THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN SIMULATING PORTHARCOURT CITY MASS TRANSPORTATION PROBLEM

Otoro-Theodore, Wonimidei

Department of Architecture

Rivers State University NkpoluOroworukwo, Port –Harcourt

E-mail: Ojay4dizzle@yahoo.com

Abstract:

Transportation as a major activity in human existence forms the basis of all socioeconomic interactions as inadequate transport facilities often hinders economic development. Bad roads, inadequate fleets of vehicles, inadequate trains, overcrowded airplanes and congested ports are common features of developing world transportation service like in port Harcourt, and Nigeria at large, the aim of this study is to examine the role government can play to stimulate and solve Port Harcourt city transportation problems using computer based software, Descriptive research design was adopted in this study, questionnaires was used to obtain data from commuters and transporters from some transport routes in the city such as, Zoo to Mile1 park, Oil Mile to Mile1 Park to Borokiri, Rumuokoro ( Okoronudo) – Mile1 to Borokiri and Mile1 to Leventis to NPA. Data collected were analyzed and presented graphically, the result of the study shows that there is serious transportation problems in port Harcourt, and can best be solved using a computer software matrix system. Therefore, in this research work computer software was developed to tackle the problem.  Some constraints were established and the developed software was tested with life data to ascertain the usefulness of the computer programme. It also was recommended there is an urgent on the part of government to actively develop strategies and system that will facilitate the process of road transportation system in Nigeria.

Key words: Transportation, Movement. Problems, Programme, software

A CRITIQUE OF HOUSING AFFORDABILITY: APPRAISING FACTORS AFFECTING NO/LOW INCOME EARNERS IN IBADAN

O. Babatunde¹, J.O. Awofodu² & O. M. Oladunmoye³

¹Department of Architectural Technology, Oke – Ogun Polytechnic, Saki Oyo State.

²Department of Architecture, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State

³Department of Architecture, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Abstract

Despite some attempts at achieving decent housing for Nigerians, Nigeria as a whole failed to address the dire housing conditions of her population. The situation has been partially ameliorated through the activities of the private sector housing developers who have mainly concentrated on the upper-middle and upper earners of the housing market and government housing schemes targeting the lower-middle earners with no known focus on the low and no-income earners, which recent studies reveal to cover over 60% of the working class population creating an acute need for intervention. Yet, there are some factors affecting low or no-earners’ in the area of housing affordability. This is the gap in knowledge sought to be filled by this study. The survey research design was adopted for this study. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Simple systematic random sampling techniques was adopted in administering a set of questionnaire to respondents. The findings revealed the relative contribution of each of the independent variables to the prediction of the dependent variable Housing the low income earners in Ibadan North L.G.A of Oyo state in logical order  Housing Affordability ( Beta = .119; t = 5.156; p < 0.05). The study also revealed that factors like housing accessibility, income per family, high house rent and financial wherewithal low earner’s relatives greatly affect no/low income earners in terms of housing affordability. It is thus concluded that access to building finance at favorable terms to developers of low-income accommodation and credit facilities for housing construction should be expanded.

Key words: Accommodation, Affordability, Housing, Housing Market, Low/No Earners.

DETERMINATION OF SCHWARZSCHILD’S RADIUS OF SOME PLANETARY BODIES IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM USING NEWTONIAN MECHANICS

¹Ahmadu Muhammad Aliyu & ²Jamaludeen Sambo

Department of Physic

Faculty of Science, Gombe State University,Gombe ,Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The need to understand black hole formation, property and absorption of other celestial bodies is an interesting issue in Astrophysics and Astronomy. In this paper we avoided complex mathematical difficulty to obtain Schwarzschild’s radius of some planetary bodies, and this radius was computed using Newtonian expression for escape velocity. Results obtained shows that among the planets Jupiter requires a very large amount of gravitational pull to reduce to black hole and was found to be exactly the same with that using Schwarzschild’s metric.

Keywords and phrases: Black hole, Schwarzschild’s radius, Newtonian expression, escape velocity                                                  

LANDSCAPE RECLAMATION FOR ABANDONED MINING SITE FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION ON THE JOS PLATEAU

Emmamoge Orewere¹, Ayodele Owonubi¹ & Sada Zainab²

¹Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology,

Federal College of Forestry, Jos

 ²Department of Architecture, Faculty of Environmental Design,

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nation particularly (goal fifteen) subtitled: LIFE ON LAND: protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystem, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss targeted for year 2030  and Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020 (NV 20:2020) Economic Transformation Blueprint cannot be overemphasized. Illegal mining is one of the biggest problems with regard to environmental destruction and ecological disruptions. It presents a plethora of environmental, social and economic problems. Thus using abandoned quarries as sites for new construction is a useful form of reclamation, one that has occurred throughout history. The main thrust of this paper, is to reclaim an abandoned mining site through landscape development for outdoor recreation to tourist who needs to recreate either actively or passively on the Jos Plateau. The study objective is to develop the conceptual framework to serve as a basis for creating a suitable design of an abandoned mining area. It focuses on Guut-Rayfield area in Jos-South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The methodology employed for this study is physical site survey, case studies and literature search. The paper submits by way of conclusion that land reclamation strategies through landscape development should be implemented alongside mining plan for effective restoration after mining operation ceases. Working closely with community dwellers, allied professionals, and the government would ensure sustainable development is achieved. 

Keywords: Landscape reclamation, Mining site, Outdoor recreation, Plateau

BACKGROUND RADIATION LEVEL MEASUREMENT IN DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, CAMPUS III, ABRAKA, NIGERIA

Osiga-Aibangbee Damaris

Department of Science Laboratory Technology,

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

Abstract

An in-situ measurement of the background radiation level was carried out at the Delta State University Campus III, Abraka. A portable Radiation levels monitor FS2011+ and ETREX Germin GPS was used for the measurement. A total of 22 points (11 outdoor and 11 indoor) was surveyed across the campus for background environmental radiation. The outdoor dose rate varies from 0.13µSv/hr to 0.25µSv/hr. For the indoor measurement, the minimum dose rate 0.12µSv/hr the maximum dose rate 0.23µSv/hr. It was noticed that the outdoor dose level was higher than the indoor dose level. The results show that the average outdoor and indoor point studied is 0.19µSv/hr and 0.12µSv/hr and this radiation level did not exceed the recommended limit of 1mSv/annum by International Commission on Radiation Protection which is still less than the ICRP limit value for non-occupational population exposure.

Keywords: Radiation, emission, indoor, outdoor, dose rate, study, exposure

EFFECT OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM) SEEDS AND LEAVES EXTRACT ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF ALBINO RATS

¹Hillary ChifunanyaOdiakose&²UthmanOlatunjiGambari

¹Department of Science Laboratory Technology

Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu

²Department of Science Laboratory Technology,

Delta State Polytechnic,Ozoro, Delta State

Email: u.gambari@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The effects of Azadirachtaindica(Neem) seeds and leaves extracts on some haematological parameters of albino rats were investigated in this study.Azadirachtaindica(Neem) leaves and seeds were extracted using a mixture of hexane, acetone and ethanol in a ratio of 1:1:1 as solvent. Twelve albino rats were shared into 4 groups of 3 rats per group. Group 1 (CNT) which was the control group was not treated with the plant extracts. Group 2 (SE) was treated with the seed extract; Group 3 (LE) was treated with the leaf extracts while Group 4 (SY) was treated with Dichlorvos (DDVP)as the positive control. The extracts were administered to the rats by inhalation for 28 days. Haematological parameters were determined using standard method. Results show that thetest groups showed anon-significant (p> 0.05)increase in the PCV levels when compared to the positive control group (SY). There was anon-significant (p>0.05) difference in WBC concentration across all groups. The test groupsshowed a significant (p<0.05) increase in lymphocytes levels when compared to the positive control group (SY). This present study demonstrated that Neemseeds and leaves extractsexhibited some level of toxicity and thereforemay be a potential and novel source of bio-insecticides.

Keywords:Neem, rat, pest, blood, extracts, test and group

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGE AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OF PATIENTS

Itiveh Francis Enahoro & Eriyeva Agwu Godspower

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

Email: Fenoitiveh4@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study was intended to investigate and to ascertain whether there exist or not a relationship between age and high blood pressure of patients in Sapele metropolis, Delta State.Data was collected from eighteen (18) patients randomly selected from the records/files and their average blood pressure for three conservative months: March, April and May 2016. A Hypothesis was formulated and tested using the statistic at α = 0.05, level of significance, Regression analysis was also employed in the analysis of data collected from the sample to forecast blood pressure of patients. Results from the analysis showed that, there is a significant relationship between age and high blood pressure with a coefficient of 0.729 showing that the blood pressure is dependent on age. Forecasted blood pressures of ages (80, 85, 87 and 90) of would be patients using the regression equation , with corresponding blood pressure of 172, 178, 180 and 183 respectively.It is hereby recommended that people should from the habit of predicting their blood pressure and undergo routine checkup to know their blood pressure status and seek early treatment where necessary.

Keywords: High blood pressure, data, study, decision, regression, age,

COVID-19:THE NASCENT,SEEMINGLYINVINCIBLEFOE – A REVIEW PAPER

Oduwobi, O. O. &Alagamba, E.A.

Department of Science Laboratory Technology,

Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State.

^*E-mail: oludayo.oduwobi@federalpolyilaro.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

Corona virus (responsible for COVID-19 pandemic) which has been referred to as ‘the invisible enemy’ is currently ravaging the world and her economy; unleashing untold terror among the global citizens, its novelty notwithstanding. The pandemic has put scientists and researchers across the continents on the edge and the race to develop an effective vaccine in combating the scourge is still on. Various clinical studies and trials have been conducted but the pandemic seems to defy a solution. Unfortunately, there is still no effective anti-viral agent to curb the overwhelming menace. However, scientists are emerging with new facts and updating the global citizenry from time to time as to how to beat and manage the pandemic whilst staying alive. The WHO (global health watchdog) and the various CDC have been the people’s lifeline during this trying period; monitoring the events surrounding the pandemic by way of surveillance and rendering timely recommendations. COVID-19 is not a death wish but rather a necessary evil, amidst conspiracy theories, to challenge individuals’ innate immune systems. Medical personnel have been on the frontline, ensuring that the human race is not threatened into extinction in this unusual biological war. The attempt to discover an effective vaccine is still in top gear, with the superpowerscovertly in competition with one another in the race to emerge as the first to achieve this feat, in order to redeem the world from this catastrophic and unprecedented quagmire since the infamous Spanish flu.

Keywords: Pandemic, vaccine, novelty, conspiracy theories, unprecedented quagmire

SUITABILITY OF ALKALINE ACTIVATED RICE HUSK ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR CEMENT IN CONCRETE

Adejoh Benjamin Ochola1, Abubakar Muhammed Ahmadu2, Mustapha Abdulhakeem3
Department of Civil Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic
Email: adejoh_benjamin@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study suitability of alkaline activated rice husk ash as partial replacement for cement in concrete has been investigated. The activated rice husk ash was partially replace as cement by percentage of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively. 60 number of grade 20 concrete cubes and 60 numbers of grade 25 concrete cubes were cast in laboratory and cured for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days respectively in accordance to BS1881: part 116: 1983. The study uses water/cement ratio of 0.55; with the hope that its usage would reduce accumulation of rice husk wastes which is harmful to human health. The rice husk was carbonized, sieved after carbonization using sieve size 150𝜇m and was activated in the chemical laboratory using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as the alkaline medium. However despite the observed loss in strengths of the concrete, it can still be used for various applications requiring medium and low strength in accordance to concrete grade 5, a strength which is achieved with these replacements of activated rice husk ash concrete: such as non-load bearing concrete wall, sidewalks, road barrier, concrete block, kerbs. The amount of concrete produce worldwide for this application could ensure the viability of this study.
Keywords: Cementious material, Compressive strength, Rice husk ash, Pozzolana, filler,

LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM STEM AND EOOT FRACTIONS ATTENUATE ETHIDIUM BROMIDE-INDUCED BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN RATS

^aSulaiman A. Faoziyat, ^aAdeotiOluwatomiwa, ^bSulaiman A.Afolabi, *^cOlatundeAhmed,^aAbubakar F. Aluko,^aOsejiFavor, ^aOmopupaSuliat, ^aOdetoyeOmolara, ^aBamidele B. Eniola, ^aZakariyah R.Toyin, ^aNurudeen A. Damilola

^aDepartment of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences,

University of Ilorin, Ilorin

^bFederal Medical Center, EbuteMetta, Lagos

^cDepartment of Biochemistry

AbubakarTafawaBalewa University, Bauchi740272

Email: olatundebch@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Ethidium bromide is usually applied as a marker for identifying nucleic acids bands during electrophoretic processes. The information on the ability of natural products to ameliorate the toxic effect this chemical is still scanty. However, this study investigated the ameliorative effect of Lycopersiconesculentum in ethidium bromide induced toxicity in experimental rats.Experimental animals (50) with average body weight of 95±10g were randomly assigned into 10groups each consisting of five each. The normal group was administered with distilled water as the vehicle. The remaining groups of rats were treated with 0.5 ml (2.1 mg/kg body weight) on the skin for two weeks. The standard group was administered with 4.0 mg/kg Contiflo XL while the remaining ethidium bromide treated groups were administered with fractions (aqueous, butanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) of Lycopersiconesculentum stem and root.The results showed that the activities of AST, ALT, GGT, ALP and concentrations of total protein, albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol were altered in the groups treated with ethidium bromide solution compared to the control group. But, Lycopersiconesculentum stem and root fractions (aqueous, butanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) administration ameliorated the alterations in ethidium bromide treated rats.The data from the study indicated that aqueous, butanol, ethyl acetate and hexane fractions of Lycopersiconesculentum stem and rootattenuated the toxic effect of ethidium bromide on the liver, kidney and heart ofrats.

Keywords:Lycopersiconesculentum, toxicity, biochemical indices, fractions