What determines, using the new institutional economic approach, the development of the micro-insurance sector in less-developed countries, and what is its role for economic growth in such countries?

This thesis examines the development of the micro-insurance sector in less developed countries, using the theoretical approach of new institutional economics. The main research questions are whether it is the insufficient compatibility between formal and informal institutions that hinders the development of micro-insurance below what had been widely predicted by the academic community? And what has to be done institutionally to make this industry an active contributor to economic growth? To investigate these questions, three distinct empirical studies, of which one is based on field work data generated for the thesis specifically, were carried out using a Probit model, a system of Generalized Method of Movements model, and a Vector Error Correction model. The hypotheses tests suggest that (i) the relevant informal institutions have a significant influence on the decision of individuals to enrol into micro-insurance product in Nigeria; (ii) by controlling for institutional quality, a positive development of the institution of micro-insurance contributes to reducing the size of the informal economy in Nigeria and other less developed countries); and (iii) that micro-insurance has both short and long term positive impacts on the economic growth in Nigeria.:Table of contents Versicherungen 2 Table of contents 3 List of tables 8 List of figures 9 list of Appendices 11 List of Abbreviations 12 Acknowledgement 15 Abstract 17 Chapter 1 19 1. Overview of the study 19 1.1 Introduction 19 1.2 Aims and objectives 23 1.3 Structure of the Thesis 23 1.4 reference 26 Chapter 2 29 2. Theories and concepts of (micro) insurance 29 2.1 The poor and risk 29 2.2 The theoretical framework of insurance 36 2.3 The meaning of micro-insurance 40 2.4 The two faces of micro-insurance 42 2.5 Micro-insurance and traditional insurance 44 2.6 Demand and supply of micro-insurance 48 2.7 Micro-insurance supply chain 53 2.8 Reference 59 Chapter 3 65 3. New institutional economy 65 3.1 Introduction 65 3.2 Institution 65 3.3 Institution and organization 67 3.4 Neoclassical Approach 68 3.5 Institutional economic approach 70 3.6 New institutional economics 72 3.6.1 Property right 73 3.6.2 Transaction costs 76 3.6.3 Agency theory 78 3.7 New institutional economics and insurance 79 3.8 Conclusion 84 3.9 Reference 86 Chapter 4 90 4. Methodology 90 4.1 Introduction 90 4.3 Mixed-research strategy 92 4.3.1 Qualitative research 92 4.3.2 Quantitative research 93 4.4 The research method 95 4.4.1 Data collection 96 4.4.2 The sampling framework 96 4.4.3 Sample size and sampling technique 97 4.4.4 Questionnaire design 98 4.5 Instrument validity and reliability 98 4.5.1 Pre-testing of the instruments 100 4.6 Analytical approaches 100 4.7 Reference 102 Chapter 5 105 5. Nigeria and the development of micro-insurance industry 105 5.1 Introduction 105 5.2 Broad country context 106 5.3 Insurance Sector 109 5.4 Segments of the Nigerian insurance industry 110 5.4.1 Non-life insurance 112 5.5 Regulatory Landscape 115 5.5.1 Market development and restructuring initiative (MDRI): 117 5.6 Nigerian Insurance industry vs Global peers 118 5.7 Problems of the insurance industry in Nigeria 120 5.8 Micro-insurance in Nigeria 123 5.9 Reason to be optimistic 125 5.10 Distribution Channel of Micro-Insurance 127 5.11 Conclusion 129 5.12 Reference 130 Chapter 6 133 6. The effect of Societal norms on the likelihood of individuals to enrol in different forms of Micro-insurance products 133 6.1 Introduction 133 6.2 Institution, Values and Norms 134 6.3 Methods and variables 137 6.3.1 Dependent Variable: Micro-insurance enrolment 137 6.3.2 Independent variables 138 6.4 Justification for control variables 144 6.4.1 Formal institutional variables 144 6.4.2. Personal Characteristics 145 6.5 Model estimation 149 6.6 Result, analysis and discussion of findings 151 6.6.1 Presentation of the result 151 6.6.2 Analysis of the impact of values and norms 152 6.6.3 Analysis of the impact of formal institutions 156 6.6.4 Analysis of the impact of personal characteristics 158 6.7 Robustness of the Result 161 6.8 Conclusion 162 6.9 Reference 164 6.10 Appendix 171 Chapter 7 179 7. The Role of Institutions in the relationship between micro-insurance development and Size of the Informal economy in Sub-Saharan Africa 179 7.1 Introduction 179 7.2 A theoretical review of Informal economy 183 7.3 Theoretical and conceptual review 186 7.4 Data 186 7.5 Descriptive statistics 194 7.6 Model specification and estimation strategy 197 7.7 Empirical Results 200 7.8 Estimation and interpretation of system GMM 202 7.9 Robustness Checks 205 7.10 Conclusion 207 7.11 Reference 208 7.12 Appendix 213 Chapter 8 221 8. How does micro-insurance impact the economic growth of Nigeria? 221 8.1 Introduction 221 8.2 The conceptual and theoretical framework 224 8.3 Literature review 225 8.4 Theoretical model and empirical analysis 228 8.5 Empirical result and findings 229 8.5.1 Descriptive statistics 229 8.5.2 Stationarity test 230 8.5.3 Co-integration test 233 8.5.4 Vector error correction model (VECM) 235 8.6 Diagnostic test on VEC Model (robustness of the model) 237 8.7 Conclusion and recommendation 238 8.8 Reference 241 8.9 Appendix 246 Chapter 9 250 9. The conclusion and policy recommendations 250 9.1 Introduction 250 9.2 Summary of the study 250 9.3 Research conclusions and implications 252 9.4 Contributions of the research 254 9.5 Research limitations 256 9.6 Direction for future research 257 9.7 reference 25

Stress-testing the legal regime for single-member private companies

This article stress-tests the legal regime for single-member private companies in Nigeria. The Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA) is the most important reform of Nigerian company and business law in three decades. It introduced, for the first time, a legal regime for single-member private companies (SMPCs). CAMA aims to extend the benefits of formal incorporation to medium, small and micro enterprises with limited incorporation and compliance formalities. However, the stress tests conducted in this article reveal that the legal regime for SMPCs has two design flaws that may compel SMPCs to take on the costs of complying with certain formalities that have no practical legal or economic value for SMPCs. The findings from the stress tests also suggest an inchoate legal transplant, which may be microcosmic of conceptual, transplantation, and drafting problems in the CAMA

Assessment of thyroid function of newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Nigeria

Introduction: the outbreak and rapid spread of the novel SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has evolved into an unprecedented global pandemic. The infection impairs several human organs and systems, however, it is not clear how it affects thyroid function. The study therefore aimed at measuring plasma levels of thyroid hormones and Hs-CRP in COVID-19 patients and apparently healthy uninfected controls to assess the possible effect of SAR-CoV-2 infection on thyroid function. Methods: in this cross-sectional study carried out between May-August 2020, 90 consenting participants comprising 45 COVID-19 patients and 45 apparently healthy uninfected controls were recruited. Plasma FT3, FT4, TSH and Hs-CRP were measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: the mean plasma FT3 and TSH concentrations were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 respectively). Euthyroidism was observed in all uninfected controls, whereas 35 (77.8%) COVID-19 patients were euthyroid. Sick euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroidism was observed in 7 (15.6%) and 3 (6.7%) COVID-19 patients, respectively. Conclusion: though there was a preponderance of euthyroidism among COVID-19 patients, significantly higher mean plasma levels of TSH and FT3, sick euthyroid syndrome and subclinical hypothyroidism observed among some COVID-19 patients may be indicative of disease-related thyroid function changes. Hence, there is need to pay attention to thyroid function during and after treatment of COVID-19

Profile of hand injuries in a specialist hospital in a developing country

Background:Hand injuries are common in this environment.They are rarely life threatening but can cause serious handicap.There is paucity of studies addressing the pattern and management of hand injuries in this locality.Patients and Methods: This is a one year prospective study (July 2011 to June 2012).All patients with hand injury that presented to the hospital and met inclusion criteria were recruited.The data was analyzed using the SPSS 17.0).Results were presented in tables,bar and pie charts using Microsoft Excel 2007.Results: 118 patients presented with hand injuries, representing 5.4% of the total number of patients seen. 8 were excluded from the study.87 (79.1%) were males and 23 (20.9%) were females.The mean age was 25.7yrs with a range of 0.8 to 80yrs and peak of 21- 30yrs. Students were most commonly affected; 29 (26.4%).The most common cause was domestic accident; 31 (28.2%), while fireworks resulted in 6 (5.5%) of injuries. 10 (9.1%) presented with gangrene.99 (90%) completed treatment while 10 (9.1%) signed against medical advice and 1 (0.9%) referred.Conclusion:Hand injuries are common with slight variation in  pattern.Efforts should be made to reduce the incidence and improve initial care.Key words: Profile,Hand injuries,Developing country

Linear regression models for quantitative assessment of left ventricular function and structures using M-mode echocardiography

Changes in left ventricular structures and function have been reported in cardiomyopathies. No prediction models have been established in this environment. This study established regression models for prediction of left ventricular structures in normal subjects. A sample of normal subjects was drawn from a large urban population. Echocardiographic end diastolic diameters, end systolic diameters, posterior wall thicknesses in both systole and diastole, septal wall thicknesses in both systole and diastole were used to calculate left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index, relative wall thickness and fractional shortening. Heights, weights, ages, and blood pressures of subjects were obtained. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed. Tests were two tailed with P < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Three hundred and twenty two normal subjects of Ibo descent were enrolled in this study as volunteers between June, 2006 and April, 2007. Correlation coefficients between measured left ventricular structures and functions, and some anthropometric variables were computed. Linear regression models for the prediction of left ventricular structures were established. Prediction models for left ventricular structures have been established and could be useful inassessing morbidity in cardiomyopathies

Predicting mode of delivery using mid‑pregnancy ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length

Background: It has been recognized that preterm labor is related to short cervical length and that poor progress in labor is a major indication for cesarean section at term. We therefore hypothesize that long cervix is not associated with increased risk of cesarean delivery during labor at term.Objectives: The objective is to determine the relationship between cervical length at mid&#8209;pregnancy and mode of delivery and preterm delivery.Materials and Methods: Trans&#8209;vaginal ultrasonographic scan measurement of cervical length was done for 281 pregnant women at a mean gestational age of 22 weeks. These women were followed up till delivery and the mode of delivery and the cervical length were analyzed for associations.Results: Cesarean section due to poor progress in labor at term constituted 11.7%. The cesarean section for the highest quartile cervical length (40&#8211;67 mm) was 50% (P value 0.0018 for trend). Of the 33 women whose mode of delivery was cesarean section due to poor pregress 18 (54.5%) had cervical length of more than 40 cm. The likelihood ratio of cesarean section due to poor progress of labor at term among women at the upper quartile cervical length is 10.28 (P value 0.0013).Conclusion: Long cervical length at mid&#8209;pregnancy predicts the possibility of cesarean delivery early in pregnancy. Hence, cervical length in mid&#8209;pregnancy can be of value in predicting the mode of delivery in early pregnancy

Competency Requirements and Acquisition among Catalogers for Effective Application of Conventional and Online Complementary Cataloging in Nigerian University Libraries

The study investigated Competency Requirements and Acquisition among Catalogers for Effective Application of Conventional and Online Complementary Cataloging in Nigerian University Libraries. There were five research questions that guided the work. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 168 librarians drawn from six university libraries, including the University of Ife, University of Ibadan, University of Benin, University of Lagos, University of Port Harcourt and the University of Nigeria. The instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire (CAACOCCQ) which was face validated by three experts. Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test procedure was used to determine the degree of internal consistency of the questionnaire items. The result of the trial test showed that the overall internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.93. On the overall, 98.8 percent of the distributed copies of the questionnaire were correctly filled and returned and were used for discussions. Data obtained in the work were presented in tables and analyzed using percentages, means, and Standard deviations. The findings indicate that the catalogers required information management competence, proficiency with computer applications associated with cataloging and competence in the use of cataloging databases. They possessed very high competence in browser and search engine use, Internet navigation/web competence and data mining competence. The methods they required for competence acquisition and application were self-training and development and mentoring by colleagues in the profession, while the methods employed were mentoring by colleagues, self-training and development and formal education in library schools. The study concluded that libraries should make the complementary acquisition and application of conventional and online cataloging competencies easy for catalogers

MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

The study sought to identify the causes of conflicts, the challenges encountered in managing organizational conflicts, and the appropriate strategies adopted by selected public sector organizations in Nigeria in managing organizational conflict. The study has population size of 75 out of which a sample size of 63 was realized using Taro Yamane’s formula at 5% error tolerance and 95% level of confidence. Instruments used for data collection were questionnaire and interview. A total number of 63 copies of the questionnaires were distributed while 55 copies were returned. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The hypotheses were tested employing Pearson chi-square using SPSS. The findings indicate that inadequacy of resources; personality differences and communication problems are the causes of conflict in Nigerian public sector organizations. Secondly, coping with change and effective implementation of strategy are the challenges encountered in managing organizational conflict. Thirdly, collaboration style, accommodation style and avoidance style are the strategies adopted by public sector organizations in managing conflict. The study recommends that managers should develop appropriate strategies such as collective bargaining and negotiation, to resolve and manage conflicts as they arise before escalating to unmanageable level.  Article visualizations

Antibody profile in laying birds vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine, La Sota

Newcastle disease (ND) is endemic in Nigeria and constitutes a major problem to poultry production especially commercial egg production. Despite vaccination of birds, some farmers and other stakeholders still believe that there is shortened protection interval between vaccinations leading to frequent outbreaks. This work studied the antibody profile in vaccinated birds using Newcastle disease vaccine, La Sota (NDVL) with a view to establishing the rise and decline in antibody titre after vaccination and thereby determining the protection interval in our local environment. Two hundred and eighty (280) Shaver brown layers at 78% hen house production were used for the experiment. When their antibody levels were at Geometric Mean Titre of 12.1, they were vaccinated with NDVL through the oral route. On a monthly basis, the antibody titre was determined and 80 birds were taken to a distant location and challenged with a velogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Results showed good protection at 4 weeks, fair protection at 8 weeks and no protection at 12 weeks post vaccination (PV). We therefore recommend that under the Nigerian condition, laying flocks should be revaccinated at 7-8 weeks interval with NDVL