South-South Nigeria Research Articles

Creating and using Exclusive Technologies to Gain a Competitive Edge in the Southern Region of Nigeria

This article examined the crucial significance of proprietary technologies in promoting competitive advantage among enterprises in South-South Nigeria, an area of economic importance renowned for its abundant natural resources and growing industries. The study underscores the significance of technical advancement in crucial industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing while drawing attention to the distinct obstacles and prospects in the area. Despite making progress, the southern region of Nigeria, known as the South-South, still encounters major obstacles such as insufficient financing for research and development, restricted availability of state-of-the-art technology, a scarcity of highly qualified personnel, and ineffective frameworks for protecting intellectual property rights. The research examined the present condition of proprietary technology development, identify key barriers, and evaluate the effect on competitive advantage. Research indicates that increasing investment in research and development, boosting technical infrastructure, aligning educational curricula with industrial requirements, and strengthening the intellectual property rights framework are crucial measures for fostering technological innovation and creating economic diversity in the area. Keywords: Advancements in technology, Exclusive Technologies, Strategic advantage over competitors, Research and Development, Intellectual Property Rights.

Hydrocarbon movability studies of Sapele Deep Field, Delta State, South-South Nigeria

Hydrocarbon movability studies of Sapele Deep Field, Delta State, South-South Nigeria

Hepatic toxicity assessment in HIV’s interaction with reverse transcriptase and integrase strand transfer inhibitors at a military hospital, southsouth Nigeria

IntroductionThe use of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has made HIV a manageable condition, but there are risks associated with medications like reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), such as liver and renal toxicity. It is essential to understand these risks for effective treatment and case management. Investigating liver toxicity related to RTIs and INSTIs in Nigeria is crucial for optimizing HIV treatment. This study aimed to assess the impact of tenofovir lamivudine dolutegravir (TLD) on the liver function of HIV patients at Nigerian Navy Hospital (NNH)-Warri.MethodsThe liver function of 170 participants was assessed, with 120 on ART and the remainder being HIV-negative attendees at NNH-Warri. The study used a cross-sectional design and selected participants through random sampling. We collected data using a semi-structured questionnaire. Blood samples were taken through venipuncture and stored at – 20 °C before analysis. Ethical approval was obtained, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistical Software Version 23, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe study found significant differences in AST, TP, Alb, and GST levels between HIV-positive subjects receiving TLD and HIV-negative individuals. HIV-positive subjects had lower AST and Alb levels but higher TP and GST levels. Further analysis revealed correlations between age, gender, and liver enzymes, highlighting the complex relationship between HIV, liver function, and treatment outcomes.ConclusionThe study suggests that decreased AST levels may have a protective effect, while ALT activity had minimal impact. Changes in TP, Alb, and GSTs emphasize the importance of monitoring hepatic synthetic function and detoxification pathways in HIV patients taking TLD.

Assessment of Some Micronutrients and Vitamins of HIV Positive Patients in South-South Nigeria

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection continues to be a serious health issue in most parts of the world, with a global prevalence of 0.7% among adults, the majority being in developing countries with limited healthcare resources. Objective: The objectives of this study was to determine the Iron, calcium, zinc, copper, Vitamins D and B12 of HIV positive subjects compared with the control, with respect to gender, age and with respect to duration of treatment. Materials: A total of fifty (50) HIV-positive subjects and fifty (50) HIV-negative subjects (control) were used in this study. Zinc, iron and calcium were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Vitamins D and B12 was done using ELISA, while calcium was estimated using O-cresolphthalein complexone method. The results were presented in tables and chart as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was done using one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among the study population, 23 (46.0%) were males and 27 (54.0%) were females. With respect to age, 29 (58.0%) were aged 20 – 40 years, while 21 (42.0%) were aged 41 years and above. Based on treatment period, 28 (56.0%) were less than one year, while 22 (44.0%) were more than one year. Among the control subjects, 32 (64.0%) were males and 18 (36.0%) were females. With respect to age, 24 (48.0%) belonged to age group 20 – 40 years, while 26 (52.0%) belonged to age group 41 years and above. The results obtained showed that Calcium, zinc, copper, Iron, Vitamins B12 and D were significantly lower in HIV positive subjects compared with control (p&lt;0.05). Calcium, Iron, Vitamins B12 and D were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in age group 41 years and above in comparison with age group 20 – 40 years. Calcium, Iron, Vitamins B12 and D were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in HIV positive subjects undergoing treatment for over a year compared with those undergoing treatment for less than one year. There was a significant positive correlation between Calcium and Iron (r=0.840, p=0.000), Calcium and Vitamin B12 (r=0.744, p=0.000), Calcium and Vitamin D (r=0.825, p=0.000), Iron and Vitamin B12 (r=0.743, p=0.000), Iron and Vitamin D (r=0.765, p=0.000) and Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D (r=0.562, p=0.000). Conclusion: The study concludes that the decrease in vitamins and micronutrients that accompanies HIV infection suggests a potentially important role of nutritional supplementation and good nutrition in the proper management of HIV/AIDS.

Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South Nigeria

Weak erection among male are on the increased and caused psychological trauma to male and also to their female counterpart who could not get satisfaction from their partners during sexual intercourse and it is a disturbing act Majority of the males facing weak erection pass through several degrees of psychological trauma that have affected their biopsychological system including their cognitive response. The aim of the study is to evaluate The Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 480 males who were within the age of 18 to 47 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the Research Assistants. The study lasted for a period of 3 months. The results of this study showed that participants faced varieties of psychological complications due to erectile dysfunction and these include depression (83.3%), shame (83.3%), isolation (60.4%), negative self-esteem (83.3%), (2.08%) said they could not approach ladies of their choice, (83.3%) felt embarrassed, (79.2%) thought deeply and (72.92%) said they could not coordinate themselves. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.

The Role of Universal Design in Enhancing Safety and Accessibility in Construction Sites in South-South Nigeria

The Role of Universal Design in Enhancing Safety and Accessibility in Construction Sites in South-South Nigeria

An in-Depth Analysis of Internal Capabilities and Competitive Strategies in South-South Nigeria

In the ever-changing business environment of South-South Nigeria, it was crucial to comprehend internal capabilities and competitive tactics to achieve continuous development and success. This study aimed to fill the knowledge gap by thoroughly examining the internal capabilities and competitive strategies designed to suit south-south Nigeria’s distinctive socio-economic conditions. Utilising current theoretical frameworks and empirical data, this research assessed the internal capabilities of businesses, analysed their competitive tactics, and investigated the variables that influence the strategic environment in the area. The research methodology included surveys and documented analysis. The results uncover notable obstacles in infrastructure, financial availability, and technology implementation, which affect companies’ internal capabilities. Notwithstanding these challenges, companies exhibit perseverance and ingenuity in their competitive approaches, such as distinguishing their products, achieving cost leadership, expanding into new markets, and forming strategic partnerships. The relationship between a company’s internal capabilities and its competitive strategies highlights the significance of investing in human resources, infrastructure, and technology to improve competitiveness. The report suggests that to fully realise the potential of South-South Nigeria and promote sustainable economic growth, it was recommended to implement comprehensive development plans that prioritise investments in infrastructure, skills development, technology, and strategic alliances. Keywords: Internal capacities, Competitive tactics, Strategic environment, Infrastructure, People resources

ASSESSMENT OF POVERTY STATUS OF CASSAVA COOPERATIVE FARMERS IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

The study assessed the poverty status of cassava cooperative farmers in South-South Nigeria, utilizing a multi-stage sampling technique to select 300 members from Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states. The majority of members fall within the 41-60 age range, which accounts for 66% of the total membership. This suggests that middle-aged and older individuals are more likely to participate in cassava cooperatives. There was also a higher representation of female members (58.33%) compared to male members (41.67%). However, majority (75.67%) of the cassava cooperative members were married while 2% were divorced, 10.33% were separated/divorced, and 12% were widowed. Furthermore, majority (51.67%) of the farmers had been in a cooperative for 1-5 years. The result shows that 46.33% of households consist of 1-4 members and most (82%) of the members identify cassava farming as their primary occupation. The relative poverty line was determined based on consumption expenditure, and the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) index was employed to assess poverty status. The results indicated that over one-third of members lived below the relative poverty line of ₦882.29, although the depth (8.52%) and severity (3.13%) of poverty were relatively low. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted poverty reduction programs, strengthening cooperative structures, enhancing access to finance, promoting value addition, investing in infrastructure, empowering women and youth, and further research to develop effective poverty alleviation strategies.

A Review of Factors Affecting the Efficiency and Output of PV Systems Applied in the Tropical Climate of South-South Nigeria

The increasing adoption of renewable energy for electricity generation has led to a growing application of photovoltaic (PV) systems in residential and commercial settings across Nigeria. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the factors affecting the efficiency and output of PV systems applied in the tropical climate of South-South Nigeria. The environmental benefits of PV systems further enhance their appeal as a direct method of converting solar energy into electricity. For remote communities in South-South Nigeria, often disconnected from the national grid, PV systems offer a viable alternative electricity source. However, the efficiency and output of PV systems are significantly influenced by various environmental conditions prevalent in the tropical climate of South-South Nigeria. The methodology employed in this study includes an extensive literature review and analysis of PV system installations in the region. Data was collected from various sources, including journal articles, conference proceedings, and reports, to identify the key factors impacting PV system performance in South-South Nigeria. The findings highlight that high temperatures, humidity levels, frequent dust accumulation, and potential sea salt effects due to coastal proximity are among the critical environmental factors affecting PV system efficiency in this tropical zone. The study concludes that while the region's climate provides advantages for solar energy harvesting, it also presents unique challenges that need to be addressed when implementing PV systems in South-South Nigeria. The authors recommend strategies to mitigate the environmental challenges faced by PV systems in this tropical climate, contributing to the optimization of solar energy utilization in the region.

Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula for Non-Invasive Primary Respiratory Support in Neonates: Experience of a Referral Neonatal Level III Facility in South-South Nigeria

Background: Heated humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) is an increasingly used tool for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in neonates and children needing advanced respiratory support.1 In neonates, common indications for HHHFNC therapy include: respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), post extubation from mechanical ventilation; and other causes of respiratory distress. Its use in Nigeria is not widespread. The aim of this study is to assess the indications, clinical characteristics, outcome and determinants of the successful use of HHHFNC for providing primary respiratory support for neonates referred and needing NIV in a Level III NICU in Nigeria. Methods: This was a retrospective study. All neonates in this study were referred to our facility, Med-Vical Medical Centre, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria and received HHHFNC for primary respiratory support. Results: The highest indication for primary use of HHHFNC for neonates was respiratory distress syndrome (50.0%). The success rate of HHHFNC in this study was high (70.0%). Although not statistically significant, a higher proportion of neonates in the failure group weighed less than 1kg, while in the successful group, a higher proportion was delivered after 28 weeks. All infants who stayed longer than 7days on admission belonged to the successful group, and none failed HHHFNC therapy. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.011). In conclusion, this study revealed that the success rate of HHHFNC therapy as primary respiratory support in neonates with respiratory distress is high (70.0%), thus it can be used confidently in neonates needing NIV. Length of hospital stay was the only significant factor associated with the successful use of HHHFNC as primary respiratory support.

Predictors of the willingness to accept a free COVID-19 vaccine among households in Nigeria

BackgroundTo inform vaccination policy and programmatic strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, an understanding of the factors associated with the willingness to vaccinate is needed. MethodsWe analyzed data collected from the sixth and tenth round of the Nigerian COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Exploratory data analysis and feature selection techniques were used to identify important variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between socio-demographic and economic factors and the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine among Nigerian households at two different time points before vaccines became widely available. ResultsData from 1,733 and 1,651 Nigerian households who completed the sixth and tenth round of the survey, respectively, were included. Most respondents (>85% of households) were willing to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine from both survey rounds. The median household size was 6 (IQR: [4, 8]) with females heading about 18% of the households. Approximately 22% of the household heads had not received any formal education. Compared to households whose head had no education, households whose heads had completed tertiary education or higher had significantly lower odds of willingness to be vaccinated (ORround 6: 0.46, 95% CI: [0.31, 0.68], ORround 10: 0.49, 95% CI: [0.34, 0.71]). An increasing proportion of male household members was associated with greater willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine (ORround 6: 1.84, 95% CI: [1.01, 3.33], ORround 10: 5.25, 95% CI: [2.86, 9.65]). Significant associations with vaccine willingness were also observed across geopolitical zones of residence with households in South-East Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.16, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.24]; ORround 10: 0.29, 95% CI: [0.19, 0.43]) and South-South Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.57, 95% CI: [0.36, 0.90], ORround 10: 0.32, 95% CI: [0.22, 0.48]) less likely to be willing to receive a free vaccine compared to households in North-Central Nigeria. ConclusionThese findings from two different time points before vaccine roll-out suggest that the educational level of household head, proportion of male household members, and the geopolitical zone of residence are important baseline predictors of the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. These factors should be carefully considered and specifically targeted when designing public health programs to inform early-stage strategies that address underlying vaccine hesitancy, improve vaccine uptake, promote ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and potentially enhance other immunization programs in Nigeria.

A Cohort Study Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Spectrum Of Paediatric Brain Disorders In Selected Tertiary Healthcare Facilities In South-South Nigeria

A Cohort Study Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Spectrum Of Paediatric Brain Disorders In Selected Tertiary Healthcare Facilities In South-South Nigeria

Design, Fabrication and Preliminary Testing of a Small-Scale Cassava Starch Extraction Machine

A cassava starch extraction machine was designed and fabricated to perform a quadruplet action of grating, washing, sieving and separation. The study was necessitated based on concerns that most locally manufactured cassava processing machines are without provision for the extraction of starch. Food processors mainly depend on the manual pressing of cassava to obtain starch and this has significantly increased the cost of the product in the local market. Materials for construction were locally sourced and the machine was powered by a 2 hp electric motor through a v-belt-pulley transmission system and operating at a speed of 547 rpm. Fresh cassava tubers were harvested from Ikot Akpaden, a rural community in Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom, South-South of Nigeria, and used for the experiment. Results from the experiment showed that the quantity of wet starch extracted increased from 0.64 to 1.48 kg as the volume of water mixed with 2 kg of the product increased from 1 to 5 Liters. The rate of water usage and throughput capacity increased from 0.0005 to 0.0025 m3/kg and 35.29 to 46.75 kg/h respectively as volume of water increased. The optimum machine efficiency was 74%. The machine was fabricated at a cost of N 150,200 (equivalent of $100). Minimal time consumption, ease of operation and low production cost were some of the features that made the machine economically viable when compared to other conventional methods of extracting starch from cassava.

Consumption Estimates of Food Calories in Port Harcourt Households, South-South Nigeria: LA/AIDS Approach

Consumption Estimates of Food Calories in Port Harcourt Households, South-South Nigeria: LA/AIDS Approach

Weaning off heated humidified high flow nasal cannula successfully in a 24-week extreme low birth weight infant in South-South Nigeria: a case report

The use of heated humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) has become increasingly popular for providing noninvasive respiratory support for neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). However, there are several challenges to its use as primary respiratory support in extreme low birth weight (ELBW) preterm infants delivered before 28 weeks gestational age (GA), these include: lack of established guideline; and conflicting reports from studies on the risk of respiratory failure (apnea), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and death. In Nigeria, HHHFNC is not widely known nor used in most neonatal care facilities, including level III Neonatal care facilities. Despite adequate literature search, there is little or no known report or guideline for the successful use of and weaning from HHHFNC in ELBW neonates, delivered before 28 weeks GA in the Country. We present the successful weaning from HHHFNC as primary respiratory support at 30 weeks post conception age (PCA) in an ELBW preterm infant (weighing 700 gm) with severe RDS, delivered at 24 weeks GA in a neonatal care facility in Nigeria. HHHFNC was commenced at 6l/min following surfactant administration and successfully weaned off at 2l/min at 30 weeks PCA, with no incidence of apnea, BPD, NEC, air leaks, nasal septum damage and death. HHHFNC used as noninvasive primary respiratory support for ELBW preterm neonates with severe RDS delivered before 28 weeks GA is effective and safe; in addition, weaning off HHHFNC in this group of infants at 30 weeks PCA should be explored and recommended as a guideline in Nigeria and globally.

You are Under Arrest: Language Use for Social Power Construction in Institutional Discourse

This article investigates the ways in which language is employed in the construction of social power in selected institutional discourses. Speech acts theory and Fairclough’s concept of language and power serve as the study’s theoretical anchor. Data were generated through (non)participant observations in a five-year fieldwork to examine the peculiarities in instantiating social power using specific terms in workplace interactions involving participants with unequal power derived from the social roles they perform within the scope of this study. During the period, institutional discourses that demonstrate the enactment of social power in medical, religious, political, legal, academic and security domains in Calabar Metropolis, South-south Nigeria, were closely observed and documented. The linguistic choices show institutional and power differentials in the rehearsal of social power among discourse participants where one wields more than the other(s). Social power, as demonstrated, is dynamic and excised using the domain’s registers and enacted towards the punishment, reward, confinement, reformation, freedom or general wellbeing of the recipient. The study enriches the understanding of how social power holders rely on inferred authority and certification from their professional affiliations and work conventions to construct and maintain social power.

Assessment of Catastrophic Health Expenditure Incurred by Hypertensive Patients Attending a SemiUrban Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Assessment of Catastrophic Health Expenditure Incurred by Hypertensive Patients Attending a SemiUrban Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Digital Divide in Remote Work among Employees and Organizational Effectiveness in South-South Nigeria

The study grounded in Technology Acceptance Model utilized a descriptive research design to investigate the impact of digital divide among employees engaged in remote work and organizational effectiveness in South-South Nigeria. The population of the study comprised employees working remotely in various organizations across the South-South region of Nigeria. A sample size of sixty-three (63) employees was selected from the study's population using stratified random sampling to ensure fairness in representation across different organizational sizes and sectors within the South-South region. One self-structured questionnaires was used for data collection: the "Digital Divide for Remote Work Employees and Organizational Effectiveness in South-South Nigeria (DDRWEOESSN)". The validity and reliability of the instruments was ensured through expert validation and pilot testing. The reliability index was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, and an index of .852 was realized indicating high internal consistency. Descriptive statistics: mean and standard deviation, were calculated to answer the research questions. Mean scores provided insights into the average level of digital divide, while standard deviation indicated the variability of responses within the sample. One-way analysis of variance was employed to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The ANOVA Analysis models were constructed to examine the impact between the independent variable (digital divide) and the dependent variables (organizational effectiveness), with the ANOVA coefficients indicating the strength and direction of the impact. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS statistical software. The findings reveal significant difference in access to digital technology among employees engaged in remote work, with some employees facing challenges such as limited internet connectivity and access to reliable devices. However, the study also identifies strategies employed by organizations to mitigate the digital divide, including digital skills training, investment in technology infrastructure, and flexible work arrangements. In conclusion, addressing the digital divide not only enhances organizational effectiveness but also contributes to broader societal goals such as economic development and social inclusion. Moving forward, continued efforts are needed to monitor and evaluate progress in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that remote work remains accessible and beneficial for all employees in South-South Nigeria.

Prevalence and determinants of hookah smoking among emerging adults in South-South Nigeria

Prevalence and determinants of hookah smoking among emerging adults in South-South Nigeria

Occurrence of chronic medical conditions among adults in a rural community in south-south Nigeria

Occurrence of chronic medical conditions among adults in a rural community in south-south Nigeria