Ladoke Akintola University of Technology

About: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology is a education organization based out in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Adsorption. The organization has 2786 authors who have published 3066 publications receiving 36850 citations. The organization is also known as: Oyo State University of Technology & LAUTECH.

Role of Information and Communication Technology investment on the profitability of small medium scale industries - a case of sachet water companies in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract: The research aims at evaluating the effects of Information and Communication Technology investment on profitability of sachet water companies in Nigeria. The study was carried out on sixty (60) randomly selected sachet water companies that registered with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Association of Table Water Association Producers (ATWAP). Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Secondary data was obtained from the book of accounts of the selected sachet water companies while primary data was collected with the aid of questionnaires and scheduled interviews conducted to managers, data management officers, staff and customers of the selected sachet water companies. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics used included frequencies, percentages and tables and determination of profitability was assessed using Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Capital Employee (ROCE). The study revealed that years of existence of the companies, capital base and educational level of the manager have significant effects on the extent of ICT usage with an adjusted R2 of 0.6274. The paired sample 't' test value of 1.809 and which is significant (P<0.1) also implies that there is significant relationship between ICT investment and the profitability of the companies. The study therefore concluded that ICT investment had positive effects on the profitability of selected sachet water companies in Nigeria. Based on these findings it was recommended that sachet water companies should be ICT compliance.

Distribution and ecotoxicological significance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Iko River estuary mangrove ecosystem.

Abstract: The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in epipelic and benthic sediments from Iko River estuary mangrove ecosystem has been investigated. Total PAHs ranged from 6.10 to 35.27 mg/kg dry weight. Quantitative difference between the total PAHs in epipelic and benthic sediments showed that the benthic sediment known for higher capability to serve as sink for chemical pollutants accumulated less PAHs. This implies that PAHs in the epipelic sediment may plausibly be from industrial sources via runoff and/or of biogenic origin. A strong pyrolytic source fingerprint has been detected with slight influence of petrogenic sources. Total organic carbon normalized PAHs (sum of 16 PAHs, 59.7 to 372.4 mg/kg OC) were under (except for ES3 and BS3) the threshold effects concentrations (TEC, 290 mg/kg OC). Total PAHs in Iko River estuary sediments were in the range between ERL and ERM.

Effect of chitosan coating combined Aloe vera gel on cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) post-harvest quality during ambient storage

Abstract: Edible films and coatings are an environmentally-friendly alternative method to extend the post-harvest life of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Edible coatings based on chitosan (CH), Aloe vera gel (AL) and its combination with Aloe vera gel (CHAL), were developed and applied to cucumber, in order to improve its quality and shelf life during storage. Weight loss, changes in soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, firmness, pH and the percentage of fungal infection of uncoated and coated samples were determined throughout ambient storage for period of 7 weeks cucumber stored at ambient temperature of 25°C, 95-98% RH for seven weeks. The above parameters which are related to post-harvest quality loss were however significantly controlled in the cucumber coated in the following order CHAL>AL> CH>Control. The storability of cucumber fruits was extended by seven weeks. It was concluded that used chitosan mixed with Aloe vera gel could be used as a coating for cucumber could serve as an alternative to post-harvest chemical treatments.

Long-term renal outcome and complications in South Africans with proliferative lupus nephritis

Abstract: To report the long-term outcome and complication profile of South African patients with proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN). A retrospective review of 66 patients with biopsy-proven PLN [58 diffuse proliferative LN (Class IV) and 8 focal proliferative LN (Class III)] under our care from January 1995 to December 2009 was done. Thirty-three (50 %) patients reached the composite end point of doubling of serum creatinine, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or death. The 5-, 10- and 15-year cumulative event-free survival rates were 54, 34 and 27 %, respectively. Variables associated with the composite end point were simultaneous diagnosis of SLE and LN (p = 0.048); elevated serum creatinine at onset (p = 0.009); elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.001) and elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.001) on follow-up; and non-remission following induction therapy (p < 0.001). The 5-, 10- and 15-year renal survival rates in our patients were 63, 52 and 52 %, respectively. Hypertension at onset of LN (p = 0.037), nephrotic-range proteinuria (p = 0.033), eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.013) and lack of remission following induction therapy (p < 0.001) were all associated with development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Elevated SBP on follow-up (95 % CI 1.03–1.34, p = 0.017) was the only factor associated with composite end point while failure to achieve remission following induction therapy was the only factor associated with ESRD on multivariate analysis. Thirty-five (53 %) patients developed complications with persistent leukopenia, gastritis, sepsis, tuberculosis (TB) and herpes zoster being the leading complications. Ovarian failure occurred in 4 (11 %) patients. The 5-, 10 and 15-year event-free survival rates were 54, 34 and 27 % and failure to achieve remission following induction therapy predicted poor renal survival on multivariate analysis.