THEME:
ACHIEVING UNPRECEDENTED TRANSFORMATION IN A FAST-MOVING WORLD: AGENDA FOR SUB-SAHARA AFRICA
DATE:
21st May, 2015.
VENUE:
UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA TEACHING HOSPITAL CONFERENCE HALL, GWAGWALADA, FCT ABUJA.
PROCEEDINGS:
MONITORING OF COOLANT FLOW RATE AND VELOCITY IN THE CORE OF NIGERIA RESEARCH REACTOR-1 (NIRR-1).
S.A AGBO1*, Y.A. AHMED2, I.O.B. EWA2, M. ABUBAKAR1, M.S ANAS3
1Physics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NIGERIA
2Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NIGERIA
3CAAS Mando, Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Abstract
Experiments to understand the behavior of the nuclear reactors thermo-hydraulic parameters allow improve model predictions, contributing to their safety. The Nigeria Miniature Neutron Source Reactor called Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) is a tank-in-pool type reactor with 90.2 % enriched uranium as fuel, light water as moderator and coolant. The core is cooled by light water natural convection. The reactor core assembly, surrounded by beryllium reflectors, is located at the bottom of the reactor vessel. The NIRR-1 has no installed device to measure the core mass flow rate. In this work, experiments were performed at different power levels to monitor some thermo-hydraulic parameters like core mass flow rate, coolant velocity, mass flux, density and Reynolds number in the core of NIRR-1. These experiments confirm the efficiency of natural circulation in removing the heat produced in the reactor core of Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) by nuclear fission.
Keywords: NIRR-1; reactor; core; flow rate.
BEING-IN-CONTROL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
ASIRA E. ASIRA & PETER B. BISONG
Department of Philosophy, University of Calabar
ABSTRACT
This paper provides an ethical structure that would enable humans to make the necessary shift towards environmental conservation and protection. This ethical shift is very necessary considering the fact that, theories, laws, admonitions et cetera against environmental degradation have seemingly fallen on deaf ears. The researchers believe that the failure of the various attempts to rationally persuade man to develop sustainably is, traceable to the kind of values that we espouse. When once the values are reinstituted on a complementary mindset – a mindset that is devoid of bifurcation and divisiveness, the environment would be better respected. A complementary mindset is that mindset that sees realities as missing links serving each other in a complementary totalising relationship. This mindset is in contrast to a divisive mindset that sees reality as absolute fragment of existence. This mindset which humans are presently imbued with has been responsible for the domination of nature, because it is seen as an absolute inferior. A complementary mindset which is proposed in this research as a better mindset, harmonizes all bifurcating tendencies, and sees all beings as sharing one wide complementary horizon.
Keywords: Being-in-control, environment, missing link, sustainability
A PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF CHRISTIANITY ON THE ENVIRONMENT
BISONG, PETER BISONG & JOSEPH ESSIEN PAUL
Department of philosophy, University of Calabar, Calabar
Abstract
In recent times the environment has been the centre of attention amongst scientists, environmentalists, philosophers and other scholars. It is their belief that in our days the environment is being degraded at a pace unsurpassed in history. Problems like ocean acidity, ozone layer depletion, flooding, rise in sea level, global warming, climate change and a host of others are pointed at as the effect of this unruly plummeting of the environment. Patriarchy, capitalism, divisive mindset, consumerism and other causes have been put forth as reasons why man is ever degrading the environment. While not disagreeing with these claims, this work places a greater blame on religion. The work therefore, intends to look at the impact of religion (with special focus on Christianity) is having on the environment. The impact of Christianity on the environment would be assessed from the building it erects, the noise it produce and the teachings it spread. This would be shown to have negative impact on the environment. The work would therefore, in the light of this, conclude that for a call for a sustainable environment to be visibly actualized, Christianity as well as other religions would need to restructure their teachings and ways of worship as well as control their expansion rate. The government should serve to regulate the activities of churches in order to channel them to the path that would lead to a sustainable environment. Unless this is done, Christianity would speed up the impending collapse of the world with the negative actions it puts forth.
Keywords: Christianity, Impact, Environment, Noise Pollution, Church Expansion
INFLUENCE OF COMMERCIALIZATION OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA ON STANDARD OF EDUCATION IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
ABDULLAHI DANIEL UZOMA EZE
Federal College of Education, Zaria
Abstract
This paper is titled influence of commercialization of education in Nigeria on Standard of Education in kaduna State, Nigeria. Two objectives: determine the influence of commercialization of education sector on employment of qualified teachers in private secondary schools in Kaduna State.two research question: What is the influence that commercialization of education sector has on employment of qualified teachers in private secondary schools in Kaduna State. and two Null hypothesis were formulated respectively. A descriptive research design was also adopted. The population was drawn from the three senatorial zone of Kaduna State on the registered private secondary schools only of the State. Among the problems that prompt this research paper are the government has failed in its promises as part of the social contract to provide adequate educational opportunities for its citizenry. The government as enshrined in the National policy on education. The findings reviewed that some private schools does not have qualify teachers and infrastructural facilities. Based on the findings conclusion and recommendation were given that the federal and state government in line with their inspectorate division should ensure proper checking on registered private schools to ensure that there is adequate and qualify teachers, provision of infrastructural facilities, availability of instructional material in the schools to meet up with the standard of Education in Nigeria.
INFLUENCE OF MASS MEDIA COVERAGE ON ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE FANS IN NIGERIA
DIYAOLU B. O.
Department of Sport Science, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
Abstract
The media over the last decade has played a vital role in the widespread and commercialization of football as a sport. The F.A. Premier League National Fan Survey Report that specific access to sports channels is high and the average numbers of ‘live’ matches watched by fans have increased (Downer, Durham, Stone and Munby, 2004). Almost every day daily newspaper in Nigeria has a sports section and sports broadcasts appear on many local and national television and radio stations across the Country. The study investigates the influence of mass media coverage on English Premier League fans in Ibadan metropolis using structured questionnaire in seeking the opinion of 100 purposively selected respondents from 5 local governments. From the population, ninety-four (94) responses were considered adequate which cut across various interest groups i.e. 30(31.91%) students, 25(26.60%) unskilled laborers, 20(21.28%) civil servant while 19(20.21%) represents others. 58.16% respondents jointly agreed to the fact that media influences fans’ response towards English Premier League. A significant influence was established on mass media coverage of English Premier League Fans at X2cal = 8.34, X2tab = 7.81, df = 1, p < 0.05).The influence of mass media on English Premier League fans was revealed by the study. Mass Media has being identified to contribute significantly to the success of English premier league matches in Nigeria. Constant bombardment of advertisement, sponsorship, quality control and policy frame work targeted at improving the present state of Nigeria Premier League to its counterparts abroad was recommended.
Keywords: Mass Media, Fans, English Premier League
DYNAMISM OF AFRICAN LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE: TOWARDS DEVELOPMENTAL STRATEGIES AND TRANSFORMATION
VICTOR OGHENEOCHUKO JEKO & NNAMDI AZIKIWE
Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University, Awka
ABSTRACT
The problematic facing African transformation in a fast growing world is multifaceted; these include ignorance, lack of technology complex, effective leadership, democratic governance, illiteracy, lack of consensus, and empathy, ethno-religious crises, economic woes, cultural chauvinism, African un-freedom and political instability. African transformation in a fast growing world requires an accelerated proportion of scholarly attention. This paper shall analyze the need for Africa to embrace a multi-level approach in redressing the problem of knowledge, certitude, technology complex, scientific progression and assimilation. African society from a contemporary perspective must begin to embrace technical-know-how or expertise coupled with effective or superb leadership skills that is aimed at effective democratic governance in order to affect African potentials and African development. Leaders of governments in Africa in this fast growing world must begin to embrace and engage themselves with comparative evaluation of Africa with the rest of the world. Africa as a continent is lagging behind and is facing serious contemporary challenges of low productivity level, socio-economic crises and political instability. All these must be addressed in order to give Africa a face lift. This paper appreciates and appropriates a multi-level approach in ensuring that there is the prevalence of African freedom, African transformation in the fast growing world even in the mid of her challenges. Africa should and must not remain static but dynamic politically, socially, culturally, scientifically, technologically, psychologically, intellectually and economically.
Key words: Dynamics, Strategies, Transformation, Leadership, Development
ETHICAL BEHAVIOR IN THE EDUCATION INDUSTRY: HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL AND MORAL REFORM ENHANCE CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
Umar Mu’azu Tadama1, Mahmud Abubakar Suleiman 2
1 Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic Mubi.
2 Department of legal studies Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Nigeria.
Abstract
The dimensions of enhancing citizenship education in schools are discussed. The paper has identified ethical instructions and agents through whom it could be disseminated to students. It discussed the use of social and moral instruction as a way of managing students’ occupational fitness as the low standard of education is now affecting our tertiary institutions and thus has become a societal problem. It is however noted that students are not the only culprits and so there needs for urgent ethical instruction for all educational stakeholders. Among other recommendations, it was suggested that a good foundation of self-discipline and moral character be laid for youths if education will continue to serve as bedrock of development of our nation.
Keywords: Citizenship education, Higher education, Social, Legal and Moral Responsibility.
EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF LISTENING SKILL TRAINING THROUGH PRE-RECORDED AUDIO MATERIAL ON STUDENTS LEARNING OUTCOME
DANGAJI, Hajara Abubakar
Department of Primary Education, Federal College of Education, Zaria-Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined the effects of listening skill training through pre-recorded audio material on students learning outcome. The study was quasi-experimental and purposive sampling technique was used to select 120 students from four (4) co-educational upper basic schools in the study area. The study used gender-neutral text selected from the Harmonized Upper Basic English Language Book 3. The study raised two (2) objectives, answered two (2) two questions and tested two (2) null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance and 95% degree of freedom. The statistical analysis tools used in the study were mean and standard deviation to answer questions raised by the study. The t-test independent sample was used to test the null hypotheses. In the light of the above, the study discovered that the use of listening skill training using pre-recorded audio materials significantly enhances performances in English comprehension among senior secondary school students. The listening skill training using pre-recorded audio material impact on academic performances of male and female students equally. The following recommendations are made on the basis of the outcome of this study: Listening skill training using pre-recorded audio material should be encouraged in the teaching and learning of the English language comprehension in the Senior Secondary Schools. It is strongly recommended that instructional materials for teaching and learning be provided in the secondary schools as interest of students could be sustained with the use of listening skill training using pre-recorded audio material.
Keywords: Listening skill, Audio material, Learning outcome, Examination, Pre-recorded
PROMOTING CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS AMONGST STUDENTS IN STAFF SCHOOL, FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ZARIA-NIGERIA
ZAINAB ABDULKADIR, ISAH
Department of Primary Education, Federal College of Education, PMB, 1041, Zaria-Nigeria
Abstract:
This research aimed to improve written expression (composition) skills of JSSIII students of staff school, federal college of education, Zaria-Nigeria. The research was designed under the paradigm of quasi experiment. A total sample of 39 students’ from the same grade was chosen for the study. The baseline assessment was carried out to explore the pre-intervention writing skill score of the students prior to the intervention cycle one. Later, intervention and writing skill support strategies were carried out for eight weeks. In the end, post-test was carried out to explore the differences occurred in the writing score of the students as a post intervention effect. The findings obtained from the quantitative data showed the improvement in the written expression skills of the students. It was observed that through taking the above mentioned measures, the teachers can help students improve their writing skills.
Key words: Creative Writing, Staff School, Writing Skills, College of Education, Enhancement
STEEL INDUSTRY POLITICS AND NIGERIAN NATIONAL SECURITY
OKPANACHI ODIJI
[M.Sc. Defence & Strategic Studies, B.Sc. Political Science]
College of Social and Management Sciences, Wesley University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 507, Ondo
Abstract
This paper which centres on the nexus between the steel industry and national security draws attention to the industry emphasizing its importance to national economies. Espousing the development theory of dependency as an analytical tool, the paper which observes how nations like Brazil, China and India have through the instrumentality of the steel industry, metamorphosed from their hitherto underdeveloped status into emerging world powers, critiqued Nigeria’s inability to follow suit. After carrying out a cost and benefit consideration of Nigeria’s perceived mono-cultural posture, the discourse opines that the Nigerian state’s failure to revitalise the country’s steel industry has in no small measure contributed to her contemporary state of insecurity. Hence, we conclude that until the Nigerian state becomes as genuinely committed as the governments of these emerging world powers, genuine national development and security will still continue to be a mirage.
Key Terms: Steel industry, Politics, National security, and Dependency
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KARL MARX’S MODEL OF CLASS AND SOCIAL CHANGE AND MAX WEBER’S MODEL OF CLASS IN A CAPITALIST SOCIETY IN THE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION ( A STUDY OF NIGERIA)
REV CANON EGESI JONATHAN .C., ALANEME JUSTINA .C., IBE SUNNY.O. & OKORO FRIDAY .T. IWUNZE FEDILA
Imo Sate Polytechnics Umuagwo ohaji p.m.b 1472 Owerri ,Nigeria
Abstract
In most modern complex and particularly capitalist societies, the concepts of class or social class and social stratification are significant and underlying of social realities that underscore the existence and life chances of all members of such societies in Nigeria. These realities engender a form of roles, behaviours, reactions, alignments and consciousness and social changes that vibrate and reverberate through and or on society, bringing in their work enormous and fundamental consequences. In the light of the above situation, this seminar paper is an intellectual effort directed at ascertaining the nature and existence of the social classes and the complex social realists that they engender in society by doing a comparative study of Karl Marx’s model of class and social change and Max Weber’s class in a capitalist society in the analysis of social stratification in Nigeria.
THE SOCIO-ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF RELIGIOUS FANATICISM IN NIGERIA
EMMANUEL EDET SAMPSON
(Student) Religious & Cultural Studies Department University of Calabar, Nigeria
Abstract
One of the major hindrances to achieving unprecedented transformation in a fast-moving world is the rise and influence of religious fanaticism in the society, especially in nations with a rapidly developing economy, such as Nigeria, the largest economic nation in Africa. Thus, fanaticism is one of the causes of backwardness of a nation in terms of achieving her greater goals of development. Religious fanaticism is the extreme and violent way of practising a religion beyond or contrary to the ethical law of such religion. It is associated with radicalism, militancy, intolerance, violence, discrimination, extremism etc. However, social ethics put it that for there to be the achievement of unprecedented transformation in any society, there is need to curb religious fanaticism. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the socio-ethical implication of religious fanaticism in Nigeria. This paper shall also look at the causes of religious fanaticism in a developed country like Nigeria as well as examining if this socio-ethical implication can be adopted as a way of overcoming religious fanaticism, for achieving unprecedented transformation in a fast-moving world.
Keywords: Ethics, Religion, Fanaticism, Unprecedented Transformation, Society,
VIGILANTES’ MOTIVATION AND FATE OF NIGERIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY OBJECTIVES
OKPANACHI ODIJI
Political Science Department, Wesley University of Science and Technology, P.M.B. 507, Ondo, Nigeria
Abstract
The most important objective of any sovereign state is that of maintaining her territorial integrity and securing lives and properties of the citizenry. This unfortunately has been a tall dream in Nigeria where insurgents and other criminal elements outsmart security forces to unleash terror on the people. One of the major reasons adduced for this negative trend is the impracticability of security forces to be everywhere at every time and this in turn necessitates the formation of local vigilantes to assist military and police agencies in combating crimes at community levels. This paper examines how the motivation of local vigilantes could lead to the realisation of the National security objective of Nigeria. Studying their activities in three different locations namely Biu, Ondo and Ejule, in Borno, Ondo and Kogi states respectively, we discovered that given necessary motivations such as governmental oversights, material incentives and commendations, the vigilantes are capable of assisting the state in not only maintaining law and order but supplying the necessary intelligence needed to ensure security for the whole country.
Keywords: Insecurity, Vigilantes, Motivation, National Security, Nigeria,
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF A DELAY IN HARVESTING AND A DELAY IN THE DURATION OF GROWTH ON ECOLOGICAL SERVICES: A CASE STUDY OF A PREDATION INTERACTION BETWEEN COWPEA AND GROUNDNUT
E.N. Ekaka-a1, I. A. Agwu2
1Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2Department of Mathematics, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Nigeria
Abstract
The predation interaction between two legumes such as cowpea and groundnut is a complex system of nonlinear first order ordinary differential equations. On the simplifying assumptions of a delay in the duration of growth and a delay in the harvesting of both cowpea and groundnut, the method of a numerical simulation has been used to predict incidences of biodiversity gain and biodiversity loss. Some sort of control is suggested to minimise the extent of biodiversity loss with respect to the production of groundnut .This level of technical analysis has not been seen elsewhere, it is presented and discussed in this paper.
ASSESSMENT ON EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SOCIALIZATION AMONGST JSS STUDENTS IN NIGER STATE-NIGERIA
MUHAMMED, Aminu NCE, B.Ed, M.Ed, PhD [in view] (SOCIAL STUDIES) & SALIHU, Jamilu Ja’afar NCE, B.Ed, M.Ed [SOCIAL STUDIES], GNIM
School of Post-graduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-Nigeria
Abstract
The study is titled “assessment on effectiveness of social studies education in secondary socialization amongst JSS students in Niger state-Nigeria”. The study used survey research design and 370 students were used in the study. However, simple random sampling technique was used to select students’ samples. The study used Social Studies Questionnaire on Secondary Socialization” (SOSQSS) as data collection instrument. The study answered three (3) research questions and tested three (3) null hypotheses. The data analysis tools were percentage and frequency counts, mean and standard deviation and independent t-test sample. However, all the null hypotheses tested at 0.05 alpha were retained. The study revealed that there was no significant difference on account of study level, gender and school location between the views of students on effectiveness of social studies education in secondary socialization amongst JSS students in Niger state-Nigeria. In the light of the above findings the study recommended the following; the need for social studies to be taught as a general course for all students in secondary schools in Nigeria and Niger state in specific. This will assist in breeding effective and productive citizenry among others.
Keywords: Socialization, Social studies, Secondary, Effectiveness, Niger state
MODELLING AND UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS FOR PLANNING DECISIONS IN CROP PLANTING, CROP PROTECTION AND PRODUCTION
E.N. Ekaka-a1, B. Asiegbu2
1Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2Department of Mathematics, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Nigeria
Abstract
The notion of a sensitivity analysis can be used to quantify the degree of uncertainty of a model parameter value representing the intrinsic growth rate of the cowpea legume in its mutualistic interaction with the groundnut legume. Under the simplifying assumption of a random-noise intensity of 0.4, we have inferred the uncertainty of this choice of model parameter value and calculated the normal probability of each data value predicted by the p-norms sensitivity analysis. We would expect this contribution to be beneficial for the planning decisions in crop planting, crop protection and crop production. The detailed novel results of this study have not been seen elsewhere; they are presented and discussed in this paper with the expectation of aiding some aspect of the sustainable development of crop production in Nigeria.
Numerical Simulation of Debt Financing System with a Sustainable Development Implication in Nigerian Economic Stability
Felix Y. E. Nmue and Enu-Obari N. Ekaka-a
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
Debt financing has been a long standing barrier to the economies of most developing countries of which Nigeria is no exception. Using the technique of a powerful numerical simulation, this present study has shown that an increase in the per capita government debt due to a variation of the government tax receipts and a synergistic variation of the government outlays and the government tax receipts on the predicted per capita government debt over a period of ten (10) years are clearly associated with a low debt service. This key achievement will play a significant role in the stabilization of the economy of Nigeria as long as a few appropriate democratic basic instruments such as workable exchange-rate management, fiscal policy and monetary policy are implemented.
QUANTIFICATION OF THE UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS OF THE NET REPRODUCTIVE RATE: A CASE STUDY OF SUGARCANE BORER-PARASITOID INTERACTION
Matthias Daniel & E. N. Ekaka-a
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Abstract
While the research on the mathematical modeling of the biological pest control of the sugarcane borer-parasitoid interaction has taken an interesting momentum from its starting point, the investigation of the uncertainty of the net reproductive rate parameter value remains to be fully studied and quantified. On the premise that the model parameter values of this interaction were estimated and the model formulation can be approximated, it is a good scientific practice to access the extent of uncertainty of the net reproductive rate. This level of sophisticated numerical simulation has utilized the technique of a MATLAB programming language. On the basis of this powerful computer simulation technique, we have found three classifications of uncertainty scenarios due to a variation of the net reproductive rate of which the local minimum respond value has being systematically selected. The implication of this novel contribution has a role to play in a further model validation and model prediction. The results which we have obtained in this study have not been seen elsewhere, they are presented here and discussed.
Keywords: uncertainty analysis; sugarcane borer-parasitoid; mathematical modeling; net reproductive; computer simulation
SELECTION OF THE LOCAL MINIMUM SENSITIVITY PENALTY UNDERGOING THE CHANGING LENGTH OF THE GROWING SEASON
- N. Ekaka-a1, O. R. Nwaogbe2
1Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2Department of Transport Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
Abstract
The selection of the best-fit local minimum sensitivity penalty is a challenging parameter estimation problem. This problem has been successfully tackled using the method of a numerical simulation. We have found that the local minimum sensitivity penalty values due to a longer duration of growth outweighs the local minimum sensitivity penalty values due to a shorter duration of growth under the simplifying assumption of changing intrinsic growth rate parameter value of the cowpea legume while the intrinsic growth rate of the groundnut legume is fixed. This present contribution is novel and provides better insight over relatively recent contributions.
SIMULTANEOUS SENSITIVITY EFFECT OF THE VARIATION OF THE INTRINSIC GROWTH RATES OF TWO INTERACTING LEGUMES: CONTROLLING THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE INTRINSIC GROWTH RATE PARAMETER VALUES
- N. Ekaka-a1, I.J. Galadima2
1Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, I. B. B. University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria
Abstract
Having identified sensitivity analysis as an alternative method of controlling uncertainty, we have adapted this idea to study the likely reductions in the sensitivity values due to the simultaneous effect of varying the intrinsic growth parameter values when the duration of growth takes the values of 30 days and 90 days. In the event of an environmental perturbation on the ecosystem, these scenarios of reductions in sensitivity values that have occurred at the best-fit local minimum sensitivity penalties are useful information for the control of uncertainty in this context of crop science motivated problem. We would expect these novel contributions to complement other related contributions on several aspects of parameter estimation problems and model development.
TACKLING THE UNCERTAINTY CONTROL USING SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS WITH RESPECT TO TWO NUMERICAL APPROACHES: A CASE STUDY OF A MUTUALISTIC INTERACTION BETWEEN COWPEA AND GROUNDNUT
- N. Ekaka-a1, N.K. Onum2
1Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2Department of Mathematics, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Nigeria
Abstract
Environmental perturbation is inevitable in the ecological system of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. One of these perturbations can be attributed to the crude oil production and its impact on the effective production of subsistence crops such as cowpea and groundnut. Several other intrinsic and extrinsic environmental factors can create some sort of random noise into the ecological system that may be responsible for the severe uncertainty of the intrinsic growth parameter values of the cowpea and groundnut. In order to control this uncertainty, we have proposed the method of sensitivity analysis and parameter ranking. The novel results that we have obtained using this method have not been seen elsewhere; they are presented and discussed in this paper.
TESTING THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF VARIABLES IN CROP PLANTING PLANNING AND DECISIONS UNDERGOING A MUTUALISTIC INTERACTION BETWEEN COWPEA AND GROUNDNUT
- N. Ekaka-a1, A. U. Kalu2
1Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2Department of Mathematics. Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Nigeria
Abstract
For the mutualistic interaction between cowpea and groundnut, the relative importance of the intrinsic growth rates was fully examined using a computationally more efficient numerical simulation scheme of ODE 45 Runge-Kutta discretization. The intrinsic growth rate of the groundnut legume is a more sensitive model parameter than the intrinsic growth rate of the cowpea legume. In terms of crop planting planning and decisions, we would expect the differentiation of the relative importance of the intrinsic growth rates of the interacting legumes to provide useful information for a better model prediction, parameter estimation and model validation.