POWER TRANSISTOR AND PHOTODIODE AS A SOLAR CELL DEVICE

Novel solar panel using BPW41N Photodiode have been developed. The panel produced current of 714μA at 6.17V and 375μA at 8.60V using type A and B respectively. The combination of type A and B produced current of 395μA at 13.80V which is a 5.45mW solar panel

Rescuing The Endangered Habit: The Challenge of Readership Promotion for the Children’s Library In Nigeria

Reading has become endangered specie in Nigeria consequent upon the preference for the newer media of communication over the printed book by most people. However, the presence of these newer media does not vitiate the usefulness of the book as a veritable source of education, information and entertainment. Reading must therefore be sustained, but this is a function of a sound reading habit acquired in early life. The children’s library must pursue readership promotion vigorously in order to assist children achieve this desirable reading habit. The activities of the children’s library constitute the traditional means of readership promotion; however, innovative approaches can be explored

THE IMPLICATION OF ANNEALING TEMPERATURE ON ZINC OXIDE (ZnO) BASED PEROVSKITE METHYLAMMONIUM LEAD BROMIDE (CH3NH3PbBr3) USING HYDROTHERMAL BATHING AND SPIN COATING DEPOSITION METHODS

The implication of annealing temperature on zinc oxide (ZnO) based perovskite, Methylammonium lead Bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) using hydrothermal bathing and spin coating deposition methods was investigated; which is an advantageous thin film technique for deposition of large films at ambient or low temperature. The zinc oxide (ZnO) based perovskite, Methylammonium lead Bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3) were successfully deposited on the substrate (Glass slide) at a deposition time of 3 hours and were annealed at different temperatures of 100˚, 130˚, 160˚,190˚ and 200˚ degree Celsius respectively. The optical and morphological characterization of the zinc oxide nanoparticles and the perovskite material sequentially deposited on the substrate (Glass slides) annealed at different temperatures of 100˚, 130˚, 160˚, 190˚, 200˚ degree Celsius at deposition time of 3 hours were carried out using the UV – Visible Spectrophotometer and x- ray diffractometer respectively. It shows a transmittance between 1.42 a.u to 1.48 a.u of the thin film within the wavelength band of 350nm – 1500nm and a direct allowed band gap of 3.33 eV – 3.35 eV. UV- VIS spectroscopy revealed that the zinc oxide nanoparticles and the perovskite material sequentially deposited on the substrate (Glass slides) and annealed at temperatures of 130˚degree Celsius at deposition time of 3 hours has the highest efficiency because it absorbed readily at the least absorbance of 3.38 a.u and transmitted highly at a transmittance of 1.48 a.u within the visible region when compared to other annealing temperatures

Protein enrichment of solid waste from cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott) cormel processing using Aspergillus oryzae obtained from cormel flour

Aspergillus oryzae obtained from spoilt cormel flour was subjected to mutation treatments using X-rays, solar radiation and bleach. Following selection and screening of viable colonies on a medium containing Xanthosoma cormel solid process waste as the only carbon source, A. oryzae A7 which significantly (p < 0.05) produced more biomass at a higher growth rate than the wild parent, was chosen for protein enrichment. Protein content of substrate enriched with the mutant fungal strain was higher than that enriched with the wild strain. Addition of (NH4) 2SO4, NH4NO3, NH4Cl, and urea to Xanthosoma solid process waste increased the growth rate of mutant, with the highest  increase observed with urea. Medium amended with urea also had the highest protein level of 26.23% strain compared to a protein yield of 17.41% obtained in the control with no added nitrogen. The optimal temperature for protein enrichment was found to be 35°C. (African Journal of Biotechnology: 2003 2(8): 228-232

Eye care practices among commercial drivers in a developing country

Objective: Vision is regarded as the most important source of information during driving. The need for good eye care practices among the commercial drivers therefore cannot be overemphasized. This study aimed to determine the eye care practices of commercial drivers in a developing country and their association with involvement in road traffic crash (RTC).Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 328 registered commercial drivers in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling method was used to select the participants while semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-demography, eye care practices and involvement in RTC.Results: Data was analysed using SPSS version 18. The level of significance was set at p-value of less or equal to 0.05. Most (75.8%) of the commercial drivers had clear knowledge on good eye care practices. Majority, 79.6% of them had poor eye care practice. Only one-fifth of the drivers who practice good eye care had been involved in RTC in the last five years (p = 0.548). There was no statistically significant association between good eye care practices and involvement in RTC.Conclusion: Good eye care practice especially regular eye check at the hospital can help in early detection of poor visual function to enable prompt intervention. The consequences of RTC could be very fatal, it is therefore imperative for commercial drivers to always exhibit good eye care practices bearing in mind the major role of vision in driving.Keywords: Eye care practice, Commercial drivers, Road traffic crash, Developing countr

Spitting on a Blood Document: An Analysis of Nigerian Journalists Perception and Implementation of the Freedom of Information Act

This work is on Nigerian journalists’ perception of the implementation of 2011 Freedom of Information Act in the South East Nigeria. The researchers adopted survey research method in which questionnaire and oral interview were used as the means of data collection. A sample size of 237 was drawn from a total population of 580 using Taro Yamane formula. The data generated through the administration of questionnaire were presented and analyzed using tables and simple percentages. The qualitative data generated through the oral interview were also presented .At the end ,the researchers discussed  the results gotten from the tables and oral interview in line with the research questions and it revealed  that, the Nigerian journalists do not have a detailed understanding of the content of the F0I Act. It also revealed that the Nigerian journalists do not see F0I Act as an important legal document that has the capacity to strengthen investigative journalism in Nigeria. This study also revealed that the Nigerian journalists do not see the Act as capable of granting them protection in their day to day activities. Finally, the study as well revealed that access to information in Nigeria has not increased as a result of the F0I Act. Based on this, it was  recommended among others things that sensitization workshops on F0I Act should be organized by the NUJ of different states from time to time to enable them (journalists) embrace the provisions of this Act for a proper implementation. This will go a long way for a better kick-off on the implementation of the Act

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ SMART PHONE USE PATTERN AT THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY, UTURU, NIGERIA

The study is on the assessment of students’ smart phone use pattern at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Abia State University. The study is set on five objectives and research questions. The survey research design was adopted in carrying out the study with the questionnaire as the sole instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was administered on the accessible population of 634 respondents, out of which 616 copies were duly filled and returned. This is a return rate of 97 which was used for data collection. The researcher adopted the frequency-percentage counts and tables in data presentation, analysis and discussion. Findings of the study revealed that though the use of smart phones appeal to all students, it appeals more to female students; smart phones have a good number of features that attract students patronage and utilization; students do not use smart phones for academic activities, but mainly for social activities and leisure; they are not satisfied with their use of smart phones because of some defects; and their use of smart phones do have some adverse effects on students life on campus. Predicated on the above findings recommendations were proffered. As the study observed that students do not majorly apply their use of smart phones to academic activities, but on private communication, social activities and leisure, as well as having some adverse effects on them, it concludes that once the students are able to re-adjust and adopt holistically to the recommendations proffered the side effects of their pattern of use of smart phones would be curbed

Effect of Combined Intake of Garcinia Kola and Ascorbic Acid on Intraocular Pressure of Normotensive Nigerians.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of combined intake of Garcinia kola and Ascorbic acid on Intraocular pressure (IOP) of normotensive Nigerians. A total of one hundred and sixty (n= 160) parcipants, males, and females within the age range of 18-50 years (Mean age = 29.29± 8.74) were used for this study. The participants were randomly assigned to four groups: A, B, C, D (n=40 in each group). About 500mg of Ascorbic acid only was administered to subjects in Group A; 7.4g of Garcinia kola only was administered to subjects in Group B; combined 7.4g of Garcinia kola and 500mg of Ascorbic acid was administered to subjects in group C, while 100ml of water was administered to Group D to serve as a control. The IOP of each subject was measured with a Tonopen Tonometer pre and post ingestions of the assigned treatment at 30 minutes interval for 120 minutes. The findings showed a statistically significant reduction (p&lt; 0.05) in mean IOP from baseline values in groups A, B, and C at 60minutes and 90 minutes post administration of assigned treatment, with peak reducon at 60 minutes. The percentage change in mean IOP at 60 minutes in Groups A, B, C were 6.76%, 15.07%, 23.04% respectively. This change was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) in the three groups, with group C recording the highest reduction in mean IOP. There was, however, an increase in mean IOP towards baseline after 60 minutes. Group D recorded no statistically significant change in mean IOP. The reduction in mean IOP recorded in group C was statistically significant at all times of assessment post ingeson. (P&lt;0.005). It was concluded from this study that combined intake of Garcinia kola and Ascorbic acid had a greater effect on IOP than Garcinia kola or Ascorbic acid alone. However, this effect was transient, since the reduction was not sustained after 60 minutes of ingestion. This may form the basis for the development of affordable medicine for lowering IOP.Keywords: Garcinia kola, Ascorbic acid, intraocular pressure, tonometer

Infant Sleeping Environment in South-Eastern Nigeria (Sleeping Place and Sleeping Position): A Preliminary Survey

Objective. To determine infant sleeping position/place and the factors associated with them in South-eastern Nigeria. Methods. this is a cross-sectional study on infant sleeping environment. Subjects were the mother/ infant pairs that attended the well baby clinics at the Institute of Child Health of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (ICH-UNTH), Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital (MCSH), Enugu and the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH), Abakaliki. Results. Lying on the side was the most common (51.1%) and the least stable sleeping position. Only 36.6% of infants who slept in that position were likely to be found in the same position the following morning; lying supine was the most stable (74.1%). The difference in stability of sleeping positions was statistically significant (P < .01). Twenty six point seven percent of the mothers routinely lay their infants in prone position. On logistic regression, maternal parity was the only factor that was predictive of nonprone sleeping position (P = .01). Bed sharing, though common (66.9%), was more among the experienced (P = .03) and less educated mothers (P < .01). Conclusion. There is a high level of prone sleeping position and bed sharing among infants in this study site. The potential consequences of these are unclear. There is therefore a need to conduct local studies to clarify its implication

Intervention Strategy, Banking Reengineering and Capital Formation in Nigeria

Over the years, successive governments in Nigeria have not relented in advancing measures designed to boost capital formation in the economy. Prominent among these efforts is the commitment to upgrade critical socio-industrial amenities in order to bring about meaningful transformation of various parts of the country. Against this backdrop, this study adopts gross fixed capital formation as focal criterion variable. It encapsulates all production and distribution – oriented facilities in such core economic areas as transportation, communication, electricity, education, and industrial equipment manufacturing, among others. The provision of these critical effects in the right quantity and quality determines, to a large extent, separates thriving economies from merely surviving economies. For analytical purposes in this study, secondary data are drawn from the publications of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF). The time series are utilized in testing three formulated hypotheses, through the statistical instrumentality of software package for social sciences (SPSS). The outcome fundamentally indicates that banking reform, the intervention strategy thrust, is significantly related to the dynamics of capital formation in the Nigerian economy. To this end, the ideals which make for structural viability, auspicious liquidity and sustainable functionality are strongly recommended to form the thrust of on-going systemic soundness advocacy. This is good for the repositioning of the financial sector in general and banking reengineering in particular. No economy can afford to showcase banks which are peripherally hale and intrinsically pale. Keywords: Banking reform, Capital formation, Nigerian econom