127 research outputs found
Decolonizing colonial development models in Africa: a new postcolonial critique/ edited by Fidelis Allen and Luke Amadi.
No full textIncludes bibliographical references and index."This book confronts colonial development models to decolonize the methodologies and epistemologies of development in Africa and advocate for Afrocentric alternatives. Using postcolonial, post-developmental, and post-structural theories, the authors advocate for a new direction of development that incorporates indigenous-Afrocentric alternatives"--Fidelis Allen and Luke Amadi -- Adebisi Alade -- Nick T. C. Lu -- Biko Agozino -- Fouad Mami -- Nathan Moyo and Jairos Gonye -- Mike Odey -- Victor I. Ogharanduku -- Solomon Awuzie -- Matthew D. Ogali -- Moses J. Yakubu and Olusegun Adeyeri -- John Ebute Agaba and Emmanuel S. Okla -- Olayinka Akanle and Chukwuka Blessing Chidiogo -- Fred Ekpe Ayokhai -- Olanrewaju Faith Osasumwen. Introduction / Development Paradigms and the Framing of Postcolonial Identity: Urbanization, Waterfront Development, and the Eko o ni baje Ethos/Slogan in Lagos / Nationalism in Postcolonial Studies: A Case for Hybridity / Maintaining Law and Order or Maintaining Conditions Ideal for the Exploitation of Africa? A Post-Colonial Critique of Colonial Development Assumptions / Postcolonial Development and Nailiyat Dance of Algeria: An Unorthodox Approach / Colonialism and the Destruction of Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Daring to Push the Epistemological Frontiers for African Re-Development Paradigms / Deconstructing Colonial Development Models: Rethinking Africa's Moral Economy and Social Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Rural Development in Post-Colonial Africa / Decolonization and Deconstruction of Colonial Development in Post-Colonial Africa Alternative Development Initiatives and the Contentions / Challenging the "Colonial Development Model": The Quest for an Indigenous African Model in Ngugi wa Thiong'o's Petals of Blood / Nationalism and the Decolonization of the Ideology of Development in Africa / Women, Resistance Movements and Colonialism in Africa: Evidence from Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria / African Migrations to Europe: A Historical Appraisal of Transcultural Exchanges and Decolonization in the Age of Globalization / Beyond Colonial Development Model and the Quest for Alternatives in Africa / Colonialism and Misconception of Development in Benin Province: The Case of the Oil Palm Industry / Decolonizing State Fragility and Forced Migration in Post-Colonial Nigeria /1 online resource
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONCENTRATION OF GASEOUS AIR POLLUTANTS: A CASE STUDY OF TRANS-AMADI INDUSTRIAL LAYOUT PORT-HARCOURT
No full textAbstract: In this study, spatial and temporal distribution of the concentration of gaseous air pollutants (CO, NO2, and SO2 O3) was carried out using ArcGIS in the wet season of 2016. The study was aimed at assessing the pattern of pollutants distribution in the atmosphere using GIS in the study area. Twelve sampling stations were identified, and calibrated air quality meters were used to measure air quality data during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours respectively for five days. The average concentration of the air pollutants in the morning hours ranged from 25.73 to 4.97 ppm for CO, 0.430 to 0.063 ppm for SO2, 0.275 to 0.021 ppm for NO2 and 0.011 to 0.019 ppm for O3, in the afternoon hours from: 0.257 to 0.040 ppm, 0.492 to 0.027 ppm, 27.60 to 9.57 ppm and 0.069 to 0.012 ppm for SO2, NO2, CO and O3 respectively and in the evening hours. The average evening concentrations of the pollutants ranged from 0.497 to 0.087ppm, 0.305 to 0.064 ppm, 32.27 to 4.60ppm and 0.021 to 0.011ppm for SO2, NO2, CO and O3 respectively. However, higher concentrations of the pollutants were mostly observed in the evening period followed by the morning period then the afternoon period. Mapping of different concentration of air pollutants was carried out using kriging and inverse distance weighting type of interpolation method in GIS environment. This study has established that the quality of air in the study area is very poor and polluted with CO, NO2, O3. The deterioration in air quality could be attributed to the heavy presence of industries within the area, high volume of traffic and slow traffic flow experienced in the area and other anthropogenic activities like meat processing using tire in the slaughter area etc. going on within the Trans-Amadi area. Many residents in this area are exposed to dangerous level of air pollution by pollutants such as NO2, SO2, O3 and CO which has a tremendous effect on health.
Keywords: Trans-Amadi, spatial and temporal distribution of the concentration of gaseous air pollutants, air pollution, Port-Harcourt.
Title: SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONCENTRATION OF GASEOUS AIR POLLUTANTS: A CASE STUDY OF TRANS-AMADI INDUSTRIAL LAYOUT PORT-HARCOURT
Author: Uruh Ugada, Dr Yusuf Momoh
International Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science
ISSN 2394-7349
Vol. 9, Issue 1, March 2022 - August 2022
Page No: 46-53
Novelty Journals
Website: www.noveltyjournals.com
Published Date: 05-August-2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6967019
Paper Download Link (Source)
https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/SPATIAL%20AND%20TEMPORAL%20DISTRIBUTION-05082022-4.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science, ISSN 2394-7349, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co
Analysis of Wildfire Risk Using Machine Learning and Distributed Computing in Canadian Regions
No full textWildfires present a great danger to human lives and their environments. Early detection and rapid spread of a wildfire is a major challenge to some countries, especially during the summer period which must be reduced to prevent economic, ecological and social damage to human lives. Data mining algorithms can be applied to historic and near real-time data to gain useful insight that will aid the fire managers in predicting, reducing the cost of moving water tankers with heavy fire equipment and the tendency of the fire to spread if not quenched on time. The aim of this research is to investigate using unsupervised and supervised machine learning algorithms built on distributed computing in predicting and staging firefighting assets as close to where wildfires are likely to occur based on wildfire dataset. The method followed a knowledge discovery and data mining approach extracting insight from the NASA wildfire dataset to predict the occurrence of wildfire and reduce computational time. Consequently, this research methodology was implemented to achieve this by building wildfire models from remote sensing satellite data acquired from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Experimental results showed that K-means clustering with a silhouette score of 65% and random forest with reduced RMSE of 0.13 when treated as a regression analysis while for classification, the model gave high prediction accuracy of 97% and training time of 7 seconds. The results and performance of these models were determined using cross-validation, root mean square error (RMSE), R-squared and classification metrics.
Keywords: Wildfire prediction, Machine learning, Random forest, Classification algorithms, Kmeans clustering, Distributed computing, Regression algorithms
The Influence of Traditional Practices in the Church Life of Etche People
No full textAll through the ages, even before the advent of Christianity, the Ibos, in general, have treasured these practices because they served their cultural and social concerns. But no sooner was Christianity introduced into the various segments of our society than conflicts upon conflicts began to erupt. The Etche man, like his relatives the Ibos, is torn between two worlds. Christianity demands that he give up his past, while his culture insists that he stick to his heritage. The Etche man today asks how these conflicting thoughts can be reconciled. In this thesis, the writer shall attempt to describe these traditional practices and suggest alternatives to resolve the impasse
What do I assume? An applied lesson approach integrating critical thinking and student-directed learning
No full textThe applied music lesson remains a revered symbol of Western European tradition in American music education. Very little research exists assessing its continued viability as a method in its current form. This paper examines eight author observed assumptions about applied music lessons which flaw the learning process. Through available research, the assumptions demonstrate that the traditional applied lesson is teacher centered and difficult to assess. Exposing the resultant delusions of the eight assumptions reveals how a holistic approach in a studio can engage students in critical thinking and enhance student self-awareness. These primary goals place the educational emphasis on the process rather than the technically perfect performance as the terminal experience. Sample lesson techniques for undergraduate viola students will incorporate critical thinking methods to transform the weekly encounter into a student-centered experience which develops skills for continued self-directed study
The Niger delta: aspects of human health risk associated with the petroleum industry
No full textThe Niger Delta has been described as one of the most petroleum-polluted places in the world. The oil and gas industry located in this region is the economic mainstay of Nigeria and has contributed to key aspects of life in our modern society. However, the indigenous nationalities and residents of the Niger Delta have been exposed to appalling environmental conditions due to the operations of the upstream petroleum industry within their communities. Whereas much is known about the environmental consequences of the operations of the oil and gas industries, including the fallout of crude oil spillage incidences, comparatively, very little is known about the risks to human health due to exposures to these environmental conditions. This could be a source of fear and frustration. The knowledge about the human health repercussions of the upstream petroleum industry operations in the Niger Delta is nonexistent.
This study investigated some aspects of risk to human health in the Niger Delta due to the operations of the petroleum industry, especially carcinogenic risk. The major risk drivers were identified as benzene and the other BTEX compounds, PAHs, heavy metals, and particulates. A combination of observational studies, focus group meetings, structured self-report questionnaire administration, and cross-sectional biomonitoring assays were used as methods in the study which was carried out in Bayelsa and Rivers State. Ethnographic inquisitions were undertaken to understand peculiarities and lifestyles that may underpin exposure characterisation. In the cross-sectional studies, Ogale-Eleme, which has been described as the poster child of the crude oil pollution in Niger Delta was sampled. The demographics, biometrics, self-reported health effects, full blood count parameters and micronucleus count in peripheral blood lymphocytes in 258 volunteers from the community were compared with the results obtained from 111 volunteers from Rumuche, Emohua, which was analysed as the reference community. ...[cont.
Effects of Graphene Oxide in vitro on DNA Damage in Human Whole Blood and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes from Healthy individuals and Pulmonary Disease Patients: Asthma, COPD, and Lung Cancer
No full textFor the past few decades, the popularity of graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials
(NMs) has increased exceedingly due to their biomedical applications in drug
delivery of anti-cancer drugs. Their unique physicochemical properties such as
high surface area and good surface chemistry with unbound surface functional
groups (e.g. hydroxyl - OH, carboxyl /ketone C=O, epoxy/alkoxy C-O, aromatic
group C=C, etc) which enable covalent bonding with organic molecules (e.g.
RNA, DNA) make GO NMs as excellent candidates in drug delivery nanocarriers.
Despite the overwhelming biomedical applications, there are concerns about their
genotoxicity on human DNA. Published genotoxicity studies on GO NMs were
performed using non-commercial GO with 2-3 layers of GO sheets, synthesized
in various laboratories with the potential for inter-laboratory variabilities. However,
what has not been studied before is the effects of the commercial GO (15-20
sheets; 4-10% edge-oxidized; 1 mg/mL) in vitro on DNA damage in human whole
blood and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from real-life patients diagnosed
with chronic pulmonary diseases [asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), and lung cancer], and genotoxic endpoints compared with those from
healthy control individuals to determine whether there are any differences in GO
sensitivity. Thus, in the present study, we had characterized GO NMs using
Zetasizer Nano for Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ZP) in the
aqueous solution, and electron microscopy using the Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) in the dry state,
respectively. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted on human PBL from healthy
individuals and patients (asthma, COPD, and lung cancer) using the
Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Neutral Red Uptake
(NRU) assays, respectively. The genotoxicity (DNA damage) and cytogenetic
effects (chromosome aberration parameters) induced by GO NMs on human
whole blood from healthy individuals and patients were studied using the Alkaline
Comet Assay and Cytokinesis-blocked Micronucleus (CBMN) assay,
respectively. Our results showed concentration-dependent increases in
cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and chromosome aberrations, with blood samples from
COPD and lung cancer patients being more sensitive to DNA damage insults
compared with asthma patients and healthy control individuals. Furthermore, the
relative gene and protein expressions of TP53, CDKN1A/p21, and BCL-2 relative
to GAPDH on human PBL were studied using the Reverse Transcription
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot
techniques, respectively. Our results have shown altered gene and protein
expression levels. Specifically, GO-induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and
micronuclei aberrations were associated with TP53 upregulation - a biomarker of
DNA damage - in both patients and healthy individuals. These effects show that
GO NMs have promising roles in drug delivery applications when formulated to
deliver drug payload to COPD and cancer cells. However, the fact that cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, chromosome instability, and gene/protein expressions
- biomarkers of cancer risk - were observed in healthy individuals are of concern
to public health, especially in occupational exposures at micro levels at the
workplace
Symbols in the Shrine of Ushi Deity of Akpolu Etche in South-South Nigeria
No full textThis essay focuses on symbols in the shrine of Ushi deity of Akpoku Etche. The paper posits that symbols found in the shrine of Ushi deity are classified into the following groups: Artistic symbolism, symbolism of vegetable materials, symbolism of constructed images and objects, and communicative symbolism. The paper argues that symbols in the shrine of Ushi deity has helped to create a medium for communion and communication among the devotees on one hand, and between them and the object of worship on the other hand. The paper also contends that these symbols are like the hub which connect and link the devotees of Ushi deity to the supersensible world. The methodology adopted was oral interviews (reports of the devotees of Ushi deity and handed down tradition from the custodians of Akpoku custom and tradition) and secondary sources (published materials). The study adopts phenomenological approach to describe and interpret the symbolic interaction between the devotees and the object of worship. The study also adopts “symbolic interactionism” as theoretical frameworks. Finding reveals that through these symbols the devotees enter into a relationship with the supersensible world.
Keywords: Akpoku, Ushi deity and Symbols
Effects of Graphene Oxide in vitro on DNA Damage in Human Whole Blood and Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes from Healthy individuals and Pulmonary Disease Patients: Asthma, COPD, and Lung Cancer
No full textFor the past few decades, the popularity of graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials
(NMs) has increased exceedingly due to their biomedical applications in drug
delivery of anti-cancer drugs. Their unique physicochemical properties such as
high surface area and good surface chemistry with unbound surface functional
groups (e.g. hydroxyl - OH, carboxyl /ketone C=O, epoxy/alkoxy C-O, aromatic
group C=C, etc) which enable covalent bonding with organic molecules (e.g.
RNA, DNA) make GO NMs as excellent candidates in drug delivery nanocarriers.
Despite the overwhelming biomedical applications, there are concerns about their
genotoxicity on human DNA. Published genotoxicity studies on GO NMs were
performed using non-commercial GO with 2-3 layers of GO sheets, synthesized
in various laboratories with the potential for inter-laboratory variabilities. However,
what has not been studied before is the effects of the commercial GO (15-20
sheets; 4-10% edge-oxidized; 1 mg/mL) in vitro on DNA damage in human whole
blood and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from real-life patients diagnosed
with chronic pulmonary diseases [asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), and lung cancer], and genotoxic endpoints compared with those from
healthy control individuals to determine whether there are any differences in GO
sensitivity. Thus, in the present study, we had characterized GO NMs using
Zetasizer Nano for Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ZP) in the
aqueous solution, and electron microscopy using the Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) in the dry state,
respectively. Cytotoxicity studies were conducted on human PBL from healthy
individuals and patients (asthma, COPD, and lung cancer) using the
Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Neutral Red Uptake
(NRU) assays, respectively. The genotoxicity (DNA damage) and cytogenetic
effects (chromosome aberration parameters) induced by GO NMs on human
whole blood from healthy individuals and patients were studied using the Alkaline
Comet Assay and Cytokinesis-blocked Micronucleus (CBMN) assay,
respectively. Our results showed concentration-dependent increases in
cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and chromosome aberrations, with blood samples from
COPD and lung cancer patients being more sensitive to DNA damage insults
compared with asthma patients and healthy control individuals. Furthermore, the
relative gene and protein expressions of TP53, CDKN1A/p21, and BCL-2 relative
to GAPDH on human PBL were studied using the Reverse Transcription
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot
techniques, respectively. Our results have shown altered gene and protein
expression levels. Specifically, GO-induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and
micronuclei aberrations were associated with TP53 upregulation - a biomarker of
DNA damage - in both patients and healthy individuals. These effects show that
GO NMs have promising roles in drug delivery applications when formulated to
deliver drug payload to COPD and cancer cells. However, the fact that cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, chromosome instability, and gene/protein expressions
- biomarkers of cancer risk - were observed in healthy individuals are of concern
to public health, especially in occupational exposures at micro levels at the
workplace
- …
