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.

Incremental construction for sustainable low-income

Abstract: This paper focused on the role of the low-income urban dwellers in attempting to solve their ever increasing and complicated housing problem which is a bye product of the enabling concept. Hence, this study was carried out with the main aim of determining the housing type and construction method suitable for the low-income urban dwellers in Bayelsa State Nigeria. This will help to reduce the growth of urban sprawl in the city and reduce the housing deficit for the urban poor. The study employed mixed method approach of qualitative and quantitative with the former taken most of the study. Data were collected by in-depth interview, observation, and questionnaire administration using data presentation instruments (sketches and photographs) to enhance the data presentation. Content analysis was used to analysis the qualitative data, while the quantitative data collected was analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that the housing type suitable for the low-income is the non-conventional indigenous housing and development method of incremental housing construction. The recommendations included the adoption of incremental housing construction option, use of local construction methods, improved housing financing, provision of basic services and land availability by government.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.19.2.17349

Analysis of Starch from Non-Edible Root and Tubers as Sources of Raw Materials for the Synthesis of Biodegradable Starch Plastics

Abstract: The study investigated the physicochemical properties of starches from Caladium bicolor (wild cocoyam), Icacina trichantha (false yam), dioscorea villosa (wild sweet yam) and oyster mushroom. Amylose/amylopectin ratio, gel characteristics, hygroscopicity among other properties were examined. The study revealed that wild yam, sweet yam, false yam and oyster mushroom have total starch content of 86.6%, 82.8%, 58.4& and 49.3% respectively. False yam and oyster mushroom had high percentages of amylose (40.2 and 56.7%) while wild cocoyam and sweet yam had high amylopectin content (88.9% and 84.6%) respectively. The functional properties of the starch samples compared favourably with starches from edible sources. This study revealed that starches from non-edible sources like wild cocoyam, false yam, mushroom and sweet yam can be used in the synthesis of bioplastics with improved quality. This will reduce the amount of plastics littered in landfills and will also replace the use of edible starches in non-food purposes enabling edible starches to be available for human consumption and other food/medical applications.

Campaign against jungle justice in cross river state: a social and behavioural change communication (sbcc)

Abstract: The trend of jungle justice in Cross River State is a worrisome development. Jungle or mob justice is a global phenomenon which involves the lynching of people that are culpable in criminal activities in the society irrespective of the magnitude of the offence. Whether small or big, if caught by angry mob, be sure that you will be burnt. It is presumed that, most times even with the presence of law enforcement agents, people still take laws into their hands not minding the devastating consequences that may arise thereafter. The study adopted Social and Behavioral Change Communication strategy in order to find remediation to the problem. The paper concluded that jungle justice is on a high increase in Cross River State, which calls for prompt communication intervention, advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns to arrest the situation, especially in Calabar where the scourge is prevalent. The paper recommends that laws should be advocated that will discourage jungle justice, SBCC approach should be used in canvassing, mobilizing, sensitizing the public to have a second thought on jungle justice trend which have become a global trend especially in Third World countries such as Nigeria.

Effects of regular administration of red wine on testicular profile and body weight in adult male experimental mode

Abstract: Background: The present study determined whether or not the regular intake of red wine causes any significant changes in testicular and body weight parameters, given the simmering controversy over the effect of alcoholic beverages on health system. Methods: Ten male albino Wistar rats –experimental model with average body weight of 140 g were divided into two groups, A and B, (n=5 each). Group A received distilled water being the control while group B was administered a single daily dose of 5 ml/kg body weight of red wine (Carlo Rossi) for 21 days. An electronic weighing scale (G&G® Neuss, Germany) was used to take record of the initial and final body weights. The animals were anesthetized with isoflurane on the 22nd day to enable collection of the testes which were also weighed and thereafter fixed in 10% neutral formalin for routine histological studies. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used with the ‘R’ software to analyze the statistical data, while P<0.05 was taken as the significant value. Results: The micro-anatomical investigation revealed enhanced perfusion of the tissue and normal morphology of the seminiferous tubules with constituent spermatogenic cells at different stages of maturation. The biometric assessment of the organ (testis) weight showed no significant difference; whereas there was a statistically significant increase in the final body weight of the treated-experimental model when compared with the control. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the intake of red wine at the investigated amount may maintain the integrity of the primary reproductive structure and lead to body weight gain in males.