Cost and returns on the marketing of charcoal within Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

The study on the cost and returns of charcoal marketing was carried out within Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to investigate the returns on the sales of charcoal among randomly selected major charcoal markets. Questionnaire was used as a primary source of data collection. Descriptive statistics, Rate of Return on Investment and Cost and Return analysis was used to analyze the data obtained for thestudy. The results revealed that 92% of the respondents were female, 44% were in the age group 36-45 years old which was the largest group, 41% had primary school education while residues and breakages (70%) constitute a very serious problem faced by the marketers. The result further show that Bodija market had the highest profit of about N59, 665 and rate of return on investment of 48.50% with this it implied thatthere was high demand of charcoal in the market. Alesinloye had the lowest profit of about N23, 610 and the rate of return on investment was 19.04%. This was because it had the largest marketing cost incurred in the business and low revenue generated. It was concluded that to boost the business in the area, the producers should ensure that the pyrolysis or carbonization of wood is done perfectly so as to reduce residues

Second asymptomatic carotid surgery trial (ACST-2) : a randomised comparison of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy

Background: Among asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis but no recent stroke or transient cerebral ischaemia, either carotid artery stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can restore patency and reduce long-term stroke risks. However, from recent national registry data, each option causes about 1% procedural risk of disabling stroke or death. Comparison of their long-term protective effects requires large-scale randomised evidence. Methods: ACST-2 is an international multicentre randomised trial of CAS versus CEA among asymptomatic patients with severe stenosis thought to require intervention, interpreted with all other relevant trials. Patients were eligible if they had severe unilateral or bilateral carotid artery stenosis and both doctor and patient agreed that a carotid procedure should be undertaken, but they were substantially uncertain which one to choose. Patients were randomly allocated to CAS or CEA and followed up at 1 month and then annually, for a mean 5 years. Procedural events were those within 30 days of the intervention. Intention-to-treat analyses are provided. Analyses including procedural hazards use tabular methods. Analyses and meta-analyses of non-procedural strokes use Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN21144362. Findings: Between Jan 15, 2008, and Dec 31, 2020, 3625 patients in 130 centres were randomly allocated, 1811 to CAS and 1814 to CEA, with good compliance, good medical therapy and a mean 5 years of follow-up. Overall, 1% had disabling stroke or death procedurally (15 allocated to CAS and 18 to CEA) and 2% had non-disabling procedural stroke (48 allocated to CAS and 29 to CEA). Kaplan-Meier estimates of 5-year non-procedural stroke were 2·5% in each group for fatal or disabling stroke, and 5·3% with CAS versus 4·5% with CEA for any stroke (rate ratio [RR] 1·16, 95% CI 0·86-1·57; p=0·33). Combining RRs for any non-procedural stroke in all CAS versus CEA trials, the RR was similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (overall RR 1·11, 95% CI 0·91-1·32; p=0·21). Interpretation: Serious complications are similarly uncommon after competent CAS and CEA, and the long-term effects of these two carotid artery procedures on fatal or disabling stroke are comparable