Genetic diversity, taxonomy and legumins implications of seed storage protein profiling in Fabaceae

Proteomic evidences can be pivotal to the discovery of new plant proteins and plant relationships, due to the diversity of form it can reveal. Seed storage protein profiles of 20 Fabaceae species: 4 grain - legumes and 16 non-pulses; of 16 genera and 10 tribes were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to estimate protein content diversity and the possible genetic relatedness.28.3% similarity and 71.7% proteomic polymorphism was scored for the species. The high variability expressed by the lot reflects the genetic diversity amongst Fabaceae population. Dendrogram based on the proteomic data clustered the species into four groups. Aside two species, Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia belonging to the tribe Ingeae and those of the tribe Caesalpinieae, the other species clustered with several other non-traditional cohorts resulting in a rearrangement that showed least semblance with phylogenetic relationships based on traditional morphology taxonomic delimitation. The similarity in profiles can be preliminarily forensic for proteins of importance whether for nutritional, industrial or for improvement of existing crops or for entirely new plants as crops. The protein mix, and the resultant relationship based on seed storage proteins instigates a review of erstwhile taxonomic, agricultural and research perspectives for the Fabaceae

Architecture: The quest for cultural identity

Despite the modern and grandiose appearance of most architectural projects, closer examinations cast doubts on their sensitivity to the cultural and traditional past of the societies for which they were intended. Space for human habitation and interaction is one of the primary aspects of man's culture, and is basic to any architectural discussion. For a long time, architecture in most developing nations was shaped by colonial contexts and ideologies. The architects seemed more committed to revitalizing the civilization of other advanced countries within a new world setting. The focus of this paper is on the interplay between architecture and culture. The relationship between spaces created by architects and the local culture is examined within the context of place - the house, the community, the region, as well as the nation. The study identifies ties that bind groups together. It also explores the components that constitute spatial character. Physical and intangible aspects of materials in achieving environmental character are evaluated. Key questions regarding the professional and ideological inclination of architects are addressed. Finally, the impact of emerging global trends occasioned by contact of cultures is analyzed

Urban Road Transportation in Nigeria From 1960 To 2006: Problems, Prospects And Challenges.

The nature of urban road transportation problems in Nigeria as at today can best be appreciated by looking at the trend of its development since Nigeria came into existence. Thus, this paper, attempt a cursory review of urban road transportation system in Nigeria from 1960 to 2006 (a period of 46 years). The paper adopts exploratory method of research to examine and discuss relevant issues of interest in the history of Nigeria road transport system in six sections. It was discovered that urban road transport system in Nigeria is inefficient and grossly inadequate even after 46 years of becoming independent from Colonial Rule. The paper suggested the construction of more motor-able roads within cities in order to increase the network; encourage increased public and private participation in the provision of transport services within cities and inter-cities transport system. The adoption of motorcycle as public mode of transportation in cities should be institutionalized since the users are constrained to use this means of transportation in the absence of alternative. However, policies guiding the regulations and use of this mode should be formulated and monitored so that its use would not impact negatively on the commuters' mobility rights and lives. Similarly, government should provide enabling environment that would guaranty efficient and adequate movement of vehicles in cities. Keywords: commuting distance, Tokunbo, commuters, Kabukabu, Okada Ethiopian Journal of Environmental Studies and Management Vol. 1 (1) 2008: pp. 7-1

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Evaluation of atrazine plus isoxaflutole (Atoll®) mixture for weed control in maize

Field experiments were set up in three ecological zones of southwestern Nigeria to evaluate the effectiveness of Atoll® (atrazine + isoxaflutole), a new herbicide mixture, for weed control in maize. Crop i njury rating indicated pronounced phytotoxic effect on crops from 1.34 to 1.61 kg a.i. ha-1 Atoll in all locations. Acceptable weed control was realized in Atoll treatments except for 0.54 kg a.i. ha-1 at Ilorin and Orin-Ekiti. Atoll treatments in Ilorin and Orin-Ekiti controlled weeds more effectively than atrazine soluble concentrate (SC) and atrazine wettable powder (WP). Average yield across the locations was highest in 0.81 kg a.i. ha-1 Atoll. Yield losses in weedy checks compared to 0.81 kg a.i. ha-1 Atoll ranged between 18.8 and 67.3 per cent in the three locations.Des expériences de terrain ont été menées dans trois zones écologiques du Sud-ouest du Nigeria pour évaluer l'efficacité de l'Atoll (atrazine + isoxaflutole), préparation herbicide pour lutter contre la mauvaise herbe nuisible à la culture du maïs. L'évaluation des degats causés aux récoltes a révélé des effets phytotoxiqes prononcés de l'ordre de 1.34 à 1.61 kg a. i. ha-1 Atoll dans tous les emplacements. Le traitement à base d'Atoll des cultures a donné des résultats acceptables à l'exception des emplacements comme Ilorin et Orin-Ekiti où le taux a été de 0.54 kg a.i. ha-1. A Ilorin et Orin-Ekiti les traitements à base d'Atoll ont été plus efficaces que le concentré soluble d'atrazine (SC) et la poudre soluble d'atrazine (WP). La moyenne des récoltes la plus élevée à travers ces emplacements a été vérifiée à 0.81 kg a. i. ha-1 Atoll. Les pertes en récolte sur les surfaces dominées par les mauvaises herbes, par rapport à 0.81 kg a.i. ha-1 Atoll, ont varié entre 18.8 et 67.3 pour cent dans les trois emplacements. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 40 (2) 2008: pp. 193-19

Utilization of Information and Communication Technology in Public Library Operations in Rivers State, Nigeria

The paper examined the utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in public library services in Rivers State, Nigeria. Three (3) research questions guided this study. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey design. The sample of the study comprised 18 library staff out of a total population of 22 staff in the public library. The total enumeration sampling techniques were used for this study because the sample is not large. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was investigated by checking the content validity of the instrument and the instrument proved valid because the items in the instrument are appropriate in terms of subject contents. Cronbach Alpha technique was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument and an index of 0.86 was gotten. This shows that the internal consistency of the instrument is high and good. Data were analyzed using percentages, and frequency count while SPSS was used to generate the mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that there is an acute shortage of ICT facilities in the public library in Rivers State. The commonly available ICT facilities in the public library were computers, printers, photocopiers, uninterrupted power supply, scanners, and Smartphones. The findings discovered that there is a general poor usage of ICT facilities in library operations. It was also established that lack of adequate funding, poor internet connectivity, and poor electricity supply were some of the major challenges to the use of ICT facilities in the public library in Rivers State. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended among others that the state government should provide adequate funding for the library to acquire the necessary ICT infrastructures, ICT facilities, and alternative sources of power supply. The study, therefore, concluded that public libraries in Nigeria must make use of ICT facilities and resources if they are to remain relevant in this digital era

Challenges of Marketing Information Resources and Services in University Libraries in Bayelsa State Nigeria

Background: University libraries in Nigeria are confronting the issue of underutilization of their resources and services, which can be ascribed to weak marketing efforts. Purpose: This study aimed at examining the challenges of marketing information resources and services in university libraries in Bayelsa State Nigeria. Method: A descriptive survey design was used for the investigation. The study population included 52 librarians from four university libraries in Bayelsa State. A total enumeration sample strategy was used to collect data via an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to 52 librarians, and 47 responded, yielding a 90% response rate. The data were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. Results: The results of the study show that all university libraries in Bayelsa State use a variety of marketing techniques to advertise their information resources and services, including library orientation, user education, social media platforms, exhibitions, and displays. Effective marketing efforts in these libraries were, however, hampered by issues like insufficient budget, poor Internet connectivity, a lack of marketing policies, and the absence of a specialized marketing staff. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that university libraries should be supported by adequate funding, improve Internet connectivity, establish a dedicated marketing department or team, collaborate with academic departments and faculty, gather user feedback, and invest in professional development opportunities to enhance marketing efforts. Keywords: Challenges of Marketing; Information Resources and Services; University Libraries; Bayelsa State   Abstrak Latar Belakang: Perpustakaan universitas di Nigeria menghadapi masalah kurangnya pemanfaatan sumber daya dan layanan mereka, yang dapat dianggap berasal dari upaya pemasaran yang lemah. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji tantangan sumber daya dan layanan informasi pemasaran di perpustakaan universitas di Bayelsa State Nigeria. Metode: Sebuah desain survei deskriptif digunakan untuk penyelidikan. Populasi penelitian termasuk 52 pustakawan dari empat perpustakaan universitas di Bayelsa State. Strategi sampel pencacahan total digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data melalui kuesioner online. Kuesioner dibagikan kepada 52 pustakawan, dan 47 menjawab, menghasilkan tingkat respon 90%. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan perhitungan frekuensi dan persentase sederhana. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semua perpustakaan universitas di Bayelsa State menggunakan berbagai teknik pemasaran untuk mengiklankan sumber informasi dan layanan mereka, termasuk orientasi perpustakaan, pendidikan pengguna, platform media sosial, pameran, dan pajangan. Namun, upaya pemasaran yang efektif di perpustakaan ini terhambat oleh masalah seperti anggaran yang tidak mencukupi, konektivitas Internet yang buruk, kurangnya kebijakan pemasaran, dan tidak adanya staf pemasaran khusus. Kesimpulan: Berdasarkan temuan, para peneliti menyimpulkan bahwa perpustakaan universitas harus didukung oleh pendanaan yang memadai, meningkatkan konektivitas Internet, membentuk departemen atau tim pemasaran khusus, berkolaborasi dengan departemen akademik dan fakultas, mengumpulkan umpan balik pengguna, dan berinvestasi dalam peluang pengembangan profesional untuk meningkatkan upaya pemasaran. Kata kunci: Tantangan Pemasaran; Sumber Daya Informasi dan layanan; Perpustakaan Universitas; Negara Bagian Bayels

The role and place of medicinal plants in the strategies for disease prevention

Medicinal plants have been used in healthcare since time immemorial. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their efficacy and some of the findings have led to the production of plant-based medicines. The global market value of medicinal plant products exceeds $100 billion per annum. This paper discusses the role, contributions and usefulness of medicinal plants in tackling the diseases of public health importance, with particular emphasis on the current strategic approaches to disease prevention. A comparison is drawn between the ‘whole population’ and ‘high-risk’ strategies. The usefulness of the common-factor approach as a method of engaging other health promoters in propagating the ideals of medicinal plants is highlighted. The place of medicinal plants in preventing common diseases is further examined under the five core principles of the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach. Medicinal plants play vital roles in disease prevention and their promotion and use fit into all existing prevention strategies. However, conscious efforts need to be made to properly identify, recognise and position medicinal plants in the design and implementation of these strategies. These approaches present interesting and emerging perspectives in the field of medicinal plants. Recommendations are proposed for strategising the future role and place for medicinal plants in disease prevention.Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Prevention, Strategy, Primary Health Car

Conflict Weather: Climate Change as a Driver of Pastoralist Conflicts in the Lake Chad Region

The Lake Chad region hosts a significant portion of sub-Saharan Africa’s pastoralist activities. Pastoralism in the region has become synonymous with armed conflict, thus escalating the tension in the area and making it a hotbed of insecurity. Among other things, the exacerbation of the herder-farmer crisis in this area is attributable to climate change. Lake Chad which serves as a source of water, fodder, and fertile land for herders and farmers in the region, has been shrinking. This, coupled with drought, flooding, and variability in weather patterns, forces pastoralists to move around and engage in a constant migratory pattern, resulting in war-like competition for resources with farmers in the host communities. This paper adds to the debate on the role of climate change in fueling pastoralist conflicts in the area. The discourse, presented using qualitative methods and secondary data sourced from journal articles, briefs, reports, and internet sources, is couched using the political ecology framework. The paper finds that intensity of violent events and fatalities involving pastoralists in the area is driven by the disruption of livelihood occasioned by climate change. Four patterns of pastoralist conflict in the area are identified: conflict between herders and farmers; between different pastoralist groups; between the pastoralist and government; and between the pastoralist and other resource users. The paper also identifies the effects of climate change on displacement, disruption of economic activities, and undermining pastoralist livelihood