An explanation for differential career progression for women in Nigerian banking industry.

This thesis evaluated a current snapshot of women's experiences and career progression in the Nigerian banking industry. Women globally (including Nigeria) are underrepresented in the upper echelons in corporate settings. Several studies have previously been conducted to explain the underrepresentation of women in top-ranking positions based on the social exclusion and equality feminism theoretical framework. The social exclusion theory denotes the segregation of women from participating in the formal sector and securing opportunities (promotion) for solely men through the mechanism of collectivist (gender and patriarchal practices) and individualist exclusion (educational qualification) (Murphy, 1984). Whilst equality feminism suggests that working mothers' primary responsibility of childcare and masculine corporate cultures have resulted in fewer women in high-ranking positions (Lupu, 2012: Haynes, 2017). However, these studies have been conducted in developed countries, and research on the women's workplace experience concerning work and family life in developing countries (including Nigeria) has been overlooked. Thus, this study aims to provide an understanding of why women may struggle to reach senior management positions in the Nigerian banking industry. The Nigerian banking sector was interesting to study because of the introduction of the quota system and because it is perceived as a gender-neutral industry. To achieve this aim, this study adopts a social constructivist case study approach, wherein two Nigerian commercial banks were investigated. This qualitative study involved 40 semi-structured interviews (comprising 20 males and 20 females) occupying entry, middle and senior positions. The qualitative approach allows the respondents freely express their opinions about family life and career and how it affects their career progression. The interviews were transcribed, and a manual thematic approach was adopted to analyse the data. The findings of this research demonstrated that some changes had been made in reducing the effects of individualist exclusion in the aspect of Nigerian families educating their female children, and these changes have allowed women to partake in professional-level jobs previously excluded from them. Apart from the improved educational access of Nigerian girls and women, the data revealed some other change factors (economic necessity, effects of the family background of respondents and the influence of social media) have resulted in the increased participation of Nigerian women in the formal sector. However, some enablers and barriers stem from the equality feminism theoretical framework (societal and organizational factors) that have affected interviewed women's work participation and career progression in the Nigerian banking industry. Unlike most developed countries, the data revealed that men have the sole authority to determine whether their wives should accept formal employment based on the Nigerian culture (patriarchy) and religion. However, dissimilar to western women, working Nigerian women are availed of cheap external support mechanisms (extended family members, live-in domestic staff, creche and boarding school) that enable them effectively to balance the family (childcare) and work domains (long hours and short-term maternity leave). As such, unlike western women, interviewed women could not be discriminated against in terms of promotion opportunities due to them embarking on a slower mummy track route (part-time working) to achieve an equitable work-life balance. The data demonstrated that horizontal segregation does not affect vertical segregation in the sample banks, because employees are assigned roles based on their competence and Central Bank regulations. However, similar to developed countries, the data revealed that some organizational cultures (lack of mentoring opportunities and promotion based on networking and corporate politics) act as barriers preventing women from reaching the top. This research confirms the assertion that collectivist exclusion is more powerful than individualist exclusion (Murphy, 1988). Though increased educational access for girls and women has opened up employment opportunities for women (eliminating the effects of individualist exclusion), gender disparity still exists in the upper echelon due to the effects of collectivist exclusion. The study extended the literature (equality feminism), with the family's financial demands being instrumental in changing men's attitudes toward allowing their wives to accept formal employment. Additionally, extended family members (especially grandmothers) providing live-in childminding services to working Nigerian mothers

Serologic Evidence of Measles IgM Antibodies among Children in Two IDP Camps in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Major risk factors for the spread of measles in displaced populations are: poor vaccination coverage, mass migration causing international spread of diseases and high density of refugee population in the camps. The aim of this study was to determine the serologic evidence of measles IgM antibodies among children in two IDP camps (Ungwan zawu and Hayin Nariya) situated in Kaduna South and Kaduna North. Sample population consisted of 192 consenting children in the two IDP camps. About four (4) milliliters of blood was collected, dispensed into plain containers, allowed to clot and spun at 3,000rpm for 10 minutes. The serum was separated into cryo tubes and stored at -200C. The frozen sera were thawed at room temperature for 45 minutes and screened for measles IgM antibodies using ELISA technique (EuroImmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG, Germany) according to manufacturer's instructions. Measles specific IgM antibodies was detected in 66 (34.4%) of the total 192 children in the two IDP camps studied. Males recorded higher percentage prevalence of 63.6% compared to females (36.4%). Measles IgM antibodies varied among the age grades, from 63.6% in children aged >5years to 3.0% in children aged <1year. attack (39.4%). From the questionnaires administered, all the participants were exposed to crowd, all the mothers were illiterates and farming was their major occupation. Inadequate vaccination, malnutrition and lack of awareness are thought to be the reason for the high IgM antibodies. Measles awareness, and high vaccination coverage in IDP camps is advocated

Kinetic Model for the Sorption of Cu (ii) and Zn (ii) Using Lady Fern (Athyrium - Filix – Femina) Leaf Waste Biomass from Aqueous Solution

This study presents the biosorption of two divalent metal ions, Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) onto lady fern (Athyrium- filix-femina)        leaf         waste      biomass over        a wide range of reaction conditions and equilibrium sorption kinetics. The rate of removal of Cu(ii) ions and Zn(ii) ions from aqueous solution by the lady fern leaf waste biomass was studied in batch conditions. The rate of sorption of copper and zinc was rapid within the  initial time of 5-20 minutes and reached a maximum in 30 minutes. Kinetic modelling analysis of the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equation model using the linear coefficient of determination R2 values showed that the pseudo- second order equation was the  most appropriate model for the description of Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) ion sorption  and can be said to follow a pseudo- second order model. The sorption process was examined by means of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The Langmuir equation revealed  a  monolayer sorption capacity  0.09mg/g  and 0.09mg/ for Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) respectively. The results from this present study indicates that lady fern leaf waste biomass could be employed for the removal of toxic and valuable metals from industrial effluents. Keywords: Sorption Conditions, Adsorption isotherms and kinetics

Physico-chemical studies of disazo dyes derived from paminophenol On synthetic polymer-fibres

The physico-chemical properties of a series of disazo dyes derived from p-aminophenol on polyester andnylon 6 substrates are described. It was found that the dyes generally have higher affinities for the polyester fibre thanfor the nylon 6 fibre. The values of &#916&#956o, &#916Ho and &#916So in the two dye-fibre systems suggest that the hydrogen bondingmechanism is operative in the dye-fibre binding force

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of urinary tract pathogens among diabetic mellitus disease patients in Benin City, Edo State

Background: Urinary tract infection caused by more resistant pathogens in patients with diabetic mellitus are more severe and is associated with worse outcomes than in patients without diabetes mellitus.Aim: To determine the prevalence of urinary tract pathogen, its associated risk factors andantimicrobial susceptibility pattern among diabetic mellitus patients in Benin City.Methodology: Two hundred diabetic mellitus disease patients consisting of 62 males and 138females within the age range 16 to 99years constituted the study group. Clean catchmidstream urine sample was collected and viewed macroscopically, cultured and incubatedaerobically at 370C for 24hrs. Bauer and Kirby antimicrobial susceptibility test was done onisolated pathogens. The results obtained were analyzed statistically.Results: A 28.5% UTI was obtained. Gender and Age of participants significantly impartedon the prevalence of UTI ((p=0.001; p=0.009). Educational status, marital status, number ofyears infected with DM and occupation significantly influenced the acquisition of UTI(p=0.009; p=0.030; p=0.023; p=0.001); Mode of residence did not significantly influence theprevalence of UTI (p = 0.356). The Gram negative organisms were less inhibited by thecephalosporins and fluoroquinolones while the Gram positive organism was susceptible to thecephalosporins (ceftazidime and cefuroxime) and fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin and levofloxacine).Conclusion: Prevention of infection and early detection of UTI is the key to reducingcomplications from bacterial infections in Diabetic mellitus disease patients

Synthesis of disazo disperse dye compounds derived from 4-bromoaniline and 3-aminophenol as potential near infra-red absorbers.

In attempt to find new near infra-red absorbing azo compounds, the synthesis and characterization of six disazo compounds are reported. The azo compounds were synthesized via diazotization of 4-bromoaniline and coupled with 3-aminophenol to afford 4-bromophenylazo-41-amino-2-hydroxybenzeneazo dye intermediate. This intermediate was further diazotized and coupled with various aryl-amine and phenolic couplers to give a series of disazo disperse dyes. The UV-VIS spectral properties of the dyes were evaluated and some of the dye derivatives bearing electron withdrawing groups in their couplers showed absorptions at 772nm to 786nm in the near infra-red region in dimethylformamide solution. This, in addition to their relatively high thermal stability would enhance their use as potential organic photoconductors. The results of the fastness tests of the dyes on nylon fiber and polyester fiber showed excellent sublimation, washing, good rubbing and light fastness ratings. This also indicates that the azo compounds could be of commercial importance in the textile industry. The dyes were further characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR), carbon- 13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13CNMR) and infra- red (IR) analyses. Keywords: Disazo dyes, spectral properties, disperse dyes, fastness, nylon fiber, polyesterfiber

Multi-plant (Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus) Effects on Regulating Diet Induced-hypercholesterolemia in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

Hypercholesterolemia also known as amplified blood cholesterol represent other forms of hyperlipidemia secondary to atherosclerosis is rising fast in our society. Natural remedies without potential harmful effects are increasing as well. It is against this backdrop that we investigated combined effects of Phoenix dactylifera and Cyperus esculentus against diet induced hypercholesterolemia in rats. In-bred, healthy non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats (11-17weeks, 153-177g) were grouped and orally administered (A1, B1, and C1 =300mg/kg b.w.; A2, B2, and C2 =600mg/kg b.w.; A3, B3, and C3 =900mg/kg b.w.; A4, B4, and C4 =1200mg/kg b.w and D = untreated, n=3) daily for 45days by oral intubation. Polypropylene cages in a sanitized aerated facility, bedded with sawdust housed all animals. They observed 7days adaptation to environmental temperature (25±5ºC), humidity (45±5%), and photoperiod (12:12 hr. day/night). Rats consumed high fat-dietary cholesterol diet to induce hypercholesterolemia and water provided ad libitum. Sera were used for lipid profiling (before, during, and after) following varying treatments plan. Lipid profile: TC (total cholesterol), ST (serum triglycerides), LDLC (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDLC (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were abnormal in pre-experimental phases (both test and control). Values were regulated after treatment particularly in 1200mg/kg b.w in rats administered P. dactylifera: TC50.17±2.7/dL, ST27.7±0.6mg/dL, LDL23.2±2.5mg/dL, HDL89.1 ± 3.9/dL; C. esculentus: TC41.03±2.3mg/dL, ST27.4±2.9mg/dL, LDL27.1±1.3mg/dL, HDL94.3±1.8mg/dL; and mix: TC32.77±3.8mg/dL, ST23.5±2.4mg/dL, LDL21.3±2.9mg/dL, HDL97.8±3.9mg/dL excluding control: TC92.62±0.3mg/dL, ST71.3±1.9mg/dL, LDL64.0±0.2mg/dL, and HDL21.3±1.1mg/dL (p < 0.05). Therefore, synergy of P. dactylifera and C. esculentus regulate hypercholesterolemia in rats while C. esculentus particularly is the super active constituent in the mix. Keywords:  C. esculentus; P. dactylifera; lipid profile; hyperlipidemia; medicinal crops; experimental rat

Synthesis and application of hetaryl disazo disperse dyes derived from 4-amino-2-chloro-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline and 3-chloroaniline on polyester fabric

In an attempt to find more environmentally friendly azo dyes, the synthesis and application of disazo disperse dye derivatives of 4-amino-2-chloro-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline and 3-chloroaniline on polyester fabric are reported. The disazo dyes were synthesized via diazotisation of 3- chloroaniline and coupled with 4-amino- 2-chloro-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline to afford an intermediate azo dye. This intermediate was further diazotised in concentrated sulphuric acid and followed by coupling reactions with various coupling components such as 1,3-diyhydroxybenzene, 2-amino-6-methylbenzonitrile, 3-amino-5-methyl-prazole, 1-napthol and 7-methoxy- 2-naphthol to give the disazo disperse dyes. The basic fastness properties (light fastness wash fastness heat and rubbing fastness) of the dyes on polyester fibre were discussed in terms of their chemical structures. All the synthesized disazo disperse dyes were characterized on the basis of their spectral analyses, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and UV-visible spectroscopic data. The light fastness results were observed to be good ratings (5) and very good ratings (5/6). The sublimation test results gave excellent ratings of (5). Also, it was found that the wash fastness property, which is an indicator whether a dye could have affinity for a textile fabric or not, have excellent ratings of 5. From these results, it can be concluded that the best of these disazo dye compounds could be commercially important in the textile industry.Keywords: Disazo dyes, disperse dyes, hetaryl compounds, fastness, polyester fib, quinazoline

Quinine prophylaxis induced hepatotoxic and hepatocellular effects in animal model: targeting misuse against SARS-COV-2 in COVID-19 era

Background: Quinine prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 is on the rise particularly in the face of COVID-19. Aim: this study examines hepatic tissues and enzymes following quinine prophylaxis in animal models representing quinine abuse in COVID-19 era. Materials and Methods: Twenty male Albino wistar rats (180-200g) were randomly picked into four groups (n=5). Rats were maintained in a clean and aerated environment and fed with standard pellets and water provided ad libitum. Group I served as control. While group II, III and IV were treated with quinine at concentrations of 10, 20, and 30mg/kg b.w respectively on the left thigh using 5mL syringe. Rats were treated for 28 days at two days intervals and sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood was collected for the assessment of the liver function from the cardiac region while liver samples were excised, grossed and fixed in 10% formalin for histology. Serum alanine aminotransferease (ALT), aspartate aminotransferease (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were determined. Results: Serum activities of AST, ALT, and total bilirubin in group II to IV were elevated against the untreated group 1 (p<0.05). While, ALP in group II to IV reduced tremendously compared with the control (p<0.05), which is strongly suggestive of hepatotoxicity. Histopathology showed hepatocellular degeneration, vacoulation, periportal inflammation and necrosis. Conclusion: Quinine prophylaxis in animal model induced hepatotoxic effects leading to increased hepatic enzymes particularly (AST, ALT), and bilirubin with hepatocellular damages in this study. Therefore, quinine prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 should be discontinued except COVID-19 has been diagnosed while hepatic enzymes of patients should be monitored along treatment

Synthesis and Application of Hetaryl Disazo Disperse Dyes Derived from 2-Amino-5-Mercapto-1,3,4-Thiadiazole and 3-Chloroaniline on Synthetic Polymer-Fibres

The use of polyester fabrics in automotive upholstery has created a need for disperse dyes of exceptionally high sublimation and light fastness to withstand extended exposure to light and heat.  Thus, in an attempt to find new disperse dyes of high fastness to sublimation and light, we report here the synthesis and evaluation of their fastness properties on polyester fabrics and nylon 66 fabrics.  The synthesis of the dyes was carried out by diazotisation of the 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole in an acid medium and coupling with 3-chloroaniline to afford an intermediate.  This intermediate was also subjected to diazotisation and coupling reactions with various couplers to give disazo disperse dyes.  All the dyes exhibited outstanding washing, sublimation, perspiration and good to very good light fastness ratings on polyester and nylon 66 fabrics.  The dye structures were characterized, using proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) IR, and ultraviolet – visible analyses. Keywords: Hetaryl azo dyes, spectral properties, dye application, fastness propertie