Report and Opinion
Volume
2 - Issue 7, Cumulated 13, July 25, 2010, ISSN 1553-9873
Cover
Page, Introduction,
Contents, Call for
Papers, All papers in one file
All comments are
welcome: editor@sciencepub.net
CONTENTS
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No.
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Titles / Authors
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No.
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1
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Analysis of Economic Efficiency of Maize
Production in Ganye local Government Area Adamawa state, Nigeria
1
Zalkuwi, J. W. 2 Y. Z. Dia and 3R.
Z. Dia
1 Departments of
Agricultural Economics and Extension, Adamawa State University
P.M.B. 25 Mubi, Nigeria.
2
Department of Agricultural Extension, Adamawa State College of
Agriculture P.M.B. 2088, Ganye, Nigeria.
3
Program Mentor, European Unions Increasing Non State Actors
Implementation and Development Expertise (EU INSIDE) project
Northeast Nigeria Bauchi Base Office, Nigeria.
yahayadia@yahoo.com
Abstract:
This study presents the analysis economic efficiency of maize
production in Ganye local government in Adamawa state, Nigeria.
A multi stage sampling techniques was used to select 200 farmers
in the study area. Result of the net farm income (NFI) and
return on naira invested (ROI) per hectare were N57, 052.97,
N31, 098.79, N30, 239.78 and N1.13 respectively. The results
shows that maize farming in the study area is profitable and
Economics of Scale was obtained as 1.252 (ES>1),
hence economics of scale exists. Results of the stochastic
frontier cost function showed that variance parameter gamma (γ)
and sigma (σ2) are both significant at 1% level.
Parameter of estimate indicated positive relationship and
significance at 1% level for fertilizer, herbicides, seeds and
hired labour. Mean cost efficiency index was 1.04, slightly
above frontier cost indicating that they are efficient in
allocating their scarce resources. Some constraint to maize
farmers in the study area is inadequate credit, inadequate
contact with extension agents and lack of improved seeds. The
study recommended that the work of extension agents should be
intensified in the study area.
[Report and Opinion
2010;2(7):1-9]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.01
Key words: Economics efficiency,
stochastic frontier, cost function, net farm income, maize
production, Ganye L.G. |
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1
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2
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Resources Use
and Efficiency of Artisanal Fishing in Oguta, Imo State, Nigeria
Anene, A*1.
Ezeh, C.I2. and Oputa C.O2
1Department
of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, P.M. B. 7010, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
E-mail:afamanene31@yahoo.com; Phone: 234-8037107726
2Department
of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Abia State University, Umuahia Campus, P.M. B. 7010,
Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract:
This study determined the cost-returns and the efficiency of
resources used in artisanal fishing by fishers in Oguta Local
Government Area of Imo State Nigeria. Data used for the study
was obtained from primary and secondary sources using a
multi-stage random sampling technique. In the first stage, 10
villages out of the 27 villages in Oguta were selected at
random. In the second stage, 4 fishers were selected from each
of the villages making a total of 40 respondents in Oguta Ameshi.
Similarly, 60 respondents were selected from Ubi, which is made
up of 27 farm settlements (Egwes). This brought the total
sample size to 100. The result showed that the total revenue
was N 354, 530.00 with a total variable cost of N
160, 677.23. The gross margin realized was N 193, 852.77
with a net profit of 161,444.52. The study shows that the
revenue from artisanal fishing was best estimated using the
linear functions, which explained 51.5% of the total
variations. The research identified that artisanal fishing is
profitable and all the factors employed were inefficiently
utilized. This suggests that higher profit and yields could be
attained by efficient allocation of the employed resources which
is vital to the sustainability of fishing in Nigeria. [Report
and Opinion 2010;2(7):10-19]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.02
Key Words: Resource use, efficiency, fishers |
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2
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3
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Cytopenia As A Predictor Of Oesophageal
Varices In Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Prof. Hesham Ezz Eldin
Said 1 Dr. Engy Yousry Elsayed 2, Dr.Aml
Ameen3, Dr. Hala Abd Elal4
From1,2Intenal
Medicine Department, 3Radiodiagnosis department,
4Clinical Pathology Department, Ain Shams University
ashorengy@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Introduction:
Recent guidelines
recommend that all cirrhotics undergo screening upper endoscopy
to identify those patients at risk for bleeding from varices.
However, referral for endoscopic screening of only
patients at highest risk for varices may be most
cost-effective.
Therefore, there is a particular need for a noninvasive
predictor for the presence of esophageal varices (EV) to ease
the medical, social and economic burden of the disease.
The aim of this study
was to evaluate the role of leucopenia and
thrombocytopenia as a noninvasive
predictors of
esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Patients
and Methods: 120 patients with liver cirrhosis
were enrolled in this study. Relevant clinical parameters
assessed included Child-Pugh class, ascites and splenomegaly.
Laboratory parameters like hemoglobin level, platelet count,WBC
count, prothrombin time, serum bilirubin, albumin and
ultrasonographic characteristics like splenic size, splenic vein
size, portal vein diameter were assessed. Upper gastrointestinal
endoscopy for assessment of esophageal and gastric varices. If
EV were present, their size was graded as I-IV. Results:
EV were found in 110 patients (91.7%). For the prediction of
varices, the sensitivity and specificity of the
platelet count(130x103) were 80% and 90% respectively while WBC
(3.5x103)
was 80% sensitive and 52% specific. Conclusion: We
concluded that thrombocytopenia and leucopenia can be used to
stratify risk for occurrence of esophageal varices in cirrhotic
patients and gastroscopy will have a high yield for varices when
platelet count is ≤130,000/mm³ or total white is ≤3500/mm³.
[Report and Opinion 2010;2(7):17-23]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.03
Key words:
Esophageal varices, leucopenia, non invasive predictor of
varices, portal hypertension,
thrombocytopenia |
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3
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4
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A
Correlation of Natural Resource Management and Level of
Development in Developing Countries. : A Case of Nigeria.
I.I. Echeme. 1 , E.C. Ubani 2
1.
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Project Management
Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
Nigeria, 234-8032403835.
ibeecheme@yahoo.com
2. Head Of Department, Project Management Technology,
Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria;
234-8037748978.
Abstract:
Natural resources in most developing countries need sound
management for the proper development of the rural areas towards
national development. The realization that more needs to be done
to translate the potential benefits of natural resources into
broad-based socio-economic development of the developing nations
motivated this study. Despite this realization, the necessary
policies and concrete actions are not integrated at present.
Indeed, natural resources constitute the base for the
infrastructure and energy needs of society, the industrial
sector, urban development and social well being of the people.
However, these contributions are contingent on the fulfillment
of critical conditions, chiefly, improving governance and
transparency, and eliminating corruption. This paper using
various sampled data from government officials, organized
private sectors, donor agencies and rural dwellers examines the
correlation between natural resources management and rural
development in Africa using Nigeria as a case. The data acquired
were analyzed using scores percentage comparison and explanatory
notes coupled with the spearman’s rank order correlation
coefficient (ﻷs) and the t –
test. Findings Revealed that despite the strong link between
natural resource management and rural development, its
exploitations are yet to impact positively on the socio-economic
and infrastructural needs of the people. The paper concludes
with recommendations geared toward effective management of
natural resources for the effective development of the rural
areas of the developing nations.
[Report and Opinion
2010;2(7):24-34]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.04
Keywords:
Natural resource; exploitation; management; development;
Socio-economic wellbeing; developing countries |
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4
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5
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Cytopenia As A Predictor Of Oesophageal
Varices In Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Prof. Hesham Ezz Eldin
Said 1 Dr. Engy Yousry Elsayed 2, Dr.Aml
Ameen3, Dr. Hala Abd Elal4
From1,2Intenal
Medicine Department, 3Radiodiagnosis department,
4Clinical Pathology Department, Ain Shams University
ashorengy@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Introduction:
Recent guidelines
recommend that all cirrhotics undergo screening upper endoscopy
to identify those patients at risk for bleeding from varices.
However, referral for endoscopic screening of only
patients at highest risk for varices may be most
cost-effective.
Therefore, there is a particular need for a noninvasive
predictor for the presence of esophageal varices (EV) to ease
the medical, social and economic burden of the disease.
The aim of this study
was to evaluate the role of leucopenia and
thrombocytopenia as a noninvasive
predictors of
esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Patients
and Methods: 120 patients with liver cirrhosis
were enrolled in this study. Relevant clinical parameters
assessed included Child-Pugh class, ascites and splenomegaly.
Laboratory parameters like hemoglobin level, platelet count,WBC
count, prothrombin time, serum bilirubin, albumin and
ultrasonographic characteristics like splenic size, splenic vein
size, portal vein diameter were assessed. Upper
gastrointestinal endoscopy for assessment of esophageal and
gastric varices. If EV were present, their size was graded as
I-IV. Results: EV were found in 110 patients (91.7%).
For the prediction of varices, the sensitivity and specificity
of the platelet count(130x103)
were 80% and 90% respectively while WBC
(3.5x103)
was 80% sensitive and 52% specific. Conclusion: We
concluded that thrombocytopenia and leucopenia can be used to
stratify risk for occurrence of esophageal varices in cirrhotic
patients and gastroscopy will have a high yield for varices when
platelet count is ≤130,000/mm³ or total white is ≤3500/mm³.
[Report and Opinion 2010;2(7):35-41]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.05
Key words:
Esophageal varices, leucopenia, non invasive predictor of
varices, portal hypertension,
thrombocytopenia |
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6
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Influence of Socio-Economic
Factors on the Adoption of Soil Conservation Measures in Ibadan/Ibarapa
Agricultural Zone of Oyo State
Adeola, R. G.
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P M B 4000, Ogbomoso
Oyo state, Nigeria.
.E-mail:
adeola20022000@yahoo.com
Tel. +2348033905244
Abstract:
Soil conservation
is a set of management strategies for preventing deterioration
of soil fertility. Sustainability of the soil fertility is of
paramount importance in enhancing food production and preserving
natural resources simultaneously to small scale farmers.
However, adoption of various soil conservation measures
introduced
to smallholders is not overwhelming. In this study,
socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of soil
conservation measures were examined. Data were collected from
204 farmers in three Local Government Areas selected from
Ibadan/Ibarapa agricultural zone of Oyo state. Structured
interview schedule was used to collect primary data from the
respondents. Descriptive statistics and censored Tobit model
were the analytical tools employed. The Tobit regression reveals
that the following socio-economic factors: education, contact
with extension agent (p < 0.01), farming experience and farm
size (p< 0.05) significantly influenced the adoption of soil
conservation measures among farmers in the study area. The
analysis underscored the need for consideration of the
socio-economic environment of the farmers in designing
appropriate soil conservation technologies to encourage
adoption.
[Report and Opinion 2010;2(7):42-47]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.06
Key words:
Adoption, Influence, socio-economic factors, conservation
measures |
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Prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis
C virus in ante-natal patients in Gwagwalada- Abuja, Nigeria
Agarry Olubunmi Olaitan* and Lekwot Gimbia Zamani
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, Nigeria (+234)
oluagarry@yahoo.com
Abstract:
A study was conducted
to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen
(HBsAG) and hepatitis C (HCV) antibody amongst 200 pregnant
women attending ante-natal clinic in Gwagwalada, Abuja using
Acon ® and Labman ® test kits. The mean age was 31.5 years.
Illiterate women constituted 72% of those sampled. Of the 200
blood samples tested, 19 (9.5%) and 1 (0.5%) were positive for
the presence of hepatitis B and C respectively. No mixed
infection of both viruses was observed in the pregnant women
tested. No significant relationship was seen between HBV and HCV
seropositivity and demographic factors. The implications of
hepatitis virus infections of pregnant women to foetus are
discussed from the epidemiological point of view.
[Report and Opinion
2010;2(7):48-50]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.07
Key words:
Gwagwalada, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C |
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COMPETITIVENESS AND DETERMINANTS OF COCOA
EXPORT FROM NIGERIA
Nwachukwu, Ifeanyi Ndubuto1*.,
Nnanna Agwu2, Jude Nwaru3 and George
Imonikhe4
1Dept
of Agribusiness & Mgt, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,
Umudike, P.M.B. 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
,2348034744517;
2Dept
of Marketing, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike,
P.M.B. 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, 2348035090815;
3Dept
of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of
Agriculture, Umudike, P.M.B. 7267 Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria,
2348063314387;
4Monitoring
& Evaluation Division, National Food Reserve Agency, Abuja,
Nigeria, 349035925148.
*Email:
ifnwachukwu@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Since the introduction of Cocoa
into Nigeria in about 1874, it has grown to become the fourth
largest exporter in the world with production level, reaching
385, 000 metric tonnes per annum. In view of Nigeria’s
significant contribution and export capacity to the world
volume, the study examined the competitiveness by assessing her
export performance and determinants of cocoa export from
Nigeria. The Revealed Comparative Analysis (RCA) and multiple
regression were employed as analytical tools using data set from
various institutional sources that ranged from 1990 to 2005. The
outcome of the analyses revealed that Nigeria has comparative
advantage in the exportation of cocoa, based on the RCA and RSCA
indices. The OLS estimates showed that world export volume,
exchange rate and Nigerian cocoa output were determinants of
cocoa export from Nigeria. As such, the study recommended that
priority should be accorded to the rehabilitation of old cocoa
farms and establishment of new ones as a means of sustaining
output levels. [Report and Opinion 2010;2(7):51-]. (ISSN:
1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.08
Keywords:
Competitiveness, cocoa export, determinants, regression |
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Genetic Polymorphism in Inter Population
Variation of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle- an Endangered
Medicinal Plant of Himalaya, India
Vinay Prakash1 and
Hemlata Bisht2
Department of Seed Science and
Technology1, Department of Botany2
Chauras Campu, HNBG (A Central
University) Srinagar Garhwal, 246 174, Uttarakhand, India
hvnautiyal@gmail.com
Abstract:
Variation in respect
of isoenzyme and polypeptides were analysed in seeds of
Podophyllum hexandrum having two and three leaves. The
material was collected from two populations one growing at
Harkidun (3000m) Distt. Uttarakashi and the other in Valley of
Flowers (3300m) Distt. Chamoli] and cultivated at lower altitude
Pothivasa (2200m) Distt. Rudraprayag of Uttarakhand. Several
low molecular polypeptides were prominent in all the
populations. While the presence of high molecular weight
polypeptides were observed only in naturally grown population
having three leaves. Some specific bands of isoenzyme were
observed in population cultivated at lower altitude. It may
reflect the presence of some thermolabile proteins. To overcome
the harmful effect of some toxic compounds liberated during the
acclimation at lower altitude, plants may increase the
production of an enzyme and protein.
[Report and Opinion
2010;2(7):55-58]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.09
Keyword:
Podophyllum hexandrum, population, genetic variation,
polypeptide, isoenzyme |
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Studies On Leachate Samples Of Overburden
Materials From Some Selected Mines In Jharia Coalfield, Dhanbad,
Jharkahnd, India
Arvind Kumar Rai*, Biswajit Paul**, Gurdeep Singh***
Research Scholar*, Associate professor**, Professor& HOD***
Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Jharkhand. India
Corresponding author:
arvind_dese@rediffmail.com
Abstract:
In the present period of time, the huge amount of overburden
(OB) dump materials generation has posed a serious threat to the
densely populated mining areas such as Jharia coalfield, Dhanbad.
The overburden materials are generally loose, highly prone to
rain washing, and smaller particles generated out of these get
spread over the nearby surface water bodies. This paper shows
the levels of trace elements leaching from overburden materials
of some selected dumps sites in Jharia coalfield (JCF). It
indicates the level of contamination of surface water with
several trace metals present in overburden materials and do not
pose any harmful effect on water bodies.
[Report and Opinion
2010;2(7):59-64]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.10
Key Words:
Opencast mining, Overburden materials, Trace elements, Atomic
absorption spectrometry (AAS), Flame photometry |
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Study of noise
level in different zones of Dehradun City, Uttarakhand
Avnish Chauhan and
Krishna Kumar Pande*
Department of Applied
Sciences & Humanities, College of Engineering, Teerthanker
Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh-244001
*Director, College of
Engineering, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar
Pradesh-244001
Corresponding
Authors:
avnishchauhan_phd@aol.in,
pandekk@gmail.com
Abstract:
The present paper deals with
monitoring of Noise Pollution at different zones of Dehradun
City of Uttarakhand. Exposure to high level of noise may cause
severe stress on the auditory and nervous system. Transportation
and horn used in vehicles are the major source of noise
pollution in Dehradun City. For this purpose present study was
carried out at 20 different locations with Sound Level Meter to
assess the day and night sound level in Dehradun City. It is
observed that all the selected locations, the level of noise was
found to be above prescribed noise standard level of CPCB,
India. [Report and Opinion 2010;2(7):65-68]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.11
Keywords:
Noise pollution, residential, silent, commercial zones |
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Extent of rural women’s involvement in the
Agro-processing enterprise of The National Special Programme for
Food Security in Imo State, Nigeria
Adesope, O.M1*, Nwakwasi,
R. N2., Matthews-Njoku, E.C2,
Chikaire, J2
1. Department of Agricultural Economics and
Extension, University of Portharcourt, Nigeria
2. Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria
*omadesope@yahoo.co.uk;
nwakwasinkeonyere@yahoo.com
Abstract: The study
focused on the extent of rural women’s involvement in the
agro-processing enterprise of the National Special Programme for
Food Security in Imo State, Nigeria. Data was collected with the
aid of structured interview from 45 randomly selected women who
were involved in agro-processing enterprise. Data analysis was
by descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Findings
revealed that respondents were fully involved in garri
processing (mean score =1.12) and partially involved in palm oil
processing (mean score = 0.67), cassava retting (mean score
=0.18), tomatoes/fruit juice processing (mean score =0.13) and
rice milling (mean score =0.65). Education and income
significantly influenced rural women’s involvement in agro
processing enterprise of the National Special Programme for Food
Security. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended
that emphasis should be given to other enterprises especially
processing of oil palm, since it is also a significant source of
livelihood in the study area. Agricultural Extension should give
adequate awareness to the agro-processing enterprise to ensure
food security for sustainable rural development. In so doing the
dynamics of social change can be worthwhile. [Report and Opinion
2010;2(7):69-73]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.12
Key words: rural women, agro-processing enterprise, food
security |
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A debate on assessment system: responsibility
of scientist
Ashish K. Chaturvedi*
High Altitude Plant Physiology
Research Centre, H. N. B. Garhwal University,
Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand
*ashi_spc@rediffmail.com
Abstract:
This paper discusses the
assessment system for the responsibility of scientist [Report
and Opinion 2010;2(7):74-77]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.13
Keywords:
assessment; responsibility; scientist |
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The powers
of Lion’s bones in alternative medicine
S. Kalimuthu
211,
Kanjampatti P.O, Pollachi Via,Tamil Nadu 642003, India
Abstract:
In this
work, to overcome aging , all the body complaint and to live for
several hundreds of years an alternative medicinal formula
titled LEO’S TONIC was introduced. [Report and Opinion
2010;2(7):78-86]. (ISSN: 1553-9873).
doi:10.7537/marsroj020710.14
Key Words: Human beings,birth,death,desease,alternative
healing,herbal roots and bones of a lion |
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