The Art of Preview in Appropriate Teaching/Learning Material Selection

This study recognised the importance of print materials and texts in effective and efficient teaching and learning. Though important, there is a proliferation of these materials in the market that learners, researchers and teachers cannot read all within the limited time available to them. They resort to the art of previewing to select the relevant ones. As previewers, they ought to look into the external and internal skeletons of materials such as textbooks, literature books, journal articles, essays and other continuous writings. The paper described skimming and scanning as important techniques for previewing. Finally, those elements and aspects of the English Language texts to be scanned or skimmed were looked at and the importance of each highlighted

CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE SOIL AND PLANTS AROUND WASTE DUMPSITES IN ENUGU METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Aims: The purpose of this project is to find the concentration of heavy metals in the topsoil and the plant around the waste dumpsite from Enugu municipal solid disposal sites. Methodology and Results: There was a collection of soil samples from four designated public municipal solid waste dumpsites in Enugu metropolis. The soil samples were collected at 10m intervals from the centre location point of each dumpsite at a constant depth. The sample collection design include centre (0 m) of the dumpsites, 10, 20, and 30m. However, the control sample was 65m away from the centre of dumpsites at the same depth. Plant samples were taken just at the centre (0m), and control measures were at 65m distance away from each dumpsite. The Goat grasses harvested were taken to the lab to determine and analyse heavy metals intake from the soil. These samples were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA320N) model. On the average, high concentrations of Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Pb found in the soil samples collected at the centre of the dumpsites were 141.70, 121.5, 75.53, 70.33 and 64.53 mg/kg respectively. The results were statistically analysed and had significant effects between the samples (p < 0.05). Conclusion, significance, and impact study: The heavy metals studied were within the acceptable or permissible limit by WHO and FAO. However, the plant intake of zinc at Presidential that was beyond the maximum permissible level of 163.45 mg/kg Zn compared with FAO and WHO standard of 50 mg/kg

Distribution of Lead and Cadmium in Soils on Koko Seaport, Delta State, Nigeria

Soil contamination by Lead and Cadmium is a prevalent ecological problem that requires attention because these two metals are toxic and could accumulate and translocate in soil over time, which poses a risk of entering the food chain and affecting the living organisms in the food web. The objective of this study is to evaluate the levels of Pb and Cd in soil from selected sampling locations of the Koko Seaport in Delta State, Nigeria. Five areas near Koko Seaport were investigated for the transport of these heavy metals in the soil. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and chart models was used to determine the concentration of these metals. Cadmium and lead levels that were significant were found in the studied areas. The data did not show any differences between the two metals due to the significance of the *p>0.05 value. The variations showed a surge in comparisons of the amounts of cadmium in stations 2 and 3, respectively, as well as significant values for cadmium compared to lead. The outcome was directly influenced by the type and quantity of hazardous wastes present in the research area. The recommended remedial actions for these metals include soil cleansing, immobilization, and the choice of plants with hyper bio accumulation for phytoremediation methods that allow the use of genetic engineering

Development And Evaluation Of Complementary Foods Based On Soyabean, Sorghum And Sweet Potatoes Flours Blends

Introduction:The study evaluated the nutrient, antinutrient and sensory properties of complementary food (gruels) based on fermented soyabean, sorghum and sweet potatoes flour blends. Methodology: The soyabean, sorghum and sweet potatoes were subjected to different fermentation periods, 24, 48 and 72hr. The unfermented flour samples served as the control, the fermented flour were used to prepare gruels. The chemical and sensory properties of the gruels were analyze using the standard assay method. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the mean and standard deviation. Result: Based on the result, there was increase in the protein content of the gruel made from the 48hr fermented flours relative to the control (46.78 to 56.15%). There were decreases in the fat content of the gruel on the 24 and 72hr fermentation period when compared with the control (14.01 to 5.55 and 6.98%) respectively. Relative to the control fermentation increase the ash and fiber level at 72hr period (2.01 to 4.94) and 1.64 to 3.25) the carbohydrate content was increased on the 24hr fermentation period respectively. The tannin and phytate levels were drastically reduced due to fermentation. The gruels based on 48 and 72hr fermented composites were much more acceptable when compared with the 2hr and the control. As judged by the results, fermentation improved the nutrient composition of the gruels. Conclusion: These gruels can serve as a good complementary food that can substitute the popular maize gruel (pap) which is the commonly available complementary food especially in rural areas. Keywords:Development, Evaluation, Complementary Foods,Soyabean-Sorghum-Sweet Potatoes, Flours Blend

Comparative Genomics of 274 Vibrio Cholerae Genomes Reveals Mobile Functions Structuring Three Niche Dimensions

Vibrio cholerae is a globally dispersed pathogen that has evolved with humans for centuries, but also includes non-pathogenic environmental strains. Here, we identify the genomic variability underlying this remarkable persistence across the three major niche dimensions space, time, and habitat. Taking an innovative approach of genome-wide association applicable to microbial genomes (GWAS-M), we classify 274 complete V. cholerae genomes by niche, including 39 newly sequenced for this study with the Ion Torrent DNA-sequencing platform. Niche metadata were collected for each strain and analyzed together with comprehensive annotations of genetic and genomic attributes, including point mutations (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs), protein families, functions and prophages. Our analysis revealed that genomic variations, in particular mobile functions including phages, prophages, transposable elements, and plasmids underlie the metadata structuring in each of the three niche dimensions. This underscores the role of phages and mobile elements as the most rapidly evolving elements in bacterial genomes, creating local endemicity (space), leading to temporal divergence (time), and allowing the invasion of new habitats. Together, we take a data-driven approach for comparative functional genomics that exploits high-volume genome sequencing and annotation, in conjunction with novel statistical and machine learning analyses to identify connections between genotype and phenotype on a genome-wide scale

A Preliminary Study on the Diversity of Monkeys in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Its Environs

Monkeys are among the prominent animal species found in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka forest areas and its environs; thus, a 3-month reconnaissance and transect survey was carried out to determine the diversity of these monkeys and the ecological features that support their abundance and distribution. Six sample sites designated ‘A’ to ‘F’ were carefully chosen, transected and closely monitored for monkeys’ presence. A total of 116 monkeys, all of the super- family Cercopithecoidae but of four different species were observed. A total of 47 Chlorocebus aethiops with a relative abundance of 40.5% was recorded, it was followed by 34 (29.3%) Chlorocebus sabaeus; 25 (21.6%) Chlorocebus tantalus; and the least is Erythrocebus patas, 10 in number and relative abundance of 8.6%. The distribution of each species in a given site showed that site A recorded the highest number of monkeys 55(47.4%),it was followed by site B with 21(18.1%)monkeys; then site E 16(13.8%); 11(9.5%) in F; 7(6.0%) in site C and the least is 6(5.2%) in site D. The Simpson’s index of biodiversity was 0.7

Application of High-Voltage, Precision, Low-Power Max9943/Max9944 Operational Amplifier in Industrial Process Control Using ±20ma OR 4-20ma Current-Loop Systems

This article explains how to apply a high-voltage, high-current-drive operational amplifier to convert a voltage signal into a ±20mA or 4–20mA current signal for use in process-control industrial applications. The MAX9943 op amp a family of high-voltage amplifiers that offers precision, low drift, and low power consumption device was used as case study]. Experiments are described and test results presented. Current loops are known for their high immune to noise compare to voltage-modulated signals, a feature that makes it ideal for use in a noisy industrial environment. This signal can travel over a long distance, sending or receiving information from remote locations. A current loop typically includes a sensor, transmitter, receiver, and an ADC or a micro-controller (figure 1). The sensor measures a physical parameters such as pressure or temperature and provides a corresponding output voltage. The transmitter converts the sensor's output into a proportional 4mA-to-20mA current signal, while the receiver then converts the 4mA-to-20mA current into a voltage signal output. This receiver's output is then received, interpreted and converts into a digital signal output by an ADC or a micro-controller. Experiment performed using the relationship the relationship stated in equation 5, shows that if the input voltage level rise above or fall below ±2.5v, the op amp device attains its saturation point and its output voltage can no longer increase. As shown in figure 3, where the curve flatten and no longer follow the ideal linearity characteristics that was supposed

The Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites and Anaemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Anaemia is a major contributor to maternal deaths in developing countries. Association of anaemia with intestinal parasites has been established, hence by eliminating intestinal parasite, anaemia may be reduced with positive effects on maternal outcome. A comparative cross-sectional study was done to determine the prevalence of anaemia and intestinal parasitic infection among pregnant mothers attending antenatal clinic in Federal Medical Centre Owerri Metropolis, Imo State. One hundred and twelve pregnant women with and without anaemia were enrolled in the study at the antenatal clinic of the hospital. The data on social and demographic variables was collected through a structured questionnaire. Haemoglobin estimation and stool examination for intestinal parasitic infection was done.. Anaemia was found in 66 (58.9%) women and 52 (46.5%) had helmintic infestation. Anaemia was significantly related to intestinal parasites, especially hookworms. There was a highly significant relationship between education and the knowledge of women regarding effect of intestinal parasitic infestations (P<0.001), transmission and spread of infestations (P<0.001). The knowledge of women regarding the effect of intestinal parasitic infestation was significantly (P<0.001) related to the occurrence of parasitic infestations. Intestinal parasitic infestation in pregnancy was significantly related to anaemia. Hence all women coming to antenatal clinics should be screened for intestinal parasites. The antenatal care should include deworming with correction and prevention of anaemia. Keywords:Prevalence, Intestinal Parasites, Anaemia, Pregnant Women

Gender Difference in Teachers’ Perception of School Climate and Their Job Performance in Secondary Schools

The study investigated gender difference in teachers’ perception of school climate and their job performance in secondary schools in Anambra State, Nigeria. Four research questions and four null hypotheses were used to guide the study. The sample size of 550 teachers representing 10% of the population and proportionate stratified sampling method was used to identify the sample size.  The face validity was established and the reliability was determined through Crobach Alpha for Organizational Climate Index (OCI) and Teachers’ Job Performance Questionnaire” (TJPQ) was 0.81 and 0.66 respectively. Pearson Product Moment was used to analyze the research questions and hypotheses. The findings revealed that the relationship between female teachers’ perception of open and closed school climate with their job performance was not significant. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that principals should encourage teachers to devotedly discharge their job performance by maintaining school climate that will enable them discharge their duties with enthusiasm. Keywords: School Climate, Teachers’ Perception and Job Performance. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-9-22 Publication date:March 31st 202