A Psycho-Geographic Analysis of Eateries in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Against the background of incessant proliferation of eateries in our urban centres, the study analyses the psycho-geography of eateries in Ogbomoso North Local Government, Nigeria. The study appraises the physical attributes (including the presence and state of facilities), users perception and imageability of the eateries. An empirical measurement was done by administering a questionnaire to 320 respondents across selected eateries from parks nodes, CBD, Institutions and other activity centres. Multi-stage purposive sampling procedure was used. Major activity centres were selected. A centre for each activity centre was determined on the map of the area. All eateries within 200m radius from the centre were sampled. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Factor analysis was used to re-summarize the variables describing the physical attributes of eateries on the one hand and the user’s perception on the other. Canonical model was used to explain the causal factors of imageability of the eateries. The study observed a high relationship between the physical attribute of the eateries and both the performance of the eateries and the imageability of the immediate environment. The study thus recommends the imperatives for a careful consideration to planning for such uses like eateries in the broader land use planning

Relationship Between Acculturation and Elevated BMI Among Foreign-Born US Residents - NHANES 2015-2016

INTRODUCTION: Health risks and economic burden associated with obesity calls for prevention, reduction, and urgent need to bridge the racial and ethnic disparities in its prevalence. More so net international migration is projected to be the highest driver of population growth in the US by 2030. Hence, an exploratory study to understand the burden of obesity across racial/ethnic groups and various sociodemographic subgroups is imperative. AIM: To describe the relationship between acculturation and elevated BMI among Foreign-born US residents. METHODS: Using survey data from the 2015 - 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this thesis examined the relationship between acculturation using Length of stay as a proxy and elevated body mass index [BMI]) among racial-ethnic groups, Hispanics (n=946), non- Hispanic black (n=145), non-Hispanic whites (n=81), non-Hispanic Asians (n=587), and Multiracial/others (n=29). Descriptive statistics were conducted for all participant characteristics including age, gender, race, marital status, education, and family to income ratio (PIR). Bivariate analyses were conducted using Chi-Square Test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon Rank sum test for continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to explore the association of the primary independent variable on elevated BMI outcome. The logistic regression results are reported as odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The is a no significant risk for elevated BMI with length of stay after adjusting for other age, gender, race, education and poverty (adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.857, 1.654). This finding is at variance with existing literature that shows there is an association between obesity and duration of stay. Gender is a significant factor in the relationship between acculturation and BMI and differs by race/ethnicity. Conclusions: There is a need for future research to explore the relationship between gender and acculturation among immigrants of different racial-ethnic groups

The pattern and challenges of infertility management in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Infertility remains a threat to successful reproduction by couples desirous of pregnancy.Objective: To determine the pattern of infertility cases amongst infertile couples seeking care in Lagos University Teaching Hospital as well as challenges in their management.Methods: A review of the management of couples referred for infertility to the gynaecological outpatient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Nigeria from 1st January 2005 to 31st December 2006.Results: The incidence of infertility was found to be 26.8% of the gynaecological consultations with a mean duration of infertility of 4.3 ± 3.4 years. The mean age of the women was 33.8 ± 5.2 years and 66.1% were nulliparous. Secondary infertility accounted for 80% of cases. Male factors only was the cause in 11.1%, female factor only in 37.8%, both male and female factors in 40% while no cause was identifiable in 11.1%. There was no association between tubal occlusion and a history of induced abortion in this study (p >0.05). There was a high rate of discontinuation of care by their large numbers lost to follow up.Conclusion: Infertility is still a public health problem in Lagos, Nigeria.Keywords: Infertility pattern: causes, incidence, outcome and challenges in careAfrican Health Sciences 2013; 13(4): 1126 - 112

A survey of the knowledge of chronic diseases of lifestyle among members of a university community in South Africa

Background: The increase in the prevalence of chronic disease among people of different colours, religion, age group and economic status has been documented. Having adequate knowledge of chronic disease is a major impetus towards behavioural changes that lead to prevention and management of chronic diseases.Methods: This was a cross-sectional online survey that examined the knowledge of a University community on the risk factors and signs and symptoms of chronic diseases of lifestyle. Chronic disease of lifestyle assessment questionnaire was administered, online, on the Community. A list-based sampling frame survey was conducted via the emails.Results: A total of 124 (50.2%) respondents were females and 132 (53.7%) of our respondents were within 21–30 years of age. About 13.1% of our respondents were single while 41.6% completed tertiary education. Also, 26.9% were employed and vast majority of them were from black (92.2%) racial affiliation. The majority of them knew that smoking (92.2%), obesity (87.3%), alcohol consumption (84.1%) and stress (88.2%) are the causes of chronic diseases of lifestyle. More than half (52.66%) of the participants had adequate knowledge of the chronic diseases of lifestyle while 21.63% had poor knowledge of chronic diseases of lifestyle.Conclusion: The majority of the participants had good knowledge about the risk factors of chronic diseases of lifestyle but their overall knowledge was poor.Keywords: stroke, hypertension, diabetes, knowledge, chronic diseases of lifestyl

Riskscapes and Sexscapes: the Socio-Spatial Dialectics of Brothels in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

The state of anomie in cities has induced several sociological problems that are place and space specific. Against this background, the study assesses the socio-environmental effects of brothels in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The study identifies the social and environmental characteristics of brothels, evaluate the behavioral attitudes of residents in the selected neighborhoods including morals, culture, norms, values, etc, and assess relationships between existence of brothels and the moral/ behavioral attitudes of residents in their neighborhood. Both the primary and secondary data were used. A structured questionnaire was administered to 67 respondents, pro-rata at the ratio of 17:17:33, in the three zones at each of the seven brothel areas. The study thus used a multi-stage sampling procedure. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Chi-square and ANOVA were used to explain the difference in the characteristics of resident between and among the zones on the one hand and among the brothel areas on the other. Linear regression analysis was used to explain the relationship between environmental characteristics and social behavior of the residents. The study observed that there is a reliable relationship (R = .973) between the location of brothels and socially unacceptable behavior among residents. This observation do not differ significantly among the brothel areas but among the zones; indicating the distances from brothels. The study thus recommends an aggressive planning that incorporates sociological considerations in the ordering of the use of land. Keywords: Riskscapes, Sexscapes, Brothels, Environmental Characteristics, Social Behavio

Antiprotease and membrane stabilizing activities of extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides, Olax subscorpioides and Tetrapleura tetraptera

The saline and alkaline extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides, Olax subscorpioides and Tetrapleura tetraptera were investigated for antiprotease and membrane stabilizing activities by spectroscopic procedures. Saline extracts of these plants stabilized human red blood cell membrane subjected to hypotonic- and heat-induced lyses. The results revealed that the degree of membrane stabilization was 84% for F. zanthoxyloides while T. tetraptera and O. subscorpioides exhibited 70% and63.2%, respectively. Also, sodium hydroxide extracts of the three plants exhibited antiprotease activity. A 1:5 dilution of F. zanthoxyloides gave 80% inhibition while undiluted extracts of O. subscorpioides and T. tetraptera showed 96% and 73% inhibitions, respectively

Working Capital Management and Firm Profitability: Evidence from Nigerian Quoted Companies

This study examines the relationship between working capital management and firms’ profitability of twenty-five Nigerian quoted companies for the seven-year period 2005-2011. Data used in the study were sourced from audited financial statements of the companies. Multiple Regression analysis was used to analyze the data and results showed a negative relationship between working capital management (Cash Conversion Cycle) and firm profitability (ROA). This finding is consistent with prior empirical studies and provides evidence in support of aggressive policy of working capital management. Keywords: Working Capital Management, Cash Conversion Cycle, ROA, Nigeria

PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF FINISHING BROILERS FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH COMBINATION OF PROBIOTICS (B. cereus) AND PREBIOTICS (MANNOSE [MOS])

The experiment aimed to investigate effect of combination of probiotics and prebiotics on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers at finishing phase. A total number of 300 day-old Anak broiler chicks were used to determine the response of broiler chicks to diets supplemented with probiotics (Bacillus cereus) and prebiotics (Mannose). The chicks were randomly allotted to four treatment groups of 75 birds with 25 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. The four dietary treatments comprised 500ppm MOS; 250ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS; 500ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS and 750ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS, respectively. Results showed that feed conversion ratio decreased significantly (P< 0.05) from 1.21 for groups fed det supplemented with 250ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS to 1.05 for groups fed with 750ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS  as more prebiotics were added to the probiotics. Final live weight, eviscerated weight and dressing percentage were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by combination of probiotics and prebiotics in finishing broilers. Final live weight values ranged from 2453.30g in birds fed 250ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS  to 2488.30g in birds fed 750ppm B. cereus  + 500ppm MOS, while eviscerated weight ranged from 1063.30g at 500ppm MOS to 1396.70g  at 750ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS. The same trend was observed for dressing percentage, neck, whole gizzard and liver. It was concluded that combination of probitics and prebiotics at 750ppm B. cereus + 500ppm MOS had positive effect on growth performance and carcass qualities of broilers at finishing phase. &nbsp