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Developmental and Hormonal Regulation of Direct Shoots and Roots Regeneration in Coccinia Indica L

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Multiple shoots were induced from the nodal meristms in Coccinia indica L. in present study. Maximum number of shoots (4.7) per explant were observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.5 mgl-1 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). The response of explants towards the use of kinetin (Kn) was not impressive (3.6 shoots per explant) as compared to BAP. Application of auxin (Indole-3 acetic acid, IAA) in the medium caused cullogenesis from the basal part of the explants. Shoots were multiplied (47.3 shoots per culture flask) on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mgl-1 each of BAP and Kn. Long and healthy shoots (4-5 cm long) were rooted (8-9 roots per shoot) on agar-gelled half-strength MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mgl-1 Indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). None of the shoot produced roots in ex vitro experiments even after five weeks in green house. In vitro generated plantlets were hardened in the green house and transferred to the pots and finally to the field with 100% success.
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Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 07-2014 Issue: 7

Small-Scale Milk Processing, Utilization and Marketing of Traditional Dairy Products in Bahir Dar Zuria and Mecha Districts, Northwestern Ethiopia

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Journal: Journal of Food Technology Research

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This study was conducted to assess processing, utilization and marketing of traditional dairy products produced in Bahir Dar Zuria and Mecha districts in Northwestern Ethiopia. A single-visit-multiple-subject formal survey was conducted to collect data. A total of 150 households (75 households from each district) were individually interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The major dairy products produced in the study area include butter, ghee, Ayib, Arera (defatted sour milk), Ergo (naturally fermented sour milk), Zure and Metata Ayib. Among these, two of the traditional dairy products, Zure and Metata Ayib, are unique to the area and have never been reported before. The respondents interviewed claim that these products are of high nutritional values and have therapeutic properties. Many aspects of Zure and Metata Ayib such as physico-chemical properties, microbiological and sensory qualities are unknown. Thus, detailed scientific investigation needs to be conducted in order to verify the claimed nutritional and medicinal properties of these products.
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Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2014 Issue: 2

Notes on Q-Intuitionistic Fuzzy Subsemiring of a Semiring

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Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Research

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In this paper, we make an attempt to study the algebraic nature of Q-intuitionistic fuzzy subsemiring of a semiring and some properties of Q-intuitionistic fuzzy subsemiring of a semiring are investigated. AMS Mathematics Subject Classification (2010): 06D72, 08A72, 03F55.
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Arts and Education » International Journal of Mathematical Research » Month: 04-2014 Issue: 2

Lime and NPK Effect on Soil Acidity and Yield of Barley in Different Acid Soils of Southern Region, Ethiopia

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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In southern region acid soils cover appreciable areas of arable land and reduce or cause total failure of some sensitive crop yield. Barley is the most sensitive crop to soil acidity. A field experiment was carried out for three years (2007 to 2009) on loam Haplic Alisols of Chencha and clay loam Dystric luvisols of Hagerselam, Southern Region of Ethiopia, to evaluate the response of food barley and change in soil acidity to applied lime and NPK fertilizers. The study comprises three levels of calcitic lime (no lime, half and full doses of the recommend lime rate) and five different combinations of N-P-K fertilizers at the rate of 46-40-50 kg ha-1 (no fertilizer, NP, NK, PK, and NPK). The experimental design was factorial randomized complete block with three replications. Results obtained showed that application of lime and all combinations of fertilizers, either alone or combined, significantly (p < 0.05) increased barley yield over untreated control. The highest barley grain yield (2792 and 3279.3 kg ha-1) was recorded from combined application of NPK and half the recommended lime rate (3.84 and 0.85 t/ha at Chencha and Hagerselam, respectively) in 2007 when lime is freshly applied. In 2008 and 2009, when lime is used as residual effect, highest barley grain and biomass yields were obtained from applications of full lime rate + NPK. NPK application either alone or with lime gave better barley yield, which might suggest the importance of balanced (NPK) fertilizer application. The efficiency of fertilizers increased in the order of NP
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Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 07-2014 Issue: 7

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application and Seedbed Preparation on Potato Yield and Soil Properties on Alisols of Chencha

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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A field experiment was conducted for two years (2006 and 2007) during the belg seasons on strongly acid clay loam (Haplic Alisols) soils at Chencha research substation, Southern Ethiopia. The objective was to examine the effect of seedbed preparation methods and organic-inorganic fertilizers on potato tuber yield and soil properties. The experiment was arranged in split-plot design with seed bed preparation methods: hoe plough once (M1), hoe plough twice (M2) and hoe plough thrice (M3) as main plots, and fertilization levels, namely, a control without fertilizer, NP, NPK, NP+FYM, NPK+FYM and FYM as sub plots with three replicates. Results indicated that there were significant (P< 0.05) potato tuber yield differences among sub-treatments. The impact of main treatments showed no yield difference. Application of FYM and NPK significantly increased the yield of potato both years. NP application alone did not influence potato yield but significantly increased when combined with FYM. Exclusion of K from either inorganic or combined inorganic-organic fertilizer treatments significantly decreased tuber yield, suggesting K as a major limiting factor on potato production. Combined application of FYM and NPK gave the highest potato yield (41.28 t/ha). The highest net benefit (birr 23982) and maximum marginal rate of return (1060.8) were also achieved with the combined application of FYM and NPK. This result suggests that combined application of FYM and NPK is suitable for better potato production in the Alisols of Chencha.
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Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 08-2014 Issue: 8

Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn Flowers (White and Pink)

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Considering the growing interest in assessing the antioxidant capacity of herbal medicine, the present research was aimed to explore antioxidant potentials of NelumbonuciferaGaertn (Nelumbonaceae )flower in-vitro. Hydroethanolic extract of white Nelumbo nucifera (HEWNN) flower and pink Nelumbonucifera (HEPNN) flower were investigated for Total antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant activity by ferric thiocyanate (FTC), Thiobarbituric acid, Ferric reducing antioxidant power, Phosphomolybdenum, Hemoglobin glycosylation, and reducing power methods were estimated in both flowers and compared with standard ascorbic acid in dose dependent manner. In-vitro assays to inhibit free radicals such as 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl radical (DPPH), superoxide, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were also carried out. Antioxidant capacity measured by FTC and compared with TBA method showed low absorbance values than control which indicated a high level of antioxidant potential. Both HEWNN and HEPNN flower extracts exhibited maximum activity 16.53 mg and 14.21 mg at 1000 µg/ml extract concentration in FRAP method and 62.5 mg and 56.3 mg ascorbic acid equivalents at 500 µg/ml extract concentration in phosphomolybdenum method. There was also significantly high antioxidant activity (55.5% & 41.6%) of haemoglobin followed reducing power (0.351 & 0.248 Abs) at same 500 µg/ml extract concentration. The results obtained suggest that alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids in flowers yield considerable antioxidant activity. The maximum scavenging activity of HEWNN and HEPNN against DPPH (67.52% & 55.51%), superoxide radical (81.2% & 64.5%), nitric oxide (70.2% & 57.7%), and hydroxyl radical (60.53% & 46.72%) and H2O2 (54.29% & 48.13%) were evaluated. The IC50 values were compared to the standard ascorbate in a dose dependent manner. The results obtained suggest that on comparison with HEPNN flower, HEWNN flower extract may act as a better chemo preventive agent providing promising antioxidant property and offering effective protection from free radicals. Our results clearly indicate that both HEWNN and HEPNN flower extracts have potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity in all assays. Nelumbonucifera can be used as a lead compound for drug development in future.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated to compare the antioxidant status of two different varieties of Nelumbonucifera flower extracts. Our results clearly indicate that both HEWNN and HEPNN flower extracts have potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity in all assays.
Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 08-2014 Issue: 8

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Rural Socio-Economic Development in Africa

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Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

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In this paper we discuss the role, challenges, and benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) in the rural areas development efforts and processes in Africa. Modern ICT is largely about the capability to electronically input, process, store, output, transmit, and receive data and information. The efficient use of ICT, driven by better high-speed internet (broadband) access, is widely recognised as key to raising productivity and stimulating innovation in the global village. During the last decade, largely due to the spread of mobile phone technology in rural areas, ICTs have demonstrated the positive and significant impact they can have on economic development by improving the business environment in rural areas. ICT provides access to market and business information, brings financial services literally to the hands of rural consumers, helps local communities organise and link themselves, and, through the connection with others, exchange know-how and ideas. ICT plays a significant role in promoting entrepreneurship and economic progress in rural areas, contributing to improve the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry, the quality of life and diversification of the rural economy. High-quality Internet provision helps unlock the potential of rural areas, and thus makes them more attractive places to live. ICT helps existing businesses to perform tasks more effectively and efficiently and respond to their demand for rapid access to diverse kinds of information.
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Economics » International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research » Month: 06-2014 Issue: 2

Production of Cost-Effective Adsorbents from Native Materials

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Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research

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The adsorption of methyl red by activated carbon produced from five native materials: Ram horn, plantain peels, Sugar cane chaff, Car tyre and Ram hair were studied invivo. Methyl orange was significantly adsorbed by all the activated carbons and the rate increased with time until equilibrium was reached after 24 h. The Freundlich’s adsorption parameters were determined to be 1.71 (plantain peel), 1.20 (car tyre), 1.14 (ram hair), 1.02 (sugar cane chaff) and 1.00 (ram horn). In this study, plantain peel has the highest adsorptive capacity while ram horn has the least. The order of adsorptive capacity is plantain peel>car tyre>ram hair>sugar cane chaff>ram horn. The use of these native materials as adsorbents will lead to cost efficiency and reduce operational cost.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that locally available adsorbents are cheaper and can be used as substitutes for industrial adsorbents which are more costly. All the adsorbents investigated showed favourable adsorptive capacities. These non-conventional, low cost adsorbents are readily available as wastes in many Nigerian localities.
Chemistry & Materials Sciences » International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research » Month: 04-2014 Issue: 4

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) A Good Optimizer for Transesterification Reaction of Chrysophyllum Albidium Seed Oil To Chrysophyllum Albidium Oil Biodiesel

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Journal: International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research

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In an effort to optimize the reaction conditions of biodiesel production from Chrysophyllum albidium seed oil, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied and the effects of reaction temperature (X1), catalyst amount (X2), reaction time (X3) and methanol/oil molar ratio (X4), and their reciprocal interactions were examined. A total of 30 experimental runs were generated based on Central Composite Design (CCD) and carried out. A quadratic polynomial was obtained for predicting the transesterification process and the ANOVA test showed the model to be significant (p<0.05). The validity of the predicted yield (82.7323 % w/w) was confirmed by carrying out three independent replicates experiments at the following optimized conditions, X1 = 41.63 oC, X2 = 0.59 (wt %), X3 = 62.32 min and X4 = 3.00. The optimal biodiesel yield was validated to be 82. 6702% (w/w), which was well within the range predicted by the model. The fuel properties of Chrysophyllum albidium biodiesel produced were found to be within the ASTM D6751 and DIN EN 14214 biodiesel standards. The fatty acid profile of the biodiesel revealed that the dominant fatty acids were oleic (60.101%), arachidic (2.0145%), palmitic (18.403%) and linoleic (18.942%).
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature to knowledge. This study uses new estimation methodology for conversion of seed oil to biodiesel. This study originates new formula to improve the yield of biodiesel. This study is one of very few studies which have investigated the use of biomass waste to produced biodiesel. The paper contributes the first logical analysis in optimization of transesterification process. The paper’s primary contribution is finding that a renewable energy can be obtained from biomass waste. This study documents economic impact of using biomass waste to produce biodiesel.
Engineering » International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research » Month: 04-2014 Issue: 4

Effect of Various Irrigation Regimes and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield and Water Use Efficiency in Soybean (Glycin Max)

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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An experiment was conducted to evaluate the Effects of water infiltration to soil in yield and water use efficiency in soybean (Glycin max) in Langeroud, North of Iran. The study was done on a split plot in a complete random block plan with 3 replications in the 2011 crop year. In this pilot study, a randomized complete block design with a split plot design and 3 replications was carried out in the field. Each plot had a dimension of 2×5 meters and 7 rows respectively. The main factor management without irrigation (rainfed) and irrigated with a period of 6, 12 and 18 days, and nitrogen fertilizer treatments consisted of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 were considered as sub plots. Different levels of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on the yield and interaction between them, pods significant at the 5% level were reported. 12 days to a yield maximum of Irrigation Management 5125.6 kg per hectare, respectively. The lowest seed yield without fertilizer at 3888.1 kg/ha was but with increasing fertilizer significantly increased seed yield. The level of 90 kg.N/ha, the maximum yield of 4228.1 kg per hectare was obtained. The highest pod yield of 12 day irrigation management with the 5312.3 kg per hectare was obtained. The highest pod yield was of 90 kg per ha of nitrogen was increased from 90 to 120 kg of nitrogen reduced pod yield from 5438.3 to 4804 kg/ha.
Contribution/ Originality

Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 9

Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria: More Words Than Deeds

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Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

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It is generally agreed that corruption is an evil wind that affect everyone and retard societal progress. While there are several theories that explain its prevalence in society, the point to emphasize is that it has become a way of life in Nigeria. This explains why it has been difficult to combat its rising profile. Within the framework of nature of society, neo-patrimonialism, prebendalism, economy of affection, and political god-fatherism theories, an eclectic approach. The paper examines the structural basis of corruption in the country and efforts’ being made by anti-graft agencies to combat the scourge. It is the position of the paper that given the effect of corruption on national development, the fight against corruption is a war that must be won. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to expunge this scourge from the nation’s body polity. The first fundamental step among other measures to redress the prevalence of corruption in the polity is to transform the state from an alien force to an entity that caters for the welfare and well-being of the people. Yet, the need for patriotic and visionary leaders that will show the way out in the fight against this common enemy (corruption) through personal example, irrespective of whose ox is gored cannot be overemphasized.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is a contribution to the existing literature on corruption and the fight of corruption in Nigeria. The study’s contribution to knowledge can also been in the area of interrogation and integrating some of the theories explaining the nature and prevalence of corruption in Nigeria.
Economics » International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research » Month: 06-2014 Issue: 2

Impact of Laser Land Leveling On Water Productivity of Wheat under Deficit Irrigation Condations

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Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

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Nowadays determining the optimum crop water requirements is considered one of the most important factors affecting plant productions, especially, with scarce water resources. This may be due to the interrelation between the amount of water added and the ability of plant. Two field experiments were carried out during the two growing seasons 2010/2011–2011/2012, at the Research Farm of the National Research Centre in Nubarya region, Egypt, to study the effect of both deficit irrigation and laser land leveling on saving water and increasing yield of wheat crop under Egyptian growing conditions. Studied factors were deficit irrigation (100% Irrigation Requirements "IR", 80%IR, 60%IR and 40%IR) and land leveling techniques (conventional "C" and laser "L"). The following parameters were studied to evaluate the effect of deficit irrigation and laser land leveling; (1) Soil moisture distribution, (2) Growth of wheat plant, (3) Yield of wheat , (4) Irrigation water use efficiency of wheat and (5) Economical parameters of wheat production process. Statistical analysis of the effect of the interaction between land leveling and irrigation on IWUE of wheat indicated that the maximum values were detected at adding 100%IR*L. However, no significant difference was observed between 100%IR*L >80%IR*L >and 60% IR*L, this means that we can save 40% of irrigation water by adding 60% IR with laser land leveling technique to irrigate wheat under sandy soil conditions.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes in the existing literature to improve water use efficiency of wheat under deficit irrigation conditions and rotational irrigation system by using laser land leveling techniques.
Agricultural Sciences » Current Research in Agricultural Sciences » Month: 06-2014 Issue: 2

An Analysis of Corporate Governance in the Banking Sector of Zimbabwe

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Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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The study looks at the effect of corporate governance issues in the banking sector of Zimbabwe. This study consisted of 25 respondents, from compliance departments of selected banks. From the findings it can be concluded that corporate governance plays important function in stabilizing the banking sector and well functioning of the commercial banks in Zimbabwe. The study recommends that the corporate governance board should make sure that banks should practise a culture of good corporate governance on regular basis and deal with those who fail to comply to good corporate governance.
Contribution/ Originality
This study is one of very few studies which have investigated on corporate governance in the banking sector of Zimbabwe. The study dealt directly with the compliance departments of selected banks. The study found out that a culture of good corporate governance is essential for the well functioning of business.
Social Sciences » Humanities and Social Sciences Letters » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 3

Another Look at the Sarima Modelling of the Number of Dengue Cases in Campinas, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Martinez, et al. [1] analysed monthly numbers of dengue cases as reported in Campinas, southeast Brazil from 1998 to 2008, by SARIMA methods. Assuming X is the original series, they analysed the logarithm of X + 1. The models they proposed and compared are of orders (2,1,2)x(1,1,1)12, (2,1,1)x(1,1,1)12, (1,1,2)x(1,1,1)12, (1,1,1)x(1,1,1)12, (2,1,3)x(1,1,1)12, and (1,1,3)x(1,1,1)12. Using the R software, they chose the SARIMA(2,1,2)x(1,1,1)12 model as the best on the basis of Akaike information criterion, AIC. The result in this work is different: the SARIMA(2,1,1)x(1,1,1)12 model is herein adjudged as the best on the same minimum AIC grounds.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper’s primary contribution is that monthly recorded dengue numbers in Campinas, South east Brazil, follow a SARIMA (2, 1, 1) x (1, 1, 1)12 model. It was previously believed that a SARIMA (2, 1, 2)x(1, 1, 1)12 model was the better model. The Eviews software was used to do the analysis. Residual analysis of the chosen model shows that it is very adequate.
Engineering » International Journal of Natural Sciences Research » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 9

Effect of Some Botanicals against Termites, Macroterms Spp. (Isoptera: Termitidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

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Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Seven different plant extracts as botanical insecticides were evaluated for their toxicity against termites in Ethiopia. Aqueous extracts of tobacco leaves (Nicotianatabacum), Birbira seeds (Militia ferruginea) and Endod leaves (Phytolaccadodecandra) were achieved 100% mortality after 24 hours which as did positive control (chloropyrifos 48% E.C). Also Pyrethrum E-185 flowers (Chrysanthemum sp.) caused an average of 91.25% mortality in both workers and soldiers termites with no significant difference between them. Neem seeds (Azadirachtaindica), Kosso seeds (Hageniaabyssinica) and Bisana seeds (Croton macrostachys) were less active than the other botanicals but significantly better than the negative control. Bisana seeds (Croton macrostachys) was less toxic effect among all treatments even after 5 days. All treatments were more effective against workers termites than against soldiers termites.
Contribution/ Originality
The paper’s primary contribution is finding that to identify the promising research output under laboratory condition. Then develop a termite Management Strategic Plan (PMSP) to address the issues of greatest concern for farmers in Western Shawa of Ethiopia. The input gathered at this study provided an important perspective on the pest management products and techniques used in laboratory as well as on the field.
Agricultural Sciences » International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research » Month: 06-2014 Issue: 2

Conceptual Framework of Green Infrastructure Performance Evaluation for Local Authority

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Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy

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Green infrastructure planning has grown in prominence since it was first discussed in the late 1990’s. Since the President’s Council on Sustainable Development discussed the concept researchers and academics from across the globe, though predominantly the UK, Western Europe and North America, have won the process. Green infrastructure is an important trust in National Landscape Policy (NLP). Malaysia is moving towards to a developed nation by the year 2020. An environmental requirement should be take into accounts to emphasize to ensure the planned development. The government to intensify efforts to raise awareness and participation in issues of global warming carries out efforts extensively, green technology is the discourse is often featured. The preservation of green spaces in urban areas can function as recreational and social interaction areas in engaging the citizens who peaceful, harmonious, unified, and healthy. However, the approach to Green Infrastructure in Malaysia is still at an early stage, but these efforts have actually started to walk among scholars and researchers to disentangle the appropriate method with the situation in Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to discuss a conceptual framework in order to bring the context of facility management. This is also the way to get the performance evaluation for green infrastructure criteria for local authorities in Malaysia.
Contribution/ Originality
This paper contributes an evaluation criteria and act as the fist logical analysis to produce green infrastructure framework. At the end of this research, it will produce an evidence base to help tackle the priority issues in the construction industry in Malaysia.
Economics » International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy » Month: 06-2014 Issue: 3

Antioxidant Activity of Eight Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum L.) Varieties Grown in Algeria

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Journal: Journal of Food Technology Research

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The harmful effects of the free radicals on human organism could be inhibited by antioxidants of fruits and vegetables such as tomato. In the present work, the antioxidant contents as well as the antioxidant activity of eight tomato varieties grown in Algeria are evaluated. Ascorbic acid and carotenoid contents are assessed using spectrophotometric methods.The phenolic compounds extracted using solvents with different polarities (methanol, 50% methanol, ethanol, and 50% ethanol) have been determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The antioxidant activities have been evaluated using the DPPH scavenging activity and the reducing power assays. Ascorbic acid content ranged between 7 and 16.7mg/100g while carotenoid concentration varied from 5.7 to 9.57mg/100g. The phenolic content varies according to the variety and the extraction solvent; pure alcohols (ethanol and methanol) allow better extraction than the diluted ones (50% ethanol and 50% methanol). Linear correlations are noted between the antioxidant activity and phenolic, carotenoid and lycopene contents. The results indicate that the samples present variations in their antioxidant substance amounts and antioxidant activity; this could be attributed to the varietal factor. The hybridisation between Joker and Marmande varieties, which present the highest phenolic and carotenoid amounts, respectively, could give another variety with a high antioxidant activity.
Contribution/ Originality
This study documents for the first time the phytochemical content (ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, lycopene and total phenolics) and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power) of some tomato varieties grown in Algeria.
Agricultural Sciences » Journal of Food Technology Research » Month: 12-2014 Issue: 2

Social Security; A Public Policy for Good Governance in Nigeria: The Role of Nigerian Legislature

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Journal: Journal of Social Economics Research

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The ability of any country to consistently improve her economic growth and development depends on good governance embedded in well-structured and diligently implemented public policies developed by officials within institutions of government to address public issues through the political process, called legislation. These officials, in Nigeria are the legislators, who are faced with the situation of jointly identifying a desirable future condition, creating policies and taking actions to move towards the desired future state; monitoring progress to allow for necessary adjustments; adjustments that will lead to that desired future state. That desired future state is the whole essence of governance. But in Nigeria today, especially since the upsurge of perennial and escalating unemployment, the lawmaking body of the nation cannot be said to have jointly identified the Nigerian problems, enacted policies that will ensure good governance in the country. Finding the reason for such inadequacies and the way forward is the thrust of this paper, as it x-rays the role of the Nigerian legislature in enacting social security policies for the unemployed and aged Nigerians for attainment of good governance where poverty, hunger, destitution and unemployment are eradicated.
Contribution/ Originality
While social security has overtime been relegated to the background by the Nigerian government, Nigerians have learnt to fend for themselves to avert the usual heartbreak that occasions expectations from the government. What is more is the fact that unemployment and Nigerian youths/graduates are intertwined as there is no mentioning of either of them without recourse to the other. Clearly, the government has lost touch with the reality on how to solve this social problem. This paper therefore calls for social security as a panacea to the social and economic insecurities that have bedeviled Nigeria, as asserted by Prof. Ben Nwabuze in 1989 that the abandonment of social security is the reason for any threat that Nigeria is facing when iterating that the wantonness with which state security is pursued in place of social security is the real cause of social insecurity necessitated by economic insecurity.
Economics » Journal of Social Economics Research » Month: 09-2014 Issue: 9

Heavy Metal and Nutrient Loading of River Rwizi by Effluents from Mbarara Municipality, Western Uganda

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Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research

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This study, carried out in the wet annual April seasons during the period 2010-2011, was geared towards the quantification of heavy metal and nutrient levels in the surface water of River Rwizi, the main Mbarara municipal drainage system. The effect of Mbarara municipal effluents on heavy metal and nutrient (phosphate, nitrite, nitrate and ammonium) loading of River Rwizi was investigated along with the changes in some basic water quality parameters, i.e., pH, conductivity and hardness. The filtered water samples were digested with a perchloric acid/nitric acid/hydrochloric acid mixture. Total heavy metals Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Nutrients were determined by standard Wagtech methods. The results showed that there was a significant difference in concentration of lead (p = 0.047) and zinc (p = 0.018) between 2010 and 2011, with average concentrations being higher downstream. The concentrations of lead and cadmium were much higher than the WHO guideline values in drinking water (0.01 μg ml-1 and 0.003 μg ml-1, respectively). There was no significant difference in concentration of cadmium in 2010 along River Rwizi around Mbarara Township (p = 0.180). Nutrient loading in the domestic water source also indicated a gradual annual increase - hence a call for early pollution control measures by the relevant authorities.
Contribution/ Originality
This study documents an early warning to the relevant policy makers in the country as to the rapidly growing urban population and the attendant domestic water problems leading to an ill-health population. This would in turn lead to undue annual medical expenditures that drain heavily on the national financial resources.
Chemistry & Materials Sciences » International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research » Month: 05-2014 Issue: 5

Raman Scattering Spectra and Dielectric Relaxation Behavior of Pzt-Pzn-Pmnn Ceramics

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Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research

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The 0.8Pb(Zr0.48Ti0.52)O3–0.125Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.075Pb(Mn1/3Nb2/3)O3 + 0.7 wt% Li2CO3 + 0.3 wt% Fe2O3ceramics (PZT-PZN-PMnN) have been prepared by two-stage calcination method. The inﬂuences of sintering temperature on dielectric properties and Raman scattering in the PZT-PZN-PMnN relaxor ferroelectric ceramics have been investigated in detail. The dielectric studies showed that the degree of diffuseness (γ) increased with the increase of the sintering temperatures from 900 to 1000 °C, indicating that the dielectric relaxation behavior was increased; while at higher sintering temperature above 1000 °C, the γ decreased. The dielectric measurement results are in good agreement with the Raman scattering spectra analysis of the samples. It was found that the value of full wide of half maximum (FWHM) of silent B1+E mode reached the maximum value at the sintering temperature of 1000 oC, which showed similar trends to γ. At sintering temperature of 1000 oC, the highest dielectric constant (Emax) of 23600 and the γ value of 1.84.
Contribution/ Originality

Chemistry & Materials Sciences » International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research » Month: 06-2014 Issue: 6

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Developmental and Hormonal Regulation of Direct Shoots and Roots Regeneration in Coccinia Indica L

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

Small-Scale Milk Processing, Utilization and Marketing of Traditional Dairy Products in Bahir Dar Zuria and Mecha Districts, Northwestern Ethiopia

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Journal: Journal of Food Technology Research

Notes on Q-Intuitionistic Fuzzy Subsemiring of a Semiring

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Journal: International Journal of Mathematical Research

Lime and NPK Effect on Soil Acidity and Yield of Barley in Different Acid Soils of Southern Region, Ethiopia

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

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Journal: International Journal of Chemistry and Materials Research

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Journal: International Journal of Chemical and Process Engineering Research

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Journal: International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

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Journal: Current Research in Agricultural Sciences

An Analysis of Corporate Governance in the Banking Sector of Zimbabwe

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Journal: Humanities and Social Sciences Letters

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Journal: International Journal of Natural Sciences Research

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Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research

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Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Policy

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Journal: Journal of Food Technology Research

Social Security; A Public Policy for Good Governance in Nigeria: The Role of Nigerian Legislature

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Journal: Journal of Social Economics Research

Heavy Metal and Nutrient Loading of River Rwizi by Effluents from Mbarara Municipality, Western Uganda

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