ORGANIC/INORGANIC LEAF AMARANTH PRODUCTION: THE CASE OF POULTRY MANURE, FISH EFFLUENT AND NPK FERTILISER

The work evaluated the responses of two Amaranthus species to poultry manure, fish effluent, NPK fertiliser and control in randomised complete block design. A. hybridus was taller, thicker and had more leaves per plant than A. viridis. For each Amaranthus variety, poultry manure produced highest number of leaves and tallest plants with thickest stem followed by fish effluent and NPK fertiliser. A. hybridus had higher leaf and marketable yields/ha than A. viridis. Leaf and marketable yields/ha were highest with poultry manure followed by fish effluent and NPK fertiliser. Leaf yield/ha increased by 105, 34 and 34% for poultry manure, fish effluent and NPK fertiliser, respectively compared with the control in A. hybridus and by 284, 132 and 146% in A. viridis. Similarly, marketable yield/ha increased by 116, 45 and 45% for poultry manure, fish effluent and NPK, respectively in A. hybridus and by 176, 16 and 43% in A. viridis over the control

Growth and yield responses of sweet potato (ipomoea batatas) to time of potassium fertilzer application

Two field experiments were conducted at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike research farm in 2005 and 2006 wet seasons to determine the growth and yield responses of two sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) varieties viz TIS 87/0087 and TIS 8164 to time of potassium (K) fertilizer application in a humid forest zone of south eastern Nigeria. In 2005 cropping season, the experiment was a 2 x 4 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Potassium (K) treatments comprised no K application, 100 kg K ha-1 at 4 weeks after planting (WAP), 100 kg K ha-1 at 8 WAP, 50 K ha-1 at 4 WAP + 50 K ha-1 at 8 WAP. Time of K application had no significant effect on the growth attributes of the varieties, except in tuber dry weight and total dry matter plant-1 at 16 WAP where it was higher with split K application at 4 and 8 WAP in TIS 87/0087. TIS 87/0087 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in total tuber yield when 100 kg K ha-1 was applied at 4 WAP and also with split application at 50 kg K ha-1 at 4 WAP + 50 kg K ha-1 at 8 WAP. In 2006 cropping season, a 2 x 8 factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the same location as in 2005. The treatments comprised of no K application, 100 kg K ha-1 at 2 WAP, 100 kg K ha-1 at 4WAP, 100 kg K ha-1 at 6 WAP, 100 kg K ha-1 at 8 WAP, 50 at 2 WAP + 50 kg K ha-1 at 6 WAP, 50 kg K ha-1 at 2 WAP + 50 kg K ha-1 at 8 WAP and 50 kg K ha-1 at 4 WAP + 50 kg K ha-1 at 8 WAP. Tuber and total dry weights were highest when K was split applied at 4 + 8 WAP but lowest when it was applied whole at 8 WAP. TIS 87/0087 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in tuber yield ha-1 when K was split applied at 2 WAP + 6 WAP or 50 kg K ha-1 at 4 WAP + 50 kg K ha-1 at 8 WAP. TIS 87/0087 which is a higher yielding variety is recommended for the study area with split application of K at 2 WAP + 6 WAP or at 4 WAP + 8 WAP.KEY WORDS: Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas, K, time of K application

Soil Erosion: A Review of Models and Applications

Soil erosion is a global environmental problem influenced by both natural and human factors. Modeling provides a quantitative and consistent approach to estimate soil erosion and sediment yield under a wide range of conditions, and is needed to guide the comprehensive control of soil erosion. Over the years various soil erosion models have been developed. The application of these models is dependent on the soil type and climate of the given area because models differ in complexity and input requirements. This paper reviews various soil erosion models and their applications, focusing more on the most widely applied models which are: Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP). The method used for this research is a review of academic articles, bulletins, conference papers, textbooks, research reports and publicly available materials on soil erosion models and their applications. The results of this study revealed that most soil erosion models have been developed for the assessment of rill and interill erosion at plot or catchment scale on agricultural lands and watersheds in terms of estimating mostly soil loss, sediment yield, erodibility (K) values, rainfall factor (R) factors, runoff rates and forecasts of likely impacts. Again, the study indicated that most previous authors on soil erosion assessment used the empirical models due to their limited data and parameter inputs. Recommendations of this study include: (1) expansion of the USLE and RUSLE models for the simulation of gully erosion and sediment processes; (2) researchers should be encouraged through grants to develop empirical models (that make use of limited data) based on rainfall (R) factor and erodibility (K) factor that provide two opposing forces in soil erosion processes; and (3) management of soil erosion based on the indigenous knowledge of the affected people and land holders

Safety and Security Concerns in Nigeria's Tourism Sector: The Issue of Geotourism Destinations

Safety and security have become a source of concern for tourism stakeholders and beyond, due to their role in destination attractiveness and their capacity to affect tourists’ intent to travel. Unfortunately, insecurity appears to be a common feature in many emerging economies like Nigeria, where herdsmen, religious and political violence, kidnapping, etc. affect tourism development and growth. This study aims to: comprehend the safety and security features of Ogbunike Cave; second, identify the challenges to safety and security in the cave; and third, document ways to ensure sustainable safety and security in the cave. Using in-depth interviews and secondary data, the study showed poor safety and security measures for visitors in the cave. The implication of this is that visitors’ safety is not guaranteed, and this may likely affect the attractiveness of the cave and cause limited patronage. The study, woven from the perspective of protection motivation theory (PMT), suggests that the protection of visitors in tourism destinations like caves should be paramount. A safe and secure destination remains attractive, with highly competitive value; therefore, police posts, first aid boxes, emergency numbers, and log books appear useful for sustainable safety and security measures in caves. The study is novel, it appears to be the first to discuss the safety and security of Ogbunike Cave, and the implications may extend to other caves in the state and beyond. The suggestions are invaluable to tourism planners and &nbsp;stakeholders

EGGPLANT (Solanum sp) PERFORMANCE IN ORGANIC AND INORGANIC SYSTEMS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

The problem of rural-urban migration in Nigeria has resulted in very dense urban populations. The location of poultry and aquaculture enterprises in urban and peri-urban areas of the country has exacerbated the problem of pollution. However, these wastes can be a valuable resource for use in agriculture, thereby offering a solution to pollution arising from intensive peri-urban aquaculture, thereby offering a solution to pollution arising from intensive peri-urban aquaculture and poultry enterprises. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of fibre glass fish tank effluent,poultry manure, NPK and control on two eggplant varieties and weeds. The response of eggplant fruit yield to poultry manure was significant and greater than the response to fish effluent, which also gave higher yield than NPK fertilizer or control. The fruit yield obtained from poultry manure was higher than the yield from fish effluent, NPK and control by 61%, 177% and 148%, respectively. Fish effluent gave fruit yield that was higher than that from NPK by 72% and control by 55%. Kaduna variety produced yield that was superior by 71% and had lower weed density compared to Ngwa loca

The need for a new convention to deal with aviation related crimes

In legal regime governing crimes on board aircraft, three international Conventions are very relevant and indispensable. They are Tokyo Convention (1963), Hague Convention (1970), and Montreal Convention (1971) together with their protocols. These instruments though have been very useful in dealing with crimes relating to aviation; yet they have been found to be inadequate in the face of current challenges of terrorism and global security needs. The challenge of security in the modern times relating to aviation is of a serious concern. This paper examines the three mentioned Conventions and points out the weakness of the Conventions as at today and therefore canvasses the need for a new Convention to address modern security challenges.Keywords: Aviation, Crimes, Convention, International La

Synergistic Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Phyllantus Muellerianus and Eremomastax Speciosa Leaves on Lipid Profile of Wistar Rat

The study investigated the synergistic effect of ethanolic extract of Eremomastax speciosa and Phyllantus muellerianusleaves on the lipid profile of Wistar rats. The Wistar rats were assigned into two groups of 10 animals each; the control was given normal rat pellet and water, while the experimental group was given the mixture of the ethanolic plant extracts at 200mg/kg body weight, by orogastric intubations once daily. The animals were fed for 3weeks (21 days) during which anthropometric measurement and data were collected. Twelve hours after the feeding and administration of both plants extract, the animals were anesthetized under chloroform vapor and then dissected. Blood samples were collected from the heart by cardiac puncture into plain tubes and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The phytochemical result indicates that the extract contains a high amount of flavoniods and alkaloids; a moderate amount of saponins, tannins, and polyphenols with a mild amount of glycosides. The result of the study shows a mean significant decrease in the TC level and LDL-C level; an abnormal increase in the levels of TG, VLDLC, and an abnormal decrease in HDL-C between the experimental and control group at a probability level of p&lt;0.05. The phytochemical result indicates that the plant can be used to manage many health conditions like Stomach troubles, headaches, jaundice, and anemia (Obenet al., 2006). While the overall result of the study reveals that the administration of both extracts has both hypolipidemic effects and hyperlipidemic effects on the lipid profile levels correlate with cardiovascular disease

Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare clinical emergency that is characterized by features of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. The availability of effective therapy with therapeutic plasma exchange has decreased the mortality rate from 90 % to approximately 20%. The historical pentad of clinical features once thought to be needed to make the diagnosis include fever, anemia, renal failure, neurological findings and thrombocytopenia. Currently, clinical diagnosis is made by existence of thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia unexplained by other causes. The variety of clinical presentations and the lack of specific laboratory diagnostic criteria make the diagnosis of TTP highly dependent on a high index of clinical suspicion and can be easily missed. Early recognition and appropriate treatment with plasma exchange in clinical settings is very important and is frequently life saving. Current knowledge in the etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, trends in the diagnosis and treatment are reviewed herein

Development and Evaluation of a Standard Weight (W\u3csub\u3es\u3c/sub\u3e) Equation for Blue Catfish

Using a data set composed of 33 populations from six states, we employed the regression-linepercentile technique to develop a standard weight equation for blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus and validated it with an independent data set composed of 43 populations from 10 states. The equation is log10Ws=-6.067+ 3.400 log10TL, where Ws is standard weight in grams and TL is total length in millimeters. The English-unit equivalent (pounds and inches) is log10Ws=-3.950+ 3.400 log10TL. The equation is valid for blue catfish 160 mm (approximately 6 in) TL and longer. Relative weight (Wr) values computed with this equation did not exhibit any systematic length bias

The Dynamism of International Law in Politics:: An Appraisal of Russo-Ukrainian War

The dynamism of international law when enmeshed in politics is critical especially when superpowers are involved in the violation of international humanitarian and human right laws. The Russia invasion of Ukraine is a vivid example. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which commenced on 24 February 2022 represented just the latest, albeit most devastating, intervention in a neighbouring former Soviet state. In the effort to examine that, our aims are to critically assess the dynamism of international law in politics through the analysis of the forceful invasion of territorial integrity of Ukraine by Russian government under the leadership of Vladimir Putin in order to underscore the potency of international law when the political interests of a superpowers are involved. In that regard, the paper employed the political realism theory of international relations in the effort to give the work a trajectory narrative. Secondary method of data collection and historical content analysis approach were employed in the collection and analysis of the phenomenon understudy. One of the key findings of this paper is that indeed Russia violated the sovereignty of Ukraine and therefore violated the rules of international law and as a superpower nation the global community seems confused or carefully handling the war in order to avoid the occurrence of another world war. Russia being the current president of the Permanent Members of the UN left the entire nations concerned with worries over the violation of human and humanitarian rights of the Ukrainians. Based on our findings, one of the recommendations put forward is the urgent need for all member states of the UN to take steps to end the conflict as soon as possible in a way that all the interests of the parties are considered. They should comply strictly with the rules of international human right laws and international humanitarian laws to ensure the protection of civilians