Water is an important natural resource and is required in our daily life. The proposed system aims to design a wireless acquisition system which is the basic building block of the water quality monitoring system. This explains the work carried out to design the embedded wireless monitoring system that can measure the turbidity, temperature and pH of the water remotely. The system is built using the Arduino microcontroller. The system consists of two sections, namely, Transmitter section, that collects the temperature, pH and turbidity readings from remote place and the Receiver section, that collects transmitted readings using the GSM wireless communication protocol. The results are classified into three classes using the different Temperature, pH and Turbidity levels to get a water quality index. The results are displayed on the LCD as well as on mobile over different time periods.
Page(s): 01-03 Date of Publication: 13 April 2019
Download PDF
In this project we have studied the importance of solar energy and converted the solar energy to electrical energy in order to drive our project, We also studied the working of wireless transmission and reception with the help of HC-12 wireless module, and studied the working of 8051 microcontroller with solar panel,battery,7805 voltage regulator, push buttons,hc-12 module, mosfetswitch, motors and L293D motor driver. Thus this make our project eco friendly, less time consuming and less human efforts.
Page(s): 04-06 Date of Publication: 13 April 2019
Download PDF
Population of the world is increasing day by day and the environment should be kept clean. Garbage overflow creates unhygienic environment and it creates bad smell. This will lead to illness and deadly diseases. To avoid such situations, it is required to implement a system that monitors and depart the garbage. This project purposes self navigated dustbins provided with sensors interfaced with PIC16F887 microcontroller for smart cities. Ultrasonic sensor is placed in the dustbin to monitor the garbage level and IR sensor are used to detect the obstacles while automatically navigating. When the level of the waste in the dustbin reaches the threshold limit, messages are sent to the concerned authority through GSM and also the dustbin will navigate automatically to certain distance and dispatch the wastes and it will come back to its position. This system not only saves time but also the man power.
Page(s): 07-11 Date of Publication: 16 April 2019
Download PDF
In educational institutions, it is quite difficult to issue the components to the students in laboratories during the rush time period. In order to overcome this scenario, the Smart Component Vending System is developed. Adjustable gripper that can perform faster, easier pick and place operation for the objects have been developed for the purpose of vending components, similar operation is performed in this Smart Component Vending System by replacing adjustable gripper with an electromagnetic lift to pick and place the component boxes. The purpose is to supply the components to the user as per the demand. Smart Component Vending System is implemented using Arduino MEGA 2560. The overall system is programmed using Arduino. IR sensor is used to detect the presence of the component box on the user desk. Geared DC motor is used to move Z-axis and 2 stepper motors are used to move X and Y axis in a required direction. In order to access each component box from the component grid, the addresses are defined by setting the coordinates of XYZ axis. As per the user input, XYZ linear motion is achieved and pick and place operation is performed.
Page(s): 12-17 Date of Publication: 16 April 2019
Download PDF
In the present era of information and communication technology wherein knowledge is increasing exponentially. At the same time learning is fundamental for the development of mankind. Which can be achieved and enhanced with the assistance of new advancements? These (technologies) increase possibilities for learning throughout life, improve access, and spread the process of knowledge creation. Although it is difficult to keep up the pace with this drastically changing phenomenon. With the result information is not being used properly for solving the problems. Thus proper strategies should be incorporated which can help users to improve the abilities for problem solving. The present study is an attempt to provide an insight into the awareness level of respondents, purpose of using information resources and problems they are facing while making use of sources. Results will be useful for indicating the importance of learning in the society (users, education) to develop capabilities, thinking skills to solve problems according to the best of their knowledge.
Page(s): 18-23 Date of Publication: 16 April 2019
Download PDF
The Main Purpose of This Study Was To Investigate The Relationship Between School Based Physical Exercise And Academic Performance: Need For Medical And Counselling Implication In Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria. To Achieve The Purpose, Two Null Hypotheses Were Generated To Direct The Study. Literature Review Was Done According To The Variables Under Study. Survey Research Design Was Adopted And A Sample Of Two Hundred (200) Students, Were Randomly Selected For The Study. The Questionnaire Was The Main Instrument Used For Data Collection. The Reliability Estimate Of The Instrument Was Established Through A Test-Retest Method. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis Was Used To Analyse The Variables Under Study At 0.05 Level Of Significance. The Result Of The Analysis Revealed That Students’ Attitudes Towards Physical Exercise And Participation In Morning Physical Exercise Significantly Relate To Academic Performance. Based On The Findings It Was Recommended That Students Should Develop Positive Attitude Towards Physical Education And Exercise To Enhance Their Physical, Cognitive And Improve Academic Performance.
Page(s): 24-29 Date of Publication: 17 April 2019
Download PDF
Hardy has been called both a misogynist and radical exponent of women’s freedom and rights. Victorian England had three sections of opinion on woman question (1) conservative patriarchal opinion, which had sexual double standards (2) Liberal Feminist group which agitated for equal rights but later upheld that woman’s true destiny lies in fulfilling the role of wife and mother. It called marriage woman’s highest vocation (3) Mona Caird’s Radical Feminist group. Hardy supported it. 1860’s witnessed the emergence of the so called ‘New Woman’, educated individualistic but still unfulfilled owing to subservience to men. Hardy did not present either metropolitan fashionable women or university educated campaigners, yet they emerge as determined and sophisticated. Hardy presents Susan as an archetypal sufferer. Bathsheba exuding independence, Eustacia as a rebel against cribbed existence. Tess as an interrogative to the conventional idea of chastity, Sue Bridehead as a representative New Woman. Who has awareness of herself raising the question of Woman’s right over her body and senses? He pleads through Fancy Day that women should be educated seriously to develop intellectual and moral qualities. It is a fact Hardy could not openly offend the dominant trend but in a very sophisticated way, he had tried to present an unconventional woman. He is sympathetic towards woman’s spirit of revolt. He felt that aim of marriage is not only sexual gratification or increase of population, but also the happiness of the individual. If marriage does not bring mutual joy, it becomes a social noose and so parting must be sought. Purity is of mind and not of body. A society built on cash nexus and women as commodity cannot give weight to humane qualities. The principle of equality should be the ordinary principle without conceding power or neither privilege on one side nor disability on the other. An attitude of tenderness is of much importance in human relationship than biological lineage.
Page(s): 30-41 Date of Publication: 17 April 2019
Download PDF
The study assessed students’ perception of impact on climate change in their environment and academic programmes. All students of MAUTECH for 2011/2012 session constituted population of the study. Using simple random technique, a total of 150 students were randomly selected, 150 questionnaires were administered out of which 140 were correctly filled and returned. The data collected was analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential statistics through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS Version 20). Simple percentages and chi-square analysis were used in analyzing the data. All the respondents were students, 52.1% are within 15 – 25 years of age category, followed by 28.6% between 26 – 35 years, then 16.4%, 36 – 45 years and finally 46 – 55 age 2.9% had the least proportion and most of the respondents are undergraduates. Most of the respondent were single (75.7%) while married respondent were 23.6%. deforestation, natural viability, agricultural and industrial activities are factors that causes climate change as the results obtained from chi-square analysis (X2 = 20.800) was significant at 5%, thus null hypothesis was rejected as the result obtained from chi-square analysis (X2 = 136.029, 48.029,146.743 and 89.500) was significant at 5%. Thus null hypothesis was rejected, i.e. climate change brings about increase in temperature, flooding, increase dry spell. Also the result obtained from chi-square analysis (X2 = 58.686) was significant at 5%, thus null hypothesis was rejected. Therefore, it can be inferred that climate change has effect on reading, lectures and examination.
Page(s): 42-44 Date of Publication: 17 April 2019
Download PDF
The study examined the effect of board remuneration and diversity on financial performance of quoted banks in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain whether board remuneration and diversity (board gender, board ethnicity, board nationality and board composition) have any effect on financial performance. Financial performance was measured using profit after tax (PAT) and share price (SP). A sample of fifteen (15) quoted banks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) from 2009 to 2017 covers the population of the study. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, variable redundancy test and regression analysis. The findings revealed that board remuneration, board gender diversity, board ethnic diversity and board composition have significant positive effect on financial performance while board nationality diversity had a negative effect on financial performance. On the basis of this, the study recommends that board members should be adequately remunerated as this can play a vital role in reducing conflict of interest between board members and shareholders in the banks. The study also recommends that listed banks should focus on the attributes of female directors among board members, and that listed banks should ensure that board members in an organization are not be dominated by a single ethnic group.
Page(s): 45-54 Date of Publication: 17 April 2019
Download PDF
This study investigates the relationship between population growth and real output in Nigeria. The study uses annual population and real GDP log transformed time series data from 1960 to 2015 and employs Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron unit root tests, Pearson Moment correlation coefficient, OLS, Engle-Granger and Phillips-Ouliaris residual based cointegration tests, as well as pair-wise Granger causality test. Our results revealed that the variables under study are integrated of order one. The study found positive and significant correlation between population growth and real GDP. Population growth is also found as having positive and significant impact on real output. However, the study found no statistical evidence in support of the existence of long-run stable relationship between population growth and real GDP in Nigeria. Also, our results found no statistical evidence of the causal relationship between population growth and real GDP in Nigeria. We therefore conclude that, although population growth has significant impact on real output in Nigeria, it does not in any way Granger causes real output (real GDP) and vice versa. This result seems to be reasonable because some countries have experienced higher output and economic development even with a smaller population while others like Nigeria experienced lower output and economic growth even with a larger population.
Page(s): 55-61 Date of Publication: 17 April 2019
Download PDF
Employees need to cope with rapid changes taking place in the business environment and in order to survive in the market they need to be more creative in order to drive innovation for the development of an organisation. For organisation success, employees need to be more motivated and committed and also need to increase customer loyalty to give a better service as well as retain the customers. Organisations not only deal with materials but also deal with people. In context to this, EI is what gives a person the competitive edge. Where everyone is trained to be smart, the most productive employees are those who have strong traits of EI. In this rapid changing workplace, high IQ may assure a top position but it may not make you a top person. That means, it does not mean that how smart or what academic qualifications or even what expertise instead it measures how well you are capable to handle yourself as well as others at the time of tough situation. EI plays a vital role in the organisation development. As business becomes more complex with globalisation, the value of emotional intelligent leaders is gaining ground. EI is the ability to manage one’s feelings interacts effectively with others. As per Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence is nothing but emotions that guide everything we do. So we can say EI is a strong predictor of success in work and life. EI is an ability to perceive, control and evaluate one’s emotions. This paper mainly highlights the impact of EI on organisational effectiveness.
Page(s): 62-66 Date of Publication: 17 April 2019
Download PDF
This study investigated physical and combustion properties of briquettes produced from Boscia augustifolia and starch. The starch powder employed as a binder was derived from processed cassava tuber. Physical parameters assessed in the study were: moisture content and density while combustion properties include: ash content, percentage fixed carbon, percentage volatile matter, and heating value. The results obtained from the assessment of the physical properties of briquettes produced from 2:1 of sawdust and starch showed the lowest mean moisture content of 27.95 % while solid wood recorded the highest density of 0.58 g/cm3. For the combustion properties, it was observed that admixture of 2:1 of sawdust and starch produced briquette with the lowest ash content of 0.48%. The results also revealed that briquette produced from 2:1 sawdust and starch had the highest mean value percentage fixed carbon, 2:1 of sawdust and starch produced briquette with the highest heating value of 13032.14 Kcal/kg and relatively high volatile matter of 86.30 %. Based on the results obtained from this study, it is recommended that briquette should be produced from sawdust of Boscia augustifolia and starch mixed together at varying proportion for improved combustion properties due to its low moisture content, low ash content, high heating value and high percentage fixing carbon.
Page(s): 67-73 Date of Publication: 17 April 2019
Download PDF
Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are important components of fuel cells in which either hydrogen or methanol are used as fuels. In this paper we propose to use methanol as fuel to realize micro direct methanol fuel cells (µDMFC). The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of µ-DMFC consists of a micro-porous layer which regulates the flow of methanol to the catalyst at the anode, a high efficiency catalyst layer for the generation of protons (H+) from methanol, a high conductance membrane layer for the transfer of protons and a high efficiency catalyst at the cathode for the conversion of oxygen and H+ into water. Simulation results indicate that the cell voltage decreases with increase in membrane thickness from 50 µm to 200 µm.
Page(s): 74-77 Date of Publication: 18 April 2019
Download PDF
The air quality near dumping sites is generally very poor and may be harmful to scavengers, waste handlers and to the people living in that vicinity through contact with, and inhalation of bioaerosls released by bacteria during the process of microbial waste decomposition. Hence, the bacteriological assessment of two dumpsites in the City of Akure, Igbatoro and Oke-Aro dumpsites was carried out by exposing the Petri dishes containing Nutrient Agar (NA) and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar (EMB) to the air at variable distances (i.e. 0m which is the dumpsite, 50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 250m and 300m (which is the nearest residential area) at different time intervals (5mins, 15mins and 25mins) in replicates during the dry and rainy seasons. This assessment was done in order to isolate and identify possible pathogenic bacteria, to determine the effect of time of exposure and distance on the bacterial colony count around the two dumpsites during the dry and rainy seasons, and the effect of seasonal variation on the types and population of bacteria found around the two dumpsites. It was observed that Seven different bacteria genera were isolated, namely Pseudomonas, Serratia, Escherichia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Klebsiella and Bacillus.Staphylococcus aureus (31.75%) had the highest frequency of occurrence in Igbatoro dumpsite during the dry season, with Serratia sp(3.17%) having the least occurrence. The bacterial colony count showed that the colony count decreased with increasing distance away from the dumpsites with the highest count observed at 25mins. From this study, it is obvious that time and distance influenced the level of exposure to the bacteria found around the dumpsites i.e. the highest number of colonies were recorded at 25 minutes, whereas the lowest colonies were recorded at the longest distance away from the dumpsites. Upon completion of this study, it is therefore recommended that dumpsites should be sited very far away from residential areas.
Page(s): 78-83 Date of Publication: 19 April 2019
Download PDF
For elderly people, there is a need to design appropriate product and medication is one of the important component related to them. Management of medication is very important for acute illness and long term conditions. In Aged people, due to physical and mental function decline, they need to take number of drugs. In such scenario, management of complex medication is required for avoiding before it seriously affects health. Forget to take prescribed medicine is one of the problem, so there are several products designed for solving problem, such as electronic medication reminder device, smart phone reminder applications and many more. However, it is not possible for all elderly people to make use of smart phone. This paper proposes a system that will help not only elderly people for medication reminder but also person who is suffering from Alzheimer disease. Proposed system is combination of Smart watch and pillbox which will help user to manage complex medication regimes. Patients need not remember their medicine dosage timings as they can set an alarm on their medicine dosage timings. A led is placed in pillbox which blinks at particular time to take medicine. The alarm can be set for multiple medicines including time and medicine description.
Page(s): 84-86 Date of Publication: 19 April 2019
Download PDF
The study was carried out to assess the soil around Dr. Abubakar Sola Saraki memorial abattoir, Akerebiata, Ilorin. The physicochemical properties of soil found in the study area were assessed for pH, Electrical Conductivity, Available phosphate, Calcium, Exchangeable base, Organic matter content, Organic Carbon and TVC. pH and EC were found to be within the WHO permissible standard (6-9) except MSS3 whose pH is 9.6, this indicates alkalinity of soil, this could be as a result of cumulative deposition of animal bones and feed which are rich in calcium and carbonate-rich materials like soaps used in washing in the abattoir which are later absorbed by the soil. While the Available phosphate (7.94,8.02 and 8.7) were above WHO standard (0-5 ppm), which could be as a result of the uncontrolled deposition of animal dungs in the soil. Calcium range from 5.35348 to 5.75828, all figures are within the WHO set standard.
Page(s): 87-92 Date of Publication: 19 April 2019
Download PDF
With the exposure to World Wide Web and emergence of social networks, ecommerce applications and many organizations all over the world produces enormous amount of data. Security of data is the main aspect in today’s computerized world it is important to provide the necessary protection to the information being exchanged over the internet from the intruders. As number of internet users is increasing day by day the number of cyber attacks is also increasing. It is a critical issue to provide security to our computers and networks. Cryptography provides security to data and information on network. In this paper we developed a technique which will help to enhance the data security.
Page(s): 93-99 Date of Publication: 19 April 2019
Download PDF
Students are core objects in any school systems activities. This paper depicted to find out students learning performances vested into teacher’s procedures and approaches for lesson preparation, introduction, delivering and reinforcement using ICT mediated as teaching and learning tools with assumptions classrooms are subsystem intended to reach best outcomes. Social Cultural theory (SCT) depicted into system activity theory (SAT) (Vygotsky, 1978; Engeström, 1987) guided the study. Pragmatism paradigm insisting in viewing, analyzing and expressing findings of phenomenon in multi-views expressively into mixed descriptive exploratory design. Mixed techniques were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data; peer quasi experiment observation was conducted whereby selected teachers exposed the same group of students in classroom activities using traditional and technology mediated teaching and learning approaches. Kibaha district, Pwani region, Tanzania was the study area. Data collection tools administered was four ranked Likert scale questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The sample involved 6 classroom teachers non-probability purposively selected from 3 government secondary schools; also, simple randomly selection was administered to obtain 50 cases of peer-observers and 10 interviewed teachers. The inter-item reliability in questionnaire hold Cronbach’s alpha of 0.713. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS and thematic content. The findings endure to show importance of technology in changing students’ learning activities.
Page(s): 100-106 Date of Publication: 20 April 2019
Download PDF
Miniature permanent magnet (PM) brushless motors used in Industrial power tool application require high torque and efficiency. Further, the size constraints imposed by the hand-held tool requires the use of high torque density motor. Therefore, by utilizing the stator slot area to achieve the required number of amperes turns is important while considering the low-cost motor solution. Existing single-piece stator lamination design has poor conductor fill factor in the slots due to manual insertion of the coils in the narrow slot opening. Hence to solve the poor slot fill factor (SFF) and to simplify the winding process, the stator lamination is split into two-parts and the pre-wound coils are placed outwards in the open slots. This results in increased SFF and result into 22% improvement on motor regulation. The FEA based the simulation is carried out and simulated motor performance is validated with experimental results. In addition, the challenges during the prototype motor build is discussed.
Page(s): 107-110 Date of Publication: 20 April 2019
Download PDF
It is a general perception that the interior permanent magnet machines will have different values of inductances along d-axis and q-axis and hence they are salient pole machines. Though it is true in most of the cases, some interior permanent magnet machines may turn out to be non-salient pole machines. Hence an accurate modeling of magnetic equivalent circuit is very much required in order to estimate the inductance values along d-axis and q-axis. A hybrid excitation machine with an interior configuration of permanent magnets and field winding is proposed in the literature. Though it appears to be a salient pole machine from rotor configuration view point, the actual analytical inductance analysis on this machine proves that it is a non-salient pole machine. A simpler analytical approach is carried out through approximate linear magnetic equivalent circuit. The analytical analysis is validated with analysis carried out through FEM software.
Page(s): 111-116 Date of Publication: 20 April 2019
Download PDF
The critical parameter to be considered in designing of integrated chips for smart handheld devices the power utilization in order to extend the battery lifetime so that device can be used for longer period. Due to the exponential growth in the development of wireless technology and in electronic devices- such as smart phones, smart TV etc- Digital signal processing applications have found to be used in these kinds of environments. But since DSP processing uses much complex algorithm for some applications, processing of it consumes more power. Hence low power consumption techniques are required for designing the DSP applications in Very large scale integrated circuits (VLSI). There are different techniques which are developed for reducing the power consumption, but have less effect in dynamic power consumption which governs the total power dissipation. This paper aims in designing a low power multiplier by making use of spurious power suppression technique (SPST). In this method, the arithmetic unit is separated into most significant part and least significant part, such that the MSP is switched off when it doesn’t affect the computation results, thereby reducing the dynamic power so that overall total power consumption of VLSI combinational circuit will be reduced. Also one more technique that is used in the proposed system that takes advantage of one of the characteristics is the Canonical signed digit recoding technique. The proposed system is designed in Cadence software and the results obtained for 32 bit SPST adder shows significant reduction of 35.8% in power consumption and overall power consumption of proposed system is 0.561mW. Further the proposed system was used in power and area efficient 256 point FFT architecture, the results obtained showed reduction of 86.6% in power consumption. This project can be implemented for real time application such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems.
Page(s): 117-122 Date of Publication: 24 April 2019
Download PDF
This study is aimed at investigating the effect of combined extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum and Baphia nitida on some lipid profile indices in male wistar Albino rats. Seventy (70) Male Wistar rats were divided into seven (7) groups with ten (10) rats per group. Group 1(control) were fed normal feed and water, Group 2 were treated with 200mg/kg S.jollyanum ,Group 3 were treated with 200mg/kg B.nitida, Group 4 were treated with 200mg/kg S.Jollyanum+B.nitida, Group 5 were treated with 400mg/kg S.jollyanum +B.nitida, Group 6 were treated with 400mg/kg S.jollyanum and Group 7 were treated with 400mg/kg B.nitida via orogastric feeding for 12 weeks. The result was analyzed using One way ANOVA, followed by post hoc multiple comparisons and level of significant set at p > 0.05. Randox reagent diagnostic kit was used to perform the test. The results of the investigation revealed that there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the serum cholesterol concentrations between the control rats and the rats treated with different concentrations of Sphenocentrum jollyanum and Baphia natida compared to the control. However, the rats treated with 200 and 400mg/kg bw of diherbal mixture of Sphenocentrum jollyanum and Baphia natida, although the mean differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no significant difference (p>0.05) in the serum levels of triglyceride in the extract fed rats when compared with the control. Though elevated levels were recorded in groups fed with 200 and 400mg/kg b.w of diherbal mixture of S. jollyanum and B. Natida although the mean differences were not significant (p>0.05). The HDL result showed that there were significant difference (p>0.05) in the serum HDL concentrations between the control rats and the rats treated with 200 and 400mg/kg of diherbal mixture of Sphenocentrum jollyanum + Baphia natida compared to the control rats. The change in cholesterol levels may suggest possible effect of high dose and prolonged administration of the extracts which might lead to heart disease.
Page(s): 123-127 Date of Publication: 24 April 2019
Download PDF
The impact of landscape fragmentation and exotic species introduction to the Ikogosi environs was assessed through the rate of deforestation, habitat degradation and displacement of indigenous species in the community. The study aims to enquire the state of biodiversity condition and alien species introduction. In all, 264 copies of questionnaire were successfully retrieved from the respondents and were subjected to statistical analysis. Furthermore, geospatial technique was employed to evaluate the modification done to the forested area in the study area. The 30 meter Landsat image of TM 1991, ETH+ 2002 and OLI 2015 were digitally processed using ArcMap 10.3 while Fragstat 4.0 was employed to complete the fragmentation analysis for the study. The findings revealed that the Number of Patches (NP) increased by 257, 268 and 281 while Shannon Diversity Index (SHIDI) correspondingly decreased by 0.54, 0.47 and 0.21 for species diversity in the year 1991, 2002 and 2015 respectively; indigenous respondents (70.1%) affirmed the extinction of biodiversity. In addition, respondent listed a host of plants and animals that had gone extinct, and these include: antelope, bat, monkey, squirrel, cassia and waterleaf. Respondents (76.1%) affirmed that exotic flowers have replaced indigenous species. The study concluded that anthropogenic activities had bastardized the natural ecosystem, increased deforestation and degrade the forest resources; hence, triggered wildlife disturbance. The study recommends ecotourism and restriction of human encroachment to avoid poaching.
Page(s): 128-134 Date of Publication: 25 April 2019
Download PDF
Dr. Abubakar Sola Saraki Memorial abattoir is a new abattoir constructed to ensure meats are prepared in hygienic environment and safe guard health of citizenry. Its operation is belief to be impacting greatly on the environment through discharge of animal wastes into environmental media. This study aims at finding out physiochemical parameters/ quality of the stream water where the abattoir effluents are discharged. Water samples were collected in three different locations (Upstream, Midstream and Downstream) along the course of the stream. Laboratory analysis were carried out on the water samples collected using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) technique. The parameter considered; pH, Temperature, Total Dissolve Solid (TDS), Electrical conductivity (EC), and heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ca and Cr). Results: The result for heavy metals revealed; Zn (0.08- 0.16mg/l), Pb (0.0mg/l), Cu(0.02-0.05mg/l), Ca(0.04-1.80mg/l) and Cr(0.0mg/l) all fall within WHO maximum permissible limit of Zn(3.0mg/l), Pb(0.0145mg/l), Cu(1.0mg/l), Ca(180mg/l) and Cr(0.05mg/l). The pH, EC, Temperature and TDS were found to be within the two standards. However, the turbidity values of 11-81NTU were found to be above WHO and SON standard of 5NTU and 15NTU respectively. From the survey, very high turbidity could be an indication of high microbial load which renders the water not suitable for domestic and industrial use. Strict hygienic management of the abattoir waste needs to be enforced by concerned authorities.
Page(s): 135-140 Date of Publication: 26 April 2019
Download PDF
This study examines the impact of Accounts Receivable Management onFinancial performance of selected quoted firms in Nigeria. The study have been conducted in different parts of the globe and in Nigeria with different findings which are mixed and inconclusive. The population of the study consists of ten (10) firms quoted on the Nigerian stock exchange as at 31st December 2018 out of which ten (10) firms were selected as samples for a period of seven (7) years from 2012 to 2018 based on purposeful sampling technique. The study uses multiple regressions as a tool for analysis. The proxy for accounts receivable management were accounts receivable ratio, debt ratio and Revenue growthwhile the proxy for financial performance was Return on Equity (ROE).The study reveals that accounts receivable ratio, debt ratio and Revenue growthshowed a positive significant impact on financial performance of selected quoted firms in Nigeria.
Page(s): 141-145 Date of Publication: 26 April 2019
Download PDF
The effect of extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) and sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) extracted differently with 30% ethanol+70% water and 30% methanol+70% water on mineral, vitamin and lycopene content of tomato fruit was studied. The study was carried out at the screenhouse of faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in south west Nigeria. The study consisted of five treatments which are tomato plant alone (control), neem leaves extracted with (30% ethanol+70% water) + tomato plant, neem leaves extracted with (30% methanol + 70% water) + tomato plant, sunflower extracted with (30% ethanol + 70% water) + tomato plant and sunflower leaves extracted with (30% methanol + 70% water) + tomato. Each of the treatments was in triplicate and arranged in randomized complete block design. Harvesting was done between 9 and 14 weeks after planting. The fruits from each treatment were analyzed in the laboratory using appropriate methods to get the value for vitamin A, B1, B2, calcium, sodium, zinc and lycopene. The result shows that vitamin B1, calcium and sodium was significantly higher in treatment with Sunflower (30% methanol + 70% water) + tomato plant which had a mean value of 0.48 mg/100g, 10.26 mg/100g and 0.018 % for vitamin B1, calcium and sodium respectively. Control treatment had the highest value for vitamin A mean value of 2953.86 µg/100g which was significantly higher than treatments with extracts of sunflower leaves (30% ethanol + 70% water) + tomato plant and sunflower (30% methanol + 70% water) + tomato plant with mean value of 2819.22 µg/100g and 2833.74 µg/100g respectively. Treatment with sunflower leaves extract (30% methanol + 70% water) + tomato plant which had a significantly high value for vitamin B1, calcium and sodium also had a significantly high value for zinc with mean of 3.84 mg/kg while lycopene had value that was not significantly different from one another across the treatments. Vitamin B2 was significantly higher in the control treatment with mean value of 0.21mg/100g.
Page(s): 146-153 Date of Publication: 28 April 2019
Download PDF
Pokhariyal have introduced some curvature tensors to study their properties. In this paper properties of W6-curvature tensor are studied in Lp- Sasakian manifold and some theorem proved
Page(s): 154-157 Date of Publication: 28 April 2019
Download PDF
Environmental issues have been on the corporate radar screen for years. However, previous empirical evidence provided mixed results on the extent of environment disclosure and relationship between corporate environmental performance and environmental disclosures. The purpose of this study was to examine the existing status of environmental disclosure practices in selected listed companies in Kenya. A qualitative content analysis of the annual reports of selected core sector companies across three industries, viz. energy and petroleum, manufacturing and allied and construction and allied was undertaken to study the extent and nature of their environmental disclosures in their annual reports for 2016/2017 financial year. Based on the Legitimacy Theory, the study revealed that the level of disclosure of environmental information varies acrosssectors as well as companies and the information disclosed in the annual reports was more qualitative than quantitative. Further, the disclosure made by companies does not adequately cover the informational needs of stakeholders. The study hence supports the need for a suitable framework for environmental disclosure, useful to all the stakeholders. This study contributes to the literature by evaluating voluntary environmental disclosures made by Indian core sector companies in their annual report. Further research may conducted to assess the status of environmental disclosure for a larger sample of Kenya companies.The results of the study have significant managerial and theoretical implications.
Page(s): 158-172 Date of Publication: 29 April 2019
Download PDF
Queueing theory is a major topic of applied mathematics with phenomenon of waiting and arises from the use of powerful mathematical analysis. In this paper is study the application of queueing theory in engineering also we analyse the basic features of queueing theory.
Page(s): 173-176 Date of Publication: 30 April 2019
Download PDF
The aim of this study is to explore the potential of Carica papaya leaf proteinisolate as an adsorbate applicable in wastewater treatment. The protein content of Carica papaya leaf was fully isolated by precipitation adopting the method of salting out and re-solubilisation in distilled water to obtain pawpaw leaf protein concentrate also known as pawpaw leaf coagulant (PLC). The phytochemical analysis of the PLC indicated its potency as an adsorbate applicable in industrial effluent coag-flocculation where the colloidal particles within the effluent medium are the adsorbent.The effluent used in this study was paint industry effluent (PIE). The adsorption of PLC onto the colloidal particles, triggering particles aggregation and subsequent agglomeration, were studied varying the adsorbate dose, solution pH and contact time. The highest turbidity percentage removal of 99.5% were obtained at contact time of45 minutes, solution pH of 6.0 and dosage of 300 mg/l at room temperature. It was also discovered that the colour of the paint effluent, as a result of the treatment, reducedfrom 2015 PCU to 200 PCU while total solids dropped from 1600 mg/l to 122 mg/l. The trend indicates that at 49, the sorption of PLC is more favourable. Adsorption isotherms – Langmuir, Freindlich, Tempkin and Henry – were plotted and the data were found to be best represented by the Henry isotherm, having coefficient of determination, R2 of 1. This is followed by Langmuir isotherm with R2 of 0.9978. Adsorption kinetics studies favoured pseudo-second order kinetic model. It is concluded that Carica papaya leaf protein isolate is a useful adsorbate capable of initiating particles agglomeration in an effluent medium prior to gravity settling and detoxification.
Page(s): 177-184 Date of Publication: 30 April 2019
Download PDF
In this study the performance and emissions tests were conducted on a single-cylinder3.5kW diesel engine using a non-edible plant-based bio-fuel Cardanol produced from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) blend with Hongeand diesel. The bio-fuel blends 5C10H85D (5% cardanol+10% Honge+85% diesel),10C10H80D, (10% cardanol+10% Honge +80% Diesel) 15C10H75D (15% cardanol +10% Honge + 75% Diesel) and 20C10H70D (20% cardanol+10% Honge+70% diesel) were prepared and tested at various loads (0%,25%, 50%, 75% and full load conditions) and compared with baseline diesel at 300 bar, 400 bar and 500 bar injection pressure and 18:1 compression ratio. The experimental results show that at full load, the brake thermal efficiency of 10C10H80D is 28.78% comparatively similar to that of diesel is 29.75%. The lower emissions of CO, hydrocarbon except NOx are encouraging to recognize 20C10H70D as an optimized fuel blend for a compression ignition engine. The significant factors of cardanol bio-fuel include its low cost, non-edible, abundance, and it is a by-product of the cashew nut industries.
Page(s): 185-189 Date of Publication: 30 April 2019
Download PDF
The study evaluates the generation and disposal of domestic wastewater in ten locations in Awka urban, Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was conducted to identify high domestic wastewater generating sources across the locations and how the generated wastewater is disposed. The result showed that bathing, toilet flushing and cloth washing generated more wastewater. The most used method for toilet and bathroom wastewater disposal is the septic tank/soak-away method, while storm drain/gutter, open land and septic tank/soak-away are mostly used for kitchen wastewater. However, field observations show wastewater from bathrooms are disposed in storm drains in some cases, not minding the health implications. In the light of sustainability, the research recommends the installation of centralized wastewater treatment facility.
Page(s): 190-199 Date of Publication: 30 April 2019
Download PDF
Various soil activities that lead to soil degradation have brought about the use of biochar as an amendment to rebuild soil health, improve crop yields, increase soil water storage, and restore soils affected by these activities particularly when blended with poultry manure.Poultry manure has been proven to be a good organic fertilizer for the growth and yield of plants.
Pot experiments were conducted to assess the growth rate of okra in response to poultry waste, biochar and blended biochar addition to soil. The treatments were arranged in completely randomized design with 13 treatments comprising 10 g kg-1, 30 g kg-1, 50 g kg-1and 70 g kg-1 addition of poultry waste, biochar, blended biochar to soil and a control. There were 5 replications in each of the treatments except the control and the parameters assessed during the experiment were: plant height (cm), leaf area (cm2), stem diameter (mm) and leaf count.
The observations recorded on the growth parameters on the 35th day showed that poultry wastes at 30g kg-1 on topsoil (T2) performed best in plant height with the mean of 32.58 cm, mean stem diameter of 51.20 mm and mean leaf area of 47.50cm2 while blended biochar at 30g kg-1 performed best in leaf production. However, it was observed that okra plants in soil treated with blended biochar at different rates started showing rapid growth in other parameters like stem height, stem diameter and leaf area from 30th day.
Bud production was also assessed on the 35th day of the experiment and it was observed that soil blended biochar at 50g kg-1 had the best bud production which indicated high yield of okra fruit. Among the treatments, blended biochar at 50g kg-1 of topsoil has the highest number of buds. Thus, it is proposed that for the soil having similar physico-chemical properties, the same rate of blended biochar should be used for high yield production of okra. These results provide an avenue for soil management systems with blended biochar as an amendment for horticultural crops. However, long time verification in the field is suggested for specific recommendations.
Page(s): 200-206 Date of Publication: 02 May 2019
Download PDF
In this study, the quality of complementary food from millet, plantain and crayfish flour blends, with respect to their functional properties, proximate composition, pH, minerals, vitamins and sensory properties, was evaluated. Four Products (311, 324, 337, and 363) were formulated from blends of millet, plantain and crayfish flours in the ratios of 100:0:0, 90:8:2, 80:16:4 and 70:24:6 respectively. The blended flour samples differed significantly (p<0.05) from the control (311) in terms of protein, crude fibre, ash and carbohydrate contents. However, the fat content of the control was higher (2.75% dry matter), while lower moisture content (8.69%) and pH value (6.40) were recorded. The control was lower in terms of bulk density (0.79 g/ml), swelling capacity (7.83%) and gelation capacity (6.40%), but higher in terms of water absorption capacity (80.46%) than the blended samples. The mineral contents of the blended samples were higher than the control and ranged from 21.65-24.32 mg/100g (Iron), 2.38-6.06 mg/100g (Zinc), 1.43-1.93 mg/100g (Iodine), 105.35-162.43 mg/100g (Phosphorous) and 412.37-504.67 mg/100g (Calcium). The beta-carotene contents of the blended samples were higher (4.17, 6.34 and 7.13 mg/100g respectively) than the control (2.41 mg/100g). The vitamins B2, B3, C and D contents of some of the blended samples were higher, but did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from the control. The sensory scores for the control were higher in terms of aroma, colour, taste, mouthfeel and overall acceptability compared to the blended samples. Consequently, supplementation of millet flour with plantain and crayfish could be employed in the formulation of complementary foods with improved protein and micronutrients content
Page(s): 207-214 Date of Publication: 02 May 2019
Download PDF
This study examines the impact of Inventory Management and Financial performance of selected quoted firms in Nigeria. The study have been conducted in different parts of the globe and in Nigeria with different findings that are mixed and inconclusive. The population of the study consists of ten (10) firms quoted on the Nigerian stock exchange as at 31st December 2018 out of which ten (10) firms were selected as samples for a period of seven (7) years from 2012 to 2018 based on purposeful sampling technique. The study uses multiple regressions as a tool for analysis. The study reveals that Inventory turnover ratioshowed a positive significant impact on financial performance of selected quoted firms in Nigeria.
Page(s): 215-218 Date of Publication: 02 May 2019
Download PDF
This study examined the relationship between real export growth and economic growth in Nigeria. The source of data used in this study was secondary data obtained from African Development Bank Group. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Spearman’s Correlation Analysis were the statistical tools used in this study. The findings of the study showed that the mean rank of real GDP growth is higher than the real export growth. Findings showed that real export growth does not impact on real economic growth in Nigeria. Also, it was found that a positive weak linear relationship exists between real economic growth and real export growth in Nigeria.
Page(s): 219-222 Date of Publication: 02 May 2019
Download PDF
Length – This study assess the length-weight relationships and the condition factor of Sarotherodongalilaeus in Bontanga reservoir in Ghana. The study was conducted between November 2016 to March 2017. Using W = aLb, the length-weight relationships of the species were calculated. Condition factors of the species were obtained using the formula: W*100/L3. A total of 300 S. galilaeus were measured with total length size range of 7.0 cm to 17.4cm and weight ranging from 7.4g to 92g.The slope b of the length-weight relationships of S. galilaeus were within the acceptable range of 2.5 to 3.5 with a b value of 3.028 and can be used to approximate the weight for the species in the reservoir. The monthly condition factor for this study ranges between 4.12-4.89 showed that S. Galilaeus was in a good state of wellbeing.The average temperature was 27.33oC, DO 6.34mg/l, turbidity was 45.88NTU, transparency 76.88cm, Conductivity was 71.49µs/cm and pH 7.2 showed the reservoir was slightly alkaline. The observed physico-chemical parameters were all within optimal range for fish growth.
Page(s): 223-236 Date of Publication: 02 May 2019
Download PDF
Heart problems are the most common type of major birth defect and a leading cause of infant death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These defects are a result of underdeveloped chambers of the heart. The early detection can certainly have benefits. In this paper median filter are used to removal of noise and DWT is used to segmentation. By taking LV/RV ratio gestation period of baby can be determined in terms of week also any defect in the fetal heart can be identified.
Page(s): 237-238 Date of Publication: 03 May 2019
Download PDF
Majority of population still lives in rural areas in India so education for those people is of utmost importance. Quality of education is the major concern in rural schools as only fewer teachers are committed, there is lack of proper textbooks and has access to limited learning materials. There are various government schools which provides education but as compared to private schools quality is the major concern. This paper discusses a dynamic school website which consist of various other modules which shows functioning of school. It seamlessly integrate data together to launch an interactive, rich and informative portal focused on education by developing, implementing and enriching a learning platform and content. This paper identifies learning deficiencies of students and aids with additional resources knowledge transformation from alumni to provide them activity based learning.
Page(s): 239-242 Date of Publication: 03 May 2019
Download PDF
Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers on the occupational hazards in their workplaces and to identify their attitudes and safety practices towards protecting themselves from these hazards. Method: A descriptive cross- sectional design and stratified sampling technique was utilized to identify the health workers/respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and it covered areas like social demographics, knowledge and perception of potential hazards, attitude and safety practices employed by HCWs to avoid hazards. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Most respondents had high level of knowledge(87%) as well as high perception and safety attitudes to potential occupational hazards but poor (39%) safety practices. Findings showed that there was statistically significant association between level of knowledge and educational status. . Also there was statistically significant association between gender and work experience in relation to safety practice. However, no statistically significant association was observed between socio demographic characteristics and perception of occupational hazards and attitude to safety respectively. Conclusion: There is need for regular training on safety guidelines and enforcement of standard/universal safety practices by healthcare workers so as to reduce incidences of occupational injuries.
Page(s): 243-264 Date of Publication: 03 May 2019
Download PDF
The study investigates the comparative productivity of the Leibherr 984 Excavator (EO755) day and night shifts at the Nzema gold mining site of the African Mining Services (AMS) in Ghana. To determine the unique working conditions in both shifts to reduce delays and maximise productivity. The study uses mix-method by combining questionnaire and interviews and none-participant operational observations to elicit deeper response from 25 production shift workers in addition to gathering statistical primary and secondary data on operations and productivity at the site. The key finding that emerged from the study was that, the day shifts’ lost hours of 393.13 translating into some production and revenue loss of 143,175 bcm and US$ 691,253.50 respectively, was greater than that of night shifts’ lost hours of 333.68 equivalent to a production and revenue loss of 121,525bcm and US$ 586725.57 respectively. In addition, at was revealed that day shift working context was more stressful than night shift.The conclusion drawn from the study was that the Leibherr 984 Excavator (EO755) is more productive in night shift than day shift base on the environmental and working conditions context of the study site. The study thus recommends for strong cooperation between the supervisory and managerial staff (“big men”) of the companies (ARL and AMS) and production crew members to create an environment of “partners- in change” which will eradicate the perception of intimidation and minimize the feeling of tension by the worker which translates to stress and delays in the day shifts which in turn impact negatively on productivity.
Page(s): 265-272 Date of Publication: 08 May 2019
Download PDF
Computer numerical control is a process in which computer made programs or designs are converted into numbers. This machine basically can be used for automation of processes or operations like drilling, cutting, carving etc. These operations can be done on various materials like metal, wood , acrylic, foam etc. The main aim of using a cnc machine is to get high efficiency, reliability, speed and time consumption of the operations. Machine is powered by Arduino UNO which is based on ATmega 328p. CNC Router has a large working space and it is also a cost efficient product.
Page(s): 273-276 Date of Publication: 08 May 2019
Download PDF
The aim of this study is to report the incidence of NmC outbreak caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NmC) in Sokoto and Zamfara between December 2016 and June 2017.From week 51 2016 to week 19, 2017, data on CSM cases and deaths were recorded on standardized line-lists from case management sites. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from suspected cases during the outbreak were tested using rapid Pastorex® latex agglutination to determine causative serogroup. A total of 5,372 cases of MNC were reported in Zamfara and Sokoto states. CSF was collected from 281 (5.2%) suspected cases (190 from Sokoto and 91 from Zamfara), there were 277 deaths in Sokoto and 81 in Zamfara, making a total of 358 deaths, 5,188 probable cases and 184 confirmed cases from both states. Out of 5,372 cases of NMC seen, 57.2% were males and 42.8% were females (M:F = 1.3:1). The most affected age group in both states was 6-15 years with 49.3% from Sokoto and 53.9% from Zamfara. The peak of meningitis cases was observed at week 7, 2017 in Zamfara and week 15 in Sokoto. Marudun local government recorded the highest incidence (146) in Zamfara while Sokoto North and South accounted for the highest incidence in Sokoto state (1016; 21.2%). Reactive vaccination in the affected areas may have helped curtail the epidemic. A vaccination campaign against NmC with a long-lasting conjugate vaccine should be considered in the northern parts of Nigeria.
Page(s): 277-282 Date of Publication: 09 May 2019
Download PDF
Background: Passive smoking is an important public health problem with resultant adverse health effects on health outcomes. Purpose: The aim of the survey was to assess the level of awareness of the health consequences of passive smoking among student nurses. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among student nurses in a tertiary institution in South East Nigeria. A total of 160 student Nurses were selected using accidental sampling method. The instrument for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire. The study protocol was reviewed and approved before the actual study. A total of 160 nurses completed the questionnaire while all (100%) administered copies were suitable for analysis. Descriptive statistic was used to analyze data. Results: Findings from the study provided answers to the research questions and showed that 85% of the respondents were aware of passive smoking, 90.6% were aware of the health consequences while 69.4% knew that lung cancer is a health consequence of passive smoking. Conclusion: Information about the health consequences of passive smoking is on the rise.
Page(s): 283-286 Date of Publication: 11 May 2019
Download PDF
Three samples of Makurdi Dakuwa Meals (MDM) purchased from Wurukum, Wadata and North Bank in Makurdi metropolis were subjected to proximate composition and microbiological analyses. The sampleswere also fed albino rats for twenty-eight (28) days in a feeding trial experiment and their blood samples were randomly collected and subjected to Serum Biochemistry Profiles and Haematological Indices analyses. Each of the experimental rats’ group were daily fed with weighted thirty (30)g of Makurdi Dakuwa Meal (MDM) and their weight gain recorded and compared with their initial weight to determine body weight gain in a statistical completely randomized design (CRD). Each of the three groups was further subdivided into three replicates of three albino rats each. The results of the proximate composition of the Dakuwa Meals (MDM) samples from A (Wurukum), B (Wadata) and C (North Bank) showed that ash ranged from 2.4% – 3.2%, crude fibre 1.4% – 1.45% and carbohydrate by difference was 47.95% – 52.79% not significantly different (p > 0.05) from one another. The moisture contents of the samples were between 10.5% – 11.5% with the samples from Wadata having significantly (p<0.5) higher moisture than those from Wurkum and North Bank. The protein content of the samples varied significantly (p < 0.05) and was highest (19.69%) in the North bank sample and lowest (11.16%) in the Wadata sample. The fat content of the samples was also significantly different (p<0.05) with values ranging between 22% – 32%. The results of the microbiological qualities of the samples showed that the total bacterial counts of Dakuwa Meal (MDM) ranged from 2.0 x 104cfu/g – 2.1 x 104cfu/g. The total yeast and mould count of the samples were also significantly different (p < 0.05) and the values ranged from 2.0 x 102cfu/g – 6.5 x 102cfu/g respectively. Makurdi Dakuwa Meal (MDM) did not significantly affected (P > 0.05) the serum biochemistry profiles Wister albino rats fed three respective meals A, B and C were (cholesterol(mmol/L)1.76(A),1.74(B), 1.73(C), total protein(g/L) 10.70(A), 10.75 (B) and 10.73(C)Alanine amino Transferase-ALT (iu/L) A(1.51), B(1.53) and C(1.52) and Aspartate amino Transferase- AST(iu/L) A(2.72), B(2.73) and C(2.70) were not affected significantly (P > 0.05) by location of the Makurdi Dakuwa Meals (MDM). Haematological indices: Packed Cell Volume-PCV(%) A(39.67) B(39.65) and C (39.66),Red Blood Cell- RBC(1012/L) A (7.07), B(7.04)and (7.09) and White Blood Cell- WBC (109/L)A (2.56) B(2.58) and C(2.55) of Wister albino rats fed three respective meals A, B and C were not affected significantly (P > 0.05) by location of the Makurdi Dakuwa Meals (MDM). (P > 0.05). Body weight gains (g), 23.30, 23.36and 23.29 of the albino rats fedthree respectiveMakurdi Dakuwa Meals (MDM) from A (Wurukum), B (Wadata) and C (North Bank) were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from one another. Makurdi Dakuwa Meals (MDM) is healthy and recommended for human consumption.
Page(s): 287-292 Date of Publication: 11 May 2019
Download PDF
This study focused the role of public spending on construction, transportation and communication on economic growth in Nigeria. Secondary source of data collection from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin was used in this study. The regression analysis was employed for the data analysis. The findings of the study showed that expenditure on construction and expenditure on transportation & communication positively impact on economic growth. It was found that expenditure on construction significantly impact on economic growth while expenditure on transportation & communication does not significantly impact on economic growth in Nigeria within the observed period. The obtained model was found to be adequate with R-square value of 72.7% which indicates a strong adequacy of the model in estimating economic growth in Nigeria.
Page(s): 293-295 Date of Publication: 11 May 2019
Download PDF
The struggle to have a choice whenever women and girls want to control pregnancy has been a great challenge as far as human history. The majority of rural women in sub-Saharan Africa have little or inadequate information on modern birth control. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness, and perception of Minembwe women of reproductive age on the use of modern contraceptive methods. This was a descriptive study that collected primary data through a structured questionnaire distributed to women who consented to participate in the study and data collected was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 21.0. There were 370 participants of which the majority were within the age group 26 – 30 years, with most secondary education 45.7% and had at least 4 children (64.9%). Not less than 72.2% had good knowledge of reproductive health (RH) and family planning (FP) (67.0%) with the radio as the main source of information. The average knowledge of modern contraceptive methods was 30.5% with the knowledge of injectable contraceptives (81.1%), implants (53.5%), while Female Sterilization (Tubal Ligation) and Diaphragm were 11.6% and 5.9% respectively. Educated women had a higher knowledge of FP (90.0%) and 60.0% believed that family planning is useful. Not less than 83.8%% still want to have more children. Only 23.9% had the plan to use modern contraceptives while 46.2% were not involved in any form of birth control. Religion, occupation, information about FP were found to be significantly associated with knowledge, attitude, and perception of the women on FP. Those with a positive attitude on FP tend to practice FP over 6 times more than those who had a negative attitude. Also, women who believed that FP is useful for child spacing practiced FP 4.0 times more than those who did not. The poor knowledge can be attributed to the poor level of education, distance and remoteness, and the fact that the major source of information is radio while other media are almost inaccessible.
Page(s): 296-304 Date of Publication: 11 May 2019
Download PDF
This study employed the Kernel regression approach for reliable estimation of economic growth in Nigeria from 1989 to 2018 using the Kernel regression Approach. The study employed secondary source of data collection which was obtained from African Development Bank Group publication, 2018. The result of the kernel regression analysis found a residual standard error value of 37.399, R-square value of 0.8645 (86.5%), bandwidths of 8.316 and 5.071 for export and import goods respectively and a corresponding p-value of 0.00. Findings showed that export goods and import goods significantly impact positively on Economic Growth.
Page(s): 305-308 Date of Publication: 11 May 2019
Download PDF
The effect of two heat source on the physio-chemical evaluation and sensory evaluation of African catfish Clariasgariepinus was evaluated. A total of fifty Clariasgariepinus with mean weight 250±25g were caught from the fish farm. The fish were gutted, washed thoroughly with water to remove slime and blood; thereafter, the dressed weights were taken. The fish were transferred into a basket for proper draining of water prior to smoking. Smoking was conducted using charcoal in a traditional smoking kiln for a period of one hour and electric oven, during which turning over of the fish was done at intervals to achieve a uniform smoking. The heat sources to be use for this study are charcoal and electric oven. Cooking loss was determined, organoleptic assessmentwas evaluated and proximate analysis was conducted on the nutrient composition using a standard procedure. Data were analysed using descriptive statistic and ANOVA at α0.05. The electric oven heat source catfish had the highest cooking loss compared to the charcoal heat source catfish. The charcoal heat source catfish was more preferred than electric oven heat source catfish in terms of colour, texture, tenderness and juiciness than the electric oven heat catfish. There was significant difference (P>0.05) in proximate composition of catfish smoked with two different heat source and fresh catfish. The charcoal heat source and electric oven heat source catfish were significantly same in crude protein 56.28% and 54.96% respectively but higher than fresh catfish. Similar trend was observed for the ether extract. The moisture content of fresh catfish was higher (71.85%) than both charcoal heat source and electric oven heat catfish with 11.14% and 11.69% respectively. The results obtained from this study showed that charcoal possessed good potential as fuel for smoking African catfish without inhibiting the nutrients and consumer acceptability, hence, recommended for fish smoking than electric oven heat source.
Page(s): 309-312 Date of Publication: 12 May 2019
Download PDF