The role compulsory licensing in combatting counterfeit drugs in Nigeria

The negative implication of the existence of counterfeit to the public, government and pharmaceutical companies is one of the issue examined in this study. This leads to a question of how the concept of compulsory licensing as provided for under the relevant laws can be used to address the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria The objective of this study is to identify how the relevant laws on compulsory licensing can be used to address the proliferation of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. Thus, this study employed doctrinal legal method. The content analysis is used in analyzing the data collected in this research. The study found out concept of compulsory licensing has the effect of enhancing access to affordable drugs through the authorization given to other producers to manufacture the said patented drugs and this will in turn spur competition. The study also recommends the government to issue compulsory licensing over patented drugs in order to assist the public to get of affordable and quality drugs in Nigeri

INFORMETRICS ANALYSIS OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA INSTITUTIONAL DIGITAL REPOSITORY (IDR)

Employing Informetric analysis, the study investigated the features, types of documents, subjects spread and challenges affecting the growth and development of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Institutional Digital Repositories (ABU-IDR). The findings of the study indicated that the IDR has diverse features, deploying DSpace, Dublin core metadata elements and Open Archive Initiative – Metadata Harvesting Protocol (OAI-PMH) to make the repository robust and interoperable. As reported by earlier studies, ABU-IDR is also found to be dominated by theses and dissertations with 9,857(95.82) documents. Finding on subjects spread of theses and dissertations illustrated that Faculties of Sciences and Education have the largest subject coverage with 1979 (20.1%) and 1702 (17.3%) respectively. With diverse features and deploying DSpace, OAI-PMH and its interoperability, the study concluded that ABU-IDR has gained considerable traction in recent years. However, the IDR can be made more effective and efficient by creating institutional repository policy that will take care of copyright, deposition right, diversification of contents and advocacy which are the major challenges hampering the growth and development of the IDR

Stock Market Development, Foreign Direct Investment and Macroeconomic Stability: Evidence from Nigeria

Stock market development is not only important in economic development of a nation, it is also an important indicator of future economic activity and a nation’s economic strength. This paper employs the Johensen co-integration and the error correction mechanism (ECM) techniques to examine the impact of foreign direct investment and macroeconomic stability (exchange rate and inflation rate) on the level of development of the Nigerian stock market over the peiod 1981-2010. The results reveal that a long run relationship exists between the variables and FDI was found to have a positive but insignificant impact on stock market development. The results also demonstrate that inflation rate has a negative insignificant effect but exchange rate has a significant and negative relationship with stock market development. The paper recommends that foreign firms operating in the Nigeria’s oil and gas and telecommunication sectors should be encouraged to be listed to promote the development of the market. This should be complemeted with policies that will promote macroeconomic stability to attract more foreign direct investment and making the contribution of the foreign direct investment meaningful to the economy. Keywords: Stock market development, FDI, macroeconomic stability, error correction model, Nigeria

The development of knowledge management and innovation management in a management consulting organisation in the UK

This study sets out to explain knowledge management (KM) and innovation management (IM) developments within the context of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). The existing literature on KM development identifies theories on scope, key antecedents, styles and readiness, while theories on innovation management development are centred on contextual and evolutionary dimensions. None consider the development of both knowledge management and innovation management together, especially in the context of KIBS. The research was conducted using an in-depth investigation of a UK-based management consulting organisation, spanning three iterative phases to achieve theory saturation. The data generated was analysed with data analysis software (Nvivo) in order to facilitate grounded analysis and theory development. The role of the researcher in the case organisation was that of an observing facilitator and there was sensitive interaction with existing theories/literature throughout the process, although theory development was grounded in the research data. The three key findings of this research indicate that organisational responsiveness to the key environmental factors of competitive environment, client expectation and changing industry dynamics shapes the way knowledge and innovation management develop in the organisation. Second, that in KIBS business performance is essentially determined by client perception of value, an impression largely developed during service delivery. The research found a significant level of co-creation activity occurring out of the organisation’s relational engagement. The organisation’s knowledge and innovation management activities reflect this relational dimension of development, a process that has a significant influence on the development of knowledge and innovation management. Third, that there is a conflicted understanding of innovation performance in the organisation, varying from the consideration of it being an outcome of an innovative product or delivery, to it being the level of innovation in the delivery process rather than just its outcome. These conflicting understandings elicit certain responsiveness in the organisation thataffects the development of knowledge and innovation management. An original model grounded in data has been developed from the research, which seeks to suggest that these three factors of environmental responsiveness, client relational engagement, and conflicted understanding around innovation performance, combined together shape the development of knowledge and innovation management in the research organisation. The limitations of the research are discussed, along with wider implications

Screening of sweet potato feathery mottle virus resistant sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L., Lam.) cultivars in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Sweet potato is a food security crop because of its ability to withstand adverse climatic conditions. This security, however, is being threaten by viral diseases and use of resistant cultivars remain the best management. This research was conducted to screen cultivars of sweet potato against sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) infection. The treatments consisted of five cultivars coded as CV1, CV2, CV3, CV4 and CV5, respectively. The asymptomatic experimental plants were established, maintained under screen house conditions and graft-inoculated using infected vines which were tested SPFMV positive using both Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated three times. Results obtained from disease incidence and symptom severity indicated that there was significant difference (P <0.05) among cultivars in their reaction to SPFMV infection. CV2 had the highest mean disease incidence (60.67%) while, CV3 had the lowest mean disease incidence (36.67%). CV1, CV3, and CV5 have the same lowest mean symptom severity score of 2.00 while, CV2 had the highest mean severity score of 4.00. Based on the reaction of the cultivars after inoculation, it could be concluded that, all the cultivars screened were susceptible to SPFMV but CV1, CV3 and CV4 cultivars have some degree of resistance to SPFMV infection and were therefore recommended for use by the farmers in the study area. This is the first research that screened sweet potato cultivars for resistance to SPFMV in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Logistics and Distribution Problems of Agricultural Commodities from Greater Zaria Area, Nigeria

The location of Greater Zaria area in the guinea savannah provides a good physical environment for both subsistent and commercial agriculture. In Greater Zaria, both rain-fed and dry season farming are practiced by a large number of people and a significant per cent of the produce are marketed and distributed to other parts of the country. This study attempts to analyse the problems of logistics in the distribution of agricultural commodities from Greater Zaria to different parts of Nigeria. Questionnaires were designed and the purposive sampling method was used to select and interview marketers, intermediaries, vehicle drivers, channel loaders and consumers. Percentages, tables and flow line map were used to analyse the data. The results revealed that instability in the price of gasoline, harassment by law enforcement agents, extortions/multiple taxations at checkpoints, numerous stopping points/places of drivers and very poor condition of roads are seriously affecting the efficiency of freight distribution. What more, existence of numerous middlemen, channel loaders and lack of storage facilities in the source markets or collection points affects the ordering process and inventory management in Greater Zaria. All these activities not only cause delays, but also lead to loss of weight in animals as well as perishing of commodities in the logistics distribution and add to the cost price of agricultural commodities to consumers. It was therefore, recommended, among others, that government should try to ensure stability in the pricing and supply of gasoline to all nooks and crannies of the country. State governments should come up with an agreed pattern of taxation on our high ways to check extortions and multiple taxation; while our law enforcement agents should be well-trained, adequately remunerated and re-oriented to carry out their duties effectively. Only by so doing could we enhance efficiency in the logistics distribution of agricultural commodities not only from Greater Zaria, but also to and from all other parts of Nigeria. Keywords:  Problems, Logistics Distribution, Agricultural, Commodities and Zaria

Diffusion and use of information about Ebola salt water therapy by students in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria during 2014 Ebola epidemic in Nigeria

This study is aimed at determining the diffusion and use of Ebola salt water therapy information by students in Ahmadu Bello  University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria. Using qualitative case study approach, the researcher adopted Electronic  Word-of-Mouth communication (eWOM) model as a guide. The researcher used 58 electronic narratives from Short Messaging Services (SMS), Twitter, and Facebook used in the diffusion of Ebola salt water therapy information by the ABU students during the 2014 Ebola epidemic and conducted one-on-one interviews with 19 participants that have discussed in social media, received the call, or massage on and practiced Ebola salt water therapy. The study found that the information about Ebola salt water therapy diffused among ABU students through electronic and  interpersonal means of communication by their close relations and opinion leaders, also the students used the information because of fear and the repeated number of calls and messages they received. The research recommended that the University Health Services Unit of ABU should have official online social platform for diffusion and discussion of health related matters where  professionals will respond and attend to students’ questions and complaints

Petty Trading and Household Livelihood among Women in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

The main objective of the study was the determination of the impact of petty trading on household livelihood among women petty traders in Akwanga Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa state. This was achieved through two specific objectives – to determine the contributions of women petty trading on household income, and its role in attaining household living standard. The study relied on the use of primary data, obtained from a random sample of 343 women owners of petty businesses in Akwanga. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey involving the administration of copies of a structured questionnaire with closed-ended items forming each variable scale. The collected data was used to estimate a structural model using the PLS-SEM statistical technique, to test the pertinent formulated hypothesis and evaluate variable relationships. The result obtained showed that women petty trading businesses had positive and significant effect on household income and living standard.  in Akwanga. It was therefore, recommended that due to the importance of petty trading into our growing economy, government and non-governmental organization should encourage more women to go into trading by supporting them with adequate finances for development and women petty traders need to analyzed the kind of business they want to engage onto so as to reduce the magnitude of certain uncertainty in the future

Utjecaj zdravstvenog obrazovanja u zajednici na upravljanje primarnom zdravstvenom zaštitom u nigerijskoj populaciji

Introduction: Primary health care (PHC) is based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods that are universally accessible to individuals and families in the community. Aim: To determine the impact of community-based health education (CBHED) in the implementation of the PHC program in Bauchi state, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional survey research design. 20 development areas were studied and each of these wards had one PHC centre. The study consisted of two groups; a provider survey (health workers) and a household survey (community members). 317 questionnaires were administered, but only 312 were returned. A 25-item questionnaire had three sections: demographics, level of participation and acceptance. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21.0. A chi-squared test was used to determine the relationship between the levels of education and acceptance of community-based health education in primary health care at p < 0.05. Result: 136 (43.6%) were men, while 176 (56.4%) were women. The age distribution indicates that the majority of the study respondents were within the age range of 25‒41, n = 181 (58.0%). There was no relationship between the age of the study participants and their level of participation in CBHED in PHC (p < 0.005). There was no relationship between the source of information and participation in PHC (p < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a need to also extend the CBHED approach to other health-related services which would target community-level implementation.Uvod: Primarna zdravstvena zaštita (PHC) temelji se na praktičnim, znanstveno dokazanim i društveno prihvatljivim metodama koje su univerzalno dostupne pojedincima i obiteljima u zajednici. Cilj: Odrediti utjecaj zdravstvenog obrazovanja u zajednici (CBHED) u sklopu provedbe programa PHC-a u saveznoj državi Bauchi, Nigerija. Metodologija: Provedeno je transverzalno anketno istraživanje. Istraženo je 20 razvojnih područja, a u svakom od tih područja nalazi se jedan centar za PHC. Istraživanje se provodilo u dvije skupine: anketirani su pružatelji usluge (zdravstveni radnici) i domaćinstva (članovi zajednice). Podijeljeno je 317 upitnika, a vraćeno ih je 312. Upitnik se sastojao od 25 pitanja podijeljenih u tri dijela: demografski podaci, razina sudjelovanja i prihvaćanje. Podaci su analizirani uporabom programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, verzija 21.0. Hi-kvadrat test primijenjen je za određivanje povezanosti između razine obrazovanja i prihvaćanja zdravstvenog obrazovanja u zajednici u primarnoj zdravstvenoj zaštiti uz p < 0,05. Rezultati: Ispitano je 136 (43,6 %) muškaraca i 176 (56,4 %) žena. Većina ispitanika u dobnom je rasponu od 25 do 41 godine, n = 181 (58,0 %). Nema povezanosti između dobi sudionika istraživanja i njihove razine sudjelovanja u zdravstvenom obrazovanju u zajednici u primarnoj zdravstvenoj zaštiti (P < 0,005). Nema povezanosti između izvora informacija i sudjelovanja u PHCu (p < 0,05). Nema povezanosti između dobi sudionika istraživanja i njihove razine sudjelovanja u zdravstvenom obrazovanju u zajednici u primarnoj zdravstvenoj zaštiti. Zaključak: Potreban je prošireni pristup CBHED-a na druge zdravstvene usluge koji bi bio usmjeren na provedbu na razini zajednice

Effect of Wolbachia as biocontrol agent on fecundity and survival of cassava whitefly in northwest Nigeria

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) is known to vectored Cassava mosaic virus (CMV) and Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV), these viruses caused major diseases of cassava in Africa. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Wolbachia as biocontrol agent on fecundity and survival of whitefly infesting cassava. Whiteflies infesting cassava were captured and reared using rearing cages. Wolbachia was isolated from infected cassava whiteflies, cultured and used for the inoculations. The experiment was conducted under control conditions using glass cages. Results of this research revealed that number of eggs lay by Bemisia tabaci inoculated with Wolbachia significantly (P = 0.05) reduced weeks after inoculation which significantly differ among the cassava genotypes. Number of eggs lay by B. tabaci free of Wolbachia was significantly higher (964.35) than those inoculated with Wolbachia (46.541) at 4 weeks after inoculation (4WAI). The genotype ‘Dan Aliero’ had the highest number (4WAI 82.33), while, ‘Farin rogo’ had the lowest number of eggs (4WAI 23.33). Number of whitefly nymphs and adults also significantly reduced when B. tabaci was inoculated with Wolbachia. ‘Dan Aliero’ had the highest number of whitefly nymphs and adults (4WAI = 59.00) and (4WAI = 51.00), respectively. ‘Farin rogo’ recorded the lowest number of whitefly nymphs (17.67) and adults (13.00) at 4WAI, respectively. For the first time, Wolbachia were evaluated for whiteflies management. From the finding of this study, Wolbachia can be used as biocontrol agent to suppress whiteflies infestation on cassava and other vegetable crops