Stigma Hurts: Exploring Employer and Employee Perceptions of Tattoos and Body Piercings in Nigeria

Purpose – This study draws on social stigma and prejudice to examine the perceptions and beliefs of managers and employees regarding visible tattoos and body piercings, as well as the impact they have on potential employment and human resource management in the global South, using Nigeria as the research context. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses a qualitative research approach, drawing on data from forty-three semi-structured interviews with managers and employees in Nigeria. Findings – Contrary to the popular opinion that tattoos and body piercings are becoming more accepted and mainstream in society, this study finds that some Nigerian employers and employees may stigmatise and discriminate against people with visible tattoos and body piercings. The findings of this study suggest that beliefs about tattoos are predicated on ideologies as well as religious and sociocultural values, which then influence corporate values. Practical Implications – Religious and sociocultural preconceptions about people with visible tattoos and body piercings have negative implications for the recruitment and employment of such people and could prevent organisations from hiring and keeping talented employees. This implies that talented employees might experience prejudice at job interviews, preventing them from gaining employment. Furthermore, stigmatising and discriminating against people with visible tattoos and body piercings may lead to the termination of employment of talented employees, which could negatively affect organisational productivity and growth. Originality/value – This study provides an insight into employment relations with regards to tattoos and body piercings in Nigeria. It also makes some contributions to the social psychology of workplace prejudice and highlights the reasons for the stigma and prejudice against individuals with visible tattoos and body piercings

Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and toxicology study of some metal complexes of mixed antibiotics

Mixed ligand metal complexes of ampicillin and chloramphenicol prepared by using Ni(II), Co(II) and Fe(III) metal chloride hexahydrate were reported and characterized based on some physical properties and spectroscopic analysis such as AAS, UV, and IR spectroscopy. The complexes were proposed to have the formulae [ML1L2](Cl)n ( where M= Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(III); L1 = ampicillin, L2 = chloramphenicol, and n=2-3). IR spectra suggested that both L1 and L2 coordinated to the metal ions in a terdentate manner with �(O-H), �(C=O) and �(N-H) as donor sites in each of the ligands. From analytical and spectroscopic data obtained, the complexes were proposed to be of octahedral. The synthesized complexes, in compares to their ligands, were also screened for their antibacterial activity against isolated strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia by using agar diffusion method. The activity data showed the metal complexes to be more potent antibacterial than the parent drugs against the three bacteria species. However, toxicology tests against some tissues of albino rat (Rattus novergicuss) revealed toxicity of the complexes as compared to the parent drugs because the complexes were found to significantly increase (P<0.05) alkaline phosphatase from homogenates of liver and kidney tissues of the tested doses. However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in ALP of rat serum. The results generally indicated that more potent compounds with better physical properties and enhanced antimicrobial activities upon complexation have been prepared

Cu(II) and Fe(III) complexes of sulphadoxine mixed with pyramethamine: Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and toxicology study

Two new mixed ligands metal complexes of sulphadoxine and pyramethamine were prepared by using CuCl2.6H2O and FeCl3.6H2O. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, melting point determination, molar conductivity, metal content analysis (AAS), IR, magnetic susceptibility measurements and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Based on the analytical and spectroscopic data, the complexes were proposed to have the formulae [M1L1L2(Cl)2] and [M2L1L2(Cl)3] (where M1 = Cu(II), M2 = Fe(III)), L1 = sulphadoxine, L2 = pyramethamine). The spectroscopic data proposed L1 to be a monodentate ligand and coordinated through N atom of the NH2 group in both complexes. Also, L2 was proposed to be tridentate ligand and coordinated through N atom of the NH2 groups and through N atom of imine group. However, [M1L1L2(Cl)2] and [M2L1L2(Cl)3] were proposed to possess distorted octahedral geometry. Conductivity measurement values supported the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. The complexes have been tested in vitro against a number of pathogenic bacteria [g(+) Escherichia coli, g(+) Proteus species, g(+) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and g(+) Salmonella typhi] by using disc diffusion method. Obtained results indicated that the metal complexes exhibited better antibacterial activities as compared to the ligands. Toxicology tests against some tissues of albino rat (Rattus novergicuss) revealed toxicity of the complexes in the kidney as compared to the parent drugs. [M1L1L2(Cl)2] was found to be toxic to the sera, livers and kidneys of the rats used, while [M2L1L2(Cl)3] was found to be non-toxic to the sera, livers and kidneys of the rats as their alkaline phosphatase (ALP) values showed non-significant difference to the control value

Phytochemical analysis, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) leaf extracts

Psidium guajava is one of the oldest and widely used medicinal plants in the world. The leaves, bark, roots and immature fruits are used in African ethno-medicine because of their anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal and anti-microbial properties amongst others. The aim of this work was to determine the phytochemical profile of locally sourced mature Psidium guajava leaves and to also evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of aqueous extracts of Psidium guajava leaves. Ethanol extracts of Psidium guajava leaves were subjected to analysis using GC-MS. Aqueous extracts were prepared by boiling pre-weighted fresh leaves in tap water and subsequently used in the Allium cepa assay. Analysis revealed terpene compounds (80.6%) as the most abundant phytochemical in ethanol extracts of the leaves. The results also revealed an overall significant concentration and time-dependent reduction in mitotic index (p ≤ 0.05). The value of EC50 was estimated to be 54.4 g/l. Examination of treated Allium cepa root tip cells revealed chromosomal aberrations including binucleation, bridges, distorted anaphase, clumping, vagrant chromosomes and c-mitosis. Aqueous leaf extracts of Psidium guajava leaves have genotoxic and cytotoxic potentials which should be seriously considered in its therapeutic applications

Ergonomic Evaluation and Establishment of Suitable Classroom Furniture Design Specifications for Secondary School Children in South-Western Nigeria

This research work compared the anthropometric dimensions of some secondary school students to the design dimensions of their chairs and desks to assess the furniture’s appropriateness. A total of 840 students, with their chairs and desks, from fourteen secondary schools in seven states in south-western Nigeria, were measured.  Popliteal height(PH), Buttock-Popliteal length (BPL), Hip breadth (HB), Shoulder Height (ShH), Elbow height (EH) and Knee height (KH)) of the children were measured using vernier callipers and an anthropometric chair. While Seat Height (SH), Seat Depth (SD), Seat Width (SW), Backrest Height (BH), Desk Height (DH) and Underneath Desk Height (UDH) were measured using a measuring tape. The SD and BH were suitable for the students, while major mismatches were noted in SH, DH and UDH. Using existing models, three types of chairs and tables were then proposed for the students. Keywords: School furniture, Anthropometric Chair, Popliteal height, Desk Heigh

Evaluation of two MiniSTR loci mutation events in five Father-Mother-Child trios of Yoruba origin

The robustness of short tandem repeats for use in forensic and paternity depends on their high polymorphism and mutation rate. This study tried to determine the event of mutation of two miniSTR loci in the Yoruba population. Blood samples were collected from five father-motherchild trios of Yoruba origin. Two DNA extraction methods, an homemade method and Zymogen gDNA kit were tested for yield and purity for use in the STR assay. The DNA were amplified and resolved on 4% Agarose gel. The first DNA extraction method yielded an average DNA concentration of 1399 ng/μl and while the Kit yielded 984.1 ng/μl; absorbence quotient at 260/280 of 1.78 and 1.55 respectively. Locus D1GATA113 was detected in the father and mother of two families; A and C. D5S2500 was detected only in the male parent (father) in family D. DNA extracted using any of the two methods in this study is appriopriate for use in STR mutation assay but the PCR condition for mutation miniSTR loci among the yoruba still requires extensive optimization.Keywords: DNA extraction Methods, miniSTRs, mutation, Yorub

Synthesis, Antibacterial And Toxicology Study Of MN(II), CO(II) AND NI(II) Metal Complexes Of Sulfadoxine Mixed With Pyrimethamine

ihree mixed ligand metal complexes of Sulphadoxine and Pyrimethamine were prepared by using Mn(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) metal chloride hexahydrate and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurement, AAS, IR and UV-Vis. spectroscopy. Some physical parameters were obtained using molar conductance • measurement and melting point determination. Based on the analytical and spectroscopic data, the complexes were proposed to have the formulae: [ML1L2](Cl)2 (where M = Mn(II), Ni(II) and Co(II); L1 = sulphadoxine, L2 = pyrimethamine). The spectroscopic data proposed that L1 and L2 coordinated through N ofNH2 groups in L1 and through N atom of NH group in L2• Thus, pyramethamine was proposed to be a tridentate ligand, while sulphadoxine was proposed to be a monodentate ligand. Micro-analysis further supported the proposed structure for the complexes. The antibacterial activity of the metal complexes were compared with their ligands by screening them against isolates of some strains of g(-) Escherichia coli, g(+) Proteus sp., g(+) Pseudomonas aureginosa and Salmonella typhi by using diffusion method. The results obtained showed the metal complexes to be more potent antibacterial than the parent drugs against the four species used. Toxicology tests against some tissues of albino rat (Rattus novergicuss) revealed toxicity of the complexes in the kidney as compared to the parent drugs. However, ALP values for metal complexes were found to be non-significantly different from the ALP values obtained for livers and the sera. This indicates that the metal complexes are not excessively toxic

Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Activity of N, N-Diethylamido Substituted p-Toluenesulfonamides to their α-Toluenesulfonamide Counterparts

Reaction of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride with amino acids gave sulfonamides p-T1a-k which upon amidation afforded p-T2a-k. Similarly, treatment involving α-toluenesulfonyl chloride and amino acids afforded the sulfonamides α-T1a-k. These two classes of sulfonamides were synthetically modified at their COOH end position to achieve N,N-diethylamido substituted p-toluenesulfonamides p-T2a-k and α-toluenesulfonamides α-T2a-k, respectively. The chemical structures of the compounds were validated with IR, Mass spectra, NMR as well as elemental analytical data. Both classes of compounds were screened against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and their activity were compared. It was remarkable to note that the α-toluene sulfonamides α-T2a-k were more active than their p-toluenesulfonamide counterparts p-T2a-k. Compound 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-N,Ndiethylpyrrolidine- 2-carboxamide α-T2a was the most potent antibacterial compound on S. aureus with MIC value of 3.12 μg mLG1 while N,N-Diethyl-3- phenyl-2-(phenylmethylsulfonamide) propanamide α-T2j emerged as the best antibacterial motif against E. coli with MIC value of 12.5 μg mLG1. Hence, these compounds especially the α-toluenesulfonamide core structural templates are good candidates for further study for future drug discovery

Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Activity of N, N-Diethylamido Substituted p-Toluenesulfonamides to their α-Toluenesulfonamide Counterparts

Reaction of p-toluenesulfonyl chloride with amino acids gave sulfonamides p-T1a-k which upon amidation afforded p-T2a-k. Similarly, treatment involving α-toluenesulfonyl chloride and amino acids afforded the sulfonamides α-T1a-k. These two classes of sulfonamides were synthetically modified at their COOH end position to achieve N,N-diethylamido substituted p-toluenesulfonamides p-T2a-k and α-toluenesulfonamides α-T2a-k, respectively. The chemical structures of the compounds were validated with IR, Mass spectra, NMR as well as elemental analytical data. Both classes of compounds were screened against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and their activity were compared. It was remarkable to note that the α-toluene sulfonamides α-T2a-k were more active than their p-toluenesulfonamide counterparts p-T2a-k. Compound 1-(benzylsulfonyl)-N,Ndiethylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide α-T2a was the most potent antibacterial compound on S. aureus with MIC value of 3.12 μg mLG1 while N,N-Diethyl-3- phenyl-2-(phenylmethylsulfonamide) propanamide α-T2j emerged as the best antibacterial motif against E. coli with MIC value of 12.5 μg mLG1. Hence, these compounds especially the α-toluenesulfonamide core structural templates are good candidates for further study for future drug discovery

Green Synthesized Optically Active Organically Capped Silver Nanoparticles using Stem Extract of African Cucumber(Momordica charantia)

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized by a rapid facile plant-mediated green route. Sustainable and renewable stem extract of locally sourced African cucumber acted as reducing/capping agent, an alternative to toxic chemicals. The phytochemical screening indicated the existence of saponins and alkaloids in the stem extract of M. charantia. Unprecedented nucleation and growth of Ag NPs commenced within 5 minutes of the reaction. The mechanism of reaction was considered to be diffusion controlled Ostwald ripening process. Optical property of the as prepared Ag NPs was characterized by high intensity of absorption, revealed by narrow intense peaks, stipulating confinement of excitons.Surface Plasmon Band (SPB) of Ag NPs appeared at 400 - 460 nm. Photoluminescence (PL)excitation of the Ag NPs at 329 nm exhibited excitonic emission at 440 nm. The Ag NPs portrayed quasi-spherical shapes, with a mean size of 27.81 ± 1.64 nm from Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) measurement. XRD measurement showed peaks indexed to fcc Ag with a particle diameter of 25 nm, which corroborated TEM measurement. Elemental mapping of the nanoparticles showed an orientation of the Ag NPs, an evidence of capping by the biomolecules which stabilized the newly formed Ag NPs. Fourier Transformed Infra-red (FTIR) analysis showed the presence of hydroxyl groups (−OH) stretching, (−CH) stretching,C=C stretching and C−N group (in the phytochemicals) at 3237, 2913, 1620 and 1021 cm-1 respectively. It can be inferred that the as prepared Ag NPs is an optically active material