bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geo-spatial mapping of plastic waste recycling plants in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Matazu Mujahid Ajah , Ali Ahmed Fate
Published: August 2023

This study adopted a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approach to map and assessed the geographic distribution of plastic waste recycling facilities in Kano Metropolis. Specifically, the study aimed at creating an inventory for the Kano Metropolis plastic waste recycling facilities and investigating its distribution pattern. Data collected on the plastic waste recycling centers were obtained from Kano State Ministry of Commerce and a field survey. Global Positioning System (GPS) was then utilized to record the coordinates (latitude and longitude) of each plastic recycling facility. The nearest neighbor analysis of the research area's plastic garbage was conducted using the data collected. Results obtained indicate that there were Seventy-eight (78) spatially dispersed plastic recycling plants throughout Kano Metropolis, and the observed mean distance between them was about 750 m, compared to an expected mean distance of about 3030 m. The distribution of recycled plastics showed a weakly clustered pattern with the nearest neighbor distance smaller than 1 (0.22). To illustrate the boundaries separating locations for future detailed spatial studies of the spatial pattern of recycling businesses, it is recommended that a thorough mapping of the plastic recycling plants be done. Since most recycling facilities in Kano Metropolis are not legally recognised, the government should identify and keep an eye on them to ensure that environmental laws and regulations are being followed.
Physicochemical and microbial alterations in crude oil-contaminated soil samples
Authors: Ogbeide G.E. , Eriyamremu G.E.
Published: August 2023

Environmental pollution is becoming an issue of concern due to its negative impact on the living and non-living components of the environment. Crude oil and its products are the major sources of environmental pollution that renders negative impact on the soil mineral components and microorganism. This study was thus carried out to determine the effect of crude oil on soil physicochemical properties, bacterial and fungal population. The experiment lasted for 42 days and the analysis were carried out at days 0, 14, 28 and 42 using standard protocols. Results obtained show significant changes (P ≤ 0.05) in hydrocarbons and other physicochemical parameters such as pH, nitrate, electrical conductivity, sodium ion, calcium ion, phosphate and magnesium ion, when the control was compared with crude oil contaminated soil. Also, soil bacterial and fungal count decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing concentrations of crude oil indicating its toxicity to soil microbial consortium. However, results also showed that hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms strived at higher concentrations but insignificantly (P ≤ 0.05) in comparison with the control. Owing to the result obtained in this study, crude oil exploration should be properly managed to prevent spillages that negatively impact on the environment.
Pharmacological evaluation of whole plant ethanol extract of Thesium viride against Plasmodium berghei and Trypanosoma brucei inoculated into BALB/c mice
Authors: Mustapha F. J. , Luka S. A. , Ella E. E. , Wada Y. A.
Published: August 2023

Malaria and African trypanosomiasis are major public health issues in Africa, and urgent efforts are needed to identify new anti-protozoal drugs with high effectiveness and low toxicity. This study was designed to determine the pharmacological activities of whole plant ethanol extract of Thesium viride on a Plasmodium berghei and Trypanosoma brucei in BALB/c mice model. The whole dried plant sample was collected from Zaria Local Government Area in Kaduna State, and the plant was processed according to standard methods. Forty (40) adult BALB/c mice (Mus musculus) were randomly allocated to two major groups, A and B, to determine the anti-plasmodial and anti-trypanosomal activities of the plant extract, respectively. In group A, each mouse in subgroups I to V was inoculated with 0.1 mL containing 106 P. berghei merozoites. In group B, each mouse in subgroups I to V was inoculated with 0.1 mL containing 106 T. brucei trypomastigotes. Following patency of 3 days, all mice in groups A and B were either non-treated, treated with standard drug or treated at varying dosages of the ethanol extract for four days. Parasitaemia level, packed cell volume, rectal temperature, and body weight of the experimental mice were measured. Results generated indicate established that whole plant ethanol extract of Thesium viride showed a significant (p< 0.01) suppressive ability against Plasmodium berghei in all the mice administered 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day, compared to Trypanosoma brucei in mice administered similar dosages. Additionally, the extract showed better anti-weight loss ability in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice compared to Trypanosoma brucei-infected mice. The study concludes that the ethanol extract of Thesium viride has anti-protozoal prospects and should be explored for further pharmacological investigation.
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial studies of Schiff base derived from 2-amino phenol and o-anisaldehyde and its Co (II), Cu (II) and Zn (II) complexes
Authors: Suleiman A. K. , Sadi A. H. , Badamasi H. , Ahmadu M.
Published: August 2023

Schiff base was synthesized by refluxing 2-aminophenol and o-anisaldehyde, In similar manner, its corresponding Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were also synthesized and characterized by Solubility Test, Decomposition Temperature, Molar Conductivity Measurement, Infrared Spectroscopy and UV-Visible Analysis. The melting point of the Schiff base was 110 °C and Decomposition Temperature of the complexes were found to be in the range 124 – 136 °C. The IR spectral analysis of the Schiff base showed a band at 1600cm-1, which was assigned to υ(C= N). The band observed in complexes were in the range 1585-1609 cm-1. The shift in absorption band indicated coordination of the Schiff base to the metal ion through azomethine group. Magnetic susceptibility revealed that Co (II) and Cu (II) complexes are paramagnetic whereas Zn complex is diamagnetic. The molar conductance values of the complexes were in the range 6.28-22.37 Ω-1cm2mol-1 which are low indicating that the complexes are non-electrolytes. Job’s method revealed 1:2 metal to ligand ratio. The ligand and the complexes were tested for antibacterial and antifungal activities against some pathogenic bacteria which are Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Escheria coli and some fungi species which are Mucor spp and Aspergillus fumigatus by disc diffusion method. The results show that the complexes have higher activity than the free Schiff base. The activity increases with increase in concentrations. All the complexes are more potent antibacterial than antifungal.
MODIS data assessment of the relationship between vegetation and land surface temperature for central vegetation zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Isa Maiha , Idi Bello Yusuf
Published: August 2023

Global concern over climate change has necessitated the need for the study of the impact of the ever-increasing land surface temperature on the greenness of land covers. Grassland phenological events are dependent on land surface temperature. This work is aimed at assessing the spatio-temporal trend of the relationship between vegetation cover and the day and night-times land surface temperatures in the Northern Guinea Savanna vegetation zone of Adamawa state, Nigeria. Twenty years (2000 to 2019) data series of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface reflectance data (MOD09A1), the day-time land surface temperature data (MOD11A), and the night-time land surface temperature (MYOD11A1) were used to spatially compute the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and day-time and night-time Land Surface Temperatures (LST) for each of the respective years of the study period. The day- and night-time LST were correlated with the NDVI using simple linear regression analysis. The temporal analysis of the results indicate nonlinear changes in both the NDVI, day-time LST, and night-time LST. The results also indicate a negative correlation between LST and NDVI in both cases. Regression analyses of the day-time LST as a function of NDVI revealed a vegetation cover reduction of 0.0063 per Kelvin change in LST (R2 = 0.3026, p > 0005, RMSE = 8.1042) and a night-time vegetation cover reduction of 0.0103 per Kelvin rise in LST (R2 = 0.3697, p > 0.05, RMSE = 3.7511). The relatively low coefficient of determination and the p values implies a weak relationship between the two variables. The parameters however indicate that the night-time LST is a better predictor of the vegetation greenness of the area. The results revealed that LST is a weak determinant of plant phenological events with respect to the study area.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women attending selected general hospitals in Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Muhammad A. A. , Inabo H. I. , Asuke U.A. , Lawal I.A.
Published: August 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite which affects warm blooded animals including humans and causes toxoplasmosis. It is an endemic zoonotic disease which can be transmitted by consuming undercooked meat or contaminated foods, its primary host is the domesticated cats. The parasite causes wide range of diseases which is unapparent and asymptomatic in immune- competent individuals but leads to serious health problems in immunosuppressed individuals and pregnant women. It is the main cause of congenital toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. This study was carried out to detect the presence of T. gondii in pregnant women attending selected general hospitals in Yobe State. A total of 360 samples were obtained from 3 senatorial district which are Gashua, Potiskum and Gaidam general hospitals with 120 samples each from each district. Gashua recorded the highest prevalence of 18.3% while Potiskum and Gaidem recorded 15.0% and 5.0% respectively with an overall prevalence of 12.77%. It showed a statistical significance at p≤ 0.05 using Toxoplasma elisa IgM capture kit. The mean differential and white blood cell count recorded from pregnant women in the study was relatively low as participants from Gaidam hospital recorded the lowest mean value at 2.50x 109 cells/L while participants from Gashua hospital recorded 4.00x 109 cells/L and pregnant women from Pokiskum hospital recorded 3.30x 109cell/L. In conclusion, this zoonotic infection obtained from domesticated cats can be identified to cause congenital toxoplasmosis which can be fatal to the foetus.
Assessment of abattoir waste management: Evidences from Kano central Abattoir, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Ibrahim Lawal , Sani Ali , Madugu Salim
Published: August 2023

Abattoir waste disposal in many developing countries like Nigeria, has been a very serious challenge over the years. In most cases, waste materials are disposed of without regard to sound environmental management practices; which makes it harmful to humans and other terrestrial and aquatic life. Thus, the major aim of the study was to assess the waste management practices in Kano central abattoir. A total number of 100 respondents primarily butchers were randomly selected from the population. A structured questionnaire was designed and served as the primary source of information on the management of abattoir in Kano central abattoir. 70% of the respondents described the management of waste in the abattoir good, 20% of the respondents described it as moderate while 10% evaluated it as a poor process. The wastes are treated prior to storage in sanitary bin before final disposal which is conducted most frequently. However, there was provision and utilization of protective gadgets with a relative magnitude of recycling technology despite the constraints from level of education. Hence, the waste management practice in Kano central abattoir is critically important and considered good. It can be recommended that, sensitization and adoption of recent best practices of waste management by the abattoir personnel should be encouraged.
Analysis of Observed and Perceived Climate Change and Variability in Gondar Zuria Woreda, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Marelign Adamsew , Gashu Gezahegn
Published: August 2023

Examining the spatiotemporal variability and trends of climate in the context of global climate changes particularly in countries like ours where rainfed agriculture is predominant is indispensable to suggest possible adaptation policies. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the changes and variability of rainfall and temperature in Gonder Zuria Woreda, Northwestern Ethiopia. The study was conducted using quantitative research design. Climatic data which were collected from 1952 – 2016 were the data source of this study. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 local people about their perception on climate changes, and it was presented in frequency and percentage distributions. Coefficient of variation, anomaly index, Precipitation Concentration Index and Seasonality Index were used to analyze the variability of rainfall on annual and seasonal basis whereas Inverse distance weighting interpolation was used to show the spatial variability of rainfall. Furthermore, both non- Mann-Kendall tests and linear regression were used to detect the trends in time-series climatic data for the period of 1952-2016. The result revealed that there is intra-annual/seasonal and inter-annual variability of rainfall. Annual, summer and spring rainfall has decreased with a rate of 21.24, 7.2 and 1.85 mm per decade respectively. The minimum average and maximum rate of change of temperature was found to be 0.19, 0.25 and 0.3oC per decade respectively. The Mann-Kendall trend test result indicated that there is significant increasing trend for minimum, average and maximum temperatures. Most of the respondents (80%), perceived that temperature is increasing and rainfall is declining. Therefore, a sustainable climate risk management approach is recommended to adapt to the ongoing impacts ofclimate variability and climate change.
Ethnocentrism vis-à-vis Ethiopian Nationalism as Reflected in Yismake’s Novels, Därtogada and Kïbur Dïngay
Authors: Gedamu Abrham , Aweke Anteneh , Guadu Ayenew
Published: August 2023

This paper was intended to make a critical analysis on the state of ethnocentrism and pan-Ethiopian ideology during the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) regime as reflected in Yismake Worku’s two Amharic novels which are titled Därtogada (2009) and Kïbur Dïngay (2013) respectively. Van Dijk’s (1995; 1998) and Wodak’s (2009; 2017) Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) theories were employed to make the critical analysis. The finding of the study revealed that the ethnocentric political system employed during the EPRDF’s period has been serving as a fertile and legitimate ground for the proliferation of tribal ideology at the expense of pan-Ethiopian ideology. In the two Amharic novels, the ethnic political system is portrayed as a perilous tool via which Ethiopia’s future existence as a unified whole is in question mark. This inspired a strong nationwide mass movement to avoid such a divisive political thought on the one hand and to promote Ethiopian nationalism on the other.
Impacts of saving and credit cooperatives in sustaining the livelihoods of its members in Elfeta Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Mulugeta Tadesse
Published: August 2023

Saving and credit cooperatives play a great role in the livelihood of rural communities. Yet their role varies across cooperatives and places. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the impacts of saving and credit cooperatives in improving the livelihoods of its members’ in Elfeta district. The study employed descriptive research design, and both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data were collected from 146 members through scheduled interview and 3 key informant interviews. The result of the study indicated that the major source of livelihoods of respondents was agriculture alone (i.e.,62.32%). The cooperative in the study area were established mainly for delivering credit services to its members’, with the role of poverty reduction followed by employment creation. The study also indicated that saving and credit cooperatives were facing lack of awareness and knowledge, lack of access to credit facilities and poor management as major challenges hindering their role in poverty alleviation. Therefore, the government and the other financial sectors should provide support to cooperatives, which could allow them to expand and diversify their business operations.
Caseous lymphadenitis: A case of sheep and its management in Ethiopia
Authors: Habte Dessalew
Published: August 2023

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a contagious and chronic bacterial disease of animals that affects the lymphatic system with the  formation of abscesses. This case report documents a sheep diagnosed with CLA that was brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of  Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture (AAU-CVMA), Bishoftu on March 06/2022. The primary complaint  was weakness, anorexia, and a slight, fluctuating, sickleshaped, enlarged swelling in the neck region between the ear and jaws, which developed due to a laceration by a wire on the fence. Physical and clinical examination revealed increased body temperature (40.7oC)  and respiratory rate (44 breaths/min) and mildly fluctuating swelling on lymph nodes. Anorexia, coughing, general ill thrift, exercise  intolerance, and enlargement of subcutaneous tissues and lymph nodes around the neck region were observed. Aspiration of the  swelling revealed thick, pale greenish-cheesy pus. Using the Ethiopian Differential Diagnosis and Information Environment App-based diagnosis and bacterial culture of the pus revealed the case as CLA. It was managed by surgical removal of the pus, topical wound spray,  and systemic administration of fortified procaine penicillin for five days intramuscular and once topically on the site, respectively. The  sheep recovered after a month. In conclusion, CLA is a challenging suppurative disease of sheep and goats that can be successfully  treated by topical wound management and systemic penicillin therapy.
Bovine mastitis: Prevalence, causes and associated risk factors in Silte Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfay Yared , Abda Sultan , Sheferaw Desie
Published: August 2023

Mastitis is an important disease of dairy cows, and it causes huge economic losses to dairy farm owners due to a decrease in milk  production, and reduction in milk quality, and an increase in the cost of cow treatment. A crosssectional study was conducted in Southern  Ethiopia’s Silte zone from October 2020 to June 2021 aimed to estimate mastitis prevalence, assess related risk factors, and  identify prevalent bacterial causes. Three hundred eighty-four lactating cows were examined for abnormalities in udder quarters and  teats. Milk samples were tested for subclinical mastitis via the California mastitis test (CMT) and cultured for causative agents from  clinical mastitic and CMT-positive cows. The overall prevalence of mastitis was 54.9% (95% CI=49.9-59.9), of which 52.1% (95%  CI=47.1-57.1) was subclinical and 2.9% (95% CI=1.6 -5.1) clinical mastitis. From a total of 1536 quarters examined 41 (2.7%) quarters were  found blind and 427 (27.7%) quarters were affected by mastitis. Overall, more hind quarters, 236 (55.5%) were affected than the front  quarters, 189 (44.5%) of udder. The prevalence of mastitis was significantly higher during early lactation, ≤4 months (p< 0.05); and it was  increased with increasing parity (p< 0.05) and age (p< 0.05). Cows with no bedding were more affected than those with bedding (p< 0.05).  Multivariable logistic regression showed that cows with round and flat teat ends were 2.84 and 11.85 times more likely to contract  mastitis. Also, cows with pendulous udder, producing more than 10 liters per day milk and during the early 4 months of lactation were  1.87, 6.81, and 2.14 more likely affected by mastitis than normal udder, producing less than 10 liters of milk per day and lactation after  five months, respectively. Milk samples collected from 211 mastitis-positive cows were cultured using standard bacteriological technique,  and the isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (29.5%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (14.2%), Staphylococcus intermedius (11.6%),  Staphylococcus hyicus (11.1%), Streptococcus agalactiae (8.9%), Streptococcus disgalactiae (6.3%), E. coli (5.8%), Streptococcus uberis(5.3%), Klebsiella spp. (1.6%) and Enterococcus spp. (1.1%). Owners should givepro per udder care and are advised to apply dry cow therapy. Extension workers should raise awareness.
Seroprevalence of Brucella infection in cattle and small ruminants in South Omo zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Getachew Senait , Kumsa Bersissa , Getachew Yitbarek , Kinfu Getachew , Gumi Balako , Rufaele Tesfaye , Megersa Bekele
Published: August 2023

A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of the South Omo Zone to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its  associated risk factors. Additionally, the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of livestock keepers about the disease were also  assessed. A total of 1349 sera samples were collected from 450 cattle and 899 small ruminants (450 goats and 449 sheep) kept under an  extensive production system. Rose Bengal Plate Test was used for screening and ELISA as a confirmatory test for the detection of antibodies against Brucella species. Based on confirmatory tests, the overall seroprevalence of brucellosis was 2.2 % (95% CI: 1.1 – 4.1%)  in cattle, 2.0% (95% CI: 0.9, 3.8%) in goats and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.5, 2.9%) in sheep with higher seropositivity in cattle compared to small  ruminants. Seropositivity did not vary significantly (p> 0.05) with agroecology, age, and sex groups in cattle. However, a higher  seroprevalence of 2.7% was detected in male cattle compared to 1.6% for females. Seroprevalence was higher in small ruminants from the lowland agroecology (3.0%) than those from the midlands (0.8%). Study respondents had a low level of knowledge on brucellosis with  only 43% of them having some information about the disease. Most of the respondents have routinely engaged in practices that can  expose them to infections such as assisted delivery (65%), contact with after-birth materials (50%), and handling aborted materials  (15%) without any protection. High consumption of unpasteurized dairy products (93%) such as raw whole milk and traditionally  fermented dairy product is also common. This study provides information on the occurrence f brucellosis in major livestock species kept  at cross-border marginal areas with limited disease information. The existence of various exposure practices implies the need for  creating awareness among livestock keepers on general disease transmission and its zoonotic role.
Contextualizing Language as a Tool of Value Degeneration: A Sociolinguistic Study of Language of Corruption in Nigeria
Authors: Oboko Uche
Published: August 2023

Corruption has traversed all lengths and breadth of the Nigerian nation. The corrupt practice is mostly ornamented with language. The  present study aims to ascertain the linguistic codings used to mask corruption in educational, civil service, political and social settings.  Data for the study were collected from notable online newspaper and media sources, which include: The Vanguard, The Guardian, The  Punch, This Day, The Nation, The Premium, Sahara Reporters, Naira land and others published between 2015 and 2021. The data from  online sources were complemented by focused group discussions, unstructured interviews and participant’s observation method. The study adopted a qualitative research design and a random sampling method in selecting a total of hundred respondents from the five  states that make up the southeast zone in Nigeria. The paper anchored its analyses on the conceptual model of Sapir-Whorf relativity framework and the analyses were done using interpretative textual analysis model. Findings from the study reveal that using words,  phrases and expressions which are reflected in coinages, code-mixing, reduplication, metonymy, metaphor, slang, borrowing,  pidginization, lexical reversals and creative usages to mask corruption have far-reaching effects on national development. The paper  recommends that in considering the fight against corruption, the government should pay attention to the linguistic embellishments that  act as the lifeline of the negative practice.
When Vulgarism Comes through Popular music: An Investigation of Slackness in Zimdancehall Music
Authors: Maguraushe Wonder
Published: August 2023

In Zimbabwe, popular music, particularly the Zimdancehall music genre, has become a cultural site where Shona moral values clash with  explicit sexual lyrical content despite a censorship regime in the country. This article examines the nature and cultural consequences of  the moral decadence that emerges in popular Zimdancehall song lyrics by several musicians. The article illustrates how vulgar language  popularises Zimdancehall songs in unheralded ways that foster identities laced with cultural ambivalences that may portray the artists as  both famous and depraved. This qualitative study does textual and content analysis of 11 purposively sampled songs with sex terms to  elucidate the cultural inconsistencies in Zimdancehall song narratives. Analysis is informed by the Neuro-Psycho-Social theory, which  recognises how socio-cultural restrictions are challenged by an emerging ghetto culture like new wine in old bottles. Alternative  unsanctioned new popular music genres can be used to permeate the sociocultural system.
Correlation coefficient of live weight and body measurements of extensively reared West African Dwarf goats in south west zone of Nigeria
Authors: Tella A. , Chineke C. A. , Jacob O. O.
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, a derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Body measurements and live weight were assessed in 399 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats 194 bucks and 205 does. The data were segregated based on sex and age groups to obtain detailed information for characterisation goat in the experimental area. Body measurement values increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with age in both sexes. Mean body weight ranged from 5.32±0.15 kg to 29.63±1.88 kg in bucks, and 5.75±0.13 kg to 30.29±1.22 kg in does. Live weight was positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) related with most body parameters. Body length, heart girth, rump height had highest coefficient of correlation across ages. Phenotypic values were higher in male WAD goats than the female. Conclusively, body weight and linear body measurements are economically important traits in animal genetic resources especially small ruminants like goats. Selection for increase in any of the two phenotypic variables (live weight and linear measurements) will result in an equal increase in the other. Equally, live weights, in the absence of adequate records, can be utilized to predict traits that are correlated with linear measurements.
Editorial
Authors: Danquah Monica Mensah
Published: August 2023

No abstract
The dilemma of leadership succession in academic libraries in Ghana
Authors: Antwi Kodjo Asafo-Adjei , Agyekum Augustina , Asare Comfort Akosua Boatemaa
Published: August 2023

In a significant number of academic libraries in Ghana, incumbent Head Librarians stay on longer for a postretirement contract, because there appears to be a lack of qualified candidates to take over leadership roles. The apparent gap in leadership succession may be a consequence of a lack of management’s desire to grow their leaders as well as a dearth of self-motivation on the part of the staff. As part of the solutions to filling seeming gaps in leadership continuity, organizations grow their leaders internally through mentoring, coaching and training, experience and management support for staff professional/career development. Succession planning identifies prospective staff with the desire to take up future leadership roles. There are arguments for and against succession planning in academic libraries as a means of selecting and appointing university Librarians. The current study explores succession planning strategies as means of choosing prospective leaders in academic libraries in Ghana. The study adopted a case study research approach. University Librarians of ten (10) public university libraries were purposely selected for the study. A structured interview was employed to collect the data that form the basis of the analysis. The study revealed that succession planning is lacking in academic libraries in Ghana. Appointment to the University Librarian role is based on general university selection criteria for all academic staff of the university, including academic library staff. Though some respondents agree that succession planning is a good strategy to grow staff internally to take over future leadership roles, others assert that staff progression in academic libraries must be based on scholarly publication and long service, as prescribed by the University appointment and promotion policy. The study concludes that leadership continuity in academic libraries in Ghana is not necessarily dependent on any wellthought-out succession plan implementation. As a result of the staff’s inability to meet university promotion and appointment requirements for academic staff, many university libraries lack that critical mass of potential candidates for the role of university librarian.
Use of Mathematical and Unified Modelling Language Tools to Provide Learning Motivation System for Students in Tertiary Institution
Authors: Omede E. U. , Okpeki U. K.
Published: August 2023

Prompt information dissemination is essential for effective teaching and learning. This paper presents mathematical and Unified Modelling Language (UML) tools using html and CSS for front end, Python for logic tier and MySQL for the database to provide an SMS-Based Lecture Motivation System which will motivate staff and students for academic activities by alerting them on lecture schedules and reschedules at specific times prior to the scheduled time. The developed prototype was tested on Electrical/Electronic department, it was able to achieve the design objectives.
Assessment of Microplastics Contamination in River Water, Bottled Water, Sachet Water and Branded Table Salt Samples in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu A. O. , Okunola O. J. , Awe F. E. , Musa A. A.
Published: August 2023

Microplastics (MPs) < 5 mm-sized are regarded as global environmental contaminants. This study analyzes MP concentrations in the Kaduna River (raw water), treated water from two conventional water treatment plants, brands of bottled water, and food-grade salts available in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria using standard methods. Data obtained show that levels of MPs ranged from 25 to 36 particles L-1 in treated water, and to 153 particles L-1 in raw water. While samples of bottled water contained 1.4 to 3.7 particles L-1 and samples of table salt contained 0.13 to 0.27 particles g-1. Water and salt samples contained five different types of polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate. Additionally, MPs were divided into three groups based on their physical characteristics. In both raw and treated water, fragments were clearly more prevalent; in samples of bottled water and table salt, fragments and fibers predominated. Microplastics in bottled water pose a medium pollution risk, according to pollution risk indices. The estimated daily intake was generally minimal, indicating little harm from daily consumption, but it also demonstrates that children have a larger intake of microplastics than adults. Leaching from the packing material was identified as the MPs' primary source. This study fills the knowledge gap in the area of emerging microplastic pollution of water sources, drinking water, and food-grade salt.
Sustainable Decommissioning in Ghana: Historical Developments, Current Practice and Challenges
Authors: Stephens Thomas Kojo
Published: August 2023

When Ghana enacted its first piece of legislation dealing specifically with petroleum operations in the upstream industry in 1984 - the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1984 (PNDCL 84) - there was only one provision in the Act which dealt directly with decommissioning. This paper takes an introspective look at developments over time in putting in place an effective and sustainable decommissioning framework for Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry. It analyses the gaps therein and traces attempts over time such as a review by the Commonwealth Secretariat of existing statute, and proposals for a decommissioning scheme, to close them. It analyses measures by the government and encapsulated in statute to fill those gaps and ensure an efficient and sustainable framework. It analyses these developments through to the present when the Saltpond Field is to be decommissioned - Ghana’s first decommissioning exercise. Analysing the practical challenges in decommissioning the Field, impacts and risks, and that of Ghana’s upstream industry in general, the paper concludes that Ghana has through myriad measures strived to ensure that its framework is sustainable and situations such as the current one for instance where it is the government - and not the contractor - paying for decommissioning is averted.
Effect of think-pair-share strategy on senior secondary school students’ performance in reading comprehension in Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Hussaini Hadiza , Mohammed Suwaiba
Published: August 2023

This study focused on examining the effect of think-pair-share strategy (TPS) of teaching reading comprehension on the performance of senior secondary school students in Gombe state, Nigeria. The target population comprised all senior secondary school students in 134 public secondary schools in Gombe. Simple random sampling technique was used to select two intact classes in two secondary schools which gave a sample of 91 students were used for the study. Quasi experimental research design with pre-test post-test experimental and control group were used with 47 students in the experimental group and 44 students in the control group. Data was collected using reading comprehension test. The reading comprehension test had a reliability index of 0.81 using test rest method while analysis was run using mean, standard deviation for the research question and independent sample t-test for research hypothesis. Results showed a mean difference of 1.76 and 0.21 for experimental and control groups respectively indicating that the former group achieved a higher score when compared with their counterparts from the control group in the reading comprehension test. Hence, it was concluded that the TPS strategy used in the reading comprehension class has significantly influenced students’ performance in reading comprehension. Recommendations were that English language teachers should use the think-pair-share strategy to improve active participation of students in reading comprehension class and beyond.
Challenges to effective utilization of entrepreneurial skills of unemployed graduates in Damaturu Yobe State, Nigeria
Authors: Usman Hassan A.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of acquiring entrepreneurial skills not even only for undergraduates is to secure a living or self-reliance using creative talent to establish a venture that will ensure and sustain growth of wealth in the entrepreneur personal economic and the country at large. This is not possible to the developing entrepreneurs’ consequent to a certain number of challenges that affect the effective utilization of such skills which attributed to unemployment and redundancy among undergraduates. This study aimed at identifying the skills required by unemployed graduate for self-reliance and the challenges to effective utilization of entrepreneurial skills of unemployed graduates in Damaturu Educational Zone. The research study was carried out in four local government areas in Damaturu Educational Zone. The target population consists of 230 unemployed graduates who undergo skills acquisition and empowerment Development (SAED) program in NYSC Camp. A structured questionnaire was used. Finding reveals that lack of capital, lack of mentoring and guidance, too much dependence on government employment among others are among the challenges facing the unemployed graduates to use entrepreneurship skills effectively in their various destinations. It was recommended that some of the business organizations and Yobe State Government should come up with a novel way to support the unemployed graduates with grant for start-ups, private sectors and authorities should also provide simplified access to fund at reliable financial agencies, the unemployed graduates entrepreneurs should as much as possible obtain a start-up capital for the venture from funding institutions and must not depend on government for employment among others.
Resource mobilization and effective utilization for actualizing community development projects in Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Barakatu , Mahmud Abbas
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the resources mobilization and effective utilization for actualizing community development projects in Nigeria. Concepts of resource mobilization for community development project were discusses from different perspectives. Resource mobilization is just a means to the end, the end being the fulfillment of the organization’s vision. Resource mobilization is a team effort, and involves the institution’s commitment to resource mobilization; acceptance for the need to raise resources; and institutionalizing resource mobilization priorities, policies and budget allocation. Problems associated with resource mobilization for community development were discussed. The paper also examines programme implementation for community development projects which identified among others, finding able and willing local leaders, setting up committees and identifying organizations. The paper further discusses participation as one of the basis of community development projects because without participation from the concerns members work or project will not be fully conducted. Various aspect of participation was discussed which include, active participation and functional participation among others. The paper also looks into community development projects evaluation process which centrally discusses empowerment evaluation in which it gives members of community the ability to check and analyze how resources are being utilize for the projects intended for. Conclusion was drawn and way forward were suggested some among others are,
Language Blending in Tanzanian Adverts: Codeswitching between Swahili, English, and Kiswahili cha Mtaani
Authors: Dzahene-Quarshie Josephine , Sosoo Felix Kwame
Published: August 2023

This study interrogates the strategic use of code-switching involving Standard Swahili, English, and Kiswahili cha Mtaani in audio-visual advertisements by telecommunication companies (Telecos) in Tanzania. A purposive sampling method was used to gather the data: codeswitched advertisements for the purpose of demonstrating the blending of codes. The data on advertisement was gathered from audio-visual advertisements by selected Telecos in Tanzania on social media platforms. Underpinned by theories of codeswitching, this study establishes that beyond codeswitching between Kiswahili and English as a language choice for advertising by Telecos in Tanzania, an emerging trend is the use of codeswitching between Standard Kiswahili and Kiswahili cha mtaani (an urban youth variety of Kiswahili); also, some adverts feature three-way codeswitching involving Standard Kiswahili, English and Kiswahili cha mtaani. The study further argues that codeswitching in the advertisements is carefully thought of, intentionally blending the languages in a strategic way to attract customers from different linguistic, economic, and sociological backgrounds as well as different age groups, making this kind of codeswitching distinct from codeswitching which occurs in natural conversation.
Response of Mungbean (Vigna radiataL Wilczek) Genotypes to Different Spacing Types in Derived Savannah Agroecology of Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Ukwu U.N. , Agbirionwu A.C. , Dauda N. , Adewuyi S.O. , Osadebe V.O. , Anozie C.C.
Published: August 2023

Population density is an important determinant of crop yield. For optimum crop production, the best spacing requirement must be  adopted. Although the recommended spacing requirement of mungbean is abundant in literature globally, there is no such information  on studies conducted within derived savannah agroecological zone of southeast Nigeria, despite the crop’s usefulness as food, green  manure, and nitrogen fixer. We hypothesized that the spacing requirement of mungbean may vary with genotype. Hence, this study was  conducted to evaluate the response of three mungbean genotypes to four spacing types in derived savannah agroecology. The  experiment was a split-plot design with genotype (Tvr18, Tvr65, and Tvr83) as the main plot treatment and plant spacing (30x10, 40x10,  30x15, and 40x15 cm) as the sub-plot treatment. Data were collected on 19 agronomic traits. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that  plant spacing of 30x10 cm influenced significantly higher (p<0.05) values in most agronomic traits measured while Tvr18 was higher in  pod and seed attributes with higher seed-yield (0.80 t/ha) compared to Tvr83 (0.52 t/ha) which was the least. The interaction effect of  Tvr18 by 30x10 cm gave a higher seed yield of (1.37) t/ha compared to Tvr83 by 30x10 cm (0.62 t/ha) which was the least. GGE biplot  analysis showed a higher seed yield of the genotype-Tvr83 with wider spacing 40x15 compared to 30x10 cm.
Hypoglycemic Effect of Olive Oil (Olea europea) on Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Albino Rats.
Authors: Zakari A , Umar H , Auwal I
Published: August 2023

This research work is aimed  at  investigating the hypoglycemic effect  of  olive oil obtained from the seeds  of olive tree (Olea  europea,)  on alloxan-induced diabetic Albino rats. The results obtained show that olive oil  (Olea europea) exhibit   hypoglycemic effect on alloxan-induced diabetic Albino rats with the lower  dose (150mg/kg/b.wt).  as the most effective dose for the significant treatment of type 1 diabetes.  Medium and  High  doses  however showed  an  insignificant  effect  compared  to the control  groups. When the, standard drug (positive control) 60 mg/kg/b.wt  was  administered to the rats , the glucose level of the group 2 alloxan-induced diabetic rats decreased gradually to the range between the normal range 4.9-5.5 mg/dl according to the world health standard (W.H.O, 2014). During treatment, the body weight  of  the rats was  observed to increase  as  the  rats responded  to  the  hypoglycemic effect of the oil treatment. As the treatment continues, the   rats  look  healthier  which  shows  a  positive  response   to  the  olive  oil  treatment.
Comparison of Two Dexamethasone Intervention Time Points in Reducing Post-Operative Sequelae of Mandibular Fracture Osteosynthesis
Authors: WEMAMBU John , OPALEYE Taofiq , YUSSUF Abdulsalami , ALONGE Moradeke , OKOTURO Eyituoyo
Published: August 2023

Background: Mandibular fracture osteosynthesis comes with mechanical and thermal assaults to surrounding tissues resulting in the sequelae of pain, trismus, and oedema. Dexamethasone is known to reduce these sequelae; pain, swelling and trismus, with varying outcomes, and the lack of a standardized regimen for its optimal effect in maxillofacial surgery remains a cause of concern to researchers.

Objective: To compare two dexamethasone intervention time points in reducing post-operative sequelae of mandibular fracture osteosynthesis

Methods: A total of 102 subjects with mandibular body fractures in the age bracket of 20-60 years were recruited into the study and divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and control groups. 4mg of dexamethasone was injected via the submucosal route into the intact mucogingival area below the fracture line, one hour before making the incision in the preoperative group, at the time of the incision for the intraoperative group, and injection of the same volume of 0.9% normal saline preoperatively for the control group. Following osteosynthesis, postoperative sequelae, and complications were assessed on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7.

Results: There was a reduction in pain, swelling, and trismus in both test groups compared to the control with a significant reduction observed in the intraoperative group.

Conclusion: Our results showed that the administration of 4mg submucous dexamethasone reduces postoperative sequelae after mandibular fracture osteosynthesis with the intraoperative administration resulting in a significant reduction in postoperative pain.
Genetic Determinants of Periosteum Mediated Craniofacial Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review
Authors: OKOTURO Eyituoyo
Published: August 2023

Background: Periosteum-mediated bone regeneration (PMBR) is a known mandibular reconstruction. Though poorly understood and unpredictable, the concerns of developmental changes to donor and recipient tissues shared by other treatment options appear nonexistent. The definitive role of the periosteum during bone regeneration in any mammal remains poorly understood.

Objective: To characterise genetic determinants of PMBR in mammals through a systematic review.

Methods: Our search methodology was modeled after the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The quality assessment of each publication was undertaken and the differences in gene expression at time points in weeks 1 and 2 were appraised

Results: A total of 4 studies met the inclusion criteria. The study subjects and tissues studied were 3 rat calvaria and 1 calf calvaria transplanted on mice. One out of the 4 studies had a quality score of the requisite ≥3. The gene expression results showed an upregulation of genes responsible for angiogenesis, cytokine activities, and immune-inflammatory response in week-1, and skeletal development and signaling pathways, in week-2

Conclusion: The results suggest that skeletal morphogenesis regulated by skeletal developmental genes and pathways may characterise the gene expression patterns of PMBR