Showing papers by "Cross River University of Technology published in 2014"
TL;DR: Nigeria is rich in both conventional and renewable energy resources that empower the country with a large capacity to develop an effective national energy policy as discussed by the authors The study aims at reviewing the current energy resource structure of Nigeria in terms of production and utilization, comparing sectoral performance and reviewing issues confronting energy growth, sustainability, policies and frameworks towards the actualization of energy effiency.
Abstract: Nigeria is rich in both conventional and renewable energy resources that empower the country with a large capacity to develop an effective national energy policy The study aims at reviewing the current energy resource structure of Nigeria in terms of production and utilization, comparing sectoral performance and reviewing issues confronting energy growth, sustainability, policies and frameworks towards the actualization of energy effi- ciency The total energy consumption in 2011 was 288 million tons of oil equivalent about 54 % of the world value in 2010 Nigeria share of world CO2 emissions in 2011 was 032 % and a drop of 002 % in 2010 In addressing the country's challenges of energy demand, production, consumption and related environmental prob- lems, the government has initiated sustainable and effec- tive energy conservation strategies to improve efficiency These include: reduction of energy consumption at the household sector, reduction of gas flaring, adoption and maximum renewable energy technologies, reduction of energy intensity in industries by appropriate energy con- servation and management system In addition, the policies also include the development and integration of alternative energy resources such as nuclear, biomass, wind and solar into the total energy mix structure For all these to be accomplished, the energy development strategy must fol- low a sustainable framework to balance economic growth, social expansion and eco-friendly protection
33 citations
TL;DR: Though these individual plants extracts exhibited significant increase in amelorating diabetes complication and blood glucose control compared to glibenclamide, a synthetic antidiabetic drug, greater performance was observed in the synergy groups.
Abstract: Insulin therapy and oral antidiabetic agents/drugs used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus have not sufficiently proven to control hyperlipidemia, which is commonly associated with the diabetes mellitus. Again the hopes that traditional medicine and natural plants seem to trigger researchers in this area is yet to be discovered. This research was designed to compare the biochemical effects of some medicinal plants in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats using named plants that are best at lowering blood glucose and hyperlipidemia and ameliorating other complications of diabetes mellitus by methods of combined therapy. The results obtained showed 82% decrease in blood glucose concentration after the 10th hour to the fortieth hour. There was significant increase P 0.05 recorded in the glutathione peroxidase activity of E. globulus (100 mg/kg) when compared to the test groups of P. guajava (250 mg/kg) and X. aethiopica (250 mg/kg). Catalase activity showed significant increase P 0.05, there was no significant difference seen between test group and treated groups. Meanwhile, degree of significance was observed in other parameters analysed. The biochemical analysis conducted in this study showed positive result, attesting to facts from previous works. Though these individual plants extracts exhibited significant increase in amelorating diabetes complication and blood glucose control compared to glibenclamide, a synthetic antidiabetic drug. Greater performance was observed in the synergy groups. Therefore, a poly/combined formulation of these plants extracts yielded significant result as well as resolving some other complications associated with diabetics.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed physicochemical constituents of Gloriosa superba gum exudate using recommended chemical methods and found that it is an inhibitor for the corrosion of Al in solution of HCl.
Abstract: Physico-chemical constituents of Gloriosa superba gum exudate were analyzed using recommended chemical methods. Results obtained from FT-IR study indicated the presence of functional groups that are typical for polysaccharides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry spectrum of the gum revealed the presence of 1-piperoylp, 1-penta-decarboxylic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, and stigmasta-5,22-dien-3-ol. Based on its chemical constituents, corrosion inhibition potentials of various concentrations of the gum were investigated using FT-IR and gravimetric methods. The results obtained showed that Gloriosa superba gum is an inhibitor for the corrosion of Al in solution of HCl. The initial mechanism for the inhibition of Al corrosion by Gloriosa superba gum was found to be physiosorption and was succeeded by chemisorption. Although the Langmuir adsorption model supported the adsorption characteristics of the gum, the existence of interaction between the inhibitor particles was confirmed by the fitness of Flory-Huggin...
22 citations
TL;DR: The authors examines the different faces of war in Nigeria and literary responses to them and concludes that the liberative undertone of every/any war must never be abused and/or compromised for selfish purposes or unattainable goals.
Abstract: In the Nigerian context, every mention of war (as a word in the Nigerian past or present) automatically takes one back to the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War (1967-1970). While reference to this war is an integral part of this study, this paper examines the different faces of war in Nigeria and literary responses to them. Beyond armed conflict, gender positionings and configurations, political manipulations and intrigues, corruption issues, economic, ethnic and religious-inspired uprisings are wars Nigeria has been, and is still, contending with. From the novels of Chinua Achebe, Elechi Amadi, Chukwuemeka Ike, Isidore Okpewho, Festus Iyayi, Femi Osofisan, Okey Ndibe, Flora Nwapa, Buchi Emecheta, Abubakar Gimba, Tanure Ojaide, Afam Belolisa, Kaine Agary; to the poetry of Wole Soyinka, J. P. Clark, Mabel Segun, Pol Ndu, Peter Onwudinjo, Joe Ushie, Catherine Acholonu, Cecilia Kato, Ibiwari Ikiriko, Sophia Obi; to the drama of J. P. Clark, Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi, Arnold Udoka, among others, it is evident that these wars have provided impetus to the Nigerian literary artists. These writers have examined the different facets, phases, implications and prospects of these wars. The underlying lesson, in all, is that the liberative undertone of every/any war must never be abused and/or compromised for selfish purposes or unattainable goals.
18 citations
TL;DR: There was significant difference in total protein value between Group II and Group I, but there was no significant difference between that of Group I and Group III, indicating VCO is effective in preventing renal damage in diabetic patients.
Abstract: Renal dysfunction is now a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the remedial effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on renal dysfunction in diabetic rats. Fifteen albino Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups that comprise normal control group (Group I) and diabetic control group (Group II) fed with normal rat chows and a diabetic test group (Group III) fed with 10% VCO diet. Group II and Group III were made diabetic by single intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate. After 72 hours of alloxan injection, fasting blood glucose was tested to confirm diabetes mellitus. After 3 weeks, the animals were anaesthetized and sacrificed to collect blood samples for renal function analysis. The creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen values of Group II were significantly different from those of Group I and Group III at . Also, there was significant difference () in total protein value between Group II (4.42 ± 0.47 mg/dL) and Group I (5.78 ± 0.12 mg/dL) as well as Group III (5.86 ± 0.19 mg/dL), but there was no significant difference between that of Group I and Group III (5.78 ± 0.12 mg/dL and 5.86 ± 0.19 mg/dL, resp.). Thus, VCO is effective in preventing renal damage in diabetic patients.
17 citations
TL;DR: Modulation of body weight, food consumption and nitric oxide formation by nicotine is sexually dimorphic and the study suggests that nicotine modulation of food intake and body weight and its modulation of NO may be independent of each other.
17 citations
TL;DR: It was shown that the stem bark of A. vogelii possesses antiplasmodial property and the extracts exhibited significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent chemosuppression of P. berghei.
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to investigate the antiplasmodial effect of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Anthocleista vogelii at different doses in albino mice infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei (NK 65). Thirty-six mice were divided into six groups of six mice each. Five groups (B1–B3, D, and G) were infected with Plasmodium berghei berghei parasitized red blood cells. Groups D, H, and G served as the controls. Six days after infection, mice in groups B1, B2, and B3 were treated orally with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight of Anthocleista vogelii, respectively, for six executive days. Group D was treated with 5 mg/kg body weight of chloroquine while Group G was given distilled water. Group H was not infected and was not treated. It served as the normal control. The extracts exhibited significant dose-dependent chemosuppression of P. berghei. The extract exhibited average chemosuppressive effects of 48.5%, 78.5%, and 86.6% at dose levels of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Phytochemical screening of the plant extract revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, and steroid. The acute toxicity (LD50) of the plant was estimated to be 3162 mg/kg body weight. It showed that the stem bark of A. vogelii possesses antiplasmodial property.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a total of fifteen male rats weighing 200-250 g were divided into three experimental groups and fed a 10% VCO diet for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, the animals were sacrificed to collect blood samples for lipid profile analysis.
Abstract: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a saturated fat with promising antidiabetic properties but its ameliorative effect on lipid profiles in diabetics is rarely reported. Therefore, in this study, a total of fifteen (15) male rats weighing 200–250 g were divided into 3 experimental groups (). Group I (control) and Group II (diabetic control group) were fed a normal rat chow while Group III (diabetic test group) was fed a 10% VCO diet for 3 weeks. Group II and Group III were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of alloxan. After 72 hours of injection, blood glucose was tested to confirm diabetes mellitus. After 3 weeks, the animals were sacrificed to collect blood samples for lipid profile analysis. The results showed a significant increase in concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein and decrease in concentration of high density lipoprotein in Group II when compared to Group I. Also, the concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein except high density lipoprotein significantly reduced in Group III when compared to Group II (, 0.001). VCO consumption can be claimed to ameliorate lipid levels in diabetes mellitus.
12 citations
TL;DR: Chronic administration of gabapentin and carbamazepine may cause increase in neurodegenerative changes in the adult brain and significant decrease in convulsion parameters tonic flexion, tonic extension and clonic convulsion is confirmed.
Abstract: Background: Antiepileptic drugs used to avert epileptic seizures necessitate prolonged duration for improved efficacy and are without side effects. Purpose: The present study investigated the effect of chronic administration of two common antiepileptic drugs - gabapentin and carbamazepine, on the histomorphology of the hippocampus and striatum in adult rats. Methods: 25 adult male Wistar rats were grouped randomly into 5 groups. 3 groups were administered either therapeutic doses of gabapentin (16 mg/kg) or carbamazepine (20 mg/ kg) or sub-therapeutic dose of gabapentin plus carbamazepine (8 + 10 mg/kg). To confirm anticonvulsant effects, these animals were kindled for seizures at sub-maximal electroshock. Appropriate negative and positive controls were given normal saline. At the end of treatment, brain tissues were obtained and processed for histological procedures. Results: The study confirm significant decrease in convulsion parameters tonic flexion, tonic extension and clonic convulsion, between drug treated groups and electroshock control. Histological studies revealed significant increase in neurons showing features of degeneration in the hippocampus, for drug treated groups as compared to normal and electroshock control. Also, drug treatment reduced nissl activity in both hippocampus and striatum. Conclusion: Chronic administration of gabapentin and carbamazepine may cause increased neurodegenerative changes in the adult brain. Conflict of Interests: None; Source of funding: None; Received Date : 08 February 2014; Revised Date : 12 March 2014; Accepted Date : 17 April 2014 doi : 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.210206
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlighted the increasing dependence of the states and Local Governments on the Federal government and the ubiquity of Federal Government in areas considered an exclusive pressure of the state and local government.
Abstract: Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) is the interaction that takes place among different levels of government within a country State governments are independent within constitutional limitations of the centre while local governments are subordinated to the states Usually, the concept is mostly associated with states having a multi-ethnically segmented administrative system like Nigeria where relationship between the Federal and the major component units are formally spelt out in the constitution A full analysis of IGR must cover Federal-State-Local, Federal-State, Federal-Local, Inter-State, State-Local, and Inter-Local relations enshrined in the constitutional framework The main issues given prominence in the study of IGR, are the allocation of jurisdictional/constitutional powers, administrative/political mechanisms, and intergovernmental fiscal relations This paper attempts to examine each of these issues in turn highlighting the increasing dependence of the states and Local Governments on the Federal government and the ubiquity of Federal Government in areas considered an exclusive pressure of the state and local government It also draws the attention to worthwhile lessons that Nigeria could learn from the experiences of its operation in a federal administration system DOI: 105901/mjss2014v5n3p226
7 citations
TL;DR: The present study shows chronic nicotine treatment produces muscular convulsion but no major deficit in overall motor function and coordination and that any observed alterations may just be transient effects.
Abstract: Background : Nicotine has shown potential therapeutic value for neurodegenerative diseases though concerns exist that it may induce behavioural deficits. Purpose : The present study investigated the effect of chronic nicotine administration on overall motor functions and coordination. Methods : Forty adult female and male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into 4 groups. Treated groups were administered nicotine via subcutaneous injections at doses of 0.25, 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Control groups received normal saline. All animals were monitored for the first few minutes after each injection for any observed immediate effect of drug administration. Motor associated behavioural tests performed include; open field test; string test for grip strength and limb impairment, movement initiation and step test. Results : Nicotine induced muscular convulsions within the first 1-5 minutes following daily subcutaneous injections, throughout the period of administration. This was observed to be more severe in females. Nicotine did not produce major alterations in overall motor functions and coordination in both females and males. Conclusion : The present study shows chronic nicotine treatment produces muscular convulsion but no major deficit in overall motor function and coordination; and that any observed alterations may just be transient effects. Competing Interests: None; Source of Funding: None; Received Date : 25 February 2014; Revised Date : 14 March 2014; Accepted Date : 17 April 2014 doi : 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.210203
25 Aug 2014
TL;DR: Results showed that the fungus was pathogenic to the test plants and showed the greatest effect on leaves of Cucumis sativus, while the least effect was on Vigna unguiculata with a mean of 36.77.
Abstract: Choanephora cucurbitarum is a plant pathogenic fungus with a wide host range. The fungus was isolated from rotting fruits of Capsicum anuum, after it was observed that some vegetables were infected in the farm. The role of infection courts on severity was determined by inoculating the pathogen into soil, leaves and stems of the test plants. The test plants used were Abelmoschus esculentus, Amaranthus sp, Cucumis sativus and Vigna unguiculata. Determinants of pathogenicity were plant height, leaf reduction, fresh and dry weight. Results showed that the fungus was pathogenic to the test plants. A significant reduction in height, leaves, fresh and dry weight of the test plants was observed when compared with the control. The greatest effect of the pathogen was on the inoculated stem of the test plants with a mean of 42.94. The least effect was observed on infected soil with a mean of 92.99. Cucumis sativus showed the least effect by the pathogen with a mean of 84.18, while Abelmoschus esculentus showed the greatest effect with a mean of 44.59. The pathogen showed the greatest effect on leaves of Cucumis sativus with a mean of 20.45, while the least effect was on Vigna unguiculata with a mean of 36.77.Fresh weight ranged from 3.35g to 37.40g, Dry weight 2.15 to 7.90g as compared with the control which had a fresh weight of 7.0g to 57.25g and 3.8g to 11.90g for dry weight. Symptoms such as leaf blight, blight of the shoot apex, soft rot of stems, die back and decay of Vigna unguiculata pods were observed.
31 Dec 2014
TL;DR: A trial on the antifungal effects of leaf extracts of Carica papaya and Azadirachta indica in-vitro using different extract solvents on some pathogenic fungi isolated from Gmelina arborea seedlings found that butanol extracts of C. Papaya and A. indica at higher concentrations is recommended for use as spray to control the diseases.
Abstract: Gmelina arborea Roxb has important economic value in Nigeria and worldwide It has been used as timber, for pulp and paper, furniture, plywood and for particle board Due to the menace caused by fungal diseases in nurseries and sites where the seedlings are raised and the observed disease severity at the Awi Gmelina Forestry Project Nursery in Cross River State, Nigeria It became necessary to provide a viable environmentally friendly measure to curb the diseases, hence, a trial on the antifungal effects of leaf extracts of Carica papaya and Azadirachta indica in-vitro using different extract solvents on some pathogenic fungi isolated from Gmelina arborea seedlings The isolated fungi were Trichoderma viride (from stem and leaf) and Mucor mucedo (stem and leaf) The solvents used were ethanol, methanol, propanol, butanol, acetone, chloroform and distilled water Phytochemical screening of extracts of C papaya from the different solvents showed that there was no tannin and hydroxymethyl anthraquinine Flavonoids and polyphenols were in excess in acetone and methanol extracts respectively For A indica, polyphenols were only found in excess in ethanol and methanol extracts Application of the extracts at different percentages of 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% showed that Carica papaya extracted with butanol was more potent on Trichoderma viride and Mucor mucedo at 60%, 70%, 80% and 100% while the growth of Trichoderma viride and Mucor mucedo was checked by butanol extracts of A indica at 70%, 80%, 90% and 100% Conclusively, butanol extracts of C papaya and A indica at higher concentrations is recommended for use as spray to control the diseases
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used Microsoft Excel software to develop exponential, logarithmic and power intensity duration frequency models for return period (T) of duration-frequency models for between 2 years and 100 years using rainfall intensity data for durations of 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 320 minutes.
Abstract: This paper is aimed at developing and comparing different intensity duration frequency models. Twenty three years peak rainstorm intensity data with their corresponding durations was collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Calabar, Nigeria. Microsoft Excel software was used to develop exponential, logarithmic and power intensity-duration-frequency models for return period (T) of duration-frequency models for return period (T) of between 2 years and 100 years using rainfall intensity data for durations of 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 320 minutes. A comparison between the predicted results by the three models revealed that the logarithmic and power models gave R square values of between 0.022 and 0.858 (0.479±0.214), 0.007 and 0.848 (0.558±0.197) and0.004 and 0.865 (0.618±0.212) respectively. This research reveals that the logarithmic model yields comparatively moderate intensity-duration-frequency models that would ensure adequate sizing and forecast of relevant hydraulic structures in the study area. Keywords: Rainfall intensity, rainfall duration, intensity - duration - frequency models, IDF
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of hydraulic and hydrologic parameters on the perennial flooding of some parts of the Calabar Metropolis were used to develop model that predicts the influence.
Abstract: Mathematical analyses were used to develop model that predicts the influence of some hydraulic and hydrologic parameters on the perennial flooding of some parts of the Calabar Metropolis. The parameters were obtained from ten sampling locations all within Calabar metropolis. An empirical model was developed to predict discharge based on the independent variables of cross sectional area of drains, degree imperviousness, gradient, sum of channel length, and basin area. The model developed gave a good multiple regression coefficient of 0.982with a standard error of 0.709at a significance level of 0.10. The R 2 value of the regression model shows that 96.4% of the total variation in the storm water discharge is accounted for by the five regressors. Incorrect sizing and spread of drains as well as the existing slopes employed in the generation of the drains’ invert during construction have been seen as some of the key factors that foster flooding in the Metropolis. Designers are encouraged to employ the model developed for drains design and analysis for Calabar Metropolis. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v33i4.18
TL;DR: By causing gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcerative changes, oral administration of aspirin reduces the mucosa surface area of stomach and duodenum, as well as the effects on body weight and packed cell volume.
Abstract: Introduction: Gastrointestinal ulcers and stomach bleeding are amongst the main undesirable side effects of aspirin taken by mouth. The present study examined the histological and histomorphometric changes in the stomach and duodenum, following oral administration of aspirin to Wistar rats, as well as the effects on body weight and packed cell volume (PCV). Materials and Methods: Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing between 160 and 210 g were randomly divided into four groups of five rats each. Group A served as control, while Group B and C received the dose equivalent of 150 mg/day and 300 mg/day in a 70 kg human respectively for 2 weeks. Results: The study showed a dose dependent significant reduction (P < 0.001) in weight of aspirin treated rats and significantly reduced (P < 0.001) PCV in treated rats. Histological findings in treated rats showed erosion of the epithelial lining and mucosa layer of stomach and duodenum. Histomorphometric measurements showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in thickness of the mucosa layers of the stomach and duodenum, as well as significant decrease (P < 0.05) in glandular layer and villi height following aspirin treatment. Conclusion: The present suggest that by causing gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcerative changes, oral administration of aspirin reduces the mucosa surface area of stomach and duodenum.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identified some of the challenges hindering effective inventory management and control using Flour Mills Company as a case study and made recommendations for the best practices that will ensure effective inventory control of stock and customers satisfaction and retention in both public and private industries in Nigeria.
Abstract: For various manufacturing industries in Nigeria, inventory remains the prevalent asset on the balance sheet at any given time; therefore, there is the need for it to be properly managed. The researcher identifies some of the challenges hindering effective inventory management and control using Flour Mills Company as a case study. Although, effectiveness was seen in this research as the ability to achieve stated inventory levels, judge in terms of financial measures like inventory turnover. And for any company to claim to be effective, it inventory management decisions made by management must be ascertained and certified. The key source of information gathering which the research employed was the used of primary data through a well structured questionnaires and personal interviews. The data so obtain was analyse through qualitative technique, using descriptive statistics method by quantifying the level of frequency and determining the percentages of respondents and weighted mean scores. This method was considered more appropriate and convenient by the author because it helps to establish the objectives of the research. The results has help to proffer solution to the problem of lead time of delivery or delay in supply of goods or material, the interruption in production and stock out of goods or materials during production and problem of when to order and how much to order as it affects manufacturing industries in Nigeria. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations was made for the best practices that will ensure effective inventory control of stock and customers satisfaction and retention in both public and private industries in Nigeria.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of population explosion on family standard of living in Calabar-Urban of Cross River State, Nigeria were investigated using 102 semi-structured questionnaires.
Abstract: A nation whose accurate and current population figure is uncertain cannot plan well. It is always threatening if a population keeps exploding without an observable increase in the resources available, and this has posed a serious challenge/worry to Calabarians and the world in general. This paper investigates the effects of population explosion on family standard of living in Calabar – Urban of Cross River State, Nigeria. The major objective of this paper is raising consciousness on the need to discuss population issues in order to proffer long lasting remedies to its effect on family standard of living, its management to guarantee economic sustainability, development and family wellbeing. The sources of data were primary and secondary. 102 semi – structured questionnaires were designed/administered, reviewed literature and interviews were used too. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, simple percentages and illustrative graphs. The findings show that the population of females (60.8%) doubles the male population (39.2%) in Calabar – Urban which could indirectly be attributed to the possibility of population explosion among other causes like illiteracy, poor family planning, poverty, religion and migration which is influenced by war, disaster, search for jobs/education, polygamy/early marriage and climate change. The study demonstrates: poor education, increased cost of living, increased crime rate, overcrowding, family stress, malnutrition, health complications, morbidity and mortality as effects of population explosion on families. This paper recommends that, there is need for mass education, equity in resources allocation to both rural/urban settings and encouraging agricultural practice with the aim of eradicating poverty and illiteracy which will in turn help in the control of population explosions in order to strike a balance with the available resources.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the issues of environmental degradation and its attendant consequences like the rise of militancy, Kidnapping, bunkering, oil theft in the region using Helon Habila's Oil on Water as the focal text.
Abstract: The degradation of the Niger Delta environment through pollution has constituted challenges and concern for the people of the oil rich region. The ecosystem has completely been violated and destroyed. The destruction of the flora and fauna without clean – ups or compensation paid to host communities have resulted in youth restiveness and the up surge of militancy in the region. The violation of the system by the multinationals and the insensitivity of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the plight of the Niger Delta people have also escalated the controversies. The government has been indicted for lack of development of the region. Militancy/kidnapping are social vices which have bedeviled the area and led to oil theft through vandalization of oil pipelines and illegal bunkering causing widespread spillages, degradation and pollution of the ecosystem. This ugly trend often leads to closure of oil companies, loss of revenue, life and the people’s source of livelihood. This paper therefore seeks to explore the issues of environmental degradation and its attendant consequences like the rise of militancy, Kidnapping, bunkering, oil theft in the region using Helon Habila’s Oil on Water as the focal text. The paper seeks to proffer solutions to this age-long problem if socio-economic and political growth is to be met in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p383
TL;DR: The results indicated the importance of average weight of roots and other characters such as number of roots plant-1, plant height, and number of leaves plant- 1 in determining increased yield hence priority must be accorded it during selection aimed at increasing cassava root yield.
Abstract: Thirty-eight high- and low-cyanide cassava genotypes were examined in the 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons at Umudike, southeastern Nigeria using RCBD with three replications. Simple correlation associations and path coefficients analyses were computed among agronomic characters with the aim of understanding the interrelationships of these characters and the extent of their contribution to the root yield of cassava. There was a significant (P 2 0.05) positive correlation between root yield and number of roots plant-1 with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.57, average weight of root (r = 0.58) in high-cyanide cassava genotypes, while in low cyanide cassava genotypes, fresh root yield was highly significantly (P 2 0.01) correlated with average weight of root (r = 0.74). Path analysis showed that average weight of root had the highest direct effect in high (0.66) and in low cyanide (0.67) cassava genotypes. Also, the number of roots plant-1 in both types of cassava exerted a positive direct effect on fresh root yield, however, a minimum effect was obtained by number of leaves plant-1 (0.22) in high-cyanide cassava and number of stems plant-1 (-0.13) in lowcyanide cassava genotypes. Average weight of roots in high- and low-cyanide cassava genotypes had 98 and 89% direct effects, respectively, on yield of cassava. The results indicated the importance of average weight of roots and other characters such as number of roots plant-1, plant height, and number of leaves plant-1 in determining increased yield hence priority must be accorded it during selection aimed at increasing cassava root yield.
TL;DR: For art and art organizations to experience growth and development, a conscious deliberate effort ought to be made towards harnessing resources to create enabling environment for success as mentioned in this paper, such could be rendered in qualitative education where constant change occurs through critical thinking, reflection and action.
Abstract: For art and art organizations to experience growth and development, a conscious deliberate effort ought to be made towards harnessing resources to create enabling environment for success (Enamhe, 2012) such could be rendered in qualitative education where constant change occurs through critical thinking, reflection and action.
01 Jan 2014
TL;DR: This study clearly confirms that anthropometric variation exists based on sex and these measurements in healthy subjects are useful for dysmorphologist in the early identification of some dysmorphic syndromes like cleft-lip associated with nose disorders.
Abstract: Introduction: The normal nose morphology varies in shape and size as a result of ethnic, gender, and environmental influences therefore nasal anthropometry can be employed in classifying the race and sex of the individual whose identity is unknown. This study is aimed at deriving normal standard values for the following nasal anthropometric parameters: Nose height (NH), Nose width (NW), Nose length (NL), and Nasal index (NI) across age and sex for the Ejagham ethnic group in Cross River state of South-Nigeria. Materials and Methods: One hundred subjects (50 males and 50 females) aged 21-45 years were recruited for this study, they were further divided into five age sub-groups (21-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, and 41-45 years) to observe the variation of each parameter with advancing age and sexual dimorphism. Results: Sexual dimorphism was noted ( P P 85. Conclusion: This study clearly confirms that anthropometric variation exists based on sex. These measurements in healthy subjects are useful for dysmorphologist in the early identification of some dysmorphic syndromes like cleft-lip associated with nose disorders. The data generated can also provide useful information to the rhinoplastic surgeon especially when nasal reconstruction is sort for by an individual who desire to change his nasal morphology to that of the Ejagham ethnic group of Cross River State.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Interestingly the concept of self starting and that of constant order are reaffirmed in the new methods of the power series approximate solution.
Abstract: A method of collocation and interpolation of the power series approximate solution at some selected grid points is considered to generate a continuous linear multistep method with constant step size.predictor-corrector method was adopted where the predictors and the correctors considered two and three interpolation points implemented in block method respectively.The efficiency of the proposed method was tested on some numerical examples and found to compete favorably with the existing methods.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the density of the fibre was investigated to be 0.725g/cm3 and the extraction was carried out immediately after the bamboo moisture content was properly detected by the use of a gravitational weight pan.
Abstract: The use of reinforcements in the production of composites materials for engineering applications provides for strength and rigidity. Fibre reinforced polymer composites have played a dominant role for a long time in a variety of applications for their high strength and modulus. The fibre which serves as a reinforcement in reinforced polymer may be synthetic or natural. Few investigations have been carried out with bamboo fibres despite its high strength, biodegradability, and low cost. The objective of this work was to develop fibre from Nigerian bamboo (dried) and determine the density for its suitability as reinforcement in composite fabrication which is yet to be found in existing literature. Bamboo piece free from blemish was obtained and dried to remove the moisture content using gravitational method after chipping it to sizes of 25mm. The extraction was carried out immediately after the bamboo moisture content was properly detected by the use of a gravitational weight pan. Chemical digestion method, the alkaline pulping method which is one of the best methods, as it is ideal for non wooden cellulosic material was used for the extraction of the fibre. The bamboo chip-solution was heated in a digester at a temperature of 100°C for 6 hours for digestion to take place. Fibre separation was done by means of weeding, thereafter bleaching was done by hypochlorite treatment. The density of the fibre was investigated to be 0.725g/cm3.
TL;DR: Among the Igbos of southeastern Nigeria, one of the derogatory names of clay is ‘apiti' implying "Dirt" as discussed by the authors, yet it has penetrated the social fabrics of every generation and mobilized its potentials to add up to the society's path to stability.
Abstract: The wheels that carry national economies are hooked to the engine of research. The word “research” carries with it the intrinsic mentality of exclusive laboratory environment. In this case, it is not so. This context includes the use of far-flung production traditions whose investigative stages have been lost in antiquity. Pottery is one of such areas. Among the Igbos of southeastern Nigeria, one of the derogatory names of clay is ‘apiti’ implying “Dirt”. Many, even outside this geographical catchment, feel this is what clay is, yet it has penetrated the social fabrics of every generation and mobilized its potentials to add up to the society’s path to stability. Art has offered itself to this “dirt” or is it the other way round, for the making of pottery for function and aesthetics and, by extension, facilitated the employment of thousands in time. The much-talked-about self-employment, poverty alleviation, and wealth-generation are hooked to the fact that cultures have free-willing methods of training its population. Informal education and training have collaborated to facilitate this where the apprenticeship system has played the mainline role in raising traditional entrepreneurs. Beyond this, historical and documentations dimensions provided by clay cannot be dismissed by the wave of the hand. This paper aspires to explore the social mobility of this common clay and excavate other areas of latent but indispensible involvements in Art, Culture, Documentation and Tourism. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p423
TL;DR: The recent adoption of entrepreneurship studies into the National Universities Commission's Benchmark for Minimum Academic Programmes in tertiary institutions in Nigeria is a welcome move as mentioned in this paper, which endorses the indispensability of skill training in the national struggle for poverty alleviation through job-creation and wealth-generation.
Abstract: The sudden adoption of Entrepreneurial Studies into the National Universities Commission’s Benchmark for Minimum Academic Programmes in tertiary institutions in Nigeria is a welcome move. This endorses the indispensability of skill training in the national struggle for poverty alleviation through job-creation and wealth-generation. The theoretical pedagogy in the classroom environment is a basic entry point for such courses, but in effect, it is only one hemisphere of a two-point approach for proper grounding in entrepreneurship. Perhaps no other discipline or area of study lends itself wholeheartedly to entrepreneurial project than Art— Visual and Creative Arts. To properly situate any skill, the question of raw material endowment, technical mastery and sustainability remain mainline factors to consider. This paper aspires to engage the above in the bid to locate their relevance in skill acquisition . DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n6p327