Determinants of Dividend Policy in Nigerian Manufacturing Firms

Dividend policy is becoming an area of concern to different stakeholders including the researchers in recent time. Although there are existing literatures on Determinants of Dividend Policy in Nigeria, this study wishes to contribute to existing study by viewing determinants of dividend policy with a focus on listed food and beverages and cement firms in Nigeria. Dividend per Share is used as dependent variable while Return on Capital employed, Earnings per Share and Tangible Asset growth rate are used as the independent variables.Panel Data were sourced from annual report and account of the selected five (5) companies to cover a period of eight (8) years(2008 to 2015). Panel least square was employed to estimate the model built for the study. The result shows that Return on Capital employed has no significant relationship with dividend policy; Earnings per Share and Tangible Asset growth rate have significant relationship with dividend policy of firms. Moreso, only Earning per Share out of the three explanatory variables exhibit positive relationship with dividend per share while others have negative relationship. It is strongly recommended that firms should pursue effective dividend policy that will motivate investors to commit more resources in the company, and to also ensure that reasonable proportion of profit is also retained for future growth without detriment to shareholders wealth maximisation. Keywords: dividend policy, returns on capital employed, earnings per share and tangible asset growth rate

Protective Effect of Hesperetin on Nicosulfuron-Induced Testicular Oxidative Stress in Male Wistar Rats

Nicosulfuron is a post-emergence herbicide used to control weeds while hesperetin found in citrus fruits has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. This study was designed to investigate the ameliorative properties of Hesperetin on Nicosulfuron-induced reproductive oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. Twenty-four male wistar rats weighing 200 ± 20g were assigned to different groups, each with six animals. Group A serves as the control group and were administered distilled water only. Group B received 25 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) Nicosulfuron. Group C were co-administered with 25 mg/kg B.W. Nicosulfuron and 100 mg/kg Hesperetin while animals in group D received 100 mg/kg B.W. Hesperetin. All treatment lasted for 14 days. An increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology (23.07%) in the group exposed to Nicosulfuron was observed. Sperm motility, testicular Ascorbic acid, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were reduced significantly in the Nicosulfuron-treated group by 20.33%, 48.11%, and 41.10% respectively. Also, GST, Catalase, and SOD activities were significantly down-regulated in the Nicosulfuron-treated group. Furthermore, as compared to the control group, the Nicosulfuron-treated group had significantly higher activity of testicular acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), MDA, and NO levels. However, co-treatment of Nicosulfuron and Hesperetin significantly ameliorated the Nicosulfuron-induced changes in sperm morphology, motility; testicular ascorbic acid, GSH, NO levels; SOD, CAT, GST, ALP, and ACP activities. The result from this study indicates that Hesperetin, due to its antioxidant properties, protects against testicular oxidative stress induced by Nicosulfuron exposure

Internal Model Control Tuned Proportional Integral Derivative for Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Dynamic Model

In recent times, there are has been growing substantive attention to the quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) stability control. However, inherent nonlinearity is a major challenge with this control technique, this paper, therefore, developed a PID based Internal Model Control (IMC) method for the dynamic model of quadrotor UAV. The versatility and simplicity of the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller enable it to enjoy wide usage and acceptability as stability control methods for the unmanned aerial vehicles. The aim of this paper is to use the PID controller with IMC to control a UAV. The proposed approach - IMC-PID control method -was simulated using MATLAB software and X-plane flight simulator. Thereafter, a comparative analysis of the IMC-PID control method with Chien-Hrones-Reswick, Cohen-coon, and Ziegler Nichols based PID Controllers was done using pitch and altitude as performance metrics. Keywords: Internal Model Control,MATLAB/Simulink, Proportional Integral Derivative, Quadrotor, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV),X-Plane, DOI: 10.7176/CTI/9-01 Publication date: April 30th 202

Magnetic Field Treated Water Influence on Structural Concrete Elements: Environmental Issues of Concrete

The impact of magnetized water on the strength properties of concrete calls for a holistic appraisal of its effect on the environment of production and use. In this study, the influence of the Magnetic Field Treated Water (MFTW) on the strength of concrete produced under various environments is considered. The work considered three environments of use of magnetized water in concrete with respect to partial replacement of fine aggregate with waste glass; quality of curing medium on mechanical properties of concrete and effect on the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. The three scenarios presented involved preparing and testing concrete cubes made with magnetized water, cement, fine (sand and glass) and coarse (granite) aggregates at various levels of combination and environment of curing. The concrete cubes were cured for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days and the strength and other parameters, such as slump and workability, were compared with conventional concrete in normal environment. It was observed that concrete under self-compacting concrete made with MFTW had a 9.1% increase in compressive strength than normal; for concrete made with clay brick powder and MFTW, both the workability and compressive strength was higher than normal. The magnetized water in concrete with waste glass as partial replacement had higher slump value and 24% increase in compressive strength than conventional concrete. MFTW therefore improves strength development of concrete

Glycemic Control in an Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Patient with Coronavirus Disease 2019

Diabetes mellitus in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) patients is associated with poor outcomes due to poorly understood reasons inclusive of blood sugar patterns. Hence, we report a case of a 52‑year‑old Nigerian man known hypertensive heart disease patient, previously undiagnosed diabetes mellitus patient with difficulty in blood sugar control, heart failure, and persistent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 8 weeks after he tested positive. A 52‑year‑old male civil servant obese, known hypertensive heart disease patient presented with complaints of fever, cough, difficulty with breathing, headache, and generalized body weakness. At presentation, he had respiratory distress with low oxygen saturation of 78% and hyperglycemia (blood sugar of 40 mmol/l). His body mass index was 35.9 kg/m2 . Chest radiography showed ground‑glass appearance with cardiomegaly. Over the next 10 days on  admission, his blood sugar fluctuated between hyperglycemia and an episode of hypoglycemia with occasional euglycemia and had glycated hemoglobin of 10.8%. The full blood count was normal, electrolyte, urea and creatinine showed mild elevation of the urea and creatinine, other parameters were normal, while the lipid profile showed hypercholesterolemia. He received multiple doses of insulin, anti‑hypertensive, lopinavir/ ritonavir, methylprednisolone, and azithromycin. The patient was weaned off oxygen after 10 days and discharged home 15 days after admission. This case report highlighted the challenges that may face a patient with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and COVID‑19. It also brings forth the need to expand research options in COVID‑19 and risk factors associated with the disease as the world strives to control the global pandemic. Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019, glycemic control, undiagnosed diabetes mellitu

Antipyretic Activity of Abutilon mauritianum (Jacq.) Roots in Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: Ethanolic extract of Abutilon mauritianum roots (EEAMR) was evaluated for its antipyretic activity. Methodology: The antipyretic activity was done using changes in rectal temperature influenced by brewer's yeast (10mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (0.3μg/kg) induced pyrexia in rats. Forty-two male wistar albino rats weighing 160.39 ± 9.23g were used for the study and randomized into seven groups of six rats each. In the first experiment, all the rats were induced with pyresis using 10 mg/kg body weight of brewer's yeast subcutaneously. Group I (negative control) was given 0.5 ml of distilled water. Rats in groups II (positive control), III and IV were given 100mg/kg p.o paracetamol (PCM), 150 and 300 mg/kg p.o of EEAMR respectively. In the second experiment, the rats were induced with pyresis using 0.3 μg/kg body weight of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravenously. Group I (negative control) was given 0.5 ml of distilled water while groups II (positive control) and III were given 100mg/kg p.o paracetamol (PCM) and 600 mg/kg p.o of EEAMR respectively. Results: The extract significantly lowered (P<0.05) the elevated rectal temperature in the brewer yeast and lipopolysaccharide induced pyretic models which was also dose dependent. The antipyretic effect of the extract was comparable to the standard antipyretic drug paracetamol (PCM). Conclusion: This revealed that the extract has an antipyretic activity and supports its use in managing fever

Knowledge of and Attitude Towards Epilepsy Among Women in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: Epilepsy is a non-contagious chronic disease with sufferers experiencing embarrassments amidst other challenges. Family caregivers are mainly women with some of them suffering from the disease. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude of women residents in an urban community towards epilepsy. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 400 randomly selected women in Ile-Ife. The data was collected with the use of a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire on knowledge of and attitude to epilepsy. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Most respondents (99.3%) were aware of the disease with their main sources of information from their parents, friends, and neighbours. Only 15.3% of respondents had good knowledge of epilepsy, while 35% had positive attitude to epilepsy. Factors associated with good knowledge of epilepsy among respondents include having higher education (OR = 3.154, 95%CI = 1.574–6.323, p = 0.001) and higher income (OR = 3.055, 95%CI = 1.404–6.651, p = 0.005), while factors associated with positive attitude towards epilepsy include older age group (OR = 1.943, 95%CI = 1.281–2.945,p = 0.002) and higher income (OR = 2.932, 95%CI = 1.345–6.386, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Although the level of awareness is high, respondents’ knowledgeand attitude were inadequate. There is a need for a community education about epilepsy, targeting women who are major stakeholders with the aim of improving their knowledge and attitude towards the disease

Primary umbilical endometriosis: Radical excision (omphalectomy) and laparoscopic management of associated pelvic endometriosis in a low resource tertiary hospital

Primary umbilical endometriosis (PUE) is a rare condition affecting 0.5 – 1% of all extragenital endometriosis cases. We reviewed the data of five women with umbilical endometriosis retrospectively. The age range was 29 – 46 years, and they were all nulligravid at presentation. Common clinical presentation was umbilical pain and masses, dysmenorrhea, and primary infertility. Radical umbilical excision was performed to remove the nodule as a definitive treatment. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, followed by varying degrees of operative laparoscopic procedures. They all had endometriosis in the pelvis. Three out of five women operated became pregnant and had live births. Complete resolution of clinical symptoms with a reduction in umbilical and menstrual pain scores occurred. In resource-constrained settings, diagnosis, and treatment of PUE may be challenging. Clinical suspicion and appropriate case management are critical for good reproductive outcomes and quality of life.   L'endométriose ombilicale primaire (PUE) est une maladie rare affectant 0,5 à 1 % de tous les cas d'endométriose extragénitale. Nous avons examiné les données de cinq femmes atteintes d'endométriose ombilicale rétrospectivement. La tranche d'âge était de 29 à 46 ans, et ils étaient tous nulligravides à la présentation. Le tableau clinique commun était la douleur et les masses ombilicales, la dysménorrhée et l'infertilité primaire. Une excision ombilicale radicale a été réalisée pour retirer le nodule comme traitement définitif. La laparoscopie diagnostique a été réalisée, suivie de divers degrés de procédures laparoscopiques opératoires. Ils avaient tous une endométriose du bassin. Trois femmes opérées sur cinq sont tombées enceintes et ont eu des naissances vivantes. Une résolution complète des symptômes cliniques avec une réduction des scores de douleur ombilicale et menstruelle s'est produite. Dans les milieux à ressources limitées, le diagnostic et le traitement du PUE peuvent être difficiles. La suspicion clinique et une prise en charge appropriée des cas sont essentielles pour de bons résultats en matière de reproduction et une bonne qualité de vie

Clinical effects of Garcinia kola in knee osteoarthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>Over the past years, there has been a growing number of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients who are not willing to comply with long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) treatment and wish to use herbal anti- rheumatic medicine. This study assessed the clinical effects of <it>Garcinia kola </it>(GK) in KOA patients.</p> <p>Patients and methods</p> <p>Prospective randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, clinical trial approved by the institutional medical ethics review board and written informed consent obtained from each patient. All KOA patients presenting at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital complex were recruited into the study. The patients were grouped into four (A = Placebo, B = Naproxen, C = <it>Garcinia kola</it>, D = Celebrex). The drugs and placebo were given twice a day per oral route. Each dose consisted of 200 mg of <it>G. kola</it>, Naproxen (500 mg), Celebrex (200 mg) and Ascorbic acid (100 mg). The primary outcome measure over six weeks study period was the change in mean WOMAC pain visual analogue scales (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the mean change in joint stiffness and physical function (mobility/walking).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>143 patients were recruited, 84 (58.7%, males – 24, females – 60) satisfied the selection criteria and completed the study. The effect of knee osteoarthritis bilateralism among the subjects was not significant on their outcome (p > 0.05). The change in the mean WOMAC pain VAS after six weeks of <it>G. kola </it>was significantly reduced compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons of the mean VAS pain change of <it>G. kola </it>group was not lowered significantly against the naproxen and celebrex groups (p > 0.05). The onset of <it>G. kola </it>symptomatic pain relief was faster than the placebo (p < 0.001). However, it was slower than the active comparators (p > 0.05). The duration of therapeutic effect of <it>Garcinia kola </it>was longer than the placebo (p > 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>period of effect was less than naproxen and celebrex (p < 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>subjects had improved mean change mobility/walking after six weeks better than the control group(p < 0.001). The mean change in mobility of the <it>G. kola </it>group when compared to the active comparators was not significantly better (p < 0.05). The mean change of knee joint stiffness (p < 0.001) and the change of mean WOMAC score (p < 0.001) were improved on <it>Garcinia kola </it>as compared to the placebo. The mid term outcome of eleven <it>Garcinia kola </it>subjects after cessation of use had a mean pain relief period of 17.27 +/- 5.15 days (range: 9–26 days). There was no significant cardiovascular, renal or drug induced adverse reaction to <it>Garcinia kola</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>Garcinia kola </it>appeared to have clinically significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients. <it>Garcinia kola </it>is a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier with good mid term outcome. Further studies are required for standardization of dosages and to determine long-term effects.</p