HUMMINGBIRD PUBLICATIONS & RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
PROCEEDINGS/ABSTRACTS OF THE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON 21ST CENTURY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES: MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH VOL. 15 23RD TO 24TH MARCH, 2017 –UNIVERSITY DE PUBLICA DE SAO TOME E PRINCIPE (PUBLIC UNIVERSITY OF SAO TOME AND PRINCIPLE)
PAPERS:
ASSESSMENT OF TOXICITY CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIALLY MANUFACTURED BUILDING MATERIALS
IDRIS M.C.
Physics Department, Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa
01
Abstract
Building materials contain different amounts of heavy metals as they are derived from the rocks and soils, which always contain natural concentration of all the metals. Heavy metals in the building materials used within the study area were investigated. Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis (AAS) was used to determine the concentration level of Fe, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Co. The geo accumulation index (Igeo) used shows that the contamination levels are from strongly uncontaminated to moderately contaminated materials.
Keywords: Building Materials, Metals, geo accumulation index, Cements, paints
ON EXPLICIT FORMULA FOR COMPUTING THE NUMBER OF FUZZY SUBGROUPS OF DIHEDRAL GROUPS D2n,
*A. OLAYIWOLA1, M . ENIOLUWAFE 2 AND D.A. AKINREMI3
1Department of Mathematics & Computer Science, Sule Lamido University Kafin-Hausa, Jigawa State 2,3Department of Mathematics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan
02
Abstract
In this paper, we give an explicit formula for computing the number of fuzzy subgroups for arbitrary D2n. This we achieved using the latest equivalence relation on fuzzy subgroups known in literature, Burside’s lemma, group action on a set and automorphisms of the group.
Keywords: Dihedral group; Fuzzy subgroups; Group action; Automorphism group
EFFECT OF OIL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS ON SOME SELECTED MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: A PEDRONI PANEL COINTEGRATION APPROACH
MUHAMMAD, MANSUR & SANI MUHAMMAD
Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.
03
Abstract
This paper sets out to apply a newly developed panel unit root and cointegration approach to the time series of some selected Sub-Saharan African macroeconomic variables as affected by global oil price fluctuations. We consider five countries each from importing and exporting countries in Africa. The cross sections considered were; (exporting countries: Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Libya, Egypt) importing countries: Ghana, Cameroun, Cote Devoir Rwanda and Benin. The empirical result revealed long run equilibrium relationship among GDP, exchange rate, inflation and balance of payment. The long run normalised equation shows that oil price fluctuation negatively affect GDP and exchange rate, while positively affect inflation though that of inflation is not significant at 5%. Wald test statistics indicates short run causality running from oil price fluctuations to variables under investigation, the lingering effect is more severe in importing nations going by the magnitude of the coefficients of the long run equation, this explain theoretical and practical implication of the major oil price shock on the economy of the importing nations. Hence, we recommend effective utilisation of the excess crude oil benefit during boom especially for exporting nations, secondly, oil producing nations in Africa should take a bold step towards self-sufficient in refined product so as to export the excess to their neighbouring African nations, this will go a long way in ameliorating the major external shock to the African importing nations through cut in cost of transportation and other tariffs from western world
Keywords: Sub-Saharan Africa, Panel Cointegration, Oil Price Fluctuations, Macroeconomic
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION OF UNDERGROUND WATER: CASE STUDY OF ASABA AND ITS ENVIRONS, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
A.O.J. ADEBOWALE,
Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences Department, Petroleum Training Institute,P.M.B. 20, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.
04
ABSTRACT
Water is essential to life; no living thing can survive without water. Water can occur underground or at the surface. This study is aimed at identifying various problems associated with groundwater exploration and exploitation in Asaba and its environs, Delta State through field work and desktop research. Seven (7) boreholes and well log data were collected from Delta State Urban Water Board and were carefully studied and analyzed. The study revealed that presence of Electromagnetic materials, rugged topography, clustered settlement pattern and cost of survey are the major problems associated with groundwater exploration. The presence of carbonaceous materials (lignite), contact of cyclic repetition of clay and sand, sharp contact or change between compacted and permeable sand formation have been identified as the major causes of lost circulation within the study area. Other problems associated with exploitation of groundwater include pipe sticking, well failure and submersible pump failure. Hence, the study thereby proffers remediation techniques to tackle groundwater exploration and exploitation problems within the study area.
Keywords: Water, life, groundwater, exploration, exploitation, lost circulation.
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PETROLEUM PRODUCT- GASOLINE FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA.
1 NJOSI JUSTINA ANWILIKA & 2 ADEBOWALE A.O.J
1 Department Of Industrial Safety and Environmental Technology, P.M.B 20 Effurun – Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. 2Department of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences, Petroleum Training Institute, P.M.B 20 Effurun – Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
05
ABSTRACT
Qualitative and quantitative laboratory analysis of Gasoline samples were carried out on imported and locally refined products. The analysis was centered on the measurement of some properties and parameters such as American standard Testing methods -ASTM distillation, specific gravity, octane number, lead content, viscosity, flash point, vapor pressure and sulphur content, which were determined using the ASTM- American standard test methods and the application of some selected sophisticated modern petroleum analysis equipment. The volatilization rate of both Gasoline samples were determined, by the measurement of their optimum distillation temperatures and characteristics, which was the criteria used in the assessment Gasoline performance. The values and results obtained from the comparative study of the imported Gasoline, indicated deviation, from recommended standard quality requirement. The values further showed that the rate of volatilization of imported Gasoline was higher when compared to that of the locally refined Gasoline product. The study proved that the imported Gasoline, when used as fuel, vaporized too readily in pumps, fuel lines and carburetors, which lead to the increase in the rate of fuel consumption and eventually caused decreased fuel flow into the internal combustion engine and resulted to rough engine operation, stoppage, and increased in the rate of poisonous gas emission into the atmosphere. The findings, therefore suggest that, the importation of petroleum products, especially Gasoline should be discouraged, as it could lead to damage of automobiles from poor quality fuel, due to high rate of volatilization, environmental pollution, health hazards and economic waste for sustainable development.
Keywords: Gasoline, Characteristics, Volatilization, Distillation, Health Hazards, Economic Waste and Sustainable development.
POLITICAL COMMUNICATION IN THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA: THE OYO STATE EXPERIENCE- “THE WILD, WILD WEST”
DR ABDUR-RAHMAN OLALEKAN OLAYIWOLA
Senior Lecturer In Political Science, Lagos State University (Lasu) Ojo.
06
ABSTRACT
Political Communication is a sub-field of Political Science and Communication that deals with the production, dissemination, procession and effects of information, both through the mass media of communication, the Newspaper Press, Radio, Television, Social Media, Ora-media and interpersonally within a political context. This study examines political communication in the 2015 General Elections with special/particular reference to Oyo State of Nigeria- “the wild, wild west”. The study analyses the political communication strategies of fourteen (14) political parties in thirty-three (33) Local Government areas of Oyo State, the speeches of eight (8) gubernatorial/governorship candidates/politicians (political speechifying), those who tried to influence the political process and the outcome of the 2015 election in the state. The paper examines the formal and informal conversations among members of the Oyo State public and did a content analysis of some of the Newspapers, Radio and Television Stations both government – owned and private ones that were used to cover the Presidential, Gubernatorial, National Assembly, and State Assembly Elections in the State. Policy recommendations are made for future political communication in Oyo State in particular, and Nigeria in general.
Keywords: Political Communication, 2015 General Elections, Oyo State, Nigeria Mass Media, Politics, Politicians, Electorate /Voters.
DESIGN OF CLOUD-BASED E-LEARNING SYSTEM FOR VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
ISMAILA W. OLADIMEJI1, ISMAILA M. FOLASHADE2
1Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. 2 Department of Compter science, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree
07
ABSTRACT
Cloud computing provides a great collection of computing resources that can be rapidly and elastically provisioned and released based on users’ demand to serve a wide and regularly expanding variety of information processing requirements. Due to its tremendous advantages this technology is maturing quickly and is being adopted in many applications including government, business, and education. This research employs the Cloud as a learning environment for teaching Computer Science and related courses by removing the locality constraints, while simultaneously improving students’ understanding of the material provided through practical experience with the finer details and subjects’ complexities. Most of the universities infrastructures are underutilized and in some cases over utilization of resources occurs, in order to balance the usage of the resources there is need for an elastic technology. In order to develop an e-Learning platform for virtual or open distance learning (ODL) undergraduate students of computer science new methodologies (like cloud based e-Learning) should be taken into consideration for project, problem based learning and virtual computorium. The research identified several potential Computer Science courses which could be launched and taught through Clouds. This framework addresses the services of cloud computing in a new dimension and each layer (in virtual classroom cloud-based system) specifies the essential components (that is matching of computer science courses with cloud layers) needed to construct an academic cloud in an open distance learning environment. And finally, a way of implementing the framework is proposed.
Keywords: Cloud computing, e-Learning, cloud-based e-learning, open distance learning, virtual classroom
EVALUATION OF IRRIGATION WATER AND SOIL QUALITY AT GWARI RIVER MASABA VILLAGE, MANDO KADUNA
MARI E. AND ABEKU N. M.
Department of Agricultural and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, School of Agricultural Technology Samaru Kataf, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria, Kaduna State – Nigeria
08
Abstract
The knowledge of the chemical composition of irrigation water and soil is very crucial for the sustainability of irrigation project and practice. This research aimed at the evaluation of chemical properties of the irrigation water and soil in the study site, in order to ascertain its quality and suitability for agricultural production. The irrigation water used by Masaba Village (Mando) Kaduna and the irrigation soil were collected and evaluated to assess the quality of water and the soil used for irrigation. The electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ration, boron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium chaloride, nitrate sulphate and bicarbonate measurements were carried out, using volumetric and calorimetric methods, on all the samples collected. Comparing the results of the analysis with that of the standard limits (acceptable level), it was discovered that the electrical conductivity was very low, indicating no likelihood of the development of salinity and sodicity problem. The sodium adsorption ratio tested for both the water and soil samples were found to be within the standard limits (acceptable level), indicating that the soil and water are safe for irrigation purposes. The pH values in both water and soil samples favour good condition for crops. Furthermore, it was concluded from the results of the tests that the water can be used for irrigation on almost all soils with little danger of developing harmful exchangeable sodium.
Keyword: Masaba irrigation site, salinity, sodicity, water and soil analysis, volumetric and calorimetric methods.
PARKS/OPEN SPACE AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUE: A LITERATURE SURVEY TO ASCERTAIN THEIR MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP
ALIYU AHMAD ALIYU1, MUHAMMAD UMAR BELLO1, HARUNA ADAMU1 AND IBRAHIM MUSA SINGHRY1
1Department of Estate Management and Valuation, Faculty of Environmental Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, P.M.B. 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
09
ABSTRACT
While parks are generally accepted as beneficial, it can be challenging for communities to determine the specific economic and fiscal benefits generated by parks and recreational facilities and open space. Parks can affect a community’s financial well being, environmental quality, social atmosphere, and health; as well, on-going maintenance requirements generate costs to be covered. The real estate market consistently demonstrates that many people are willing to pay a larger amount for a property located close to parks and open space areas than for a home that does not offer this amenity. The literature review found that neighborhood and community parks have a potentially positive impact on surrounding residential communities. Based on studies reviewed, neighborhood parks can provide up to a 20% increase in housing values for those homes facing the park. Benefits from a neighborhood park can extend to approximately 600 feet, with houses nearer to the park receiving the majority of the benefit. Community parks may provide benefits up to 33% of the residential real estate value. Homes within 1,000 feet of a large community park may receive a 9% increase in home value. Positive externalities of a community park may extend up to 2,000 feet. While an ideal park may produce large increases in real estate value, a park that is poorly suited to a community’s needs and/or poorly maintained will not produce a large positive effect. Specific study on local recreation needs and externalities in neighborhoods would be required to properly evaluate the economic effect of any park system.
Keywords: Hedonic Price Model, Housing Price, Neighbourhood Park, Open Space, and Residential Property Value,
RE-CONCEPTUALIZING THE MDG’S METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH : PARTICIPATORY DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION AS A TOOL.
IHUOMA OKORIE
Department of Theatre and Performing Arts, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
10
Abstract
This paper is set to examine the achievements and problems militating against the success of the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals in Sub-Saharan African Countries with particular reference to Nigeria. The introduction of the Millennium Development Goals was a welcome idea by most African Countries because of the prospects inherent in it. In view of the above, countries were asked to domesticate the goals to suit their own realities but despite that, it witnessed a low achievement and success when compared to the level of success. Therefore, the achievements of the Goals so far and the various factors militating against the attainment of the goals will be carefully examined. The paper however discovered that the methodological approach lacked adequate participation of the key people involved which constitutes a huge problem to the realization of the goals. Though, the goals were not fully achieved before the deadline but participatory method when adopted can help alleviate the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, this study recommends that facilitators adopt the use of participatory methods as it stands as the only tool that can help in achieving development in any nation.
Keywords: Participation, Ownership, Millennium Development Goals, Sustainable Development Goals, Development Communication.