Performance Assessment of Artisanal Fisheries in the Kainji Dam Area of Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State Nigeria

Performance assessment of artisanal fisheries was conducted to determine the returns per fishing effort by fisherman in Yauri Emirate Kebbi state. The data collected from 135 randomly selected fishermen in the study area revealed that the fish catch per unit effort by majority of the fishermen has declined to less than 2kg after the establishment of the dam compared to more than 8kg realized by majority of the fishermen before the establishment of the dam. The fishermen attributed the decline in fish catch to obnoxious fishing methods such as; use of beach seine (Dala), use of fish fencing (dumba), use of water shedding (rumfar ruwa) and cutting of Niger grass to catch all species of fish that inhabit the particular surrounding water . The findings of the study revealed that efforts made by governmental and non-governmental organizations to control the exploitative fishing methods were not successful. The results of the study suggest that enlightenment campaign on the effects of exploitative fishing methods, establishment of Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) programme, and prosecution of violators of fishing regulation will address the unlawful fishing methods currently practiced in the study area. Keywords: Fishermen, fishing, assessmen

Spectro-analytical Research of Selected Heavy Metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in Four Different Single-use Plastics Commonly in Contact with Food from Sokoto, Nigeria

Single use plastics are types of plastics discarded after one usage. They are everywhere you go because of their wide range of applications in life. In plastics, additives are incorporated to supplant properties of plastics. One of the common additives is the heavy metals, which could leach out along the plastics lifecycle, thereby creating a problem. This study was stimulated to determine the levels of heavy metals in selected single-use-plastics commonly in contact with food (as containers or wrappings or relations) in Sokoto. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methodology was utilized to determine the levels of copper, chromium, lead, zinc and cadmium. The results for determination of selected heavy metals in selected single use plastics from Sokoto State University, Nigeria were revealed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Therein, the concentrations of copper (Cu) ranges from 0.335+0.002 to 0.540+0.002(ug/kg), levels of cadmium (Cd) ranges from 0.0551+0.003 to 0.0041+0.0003(ug/kg), levels of chromium (Cr) ranges from 0.0959 +0.004 to 0.0265+0.001(ug/kg), levels of lead (Pb) ranges from -1.791+0.02 to -0.0706+0.008(ug/kg).  Thus, the results revealed disparity in the levels of the analyzed heavy metals in the selected single use plastics.  However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway (T); Cd was highest in Straw (S), and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup (IC) and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. The concentrations of Cupper, Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium in plastic bottle, Takeaway, Straw and lce cream cup, have shown disparity. However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway; Cd was highest in Straw, and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. They levels determined are within the permissible limits

The Use of ICT Tools in Tackling Insecurity and Terrorism Problem in Nigeria

The paper seek ICT tools solution to crime and insurgence attack in Nigeria by providing a broad view of the Public Security Communications System  (PSCS), Public Safety Networks (PSNs)  and National Security Information Centre (NSIC) and some ways that ICT-based technologies can assist security agencies in been more efficient and effective in their operations for national development. In addition, some efficient and effective techniques to tackle insurgency was presented. Keywords: PSCS,  PSNs, NSIC, Insecurity, Crime, Insurgency, Boko-Haram, Nigeri

Evaluation of Substance Abuse Among In-School and Out-of-School Youths in Sokoto State, Northwestern Nigeria

The objective of this study was to investigate Substance abuse among in school and Out-of-school youth in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, the commonly use substances, causes, effects, and protection. Cross-sectional descriptive survey was used to cover some selected schools and Out-of-school groups, key informants and selling points in Sokoto. The obtained data was analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study show that, most of the respondents are males (93%), only few are females (6.7%). All the respondents are Muslims. Most of the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) are married (80%) and only 6.7% are married among in school youth (ISY).The respondent’s age was within 18-22 years in most cases. Most (80%) of ISY are at senior secondary classes, 46.7% of OSY left school after primary education, 26.7% never attended school. Most of the respondents have more than 2 kids (93.3%), only 6.7% have about 10 kids. Commonly submitted drugs/substances are: cigarette, cannabis, alcohol, inhalants, tranquilizers, opiates, and hallucinogens. Therein, reasons for substance abuse were: social/ peer pressure, rebellion, overwork/learning, shyness, fear, parental influence, fun and lack of role model. It also revealed that ISY st arted drug use earlier than the OSY. Friends, drug pushers, curiosity introduced youth to drugs. There are several effects of substance abuse on the individual, friends, and Community. At individual level there are: bad temper, disturbed sleep, ill-health, depression, anxiety, tiredness, disrespect, failure at workplace/school. At family level the effects include: disgrace, breakdown of relationship, loss of confidence in child, and ill-health. At friend’s level, the effects include: breakdown of relationship, fear, anxiety. And at community or society levels, the effects listed were: crime, reduced productivity, violence, ill-health, high cost of treatment, accidents. To protect youth from substance abuse, the following measures were submitted by the respondents: parents should not expose children to drugs, parents should give them confidence and proper knowledge to make decisions, peer group educators should work, and there should be national campaign against drugs. Key informants (KIs) submitted similar assertions like the youth respondents. During observation of sell outlets, mostly, youth (18-25 years) patronize the sell outlets in Sokoto. The inhabitants exhibits calmness and peace during their transactions and it mostly occur in the night and it become peak during rainy seasons. Diverse efforts and interventions are required to prevent substance abuse in youth

Effect of Tamsulosin Use on Plasma Insulin Status in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients in Sokoto, Nigeria

The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of tamsulosin use on plasma insulin status in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients in Sokoto, Nigeria. Standard methods and procedures were used. At 2nd and 3rd months of tamsulosin use, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was revealed compared to baseline and 2nd month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). Plasma insulin at 4th months of the study in BPH patients (45-54 years) treated with tamsulosin revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) compared to baseline values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). BPH patients (aged 55-64 years) at 3rd month showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values compared to baseline values. Likewise, at 4th month of tamsulosin use, a significant increase  (P<0.05) in plasma insulin values was seen compared to baseline and 1st month values. Other inter-mean values comparisons were not significantly different (P>0.05). In BPH patients aged 65 and above, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in plasma insulin values from 1st through 4th month compared to baseline and other inter mean values comparisons. Plasma insulin at 0th , 1st , 2nd , 3rd and 4th months of BPH patients of different age groups treated with tamsulosin revealed no significant differences (P>0.05). This study revealed that tamsulosin use in the patients lead to significant increase in plasma insulin level (hyperinsulinemia). Careful and routine monitoring of BPH patients should be done. Patients need enough exercise activities and some drugs can be administered to alleviate elevated glucose or insulin. Keywords: Tamsulosin, hyperinsulinemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, insulin resistanc

Estimation of live weight in Red Sokoto kids using linear body traits

The study was carried out in Akko, Kwame and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of Gombe State, between August and November, 2019 to estimate body weight of Red Sokoto kids using linear body measurements. A total of 460kids (219 males and 241 females) were used to obtain the following parameters; live weight (LW), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), wither height (WH), leg length (LL), loin girth (LG), ear length (EL) and face length (FL). The animals were sampled from four local markets across the study area (Kashere, Kumo, Malam Sidi and Kwadom). Data generated were subjected to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analyses. The coefficients of variation of the variables observed ranged from 21.14 % for body weight to 7.86 % for chest girth. The mean LW, BL, CG, WH, LL, LG, EL and FL were 11.09 kg, 37.94 cm, 50.95 cm, 43.84 cm, 14.21 cm, 54.47 cm, 11.13 cm and 8.23 cm, respectively. Location had effect on leg (P<0.01), ear and face lengths (P<0.001). Similarly, significantly wider chest, longer ear and face (P<0.05) were observed in males. The correlation coefficients observed among the parameters were mostly moderate to high, positive and significant (P<0.01). The step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that CG had coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.44 (44 %) when used in the prediction of LW, while subsequent inclusion of LG and BL yielded better result (0.47 and 0.49, respectively). Therefore, the study revealed that both location and sex had no effect on most of the linear body measurements and the accuracy of these traits (linear body measurements) in the prediction of LW is moderate. Keywords: Red Sokoto kids, Prediction, Body weight, Linear body trait

Assessing the Design effect of Pressure Vessel Height and Radius on Reactor Stability and Safety

The Design of Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) should be that the height of pressure vessel is up to 16.0m and radius is up to 5.6m to ensure safe operation of nuclear reactor. The research conducted safety margin test on the design dimension of RPV in terms of the height and radius, secondly safety margin test was carried out on applied high temperature on the reactor graphite core and thirdly, safety margin test were perform on the cooling problem of the nuclear reactor core in relation to fuel temperature. By applying Linear Regression Analysis Techniques on some typical Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) models. The results of the statistical analysis on these types of nuclear reactor models reveals that the RPV models promises stability under application of pressure vessel up to 16.0m height and radius 5.6m. At this point the temperature seems at maximum and the reactor agrees to be more stable as the regression plot was optimized, that is the least squares method finds its optimum when the sum, S, of squared residuals is at minimum. The safety margin prediction of 3.1% was validated for a typical RPV model as an advantage over the current 5.1% challenging problem for plant engineers to predict the safety margin limit. Keywords: Reactor pressure vessel design, height and radius, high temperature effect, fuel element, risk and failure, reactor safety, safety factor, ?, optimization, stability margin, reactor pressure vessel design models, selection of pressure vessel

Examine Unsteady State of the Emergency Power System on Reactor Stability and Safety

The research conducted safety margin test on some typical water-cooled reactor design (WCRD) models at an accident situation and at same time loss of emergency power supply occurred, secondly safety margin test was carried out on the thermal efficiency and thermal power output of the reactor when power supply failed and thirdly, safety margin test was perform on the reactor in relation to the high temperature effect within reactor core and the fuel temperature. The results of the statistical analysis on these types of nuclear reactor models reveals that the typical water-cooled reactor design (WCRD) models promises most stability under thermal efficiency of 45% and above. Meanwhile, at anything below 45% thermal efficiency the fuel element seems to be unstable in the reactor as the regression plot could not find it optimal. At this point the fuel temperature seems at maximum, the reactor agrees to be stable as the regression plot was at the best fit, that is the least squares method finds its optimum when the sum, S, of squared residuals became minimal. The safety margin prediction of 4.42% was validated for a typical WCRD model as an advantage over the current 5.1% challenging problem for plant engineers to predict the safety margin limit. Keywords: water-cooled reactor design models accident, emergency power supply failure, high temperature effect, thermal efficiency and thermal power output, reactor stability and safety.

Control Rods Drop Failure On Reactors Stability And Safety

This paper examined the control rod drop-failure in nuclear power plants. Safety margin test was conducted on some typical water-cooled reactor design (WCRD) models at an accident situation, secondly safety margin test was carried out on the thermal efficiency and thermal power output of the reactor when power supply failed and thirdly, safety margin test was perform on the reactor in relation to the high temperature within reactor core and the fuel temperature. The results of the statistical analysis on these types of nuclear reactor models reveals that the typical water-cooled reactor design (WCRD) models promises most stability under thermal efficiency of 45% and above. Meanwhile, at anything below 45% thermal efficiency the fuel element seems to be unstable in the reactor as the regression plot could not find it optimal. At this point the fuel temperature seems at maximum, the reactor agrees to be stable as the regression plot was at the best fit, that is the least squares method finds its optimum when the sum, S, of squared residuals became minimal. Safety margin prediction of 4.42% was validated for a typical WCRD model as an advantage over the current 5.1% challenging problem for plant engineers to predict the safety margin limit. Keywords: water-cooled reactor design models, control rods drop failure, high fuel temperature, thermal efficiency and thermal power,  reactor stability and safety