Analysis of the Impact of Interest Rate on the Net Assets of Multinational Business in Nigeria

This study investigate the effect of macroeconomic variables on net assets of multinational companies operating in Nigeria with the aim of identifying how level of interest rate affect the net assets of these companies. Increased integration and growing macroeconomics fluctuations requires more attention to be paid to link between the noise that these fluctuations represent and the companies own development. For many reasons, management of these companies must weed out the effects of the noise so as to obtain a clear picture of long term sustainable profits, and thus a picture of how the company's intrinsic competitiveness is fostered. An understanding of the effect of the fluctuations also provides the basis for risk assessment. The net assets of multinational companies in Nigeria are affected either positively or negatively by a number of factors occurring within or without the economic system. This study examines the impact of interest rate (INT) on net assets of multinational companies to Nigeria from 1994 to 2010. net assets were represented by Net Assets Value Index in the model which is NAVI = ao + a1 INT + U. A regression model was designed to test the relationship between the net assets and interest rate as a macroeconomic factor. The regression analysis slowed that a reduction in interest rate results in increase net assets.  Government should therefore implement policies that will reduce interest rate and improve standard of living of its citizens through the encouragement of investment and enhance transactions in multinational companies business

DNA Barcode Authentication and Improvement of Andrographolide Yield in Andrographis paniculata Plant

Background: Andrographolide, the major bioactive compound responsible for most pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial activity exhibited by the Andrographis paniculata plant is present in small quantities. In addition, the genus Andrographis has about 28 species most of which possess no medicinal value. The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) barcode is utilized in species identification and plant authentication.Objectives: This study aimed at authenticating Andrographis paniculata using DNA barcodes and improving the yield of andrographolide via enzymatic treatment.Materials and Method: The DNA of Andrographis plant was obtained using the Qiagen kit. The psbA-trnH and rbcL DNA barcode regions were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Presence of amplified regions was confirmed using gel electrophoresis and the amplicons were sequenced. A blast N search was performed on the sequenced DNA. The constituents of A. paniculata dried leaves was extracted using methanol, followed by treatment with and without β glucosidase. The extract obtained was dried and partitioned using ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate fraction was concentrated and dissolved in methanol. Andrographolide content was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Results: The psbA-trnH and rbcL DNA regions were successfully amplified having 358 and 604 bp respectively. The DNA barcode sequences obtained were identical to the psbA-trnH (97%) and rbcL (99%) genes of A. paniculata voucher MICET P00101. The mean andrographolide yield was 9.4±0.11mg/g and 8.9±0.13mg/g dry weight for the treatment and control groups respectively; statistical analysis at p = 0.05 shows a significant difference.Conclusion: The Andrographis plant used in this study was confirmed to be Andrographis paniculata, enzymatic treatment increased andrographolide yield from the plant. Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, andrographolide, authentication, DNA barcodes, β-glucosidase

AN INITIAL EMPIRICAL EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF ERP POST-IMPLEMENTATION MODIFICATIONS ON BUSINESS PROCESS OPTIMISATION

In this research in progress paper, we present and discuss an initial empirical evaluation of a model on ERP post-implementation modifications. The theoretical foundation and derivation of a set of propositions from the model were reported recently (citation withheld); it categorises post-implementation modifications to ERP systems and relates it to business process optimisation. While ERP systems can improve the efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility of business processes, the relationship between these measures of business process optimisation and post-implementation modifications is not adequately understood. By drawing on the post-implementation experience of a large Australian manufacturing company, we report several post-implementation modifications, and empirically classify them in light of our model. The model and empirical evidence together provide a convincing theoretical foundation for research into the impact of post-implementation modifications on business process optimisation, an important area for achieving competitive advantage. With empirical evidence (though initial), we are able to support the utility of our model as a useful managerial tool for clarifying differences amongst various modifications and guiding modifications and its implications to deliver business process optimisation

OPTIMISING BUSINESS PROCESSES THROUGH ERP POST-IMPLEMENTATION MODIFICATIONS: AN EXPLORATORY CASE STUDY

While ERP systems can improve the efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility of business processes, there exists a relationship between post-implementation modifications and the optimisation of business processes. This relationship has not been adequately researched. By drawing on the post-implementation experience of an Australian oil company, we report a series of modifications that were conducted on their ERP system, and empirically classify them via propositions according to our proposed theory-driven model: ERP PIM. The model and empirical evidence together provide a theoretical foundation for research into the impact of ERP post-implementation modifications and their influence on business process optimisation. This is considered important for achieving competitive advantage. The applicability of our model as a useful managerial tool for analysing various modifications and understanding their impact on business process optimisation is offered

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC MANURES ON GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF GYPSOPHILA (GYPSOPHILA PANICULATA L.)

Cost effective and environmentally friendly crop production using a variety of animal manures is possible for all horticultural production systems including floriculture. Efficient production of summer cut flowers like gypsophila is feasible under small-holder production system. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different types and application rates of animal manures on growth, yield and quality of gypsophila cut flowers grown under field conditions. The experiment was carried out in the Horticulture Department Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Luyengo Campus of the University of Swaziland to determine the growth, yield and quality of gypsophila when fertilised with kraal manure, poultry manure and inorganic fertilisers. The treatments were kraal manure applied at 10, 20, 40 and 80 t/ha; and chicken manure applied at 5, 10, 20, and 40 t/ha. A control of inorganic fertiliser (2:3:2 (22) + 5% Zn) was applied at 1,400 kg/ha. The design of the study was a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Where significant results were obtained, means were separated using the Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT). The results showed that chicken and kraal manure levels affected growth of gypsophila, with chicken manure at 40 t/ha inducing the highest plant height of 54.7 cm followed by kraal manure applied at 80 t/ha (52.6 cm). The lowest plant height of 38.4 cm was observed in plants applied with the inorganic fertiliser. Plants supplied with chicken manure at 40 t/ha had the highest cut flower length of 53.9 cm followed by kraal manure at 80 t/ha with 48.6 cm whilst inorganic fertiliser induced the lowest cut flower stem length of 37.5 cm. Gypsophila applied with chicken manure at 40 t/ha had the highest number of marketable cut flowers (7.1) followed by kraal manure at 80 t/ha with 6.7 cut flowers. Plants supplied with inorganic fertiliser had the lowest number of marketable cut flowers (5.1). The application of chicken manure at 40 t/ha induced the highest fresh and dry masses whilst inorganic fertiliser application resulted in the lowest values. There were no significant differences in the accumulation of N, P, and K in gypsophila plants due to the different treatments. It was concluded, therefore, that farmers should use chicken manure applied at 40 t/ha or kraal manure applied at 80 t/ha for profitable production of gypsophila under field conditions in Eswatini

Total Reconstruction of the Upper Lip Using Bilateral Nasolabial Flaps, Submental Flap, and Mucosa Graft following Complete Resection for Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lip reconstruction following resection for tumour or following extensive trauma may pose a challenge. This is more so when the resection is total and a complete lip has to be constructed. We present a case of lip reconstruction following a total resection of the upper lip. The procedure used in this case was a combination of bilateral nasolabial flaps with a submental flap and buccal mucosal graft lining. We believe that this provides an alternative method of total upper lip reconstruction with minimal disruption of the facial aesthesis

Farmer perceptions and responses to soil degradation in Swaziland

Soil degradation is globally concerning due to its adverse effects on the environment and agricultural production. Much of Swaziland is at risk from degradation. This paper assesses farmer perceptions and responses to soil degradation in 2002 and 2014, focusing on two land uses that underpin rural livelihoods: arable land and rangeland areas. It uses repeat household surveys and semi-structured interviews, in two case study chiefdoms in the country’s middleveld (KaBhudla and Engcayini) in the first longitudinal study of its kind. We find that observations of land degradation are perceived mainly through changes in land productivity, with chemical degradation occurring predominantly on arable land and physical degradation and erosion mainly in rangeland areas. Changes in rainfall are particularly important in determining responses. While perceptions of the causes and impacts of degradation largely concur with the scientific literature, responses were constrained by poor land availability, shorter and more unpredictable cropping seasons because of changing rains and low awareness, access to or knowledge of agricultural inputs. We suggest that sustainable arable land management can be enhanced through improved access to alternative sources of water, use of management practices that retain soil and moisture and greater access to agricultural inputs and capacity building to ensure their appropriate use. We suggest collaborative management for settlement planning that integrates soil conservation and livestock management strategies such as controlled stocking levels and rotational grazing could improve land quality in rangeland areas. Together, these approaches can help land users to better manage change