Analytical Study of the Impact of Islamic Values and the Role of Sufis Orders In West Africa

This article surveyed “Analytical Study Of The Impact Of Islamic Values And The Role Of Sufi Orders In West Africa”; The methodology explored for this article was basically philosophical; this means the materials used came largely from published and unpublished sources. The primary focus is on how Islamic values increased West African economics, socio-political life, religious, intellectual activities, and cultural and syncretism among the various West African countries, the article also analyzed how Islam helped expand trading routes from just the Trans-Saharan to outside of Africa, like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Also Timbuktu and both the Mali and Songhai Empires becomes a major trading point. The 19th century Jihads such as that of Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio brought about more far–reaching attempts to reform the whole socio-political, legal and economic system in line with the Qur’an and the practices of the Prophet (saw) and the righteous guided Caliphs. Sheikh Usman, a reformer, who was born in maratta Gobir in 1754 A.C. His father was a scholar and he personally taught sheikh Usman the Qur’an. Later sheikh Usman moved from place to place to be taught by other scholarly relatives. He was much impressed by one of his teachers in Agadesz, Jibril ibn Umar, through whom he was admitted in to a Sufi order. The impact of the Sufi orders in West Africa was spiritual, moral and occasionally political. As indicated, the orders offered a method of achieving spiritual advancement through training in mystical practices. At the same time the sense of belonging to a brotherhood and striving for moral purification under the guidance of a Sheikh would exert influence over the behavior of any Muslim who was seeking to please Allah. In this way the Sufi orders were themselves responsible for attracting people to Islam as well as providing an avenue of spiritual and moral advancement for born Muslim

Roles of Geospatial Technologies in Hydrographic Practice

Any seafarer or mariner that uses the sea knows that navigation without correct charts is impossible and hazardous because nautical charts are the most essential and indispensable tools for vessels to sail safely at sea. For vessels to safely sail at sea, the seas and the oceans ought to be charted and this falls within the domain of hydrography. However, the seas cannot be charted effectively in the absence of the deployment of human resources and adequate tools like satellite and aerial imagery, survey boats and other equipment that will facilitate the hydrographic operations. The acquisition of data and information about the sea depths, nature of sea bed, waterways, navigational hazards and navigational objects among others, basically falls within the sphere of hydrography which is primarily known as survey at sea. The paper offers a review of geospatial technologies in hydrographic practice for enhanced safety of navigation at sea. The review is important to both the mariners, shipping industry and the government in order to explore the potentials provided by Geographic Information System, Remote Sensing, cloud GIS, big data GIS and Global Positioning System to enhance the practice of hydrography. The data and materials used for the review were obtained from literature in the internet and other published works. The paper looked at hydrography as a profession, roles of geospatial technologies in hydrographic practice, benefits of hydrography to national development and finally, the weaknesses of geospatial technologies in hydrographic practice were equally examined

Transhydrogenation of pentane and 1-hexyne over CrOx/Al2O3 and potassium-doped CrOx/Al2O3 catalysts

The transhydrogenation of pentane (P) and 1-hexyne (1HY) was investigated over 4% CrOx/Al2O3 and potassium-doped 4% CrOx/Al2O3 catalysts over a range of temperatures (523–773 K) with a 5:1 P:1HY ratio. Over the CrOx/Al2O3 catalyst, transhydrogenation clearly occurred at temperatures below 625 K where the yield of alkenes was higher for the co-fed system than for a combination of the individual yields. Due to the acidic nature of the alumina, many of the products were alkylated olefins and alkylated hydrocarbons formed by coincident alkylation and isomerisation. When pentane was added to a feed containing 1-hexyne, the extent of carbon deposition was reduced. By comparing transhydrogenation to limited hydrogen 1-hexyne hydrogenation at 623 K, it was shown that the processes of hydrogenation and transhydrogenation were different, with hydrogenation favouring alkanes, while transhydrogenation favoured alkenes. This may be because pentane dehydrogenation only releases two hydrogen atoms, which only allows 1-hexyne to hydrogenate to 1-hexene. Therefore, if the rate of alkene isomerisation and desorption is faster than that of pentane dehydrogenation, only alkenes will be observed. The latter proposal would suggest that the dehydrogenation/hydrogenation process is closely coupled and would be consistent with pentane influencing 1-hexyne surface chemistry. The effect of the potassium doping was to increase the yield of alkenes. The reason for this may be related to changes in the nature of the surface chromia species. The potassium also neutralised the acid sites on the alumina, reducing the extent of alkylation and hydrogenolysis, which suppressed the formation of other alkynes in the product mix

Catalytic upgrading of refinery cracked products by trans-hydrogenation: a review

The production of high premium fuel is an issue of priority to every refinery. The trans-hydrogenation process is devised to convert two low valued refinery cracked products to premium products; the conversion processes involve the combination of dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reaction as a single step process. The paper reviews the recent literature on the use of catalysts to convert low value refinery products (i.e. alkanes and alkynes or alkadienes) to alkenes (olefins) by trans-hydrogenation. Catalysts based on VOx, CrOx and Pt all supported on alumina have been used for the process. However, further studies are still required to ascertain the actual reaction mechanism, mitigating carbon deposition and catalyst deactivation, and the role of different catalysts to optimize the reaction desired products

Valorisation of alkanes and alkynes by transhydrogenation in petrochemical processes

The production of high premium fuel is an issue of priority to every refinery. The trans-hydrogenation process was devised to convert two low value refinery cracked products to premium products; the conversion processes involve the combination of dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions as a single step process. The low value refinery products (i.e. alkanes and alkynes or alkadienes) have been converted to alkenes (olefins) by trans-hydrogenation using catalysts system based on VOx, CrOx and Pt all supported on alumina. Although trans-hydrogenation has been disclosed in many patents over decades, only little academic literature is available. The success of the process over various catalysts has been claimed in many of these patents. However, further studies are still required to ascertain the actual reaction mechanism, mitigating carbon deposition and catalyst deactivation, and the role of different catalysts to optimize the reaction desired products. The current research work evaluates the potential of CrOx/Al2O3, K-CrOx/Al2O3, Pt/Al2O3 and K-Pt/Al2O3 to investigate the trans-hydrogenation of the pentane (P)/1-hexyne (1HY) system, the pentane (P)/1,5-hexadiene (1,5-HD) system and the pentane (P)/2,4-Hexadiene (2,4-HD) system over a range temperatures (523-773 K). The fresh catalysts were first characterised by N2 adsorption using the BET method, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, Temperature programme oxidation (TPO), Temperature programmed reduction (TPR), Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and colorimetric analysis. The Free energy (ΔG) for the reaction of pentane with 1-hexyne, 1,5-hexadiene and 2,4-hexadiene shows that trans-hydrogenation is thermodynamically favoured at most temperatures for the reaction of pentane with 1-hexyne, however this is not always the case when hexadienes are the hydrogen acceptors. When 2,4-HD is the acceptor, ΔG is +ve at all the reaction temperatures tested. When pentane or hexyne/hexadiene or a 5:1 mixture was passed over the catalyst, in the temperature range of 523K -773 K, it was found that trans-hydrogenation process had taken place but many of the products are alkylated olefinic and alkylated hydrocarbons. Regarding all systems previously mentioned above, the ratio of olefin to alkylated olefin products was ~50:50 at 773K, however, this ratio was found to vary at other temperatures. The lowest ratio of ~10:90 was obtained at 523K. Dissociation of the hydrocarbon reactant was also observed leading to production of cracked products such as CH4, C2H4 and subsequent formation of a carbonaceous overlayer on the catalyst surface. This was not the case with the 2,4-hexadiene reactant, the trans-hydrogenation is poor, as expected from the free energies. The trans-hydrogenation process was shown to improve the conversion of pentane when co-fed with the hexyne to ~26% and to ~90% when co-fed with 1,5HD using the chromia catalyst at 773K, both values are much higher than the equilibrium conversion of the pentane dehydrogenation. Higher conversions of the pentane were subsequently obtained with other catalysts, but the chromia/alumina and K-CrOx/Al2O3 catalyst exhibits greater trans-hydrogenation activity. With the 2,4HD acceptor, very low conversions of pentane were obtained with all the catalysts: in general conversions lower than when the pentane was run alone were obtained. The products observed were unique for each catalyst. However, it was observed that for each catalyst, only the distribution of the products changed with temperature. This also accounted for changes in both the cracking products and the carbon laydown on the catalyst. The deactivation regeneration cycles shows very similar conversion of both reactants. There is a small deactivation observed for the longer time run; however these were not very significant. It was observed that some of the major products were consumed with time, but are used for the formation of other major products. However, this is more prominent with pentane/hexyne run using the CrOx/Al2O3 catalyst

Rapid, cost-effective liquid chromatograghic method for the determination of metronidazole in biological fluids

A rapid and cost effective method for the analysis of metronidazole in biological samples was developed. The extraction method is a simple single-step liquid-liquid process that has eliminated the need for costly extraction and evaporation equipment. The mobile phase consists largely of water, making the method cheap to run with less than 6 min total analytical time per sample. The calibration curve was linear from 0 to 2.00 ìg/ml. The regression coefficient was 0.99. The method is highly sensitive, with limit of detection of 1 ng/ml. The coefficient of variation for within-day run was less than 4% while that of day-to-day run was less than 6%. There were no interfering peaks from endogenous materials in the serum. The method was validated and used for pharmacokinetic studie

Over-Dependence On Oil Revenue In Nigeria: Consequences Of Covid-19 On Budgetary Allocation Of Federal Government Of Nigeria

This study examines the consequences of Covid-19 pandemic on budgetary allocation of Federal Government of Nigeria in view of over-dependence on crude oil and natural gas as the major source of revenue for public service delivery. Despite the emergence of the disease in December, 2019 in China and its spread globally gradually; Nigeria recorded the first case of the disease on the 27th February, 2020. Efforts to contain the spread of Coronavirus necessitated implementing some measures that led to disruption of economic activities within and across national boundaries. Consequently, global oil prices declined and that has severely affected Nigeria as one of the producers. Nigeria’s budget with price of crude oil as the major indicator for projection becomes unrealistic for achieving the recurrent and capital expenditure components of the 2020 budget. Due to that, 2020 Appropriation Act was amended and 2021 Appropriation Bill was presented based on this economic reality. This study employed Documentary Research Method (DRM) and applied document analysis as a technique of analyzing qualitative research data. The study found that Covid-19 pandemic led to global economic meltdown which by extension responsible for Nigeria’s economic downturn characterized by declined in oil production and oil price resulting to drop in oil revenue and increasing budget deficit. Out of the 2021 federal budget of N13.08 trillion; N5.20 trillion will be financed mainly by borrowing and that can widen the budget deficit and by extension accumulation of debt. The study also established positive correlation between declined in oil price/revenue and the increasing budget deficit of the FGN. Based on this, government should sustain the economic diversification drive and implement Post Covid-19 Recovery measures such as the Economic Sustainability Plan

Competency-based Learning: The effectiveness of targeted resident education and clinical auditing feedback on completed death certificate accuracy rates

Background: Death certification is an integral part of physician practice, yet common errors are being encountered from this vital source of health information. Most medical training programs lack formal curricula for this important skill. Accurate information from DC will help in improve our mortality data which can be use public health purposesObjectives: This study evaluated the effect of a multifaceted educational intervention on accuracy of completing death certification in a tertiary-based paediatric residency programMethod: A pre-post intervention and control cohort study over 12- month period to assess the effect of our multifaceted intervention accuracy rate of completed DC was conducted. The intervention consisted of a 3-part program (distribution of educational material, presentation by a skilled instructor, skills workshop, and clinical mortality/auditing feedback sessions). Primary outcome was the difference in scores preand post-intervention and also the rate of accuracy on the MAHI death certificate scoring system.Results: The mean score before the intervention was 6.8±2.7 and 7.1±2.3 in both the intervention and control cohorts respectively. The mean score after the intervention was 16.3±2.5 and 7.3±2.8 in both the intervention and control cohorts respectively indicating an increase in scores. The mean difference in pre- and post-tutorial scores was significant (t=20.39, p=0.0001).Conclusions: We found that using a multifaceted educational intervention to train junior physicians on how to correctly complete a DC was effective in a residency-based pediatric programKeywords: Death certificate, medical education, multifaceted training, heath information, Nigeria

Global Financial Meltdown: An overview on the effects of the Ban on Commercial Motorcycles in the North-Eastern States of Nigeria

Socio-economic development is an indispensable part of an individual's livelihood. This paper critically analyzed the socio-economic effect on the ban of commercial motorcycles in the North Eastern States of Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaire, interview and observation. Statistical and non-statistical methods of data analysis were employed. Hypothesis was tested using Pearson's product correlation coefficient. It was recommended that government should establish Youth Training Centre and the creation of entrepreneurial atmosphere for the unemployed to tackle any form of economic recession

Transhydrogenation of pentane with 1,5- and 2,4-hexadiene over CrOx/Al2O3

Transhydrogenation of pentane (P) and 1,5-hexadiene (1,5HD) and pentane and 2,4-hexadiene (2,4HD) was studied over a CrOx/alumina catalyst at 523–773 K. Thermodynamic stability differences between the conjugated (2,4-hexadiene) and non-conjugated (1,5-hexadiene) isomers indicated that transhydrogenation was favoured between pentane and 1,5-hexadiene but not pentane and 2,4-hexadiene (+ ve ∆G). At 773 K a significantly enhanced alkene yield was observed for the P/1,5HD system, clearly showing the effect of transhydrogenation. The yield of alkenes was ~ 50% and included alkylated and isomerized alkenes. Alkylation and isomerization were significant reactions under reaction conditions. Pentane was shown to affect the chemistry of 1,5HD and vice versa with the conversion of pentane significantly enhanced at all reaction temperatures, indicating a molecular interaction between the reactants even when transhydrogenation was not obvious. In contrast, no effect on the conversion of pentane was observed when the co-feed was 2,4HD. An unexpected effect of pentane on 2,4HD conversion was observed, with all reactions of cis-2,4-hexadiene (including alkylation and isomerization) being completely inhibited at low reaction temperatures (573 K and 523 K) by the presence of pentane, suggesting that pentane competes for the same sites as cis-2,4-hexadiene. Transhydrogenation activity between pentane and 1,5-hexadiene was less obvious at the lower reaction temperature, which appeared to be a kinetic effect. Direct hydrogenation of 1,5-hexadiene revealed that 1,5HD sampled the same hydrogen population for hydrogenation and transhydrogenation. Comparisons of transhydrogenation of 1-hexyne, 1,5-hexadiene, and 2,4-hexadiene with pentane have revealed significant differences in the adsorption and reaction chemistry of the three isomers