bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Abundance of Plant-parasitic Nematodes Associated with Amenity Trees in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Oseni L , Tanimola AA , Wokoma EC , Oladele AT 
Published: March 2021

Plant-parasitic nematodes contribute to unnoticeable damages which lead to gradual decline in the values and eventually death of amenity trees. Identification of these nematode pests is vital for their effective management. Reconnaissance survey was carried out to identify amenity tree species present in the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). Composite bulked soil and root samples (126) were collected from amenity trees in UNIPORT and nematode pests were extracted from samples using modified Baerman method. The nematode pests were identified and their populations determined using standard procedures. Relative importance value (RIV) and diversity indices were calculated with appropriate software. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and with analysis of variance. 38 tree species were identified in UNIPORT belonging to 20 families. Terminalia mantaly, Cocos nucifera and Terminalia catappa with RIVs of 15.1, 9.35, and 9.12 respectively were the three most important amenity trees in UNIPORT. Fifteen nematode pest genera; Helicotylenchus, Aporcelaimus, Tylenchulus, Meloidogyne, Scutelonema, Pratylenchus, Tylenchus, Rotylenchoides, Criconema, Hemicyliophora, Trichodorus, Mesodorylaimus, Heterodera, Paratylenchus and Longidorus were associated with 21 of the amenity trees. The three most important nematode pest genera were Helicotylenchus, Tylenchulus and Aporcelaimus with RIVs of 42%, 16% and 5.34%, respectively. Helicotylenchus (RIV 45.41%) and Tylenchulus (RIV 30%) were the most important plant-parasitic nematode genera in the soil and roots of amenity trees, respectively. Helicotylenchus, Tylenchulus and Aporcelaimus were the three most important plant-parasitic nematode genera associated with amenity trees in UNIPORT.
Keywords: Amenity trees, Diversity indices, Identification, Nematode pests, Survey
Evaluation of Emissions of 2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol Degradation Products by adding Degradation Reactions to the Carbon Dioxide Capture Unit
Authors: Osagie EI 
Published: March 2021

Degradation is a major problem which poses lots of emission risk during chemical absorption process with amine solvents. Degradation occurs through irreversible side reactions with CO2 and other flue gas components, forming into products that cannot easily regenerate. The degradation products then react with amines to form thermally stable salts, which accumulate in the system over time. The problems associated with degradation include decreased plant equipment life, foaming, corrosion, high solution viscosity, and increased operating cost. Amines capture about 70 90% CO2 from commercial power stations. These high removal rates have many environmental impacts due to their degradation products. Researchers have therefore shown interest in characterising and quantifying atmospheric emissions of amines and their degradation products. In this study, 2-Amino-2-Methyl-1-Propanol (AMP) degradation reactions were included into a largescale capture plant model to evaluate the influence of process variables, the emissions of AMP and its degradation products. Steadystate simulations were performed using Aspen Plus® V8.4 software to provide a full assessment of the degradation products and their impact on the capture process. This assessment is important because it identifies and quantifies all pollutants emitted from the process plant. The results of the simulation indicate that AMP emissions are 3.04E+03mg/Nm3 of CO2 lean flue gas, while the quantity of AMP lost due to degradation was 37.88kg/s for the largescale capture plant. The results further showed that among the gases emitted, ammonia was highest, while acetone was the highest gas formed. In this study, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) degradation reactions were included into a largescale carbon dioxide (CO2) capture plant model to evaluate the influence of process variables, AMP emissions and its degradation products. Steadystate simulations were performed using Aspen Plus® V8.4 software to provide a full assessment of the degradation products and their impact on the largescale AMP capture process. The results of the equilibrium model developed in this study revealed that AMP emissions are 3.04E+03mg/Nm3 of CO2 lean flue gas, while the quantity of AMP lost due to degradation was 37.88kg/s for the largescale capture plant. More importantly, the emissions obtained from the PWOD and PWD are 7.80E+03 mg/Nm3 and 9.82E+03 mg/Nm3 of CO2 respectively.
Keywords: oxidative degradation, 2amino2methyl1 propanol, emissions, modelling
Rare Earth Elements of Ajali Sandstone, SW, Anambra Basin in Nigeria: Implication for Soil Genesis
Authors: Ilevbare M 
Published: March 2021

The Ajali Sandstone, South-western, Anambra Basin, was studied for Rare Earth Elements (REEs), using a Phillips 45 channel Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Emission Spectrometer. The standard deviation of the REEs (Dy, Er, Eu, Y, Yb, La and Nd) averages 3.5 mg/L, 0.34 mg/L, 0.32 mg/L, 3.93 mg/L, 1.96 mg/L, 4.02 mg/L and 2.24 mg/L respectively for each of the sampled locations. The REEs concentrations showed both positive and negative concentration anomalies. The enrichment or depletion of the REEs is generally attributed to their tendency to be incorporated into plagioclase preferentially over other minerals. The Ajali Formation is predominantly sand/sandstone, with clay occurring only as intercalations/thin beds of clay drapes with the increasing particle size of the sand grains, makes the rate of adsorption and distribution of REEs in the soil low, and explains the low values of REEs concentration. Soil organic matter (SOC) plays an important role in the adsorption and migration of REEs in the Ecosystems. The SOC is linearly associated with REEs Concentration as it increases with increasing content of SOC. The Ajali Sandstone studied falls in the vicinity of abandoned cropland to cropland in a lower/gentle slope region, correspondingly low in soil organic matter content and as such slow rate of distribution and migration of REEs concentrations in the Ajali Sandstone. The sesquioxides such as Fe oxides increases as REEs contents increases. The 0.46 mean value of Fe2O3 in the Sandstone of the area studied implies a low REEs adsorption rate and subsequently the very low REEs concentrations of the soils. The istribution of REEs within the Ajali Formation soils were grossly affected by the factors that influenced the adsorption and migration rate of the minerals during magmatic fractionation process, hence the low REEs concentration of the Sediments.
Keywords`: Sansdstone, Anambra Basin, Rare Earth Elements, Magmatic fractionation
Grain Size and Heavy Minerals Analysis of Maastrichtian Sandstone, Anambra Basin, Nigeria: Implication for Aquifer Properties
Authors: Ilevbare M , Imasuen OI 
Published: March 2021

The Maastrichtian sediments of Anambra Basin, south western Nigeria was studied for grain characteristics and maturity of the sediments, so that by combining sedimentological characteristics, maturity and its paleoenvironment of deposition of the Ajali sandstone, in order to ascertain the aquifer properties of the groundwater within the study area and by extension the availability of drinking water for both the urban and rural settlers. Grain size analysis (51 samples) and heavy mineral analysis (15 samples each) were analyzed. The textural parameters show that the Sandstone are medium sand, poorly to moderately sorted, coarse to strongly coarse skewed with mesokurtic to leptokurtic grains. The heavy minerals present in lithologic sand and sandstone units of Ajali Formation are mainly zircon, rutile, tourmaline, apatite, staurolite, and opaque minerals (Goethite, hematite, ilmenite), these heavy minerals found in the sandstone are associated with igneous and metamorphic source which indicates that these maastritchian sediments are from basement complex rock The ZTR index of 67.96% and the values of the kurtosis indicates a sub-mature sandstone to mature sandstone, which gives an excellent aquifer properties. Also, the paleoenvironment of deposition of the Maastrichtian sediments is Fluvial. The sand and sandstone bodies deposited in a fluvial system have sheet-like geometries and due to the differences in the extent of aquifer compartmentalization, Sandstone deposited in fluvial environment normally has better hydraulic conductivity which again reveals a good aquifer property. The sedimentological characteristics for the Sandstone exposed at Fugar and environs, is a coarsening upward sequence (increasing grain sizes) with a progressive increase in sorting. since hydraulic conductivity increases with increasing grain sizes and sorting, hence, excellent aquifer characteristics for the groundwater within the study area. The foregoing revealed that the aquifer geometry and properties of the study areas is favourable for the availability of drinking water for both the Urban and rural dwellers within these communities.
Keywords: Aquifer geometry, groundwater, hydraulic conductivity, Anambra Basin
African Star Apple: Potentials and Application of Some Indigenous Species in Nigeria
Authors: Adekanmi D.G. , Olowofoyeku A.E. 
Published: March 2021

Many research in food and pharmaceuticals are focused on the use of materials as close to nature as possible to limit exposure to harmful synthetic substances. Alternatives are being sought for popular plant based materials leading to increased attention to underutilized plants and creating ripple effects in agriculture, agribusiness, health and pharmaceuticals. A plant that is attaining prominence in Nigeria and in the rain forests of West Africa is the African Star Apple. The plant is best known for the juicy pulp of its fruit but the traditional therapeutic use of parts of the plants are also common. Some authors have investigated and documented some benefits obtained from its leaves, stem, root and fruits. This paper focuses on the features, food and pharmaceutical potentials of the oil, flour, extracts and gum form the African Star Apple. Its fruit is rich in minerals and antioxidant while extracts from various parts of the plant have good antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The review also reveals that the AfricanStar Apple has many potential food and pharmaceutical applications that are yet to be explored.
Keywords: African Star Apple, Chrysophyllum albidum, Phytochemicals, Gum, Extracts.
In Vitro Assay of Bacterial Load on Some Ruminant Hide and Skin from North Western Nigeria
Authors: Zungum I.U. , Imam T.S. , Benjamin B. , Moisule A. , Daya M.G. , Abubakar T. , Bala Z.M. , Peter D.D. 
Published: March 2021

Consumption of meat is considered a vital source of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals which makes it a critical dietary requirement for humans and other organisms. However, in Sub Saharan Africa, despite accounting for a large chunk of livestock production, it is in short supply due to poverty and cultural practices. Hence, encourages the demand and consumption of other meat products such as singed ruminant hide and skin. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of singeing on bacterial population of hides and skin of cattle, camel, goat and sheep sold for human consumption in the seven North-western states of Nigeria using standard methods. Data obtained for the bacteria load showed that the highest mean count for singed hides and skins of cattle, camel, goat and sheep mean log10 CFU/g;5.10±0.13, 5.08±0.10, 5.06±0.05 and 5.05±0.09 respectively which were less than the unsigned (control), mean log10 CFU/g5.71±0.02, 5.70±0.03, 5.71±0.02 and 5.69±0.08. The high occurrence ofbacteria was slightly within unacceptable limits for the ruminant hides and skin sampleslog10 CFU/g; cattle: 5.22 camel: 5.19, goat: 5.23 and sheep: 5.19. This require urgent mitigation as it is slightly contaminated. However, the lower bacterial counts taken for ruminant sampleslog10 CFU/g; cattle: 4.82, camel: 4.83, goat: 4.84 and sheep: 4.79 were all within the marginal acceptable standard. Succinctly, 60% of the ruminant hides and skin samples require correctional measures whereas, 40% were out rightly contaminated. Hence, urgent action is needed across the abattoirs of Northwestern states of Nigeria to curtail the tide of unsafe hides and skin consumptions. Conclusively, the study established as thus; significantly, Singeing reduces (p < 0.05) the bacterial load on ruminant hides and skin and all samples were considerably high and exceeding the WHO satisfactory level.
Keywords:Hide and skin, Ruminant, Meat, Singeing, Abattoir and Northwestern Nigeria
Heavy Metals Contamination of Soil in the Vicinity of Hawassa Industrial Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Samuel B. , Solomon S. , Daniel F. , Zinabu G.M. , Riise G. 
Published: March 2021

Industrial effluents, containing heavy metals, drain directly into downstream water sources within the Hawassa Industrial Zone. These, water sources are used for irrigation, drinking water and other domestic purposes. The load of pollutants, environmental risks and potential human impacts are generally, unknown for soil in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of heavy metal pollution of soil within the Hawassa Industrial Zone and to evaluate environmental impacts using contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (Cd), modified degree of contamination (mCd), ecological risk factor (Er), ecological risk index (ERI) and pollution load index (PLI) analyses. Seven heavy metals: Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb were determined in soil samples from three different sites by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Average concentration of metals decreased in the order of Zn>Cu>Cr>Ni>Pb>As>Cd consistent with the normal order of abundance in non-polluted soils. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in the concentrations of Cu, As, Cd and Pb among the sampling sites. Pearson’s correlation, principal component and cluster analyses revealed that heavy metals are originating from different sources. Within the industrial area, the CF increased in the order of Pb<Cd<Zn<As<Cu<Cr<Ni. The result of Cd revealed that there was considerable to very high contamination of the soil. The mCd index showed moderate contamination of the soils. The Er increased in the order of Zn<Cr<Pb<Cu<Ni<As<Cd and the result of the ERI value revealed considerable ecological risk for the soils. Overall, the study showed that the soils within the Hawassa Industrial Zone are highly contaminated with heavy metals. Therefore, regular monitoring of heavy metals concentration in soil and policy interventions with respect to waste disposal are recommended.
Keywords: Heavy metals, potential ecological risks, pollution load index, soil
Isolation and Characterization of Larvicidal Phenolic Acids from Kotschya thymodora Leaves
Authors: Daniel I.J. , Innocent E. , Sempombe J. , Mugoyela V. , Fossen T. 
Published: March 2021

Malaria is a vector borne disease responsible for high morbidity, mortality and poverty in many tropical and subtropical countries. The disease is transmitted through a bite from an infected female Anopheles mosquito, amongst which Anopheles gambiae s.s serves as the most prevalent vector. The control of An. gambiae s.s population can therefore lead to a reduction in malaria spreading. Previous studies have reported the crude extracts of Kotschya thymodora to be active against the larvae of An. gambiae s.s and Culex quinquefasciatus. In this report the phytochemical study on the crude aqueous ethanolic extract of K. thymodora leaves led to isolation of vanillic acid (1) and protocatechuic acid (2). The structures of these compounds and mosquitoes larvicidal activity against An. gambiae s.s were established by using spectroscopic techniques and WHO protocol of 1996 respectively. The two phenolic acids exhibited a moderate mosquito larvicidal activity with LC50 of 77.35 μg/mL (vanillic acid, 1) and 62.4 μg/mL (protocatechuic acid, 2) after 48 hrs exposure time. This is the first report on the isolation of the two phenolic acids from plants belonging to the genus Kotschya and their larvicidal potential against An. gambiae s.s.
Keywords: larvicidal activity, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, Anopheles gambiae s.s and Kotschya thymodora
Quality Assessment and Suitability Evaluation of Soils under Tuber-based Cropping System in Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyolanu O.D. , Oluwatosin G.A. , Denton A.O. , Adelana A.O. , Are K.S. , Adediran J.A. 
Published: March 2021

Crop yields together with economic and social benefits of farming depend in part on land management and soil quality. Soil management and cropping systems have long-term effects on agronomic and environmental functions. This study aimed at assessing soils under yam-based cropping systems for quality and suitability so as to enhance sustainable production. The study was carried out in Katsina Ala local government area of Benue state where yam is a major crop. Sixteen modal profile were dug, described for characterization and suitability evaluation. Ten cluster locations were selected and twenty soil samples randomly collected within each cluster. The soils were subjected to laboratory analyses and results subjected descriptive statistics. Suitability of the soils for yam, citrus and groundnut were evaluated using parametric approach and soil quality of the area was assessed using Relative Soil Quality Indices (RSQI). The soils encountered are sandy to silty in nature with some having plinthite at depth. The soils, classified as Alfisol, Entisol and Inceptisol are moderately (S2) to highly suitable S1) for the three crops and have moderate to high quality for crop production with percentage soil quality index ranging from 60. 37 to 74.31 %. Soils of the study site are of good quality and are suitable for production of yam, citrus and groundnut. However, because yam is a great feeder and tropical soils are fragile making them prone todegradation, there is need for maintenance of soil fertility through organic matter management for sustainable use.
Keywords: soil quality, suitability, yam, cropping systems, soil management
Contribution of the extractive industry to sustainability in the Middle East and North African (MENA) Region
Authors: Akinsemolu Adenike A. 
Published: March 2021

The extractive industry has great potential for mobilizing financial support as well as physical, technological, and human resources to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article traces developments in the industry with a view to identifying existing gaps in knowledge and the proactive measures needed to ensure that the extractive industry makes a crucial contribution to the society. More specifically, this article explores the historical and current contributions that extractive industries have on social development, political stability, and economic prosperityin the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Practical and specific examples are used to show the progress made in the attainment or support of the SDGs. The first finding is that the extractive industry in the region has the potential and opportunity to contribute to the attainment of all the 17 SDGs. The second finding is that despite the extractive industry being diverse, the nature and scope of typical activities highlight that various common opportunities can be leveraged on to achieve progress on the SDGs. Thirdly, an unprecedented level of stakeholder cooperation is needed to attain the SDGs. Finally, extractive industries in the MENA region are lagging in furthering SDGs because their activities contribute to environmental degradation.
Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals; Mining; Middle East; NorthAfrica; Environmental Sustainability.
Comparative analysis of green bond regimes in Nigeria and China
Authors: Oche Alex 
Published: March 2021

Climate change has taken the centre stage in the debate of most governments around the world. At regional and international levels, efforts are being made to manage the problems emanating as a result of climate change. Response to the climate change can be summarized under two headings, namely, adaptation and mitigation measures. These measures do not come by cheaply, however. They are capital intensive; hence private sector funds will be needed to fund these adaptation and mitigation projects as public sector funding has remained insufficient. One way to mobilize private sector funds to tackle climate change is by using green bonds. But for green bonds to achieve its potentials as a sustainable investment tool, there must be a solid regulatory framework for the green bond market. Towards that end, this article analyses soft law instruments as well as national green bond regulations of Nigeria and China. It has been discovered that the Climate Bonds Standard and the Green Bond Principles form the basis of most jurisdictions of green bond regulations. nevertheless, due to regulatory arbitrage, there is no consensus green standard, and this poses a governance challenge to the green bond market. The article concludes that much of the responsibilities in setting green standards and enforcement of green standards rest on the domestic green bond regulations, and this can only be achieved with water-tight regulations for green bonds at domestic levels.
Keywords: Climate Change; Green Bonds; Nigeria; China.
Modelling and Analysis of Photovoltaic System under Partially Shaded Conditions using Improved Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Sani S. , Olarinoye G.A. , Okorie P.U. 
Published: March 2021

With the increasing penetration of solar electricity in residential, institutional and commercial centres around the globe, the phenomenon of partial shading (PS) in Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is gaining attention. Under Partial shading condition (PSC), cells that are shaded tends to have an equivalent current with cells that are unshaded in series-connection, due to this, the shaded cells operates in reverse bias and consequently becomes load and consumes the generated power. This causes a serious problem known as hotspot. This is characterized by the presence of excessive heat which consequently reduces the total generated power. Recently, researchers use the technique of bypass diodes across the PV cells so that the problem of partial shading can be reduced, but this solution taken alone, has made the nonlinearity and complexity of the system to increase. The shaded cells generate multiple peaks with only one global peak. Conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms do not differentiates the global peak from local peaks which may end up tracking local peak as global peak, this results in serious power loss. This paper seeks to solve this problem by modelling a PV system under PSC and through the application of Improved Harmony Search algorithm (IHSA) and variable step Perturb & Observe (P&O) to track the global peak instead of local peaks. Simulation was done in MATLAB/Simulink 2018a environment, and the results under standard test condition (STC) and PSC showed that the proposed IHSA had an improvement of 25%, 3.17% and 2.27%, 3.07% and 2.21%, 3.26% and 2.26% when compared with the improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) under STC and PSC conditions respectively, which had a better advantage of minimizing power oscillation and improving the efficiency of the system, improved MPPT tracking, reduced error and a better tracking efficiency in both conditions.
Keywords: MPPT, photovoltaic system, partial shading, tracking efficiency, Harmony search algorithm