THE EFFECT OF GARCINIA KOLA (BITTER KOLA) ON TESTOSTERONE AND THE HISTOLOGY OF THE TESTES IN MALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS

¹S. I. Ovuakporaye, and ²E. I. Odokuma

¹Department of Human Physiology, Delta State University, P.M.B 001, Abraka, Nigeria

²Department of Anatomy and cell biology, Delta State University, P.M.B 001, Abraka, Nigeria

Email: simonovuakpo2006@yahoo.com

Abstract: The study determined the effect of Garcina kola on testosterone and the histology of the testes in male albino wistarrats. Fifteen (15) male rats of the Wistar strain weighing 115g-220g were divided into groups of 3 (control, low dose, high dose) consisting of 5 male rats in each of the 3 groups to determine the effects of Garciniakola extract on testosterone. The control group was given only water and rat feed while the experimental groups of low dose and high dose were administerd 5g/kg and 10g/kg respectively per body weight for a period of 28 days. The rats were sacrificed and testosterone from the blood in these 3 groups, were studied. Statistical analyses of data were determined by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post-hoc Turkey’s test. It was observed that the hormone testosterone from group 2 with values of 0.50 ±0.15 recorded a significant increase in testosterone when compared to group 1 (control)with values 0.29 ± 0.08,while group 3 with values 0.23 ± 0.08 recorded no significant changes in testosterone when compared with group 1 (control).

SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN BORNO STATE: A STUDY OF SELECTED SMES IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS

Hudson Iliya U.¹, Andrew Salau B.² and Ibrahim Abdulaziz I.³

¹University of Maiduguri Division of General Studies

²University of Maiduguri, Mathematics & Statistics

³University of Maiduguri, Computer Center

E-mail: researchatdemidala@gmail.com, usmanailiya@ymail.com

Abstract: Economic growth of a country is measured by the rate of increase in a country’s GDP. While the GDP is a key measure by which policy makers estimate how well the economy is doing, it provides little information on how families and individuals are doing in the country. Lack of employment opportunities and the consequential income disparity bring about mass poverty in most of the developing and under developed countries. Nigeria’s unemployment level is a major concern to all stakeholders in the country as the unemployment rate rises. Official figures from the NBS in 2012, puts the national figure at about twenty-three point nine percent (23.9%), while that of Borno State is twenty-nine point one percent (29.1%). This study provides empirical findings on small and medium scale enterprises and employment generation in Borno State, Nigeria. The study uses a 32 item questionnaire in generating its data, which was subjected to different statistics, these are; Univeriate analysis, Measure of Central Tendency, Pearson Product Moment Correlation in order to answer questions raise as research question. The findings of the study clearly shows that small scale industries do consistently contribute to employment generation in Borno state, it also found out that there is a significant difference between ratings of the employment quality provided by the SMEs in Borno state, which implies that the quality of employment provided by the SMEs are of low quality, that most of the employees of Small and Medium Enterprises in Borno State are young men with low/intermediate educational qualifications, it further shows that there is no relationship between Enterprise characteristics and quality of employment generated by SMEs in Borno State Since all the variables have shown no significant level which is less than P<0.05, there is a relationship between Enterprise characteristics and quantity of employment generated by SMEs in Borno State, there is a relationship between Enterprise characteristics and quantity of employment generated by SMEs in Borno State. The study recommends that, there is need for SMEs, civil Society, organizations, non -governmental Organizations to collaborate with the State Government in other to provide qualitative employment that can sustained the development of this nation. That government should provided scholarships for youths that are willing to further their education, Schools both tertiary and Secondary school should include entrepreneur as a subject course in their curriculum. 

THE EFFECTS OF CARBONATION ON BLENDED CEMENT CONCRETES

Alhassan A. Yunusa

Department of Civil Engineering,

Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State

E-mail: alhassanay@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper reports on the results of a study undertaken to assess the carbonation of blended concretes exposed to a range of micro-climate variations in inland environments, particularly with variations in carbon dioxide content, temperature and relative humidity conditions. Concretes samples were prepared using five binder types representing variations of blends with GGBS, FA and CSF and four w/b ratios ranging from 0.4 to 0.75 and subjected to different degrees of initial water curing. These samples were placed in three exposure conditions: indoors in laboratory air, outdoors sheltered from rain and sun and outdoors fully exposed to the elements. The depths of carbonation of these samples were monitored over a period of 24 months in order to determine the rates of carbonation. Findings suggest that the rate of concrete carbonation may be usefully applied as performance specifications where durability of reinforced concrete structures must be guaranteed.

Keywords:    Durability, Supplementary cementing materials (SCM), Blended Concretes, Reinforced concrete structures.

CHALLENGES IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND WAY FORWARD IN NIGERIA

¹Alimi Baba Gana and ²Bintu Kachallah Galadima

¹Department of Agricultural Technology Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

²Department of Sociology and Anthropology University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

E-mail: bgalimi@yahoo.com

Abstract: This paper discusses the challenges of rural development in Nigeria. Several studies were conducted to examine the factors inimical to rural transformation and development in Nigeria. Yet rural development and transformation efforts in Nigeria are still not effective to achieve success. This study observed that the protracted and deep-rooted state of socio-political, economic and infrastructural decay that has affected nearly all Local Government Areas in Nigeria for a decade has had a profoundly negative impact on the wellbeing of entire Nigerians. It is argued that unless state and federal governments address the lapses associated with rural development, the entire population and the Local Government Areas will continue to be under-developed and possibly the situation might be grave in the near future. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents upheld the paper hypotheses advanced. That lack of consideration of rural peoples’ “need” and “wish” in developmental programmes or projects matter; poor leadership,mismanagement and corruption by key local government and programme or project officials; lack of patriotism and awareness on the benefits and importance of the programme/projects by the people of the communities; lack of competent and prudent mind chairmen or administrators to manage the local government resources; and inter and intra communal conflicts among others are some of the challenges responsible for present under-development of rural areas in Nigeria. Research survey method with aid of accidental and judgmental sampling technique was used to obtain information. A sample of (160) respondents spread across various Local Government Areas from the six geo-political zones of the country were selected to form the study samples. Chi-square statistics was applied to interpret and distinguish the respondents’ opinion. Recommendations are made to correct the lapses for future progress to achieve developmental objectives.

MAGNETISM IN IRON BASED SUPERCONDUCTORS AT SUPERCONDUCTIVITY REGIME

Igwe, P. C., Nwakanma M., Oguazu E. C., A. O. Chikwendu, E. G. Nneji, and Benneth N. O.

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria,

Department of Industrial Physics, Renaissance University Ugbawka, Enugu

Emails: pastor.igwepc@gmail.com

Abstract: This is proposed to answer for co-existences superconductivity (SC) in the orbital overlap and magnetism, i.e. antiferromgnetism (AF) in iron based superconductors. This theory shows a gradual transition in the Nambu generalization of the Bardeen Cooper Schrieffer model to the psudospin Hamiltonian representation leading up to SC and AF state.

PROJECT DELIVERY AND HUMAN CAPACITY BUILDING: LONG LASTING INSECTICIDE TREATED BED NETS DELIVERY IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA.

Ojo, Oyewale Julius

Department of Project Management Technology,

The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

E-mail: oyewalejuliuss@gmail.com

Abstract: The study examined the impact of project delivery and human capacity building on long lasting insecticide treated bed nets delivery in Osun State, Nigeria. This was with a view to determining the extent to which project deliverables and objectives met stakeholder’s expectations. Also to determine what went right, what went wrong and what to do differently in future. The study covered 70 wards in the state. The research instrument used was questionnaire. It elicited information on the issues such as factors responsible for the achievement of the project objectives, factors responsible for the satisfaction of the project delivered and challenges faced during project execution. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated among others that the project plan contained all required components as listed in the goals and objectives of the project (4.73), execution team members reacted to the chemical used for production and preservation of the mosquito nets (4.80), possibilities of attending to one person twice (2.19), project delivery method achieved the quality standards defined in the quality management plan (2.13), and motivation of the execution team members by the project sponsors (2.03) were low. The study concluded that the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) launching that took place in the focus States should have taken place first before any other States in Nigeria.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF SUBSIDY RE-INVESTMENT AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME (SURE-P) ON POVERTY ALLEVIATION AMONG YOUTHS IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Taphee, B.G.; Alam, M.K.;Shiddi, S.A. and E.I. Jen

Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, Taraba State College of Agriculture, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.

E-mail: tapheegauis@gmaill.com

Abstract: This study assessed the effect of SURE-P among youths in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economics characteristics of the respondents, examine youth perception of the SURE-P and identify the problems affecting SURE-P in the study area. Primary data were collected from 82 respondents using purposive and simple random sampling techniques and were analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis revealed that, majority (91.5%) of the respondents was below 40 years of age, 82.9% were males and 67.1% were singles. Most (82.9%) of the respondents have household size of less than 5 children. Also, majority (76.8%) had formal education and 67.1% had a monthly income earnings of less than N20,000 per month. The major components of SURE-P were identified as: computer training, tricycle (Keke-NAPEP) and Taraba Marshals. The result on youth perception of SURE-P scheme indicated that, it has improved the income, health care, and farm output of the beneficiaries in the study area. Inadequate training, poor infrastructural facilities, irregularities in the selection of SURE-P beneficiaries, mis-management of SURE-P equipment/materials as well as distribution of sub-standard materials to the beneficiaries were among the major constraints to SURE-P scheme in the area. Recommendations were made based on the foregoing findings that SURE-P beneficiaries should be well trained by experts to effectively operates the equipment/machineries distributed to them. Also, basic infrastructural facilities such as good roads, stable power supply should be made available in the study area.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AIR QUALITY AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: 1980-2012

Akintunde T.S¹., Akanbi B.E¹. and Satope, B.F².

¹Department of Economics, Osun State University, Okuku Campus

²Department of Economics, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State

E-mail: temitopeoladejo@yahoo.com

Abstract: Human capital development is very important to the development of any nation. However, several factors may hinder this development and the quality of air is a factor. While many studies have looked at the relationship between air quality and economic growth, few studies have examined the causal link between air quality and human capital particularly, Nigeria, hence this study. We assessed the trends of carbon dioxide emissions, life expectancy and primary school enrolment. This was with a view to determining the direction of causality between carbon dioxide emissions, life expectancy and primary school enrolment. The study period is from 1980 to 2012. The results showed that a one-way causality was running from carbon dioxide to life expectancy and a one-way causality was running from primary school enrolment to carbon dioxide emissions. The government need to put up and implement policies that will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions since this will eventually improve the human capital development in Nigeria.

A NEW APPROACH FOR ANALYSING SURVIVAL MODELS: THE MODIFIED GAMMA FRAILTY DISTRIBUTION

Sikiru Adeyinka Abdulazeez

Department Of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science

 Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.

E-mail: ysabdul94@yahoo.com,

Abstract: Survival analysis examines and models the time it takes for events to occur. The prototypical such event is death, from which the name ‘survival analysis’ and much of its terminology derives, but the ambit of application of survival analysis is much broader.Frailty models is effective in formulating the effects of covariates on potentially censored failure times and in the joint modelling of incomplete repeated measures and failure times in longitudinal studies. Survival data are often subject to right censoring and to a subsequent loss of information about the effect of explanatory variables. Three frailty models are used to analyze bivariate time-to-event data. Each approach accommodates right censored lifetime data and account for heterogeneity in the study population. A Modified Gamma Frailty [MGF] Model is compared with two existing Frailty Models. The newly derived MGF is more robust when sample size is more than forty.The MGF model performs better than the existing models in the presence of clustering. However the CGF is preferable in the absence of clusters in a given data set.

EVALUATION OF LIPID PROFILE AND SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF ALBINO RATS FED WITH HONEY

^*1Nwozor, C.M., ²Alagwu E.A., ³Nwabuokei, P.O., ⁴Okonobe, E.C.

^1,3&4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,       Anambra State University, Uli Campus Nigeria.

²Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imo State      University, Owerri Nigeria.

E-mail: corneliusnwozor@gmail.com

Abstract: Honey is widely consumed in Nigeria. Its main uses include: wound healing, baking, and as addition to various beverages. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of honey on lipid profile and some hematological parameters of adult albino rats. Sixteen adult albino rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (8 rats) served as control and received rat chow and water only. Group B (8 rats) received 1ml of honey per rat per day for three weeks. Thereafter, the animals were anaesthetized with chloroform. Blood samples were collected for analysis via cardiac puncture. The results showed that honey increased HDL and decreased LDL in group B. Increase in triglycerides in group B was not significant. It had no effect on cholesterol and VLDL in group B. Honey had no effect on PCV, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. In group B, changes in lymphocytes and neutrophils were not significant. It increased total WBC. If applied to human, moderate intake of honey may help prevent the risk of atherosclerosis.