Kwara State University Journals
Not a member yet
291 research outputs found
Sort by
THE RULE OF LAW AS THE LEGAL REMEDY FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP, ECONOMIC JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHT OBSERVANCE AND ECONOMIC STABILITY IN NIGERIA
Get PDFNigeria operates a constitutional democracy; and the basic principles of the rule of law are enshrined in its constitution. However, the manner in which the laws are used in practice are substantially different from the laws in the statute books in Nigeria. This is due to the objectionable degree of tyranny, impunity, injustice, cruelty and corruption due to the arbitrary use of discretionary powers by some state functionaries. This paper examines the application and observance of the basic principles of the rule law under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, considering, among other things, the salient provisions of the Nigeria’s constitution vis-a-vis the basic principles of effective leadership, economic justice and human rights observance. This article assesses the country’s compliance with these principles under the military and democratic dispensations, the impediment to and the significance of the observance of these principles alongside clues for pragmatic policies towards economic prosperity and stability. Applying both the doctrinal and the analytical legal research methodologies, it finds that the second generation rights codified under Chapter 2 of the Nigeria’s Constitution and its provisions as to independence of the judiciary is questionable. It finally recommends viable panaceas towards the rectification of the observed abnormalities
Effect of mulches on virus severity, growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) inoculated with cucumber mosaic virus
Get PDFTomato plays a major role in human nutrition but viruses cause severe constraints in terms of yield and quality. There is however meager information on the effectiveness of mulches to ameliorate virus severity in tomato. Greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effect of polythene middies and grass mulches on virus severity, growth and yield of tomato mechanically inoculated with cucumber mosaic virus (CMV).Tomato seeds were sown in plastic pots filled with sandy-loam soil previously steam-sterilised. Seedlings where inoculated with CMV 21 days after germination and no-mulch as experimental control. The results indicated mulching significantly (P > 0.05) ameliorated virus severity. At 7th WAI polythene middies and grass mulches had virus severity of 12.4% and 16.5% respectively compared with 20% non-mulch plants. Vine length was tallest in the polythene middies (13.3 – 58.1 cm) and grass mulch (14.8 – 49.9cm). The average number of leaves (38.4) and stem girth (3.1cm) were significantly low for non-mulch compared to other treatments. The effect on yield indicated fruit weights being significantly (P > 0.05) higher for polythene middies (322.3g) and grass (225.1g) mulches compared to non-mulch (164.5g). The study recommends polythene middies and grass as mulch in managing viral infection in tomato
Perspectives on chemistries of aqueous and non-aqueous batteries for renewable electricity storage
Get PDFThe role of batteries towards mitigating the challenge of intermittent nature of solar and wind electricity supply cannot be over-emphasised. Batteries are essential complements to solar and wind electricity as we seek to increase the proportion of renewable electricity in the global energy mix. Since batteries are devices for chemical-electrical energy inter-conversion, their usefulness depends on chemistry. This makes it imperative to improve on the chemistries of existing commercial batteries for grid-scale electricity storage applications. In this contribution, we examined the chemistries of lead-acid, zinc-alkaline, lithium ion, aluminium and liquid metal batteries vis-à-vis their utility for grid-scale electricity storage. Simple assembly and rugged cell operation are key advantages of lead-acid batteries despite their low specific capacity. Poor cycle life span and low cell voltage are the main weaknesses of zinc-alkaline batteries. Emerging zinc ion batteries with improve cycle life span can make zinc-based batteries suitable for grid-scale applications. Lithium ion batteries are based on rocking chair chemistry and were an instant success for mobile and portable electronics application. Currently, lithium ion batteries are expanding into the electric vehicle applications and other areas. However, grid-scale application of lithium ion batteries will depend on cost and safety. Aluminium emerged from obscurity of Hall-Héroult electrolysis cell to a promising battery material. Emerging aluminium batteries can combine key strengths of zinc ion and lithium ion batteries to carve a sizeable market share including grid-scale application. Liquid metal batteries are grid-scale storage application focused. This battery type has advantages of simple assembly, low materials cost, and long cycle life span. However, high operating temperature and corrosion problems are its weaknesses
Assessment of intestinal parasites of fruits and vegetables sold in selected markets in Ilorin, Nigeria
Get PDFFresh fruits and vegetables form an integral part of a healthy and nutritious diet. They are also potential conduits of transmission of gastrointestinal pathogens to hosts. This study aims to evaluate the level of parasitic contamination of selected fruits and vegetables across peri-urban markets in Ilorin metropolis. Fruits and vegetable samples were washed in normal saline solutions. Parasites in the wash solutions were concentrated by sedimentation method. Parasite detection was carried out using a binocular microscope and identification by comparison with the key from atlas of parasitology. The relationship between variables at 5% level of significance was determined by Pearson\u27s chi-square analysis. Two hundred and thirteen (213) fruit and vegetable samples were assessed for parasitic contamination. Thirteen (13) parasites (5 protozoans and 8 helminths), namely: Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli, Balantidium coli, Isospora coli, Schistosoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Taenia spp., Trichuris trichura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Fasciola spp., Toxocara spp., and Ancylostoma duodenale, were detected and evaluated. Cabbage and lettuce were the most contaminated at 38.5% prevalence each. This is followed by Fluted pumpkin, Tomatoes, Carrot, Cucumber, Spinach and green pepper with 32.4%, 26.9%, 23.0%, 22.2%, 18.8%, and 7.5%, prevalence. The obtained order of prevalence of intestinal parasites was: G. lamblia > S. stercoralis/Taenia spp. > E. histolytica > A. lumbricoides/A. duodenale > B. coli/E. coli
Sentinel prevalence study of zoonotic parasites of domestic dogs in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State
Get PDFDogs are pets and they play a significant role as hosts and reservoirs of different pathogens shared with humans and wildlife. Close association between humans and dogs carries the risk of human exposure to parasites. In this study, we examine the prevalence and management of zoonotic parasitic infections in domestic dogs in Moro Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, North-Central, Nigeria. One hundred and seventy-four (174) dog faecal samples collected from selected communities in the LGA were examined for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. Formol ether concentration technique was used for the identification of the parasites. In the dog faecal samples examined, 53.7% (93/173) were infected, out of which 45.7% (48/105) and 65.2% (45/69) were from males and females, respectively. The parasites occurrence varies with sex, age, and breed, but the highest infection occurred in dogs aged ≥ 12 months old. The parasites found in the faecal samples and their order of occurrence include: Dipylidium caninum > Strongyloides stercoralis > Ancylostoma spp. > Ascaris lumbricoides > Toxocara canis > Taenia spp. > Balantidium coli. Tick (31) was the only ectoparasite found on the dogs. These dogs pose a threat to the health of both people and animals by contaminating the environment with endoparasites and ectoparasites. To reduce the potential health risks to the human and animal populations, methods for controlling the dog\u27s faecal samples in the environment should be developed by public health workers
Legal and Institutional Framework for Combating Cybercrimes in Nigeria
Get PDFThis article examines the current legal and institutional regime for combating cybercrimes in Nigeria. It shall in adeptly examine the Cybercrime Act in combating cybercrimes in Nigeria and also examine the laws combating cybercrime in other jurisdictions such as the UK and USA. The discussion shall also cover the effectiveness of the legal framework aimed at combating cybercrimes in Nigeria, and the challenges affecting the fight against cybercrimes in Nigeria and some selected jurisdictions. As the use of digital technologies and internet connectivity has increased in Nigeria, the incidence of cybercrimes such as hacking, software piracy, and credit card fraud has also risen. In response, the Nigerian government enacted the Cybercrime Act in 2015 to prohibit, prevent, and punish cybercrimes through a comprehensive legal framework. The key law regulating cybercrime in Nigeria is the Cybercrime Act of 2015. This Act aims to create a robust legal regime to combat cybercrimes by defining offences and prescribing penalties. Other relevant laws include the Criminal Code Act, Money Laundering Act, and the Nigerian Communications Act. Countries such as the UK and USA have also enacted laws to tackle the borderless nature of cybercrimes. In 1996, the Council of Europe drafted an international treaty on computer crimes. The US enacted laws like the USA Patriot Act, 2003 to expand law enforcement powers online. However, effectively enforcing these laws in Nigeria is still challenging due to factors like transnational nature of crimes, lack of technical capacity, and inadequate public awareness. This negatively impacts the fight against cybercrimes in Nigeria.
Rights of Employees and Workplace Discrimination Phenomenon in Nigeria: Lessons from United States of America
Get PDFThe rights of an employee are guaranteed and free from any form of discrimination. Despite the protection afforded by the relevant laws on labour, employment and productivity, some forms of discriminations still exist at the work place. The focus of this article is on the discriminations that inhere in employment and the rights of vulnerable individuals in the Nigeria workplace. The major objectives of this article is to identify the specific factors contributing to employment discrimination against vulnerable employees in Nigeria, such as age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion and socio-economic background with a view to assessing the effectiveness of current measures and mechanisms in addressing employment discrimination in order to protect the rights of vulnerable employees in Nigeria. To achieve the aforementioned objective of the article, the doctrinal approach will be adopted. The authors will rely on texts, journal articles, case law, statutes, treaties and other international instruments on labour and employment in Nigeria with a view to drawing lessons from the United States of America. This article finds that vulnerable employees experienced discrimination in employment due to their personal characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation. The article recommends the establishment of a dedicated body to investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination in employment at workplace in Nigeria. The article concludes that workplace discrimination is unhealthy and can affect the productivity of workers in Nigeria.
Design, fabrication and testing of a machine for shelling Jatropha curcas seed
Get PDFJatropha curcas is a non-edible drought-resistant seed rich in oil. The seeds are usually shelled to obtain the kernels prior to the oil extraction. This research was undertaken to design, fabricate and evaluate a sheller for jatropha seed at different moisture contents. The moisture content of the seed was varied in the range of 6.8−12.2% (wb) and the machine performance was evaluated. Empirical relationships between the machine performance and the moisture content were established. The results showed that the shelling and machine efficiencies decreased with an increase in the moisture content. A quadratic relationship was established between the cleaning efficiency and the moisture content of the seed. The data obtained are found to fit the established equations with 65% R sq. value, and so can be used for predicting the machine performance within the specified moisture range. The power required to shell the seed was found to be 1 HP, and the technology was affordable compared to the ones reported in the previous designs. The machine can therefore be used for Jatropha curcas seed shelling at different moisture contents
Characterization and pedogenetic study of soils of Onigambari Forest Reserve in South-West Nigeria
Get PDFThe use of forest resources requires accurate knowledge of land and soil properties. This necessitates detailed soil description and classification. This study was conducted to characterize and classify pedogenesis of Onigambari Forest Reserves in south-west Nigeria. A standard flexible rigidgrid method of survey was used to establish the mapping units. Three profile pits were dug under each land use type (Teak and Gmelina plantations), making six pits in the location. The profile pits were sampled at the pedogenic horizons for physical and chemical properties analyses. Soils obtained were classified using standard methods. The soils were classified as order Alfisols. Based on the moisture regimes, the soil belongs to Udalfs and Aqualfs suborder. At the great group level, the soil fell into the Kandic horizon. Under teak plantation, pedons 1 and 2 were classified as Plinthic Kandiudalfs (Eutric Lixisols), pedon 3 as Arenic Kandiaqualfs (Gleyic Lixisols) while under Gmelina, pedon 4 was classified as Typic Hapludalfs (Ferric Lixisols), pedon 5 Typic Kandiudalfs (EutricLixisols) and pedon 6 TypicKanhapluaqualfs (Gleyic Lixisols). At the soil series levels, pedons 1, 2, 4 and 5 belonged to Gambari series, pedons 3 and 6 belonged to Apomu series. Pedogenic processes identified were leaching, plinthization and desilication processes