The Political Economy of the New Slave Trade in Africa

A macro analysis of various inquiry into the nature and causes of Africa s crises may revealed a continent placed on perpetual slavery From trans-Atlantic slave trade to colonialism from colonialism to flag independence and Neo Colonialism from trade imperialism to human trafficking from the rampaging momentum of globalization to erosion of Africa culture and communal morality from Tokunbo Syndrome and currencies Africa seems to be on a verge of internationallyinspired perpetual servitude The costs of these old and modern vices are enormous and the task of salvaging them is not less so While the paper exposes the two divides it goes to argue that the actualization of the New International Economic Order NIEO remain a must for Africa as a continent if she must survive the present socio- economic and political disempowerment eating deep to her efforts at meeting aims and objectives of the millennium Development Goods MD

Application of Geogrids on the Geotechnical Properties of Subgrade Materials under Soaked Condition

Highway construction is one of the main engineering design and construction in civil engineering in many countries all over the world. Existing studies have shown that civil engineers engaging in highway construction have several challenges during road construction especially as it is related to the topography of the site ,inadequate subgrade soil and high water table, inspite of this challenges ,the application of geogrids as a geotechnical property is imperative to improve the subgrade of soils with soaked condition. Soil samples were labeled (A, B& C) at random. These samples were taken to the Laboratory for experiments to identify and determine the Grain size analysis, atterberg, compaction and California bearing ratio by placing the geo-grids at varying depths and in single layer under soaked conditions (48hrs) to determine the strength of the soil samples. The geogrids were introduced in three independent single layers i.e. 2/5, 3/5 and 4/5 the distance from the base of the mould. Samples A, B&C (3%, 9% &6%) respectively, shows that the strength of subgrade is considerably increased by introducing geo-grids reinforcement in the soil. It is found that geo-grids placed at 3/5 the distance from the base showed higher CBR value(15.1%,14% & 12.2%) than when placed at 2/5 (12.8%,11% & 8.8%) and 4/5(11%, 10% & 8.3%) distances from the base. The differences in the behavior of the soil under soaked conditions improve on increasing the number of layers of geo-grids. As a subgrade stabilizer it has shown great effect of improvement. It can be used to improve poor lateritic materials due to its low maintenance, corrosion resistance and increment in the service life of road pavement. This application of geogrids is a means to improve the strength of basic engineering and geotechnical properties of poor subgrade soils under soaked condition. This  will reduce land wastage, uneconomical design of road construction. Geo-grids should be employed as a modernized form of improving road construction on poor subgrade materials. Keywords: geogrids, CBR, highway construction, soaked conditions, reinforcement, subgrade

Participation of cocoa farmers in farmers field school in Idanre Local Government area of Ondo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the participation of cocoa farmers in farmers’ field school (FFS) in Idanre local government area of Ondo state. A multistage sampling procedure was employed for the survey of the farmers. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means. The analysis of the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers revealed that about one-third (36.7 percent) of the cocoa farmers were aged 51 years and over, indicating an aging workforce, while 48.3 percent of them were married. About 29.2 percent of the respondents had secondary school education, 44.2% had household sizes of between 3 and 5, and 30.8% had farm sizes of between 2 and 2.9 hectares. Major factors determining participation in FFS were age, level of education, credit sources and extension contacts. Farmers participated highly in land preparation while level of participation is low in control of pests and diseases. Severe constraints faced were lack of skilled trainers and time-consuming sessions. There was a significant relationship between socio economic characteristics and participation in FFS. There is the need to strengthen farmer-based groups to serve as platforms for disseminating extension services information to farmers which could engender the participation of members in farmers’ field school. Moreover, the relevant authorities should provide farmers with credit facilities to enable them to purchase productive resources such as land.

Application of GIS in Water Management of Eleyele Catchment, South-Western Nigeria

Eleyele dam has drastically reduced in capacity since its inception in 1942. There are frequent flood incidences within the dam catchment area- noteworthy of them is the August, 2011 flood incidence. This research studies the hydrological condition of Eleyele catchment through the use of Geographic Information System. The topographical maps, digital elevation measurement maps (DEM) and hydrological maps of the Eleyele catchment were produced through GIS watershed delineation process for the year 1967 and year 2014.The results show that there is an average lowering of elevation of about 14.63m within the catchment which has greatly affected the hydrological pattern of the catchment. The Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) of the catchment was used to produce flood risk map. The map showed that 25.24% of the catchment is prone to flooding. The study showed that there is a change in topography of Eleyele Catchment within the period studied. This is due to the urbanization of the area. Keywords: Eleyele Dam, Flood Incidences, Hydrological Condition, GIS, Watershed Delineation Process, Triangulated Irregular Networ

Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Diversity Management in Nigeria Breweries in Oyo State, Nigeria

Cases of ethnic bias and other forms of discrimination still take places in organizations during hiring, promotion and other employer-employee relation practices. Hence, managements are faced with the big challenge of managing its diverse workforce and emotional intelligence of their employees. This study investigated the impact of emotional intelligence on diversity management in Nigeria Breweries Oyo State. A total of 100 staff in Nigeria Breweries Oyo State in which 55 (55.0%) were male while 45 (45.0%) were female. The study was a survey which employed Descriptive research design and questionnaire was used to obtain the relevant data. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson rho Correlation and Regression Analysis with the application of statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The results showed that that there is joint significant relationship between emotional intelligence on diversity management It was recommended that emotional intelligence concept would integrate the development programs and job-related training provided to employees to improve their skills, providing a foundation for practicable knowledge

Effect of optimizing process variables on the quality characteristics of cassava-wheat composite bread

The optimisation of bread-making process can have a positive impact in ramping up the quality characteristics of cassava-wheat bread to  that of whole wheat bread. In this study, a threevariable Box-Behnken design response surface methodology was employed to investigate and optimise independent variables namely cassava flour composition, water content and proofing time in relation to response variables namely dough yield, loaf specific volume and loaf protein of cassava-wheat-composite bread. The data from the experimental design were fitted into second-order regression models and their validity and reliability were confirmed by analysis of variance. Optimal cassava flour composition, water content and proofing time were derived as; 100 g/kg, 589 g/kg and 90 min, respectively. It was revealed that cassava flour composition had the most effect on the quality characteristics of cassava-wheat-composite bread. At constant cassava flour  composition, increase in water content and proofing time had a positive effect on all the studied quality characteristics of cassava-wheat composite bread. Increase cassava flour composition regardless of proofing time and water content had a negative effect on loaf specific volume and protein. This study has provided bread-making conditions which can be utilised in enhancing the consumer acceptability of cassava-wheat composite bread. &nbsp

Preparation, Release Pattern and Antibacterial Activities of Chitosan-Silver Nanocomposite Films

The present study examined the preparation of chitosan-silver   nanocomposite films as carriers for silver release pattern. Chitosan a biopolymer   having immense structural possibilities for chemical and mechanical modifications   to generate novel properties, functions and applications. Chitosan–silver   nanocomposite films has been synthesised by reduction method, which is a simple   and inexpensive method. The chitosan-silver nanocomposite films was   characterized in terms of its surface plasmon resonance and crystalline structure by   using UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and   Scanning electron microscope. Swelling and release studies were carried out on   crosslinked and un-crosslinked nanocomposite films. Antibacterial activities of   chitosan-silver nanocomposite films were investigated on some pathogens:   Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhii   and Klebsiella pneumonia using agar well diffusion method. crosslinked chitosan-silver nanocomposite demonstrated a slower release pattern relative to un-crosslinked chitosan-silver nanocomposite. The crosslinked and un-crosslinked   nanocomposite became dislodged and completely released at 120 minutes and 90   minutes respectively. The results of the antibacterial activities revealed that the   cross-linked chitosan-silver nanocomposite films has higher antibacterial   properties than un-crosslinked chitosan-silver nanocomposite films. This study   provides nanocomposite films potentially useful for delivery system.</p

Age-specific prevalence of human papilloma virus infection among Nigerian women

Background: Inconsistent trends in HPV prevalence by age have been described in Africa. We examined the age prevalence pattern and distribution of 37 HPV-DNA types among urban Nigerian women. Methods: The study population was a sample of 278 women who presented to cervical cancer screening programs in Abuja, Nigeria, between April and August 2012. Using a nurse administered questionnaire, information on demographic characteristics and risk factors of cervical cancer was collected and samples of cervical exfoliated cells were obtained from all participants. Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test® was used to characterize prevalent HPV and log-binomial regression models were used to examine the association between potential correlates and the prevalence of HPV infection. Results: The mean age (SD) of the women enrolled was 38 (8) years. The overall prevalence of HPV was 37%. HPV 35 was the most prevalent HPV type in the study population. Among women age ≤ 30 years, 52% had HPV infection compared to 23% of those women who were older than 45 years (p = 0.006). We observed a significant linear association between age and the prevalence of HPV infections. The prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 2.26 (1.17, 4.34) for any HPV infection, 3.83 (1.23, 11.94) for Group 1 HPV (definite carcinogens), and 2.19 (0.99, 4.84) for Group 2a or 2b HPV (probable or possible carcinogens) types, among women aged 18–30 years, compared to women who were older than 45 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV infection was highest among younger women and decreased steadily with age among this population of urban Nigerian women

ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL AND ANTINUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF BREAKFAST MEAL PREPARED FROM BLENDS OF BANANA AND AFRICAN YAM BEAN

Banana (Musa sapientus) and African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) are nutritional food sources that are valuable industrially even in consideration for a balanced nutrition. This research work evaluates the production of breakfast meal from blends of Banana and African yam bean (AYB). Banana and AYB were mixed in the ratio 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 100:0 (control) for the production of breakfast meal. Crude protein, ash, crude fiber, fat and carbohydrate content of mixtures were determined using the AOAC methods. Vitamins, minerals and anti-nutrient composition of the breakfast meal were determined using standard methods and data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Sensory attributes were determined using 9-point hedonic scale by forty panelists. The results of the proximate analysis showed that protein ranged from 5.41-11.26%, fat content (1.97-4.56%), carbohydrate (72.71-79.89%), fiber (0.39-0.57%), ash (3.23-3.97%) and moisture content (7.86-8.20%). Oxalate (8.73-4.38%) decreased with increase in AYB inclusion. Tannin values ranged from 17.09-26.73% and phytate ranged from 11.59-46.77%. The sensory evaluation by the panelists shows that the product was widely accepted. Samples 100:0 and 90:10 were mostly preferred in terms of colour, texture, taste, crispiness, sweetness, flavour, appearance and general acceptability. Hence, the fortification of banana flakes with AYB can be encouraged as a breakfast meal

Vitamins C and E attenuate lipid dystrophy in tissues of rats administered aluminium

To investigate the effects of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in the deviation of tissue lipid profiles and ways to reduce its effect using antioxidant vitamins C and E, thirty-six male albino rats (120-150g) were divided into six groups with six rats each. Group (1) received normal saline and served as control, Group (2) was administered with AlCl3 (20mg/kg body weight b.wt)), Group (3) was administered with vitamin C (200mg/kg b.wt), Group (4) was administered with vitamin E (200mg/kg b.wt), Groups (5) and (6) were administered aluminium (20mg/kg b.wt) along with vitamins C and E (200mg/kg b.wt) respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood samples and organs (liver, testis, heart, kidney and brain) were harvested and used for lipid profile determination. The results showed that oral administration of aluminum significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased cholesterol level in plasma and VLDL+LDL and significantly decreased in erythrocyte, HDL and testis. Cholesterogenesis was induced in the brain, liver, kidney and heart. Plasma and VLDL+LDL triglyceride were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased while erythrocyte and brain triglyceride were significantly decreased. Plasma, VLDL+LDL and brain phospholipid levels were significantly (p&lt;0.05) decreased and that of erythrocyte significantly increased. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in rats supplemented with vitamin C and vitamin E compared with control. The vitamins significantly attenuated the affected lipid levels in the tissues affected. It was concluded that administration of vitamin C and vitamin E supplements may be used as therapies against the effects of Aluminium exposure on lipids.Keywords: Aluminium exposure, lipid dystrophy, vitamin C, vitamin E, tissue