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An Implicit Collocation Method for Direct Solution of Fourth Order Ordinary Differential Equations
No full textThis paper presented a linear multistep method for solving fourth order
initial value problems of ordinary differential equations. Collocation
and interpolation methods are adopted in the derivation of the new
numerical scheme which is further applied to finding direct solution of
fourth order ordinary differentiation equations. This implementation
strategy is more accurate and efficient than Adams\u2013Bashforth
Method solution. The newly derive scheme have better stabilities
properties than that of the Adams-Bashforth Method. Numerical examples
are included to illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the new
methods
Mimosa diplotricha (Fabaceae) Recruits Native Pollinators, But Does it Matter?
No full textHere an invasive alien weed Mimosa diplotricha, which attracts native
pollinators to its flowers, was studied to establish the composition,
diversity and the pattern of visitation of native flower-visiting
species found on the weed as it expands its range unabatedly in
Nigeria. From five randomly selected quadrats of 2 m x 2 m, repeated
fourteen times, the floral visitors of M. diplotricha were sampled.
Using diversity indices, non-parametric species estimators, Whittaker
and Bray Curtis similarity indices, the composition and diversity of
floral visiting bees and allied insects were reported. Thirteen insect
taxa were encountered from a total of 1548 individuals in three Orders,
albeit of low diversity in which the majority of floral visitors (or
pollinators) were hymenopterans: the main being Chalicodoma species,
followed by Xylocopa species, X. senior , and Apis mellifera .
Non-parametric estimators revealed a high sampling efficiency of the
true species visiting mimosa between sunrise and noon. That the floral
resources of M. diplotricha supported high abundance of few species and
some species with low abundance indicate that those of the latter case
were casual visitors. In sum, that the population of M. diplotricha is
still expanding in Nigeria against the backdrop of their utilisation by
native pollinators is suggestive of a continual recruitment of the
pollinators, which may prefer the novel host within a mosaic of widely
scattered native flowering plants. Further investigations of
pollinators\u2019 choices may be apt to understand the true impact of
invasive alien flowering weeds on native pollinators and crop
productivity
Impact of Bisphenol A on the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Characteristics of Water in Storage Tanks from various Locations in Salem University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
No full textThis study examined the impact of Bisphenol A (BPA) on the
physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics of water in storage
tanks in Salem University Lokoja. Borehole water samples were collected
from three (3) locations within the University environment and stored
in a jerry can for analysis. Total Heterotrophic Bacteria Count (THBC)
in water samples ranged from 1.00\ub1 0.30 x104 at week 0 to
8.95\ub11.00 x104 cfu/ml at week 3, while the total coliform count
(TCC) also ranged from 1.30\ub10.15 x104 to 7.11\ub10.82 x104
cfu/ml. TCC and THBC were found to be higher than the NSDWQ Standard.
The identified isolates from the borehole samples were Escherichia coli
, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Streptococcus faecalis , Bacillus cereus
, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Serretia spp. Bisphenol A (BPA) was
not detected in week 0, after week 3, components of Bisphenol A
detected were methyl chloride, Benzene and Dichlorobenzene and their
highest values were 0.054\ub10.033, 0.021\ub10.020 and
0.055\ub10.062 mg/l respectively. The pH, Turbidity, Total suspended
solids, BOD and conductivity reduced as storage increased. Magnesium
and calcium for sample B were found to have the highest value of 0.31
and 1.73 mg/l respectively. Storage of water for a long period of time
should be discouraged as it could trigger increased leaching of BPA
into the water which will affect its physicochemical and
microbiologically quality
Health Hazards Associated with Electric and Magnetic Field Intensities around Mobile Base Stations in Katsina State, Nigeria
No full textThis work was carried out to assess the health hazards associated with
exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile base
stations (MBS) within Katsina, Nigeria. Seventy seven MBS were
identified through reconnaissance survey. Received radiated power was
measured at a distance of 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80m from the MBS using a
handheld B and K precision spectrum analyser. Electric and magnetic
field intensities (E and H) were calculated. E (mV/m) and H (\u3bcA/m)
had average values of; 21.03 and 55.78 for MTN; 9.41 and 24.96 for GLO;
2.33 and 6.18, for Etisalat; 18.32 and 48.62 for Airtel. Our results
indicated that the general public exposure from radiofrequency
electromagnetic radiation from all the considered mobile base stations
is within the acceptable threshold of 61 V/m for Electric field
intensity and 0.16A/m for Magnetic field intensity
Dynamics and Socioeconomic Drivers of Illegal Hunting of Wildlife Animal for Consumption in Oba Hills Forest Reserve in Southwest Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the dynamics and socioeconomic drivers of
illegal hunting of wildlife animal commonly called bushmeat in Oba
Hills Forest Reserve (OHFR) in Southwest Nigeria. Two hundred and
thirty-four households in 8 host communities were subjected to direct
household survey using a multi-stage sampling technique. The results
revealed that mainly young and middle-aged men engaged in group and
seasonal bushmeat hunting, mostly during the dry season. Also, the
scale of daily illegal bushmeat hunting is high in the protected area.
Non-selective hunting has increased over the last five years with
traditional means of hunting still prominent during the hunting
expedition. Thus, the socioeconomic drivers (age, ethnicity and
household size) had a strong relationship with illegal bushmeat
hunting, and their odds ratio ranged between 2.11 and 3.73. Failure to
provide stakes for the host communities\u2019 inhabitants and weak
penal system influenced illegal bushmeat hunting in OHFR. We conclude
that the aforementioned factors need to be addressed for illegal
bushmeat hunting to be tackled effectively. However, in the absence of
political and economic stability, controlling illegal bushmeat hunting
will remain extremely difficult and the future of wildlife conservation
will remain bleak
A Review of Air Quality and Concentrations of Air Pollutants in Nigeria
No full textThis study generally classifies air pollutants on the basis of: primary
or secondary, natural or anthropogenic, chemical composition, physical
state, and the space scales of their effects. Air pollutants that
affect air quality in Nigeria were discussed based on natural and
anthropogenic sources. The natural sources include: sand dust, sea
spray, volcanic activities, smoke and carbon monoxide from wildfires
among others, while the anthropogenic sources include: vehicular
emissions, mining activities, industries such as cement companies and
quarry factories, agricultural practices and solid waste dumps among
others. Some of the atmospheric pollutants that posed greatest threat
to human health were equally examined. They include: Sulphur dioxide
(SO2) which can react with water vapor (H2O) in the atmosphere to form
sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and thus acid rain; particulate matter (PM) with
less than 10 \u3bcm, particularly fine particles (PM2.5 ) and
particles in the fine fraction that are smaller than 0.1 \u3bcm
(ultrafine particles), can carry toxic chemicals which are linked to
cancer; carbon monoxide (CO), even in very small concentrations, can
prevent oxygen from being delivered through the body major organs;
ozone which is a highly reactive gas causes oxidation of a number of
macromolecules within a biological system and produces free radicals
that can damage DNA molecules and cause carcinogenesis. Based on the
aforementioned, this study recommends that priority should be given to
the establishment of air monitoring stations in all urban centers of
the country in order to provide accurate and continuous information on
air quality
Geochemical characterization of FE-1 well, Onshore Western Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
No full textMajor oxides and trace elements analysis was carried out on ditch
cutting samples of FE-1 well, Onshore, Niger Delta Basin, to define
their oxygen condition, paleo-climatic conditions, provenance, tectonic
setting, sandstone classification and maturity of the sediments.
Sedimentological analysis revealed five main lithofacies comprising of
sandstone, shaly sand, mudstone, sandy clay and sandy shale.
Geochemical results indicates that the average value of silica (87.1
wt. %) is far higher than the average values of the rest oxides which
shows the duration and intensity of weathering and destruction of other
minerals during transportation. Bivariate plot of La/Sc versus Th/Co,
Zr versus TiO2, and trace elemental ratios of Th/Sc, Th/Co, Th/Cr,
Cr/Th, La/Sc establishes that the source of the sediment are from
felsic rock. Different chemical classification schemes characterized
the sediments as quartzarenite, lithic arenites and Fe-rich sand. The
plot of Log (K2O/Na2O) versus Log (SiO2/Al2O3) and K2O/Na2O versus SiO2
all plotted mainly in the passive margin zone. The low average value of
uranium content, trace elemental ratios of U/Th, Ni/Co, Cu/Zn, V/Cr and
binary plot of Ni/Co versus V/Cr indicated an oxic environment of
deposition. However, the binary plot of Ni/Co versus V/ (V+Ni)
indicates oxic to anoxic condition during deposition of the mixed
marine and terrigenous source input sediment. Binary plot of SiO2
versus (Al2O3+Na2O+K2O) designates deposition mainly in
humid/semi-humid climatic condition. The samples studied have a much
higher SiO2/Al2O3 ratio with low Fe2O3/K2O ratio, thus, they are
mineralogically mature. The Al2O3/(CaO+MgO+Na2O+K2O) ratio inferred
that there are stable mobile oxides in the samples
Ecological aspects of regenerating species of an urban forest with 150 years old of forest succession: the risk of exotic species
No full textA presen\ue7a de florestas dentro de centros urbanos tem grande
import\ue2ncia, principalmente devido aos servi\ue7os
ecossist\ueamicos proporcionados por elas. Fragmentos urbanos
s\ue3o pouco estudados e trabalhos quantitativos focados na flora
arb\uf3rea na \ue1rea do presente estudo nunca foram realizados. O
objetivo foi avaliar a composi\ue7\ue3o, estrutura e diversidade de
esp\ue9cies regenerantes de uma floresta urbana, oriunda de um
projeto paisag\uedstico. Buscou-se responder a seguinte quest\ue3o:
a floresta est\ue1 conseguindo avan\ue7ar no processo sucessional
ap\uf3s 150 anos de regenera\ue7\ue3o natural? O estudo foi
realizado em uma \ue1rea com tamanho total de aproximadamente 7,8 ha
e de predom\uednio da Floresta Atl\ue2ntica. A amostragem foi
realizada em 25 parcelas de 5 x 5 m, nas quais todos os indiv\uedduos
com di\ue2metro a altura do peito (DAP) < 5 cm e altura > 1 m
foram amostrados. Encontram-se 1297 indiv\uedduos, distribu\ueddos
em 84 esp\ue9cies. Tr\ueas esp\ue9cies ex\uf3ticas com
conhecido potencial invasor foram encontradas: Coffea arabica ,
Artocarpus heterophyllus e Persea americana . A esp\ue9cie Coffea
arabica apresentou o maior Valor de Import\ue2ncia na comunidade. O
\uedndice de diversidade de Shannon foi de H\u92 = 3,10 nats.ind-1,
e equabilidade de Pielou de J\u92 = 0,70. A an\ue1lise de Cluster
(coeficiente de Morisita-Horn) evidenciou uma comunidade com baixa
heterogeneidade interna. A an\ue1lise dos grupos ecol\uf3gicos
revelou uma comunidade com dificuldades em avan\ue7ar para
est\ue1gios sucessionais superiores. Este estudo \ue9 importante
para refor\ue7ar o risco das esp\ue9cies ex\uf3ticas invasoras em
projetos paisag\uedsticos.The presence of forest within urban centers has great importance,
especially in relation to ecosystem services provided by them. Urban
forests are poorly studied. Moreover, quantitative studies focused on
tree flora of the present study area remain to be established. Here, we
evaluated the composition, structure and diversity of species in
regeneration from an urban forest, originating from a landscaping
design. We sought to answer the following question: Did the forest
advance in the succession process after 150 years of regeneration? The
survey was done on 25 plots of 5 x 5 m, where all the individuals with
diameter at breast height (DBH) < 5 cm and height > 1 m were
sampled. We found 1297 individuals, distributed in 84 species. Three
alien species with potential invasive acquaintance were found: Coffea
arabica , Artocarpus heterophyllus and Persea americana . Coffea
arabica showed the highest importance value in the community. Shannon
diversity index was H\u92= 3,10 nats.ind-1, and Pielou equability
J\u92 = 0.70. The cluster analysis (Morisita-Horn coefficient) showed
a community with low internal heterogeneity. The analysis of ecological
groups revealed a community with predominantly early successional
groups. Despite of 150 years of natural regeneration, our findings
indicated a community with difficulties in advancing to higher
successional stages. This study is important to highlight the risk of
invasive alien species in landscaping designs
Comparison of statistical models for the estimation of tree biomass and for the estimation of carbon stock above the soil in he Cerrado biome
No full textNeste trabalho foram comparados diferentes modelos estat\uedsticos
para a estimativa da biomassa individual de \ue1rvores, e estimados
os estoques totais de biomassa e de carbono acima do solo, nos
tr\ueas compartimentos (arb\uf3reo, herb\ue1ceo-arbustivo e
serapilheira) de um cerrado sensu stricto t\uedpico no oeste da
Bahia. Foi realizado o invent\ue1rio florestal em 20 parcelas de 1000
m\ub2 (20 m x 50 m). Para ajuste dos modelos estat\uedsticos foram
cortadas e pesadas 90 \ue1rvores de diferentes esp\ue9cies e
classes diam\ue9tricas. Foram ajustados modelos para o di\ue2metro
medido a 30 cm do solo (D30cm 655cm) e di\ue2metro medido a 1,30
m do solo (DAP1,30m 653,5 cm). A equa\ue7\ue3o escolhida foi
aplicada aos dados das \ue1rvores levantados no invent\ue1rio
florestal, e assim foram estimados os estoques por hectare e total no
compartimento arb\uf3reo. As amostragens dos compartimentos
herb\ue1ceo-arbustivo e serapilheira foram realizadas por subparcelas
fixas. Foram alocadas sistematicamente 20 subparcelas de 4 m\ub2 (2 m
x 2 m) para amostragem do compartimento herb\ue1ceo-arbustivo e 20
subparcelas de 1 m\ub2 (1 m x 1 m) para amostragem da serapilheira. O
estoque de carbono foi estimado por fator de convers\ue3o da
biomassa. A equa\ue7\ue3o proveniente do ajuste do modelo de
Schumacher & Hall (logar\uedtmica) (R2 = 93,53%; Sxy = 44,92%)
foi a escolhida para estimar o estoque de biomassa das \ue1rvores do
cerrado estudado. A biomassa total acima do solo, considerando os
tr\ueas compartimentos, foi estimada em 18,77 Mg ha-1, o que
corresponde a um estoque total de 8,67 Mg ha-1 de carbono. O
compartimento arb\uf3reo foi respons\ue1vel pela maior parte dos
estoques (58%), seguido da serapilheira (26%) e herb\ue1ceo-arbustivo
(16%).In this work, different statistical models were compared for estimating
individual tree biomass and the total biomass and carbon stocks above
the soil, in the three compartments (arboreal, herbaceous-shrub and
litter) of a typical Cerrado in the west of Bahia state, Brazil. The
forest inventory was carried out in 20 plots of 1000 m\ub2 (20 m x 50
m). In order to fit the statistical models, 90 trees of different
species and diameter classes were cut and weighed. Models were fitted
for the diameter measured at 30 cm from the soil (D30cm 655cm) and
the diameter measured at 1.30 m from the soil (DAP1,30m 653,5 cm).
The equation chosen was applied to the data of the trees collected in
the forest inventory, and thus, the stocks per hectare and the total in
the tree compartment were estimated. Samplings of the herbaceous-shrub
and litter compartments were performed by fixed subplots. For sampling
of the herbaceous-shrub and litter compartments, 20 subplots of 4
m\ub2 (2 m x 2 m) and 20 subplots of 1 m\ub2 (1 m x 1 m) were
systematically allocated, respectively. The carbon stock was estimated
by the biomass conversion factor. The equation resulting from the
adjustment of the Schumacher & Hall (logarithmic) model (R2 =
93.53%; Sxy = 44.92%) was chosen to estimate the biomass stock of the
studied Cerrado trees. The total biomass above the soil, considering
the three compartments, was estimated at 18.77 Mg ha-1, which
corresponds to a Carbon total stock of 8.67 Mg ha-1. The arboreal
compartment was responsible for most of the stocks (58%), followed by
litter (26%) and herbaceous-shrub (16%)
Evaluation of the street arborization of S\ue3o Tom\ue9, Paran\ue1 state
No full textCom o desenvolvimento das cidades, \ue9 cada vez maior a
preocupa\ue7\ue3o quanto \ue0 manuten\ue7\ue3o da qualidade
de vida nestes centros urbanos, tendo a arboriza\ue7\ue3o urbana
import\ue2ncia na melhoria de aspectos sanit\ue1rios, sociais e
est\ue9ticos. Nesse sentido, o estudo da problem\ue1tica da
exist\ueancia de caracter\uedsticas indesej\ue1veis \ue0s
plantas e da compatibiliza\ue7\ue3o do espa\ue7o com os
equipamentos p\ufablicos tem significativa relev\ue2ncia. Este
trabalho objetivou avaliar a arboriza\ue7\ue3o vi\ue1ria da
cidade de S\ue3o Tom\ue9, Paran\ue1, o qual corresponde a um
centro urbano de pequeno porte. Para isso, conduziuse o censo dos
exemplares vegetais de porte arb\uf3reo, ou conduzidos para isso, com
altura superior a 1,0 metro presentes ao longo das vias p\ufablicas
da cidade, com posterior an\ue1lise das esp\ue9cies encontradas
acerca do atendimento \ue0s normas t\ue9cnicas em aspectos
qualitativos: proced\ueancia, a exist\ueancia de frutos grandes e
carnosos e princ\uedpio t\uf3xico e a presen\ue7a de espinhos ou
ac\ufaleos, respectivamente, com posterior quantifica\ue7\ue3o e
classifica\ue7\ue3o quanto ao n\uedvel de danos das ra\uedzes e
copas aos equipamentos p\ufablicos. Foram inventariadas 63
esp\ue9cies vegetais distintas, com 3.085 indiv\uedduos no total,
havendo a predomin\ue2ncia de Licania tomentosa (Chrysobalanaceae)
(n = 1.120). Ap\uf3s an\ue1lise dos par\ue2metros apontados,
recomendou-se a substitui\ue7\ue3o de 635 exemplares de 41
esp\ue9cies (20,58% da ocorr\ueancia total) por esp\ue9cies
vegetais adequadas \ue0s normas t\ue9cnicas e \ue0
legisla\ue7\ue3o. Dentre as 22 esp\ue9cies apropriadas ao uso na
arboriza\ue7\ue3o de vias p\ufablicas encontradas na urbe,
destacam-se Handroanthus chrysotrichus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos
(Bignoniaceae), Handroanthus heptaphyllus Mattos (Bignoniaceae) e
Tabebuia roseoalba (Ridl.) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae), considerando os
benef\uedcios proporcionados aos citadinos.Along with the development of urban centers, the concern about
maintaining the quality of life in these areas is growing. Therefore,
urban forestry is important in the improvement of health, social and
aesthetic aspects. In this light, the problem of studying the existence
of unwanted characteristics of plants and space compatible with public
facilities has significant relevance. This study aimed to evaluate the
street afforestation of S\ue3o Tom\ue9 town, Paran\ue1 state,
Brazil, which corresponds to a small urban center. In order to do this,
a census was carried out of all samples of arboreal size, or conducted
to this, taller than 1,0 meter present along the thoroughfares of the
town, and further analysis of the found species regarding the
fulfillment of the technical standards on qualitative aspects: origin,
existence of large fleshy fruits and toxic principle and the presence
of thorns and aculei, respectively, and then the quantification and
classification of the damage of roots and crowns to public equipment.
63 different vegetal species were verified, with a total of 3,085
individuals, predominantly with Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch
(Chrysobalanaceae) (n = 1120). After analyzing of the indicated
parameters, it has been suggested the replacement of 635 samples of 41
species (20,58% of total incidence) per vegetal species suitable to the
technical standards. Among the 22 suitable species for use in the
thoroughfare afforestation found in the city, Handroanthus
chrysotrichus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae), Handroanthus
heptaphyllus Mattos (Bignoniaceae) and Tabebuia roseoalba (Ridl.)
Sandwith (Bignoniaceae) stand out, considering the benefits to
citizens