Performance of Broiler Marketing in Umuahia Area of Abia State, Nigeria

This study examined the performance of broiler marketing in Abia State of Nigeria.The specific objectives of the study were to examine the performance of broiler marketing in terms of the marketing cost and returns, marketing margin and marketing efficiency, as well as identify factors affecting the income of broiler marketers in the study area. Primary and secondary data were used for this stud. Forty- five respondents from each category; producer-marketers and sole markers were selected both purposively and randomly from the population across the major markets and production areas in Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas of the state. The result of the study showed that the business was profitable though with high marketing margin .In terms of economic efficiency, the marketing was efficient. The significant variables influencing the income of the producer-marketers were marketing experience, purchase cost, feed cost, and other variables such as electricity, depreciation and rent. For the sole marketers, the significant variables influencing their income were marketing experience, ages, experience, feed cost and level of formal education. It is recommended that Government should put into consideration the significant variables in policy formulations and provide conducive environment for the private sector to invest in this business in order to address the meat demand of the citizenry

An Integrated Model for Monitoring Nodes in Computer Networks

Monitoring complex computer network environment is now a very challenging task for network administrators despite the various existing monitoring applications for networks that are faced with the issues of centralized monitoring, which causes network traffic, reduces network bandwidth, and are unable to concurrently run two or more network services. This research paper was designed to tackle the problems exhibited by the existing network monitoring application by integrating different network monitoring services in a single model using the power of agent’s distributed processing and monitoring services. Data about the existing and proposed model was gathered using key informant interview approach, and observation of the existing software. Iterative software model was adopted as the software development life cycle based on its strengths and suitability. The proposed model was developed using use-case and sequence diagrams. Suitable programming languages and development environment such as Java, JavaScript, Hypertext Preprocessor, Hypertext markup language and MySQL were used in coding the software prototype. The functionality of the proposed system was tested and results showed that the proposed system has 100% anomaly network intrusion detection rate and better functional features as compared to the existing network monitoring applications observed

Dynamic mechanical properties of crosslinked natural rubber composites reinforced with cellulosic nanoparticles

The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of crosslinked natural rubber nanocomposites reinforced with cellulosic nanoparticles obtained from lignocelluloses biomass (coconut husk, bamboo culm and cotton linters) has been investigated and compared with carbon black filled natural rubber vulcanizate. The crosslinked natural rubber matrix based composites were produced by melt intercalation process using two roll mixing mill and vulcanized in a thermally regulated hydraulic press. DMA were carried out in order to obtain their viscoelastic thermo-mechanical spectrum. Results showed decrease in storage modulus (E’) with increasing temperature while glass transition temperatures (Tg) obtained from temperature dependence loss tangent curves were -35.84, 37.30, -34.61, -35.27 and -34.29 oC for neat- natural rubber (NR), natural rubber reinforced carbon black (NR-CB), natural rubber reinforced bamboo cellulosic particles (NR-BNC), natural rubber reinforced coconut husk cellulosic particles (NR-CHNC) and natural rubber reinforced cotton linter particles (NR-CLNC) respectively. The composite of NR-CHNC was also found to give a higher damping factor of 1.563 compared to NR-CB which gave a value of 1.518. nanocomposites reinforced with cellulosic nanoparticles can provide adequate synergy for loading bearing and vibration isolation application.Keywords: Dynamic Mechanical Properties; Damping; Nanocomposites; Grass Transition Temperature

Evaluation of the Impacts of Flooding On Socio-Economic Activities in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State

The study aimed at evaluating the impacts of flooding on socio-economic activities in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State. The study employed questionnaires, oral interviews, and personal observations. The data obtained from questionnaires and oral interviews were presented and interpreted using percentages, averages, bar graphs and pie charts. The hypothesis was formulated and tested. The statistical technique used in testing the hypothesis was Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Thus, the hypothesis reveals that flooding has significant relationship with socio-economic activities in Oleh. In addition, loss of portable water and agricultural products were revealed as some of the negative impacts of flooding in the study area. Furthermore, the researcher recommends provision of improved varieties of crops that are highly water resistant to farmers. Also, individual, corporate bodies and government should allocate adequate fund to disaster management bodies for proper planning of the area. In addition, community-based flood warning system should be developed. This will go a long way in creating awareness and preparedness of the inhabitants of Oleh against severe flooding. Keywords: Evaluation, impacts, flooding, socio-economic, activitie

Elsie Ezinnwa Nwoko: An Art Music Composer and Music Education Practioner

An art music composer as the term imply refers to a person or persons who were academically or formally trained in the art and techniques involved in music composition.  These categories of composers are broadly divided into two – those whose compositional styles reflect that of western classical music and those whose creative styles seek to leave imprints of Africanness on their works.  On the other   hand, a music education practitioner is one who had had formal training in the field of music education conceptually, theoretically and practically – who in turn trains and or transmit musical knowledge to learners.  In other words, a music education practitioner could be called a music educator.  In Nigeria today abounds art music composers and music education practitioners.  Examples are professor J.H.K, Nketia, T.K.E, Philips, professor Omibiyi-Obidike, Ephraim Amu, professor W.W.C, Echezona, Fela Sowande, professor Richard Okafor to mention a few. This paper focuses on Elsie E. Nwoko as one of the founding fathers of African musical arts education in Nigeria. The topic shall be examined under the following headings: Elsie Nwoko’s biographical data, Elsie Nwoko as an art music composer and music educator, her works and contributions to African musical arts education and conclusion.  In order to achieve the objective of this paper, related materials were perused and reviewed.  Oral interview and random sampling methods were also employed.

Impact of Mixed Fillers on the Physico-mechanical Properties of Flexible Polyether Foam

The effect of proportional blend of periwinkle and African star apple seed shell as bio-fillers in flexible polyether foam was studied. Flexible polyether foam samples incorporated with these bio-fillers at varying percentages; 10% (S1), 20% (S2), 30% (S3), 40% (S4) and 50% (S5) were produced respectively, while 0% (S0) which had no filler was used as control during the experiment. The mechanical properties of the produced foam samples were determined via density, compression set, indentation hardness, tensile strength and elongation at break tests. The cream time, rise time and height of the foam as parameters for characterising the produced foam samples were determined too. Flammability test was also carried out.The microstructure of the foam samples was analysed as well by using the scanning electron microscope. The results of the experiment showed that the density of the foam samples progressively increased from 19.20 (S0) – 26.45 (S5) as the quantity of the filler increased. The indentation hardness result also showed an increase on addition of the filler. The foam’s loading ability also increased on incorporation of the filler but S3 showed remarkable recovery after compression. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the foam decreased on addition of the filler. The morphological analysis ascertained the effect of the progressive introduction of the filler on the surface morphology of the foam. The flammability of the foam was found to decrease as the filler load increased. Since these fillers are of organic origin, readily available, cheap and eco-friendly, they provide a means of making biodegradable foam, and reducing the flammability of foam. Thus, reducing environmental pollution whilst enhancing the mechanical property of foam

Mathematical Modelling of Compressive Strength of Recycled Ceramic Tile Aggregate Concrete Using Modified Regression Theory

At present, the large quantity of wastes generated by the ceramic industry is not reused in any significant quantity. Research has shown the feasibility of incorporating these wastes into concrete production. This will benefit both the ceramic and concrete industries. However, not much research data is available on the use of ceramic wastes as fine aggregate material compared to their use as coarse aggregate material. Moreover, there are presently no models for predicting the properties of ceramic waste aggregate concretes. In this study, a modified regression theory based on Taylor’s series was adopted to formulate mathematical model for predicting compressive strength of concrete into which Recycled Ceramic Tile (RCT) is incorporated as fine aggregate.  Preliminary tests on RCT indicate that it is a suitable fine aggregate material for concrete production. It has also been established that addition of RCT improves compressive strength of concrete and reduces concrete’s workability. The formulated model is a function of the mix proportions of its constituents and its predicted responses are in good agreement with experimentally observed data. The model has been tested using student’s t-test and analysis of variance and has been confirmed to be adequate and hence is validated

Isolation, Characterization, and Assessment of the In Vitro Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Methanol Extracts and Friedelan-3-one from Uapaca ambanjensis (Leandri)

Uapaca ambanjensis Leandri (Phyllanthaceae) is a largely un-researched plant whose crushed stem bark, leaf, and fruit infusions are ethno-medicinally claimed to cure typhoid fever, other fevers, skin diseases, and stroke. This work aimed at the isolation, characterization, and determination of antimicrobial potency of the methanol stem-bark extracts of Uapaca ambanjensis.  Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and triterpenes in the methanol extract. The antimicrobial assessment of the extract against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebisiela pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger showed the diameter of zones of inhibition (ZOI) ranging from 11 to 18 mm at a concentration of 12.5mg/mL to 100mg/mL, with most prominent activities against S. aureus, S. typhi and P. aeruginosa. Chromatographic fractionation and purification led to the isolation of a pentacyclic triterpenoid (friedelan-3-one) labeled G23f-9. The compound showed antimicrobial potency evidenced by zones of inhibition against S. aureus (20 mm), S. typhi (16 mm), S. pyogenes (14 mm), K. pneumoniae (13 mm), and P. aeruginosa (13 mm) at a concentration of 100 µg/mL while the values for the standard drug, Ciprofloxacin, at 10 µg/mL are respectively 24 mm, 20 mm, 27 mm`1,20mm and 18mm. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) were 12.5 µg/mL for S. aureus, 25 µg/mL for S. typhi and 100 µg/mL for the rest while the Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) were 50 µg/mL for S. aureus and 100 µg/mL for S. typhi. The isolated compound showed some antifungal activity against C. albicans with ZOI of 11 mm at 100µg/mL while the antifungal drug, Terbinafine, gave 30 mm at 30 µg/mL. Phytochemical and antimicrobial results lay credence to some ethnomedicinal claims on the plant including its use to treat typhoid fever and some skin diseases. The biological assessment of the methanol extract and isolated compound reveals that the plant could have antibacterial and antifungal potentials. The isolation of Friedelan-3-one is reported for the first time from the plant U. ambanjensis Leandri

Orthodox versus unorthodox care: A qualitative study on where rural women seek healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth in Southwest, Nigeria

Introduction Utilization of orthodox health facilities for maternal health services is determined by factors operating at the individual, household, community and state level. The prevalence of small family norm is one of the identified variables operating within the community which influences the decision of where to access care (orthodox/traditional). The objective of the study was to determine the use of orthodox versus unorthodox maternity healthcare and determinants among rural women in southwest Nigeria. Methods A qualitative study was done and involved three focus group discussions. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect information from women of reproductive age group within a rural Local Government Area in Lagos state. Results Most of the women access some form of healthcare during pregnancy, orthodox, unorthodox or both. Those who patronize both services concurrently do so to benefit from the two as each has some unique features such as herbal concoctions for traditional, ultrasound and immunization of babies for orthodox. Traditional belief exerts a strong influence on decision of where to access maternal healthcare services. Actual place of delivery is determined by individual and household factors including financial resources. Conclusion Rural women utilize one or both orthodox and unorthodox maternal health services for different reasons. Ward Development Committees should be strengthened so as to reach the communities, educate and convince women to dispel myths which limit their use of orthodox care. Training and monitoring of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are vital to eliminate harmful practices. We also recommend improved financial access to orthodox healthcare