Cross River University of Technology

About: Cross River University of Technology is a education organization based out in Calabar, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Exergy. The organization has 465 authors who have published 507 publications receiving 2705 citations.

Dynamics of the limnological features and diversity of zooplankton populations of the Cross River System SE Nigeria.

Abstract: Physico-chemical factors and zooplankton diversity were investigated over a two year period in three regions along the 200 km length of Cross River. The objective of the study was to quantify the relative importance of local environmental conditions and diversity of the principal zooplankton species within sampling sites. Mean conductivity, TDS and chlorides were highest upriver with values 289 ± 198 µs·cm –1 , 322.9 ± 101 mg·L –1 , and 105.8 ± 77.3 mg·L –1 and lowest downriver with 123.5 ± 78.9 mg·L –1 , 45.8 ± 23.7 mg·L –1 and 109 ± 89 µs·cm –1 respectively. Values of wet season water conductivity (406 ± 178 µs·cm –1 ), TDS (420.4 ± 267 mg·L –1 ), alkalinity (289.9 ± 34.7), total hardness (205.8 ± 37 mg·L –1 ), BOD (1.7 ± 0.2), chlorides (205.8 ± 37) and ammonium ions (0.2 ± 0.1 mg·L –1 ) were significantly higher than dry season values of 156 ± 78.5 µs·cm –1 , 0.2 ± 0.1, 123.8 ± 15, 101.4 ± 87.9, 0.2 ± 0.1, 78.1 ± 34.8 and 0.1 ± 0.1 mg·L –1 respectively. Out of twenty seven (27) zooplankton species identified Cladocerans ( Ceriodaphnia, Evadne, Alona sp.) and Decapods ( Lucifer , Penaeid nauphlius, and Hermit crab larva) were the most diverse taxonomic group, while Tintinnopsis was the only Ciliate. Rainfall value was positively correlated with hydrological characteristics (size of river, flow velocity, water level, and transparency), which in turn determined values of physico-chemical properties and explained the observed seasonal and spatial changes in zooplankton diversity. Though water quality parameters were within the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Economic Community (EEC) for good water, the changes in hydrological features of Cross River could be suspected to provide highly unstable aquatic habitat that could subsequently affect the stability of zooplankton and other aquatic organisms.

Lymphatic filariasis among the Yakurr people of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract: Background: In order to initiate a disease elimination programme for lymphatic filariasis based on mass drug administration, a proper understanding of the geographical distribution and degree of risk is essential. Methods: An investigation of lymphatic filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti was carried out among 785 people in four communities of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria between March and August, 2009. Finger prick blood smear samples collected from the subjects were examined for W. bancrofti using standard parasitological protocol. The subjects were also screened for clinical manifestations of lymphatic filariasis. Results: Of the 785 persons examined, 48 (6.1%) were positive for microfilariae in their thick blood smear. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis among the various age groups (P 0.05). The overall mean microfilarial density of the infected individuals was 5.6mf/50 μl. There was a significant variation (P<0.01) in mean microfilarial density within the communities, ranging from 4.7 to 6.4 mf/50 μl. The only clinical sign found in the study area was lymphoedema of the leg recording 2 (0.3%) prevalence. Conclusions: The National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme should intervene by expanding the distribution of albendazole and ivermectin to all endemic areas including Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.

Application of multilinear regression analysis in modeling of soil properties for geotechnical civil engineering works in Calabar South

Abstract: The application of Multi-Linear Regression Analysis (MLRA) model for predicting soil properties in Calabar South offers a technical guide and solution in foundation designs problems in the area. Forty-five soil samples were collected from fifteen different boreholes at a different depth and 270 tests were carried out for CBR, MC, SG, LL, PL test and GS with mechanical sieve analysis of sizes, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 μ, 425 μ, 300μ, 212μ, 150μ, and 75μ. This study uses Multi Linear Regression Analysis to formulate a model that relates CBR to other soil parameters. The Multi Linear Regression Analysis was done using the Data Analysis tool of Microsoft Excel, which gave a good coefficient of correlation R 2 , 0.9454 implying that the model can be used to predict CBR at 50.9 % and with ±3.4% error. This conclusion is drawn since the value of R 2 increases with increase in numbers of variables. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i4.10

Predicting the Compressive Strength of Obudu Earth Blocks Stabilized with Cement Kiln Dust

Abstract: The study investigates the effect of Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) on the Compressive Strength of Obudu Earth Blocks. The soil used for the blocks was classified as A -7-6 (0) or CH. CKD content of up to 20% by weight of the dry soil was used to evaluate the Compressive strength of the blocks at 12%, 16% and ,20% water content by dry weight of the CKD-Soil matrix. 150 mm x 150 mm stabilized cubes moulded at various CKD and water content were cured and crushed at 7, 14, and 28 days. The study found that the compressive strength of CKD-soil block was about twice and half higher than that of the unstabilized block, and exceeded the minimum strength of 2.0 N/mm 2 recommended by “ASTMD1633-00” or 2.8 N/mm 2 of “BS 6073”. The Compressive strength of the earth blocks generally increased with increase in CKD content and curing period. The curing condition was also found to affect the strength of CKD-earth blocks, and 35% reduction in strength was observed with direct sun light curing. Scheffe’s optimization models were used to predict the compressive strengths of the CKD-soil blocks at varying proportions of CKD. It was concluded that CKD can be used as a good stabilizing agent for the Obudu earth blocks.