Showing papers by "Cross River University of Technology published in 2015"
TL;DR: In this article, the phytochemical contents of the leaves, stem bark and root of Jatropha curcas (J.curcas) in four solvent extracts and their proximate and mineral compositions were analyzed.
Abstract: Objective To analyse the phytochemical contents of leaf, stem bark and root of Jatropha curcas (J. curcas) in four solvent extracts and their proximate and mineral compositions. Methods Standard analytical procedures were used for the determination of phytochemicals, proximate and mineral compositions of the leaf, stem bark and root extracts of J. curcas. Results Results of the analysis showed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, triterpenoid saponins, carotenoids, phlobatannins and tannins in the leaf, stem bark and root of all the solvent extracts. Flavonoids were present in the highest amount in the ethyl acetate extracts of the leaf (7.35% ± 0.02%), stem bark (4.12% ± 0.01%) and root (3.35% ± 0.02%) followed by polyphenols in the methanol extracts of leaf (4.62% ± 0.02%), stem bark (2.77% ± 0.05%) and root (2.49% ± 0.02%). Poly-acetylated compounds were absent in all the solvent extracts of the leaf, stem bark and root. However, some anti-nutritional agents such as oxalates, phytates and cyanates were present in all the solvent extracts of the leaf, stem bark and root except the ethyl acetate. Phytates were high in the aqueous solvent of the leaf (6.12% ± 0.00%) but low in the stem bark (1.00% ± 0.05%) and root (0.89% ± 0.03%). Proximate composition showed appreciable amounts of total carbohydrate (36.33% ± 0.72%), crude protein (26.00% ± 0.47%) and reducing sugars (5.87% ± 0.14%) in the leaf, while crude fat was more in the stem bark (16.70% ± 0.30%). There was corresponding substantial energy in the leaf [(1514.77 ± 20.87) kJ/100 g] and stem bark [(907.00 ± 8.52) kJ/100 g]. Moisture and ash contents of the leaf, stem bark and root were within acceptable limits for the use in drugs formulation. The mineral composition showed substantial amounts of important elements such as Fe, Ca, Na, Mg and Zn. Others were P, K and Se. Conclusions The outcome of this study suggests that the leaf, stem bark and root of J. curcas have very good medicinal potentials, meet the standard requirements for drug formulation and serve as good sources of energy and nutrients except for the presence of some anti-nutritional elements predominant in the leaf.
41 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The 21st century can be described as fast-paced, media-saturated, highly interconnected, and, sadly, an era of rising terrorism as mentioned in this paper, and the past 14 years have witnessed an increase in the number of new terrorist groups and the violent radicalization of previously religious extremists groups.
Abstract: The 21st century can be described as fast-paced, media-saturated, highly interconnected, and, sadly, an era of rising terrorism. The past 14 years have witnessed an increase in the number of new terrorist groups and the violent radicalization of previously religious extremists groups. Individual attacks by terrorists and their sympathizers have become more frequent. The memories of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris and the Sydney and Copenhagen attacks in just the first months of 2015 leave the world wondering what could happen next as terrorist ideologies transmitted locally are increasingly having global effects.
27 citations
DOI•
01 Feb 2015
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined inventory management practices in flour milling manufacturing firms and their effects on operational performance and revealed significant differences between effective management of inventory and optimal operating performance, while firms that scientific inventory management approaches reported efficiency in capacity utilization, increased service level, and reduced lead time, others with unscientific strategies had minimal utilization of material resources.
Abstract: This study examines inventory management practices in flour milling manufacturing firms and their effects on operational performance. Five flour manufacturing firms with aggregate staff population of 2569 constituted the unit of study. From the population space, 150 respondents were randomly selected. Structured questionnaire was the major instrument for the collection of relevant primary data while mean and standard deviation was used to analyze descriptive data. Results showed that exception of the large manufacturing companies, most of the medium-sized flour milling firms adopts different inventory management strategies from the scientific models. Their inventory management strategies and policies were rather based on factors such as changing level of customer demand, prevailing industry practices, forecast estimates and guesses, and available production capacity. Findings also revealed significant differences between effective management of inventory and optimal operating performance. For instance, while firms that scientific inventory management approaches reported efficiency in capacity utilization, increased service level, and reduced lead time, others with unscientific strategies had minimal utilization of material resources. There is need for flour manufacturing firms to implement scientific inventory management models to adequately handle material shortages, product stock outs, and component pile up with consequent penalties.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of inlet air filtration on the performance of two industrial gas turbines (GT) is presented, and two GTs were modeled similar to GE LM2500+ and Alstom GT13 E2-2012, using TURBOMATCH and chosen to operate at environmental conditions of Usan offshore oilfield and Maiduguri dessert in Nigeria.
23 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that nicotine may inhibit AChE activities in the brain, thereby having a direct or indirect influence on prevention of central acetylcholine degradation, as well as either improve or retard maturation adult born neurons in DG, at different doses.
15 citations
TL;DR: The study shows that nicotine does not produce long-term changes in some cognitive and mood associated behaviours, thus suggesting it could be well tolerated even following chronic administration.
14 citations
TL;DR: Many sources of WRC were observed among the nurses but they were found to have no influence on their roles’ performance probably due to the ethical and legal implications of nursing duties.
Abstract: Background: Work-related conflict (WRC) may be inevitable but can interfere with nurses’ roles performance if not well managed. Nurses are unique in the directions from where conflicts emerge: administrators, nursing colleagues, physicians, Para-medical staff, patients and their families. Un-resolved conflicts may be linked to poor communication resulting from refusal to cooperate, poor team collaboration and problem-solving, decreased clients’ satisfaction, distrust, split camps, gossips and disruption of work-flow. This study investigated sources of WRC and their influence on nurses’ independent and inter-dependent roles in a Tertiary Hospital in South-south Nigeria. Methods: A 50-items WRC questionnaire built on a four-point Likert-type scale was used to collect data from a random sample of 242 nurses of all ranks, representing 40% of the target population of 585. The instrument had internal consistency of r = .81 and test-retest reliability of r = .83. Data were analyzed using independent t -test determined at significance level of .05. Results: Results showed that female respondents were 237 (98%) while 5 (2%) were males. The major sources of WRC included: conflicts as a result of overwork and poor rewarding system each with frequency of 222 (92%); patients-related conflict and leadership conflicts each with frequency of 218 (90%); misunderstanding involving nursing colleagues with a frequency of 194 (81%); poor work environment 192 (80%); conflicts with other health professionals with 189 (78\%) frequency and discrimination issues with 180 (61%) frequency. Furthermore, there was no significant influence of WRC on nurses’ independent and inter-dependent roles. (Cal. t = -4.6; P = .00; Observed mean = 37.7 < Expected mean = 40.0 and Cal. t = -9.3; P = .00; Observed mean = 17.5 < Expected mean = 20.0). Conclusions: Many sources of WRC were observed among the nurses but they were found to have no influence on their roles’ performance probably due to the ethical and legal implications of nursing duties. Recommendations included effective and timely communication at all times among nurses, hospital administrators and other stake-holders.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of government policies on affordable housing provision to the low-income group in Nigeria was assessed by collecting data from 44 respondents through the administration of questionnaires which was analyzed with statistical tools.
Abstract: Housing is one of the most important needs of individuals next to food and clothing. Housing needs for low income earners has reached an alarming stage in Nigeria. On the supply side, numerous government policies have earlier aimed at disabling the massive shortage through numerous housing reform programmes. Despite these preceding efforts, housing remains an illusion to an average Nigerian. This research assessed the effect of government policy on housing delivery in Nigeria. The objectives were to determine housing needs of the low income group in Nigeria and to determine the impact of government policies on affordable housing provision to the low income group. Survey method was used to collect data from 44 respondents through the administration of questionnaires which was analyzed with statistical tools. The findings from the study shows that insufficient fund is closely related to other finance related factors identified as barriers to the accessibility of public housing by the low income group who are non-public servants. Such factors as high interest rate, low per capita income, lack of security of income, lack of collateral and high cost of public houses. The study suggest the creation of a viable secondary mortgage market, improvement of land registration and allocation, compassionate urban renewal programmes, cost saving house designs amongst others.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared the level of valuation variance and inaccuracy between Nigeria and UK, and found that valuation variance is high in Nigeria as compared to UK, due to lack of standards, lack of market data/comparables and lack of regulatory framework, methods/bases of valuation adopted.
Abstract: The study compared the level of valuation variance and inaccuracy between Nigeria and UK. In order to achieve the aim for the study, a survey method was employed using questionnaire administered on respondent estate surveyors and valuers in Calabar and Uyo metropolises. The study surveyed valuers opinions on the existence of valuation variance and inaccuracy, the possible causes and the margin of valuation error and data collected through questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics to find the mean score, standard deviation and percentages. The findings from the study show that valuation variance and inaccuracy is high in Nigeria as compared to UK. The possible causes include lack of standards, lack of market data/comparables, lack of regulatory framework, methods/bases of valuation adopted, client’s influence, inadequate training of valuers, imperfect knowledge of the property market, wrong assumptions on cost per square metre, lack of professional experience as well as failure to discipline valuers on cases of negligence with lack of standards ranked first with the highest frequency and mean score. The study concluded by recommending the creation of a central property database, adopting/enforcement of international valuation standards, enforcement of disciplinary measures for erring members on negligence and a defined acceptable margin of valuation error.
11 citations
TL;DR: Aquifer positions were determined by using Schlumberger electrode configuration to conduct Vertical Electrical Soundings in 67 communities within the study area as mentioned in this paper, which showed two to six geoelectric layers.
Abstract: Aquifer positions were determined by using Schlumberger electrode configuration to conduct Vertical Electrical Soundings in 67 communities within the study area. This study was carried out because of the presence of failed boreholes and manually dug wells in some of the Local Government Areas in the study area. More precis information relating to the exact location of aquifers is therefore needed for successful management of water resources in the area, in the face of dwindling availability of portable water, occasioned by failed boreholes and the need to carter for the increasing population of inhabitants of the area. Interpretation of data showed two to six geoelectric layers. Reflection coefficient and resistivity contrast values greater than 0.9 and 19 respectively, were obtained in some VES stations. Productive shallow and deep aquifer terrains were identified with depth of 60 m and 150 m respectively and resistivity range of 100.0-500.0 ?m for shallow aquifers and 1000-2500 ?m for deep aquifers, respectively. The lithologic materials for the aquifers were sand/sandstone and very coarsed grained sand/fractured basement, respectively. The above inference on lithology was constrained by borehole logs in the study area.
8 citations
Journal Article•
20 Dec 2015-Nigerian journal of physiological sciences : official publication of the Physiological Society of Nigeria
TL;DR: Findings from this study suggest that there is possible increase in metabolic imbalance in the offspring of mother exposed to dexamethasone during lactation and these effects may be secondary to increase oxidative stress in the liver.
Abstract: Summary: It has been reported in human and animal studies that early exposure to glucocorticoids could retard growth and subsequent development of cardio metabolic diseases. Chronic exposure to glucocorticoids induced oxidative stress. Therefore, the role of oxidative stress in some of the observed metabolic imbalance needs to be elucidated. This study examined the effects of lactational dexamethasone exposure on metabolic imbalance and oxidative stress marker in the liver of male offspring of exposed mother. Twenty lactating dams were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Group 1 was administered 0.02 ml/100gbwt/day normal saline through lactation days 1-21. Group 2, 3, and 4 were administered 100 μg/kgbwt/day dexamethasone for lactation days 1-7, 1-14, and 1-21 respectively. The male offspring were thereafter separated and sacrificed at 12weeks of age for evaluation of lipid profile and oxidative stress marker in the liver. Results from this study indicate that Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TAG) and LDL- cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly (p<0.001) higher in the Dex 1-7, Dex 1-14 and Dex 1-21 groups when compared with the control. HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly (p<0.001) reduced in the Dex 1-7, Dex 1-14 and Dex 1-21 groups relative to the control. Basal Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) was also significantly (p<0.001) higher in the Dex 1-14 and Dex 1-21 groups when compared with the control. Liver malondialdehyde was significantly (p<0.001) higher in the Dex1-14 and Dex1-21 group compared to the control. However, liver catalase and SOD activity were all significantly (p<0.001) lower in Dex 1-7, Dex 1-14 and Dex 1-21 groups relative to control. Liver protein was significantly (p<0.001) lower in the Dex1-14 and Dex1-21 treatment groups when compared with the control. Findings from this study suggest that there is possible increase in metabolic imbalance in the offspring of mother exposed to dexamethasone during lactation and these effects may be secondary to increase oxidative stress in the liver. Keywords: Dexamethasone; Lactation; Oxidative Stress; Liver; offspring.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors estimated the time for strength development in concrete cured up to 56 days, using nonlinear regression analysis performed on each experimental data set produced Strength-Age (S-A) curves from which Duration-Strength (D-S) models were deduced to estimate approximate time in hours for a particular strength development.
Abstract: In this study, we estimated the time for strength development in concrete cured up to 56 days. Water-cement ratios adopted range from 0.44-0.57. Nonlinear regression analysis performed on each experimental data set produced Strength-Age (S-A) curves from which Duration-Strength (D-S) models were deduced to estimate approximate time in hours for a particular strength development. A quick reference table for soffit formwork striking time and removal of props was produced. The time to attain the characteristic strengths for C20, C25, C30 and, C35 concrete were 247.04 hours (10.3 days), 285.57 hours (11.90 days), 484.54 hours (20.20 days), 481.58 hours (20.10 days) and, 267.72 hours (11.16 days), 338.74 hours (14.11 days), 560.67 hours (23.36 days), 482.49 hours (20.10 days) for medium and high slump range respectively. Faster construction scheduling operations can be achieved by using lower water-cement ratios and higher grades of concrete. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i1.1
TL;DR: The effects of climate change are evident worldwide, from melting ice caps at the Poles to deforestation at the tropics, and to rising sea level along the world's coastal margins as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The effects of climate change are evident worldwide, from melting ice caps at the Poles to deforestation at the tropics, and to rising sea level along the world's coastal margins. The cause is due largely to atmospheric greenhouse activities. The anthropogenic emissions from fossil fuel have altered the compositional balance of carbon dioxide (an important greenhouse gas) in the atmosphere. The spread of climate change impact is wide and affect lands and peoples across national boundaries. Among the threatened are people who inhabit the vulnerable lands such as coastal barrier lands, troughs between highlands, marshlands, etc. For generations, the people who live by the coast of Cross River Estuary and the tributaries of Calabar, Imo and Great Kwa Rivers in Nigeria have practised their fishing occupation without serious hitches. This situation has changed of late due to uncertainties associated with unpredicted flooding attributed mainly to climate change. This paper examines a scenario of the likely effe...
TL;DR: The sensitivity analysis of selected parameters on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the integrated solar and hydraulic jump enhanced waste stabilization pond (ISHJEWSP) was carried out by regression analysis approach.
Abstract: The sensitivity analysis of selected parameters on biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in the integrated solar and hydraulic jump enhanced waste stabilization pond (ISHJEWSP) was carried out by regression analysis approach. Based on empirical data, the linear relationship between the response variable, BOD, and the predictor variables of pH, temperature, algae concentration, dissolved oxygen (DO), inlet velocity, distance from inlet to the point of initiation of hydraulic jump, angle representing change in pond bed slope, and intensity of solar radiation was tested using various hypotheses at α = 5% level of significance. The test of hypotheses revealed that not all the regression coefficients can be taken as zero and that the observed t-values of predictor variables X1 (xpH), X3 (xAlgae), X4 (xDO), X6 (xHJL), X7 (), and the constant are statistically significant at α = 5%. The test on the equality of regression coefficients of the reduced model revealed that it is significant to infer that X1 (xpH), ...
TL;DR: The present study indicates that higher dose of chronic nicotine administration may induce hippocampal and striatal neurodegenerative changes, however, further studies using more specific method for studying Neurodegeneration within brain regions is recommended.
Abstract: Background : Nicotine is a subject of continuous researches because of its potential therapeutic value for the management of neurologic and neurodegenerative diseases. Purpose : The present study examined the effects of its chronic subcutaneous administration on histomorphology of the hippocampus and striatum in both female and male rats. 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. At the end of administration, brain tissues were processed for paraffin wax embedding, and stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) methods for general histological appearance, Cresyl violet methods for nissl substances, and Bielschwolsky silver impregnation method for neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Results : The study showed significant increase in percentage of neurons showing degenerating features in the hippocampus and striatum of both female and male rats. Only female rats showed positive agyrophilic (black-coloured) aggregations in the hippocampus and striatum following nicotine treatment. Conclusion : The present study indicates that higher doses of chronic nicotine administration may induce neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus and striatum. However, further studies using more specific method for studying neurodegeneration within brain regions is recommended.
01 Jul 2015
TL;DR: The result from the present study implies that the indigenes of the Efik ethnic group of Cross River State have platyrrhine nose type since they have an NI >85.
Abstract: Introduction: Nasal anthropometry is crucial for its diverse applications. In order to assess sexual dimorphism and classify the nose type of children and young adults of the Efik ethnic group of Cross River State, this study was designed to determine the standard values for some nasal anthropometric parameters like nasal height (NH), nasal width (NW), nasal length (NL), and nasal index (NI). Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 600 subjects (300 males and 300 females) aged 6-20 years, who were drawn randomly from the Efik ethnic group of Cross River State, Nigeria; they were divided into three age subgroups (6-10 years, 11-15 years, and 16-20 years) to observe the gender difference within the groups and the variations of each parameter with advancing age. Results: Sexual dimorphism was noted ( P P Conclusion: This, therefore, implies that the indigenes of the Efik ethnic group of Cross River State have platyrrhine (broad and short) nose type since they have an NI >85. The result from the present study will be useful in aesthetic and reconstruction surgery involving the nose, and also for the physical anthropologist and forensic scientist in the area of ethnic and racial identification.
01 Jul 2015
TL;DR: The arm span length of Bekwara ethnic group indigenes has proven to be an efficient anthropometric body segment parameter that can be employed in the estimation of stature among wheelchair athletes, bed ridden patients or in persons with disabilities involving amputation of the lower limb, or other deformities like scoliosis which does affect the standing ability.
Abstract: Introduction: The research was carried out to obtain the linear regression equation for the estimation of stature using arm span length amongst the Bekwara ethnic group of Cross River State. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 600 subjects (300 males and 300 females), aged 6 to 30 years, the subjects were further grouped into five sub age groups of 6-10, 11- 15, 16-20, 21-25, 26-30 years old. Result: The mean values of arm span length and stature for males of Bekwara ethnic group, irrespective of age group are 169.9±23cm and 158.4±19cm while females recorded 162.3±17cm and 154.0±13cm respectively. The arm span length to stature difference in males of Bekwara ethnic group is 11.5±7.2cm and 8.3±5.6cm in females, but the mean ASD value irrespective of sex was observed to be 9.9±6.6cm. Pearson correlation coefficients of stature and arm span length were recorded for both male and female as 0.977 and 0.959 respectively. Linear regression equation determined for males in Bekwara ethnic group is 25.71+ (0.781 x arm span) with a recorded estimated stature of 158.2cm, while that of females is 31.83+ (0.753x arm span) with stature estimate of 154.0cm. Conclusion: The arm span length of Bekwara ethnic group indigenes has proven to be an efficient anthropometric body segment parameter that can be employed in the estimation of stature among wheelchair athletes, bed ridden patients or in persons with disabilities involving amputation of the lower limb, or other deformities like scoliosis which does affect the standing ability.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted from 2013 to 2014 on Alfisols of the humid forest zone of Nigeria to assess soil characteristics under the different agronomic land use, namely; cocoa plantation, cassava farming, natural fallow land and mixed cropping.
Abstract: Assessment of soil carbon dynamics under different agronomic land use could inform soil management practice intervention. Relatively few studies have examined the effects of different agronomic land use beyond routine soil physico-chemical properties, let alone the effects on soil organic matter and critical soil organic matter (SOMc), a basic index of assessing soil degradation. A study was conducted from 2013to 2014 on Alfisols of the humid forest zone of Nigeria to assess soil characteristics under the different agronomic land use, namely; cocoa plantation, cassava farming, natural fallow land and mixed cropping. The aim was to determine accumulation of soil organic matter, some hydropysico-chemical properties and critical soil organic matter so as to reveal the stability of the soils and prescribe soil management strategies. Coefficient of variability (CV %) of the soil properties explained the influence of the land uses on soil properties. Soil characteristics, except sand and sand fractions; but characteristics such as bulk density, WSA, pH, Na and base saturation were not influenced by different types of agronomic land use. Based on the saturated hydraulic conductivity, the studied soil was categorized in very slow to slow conductivity class. Carbon accumulation in the soil varied among the different plantation types with an increasing order: Cocoa plantation > grassland > mixed cropping field > natural fallow > cassava farming. The SOCC values revealed unstable soil structure in cocoa plantation, grassland and mixed cropping farm land and indicated the risk of soil degradation (SOCC = 5–7 %) while cassava farmland was more prone to degradation as the soil suffer from loss of soil structure and is highly susceptible to erosion (SOCC = < 5 %).
TL;DR: The results revealed histological distortion in experimental animals due to exposure to refuse dump site, which was significantly increased in exposed rats.
Abstract: Background: Wastes are mainly unwanted products from domestic and industrial sources, which increases due to accelerated industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. Open refuse dumping is the predominant form of waste disposal method in Nigeria and presents huge environmental and health challenges. Hence, this study investigated the effects of long-term exposure of rats to refuse dump sites on histological and serum analysis in three organs; kidney, lungs, and spleen. Materials and Methods: Twelve Wistar rats of both sexes were divided into two groups made up of 6 rats in each group. Group A was the controls and group B was the experimental. The experimental rats were exposed to refuse dump fume by keeping them in a research hut built in a refuse dump site for 8 months while the control rats were keep in the Department of Human Anatomy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State. Results: There was loss of the elastic tissue support for bronchioles, alveolar wall and coalescence of adjacent alveoli as compared with the control. Serum urea concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (9.08 ± 1.58) compared with control rats (5.00 ± 0.32). Similarly, serum creatinine concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in exposed rats (106.20 ± 14.94) compared to Control rats (53.67 ± 5.68). All measured serum electrolytes were significantly altered (P < 0.05). Sodium ions (Na+) (90.17 ± 7.68) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3−) (2.33 ± 0.33) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) while potassium ions (K+) (61.83 ± 6.70) and chloride ions (Cl−) (117.2 ± 3.08) were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results revealed histological distortion in experimental animals due to exposure to refuse dump site.
TL;DR: Investigation of the effect of growth regulator, Furolan on the starch and proteins components of three varieties of winter wheat grains, namely Bat’ko, Deya and Krasnodarskaya 99 found protein accumulation prevailed over starch in the grains of the early-ripening varieties while in the late-ripens varieties the reverse was the case.
Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of growth regulator, Furolan on the starch and proteins components of three varieties of winter wheat grains namely Bat’ko, Deya and Krasnodarskaya 99. The carbohydrate complex and general protein contents in the winter wheat were determined by standard methods of analysis. From the results obtained in the study, winter wheat grain of Bat’ko and Deya varieties contained more protein than Krasnodarskaya 99 variety, which meant the early-ripening variety of Bat’ko had less starch than the late-ripening varieties of Deya and Krasnodarskaya 99. Thus, protein accumulation prevailed over starch in the grains of the early-ripening varieties while in the late-ripening varieties the reverse was the case. This could be linked to the. observation made in the study that Furolan promoted more active accumulation of starch in Krasnodarskaya 99 (0.6 and 1.2 ± control for 2004 and 2005 respectively) and Deya (2.8 and 2.2 ± control 2004 and 2005 respectively) varieties while it increased the protein content in Bat’ko variety (2.4 and 1.2 ± control for 2004 and 2005 respectively) by enhancing the expressivity of its genetic system of attraction and net photosynthetic productivity.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the Bader atomic charge for BeH2 was calculated and the Pauling electronegativity for Be, bond length and hydrogen ionic radius were also determined.
Abstract: In this paper, Bader atomic charge for BeH2 was calculated. Pauling electronegativity for Be, bond length and hydrogen ionic radius for BeH2 were also determined. Electron density difference GGA + U and GGA-PBE was plotted. It was observed that GGA + U does not notably charge the charge state of the ions. As expected, the charge difference between the two hydrogen ions was 0.05e (approximately).
TL;DR: A system hardening architecture to guide system administrators towards implementing multi-layers of in-depth protective mechanisms around stored data, on the premise that organisations implementing systemhardening security approaches experience safer access to data, as well as decrease in the number of security breaches.
Abstract: This paper affirms that the total cost of cybercrime to society is significant, and the threat is growing faster than the potential victims can deal with. One of the factors fueling this rapid growth is the confining of the security of a system to a specific security function. The paper therefore, presents a system hardening architecture to guide system administrators towards implementing multi-layers of in-depth protective mechanisms around stored data. System hardening is a defence strategy, where several different security measures are applied at various layers, all of which must be defeated before a module can be compromised. The protective mechanisms in this architecture are applied to the host, application, operating system, user, and the physical layers. This architecture is proposed on the premise that organisations implementing system hardening security approaches experience safer access to data, as well as decrease in the number of security breaches. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.17
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Poultry dropping at the rate of 15 t ha -1 may be used to remediate soil pH and improve fertility for sustainable production of garden egg in the Guinea savanna or the Rainforest agro-ecologies.
Abstract: Sustainable production of crops on tropical soils requires soil amendment to remediate soil acidity status and raise fertility level. Industrial lime and inorganic fertilizers are either not available or too expensive to buy. This study was carried out with the objective of investigating the effects of poultry droppings on soil acidity amelioration and increased fertility for sustained production of garden egg ( Solanum aethiopicum L.).The field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and the Faculty of Agriculture, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra in 2009 and 2010. Two varieties of African garden egg (Gilo and Kumba) and three rates of poultry droppings (5, 10 and 15 t ha -1 ) were in factorial combinations. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results obtained showed that all rates of the manure reduced the soil pH within 30 days after incorporation in both years and locations. At 60 days after application, and up to 140 days after incorporation, all manure rates increased the soil pH in both locations and years. The highest increase occurred with 15 t ha -1 poultry droppings at 140 days after incorporation. With no manure application, there was a steady decrease in pH up to the harvest time. All manure rates significantly (P<0.05) increased the yield of the garden egg varieties over when no manure was used. Poultry droppings at 15 t ha -1 produced the highest fruit yield in both years and locations. The crop yields were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Makurdi than Obubra in both years. Yield for 2010 was significantly higher than 2009 in both locations. Poultry dropping at the rate of 15 t ha -1 may be used to remediate soil pH and improve fertility for sustainable production of garden egg in the Guinea savanna or the Rainforest agro-ecologies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined spiritual and religious connections and complexities in rural communities using the indigenous Annang people of Akwa Ibom state as a case study, and found that 94% of the respondents were aged between 21 and 60 years, 94% had some form of formal schooling, all respondents were Christians, 61.3% being married and 92% earning a maximum of NGN50, 000 monthly, and 52% of respondents had farming as their primary occupation.
Abstract: The study examined spiritual and religious connections and complexities in rural communities using the indigenous Annang people of Akwa Ibom state as a case study. The research made use of primary data from 150 randomly selected respondents and 8 purposively selected key informants, using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data analysis was both descriptive and inferential. Findings indicate that 94% of the respondents were aged between 21 and 60years, 94% had some form of formal schooling, all respondents were Christians, with 61.3% being married and 92% earning a maximum of NGN50, 000 monthly, and 52% of respondents had farming as their primary occupation. Respondents were highly inclined to spirituality with a total mean score of 28.84, and 98.7% of respondents attending religious functions at least once a week, and a further 62.7% relying on fate, miracles and protection from charms and amulets. The multiple regression results showed that there was no significant relationship between selected sociological factors and respondent’s inclination to spirituality, while the T-test analysis statistically proved that there was no difference in the inclination to spirituality between men and women with a -1.21 t-calculated value and 1.96 critical value. The study recommends that education with focus on the enlightenment, re-orientation, and counselling of individuals on the subject matter be effectively initiated to reduce the levels of inclination to spirituality. The study examined spiritual and religious connections and complexities in rural communities using the indigenous Annang people of Akwa Ibom state as a case study. The research made use of primary data from 150 randomly selected respondents and 8 purposively selected key informants, using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data analysis was both descriptive and inferential. Findings indicate that 94% of the respondents were aged between 21 and 60years, 94% had some form of formal schooling, all respondents were Christians, 61.3% being married and 92% earned a maximum of NGN50, 000 monthly. 52% of respondents had farming as their primary occupation. Respondents were highly inclined to spirituality with 98.7% of respondents attending religious functions at least once a week and a further 62.7% relying on fate, miracles and protection from charms and amulets. The multiple regression results showed that there was no significant relationship between selected sociological factors and respondent’s inclination to spirituality, while the T-test analysis showed that there was no difference in the inclination to spirituality between men and women. The study recommends that formal education with focus on the enlightenment, re-orientation, and counselling of individuals be effectively initiated to reduce the levels of inclination to spirituality. This will ensure that local level decision making is objective and based on facts.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors looked at the relationship between print media contents and the public's attitude of appreciating news and concluded that the issue of effective presence of news pictures surfaced because of sharing qualitative level of selective perception that had existed between the news consumers and media publications.
Abstract: This study looked at the relationship between print media contents and the public’s attitude of appreciating news. Accountable facts and records used in this paper were strictly directed to qualifying press pictures as news. In conducting this study, the descriptive research design was used. The result of the hypothesis was tested with 200 readers by using Chi-square statistical calculation. The pictures selected were purposively investigated to establish the influence they possessed. After a thorough analysis, it was concluded that the issue of effective presence of news pictures surfaced because of sharing qualitative level of selective perception that had existed between the news consumers and media publications. It was recommended that irrespective of the medium used to express news worthiness, the chameleonic nomenclature of news pictures should retain neutrality and maintain investigative inkling for this curious news age. 49.7% respondents read news that had pictures in them than those without pictures. A situation, where press picture connected written news, relished aesthetical glamour and cognitive nostalgia, was uncovered. The summarized efforts, disregarded freehandedness and prioritized ethical ideology in the overcrowded print media racketeering. Hence, institutionalized professionalism was strongly advocated. And expediently, dissonance theory interrelated with three selectivity processes was opined to encourage investigative photojournalism as to promote creativity in the journalistic 2 W’s and H.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether the investment method of valuation is reliable and appropriate in the valuation of income producing properties for mortgage purposes, and concluded that the most reliable and applicable method in valuing income-producing properties in Nigeria is the traditional investment method.
Abstract: This study examined whether the investment method of valuation is reliable and appropriate in the valuation of income producing properties for mortgage purposes. A mortgage is a loan which is granted on which landed properties are used as collateral or security for the loan. For mortgages to be granted, the banks will require the services of estate surveyors and valuers to assess the value of the properties used as collateral for the loan. The question that always comes to bear is the method that appropriate in carrying such valuation. To achieve the aim of the study, a survey method was employed using questionnaire administered on respondent estate surveyors and valuers in Calabar metropolis. The study surveyed valuers opinions on the on the reliability of the investment method of valuation when valuing for mortgages and data collected through questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics to find the mean score, standard deviation and percentages. The findings from the study indicate that the investment method of valuation is the most reliable and applicable method in valuing income producing properties for mortgage purposes. The possible problems of the investment method were seen to include absence of data on sales, comparable evidence on rent, dearth of data on yield, lack of data bank etc. The study concluded by recommending the creation of a central property database and publication on quarterly, bi-annually or yearly, adopting/enforcement of international valuation standards, re-training of valuers through workshops or MCPD. The investment method of valuation when fully embraced and adopted by valuers rather than the cost or comparison method, will further help to reduce valuation variance and inaccuracy in Nigerian.