Seasonal variation of some trace metal concentrations in some fish species on stretch of River Kubanni, Zaria

In a semi-urbanized stretch of river Kubanni, Zaria, seasonal variations of some tree metals (copper, zinc and lead) in fish species (Clarias sp., Tilapia sp and Alestes sp) were investigated over a period of eight months. Water and fish were sampled monthly, pooled separately and seasonal analysis of each trace determined using atomic absorption method. The concentration of each of the elements in water higher in the dry season than during the rainy season. The dry and rainy season concentrations of copper, zinc and lead were 6.85~c10.66 mu gg super(-1)&1.45~c1.10 mu gg super(-1); 2.13~c1.68 mu gg super(-1)&0.1 5~c0.05 mu gg super(-1); and 0.52~c0.50 mu gg super(-1) & 0.31~c0.14 mu gg super(-1) respectively. Similarly, all the three accumulated more zinc and lead in the dry season than during the rainy season. Tilapia species and to some extent, Alestes species being pelagic had a higher concentration of trace metals than Clarias species which is a bottom dwelling fish Tilapia species may therefore be a better indicator species than Clarias species for monitoring trace metals in water bodies. Reasons for the observed variations in the trace metals were discusse

Rethinking university engagement to address local priority needs within the context of community development: a case study

The context of the work of universities, in Cameroon is one of high levels of poverty, scarcities and uncertain and fragile economies. Yet, the actual and potential role of universities in such a context, in relation to its civic responsibilities, remains unclear. The research offers a case study of one particular university, in a predominantly rural area of the country; and using qualitative enquiry methods, it engaged, dialogically, with diverse samples of people living in the area, and those working in the university. The aim was to build a systematic understanding of how people construct the existing and potential role of the university, and what might be required to meet their aspirations and desires in more developed and dialogical ways. Based on interviews, focus groups, observations and documents reviewed, specific methodologies by which the university’s contribution to community development can be enhanced, with particular emphasis on community-based service learning, but also community-based research and community-based adult education was to be articulated. This research found that although the community has priority needs, and the university’s engagement can fundamentally be a force for community transformation, it seldom consist of objectives and processes aimed at addressing these needs due to lack of interconnections within the university and between the university and the local community. This thesis therefore argues that by complementing the university’s engagement activities in the community with interconnections with the community but also within the university, uneven power relations and communication gaps existing within the university and between the university and different segments of the local community which had hitherto limited the university’s engagement from addressing local needs can be mitigated. It also maintains that through commitment to engagement and embracing a collaborative form; broadening participation; adopting relevant channels to ascertain community ideas and needs; operating accessible community centres; researching local concerns such as water supply, agricultural systems and electricity generation and customising educational programmes to demonstrate local and global relevance, the interconnected university can be epitomised. Furthermore, through interconnections within its community, as well as with the wider community and its concerns, the university can be seen not only as an agent of community development but also fostering mutually beneficial engagement

Constraints to Accessing Micro Credit and Loan Scheme of Bank of Agriculture among Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria Implications for Extension Service Delivery

The study examined constraints to accessing micro credit loan scheme of Bank of Agriculture BOA among farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria Implications for extension service delivery. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting one hundred 100 respondents for the study. Data were collected using structured interview schedule questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean scores and standard deviation. The study revealed that micro credit loan scheme 88.6 were the most patronized among the rural farmers. Others such as ECOWAS, IFAD project and ATHP programme were not patronized at all, probably because the type of projects sponsored by these credit loan scheme are not important to the respondents. The respondents farmers were highly constrained by late release of funds M= 1.27 , grace period too short M= 1. 17 , excessive bureaucracy M= 1. 14 , too short payback period M= 1. 13 , services not regular M= 1. 13 , among others. The Bank of Agriculture staff also noted that they were constrained by late release of approved funds by head quarters of the Bank of Agriculture M= 1.43 , loan diversion M= 1.27 , poor funding of field officers M= 1.20 , lack of awareness by borrowers M= 1.10 and insufficient staff M= 0.93 . The study recommends that adequate awareness campaign on the availability of micro credit loan scheme by Bank of Agriculture should be created in order for the beneficiaries to be knowledgeable about it. It highlights the need for approval of more funds under the scheme and timely release of funds when needed especially during planting season in order to enable the farmers to make judicious use of it for optimum productivity. Mbah Evangeline N | Jiriko, R | Agada, M.O. "Constraints to Accessing Micro-Credit and Loan Scheme of Bank of Agriculture among Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria: Implications for Extension Service Delivery" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-1 | Issue-4 , June 201

The Dilemma of Graduate Unemployment within a Context of Poverty, Scarcity and Fragile Economy: Are there Lessons for the University?

The context of the work of universities in Sub-Saharan Africa is one of high levels of poverty, scarcities and fragile economies. Even though historically, African universities have been very useful in providing the human resources needed to serve in public and private sectors, the rising trend in graduate unemployment is a call for concern. Whilst graduate unemployment is also a phenomenon across the globe, the situation is particularly severe in Africa where many inhabitants see university education as a live wire to gain economic freedom, acquire prosperity and step into a better living condition. Whilst many Africans still harbour hope in tertiary education (and this can be evident by the increasing demand for university education and enrolment), the resulting effect of higher education is often an acquisition of prestige for having completed that level of education than the economic benefits they aspired for. Given this context, this article draws on a single interpretive case study involving a State-owned university, as well as semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions carried out with participants from disparate backgrounds to uncover voices on graduate unemployment, including the disturbing impact this phenomenon is having on families and the future of many youths. It concludes with recommendations of ways the university and its educational system can be fashioned to foster graduate employability and improvement in the living condition of those living in uncertain and fragile economies

Functional Adult Literacy Through the Integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Human Resource Development in Nigeria

Functional literacy is imperative for human resource development. Many adult literacy centres seem to focus mainly on the teaching of the skills of reading, writing and calculation. This paper elucidates various ways of building functionality in adult literacy programme through the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The functional potentials of ICT in adult literacy programme include critical consciousness, improved productivity; improved political participation, eradication of poverty, and maintaining relevance in the changing world. Conclusion was drawn and the following recommendations made: ICT should be integrated into adult literacy programme, adult educators and instructors should be trained on the use of ICT in teaching and learning process and the government should provide sufficient financial support for adult literacy programme. Keywords: Functional Adult Literacy, ICT, for Human Resource Development, Nigeri

A study of the potential interaction of valsartan with some electrolytes

The effect of electrolytes (salts) on the partition coefficient of valsartan was studied at room temperature. The investigation was done by partitioning valsartan between 1-octanol and electrolyte solutions of varying concentrations. It was found that all the electrolytes increased the partition coefficient of the drug except sodium fluoride. The effect was found to depend on the size and charge of the ions present in solution

Financial and Curricular Factors for Gender Equality and Human Resource Development in Secondary Schools

A growing concern about the Nigerian educational system is that of gender equity. Research has established the fact that girls/women are marginalized educationally and economically. Poverty and gender discrimination against the girl-child have been found to be the root causes of girl’s/women’s marginalization. This paper therefore sought to ascertain the strategies that can be taken to engender gender equality in secondary schools. The study was carried out in Awka local government area ((L.G.A) of Anambra state, Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of 1050 teachers in fifteen public secondary schools in Awka L.G.A. The sample size was 150 teachers randomly selected from the schools. The instrument for data collection was researcher constructed questionnaire made up of thirteen items, which was validated by experts in gender studies and measurement and evaluation from Ebonyi state University, Abakaliki. The instrument was subjected to reliability test using test retest method. It was administered to 20 secondary school teachers outside the area of study twice in an interval of two weeks. Using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, reliability coefficient of .87 was obtained. The data got were analyzed using mean scores. The findings showed that (1) Offering free` education to girls in secondary schools will help to achieve gender equality by: making more girls  enroll in secondary schools; offering more girls opportunity to study science-based subjects; improve girls self-concept, realize and develop their talents. (2) Providing entrepreneurship education for the gild-child will help to close gender gap by: equipping the girls with saleable skills, making them employers of labour, making them contribute to nation building, making them role models to other girls; and making them develop the skill of creativity. Based on the findings recommendations made include: (1) that` government should provide free and compulsory education to girls in secondary schools; (2) Non-governmental organizations should partner with government to offer financial assistance to girls in secondary schools; and (3) Entrepreneurship education should be incorporated into girls education in secondary schools. Keywords: Curriculum, Gender, Equality and Human Resource Developmen

Judicial interpretation of the notion of 'grave professional misconduct' in public procurement : lessons for contracting authorities and suppliers

Aquesta ponència forma part del Workshop internacional de doctorands organitzat pel Programa de Doctorat en Dret de la UAB i la Facultat de Dret de la UAB, amb el suport de l'École Européenne de Droit de l'Université Toulouse CapitolePublic Procurement Law is the acquisition of goods, works and services by a contracting authority through the use of a public contract. The general principles of Public Procurement Law dictate that suppliers are treated fairly and without discrimination whilst encouraging transparency, proportionality, competition and free trade within the member states. This area of law is mainly regulated by the EU through the use of Directives and their national equivalent, judge - made law from the Court of Justice of the European Union ('CJEU') and national courts. Due to the substantial amount involved throughout the life cycle of the public contract (including the contract value), it is paramount that the contract is awarded to the right supplier in order to attain value for money. As such, unqualified suppliers should be eliminated from the procurement exercise. Art.57 (4) (c) of Directive 2014/24/EU and reg. 57 (8) (c) of the UK Public Contracts Regulation 2015 (PCR 2015) specifies that a contracting authority m ay exclude an economic operator who by conviction by a final judgement is guilty of "grave professional misconduct". With no definition of this phrase offered by Directive 2014/24/EU , PCR 2015 and their predecessors , this paper seeks to examine the judicial interpretation of the concept of " grave professional misconduct " through an analysis of key judgements from the Court of Justice of the European Union and national courts. The paper will conclude by identifying important lessons for contracting authorities and current or prospective suppliers when an issue of grave professional misconduct arise

Thromboprophylaxis in general surgery (with a Synopsis of Venous Thromboembolism)

Venous thromboprophylaxis aims at reducing avoidable morbidity, death and chronic ill health from hospital associated venous thromboembolism (VTE). Reports indicate little awareness of VTE and inadequate provision of primary thromboprophylaxis on surgical patients managed in most hospitals in Africa. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) regarding VTE risk assessment, risk categorization and preventive methods using mechanical means and pharmacological agents for the patients at risk are virtually non-existent in most of our health institutions. Compliance with such guidelines where available is poor due to lack of enforcement.This article is an overview of VTE and the provision of thromboprophylaxis for hospitalized general surgery patients.It is strongly recommended that a hospital-based thromboprophylaxis guideline be formulated and enforced at each surgical service in our health community in order to optimise patients outcome

Language Policy, Mothertongue Education and the Role of the Nigerian Language Teacher in Nigerian Language Education

The paper aims at providing the function of the mother tongue and/or the language of the immediate community in a nation state like Nigeria. The paper is important because Nigeria is a political state with many nationalities. The position of the indigenous languages of the federating nationalities is threatened by English, a colonial language, hoisted on the Nigerian peoples from the advent of colonialism. The paper therefore tries to x-ray the position of these indigenous languages against that of English. It relates the position of the indigenous languages one against the other and their collective position against English. Furthermore, it analyses the possibility of developing Nigeria and its economy in such a debilitating position and highlights the difficulty of Nigeria making progress with a colonial language. It further gives an insight into how different developed and emerging economies in the world have harnessed their indigenous languages to drive their economies. It adopts a descriptive cum survey approach in its methodology. It discovers that all major economies in the world use their indigenous languages as official languages. It consequently feels that until the indigenous Nigerian languages are accorded the official position they deserve and English demoted to the status of foreign language just as French or Arabic, educating Nigerians will continue to be difficult. If educating Nigerians is made difficult, then developing Nigeria will continue to be a mirage: the country will continue to lie prostrate with the English language as a medium of instruction in Nigerian schools. Consequently, it recommends that Federal Government of Nigeria should make concerted efforts to implement the Nigerian Policy on Education by putting visible structures in place to raise the policy from a mere paper work to a utilitarian policy. Key words: language policy, mother tongue, education, teache