A Review of the Proposals for Taxation of Profits of Businesses in the Digitalized Economy

The advent of information technology and digitalization has changed and continues to change everyday life, including the manner in which business operations are carried out. Years back, to run a taxi business, you would need to own vehicles and employ drivers. Today, some digitalized businesses are able to operate the same business by just owning a digital interface and related intellectual property rights. This change in the way things are done has significant impact on traditional legal systems. In the realm of tax law, digitalization has impacted on traditional international tax rules including the threshold for allocating taxing rights. In. this paper, the author presents a broad review of the main current issues regarding allocation of taxing rights, and the different solutions that have been proposed to accommodate digitalization in the international tax system. In terms of structure, this paper shall proceed as follows. Section 1 is the introduction. Section 2 will review the germane aspects of the current PE concept. Section 3 will examine the nature of digitalized business models which are the subjects of international discussions in this area. Section 4 will review the efforts that have been made at the international level at taxing digital businesses, and highlight the critical points of these efforts. The scope of this work will focus on the ongoing discussions regarding direct taxation of the digital economy. Indirect taxation of the digital economy may be referred to when necessary but will not be reviewed in any detail

Molecular characterization of some bacteria and fungi associated with the decomposition of leaf litters of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Tectona grandis

Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Tectona grandis, have the characteristics of fast growth rate. The decomposition of litter biomass of these exotic plants is necessary in order to return the nutrients taken up by the plants. Some of the major nutrients include nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. To have a better understanding of the decomposition of leaf litters of E. camaldulensis and T. grandis, bacteria and fungi associated with their decomposition were investigated. Soil and leaf litters of these exotic plant species were collected from six sampling sites of each plantation designated as E1 – E6 for E. camaldulensis and T1 – T6 for T. grandis, respectively. Litterbag technique was employed for the decomposition study which lasted for 60 days. Using standard methods, analysis of carbon (IV) oxide evolution and microbial population were done at day 1, 30 and 60 of the decomposition period. Results showed that there was a general decrease in the percentage mass loss of E. camaldulensis and T. grandis leaf litter samples, which ranged from 71-85% and 40-61% respectively. The amount of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium decreased in the leaf litter but increased in the soil during decomposition. The evolution of CO2 was highest in E4 on day 60 (554.4 μg/g/day) among E. camaldulensis samples, whereas the evolution of CO2 was highest in T2 on day 30 with a value of 516.5 μg/g/day among T. grandis samples. The bacteria isolated during the decomposition periods were Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Proteus vulgaris while fungi were Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum. Bacillus licheniformis was the most prevalent bacteria isolated. There is need to molecularly establish the specific capability of each microbial isolate with the view to identifying those that sequentially elaborate enzymes that can completely metabolize the leaf litters to their elemental form for adequate enrichment of the soil. This will enhance rapid recovery of the composite undergrowth and also promote diverse microbial colonization.Keywords: Decomposition, leaf litters, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, bacteria, fungi, and Tectona grandi

Oxytocic effect of Ananas comosus fruit juice on isolated pregnant rats uteri

This work sought to find out whether Ananas comosus (pineapple) juice can cause abortion in gravid albino rats. Thirty two pregnant albino rats were used in two separate in vivo experiments. The first set of 16 pregnant rats were divided into 4 groups and groups 2, 3 and 4 were assigned undiluted pineapple juice for 24hrs, 36hrs, 48hrs respectively, while group 1 served as control. The pregnant rats were monitored closely for possible abortions till they littered. The procedure was repeated with the other set of 16 pregnant rats. The effect of the juice was also determined on an isolated pregnant rat uterus. Results obtained in the two separate in vivo trials showed no abortions as the rats had their young ones at term. In the in vitro work, the juice however induced strong uterine contractions similar to that of oxytocin. The results therefore suggest that Ananas comosus juice contain some active ingredients with uterine contractile effects which may cause abortion in the same manner as oxytocin but may have been metabolized after oral administration.Keywords: Ananas comosus, Abortion, Albino rats, Oxytoci

Screening of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria Isolated from River Rido, Kaduna, Nigeria

Biosurfactants which are produced by microorganisms, are known to reduce the surface tension of viscous liquid. Among the roles of biosurfactants is solubilization of hydrophobic substrates especially petroleum. River Rido is a point where petroleum-rich effluents from Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company are discharged. There is need to isolate and characterize bacteria capable of producing biosurfactant from River Rido, Kaduna, which will serve as a tool for bioremediation. Water samples contaminated with refinery effluents were collected from four different sites along River Rido. Biochemical tests revealed that the bacteria isolated from the water sample belong to the genera of Bacillus (36.36%), Pseudomonas (27.27%), Corynebacterium (18.18%) and Streptococcus (18.18%) species. The isolates were coded as BS1 – 11. Among the bacteria, 18.2% showed α-haemolytic activity, 54.5% showed β-haemolytic activity and 27.3% showed γ –haemolytic activity. BS1, BS2, BS4, BS6, BS7 and BS11 showed positive results for oil spreading test. BS1, BS2, BS4, BS6, BS7 and BS11 were all positive for the drop-collapse assay. Isolates BS1, BS2, BS4, BS6, BS7 and BS11 were able to emulsify crude oil. Analysis of Variance revealed that there is a significant difference in the emulsification activity of the isolates at various pH levels. Also, emulsification index of the isolates at varying temperatures are significantly different. This study revealed that Bacillus species, Corynebacterium spp. and Pseudomonas spp. isolated from River Rido have been confirmed biosurfactant producer with ability to produce assayable biosurfactants and can be useful tools for various environmental and industrial processes, especially in the area of bioremediation of oil pills.Keywords: Biosurfactant, Emulsification, River Rido and Bacteri

Dynamic Modelling of DNA Repair Pathway at the Molecular Level: A New Perspective

DNA is the genetic repository for all living organisms, and it is subject to constant changes caused by chemical and physical factors. Any change, if not repaired, erodes the genetic information and causes mutations and diseases. To ensure overall survival, robust DNA repair mechanisms and damage-bypass mechanisms have evolved to ensure that the DNA is constantly protected against potentially deleterious damage while maintaining its integrity. Not surprisingly, defects in DNA repair genes affect metabolic processes, and this can be seen in some types of cancer, where DNA repair pathways are disrupted and deregulated, resulting in genome instability. Mathematically modelling the complex network of genes and processes that make up the DNA repair network will not only provide insight into how cells recognise and react to mutations, but it may also reveal whether or not genes involved in the repair process can be controlled. Due to the complexity of this network and the need for a mathematical model and software platform to simulate different investigation scenarios, there must be an automatic way to convert this network into a mathematical model. In this paper, we present a topological analysis of one of the networks in DNA repair, specifically homologous recombination repair (HR). We propose a method for the automatic construction of a system of rate equations to describe network dynamics and present results of a numerical simulation of the model and model sensitivity analysis to the parameters. In the past, dynamic modelling and sensitivity analysis have been used to study the evolution of tumours in response to drugs in cancer medicine. However, automatic generation of a mathematical model and the study of its sensitivity to parameter have not been applied to research on the DNA repair network so far. Therefore, we present this application as an approach for medical research against cancer, since it could give insight into a possible approach with which central nodes of the networks and repair genes could be identified and controlled with the ultimate goal of aiding cancer therapy to fight the onset of cancer and its progression

The Trends Analysis of Asset and Liability of Micro Finance Banks

Over the years the micro finance banks sub-sector have witness some changes as a result of changes in macroeconomic system which was orchestrated by central bank of Nigeria and global financial crisis. These changes have made the micro financial sub-sector adopt different growth strategies to manage its financial risk to ensure the survival of their firms. The aim of the study is to analyze asset and liabilities of micro finance banks of Nigeria to identify her growth strategy. The study is postulating an asset and liability management growth strategy to promote a diversified funding sources, sound asset and liability management which is critical to posting an excellent performance. Specific objectives achieved: identify growth strategies adopted by Nigeria micro finance banks sub-sector. Identify risks exposed by micro finance banks operating in the sub-sector. Then, suggest the implementation plan of asset and liability management. The study recommended the training of micro finance banks management on asset and liability management techniques. Key words: Trends Analysis, Asset, Liability, and Micro Finance Ban

Ethanol production from lignocellulosic materials by fermentation process using yeast

Rapid industrialization and growing population result to high demand for energy. Depletion and rise in price of petroleum as well as environmental pollution necessitates the need for alternative source of fuel, hence bioethanol production. Rice bran (Oryza sativa), Corn bran (Zea mays) and Sorghum bran (Sorghum guinense) and saw dusts of Khaya senegalensis (Red wood), Terminalia superba (Black wood), Gmelina arborea (White wood), were used for the study. The yeasts used for the study were isolated from fermented beverages (Sorghum beer, Millet beverage and Palm wine). The results of the lignocellulosic biomass of white saw dust, red saw dust, black saw dust, rice bran, corn bran and sorghum bran revealed cellulose components as 77.78%, 75.55%, 68.59%, 64.83%, 54.82% and 55.14% respectively. A total of 25 yeasts were isolates and identified using API 20C AUX strip. The yeast isolates, K2, B5, B7 and P1 had the highest ethanol tolerance value of 14%. The results showed that the ethanol-producing ability of the yeast isolates ranged from 4.1% to 10.3%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses showed that ethanol is the main compound produced by yeasts from the lignocellulosic materials. This study revealed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from palm wine (P1) is best in ethanol production and tolerance, and this high prolific strain can be exploited or engineered for ethanol production. Therefore, Lignocellulosic biomasses are recommended as raw materials for producing ethanol, which is a promising alternative energy source as against the depleting petroleum.Keywords: Ethanol, Lignocellulose, Yeasts, Beverages and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Effect of stem bark hydroalcoholic extract of cocoa (T. Cacao) on liver function of Wistar albino rats induced with anaemia

The study investigated the effect of stem bark hydroalcoholic extract of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) on liver function of phenlyhydrazine (PHZ)-induced forty anaemic (treated) and normal albino rats divided into 8 groups of five rats each in the study. The activities of marker enzymes such as aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were assayed. In addition serum total protein, total bilirubin, albumin were determined. There was a significantly (p<0.05) decrease in AST of anaemic not treated rats compared to normal control rats with the exception of serum total protein, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, albumin, ALT and ALP where no significant (p>0.005) change was recorded. In the group (anaemic rats) treated with bark extract of Theobroma cacao at the doses of 100, 200, and 500mg/kg, AST was significantly (p<0.05) reduced while there was significant (p>0.05) increase in serum total protein, total bilirubin, albumin, ALT and ALP. In the group (non anaemic rats) treated with graded doses of the extract 200mg, 500mg and 1000mg, there was a significant (p<0.05) of total bilirubin diect bilirubin, and AST while no significant (p>0.05) change was recorded. The study illustrate that the bark extract of Theobroma cacao possess antioxidant and membrane permeability properties. Dose of Theobroma cacao at 500mg does not have antianaemic potentials

A Genetic Circuit Design for Targeted Viral RNA Degradation:Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering

Advances in synthetic biology have led to the design of biological parts that can be assembled in different ways to perform specific functions. For example, genetic circuits can be designed to execute specific therapeutic functions, including gene therapy or targeted detection and the destruction of invading viruses. Viral infections are difficult to manage through drug treatment. Due to their high mutation rates and their ability to hijack the host’s ribosomes to make viral proteins, very few therapeutic options are available. One approach to addressing this problem is to disrupt the process of converting viral RNA into proteins, thereby disrupting the mechanism for assembling new viral particles that could infect other cells. This can be done by ensuring precise control over the abundance of viral RNA (vRNA) inside host cells by designing biological circuits to target vRNA for degradation. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have become important biological devices in regulating RNA processing. Incorporating naturally upregulated RBPs into a gene circuit could be advantageous because such a circuit could mimic the natural pathway for RNA degradation. This review highlights the process of viral RNA degradation and different approaches to designing genetic circuits. We also provide a customizable template for designing genetic circuits that utilize RBPs as transcription activators for viral RNA degradation, with the overall goal of taking advantage of the natural functions of RBPs in host cells to activate targeted viral RNA degradation

Production Of Cellulosic Enzymes By Aspergillus Niger And Hydrolysis Of Cellulosic Materials

Microorganisms such as fungi can fragment carbon compounds by hydrolytic enzymes. The filamentous fungus, Aspergillus niger is now mostly considered because of its ubiquitous nature, non-fastidious nutritional requirements and it is classified generally as safe. This study was aimed at the production of cellulosic enzymes by A. niger and hydrolytic degradation of cellulosic materials by these enzymes. Standard methods were employed in soil samples collection, isolation of A. niger from the soils and their screening for enzyme production. Results showed that the A. niger isolates exhibited considerable activities of degrading and hydrolyzing cellulose in the agar media. The highest FPase, cellulase and xylanase activities were obtained from white saw dust with concentrations of 0.4059 U/ml, 0.7695U/ml and 1.3488 U/ml respectively. Also, results showed high enzyme activity at pH 6 (0.52U/ml) and temperature of 30ºC (0.72U/ml). Acid hydrolysis of the cellulosic substrates resulted to the release of 6.5% total sugar from white sawdust. The findings of this study revealed that the enzymes produced by A. niger hydrolyzed cellulosic materials but acid is more efficient than the enzymes in the hydrolysis and release of total sugar from cellulosic materials. This study recommends that cellulolytic enzymes used in the industries should be produced locally using filamentous fungus such as Aspergillus niger and cellulosic materials as carbon source