EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE GROWTH RATE OF MAIZE PRODUCTION IN THE PRE - SAP, SAP AND POST - SAP PERIODS IN NIGERIA

This study was carried out to provide empirical evidence on the growth rates of maize production in three sub - periods in Nigeria namely pre - Structural Adjustment Programme period, Structural Adjustment Program period and post - Structural Adjustment Programme period. Secondary data on maize production in Nigeria during the Pre - Structural Adjustment Programme period (1970 to 1985), Structural Adjustment period (1986 to 1994) and post - Structural Adjustment Programme period (1995 to 2007) were employed in this study. A growth rate model was used to estimate the growth rates of maize in the three sub - periods. The results of the analysis showed that the instantaneous growth rates of maize production are - 0.1%, 5.7% and 2.4% and the compound rates of growth of maize production are - 0.001%, 0.059% and 0.024% for the pre - Structural Adjustment Programme, Structural Adjustment Programme and post - Structural Adjustment Programme periods respectively. The higher compound growth rate of maize production in the Structural Adjustment Programme period implies that the policy reforms in the period was more effective in ensuring increased growth of maize production over that of other periods in Nigeria. Therefore, despite the myriads of problems associated with the programme in Nigeria, it was beneficial to maize production in Nigeria

THE ROLE OF NIGERIAN MASS MEDIA IN CURRICULUM CHANGE AND IMPLEMENTATION AT BASIC EDUCATION LEVEL IN NIGERIA

This study investigated the role of Nigerian mass media in curriculum change and implementation at the Basic Education level in Nigeria. The study was aimed at assessing the following objectives: to find out the changes in the basic education curriculum influenced by Nigerian mass media and to determine the role being played by the mass media in curriculum implementation at the Basic Education level in Nigeria. Two corresponding research questions were answered while two null hypotheses were tested. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A total of 200 media practitioners from print, electronic, new media and news agencies were used for the study. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was pilot tested and a reliability index of 0.84 was obtained. Out of a total of 200 respondents used for the study, only 198 respondents correctly filled and returned their questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using frequency counts and mean, while the non-parametric statistics of chi-square (X2) was used to test all the hypotheses at alpha 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that the Mass Media has influence in the existing changes of the basic education curriculum. Also, the Nigerian mass media played a significant role in curriculum implementation at the Basic Education level in Nigeria. Recommendations were made such as, to influence changes in the basic education curriculum, the mass media should serve as watchdogs of the society, they should analyze, appraise or criticize as the case may be, the activities of the Nigeria Basic Education. Also, in a diverse society such as Nigeria, there is need for the media to play an active role in enlightening and sensitizing all stakeholders and the general public on the basic education curriculum.  Article visualizations

Customized Design of a Proposed Alignment at MAU Yola Campus in Civil 3D Using Nigerian Federal Ministry of Works Highway (FMWH) Manual

This study is aimed at testing the ability of Civil3D to design a carriageway using FMWH Manual, customizing it to suit that purpose. For this purpose, input commands in Civil3D were modified to reflect and accommodate the guidelines outlined in the manual. The route under consideration is a proposed dual carriageway alignment at Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola, Adamawa State in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. Scope of work carried out includes both field work (focusing on route survey) and roadway alignment design, subdivided into route location, data acquisition method and geometric design. Data for this project was obtained directly from the field using conventional ground survey method. Google Earth was used to select preliminary control points, GARMIN GPSMAP64 Hand Held GPS Phone was use to record the easting and northing of the control points onsite which serves as a baseline. Theodolite traversing by an analogue theodolite (Kern-Swiss K1-M 292272) was used to tie the control points and to range intermediate points at 25m interval longitudinally along the centerline and perpendicular offset points that were 6m & 12m on both Left and Right of the Centre. Natural Ground Level (NGL) was established from first principle by taking Field Short Data (FSD) of elevation of established point along the baseline using a dumpy level (SUN DSC232) to obtain the true level of the alignment. Plate vial test was carried out on the instruments to ensure accuracy of data recorded. Reduce level was computed using Microsoft excel and the output was imported into the design software (Autodesk Civil 3D V.2023) as a dot csv (.csv) data file known as PENZD.csv. The design of the alignment was carried out using criteria-based design by applying Federal Republic of Nigeria Federal Ministry of Works Highway Manual Part 1 Design Volume 1 Geometric Design (2013). A simple horizontal circular curve with a radius of 200m was designed at chainage 0+268.55 to 0+290.41 between two tangents. Two Sag curves; a crested-sag curve towards the beginning of the alignment at chainage 0+160.95 and a sag curve towards the ends of the alignment at chainage 0+655.33 were designed for the vertical alignment. A trapezoidal channel with a base-width of 0.5m, top-width of 1.1m & a depth of 0.8m was provided alongside the proposed road alignment to discharge storm water. Volume of earthworks was computed as 5548.18m3, and that of fill was found to be 1688.43m3 with a net cut-volume of 3859.75m3. A single cell box culvert was proposed to be sited at chainage 0+524 to 0+532.5. Equally, a pipe culvert was proposed to be sited at 0+722 to 0+723. The results indicate that the designed alignment was adequate and economical based on the proposed data

NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION-RELATED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRMS TO ADOPT LEAN CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

Studies have shown that construction projects are susceptible to problems such as low productivity, poor safety, inferior working conditions, insufficient quality, lack of timely communication and coordination amongst project stakeholders, and rising litigation. Adoption of lean construction (LC) principles within the manufacturing industry and other industries has led to notable improvement and resulted in improved time to market, reduced production costs, improved quality of the product, and active customer involvement. The study assessed the readiness of Nigerian construction-related professional services firms to adopt LC principles. The method of study involved a critical exposition of related literature, and use of the VERDICT readiness assessment model for analysis, and an ANOVA for readiness comparison. A structured questionnaire was issued for a sample size comprising 130 firms drawn from a finite population of 342 Nigerian construction-related professional services firms (project managers, architects, quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and M&E engineers) operating in Northern Nigeria. The findings of the study reveal that Nigerian construction-related professional services firms have process/project readiness to adopt LC principles, but that they do not have management, people and technology readiness to adopt LC principles. The study concludes that Nigerian construction-related professional services firms are not yet ready to adopt LC principles. The study recommends continuous awareness campaigns of LC principles and their potential benefits, via education and training to professional bodies, tertiary institutions offering construction-related programmes, and stakeholders in the construction industry

Storage Stability and Sensory Acceptability of Low-Fat Spread Produced From Bambara Groundnut

Standard methods were used to isolate and identify the microorganisms, and pH, titrable acidity and sensory properties were determined. The microorganisms isolated from the low fat-food spread samples: Lactobacillus planetarium, Streptococcus lactis, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The Bacterial counts ranged from 0.00x106 CFU/g- 0.71x 106 the fungal counts ranged from 1.33x106 -1.48x106 CFU/g. The pH ranged 6.7-7.1units. There was no significant difference (p≤ 0.05) in the pH of the low-fat food spread samples. The titrable acidity ranged from 0.10- 0.19. There was no significant difference (p≤ 0.05) in the titrable acidity of the low-fat food spread samples. The sensory scores of the low-fat food spread, sample XY1 had the highest ratings and most preferred in taste and general acceptability. Sample XY6 was most preferred in texture and flavor, while sample XY3 had the least scores for all sensory attributes. There was no significant difference (p≤ 0.05) in color and textures for all the samples. However, there were significant difference (p≤ 0.05) in taste and flavor of all the samples. The results showed that no pathogenic microorganisms were isolated within the 28 days storage period. Keywords: Bambara groundnut, storage stability, low-fat food spread, acceptability. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-20-02 Publication date:October 31st 202

Diffusion and access to information on family planning in Rigachikun community of Kaduna State

This paper explores diffusion and access to information on family planning in Rigachikun Community of Kaduna State. in order to achieve the objectives of this study, the following research questions were raised: What type of information on family planning is available for household in Rigachikun Community? In what ways do household in Rigachikun Community access information on family planning? For what purpose do household use family planning information in Rigachikun Community? What challenges do household face in using information on family planning in Rigachikun Community? survey research design was adopted for the study. Thus, the population of household in Rigachikun community is 5,524. To determine the sample size, the Crejsie & Morgan determining sample size for research activities was used. Based on that, for a population of 5,000 the required sample size is 357. Therefore of the sample size for the study is three hundred and fifty seven (357) household in Rigachikun community. The research instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Data collected for this study were analyzed using frequency distribution and percentage. The study reveals the following findings: Implant and injectables were the major type of information on family planning available among household in Rigachikun community, Kaduna State. Radio was the major access to information on family planning among household in Rigachikun community, Kaduna State. It was revealed that household in Rigachikun community used information on family planning for the purpose of Improving the health being of women and reduces health risks. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher concluded that Family Planning activities and services were the instruments through which a people or nation use to achieve objectives of reducing poverty, maternal and infant mortality, check population explosion, improve income of its citizens all for a better life. The study recommends that, Government (federal, state & local), individuals, philanthropic organizations and Non-governmental organizations should create awareness on information on the various types of family planning methods such as Information on Male Sterilization and Information on Male & female condoms among household in Rigachikun community

EMI Reduction in an Interleaved Buck Converter Through Spread Spectrum Frequency Modulation

Spread spectrum frequency modulation is applied in a high-frequency DC/DC power converter to reduce conducted EMI. A new modulation biasing technique is developed to further reduce EMI levels in converters equipped with hardware filters. In the lab, this biasing shows effective shaping of the EMI spectrum

FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL AND POVERTY IN NIGERIA: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Fuel subsidies in Nigeria have been a contentious issue for decades. However, the recent removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration has resulted in a looming fuel shortage crisis and left millions of Nigerians terrified about the knock-on effects on their daily lives. Meanwhile, the removal of the fuel subsidy has led to increased prices for transportation and commodities, adding to economic hardships, businesses struggle as they are forced to spend more money on fuel consumption. Hence, this paper examined fuel subsidy removal and poverty in Nigeria. By utilizing the theory of price elasticity of demand, the paper aimed to examine the rationale behind the fuel subsidy removal, the socio-economic implications of fuel subsidy removal and suggested palliative measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria. By utilizing content analysis method, the paper reveals factors such as private sector participation in the importation of petroleum products, availability of petrol at all times for all Nigerians and permanently banishing queues from petrol stations across the nation and free the country from the endless pains and sufferings that come with fuel scarcity, revenue generation, stimulating economic development among others as rationales behind fuel subsidy removal. The paper equally pointed at high cost of living, high rate of crime, and increase in poverty level as people and businesses struggle for survival among other socioeconomic implications of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria. The paper concluded by recommending rural electrification, increase in the minimum wage and food importation/distribution among other feasible palliatives as suggested measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria. &nbsp

Aquaculture by-product meal as a fishmeal replacer in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) diet: Effects on serum biochemistry, innate immune response, and oxidative stress markers

The effect of feeding aquaculture by-product meal (ABP) to African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) was investigated in a 56-day feeding trial using serum biochemistry, innate immune response, and oxidative stress markers as indices of assessment. Fishmeal protein in control diets was replaced at a rate of 15, 30, 45, and 60% by aquaculture by-product meal protein. Each experimental diet was randomly distributed into triplicate tanks containing catfish fingerlings (n = 15 fingerlings/replicate, 5.58±0.05 g). The primary haematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell count) and secondary haematological parameters (MCH, MCV, and MCHC) were similar with the control. The white blood cell count and its differential of the fish group fed ABP meal was numerically higher than control but not significant, except in fish fed D30T that had high lymphocyte count. The platelet count in all the dietary groups was similar. There was no significant variation in some of the serum biochemistry parameters: total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio, urea, HDL-C and LDL-C. Creatinine values of the D60T fed group were significantly higher than all other dietary treatment groups including the control. Triglyceride's level was statistically similar with control up to 30% replacement level, while there were no significant variations in the cholesterol levels of the blood of C. gariepinus fed the different dietary treatments. Except for catalase, there were no significant differences in other oxidative stress biomarkers under study, primarily SOD, GSH, and GPx. Catalase enzyme activities of the fish group fed D30T were statistically higher than other fed groups. Some serum electrolytes, such as calcium and chloride ions of the differently fed fish groups, were not significantly different. Lastly, serum potassium ions were significantly higher among D60T fed group though statistically similar to D45T-fed group. No stress conditions were recorded among the dietary groups.  These results showed that the health status and immunity of African catfish were not degraded by feeding aquaculture by-product meal to the fish

Use of Agricultural Information Sources and Services by Farmers for Improve Productivity in Kwara State

This study was carried out to investigate the use of agricultural information sources and services by farmers for improve productivity in Kwara state, Nigeria. The objectives of the study was to determine the information sources and services available to farmers in Kwara State and assess the purpose for which farmers in kwara state utilize available information sources and services. The study adopted the survey design in a population of 55,522 farmers from whom 447 were sampled in six local government areas, which were made up of two from each of the three senatorial districts in the State. Questionnaire and interviews were used to generate data, which were descriptively analysed to answer the research questions. The results showed that the information sources and service mostly used by the farmers included relations, fellow farmers, town criers, television, mobile phones, film shows, radio, etc. The need for information made the farmers to use it for crop and animal production; pests, diseases and weed control; fishing; disaster control and mitigation, fertilizer procurement and application; post-harvest technology; sourcing for labour; agricultural credit; etc. The study therefore recommended that Kwara State Government should train extension workers on how to use information communication technology such as mobile phone on how to subscribe for agricultural information and also there is a need to extend agricultural extension services to all the local government areas through established centers where farmers can obtain required information on agricultural productivity, marketing of farm produce and post harvest technology to increase their productivity