An Investigation of the Role of Entrepreneurship Agencies for Entrepreneurship Development in Nigeria

The study was designed to explore the role of entrepreneurship agencies in enhancing entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. This paper investigates the challenges, problems facing the entrepreneurship agencies in Nigeria. The research paper utilized an explanatory qualitative approach based on the in-depth interviews with ten Nigerian Organizations based in Ogun State Nigeria. The research also brought to knowledge the several challenges with entrepreneurship agencies in Nigeria including poor planning and execution of the programmes, general indiscipline of the officials and beneficiaries, Inadequate funding, Lack of coordination of the programme. The study demonstrates the need for the Federal Government of Nigeria, Organizations and Entreprenueurs to see the importance and perceived benefits of entrepreneurship agencies for entrepreneurship development. It is recommended that developing countries particularly Nigeria should adopt a good strategic plan on gainfully engaging the youth because youths are regarded as the future of the nation and the act of indiscipline by the officials of these agencies and beneficiaries should be eradicated. Keywords – Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Agencies, Entrepreneurship Development, Entreprenueurial, Challenges, Nigeria

Intradialysis hypotension and hypertension in patients with end stage kidney disease in Nigeria: risk factors and clinical correlates

Background: Many shortcomings associated with haemodialysis for instance, intradialysis blood pressure changes, often lead to inadequate dialysis dose. Measures are needed to improve on this.Objectives: To determine the risk factors and clinical correlates of intradialysis blood pressure variations.Methods: Maintenance haemodialysis sessions for 232 consented patients with end stage kidney disease who had 1248 sessions were studied. Data collected was from history, examination findings, serum electrolytes and hematocrit. Blood pressure reading was taken manually at rest. Statistical analysis was with SPSS 22. Chi square and t-test were used to compare proportions and means respectively while regression analysis was used to determine predictors of blood pressure changes.Results: The mean age of participants was 49.9 + 4.6. More participants (38.8%) had hypertension associated CKD, than chronic glomerulonephritis, (37.9%). Majority (60.7%) had internal jugular catheter. Intradialysis hypertension was commoner than intradialysis hypotension (24.4% versus 19.4%). Intradialysis hypotension was commoner in females, diabetics and with less frequent dialysis while intradialysis hypertension was commoner in males, frequent erythropoietin use. The mean dialysis dose (Kt/V) was 1.02 + 0.4, with 0.68 + 0.1for intradialysis hypotension and 0.84 + 0.2 for intradialysis hypertension.Conclusion: Risk factors for intradialysis hypertension were males, frequent erythropoietin use while for intradialysis hypotension, were female gender and less frequent dialysis. Effective intra and inter-dialytic blood pressure control with adequate pre dialysis work up should be carried out to lessen the degree, burden and outcome of these variations

Increased urinary sodium excretion is associated with systolic blood pressure in first degree relatives of hypertensive patients in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Introduction: understanding the risk factors of hypertension has led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis, prevention and reduction in morbidity of hypertension. It is well known that offsprings of hypertensive parents have an increased risk of developing hypertension. It is therefore necessary to explore the physiological differences between normotensive patients with and without a positive family history of hypertension with respect to their urinary excretion of sodium. Methods: this study was carried out at the University College Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria, to determine if normotensive patients with a positive family history of hypertension are different with respect to their urinary excretion of electrolytes and blood pressure. It examined the relationship between 24-hour urinary excretion of sodium, chloride and potassium, urea and creatinine and blood pressure in subjects with and without family history of hypertension. It was a case-control study of sixty-two subjects: normotensive patients first degree relatives of primary hypertensive patients and normotensive patients without positive family history. Results: the mean (SD) systolic blood pressures for subjects with and without family history of hypertension were significantly different: 120.0(22.25) and 105.0(17.50) respectively, (p=0.001). The mean arterial blood pressures were significantly different: 86.4(10.2) mmHg and 80.1(8.1) mmHg respectively (p=0.010). The mean (SD) 24-hour urinary excretion of sodium for normotensive patients with and without positive family history of hypertension were 180.5 (45.50) mEq/L, and 156.0(36.25) mEq/L respectively. Systolic blood pressure and 24-hour urinary excretion of sodium was also higher in normotensive subjects with a positive family history of hypertension. Conclusion: systolic blood pressure and twenty-four hour urinary excretion of sodium were higher in normotensive subjects with a positive family history of hypertension than in those without a family history of hypertension

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in Nigerian Coast, Gulf of Guinea

This investigation is aimed at providing a baseline survey of the current status of the occurrence and spatio-temporal distribution of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) and paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in the Nigerian coast, Gulf of Guinea. The study applied the Jellett Rapid Test technique to algal samples collected from 8 states of South-south (SS) and South-west (SW) zones of coastal Nigeria, spanning the Bight of Bonny to the Bight of Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea, during the rainy and dry seasons, to screen for the presence of the human syndromes of ASP and PSP produced by domoic acid and saxitoxin, respectively. Classified as low, medium, high and highest, various levels of these syndromes were detected across the length of the Nigerian coast. Comparatively, the SW region had more syndromes (PSP and ASP) (64%) than the SS (36%) region of Nigerian coast. The prevalence of PSP (68%) was more than ASP (31%) in both zones with rainy season also recording higher (27%) ASP and PSP for SW than SS (12%) zone. Seasonal consideration revealed that more syndromes (ASP and PSP) were recorded in the rainy season compared to the dry season. With the confirmed presence, spatial and temporal distribution of ASP and PSP in the coastal waters of Nigeria, the need for regular monitoring of algal syndromes and toxins screening is advocated

Correlation between Albuminuria and Ankle Brachial Index among Nigerians with Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the most common manifestation of atherosclerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD), has been described as an independent risk factor for its development. The combination of CKD and PAD multiplies the risk of cardiovascular disease. Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a good marker of atherosclerosis and is useful for the diagnosis of PAD. The study aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern and predictors of PAD in patients with CKD. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with CKD with age and gender-matched controls. Medical history relating to CKD and PAD was obtained using a pre-tested questionnaire. The ABPI was measured using handheld Doppler ultrasound equipment. Blood samples were drawn for serum creatinine and spot urine for Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR). Results: One hundred and thirty-two subjects participated in the study, 66 cases and 66 controls. The mean ages were 47.5±15.9 years in cases and 41.6±11.6 years in controls. The mean ABPI (0.9±0.2 vs 1.0±0.1, p-0.01), eGFR (62.8±28.2 vs 98±23.1ml/min/1.73m2 , p-0.01) were lower in the cases compared to the controls while UACR was higher in the cases (3.1±1.1 vs 1.2±0.1, p-0.01. The prevalence of PAD was 36 (54.5%) and 15 (22.7%) among cases and controls, respectively (p < 0.01) while low eGFR OR, 3.9 (1.86-10.41), elevated Systolic blood pressure (SBP) OR, 1.83 (1.40-5.78) and UACR (t-3.663, p-0.023) were associated with PAD in CKD. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that high prevalence of PAD among individuals with CKD while low eGFR, elevated SBP and microalbuminuria were clinical correlates of PAD in CKD

Evaluating the effectiveness of a combined approach to improve utilization of adolescent sexual reproductive health services in Kenya : a quasi-experimental design study protocol

Background: Access to and utilization of adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) services remains poor. ASRH services in Kenya are primarily offered in health facilities and include counselling, information, and services on family planning, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV and basic life skills. The Ministry of Education also provides age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information in schools. This paper presents a study protocol that will evaluate the effectiveness of a combined approach toward improving utilization of ASRH services. Methods: This will be a quasi-experimental study utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods. During the formative phase, data will be collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews to explore the barriers and facilitators of provision and utilization of ASRH services. A quantitative design will be used to obtain baseline and endline data through household surveys and client exit interviews. Following the formative and baseline household and client exit assessments, an intervention focusing on provision of ASRH service package targeting boys and girls will be implemented for 18 months. The package will include contextualized ASRH services, including counselling and age-appropriate, comprehensive sexual education for behavior change with an aim to increase utilization of ASRH services. An analysis of the primary outcome (utilization of ASRH services) will be undertaken to establish the difference in difference between the control and intervention arm, before the intervention (using the baseline survey data) and after the intervention (using the endline survey data). Discussion: Adolescents have now been included in the World Health Organization's Global strategy for women's, children's and adolescents' health (2016-2030), acknowledging the unique health challenges facing young people and their pivotal role as drivers of change in the post-2015 era. This study will generate evidence on whether a combined school, facility, and community approach works toward improving utilization of ASRH services. The information generated from the study will be beneficial for programming as it will identify underlying reasons for low utilization of ASRH services. Results will help to shape ASRH programs and reduce teenage pregnancy within Kenya and other similar low middle-income countries

Fc-Optimized Anti-CD25 Depletes Tumor-Infiltrating Regulatory T Cells and Synergizes with PD-1 Blockade to Eradicate Established Tumors

CD25 is expressed at high levels on regulatory T (Treg) cells and was initially proposed as a target for cancer immunotherapy. However, anti-CD25 antibodies have displayed limited activity against established tumors. We demonstrated that CD25 expression is largely restricted to tumor-infiltrating Treg cells in mice and humans. While existing anti-CD25 antibodies were observed to deplete Treg cells in the periphery, upregulation of the inhibitory Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) IIb at the tumor site prevented intra-tumoral Treg cell depletion, which may underlie the lack of anti-tumor activity previously observed in pre-clinical models. Use of an anti-CD25 antibody with enhanced binding to activating FcγRs led to effective depletion of tumor-infiltrating Treg cells, increased effector to Treg cell ratios, and improved control of established tumors. Combination with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 antibodies promoted complete tumor rejection, demonstrating the relevance of CD25 as a therapeutic target and promising substrate for future combination approaches in immune-oncology

Fc Effector Function Contributes to the Activity of Human Anti-CTLA-4 Antibodies.

With the use of a mouse model expressing human Fc-gamma receptors (FcγRs), we demonstrated that antibodies with isotypes equivalent to ipilimumab and tremelimumab mediate intra-tumoral regulatory T (Treg) cell depletion in vivo, increasing the CD8+ to Treg cell ratio and promoting tumor rejection. Antibodies with improved FcγR binding profiles drove superior anti-tumor responses and survival. In patients with advanced melanoma, response to ipilimumab was associated with the CD16a-V158F high affinity polymorphism. Such activity only appeared relevant in the context of inflamed tumors, explaining the modest response rates observed in the clinical setting. Our data suggest that the activity of anti-CTLA-4 in inflamed tumors may be improved through enhancement of FcγR binding, whereas poorly infiltrated tumors will likely require combination approaches

ВПЛИВ ДИВЕРСИФІКАЦІЇ СПІВРОБІТНИКІВ НА ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНІ ПОКАЗНИКИ ОКРЕМИХ БАГАТОНАЦІОНАЛЬНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ХАРЧОВОЇ ПРОМИСЛОВОСТІ В ПІВДЕННО-ЗАХІДНІЙ НІГЕРІЇ

Subject matter: Diversity has, nonetheless, been a powerful influence on terminology and practice worldwide. Employee diversity encompasses a wide variety of differences, including age, gender, culture, work experience, parental status, educational background, geographic location, and much more. Goal: Examine the effect of gender diversity on sales Patronage of multinationals Food Industry and also to determine the effect of age diversity on multinationals operational cost. Tasks: The optimum outcome of this study is to benefit the Multinational Food industry in Nigeria by getting along with the top management and workers from different backgrounds that would find the information in this research study useful in accessing the value of workforce diversity in their organization. Methods: Two research questions were posed for the study and two hypotheses formulated in line with the objectives. The paper adopted descriptive research design. Simple random sampling was employed. The total population of the study consists of 9,376 employees of Multinational Food Companies in South-West Nigeria. The study made used of macorr sample size determination. The research questionnaire was administered to three hundred and seventy-five (375) employees which was the sample size representing the chosen study population of the 5 selected multinational food industry in South-West Nigeria. The study made use of statistical tools such as Hierarchical regression analysis in testing hypotheses, Cross tabulations, Inter-item correlation test and ANOVA which helped in the interpretation of results. Results: The study found out that there is a positive relationship between gender diversity and sales patronage such that sales patronage is affected by gender diversity. The findings of the study further revealed a positive relationship between age diversity and operation cost such that operation cost is affected by age diversity in the organization. Conclusions: The research concludes that there exists a relationship between employee diversity and organizational performance and organizations should ensure that diversity existent in their employees is aimed at improving organizational performance. The research recommends that multinational food industry should not only ensure employee diversity in their businesses but they should also make sure that diversity is used to improve organizational performance. Further studies should focus on other sector and not limited to food and beverage and conglomerate sectors of the Nigeria economy.Предмет исследования: Диверсификация оказывает мощное влияние на терминологию и практику во всем мире. Диверсификация сотрудников включает в себя широкий спектр различий, включая возраст, пол, культуру, опыт работы, родительский статус, образование, географическое положение и многое другое. Цель: изучить влияние гендерной диверсификации на покровительство продажам многонациональных предприятий пищевой промышленности, а также определить влияние возрастной диверсификации на операционные издержки многонациональных предприятий. Задачи: Оптимальный результат этого исследования - принести пользу многонациональной пищевой промышленности в Нигерии, поддерживая высшее руководство и работников из разных слоев общества, которые могут найти информацию в этом исследовании полезной для доступа к значению разнообразия рабочей силы в их организации. Методы: для исследования были поставлены два исследовательских вопроса и сформулированы две гипотезы в соответствии с поставленными задачами. В статье принят описательный дизайн исследования. Использовалась простая случайная выборка. Всего в исследовании приняли участие 9376 сотрудников многонациональных продовольственных компаний Юго-Западной Нигерии. В исследовании использовалось определение размера выборки Макорра. Анкета для исследования была разослана тремстам семидесяти пяти (375) сотрудникам, что было размером выборки, представляющей выбранную исследуемую популяцию из 5 отобранных многонациональной пищевой промышленности в Юго-Западной Нигерии. В исследовании использовались такие статистические инструменты, как иерархический регрессионный анализ при проверке гипотез, перекрестные таблицы, межэлементный корреляционный тест и ANOVA, которые помогали в интерпретации результатов. Результаты: исследование показало, что существует положительная связь между гендерным разнообразием и патронажем продаж, так что на патронаж продаж влияет гендерное разнообразие. Результаты исследования также выявили положительную связь между возрастным разнообразием и операционными издержками, так что операционные издержки зависят от возрастного разнообразия в организации. Выводы: в исследовании делается вывод о существовании взаимосвязи между разнообразием сотрудников и эффективностью работы организации, и организации должны обеспечить, чтобы диверсификация была направлена на повышение эффективности работы организации. В исследовании рекомендуется, чтобы многонациональная пищевая промышленность не только обеспечивала разнообразие сотрудников в своем бизнесе, но и обеспечивала использование диверсификации для повышения эффективности работы организации. Дальнейшие исследования должны быть сосредоточены на других секторах и не ограничиваться секторами продуктов питания, напитков и конгломератов экономики Нигерии.Предмет дослідження: Диверсифікація потужно впливає на термінологію і практику в усьому світі. Диверсифікація співробітників включає в себе широкий спектр відмінностей, включаючи вік, стать, культуру, досвід роботи, батьківський статус, освіту, географічне положення і багато іншого. Мета: вивчити вплив гендерної диверсифікації на заступництво продажу багатонаціональних підприємств харчової промисловості, а також визначити вплив вікової диверсифікації на операційні витрати багатонаціональних підприємств. Завдання: Оптимальний результат цього дослідження – принести користь багатонаціональній харчовій промисловості в Нігерії, підтримуючи вище керівництво і працівників з різних верств суспільства, які можуть знайти інформацію в цьому дослідженні корисною для доступу до значення різноманітності робочої сили в їх організації. Методи: для дослідження були поставлені два дослідних питання і сформульовані дві гіпотези відповідно до поставлених завдань. У статті прийнятий описовий дизайн дослідження. Використовувалася проста випадкова вибірка. Всього в дослідженні взяли участь 9376 співробітників багатонаціональних продовольчих компаній Південно-Західної Нігерії. У дослідженні використовувалося визначення розміру вибірки Макорра. Анкета для дослідження була розіслана трьомстам сімдесяти п'яти (375) співробітникам, що було розміром вибірки, що представляє обрану досліджувану популяцію із 5 відібраних з багатонаціональної харчової промисловості в Південно-Західній Нігерії. У дослідженні використовувалися такі статистичні інструменти, як ієрархічний регресійний аналіз при перевірці гіпотез, перехресні таблиці, межелементний кореляційний тест і ANOVA, які допомагали в інтерпретації результатів. Результати: дослідження показало, що існує позитивний зв'язок між гендерною різноманітністю і патронажем продажів, так що на патронаж продажів впливає гендерна різноманітність. Результати дослідження також виявили позитивний зв'язок між віковою різноманітністю і операційними витратами, так що операційні витрати залежать від вікової різноманітності в організації. Висновки: в дослідженні робиться висновок про існування взаємозв'язку між різноманітністю співробітників і ефективністю роботи організації, і організації повинні забезпечити, щоб диверсифікація була спрямована на підвищення ефективності роботи організації. У дослідженні рекомендується, щоб багатонаціональна харчова промисловість не тільки забезпечувала різноманітність співробітників в своєму бізнесі, а й забезпечувала використання диверсифікації для підвищення ефективності роботи організації. Подальші дослідження повинні бути зосереджені на інших секторах і не обмежуватися секторами продуктів харчування, напоїв і конгломератів економіки Нігерії