5,7-Dibromo-3-trifluoro­methyl-3,4-dihydro­acridin-1(2H)-one

In the title compound, C14H8Br2F3NO, the mol­ecule is disordered across an approximate non-crystallographic mirror plane, which is in the plane of the fused ring system [The tetrahedral C atom bearing the trifluormethyl substituent is disordered with site occupancy factors of 0.80 (2) and 0.20 (2)]. In the crystal, a one-dimensional stacking of mol­ecules involves inter­actions between the pyridine ring and symmetry-related Br and O atoms of adjacent mol­ecules. The stacking distance between the mean planes of adjacent mol­ecules is 3.395 (4) Å

The Nexus of Information Acquisition, ICT Use and Employee Satisfaction in Microfinance Banks in South-West, Nigeria

This study examined information acquisition and ICT use as predictors of employee satisfaction in microfinance banks in South-West, Nigeria. Survey research design was used. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used in selecting 600 employees. An average of six respondents was selected from operation and marketing staff of each of the 95 selected banks across the six states in the South western Nigeria. The instruments for data collection were employee satisfaction scale (0.78), frequency of information acquisition of employee questionnaire (0.83) and ICT use scale (0.76). The data was analysed using frequency count, percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation scores and Multiple regression statistics at 0.05 level of significance. Results show that the respondents occasionally acquire information (mean =3.94) in their banks. It also, revealed that microfinance banks in South-West, Nigeria occasionally use ICT in their daily work routine (mean = 3.98. Information acquisition and ICT use when taken together accounted for 5.1 percent of the total variance in employee satisfaction in microfinance banks in South-West, Nigeria. ICT use (β = 0. 440, t = 3.045, p\u3c .05) is shown as the variable highly responsible for the significant combined influence of information acquisition and ICT use on employee satisfaction in microfinance banks in South-West, Nigeria. It is, therefore, necessary for employees of microfinance banks in South-West, Nigeria, to embrace the frequent use of ICT for easy and effective service delivery in order to enhance employee satisfaction

In vitro anticancer screening of 24 locally used Nigerian medicinal plants

Background Plants that are used as traditional medicine represent a relevant pool for selecting plant candidates that may have anticancer properties. In this study, the ethnomedicinal approach was used to select several medicinal plants native to Nigeria, on the basis of their local or traditional uses. The collected plants were then evaluated for cytoxicity. Methods The antitumor activity of methanolic extracts obtained from 24 of the selected plants, were evaluated in vitro on five human cancer cell lines. Results Results obtained from the plants screened indicate that 18 plant extracts of folk medicine exhibited promising cytotoxic activity against human carcinoma cell lines. Erythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. & Perr.) Brenan was found to demonstrate potent anti-cancer activity in this study exhibiting IC50 = 0.2-1.3 μg/ml. Conclusions Based on the significantly potent activity of some plants extracts reported here, further studies aimed at mechanism elucidation and bio-guided isolation of active anticancer compounds is currently underway

Impact of Human Urine Contamination on Soil Biota

The role of human urine as an organic pollutant to soil biota was examined in this study. Using standard methods, the impact of human urine on the physicochemical parameters, fauna and microbial load in the soil microcosm was considered. Ten replicates of Urine contaminated soil (UrCS) and Uncontaminated Agricultural soil (UnCS) samples respectively were collected from points pedestrian urine deposition within Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye and University of Agriculture, Alabata both in Ogun State. pH was determined using the pH meter. Moisture content (MC) was determined by drying and difference in weight method. Organic Carbon (OC) was determined using the Walkey-Black method and Organic Matter (OM) was estimated by the formula %OC = %OC x 1.729. Phosphate and nitrate concentrations were determined by spectrophotometric method while sulphate concentration was determined by the turbidimetry method. Ammonium concentration was determined by distillation method using 40% boric acid with methyl red indicator. The fauna record was conducted by heat extraction into alcohol or normal saline while microbial load was estimated by the pour plate and serial dilution techniques. UrCS recorded a significantly higher MC, OC, OM, phosphate, nitrate, sulphate, ammonium concentrations and lower pH (p<0.05) than UnCS. A complete absence of microfauna (protozoa), mesofauna (mites, lion ants, insects, insect eggs) and macrofauna (beetle, beetle caterpillars, millipedes, pill millipedes, earthworms, earthworm castings) was recorded in UrCS while UnCS samples recorded their presence. UrCS recorded a significantly lower (p<0.05) microbial loads than UnCS. The most adverse impact of human urine on soil biota is the lowered pH and increased acidity which unleash a vicious cycle on soil biota persisting as long as urine deposition continues unhindered on the same spot

Earthworm Urine Used as Foliar Spray on Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth) Boosts Growth and Stimulates Stomata Opening

The advent of spray drones for agrochemical applications calls for continuous exploration of potentially affordable and sustainable liquid biofertilizers. Thus, we evaluated the effects of earthworm urine foliar spray on the growth performance (height, number of leaves, leaf area, stem girth) and stomata opening of Amaranthus hybridus (Green amaranth). Earthworm urine was obtained by placing 500 g of Libyodrilus violaceus in one litre of earthworm saline, for one hour. Amaranthus hybridus seeds were planted into 90 pots, divided into three treatment groups of 30 pots each. Upon germination, the first group was sprayed with earthworm urine, the second and third groups with saline water and ordinary water, respectively. Earthworm urine significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased all the measured growth parameters, and stimulated the opening of stomata, relative to saline water and ordinary water. This result is a strong indication that earthworm urine contains hormones that boost plant growth, and is potentially suitable for use as a liquid biofertilizer, for increased production of Amaranthus hybridus and related vegetables

Review of Organizational Strategy and Structure (1962-2015)

Improving on performance is of greater interest to all organization leaders in today's business environment. Researches relating to large, small and medium sized firms constantly stress a positive link between business strategies, management activities and organizational performance. Because it is often detailed that best business strategies produce outstanding organizational performance. This study used secondary method of data collection to review various empirical literatures on business strategies and their effects on organizational performance. The study was able to ascertain from various literature reviewed that business strategies such as (customer orientation, employee autonomy, communication, training and development job satisfaction, corporate social responsibility, motivational factors) have major role to play in organizational performance. Recognizing the causes of organizational performance is important especially in the perspective of the current global crises because it helps an organization to identify those factors that should be given priority attention in order to improve the organizational performance. Hence, this study recommends that business organizations should adopt appropriate strategies that would enhance adequate organizational performanc

Processors' training needs on modern shea butter processing technologies in North Central Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Published ArticleThe need for continual production of high quality shea butter in Nigeria through the use of modern processing technologies necessitated this study. The study was carried out to ascertain training needs of shea butter processors on modern processing technologies in North Central Agro-ecological zone of Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 216 processors through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that processors were mostly young, married females. Half of the processors had no formal education but had between six and 15 years of processing experience. Extension officers were not fully involved in the training of processors, especially in the areas of teaching and practical demonstrations. The study shows that age (χ2 = 38.865, p = 0.000), educational level (χ2 = 69.018, p = 0.000), and years of processing experience (χ = 40.118, p = 0.000) were significantly related to the training needs of shea butter processors. Furthermore, evidence suggests that kneading, milling, crushing, and roasting are areas of operations where processors require additional training. The training of processors by extension officers at least twice a year, especially in the identified areas of training need, is recommended

PREVALENCE AND ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF ESBL PRODUCING KLEBSIELLAE ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL SPECIMENS IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Background: Infection by Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBLs) producing bacteria is a threat to man as a consequence of treatment challenges. This study evaluated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ESBL producing Klebsiellae (EPK) in clinical specimens at the University of Ilorin Teaching hospital, Ilorin (UITH), Nigeria. Methods: ESBL production was assayed using Double Discs Synergy Test (DDST). Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by Modified Kirby-Baeur method with the organism tested against ceftazidime (30µg), cefotaxime (30µg), amoxicillin-clavulinic acid (20/10µg), cefepime (30µg), ciprofloxacin (5µg), gentamicin (10µg), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (23.75/1.25µg), imipenem (10µg) and doripenem (10µg) (Oxoid, UK). Results: Fifty (26.7%) of the 187 Klebsiellae studied were EPK comprising of 37(26.8%) Klebsiella pneumoniae and 13(26.5%) Klebsiella oxytoca. There was no significant difference (p = 0.873) in ESBL production between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca. EPK were mostly from wound specimens (24.0%) although Klebsiellae were mostly occurring in sputum (26.2%). The EPK were resistant to ceftazidime (100%), cefotaxime (94.0%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (92.0%), gentamicin (70.0%) and ciprofloxacin (70.0%) but 100% susceptible to both doripenem and imipenem. Conclusion: The prevalence of EPK in this study is high and they are multi-drug resistant. Carbapenems are the best antibiotic treatment option for infections arising from these organisms although a coordinated rational usage is desired along with functional antibiotic prescription policy to avoid treatment failures. Continuous surveillance for ESBL producing Klebsiellae and resistance monitoring are necessary routine to strengthen infection control policies

Influence of membership of cooperative society on farmers’ income in rural areas of Kwara State

: Smallholder farmers with small farm sizes, low input utilization, and poor access to effective post-harvest technology are known for low income. These challenges led to the emergence of special programs and social organizations, the most common of which is cooperative society. Yet, little is known about the effect of membership of cooperative society on farmers’ income. Hence, this study examined the influence of membership of cooperative society on farmers’ income in Kwara State, Nigeria. Primary data collected between February and March, 2015 from 191 household heads were used for this study and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the mean income of farmers who were members of cooperative society, non-members of cooperative society and control group were ₦15,090±₦3,828, ₦17,686±₦18,306 and ₦11,020±₦2,378 respectively. The results of Kruskal Wallis statistic and the asymptotic significant probability, JonckeereTerpstra test for significance of the mean incomes for the various categories of farmers were significant at 1% level. The results of ANOVA test also indicated the existence of significant difference between the means of the income levels of the three categories of farmers at the 1% level. The results of the Post Hoc test for differences/equality among the various categories revealed that the average income of the control category differs greatly from those of the non-cooperative and cooperative groups but there is no significant difference between the mean income of the cooperative farmers and that of the non�cooperative farmers. Thus, membership of cooperative society had positive effect on farmers’ income in the study area. Based on this, increasing awareness and information about cooperative societies among farmers in the study area becomes imperativ