Showing papers by "Cross River University of Technology published in 2013"
TL;DR: This study provides the first evidence that kolaviron could act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and may be developed as a herbal-based natural product with therapeutic potential in the management of neurodegenerative disorders associated with disturbed cholinergic neurotransmitter systems.
Abstract: Background: Kolaviron, isolated from seeds of Garcinia kola, have been shown to possess wide pharmacological properties. Purpose: The present study examined the effect of kolaviron on acetylcholinesterase activities in the hippocampus and striatum of adult Wistar rats. Methods: In this study, histological and histochemical methods were used to investigate the effects of kolaviron on the histology of the hippocampus and striatum and on acetylcholinesterase activities in these brain regions. Results: We showed that kolaviron produced no neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus and striatum. Kolaviron did not significantly alter neuronal density in these brain regions. Kolaviron significantly reduced acetylcholinesterase staining intensity, suggesting a likely inhibiting effect on this enzyme. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence that kolaviron could act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Kolaviron may be developed as a herbal-based natural product with therapeutic potential in the management of neurodegenerative disorders associated with disturbed cholinergic neurotransmitter systems. doi : 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.200203 Competing interests: None; Source of funding: None; Received Date: 6 March 2013; Revised Date: 29 March 2013; Accepted Date: 22 April 2013
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a culture-centered approach to the use of social media in a bid to minimize cyber-crimes and encourage the responsible use of online social media amongst African youths is proposed.
Abstract: With rising numbers of Facebook, Twitter and MXit users, Africa is increasingly gaining prominence in the sphere of social networking. Social media is increasingly becoming main stream; serving as important tools for facilitating interpersonal communication, business and educational activities. Qualitative analyses of relevant secondary data show that children and youths aged between 13 and 30 constitute Africa's heaviest users of social media. Media reports have revealed cases of abuse on social media by youths. Social networks have severally been used as tools for perpetuating crimes such as; cyberbullying and violence against girls and women. This study proposes a `Culture-centered Approach' to the use of social media in a bid to minimize these cybercrimes and encourage the responsible use of social media amongst African youths. The Culture-centered Approach, which incorporates the tenets of Information Ethics, stresses the need for the respect of the dignity and rights of other online users as well the application of good cultural values and ethical behavior while on social media platforms.
31 citations
TL;DR: The abundance of C. quinquefasciatus followed the pattern of rainfall with the population starting to expand at the onset of the rains and the highest increase was found after the temperature had peaked, and the mean of biting was 3.2 times more in the rainy season than in the dry season, whereas the transmission potential was higher in thedry season.
Abstract: This study was aimed at determining the abundance and biting patterns of Culex quinquefasciatus in the coastal region of Nigeria. Collections were done by human landing catch and by CDC miniature light traps from September 2005 to August 2006. A total of 3798 C. quinquefasciatus females were collected. The highest number of females was caught in the month of August and it represented nearly a quarter (24.0%) of the total females collected. In all, 38.8% of females dissected were parous. The abundance of C. quinquefasciatus followed the pattern of rainfall with the population starting to expand at the onset of the rains. The highest increase was found after the temperature had peaked. The mean of biting was 3.2 times more in the rainy season than in the dry season, whereas the transmission potential was higher in the dry season. C. quinquefasciatus is presently regarded as a biting nuisance having no significant epidemiological importance yet. Efforts at its control should be intensified before it is too late.
30 citations
TL;DR: It emerged that librarians who participated in the workshop have been exposed to skills in areas such as database searching, using different search engines, using social media, knowledge of relevant websites, and knowledge of planning for e‐libraries.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of the paper is to investigate the achievements of librarians from the workshop on e‐library services organized by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) in collaboration with The United States Mission, NigeriaDesign/methodology/approach – In total, 35 librarians purposively selected from universities, colleges of education, and polytechnic libraries participated in the study, which adopted semi‐structured interviewsFindings – It emerged that librarians who participated in the workshop have been exposed to skills in areas such as database searching, using different search engines, using social media, knowledge of relevant websites, and knowledge of planning for e‐libraries The participants are of the opinion that a workshop of this kind should be organized at least twice a year to upgrade librarians' skills on e‐library services in NigeriaPractical implications – Library associations in other developing countries can also partner with professionals from developed coun
21 citations
TL;DR: The plant extract showed a significant hypoglycemic as well as erythropoetic effects in the diabetic animals, justifying its use traditionally in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Abstract: The study investigated the anti-diabetic and haematological effects of n-butanol fraction of Alchornea cordifolia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic wistar rats In this work, thirty six adult strain of albino wistar rats were used, which included six normal, diabetic untreated and twenty four diabetic treated rats Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intraperitoneally injection of 60 mg/kg body weight dose of streptozotocin dissolved in 01 ml fresh cold citrate buffer pH 45 into 16 h-fasted rats Diabetic rats were randomly divided as follows: Group I served as normal control, Group II served as diabetic untreated rats, while Group III to Group VI received 200, 400 and 800mg/kg b w of the extract and glibenclamide 10mg/kg b w respectively by orally by gavages for a period of 28 days The animals were weighed weekly to determine the change in body weight Fasting blood glucose was measured after every seven days After the last day of treatment, blood samples were collected from the animals from each group on the 29 th day by cardiac puncture in 16 hours fasted animals for the determination of haematological parameters The results obtained in this present study showed that the blood glucose level was significantly (p<005) decreased in the animals administered with 200mg/kg b w of the extract, with a higher decrease (p < 001) observed in the group that received 400 and 800mg/kg b w extract respectively when compared to the diabetic control group However, there was a significantly increased (p<005) body weight of diabetic animals that received all doses of the extract after 14 th , 21 st and 28 th day when compared to diabetic control group There was a statistically significant increase (p<005) in packed cell volume, red cell count, haemoglobin concentration and total protein in the extract treated diabetic animals The total white blood cell count and lymphocyte revealed a significantly (p<005) increased the levels after treatment with the extract after 28 th days In conclusion, the plant extract showed a significant hypoglycemic as well as erythropoetic effects in the diabetic animals, justifying its use traditionally in the management of diabetes mellitus
18 citations
01 Jan 2013-Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part B-pesticides Food Contaminants and Agricultural Wastes
TL;DR: Although the residual contents of the organochlorines detected in all the contaminated samples analyzed from the six cities were below the respective maximal permissible levels set by international organizations, samples from Holeta town were more contaminated and may necessitate effective monitoring as bioaccumulation of these residues may pose health problems in human beings.
Abstract: Residue levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in a total of 90 cattle samples comprising meat, liver and kidney collected from carcasses slaughtered in six towns in West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia, (Ambo, Guder, Ginchi, Gedo, Holeta and Tikur Inchini), have been determined. The pesticides were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) and quantification was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A good linearity (r2 > 0.998) was found in the range 0.001–7.00 mg/kg for the samples studied. Most of the pesticides had recoveries in the range 81–99% and values of relative standard deviation (RSD) endosulfan>o,p′-DDT >lindane>dieldrin>endrin>aldrin>chlorothanolin while the order of contamination in the analyzed organs was liver > kidney > meat. Heat treatment of the meat, k...
16 citations
TL;DR: During a routine dissection, a variant complete fissure and three incomplete fissures were observed in the right lung while the left lung presented with a variant transverse fissured separating the superior lingual and anterior bronchopulmonary segments.
Abstract: The right lung has three lobes and two fissures while the left lung has two lobes and one fissure. During a routine dissection we observed a variant complete fissure and three incomplete fissures in the right lung while the left lung presented with a variant transverse fissure separating the superior lingual and anterior bronchopulmonary segments. In the right lung, the incomplete fissures lie between the apical and posterior bronchopulmonary segments; medial and lateral bronchopulmonary segments; apical and basal bronchopulmonary segments. The complete variant fissure separates the medial basal bronchopulmonary segment from the remaining basal segments. Such variant fissures and lobes are clinically important in cases of lobotomy.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a deep reflection on religious intolerance in Nigeria will reveal that the problem is deeply rooted in the north and this is the part of the country where the illiteracy rate is the highest.
Abstract: Nigeria as a nation is plaque with several socio-political and economic problems and challenges. However, the major challenges facing the country since 2007 that tend to defy all logic and solution is that of insecurity posed by the Boko Haram insurgency. Boko Haram, which literarily means “Western Education is sin”, according to the local parlance, is deeply rooted in religious intolerance. Historically, religious intolerance dates back to the 1980s when the Maitasine sect emerged. This sect posed a serious threat to the unity of the country. Due to the massive killing by the Maitasine sect, the country became polarized along religious line. The government managed to contend the sect somehow, but the “mustard seed” of that religious crisis was deeply planted and watered, so, the seed has been germinating with diverse botanical names. A deep reflection on religious intolerance in Nigeria will reveal that the problem is deeply rooted in the north. And this is the part of the country where the illiteracy rate is the highest. Again,the north, which is predominantly Moslem see everything with the spectacle of religion. The north as a people does not have a culture that is different from religion. Indeed, everything to an average northerner who is a Moslem is viewed from Islamic religion. So, to them, there are no differences between culture, politics and religion. This knitted relationship between these basic social elements in the north makes it difficult to establish a distinction between the three. So, a disagreement in any aspect of these social elements is viewed as a disagreement of religious view or belief. This usually and perennially creates tension in the country especially in the north. To solve this problem therefore, there is the need for education to illuminate and liberate the minds of the masses in the north. This will like the Platonic “allegory of the cave” salvage and unchain the people from darkness and pole of illiteracy. Through education nourished with philosophy of Essencism, the paper contends that. Nigerians will be able to overcome the challenge of religious intolerance and sustain the basic principles of secularity, freedom of worship, and other fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution. It posits that it is only through philosophy of Essencism that Nigeria can achieve holistic development.
DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n2p303
12 citations
TL;DR: Allowing broilers free access to feed using low density diets (quantitative nutrition) has been suggested as a strategy to improve the performance of the broilers within the prevailing environmental conditions in the tropics.
Abstract: The conventional method of feeding broilers, using high density diets has been found to be associated with increases in fatness and a number of metabolic disorders. The adverse effect of high density diets on the performance of broilers was found to be more pronounced under a tropical environment. Allowing broilers free access to feed using low density diets (quantitative nutrition) has been suggested as a strategy to improve the performance of the broilers within the prevailing environmental conditions in the tropics. A specific approach had been evaluated as suitable for reducing the available metabolisable energy (AME) intakes of the broiler and increasing feed intake. This involves diet dilution with high fibre feedstuffs to reduce the available metabolisable energy (AME) value of the diet.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the forms of academic dishonesty prevalent among academic staff and the reason for their prevalence and suggest strategies for curbing the menace include ethical reorientation seminars for academic staff, proper supervision of academic staff by heads of departments and appropriate sanctioning of guilty lecturers.
Abstract: This study sets out to investigate the forms of academic dishonesty prevalent among academic staff and the reason for their prevalence. The study used academic staff in two tertiary institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted. Three research questions guided the study. A questionnaire was developed, face validated and used for data collection from a convenient sample of 105 academic staff. Findings show that collectionof money to change grades for students, inclusion of name in a published paper one did not contribute to, taking adjunct lectureship in more than one place at a time and covering up examination malpractice cases are some examples of the academic dishonesty exhibited by the teaching staff. Desperation for promotion, get rich quick mentality and corruption in the society, laxity in punishing “culprit” lecturers and pressure from students and their parents or guardians were cited as contributory factors to the prevalence of academic dishonesty amongst the teaching staff. Suggested strategies for curbing the menace include ethical re-orientation seminars for academic staff, proper supervision of academic staff by heads of departments and appropriate sanctioning of guilty lecturers. Key words: Academic dishonesty; Academic staff; Prevalence; Academic integrity; Moral value
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined conflict management in higher institutions of learning with specific reference to Nigerian Universities and identified some causes of conflict as well as ways these conflicts could be managed, and made well-fashioned recommendations on how conflict could be more effectively managed for the achievement of the system's mission, goals and objectives and in particular the pursuit of industrial harmony in the system.
Abstract: Conflict is an attendant feature of human interaction and cannot be eliminated; however, its proper management and transformation are essential for peace and progress in human society. It has been observed that Nigerian universities has for decades been faced with so many crisis ranging from conflict between academic staff and university administrators, students versus academic staff, students versus university authorities , non-academic staff versus university administrators. The conflicts have given rise to distrust and hostility among professionals and academics, thus, contributing in hampering smooth, effective and efficient administration in the universities. It also appeared that despite this situation, stakeholders in education seemed to develop non-challant attitude towards these conflicts. If this role conflict is not checked it can be descriptive and negative as people involved will often see one another as enemies. This is unwholesome for the University community and Nigeria educational system as a whole. This paper examined conflict management in higher institutions of learning with specific reference to Nigerian Universities. Some causes of conflict were identified as well as ways these conflicts could be managed. Well-fashioned recommendations on how conflict could be more effectively managed for the achievement of the system's mission, goals and objectives and in particular the pursuit of industrial harmony in the system were also made. DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n8p17
Journal Article•
TL;DR: This work collected passenger data from Cross Line Limited and used the visualization tools of ACF and PACF complemented by model selection criterion of AIC and BIC to identify SARIMA (1, 1, 0)*(1, 0, 1) as an appropriate model for predicting future volume of passenger traffic.
Abstract: For a developing country like Nigeria, the main issue in transportation is the problem of logistic resulting in large crowed of stranded passengers in motor packs and bus terminals. This problem is as a result of depending too much on conventional wisdom, instead of tested scientific and empirical methods in planning for the future. An example is the case of Cross line Limited, a transport company owned by the Cross river state government in Nigeria. Cross Line Limited has logistic problems due to factors mentioned above and has resulted to passenger frustrations in most of its forty one approved routes. These routes effectively cover all parts of cross River State and all state capitals as well as Abuja, the Nation's Capital. Therefore the effects of poor logistic in the socioeconomic development of Cross River State can better be imagined. The thrust of this work is therefore to determining appropriate SARIMA model that can adequately predict passenger traffic as an empirical tool for logistic planning. We collected passenger data from Cross Line Limited and used the visualization tools of ACF and PACF complemented by model selection criterion of AIC and BIC to identify SARIMA (1, 1, 0)*(1, 0, 1) as an appropriate model for predicting future volume of passenger traffic. Forecast generated using this model captured the major characteristic of the original data. If adopted and properly used, this model will help Cross Line management in logistic planning for the future and hence help in decongesting passengers in motor packs and bus terminals.
TL;DR: The monthly transmission potential calculated for each month indicated that transmission was ongoing for most of the months of the year, especially in the rainy season, and was relatively high in June, corresponding to 8.8 infective bites per person per month.
Abstract: This work aimed at collecting filariasis transmission data of Anopheles gambiae to be used in predicting future trends in filariasis transmission and control programme outcomes. Collection of the mosquitoes was made by human landing catch and light trap methods. In all, 5,813 females were caught from September 2005 to August 2006. Mosquito population started to expand at the onset of the rains. The highest density was found after peak temperature. The A. gambiae s.l. biting peaked around midnight; 39.7% were parous and 0.3% were infective. The highest percentage of parous females caught was near midnight, ranging between 42.0% and 47.5% from 22.00 to 03.00 hours. Biting rate in the rainy season was 2.6 times higher than it in the dry season. Transmission potential was 3.6 times higher during the rains than during the dry season. The percentage infectivity was relatively high (13.2%) in June, corresponding to 8.8 infective bites per person per month. All infective A. gambiae, were caught between 22.00 and 03.00 hours. The average load of L3 larvae per infective A. gambiae was 1.4 L3/mosquito. The monthly transmission potential calculated for each month indicated that transmission was ongoing for most of the months of the year, especially in the rainy season.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that education is a conditio-sine-qua-non for the development of any country and that this can only be achieved with ethical values and professional best practices.
Abstract: Education plays a vital role in the development of every country. A country is a living organism with several parts that need to be developed. As a complex organism, the development of each of its diverse parts requires some level of specialized knowledge. It is this complexity and organic nature of our modern society that has given birth to the various areas of knowledge with diverse aspects of specialization. It is therefore the complexity of human nature with its multiplicity of needs that has created complexity of modern civil society. Civil society is dynamic and develops in tandem with the diversities of human needs. Nothing ever emerges in the society without the focus or aim to satisfy the need of an aspect of human nature. So, every society with all its complexity is a reflection of human nature, with its diverse needs. It follows then that human nature is the basic foundation of our modern world or civil society. This also reflects the foundation of human knowledge in all spheres. Every aspect of knowledge is intrinsically linked with man and is designed to cater for the various needs of his complex nature. Education is therefore founded on human nature. The development and reconstruction of any society or country is therefore anchored on the process of catering for the diverse needs of man’s complex nature. Society, education and morality have the same foundation, and that is human nature. Society cannot be separated from morality or education. Hence, in this paper, effort was made to establish the fact that ethics and professionalism in education are the basic tools that can bring about and inspire development and social reconstruction. The paper asserts that education is a conditio-sine-qua-non for the development of any country and that this can only be achieved with ethical values and professional best practices. The paper posits that development and social reconstruction can only take place in a society where every aspect of human knowledge has an inbuilt ethical mechanism and professional standard. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p15
TL;DR: The prevalence of paragonimiasis and crab-eating behavior in Southeastern Nigeria was significantly higher among females than males and this was comparable between males and females and between communities within each ethnocultural group.
Abstract: This work was aimed at assessing the prevalence of paragonimiasis and crab-eating behavior in Southeastern Nigeria. Sputum examinations and questionnaire administration were carried out. Prevalence was 13.2% and was significantly higher among females (14.6%) than males (11.2%) (). Overall, 77.2% of respondents across the communities eat crabs, and this was comparable between males (76.4%) and females (77.6%) (). The prevalence was comparable between the two ethnocultural groups and between communities within each ethnocultural group ( for both tests). The mean age of crab eaters was 43 years, while that of noncrab eaters was 26 years. Many (46.3%) infected individuals presented low intensity infections (1–50 eggs/ova per 5 mL−1 sputum), while 28.8% and 23.8% presented moderate (51–100 eggs/ova per 5 mL−1 sputum) and high (above 100 eggs/ova per 5 mL−1 sputum) intensity infections, respectively. Infection risk among weekly eaters of crabs was 3 times higher than that of monthly eaters (OR 3.68), 19 times higher than that of quarterly eaters (OR 19.0), and 9 times higher than that of irregular eaters (OR 9.38). Concerted awareness campaign is needed to curb the renewed increase of the scourge in endemic Southeastern Nigeria.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that human nature and the nature of science cannot be explained using a singular method of science but rather a combination of what the authors describe as a philo-scientific approach.
Abstract: Man is a complex being that has defied all efforts to comprehend. This complexity is basically due to the nature of man. Several scholars and philosophers right from the ancient epoch to the contemporary period have employed several methods toward the understanding of man, but without any satisfying result. This effort to understand the nature of man has generated several problems that transcend philosophy into the sciences. Also, the scientific approach to grasp the nature of man has not yielded concrete evidence of satisfaction. This again, is due to the nature of science, which empirical orientation and root cannot capture the whole essence or nature of man which transcends the physical. This therefore, has created epistemological vacuum that has made it difficult for man to understand himself or reality that he constitutes. This scenario has created confusion in the search towards the understanding of man thereby revealing the dynamic nature of reality which includes man. This paper, therefore, seeks to explain human nature and the nature of science and posits that man or reality cannot be understood using a singular method of science but rather a combination of what the paper describes as a philo-scientific approach.
DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n2p389
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored public and private sector governance in Nigeria with a view to exposing the various forms of corruption in the country and took the position that corruption plays a dominant role in the development deficit in Nigeria and examined the philosophical and psychological reasons for corruption.
Abstract: The menace of corruption in Nigeria is very pervasive with global implications. So pervasive is corruption in Nigeria that almost every aspect of national life is affected one way or the other. The present magnitude of corruption in Nigeria is traceable to the many years of military rule where due process was not observed in public procurement and contract bidding. Both the private and public sectors of the country are affected by various forms of corruption. As a consequence, the impact of governance in the country is impeded and if a check is not put in place, Nigeria will be left behind in the development agenda of world bodies. It is a trite fact that corruption in one place is connected to others, and enabled by systems of weak regulations and poor oversight. Human societies have been known to be bedeviled by corruption but some have been able to combat this menace by putting statutes in place to criminalize corruption and ensuring that enforcement mechanisms are enabled to act. This paper, therefore explores public and private sector governance in Nigeria with a view to exposing the various forms of corruption in the country. The paper took the position that corruption plays a dominant role in the development deficit in the country and examined the philosophical and psychological reasons for corruption. The paper also x-rayed the devastating effects of corruption which includes underdevelopment, negative image of the country, and impact on the global market, the paper concludes by questioning the existing anti-corruption strategies in the country and proposed the way they can be made to work. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p141
TL;DR: A cursory survey of art textbooks used in tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria indicates that authors and publishers do not pay attention to the use of visual illustrations as a way of elucidating texts.
Abstract: A cursory survey of art textbooks used in tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria indicates that authors and publishers do not pay attention to the use of visual illustrations as a way of elucidating texts While some art textbooks have badly printed visual illustrations, others do not have any illustrations at all, just as some have seemingly sufficient but irrelevant illustrations These art textbooks appear to concentrate more on text rather than balancing textual information and visual illustrations for effective communication Using the analysis of four randomly selected art textbooks used by visual arts students in Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria, this paper seeks to verify the volume of text in art textbooks as compared to the number of relevant visual illustrations that go with them DOI: 105901/ajis2013v2n3p47
TL;DR: The gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes were measured after exposing the fish to different concentrations of Gramoxone, Glyphosate, Butachlor and Atrazine for fourteen days, which were observed to produce atrophy in the two organs, liver and gonads.
Abstract: Due to importance of Oreochromis niloticus in Aquaculture in Nigeria and the importance of the liver and the gonads in fish, the gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes were measured after exposing the fish to different concentrations of Gramoxone, Glyphosate, Butachlor and Atrazine for fourteen days. These herbicides were observed to produce atrophy in the two organs, liver and gonads. The herbicides are therefore likely going to hinder fish production in the area due to their influence in these important fish organs.
TL;DR: The authors focused on lexical items in the Ikom Ogoja variety of Nigerian Pidgin (NP) and highlighted these variations in the I-Ogoja axis of Cross River State in areas of borrowing, reduplication, metaphors and metaphorical extensions and euphemisms.
Abstract: This Paper focuses on lexical items in the Ikom Ogoja variety of Nigerian Pidgin (NP). This however does not mean that the regularized Nigerian Pidgin (NP) is not being used in the area. However, factors such as contact with the substrate languages in the area and borrowing have all influenced the emergence of some variations in NP usage. The Paper highlights these variations in the Ikom-Ogoja axis of Cross River State in areas of borrowing, reduplication, metaphors and metaphorical extensions and euphemisms. This has helped to show the dynamism of NP which is constantly growing and expanding to suit the needs of a pluralistic society such as Nigeria in general and Cross River State in particular.
TL;DR: In this article, an empirical regression model was developed for the prediction of the efficiency of Biochemical Oxygen Demand removal of the SEWSPs for sewage treatment. But, the model was not applied to the analysis of wastewater samples collected from different points (inlet and outlets).
Abstract: Consequent on the findings that a Solar Enhanced Waste Stabilization Pond (SEWSP) will increase treatment efficiency thereby reduce the large land area requirement; hence, this study aims at developing an empirical regression model for the prediction of the efficiency of Biochemical Oxygen Demand removal of the SEWSPs for sewage treatment. SEWSPs were constructed of varying sizes made of metallic tank with inlet and outlet valves, and a solar reflector to increase the incident sunlight intensity. Physio-chemical and biological characteristics of the wastewater samples were collected from different points (inlet and outlets) of the SEWSPs were examined for a period of two months. The examined parameters were: Efficiency of BOD removal in %, Efficiency of E Coli removal in %, Dissolve Oxygen in mg/l, Efficiency of COD removal in %, Efficiency of Suspended Solid removal in %, Temperature in0C, Detention Time in days and coliform. Discussions were made revealing the relationship between the depth of the SEWSP and treatment efficiency.An empirical correlation model predicting the efficiency of BOD removal for the SEWSP was developed thus y = - 0.292X1 – 0.1011X2 + 0.876X3 + 0.148X4 – 0.087X5 +0.012X6 + 22.939 together with a MATLAB solver for easy computation.
TL;DR: In this article, the use of slang words from primarily the substrate and superstrate language of the mother tongue (MT) and Nigerian Pidgin (NP) respectively was observed to be influential through direct translation of certain expressions.
Abstract: This paper focuses on informal language usage by students of Cross River University of Technology, Calabar, Nigeria. This includes the use of slang words from primarily the substrate and superstrate language of the mother tongue (MT) and Nigerian Pidgin (NP) respectively. Participant observation was used for this work including lectures and other forums. Focus is on the speech discourse of students. The NP in particular is a contact language which has grown in stature due to factors of relevance as a common language in a pluralistic society like the Cross River State in particular, and Nigeria in general. Its use has also expanded due to urbanization. The MT has been observed to be influential through direct translation of certain expressions. Findings have shown that the informal use of language by the students has inadvertently affected their competence in standard and formal language use.
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of visual arts in Nigeria from the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions for creation of awareness of the subject is discussed, and it is argued that when this is done, insight into the situation can be revealed and promoted for improved participation in art activities.
Abstract: This paper will focus on the development of Visual Arts in Nigeria from the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions for creation of awareness of the subject. It argues that when this is done, insight into the situation can be revealed and promoted for improved participation in art activities. Art has been relegated to the background for too long now due to misunderstanding and misconceptions of what art entails and the benefits of the subject. It is time to forcefully plant the subject as a compulsory one through such academic meetings. Visual Arts can lead to poverty reduction if properly applied and harnessed due to its creative and skill related nature. From this study, it can be deduced that graduates of art can make a living from art, and also be able to employ labour and art studios can grow beyond subsistence level of production to larger ones thereby reducing unemployment in the country. The main contribution of the paper is an emphasis on the need to introduce visual arts in schools and Colleges to increase the number of persons involved in art. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n11p26
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed an empirical model to forecast rainfall in Calabar using a three-input transfer function (TF) modeling technique, which was adopted as the most appropriate model.
Abstract: The city of Calabar is affected by regular flooding due to heavy rainfall and urbanization. Government has attempted to control flooding by building drainages. However, this has not kept pace with land use due to paucity of funds. Presently, Calabar has poor rain forecast mechanism as it depends on very short term forecast notice from the Calabar airport metrological station and hence does not provide long term advance rain and flood warnings. Therefore, there is need to investigate and develop accurate rain forecasting and flood warning mechanism for Calabar. This is the motivation for this study. In this paper, we developed an empirical model to forecast rainfall in Calabar using a three-input transfer function (TF) modeling technique. We obtained historical data on rainfall, relative humidity, sunshine, temperature difference and cloud cover for the period 1996-2007 from the National Metrological Center, Oshodi-Nigeria. However, significant association with rainfall was established for relative humidity, cloud cover and temperature difference. Hence, sunshine was dropped as a possible predictor. Using impulse response functions, four TF models were identified of which the TF (3, 2, 2, 2) model, which predicted rainfall with a root mean square percentage error of 2.3%, was adopted as the most appropriate model. The model also performed better than both multiple regression and univariate SARIMA (1, 0, 1)*(1, 0, 1)12 models. If adopted by the Calabar Municipal Council, the model has the potential of helping the council to develop an annual rain forecasting and water management plan that will impact positively on flood and erosion control. The model is developed for the Calabar city and would require further testing before adoption by cities within the same geographical location with Calabar.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the toxicity of industrial effluent from Odua Textile Mill, Ado-Ekiti on Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings was investigated.
Abstract: The toxicity of industrial effluent from Odua Textile Mill, Ado-Ekiti on Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings was investigated. The fingerlings were exposed to increasing concentrations of the effluent in spring and pond water respectively. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) of the effluent in spring and pond water was 24.00mg/L and 31.2mg/L respectively. Mortality were significantly different (P<0.05) in the source of water used. No mortality was recorded for the control (0.00mg/L) and 12.00mg/L respectively for the spring and pond water. That indicated that fingerlings in spring water were more tolerant to industrial effluent than those in pond water.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined personal challenges and prospects of photojournalism practice in Nigeria and found that photojournalists' challenges were attributed to lack of interest in the profession, poor technological exposure, assault and unfair treatment meted on the photo journalists or lack of apprehending creativity to express news through pictures.
Abstract: This study sets out to examine personal challenges and prospects of photojournalism practice in Nigeria. The study was basically extracted from personal experiences of photojournalists in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states; believing these parts of Nigeria have been neglected and voiceless on steaming issues concerning photojournalism in the practice of print media reportage. Apart from the identified problem of negligence, it has produced a low patronage of professionals in the practice and by such applicable standards affected readership interest. Given a serious or greater deal of attention compared to the high presence of photojournalists in other states. In such an impasse, readership consumption mix is found at a cross roads. Hypothetically, five qualitative interview research questions through the researcher’s personal effort and telephone calls were carried out. Findings attributed their challenges to lack of interest in the profession, poor technological exposure, assault and unfair treatment meted on the photojournalists or the photojournalists’ lack of apprehending creativity to express news through pictures. The simple random technique was employed in selecting three (3) photojournalists from Calabar Municipality in Cross River and five (5) in Uyo city in Akwa Ibom states. The researcher’s effort discovered that yellow journalism was in the increase as it is related to some level of lopsided reports, geared towards dwindling effective professionalism. These enabling efforts will rescue commendable memories in photojournalism as attracting more interest to their photo messages. The prospects of Nigeria’s photojournalism from Cross River and Akwa Ibom states’ confession lie in fine-tuning the attitude of the managers of press houses in accepting the photojournalist as a visual reporter, irrespective of their glaring challenges.
DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n13p571
22 May 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the meaning of arts and education from different perspectives and highlighted the role of art in education with special reference to Nigeria, and made suggestions for developing art education in Nigeria.
Abstract: This paper explores the meaning of Arts and Education from different perspectives. After a careful exploration of the meaning of arts, the paper highlights the role of art in Education with special reference to Nigeria. Art empowers individuals with creative skills that widen the base of participation in the society, create jobs, self reliance, identity, communicates by creating, recording and transferring ideas. It builds and perpetuates social, religious, political and economic stability. On the basis of this, suggestions are offered for developing Art Education in Nigeria. Art Education is a basic and very important aspect of our Education and should not be treated otherwise. Art should be given premium like other subjects in the school curriculum. It should reflect a study of all ages, as this is vital in the development of individuals.
TL;DR: The epidemiological implications of deer fly biting in Southeastern Nigeria are multifaceted and resources must not be spared in bringing an end to their menace.
Abstract: This work was aimed at determining the epidemiological implications of deer fly biting in Southeastern Nigeria and ascertaining the circadian and monthly biting pattern and the transmission potential of Chrysops in the area. Human-landing catches were carried out for 52 weeks by a catching team of four. A total of 930 female Chrysops sp. was caught; biting peaked during the months of June through August. The highest monthly biting rate (MBR) was 353 bites per person per month in July 2006. The annual biting rate (ABR) was 3,317 bites per person per year. The overall infective rate was 3.8%. A total of 314 L3s was recorded with a mean of 9.8 L3s per infective Chrysops. The highest monthly transmission potential (MTP) was 389 infective bites per month observed in July 2006. The annual transmission potential (ATP) was 1,265 infective bites per person per year. Parous rate was 29.3% and was higher during dry months of October through February. The circadian biting activities showed two peaks: between 07:00 and 10:00 hours and between 15:00 and 17:00 hours. The epidemiological implications of deer fly biting in the area are multifaceted. Resources must not be spared in bringing an end to their menace.