Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Febrile Patient in General Hospital Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of prenatal death worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatic decomposition, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Objective: This project work surveyed the prevalence of hepatitis B among febrile patients as well as to detect hepatitis B virus in the blood and the stage of the infection of hepatitis B on the affected patients and carrier stage or state of immunity of the affected patients. Methodology: A well-designed questionnaire/checklist was used to gather information regarding age, HIV-Status, and sex from 50 febrile patients. 2 ml of blood sample was obtained by venin-puncture using a sterile hypodermic syringe and emptied into a clean dry tube (without anticoagulant) observing the necessary aseptic techniques. The blood was centrifuged and the sera obtained and stored at 2 - 8 c for HBsAg screening. Hepatitis B virus was tested using an in-vitro diagnostic kit called HBsAg one-step rapid test strip. The HBsAg one-step rapid test is a lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay based on the principle of the double antibody-sandwich technique. The membrane is pre-coated with anti-HBsAg antibodies on the test line region of the test. During testing, the serum specimen reacts with the particle coated with anti-HBsAg antibody. The serum moves up with capillary action to react with the coated antibody on the membrane. Then, the colored line (positive) will be generated which shows the presence of the virus. But negative shows absence of the virus. The blood in the test tube was spun using a centrifuge to separate the red cells from the serum. The test pouch, serum, and control were allowed to equilibrate to room temperature before testing. The test strip was removed from the sealed pouch and used immediately. The test strip was immersed vertically into the serum with the arrows pointing towards the serum for about 10 - 15 seconds, without exceeding the maximum line on the test strip. The strip was placed on a non-absorbent flat surface. The time was set and the result read after 15 minutes and recorded. The procedure was repeated for each sample and the results were recorded accordingly. The test is positive when two red lines appear on the test region (T) and control region (C) only. The result is said to be invalid when one line appears on the test region (T) and non on the control region (C) and also when no line appears on both the test region (T) and control region (C). Results: After interpretation of the result of the test on fifty patients, Table 1 shows the age range of the population. The total distribution of subjects concerning age was as follows: 4 out of 50 populations (8%) were observed for the age range of 0 - 10;7 out of 50 (14%) were observed of the age range of 11 - 20;28 out of 50 (56%) were observed for a range of 21 - 30;9 out of 50 (18%) were observed for the age range of 31 - 40;2 out of 50 (4%) were observed at the age range of 21 - 30 with percentage seroprevalence of 4%. There is no significant correlation in the age group concerning percentage seroprevalence (P = 0.05). Also, the sex of the study population as seen in Table 2 shows that 21 were males and 29 were females. Out of the 21 males population, 3 (14.24%) were positive. In the female population, 5 out of 29 (17.24%) were positive. The prevalence of the population concerning their sex was tested using Pearson’s chi-square and it was concluded that there is no significant relationship between sex and seroprevalence of hepatitis B. Table 3 shows the HIV of the study population and it shows that 6 out of 14 HIV positive patients (42.56%) were positive and 3 out of 36 HIV-negative patients (4.55%)) were positive. The prevalence of the population concerning HIV status was tested using Pearson’s chi-square and it was concluded that there is a significant association between HIV status and seroprevalence of hepatitis B. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study shows that there is a low prevalence of hepatitis B among febrile patients at the study area, hence limiting fever as a major determinant of hepatitis B infection. Considering the high risk of HBV in HIV co-infected patients, there is a need for the screening of HIV-infected patients for hepatitis B and appropriate therapy followed up on possible HBV-HIV co-infected patients. Appropriate preventive measures especially vaccination against hepatitis B virus should be encouraged among the susceptible population.

Examination of Common Occupational Hazards among Healthcare Workers in a University Healthcare Center in Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Healthcare workers are challenged by an imposing group of occupational hazards. These hazards include exposure to biological and non-biological hazards like ionizing radiation, stress, injury, infectious agents, and chemicals. The aim of this study was to assess common occupational hazards among health workers at the Department of Health Services (DHS), Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed for the study, and a self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The SPSS Version 22.0 software was used for the analysis of the descriptive statistics obtained from the study. This study included both clinical and non-clinical health workers. A purposive sampling technique was used in recruiting a total of 94 respondents who participated in the study from September 2020 to April 2021. Results: A total of 94 respondents who participated in the study and among the participants, 33.3% (31) of the respondents were aged 31 - 40 years, and the majority of the health workers, 43.6% (41) had stayed between 1 - 5 years. Also, 92.6% (87) of the health workers have heard of occupational hazards. The study showed that 84.0% (79) of health workers had good knowledge of common occupational hazards. Biological hazards among health workers are 47.9% (45) cuts and wounds, 29.8% (28) direct contact with contaminated specimens/hazardous materials, and 26.6% (26) sharp related injuries, while for non-biological hazards, 44.7% (42) have slipped, tripped or fallen, and 35.1% (33) have been stressed. Common safety measures include 86.2% (81) washing their hands regularly;78.7% (74) using hand gloves;and 85.1% (80) agreeing they use face masks. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge of occupational hazards, participants at DHS were faced with certain hazards. It is recommended that the university, government, and policymakers revise and implement actions to provide health workers at DHS with equipment to encourage safety in work activity.

Drop Factor and Infusion Dose Calculation Discrepancies among Nurses in Southern Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nurses must deliver infusions as prescribed since too slow or fast a dose could be deleterious to patients. Nurses experience challenges with infusion dose calculations, making them vulnerable to errors. The research team examined drop factor and infusion dose calculation discrepancies among nurses in southern Nigeria. Five university teaching hospitals were involved in this cross-sectional study conducted in 2019. To establish the drop factor of commonly available macro drip sets, the team randomly sourced 25 macro drip sets from the hospitals’ pharmacies. A sample of 291 nurses was selected using a proportionate random sampling technique. The team collected data using the Adult Infusion Dose Calculation Quiz and analyzed it at a 5% significance level. Twenty (80%) of the sampled macro drip sets displayed a drop factor value of 20 drops per milliliter (gtt/ml) on their packaging. When measured experimentally, 25 (100%) of the macro drip sets delivered exactly 20 gtt/ml. Only 36 (12.4%) respondents calculated macro drip infusion doses using the correct drop factor of 20 gtt/ml. Non-attendance of infusion administration training updates significantly increased the risk of error by 38% (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, the drop factor of macro drip sets used in southern Nigeria is 20 gtt/ml;nurses were prone to infusing patients at a lower dose than prescribed. Special training in infusion therapy might remedy this concern.

Histopathological Evaluation of the Cardiotoxicity of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine on Male Albino Rats

Problem Statement: Malaria’s global impact necessitates effective treatments, like dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA/PQP), though safety concerns, notably drug-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT), persist. A knowledge gap exists regarding DHA/PQP’s cardiac effects, warranting a comprehensive investigation. Approach: This study aimed to assess KROSH (DHA/PQP) impact on albino rat heart histology, examining structural changes and potential cardiotoxicity. 40 albino rats were grouped by KROSH dosage and duration, monitored for weight changes, and heart tissues were examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. Statistical analysis compared to control and treated groups. Results: KROSH administration led to varying rat weight effects, yet not statistically significant. Histological analysis revealed dose and duration-dependent cardiac tissue alterations, including distortion, adipose deposits, artery hypertrophy, fibrosis, and necrosis. These contrasts with prior research documenting DHA/PQP’s non-toxic effects. Conclusion/Recommendation: This study highlights potential KROSH (DHA/PQP) cardiotoxicity concerns through histological changes, underscoring the need for further research into underlying mechanisms and human health implications. Given DHA/PQP’s wide use, these findings should inform safety evaluations and administration practices.

Toxicological Assessment of Irvingia gabonensis Leaf Extracts in Albino Rats: A Comparative Study between Aqueous and Ethanol Extraction Methods

Background: This study aimed to assess the toxicity of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts in albino rats and investigate their effects on body weight, liver function parameters, and renal function parameters. The research specifically compared the outcomes of aqueous and ethanol extraction methods. Methods: Acute toxicity was evaluated by administering a single oral dose of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts to rats and monitoring them for 24 hours and during a 14-day observation period. Sub-acute toxicity was assessed through a 28-day administration of the leaf extract. Body weight changes, liver function parameters, and renal function parameters were measured and compared among treatment groups. Results: No signs of toxicity or mortality were observed in rats treated with Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts obtained through either aqueous or ethanol extraction methods. The calculated lethal dose required to cause mortality in 50% of the tested animals (LD50) exceeded 5000 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of the leaf extract at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight did not induce any observable signs of toxicity or adverse effects during the 28-day study period. Male and female albino rats treated with the leaf extract showed significant weight gains compared to the control group. Higher doses (800 mg/kg) of both aqueous and ethanol extracts led to increased levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin in male albino rats, with the ethanol extract exhibiting a more pronounced effect. The administration of the ethanol extract, particularly at the lower dose (400 mg/kg), resulted in decreased levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP), suggesting potential liver protective properties. Additionally, bilirubin levels, a marker of liver dysfunction, were significantly reduced in all treatment groups, with the lowest levels observed in the groups receiving higher doses of both aqueous and ethanol extracts. The administration of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts did not significantly affect renal function parameters in both male and female albino rats. Conclusion: Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts obtained through aqueous and ethanol extraction methods showed no acute or sub-acute toxicity in albino rats. The extracts demonstrated potential beneficial effects on liver function parameters, particularly at higher doses. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and determine the optimal dosage for potential therapeutic applications in humans.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of COVID-19 in an Incarcerated Population Burdened with HIV Infections in Port Harcourt

Background: The burden of COVID-19 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are some of the major and persistent global health challenges of the twenty-first century. HIV and COVID-19 are expected to overlap in high HIV-burden countries, posing several public health challenges as a result. Prisons are overcrowded, have limited space for social distancing and have inadequate ventilation systems, making it difficult to contain the spread of COVID-19 in addition to the high-risk behaviours of inmates which contribute to the spread of HIV within these facilities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 among inmates in a prison facility with a relatively high HIV burden in Port Harcourt, Nigeria;investigating potential risk factors and co-infection with HIV. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design sampling 200 inmates from the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Custodial Centre from July to December 2022. A well-structured questionnaire was administered via interviews in addition to screening for HIV-1/2 antibodies as well as COVID-19 antigens using rapid diagnostic test kits. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were carried out on the GraphPad Prism 9 software with statistical significance defined as a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Result: The prevalence of HIV from the current study was 6.5%, COVID-19 prevalence was reported to be 12.5% while HIV/COVID-19 co-infection was 1.5% The duration of incarceration, face mask use, frequent visitations and vaccination against COVID-19 were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of COVID-19 in the studied population (p Conclusion: The current study reports a relatively high prevalence of HIV and COVID-19 among the inmates in the study area. It becomes expedient for the administrators of the correctional facility to properly screen new inmates for COVID-19, quarantine and manage cases, as well as provide them with personal protective equipment such as face masks. In-person visitation should be balanced with measures to prevent the spread of the infection, and mass vaccination campaigns should be promoted. Improving access to HIV screening and therapy for all prisoners should be prioritised to identify and manage the incidence of HIV early, reducing the risk of transmission, mitigating comorbidities and improving health outcomes.

Production, Quality Evaluation and Sensory Acceptability of Mixed Fruit Juice from Pawpaw and Lime

Pawpaw and lime juices were blended to produce mixed pawpaw/lime juice samples in the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) v/v giving samples A, B, C, D and E respectively. The moisture, mineral and vitamin contents, as well as the physical, microbiological and sensory qualities of the individual juices and blended samples were evaluated. While lime juice had higher moisture, calcium and vitamin C with values of 97.90%, 2.21 mg/100 g and 67.47 mg/100 g as compared to pawpaw juice with 92.96%, 1.53 mg/100 g and 35.49 mg/100 g respectively;the pawpaw juice had higher ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents, with values of 3.12%, 54.97 mg/100 g and 5.90 IU/100 g as against 2.84%, 29.53% and 0.16% for lime juice respectively. While there was a general increase in moisture, calcium and vitamin C contents with blending, ash, phosphorus and vitamin A contents increased with increase in lime. The total solids content and specific gravity of pawpaw juice were remarkably higher at 7.04% and 1.15 g/m3 compared to 2.09% and 1.09 g/m3 respectively for lime juice. However, lime juice had a higher titratable acidity, while recording a lower pH of 2.89 as compared to 5.36 for pawpaw juice. The Total Viable Count (TVC) of lime juice was much lower (2.33 × 105 CFU/ml) than that of pawpaw juice (5.33 × 106 CFU/ml). There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in all the sensory parameters evaluated. Generally, there was an increase in the scores of each parameter from sample A to B and then a decline through to sample E. Sample B (80:20) mixed pawpaw/lime juice was most preferred, while sample E (50:50) was least preferred.

A Multi-Layer Based Assessment of Wetland Changes in the Southern Iraqi Marshlands Using Remotely Sensed Data

Marshlands are important ecosystem for living organisms. The Southern Iraqi Marshland is the central habitat for freshwater fish, provides habitat for important populations of wildlife and serves as a source of income for native economies through reed harvesting. Studies have shown that variability in climate and human-induced factors affects the spatial dynamics of marsh ecosystems. This study assessed wetland changes in the Southern Iraqi Marshlands using Remotely Sensed Data from 1986 to 2019 using Landsat satellite imagery for four epochs: 1986, 2000, 2010 and 2019. To achieve this, thirty (30) pixels were obtained in selected land cover theme and their signatures were merged into one class. Furthermore, the selected pixels were recoded and merged into ten (10) land cover classes. The multi-layer classes created were shallow water, deep water, dense marsh, medium marsh, sparse marsh, dense vegetation, medium vegetation, sparse vegetation, dry soil and wet soil. The areal extents of the land cover types were calculated for 1986, 2000, 2010 and 2019. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) differencing was also carried in order to highlight trends in vegetation from 1986 to 2019. The study correlated historical trends of human activities as a central factor in the degradation of marshland (by 16.25%) from 1986 to 2000. However, by the year 2000 to 2010, there was an 11.36% increase in the total marshland area, which remained almost unchanged between 2010 and 2019. In 1986, NDVI was relatively stable at 0.73 in the Al-Hammar and Al-Hwaizeh Marsh. However, by 2000, the areas of dense vegetation cover reduced drastically by over 90%. In 2010, the NDVI index indicated trends of increasing water body and an outward cluster of healthier vegetation continuing to 2019.

Performance Assessment of a Heat Recovery Unit Utilizing Turbine with Variable Inlet Guide Vanes Configuration for Application in Passenger Vehicles

This study explores the potentials of employing an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system with variable inlet guide vanes (VIV) turbine geometry designed on a GT-Suite platform for effective exhaust heat recovery (EHR) application onboard passenger vehicles. The ORC model simulation was based on vehicle speed mode using R245fa as working fluid to assess the thermal performance of the ORC system when utilizing modified turbine geometry. Interestingly, the model achieved a very improved performance in contrast to the model without a modified turbine configuration. The results revealed the average 2.32 kW ORC net output, 4.93% thermal efficiency, 6.1% mechanical efficiency, and 5.0% improved brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) for the developed model. As determined by the performance indicators, these promising results from the model study show the prospect of EHR technology application in the transportation sector for reduction in exhaust emissions and fuel savings.

Refractory Oedema of Nephrotic Syndrome in a Resource Poor Setting: A Case Presentation

Background: Oedema, a constant feature of childhood nephrotic syndrome can be severe, enough to cause respiratory embarrassment. It can also be refractory to diuretic monotherapy. In such cases, combination of salt poor albumin (SPA) infusion and diuretics has remained the best treatment option. However, the cost of SPA has made it practically unavailable in resource-poor settings. It becomes a therapeutic dilemma when nephrotic syndrome patients of financially-constrained caregivers present with refractory anasarca in a resource-poor settings. Case review: We present a seven-year-old boy with relapsed steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome who presented to Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba, in respiratory distress with anasarca and a weight of 58 kilograms. SPA could not be accessed due to financial constraints. A decision to use fresh whole blood in the place of SPA, in combination with frusemide, achieved a lifesaving diuresis and regression of the anasarca. Conclusion: Whole blood is a good alternative for the treatment of refractory oedema in children with nephrotic syndrome in resource poor settings.

Comparison of Antioxidant Activities of Silver Nanoparticles and Methanol Extracts of Three Indigenous Nigeria Herbal Seeds

The antioxidant of seeds was carried out using extracts from methanol and Silver Nanoparticles from the spice. The SEM shows the shapes, dispersion and agglomeration of the sample, while the EDX confirms the SEM and the presence of some compounds. The FT-IR reveals the AgNPs capping and reducing the particular biomolecule from the functional group for identification. Compounds found in the FT-IR seeds of Capsicum annum are Ag L (Silver iodide), C K (Cyanogen chloride), P K (Phenol). Monodora myristica are Mo L (Molybdenum), Ag L (Silver iodide), C K (Cyanogen chloride), P K (Phenol), Mg K (Magnesium). Piper guineense are Ag L (Silver iodide), Ci K (Potassium chloride), C K (Cyanogen chloride), P K (Phenol). The seeds show that the AgNPS of CA and MM has a better antioxidant activity than the methanol of CA and MM, while the PG methanol has a better activity than the AgNPS PG. The control (Catechin and Galic acid) has a slight overall better DPPH activity than the AgNPS. It is important to note that there is a concentration dependency in CA, MM AgNPS, PG methanol respectively. Notably, at CA methanol, the conc. at 125 was higher than the conc. at 250. Hence, there is need to create a great part in using plant samples for making tabulated or capsulated drugs for treatment of diseases and using plant silver nanoparticles to develop a healthy food/drug preservative package material “smart packaging” that will enhance shelf-life.

Condition for Successful Square Transformation in Time Series Modeling

In this study we establish the probability density function of the square transformed left-truncated N(1,σ2) error component of the multiplicative time series model and the functional expressions for its mean and variance. Furthermore the mean and variance of the square transformed left-truncated N(1,σ2) error component and those of the untransformed component were compared for the purpose of establishing the interval for σ where the properties of the two distributions are approximately the same in terms of equality of means and normality. From the results of the study, it was established that the two distributions are normally distributed and have means ≌1.0 correct to 1 dp in the interval 0 σ , hence a successful square transformation where necessary is achieved for values of σ such that 0 σ .

Phytochemical screening, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of leaf extracts of <i>Zapoteca portoricensis</i>

Fresh leaves of Zapoteca portoricensis are used in Eastern Nigeria for management/treatment of various disorders without any scientific basis. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties in albino rats, and phytochemical composition of distilled water and ethanol leaf extracts were studied. Fifty-five animals were placed in eleven groups (A-K) of five in each. Different doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight) of the extracts, 20 mg/kg body weight of vitamin C (standard antioxidant) and distilled water were orally administered to groups A-H, I and J-K respectively for six consecutive days. On the seventh day, 2.5 ml/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was given intraperitoneally to groups A-J, while group K received distilled. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were used to study hepatoprotective effect. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in the liver were monitored to assess antioxidant activity. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides in the extracts. Pretreatment of the rats with the extracts produced a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in ALT, AST, GGT and MDA, while the activity of SOD and CAT increased significantly (p < 0.05) relative to the positive control. These results, which were dose-dependent, are indicative of hepatoprotective and antioxidants potentials of the extracts, and may be due to their phytoconstituents.

Spatial Assessment of Flood Vulnerability in Aba Urban Using Geographic Information System Technology and Rainfall Information

This study investigated the relationship between topographic information and trends in rainfall in Aba urban, South Eastern Nigeria. GIS data were applied to generate topographical information on?runoff characteristics, the slope, the contour, the aspect and the digital elevation model. The Mann-Kendall Trend was applied to the rainfall data to show if a monotonic increase, decrease or stability trend exist for the rainfall data of Aba metropolis for the period 2000-2010. Results showed that virtually all parts of Aba were liable to floods expect Ogbor hill axis. The flood vulnerability map indicated that 71.65% of the study area was vulnerable to flood. Rainfall trend showed a decrease in six out of the ten year period. Since within this period, flood intensity had generally remained the same, we concluded that topography, poor drainage infrastructure and non-compliance with building, planning and environmental regulations rather than rainfall trend were the key cause of flood problem in the study area.

Mild Steel Corrosion Mitigation in Sulphuric Acid via Benign Isolated Phytochemicals from <I>Viscum album</I>

We present the evaluation of four Eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for the corrosion mitigation of mild steel in acid media. The corrosion inhibition of mild steel by ethanol extracts from Viscum album (EEVA) and some of its isolated phytochemical components;phytates extract (PEVA), saponins extract (SEVA), and flavonoids extracts (FEVA) have been studied using gravi-metric and gasometric techniques. The results of the study reveal that these ecofriendly and benign extracts function as good inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in sulphuric acid. Inhibition efficiency of the extracts increases with inhibitor concentration and temperature rise. The trend of inhibition efficiency in lower inhibitor concentration is EEVA > PEVA > SEVA > FEVA and at higher concentration, the order was SEVA > PEVA > EEVA > FEVA. The presence of the plant extracts decreases the corrosion activation energy in the solution which indicates chemical adsorption mechanism. The adsorption of the components of the extracts is consistent with Temkin isotherm. The interaction between the isolated extracts is synergistic at lower inhibitor concentration and antagonistic at higher concentrations. The Kads values for PEVA and SEVA are higher than those of EEVA and FEVA. This implies that PEVA and SEVA are more efficiently adsorbed on the mild steel surface.

Antibiotics Prophylaxis in Patients with CAKUT, Does It Actually Prevent UTI? A Single Center Experience at South Africa

Background: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are a well-documented risk factor for the development of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. Prevention of UTI in this group of patients is advocated due to their increased risk of renal scarring, hypertension and end stage kidney failure. Methods: A 10-year retrospective review of CAKUT patients at the Johannesburg Academic Hospital, who were placed on prophylactic antibiotics over a certain period was done. The rate of UTI, the types of causative organisms isolated and the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in preventing UTI were documented. Results: Thirty-six (36) out of 134 patients had been started on prophylactic antibiotics after the diagnosis of CAKUT was made. There was a statistically significant association between the use of prophylactic antibiotics and the rate of UTI (p Conclusion: Antibiotic prophylaxis was very effective in decreasing the rate of UTI in our cohort of patients with CAKUT.

Studies on Extraction Behaviour of Cobalt(II) with Nitrobenzoylprazolone-5

The extraction of Cobalt(II) from aqueous solution using 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(p-nitrobenzoyl)pyrazolone (HPMNP) in various organic solvents was studied as a function of pH and extractant concentration. Extraction into organic chloroform phase was more efficient than with any other solvent. The extraction equilibrium constant was found to be log Kex= -7.04. Optimum conditions for extraction of Co(II) exist at pH of between 5.5 and 7.0, ionic strength of 0.3 Mand constant extractant concentration of 0.02 M. Shaking the organic Co(II) chelate complex with 0.2 Macid strips the Co(II) ions into the aqueous phase. It was established that Co(II) complex extracted is of composition, Co(PMNP)2.

Optimization of Pension Asset Portfolio in Nigeria with Contributors’ Specified Return Rate

This work focuses on the optimization of investment contributions of pension asset with a view to improving contributors’ participation in achieving better return on investment (RoI) of their funds. We viewed some new regulations on Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme” (CPS) from amended legislation of 2014, some of which are yet to be implemented when their regulations are approved. A mathematical model involving 5 variables, 5 inequality constraints covering regulatory limitations and limitation on scarce resource known as Asset Under Management (AUM), suggested and mathematically shown to be possible through “maximization of return irrespective of risk” while obeying all regulatory controls as our constraints optimized. Optimized portfolio using MatLab shows that the portfolio representing AES 2013 portfolio with a deficit growth of 15.75 m representing 3.27% less than the portfolio’s full growth potential within defined assumptions would have been averted if contributors actually set their targets and investment managers optimize from forecasts of future prices using trend analysis.