Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Visibility Analysis for Surveillance Purposes in Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
No full textVisibility analysis determines the perceptibility of certain areas from a given viewpoint or set of viewpoints for surveillance purposes to thwart the security challenges in Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola. The study conducted a visibility analysis to identify optimal locations for CCTV surveillance at MAU, Yola, in order to address security concerns. Using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) as the primary dataset, the study analyzed the terrain in ESRI ArcMap 10.4.1 to visualize elevation and landscape structure. Twelve high-elevation points were selected as potential CCTV camera locations. A visibility analysis was carried out using these points, treating the DEM as a raster surface and the selected locations as observer points. Observer parameters included surface and observer offsets, viewing radii, and angles. Observer height was varied (2.50m, 6.00m, and 10.00m), revealing that increasing observer height expanded the visible area while reducing blind spots. However, some areas remained obscured due to tall buildings and vegetation. The study concluded that visibility analysis is a valuable tool for planning surveillance infrastructure, highlighting its importance in enhancing campus security
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Based Precision AS-Built Surveying for Institutional Buildings
No full textThis study presents a 3D as-built survey of newly constructed laboratory buildings at Bells University of Technology using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology. As-built surveys are essential for documenting deviations between original engineering designs and the actual constructed features. The objectives of this research include acquiring aerial imagery via UAV, identifying both natural and manmade features within the project area, generating a high-resolution orthophoto, and evaluating the as-built data against the original architectural design. The methodology employed GPS and UAVs for spatial data acquisition, alongside digital processing tools such as Agisoft Metashape Professional, AutoCAD Carlson 2021, and Agisoft Viewer for modeling and analysis. Comparative analysis between architectural and observed measurements revealed minimal deviations, ranging from 0 cm to 9 cm. Overlaying the final building footprints on Google Earth further confirmed spatial accuracy. The findings demonstrate that the constructed structures closely align with the intended design, validating the reliability of UAV-based 3D as-built surveys. This research highlights the effectiveness of UAV technology in producing accurate, cost-efficient, and timely documentation for construction verification, facility management, and future planning
Assessment of Deforestation in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria, using Geospatial Techniques
No full textDeforestation is one of the leading environmental threat which causes a lot of negative impact to the environment resulting from excessive logging of trees, population growth and urbanization, bush fire, agricultural expansion and traditional medicine, lumbering and overgrazing for economic and other uses. The research aimed at assessing the level of deforestation at different epochs in the study area. It was achieved by performing Land use/ Land Cover for multiple time period using maximum likelihood algorithm. It also determined the rate of changes that occurred during the epoch, and it also assessed the level of deforesting. The methodology involves acquiring satellite imageries for multiple time periods, thus Landsat 7 ETM of 2010 and Landsat 8 OLI of 2015, 2020 and 2024 were employed. The satellite imageries were processed in ArcGIS, Land use Land Cover Classes were classified in to six different land cover classes, thus water Bodies, less dense vegetation, dense vegetation, built up areas, bare surface area and others. Image classification was used to detect alteration in land cover types. Area for land cover classes for the various epoch, 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2024 and percentage changes were obtained. Results obtained shows loss of vegetation cover by -63% from 2010 to 2024, while built up area, bare land, others were increasing as a result of population expansion. The loss of vegetation cover was as a result of urbanization, economic and agricultural expansion as a result of increase in population. It provided valuable insights into the dynamics of deforestation in the study area and recommended the integration of GIS and remote sensing technique to be employed to determine the causes of deforestation, its effect and how to mitigate it for sustainable environmental development
Proximate composition and cost benefit analysis of smoked Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus treated with some natural spices
No full textThis study evaluated the impact of smoking combined with natural spices (salt, clove, garlic, and ginger) on the nutritional value and profitability of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus. The fish samples undergo hot smoking after treatment with the spices, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA at a significance level of p<0.05. Result from proximate composition of Clarias gariepinus showed a moisture range of 4.59-57.20%, ash 7.32-16.08%, fat 7.61-13.94%, crude protein 25.72-53.13%, nitrogen-free extract 2.15-17.26%, and dry matter 42.80-95.41%. Similarly, the result obtained from Oreochromis niloticus showed a moisture range of 3.57-55.5%, ash 9.39-17.96%, fat 6.30-10.27%, crude protein 24.62-49.25%, nitrogen-free extract 5.14-23.46%, and dry matter 44.50-96.43%. The profitability results of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus indicated the total variable cost of production for all items incurred is ₦13,650 and ₦10,650, respectively. The total revenue generated per 1 kg of smoked Clarias gariepinus ranges from ₦10,000-₦10,630 (T1-T4), while ₦7,500-₦8,050 (T1-T4) were generated from the price of smoked Oreochromis niloticus. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) obtained from the treatment was 3.278 T1, 2.912 T2, 3.156 T3, 3.181 T4, and T1 ₦3.260, T2 ₦2.775, T3 ₦3.128, T4 ₦3.163. Return on investment (ROI) for Clarias gariepinus ranges from ₦1.912-₦2.278 per ₦1 invested, whereas for Oreochromis niloticus it was ₦1.775-₦2.260 per ₦1 invested, respectively. Conclusively, incorporating spices before smoking enhances both the nutritional quality and profitability of Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus. While salt yielded the highest profit, ginger and garlic offered better nutrient profiles
Lipid profile and serum indices of broilers fed cassava peel meal-palm oil sludge diets as maize replacement
No full textThe study examined the lipid profile and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed diets containing cassava peel meal palm oil sludge (CPMPOS) as a mixture replacement for maize. A total of 96 day-old broiler chicks (40g initial mean weight) of the Agrited Ros 308 strain were used in this study, which lasted for eight weeks. The chicks were assigned to three dietary treatments with replaced levels of 0, 22.5, and 25% of CPMPOS mixture for maize. Each treatment was replicated four times with eight birds per replicate using a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. At the end of the feeding trial, 10mls of blood were collected from two birds per replicate from their brachial veins into non-heparinized bottles for biochemical assay. Results were subjected to one-way ANOVA. The study revealed that CPMPOS had no significant (p>0.05) effects on the lipid profile and serum electrolytes. The study therefore recommends the use of a 25% level of CPMPOS as a replacement for maize in broiler chicken diets without fear of compromising lipid and serum biochemical assays
Effect of sustainable agricultural intensification practices on cost efficiency of smallholder crop farmers in southeastern Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the effect of sustainable agricultural intensification practices on the cost efficiency of smallholder crop farmers in southeastern Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in selecting 360 respondents for the study. Simple descriptive tools (mean, frequencies, and percentages) as well as inferential statistics (stochastic frontier cost function) were employed in achieving the objectives. The maximum likelihood estimates of the stochastic cost function revealed that the explanatory variables; farm size, labor costs, fertilizer expenses, and capital investments were significantly and positively related to cost efficiency in the study area, while farming experience (p<0.05), years of education (p<0.05), age (p<0.01), distance to market (p<0.01), and adoption index (p<0.01) were significant and positively related to cost inefficiency. The cost efficiency distribution ranges from 0.10 – 0.77 with a mean of 0.136. This implies that farmers spent about 36% above the minimum cost of producing a unit of their output. The study concludes that multiple adoption of sustainable intensification practices increased the cost of production in the study area. The study thus recommends that farmers should be encouraged to leverage the cost-saving benefits of package adoption by training them on how to efficiently combine their inputs
Determinants of post-harvest losses of rice in north-east Nigeria
No full textPost-harvest losses, particularly along the rice value chain, have been identified as a source of food insecurity and reduction in income among the value chain actors. It is therefore necessary to determine the factors that influence post-harvest losses in the study area and also to assess the level of post-harvest losses so as to be able to provide a reliable policy stand that can help reduce these losses. Gombe, Taraba and Yobe States were purposively selected from the northeast in Nigeria because they are the major producers of rice in the zone. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire from 107 farmers, 106 processors, and 106 traders. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and machine learning were used to analyze the data. The result revealed that loss was highest for farmers at 189.22 kg/ha of paddy rice (₦112,500.00 at ₦643.00/kg) (1 naira = $0.00066), processors (10.22 kg/bag at ₦1100/kg), and marketers (3.22 kg/bag at ₦1100/kg) of milled rice. The household size, educational level, and farm size significantly affected post-harvest losses for farmers, while experience and access to credit significantly affected post-harvest losses for processors, and only distance significantly influenced post-harvest losses for marketers. It was therefore recommended that the government should intensify efforts and investment in rural infrastructure facilities such as good roads, stable electricity, and storage facilities in addition to providing adequate training to the value chain actors. 
Textural and quality characteristics of doughnuts produced from wheat and date flours as sugar substitute
No full textSnacks are important short meals, and sugar is a key component in most snack and food products. However, many health challenges have been linked to the consumption of sugar. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of date fruit flour as a sugar substitute at varying proportions on the textural and quality characteristics of doughnuts made from wheat flour. Doughnuts were produced from blends of wheat and date fruit flour in the following proportions: 95:5 (W95D5), 90:10 (W9s0D10), 85:15 (W85D15), 80:20 (W80D20), and 100% wheat flour (W100) as the control. The flour blends were kneaded, shaped, and deep-fried in hot vegetable oil at a constant temperature of 130°C for 10 min. Textural and colour parameters of the doughnuts were determined using a Model CT310K Texture Analyzer and a Chroma Meter CR-410, respectively. The functional properties of the wheat-date flour blends (WDF) were evaluated using standard procedures. The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the textural properties of the doughnuts. The color values L* (33.93 - 46.63), a* (2.51 - 6.45), and b* (3.11 - 11.59) revealed noticeable changes with increasing substitution levels of date fruit flour. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the overall acceptability of the control sample (W100) compared to the W95:D5 and W90:D10 doughnut samples. These findings revealed that date fruit, as a natural sweetener, can sustainably replace refined sugar and enhance the nutritional profile of snack products
Ecological assessment of tree species composition and diversity in Federal University Dutsin-Ma Take-off campus, Katsina State, Nigeria
No full textABSTRACT
The study assessed tree species diversity in the Federal University Dutsin-Ma Take-off campus (FUDMA), Katsina state, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling was employed for the study, with the study area stratified into five different locations, and Plots of 20 x 20m were laid across sample sites. All trees within the plots were recorded with their Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) measured. One hundred and sixty one (161) individual trees belonging to seven (7) families were encountered in the study area. Azadirachta indica (RA = 48.447%) was the most abundant specie. Out of the recorded number of tree species, second gate, clinic, mosque and sport complex areas had the highest number of trees, each having 46(29%), 35(22%), 31(19%), 30(19%) respectively, while senate building recorded the lowest number of tree species, having 19 (11%). The local status of tree species revealed that majority (33.33%) were abundant and 25% were threatened/endangered. The pooled mean for the DBH of the trees in the study area was 0.498m. The Shannon-Wienner and Simpson indices ranged between 0.468-1.778 and 0.238-0.809 respectively. The record of rare and threatened indigenous tree species in the study suggests that little attention had been given to regeneration and management of these species. The need to raise more seedlings especially for threatened and endangered species for both enrichment planting and increased afforestation of the campus is opined in this study. Likewise that existing tree species within the campus be further protected from various forms of threats
Customary Law, Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
No full textGender equality, as a constitutional and customary law issue, is a recurring subject in academic debate. The relationship between law and development is also gaining recognition. However, insufficient attention has been given to the place of customary law in the latter discourse despite its role in the former. This paper established a nexus between customary law and development, particularly the sustainable development goal of gender equality and related goals adopted by the United Nations. The study utilised the doctrinal method of research by examining customary law to expose the practices which hinder development. It was found that customs which exclude women from land ownership or subject them to early marriage and other unfair treatment contribute to poverty, inequalities and inability to access basic needs which are indicators of development. The study showed that in spite of judicial pronouncements on the equal rights of women to property, as well as constitutional and legislative prohibitions on gender discrimination, many prejudicial customary practices persist in Nigeria, with far-reaching implications on the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The paper proposed, amongst other recommendations, conscious reforms and the codification of customary law to meet society’s developmental needs