An ethical approach to the xenophobia against foreigners in South Africa

Solomon (2013) argues that Xenophobia, simply put, is the fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers; it is embodied in discriminatory attitudes and behaviour, and often culminates in violence, abuses of various types, and manifestations of hatred. Theoretically, he argues that the best and only solution is to remove enemy images; therefore, the goal of removal of the enemy images ought to be pursued with much conscientiousness. To this extent, this paper systematically attempts to deploy an ethical approach to explore the problem of xenophobia which has pervaded the attitudes of South Africans in recent times (Mnyaka, 2003). The work will attempt to uncover what has contributed to the enemy images of foreigners, and how such images can be removed from or, failing that, substantially ameliorated in the national consciousness of South Africans so as to change for the better, the current antipodal relations between indigenous South Africans and foreigners. Specifically, the work takes as its point of departure the ethical framework of Botho/Ubuntu to dialogue with the problem of the study, emphasizing the role of political leadership to this effect (Dalamo, 2013:7)

Psycho-sociocultural Analysis of Attitude towards Littering in a Nigerian Urban City

This study examined the influence of altruism, environmental self-efficacy, locus of control, self-concept, age, gender, and level of education as predictors of attitude towards littering among residents of some selected communities in Ibadan metropolis. An ex-post cross-sectional research design was adopted for this study. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, one thousand, three hundred and sixty participants participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. Data collection was through a battery of measures combined into a single questionnaire. Pearson product-moment correlation, hierarchical multiple regression, and One-Way ANOVA statistical techniques were tools of testing hypotheses. Findings indicated that a combination of altruism, environmental self-efficacy, locus of control, self-concept, age, and gender explained 57% of the variance in attitude towards littering. The relative contributions reveal that altruism (beta = -.23, p < .01), environmental selfefficacy (beta = -.18, p < .01); locus of control (beta =.34, p < .01), and self-concept (beta = -.51, p < .01) contribute significantly to attitude towards littering. Also, level of educational attainment has significant effect on attitude towards littering. These findings provide link between psychological factors and attitude towards littering, and suggest reasons for ineffectiveness of previous anti-littering campaigns among residents of Ibadan. Thus, the psychological variables in this study have implications for interventions on littering attitude.Key words: Attitude, littering, psychosociocultural, urban city, Nigeri

Uses of Computer and its Relevance to Teaching and Learning in Nigerian Educational System

This paper examined the uses of computer and its relevance to teaching and learning in Nigerian secondary schools. The need for computer education and its objectives in Nigerian educational system were identified and discussed. The roles the classroom teachers would play and the challenges they would have to face in using computer for instruction were also highlighted. Possible solutions were suggested to ensure successful implementation of computer education programme in Nigerian secondary schools.Key words: computer education, analog computer, digital computer, hybridcomputer

Symbol Error Rate Analysis of M-QAM with Equal Gain Combining Over A Mobile Satellite Channel

Mobile Satellite Communications (MSC) have become an essential part of the world telecommunication infrastructure. However, the systems suffer from multipath propagation effects. In this paper, error analysis of M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM) with Equal Gain Combiner (EGC) over mobile satellite channel was carried out. The satellite channel was modelled as the product of Rayleigh and Ricians. This was then used to develop a system model for the received signal which was simulated and evaluated in terms of Average Symbol Error Rate (ASER) using the exact closed-form expression derived from moment generating function (MGF) and Padé Approximants (PA) theory. The results showed that at 16dB, Rician factor ‘k’=0, ASER obtained are 41.83%, 18.56% and 10.81% for paths ‘L’ = 2, 3, 4 respectively. ASER values reduced as ‘k’ increased. The results are in agreement with the simulation.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v3i6.434

Suitability Assessment of Soils around Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan for Maize Production: A Parametric Analyses

The sustainable use of soil resources requires extensive knowledge about its morphology and other properties. The study was carried out to evaluate the suitability of soils for maize production in Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria’s (FRIN), environment, Ibadan, using the parametric method. Four profile pits were dug, described and the soil samples collected and analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable bases and extractable micro nutrients. The textures of the soils were loamy sand, sandy loam and sandy clay loam which varied in response to changes in slope and drainage position. The soil’s pH ranged from strong to slightly acidity (4.32 – 6.75). Organic matter (17.2 -61.2g kg-1), total exchangeable base and total nitrogen (0.7 – 3.1g kg-1) were high, while the extractable micro nutrients; Fe (37 – 67mg kg-1), Cu (7 – 13mg kg-1), Mn (5 – 142mg kg-1) and Zn (38 -134mg kg-1) were at toxic level. Suitability evaluation of the soil using parametric approach shows that the soils are presently not suitable (NS) for the cultivation of maize, while, the potential of suitability of the soil for maize cultivation was ranked marginally suitable (S3). The soils of the study area were classified as Egbeda association which is not currently suitable for maize production, because of its present status. However, the soils suitability potential can be improved through conservative agronomic practices and also to prevent rapid degradation

Free and bound chloride relationships affecting reinforcement cover in alkali activated concrete

This paper investigates the free chloride profiles, diffusion parameters and chloride binding capacity of an alkali activated concrete (AACM) together with a control Portland cement (PC) concrete. Ggbs based AACM concrete specimens with different molarity of activator were exposed to a 5% NaCl solution for 540days to determine their free chloride diffusion properties. The relationships between the free and bound chloride concentration were determined by applying Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The required cover to steel reinforcement for corrosion prevention is derived to satisfy the limiting thresholds of free and bound chloride concentrations. The results show that Fick's second law of diffusion applies to the free chloride profiles of AACM concrete and provides higher values of diffusion coefficients than a similar grade of PC concrete. The relationship between the free and bound chlorides is defined by the Langmuir isotherm. PC concrete has higher chloride binding capacity than AACM concrete for both water and acid soluble chlorides. Less concrete cover to steel reinforcement is required in AACM than PC concrete when calculated by using the bound chloride concentration threshold limit. The values of cover based on the corresponding free chloride limit in AACM concrete are higher than its bound chloride values

Early Growth Response of Azanza garckeana (Exell & Hillc) as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

Thespesia garckeana (also known by its synonym Azanza garckeana) is a tree in the family Malvaceae, found throughout the warmer parts of Southern Africa. The use of organic and inorganic fertilizer is a way of providing adequate nutrition to growing seedlings, while improving their quality, resistance and adaptation. The study was carried out at the screen house and laboratory of the Department of Soils and Tree Nutrition of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria Ibadan (FRIN). The experiment was a completely randomized design (CRD), with sixteen (16) treatments and replicated 4 times. The data collected include; stem girth (mm), plant height (cm) and number of leaves at interval of 2 weeks for a period of 16 weeks, while plant dry matter were obtained at the 16th week. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat 9th Edition, while significant different means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% probability level. The result showed that the experimental soil was loamy sand with low nutrient status, while the combination of compost and NPK 15:15:15 at ratio 1:2 (T13) in the soil showed a significantly higher mean height at the end of the study. Treatment T6 (NPK 15:15:15 at 125kgNha-1) maintained the widest stem diameter of 7.33mm among all the treatments and was significantly wider than that of T14 (NPK 15:15:15 at 33.3kgNha-1 + AC at 66.6kgNha-1) with 5.24mm stem diameter, which was the least. The dry matter yield for the plant’s stem showed a significant higher influence from treatment T13 (NPK 15:15:15 at 66.6kgNha-1 + AC at 33.3kgNha-1) with 1.84g, while treatment T6 significantly influenced root production (6.80g) compared to those of treatments T14 and T16 (0.39 and 0.12g respectively) with a combination of &nbsp;both organic and inorganic fertilizers. As shown in this study, a combination of NPK 15:15:15 at 66.6kgNha-1 + AC at 33.3kgNha-1 (T13) significantly increased plant height and stem dry matter yield compared to all other treatment combinations. Likewise, higher rate of inorganic fertilizer as seen in treatment T6 also significantly increased plant’s stem growth and root dry matter yield, while NPK 15:15:15 at 50 kgNha-1 + AC at 50kgNha-1 also increased plant leaves dry matter yield. Therefore, for a productive early growth response of Azanza garckeana, the use of the combinations of NPK 15:15:15 and Aleshinloye compost is recommended

Perceptions of secondary school students on forestry and environmental science education in Oyo-State, Nigeria

Forestry and Environmental Science education have become inevitable in Nigerian schools considering the numerous environmental problems encountered daily in almost all the states within the country, hence the need for this study. This study assessed the perception of secondary school students on Forestry and Environmental Science Education in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty copies of questionnaire were administered to the students in the study area. The student’s average perception ofForestry and Science Environmental Education was quite impressive because majority (95.9%, 99.2%) of the students in government and private schools respectively agreed with that protection of the environment is important. Majority (89.1%, 73.1%) of the students in private and government schools were knowledgeable about the environmental issues in Oyo state. Some perceived benefits of forest such as Tree roots helps in absorbing surface water and Forest creates job opportunities for people with a mean score of 1.73 and 1.62were ranked 1st and 2nd respectively. The regression analysis result shows that students’ knowledge of environmental issues has contributed significantly to their perception of Forestry and Environmental Education. Based on the findings of the study, it is therefore concluded that majority of the students have high level of knowledge about environmental issues in Oyo state although they were not satisfied with the current state of environment in the state. The study recommends that more orientation and re-orientationprograms on the issue of environmental protection are needed in schools in Oyo State. Keywords: Perception, Environmental schools education, Forestry, Environmental problems, Secondary student

Economic Analysis of Oil Palm Production in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

This study determines the economic analysis of oil palm production in Surulere Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprises oil palm tree farmers. Multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 125 respondents. Primary data were obtained using a well-structured interview schedule while descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis. The descriptive statistical tools such as mean, frequency distribution, table, percentages, were used to present the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. The inferential statistical tools; budgetary analysis and regression analysis were employed to measure the profitability of oil palm production and dependence of oil palm output on various inputs used respectively. The result of the findings revealed the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area as follows; 84.0% were male, 58.4% were within the age range 41-50 years while, 84.0% were married and 67.2% of the respondents had primary education. More than three-quarter (88.8%) practice Christianity, 51.2% have experience within the range of 31-40 years, 55.2% occupy farm size which ranges from 6-10 acres, and 88.8% of them applied fertilizer obtain them from government. All the farmers inherited their land and involved in other occupation. Also, they obtained funds from their previous savings, and utilized hired labour. All farmers in the study area utilized chemical, obtained seedlings from government, though 54.4% of them did not belong to any farmers association. Obsolete technology, low investment level and late arrival of inputs were the major problems faced by the farmers in the study area which government should ensure timely provision of necessary inputs required by farmers for production. Key words: Production, Oil palm, budgetary analysis, price and profitability

Patterns of coagulation profiles observed in different trimesters of pregnancy

Background: The risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) is high during pregnancy due to both physiologic changes in pregnancy and the impact of inherited and acquired thrombophilia. Protein S (PS), Protein C (PC) and Antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiencies have been found in some pregnant women with recurrent miscarriages and sudden maternal death. This study aimed to determine the changes in the level of plasma protein C, protein S and antithrombin III levels, its correlation with normal pregnancy. Methods: The study was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted among seventy-five normal pregnant women who were selected using a simple random sampling technique with seventy-five age-matched healthy nonpregnant women. Blood samples were collected for analysis of protein C, protein S and antithrombin III using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as the survey instrument and Statistical analysis of data was done using SPSS version 24. Results: The mean ages of the respondents were 32.6±4.6 and 34.5±6.9 years for the subjects and controls respectively. Natural coagulation inhibitors (NCI) show a gradual decrease across the trimesters of pregnancy. There was a statistical significance in the level of antithrombin III and protein S in the first trimester, p&lt;0.05. When compared with the control of protein S of 4.78±0.65 ng/ml and antithrombin III of 554.16±54.65 ng/mL respectively. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that there was an accompanying reduction of NCI across the trimester compared with the controls. Antithrombin III and protein S have a significant relationship with the gestation periods. Antithrombin III decreased as pregnancy advanced while protein S decreased significantly from the first trimester to the second trimester and was maintained at that level throughout the pregnancy