Christian music in contemporary Africa: a re-examination of its essentials

Christian music all over Africa (be it liturgical church music or gospel), in contemporary times has become so popular and well grown howbeit in divergent dimensions. As a result, there have been questions, debates and confusions both by insiders and outsiders of the Christian faith on what exactly constitutes Christian music. There then arises the need to theorise the fundamentals of Christian music, exhuming the Biblical, musical and socio-cultural basis for its performance practices. This article examines various principles that should guide contemporary Christian musicianship, especially as contained in the Scriptures; arguing that the practice of Christian music cannot be divorced from Bible even when the principles of musical sound organisation and the socio-cultural needs of the society have to be observed. The tension created by the superimposition of the three is also resolved. This article is therefore theoretical and prescriptive in focus and depth as it offers to the African audience the paradigms for understanding the art, gives guidance to the practitioners, and supplies scholarly information to the scholars and observers of Christian studies in general. The article concludes by recommending the indispensability of Biblical standards and skilful originality/artistry in contemporary Christian musicianship

Economic Analysis of Market Performance of Fresh Fish in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study analysed the market performance of fresh fish marketing in Lagos state, Nigeria. It critically focused on ascertaining the market structure, determining the profitability of fish marketing and determining the marketing efficiency of fresh fish marketing in the study area. Multistage sampling procedure was used to sample 80 fresh fish marketers from Lagos state. The data collected for the study were analysed using Gini coefficient, budgetary technique and shepherd efficiency model. The study revealed that there was inequality in the income distribution among the fresh fish marketers with Gini coefficient of 0.78, it further shows that fresh fish marketing is profitable with gross margin of #27,101.36 and that fish marketing activities among fish marketers is highly efficient (517.5%). Thus, government should help in the provision of a soft loan to the marketers so as to promote fresh fish marketing being a profitable and efficient business

Nutritional and sensory qualities of soymilk kunnu blends

Kunnu, a beverage popular among the Northern Nigerians has a low protein value because it is made from cereals. This may  have a negative effect on the nutritional status of the people who drink it, especially on the growth rate of infants who are given kunnu as a weaning drink. This is because protein is an essential component of the balanced diet required for growth.  Research work carried out on the improvement of the nutritional value of cereals, shows that the fortification of  carbohydrate-rich foods with protein-rich foods improves its nutritious value. As a result of this, a study was carried out to fortify kunnu with soymilk and the effect on its nutritional and sensory properties was evaluated. Kunnu and soymilk were  prepared and it was fortified with soymilk in the ratio 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1, and the proximate composition (protein, fat, ash and moisture content), chemical  composition (pH, specific gravity and sedimentation rate) and mineral content (calcium,  magnesium, phosphorus and iron content) were determined. The pH,  protein and mineral content increased as the amount of soymilk added. The pH value ranged from 4.8 to 4.3, while the protein content increased from 2.35 to 2.45%. The calcium and magnesium content also increased from 0.08 to 0.15% and 0.18 to 0.29% respectively. The fat and ash content,  however, decreased respectively from 2.8 to 2.0, and 0.91 to 0.891 with an increase in addition of soymilk. The proximate, chemical and mineral content were significantly different at P < 0.05 while the sensory properties were not significantly different at the same level. The sensory properties (colour, taste, texture, flavor and general acceptability) were, however, observed to decrease with the increase in fortification level of soymilk. The results obtained show that the fortification of  kunnu with  soymilk will result in a more nutritious beverage, but it may have a low level of acceptance with the local populace.Keywords: fortification, kunnu, soymilk, blendsLe Kunnu, une boisson populaire chez les Nigérians du Nord, a une basse valeur en protéines parce qu’il est fabriqué à partir de céréales. Ceci peut avoir un effet  négatif sur l’état nutritionnel des personnes qui le boivent. Il peut avoir un effet négatif surtout sur le taux de croissance des enfants en bas âge à qui l’on donne du kunnu comme boisson de sevrage, étant donné qu’une protéine est une composante essentielle d’un régime alimentaire équilibré requis pour la croissance. Des travaux de recherche menés sur l’amélioration de la valeur nutritive des céréales montrent que la fortification d’aliments riches en  hydrates de carbone par des aliments riches en protéines améliore sa valeur nutritive. Comme résultat de ceci, une étude a été menée en vue de fortifier le kunnu avec du lait de soja et l’effet sur ses propriétés nutritives et sensorielles a été évalué. Le kunnu et le lait de soja ont été préparés et le kunnu a été fortifié avec du lait de soja dans la proportion 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 et  4:1. La composition rapprochée (la teneur en protéines, graisses, cendre et humidité), la composition chimique (pH, gravité spécifique et taux de sédimentation) et la teneur en minéraux (calcium, magnésium, phosphore et fer) ont été déterminées. La teneur en pH, en protéines et en minéraux augmentait au fur et à mesure que la quantité de lait de soja augmentait. La valeur du pH se situait entre 4,8 et 4,3, tandis que la teneur en protéines augmentait de 2,35 à 2,45%. La teneur en calcium et en magnésium a également augmenté de 0,08 à 0,15% et de 0,18 à 0,29%  respectivement. Par contre, les matières grasses et la teneur en cendre ont baissé de 2,8 à 2,0, et de 0,91 à 0,891 avec une augmentation en plus du lait de soja. Les teneurs  rapprochées, en matières chimiques et minérales, étaient très différentes à P < 0,05 tandis que les propriétés sensorielles  n’étaient pas très différentes au  même niveau. Cependant, il a été observé que les propriétés sensorielles (couleur, goût,  texture, saveur et acceptabilité générale) baissent avec l’augmentation du niveau de fortification par du lait de soja. Les  résultats obtenus montrent que la fortification du kunnu par du lait de soja aura comme résultat une boisson plus nutritive,  mais qui peut avoir un niveau insuffisant d’acceptation auprès de la population locale. Mots-clés: fortification, kunnu, lait de soja, mélanges 

Enhancing Web-based Students’ Results and Transcripts Computation in a Hybrid System

An automated computerized examination results management system for tertiary Institution use for end semester examination and generation of transcripts as student’s records processing in a hybrid system is design to overwhelmed the manual or computerized method used for students’ end of semester academic result processing for some institution which was found to be complex and tedium , especially when apply for a large number of students or hybrid system in term of different program. The processing of result in term of grade collection on different courses may involves the entire process time-consuming, error prone and inability to carry out real time control system. The system to be designed is meant to perform student result administration of all facet.  The method to be employ to achieve this approach is top – down hierarchical approach. The expected result show that result and transcript generation was achieved on real time and the monitoring of students with outstanding subject are transfer to a particular partition in the database, where they are monitored on the duration of academic studies before transfer to the first, second and third probations and finally terminated. The system presents a single platform that will be used to manage the processing of all examination records both in part time and full time within the institution. The data used for testing was obtained from the  Department of Academic Planning (DAP) Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State. In conclusion, the deployment of academic student processing result and transcripts has demonstrated high sense of efficiency, reliability, error free and real time actualization of student position and good standing. Keywords: End semester Examination, Transcript, Probations. DOI: 10.7176/CEIS/11-1-04 Publication date: January 31st 202

PH-Controlled Assembly of DNA Tiles

We demonstrate a strategy to trigger and finely control the assembly of supramolecular DNA nanostructures with pH. Control is achieved via a rationally designed strand displacement circuit that responds to pH and activates a downstream DNA tile self-assembly process. We observe that the DNA structures form under neutral/basic conditions, while the self-assembly process is suppressed under acidic conditions. The strategy presented here demonstrates a modular approach toward building systems capable of processing biochemical inputs and finely controlling the assembly of DNA-based nanostructures under isothermal conditions. In particular, the presented architecture is relevant for the development of complex DNA devices able to sense and respond to molecular markers associated with abnormal metabolism

Sovereign bonds in developing countries : drivers of issuance and spreads

Abstract In the last decade there has been a new wave of sovereign bond issuances in Africa. What determines the ability of developing countries to issue bonds in international capital and what explains the spreads on these bonds? This paper examines these questions using a dataset that includes 105 developing countries during the period 1995–2014. We find that a country is more likely to issue a bond when, in comparison with non-issuing peers, it is larger in economic size, has higher per capita GDP, a lower public debt, and a more effective government. Spreads on sovereign bonds are lower for countries with strong external and fiscal positions, as well as robust economic growth and government effectiveness. We also find that primary spreads for the average Sub-Saharan African issuer are higher than in other regions. With regard to global factors, our results confirm the existing evidence that issuances are more likely during periods of global liquidity and high commodity prices, especially for Sub-Saharan African countries, and spreads are higher in periods of higher market volatility

MYCOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF DIFFERENTLY PRESERVED TILAPIA FISH IN ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NIGERIA

Fungi load and diversity of differently preserved tilapia fish obtained from Olomoore market, Abeokuta North local Government, Nigeria were evaluated. Fish samples were purchased, differently processed (smoking, salting, freezing) and analyzed for the presence of fungi. Microbial loads on the gills and the skin of fish samples were examined and characterised using standard microbiological procedures. The progression of growth was also monitored within 10-day storage period. The fungi isolated from the differently processed tilapia were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus spp, Branchysporum nigrum, Candida albican, Candida spp., Fusarium solani, Fusarium spp., Paecilomyces spp., Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillus 8flavus. No significant variation (p>0.05) was recorded in the fungal count of the skin during the first day of processing. However, significant variation (p<0.05) existed in the fungal count of the gill of the fish during the first day of processing. On the tenth day frozen fish skin had the highest fungal count while smoked fish skin possessed the lowest fungal count. There were significant difference (p<0.05) in the fungal count of the skin and the gill of differently processed fish samples during the storage. Similarly, significant variation (p<0.05) existed in the fungi count of the gill during the tenth day of processing

Testing validity of observed indicators of local content policy in Nigeria: evidence from four-factor measurement model

This paper tests validity property of the indicators that measured local content policy (LCP) in Nigeria’s oil sector. Survey data were obtained for the test, using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) method. The results obtained from a four-factor measurement model confirmed the LCP indicators to be valid. This reflects that the policy can achieve its developmental targets on local value creation with particular reference to increased local firms’ participation, backward linkages, and job creation in Nigeria’s oil sector. Hence, government should focus on effective implementation and compliance of the policy rather than “labour clause” as contained in the local content Act. However, government should be aware of the trade-off that the policy may entail

Assessment of Traffic Related Heavy Metals Pollution of Roadside Soils in Emerging Urban Centres in Ijebu-North Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the concentration of eight critical heavy metals in the roadside soils of selected urban centres in Ijebu-North Local Government Area of Ogun State, SW, Nigeria. Thirty-six composite soil samples were collected along the roadside based on distances to the roads. Physiochemical properties and concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in roadside soils in some selected locations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Accumulation of heavy metals in top soils is greately influenced by traffic volume and all the heavy metals exhibited a significant reduction in the roadside soils with increasing distance from the road. Metal concentrations in the roadside soils followed order of Zn>Pb>Fe>Cu>Mn>Cd>Cr. Concentration of Zn was 156.09 mg/Kg in roadside soils of Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye which is experiencing high volume of traffic , while it ranged from 10 \u2013 47 mg/Kg for Ijebu-Igbo/Bajowa/Akanran road with low traffic volume. Pb concentration of 26.7 mg/Kg was observed in : Ijebu-Igbo/Oru/Ago-Iwoye road especially in centre of the city. Concentration of all heavy metals examined were below the EU guideline, however, the paper suggested a regular monitoring and assessment to ensure sustainable management of the urban environment and reduction of traffic-related contamination of soil, plants and water

Ecological Status of Opa Reservoir, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, based on the Abundance and Diversity of its Planktonic Flora

A study investigating the spatial and temporal distribution, composition and abundance of plankton in Opa reservoir, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria, was conducted over a period of an annual cycle. The study was undertaken with a view of providing a more recent catalogue of planktonic flora and possibly an update of the reservoir’s trophic status. Quantitative net planktons were collected monthly from both the surface and bottom levels at three sampling stations established at the dam site (lacustrine), mid-lake (transition) and upper inflow (riverine) parts of the reservoir. The divisions recorded were Bacillariophyta > Cyanophyta > Chlorophyta > Euglenophyta > Myzozoa > Ochrophyta = Charophyta > Cryptophyta in order of abundance. Vertically, the highest occurrence of species was recorded at the lacustrine bottom station (71 species), while the least occurrence was observed in the transition bottom station (51 species). A total of sixteen plankton species showed significant seasonal variation in abundance during this study period, while only seven species had significant spatial variation (p ≤ 0.05). Higher abundance was observed during the rainy season (170,797,350 Org/m3 from seventy-two species) than dry season (5,138,400 Org/m3 from forty-nine species). Notable bio-indicator plankton species recorded were Anabaena circinalis, Anabaena flos-aquae, Microcystis sp., Aphanocapsa litoralis and Microcystis aeruginosa. Some other pollution indicator species recorded were Synedra ulna, Oscillatoria agardhii, Phacus sp., Surirella sp., Closterium sp., Aphanocapsa sp. and Euglena sp. Hence, Opa reservoir is very rich in Bacillariophyta (diatoms), followed by Cyanophyta (blue-green) and Chlorophyta (green algae), which are known to characterize eutrophic lakes