Obafemi Awolowo University
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Item A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANISATIONS IN THE DELIVERY OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN SELECTED STATES OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA (1997-2005)(2007) POPOOLA, OLADEPO OLUFEMIThis study examined and compared the delivery of social services by Local Government and Community-based Organizations (CBOs) in selected states of Ekiti, Ogun and Osun of Southwestern Nigeria between 1997 and 2005. The social services which the study focused on were: road, water, electricity, health care and education. This was with a view to ascertaining the usefulness of co-production strategy to the delivery of social services. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaires, oral interviews and observation techniques. Four hundred and forty questionnaires were administered on the leaders (Chairmen, Secretaries and Treasurers) of Community Development Councils (CDCs) using stratified sampling technique. Also, five hundred and eighty two questionnaires were administered on the senior staffs of local government that were directly involved in the delivery of social services using stratified sampling technique. The questionnaires assessed respondents' opinions not only on the performance of local government and CBOs in the delivery of social services, but also on local government delivery vis-a-vis community delivery. The questionnaires also assessed respondents' views on the relevance and usefulness of co-production strategy in social service delivery. Out of a total of one thousand and twenty two questionnaires administered to the two categories of respondents, nine hundred and twenty (90 percent) were retrieved. To complement the data extracted from questionnaires, interviews were also conducted with eighteen CDC leaders and nine local government senior staff. The interviews focused, not only on how local government and CBOs delivered social services, but also on the need for collaboration between local government and CBOs in the delivery of social services. With the use of observation techniques, some projects on road, water, electricity, health care and education were surveyed and photographs of some of them were taken. Secondary data were collected from relevant textbooks, government documents and records of social services delivered. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.Item A STUDY OF INTER-GOVERNMENTAL FISCAL RELATIONS IN NIGERIA, 1999-2007(2008) ADESOPO, AYO ARIYOThis study examined the origin and development of inter-governmental fiscal relations (IGFR) in Nigeria as well as their linkages with the political arrangement. It also identified and analysed the effects of these linkages on the states and local governments and synthesized the perception of IGFR by selected states. This was with a view to providing insights into the dynamics, management and problems of IGFR in Nigeria. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. A questionnaire was administered on top career officers of the relevant government departments/parastatals at both the state and local government levels in 6 purposively selected states (Benue, Bauchi, Kaduna, Enugu, Delta and Ondo) representing each of the geo-political zones in Nigeria. Of the 312 copies of questionnaire administered, 251 (79.8 per cent) were retrieved. To complement the data collected from questionnaire, interviews were also conducted with 18 top political functionaries at the local government level, 3 of the commissioners representing the selected states on the National Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (NRMAFC) and 19 opinion leaders comprising political elites knowledgeable about political and economic issues in the zones. The interviews focused on the sharing of the Federation Account among the vertical organs, the appropriateness of the revenue sharing principles in use for horizontal sharing and the distribution of tax jurisdiction. Secondary data were obtained from relevant textbooks, journals, newspapers, and official publications of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Ministry of Finance, NRMAFC and other relevant publications. Data were analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics.Item An empirical study of commuters’ satisfactions with taxi service quality in Abeokuta, Nigeria(2021) Olawole MOTransport service provision in many urban landscapes in Nigeria is dominated by individuals and private organisations. In Nigeria, there is paucity of studies addressing commuters’ satisfaction with the service quality (SQ) of informal modes of transportation. This study examines commuters’ satisfaction with SQ of taxis in Abeokuta, Nigeria using household travel survey. The sample comprised of 272 commuters selected from 31 electoral wards in the study area. Data collected using SERVPREF questionnaire, were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and multiple regression technique. The results indicate that the commuters’ satisfaction with taxis services is slightly above average (M = 2.69, SD = 1.29) on a scale of 1 to 5. The principal component analysis identified four factors which explained 59.06% percent of the total variance in commuters’ satisfaction with taxi services in Abeokuta. In addition multiple regression coefficients showed that only three of the factors (factor 1 (β = 0.098, P < 0.05), factor 2 (β = 0.154, P < 0.000), and factors 3 (β = 0.106, P < 0.05)) significantly influenced commuters’ perception of satisfaction with taxis. The study concludes that taxis service providers need to improve on aspects of services rated low by respondents and to embrace recent trend in taxis services provision as obtainable in advance countries, while the state government should plan towards introducing bus rapid transit system (BRT) in Abeokuta and other major cities in Ogun state in the nearest future.Item Analysis of the current situation and future outlooks for pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan) production in Oyo State, Nigeria: A Markov Chain model approach(2021) Fatokimi EO; Tanimonure VAPigeon pea is an underutilized crop in Nigeria and particularly in Oyo State in terms of research, production and utilization despite its economic and nutrition importance. It is therefore important to understand its current production status in Oyo State in order to evaluate the economic potential of pigeon pea production in the study area. This study therefore, profiled the current production systems of pigeon pea, analyzed the current and forecast the future farm size and examined the constraints to pigeon pea production in Oyo State. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 150 pigeon pea farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data from the respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Markov Chain Analysis (MCA) and Importance Ranking Index. The study found that all the farmers still cultivated local variety with average yield of 604kg/acre, most farmers intercropped with other crops and produced mainly for consumption by households and sale at the local market. Majority (73%) cultivated between 1 and 5 acres of land and on the average, 1.55 and 1.72 acres of land were cultivated in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, respectively. There was significant difference between the land area cultivated to pigeon pea in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 (−1.63, p < 0.05). The results of MCA revealed that there was high probability for the farmers to remain on their farm size initially cultivated. Although, gradual increase in the farm size was observed in the equilibrium year. The persuasive identified constraints included inadequate capital, pricing problem and lack of improved variety. The study concluded that the outlook of pigeon pea production seems promising as revealed by the farm size cultivated at the equilibrium year, but a deliberate effort must be made to promote the production of and research on pigeon pea in the study area, especially in the development of improved varieties.Item Application of the AquaCrop model in decision support for optimization of nitrogen fertilizer and water productivity of soybeans(2021) Adeboye OB; Schultz B; Adeboye AP; Adekalu KO; Osunbitan JAModelling of the effects of water and different levels of nitrogen on evapotranspiration and water productivity of rainfed soybeans is very important in optimising resource use in the production of the crop. The objective of the study was to model evapotranspiration, soil water storage and water productivity of rainfed soybeans under different levels of nitrogen fertilizer by using the FAO AquaCrop model. Field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria in the rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. There were five levels of nitrogen, which are 00, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the recommended nitrogen applications and two varieties of soybeans, which produced a 2 by 5 factorial experimental design. The data of the wetter year 2015, were used for calibration of the AquaCrop model because AquaCrop is water driven. The 2016 data were used for the validation. The AquaCrop model simulated canopy cover with R2 and EF > 0.90, d-index ≥ 0.99. The model captured the trend of the soil water storage well, R2 and EF ≥ 0.70. The AquaCrop model simulated soil water storage below wilting point for seasonal rainfall less than 600 mm, and it did not overestimate it. The model predicted evapotranspiration with R2 and EF ≥ 0.89, d-index = 1.00. Above ground biomass was overestimated even though R2 ≥ 0.98. Although, nitrogen stress reduced seed yield and water productivity, there was no under or over estimation of the seed yields. They were predicted with low error under the different levels of nitrogen fertilizer, R2 ≥ 0.99, EF and d-index ≥ 0.99. The AquaCrop model is suitable for simulating canopy cover, soil water storage, evapotranspiration, and seed yield of rainfed soybeans with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer under temporal distribution of seasonal rainfall. Therefore, it can serve as a useful tool for smallholder farmers in predicting productivity of soybeans and optimising resource allocation, land and water use in the tropical farming systems. We recommend simulation of the effects of pest on biomass, seed yield and water productivity by subsequent versions of the AquaCrop model. In addition, incorporating an economic sub-unit in the model will enable users to make financial decisions.Item Assessing the impacts of land use on riparian vegetation dynamics in Osun State, Nigeria(2021) Borisade TV; Odiwe AI; Akinwumiju AS; Uwalaka NO; Orimoogunje OIThe existence of riparian vegetation is greatly threatened by change in land uses in Nigeria and information on historical management of land use which influences riparian vegetation dynamics is critical to the conservation of plants species diversity. This information is poorly understood especially in Nigeria and by extension in Africa. This study therefore assessed the areas covered by riparian forests in Osun State, Nigeria in order to identify the main drivers of its decline using optical remote sensing data. It also assessed the availability and distribution of the riparian forests over three decades (1986–2016) using Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM). Results showed that the riparian forests covered 546.18km2 (6.40%) with about 308riparian forests distributed across the state in 1986 but had declined to 176 by 2016. Three decades later, areas covered by riparian forests decreased to171.69km2 (2.01%), representing a decline of about 69% and was predicted a rapid transition to disturbed lands. Human activities such as logging, farming, grazing and construction have greatly influenced the riparian vegetation cover with obvious decline in extent, distribution and quality. Observation from our case study showed that the disappearance of these forests is taken place at a rate that is faster than the predicted level of the Nigerian riparian forest loss by 2040. Notably deforestation, agriculture and urbanization are the main drivers of this decline, of the African gallery forests.Item Assessment of heavy metal bioremediation potential of bacterial isolates from landfill soils(2021) Oziegbe O; Oluduro AO; Oziegbe EJ; Ahuekwe EF; Olorunsola SJIndiscriminate disposal of wastes on landfills has led to increase in heavy metal contamination in landfill soils. However, the ability of the indigenous microorganisms to remediate the polluted environment can be of great influence in reclamation of such soils. The objectives of this study were to assess the bioremediation potential of the screened indigenous bacteria and evaluate the effects of carbon source and pH in the enhancement of the bioremediation process. Bacterial isolates from landfill sites were screened for their capability to utilize heavy metal (Cd and Pb). Nutrient Agar was supplemented with five different concentrations of each metal (25 to 600 mgL-1). Viable counts of the isolates were taken four times at two days interval. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella edwardsii and Enterobacter cloacae were selected based on their tolerance to heavy metal for remediation process. Peptone broth was also supplemented using different concentrations of heavy metals. The remediation process was assessed by monitoring the growth of biomass using UV spectrophotometer at 600 nm and the residual heavy metal was evaluated after 8 days of incubation using AAS. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the highest bioremediation potential among the bacterial isolates with 58.80 and 33.67 remediation percentage in 50 mg Cd L-1 and 300 mg Pb L-1 . However, higher remediation percentage (79.87 and 92.41) was observed by Klebsiella edwardsii through addition of carbon source (5 g/L) and varying the pH (6) of the media in the heavy metal contaminated medium. The results of this study indicate that the effectiveness of the indigenous bacteria in remediation process can be enhanced through the addition of carbon source and increase pH for effective reclamation of contaminated soil.Item Assessment of heavy metal pollution in soil samples from a gold mining area in Osun State, Nigeria using proton-induced X-ray emission(2021) Fagbenro AA; Yinusa TS; Ajekiigbe KM; Oke AO; Obiajunwa EIThis study identified and determined the concentration of heavy metal contaminants in Igun, Ijana-Gada and Igbadae gold mining sites using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) technique. This was with a view to providing information on various heavy metal concentrations, potential sources of metals contamination and pollution load at Igun, Ijana-Gada and Igbadae gold mining sites. A total of thirty soil samples were collected randomly from Igun, Ijana-Gada and Igbadae gold mining sites in the Ilesha area, Osun State. Twelve samples were collected each from Igun and Ijana-Gada sites; while six samples were collected from Igbadae site. The soil samples were processed and analyzed for selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, M, V and Fe). A Multivariate statistics approach (Pearson Correlation Matrix and Principal Component Analysis) was used on the data for identification of contamination sources. The heavy metal concentrations in the studied soils decreased in the following order: Fe > Ti > Mn > V > Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu with mean value of Fe (84,470.60 mg/kg), Ti (15,337.30 mg/kg), Mn (576.80 mg/kg), V (465.90 mg/kg), Cr (304.10 mg/kg), Zn (103.90 mg/kg), Pb (38.60 mg/kg), and Cu (26.00 mg/kg). The result obtained from the assessment of heavy metal pollution using Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Pollution Index (PI) confirmed that Igun, Ijana-Gada, and Igbadae soils/mine-tailings were polluted in the range from slightly through moderately polluted up to highly polluted. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted three major components: PC1with loading of Fe, V, Zn, and Cu, PC2 with high loading of Ti and Mn while PC3 with the contribution of Pb and Cr. This was corroborated by Pearson Correlation Matrix (PCM) for the analyzed elements. The study revealed that the soils and mine tailings from the study area were polluted with heavy metals especially V, Ti and Cr from anthropogenic sources with little crustal material contributions thereby posing serious environmental and health concerns.Item Atmospheric particulate fractions from Nigerian crude oil spillage(2021) Adesanmi AJ; Okedere OB; Sonibare JA; Elehinafe FB; Fakinle BSLaboratory simulations of the spill behaviors of three different Nigerian crude oil samples over three media (fresh water, sea water and soil) were carried out with a view to determining the effect of crude oil spillage on emission of fine (PM2.5) and inhalable particulates fractions (PM10). The spillage experiments were carried out in an environmental test box fitted with equipment to regulate the micro climatic conditions (temperature and Relative humidity). The maximum concentrations of PM2.5 were 711, 689 and 680 µgm−3 while those of PM10 were 972, 946 and 940 µgm−3 for sample A, B and C respectively. These peak concentrations were obtained for spill conditions corresponding to fresh water at 45 °C and 49% relative humidity. The least concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 emitted across all samples were 63 µgm−3 and 256 µgm−3 respectively and these corresponded to spillage over sea water at 15 °C and 80% relative humidity. These concentrations clearly exceeded the short time averaging period (24 h) standards set for PM2.5 and PM10 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Incessant crude oil spillages in the Nigerian oil fields are therefore predicted to cause degradation of air quality within a short duration from the spill.Item Can occupational safety and health problems be prevented or not? Exploring the perception of informal automobile artisans in Nigeria(2021) Afolabi FJ; de Beer P; Haafkens JAIt is well-known that informal workers in developing countries run a high risk of Occupational Safety and Health Problems (OSH problems). However, little is known about their perception of the preventability of these problems. This study explores how informal automobile artisans in Nigeria perceive the preventability of OSH problems and possible barriers to prevention. 43 artisans were purposively interviewed. Only one third of the participants perceived OSH problems as preventable while a majority perceived OSH problems as not preventable. Their perception of the causes of OSH problems and cost considerations strongly influenced their perceptions of the preventability of OSH problems. The major perceived barrier to prevention is economic insecurity and, as a consequence, non-availability of modern equipment. The study concluded that availability of accessible loans and regular training of the artisans may be helpful in preventing and reducing OSH problems in the informal sector.Item Cellgevity® attenuates liver distruption, oxidative stress and inflammation in STZ-diabetic male rats(2021) Ogunlabi OO; Adegbesan BO; Ezima EN; Adebisi AAThe imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the innate antioxidant defence promotes oxidative distress and contributes to tissue dysfunctions which are the hallmark of diabetic complications. Diabetic hepatic injury is less reported, yet it is a target organ damage condition related to diabetes. This study investigated the hepato-protective potentials of Cellgevity® in Streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic male rats. The rats were assigned into – Control group and diabetes induced groups (DM-untreated, DM-treated 1 and DM-treated 2 groups respectively). Separate treatment of the DM-treated 1 and DM-treated 2 groups with therapeutic doses of Cellgevity® (25 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg BW respectively) was conducted for 30 days, while the control and DM-untreated groups receieved oral distilled water (placebo). The animals were then sacrificed and their sera were evaluated for total antioxidant status and biomarkers of hepatic function. The rats’ liver homogenates were also evaluated for inflammation, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity. Treatment with Cellgevity® significantly increased the serum total antioxidant status (2 fold) and it reduced the serum ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin levels compared to untreated diabetes by at least 1.4 fold. Hepatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were significantly increased by over 130%, while liver TNF-α, nitrite and MDA levels were reduced by over 140% compared to the diabetic untreated group. The results present promising evidence for the therapeutic potential of Cellgevity® against diabetes-induced liver dysfunction, which might be through the modulation of ROS and inflammation production respectively.Item Characterization of barite ores from selected locations in Nigeria for drilling fluid formulation(2021) Abraham EI; Bayode BL; Olubambi PA; Adetunji AR; Onwualu APBarite is a non-metallic mineral composed of barium sulfate and is largely used by the oil and gas industry during drilling operations to control reservoir pressure. According to the American Petroleum Institute (API) standard, the specific gravity of barite should be a minimum of 4.1 to be applied as an additive in drilling fluid. In Nigeria, barite deposits are found in veins and cavity fillings hosted by varieties of rocks. Despite the abundance of barites reserves in Nigeria, the barites used in the Nigerian oil industry are imported from other countries. Therefore, in this research, barite deposits in some selected troughs in Nigeria were sampled and studied to determine their chemical composition and suitability as drilling fluid additives. The specific gravity of barites in the following states: Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Cross River, and Taraba was determined using the Pycnometer method, and their values were found to range from 2.9 to 4.3 on average. The quality of barite varies from location to location and with depth. The barite quality was enhanced when some low-grade barites were blended with a high grade, as shown in the blended samples of Plateau States, where specific gravity increased from 2.9 to 3.7. The results of XRF, E.D.X. and S.E.M. analysis of the samples show a predominance of BaO, Fe2O3, SrSO4, and SiO2. Samples from Benue (89.4% BaSO4) and Taraba (96.5% BaSO4) States met API standard for drilling mud application in terms of chemical composition, specific gravity, and a particle size distribution, while samples from Cross River (83.16% BaSO4), Nasarawa (77% BaSO4), and Plateau (10.88% BaSO4) States need to be upgraded to meet the standard for usage as drilling fluid additives. However, they can be used as extenders or fillers in the rubber and paper industry.Item Clinicopathologic features of forehead prayer marks in Kano, Northwest Nigeria(2021) Omeje KU; Famurewa BA; Adebola RA; Agbara R; Amole OI; Fomete B; Suleiman APrayer marks are asymptomatic nodular and cyst like swellings or callosities with or without chronic skin changes attributable to repeated, prolonged pressure and friction exerted on bony prominences when praying on hard surfaces. This study aimed to describe the clinical and pathological features of forehead prayer marks in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. A retrospective review of Muslims with regular praying habits who presented to the maxillofacial surgery clinic of Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano within a five year (January 2014–December 2018) period on account of central forehead nodular prayer marks was conducted. Biographic data, duration, size, consistency and histological diagnoses of forehead prayer marks were retrieved and analysed. Of the 26 patients with forehead prayer marks, there were 19 men (M: F = 2.7:1). The mean age was 42 ± 3 years and there ages ranged from 15 to 62 years. The mean duration and size of the swellings were 1 ± 5.4 years and 2.5 ± 3.1 cm respectively. The consistency of the lesions was mostly soft to firm (n = 23). Seventeen of the lesions were histologically diagnosed as lipoma. Others were fibroma, soft tissue cysts, eosinophilic granuloma and osteoma. Forehead prayer marks are more common in men than women with highest occurrence in fifth decade of life. Lipoma was the commonest post-excision histological diagnosis of forehead prayer marks.Item Combustion and emission study of sandbox seed oil biodiesel performance in a compression ignition (CI) engine(2021) Akintunde SB; Obayopo SO; Adekunle AS; Obisesan OR; Olaoye OSTransportation is a crucial aspect of global development and the utilization of fossil fuels in most combustions systems seems inevitable. This class of fuel has led greatly to worldwide environmental pollution with its attendant effects on human health and climate changes. Biofuels from biomass are sustainable and viable alternatives that can eliminate the problems associated with petroleum fuels and are most compatible with the existing combustion systems. Biodiesel will further ensure positive energy equilibrium through the conservation of natural resources to improve economic stability, environmental safety and a balanced ecosystem. Most previous works make use of edible oils, which can lead to food security and price challenges. With the abundance of non-edible oil sources unexploited, the choice of this study is directed towards producing biodiesel from a non-edible seed with little or no information on its combustion properties. This study extracted Sandbox (Hura crepitans) oil chemically using analytical n-hexane as solvent and subsequently produced biodiesel from the oil via one step-transesterification. The biodiesel was characterized according to global standards for biodiesel (ASTM D6751 and EN 14214) and blended with petrodiesel to give five fuel samples (D100, B10, B20, B30 and B100). These fuels were combusted in a compression ignition (CI) engine test bed to determine its performance and emission characteristics. The results showed that the Sandbox seed produced oil with a good oil yield of 47.77% and the biodiesel produced had a yield of 86.49%, which satisfies the recommended global standards. B10 exhibited the best and highest BTE after D100 at all the torque levels (4 Nm, 6 Nm and 7 Nm) as well as the least and the most desirable emission of CO2 when compared with all the other fuels. The utilization of Sandbox biodiesel in combustion ignition engine was found to be a viable option at enhancing biofuel utilization and reduction of pollutant emissions from the present combustion of fossil fuels.Item Comparative performance of limestone calcined clay and limestone calcined laterite blended cement concrete(2021) Musbau KD; Kolawole JT; Babafemi AJ; Olalusi OBThe global availability and abundance of clay soil and limestone have recently driven research for their combined use as supplementary cementitious material (SCMs). In tropical regions, laterite (which has similar chemical signature to clay) naturally abounds in larger quantities and can potentially be used in place of clay soil as SCM. This is the focus of this study which experimentally evaluates the comparative performance of concrete made from limestone calcined clay, limestone calcined laterite and calcined laterite as supplementary cementitious materials by simple test methods. The replacement of the Portland cement with these SCMs was up to 45% to achieve low-carbon cementitious materials. The cementitious materials were characterised and four concrete mixes (100% ordinary Portland cement; 15-30-55% of limestone-calcined clay-Portland cement; 30–70% of calcined laterite-Portland cement; and 15-30-55% of limestone-calcined laterite-Portland cement) were formulated to showcase their performance in terms of workability, strength, and durability. The possibility of a differing influence of varied water-to-binder ratio on the clay and laterite SCMs was also examined. The results show no significant difference between the performance of the laterite-based and clay-based blended cement concrete. It was concluded that laterite can be interchangeably used in place of clay in limestone calcined clay cements (LC3), especially in tropical regions where laterite is in abundance as much as or more than clay. Further investigation is recommended for long term performance evaluation.Item COMPLAINT MANAGEMENT, PERCEIVED JUSTICE AND PATIENTS’ BEHAVIOURAL INTENTIONS IN TERTIARY HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA(2019) UMA UKWU UDUMAThe study assessed the complaint management process adopted by Tertiary Healthcare Institutions; examined the influence of complaint management on patients’ behavioural intentions and evaluated the effects of perceived justice on patients’ behavioural intentions. Lastly, it determined the effect of satisfaction with the recovery efforts on patients’ behavioural intentions. These were with a view to providing information on patients’ perceived justice from complaint management and the possible effects on patients’ behavioural intentions in Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. The research design adopted was descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. The study used both primary and secondary data. The population of the study comprised 10000 registered patients in selected Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. A sample of 400 patients were purposively selected from five Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Southwestern Nigeria. Sample selection was based on patients with medical history of regular visit for a period of not less than one year. Data on complaint management system, perceived justice, patients’ satisfaction, and patients’ behavioural intentions, were obtained through the administration of questionnaire and interview. Information on complaint management procedure and policies were sourced from the annual report and publications of Healthcare Institutions. The data were analyzed through the use of percentages, mean, ordinary test square regression analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient technique.Item Computational screening of phytochemicals from three medicinal plants as inhibitors of transmembrane protease serine 2 implicated in SARS-CoV-2 infection(2021) Oyedara OO; Agbedahunsi JM; Adeyemi FM; Juárez-Saldivar A; Fadare OA; Adetunji CO; Rivera GBackground SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 is a major global public health issue that requires urgent attention in terms of drug development. Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is a good drug target against SARS-CoV-2 because of the role it plays during the viral entry into the cell. Virtual screening of phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of TMPRSS2 can lead to the discovery of drug candidates for the treatment of COVID-19. Purpose The study was designed to screen 132 phytochemicals from three medicinal plants traditionally used as antivirals; Zingiber officinalis Roscoe (Zingiberaceae), Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae), and Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), as potential inhibitors of TMPRSS2 for the purpose of finding therapeutic options to treat COVID-19. Methods Homology model of TMPRSS2 was built using the ProMod3 3.1.1 program of the SWISS-MODEL. Binding affinities and interaction between compounds and TMPRSS2 model was examined using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The drug-likeness and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) properties of potential inhibitors of TMPRSS2 were also assessed using admetSAR web tool. Results Three compounds, namely, niazirin, quercetin, and moringyne from M. oleifera demonstrated better molecular interactions with binding affinities ranging from -7.1 to -8.0 kcal/mol compared to -7.0 kcal/mol obtained for camostat mesylate (a known TMPRSS2 inhibitor), which served as a control. All the three compounds exhibited good drug-like properties by not violating the Lipinski rule of 5. Niazirin and moringyne possessed good ADMET properties and were stable in their interactions with the TMPRSS2 based on the molecular dynamics simulation. However, the ADMET tool predicted the potential hepatotoxic and mutagenic effects of quercetin. Conclusion This study demonstrated the potentials of niazirin, quercetin, and moringyne from M. oleifera, to inhibit the activities of human TMPRSS2, thus probably being good candidates for further development as new drugs for the treatment or management of COVID-19.Item COVID-19 and sustainable development goals (SDGs): An appraisal of the emanating effects in Nigeria(2021) Fagbemi FThe paper appraised the emanating effect of COVID-19 on sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Nigeria through the systematic illustration of the prevailing incidents. It was affirmed that the preoccupation with the COVID-19 cases caused many other critical socioeconomic issues (like education, infrastructure development, and employment) to suffer a state of negligence or be overlooked. Like other developing countries, Nigeria could become poorer, given the increased unemployment rate and the anticipated difficulty in servicing debt resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Hence, festering challenges including poverty, limited access to health care, low education quality, poor road networks among others, could be further entrenched. These incidents could be detrimental to sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda. The current crisis, therefore, poses a threat to Nigeria’s development prospects, as it may take more time to recover, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. Thus, it is critical to recognize the significance of securing strong institutional regulatory setup and resources (including financial and material resources) needed to facilitate sustainable change in the economy.Item Deep multiple-instance learning for abnormal cell detection in cervical histopathology images(2021) Pal A; Xue Z; Desai K; Aina F Banjo A; Adepiti CA; Long LR; Schiffman M; Antani SCervical cancer is a disease of significant concern affecting women's health worldwide. Early detection of and treatment at the precancerous stage can help reduce mortality. High-grade cervical abnormalities and precancer are confirmed using microscopic analysis of cervical histopathology. However, manual analysis of cervical biopsy slides is time-consuming, needs expert pathologists, and suffers from reader variability errors. Prior work in the literature has suggested using automated image analysis algorithms for analyzing cervical histopathology images captured with the whole slide digital scanners (e.g., Aperio, Hamamatsu, etc.). However, whole-slide digital tissue scanners with good optical magnification and acceptable imaging quality are cost-prohibitive and difficult to acquire in low and middle-resource regions. Hence, the development of low-cost imaging systems and automated image analysis algorithms are of critical importance. Motivated by this, we conduct an experimental study to assess the feasibility of developing a low-cost diagnostic system with the H&E stained cervical tissue image analysis algorithm. In our imaging system, the image acquisition is performed by a smartphone affixing it on the top of a commonly available light microscope which magnifies the cervical tissues. The images are not captured in a constant optical magnification, and, unlike whole-slide scanners, our imaging system is unable to record the magnification. The images are mega-pixel images and are labeled based on the presence of abnormal cells. In our dataset, there are total 1331 (train: 846, validation: 116 test: 369) images. We formulate the classification task as a deep multiple instance learning problem and quantitatively evaluate the classification performance of four different types of multiple instance learning algorithms trained with five different architectures designed with varying instance sizes. Finally, we designed a sparse attention-based multiple instance learning framework that can produce a maximum of 84.55% classification accuracy on the test set.Item DIVIDEND PAYOUT POLICY, FIRMS’ INVESTMENT BEHAVIOUR AND VALUE OF SELECTED QUOTED COMPANIES IN NIGERIA (2001-2016)(2019) JOHN AYOBAMIBO OLAYIWOLAThe study examined the trend and pattern of corporate dividend from 2001 to 2016, assessed the factors influencing corporate dividend pay-out policy of quoted Nigerian companies and investigated the long run and short run effects of corporate dividend policy on corporate performance of quoted companies in Nigeria over the study period. It also analysed the dynamic relationships among dividend payout policy, investment behaviour and corporate value of quoted companies and examined the interactive effects of dividend pay-out policy and firms’ investments on corporate value of listed companies in Nigeria. These were with the view to providing information on the relevance of dividend pay-out for policy formulation and implementation in enhancing investment decisions and performance of quoted companies in Nigeria. The study employed secondary source of data collection. A sample of 80 quoted companies out of 227 listed companies in Nigeria were purposively selected based on availability of required information in their annual reports and the existence of the companies over a period of 2001-2016. Year 2001 was chosen as base year because that was the third year in which democracy was restored in Nigeria and during this period, various economic policies and reforms were made by the government that affected the activities and operations of quoted companies in Nigeria. Secondary data on firms’ age, property, plant and equipment, dividend per share, dividend pay-out, agency cost, return on equity, return on total assets, leverage, price-earnings ratio and share price were all obtained from the audited Annual Reports of the selected companies and the fact book published by Nigeria Stock Exchange. Data on gross domestic products, inflation, exchange rate and capital were obtained from the World Bank. Indicator and statistical bulletin published by Central Bank of Nigeria, while oil price was sourced from Organisation for Petroleum and Exporting Countries’ annual oil price statistics. Corruption index and legal system index were also obtained from International Country Risk Guide published by World Bank. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, generalized method of moments, autoregressive distributed lag and structural vector autoregression (SVAR). The results showed that the trend of dividend pay-out of quoted companies in Nigeria was increasing at a diminishing rate as the pattern of dividend payout showed 7.9% increase in year 2001 and finally stood at (-5%) in year 2016, that is, increasing by 10% when compared to year 2010. Results further revealed that GDP (t = 58.56; p < 0.05), GFCF (t = 35.768; p < 0.01), Inflation (t = 72.67; p < 0.05), Oil (t = 12.218; p < 0.05), Legal (t = 48.94; p < 0.05) and lag of DPS (t = 48.94; p < 0.05) all wielded positive and significant impact on dividend policy, while other variables exercise a negative but significant influence on corporate dividend policy of Nigerian companies. In addition, results also revealed that dividend policy negatively and significantly influences performance of companies in the short run (t = 10.76547; p < 0.05), while in the long run, the impact of dividend policy was positive and also significant (t = 2.94924; p < 0.05). Results of the SVAR estimates showed that the response of firms’ investment to shocks in the market value was 1.98% in the 10th period of the forecast horizon while that of dividend was 7.04%. Finally, the estimation results revealed that the interactive effect of dividend policy and investment was negative and significant (t = 84.38; p < 0.05) on the measures of corporate performance of quoted Nigerian companies. This study concluded that the responses of investment policy and market value to shocks in dividend policy had contractionary effects and as such could lead to an enhanced investment decision and market values of quoted Nigerian companies.