THREAT OF EROSION IN COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, JALINGO, TARABA STATE

Imamud-deen, T.Y. and Abdulhamid S.

Basic Science Department

College of Agriculture, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.

E-mail: abdulhamidsabo2@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Growing erosion site in the College of Agriculture Jalingo, Taraba State were observed. Erosion cause extensive damage to the environment and are threat to newly constructed/reconstructed infrastructure. The study shows that the erosion are caused partly by human activities and geomorphologic processes, but mainly by geological and geotechnical characteristics of the soils. Available geological and geotechnical data indicate soils that are highly weathered and loose. Fractive force due to runoff and seepage flux and mainly resisted by angle of internal friction, since the value of cohesion is low and on the basic of the geological and geotechnical data, it was suggested that soil stabilization techniques such as grouting, dewatering and concrete rep-rap be applied to the affected areas to check the growth of the erosion.

LAND DEGRADATION IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA: FORMS AND CAUSES

Ogboi, E. and E. Nmor

Agricultural Technology Department

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

E-mail: ogboied@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out in three (3) different geographical zones (North, Central and South) of Delta state with the aim of identifying the most common forms of land degradation and the cause(s) of such identified form of land degradation in the area of study. Preliminary survey was conducted in the area of study and thereafter, questionnaires on land degradation forms and causes were purposefully administered to two hundred (200) respondents in each zone of the study area. All the data obtained were represented in percentages. The forms of land degradation identified in the Northern Zone were: soil erosion, sedimentation, bush burning and improper waste disposal. In the Central zone, the forms of land degradation were: bush burning, soil erosion and sedimentation and flooding. In the Southern zone, the forms of land degradation were: crude oil pollution, flooding and improper waste disposal. The cause of the various forms of land degradation identified were attributed to man mostly and nature.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF Hibiscus sabdariffa IN ALLOXANIZED MICE

Agbai E.O¹. and Nwanegwo C.O².

¹Department of Human Physiology, Madonna University Elele, Rivers State Nigeria.

²Department of Human Physiology, Imo State University, Owerri Nigeria.

E-mail: madonna3k5@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa on total protein, albumin, globulin, bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Twenty (20) male mice were used in this study. The mice were fasted for 12 hours and fasting glucose level and body weight were recorded (basal level) before induction of diabetes. Fifteen mice were made diabetic by administering 150 mg/kg of alloxan dissolved in normal saline intraperitoneal (i.p.). The control mice were administered normal saline (i.p). During the experiment the animals were weighed and randomly selected into four experimental groups (n = 5). Control group: (Group A) and was given distilled water and normal rat chow. Experimental Group B (Diabetic control). Experimental Group C received 200 mg/kg of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract. Experimental Group D received 600 mg/kg of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract. Results in showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in blood glucose level between Group B compared to Group A, Group C and Group D.There was statistically significant difference in total protein, globulin, albumin, bilirubin, ALP, ALT and AST (P < 0.05) between Group A compared to Group C and Group D. There was also statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between Group B compared to Group C and Group D. Data suggest that Hibiscus sabdariffa extract is hepatoprotective.

REACTION AT THE INTER-VERTEBRAL DISC DUE TO VARIATION OF POSTURE OF LUMBAR SPINE AND THE CONSEQUENCES ON

THE LOWER BACK PAIN

 ¹M.Y. Mafuyai, ²B.G. Babangida, ³E.S. Mador, ⁴D.D. Bakwa and ⁵Y.Y. Jabil

^1,4,5Department of Physics, University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

²Department of Mathematics, Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

³Department of Anatomy University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

E-mail: conceptmaster1@yahoo.com

Abstract: This paper discussesthereaction at the inter-vertebral disc. The weight distribution on the vertebrae indicates that the L₅ bears the greatest weight and hence the reaction at the inter-vertebral disc between L₅ and S₁ is greatest. This suggests that the inter-vertebral disc between L₅ and S₁ is more prone to injury than other discs. Also, result shows increase in reaction in backward bending and decrease in reaction in forward bending. This explains that backward bending can easily result in a lower back pain than forward bending.

ASSESSMENT OF PALM WINE MARKET IN EDO STATE

*Omofonmwan E.I, **Ashaolu O.F., **Ayinde I.A. and **Fakoya E.O.

*Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin City, Nigeria.

**Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

E-mail: isaacomofonmwan@hotmail.com

Abstract: Agricultural marketing system plays an important role in determining the prices received by the farmers and those paid by the consumers. This study assesses the marketing of palm wine in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 210 respondents comprising of 90 wholesalers and 120 retailers were randomly selected from three villages each in seven local government areas in Edo State, using a multi-stage sampling technique. The studied local government areas include: Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North East, Ovia South West, Esan West and Igueben. Socio-economic and demographic data were collected from the respondents with the use of structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, Shepherd Futrel coefficient of marketing efficiency. Findings revealed that most of the marketers were males in their active age; the mean age being about 43 and 38 years for retailers and wholesalers, respectively. About 46% of the retailers and 53% of the wholesalers completed their secondary school education. The average weekly marketing margin and net profit per 100 liters per retailer were N7,644.00 and N2, 923.78 as well as N1,529.00 and N508.36 per wholesaler respectively. Palm wine marketing in the study area is profitable and efficient as shown by the coefficient of marketing efficiency of 132% for retailers and 113% for wholesalers. The percentage share per liter of the consumer’s price along the value chain ranges from 25% for tappers to 37.3% for wholesalers to 37.7% for retailers. The major constraints faced by the marketers were high transportation cost (93.4% and 87.2%), lack of credit facilities (81.82% and 91.3%), inadequate supply (82.50% and 46.75%), inadequate electricity supply (35% and 99%) and excessive charges (42.8% and 72.42%) for wholesalers and retailers respectively. The study concludes that palm wine marketing is very profitable in the study area. The study therefore recommends among others: the provision of credit facilities, promoting potential entrepreneurship in palm wine marketing through awareness and the need for the provision of infrastructural facilities such as good roads and regular supply of electricity to reduce marketing cost.

THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES TOWARDS DEVELOPING

THE ECONOMY OF NIGERIA

Azi, A.O., Agbo, G.A., Aluge, U.D., and Ogbuebor, W.O.

Department of Industrial Physics

Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

E-mail: aziamaechi@yahoo.com

Abstract: Our environment is our surroundings and we have a common duty to protect it. As we have quest to develop our society economically, the environment may face severe threat. This paper reveals the significance of environmental studies to economic development. The harmful aspect of it and possible solutions were observed.

Keywords:     Environment, Economic Development, Degradation, Ozone Layer.

FUELWOOD HARVESTING AS MEANS OF INCOME IN GORA AND ZUTURUNG DISTRICTS IN ZANGON KATAF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,

KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Yunana, Mba Abui and Shat, A.

Department of Environmental Management

Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

E-mail: abuimbayunana@yahoo.com

Abstract: Fuelwood apart from meeting domestic energy need of the people in the rural areas provide a means of livelihood as a source of income. The income of fuelwood harvesting in Gora and Zuturung districts in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria, was investigated with a view to determine its potentials and impact on the income of the communities. Data for the study were obtained from a total sample of 150 randomly selected respondents through interview schedules, application of structured questionnaires and personal observations. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and tables were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire. The study indicated that the major uses of the fuelwood by the respondents for sales and cooking, The fuelwood are sold in pickups and the income generated from the fuelwood sales by each respondent within the period of study ranges is between N2,000 to N6,000 in a month and the money realized from the sales of the fuelwood is use for paying school fees, buying cloths, buying farm inputs, and other domestic functions and the effects of the fuelwood harvesting include: reduction of plant species, reduction in vegetation, occurrences of drought, disappearances of animal species, rises in temperature and others environmental problems. The study also confirmed that harvesting of the fuelwood by communities is illegal as government is against any person(s) who engage in fuelwood harvesting from the bush. It is therefore recommended that the State Forestry Department should educate the collectors on the importance of rational exploitation, tree planting, and the value of maintaining the existing trees on their farm plots.

COMPUTER SIMULATION PACKAGE AND GENDER AS PREDICTORS OF STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN BIOLOGY

Olumide, Olubukola Joyce

Department of Teacher Education

University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

E-mail: yemiogundiwin@yahoo.com

Abstract: The conventional method of teaching is the most common in Nigeria and researchers have shown that this method has led to poor performance of students in Biology but in other subjects. Researchers have been able to ascertain that students will learn best when they participate in teaching-learning process. This study was conducted to establish computer simulation package and gender as predictors in the teaching of Genetics on students’ achievement in Biology. The pretest-posttest, control group, quasi-experimental design with 2x2x3 factorial matrix was adopted. Two hundred and forty (240) Senior Secondary School students from four (4) purposively selected schools in Ibadan metropolis of Oyo State were used for the study. The schools were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups and the study lasted twelve (12) weeks. Five (5) instruments used for data collection were: Teachers Instructional Guides for teachers using the treatments and control group; Students’ Achievement in Biology Test (r = 0.80), Computer Simulation Package on Genetics in Biology and Assessment Sheet for the research assistants. Three null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Multiple Classification Analysis Treatment had a significant effect on students’ Post-test achievement score. Students exposed to computer simulation performed better with higher adjusted posttest achievement mean score (mean = 72.215; dev. = 3.21) than their counterparts who were taught with the conventional teaching method (mean = 49.743; dev. = – 3). There was a significant main effect of gender on student’s achievement in Biology (F (1,228) = 8.652, P <0.005). ICT-based instructions in the form of computer simulation or video-cd have been found to make learning real, permanent and provide experience in all field of learning and so it is recommended to avert the recurrent failure of students.

SCIENCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

M. Mustapha, Abubakar L. and M.U. Muhammad

Department of Chemistry

Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto

E-mail: mustaphamusa63@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper explains what Science is and gives a distinction between pure and applied science. It treats the concept of economic development and explains some popular theories of economic development. It also discusses why science is important for economic development and recounts some examples of the impact of science in the economic development of a nation. Also, it examines how economic development can be facilitated through proper application of science. It concludes that considering the pivotal role pure and applied science have to play in driving the industrialization of a nation, it is important that a nation like Nigeria emphasize the need for a formidable Science base in all levels of education (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) and recommends the establishment of a National Science Foundation.