bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization distance between surfaces
Authors: Miller Allison N. , Powell Mark
Published: June 2020

Define the
1-handle stabilization distance
between two surfaces properly embedded in a fixed 4-dimensional manifold to be the minimal number of 1-handle stabilizations necessary for the surfaces to become ambiently isotopic. For every nonnegative integer

m

we find a pair of 2-knots in the 4-sphere whose stabilization distance equals

m

.

Next, using a
generalized stabilization distance
that counts connected sum with arbitrary 2-knots as distance zero, for every nonnegative integer

m

we exhibit a knot

J_m

in the 3-sphere with two slice discs in the 4-ball whose generalized stabilization distance equals

m

. We show this using homology of cyclic covers.

Finally, we use metabelian twisted homology to show that for each

m

there exists a knot and pair of slice discs with generalized stabilization distance at least

m

, with the additional property that abelian invariants associated to cyclic covering spaces coincide. This detects different choices of slicing discs corresponding to a fixed metabolising link on a Seifert surface.
On extensions of algebraic groups
Authors: Florence Mathieu , Lucchini Arteche Giancarlo
Published: June 2020

We extend to the context of algebraic groups a classical result on extensions of abstract groups relating the set of isomorphism classes of extensions of

G

by

H

with that of extensions of

G

by the center

Z

of

H

. The proof should be easily generalizable to other contexts. We also study the subset of classes of split extensions and give a quick application by proving a finiteness result on these sets over a finite field.
الاتساق النصي وخصائص الروابط الإحالية في قصيدة أندلسية لأحمد شوقي (دراسة لسانية إحصائية)
Authors: د. سامي الوافي د. سامي الوافي
Published: June 2020

تناولنا في دراستنا هذه بالتحليل نموذجا شعريا، تمثّل في قصيدة "أندلسية" لأحمد شوقي، ركزنا فيهِ على الروابط الإحالية، بوصفها معيارا أساسيا من معايير الاتساق النصي، التي شَكَّلتْ حضورا قويا من خلال أنواعها الثلاثة: (القبلية / البعدية / النصية)، مُجسّدةً علاقات التطابق بين أطراف الإحالة من مُحيلٍ ومُحال إليه.
مرويات هشام بن يوسف الصنعاني في مسند الإمام أحمد بن حنبل جمعاً وتخريجا ودراسة
Authors: د. عبدالله بن حسين علي صميلي د. عبدالله بن حسين علي صميلي
Published: June 2020

إن الحمد لله نحمده ونسـتعينه ونســـتغفره، ونعــــوذ بالله من شــــرور أنفســـنا، ومن سيــــــئات أعمالنا، من يهده الله فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله، وحده لا شريك له، وأشهــــــد أن محمــــــدًا عبده ورســـــــوله، صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم تسليمًا كثيرًا. أما بعد : فإن كان ثمة شيء يذكر بعد الانتهاء من هذا الجهد المتواضع فهو ما يلي: 1ـــ المكانة العلمية العظيمة التي تحلى بها الحافظ هشام بن يوسف الصنعاني, من العلم والاجتــهاد حيث يعتبر ممن جمع بين طريقة المحدثين والفقهاء, مع ما تميز به من علوٍ في الإسناد, كما أن قربه من السلطة وانشغاله بمنصب القضاء لفترة طويلة لم تأثر على حفظه ودرجته عند المحدثين. 2- ظهر لي من خلال الأحــاديث التي تم دراستها أن الإمام هشام بن يوسف الصنعاني لا يروي إلا عن ثقة؛ في أغلب ما يرويه . 3- وقفت من خلال عملي في هذا البحث على الجهود العظيمة التي بذلها أئمة الحديث ونقاده، حيث خدموا السنة النبوية أجل خدمة، وبذلو أقصى جهودهم لتنقيتها من الأخطاء والشوائب، فصارت صافية نقية، فجزاهم الله عن الإسلام والمسلمين خير الجزاء. 4- أتاح لي هذا البحث المتواضع التعرف على كتب ومصنفـــــات في شتى مجالات العلوم التي لم يسبق لي معرفتها من قبل. 7ـــــــ احتوت هذه الدراسة على 5 أحاديث مرفوعة. 8 ـــــــ عدد الأحاديث الصحاح 3, والضعاف 2.
استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي لدى طالبات الدبلوم التربوي بجامعة جدة في ضوء بعض المتغيرات الديموغرافية
Authors: د. نبيلة محمد أمين بخاري د. نبيلة محمد أمين بخاري
Published: June 2020

يهدف البحث الحالي إلى الكشف عن نسب استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي (Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Google+, WhatsApp) لدى طالبات الدبلوم التربوي بجامعة جدة، والكشف عن الغرض من استخدام مواقع الإعلام التفاعلي، فضلاً الكشف عن الفروق في استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي وفقاً لمتغيرات (التخصص الدراسي ــــــ المستوى التعليمي للوالدين ــــــ مستوى الدخل)، تكونت العينة من (200) طالبة بالدبلوم التربوي بكلية التربية ـــ جامعة جدة، طبق عليهن مقياس استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي (إعداد: الباحثة)، وقد أشارت النتائج إلى أن أعلى نسب الاستخدام كانت كالتالي: استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي يومياً، عدد ساعات الاستخدام في اليوم الواحد (خمس ساعات فأكثر)، عدد المشتركين في الصفحة (200 فأكثر)، عدد المجموعات المشترك فيها (5 مجموعات)، عدد الزيارات للصفحات المفضلة يومياً أكثر من خمس مرات، واستخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي في أي وقت هي الأعلى نسبة، وتوقع المفحوصون التقليل من استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي في المستقبل، وكان (WhatsApp) أكثر المواقع استخداماً، وأشارت النتائج أن هنالك فروقاً بين طالبات التخصصين العلمي والأدبي في استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي لصالح العلمي، بينما لم توجد فروق بين أفراد العينة في استخدام وسائل الإعلام التفاعلي، باختلاف المستوى التعليمي للوالدين، ومستوى دخل الأسرة، وأوصت الدراسة بضرورة زيادة الرقابة على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، وتفعيل دور الجهات ذات العلاقة في توجيه طالبات الجامعة نحو المواقع التي تساعد على تعزيز ثقافتهن.
نموذج مقترح لتوظيف تكنولوجيا الواقع المعزز في مقررات السنة التحضيرية وفاعليته في تنمية مهارات التعلم المنظم ذاتياً لدى طلاب جامعة الملك عبدالعزيز
Authors: د. فـهـد بن سليـم سالم الحافظي د. فـهـد بن سليـم سالم الحافظي
Published: June 2020

استهدف البحث الحالي الكشف عن فاعلية توظيف تكنولوجيا الواقع المعزز في تنمية مهارات التعلم المنظم ذاتياً بمقررات السنة التحضيرية لدى طلاب جامعة الملك عبدالعزيز. وقد تم استخدام المنهج شبه التجريبي للمقارنة بين المجموعتين التجريبية والضابطة، حيث تدرس المجموعة التجريبية باستخدام تكنولوجيا الواقع المعزز، بينما تدرس المجموعة الضابطة باستخدام الطريقة التقليدية. وقد تكونت عينة البحث من (52) طالبًا تم توزيعهم عشوائيًا بشكل متساوي على مجموعتي البحث. وتم تطوير أداة البحث وهي عبارة عن مقياس للتعلم المنظم ذاتياً. وأسفرت نتائج البحث عن وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى (0.05) بين متوسطي درجات طلاب المجموعة التجريبية التي تدرس باستخدام (تكنولوجيا الواقع المعزز) ودرجات طلاب المجموعة الضابطة التي تدرس باستخدام (الطريقة التقليدية) في القياس البعدي لمقياس التعلم المنظم ذاتياً لصالح المجموعة التجريبية، وكذلك أظهرت النتائج فاعلية تكنولوجيا الواقع المعزز في تنمية مهارات التعلم المنظم ذاتياً لدى طلاب السنة التحضيرية. وأوصى البحث بضرورة تدريب أعضاء هيئة التدريس على كيفية توظيف تكنولوجيا الواقع المعزز في المواقف التعليمية المختلفة، والاهتمام بتوظيف تكنولوجيا الواقع المعزز في تدريس مقررات السنة التحضيرية.
The implications of oil theft on social and economic development in the Niger Delta
Authors: Soremi Titilayo
Published: June 2020

The emergence of the exploration of crude oil in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, has awarded the region worldwide renown as the economic  backbone of the country, but also as a conflict flashpoint. Drawing from the propositions of the resource curse theory, the paper identifies Nigeria’s  rentier state structure as the underlining cause linked to the citing of conflict and corruption, as the reasons for the occurrence of oil theft in the Niger Delta. Also, the Dutch disease is identified as an economic explanation of the resource curse theory, and this is used to identify the economic  implications of oil theft in the Niger Delta at the national level. In addition, the rentier state structure is used to identify the social implications of the occurrence of oil theft at the local level in the Niger Delta region. The paper posits that economic implications include reduced revenue, increased  unemployment, and diversification of the economy. The social implications also include sustained conflict, curbed social development, and  displacement of persons. To combat the illegal practice of oil theft, it is recommended that transparency and accountability should be adhered to in the relations among government, oil-producing communities and multinational corporations.

Keywords: Niger Delta, oil theft, resource curse, sustainable development, security and conflict
Relationship between cash transfer programmes and school outcomes in Africa and Latin America: A systematic review
Authors: Temidayo Jane , Awojobi Oladayo Nathaniel
Published: June 2020

Poverty is popularly believed to be a hindrance to schooling for children from poor households. To overcome this obstacle, cash transfers have been  used to support and promote their access to education. This review assesses the effect of some cash transfers programmes in Africa and Latin America on children’s educational outcomes. A systematic search for relevant studies was conducted online through google scholar. Inclusion  criteria were met by ten studies- 5 in Africa and 5 in Latin America. Eight studies used a quantitative approach, while two adopted a mixed-methods  technique. The included studies used different study designs, and their outcomes showed that both Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) and Unconditional Cash Transfers (UCTs) have positive effects on school outcomes. Some results showed strong evidence, others showed weak evidence  while others showed limited evidence. Cash transfer programmes offer disadvantaged children the opportunity for schooling. However, the impact of these programmes varies because of their implementation designs.

Keywords: Cash transfers, Children, Poverty, School
Government project failure in developing countries: A review with particular reference to Nigeria
Authors: Eja King Matthew , Ramegowda Manu
Published: June 2020

No Abstract.
Insecticide resistance in field populations of the tomato fruitworm, Helicoverpa armigera, from Senegal
Authors: Sene Serigne Omar , Tendeng Etienne , Diatte Mamadou , Sylla Serigne , Labou Babacar , Diallo Amadou Woory , Diarra Karamoko
Published: June 2020

Monitoring of the evolution of insecticide resistance in the field is crucial to prevent pest control issues. The present study was conducted to assess insecticide resistance status of the fruitworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), the most destructive pest of field-grown tomato in Senegal. A sample of 11- 15 field populations were monitored for their susceptibility to abamectin, deltamethrin, and profenofos, using a standard leaf-dip bioassay method. Resistance ratios ranged from 1- to 30-fold to abamectin (4/15 populations with RR>10), 7- to 112-fold to deltamethrin (11/12 populations with RR>10), and 1- to 29-fold to profenofos (3/11 populations with RR>10). This indicates that resistance evolution to deltamethrin was widespread among field populations of H. armigera. However, an increasing trend of resistance to deltamethrin was observed from the South to the North of Niayes. Susceptibility to abamectin and profenofos was generally high but showed that resistance might be evolving within some populations. In addition, signs of cross-resistance to abamectin were detected, suggesting possible metabolic resistance mechanisms already selected in pyrethroid-resistant populations. The recorded high levels of pyrethroids resistance are a concern for the control of H. armigera in Senegal as the country is being currently embarking into economic expansion of tomato cropping systems.

© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Insecticide resistance, pyrethroids, avermectins, OPs, Helicoverpa armigera, West Africa
Spatial distribution and ecological niche modelling of Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum., in the Guineo-Congolese region of Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Toko Imorou Ismaïla
Published: June 2020

Triplochiton sleroxylon (samba) is a West and Central African forest species of high socio-economic value which is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures from various sources. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of climate change on the spatial distribution of Triplochiton sleroxylon in the Guineo-Congolese region of Benin. All of 2311 occurrence data of this species were combined with current and future climate variables in the Maxent program under RCP scenarios 4.5 and 8.5 by 2055. Analysis of the spatial pattern of Triplochiton scleroxylon revealed an aggregative distribution between 1m and 7 m distance. But for a distance between 0 and 1 m and more than 7 m, the spatial pattern revealed a random spatial distribution. Under current climatic conditions, 45.17% of the study area of the Guineo-Congolese region in Benin and 61.69% of the one of protected areas are currently very suitable for the cultivation and conservation of samba. Projections to 2055 indicate a significant increase in the area of these habitats for the two scenarios used. These results show that the current and future climatic conditions of the Guineo-Congolese region in Benin remain favourable for the cultivation and conservation of this species. Unfortunately, outside protected areas, these favourable habitats are occupied by settlements and fields. Taking these results into account could effectively contribute to the sustainable conservation of this species in Benin.

© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Climate change, Maxent program, niche modelling, aggregative distribution, Triplochiton scleroxylon, Benin
Castor bean: main uses and biodiversity in the Adamawa, Cameroon
Authors: Tchuenteu Lucien Tatchum , Mohamamed Awal , Megueni Clautilde
Published: June 2020

Ricinus communis L. (castor bean) is an oilseed plant with multiple socio-economic benefits. It grows wild in Cameroon. The study aimed at determining main uses, describing, evaluating the carbon stock as well as carbon credits and geolocalizing castor bean accessions from Adamawa Cameroon. The location of various sites for ethnobotanical survey was identified by random sampling techniques which consist in randomly selecting the various locations, overall sample consists of 1440 peoples; the respondents were questioned individually using a questionnaire form. Results showed that castor bean is used to treat several diseases; seeds oil is consumed and plants present margico-religious powers. Four local castor bean accessions (Vina, Martap, Nyambaka and Bélel) were identified. Overall, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between castor bean accessions identified with respect to the physical characteristics of vegetative organs and seeds. Plants of Bélel accession were tallest (302.96 ± 44.36 cm) while the smallest plants height (148.63 ± 19.05 cm) were from Vina accession. Vina accession was the most widespread while Nyambaka and Bélel accessions were the least widespread in the study areas. This information will be useful in the implantation program of castor bean as alternative crop of the Cameroonian agriculture.

© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Ricinus communis L., ethnobotanical survey, vegetative organs, carbon stock, geolocalizing, Adamawa-Cameroon
Etude du phénomène de remontée de boue sur le décanteur lamellaire de la station de traitement d’eau de Paspanga au Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouedraogo Elisabeth R. , Dibala Crépin I. , Konate Kiessoun , Diarra Jean , Dicko Mamoudou H.
Published: June 2020

L’eau potable, un aliment de base et son accès est l’un des besoins humains fondamentaux. A Ouagadougou, l’eau potable provient du traitement des eaux de surface à Paspanga et à Ziga. Les remontées de boues constituent un phénomène persistant dans les processus de traitement de l’eau à Paspanga. L’objectif de ce travail était de trouver les causes de ce phénomène afin d’optimiser les coûts et taux de production d’eau potable. Pour ce faire, les paramètres physico-chimiques et des essais de traitements de l’eau brute ont été réalisés selon les normes de qualité. Les résultats ont montré que l’eau est potabilisable. En effet, la turbidité, la teneur en matière en suspension et en matière organique sont respectivement en moyenne 116,52 NTU, 10,85 mg/l, 4,72 mg/l d’O2 en mai et 719,13 NTU, 21,07 mg/l, 13,08 mg/l d’O2 de juin à juillet. Le pH de l’eau en mai est faible et en moyenne 6,89 et 7,50 dans les mois de juin à juillet. La mise en évidence de la production de gaz révèle que cette production est progressive. Les remontées de boues sont donc une résultante de deux facteurs : la qualité de l’eau brute et la production de gaz au fond des décanteurs.

Mots clés : Décanteur, remontée de boue, traitement, eau

 

English title: Study of the phenomenon of mud increase on the lamellate decanter of the station of treatment of water of Paspanga in Burkina Faso

Drinking water is a basic food and its access is one of the fundamental human needs. For Ouagadougou, it comes from the station of water treatment of surface at Paspanga and Ziga. The mud increase constitutes a persistent phenomenon in the treatments of water of Paspanga. The objective of this work was to find the causes of this phenomenon in order to optimize the costs and rate of drinking water production. To be done, the physicochemical parameters and the tests of rough water treatments were carried out according to standards of quality. The results showed that water is potabilisable. Indeed, the average of turbidity, content of organic matter and suspended matter of water were respectively 116,52 NTU, 10,85 mg/l, 4,72 mg/l of O2 in May and 719,13 NTU, 21,07 mg/l, 13,08 O2 mg/l from June to July. The pH of water varied to 6,89 in May; to 7.50 in June and July. In addition, the results showed that the gas production revealed is progressive over time, which would mean that the mud increased would be a result of two factors: the quality of raw water and the production of gas at the bottom of the decanters.

Keywords: Decanter, rising mud, treatment, water
Impact of road construction on the distribution of Crocodylus suchus (Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 1807) in urban park Bangr-Weoogo (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Ouedraogo Ilassa , Ouedraogo Idrissa , Kpoda Noëllie W. , Oueda Adama , Bance Victor , Kabore Justine , Kabre Gustve B.
Published: June 2020

In contrast to other anthropogenic activities, little is known about impact of road construction on reptile’s distribution in urban areas. Therefore, the present study aimed at quantifying impact of road construction on C. suchus distribution. It was conducted from February 2016 to May 2018, in the urban Park Bangr-weoogo. C. suchus populations were counted day by used binoculars pairs and night by spotlight. The different observations were carried on foot. Every time, we observed crocodile, we visually estimate its size class. When we couldn’t appreciate the size of an individual, it was just noted as eyes only. About road works, direct observations have been done and noted. To have mapping of the dynamics of crocodile habitats in the park, aerial shots were taken during road construction. We used QGIS version 2.18.2 to establish map distribution of crocodiles. A total of 145 crocodiles including 10.34% of hatchlings, 17.93% of juveniles, 31.03% of subadults and 24.14 of adults were counted before road works. While during road work, 202 crocodiles were counted, whose 5.45% of hatchlings, 19.8% of juveniles, 30.69% of subadults and 37.62% of adults. Road work has led to a loss of crocodile habitat.Keywords: Protected area, habitat, abundance.
Design and performance evaluation of an electrically powered multi-purpose food roaster
Authors: Ganiyu Y.O. , Afolayan M.O. , Jolaiya S.O.
Published: June 2020

Food roasting is a method and technique used for transforming raw food into edible and tasty food accompanied with change or alteration in the appearance, taste, aroma, shape, or colour of the end product. The traditional method of use of open grill in Nigeria as an example, does not produce consistent end products. This work is about a multi-purpose roasting machine for Maize (Zea maize), Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and Yam (Dioscorea Sagittifolia). The roasting temperature is allowed to vary between 160-240oC and the distance between the heat source and the item being roasted is also adjustable (50mm-150mm). A 10-50min experiment using ten maize cobs, yam slices and plantain of an average initial weight of 2.9kg, 3kg and 1.16kg respectively led to 6.91%, 6.7% and 9.5% weight loss and 68.4%, 66.1% and 94.1% roasting efficiency.

Keywords: Multi-Purpose, Food, Roasting, Roasting Conditions
Investigation of the effects of starting pH, mass and retention time on biogas production using poultry droppings as feedstock
Authors: Adebimpe O.A. , Edem I.E. , Ayodele O.L.
Published: June 2020

The effect of starting pH, mass and retention time on biogas production was studied using poultry droppings as the feedstock. A full factorial experiment was designed and performed with starting pH set at 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 for feedstock mass of 100g and 200g at specific retention times. The results presented an optimal biogas yield at pH=7 with a volume of 722 and 1046cm3 while pH=5 had the least with 255 and 481 cm3 at 100g and 200g mass respectively. The starting pH, mass and retention time and the interaction of starting pH and mass had significant effect on biogas yield at 5% significance level. The R-Square value obtained from the analysis was 92.1%. Thereafter, a log-linear regression model for predicting biogas yield was generated and was found to provide adequate prediction given its MAPE value of 19.97.

Keywords: Biogas Production, Mass, Poultry Droppings, Retention Time, Starting pH.
Single user TCP downstream throughput probability models in IEEE802.11b WLAN system
Authors: Oghogho I.
Published: June 2020

Single User, Transmission Control Protocol Downstream Throughput (TCPDST) probability models in an IEEE802.11b WLAN have been developed, validated and evaluated for performance. Measurement of single user TCPDST were taken using Tamosoft throughput test while that of signal to noise ratio (SNR) were taken using inSSIDer 2.1. The Tamosoft throughput tests were conducted using different quality of service (QoS) traffic. These QoS traffic (which were sent through an infrastructure based network) correspond to different wireless multimedia tags. Measurements were taken in free space, small offices and open corridor environments. By assuming a normal distribution, single user TCPDST Cumulative distribution function (CDF) probability models were developed for different signal categories namely: (i) all the SNR considered, (ii) strong signals only, (iii) grey signals only and (iv) weak signals only. The models were validated and their performances evaluated using root mean square (RMS) errors. RMS errors were computed by comparing model predicted values with validation data. The RMS errors for single user CDF all signals model was 0.1466%. RMS errors for strong signals models, grey signals model and weak signals model respectively were 0.1466%, 0.6756% and 0.1233% indicating acceptable performances. All signals, strong signals, grey signals and weak signals CDF probability models predicted probabilities of obtaining TCPDST values greater than 5Mbps as 74.79%, 90.55%, 13.00% and 4.77% respectively while probabilities of obtaining TCPDST values less than 2Mbps were predicted as 4.91%, 0.00%, 18.98% and 52.41% respectively. These probability models will provide additional useful information needed to design efficient distributed data networks.

Keywords: Throughput, TCP, WLAN, probability models
Review of electrical energy losses in Nigeria
Authors: Komolafe O.M. , Udofia K.M.
Published: June 2020

The Nigerian electric power sector holds a lot of unfulfilled potentials for the economic development of Africa’s most populous country; the electric energy generated is not up to 30% of the national demand and worse still, over 50% of this paltry sum is recorded as losses—this is not indicative of commercial viability. The visible efforts being made to address the problems, though laudable, do not fully demonstrate complete appreciation of the underlying root causes. In this paper, an examination of the structure of the Nigerian electricity industry is provided followed by a technical review of factors responsible for the excessive losses (technical and non-technical) in the system. The solutions proffered would enable improved response, first to efficiently manage the available energy and also to grow the industry for the good of the nation.

Keywords: Nigerian power distribution system, electric energy theft, power losses in Nigeria.
Analytical model construction of optimal mortality intensities using polynomial estimation
Authors: Ogungbenle G.M. , Adeyele J.S.
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to describe a non-parametric technique as a means of estimating the instantaneous force of mortality which serves as the underlying concept in modeling the future lifetime. It relies heavily on the analytic properties of life table survival functions 𝒍𝒙+𝒕. The specific objective of the study is to estimate the force of mortality using the Taylor series expansion to a desired degree of accuracy. The estimation of the continuous death probabilities has aroused keen research interest in mortality literature on life assurance practice. However, the estimation of 𝝁𝒙 involves a model dependent on deep knowledge of differencing and differential equation of first order. The suggested method of approximation with limiting optimal properties is the Newton’s forward difference model. Initiating Newton’s process is an important level in terms of theoretical work which produces parallel results of great impact in the study of mortality functions. The paper starts from an assumption that 𝒍𝒙 function follows a polynomial of least degree and hence gives an answer to a simple model which overcomes points of singularity.

Keywords: polynomials, contingency, analyticity, basis, differential, mortality, modeling
Groundwater potential mapping in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, using multi-criteria analysis and hydrogeophysics
Authors: Epuh E.E. , Orji M.J. , Iyoyojie H.A. , Daramola O.E.
Published: June 2020

The assessment of the potential groundwater recharge area is extremely important for water quality protection and proper management of ground water systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate systematic groundwater studies using the integration of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) and hydrogeophysics as a tool to identify groundwater potential areas in Ikorodu, Lagos. In this study, various thematic maps (layers) derived from satellite image classification such as: Land use/ Land cover map, soil map, rainfall map, geological map, slope map derived from SRTM Digital Elevation Model, lineament density map obtained as a result if lineament analysis of the principal component of the image, were all integrated using the weighted overlay tool in the spatial analyst toolbox of ArcGIS 10.5. Ranks and weights of classes and sub-classes of the thematic layers were assigned based on their influences on groundwater occurrence. The vertical electrical sounding data obtained from the study area were used to validate the results of the groundwater potential map and also determine the areas with brackish water, saline water and freshwater and the most probable drillable depth for exploration. The results show that the groundwater potential zones of the study area could be classified into five zones with the following percentage for spatial distribution: “very high” potential zone (0.6%), “high” (4.2%), “moderate” (15.8%), “low” 71.7% and very low potential zone (7.7%). The South-Western region of Ikorodu, close to Oriwu has the highest concentration of groundwater. Imota is characterized with Moderate and Low ground water potentials. From the query results, the aquiferous layers were identified, their yield and potentials determined and the depths to which boreholes can be sunk for the drilling of fresh water were found to be between 20m and 120m respectively.

Keywords: Groundwater, Remote sensing, GIS, Hydrogeophysics.
Water quality assessment of Owiwi River for potential irrigation of vegetables
Authors: Eruola A.O. , Makinde A.A. , Eruola A.O. , Oladele R.
Published: June 2020

Understanding water quality used for irrigation and its potential negative impacts on crop growth are important for optimization of crop production. The study involved the assessment of hydro-chemical properties and chemical indices of Owiwi river for irrigation of vegetables from the measured quality parameters and analyzed for important quality indices following standard test procedures. The study revealed that pH of water was acidic in nature resulting in low residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values showing dominance of dissolved CO3, attributed to dissolution of limestone dominant in the study area. The water was regarded as permissible water based on electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS), implying non detrimental salinity hazard in the soils. Excessive Na content (> 250 MMg/L) in water reduces the permeability thereby influencing availability of water for the plant usage, obviously associated with low EC and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) observed in the river water. The excess hardness resulting from high content of calcium and magnesium ions derived from limestone and chalk is undesirable mostly for esthetic reasons like plumbing of irrigation systems. Generally, the water can be classified as good for irrigation of vegetable on the bases of PI, MAR, % Na, SAR and % yield.

Keywords: Hydro-chemical, permeability, soil, limestone, yield.
Effect of soil compressibility on the structural response of box culverts using finite element approach
Authors: Ubani O.U. , Nwaiwu C.M.O. , Obiora J.I. , Mezie E.O.
Published: June 2020

The structural response of box culverts to variable soil compressibility condition was studied in this paper. This was made possible by modelling the soil as springs, and varying the spring stiffness which was represented by the modulus of subgrade reaction of the soil. The results showed that the values of maximum bending moments for gravity actions on box culverts increased linearly with modulus of subgrade reaction, but remained within close values. The results also showed good agreement with results from literature for highly compressible soils. However, for incompressible soil condition, results from standard tables in literature were more conservative with about 10% difference for gravity actions, and 21% difference for lateral actions. The term ‘highly compressible’ that was used in literature for manual analysis was discovered to be more valid for lateral load cases than for gravity load cases. Subsequently, the variations of other action effects such as shear force, axial force, torsion, and soil spring settlement with modulus of subgrade reaction were also studied.

Keywords: Box Culvert, Modulus of Subgrade Reaction, Soil Settlement, Staad Pro.
Application of alternative II theory to vibration and stability analysis of thick rectangular plates (Isotropic and orthotropic)
Authors: Ibearugbulem O.M. , Ebirim S.I. , Anya U.C. , Ettu L.O.
Published: June 2020

This work analysed the free vibration and stability of thick isotropic and orthotropic plates with SSSS and SSFS support conditions by applying the alternative II theory based on polynomial shape function. The total potential energy which was obtained by combining the strain energy and external work was reduced to three governing equations using Ritz method. Polynomial shape function which varies with Poisson’s ratio was substituted into the governing equation to obtain the fundamental natural frequency, linear frequency and critical buckling load. The values of frequencies of the first mode and critical loads obtained were compared with those obtained using first order shear deformation theory. For span depth ratio of 10, the fundamental linear frequency for orthotropic SSFS plate corresponding to modulus of elasticity ratios (E1/E2) of 10, 25 and 40 are 0.00156, 0.00219 and 0.00255Hz. The corresponding values using first order shear deformation theory are 0.00152, 0.00212 and 0.00245Hz.

Keywords: Fundamental natural frequency, SSSS plate, SSFS plate, Ritz method, Orthotropic thick plate, Isotropic thick plate, Stability, Free vibration
Effects of dietary beef tallow on performance, rumen fermentation, carcass traits and meat quality of growing lambs
Authors: López-Aguirre S , Pinos-Rodríguez J.M. , Vicente J.G. , Lee Rangel H , De la Cruz A , Domínguez-Vara I.A.
Published: June 2020

Growing lambs were evaluated for the effect of increasing dietary levels of beef tallow (BT) on performance, rumen fermentation, and carcass and meat characteristics. Twenty-one 5-month-old male Rambouillet lambs were assigned randomly to one of three diets with 0, 20, and 40 g BT/kg dry matter (DM) and similar energy and protein contents. Lambs were adapted to the diets for 15 days, followed by a 45-day evaluation trial. Data were analysed using a mixed model. Growth, feed intake and ruminal fermentation were not affected by the dietary level of BT. Daily metabolizable energy intake (MEI), carcass yield and degree of fatness, increased linearly as the BT level increased. Carcass classification and muscle conformation were not affected by BT. Most meat characteristics (texture, pH, myoglobin, protein content, colour, cathepsins, and chemical composition) five and eight days post-mortem were not affected, except for fat content in meat, which increased linearly as diet BT level increased. Fatty acid (FA) profiles of the meat from lambs fed the three diets were similar. In conclusion, addition of BT at 20 and 40 g/kg DM to diets for growing lambs allowed reduced grain usage and increased forage levels (from 0 to 270 g/kg DM), increasing energy intake, carcass yield and fatness, and intramuscular fat without causing harmful effects on growth, feed intake or ruminal fermentation characteristics.

Keywords: dietary fat, fatty acids, meat colour, sheep
Supplemental chromium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles affect growth, serum metabolites and intestinal histology in broilers
Authors: Tahir S.K. , Yousaf M.S. , Rashid M.A. , Khan A.F. , Ahmad S , Zaneb H , Khan I , Rehman H
Published: June 2020

The goal of the present research was to evaluate the effects of chromium-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Cr-CNPs) on production performance, viscera development, serum metabolites and intestinal histology in broilers. Two hundred (200) day-old broilers were randomly divided into five groups with five replicates (n = 8). Birds in the first group served as control and were fed a corn soybean-based diet, while the remaining four supplemented groups were offered 200, 400, 800, and 1200 μg Cr-CNPs/kg of feed, respectively, for 35 days. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained unaffected with Cr-CNP supplementation. No changes were observed in the relative weights of viscera. The relative length of the small intestine was decreased in birds supplemented with 200 and 800 μg Cr-CNPs/kg compared with the 1200 μg Cr-CNP-supplemented group and control. Serum metabolites remained unaffected with Cr-CNP supplementation except for serum HDL, which was increased. Cr-CNPs decreased the retention of chromium in the bone at higher concentrations. Jejunal villus height, villus surface area, and villus height to crypt depth ratio were increased in the 800 μg Cr-CNP-supplemented group. In conclusion, Cr-CNPs did not affect growth performance, viscera development, and most of the serum metabolites, but enhanced jejunal morphological attributes at 800 μg Cr-CNPs/kg of feed.

Keywords: blood biochemistry, health, nano-biotechnology, prebiotics, poultry, trace mineral
Microbial additives affect silage quality and ruminal dry matter degradability of avocado (Persia Americana) pulp silage
Authors: Nkosi B.D. , Meeske R , Muya M.C. , Langa T , Thomas R.S. , Malebana I.M.M. , Motiang M.D. , Van Niekerk J.A.
Published: June 2020

This study evaluated effects of microbial inoculation on fermentation, aerobic stability and ruminal dry matter (DM) degradation of silage produced from Avocado (Persia Americana) pulp (AP). The AP, 800 g/kg fresh matter (FM) was mixed with 150 g grape pumice (GP)/kg FM and 50 g sugarcane molasses/kg FM. The mixture was treated with 1) no inoculant (control), 2) Emsilage inoculant (EMS), and 3) Sil-All 4x4 W.S. inoculant (SIL). Materials were ensiled in 1.5 L anaerobic jars for 90 days. Triplicate samples were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 90 for determination of fermentation, nutritive value and aerobic stability. In situ DM degradability was determined using 3 rumen cannulated Holstein cows. Microbial inoculation to AP silage increased lactic acid bacteria population, which subsequently increased residual fermentation substrate and lactic acid content. Terminal pH and volatile fatty acids of the silage were not affected by inoculation. Inoculated silage had less fibre and reduced aerobic stability compared to the control. The AP and its mixture had higher DM soluble fractions compared to the GP which had a higher degradation rate. Potential degradable fraction and extent of degradation were similar for each treatment. The EMS treatment had higher soluble fractions and lower degradation rate than other treatments. Inoculation with SIL improved degradation of the silage compared to other treatments. Thus, microbial inoculation qualifies the AP silage as a potential feed for ruminants.

Keywords: feed, grape pomace, inoculant, oil cake, organic acid
Carryover effects of varying hay concentration on the transition to silage-based feeding of weaned dairy calves
Authors: Qamar Z.A. , Rashid M.A. , Pasha T.N. , Malik M.I. , Saleem A , Raza M , Rehman H.U. , Yousaf M.S.
Published: June 2020

Objectives of the experiment were to determine effects of dietary hay concentration in a dry total mixed ration and its carryover effects on intake, growth performance, faecal score, and feed efficiency of weaned dairy calves. Eighteen Friesian × Jersey weaned calves (n = 6 calves/treatment) were randomly assigned to three rhodes grass hay treatments (RG13, RG26, and RG39). The experimental diets were rhodes grass hay-based total mixed rations containing 13%, 26%, and 39% chopped hay on a DM basis. The experiment had two phases of four weeks each. In phase 1 (weeks 1–4), weaned calves were fed RG13, RG26, or RG39. Then, in phase 2 (weeks 5–8), all calves were shifted to a maize silage-based diet. All the diets were iso-nitrogenous and were fed ad libitum. Calves were housed in individual pens and had free access to water and feed. Average daily gain and daily dry matter intake were analysed as repeated measures, whereas bodyweight and feed efficiency were analysed using one-way ANOVA. In phases 1 and 2 dry matter intakes were similar. Growth rate decreased linearly with increasing concentration of hay in phase 1. Overall, daily dry matter intake, average daily gain, change in body condition score and structural measurements were not affected by dietary treatments. However, overall feed efficiency was improved for calves fed RG26 compared with RG13 and RG39. Thus, feeding a moderate level of hay had positive impacts on the transition to a silage-based TMR.

Keywords: dietary transition, total mixed ration, intake, growth, feed efficiency, body condition score, faecal score
Response of growing chicks to supplementation of low protein diets with leucine, valine and glycine-glutamic acid
Authors: Golzar Adabi S.H. , Ceylan N , Çiftci İ , Ceylan A
Published: June 2020

This experiment was conducted to determine the interaction effects that resulted from supplementation of low-protein diets with leucine (Leu), valine (Val), and glycine-glutamic acid (Gly-Glu) on growing broiler chicks from 11 to 24 days old. Two levels of digestible Leu (1.07 and 1.50%) and three levels of digestible Val (0.64, 0.74, and 0.84%) were investigated as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 12 replicates. The diet with 1.07% digestible Leu and 0.84% digestible Val was supplemented with 0.34% Gly and 1.32% Glu as an additional treatment (T7). At 24 days old, 0.84% Val significantly improved feed conversion with 1.07% Leu, but 0.74% Val was sufficient with 1.50% Leu. The T7 diet further improved feed conversion. Increasing dietary Val from 0.64% to 0.74% significantly increased bone density and strength at the lower level of dietary Leu, while T7 significantly increased tibia breaking strength. There were significant Leu × Val interactions for villus height, crypt depth, and goblet cell numbers. Val at 0.84% maximized the development of the jejunum at the lower Leu level, while goblet cell number and crypt depth were impaired by increments of Val at the higher level of Leu. In conclusion, increasing the level of Val in low-protein grower diets significantly improved performance, bone and jejunum development of broilers, and its interaction with Leu was important. Therefore, these two amino acids (AAs) and the possibility of Gly-Glu fortification must be considered when formulating low-protein broiler diets.

Keywords: bone traits, branched-chain amino acids, broilers, gut histology, performance
Anthropogenic impacts on the composition and population density of migratory and resident birds of selected wetlands sectors in northern Nigeria
Authors: Edegbene A.O.
Published: June 2020

In recent times, there has been decrease in the number of migratory and resident birds in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands in Nigeria. This, no doubt, is a subject of concern to conservationist and the country at large. The effect of anthropogenic activities on the composition and population density of migratory and resident birds in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria, were undertaken for a period of two months. Point-count method was used in data collection in two sectors of the wetlands: Ox-Bow Lake and Marma Channel. Visual observation and interaction with the locals around the wetlands were used to assess the level of anthropogenic influences and scored on a scale of 0-5. Forty-five species of migratory and resident birds were recorded of which 25 were resident while 14 and 6 were migratory and Afro-migrant respectively. A total of 32,442 and 2,218 individual birds were recorded in Ox-Bow Lake and Marma Channel respectively. Garganey (Anas querquedula) was the highest recorded species during the survey and it was preponderant in Ox-Bow Lake. Garganey was also more densely populated (903.76 birds/hectares). Canonical correspondence analysis showed that washing/bathing and open defecation negatively affected the composition of Anas querquedula and Anas acuta. The study revealed Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands to be under threat. Therefore, appropriate enforcement of laws guiding migratory birds in Nigeria is hereby recommended.

Keywords: Anthropogenic activities; bird population density; migratory birds; Garganey (Anas querquedula); Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands; Nigeria
Environmental Factors and Human Resource Management in Local Government Administration in Nigeria
Authors: Wilson Goddey
Published: June 2020

Human resource management is the mobilisation of available human resource in the organization to achieve the organizational goals. Human resource management activities are not devoid of challenges in any organization, including Local Government Councils in Nigeria; hence, this study identified such challenges as environmental factors and classified it as internal and external environmental factors affecting human resource management in Nigerian Local Governments. These factors were identified on account of the observed irregularities in human resource management policies and practice in the Local Government service. This study therefore aims at examining the environmental factors affecting human resource management in Nigerian local governments between 2010-2018. Data were collected from observations, interviews and  documented facts on the subject matter, while system theory was used to explain the interdependence of the various departments and its effects on human resource management in the Councils. The study findings identified poor capacity building and orientation, activities of trade unions, administrative policies and politics, capacity of the Council leadership, among others as internal factors; and political, social, legal, physical, etc., as part of the external environmental factors affecting human resource management in Nigerian Local Governments. The study concluded that the internal and external factors have significant effects on the human resource management and productivity of the Local Governments in Nigeria. This study further made some recommendations on strategies to achieve effective human resource management in Nigerian Local Governments.

Keywords: Staff development, Local Government, environmental factors, human resource management, organizational productivity.
Le Mariage Et La Dot Dans Les OEuvres De Buchi Emecheta Et De Calixthe Beyala
Authors: Siwoku-Awi O.F.
Published: June 2020

Le contexte réaliste qui inspire les oeuvres des deux romancières va influencer cette étude des personnages féminins créés par Buchi Emecheta et Calixthe Beyala qui seront analysés dans leur contexte romanesque et seront reliés à la réalité quotidienne. Les deux auteures sont ressortissantes des cultures et des aires linguistiques différentes : Buchi Emecheta, anglophone du Nigeria et Calixthe Beyala, francophone du Cameroun. Bien que l’on soutienne l’idée que les Africains partagent les memes cultures, cet article vise à concrétiser cette opinion tout en relevant également les convergences et les divergences dans les perspectives des deux auteures. Les personnages ont été etudiés dans le cadre patriarcal qui occasionne leur réaction et détermine leur disposition psychique. Cet article mettra en relief quelques exigences patriarcales contraignantes et aliénantes qui relèguent la femme au deuxième rang et étouffent son existence. Il abordera le sujet du mariage et de la dot qui sont les moyens adoptés par le système patriarcat pour contrôler le corps et la sexualité de la femme. Les auteures amènent aussi le lecteur à se retrouver dans le fil de narration des évènements réels auxquels il pourrait s’identifier.

Mots clés: sexualité, dot, mariage, contraintes patriarcales
International university rankings as indicators for the quality of the Spanish universities
Authors: García F.
Published: June 2020

The mission of Spanish universities is to serve society by promoting the improvement of quality of life, culture and economic development. This objective is achieved through teaching, research, transfer and dissemination of knowledge. It is essential to ensure that the actions and strategies implemented by Spanish universities are guided by these objectives, which is why a quality control policy is essential. Within this policy, the comparison with foreign universities may be interesting, and institutions controlling for universities' quality are tempted to use international university rankings prepared by companies as a substitute for a more in-depth and adequate analysis. In this work it is verified that the most cited international rankings do not evaluate the quality, but the prestige of the universities based on mainly bibliometric criteria and surveys. In this way, a very partial view of the universities is obtained that does not consider the different functions that they have been entrusted with, at least in the case of Spain. Finally, some of the risks involved in using these rankings as guides in the definition of Spanish university policy are noted.
Hombres y mujeres velasquistas 1934-1972
Authors: Sosa Ximena
Published: June 2020

Este libro de Ximena Sosa es una contribución importante y original al estudio del período velasquista que transcurrió entre 1930 y1970 en Ecuador. La obra es el resultado de una investigación de largo aliento basada en la revisión de periódicos, hojas volantes, discursos, la obra escrita del presidente José María Velasco Ibarra y también entrevistas a mujeres y hombres de esa época. La autora combina creativamente aportes de los estudios sobre género y populismo, memoria y cultura política, con textos escritos a partir de las experiencias y rememoración de seguidores del presidente, así como de las élites, para analizar las complejidades y ambigüedades del velasquismo.