Assessment of the Financial Information Disclosures of Pension Fund Administrators in Nigeria

The study investigates extent of compliance of Pension Fund Administrators in Nigeria with PENCOM financial information disclosures guidelines with a view to ensuring that there is transparency and accountability in the management of the contributory pension schemes. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were sourced from four hundred (400) respondents that are retirees under the contributory pension scheme through administration of questionnaire while secondary data were gathered from the annual reports of eleven (11) Pension Fund Administrators that were purposively selected based on size of fund under management and number of contributions. Primary data were analysed using descriptive statistics while secondary data were analysed using disclosure index to measure the extent of compliance. The study found that 9 out of the 11 sampled Pension Fund Administrators did not achieve 100% compliance on disclosure of financial information in their annual reports in accordance with PENCOM guidelines. Also, the channels of communication of accounting information to members of contributory pension plans in Nigeria on the performance of the fund under management of the PFAs are not meeting members' information needs. Furthermore, result showed that contributors displayed lack of knowledge of contributory pension schemes investment activities and risks. It was recommended that PENCOM should ensure compliance with the PENCOM financial reporting guidelines by the Pension Fund Administrators to enhance prudency and transparency in the management of contributory pension fund in Nigeria. Although annual reports are used by several users, yet contributors to contributory pension schemes as principals of the PFAs in agency relationship should be given more considerations in the choice of channels of communicating financial information to meet their information need and expectations

Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes of Married Male towards Family Planning Uptake by Wives: Implications for Behavioural Counselling

The study analyzed the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of married male towards family planning uptake by wives in Ibadan North East Local Government area of Oyo State. Three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the research. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design of the ex-post facto type. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 respondents. A self-developed questionnaire with four sub-sections was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The results showed convergent relationships between married male family planning uptake and awareness level (r = .237; p <.05); knowledge (r = .210; p <.05); and attitude (r = .315; p <.05). Also, positive relationship was found between awareness: and knowledge (r = .201; p <.05); attitude (r = .581; p <.05); as well as knowledge and attitude (r = .286; p <.05). 25.3% of the variance of wife’s family planning uptake was accounted for by the spouse awareness, knowledge and attitude to family planning. It was further revealed that age and socio-economic factors of married males are very much important to the usage, adoption, and support for male spouse involvement in family planning procedures of their wives. It is therefore concluded that any failure of male spouse to support the family planning procedures of their wives is a matter of choice and mere attitude/negative misconception and/or perceptions towards family planning. Keywords: Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes, male spouses, support, family planning (FP) uptak

A statistical approach to understanding the role of reaction conditions in biodiesel production

Understanding the reaction processes for transesterification of oils to biofuel is essential for bio refineries, but inconsistent results in the literature make understanding of this processes difficult. To solve this problem, statistical tools were used to interpret the results obtained from varying reaction conditions such as reaction temperature, time and methanol to oil ratio. It was observed that there is variation regime where changing the methanol to oil ratio has no effect on the biodiesel yield. The yield decreases significantly after reaching the maximum at 4:1. The optimum reaction temperature and time were 60 ℃ and 2 h, respectively. The biodiesel produced is within the acceptable range approved by ASTM

The Influence of Non-Engineered Municipal Landfills on Groundwater Chemistry and Quality in Bloemfontein, South Africa

ArticleThis study assessed the groundwater quality around two municipal solid waste landfill sites, in the city of Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa. The two landfill sites are located in two contrasting geological terrains, with both lacking some basic facilities found in a welldesigned landfill. A total of eight groundwater samples were collected from pollution monitoring boreholes near the two landfill sites, with five samples representing the northern landfill site and three samples representing the southern landfill site. The samples were collected in the autumn and winter seasons to assess any possible seasonal variations. They were analysed for physicochemical (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolve solids (TDS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC)) and microbiological parameters (Escherichia coli, total coliform). The results of the analysis showed that the waters from both landfills were generally dominated by Ca, Mg, SO4, and HCO3 ions. Some of the major anions and cations in the water samples were above the South African National Standard (SANS241:2015) and World Health Organisation (WHO) permissible limits for drinking water. Majority of the boreholes had total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity values exceeding the SANS 241:2015 and WHO permissible limits. Piper trilinear plots for the two landfill sites showed that Ca(Mg)HCO3 water type predominates, but Ca(Mg)SO4 and Ca(Mg)Cl were also found. These water types were further confirmed with expanded Durov diagrams, indicating that that the boreholes represented a water type that is seldom found which is undergoing ion exchange, typical of sulphate contamination. From the SAR diagrams, boreholes in the northern landfill site had a high salinity hazard with only one borehole in the southern landfill site having a high salinity hazard. The geology was found to play a significant role in the distribution of contaminants into the groundwater systems in the study area. The study concluded that the northern landfill site had a poorer water quality in comparison to the southern landfill site based on the analysed physicochemical parameters. However, the southern landfill site showed significant microbial contamination, due to the elevated amount of E. coli and total coliform concentrations. The high permeability of the weathered dolerites in the northern landfill site might have enabled the percolation of contaminants into the groundwater resulting in the poorer water quality

The ‘evil arrow’ myths and misconceptions of cancer at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Myths and misconceptions have significant impact on the presentation and management of cancers globally. One such example includes ‘evil arrow’ myths. There is limited knowledge regarding the role of misconceptions in late presentation for management in developing countries. The percentage increase in cancers in many African countries is higher than that in developed countries. Evil arrow is the seeming attack of the enemy in a supernatural version as a result of wizardry. Aim: To evaluate the relationship of common myths and misconceptions among cancer patients, their treatment and delay of presentation to the hospital. Setting: The study was undertaken in a tertiary health facility in a cosmopolitan tropical state. Method: This is a randomised observational survey study carried out among patients and their relatives referred to the Radiotherapy Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital for treatment (a lower-income mixed metropolitan setting). A self-administered questionnaire was used. Patient consent was obtained. Data were analysed with Epi Info 2002 software and the results were presented using frequency tables and charts. Results: About 57 were patients (67%) and 28 were patients’ relatives (33%). The age distribution of participants showed 31–40 years (31.8%; 27) as the highest number, while 11–20 years (1.2%; 1) was the lowest number. A slight female preponderance of 58.8% (50) was observed. High incidence of those with the opinion that cause of cancer is unknown represented 63% (54). Over 65% of patients presented with advanced disease. The reasons for late presentation to the hospital included lack of funds in 23.5% of patients (20). Conclusion: Lack of funds, myths and misconception are main reasons why patients presented late to hospital. There is a need to emphasise debunking innumerable myths and misconceptions associated with cancer

Impact of Leachate from Northern Landfill Site in Bloemfontein on Water and Soil Quality: Implications for Water and Food Security

Published ArticleSolid waste management in developing cities is a threat to water and food security. The final disposal option for solid wastes is usually landfill sites. Possible contaminants and their impact on surface and groundwater, and soil quality, at the northern solid waste landfill in Bloemfontein city, South Africa, was investigated. Soil samples were analysed for basic cations and heavy metals. A one-point surface leachate, groundwater, and surface water samples were analysed for physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Hydrochemical speciation models were developed using these parameters to determine the influence of the leachate emanating from the landfill on the quality of the water samples. Findings from the study showed that the low metal content in the soil and water samples posed no immediate threat to food and water security. However, most of the other parameters were above the permissible limit of South African National Standard 241 (SANS241) and World Health Organisation (WHO) for drinking water, and the Department of Water A airsand Forestry (DWAF) specification for irrigation, an indication that the groundwater was unfit for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes. Metal concentrations in the soil also increased with distance downslope of the landfill along drainage lines. The implementation of a circular economy in Bloemfontein will translate to less pollution and enhance sustainable development

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT AND CHILD-FRIENDLY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Technology has been regarded as a potent tool globally with impacts in every sector of society, including the educational sectors. It, however, has many challenges, especially in developing nations. This paper seeks to examine the challenges and impacts of technological advancement in education in Nigeria. It draws critically from empirical literature to examine the role of technology and the education system, especially in the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that many African countries, including Nigeria, have not utilized technology effectively in the education sector. Lack of internet accessibility and availability is a major bane in the educational sector, depriving many children of access to quality education. It is recommended that the government at all levels rise to the occasion by investing in ICT, thereby making it accessible to everyone at an affordable rate

MIMO channels: optimizing throughput and reducing outage by increasing multiplexing gain

The two main aims of deploying multiple input multiple out (MIMO) are to achieve spatial diversity (improves channel reliability) and spatial multiplexing (increase data throughput). Achieving both in a given system is impossible for now, and a trade-off has to be reached as they may be conflicting objectives. The basic concept of multiplexing: divide (multiplex) transmit a data stream several branches and transmit via several (independent) channels. In this paper, we focused mainly on achieving spatial multiplexing by modeling the channel using the diagonal Bell Labs space-time scheme (D-BLAST) and the vertical Bell Labs space time architecture (V-BLAST) Matlab simulations results were also given to further compare the advantages of spatial multiplexing

Perception and coping mechanisms of patients with diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) ushered in a period of fear and uncertainty, resulting in structural instability across the globe. Vulnerable individuals, such as patients with diabetes mellitus, are predispose to have adverse effects and complications of COVID-19 when infected. We explored the perception of diabetes mellitus patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and their coping mechanisms at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methods: We employed an exploratory qualitative study design to explore diabetes mellitus patients’ perceptions and coping mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 32 participants (2 health professionals and 30 diabetes mellitus patients). In-depth interviews were used to collect the data from the participants. All the recorded audio data were transcribed verbatim and exported to NVivo software for thematic data analyses. Results: Most diabetes mellitus patients were not fearful of the pandemic but were optimistic that it would not affect their health. Mechanisms such as the usage of herbal medicines and adherence to COVID-19 precautionary measures were noticed among patients. The study also revealed that the hospital’s coping mechanism during the COVID-19 pandemic include prolonged appointments, limiting the number of patients attended per clinic day, and the provision of telehealth service. Patients in our study utilised negative coping mechanisms such as reduced drug dosages, subscriptions to cheaper drug brands, and reliance on religious institutions rather than a clinic for health instructions. Conclusions: The study has shown that diabetes mellitus patients were not fearful of the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilisation of telehealth, encouragement of daily monitoring of sugar levels, provision of avenues for a medication review, and adherence to the safety protocols were coping mechanisms employed by the health system and diabetes mellitus patients. We recommend that the government and other healthcare stakeholders reinforce the resilience of diabetes mellitus patients by alleviating their health burdens during the pandemic. This could be done by subsidizing the prices of drugs, tests, and consultation fees for patients with diabetes mellitus. Also, more efforts should be made to elevate the health system through the reduction in waiting and appointment times in the diabetes clinic and employing more health personnel in the clinic

Determinants of outcome in newborns with respiratory distress in Osogbo, Nigeria

Background: Respiratory distress is one of the commonest presentations necessitating hospital admission in newborn unit. Regardless of the cause, if not recognized and managed quickly, respiratory distress can escalate to apnoea, respiratory failure, cardiopulmonary arrest and death.Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study of newborns with respiratory distress admitted into the SCBU of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Respiratory distress was diagnosed by grunting, inspiratory stridor, nasal flaring and tachypnea (more than 60 breaths per minute), retractions in the intercostal, subcostal, or supracostal spaces and cyanosis. At admission, every neonate had a complete physical examination.Results: Of 625 babies admitted, 384 (61.4%) were males while 241 (38.6%) were females and 164 (26.2%) had respiratory distress. Respiratory distress was commoner among the preterms than term newborns. c2 = 44.7, p = 0.001. Leading causes of respiratory distress among the preterms were hyaline membrane disease, septicaemia, while among the term babies were perinatal asphyxia, transient tachypnoea of newborn and meconium aspiration. Sixty (36.6%) of the 164 babies with respiratory distress died. While 40.2% of the preterms died mainly from causes like hyaline membrane disease and septicaemia, 31.3% of term babies died from causes like perinatal asphyxia and meconium aspiration. Mortality from hyaline membrane disease was 46.9%, while perinatal asphyxia and meconium aspiration accounted for 38.9% and 40.0% respectively.Conclusions: Respiratory distress is therefore, a very common neonatal problem and it causes death of more than third of those affected. Emphasis should be geared towards reduction of preterm delivery, control of asphyxia and neonatal sepsis in order to reduce neonatal mortality in our environment