Leadership and Leadership Selection/Election 'Drafting' in Nigeria: A Study of Some Former Heads of State, Since 1966

This study aims to investigate the leadership and leadership selection/election ‘drafting’ system in Nigeria from 1966 to the present. It will analyse the leadership dynamics of the former heads of state and examine the various selection/election processes that have been employed over the past 54 years in order to identify and understand the core features of the Nigerian leadership system. The study will make use of both primary and secondary sources to examine the selection/election processes, the role of the military, the impact of external forces such as international organisations and regional powers, and the internal dynamics of key stakeholders such as political parties, religious groups and the electorate. Furthermore, the study will explore the implications of the leadership selection/election system in Nigeria and discuss the impact on key issues such as political stability, economic prosperity and security. The research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Nigerian leadership system and contribute to the broader understanding of leadership across the African continent

Workflow for building and calibrating 3D pre-injection and 4D geomechanics modelling to assess caprock and fault integrity for geologic CO2 storage

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has been established as a viable technology for the mitigation of climate change caused mainly by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Ever since the publication of the special report on CCS by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2005, there has been an increased research and development in all areas of CCS. Some of these research involves use of numerical methods and models for optimizing storage and ensuring effective long term containment. In this paper, we propose a workflow for building and calibrating 3D preinjection and 4D geomechanics modelling to assess caprock and fault integrity for geologic carbon dioxide storage. The workflow presented here describes a seamless end -to-end process which combines a transparent flow of data with an easy-to-use graphical user interface. The workflow can conduct 3D static and 4D flow-, pressure-, and temperature-coupled calculations for rock deformations, failure and stresses. In highly heterogeneous and complex models, the workflow is capable of modelling multiple hundred faults, and multiple thousand discrete fractures. It allows the geological model, despite its high degree of complexity to be maintained throughout the geomechanical analyses process

Identification of induction machine parameters using only no-load test measurements

Several methods have been used to estimate the parameters of induction machines. The basic method is the standard no-load and block rotor test. Although accurate results are obtained using this method; however, performing the locked rotor test is difficult, requiring full control of the voltage by using appropriate instrument to mechanically secure the rotor in the locked condition. Therefore, in this paper, a method requiring only a no-load test to extract the parameters of the induction machine is presented. The proposed method is based on the modification of the third impedance calculation of the IEEE standard 112. To validate the proposed method, parameters of a standard 7.5kW induction machine are estimated. Based on the experimental results, the maximum recorded error in the parameter estimation is less than -2.881% when compared to the reference parameters obtained from the conventional no-load and blocked rotor test.Keywords: induction motor, no-load tests, machine parameters, third impedance calculation, blocked-rotor tes

Biosynthesis, characterization and antimicrobial study of silver nanoparticles (agNPs)

In this paper, biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Syzygium guineenses stem extract with 1mM, 2mM and 3mM AgNO3 concentrations has been presented. The plant extract was prepared with distilled water. The characterization and morphological composition of the synthesized AgNPs were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy and SEM respectively, while FTIR analysis was performed to identify the presence of the possible functional groups in the synthesized nano particles. It was observed from the UV and SEM analyses that the particles formed have diameters in the range of 23.5nm - 89.3nm, which is the range of nanoparticle size. Antibacterial test was carried out on the sample with six pathogenic microbes (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococus aureas, Vancomycin Resistant Entrococci, Staphylococcus aureas, Bacillus sublitis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) to ascertain the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgNPs. Both the characterization and antimicrobial activity test were very successful and could lead to significant economic viability, as well as being environmentally friendly for treatment of some infectious diseases.Keywords: Syzygium guineenses, Green Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Optoelectronics, Biomedical Sensor

FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES AND PETROL CONSUMPTION IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

The sustained growth in the economic activities and re-emergence of the middle-level income people in Nigeria have led to general increase in the number of personal vehicles on the roads. However, a large number of these are imported, fairly used vehicles, popularly called 'Tokunbo' in Nigeria. These vehicles are fuel inefficient because they consume fuel intensively. This paper investigated the effect of driving fuel-efficient vehicles on petrol consumption in the transportation sector of Lagos State. Data was collected from a valid sample of 1565 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. The result of a correlation analysis showed that fuel-efficient vehicles can significantly reduce petrol consumption in the transportation sector of the state. This finding is instructive and the paper suggested the need for policy makers in Nigeria to enunciate appropriate policies that would encourage majority of motorists, currently driving used and fuel inefficient vehicles, to switch to new and more fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce their fuel consumption and carbon footprints in the state

Diversity of Rotavirus VP7 and VP4 Genotypes in Northwestern Nigeria

Background. Nigeria has recently been ranked third among the 10 countries with the greatest number of rotavirus disease-associated deaths per year. Estimates attribute up to 33,000 deaths annually to rotavirus disease in Nigerian children <5 years old. Although the introduction of the new oral, live attenuated rotavirus vaccines may not occur for another 4-6 years in developing countries, background data on burden of disease, cost of rotavirus disease, and characterization of circulating strains is required to hasten this introduction to children who would clearly benefit from the intervention. Methods. Between July 2002 and July 2004, fecal specimens were collected from 869 infants and young children <5 years of age presenting with diarrhea in Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states in northwestern Nigeria. In addition, 194 control specimens were also collected from children matched for age. Specimens were screened for the presence of rotavirus antigens. Rotavirus-positive specimens were further analyzed to determine electropherotype, subgroup specificity, and G and P genotypes. Results. Rotavirus was detected in 18% of children with diarrhea and 7.2% of the age-matched case control subjects. The highest rotavirus burden was detected in children aged <6 months. The majority of the rotaviruspositive specimens revealed viruses of long electropherotypes, subgroup II specificity, and G1P[8] genotypes. Furthermore, more than a quarter of specimens (37%) displayed mixed G and P genotypes, and almost a third could not be genotyped. Conclusions. The high numbers of mixed rotavirus infections highlight the multitude of enteric pathogens to which children in African countries are exposed. Data on circulating rotavirus strains serve to inform African government officials to the serious health threat posed by rotavirus in their respective countries and to document the diversity of strains before vaccine introductio

Perceptions on Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Disease among Livestock Marketers at Wudil Cattle Market, Wudil, Kano

African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT) is a debilitating disease that hinders livestock productivity in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Numerous strategies have been developed over time to fight this devastating disease, which are emphasized mostly on containing the spread of its causative agent and principal vector. However, very little has been done to include livestock marketers in decision making, planning and implementation of control programs. Therefore, this study was carried out to fill that void, by evaluating the knowledge of this group of people on Tsetsefly and Trypanosomosis in Wudil Cattle Market. Questionnaires were developed to collect relevant information, and were administered through ‘Standard Focus Group Discussions’. The results revealed that tsetse fly was known by all respondents (100%), who significantly reported that they were most commonly found in the forests (95%), during the wet season (85%). Respondents also reported that these flies prefer to bite animals (71.25%). Similarly, a majority of respondents (97.5%) reported to being cognizant of trypanosomosis disease, while also stating that it had infected their animals at some point in time. Respondents believed infection was most prevalent during the wet season (60%) than the dry season (40%). Respondents had mixed views when it came to perceived causes of the disease, as some associated it with bite from flies (53.75%), while others linked it to transhumance (38.75%). In terms of signs and symptoms, 80% of respondents were able to identify with at least four symptoms of the disease. In essence, this study further intensifies the need to engage livestock marketers in tsetse and trypanosomosis control programs, in addition to emphasizing the need to create awareness campaigns that can further limit the spread of the disease and ensure vector control

Yield and Yield Attributes of Extra-early Maize (Zea Mays L.) as Affected by Rates of Npk Fertilizer Succeeding Chilli Pepper (Capsicum Frutescens) Supplied with Different Rates Sheep Manure

Field experiment was conducted in 2005 and 2006 to study response of extra-early maize variety (95TZEE-Y1) to rates of NPK (0, 40:20:20, 80:40:40 and 120:60:60 kg N:P2O5:K2O ha-1) and residual FYM (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1 applied to chilli pepper the previous season) in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. Randomized complete block design with three replicates was used. Higher values for soil physical and chemical properties were obtained in plots supplied with manure the previous season with soil from 2006 experiment more fertile than for the first year, hence produced 21% more grain yield. All the applied NPK rates in 2005 and except 40:20:20 ha1 in 2006 had resulted in early maize crop as compared to control. Husked and de-husked cob and 100-grain weights and grain yield/ha were higher at 120:60:60 kg NPK ha-1. Maize grown in plot supplied with 15 t FYM ha1 the previous year matured earlier. Cobs and 100-grain weights and grain yield were highest in plot supplied with 10 t FYM ha1. The 10t FYM ha-1 had 69% and 68% more grain yield than the control in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Highest maize yield was obtained at 120:60:60 kg NPK ha-1 or 10t FYM ha-1. All the parameters measured significantly and positively related to each other when the two years data were combined

Availability and Co-Substrate Potential of Typha latifolia for Biogas Production in Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria

In order to reduce global warming through fossil fuel utilization, biogas production from biodegradable biomass seems a sustainable alternative. This study evaluated the availability and co-substrate potential of T. latifolia for biogas production in Funtua, Katsina State Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the wards that were used for this study. A 1204 metres transect was used for 32 quadrats; 19 of these were laid on the 953m contiguous land area at intervals of 50m; 9 quadrats covered 450m, 5 quadrats were on 250m, 3 on 153m, and 2 on 100m. The remaining 13 transects were laid on the 251m un-contiguous patches. Coordinates of various potentials sites were recorded using Global positioning system. There were an average of 27 T. latifolia stands per m2. A total of 32,388 of T. latifolia stands were recorded in the study area; Dukke ward (23,968), Makera (8,205) and Maska 216. T. latifolia is available in lqrge quantities, and a potential co substrate in anaerobic digestion for biogas production in Funtua. It is recommended that the study should be replicated in time later to establish a trend of the T. latifolia species in terms of population

Determination of morphological features and molecular interactions of Nigerian bentonitic clays using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

This research focused on identifying the morphological features and molecular  interactions of the Nigerian Bentonitic clays using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) characterisation technique. The SEM microstructure images indicated that the bentonite samples are generally moderately dispersive to dispersive with some large flocs which were apparently separate and dispersed from one another rather than located on the totality of the image. This property is more pronounced on the sodium (Na) activated and the treated samples than in the raw samples, which could be due to quartz removal and Na activation on the raw Bentonitic samples. Dispersive sample surfaces consist of loose flakes with no definitive mass structures observed on the treated samples due to added poly anionic cellulose (PAC) to the samplesKey words: SEM, microstructure, images, bentonite, flocs and PA