South-eastern States Of Nigeria Research Articles

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Education in Colleges of Education in Southeastern States of Nigeria

The study surveyed international financial standards education in Colleges of education in Southeastern states of Nigeria. Three research questions and three null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. A four point structured questionnaire having a reliability co-efficient of 0.79 was administered on the sixty-two (62) accounting education lecturers in the Colleges of education in the area. Mean was used to answer the research questions while z-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that accounting education lecturers are not all that IFRS aware and that effective IFRS education could be achieved by including IFRS in the curriculum, adequate funding and amendment of relevant laws among others. It was recommended that NCCE should integrate IFRS into the accounting curriculum, TetFund should intervene in IFRS education and relevant laws should be adjusted to accommodate IFRS.

Studies on the Phenology of African Breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) in South Eastern Nigeria

Studies on the phenology of African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) Moraceae was carried out monthly for three years (2012 - 2014) in five Southeastern States of Nigeria in two seasons, dry and wet. The study covered five towns across the States namely: Isulabor (Abia), Agulu (Anambra), Ezzamgbo (Ebonyi), Nenwe (Enugu) and Mbato (Imo State). The species was investigated to provide information on the species periods and pattern of leaf exchange, leaf dispersal, flowering, fruit formation, maturity and dropping. The species is semi-deciduous and fruits throughout the year with two fruiting periods (heavy and lean) which alternated each other. The reproductive and vegetative phenophases overlapped each other. The observations were consistent in all the location. Early October showed various degrees of vegetative growth; bud flush, leaf formation, maturity and leaf abscission, which spilled into November thus starting the dry season phenophases. In dry season, light flowering, fruit formation and maturity stretched from November to late March, while fruit dropping lasted from February to March. April as in October also showed various degrees of vegetative growth which spilling into May in the wet season. In the wet season, heavy period of flowering was from May to June, fruit formation, maturity, ripening and dropping began from July to September. These periods were shorter in the wet season than that of the dry season. T. africana had highest fruit dropping (heavy periods) in the wet season, alternated with lean periods in dry season. Therefore, the species is an indigenous Nigerian food crop that can mitigate seasonal food scarcity throughout the year.

Assessment of the knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance by pharmacists in two states in southeastern Nigeria

Purpose : To evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pharmacovigilance (PV) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting among community and hospital pharmacists in Abia and Imo States of Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done using a validated questionnaire distributed among hospital and community pharmacists in the two States. Results: Out of the 227 copies of the questionnaire administered, 169 (74.4%) were usable. Only 22% of all the pharmacists had postgraduate qualification but 78.0% had more than five years postqualification experience. All respondents were aware of the concept of PV; 73.4% had seen a patient with ADR while 17.7% had not seen the ADR reporting form in use in Nigeria. Only 24.3% had officially reported an ADR. Factors that affected reporting were lack of incentive (52.1%), role conflict (69.2%), and role overload (72.8%). Mean score for KAP-related questions was higher among hospital pharmacists than their community counterparts. Conclusion: The study has shown that while all pharmacists were aware of PV, the attitude and practice of many of them constituted a challenge and accounted for poor level of reporting. Keywords: Adverse drug reactions, Community pharmacists, Hospital pharmacists, National Pharmacovigilance Centre

Voices from Behind the Bars: Kidnappers’ Natural Self-Accounting Views, Perceptions, and Feelings on Kidnapping in the Southeastern States of Nigeria

ABSTRACTAssumptions and debates on the trend, causes or motives, implications, and appropriate sanctions on kidnapping dominate literature, are largely speculative, and come mainly from the media or academic and nonacademic writers. The aim of this article is to explore the perspectives, perceptions, feelings, and thinking of kidnappers, in their raw form, on these sub-areas of kidnapping. This paper engages a naturalistic methodological approach, whereby sampled kidnappers in Abakaliki and Umuahia prisons provided self-account narratives of the criminal activities and worldview based on their social construction and interpretative meanings. Cross-sectional survey design, and a nonprobability sampling technique of respondent-driven sampling type, were utilized to select a sample of 86 from a total population of 123 convicted and nonconvicted inmates. Findings confirmed public concerns on the epidemiological rise in kidnapping in Nigeria, the dominance of economic motive as the driving force, significant negative sociopsychological and economic-cum-political implications, but moderate, smart, and balanced sanctions versus the punitive policy were generally favored. The policy implication calls for social inclusion and job opportunities (especially among the productive population), value reorientation, and mental sea-change, and a smart but cool, dispassionate, nonpanicked, and nonhurried penal policy.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Hepatitis B Vaccines Sold in Open Markets in South Eastern Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the compliance of different brands of Hepatitis B vaccines marketed in open markets across South-Eastern Nigeria with Pharmacopoeial standards for safety and immunogenicity. Four different commercial brands of hepatitis B vaccines (Hepavax, Euvax, Sii and Engerix brands) were purchased from open markets across the five states of South-Eastern Nigeria. The toxicity and immunogenicity of the different vaccine brands were evaluated using animal model. Using 70 mice, the immunogenicity of the vaccines was evaluated by quantifying Hepatitis B-specific antibody levels after immunization. Similarly, safety of these vaccines was evaluated by investigating the sterility, endotoxin levels, and changes in the weight, liver enzymes (ALT) and white blood cell count (WBC) The various brands of hepatitis B vaccines appeared sterile and conformed to Pharmacopeial requirements for parenteral products. All the vaccine samples were all endotoxin-free and nontoxic. The total white blood cell (WBC) count showed no significant increase at 18 and 72 hours in the test animals after administration of the vaccines. Except in animals immunized with Euvax 1 brand, there was no significant change (P < 0.05) in the weights of the test animals at Day 8 after immunization compared to the control. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) between the ALT levels produced by various vaccine brands. All the vaccines induced the production of Hepatitis B specific antibodies. All the tested brands appeared immunogenic. However, while three brands conformed to the Pharmacopeial safety profile, more studies are needed to further evaluate the safety of Euvax because on unsatisfactory weight changes observed in this study. Keywords: Hepatis B Vaccines; Nigeria; Commercially Available; Efficacy; Immunogenicity; Safety;

Effectiveness of Contact Tracing of Index Tuberculosis Cases in Nigeria

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic disease that has impacted negatively on human history. The biology of the mycobacterium tuberculosis is complicated and has affected the control as well as elimination of the disease. Nigeria is one of the countries with high incidence and prevalence of TB. The late and low case detection has been a major problem with National TB control program, caused by passive case finding strategy practiced by the country. A shift from the passive and active case search has been recommended for detection of missing cases of TB and improved program performance. The proximity of TB contact is a major determinant of disease transmission. However, maximizing early case detection and prompt treatment of notified cases is very useful in (TB) control especially in high burden countries. The tracking of TB contacts provides a good platform for early diagnosis, educating the household on TB disease and infection control as well as breaking the chain of transmission. The objective of the study is to ascertain effectiveness of contact tracing on Tuberculosis case detection. The study is a retrospective quasi experimental with quantitative arm. The study was conducted in Abia State, one of the South Eastern States of Nigeria. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection and analyzed with SPSS. A total of 168 and 162 index cases of TB were recruited for both intervention and control facilities. The 168 index TB cases yielded 301 TB contacts. The result revealed 55% contact/index ratio, presumptive TB yield of 130 (43.2%) and TB yield of 68 (22.6%). The cases registered in the State increased from 336 to 417 and p value = 0.001, while presumptive TB and BCG vaccination were major predictors. The study shows that tracing contact of index TB cases is an effective and complementary method of finding undetected cases of TB.

Assessment of e-Learning Skills Need of Vocational Education Students in South-Eastern Universities, Nigeria

The purpose of the study was to identify e-learning skills needs of Vocational Education students in universities in Southeastern Nigeria. To elicit the pertinent information for the study, two research questions were answered on the students’ expressed performance and perceived level of importance attached on the e-learning skills. One null hypothesis was also formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was face-validated by three experts. Data were collected from 273 respondents made up of Vocational Education students in Universities in five states in Southeastern Nigeria. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while correlated t-test statistic was used to test the null hypotheses. The study found that the expressed performance of students on the identified e-learning skills was poor and their perceived levels of importance of the skills were very high. Among others, the researchers recommended that, training should be organized for students on e-learning in the identified deficient areas to close the skills gap. Keywords : e-learning, Vocational Education Students, Skills needs, University

A survey of levels of ethyl carbamate in beer sold in south-east Nigeria.

Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a carcinogen produced in alcoholic beverages during fermentation and storage. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify ethyl carbamate in beer sold in South-East Nigeria using Gas-chromatographic method. A total of 27 beer samples were divided into three brands such as Lager, Herbal lager and Ale. Triplicate samples of each brand were obtained from three major distributors in three South-Eastern states of Nigeria. The results of the beer samples analyzed showed that ethyl carbamate occurred in high concentrations range of 0.033-0.072 mg/L (mean 0.055 mg/L) and thus may pose a serious health risk to humans.

Proximate Analysis and Phytochemical Properties of Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) Seeds Grown and Consumed In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Proximate and phytochemical compositions of Sesamum indicum seeds cultivated and consumed in Abakaliki, were determined. Abakaliki is the capital of Ebonyi State, one of the five south-eastern states of Nigeria. Sesame seeds are edible seeds which grow in pods. The fruit is a pubescent capsule grooved with a short triangular beak. Proximate analysis was carried out using the methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, A.O.A.C. (1997), while phytochemical analysis was carried out using the methods described by Harborne (1973). Sesame is principally cultivated in the northern part of Nigeria. However, bountiful harvest has been recorded recently in some southern states including Abakaliki, Ebonyi. This research was thus carried out to determine the effect of change in soil and climatic conditions on the nutritional contents of sesame. Proximate analysis indicated that sesame seeds contained 28.37% carbohydrate, 26.63% fats/oil, 23.32% protein, 7.37% moisture, 10.28% crude fibre and 4.02% ash. Determination of the phytochemical contents of the seed showed the presence of saponin (5.60mg/100g), alkaloid (4.80mg/100g), tannin (3.87mg/100g), phenol (13.83mg/100g) and flavonoids (18.03mg/100g). Statistical analyses showed that carbohydrates, fats/oil and proteins occur in significant quantities; an indication that sesame seeds possess high nutritive values. Also, the presence of significant values of some phytochemicals like flavonoids and phenol implies that sesame seeds are endowed with antioxidant and other medicinal potentials. Consumption of Sesamum indicum seeds is thus recommended as part of daily dietary intake due to the high nutritional and medicinal values.

Survey of edible insect consumption in south-eastern Nigeria

Edible insect consumption called entomophagy is very important in ensuring food security especially in a developing country like Nigeria, but promotion of entomophagy after a long period of adoption of western diets demands a comprehensive inventory of edible insect consumption in the past. At present, there is little or no repository of document with comprehensive information on edible insects consumed in the south eastern states of Nigeria and methods of use is also scarce in literature. It becomes imperative to assess edible insect consumption in the region as a background for promotion of entomophagy in the area. The study used questionnaires and oral interviews to obtain information on types of edible insects consumed, season of harvest, cooking methods, local dishes with edible insects, people’s reaction to edible insect consumption, challenges of entomophagy business and ethno-cultural beliefs on edible insect consumption. Of the 2,000 individuals sampled, 56.4% were males, 43.6% females, with 22.4% children, 19.6% teenagers, 24.2% young adults, 16.6% older adults and 17.2% aged above 60 years of age. The result showed that seventeen insect species belonging to six orders were consumed and harvesting is mainly during the rains, though some recorded year round availability. Restricted seasonal availability and high collecting costs are among the reported barriers to edible insect consumption The most common cooking methods documented in the study were frying or roasting. Six traditional dishes were found to include edible insects. Four ethno-cultural beliefs on some edible insects were also documented. Edible insect farming is therefore recommended as a strategy to bridge the gap between insect protein supply and demand in the region.

The Extent of Utilization of E-Marketing Application by Small and Medium Enterprises in South Eastern States of Nigeria

The need for small and medium scale enterprises to utilize information and communication technology (ICT) applications to boost their business necessitated this study which bordered on assessing the extent of utilization of e-marketing applications by small and medium enterprises in South Eastern States of Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study. Two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 1,846 SMEs (owners/managers) in the area. Stratified random sampling technique was used for the study. A sample of 1,473 SMEs managers were randomly selected using stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Z-test was used to test the null hypotheses. Finding of the study indicated that SMES in South Eastern Nigeria utilize e-commerce and e-invoicing marketing applications in their operations to a low extent. The results also showed that there was a significant difference in the mean ratings of SMEs managers on the extent they utilize e-commerce and e-invoicing marketing applications in their business operations based on years of experience. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that SMEs owners/managers should be trained by business schools and business consultancy firms on how to use e-marketing applications. The importance of e-marketing should be clearly spelt out for them so that they can acquire the skills to fully integrate into their business operations.

E-Marketing Adoption by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Eastern States of Nigeria

E-Marketing Adoption by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Eastern States of Nigeria

Small and Medium Enterprises and Utilization of E-Marketing Application in South Eastern States of Nigeria

Small and Medium Enterprises and Utilization of E-Marketing Application in South Eastern States of Nigeria

ANTI-HYPERGLYCEMIC AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM

Objective: Gongronema latifolium (Asclepiadiaceae) is used as bitter spice or flavouring agent in many traditional Nigerian dishes. It is well known for medicinal and nutritional purposes like anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant, antitussive and widely distributed in the southeastern states of Nigeria. Objective of present study was to evaluate the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidant effect of the methanol extract of Gongronema latifolium leaves. Methods: The methanol extract of G. latifolium at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg were studied for anti-hyperglycemic effect in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. The variation in blood glucose level in normal and experimental rats on 0, 7, 14 and 21 days of treatment has also been recorded. The effect of different treatment on body weight of rats was also determined. The antioxidant properties of the extracts as determined by the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Results: Treatment with G. latifolium extract showed signs of recovery as comparable with the standard drug glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg). The result showed that G. latifolium extract caused a concentration dependent percentage increase of antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Study concludes that methanol leaf extract of G. latifolium possesses significant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-oxidant activities. Peer Review History: Received 1 March 2017; Revised 7 April; Accepted 5 May, Available online 15 May 2017 Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 4.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Heba M. Abd El-Azim, Damanhour University, Egypt, h_m_abdelazim@hotmail.com Dr. Leyla Açık, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, leylaacik@gmail.com Similar Articles: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF BAPHIA NITIDA

An analysis of the method of approach (MA) and modus operandi (MO) of armed robbery and armed robbers in contemporary Nigeria

This article argues that armed robbers in contemporary Nigeria have characteristic methods of approach (MA) and modus operandi (MO), which are systemic and near methodological. It further states that the choice of a specific MA and the accompanying MO is often based on a deliberate calculation of rational options, with the intention of committing an efficient, successful robbery. The researcher acknowledges that sometimes this deliberate decision-making process is affected by unforeseen factors, which compel robbers to make irrational decisions that can jeopardise the robbery’s chances of success. The present study analyses some of the important MA and MO adopted by armed robbers in contemporary Nigeria, which show elements of both rationality and irrationality. A cross-sectional self-reporting design was used in the study, whereby armed robbers were interviewed and allowed to talk freely about the MA–MO they employed. Samples were collected using a non-random, convenience (chain-referral) technique, from three prisons in the South Eastern States of Nigeria. Interviews were conducted with victims and eyewitness accounts were obtained in order to corroborate or reject the researchers’ assumptions. Finally, a content analysis of data from three newspapers and Tell magazine was carried out. The data analysis revealed that both the MA and the MO of Nigerian armed robbers are complex, and range from orthodox to unorthodox. Factors including robbers’ individual experiences, the type of robbery and other extraneous factors are significant in influencing the choice to use one or another MA or MO in a robbery. It is the researchers’ belief that thoroughly understanding armed robbers’ decision-making processes is a key way of combatting the threat of armed robbery and, by extension, other acts of violence, such as terrorism, in Nigeria.

Assessment of the quality of groundwater from different parts of southeastern Nigeria for potable use

Groundwater samples from three different states of southeastern Nigeria were analyzed for a range of physicochemical parameters and heavy metal constituents in order to determine their potability as drinking water sources. The results indicate that the physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, TDS, TH, electrical conductivity, Cl−, NO3 − and SO4 2−) tested for have most of their values fall within the permissible limits given by the Nigerian and World Health Organization standards for drinking water quality. The results also reveal that apart from Cu and Pb the rest of the tested heavy metals (As, Zn, Ni, total Fe, Cd and Mn) recorded values that are significantly above the maximum permissible limits for drinking water purposes and therefore have the potential to cause health impacts for long-term potable use. On the basis of principal component analysis, the sources of the measured chemical constituents are likely to be predominantly geogenic (weathering of soluble minerals in the formations) and partly anthropogenic (industrial effluent, agricultural practices and mining activities). Single-factor ANOVA tests indicated insignificant differences in the datasets within/between states or geological units. Caution or adequate treatment is generally required when utilizing the groundwater from the area for drinking purpose due to the elevated metal concentrations and rating as poor to unsuitable water quality.

Analysis of Co-Movement of Direct Commercial and Residential Real Estate Investment Returns in South Eastern Nigeria (2000-2013)

This study enquired about the nature of co-movement of direct commercial and residential real estate investment returns because the two real estate sectors have not been taken together in a co-movement study in Nigeria. It also identified the implication of the co-movement in the construction of real estate portfolios by investors. The study is an empirical research with a survey research design. Primary data were collected by questionnaire and interview from firms of estate surveyors and valuers in eight cities in seven states of South Eastern Nigeria. A judgment sampling approach was adopted and a sample size of 100 buildings each of commercial and residential real estate investment was drawn for analysis in each city studied from 2000 to 2013. At city level, Calabar and Onitsha produced the maximum (22.15%) and minimum (12.5%) mean returns respectively on commercial real estate investment while Owerri and Awka produced the maximum (19.42%) and minimum (8.54%) mean returns on residential real estate investment. At the regional level, commercial sector produced higher (16.62%) mean returns than the residential sector (14.93%). The correlation structure at the city level revealed negative co-movement in opposite direction and positive co-movement in the same direction. All the negative and positive correlations are low implying that there is room for diversification by way of investors constructing portfolios of commercial or residential or both sectors of real estate investments. At the regional level, the correlation produced a low positive co-movement though significant. All the positive and negative correlations at city and regional levels can contribute effectively to the construction of portfolios that will increase returns and reduce risk because there is no strong or perfect positive co-movement.

ISOLATION OF NOVEL PARA-PENTYL PHENYL BENZOATE FROM MONDIA WHITEI. (HOOK.F.) SKEELS (PERIPLOCACEAE), ITS STRUCTURE, SYNTHESIS AND NEUROPHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION.

Background:Mondia whitei L. (Hook. F.) Skeels (Periplocaceae) is a medicinal plant used locally in managing pain, fever, loss of appetite and as aphrodiasc in the South-Western states of Nigeria. However, the fruit is consumed habitually in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria, leading to speculation that it may possess some central nervous system effect but which has not been scientifically investigated, hence this study.Methodology:Fresh fruits of Mondia whitei were collected and identified by a taxonomist. They were chopped into small pieces and extracted with absolute ethanol. The crude extract was subjected to various chromatographic techniques to isolate a novel compound whose structure was elucidated from the analysis of the crystal data and by extensive use of spectroscopy. The structure was confirmed by synthesis. The compound was subjected to anxiolytic and sedative activity assay. Computational analysis of the receptor binding event of isolated compound at the gamma amino butyric acid A receptor was also evaluated.Results:The structure of the compound was elucidated as para pentyl phenyl benzoate. The neuropharmacological evaluation of the compound indicated significant (p<0.05) depression of the central nervous system. The binding characteristics of the compound to gamma amino butyric acid A receptors appears to be more favorable than those obtained for gamma amino butyric acid, chlorpromazine, benzamidine, and is comparable with the affinity obtained for pentobarbitone and diazepam.Conclusion:These present data provide evidence for the role of para pentyl phenyl benzoate in the habitual consumption of the fruit as well as its central nervous system activities.

Health and economic growth in South East, Nigeria

Health and economic growth are germane to each other. The extent to which one can affirm the influence of the one on the other is, however, dependent on the available situational evidence. Health can be the source of economic growth, just as wealth can enhance health condition. In the South eastern states of Nigeria, health cannot be said to be making any significant impact in economic growth. The healthcare service in these states is financed by the individuals. It is often mixed up with superstition and characterized by insufficient funding by state governments. There will be a meaningful economic improvement if ever there is a combined proactive engagement in healthcare delivery by the state governments and the citizens. The approach in this paper is analytic and descriptive.Keywords: health, wealth, Igbo, government, superstition

A Semantic and Pragmatic Analyses of Igbo Names

The paper investigated the semantic and pragmatic contents of personal names and naming in the Igbo language and culture. The objective of the paper was to examine the structure of Igbo names and analyse their semantic and pragmatic contents. The data were sourced from Igbo language speakers in the South Eastern States of Nigeria. The data cut across Standard and dialectal Igbo names. Selected personal names were grouped structurally according to their forms in the following order: lexical (or mono-morphemic) names, Noun-Noun phrasal names, Noun-Verb phrasal names, Noun-Verb Phrasal-Complement/Sentential names and Interrogation/Injunction names. The semantic and pragmatic analyses were made based on the structural data generated. The pragmatic analysis was handled by incorporating the context into the semantic contents. Findings showed that Igbo names structurally fall into three broad categories: lexical, phrasal and sentential. For Ndigbo, a name is not just a tag of identity or personal label but a story and an expression of the events and circumstances surrounding the birth of the child as well as the parents’ life experiences and world view.Keywords: personal names, Igbo, semantic content, pragmatic content, structure