PROJECT DELIVERY AND HUMAN CAPACITY BUILDING: LONG LASTING INSECTICIDE TREATED BED NETS DELIVERY IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.

Ojo, Oyewale Julius

Department of Project Management Technology,

The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

E-mail: oyewalejuliuss@gmail.com

Abstract: The study examined the impact of project delivery and human capacity building on long lasting insecticide treated bed nets delivery in Osun State, Nigeria. This was with a view to determining the extent to which project deliverables and objectives met stakeholder’s expectations. Also to determine what went right, what went wrong and what to do differently in future. The study covered 70 wards in the state. The research instrument used was questionnaire. It elicited information on the issues such as factors responsible for the achievement of the project objectives, factors responsible for the satisfaction of the project delivered and challenges faced during project execution. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated among others that the project plan contained all required components as listed in the goals and objectives of the project (4.73), execution team members reacted to the chemical used for production and preservation of the mosquito nets (4.80), possibilities of attending to one person twice (2.19), project delivery method achieved the quality standards defined in the quality management plan (2.13), and motivation of the execution team members by the project sponsors (2.03) were low. The study concluded that the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) launching that took place in the focus States should have taken place first before any other States in Nigeria.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF SUBSIDY RE-INVESTMENT AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME (SURE-P) ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG YOUTHS IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Taphee, B.G.; Alam, M.K.;Shiddi, S.A. and E.I. Jen

Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Taraba State College of Agriculture, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.

E-mail: tapheegauis@gmaill.com

Abstract: This study assessed the effect of SURE-P among youths in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economics characteristics of the respondents, examine youth perception of the SURE-P and identify the problems affecting SURE-P in the study area. Primary data were collected from 82 respondents using purposive and simple random sampling techniques and were analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis revealed that, majority (91.5%) of the respondents was below 40 years of age, 82.9% were males and 67.1% were singles. Most (82.9%) of the respondents have household size of less than 5 children. Also, majority (76.8%) had formal education and 67.1% had a monthly income earnings of less than N20,000 per month. The major components of SURE-P were identified as: computer training, tricycle (Keke-NAPEP) and Taraba Marshals. The result on youth perception of SURE-P scheme indicated that, it has improved the income, health care, and farm output of the beneficiaries in the study area. Inadequate training, poor infrastructural facilities, irregularities in the selection of SURE-P beneficiaries, mis-management of SURE-P equipment/materials as well as distribution of sub-standard materials to the beneficiaries were among the major constraints to SURE-P scheme in the area. Recommendations were made based on the foregoing findings that SURE-P beneficiaries should be well trained by experts to effectively operates the equipment/machineries distributed to them. Also, basic infrastructural facilities such as good roads, stable power supply should be made available in the study area.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AIR QUALITY AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: 1980-2012

Akintunde T.S¹., Akanbi B.E¹. and Satope, B.F².

¹Department of Economics, Osun State University, Okuku Campus

²Department of Economics, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

E-mail: temitopeoladejo@yahoo.com

Abstract: Human capital development is very important to the development of any nation. However, several factors may hinder this development and the quality of air is a factor. While many studies have looked at the relationship between air quality and economic growth, few studies have examined the causal link between air quality and human capital particularly, Nigeria, hence this study. We assessed the trends of carbon dioxide emissions, life expectancy and primary school enrolment. This was with a view to determining the direction of causality between carbon dioxide emissions, life expectancy and primary school enrolment. The study period is from 1980 to 2012. The results showed that a one-way causality was running from carbon dioxide to life expectancy and a one-way causality was running from primary school enrolment to carbon dioxide emissions. The government need to put up and implement policies that will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions since this will eventually improve the human capital development in Nigeria.

A NEW APPROACH FOR ANALYSING SURVIVAL MODELS: THE MODIFIED GAMMA FRAILTY DISTRIBUTION

Sikiru Adeyinka Abdulazeez

Department Of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science

 Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

E-mail: ysabdul94@yahoo.com,

Abstract: Survival analysis examines and models the time it takes for events to occur. The prototypical such event is death, from which the name ‘survival analysis’ and much of its terminology derives, but the ambit of application of survival analysis is much broader.Frailty models is effective in formulating the effects of covariates on potentially censored failure times and in the joint modelling of incomplete repeated measures and failure times in longitudinal studies. Survival data are often subject to right censoring and to a subsequent loss of information about the effect of explanatory variables. Three frailty models are used to analyze bivariate time-to-event data. Each approach accommodates right censored lifetime data and account for heterogeneity in the study population. A Modified Gamma Frailty [MGF] Model is compared with two existing Frailty Models. The newly derived MGF is more robust when sample size is more than forty.The MGF model performs better than the existing models in the presence of clustering. However the CGF is preferable in the absence of clusters in a given data set.

EVALUATION OF LIPID PROFILE AND SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF ALBINO RATS FED WITH HONEY

^*1Nwozor, C.M., ²Alagwu E.A., ³Nwabuokei, P.O., ⁴Okonobe, E.C.

^1,3&4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,       Anambra State University, Uli Campus Nigeria.

²Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imo State      University, Owerri Nigeria.

E-mail: corneliusnwozor@gmail.com

Abstract: Honey is widely consumed in Nigeria. Its main uses include: wound healing, baking, and as addition to various beverages. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of honey on lipid profile and some hematological parameters of adult albino rats. Sixteen adult albino rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (8 rats) served as control and received rat chow and water only. Group B (8 rats) received 1ml of honey per rat per day for three weeks. Thereafter, the animals were anaesthetized with chloroform. Blood samples were collected for analysis via cardiac puncture. The results showed that honey increased HDL and decreased LDL in group B. Increase in triglycerides in group B was not significant. It had no effect on cholesterol and VLDL in group B. Honey had no effect on PCV, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. In group B, changes in lymphocytes and neutrophils were not significant. It increased total WBC. If applied to human, moderate intake of honey may help prevent the risk of atherosclerosis.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: INVESTIGATION OF THE VARIATIONS IN BODY WEIGHT, HEIGHT, WAISTLINE AND BMI IN A NIGERIAN GROUP

BETWEEN AGE FIFTEEN AND TWENTY

Akinbola, A.S¹ and Owolabi, J.O²

¹Community Health Department, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

²Anatomy Department, Ben Carson Sr. School of Medicine, Babcock University, Nigeria

E-mail: olaowolabi001@yahoo.com, yemson4god@yahoo.com

Abstract: Sexual dimorphism is a term used to describe the phenotypic difference between males and female of the same species. In humans this term describes features that basically differentiate the male and the female sexes morphologically. This investigation was aimed at examining the nature and extent of Sexual Dimorphism relative to weight, height and waistline in the target population. Sexual dimorphism is in the mainstream of biomedical research because of the importance of its applications across several areas of human endeavour. The need for specific data that will accurately and adequately present and represent the nature, pattern and extents of sexual dimorphism in the Nigerian population- a nation that accounts for one of the largest negroid populations of the world is considered paramount to science and its applications. 520 randomly selected volunteers within the target population were considered and data were taken based on relevant parameters. Weights were recorded using the Adult Weight Scale, Platform XH- Model [ZT-150A]; heights with the use of the scale meter rule and waistline size with the aid of the rubber tape rule while taking necessary measures and precautions to ensure accuracy. BMI for each subject was calculated using the values of height and weight obtained (BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]². All calculations were done using the SI units and results were analysed and compared using descriptive statistical methods. It was found that sexual dimorphism was evident and varies with age based on the selected parameters. Sexual dimorphism in forms of weight, height and waistline presents significant variations in the target population.

GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF GYPSUM FROM NAFADA AND

ENVIRONS NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Tabale, R.P.

Geology Department

Gombe State University, Tudun-Wada Gombe, Nigeria.

E-mail: tabalepeter@yahoo.com

Abstract: This research is aimed at determining the geochemistry and purity of gypsum within the Senonian Fika shale Upper Benue Trough, Gongola Arm in Nafada and environs for its industrial suitability. Seventeen (17) fresh samples from different localities were collected and analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) equipment for their oxides: SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, MgO, SO₃, K₂O and Na₂O. The results revealed that gypsum in the study area has high percentage purity of 87.9 – 95.6%. Comparing this result with the British Industrial Standard (BIS) it indicates a high grade gypsum forms that is suitability for different industrial usage (Agriculture, Medical, Pottery and Ceramic, Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Paints, Building, Construction etc).

OBSERVATIONS ON THE AGGRESSIVE TENDENCIES OF APIS MELLIFERA ADANSONII

Mohammad Gbate

Science Laboratory Technology Department

The Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.

E-mail: gbatenda@yahoo.com

Abstract: Aggressive behavior of Apis mellifera adansonii was studied using leather balls. Parameters for measuring aggressive tendencies include; time taken for first sting to occur, time taken to be fierce, distance they follow intruder, number of stings left on the ball and time taken to become peaceful. Result confirmed the age long held believe that A. m. adansonii displays more aggressive tendencies than its European siblings; it followed intruders up to 423.57 meters, stung within 2.67seconds of being disturbed, became very fierce in 4.33 seconds, took 3060 seconds to become peaceful and left 8.7 stings per square centimeter of the ball. This has serious implication for bee keepers who must prepare adequately to harvest the honey store of these bees.

EFFECTS OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PAUSINYSTALIA YOHIMBE (K. SCHUM PIERRE) STEM BARK ON THE RAT’S BONE MARROW:

 A HAEMATOLOGICAL AND HISTOLOGICAL STUDY

L. J. Hamidu¹, A.U Ekanem², H. A. Salami¹_,S.H. Garba² and L.N. Nganso²

¹Departments of Human Physiology, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

²Human Anatomy, University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.

E-mail: saniwakawa@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: This study investigated the effects of the aqueous stem bark extract of Pausinystalia yohimbe on the histology of the bone marrow and some haematological indices in rats. A total of 50 adult Wister albino rats divided into two batches (I and II) consisting of 25 rats each were used in this study. Rats in batch I were divided into 5 groups with group I serving as control while groups II, III, IV and V were administered 200 mg/kg of the extract for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days periods respectively. Batch II rats were treated similarly, but with a higher dose of 400mg/kg. At the end of the treatment periods haematological analysis and histological studies of bone marrow were carried out using standard methods. The results showed significant (p<0.05) increase in packed cell volume (PCV) and red blood cell (RBC) counts at both doses.  Post-treatment values of white blood cell (WBC) counts showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in all the treatments except for the 14 days treatment group where there was marginal increase.  Histological analysis of the bone marrow revealed that at the dose of 200mg/kg there was increased quantity of RBC, while at 400mg/kg there was appearance of fatty tissues and reduced quantity of RBCs, suggesting degenerative effects of the extract on bone marrow structures. The findings of this work corroborate the decrease RBCs and leucopenia reported by previous studies.