Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

Comparative Study Of Physico-Chemical Parameters On Natural And Artificial Fish Habitats In Calabar South, Cross River State, Nigeria

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to investigate the physico-chemical parameters of natural and artificial fish habitat in Calabar South. Ten (10) physico-chemical parameters were investigated. Parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and hydrogen ion concentration were measured insitu from artificial and natural habitats. Results obtained from this study showed that, temperature from the University of Calabar Fish Pond (artificial habitat) were between 28.4-29.3⁰C, with a mean value of 28.83±5.36^oC, while that of the Calabar river (natural habitat) were between 29.44-29.62⁰C, with a mean value of 29.54±5.44^oC. Dissolved oxygen ranged between 3.0-3.9mg/L, with a mean value of 3.83±1.96mg/l from the artificial habitat and between 3.40-3.48mg/L, with a mean value of 3.43±1.85mg/L in the natural habitat. Phosphate concentration was between 0.044-0.075mg/L in the University of Calabar fish pond, with a mean value of 0.063±0.25mg/L, while in the Calabar River, phosphate ranged between 0.029-0.048mg/l, with a mean concentration of 0.041±0.02mg/L. In the Calabar River, sulphates ranged between 0.082-0.088mg/L, with a mean concentration of 0.253±0.16mg/L, while in the University of Calabar fish pond, sulphates ranged between 0.032-0.083mg/L, with a mean concentration of 0.062±0.25mg/L. There was no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the levels of physico-chemical parameters between the two fish habitats. The ranges of the physico-chemical parameters in this study were within FEPA and WHO permissible limits for aquaculture practices. However, to improve on the ecological status of the habitats, it is recommended that proper management and monitoring of waste that goes into the systems should be undertaken by individuals and the government and their relevant agencies.

Planning For Teaching Mathematics And Science In Rwanda Secondary Schools: Stakeholder Engagement And Experience Sharing Through Adaptive Planning Process

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In the pursuit of improving the quality of education, the involvement of stakeholders in the planning of mathematics and science teaching and learning has been a persistent concern. To address this issue, a study was conducted to investigate how stakeholders can be engaged in the planning process for teaching mathematics and science at the secondary school level in Rwanda. The study had two main objectives: (1) to assess the current level of participation by school stakeholders in the planning of teaching and learning, and (2) to apply an adaptive planning process to engage stakeholders in planning of activities related to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science at the school level. The study used the Adaptive Planning Approach, which involves engaging stakeholders in the planning process. It was conducted in four secondary schools that were purposefully selected based on their participation in continuous professional development training programs in teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Two schools were from the rural and other two were from the urban area districts in Rwanda. A total of 44 participants, comprising 8 parents, 16 teachers, 8 students, 4 head teachers, 4 deputy head teachers, and 4 sector education officers participated in the study. Data was collected into three main stages: (1) pre-Adaptive Planning Process workshop using the interview, (2) Adaptive Planning Process (APP) workshop to assess the current engagement of stakeholders at school level and (3) plan for the activities aiming for teaching mathematics and science and (4) develop the implementation and monitoring plan for the activities planned during the APP workshop. Results demonstrate stakeholders sharing the experience, working together to formulate a vision, exploring their values, and collaboratively developing objectives towards the vision. They have also indicated a collaborative plan for the implementation and monitoring of school activities. We conclude that facilitating equitable participation among a wide range of stakeholders and taking care to include parents enriches the knowledge base from which to manage the teaching of mathematics and science process and lays a foundation for a collaborative relationship among school stakeholders. We recommend more studies of this kind to verify and generalize the findings of this research.

Assessment Of Heavy Metal Pollution In Soils Of Ifie Community, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Andre Obayanju Oluwatomilola, Pajiah Jubemi A — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Twelve soil samples (11 soil samples and 1 control sample) were collected to assess the level of pollution and its distribution in soils around Ifie Community, Warri South, Delta State, Nigeria, including one control sample from Federal Government College Warri. An Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) machine (model 210 VGP) was used and seven heavy metal parameters were analyzed: iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and Copper (Cu). The following results were obtained: iron (110.5 - 201.5 mg/kg), nickel (20.5 - 47.5 mg/kg), chromium (1 - 23 mg/kg), lead (1 - 3.5 mg/kg), zinc (8 - 20 mg/kg), and copper (27 - 46 mg/kg). The heavy metal distribution patterns identified in this study from highest to lowest were as follows: iron, copper, nickel, zinc, chromium, lead, cadmium. Cadmium was below the detection level in all samples. The study findings indicate high nickel and copper levels, surpassed the World Health Organization's (WHO) target values, and high nickel levels exceeding the Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente(CONAMA) prevention values, suggesting that industrial and domestic activities in the area contribute to heavy metal pollution. The Contamination Factor (CF) and Geo-accumulation Index (GeoI) indicate moderate to considerable levels of Ni and Cu contamination, while statistical analysis shows that these two metals are most likely from the same source and influenced by the same factors.

Water Availability And Quality In Rural And Urban Markets In Abia State, Nigeria: Implications For Water, Sanitation And Hygiene

Nwaoma Chimchetam O, Nzegbule Emmanuel C — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study assesses the availability and quality of water sources in Ubani (urban) and Ndoro (rural) markets in Abia State, Nigeria, focusing on both physicochemical and bacteriological properties. The findings have important implications for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative (water sampling, laboratory analysis), and qualitative (a structured questionnaire) techniques to assess water availability, quality, and usage patterns. Water samples were collected from three sources (borehole, rainfed wells, and tanker-supplied water) during dry and wet seasons. Physicochemical parameters analyzed included pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), nitrate, and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Bacteriological assessments detected coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella spp. using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. Sachet water was the most widely used water source, with 81.1% of respondents in Ubani and 77.1% in Ndoro relying on it, yet more than half reported difficulties in accessing water. Distances to water sources in the market varied, ranging from 250m to 1.5km. Seasonal variations in water quality were significant (p < 0.05). In Ubani market, BOD increased from 4.82 mg/L in the dry season to 9.07 mg/L in the wet season, while DO rose from 2.78 mg/L to 4.63 mg/L. Similar trends were observed in Ndoro, with BOD rising from 4.80 mg/L to 8.52 mg/L. The TDS levels in Ubani market were 174.5mg/l in the dry season and 192.63mg/l in the wet season whereas that of Ndoro market was 44mg/l and 29mg/l. The pH in Ubani was 6.68 (dry) and 6.11 (wet), while Ndoro recorded 3.96 (dry) and 4.55 (wet). Nitrate levels also fluctuated significantly between seasons. Bacteriological analysis revealed E. coli concentrations of 1.72 × 10⁵ cfu/ml in Ubani's rainwater and Klebsiella spp. counts of 2.2 × 10⁵ cfu/ml in Ndoro's borehole water, exceeding WHO limits. The findings of the study reveal the vulnerability of market water sources to contamination, especially during the wet season, posing public health risks. The study highlights the urgent need for water quality monitoring, treatment improvements, and public health education on safe water practices.

Emerging Research Trends In Computer Science: A Bibliometric Analysis

Japhet Kaijage Kashaija, Jane Lissah — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores emerging research areas in Computer Science through bibliometric analysis using data retrieved from the Scopus database. A systematic search was conducted using a predefined query, initially yielding 6,300 documents, which were refined based on publication year (2015–2025), subject area (Computer Science), document type (journal articles), language (English), and Open Access availability, resulting in 447 articles. The analysis was conducted by using the generated bibliometric maps, including term co-occurrence, and co-authorship networks. The results highlight key emerging research trends, including advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Additionally, global collaboration patterns reveal leading research contributors and potential areas for international cooperation. The findings provide valuable insights into the future directions of Computer Science research, offering strategic opportunities for institutions like Arusha Technical College to contribute to and benefit from these advancements.

The Use Of A Two-Stage Cluster Sampling Technique In Identifying And Analyzing Several Factors Affecting Poultry Production In Cross River State, Nigeria

Agbebia Catherine Shike, Okim Inyang Ikpan — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzed the factors affecting poultry production in Cross River State, Nigeria. The objective was to establish how farm input factors like cost of feed, cost of drugs, farm size, credit facility, cost of labour etc, and socio-economic problems of the farmers like farming experience, level of education, age of farmer etc, affects poultry production in the study area. Also, the extent to which technology adaption, and availability of market, influence poultry production in the study area, was assessed. A sampling frame (i.e a record of registered farmers in the state) consisting of 1042 registered farmers was obtained from the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture, from which samples were drawn using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. The first stage units (the primary sampling units) comprising of four Local Government Areas, were selected using probability proportional to size sampling technique. Also, the second stage sampling units (secondary sampling units) consisting of poultry farmers from each of the selected Local Government Area, were selected using simple random sampling technique. A total of 169 poultry farms were drawn. Multiple regression models and other descriptive statistical tools like percentages, frequency tables, mean etc, were used to reveal that factors such as the cost of feed, cost of drugs, farm size, farming experience and credit facilities were statistically significant factors affecting poultry production in the study area. While the cost of drugs, the farm size and farming experience were positively related to the output, the cost of feed and credit facilities were found to be negatively related factors to the output. It was also revealed that majority of the farmers in the study area were small-scale broiler farmers, who were in their active age of between 25 -40 years, have had more than five years of faming experience and were university graduates.

Assessment Of Information And Communication Technology Support For Interdisciplinary Research Ecosystem In Nigerian Universities – A Survey

Kingsley O Igboji — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific research and technological innovations are key drivers of development and socioeconomic influence. Diverse advanced information and communication technology (ICT) innovations are revolutionizing processes to solving complex problems including those of research in interdisciplinary scope. This study evaluated scholars’ knowledge of ICT tools/interdisciplinary research (IDR), capacity index for using ICT in IDR, impacts of ICT in IDR ecosystem & institutional ICT infrastructural provision in promoting the culture of interdisciplinary research ecosystem across Nigerian universities. This was a cross-sectional study design using structured questionnaire of 5-point lickert scale for data collection. It drew participants from Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike and Ebonyi State University Abakaliki with sample size of 185 scholars purposively selected during academic board & associations’ meetings. Data was analyzed based on percentage and mean rating (MNR) using SPSS software. On knowledge of ICT tools/interdisciplinary research (MNR: 3.51–3.95); scholars involvement in IDR (MNR: 3.21–3.34); capacity for ICT support tools (MNR: 3.07–3.95); institutional ICT support tools (MNR: 2.43–2.92); roles/impact of ICT on IDR ecosystem (MNR: 3.55–4.48). The study found that scholars’ knowledge of ICT tools/IDR was fair, whereas capacity for utilizing ICTs was poor & gross inadequacy of ICT support tools in the universities. This significant gap in capacity for ICTs/IDR and gross inadequacy of ICT support tools are critical factors contributing to declining interest/involvement of scholars in IDR. We recommends articulated comprehensive ICT capacity enhancement training intervention for scholars & university authorities prioritizing actions geared towards rapid scaling up of ICT infrastructures.

Morphological characterization and evaluation of cyanide content of lablab purpureus l. (hyacinth bean)

Olawuyi Odunayo J, Oyewole Kaosarat O, Azeez Abiodun A — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Lablab purpureus L. (Hyacinth bean) is an underutilized leguminous plant with notable nutritional and medicinal value commonly found in tropical regions. This study aimed to characterize the morphological traits of twenty Lablab purpureus accessions and to evaluate the cyanide content in six selected accessions (TLn28, TLn28-B, TLn28-A, TLn37, TLn43, and TLn52). The field experiment followed a completely randomized design with three replicates. Results revealed significant variation (p < 0.05) among the accessions in growth and yield traits. Accession TLn2 showed superior performance in plant height (23.82 cm) and leaf count (12.71), whereas TLn70 exhibited the highest values for leaf length (11.68 cm) and width (11.73 cm). Accession TLn37 excelled in pod count per replicate (36) and seed count per replicate (134), while TLn28, TLn11, and TLn4 demonstrated the highest values for fresh pod weight (37.00 g), pod length (8.03 cm), and pod width (2.10 cm), respectively. The cyanide content, assessed using the alkaline picrate colorimetric method, was significantly lower in TLn37 than in the other five accessions and fell well below the toxicity threshold (36 mg/100 g) for humans and animals. Consequently, accessions TLn2 and TLn70 are promising candidates for breeding and cultivation based on desirable foliar traits, while TLn37 is particularly suited as a low-cyanide planting material for safe hyacinth bean production for human and animal consumption.

Fdm Study On Cross-Diffusive Effect On Heat Absorbing And Radiative Transient Hydromagnetic Flow Of A Nanofluid Past A Propagating Upright Porous Plate

Joseph Lengai Sademaki, Exavery Philemon Enock — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This investigation delves into the impact of double diffusion on the heat-generating hydro-magnetic transport of water-based nanofluids flowing past a moving permeable plate subjected to heat flux. The nanofluids considered incorporate copper (Cu) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles. The study is characterized by the formulation of dimensional quasi-linear partial differential equations (PDEs) with well-defined initial and boundary conditions, which are rendered dimensionless by introducing appropriate non-dimensional parameters. These equations are then resolved numerically using the implicit Crank-Nicolson finite difference scheme implemented in MATLAB. The research meticulously examines the influence of pertinent physical parameters on the velocity profile, temperature distribution, and concentration of reactive species, complemented by graphical illustrations. Furthermore, the study elucidates the impact of these physical variables on the wall shear stress, heat transfer rate, and mass transfer rate, presented in tabular format and subjected to comprehensive analysis. The findings underscore that an increase in the Soret parameter enhances fluid velocity and reactive species concentration, whereas the intensification of the magnetic field and heat flux parameter diminishes fluid velocity. The rate of thermal transfer is observed to escalate with higher values of the heat source, radiation-absorption, and radiative heat flux parameters; conversely, it diminishes with an increase in the Prandtl number. The study reveals superior thermal performance for Cu nanoparticles compared to TiO₂. A comparative analysis with prior published results substantiates the accuracy of the computational framework, with the outcomes exhibiting exceptional concordance.

Acquisition Of Size-Specific Dose Estimates For Abdominal Computed Tomography Examination In Nigeria: A Preliminary Study Using A Water Equivalent Diameter

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Size-specific dose estimates is an important metric for personalizing dose measurements during abdominal computed tomography (CT) examination. This study aimed to establish patient size-specific dose data as a guide for dose monitoring of abdominal computed tomography examinations among Nigerians.

Methods

Abdominal CT images of adult subjects obtained from two CT scanners - a light speed VCT –ZTe; (GE Healthcare) 16 – Slice and a Brivo CT 385 series; (GC Healthcare) 16-slice scanners were used in the study. The estimated computed tomography dose index volume (CTDI_vol) and dose length product (DLP) were extracted from the CT dose report on the patients’ electronic Image folders. The effective size of the abdomen was obtained by using electronic caliper on the scanner console to measure the anterior-posterior and lateral dimensions at the level of the widest diameter on the image. With Table1A from the AAPM report 220, conversion factors were determined for a total of 264 abdominal CT images. The corresponding conversion factor was multiplied by the CTDI_vol to obtain the size specific dose estimates (SSDE). The relationships between effective diameter (ED), CTDI_VOL and age on SSDE were analyzed using minitab statistical software version 17.

Results

The mean CTDlvol was 6.94+ 1.63mGy, while SSDE was 9.76 + 2.56mGy. The SSDE decreased significantly with effective diameter, and increased significantly with the CTDI vol. The effective diameter measured between 8.72.90 and 37.70cm.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the CTDvol and patient’s abdominal size are determinant factors in the development of a size-specific radiation protection protocol and optimization of patient dose during abdominal CT examinations based on scanner output.