Feacal Coliforms, Feacal Streptococci, Erythromyci

On Forecast Performance Using a Class of Weighted Moving Average Processes for Time Series

In this paper, we consider a class of weighted moving average models called the k-th moving average, the k-th weighted moving average and the k-th exponential weighted moving average models for modeling and forecasting economic time series data. Using real time series data set, we compare the ability of these various models to smooth the available data and also use an out of sample forecast performance to determine the best model among the various competitive models. Our findings is that the k-th exponential weighted moving average model performed best when all the three models where used to smooth our  time series data, while the k-th simple moving average model outperformed the others in terms of future forecasting. Keywords: k-th moving average; k-th weighted moving average; k-th exponential weighted moving average; forecastin

Effects of Sunlight Exposure on the Quality Parameters of Bottled Water

This study was conducted to determine the physicochemical, heavy metal and microbiological effect of sunlight exposure on bottled water quality. Nine brands of bottled water commonly produced and sold in Benin City were exposed to sunlight for 0 day, 14 days and 28 days and evaluated for physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, alkalinity, hardness, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl- ), heavy metals levels (Pb, Cd, Zn, As) and microbial content using standard methods. Results obtained showed that 96.30% of the pH values were below the WHO (6.5-8.5), SON (6.5-8.5) and NIS (7.5) standards, a gradual decline in the values was also observed with increasing sunlight exposure. Other physicochemical parameters were within the established standards with steady increments in the values with increasing sunlight exposure, except for alkalinity which declined consistently due to increase in the acidity levels of the water samples. There was a general increase in the Zn concentration for all bottled water brands from 0 day to 28 days, except for brand C which remained the same, while Pb, Cd, As level were not detected. Interestingly, a gradual decrease of the microbial population (total coliform) of the bottled water with increasing exposure to sunlight was observed. In all, the varying exposure to sunlight did not result in statistical significant changes (P< 0.05) in the water quality

A theoretical framework for determining the appropriate level of subsidy in an economy

A framework has been developed for determining the subsidy that, in the long run, serves to equalize the per capita income shares across income classes. The framework characterizes the income dynamics by the Markov process and uses the principle of maximum entropy for selecting among alternative subsidy schemes. The study provides a means to forecast the per capita income shares at any instant of time and serves as an objective tool to decide on the appropriate level of subsidy

A note on Markovian manpower models

In modelling manpower systems, most authors rely on Markov-based theoretic methodology as an analytic tool to unify the states of the system with the axiomatic foundation that there is a one-stage dependence of events. In this study, Markovian manpower models are surveyed. Specific areas are highlighted as future research directions.Keywords: Markov process; model; manpower systems; stochastic environmentJournal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics, Volume 20 (March, 2012), pp 369 – 37

Mathematical analysis of education tax in Nigerian private schools

In Nigeria, people of all cadres are compelled to be educated through the provisions of the Universal Basic Education programme. Yet, a number of Nigerians have not benefited from qualitative education. Although  government-owned schools are affordable by the populace, and free at the primary up to junior secondary, their standards are on the decline as a result of the paucity of funds. To overcome inadequate funding of public schools, the introduction of education tax has been suggested in literature. This paper analysed the effects of such tax on private schools using mathematical models, and highlighted the ways for achieving the smooth functioning of the system. Three case senerios were studied: Case I: A flat rate of education tax per year; Case II: Education profit tax and Case III: Education revenue tax. In all, it was found that case I was the best option. This implies that the imposition of a flat rate of education tax has no effect on the fees charged by the school. In addition, suggestions were made on the ways for the smooth functioning of the system.Keywords: Education, mathematical model, normal profit, ta

Proposal of entropy measure of stability of external debt stock in Nigeria

No Abstract.IJONAS Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 85-8

Determination of optimum schools fees in Nigerian private schools

There is the need to understand how private schools in Nigeria survive since government does not give out grants or subvention to them. Their major source of revenue is school fees. In this study, we derive a formula to determine the optimum school fees to be charged in private schools. The conceptual background of the formula so derived is very strong as it incorporates the profit – seeking motive of proprietors. To assist the planner in projecting future resources for education, micro level cost analysis at the school level is recommended. IJONAS Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 81-8

On the measure of entropy value of external debt structure for an economy

This paper considers the use of external debt structure to measure the stability of an economy. This is achieved by modifying the existing entropy model to capture the debt service ratio. The modified entropy model is then used to estimate the entropy value of the Nigerian economy.Global Journal of Mathematical Sciences Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 57-6