On Strong Small Loop Transfer Spaces Relative to Subgroups of Fundamental Groups

Let $H$ be a subgroup of the fundamental group $\pi_{1}(X,x_{0})$. By extending the concept of strong SLT space to a relative version with respect to $H$, strong $H$-SLT space, first, we investigate the existence of a covering map for strong $H$-SLT spaces. Moreover, we show that a semicovering map is a covering map in the presence of strong $H$-SLT property. Second, we present conditions under which the whisker topology agrees with the lasso topology on $\widetilde{X}_{H}$. Also, we study the relationship between open subsets of $\pi_{1}^{wh}(X,x_{0})$ and $\pi_{1}^{l}(X,x_{0})$. Finally, we give some examples to justify the definition and study of strong $H$-SLT spaces.Comment: 16 page

The Effects of Good Governance and Education on Economic Stability and Growth in Nigeria

Ultimately, the Nigerian Constitution acts as a catalyst that engenders national consciousness, political reconstruction/participation and economic growth/stability, in addition to providing the structure and function of government. Therefore there is the need for Nigerians to demonstrate a commitment to the democratic principles and economic goals, and to develop the skills and values needed to sustain a constitutional democratic nation through a well-articulated social and democratic education.NESG Economic Indicators Vol. 13 (1) 2007: pp. 33-3

Assessment of National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) Curriculum on Implementation of Qur'anic Memorization in North-West, Nigeria

This study assessed the relationship between availability of resources and the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content of NBAIS in North West, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to: find out the availability of learning resources and the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content of NBAIS in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools; examine the availability of Qur’anic teachers used in the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools. Two research questions and hypotheses in line with the objectives guided the study. The study was survey design. The instruments were validated by the experts. Mann Whitney u test was used to test the hypotheses. The finding revealed that: there was a significant difference between the availability of learning resources in senior Tahfeez and Islamic secondary schools and that of senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools in the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content. There was no significant difference between the availability of teachers in senior Tahfeez and Islamic secondary schools and that of Senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools in the implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content. The study concludes among others that; available Qur’anic memorization teachers must be provided for effective implementation of Qur’anic memorization curriculum content more especially in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools. The study recommended among others that; there is need for to providing more human and material resources especially in senior Arabic and Islamic secondary schools, for qualitative Qur’anic memorizers in the schools

Effect of lead on zooplankton dynamics in Challawa River, Kano State, Nigeria

Lead concentration was determined with the aid of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while zooplankton were collected with the aid of plankton net and analysed microscopically to assess their diversity and density in the Challawa River at four selected sites on fortnight basis between July 2006 and December 2007. The mean lead concentration was between 125 mg/L and 2.84 mg/L, far above maximum acceptable and allowable concentrations in drinking water of 0.05 mg/L and 0.10 mg/L respectively (WHO, 1996). The mean zooplankton density ranged between 3.09 Org/L and 10.26 Org/L. Only five protozoan, two insect, four copepod (plus one naplius I), one cladoceran and five rotifer species were identified during the study. The river quality decreased down stream, with least plankton recovery of 4 species at the industrial effluent inflow site and highest off-stream (site A) with 14 species. The site that experiences a direct inflow of industrial effluent was the most polluted (Odum’s Index = 0.22). Significant differences occurred in the lead concentration between the sites (

Assessment of the toxic potentials of some plants powders on survival and development of Callosobuchus maculatus

Dried leaves powders of Guirea senegalensis, Piliostigma reticulatum and dried fruit powder of Piper guineense, were tested along side a conventional insecticide, Actellic-2-Dust, to compare their efficacies on survival of cowpea weevil (Callosobuchus maculates) during storage. Both the treated and untreated cowpeas (control) were then infested with newly emerged adult bruchids of both sexes. In all the trials, 83 to 100% mortality rates were observed in the treated samples. The rates in the untreated control ranges from 33.3 to 43.6%. The effects of the powders on fecundity were more pronounced on P. guineense and Actellic-dust treated samples. Similar effects were observed on development of immature stages and emergence of adult weevils. P. guineense had the highest larvicidal effects and lower productivity result especially. P. reticulatum had the lowest mortality rate and higher productivity result. The effects of the different powders were found to be dose related. Key Words: Cowpea weevil, Callosobuchus maculates, biological insecticides, Vigna unguiculata. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol.3(1) 2004: 60-6

An assessment of pollution in aquatic environment using bioindicators: a review

This review highlights the importance of biological indicators in monitoring presence of pollution in aquatic environment. This assessment involves the use of living organisms (macro or microorganisms and plants or animals) as bioindicators of pollution in water bodies. These organisms are believed to show higher sensitivity to pollution than the best chemical indicators. Bioindicators or test of relevance to water study includes: test based on Chlorella vulgaris, Daphnia magna straus, test Spirotox, Microtox, using macroinvertebrates, algae and vertebrates (such as fishes). Variety of biotic indices based on macroinvertebrates community as indicators have been highlighted which includes: Microinvertebrate Biotic Index (MBI), Extended Trend Biotic index (ETBi), Belgian Biotic index (BBi), Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs), Biological Monitoring Water Quality (BMWQ) and Family level Biotic Index (FBI). Based on Microinvertebrate Biotic Index (MBI), grading of water quality alone with the taxonomic group of macroinvertebrate was divided into grade I, II, III, IV and V representing clean water, mildly, moderately, highly and severely polluted water with the tolerance rating of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 respectively. The review emphasized the need for the use of bioindicators in detecting water pollution, because bioindicators are much more sensitive than the best chemical indicators.Keywords: aquatic environment, bioassessment, bioindicators, pollutant, tolerance ratin

Bacteriological quality of some ready to eat vegetables as retailed and consumed in Sabon-gari, Zaria, Nigeria

Some ready to eat leafy vegetables on sale at Sabon-gari market, Zaria were analysed for their bacterial flora and counts. Lettuce had aerobic plate count range of 2.0 x 107 to 5.7 x 108 cfu/g, cabbage had a count range of 1.3 x 107 – 5.6 x 108 cfu/g and cucumber had a range of count of 3.0 x 105 to 1.9 x 106. The coliform index showed lettuce to have a count of 8.8 x 106 – 1.3 x 109, cabbage was 2.1 x 106 to 8.0 x 107 cfu/g and cucumber was 8.0 x 105 to 1.9 x 106. Bacillus species and Staphylococcus aureus were the predominant bacteria isolated from these vegetables. The counts were obviously above the recommended standards for ready to eat vegetables especially coliforms which should be less than 10 coliform bacteria per gram( FAO, 1979). There is the need for hygiene officials to take interest on what is offered to consumers and specify acceptable handling practices

Antidiabetic activity of anacardium occidentale in alloxan – diabetic rats

This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect of inner bark extract of Anacardium occidentale Linn. (Anacardiceae) in normal (normoglycemic) and in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The inner reddish bark of the plant was extracted with ethanol and screened for hypoglycemic activityin a model of alloxan-induced diabetes in at species. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract led to fractions that displayed diverse hypoglycemic effects at doses of 34.0, 200.0 and 300.0 mg/kg body weight. The alloxan-diabetic rats showed significant reduction in plasma glucose level after treatment with the fractions. These results lend support to the validityof the folkloric use of A. occidentale in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type II

Threshold effect of inflation on economic growth in Nigeria

It is widely believed that price stability promote long-term economic growth, whereas high inflation is inimical to growth. This paper utilized a quarterly time series data for the period 1981 - 2009 to estimate a threshold level of inflation for Nigeria. Using a threshold regression model developed by Khan and Senhadji (2001), the study estimated a threshold inflation level of 13 per cent for Nigeria. Below the threshold level, inflation has a mild effect on economic activities, while above it, the magnitude of the negative effect of inflation on growth was high. The negative and significant relationship between inflation and economic growth for inflation rates both below and above the threshold level is robust with respect to changes in econometric methodology, additional explanatory variables and changes in data frequency. These finding are essential for monetary policy formulation as it provide a guide for the policy makers to choose an optimal target for inflation, which is consistent with long-term sustainable economic growth goals of the country