Offshore Banking and the Financial Performance: A Study of Selected Nigerian Banks with Offshore Branches

Some Nigerian banks have found it worthwhile to extend their branch expansions to some offshore locations. However, this move also made the Central Bank of Nigeria to issue a circular in 2008 to all Banks to ensure the viability of the offshore branches while protecting the shareholders’ funds and interests. The study employed ex post facto research design, descriptive and empirical analysis methods. Analyses were based on published data on relevant performance index of the banks and operating indices of their offshore branches. Three banks were selected for the study from the seven banks that operated offshore branches. Data were extracted from the annual reports for 2009-2012 period. Empirical analysis was anchored on regression model. Profit before tax was treated as the performance index and, thus, entered the model as the explained variable while operating income, deposits, loans and advances, other assets and profit before tax of the offshore branches entered as the explanatory variables. The intercept of the model and the coefficients of the operating indices were estimated via the Least Squares (LS) techniques. The results revealed that banks recorded varying values in offshore operating indicators. Ghana proved to be a more lucrative location for banking business. Operating incomes and deposits did not significantly affect the profit before tax of the banks as evidenced by the p-values of the t-statistic of their coefficients (p-value = 0.1309 > 0.05 and p-value = 0.3311 > 0.05) respectively, and that loans and advances exerted negative but insignificant effect as shown by the p-value of 0.8594 which was less that the relevant level of 0.05. The aggregate effect of the operating indices was found to be significant. The operating indicators exhibited high strength (99%) in explaining variations in performance of the parent banks as evidenced by the very high R-Squared 0.99. Consequently, the study concluded that offshore banking possesses great potentials to determine and explain banks’ performance. Recommendations, amongst others, were that Nigerian Banks currently operating offshore branches should deepen their banking business for optimal performance. The Central Bank of Nigeria should enhance its supervisory capacity with additional monitoring strategies. Key Words: Offshore Branches, Operating Indices, Performance Index, Financial Performanc

SOIL MOISTURE AND SEASONAL EFFECTS ON THE MORPHOMETRY OF THE OVIDUCT, PENIS AND RETRACTOR MUSCLE OF THE GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS, ARCHACHATINA MARGINATA AND ACHATINA ACHATINA

This study evaluated the effect of soil moisture and season on the morphometry of part of the reproductive tract of the Giant African Land snails, in a 2 x 2 x 4 factorial experiment with two species (Archachatina marginata and achatina achatina), soil moisture at two levels (low – 25ml of water/ week and high – 100ml water/week) and season at four levels (cold dry, hot dry, hot wet and cold wet) constituting the three factors. Result showed that season had a highly significant effect (P<0.001) on the dimension of oviduct, penis and the retractor muscle of A. achatina and A. marginata. Significant species effect (P<0.001) was observed in the dimension of oviduct, penis and the retractor muscle of A. achatina and A. marginata. Soil moisture level significantly affected the oviduct weight, penis length and retractor muscle (P<0.01) as well as the retractor muscle weight of A. achatina and A. marginata.  There was significant interactions between season and species for oviduct dimension (P<0.001), penis length and retractor muscle weight (P<0.001), penis weight and retractor muscle width (P<0.01), penis width and retractor muscle length (P<0.05).  There was interaction between season and soil moisture for oviduct length, penis length and retractor muscle weight (P<0.01); the weight of the oviduct and retractor muscle.  The interactive effect of species and soil moisture significantly affect the penis length and weight (P<0.05) and the width of penis and retractor muscle, while no interactive effect of species and soil moisture (P>0.05) was observed on the oviduct dimensions. There was no significant interaction (P>0.05) between season, species and soil moisture. However, the effect of snail liveweight was highly significant (P<0.001) on the oviduct, penis and retractor muscle dimension.     It is concluded that snails reared on high soil moisture condition had higher dimensional values for oviduct, penis and retractor muscle while the seasonal variation also affected the dimension of the organs measured in this study.Â

Reduced level of arousal and increased mortality in adult acute medical admissions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Reduced level of arousal is commonly observed in medical admissions and may predict in-hospital mortality. Delirium and reduced level of arousal are closely related. We systematically reviewed and conducted a meta-analysis of studies in adult acute medical patients of the relationship between reduced level of arousal on admission and in-hospital mortality. Methods We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42016022048), searching MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included studies of adult patients admitted with acute medical illness with level of arousal assessed on admission and mortality rates reported. We performed meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results From 23,941 studies we included 21 with 14 included in the meta-analysis. Mean age range was 33.4 - 83.8 years. Studies considered unselected general medical admissions (8 studies, n=13,039) or specific medical conditions (13 studies, n=38,882). Methods of evaluating level of arousal varied. The prevalence of reduced level of arousal was 3.1%-76.9% (median 13.5%). Mortality rates were 1.7%-58% (median 15.9%). Reduced level of arousal was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (pooled OR 5.71; 95% CI 4.21-7.74; low quality evidence: high risk of bias, clinical heterogeneity and possible publication bias). Conclusions Reduced level of arousal on hospital admission may be a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality. Most evidence was of low quality. Reduced level of arousal is highly specific to delirium, better formal detection of hypoactive delirium and implementation of care pathways may improve outcomes. Future studies to assess the impact of interventions on in-hospital mortality should use validated assessments of both level of arousal and delirium

Worldwide trends in the burden of asthma symptoms in school-aged children: Global Asthma Network Phase I cross-sectional study

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children globally. The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I study aimed to determine if the worldwide burden of asthma symptoms is changing. Methods: This updated cross-sectional study used the same methods as the International study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase III. Asthma symptoms were assessed from centres that completed GAN Phase I and ISAAC Phase I (1993–95), ISAAC Phase III (2001–03), or both. We included individuals from two age groups (children aged 6–7 years and adolescents aged 13–14 years) who self-completed written questionnaires at school. We estimated the 10-year rate of change in prevalence of current wheeze, severe asthma symptoms, ever having asthma, exercise wheeze, and night cough (defined by core questions in the questionnaire) for each centre, and we estimated trends across world regions and income levels using mixed-effects linear regression models with region and country income level as confounders. Findings: Overall, 119 795 participants from 27 centres in 14 countries were included: 74 361 adolescents (response rate 90%) and 45 434 children (response rate 79%). About one in ten individuals of both age groups had wheeze in the preceding year, of whom almost half had severe symptoms. Most centres showed a change in prevalence of 2 SE or more between ISAAC Phase III to GAN Phase I. Over the 27-year period (1993–2020), adolescents showed a significant decrease in percentage point prevalence per decade in severe asthma symptoms (–0·37, 95% CI –0·69 to –0·04) and an increase in ever having asthma (1·25, 0·67 to 1·83) and night cough (4·25, 3·06 to 5·44), which was also found in children (3·21, 1·80 to 4·62). The prevalence of current wheeze decreased in low-income countries (–1·37, –2·47 to –0·27], in children and –1·67, –2·70 to –0·64, in adolescents) and increased in lower-middle-income countries (1·99, 0·33 to 3·66, in children and 1·69, 0·13 to 3·25, in adolescents), but it was stable in upper-middle-income and high-income countries. Interpretation: Trends in prevalence and severity of asthma symptoms over the past three decades varied by age group, country income, region, and centre. The high worldwide burden of severe asthma symptoms would be mitigated by enabling access to effective therapies for asthma. Funding: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Boehringer Ingelheim New Zealand, AstraZeneca Educational Grant, National Institute for Health Research, UK Medical Research Council, European Research Council, and Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Trends in eczema prevalence in children and adolescents: A Global Asthma Network Phase I Study

Background: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a major global public health issue with high prevalence and morbidity. Our goal was to evaluate eczema prevalence over time, using standardized methodology. Methods: The Global Asthma Network (GAN) Phase I study is an international collaborative study arising from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC). Using surveys, we assessed eczema prevalence, severity, and lifetime prevalence, in global centres participating in GAN Phase I (2015–2020) and one/ both of ISAAC Phase I (1993–1995) and Phase III (2001–2003). We fitted linear mixed models to estimate 10-yearly prevalence trends, by age group, income, and region. Results: We analysed GAN Phase I data from 27 centres in 14 countries involving 74,361 adolescents aged 13–14 and 47,907 children aged 6–7 (response rate 90%, 79%). A median of 6% of children and adolescents had symptoms of current eczema, with 1.1% and 0.6% in adolescents and children, respectively, reporting symptoms of severe eczema. Over 27 years, after adjusting for world region and income, we estimated small overall 10-year increases in current eczema prevalence (adolescents: 0.98%, 95% CI 0.04%–1.92%; children: 1.21%, 95% CI 0.18%–2.24%), and severe eczema (adolescents: 0.26%, 95% CI 0.06%–0.46%; children: 0.23%, 95% CI 0.02%–0.45%) with larger increases in lifetime prevalence (adolescents: 2.71%, 95% CI 1.10%–4.32%; children: 3.91%, 95% CI 2.07%–5.75%). There was substantial heterogeneity in 10-year change between centres (standard deviations 2.40%, 0.58%, and 3.04%), and strong evidence that some of this heterogeneity was explained by region and income level, with increases in some outcomes in high-income children and middle-income adolescents. Conclusions: There is substantial variation in changes in eczema prevalence over time by income and region. Understanding reasons for increases in some regions and decreases in others will help inform prevention strategies

Prevalence and Predictors of Tuberculosis Coinfection among HIV-Seropositive Patients Attending the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Northern Nigeria

Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been accompanied by a severe epidemic of tuberculosis (TB), although the prevalence of coinfection is largely unknown, especially in developing countries, including Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of TB coinfection among HIV-seropositive Nigerians. Methods: The case files of HIV/AIDS patients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from January to December 2006 were reviewed. Results: A total of 1320 HIV/AIDS patients had complete records and were reviewed, among which 138 (10.5%) were coinfected with TB (95% CI, 8.9% to 12.2%). Pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 103 (74.6%) patients, among whom only 18 (17.5%) were sputum-positive. Fifty (36.2%) coinfected patients had some type of extrapulmonary TB (EPTB); 15 had both pulmonary TB and EPTB. Among the 35 patients with EPTB only, 20 (57.1%) had abdominal TB, 5 (14.3%) had TB adenitis, 5 (14.3%) had spinal TB, 3 (8.6%) were being monitored for tuberculous meningitis, and 1 (2.9%) each had renal TB and tuberculous adrenalitis. The highest prevalence of TB, 13.7% (n = 28), was seen among patients aged 41–50 years. TB coinfection was significantly associated with marital status, WHO clinical stage, and CD4 count. Marital status (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.28–3.59; P = 0.04), WHO clinical stage at presentation (4.81; 1.42–8.34; P = 0.001), and baseline CD4 count (2.71; 1.51–6.21; P = 0.02) remained significant predictors after adjustment for confounding. Conclusions: The moderately high prevalence of TB among HIV-seropositive patients underscores the urgent need for strategies that lead to rapid identification and treatment of coinfection with active or latent TB

Reproductive indices and performance of captive reared grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck)

Two male and 8 female grasscutters were severally observed and paired to characterize certain indices of reproduction as important requirements for successful propagation of the animal in captivity. Observations on some of the reproductive indices are reported. Grasscutter possesses some specialized stages of courtship and coitus that were not readily available for observation Females openly showed no receptivity to all courtship moves by male. 71% of the mating exercises were however successful, resulting in 36 youngs from 9 litters, comprising 20 females and 16 males. Mean gestation length was 163.11 ± 1.58 days (Range 152-170 days). Litter size ranged from 2 to 7 (X = 4.00 ± 0.52, n= 9). Baby grasscutters were born with eyes opened, body fully haired and teeth well developed and capable of inflicting painful bites. Mean birth weight of litters was 117.70 ± 34.08g. Male birth weights were generally heavier (X = 118.10 ± 27.70g) than females (X = 100.90 ± 27.50g). Litter size and weight at birth were negatively correlated (r = - 0.42) and not significant (P>0.05). Breeding occurred in January, March, April, June, July, November and December. About 67% of the parturition occurred at night. Breeding success among other things affirmed the feasibility of commercial rearing of the grasscutter to supplement the prevailing inadequate animal protein supply in the country.Keywords: Grasscutter, rearing, captivity, reproduction performanc

Investigation on the road mortality of Anuran species on the Ikorodu-Epe/Ejirin-Ijebu Ode Roads in Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria

The effect of road kills of anuran species by vehicular traffic on the Ikorodu-Epe/Ejirin-Ijebu Ode road in Lagos and Ogun States was investigated. The mean traffic density on the road during the survey (between 18:30-20:30hr and 06:00 and 07:00hr) was 127±45 vehicles/hr, which ranged between 72 and 216 vehicles/hr. A total of 738 anuran road mortalities among eight species were recorded [661 (89.6%) were identifiable, while 77 (10.4%) were not]. Ptychadena pumilio had the highest mortality of 67±27.1 individuals, while Xenopus muelleri and Aubria subsigillata were the least susceptible to road kills. This respectively represented 2.66±1.5 and 2.66±3 individuals each. Most mortality (256 individuals) occurred on the section of the road bordered by grassland/tertiary vegetation. However there was no significant difference (at P> 0.05) between the anurans killed along the different vegetation structures bordering the road (F2,21 = 0.415). About 473 live anurans belonging to five species were observed of which P. pumilio, the highest constituted the greatest number (81±42.9), while the least Hoplobatrachus occipitalis 7.3±4.2 was recorded. Both species had greater live counts than road kills compared to other anuran species that had greater road kills than live counts recorded. The greatest number of live anurans was recorded at where grassland/tertiaryvegetation occurred. This constituted a total of 198 individuals (41.8%), while the least occurred at the secondary/primaryvegetation which had 95 individuals (20%). However, the difference was not significant (F2,12 = 0.600) at P> 0.05. It is evident that anuran migration is an integral part of their biological activity. However vehicular traffic sadly possesses a negative effect on this activity. Precautionary measures are necessary to reduce population decline and possible extinction of not only the anuran species but also other wildlife species, which is a positive direction in the conservation of biological diversity.  Keywords: Vehicular traffic, anuran, mortality, vegetation, road kill, conservation

Gastrointestinal helminths of resident wildlife at the Federal University of Agriculture Zoological Park, Abeokuta

A total of forty two resident animals representing eighteen wildlife species at the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB) Zoo Park were screened for nematode helminths between May and June 2013. Freshly voided faeces from the animals were subjected to basic coprology tests (Direct Microscopic Examination and Concentration Techniques). Trichuris specie. was the most prevalent nematode in primate species. Prevalence of 14.3% and 28.6% were recorded for Capillaria specie and Strongyles in the primates respectively. A prevalence of 100% infection with nematodes in screened fourteen (14) primates was recorded. Mona and Vervet monkeys have the highest points for parasite richness count of 2 out of 3 detected nematodes amongst the primates. Wild birds at the park recorded the lowest prevalence for any type of nematodes with 7 out of 8 species without any nematode detected. Ascaridae was only detected in carnivorous reptiles and birds. In terms of feeding category, carnivorous species namely the (Aquila spilogaster) and Royal python (P. regius) have the highest species richness count of parasites. Non-nematode helminths detected include protozoons (Isospora and Eimeria) and Cestodes segments suspected to be Echinococcus proglotids. Knowledge of the helminth parasites in wild animals is vital in formulating preventative veterinary protocols in captive exhibits. This is the first documented account of nematode helminths of resident wild animals at the FUNAAB Zoo Park, Abeokuta.Keywords: Helminth, Nematodes, Parasite richness count, Wild animals, Zo