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A Mathematical Model for the Prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Presence of Undetectable Equals Untransmittable Viral Load
No full textRecent advancement in medicine has brought about the use of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment regime to reduce the viral load of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients to an Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U) level. While half of HIV-positive individuals in the United States have achieved an undetectable viral load, African countries face distinct challenges, including unawareness of the possibility of attaining the U=U viral load. This paper presents a novel mathematical model for HIV/AIDS transmission in Africa, using Cape Verde as a case study, by incorporating the ART treatment, resulting in U=U. The qualitative properties of the model, including the boundedness and positivity of its solution were obtained. Local and global stability analyses of the Disease-Free Equilibrium (DFE) point of the model were performed using the next generation matrix approach and the direct Lyapunov method respectively. The result indicated that the DFE of the model is stable and the disease cannot invade the studied population. Themodel equations were solved through the implementation of MATLAB ODE45 algorithm and simulations were performed to visualize the effects of the ART on attaining a U=U viral load
Block Method Coupled with the Compact Difference Schemes for the Numerical Solution of Nonlinear Burgers’ Partial Differential Equations
No full textIn this paper, a novel block method is proposed to solve the nonlinear time dependent Burgers’ equation. The Burgers’ PDE is semi discretized in spatial direction by using the standard fourth-order compact difference schemes to yield system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODE) in time.The resulting system of first-order ODE from the Burgers’ equation is approximated by a new derived Block method. The new two-step hybrid methods are developed through the Interpolation and Collocation techniques. The derived methods are applied as a block method for the numerical solution of the nonlinear Burgers’ Partial Differential Equations (PDE) which is of physical relevance. The proposed block scheme has been proven to be zero-stable, consistent and convergent, also saving computational time while maintaining good accuracy. The efficiency of the derived method is demonstrated using three test problems
EFFECT OF NARRATIVE-BASED TEACHING METHODS ON PUPILS’ ACQUISITION OF CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis paper investigated the effect of narrative-based methods on learning outcomes in critical thinking skills among primary school pupils in Lagos State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. This study employed a pre-test, post-test control group quasi-experimental research design. The sample size for the study was seventy-four participants. A researcher-designed instrument titled “Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric on Global Citizenship Concepts-(HCTSRGCC)” was used to collect data from participants using interview technique. The data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation and independent t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed among others that: the use of narrative-based teaching methods in the form of story and role-play has positive effect on pupils’ acquisition of critical thinking skills at primary school level. The effect of gender on critical thinking skills after using the narrative-based teaching methods was not significant. The paper concluded that the use of narrative-based teaching methods has significant effect on pupils’ acquisition of critical thinking skills. The study recommended among other things that teachers should employ teaching methods which focus on the process of learning rather than the content such as narrative-based teaching methods (role play and storytelling methods) for effective classroom delivery to aid pupils’ development of critical thinking skills. Early childhood educators should be trained on the use and application of narrative-based teaching methods during instruction
BAYESIAN SURVIVAL ANALYSIS OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN LAGOS STATE NIGERIA
No full textDiabetes Mellitus is an escalating public health issue in Nigeria, significantly affecting the population. This study analyzes the survival patterns of diabetes patients in Lagos State, Nigeria, using Bayesian survival analysis techniques, including the Cox Proportional Hazard model and Kaplan-Meier estimator, to identify key factors influencing survival rates and predict future outcomes. Drawing from a comprehensive, multi-year dataset that includes critical predictors and confounders, the study reveals a significant decline in survival probability over time. Posterior predictive checks confirm the models' adequacy, showing strong alignment between observed data and simulations. The Cox Proportional Hazard model identifies age, gender, and insulin use as key contributors to the hazard rate, while other factors are found to have limited impact. These findings underscore the importance of early intervention strategies targeting high-risk factors, such as age and insulin dependency, to improve outcomes and reduce the diabetes burden in Lagos State, Nigeria
SMES’ COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY-BASED ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS
Get PDFThis study investigates the role of technology-based accounting systems in the commitment of SMEs to sustainability practices in Nigeria. We collected data through a questionnaire administered to 387 SME owners and managers in Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive and regression analysis was conducted for hypotheses testing using a combination of SPSS and EViews. The study's results indicated that the most critical factors influencing the adoption of a technology-based accounting system are perceived usefulness and technological literacy. In contrast, barriers to adoption include initial cost and complexity. The results further show that adoption heightens the commitment towards more sustainable practices like waste and energy efficiency, which positively impacts sustainability efforts among SMEs in Nigeria. Thus, the study concluded that technology-based accounting systems increase commitment to sustainability, while the impact on sustainability outcomes of energy efficiency is context-specific. The study suggested that SMEs in Nigeria enhance their adoption of technology-based accounting systems for sustainability practices and that regulatory bodies should facilitate access and resources to enhance technological literacy among SMEs
Forecasting the Nigerian stock exchange insurance index using ARIMA modelling
Get PDFThe insurance industry is important to the expansion and stabilization of economies in emerging markets. Stakeholders including investors insurance companies and legislators can anticipate market movements maximize investments and develop successful strategies based on accurate projections by comprehending and forecasting the Insurance Index. Especially in the insurance industry precise forecasts help with risk management resource allocation and profitability. This study fills a gap in the literature regarding insurance-specific forecasts within Nigeria’s financial landscape by examining the Nigerian Insurance Index in particular in contrast to earlier research that frequently concentrates on individual stocks or more general indices like the NSE All-Share Index. To forecast the Nigerian Insurance Index the study finds and validates the best model using the Box-Jenkins ARIMA methodology. Using training data from December 20 2009 to December 25 2022 and testing data from January 1 2023 to March 19 2023 the ARIMA model—which is renowned for identifying short-term time series patterns—is applied to weekly stock prices. After a thorough diagnostic and assessment procedure ARIMA (017) is determined to be the best-fit model offering precise and timely forecasts that are essential for negotiating the intricacies of the Nigerian insurance market. For stakeholders the research offers significant value in the form of accurate predictive insights that help them make data-driven decisions create risk-averse strategies and promote long-term growth in Nigeria’s insurance sector
Spatio-Environmental Conflicts and Artistic Resolution: Case of Three Nigerian Diaspora Artists
No full textScholars such as Gombrich, Lim, Marshall and D'Adamo, Puppe et al., and Sullivan agree that art movements developed from contradicting theories and beliefs. But conflict and resolution in art have not been given directional and scholastic attention aside from our inroads into such possibilities. This study, hinged on conflict theory, examined spatio-environmental conflicts and their impacts on artistic practices using three Nigerian diaspora painters - Dayo Laoye, Olu Oguibe, and Victor Ekpuk - as examples. The painters were purposively selected from 29 artists presumably that no matter who is studied, all artists would show practice dynamics invariably linked to spatio-environmental conflicts. Morphological analyses of the pre-Diaspora and Diaspora works and the spatio-environment of the artists were conducted. Qualitative method was used for the exploratory and observational dimension to data analysis. Primary data were sourced from the three painters and their web domains while secondary data were further sourced on spatio-environment characteristics, conflict resolution, art and its practice. Results indicated that intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts from the artist’s spatio-environment: work-space; communities and their socio-political-cultural tendencies; audience and critics; and art materials and the artist’s resolution of these conflicts invariably influence and result in changes in and of certain aspects of their art practices. The paper concludes that, generally, studying art from spatio-environmental dynamics will broaden discourse on conflict resolution, and will, particularly, aid the understanding of artists’ practice shifts in the arts
EFFECTS OF ANALOGY IN REMEDIATING SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MISCONCEPTIONS IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS
No full textThis study investigated the effects of analogy in remediating senior secondary school students’ misconceptions in photosynthesis in Ikare, Ondo State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental design of pre-test, post-test control group was adopted for the study. The sample of the study consisted of 108 senior secondary school II biology students from two co-educational schools. The two schools were randomly classified into control and experimental group. Analogy of cake baking processes was used as instructional strategy for the experimental group while the control group was taught using the conventional method. Photosynthesis Misconceptions Test (PMT) with a reliability co-efficient of 0.74 was the instrument used for data collection. Frequency and Chi-square were used to analyze the data collected and findings revealed that biology students in senior secondary school held misconceptions in photosynthesis and analogy as an instructional strategy was able to remediate biology students’ misconceptions in photosynthesis than the convectional method of instruction. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, biology teachers should endeavour to first identify students’ misconceptions in photosynthesis and employ appropriate instructional strategies such as analogy to remediate such misconceptions
BUILDING AND SUSTAINING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SOCIETY: THE NIGERIA EXPERIENCE
No full textInclusive education is a global policy aim at total integration of individuals with special needs into the society most importantly total adaptation and adjustment into learning environment without negative feeling of neglect and abandonment from anybody in the school setting and by extension, the society. Though the policy has gained popularity, but the practice and acceptance differ from country to country and region to region. Hence, this study is on building and sustaining inclusive education society: the Nigeria experience. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The samples for this study comprised the inclusive schools, teachers, administrators, parents, students, NGO where there is inclusive school. The instrument for the study is stakeholders’ participation inventory with reliability of 0.70 consisting of teacher perception, administrator attitudinal, parents’ perception, NGO attitudinal, community members’ attitudinal, and learning environment rating scales (environmental factors) and classroom assessment checklist for instructional delivery and facilities and resource checklist. The inventory, assessment scale and facilities and resource checklist were administered. Three hypotheses were tested and the results revealed that that there was joint significant prediction of instructional delivery and stakeholders’ participation on inclusive education implementation, resources availability relate positively to the implementation of inclusive education and there was joint prediction of environmental factors, instructional delivery, resource availability, NGO involvement, learner participation, parent involvement and stakeholders’ participation on the implementation of inclusive education in Nigeria. Parents, teachers, Government and non-governmental agencies should work in synergy in the implementation of inclusive education
Responsible Stakeholders in Food Risks Communication and Informed Consumers in Surulere Area of Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textIn developing countries, the capacity to handle life-threatening health and nutritional risks is under great threat. Studies have emphasised effective communication of food risks as a measure for motivating behavioural patterns which would correct this imbalance. This study investigates the media used for publicity of food risks, level of awareness and sensitivity of consumers, as well as stakeholders' collaboration for effective prevention and control of food risks. The mixed-method design utilised involved the distribution of 110 copies of questionnaires among consumers within Surulere Local Government in Lagos and interview sessions with representatives of food manufacturing companies, mass media and regulatory bodies. Television, radio, social media, and public messages by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) were prominent media of food risks communication; the activities of the regulators led to increase in consumers' awareness and sensitivity to food risks and their benefits. Manufacturers were found to adhere to standards in food production, storage, and distribution. There was an effective collaboration among stakeholders and leading to food safety, trust and standard maintenance, and quick information provisioning