Three-dimensional security framework for BYOD enabled banking institutions in Nigeria.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Bring your own device (BYOD) has become a trend in the present day, giving employees the freedom to bring personal mobile devices to access corporate networks. In Nigeria, most banking institutions are increasingly allowing their employees the flexibility to utilize mobile devices for work-related activities. However, as they do so, the risk of corporate data being exposed to threats increases. Hence, the study considered developing a security framework for mitigating BYOD security challenges. The study was guided by organizational, socio-technical and mobility theories in developing a conceptual framework. The study was conducted in two phases, the threat identification and the framework evaluation, using a mixed-methods approach. The main research strategies used for the threat identification were a questionnaire and interviews while closed and open-ended questions were used for the framework evaluation. A sample consisted of 380 banking employees from four banks were involved in the study. In addition, the study conducted in-depth interviews with twelve management officials from the participating banks. As for the framework evaluation, the study sampled twelve respondents to assess the developed security framework for viability as far as mitigating security threats emanating from BYOD in the banking sector is concerned. The sample consisted of eight executive managers of the bank and four academic experts in information security. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 21 while qualitative data was thematically analysed. Findings from the threat identification revealed that banking institutions must develop security systems that not only identify threats associated with technical, social and mobility domains but also provide adequate mitigation of the threats. For the framework evaluation, the findings revealed that the security framework is appropriate in mitigating BYOD security threats. Based on the findings of the study, the developed security framework will help banks in Nigeria to mitigate against BYOD security threats. Furthermore, this security framework will contribute towards the generation of new knowledge in the field of information security as far as BYODs are concerned. The study recommends ongoing training for banks’ employees as it relates to mitigation of security threats posed by mobile devices

The Role Of Social Media On Selected Businesses In Nigeria In The Era Of Covid-19 Pandemic

As several countries were experiencing unprecedented economic slowdowns due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, small business enterprises started adapting to digital technologies for business transactions. However, in Africa, particularly Nigeria, COVID-19 pandemic resulted to some financial crisis that impacted negatively on the sustainability of small and medium-sized (SMEs) businesses. Thus, this study examined the role of social media on selected SMEs in Nigeria in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to several lock downs in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus. Cross-sectional survey research design was used alongside convenience population sampling techniques. The population was categorised based on selected SMEs businesses, while a quantitative research approach was adopted, and primary data were collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered to owners and operators of SMEs in Ikotun and Ikeja areas of Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 190 questionnaires were distributed, where 183 usable responses were analysed. The findings of the study show that SMEs were aware of the usefulness of social media to their businesses as they largely leveraged it in conducting their businesses during the national lockdowns. The study recommended that labour/trade unions should sensitise and encourage business owners on the benefits of continuous use of social media in carrying out their business transactions.Comment: 16 pages, 13 Table

Understanding the Impact of the Dark Web on Society: A Systematic Literature Review

The dark web is considered an expansion of the deep web, intentionally hidden from the surface web. It can only be accessed with a particular group of browsers that allow the user to stay anonymous while navigating the dark web. With the untraceable hidden layer of the Internet and the anonymity of the users associated with the dark web, several impressive cybercrimes have been reported. This paper aims to examine the impact of the dark web on society. The article systematically reviews relevant academic literature and books to understand how the dark web works and its societal effects. The study has found that the dark web is an enabler of several cybercrimes. Moreover, while governments and regulatory authorities have introduced strategic detection techniques on the dark web, cybercriminals are adaptive towards the strategies and, given time, will usually find ways to bypass such detection techniques. It is recommended that the regulatory authorities and cyber threat intelligence periodically review the detection techniques for effective monitoring. Furthermore, security agencies or forensic analysts should ensure that they are updated with the latest scientific knowledge on the safe management of the dark web by undertaking more training in cyber security. There is also a need for further research to focus on awareness campaigns about the dangers of the dark web

The histochemical and biochemical effects of coconutmilk in Wistar rats with ethanol-induced gastric ulcer

This study aimed at investigating the histochemical and biochemical effects of coconut milk in Wistar rats’ model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer with a view to evaluating the antiulcerogenic potential of coconut milk in the management of gastric ulcer. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing between 150-180g were recruited for the study and divided into six groups of 5 rats each. All the groups were fasted for 24-hours after which group-1 received single oral administration of normal saline at 5ml/kg, while groups 2-6 received equivalent amount of ethanol. Twenty-four hours later, Groups-3, 4, 5 received oral graded doses of coconut milk at 30, 50, 70 mg/kg respectively while group 6 received omeprazole administration at 10 mg/kg every 12-hours for a period of 21 days. The ulcer index as well as Prostalglandin-E2 and Nitric Oxide concentrations was significantly (p < 0.05) lowered following treatment with omeprazole and coconut milk, when compared with the ethanol group. Coconut milk administration also attenuated the ethanol-induced histochemical distortions of the gastric pylorus. This study concluded that  coconut milk administration ameliorated ethanol-induced gastric ulcer and serves as a potential choice in the treatment of the condition.Keywords: Gastric ulcer, Ethanol, Coconut Milk, Omeprazole, Histochemical, Biochemica

Teratogenic effect of isotretinoin on the morphology and palate development in rat fetuses

The effect of isotretinoin currently used in dermatological treatments was investigated on the morphology and palate development during organogenesis in rat fetuses. This was in an attempt to evaluate the morphological implications associated with isotretinoin consumption. The animals were randomly divided into groups: A, B and C. Group A was further divided into subgroups: A1 and A2 and administered orally with 35 and 70 mg of isotretinoin (dissolved in vegetable oil) per kg of average body weight on day 11 of gestation. The same subdivision and administration goes for groups B and C, but on days 12 and 13, respectively. The control group received an equivalent volume of vegetable oil for each group on gestational days: 11, 12 and 13. After delivery, the fetuses were weighed and studied morphometrically and microscopically. The results revealed that group A had most of the primary palate affected (78.61and 88.89% for subgroups 1 and 2, respectively); group B had most of the secondary palate affected (50.00 and 71.43% for subgroups 1 and 2, respectively) while majority of the fetuses in group C only showed mild malformation both in the primary and secondary palate (28.57 and 35.72% for sub groups 1 and 2, respectively). The data from morphometric parameters showed that the effect of isotretinoin on the fetuses is dose dependent. Isotretinoin should therefore be taking with caution especially by pregnant women during the first and second trimester of pregnancy

Supracondylar and infratubercular processes observed in the humeri of Nigerians

We present the first recorded supracondylar and infratubercular processes of humerus among Nigerians of the West African nation. Morphometrical analyses of 40 humeri (20 left and 20 rights) were conducted. One of the humeri possesses the supracondylar spine which measures 1.6 cm and stands at 100o on the anteromedial surface 5.5 cm above the medial epicondyle and exactly midway between the medial epicondyle and nutrient foramen. We also report the first infratubercular process ever

Microstructural Observations on Nissl Substances in the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Wistar Rats following Quinine Administration

Purpose: This study assessed some microstructural effects of quinine, commonly used in malaria chemotherapy, especially in chloroquine-resistant and cerebral malaria, on the Nissl substance in the cerebellar cortex of adult Wistar rats using microanatomical studies.Methods: Twenty seven adult male Wistar rats, weighing between 150g and 190g, were randomly separated into groups A, B and C (n=9). The rats in group A served as the control and received intramuscular injection of physiological saline. Group B rats were injected intramuscularly with liquid quinine, 16mg/kg body weight as a start dose, followed by 8mg/kgbody weight 8 hourly for seven days. Group C rats received the same treatment as group B but were subjected to a withdrawal period of one week. Groups A and B rats were sacrificed at the end of the treatment while group C rats were sacrificed at the end of one week. The cerebellum of each rat was removed and fixed in 10% formol saline for histological analysis. Results: The findings showed that the Nissl substances in the cerebellar cortex in control rats stained more intensely and distinctly compared with the less intense stain and degenerated Nissl substances in the treated rats. Conclusion: The observed degenerative changes in the Nissl substances in the cerebellar cortex of the treated rats may affect the synthesis of proteins in correlation with neuronal functions

Evaluation of the effect of ethanolic extract of Croton zambesicus on the testes of Swiss albino mice

The possible effect of Croton zambesicus administration on vital organs has been less investigated despite its extensive traditional use in tropical Africa. We therefore aim at elucidating the effect of ethanolic extract on the testes. The aqueous fraction of ethanolic leaf extract of C. zambesicus (5 and 10 mg/Kg body weight) was administered to verify its effect on sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm progessivity, malondialdehyde and catalase activities for a period of five consecutive days. The result showed that there is a significant increase in sperm production, sperm motility and sperm progressivity in the treated group when compared with the control; while there was a reduction in malondialdehyde and catalase activity in all the treated groups. The slight increase in the weight of the measured parameters also indicated the positive effect of the extract in the normal metabolic activities in the treated groups. This investigation has shown that the leaf extract possesses promising profertility property which can be exploited in fertility therapy.Key words: Testes, Croton zambesicus, sperm production, sperm motility, sperm progressivity, malondialdehyd

Password-Based Authentication and The Experiences of End Users

Passwords are used majorly for end-user authentication in information and communication technology (ICT) systems due to its perceived ease of use. The use for end-user authentication extends through mobile, computers and network-based products and services. But with the attendant issues relating to password hacks, leakages, and theft largely due to weak, reuse and poor password habits of end-users, the call for passwordless authentication as alternative intensifies. All the same, there are missing knowledge of whether these password-based experiences are associated with societal economic status, educational qualification of citizens, their age and gender, technological advancements, and depth of penetration. In line with the above, understanding the experience of end-users in developing economy to ascertain their password-based experience has become of interest to the researchers. This paper aims at measuring the experience of staff and students in University communities within southeastern Nigeria on password-based authentication systems. These communities have population whose age brackets are majorly within the ages of 16 and 60 years; have people with requisite educational qualifications ranging from Diploma to Doctorate degrees and constitutes good number of ICT tools consumers. The survey had 291 respondents, and collected data about age, educational qualifications, and gender from these respondents. It also collected information about their password experience in social media network, online shopping, electronic health care services, and internet banking. Our analysis using SPSS and report by means of descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, and Chi-Square tests showed that account compromise in the geographical area is not common with the respondents reporting good experience with passwords usage.Comment: 31 pages, 15 tables, 2 figure

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS AFTER TREATMENT WITH ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF Croton Zambesicus (Müll. Arg.)

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of C. zambesicus on total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: Seventy adult male wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n=10). Group A, control rats; Group B, untreated diabetic rats; Group C, diabetic rats in which C. zambesicus therapy started 2 weeks prior to induction of diabetes; Group D, diabetic rats administered orally with C. zambesicus leafextract for 2 weeks after the initial four weeks of diabetic induction; Group E, diabetic rats administered orally with C. zambesicus leaf extract for 4 weeks after the initial four weeks of diabetic induction; Group F, normal rats administered orally with C. zambesicus leaf extract for four weeks; Group G, diabetic rats administered with glimepiride (2 mg/kg/day) for four weeks after the initial four weeks of diabetic induction. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were weighed and sacrificed. Serum was obtained for TP, ALB, LDH and G6PDH analysis using respective diagnostic kits. Results: The results showed an improvement in protein metaboloites (TP, ALB, GLO) whiles the LDH and G6PDH in the extract and glimepiride treated groups were restored near normal level when compared with normal control (group A). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that C. zambesicus leaf extract exerts positive effects on serum levels of TP, ALB, GLO, LDH and G6PDH in diabetic rats. Thus, ethanolic leaf extract of Croton zambesicus can be adopted in the management of diabetes mellitus