HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

This study employs the ordinary least square regression analysis to examine the impact of human capital development on economic growth of Nigeria, using annual time series date from 1981 to 2015. The empirical results show that human capital development has significant impact on economic growth, as proxy by the gross domestic product. In line with theory, the human capital development indicators namely secondary school enrolment, tertiary school enrolment, total government expenditure on health and total government expenditure on education exhibit positive and statistically significant impact on economic growth of Nigeria which implies that these indicators are indispensable in the achievement of growth in the Nigerian economy. However, life expectancy and primary school enrolment exhibit a negative and statistically insignificant impact on economic growth of Nigeria. The study concluded that the Nigerian government should ensure to allocate adequate resources for the development of human capital in order to enhance economic growth in Nigeria. The study also recommended that going forward the government and policy makers should increase its total expenditure on education, ensure sufficient budgetary allocation on health expenditure, and ensure a standard is set across all secondary and tertiary institutions in the country so that proper human capital required for any individual to become productive and economic growth is enhance

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF A FULL DIALLEL-CROSSED FORAGE PEARL MILLET OF NIGERIA ORIGIN

The productivity of local cattle depends mainly on the quality of forage they consume, the search of which induces conflicts between herdsmen and farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of \u2018maiwa\u2019 Pennisetum glaucum , for forage, in Ibadan, Nigeria. Three inbred lines, namely, 25-2, 28-1 and 94-2 were each sown in three rows in 2009. The inbred lines were crossed in all combinations including reciprocals, to generate six hybrids and three inbred lines. The hybrids and their inbred lines were then evaluated. \u2018Maiwa\u2019 plants were harvested by cutting at 30 cm above the ground level, at six weeks after sowing. The plants were allowed to regrow for 7 to 8 weeks to reach booting stage, and samples were collected for proximate analysis. The inbred lines had generally higher dry matter DM content (36.02%) than the hybrids (33.39%). Also, leaf had higher DM (29.67 to 41.11%) than the stem (17.59-24.75%), which was above 20% benchmark. Crude protein (CP) level ranged from 8.76 to 10.66%, which was above the 7% critical level, below which intake declines. Ca: P ratio ranged from 1: 0.89 to 1: 1.58 in 94-2 7 25-2 and 28-1 7 94-2 respectively in \u2018maiwa\u2019. The Ca: P ratios reflect the higher content of P in all the lines, except 94-2 7 25-2 hybrid. This shows that the nutritional quality of \u2018maiwa\u2019 as forage is satisfactory for animal dietary requirement, except for lactating animal where supplementary CP might be provided.La productivit\ue9 des bovins locaux d\ue9pend principalement de la qualit\ue9 du fourrage consomm\ue9, dont la qu\ueate cr\ue9e de conflits entre les bergers et les agriculteurs. L\u2019objectif de cette \ue9tude \ue9tait d\u2019\ue9valuer la qualit\ue9 nutritionnelle du \u2018maiwa\u2019 Pennisetum glaucum , pour le fourrage, \ue0 Ibadan, Nig\ue9ria. Trois lign\ue9es inbreds\ua0; \ue0 savoir, 25-2, 28-1 et 94-2 \ue9tait chacune sem\ue9e en trois lignes en 2009. Les lign\ue9es inbreds \ue9taient crois\ue9es dans toutes les combinaisons y compris les r\ue9ciproques\ua0; pour g\ue9n\ue9rer six hybrides et trois lign\ue9es consanguines. Les hybrides et leurs lign\ue9es inbreds \ue9taient donc \ue9valu\ue9s. Les plants de \u2018Maiwa\u2019 \ue9taient r\ue9colt\ue9s par coupe \ue0 30cm du niveau du sol, \ue0 six semaines apr\ue8s semis. Les plants \ue9taient laiss\ue9s pour donner des repousses pendants 7 \ue0 8 semaines pour atteindre la p\ue9riode de d\ue9marrage, et des \ue9chantillons \ue9taient collect\ue9s pour des analyses imm\ue9diates. Les lign\ue9es consanguines avaient g\ue9n\ue9ralement grande teneur en mati\ue8re s\ue8che DM (36,02%) que les hybrides (33,39%). Aussi, les feuilles avaient une grande GM (29,67 \ue0 41,11%) que la tige (17,59 \u2013 24,75%), qui \ue9tait au-dessus de 20% de r\ue9f\ue9rence. Le niveau de la prot\ue9ine brute (CP) variait entre 8,76 \ue0 10,66% qui \ue9tait au-del\ue0 du niveau de r\ue9f\ue9rence de 7%, en de\ue7\ue0 duquel la prise est impossible. Le rapport Ca\ua0: P variait entre 1\ua0: 0,89 \ue0 1\ua0: 1,58 en 94-2x25-2 et 28-1 7 94-2 respectivement dans\ua0\u2018maiwa\u2019. Les rapports Ca\ua0: P refl\ue8tent la plus grande teneur en P dans toutes les lign\ue9es, sauf l\u2019hybride 94-2x 25-2. Ceci montre que la qualit\ue9 nutritionnelle de \u2018maiwa\u2019 comme fourrage est satisfaisante pour les besoins alimentaires des animaux, sauf les animaux nourriciers o\uf9 des suppl\ue9ments CP doivent \ueatre apport\ue9s

A health education video in an indigenous Nigerian language to dispel misconceptions associated with reversal of eruption sequence of anterior teeth

Research findings conducted in Nigeria have revealed grave misconceptions regarding eruption of maxillary anterior teeth before the mandibular ones in children as affected individuals are believed to be evil, carriers of misfortune and their families are deemed cursed. Such children are stigmatized, abandoned and may be gotten rid of. A twenty three minute culturally appropriate video in the Yoruba language titled “Baba Yoyin” (meaning male tooth extractor -traditional dentist ) was developed to demystify the Nigerian community about misconceptions associated with reversal of eruption sequence of teeth and educate them about hazards associated with patronizing traditional dentists and the need to visit a dentist/doctor for advice. In the pre -production stage, the video was designed and planned and the cast , crew and appropriate locations for shooting the film shooting were selected . In the production stage, filming was done with several wide, medium and close shots. At post production, the film was edited with a sound mix comprising of sound effects and music. Computer graphic effects were added digitally. This video was produced in Yoruba, an indigenous Nigerian language to serve as a culturally appropriate community dental health education tool targeting nursing mothers, pregnant women, and traditional birth attendants from the lower social class in south western Nigeria. The storyline in this video tape will be translated into Igbo and Hausa , the two other major Nigerian languages. This videotape can be repeated in other African settings whose societies experience similar misconceptions about tooth eruption.Keywords: Reversal of eruption sequence, child, health education, videoAfr. J. Biomed. Res. Vol. 22 (January, 2019); 97- 10

Development of a tool for dispelling myths associated with natal/neonatal teeth: “Adunni” a health education video in a native Nigerian language

Studies have revealed that Nigerians irrespective of social class have negative attitudes and practices towards children born with natal teeth and those who erupt teeth within the first 30 days of life. This has been associated with the strong cultural myths and beliefs that exist among the populace. Children with natal teeth and their families have been stigmatized and are believed to be cursed. This stigmatization affects their social life and consequently impacts on their quality of life. Therefore, there is a need to develop an intervention such as a video to help dispel these myths. Videotapes have been shown as an intriguing means of communication and valuable tool in health education. To help dispel the myths associated with natal teeth, and neonatal teeth a twenty-eight-minute culturally appropriate video in the a local Nigerian language (Yoruba) titled “Adunni” targeted for people from the low social class was developed. This film has been sent to primary health care centers in suburban and rural areas and will be shown to mothers, pregnant women, nursing mothers and traditional birth attendants with a view to appropriately inform them and the entire communities that eruption of natal or neonatal teeth is not a curse.Keywords: Child, Natal teeth, Neonatal teeth, Health education, Vide

Factors Associated With Manual Reduction of Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia in Children

Background: In patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia, initial manual reduction, which is not always feasible, rather than immediate surgery, is associated with fewer complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate factors associated with successful manual reduction of incarcerated inguinal hernia in children. Methods: A prospective cohort study between January 2010 and December 2014 of children admitted with incarcerated inguinal hernia to a single surgical unit. Results: A total of 34 patients with a median age of 4.2 months (range: 2 weeks to 14 years) were recruited. Manual reduction was attempted in 23 (67.6%) patients and successful in 13 (56.5%). A total of 9 (26.5%) patients had bowel strangulation. Shorter incarceration (median of 18.2 vs. 48.4 hours, p = 0.004) and longer duration of previous swelling (median of 20 vs. 3.5 weeks, p = 0.029) were associated with successful manual reduction. Bowel strangulation rate was higher amongst patients excluded from manual reduction, using the set criteria, compared to those who had failed reduction (77.8% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.044). Conclusions: Manual reduction is more likely to be successful in patients who present early after incarceration as well as those with wider internal rings.Keywords: children, incarceration, inguinal hernia, manual reduction, strangulatio

Assessing the challenges impeding effective primary health care delivery in Southwest Nigeria

This study seeks to investigate the challenges impeding healthcare delivery in selected Primary Health Care facilities in South West Nigeria. A quantitative approach was adopted with purposive sampling of 241 health workers across PHC facilities in South West Nigeria. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 22). The study revealed seven main challenges which included shortage of manpower, inadequate medical equipment, lack of employee motivation, lack of basic infrastructure, unavailability of drugs, poor funding and cultural belief. Consequent upon these findings, government interventions such as employment of more skilled personnel, improved working conditions, employee motivation, provision of basic facilities/equipment and better financing, is required to enhance the quality of service and sustainability of PHC in Nigeri

Giant inguino scrotal hernia: a case report

A journal article on scrotal hernia diseases in developing countries.Giant inguino — scrotal hernia is largely a problem of developing countries. A case of an unusually giant inguino-scrotal hernia is reported highlighting the problems encountered in management. Orchidectomy, bowel resection and relaxing epigastric incision were successfully employed in repairing the hernia. Hernias may not be difficult to manage if they ar not neglected. Efforts of health education need intensifying in this direction. We propose thorough peri-operative pulmonary exercises to cut down the post-operative pulmonary morbidity

Utilization effects of substituting maize with graded levels of ripe and unripe banana (Musa sapientum) peels in the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles

Six diets were produced using graded levels of banana peels (5 %, 10 % and 15 % for both ripe and unripe banana peels) which were compared with the controlled diet containing maize in the diet of C. gariepinus juveniles. Feeds were fed to triplicate groups of ten fish each to satiation twice daily for ten weeks. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in Mean Weight Gain (MWG) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) amongst the experimental diets. The control diet had the highest MWG (58.40~c 5.27g) and SGR (1.877~c 0.09 %) while the least values of MWG (25.03 g) and SGR (0.35 %) were recorded in Diet 3(15 % unripe banana peels). The Feed conversion ratio, Protein efficiency ratio and Protein intake recorded significant differences (P < 0.05) between the control and the experimental diets. Similarly, significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded in Profit Index, Incidence of Cost and Economic Investment Cost Analysis between the control and experimental diets. Histometry analysis of fish organs equality recorded significant differences (P < 0.05) between the control and other test diets. Although the Control diet had the best growth performance, it recorded the least profit index (1.87) while Diet 2 (10 % ripe banana) had the highest Profit Index (3.11). Hence, graded levels of plantain peel is a profitable alternative energy source for partial replacement of maize up to 10 % ripe and unripe banana peels in diet of C. gariepinus

Molecular modeling, dynamics simulation and characterization of human inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) related to diabetes

Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase-1 (IP6K1) protein plays an important role in insulin signaling producing IP7 that inhibit the action of protein kinase B (Akt). Inhibition of IP6K1 has been proposed as a novel way to enhance insulin signaling. Characterization and binding interaction of IP6K1 is essential for rational anti-diabetic drug development targeting this protein. Computational tools were used to analyze the physicochemical characteristics of IP6K1. Homology modelling reliably predicts the tertiary structure of IP6K1. Derived three-dimensional models werethen used to predict the binding mode and interacting amino acid residues. MD simulation (30 ns) was employed to investigate the protein dynamics. The modeled IP6K1 exhibited secondary characteristics comprising of 63.3% helixes, 30.2% sheets and 13.4% turns with an aliphatic index of 65.83 and instability index 50.53 showing that the protein is relatively unstable without its appropriate environment. The extinction coefficient was 34560 while the grand average of hydropathicity was −0.724. Homology modelling was performed by SWISS-MODEL program and the proposed model was evaluated as reliable based on RAMPAGE’s Ramachandran plot, and ProSA analyses. RMSD, RMSF, Rg revealed that the protein attained stability around 20ns. This appeared to be the first attempt to portray molecular dynamic simulation of IP6K1 coupled with modeling and thorough characteristic analysis of the protein using parameters like Ramachandran plot, Chou and Fasman Secondary Structure prediction and Protparam. Studies like protein engineering, structure and function as well as activity analysis are suggested. Our computational studies reavealed the binding pocket and critical amino acid residues that can be exploited in the design of inhibitors of IP6K1 as antidiabetic drugs.Keywords: Insulin signaling, physicochemical characteristics, homology modelling, diabete

Occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts in commonly consumed vegetables collected from selected markets in Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria

A study was conducted with the objective of determining the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts in washed and unwashed vegetables sold in some selected markets in Zaria, Kaduna State. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Carrot (Daucus carota) and Spinach (Spinacea oleracea) were collected based on convenient sampling from 5 markets. Three hundred grams of each vegetable was purchased every week in the morning hours from each of the selected markets during the rainy and dry seasons. Floatation technique was used for processing of the vegetable samples. Unwashed vegetables (269) had more parasite eggs and oocysts than washed vegetables (209). Spinach (52.50%) had the highest contamination, followed by carrot (48.75%), cabbage (42.50%), lettuce (40.0%) and tomatoes (28.75%). There was a significant (p &lt; 0.05) association between the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts and the washing of vegetables. Among the unwashed vegetables, lettuce was highly contaminated (58.75%) with parasite eggs and oocysts, followed by spinach (55.0%), carrot (55.0%), tomatoes (50.0%) and cabbage (39.75%). There was, however, no significant (p &gt; 0.05) association between the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts and the unwashed vegetables. Among the different markets, vegetables purchased from Dan Magaji market (51.25%) were highly contaminated, followed by Tudun Wada (49.38%), Sabongari (48.75%), Zaria city (48.75%) and Samaru market (41.88%).There was, however, no significant (p &gt; 0.05) association between the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts on vegetables and the markets where the vegetables were purchased. The study showed that eggs and oocysts of various parasites mainly of human and animal faecal origin were present on vegetables marketed for human consumption even after washing. Therefore, people should properly wash their vegetables before consumption and indiscriminate defecation should be discouraged to prevent contamination and improve hygienic conditions.Keywords: Eggs, Oocyst, Market, Parasite, Vegetable, Zari