The Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decrees (1972 and 1977) and indigenisation in Nigeria

The thesis is a comprehensive examination of the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decrees of 1972 and 1977, and more broadly of the process of indigenisation in Nigeria. A brief introduction to the historical background of indigenisation before 1970 is followed by an account of the timing of the Decrees in the context of the oil boom in the country's economy. An examination of the problems encountered in implementing the Decrees and their effects, and an analysis of the distribution of benefits, is informed by empirical research including interviews, carried out by the author in Nigeria between 1982 and 1985. The record shows that indigenisation has led to the consolidation of an economy which accommodates the interests of ex-State personnel, the State as an institution, private indigenous businessmen and foreign capital, in an order which is far from certain to bring about the national economic independence which, in official terms, is the chief objective. Nigeria's commitment to capitalism and the promotion of Indigenous private enterprise, on the basis of resources generated initially by the agricultural economy, between the 1940s and 1960s, and then much more spectacularly and more significantly by oil revenues in the 1970s, provides an instructive example of the limits to what a post-colonial society in black Africa can achieve by trying to indigenise the ownership structure of its economy

The Impact of Commercial Bank Credit on the Growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises: An Econometric Evidence from Nigeria (1986 - 2012)

The study employed Co-integration and Error Correction Modelling (ECM) techniques to investigate empirically the impact of commercial bank credit on Nigeria's Small and Medium Scale enterprises (SMEs) between 1986 and 2012.The results revealed that SMEs and selected macroeconomic variables included in the model have a long run relationship with SMEs output. The study also reveals that savings time deposit and exchange rate has a significant impact on SMEs output in Nigeria. Furthermore, commercial bank credit to SMEs, total government expenditure and bank density has direct but insignificant impact on the country SMEs output this may be connected with stringent policy in accessing credit facility and the crowd out effect of government expenditure in the economy. The study also shows that interest rate has adverse effect on SMEs output. The study recommended among others that interest rate on credit facility granted to SMEs should be drastically reduced, commercial banks should grant soft loan to this important sector of the economy and also reduced stringent policy in supply of credit to SMEs and monetary authority should encourage commercial bank to set up more branches in the rural areas in order to encourage rural occupant to save and have assesses to credit facility.   Keyword: Small and Scale Medium Enterprises, Bank Credit, Loans, Commercial Ban

Evaluation of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Fish and Water from Lake Geriyo in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Pesticides usage in agricultural fields to control pests is extremely toxic to non-target organisms like fish and affects fish health through deterioration of metabolism, and sometimes leading to death. The present study was carried out to determine the level of organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues in, water and fish (Catfish and Tilapia) from Lake Geriyo, in Adamawa State, Nigeria, in order to find out the extent of pesticide contamination and accumulation in the lake. Soxhlet extraction process was used for the extraction of fish using a mixture of hexane and acetone, while water sample was extracted using dichloromethane liquid- liquid extraction method. The extracts were cleaned-up and analyzed using a gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The result shows that organochlorine pesticides residues such as endrin, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor were detected in the water and the fish samples of the study area. Dieldrin was the predominant residue in all the fish samples analysed, at the concentration range of 0.36mg/kg to 0.57mg/kg and 0. 051mg/kg to 0.047mg/kg in Tilapia and catfish respectively, while Lindane was of  higher concentration in water samples, (0.33mg/L) in point p1 upstream and 0.27mg/L in point p2 downstream.  The lowest levels of OC pesticides were related to Endrin, Aldrin and Heptachlor in which Endrin and Heptachor were not found in water samples. The result of the investigation shows that matured fish contain higher concentration of the OC pesticide residues than the immature fish. Dieldrin and Lindane were found to be the predominant pesticide residues in all the analysed water and fish samples. Therefore the result indicates that Lake Gariyo is contaminated by pesticide from the nearby vegetable gardens which affects the water quality and non target organisms like fishes thereof. Keywords: Organochlorine, Pesticides, Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Fish and Water DOI: 10.7176/CMR/11-2-0

Seasonal assessment of pupal habitat productivity of malaria vector: Anopheles gambiae s.l as influence by physico-chemical conditions at selected breeding habitats in Niger, Nigeria

Malaria is the most significant protozoan disease in Africa and the principal vector-borne disease (VBD) in Nigeria, which is influenced by the quality of breeding habitats that are reflected through the stage preceding adult. Control of Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations through source reduction is still considered the most effective way of prevention and control, although it has proven unsustainable in Niger State. Physico-chemical cues were investigated. Samples were taken inside and outside 1m2 cages weekly by dipping and emptying the cages from May 2019 to March 2020. The data subjected to analysis of variance (one and two-way Anova). The findings revealed the mean pupae abundance (MPA), were significantly higher in Large Water bodies (624.50±217.81), and followed by Gutters (436.00±184.2) and Swamps (285.50±125.06). The mean pupae productivity (MPP), followed the order of descending rate >GT (717.50±219.38) >LW (677.21±145.10) >SW (530.40±136.97). The result also showed that emptying technique (ET) was more sufficient and reliable than dipping technique (DT). The peak abundance and productivity of the pupal stage was June to August then declined in March,2020 both habitats. However, MPP differed significantly (p<0.05) from one another across the months in all the habitat types. The physical and chemical cues of the breeding sites, varied significantly, except in temperature, total hardness, biochemical oxygen demands, conductivity, and pH in all the habitats. This study revealed high utilization of physico-chemical properties and poses increased risk of malaria. Thus, emphasis on the vector management strategies should be given specially on gutters and large water bodies as breeding habitats of malaria vectors (MV), in Niger Stat

Estrogen receptor modulatory effects of germinated brown rice bioactives in the uterus of rats through the regulation of estrogen-induced genes

PURPOSE: The expression of genes regulated by estrogen in the uterus was studied in ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with germinated brown rice (GBR) bioactives, and compared to Remifemin or estrogen at different doses to identify the regulation of these genes in the uterus and their molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Rats were treated orally with GBR bioactives (phenolics), acylated steryl glucosides (ASG), γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), and γ-oryzanol (ORZ) at 100 and 200 mg/kg, Remifemin (REM) at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, or estrogen (EST) at 0.2 mg/kg. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from the uterus, and messenger (m)RNA expression of selected genes encoding estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β), calcium-binding protein (CaBP9k), complement protein (C3), heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70), and interleukin (IL)-4 receptor were quantified. Similarly, serum steroid hormone concentration was monitored at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after treatments. ER-β antibody binding to the uterus sections was also studied using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The group treated with EST (0.2 mg/kg) upregulated ER-β, C3, and IL-4 receptor genes compared to other groups (P0.05) in the progesterone levels in the OVX untreated group compared to the sham and other treated groups. There was a significant increase at 8 weeks in the level of FSH (P0.05) in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) between the OVX untreated group and other groups. The sham and GBR phenolics treated group showed ER-β reactivity at the glandular epithelium, while the group treated with EST showed immunoreactivity at the glandular, luminal, and stromal epithelium. CONCLUSION: GBR phenolics moderately regulate the expression of ER-β, HSP70, and IL-4 receptor genes, and gave a positive immunoreaction to ER-β antigen in the uterus. ASG regulates the expression of CaBP9k and IL-4 receptor genes, and ORZ regulates the expression of the CaBP9k gene, while GABA at 100 mg/kg regulates the expression of the HSP70 gene. GBR and its bioactives might have an effect on estrogen-regulated genes in the uterus of rats

Determination of fatty acids and physicochemical properties of neem (Azadrachta indica L) seed oil extracts

Neem tree is a folklore plant mostly used in medicinal preparations. Therefore, neem seeds were investigated with the aim of determining its fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of the oil extract. The oil was extracted from the powdered seed using n-hexane with the help of Soxhlet which yielded 29.71% oil. Results revealed that the oil was liquid at room temperature and physically stable at varying temperatures (0, 50 and 100°C). It appeared to be pale greenish yellow, garlic-like odour, had a little bitter taste, viscosity of 12.2Pas and pH value of 6.78 ± 0.0135. The chemical parameters were identified to be 1.22 ± 0.029%, 2.36 ± 0.054 mg NaOH/g oil, 172.84 ± 0.559 mgNaOH/g oil and 1.88 ± 0.059 meq/kg oil for free fatty acids, acid value, saponification value and peroxide value respectively. The GC-MS analysis showed that the oil extract contained six different fatty acids with total composition of 63.07% oil. The compound with the highest composition was linoleic acid (40%) followed by oleic (35%), cis-13-octadecenoic acid (8.9%), palmitic acid (8.5%), stearic acid (7.5%) while the least compound was cis-vaccenic acid (0.5%). However, contrary to previous work where it was reported that oleic acid or linoleic acid was the dominant fatty acid found in neem oil. Linoleic acid was found to be dominant in this current research work. It is however recommended that under-utilized neem seeds should be explored the more with a view to producing viable products

Analysis of Forest Cover Changes In Nimbia Forest Reserve, Kaduna State, Nigeria Using Geographic Information System And Remote Sensing Techniques

Nimbia Forest Reserve is witnessing degradation due to anthropogenic activities such as Farming, Illegal felling and fuel wood extraction just like many other forest reserves in Nigeria. On the other hand, the management has failed to provide enough manpower to guard against anthropogenic activities and the few ones available were not receiving better remuneration. Other problems faced by the forest are that trimming is done on time and cleared lands were not replanted. These and many other reasons  leading to overexploitation, increase  rate of deforestation, modification of the forest structure, reduced income to government and increased unemployment. This study examines the use of GIS and Remote Sensing in mapping Land Cover in Nimbia Forest Reserve between 1986 and 2010 so as to detect the changes that may have taken place in this status between these periods. Subsequently, an attempt was made at projecting the observed land cover in the next 21 years. The result obtained show that some features will be lost to other features and possible reasons for that were evaluated. Suggestions were therefore made at the end of the work on ways to use the information as contained therein optimally

The impact of polio eradication on routine immunization and primary health care: A mixed-methods study

Background: After 2 decades of focused efforts to eradicate polio, the impact of eradication activities on health systems continues to be controversial. This study evaluated the impact of polio eradication activities on routine immunization (RI) and primary healthcare (PHC).Methods: Quantitative analysis assessed the effects of polio eradication campaigns on RI and maternal healthcare coverage. A systematic qualitative analysis in 7 countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa assessed impacts of polio eradication activities on key health system functions, using data from interviews, participant observation, and document review.Results: Our quantitative analysis did not find compelling evidence of widespread and significant effects of polio eradication campaigns, either positive or negative, on measures of RI and maternal healthcare. Our qualitative analysis revealed context-specific positive impacts of polio eradication activities in many of our case studies, particularly disease surveillance and cold chain strengthening. These impacts were dependent on the initiative of policy makers. Negative impacts, including service interruption and public dissatisfaction, were observed primarily in districts with many campaigns per year.Conclusions: Polio eradication activities can provide support for RI and PHC, but many opportunities to do so remain missed. Increased commitment to scaling up best practices could lead to significant positive impacts

Role of Bone-Modifying Agents in Multiple Myeloma: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update

Purpose To update guideline recommendations on the role of bone-modifying agents in multiple myeloma. Methods An update panel conducted a targeted systematic literature review by searching PubMed and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines, and observational studies. Results Thirty-five relevant studies were identified, and updated evidence supports the current recommendations. Recommendations For patients with active symptomatic multiple myeloma that requires systemic therapy with or without evidence of lytic destruction of bone or compression fracture of the spine from osteopenia on plain radiograph(s) or other imaging studies, intravenous administration of pamidronate 90 mg over at least 2 hours or zoledronic acid 4 mg over at least 15 minutes every 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. Denosumab has shown to be noninferior to zoledronic acid for the prevention of skeletal-related events and provides an alternative. Fewer adverse events related to renal toxicity have been noted with denosumab compared with zoledronic acid and may be preferred in this setting. The update panel recommends that clinicians consider reducing the initial pamidronate dose in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Zoledronic acid has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment and is not recommended in this setting. The update panel suggests that bone-modifying treatment continue for up to 2 years. Less frequent dosing has been evaluated and should be considered in patients with responsive or stable disease. Continuous use is at the discretion of the treating physician and the risk of ongoing skeletal morbidity. Retreatment should be initiated at the time of disease relapse. The update panel discusses measures regarding osteonecrosis of the jaw

The impact of polio eradication on routine immunization and primary health care: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: After 2 decades of focused efforts to eradicate polio, the impact of eradication activities on health systems continues to be controversial. This study evaluated the impact of polio eradication activities on routine immunization (RI) and primary healthcare (PHC). METHODS: Quantitative analysis assessed the effects of polio eradication campaigns on RI and maternal healthcare coverage. A systematic qualitative analysis in 7 countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa assessed impacts of polio eradication activities on key health system functions, using data from interviews, participant observation, and document review. RESULTS: Our quantitative analysis did not find compelling evidence of widespread and significant effects of polio eradication campaigns, either positive or negative, on measures of RI and maternal healthcare. Our qualitative analysis revealed context-specific positive impacts of polio eradication activities in many of our case studies, particularly disease surveillance and cold chain strengthening. These impacts were dependent on the initiative of policy makers. Negative impacts, including service interruption and public dissatisfaction, were observed primarily in districts with many campaigns per year. CONCLUSIONS: Polio eradication activities can provide support for RI and PHC, but many opportunities to do so remain missed. Increased commitment to scaling up best practices could lead to significant positive impacts