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SIMULTANEOUS REDOX CONVERSION OF CHROMIUM(VI) AND ARSENIC(III) IN AQUEOUS PHASE: A KINETIC AND MECHANISTIC APPROACH
Get PDFA kinetic and mechanistic approach was used to study the oxidation of As(III) and reduction of Cr(VI) simultaneously in aqueous phase, and in the presence of Fe(III) ions as well as dissolved organic matter (DOM) obtained from saw dust (SD), maize cob (MC), groundnut husk (GH) and rice husk (RH). Rate of reduction of Cr(VI) and oxidation of As(III) in aqueous phase by DOM was also carried out. Reactions were monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The stoichiometry of the reaction was 1 : 3 (). Reaction products were identified as Cr(III) and As(III). DOM was confirmed by its UV absorption, having λmax of 250 nm, 260 nm, 256 nm and 260 nm for SD, MC, GH and RH respectively, and infrared spectral, having the major absorption bands as 2500 – 3500 cm−1 and 650 - 770 cm−1 (O-H stretching and out of plane bending groups), 2500 – 3500 cm−1, 1350 – 1470 cm−1 and 690 – 900 cm−1 (C–H stretching, deformation, and bending and ring puckering respectively), 1650–1800 cm−1 (C=O stretching of COOH), 1620 – 1680 cm−1 (alkene/aromatic C=C stretching), 970–1250 cm−1 (C–O stretching of alcohols/phenols) 880–995 cm−1 and 1395 – 1440 cm−1 (=C–H out of plane bending/C-O-H bending) respectively. Pseudo-first order plots for the oxidation of As(III) and reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous phase were linear, indicating that the reactions were first order with respect to and . Hence, the overall reaction was second order. The rate equation for the reaction has been proposed as
–d[]/dt = [][]
where k2 is the second order rate constant. Rate of redox reaction of As(III) with Cr(VI) was not affected by ions within the concentrations range investigated and increased with increase in the volumes of DOM. However, the increment was highest with SD and fairly the same with the other agro wastes. The rate depended on pH with rate decreasing with increase in pH of the acidic range and increasing with increase in pH of the alkaline range, it increased with increase in ionic charge of the solution in the absence of DOM, and independent of the ionic strength when DOM was added. Reaction rate also increased with increase in temperature but having rate at 273 K seemingly lower than at 293 K for //DOM, almost the same with that at 305 – 308 K for /DOM and /DOM. The activation parameters; activation energy, Ea, enthalpy change, ∆H, and entropy change, ∆S were determined as; Ea of 83.31 kJmol-1 each for /GH, /RH and /SD couples were highest, while 44.38 kJmol-1 for //GH was lowest. ∆H were more negative (-80.85 kJmol-1) for /GH, /RH and /SD redox couples while // GH was lowest (-42.14 kJ mol-1). ∆S were most negative (-135.30 Jmol-1K-1) for //GH and less negative (-32.59 J mol-1 K-1) for the /GH, /RH and /SD redox couples. From the reactions /, a plausible mechanism involving an ester formation by the reactants leading to the eventual formation of As(V) and Cr(III) has been proposed
CHANGING PATTERNS OF MARKET CENTRES IN IDOMALAND OF CENTRAL NIGERIA, 1900 – 2000
No full textIdomaland in the twentieth century had well-structured commercial activities through efficient market and trade experiences that were indigenous to the area. Markets were more than venues for commercial transactions because other social, political and religious activities, among others, were integral to their functions. Market days among the Idoma in the twentieth century were periodic and there were many types of markets which can be grouped generally under major and subsidiary; all of which positively affected the Idoma economy. It is against this background that this study examined the changing patterns of market centres in Idomaland of Central Nigeria, 1900 – 2000, paying attention to colonial market centres settings and changing patterns of market centres in postcolonial Idomaland. The study adopted a multidisciplinary method involving methods from history and other disciplines such as Economics, Marketing, Geography, Sociology and Anthropology. The study observed that the results of the changes are both positive and negative. On the one hand, the changes created avenues for many people to be gainfully employed and increased the social capital of traders and market intermediaries. On the other hand, there have been disruptions in the ethos of exchange and distribution systems of goods and services; creation of artificial scarcity and hike in prices; and a rise in reported cases of delinquent behaviours. The work observed that, although Idoma society was largely agrarian in the twentieth century, its economy was dynamic and responded to the needs of the people in their historic relationship with their environment in the century. It was the interaction of this process as pertains to the overall existence that determined the type of markets and their transformation during the colonial and postcolonial periods. However, this study identified some gaps in the existing literature that justified the research. Such gaps include the paucity of literature on market centres in the area, the limitation in scope and depth of some works on markets and the generalization of some works on economic history generally without specific mention of Idomaland which our work is concerned with. Consequent upon this, the work suggests a number of policy options which if implemented, will harness the gains of the past and position the society to take advantage of contemporary situations. These include among others the provision of special credit scheme that will not demand high collateral or interest from market operators, opening up of market roads for the free flow of goods and services, the conduct of markets survey to determine among other things shop needs and requirements so as to encourage patronage, and expansion and general development of the area.CHANGING PATTERNS OF MARKET CENTRE
INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES ON THE PERCEIVED IMAGE OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE MAKURDI, NIGERIA
No full textThis study “Influence of Public Relations Activities on the Perceived Image of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria”, sought to examine the influence of public relations activities on the perceived image of Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Survey research method was adopted using questionnaire and interview as research instruments. Two-way Symmetric Model and Systems Theory were used to explain the study. Findings revealed that public relations, and indeed University of Agriculture, Makurdi, adopts different strategies which include providing social amenities such as bole holes, extension of electricity to the host community, giving scholarship and employment to the publics in order to build positive image. Other, findings revealed that the image built by University of Agriculture, Makurdi can be sustained through constant carrying out of research on the implementation of its community relations programmes to assess public reaction, and carryingout corporate social responsibility function to the community. Findings also showed that the public relations unit of the University is faced with the challenges of inadequate funds and lack of basic skills to carry out its public relations functions effectively. The conclusion is that the utilization of public relations activities in University of Agriculture, Makurdi, is on the average. Many strategies used such as providing social amenities to the host community, giving scholarship and employment to the publics have helped in building positive image of the institution. The study recommended among others, that there is need for University of Agriculture, Makurdi to provide adequate funds to public relations unit in order to enhance its performance, hence acquiring the necessary facilities to meet up with the challenges of public relations.SEL
GLOBALIZATION AND THE CULTURE OF TIV PEOPLE IN MAKURDI LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.
No full textThe study assessed Globalization and the Culture of Tiv people in Makurdi local government area of Benue state. The objectives of the study were to identify the various parameters of globalization on the culture of Tiv people in Makurdi Local Government Area . To examine the changes in family values as a result of globalization among the Tiv people in the area. To evaluate the consequences of globalization on family values among Tiv people and to establish measures that can be adopted to reduce the influence of globalization on family values among the Tiv people of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. Data was collected using questionnaire, focused group discussion and interview as survey tools. The study used sample size of 240 respondents randomly drawn in six wards of the area. The study found out that the religion of Tiv people in the area is predominantly Christianity. The study also found that Tiv ways of socialization have been taken over by western socialization. The research found out that, the people of the area prefer bride price marriage to other kinds of marriages. The study also found that most of the respondents do not know how to read and write Tiv language. The study found again that traditional diseases that were mainly treated traditionally are now treated in the hospitals. More so the study found that in the recent times Tiv people prefer both sexes to school. The study therefore concluded based on findings that globalization has affected the family values of Tiv people among Makurdi local government area. The study therefore recommends awareness creation and sensitization of the Tiv people on the need to retain her family values, Tiv subject as well as cultures should be taught in both primary and secondary schools and made compulsory for Tiv students. Traditional rulers and stakeholders should reawaken Tiv religion as well as social cultures among other recommendations.SEL
A CRITIQUE OF G.W.F. HEGEL’S CONCEPT OF THE STATE
No full textABSTRACT
The concept of state is one of the concepts that have attracted social political discourse in all the epochs in the history of Western philosophy. G.W.F Hegel also lends his voice to the discourse on the concept of state. For Hegel, the State, as the third moment of Ethical Life, provides a synthesis between the principles governing the Family and those governing Civil Society. The rationality of the state is located in the realization of the universal substantial will in the self-consciousness of particular individuals elevated to consciousness of universality. Freedom becomes explicit and objective in this sphere. Since the state is mind objectified, it is only as one of its members that the individual has objectivity, genuine individuality, and an ethical life and the individual's destiny is the living of a universal life. Rationality is concrete in the state in so far as its content is comprised in the unity of objective freedom (freedom of the universal or substantial will) and subjective freedom (freedom of everyone in knowing and willing of particular ends); and in its form rationality is in self-determining action or laws and principles which are logical universal thoughts (as in the logical syllogism). The problem in the context of this study which constitutes a gap that this study seeks to fill is that regarding the excess powers Hegel places on the state which even subsumes individual freedom and rights into it. This is a qualitative research. Data were sourced from books, journal articles, magazines as well as sources from the internet. As regards the method of data analysis, work employed the historical, expository and critical analytical methods of data analysis. The historical method was employed to locate Hegel on the philosophic history, while the expository method exposed of the concept of state as put forward by G. W. F. Hegel. Using the critical method, the ideas of Hegel were subjected to critical analysis to underscore the merits and demerits of his theory. The study found out that the Hegelian concept of state is utopian. The conclusion that is reached is that, the utopian nature of Hegelian concept of state notwithstanding, Hegel was a philosopher in his time and his thought on the state is quite imperative.SEL
AN EVALUATION OF JOHN LOCKE’S THEORY OF PROPERTY
No full textThe idea of possession, often referred to as property, has been a controversial issue in the philosophical circle. The study examined the theory of property as advanced by John Locke who emphasizes that one may only appropriate as much as one can use before it spoils, one must leave “enough and as good” for others and one may (supposedly) only appropriate property through one’s own labour. The work adopted the qualitative research methodology. Data for this study were sourced from books, journals, periodicals and the internet. The Historical, Expository and Evaluative methods were used. The historical method traced and situated previous conceptions of the concept ‘property’. The expository method presented John Locke’s concept of property in detail, while the Evaluative method advanced to asses the merits and demerits of Locke’s views. The researcher observed that some political leaders appropriate huge sums of money for selfish reasons, the act which falls short of Locke’s description and analysis of property. The work, therefore, concludes and recommends that, private accumulation of public resources should be vehemently discouraged and that appropriate disciplinary measures should be meted out to culprits so that the resources would be channeled towards human flourishing.SEL
IMMANUEL KANT’S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE AND HUMAN DIGNITY
No full textFrom ancient period to the contemporary time, philosophers have concerned themselves about man’s place in this world. The great German philosopher Immanuel Kant thought that human beings occupy a-special place in creation. In his view, human beings have “an intrinsic worth, that is, dignity,” which makes them valuable’ “above all price. Morality is the condition under which alone a rational being can be the end in itself, since only through this is it possible to be a lawgiving member in the king-dom of ends. Hence morality, and humanity insofar as it is capable of morality, is that which alone has dignity. Immanuel Kant in reaction to the problem of morality held that only one thing is good. According to him, the yardstick for measuring the goodness or badness of an action is the principle of universality; it is on this principle that Kant builds his notion of categorical imperative which commands what is good in itself. The study employed qualitative research design. Data were sourced from books, journals and periodicals. The historical, expository and evaluative methods were used. The Historical method was used to locate Kant’s thought on morality. The Expository method examined Kant’s understanding of morality in the context of categorical imperative in detail; while the Analytical method advanced the implication of Kant’s theory on human dignity in the contemporary society. The research found out that one of the greatest problems facing humanity in the contemporary era is that of moral decadence as it is filled with vices, lawlessness, immorality, self interpretation of morality such that causes incompatibility with others. Thus, categorical imperative according to Kant helps us to act, in all our decision making, for the sake of duty, only an acting for the sake of duty does our decision have a moral worth, and in doing so one acts out of reverence for the moral law. The study recommended that the application of the categorical imperative as a standard for morality will at least go a long way to help improve our contemporary society that is plagued by all manner of selfishness, lawlessness, immorality and loss of human dignity. The work therefore concluded that rational beings have a strict duty of beneficence toward other persons: we must strive to promote their welfare; we must respect their rights, avoid harming them, and generally “endeavour, so far as we can, to further the ends of others”. This is the universal standard of morality.SEL
THE ROLE OF THE THING-IN-ITSELF IN KANT’S CRITICAL PHILOSOPHY
No full textThis work examines the role of the thing-in-itself in Kant’s critical philosophy. Kant famously postulates a transcendental split between ‘the thing-in-itself’ and ‘the thing as it appears’. Attempts to come to terms with this aspect of Kant’s theory has generated intense debate in the literature and produced diverse schools of interpretations. Specifically, it argues the position that Kant employs the noumena/phenomena distinction to give a metaphysical account of one object (substance) with two properties, intrinsic (noumena) and extrinsic (phenomena) properties – what could be referred to as substance-category view of the thing-in-self. Understood as such, the work demonstrates for one that as controversial as it may appear, the thing-in-itself is not an arbitrary invention. Besides, Kant is shown not to be opposed to metaphysics i.e. the problem of affection, as it is sometimes argued. Kant may be opposed to a metaphysics-type, but favourably disposed towards good metaphysics. This work adopts the expository, historical and analytical methods in applying what could be referred to as a one world-metaphysical interpretation to Kant’s noumena/phenomena split.SEL
AN EXAMINATION OF WITTGENSTEIN’S CRITICISM’S OF RUSSELL’S THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
No full textThere has been a weighty argument that Ludwig Wittgenstein’s criticism on Bertrand Russell’s theory of knowledgemanuscriptmade Russell to changehis initial position on knowledge. For Russell, knowledge is that which we firmly believe if it is true, provided it is either intuitive or inferred (logically or psychologically) from intuitive knowledge. Russell in his epistemology distinguish between two ways in which we can be familiar with object: “knowledge by acquaintance” (our own sense data, momentary perceptions of color, sounds) and “knowledge by description” (everything else, including the physical objects themselves, which can only be inferred or reasoned to and not known directly), on the other hand, Russell multiple relation theory of judgement (MRTJ) which holds that a belief or judgement is not a two-place, or multiple, relation among the mind and the various entities concerning which it judges. The MRTJ Was the central focus of Wittgenstein censure.The study therefore examined Wittgenstein’s criticism ofRussell to see the extent to which Wittgenstein’s criticisms affect and influence subsequences change in Russell epistemological theory. The study critically examined Wittgenstein’s criticisms and the impact it made on Russell. Critical examination was taken on the precise nature of these criticisms and how exactly they undermine the manuscript as speculated. The research is a qualitative research. Data were sourced from textbooks, journals, periodicals and internet sources. Bertrand Russell theory of knowledge and multiple relation theory of judgement were adequately examined including Wittgenstein criticism’s using the evaluative and analytic methods. The evaluative method was used to examine the strength and weakness of Wittgenstein’s criticisms on Russell’s epistemological thinking and how Wittgenstein criticism has received exalted claims. The analytic method on the other was used to assess the values of Wittgenstein’s criticisms and it effect on Russell epistemology and its subsequences failures.Regardless of the accuracy of the speculation on the nature of Wittgenstein’s criticism, the research is of the view that Wittgenstein’s attack or criticism on Russell does not worth altering Russell’s epistemological theories.Indeed, findings in this research showed that, Wittgenstein’s criticism does not result in Russell’s abandonment of the theory of knowledge or the multiple relation theory of judgment. The study concludes that although Wittgenstein’s theory was inside full it did not affect Russell’s overall epistemological theories; however, it was instrumental in strengthening his epistemological theories.SEL
THEMES AND STYLE IN THE SONGS OF GARI KWAGHBO
No full textThis study aims at analysing themes and style in the songs of GariKwaghbo. The Tiv song genre has many rich performances, but most of them have not been given adequate scholarly attention. GariKwaghbo’s songs, for instance, have not adequately been studied. The only available studies on the work have merely looked at the panegyric and satiric aspects. In view of this, the dissertation sets out to advance the criticism of the oral poems, basically looking at their thematic and stylistic concerns. To achieve these, all the songs were collected, transcribed, translated and, of course, thematically and stylistically analysed. The study adopted the Functional Theory and Russian Formalism in making the analyses. Consequently, the study has found out that the Tiv song serves the basic need of preserving the historical materials and certain cultural aspects of the Tiv people for the purpose of feeding the present with past events that can help utilise the present and then organising the future in order to better harness the society by providing it with workable sources of qualitative data for cultural studies, as it were.SEL