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.

Geoelectrical Resistivity and Geological Characterization of Hydrostructures for Groundwater Resource Appraisal in the Obudu Plateau, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract: Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and vertical electrical sounding (VES) techniques were employed to assess the hydrogeological structures and groundwater potential of the Obudu Basement Complex. The Wenner electrode configuration was used to acquire the ERT data along 4 profiles, while the Schlumberger configuration was employed in the VES investigation, where 30 locations were occupied during the data acquisition campaign. Results show that rock distribution is predominantly the granite gneiss series that are considerably weathered in several locations especially within the western portion of the study area. Three potential hydrogeological scenarios were identified from three of the ERT profiles. These include the regolith-, doleritic- and kaolin-induced groundwater conduits. Within the central segment of the study area, transtensional stress regimes traceable to the neo-Proterozoic syn-orogenic event were observed to have resulted in the establishment of some regional fault systems. Over time, several episodes of minor tectonic events have resulted in cataclastic deformation of the gneissic rocks, creating pathways for groundwater circulation. Additionally, it was observed that dolerite intrusion in some locations cataclastically deformed the host rock resulting in syn-emplacement fractures that can create pathways for groundwater to flow. Saprolite units and locations within major fault lines were inferred to have moderate to good groundwater potential due to their large width and the presence of multiple interconnected fractures as inferred from the pseudo-sections and lineament map. More so, streams and rivers within these areas can infiltrate through the pathways created by the faults, hence increasing groundwater circulation within the conduits.

Effects of Maternal Dexamethasone Exposure During Lactation on Metabolic Imbalance and Oxidative Stress in the Liver of Male Offsprings of Wistar Rats.

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.

Factors Affecting the Shortage and or Provision of Sustainable Affordable Housing in Developing Countries - A Case-Study of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract: The problem of shelter in Cross River State, Nigeria is the shortage of affordable housing especially for the urban poor. This housing shortage exposes the citizens to live in inadequate housing conditions. This study presents evidence of the factors affecting the shortage and or provision of sustainable affordable housing in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study provides evidence from a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Primary data was collected from semi-structured interviews and unobtrusive observations. This data was then analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and simple percentages). The findings of this study reveal that, many interviewees identified rural-urban migration 98% (n=48), and lack of planning, maintenance and management 90% (n=45) as the main factors leading to the shortage of affordable housing. Similarly, the interviewees identified the poor implementation of government housing policies 84% (n=42), difficulty in purchasing land 94% (n=47), the high cost of building materials 96% (n=48), and lack of finance and access to credit facilities 80% (n=40), as significant problems facing sustainable affordable housing provision. The research provides recommendations that affordable housing shortage and or provision can be minimised and enhanced by encouraging building developments that are flexible and smart with minimal usage of non-renewable energy, availability of housing for the target population and a switch to a more sustainable way of planning, design, construction and maintenance of buildings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.22.1.20573

Profile distribution of sesquioxides in the inland valley soils of central cross river state, nigeria.

Abstract: The morphological properties (colour, structure, texture, consistence, miscellaneous features and horizon boundary conditions) of inland valley soils in central Cross River State were described. The soils were sampled from pedogenic horizons and analyzed for physico-chemical properties. They were specially analyzed for pedogenic forms of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), namely, acid (pH 3) oxalate extractible and citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite (CBD) extractable forms The soils were deep, gleyed/mottled acid loams and clays, with low ( 3%) orgaic matter contents. The contents of CBD extractible Fe (FeD) in the surface horizons of soils range from 6255.00 mg kg-1 to 8131 mg kg-1 with a mean of 7100.0 mg kg-1 while the subsoil horizon values range from 5421.0 mg kg-1 to 8131 mg kg-1 with a mean of 6500 mg kg-1. Amorphous iron (Feox) in the surface soil ranged between 959.0 mg kg-1 and 5838 mg kg-1 with a mean of 4000.00 mg kg-1; and the subsoil horizon values ranged from 1084 mg kg-1 to 5838.0 mg kg-1 with a mean of 3500 mg kg-1. Active iron ratio of the surface horizons was in the range of 0.15 and 0.85 with a mean of 0.55. The extractable manganese oxides for the surface horizons ranged between 83.3 mg kg-1 and 550.0 mg kg-1 with a mean of 250.0 mg kg-1 while the subsoil values ranged from 25.0 mg kg-1 to 3392.7 mg kg-1 with a mean of 570.0 mg kg-1. The surface amorphous manganese oxide values ranged from 41.70 mg kg-1 to 325.0 mg kg-1 with a mean of 261.0 mg kg-1. The subsoil results ranged between 20.8 mg kg-1 and 1583.3 mg kg-1 to give a mean of 378.0 mg kg-1. With these concentrations of manganese and iron oxides in these soils, supplemental phosphorus especially after liming during cultivation is recommended for optimum crop yield. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol.4 2003: 41-49