National Universities Commission

About: National Universities Commission is a education organization based out in Abuja, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Exergy. The organization has 13 authors who have published 26 publications receiving 447 citations.

Urinary schistosomiasis among preschool children in a rural community near Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Abstract: Background The control of schistosomiasis in Nigeria is mainly by mass treatment with praziquantel through the school system, with an absence of any provision for pre-school children. We therefore determined the prevalence and intensity of urinary schistosomiasis in pre-school children between the ages of 1-6 years in Ilewo-Orile a rural and endemic community, near Abeokuta, Nigeria as part of providing information on the neglected tropical diseases among this age group. Two urine samples were collected from each pre-school child. The samples were tested for microhaematuria using reagent strips and then processed and examined with a microscope for Schistosoma haematobium ova.

Schistosomiasis in infants and pre-school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa: implication for control

Abstract: Until recently, the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa have focused primarily on infections in school-aged children and to a lesser extent on adults. Now there is growing evidence and reports of infection in infants and pre-school-aged children (⩽6 years old) in Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda, with reported prevalence from 14% to 86%. In this review, we provide available information on the epidemiology, transmission and control of schistosomiasis in this age group, generally not considered or included in national schistosomiasis control programmes that are being implemented in several sub-Saharan African countries. Contrary to previous assumptions, we show that schistosomiasis infection starts from early childhood in many endemic communities and factors associated with exposure of infants and pre-school-aged children to infection are yet to be determined. The development of morbidity early in childhood may contribute to long-term clinical impact and severity of schistosomiasis before they receive treatment. Consistently, these issues are overlooked in most schistosomiasis control programmes. It is, therefore, necessary to review current policy of schistosomiasis control programmes in sub-Saharan Africa to consider the treatment of infant and pre-school-aged children and the health education to mothers.

An Empirical Analysis of Fiscal Deficits and Inflation in Nigeria

Abstract: The relationship between fiscal deficits and inflation has provoked considerable interest in the macroeconomics literature. While the theory postulates that fiscal deficits lead to inflation, empirical research has been less conclusive about the relationship. This paper reexamines the issue in the context of a developing country, Nigeria, using data over 1970–2006, a period of persistent inflationary trends. We adopted a modeling approach that incorporates cointegration techniques and structural analysis. The results reveal a positive but insignificant relationship between inflation and fiscal deficits in Nigeria. We did not also find any strong evidence linking past levels of fiscal deficits with inflation in Nigeria during the period. Rather, we report a positive long run relationship between money supply and inflation in the Nigerian economy, suggesting that money supply is procyclical and tends to grow at a faster rate than inflation rate. Key words: Fiscal deficit; Inflation; Cointegration; Money supply; Nigeria

Analysis of stratified thermal storage systems: An overview

Abstract: The presence of stratification is well known to improve the performance of stratified thermal energy storage systems (STESS). The major energy and exergy methods for modeling and assessing the performance of STESS are reviewed in this presentation. Current analytical and numerical methods for modeling STESS are surveyed, with their strengths and weaknesses. An extensive survey of performance assessment methods based on energy, entropy and exergy analyses is also presented. This survey highlights entropy generation ratios, which are based on second law considerations, as effective in quantifying the improvements in STESS performances that result from the presence of stratification unlike energy-based measures. The entropy generation number, Ns is suggested as an effective tool for future performance studies on STESS.

Tomato value chain in Nigeria: issues, challenges and strategies.

Abstract: The study was carried out to appraise tomato value chain in order to promote the development of tomato production and processing industry in Nigeria. Currently in Nigeria, about 1.8 Million tonnes of fresh tomato are produced per year, but over 50% of these are lost due to poor storage system, poor transportation and lack of processing enterprises. This makes it important to develop strategies for the development of tomato value chain. The method employed in this study includes semi-structured informal interviews with key value chain actors such as producers, intermediate traders, retailers and input suppliers and a critical review of available literature. The study revealed that there are good varieties of tomatoes in Nigeria, but only a few are suitable for industrial processing with regard to quantity and quality. The research also revealed that Nigeria is still not a major exporter of either fresh or processed tomato products despite the high production of fresh tomatoes. This was found to be due to inadequate supply of good quality seeds, inadequate Review Article Ugonna et al.; JSRR, 7(7): 501-515, 2015; Article no.JSRR.2015.231 502 storage facilities, poor disease and pest management, and poor processing facilities. The development of tomato for industrial use is currently gaining momentum, in the area of production of tomato juice, paste, ketchup, puree, and powder. Strategies identified to overcome the challenges include: policy shift to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as Industries along the value chain; improved input supplies; organisation of farmers into cooperatives so as to initiate innovative funding mechanism for them; establishment of clusters for processors; improvement in marketing strategies including guaranteed price for fresh tomato products; adjustment in tariff regime to favour local manufacturers including outright ban on importation of processed tomato products; increased investments in Research and Development (R&D) to produce improved seed varieties and develop technologies for storage and processing; adoption of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) by farmers and a strong National Commodity Association or Network.