Akwapoly Journal of Communication & Scientific Research
AkwaPoly Journal of Communication and Scientific Research (APJOCASR) is home to well-researched scholarly articles that have answered questions on scientific research in the areas of arts, social sciences, sciences, technology, engineering and environmental studies, among others. Given the Journal's multidisciplinary scope, the following objectives suffice: Make research papers and scholarly articles available at no cost since contributors will enjoy TetFund's assistance on production costs. Provide a platform where articles can be indexed with DOI for visibility on Google Scholar, Scopus, JSTOR, DOAJ, and many others. Foster the integration of communication studies with scientific research, encouraging contributions that bridge the gap between these fields and highlight their interconnections. Publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research that advances communication and scientific research knowledge, promoting innovation and new insights. Uphold the highest research integrity and ethics standards, encouraging transparency, dependability, and accountability in all published works. Provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to disseminate their findings, ensuring rigorous academic standards and enhancing the reputation of the Journal within the academic community. Highlight research that reflects local (e.g., Nigerian or African contexts) and global perspectives, fostering a diverse and inclusive scholarly discourse. Serve as a forum for exchanging ideas, methodologies, and research findings between academia and industry, promoting practical applications of scientific and communication research. Ensure that published research is accessible to a broad audience, including researchers, educators, policymakers, and the public, thus maximizing the impact of the work. Support the development of emerging scholars by providing opportunities for early-career researchers to publish their work and receive constructive feedback.
AkwaPoly Journal of Communication & Scientific Research
POLITICS, MYTHS AND FACTS OR CACOPHONY OF CLIMATE CHANGE: AN APPRAISAL OF THE PROLIFERATION OF REFINERIES AND RELATED PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES IN NIGERIA
This paper interrogated the politics, facts and myths of the climate change phenomenon using doctrinal and qualitative research methods. The work found that none of the continents of the world has been decisive on outright phase out of fossil fuels, which have been adjudged to be the direct human activity that ruinates the global atmospheric condition with attendant climate change and related public health challenges. The developed and developing countries are in sync with the scientific findings concerning climate variability and its negative impacts on the natural (forest resources, ocean and Agricultural land) and built environments (buildings, roads, bridges etc.) respectively. The small inland states have continued to groan about the impact of climate change on them but to no avail as the much needed climate funds or pledged financial assistance for climate change funds and/or interventions are not redeemed religiously. The work, therefore, recommends, among other things, that the developed countries should embark on extensive low carbon equipment, electric and hydrogen powered vehicles and other appliances production with in-built low carbon. The developed nations should also stop exporting fossil fuel powered electrical equipment and appliances to developing countries. Also, they should rather increase financial assistance to less-developed and developing countries, to enable these countries to carry out low carbon related production activities in their jurisdictions.
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PDE MODELING OF POPULATION DYNAMICS USING PHYSICS INFORMED NEURAL NETWORKS (PINNS)
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed scientific inquiry and technological innovation significantly in almost all facets of life.. This paper presents a study of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) solution techniques applied to Partial Differential Equation (PDE) models in population dynamics. Specifically, the paper focuses on modelling disease spread using an advection–diffusion–reaction partial differential equations (PDEs), with the solution sought through Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) technique. The community is being modelled as a bounded spatial domain where the disease density evolves over time and space. By embedding the underlying physical and biological laws into the network architecture, PINNs offer a robust and accurate framework to simulate infectious disease dynamics. Furthermore, numerical simulations, were implemented using the MATLAB ODE45 scheme, which provided insights into the interplay between disease progression, recovery , birth and death rate as parameter of interest in the transmission dynamics.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS OF Persea americana seed (African pear) and Dacryodes edulis seed (Local pear)
The comparative study of phytochemical composition in Dacryodes edulis and Persea americana seeds obtained from Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was carried out using standard analytical procedure. The result revealed the presence of the following phytochemicals in D. edulis and P. americana respectively: Alkaloids % (18.215+0.276) and (21.511+0.157), saponins % (14.120+0.170) and (19.622+0.120), flavonoids (3.690+0.270) and (3.590+0.014), tannins (3.315+0.134) and 0.947+0.025) and hydrogen cyanide (1.660+0.100) and (14.225+0.110). Some of these phytochemicals were below, higher and within the FAO/WHO standard. The various concentrations of these phytochemicals serve as defence mechanisms against pathogens and should be utilized by pharmaceutical industries to manufacture supplements.
PREVALENCE AND RESISTIVITY OF GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA IN MINIMALLY PROCESSED SHELLFISH AND HARVEST WATER IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIAPREVALENCE AND RESISTIVITY OF GRAM-POSITIVE BACTERIA IN MINIMALLY PROCESSED SHELLFISH AND HARVEST WATER IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
The prevalence and resistivity of Gram-positive bacteria in shellfish and harvest waters portends for food safety and improved regulatory compliance. In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, we evaluated 180 shellfish and 30 water samples from three major harvest sites (Itu, Mbo, and Ibeno L.G.A). The prevalence and concentrations of Gram-positive bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus sp, Streptococcus sp, and Bacillus cereus, were determined using standard microbiological methods. Results show a significant difference observed at 5 % (p < .05) in the heterotrophic count between the dry and rainy seasons, sample location, and bacterial colonization in water samples. However, the bacterial load in this study was above the stipulated range of <104 cfu/g by EU for Bacillus sp and Micrococcus sp in shellfish, while the bacterial load in some of the water samples was also above the drinking and recreational water standard of EU. Staphylococcus aureus had the highest percentage occurrence of (35.71 %), followed by Bacillus cereus (28.57 %), Streptococcus sp. (20.41 %), and the least Micrococcus sp. (15.31%). The antibacterial susceptibility profiles of the isolates showed that Bacillus cereus had a resistance profile of 90 %, followed by Streptococcus sp (4 %). Staphylococcus aureus (80 %) and Micrococcus sp (60 %) were susceptible to the antibiotics tested. These findings highlight the need for improved hygiene practices and regular monitoring of shellfish and harvest waters to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and antibiotic resistance transferred to humans.
COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF FOUR COMMON HERBS USED TRADITIONALLY IN THE TREATMENT OF ALIMENTS AT UKANA UWA IN ESSIEN UDIM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE
The results obtained in four different herbsused in the treatment of various ailments were showed and the presence of phytochemicals in various plant leaves with their calculated concentrations in 100 mg/100. Using standard analytical procedure, it was revealed that in Lanneaacida leaf, saponnins was the highest with 27.25 +0.354, followed by 12.75 + 1.061, the content of tannins was 9.40 + 0.568, while cyanogenic glycoside content was 4.15 + 0.138 and the least was flavonoid with the lowest concentration of 0.09 + 0.412 respectively. Then in Setariamegaphylla concentration were as follow; the highest concentration in flavonoids with 19.55 + 0.283, saponins 5.82 + 0.262, alkaloids 4.65 + 0.283 and tannin 3.63 + 0.325 while cyanogenic glycoside was 2.72 + 0.163. That of Aloe vera leaf with the highest were alkaloid with 12.40 + 1.230, saponin 8.20 + 0.460, flavonoids 5.60 + 0.620 and tannin with 4.20 + 0.250 while cyanogenicglycoside was Nil. The last plant that undergo the analysis also showed that flavonoids has the highest concentration with 26.75 + 0.354, followed by saponins 15.75 + 0.136, cyanogenic glycoside 5.32 + 0.253 while tannins was 3.077 + 0.186 while alkaloid content were 2.75 + 0.354 which was the lowest respectively. When comparing the results obtained in all the plants to the WHO standard or Daily allow dietary. There all fail within the recommendation and can be allow to be used for treatment because their toxicity to human’s body are below the required standard. As such there can be used and other comprehensive research should be carried out to know the microbial status.
DETERMINATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF DRIED PLANTAIN LEAF (Musa paradisiaca)
The analysis of the phytochemical component of the dried leaf of Musa paradisiacal (Plantain leaf) were carried out by standard analytical method. The calculate of the percentage contents were done using milligrams per milliters (mg/ml). The results shows that Alkaloid content were 9.25 + 0.02, Saponnin content were 3.99 + 0.03, Flavonoid content were 1.96 + 0.47, tannins were 2.89 + 0.60 while the content of cynogenic glycoside were observed to be 1.41 + 0.59. The results indicate that Musa paradisiaca leaf has a higher contents of alkaloid while cynogenic glycoside and flavonoid had the least concentrations. Musa paradisiacal has been used traditionally treating different kind of ailments such as typhoid, fever, inflammatory boil, malaria, stomach ulcer, etc. by different communities in Nigeria. The results obtained in this analysis has proved the medicinal properties of the plant as an evident.
HYDROCARBONOCLASTIC POTENTIAL OF BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM HAIR SALON WASTEWATER IMPACTED SOILS
The hydrocarbonoclastic potential of bacteria isolated from hair salon wastewater-impacted soils was studied. Isolation of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria from hair salon wastewater-impacted soil (SWS) and non-salon wastewater-impacted soil (NWS) samples were determined. Total mean bacterial counts of the soil samples were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. The total bacterial counts were 1.2x106 ±0.5 and 8.0 ±0.2 x105 Cfu g-1 in the SWS and NWS, respectively. Hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria identified included Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, and Streptococcus spp. Utilization of some hydrocarbons tests were carried out on kerosene, petrol, diesel, and waste engine oil on the isolates under aerobic conditions and were determined using Dichlorophenol Indophenol indicator (DCPIP) in hydrocarbon medium and incubated for 48 hours at 30 C. Biosurfactants production potential using the drop collapse test indicated that most of the bacterial isolates which tested positive have good bio-surfactants production potentials. The result of the emulsification index, E24 % of diesel and petrol for Staphylococcus sp. was significantly higher (50.70± 1.21 and 51.50± 0.50 respectively) than that obtained for kerosene and waster-engine oil (31.40± 1.05 and 23.47± 0.57 respectively) (p<0.05). In contrast, the amount of waste engine oil was significantly less than that of kerosene. There was no significant difference in emulsification index (p<0.05) between diesel (50.70± 1.21) and petrol (51.50± 0.50). Salon wastewater-impacted soils have been shown in this study to harbour bacteria with hydrocarbonoclastic potentials as indicated by the emulsification index E24% of the different isolates. The results suggest that the isolates are potential candidates for hydrocarbon utilization studies and application in bioremediation.
Hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria, dichlorophenol indophenol indicator, salon wastewater, polluted soil,
EVALUATION OF MACRO AND MICRO ELEMENTS IN Chromolaena odorata ROOTS USED IN TREATMENT OF ACUTE MALARIA IN NKO COMMUNITY, OBOT AKARA L.G.A
The evaluation of macro and micro elements in Chromolaena Odorala roots was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the analysis were as follows: Calcium (Ca) 1.33+80, Magnesium (Mg) 0.05+0.00, Potassium (K) 4.90+0.004, Sodium (Na) 0.03 +0.10, and Phosphorus (P) 0.50+1.20 while that for the micro elements were also obtained as follows: Iron (Fe) (0.11 +mg/100kg), Copper (Cu) (0.020+0.02mg/100kg) Manganese (Mn) (0.54+0.025 mg/100kg) and Zinc (Zn) (0.55+0.005). The results obtained when duly compared with the recommended dietary allowance standard (RDA) showed that Sodium (Na) had the lowest level (0.0310.80) among the analyzed minerals, while Potassium (K) had the highest level (4.90 0.004), all the other minerals were however found to be within the recommended dietary allowance standard (RDA). An indication that the root of Chromolaena odorata on consumption could serve as a supplement for the mineral elements.
HYBRID STUDIES SYSTEM: A TOOL FOR COMPUTERIZATION IN NIGERIA’S EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE
In Nigeria, integrating traditional and digital education through hybrid learning aims to address challenges in higher education, such as increasing enrollment, inadequate infrastructure, and the growing need for digital skills. Hybrid learning provides a flexible learning environment by combining in-person teaching with online components, catering to diverse student needs, and enhancing digital literacy, which is essential for the modern workforce. Despite the benefits of hybrid learning, its implementation faces obstacles due to insufficient infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and resistance from educators who require more digital skills and have concerns about traditional teaching methods. This research explores the potential of hybrid learning to enhance educational accessibility and institutional efficiency in Nigeria, drawing insights from successful case studies and academic research. Barriers to adoption, including inadequate digital resources and educators' limited technical expertise, are also identified. Recommendations include investing in digital infrastructure, providing targeted training, and formulating supportive policies. Grounded in systems theory, this study aims to guide stakeholders to effectively introduce hybrid learning in Nigeria, ultimately fostering a more equitable and technologically advanced higher education system.
USING STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN AKWA IBOM STATE
The safeguarding of citizens within a nation is a fundamental obligation of governments globally, achieved through the utilization of state power mechanisms, such as defence and security agencies, supported by legislation. The 1999 Nigerian constitution outlines the government's role and the interrelations among government levels in managing security. Both Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole have encountered various internal conflicts, including communal crises, kidnappings, and robberies. This research is rooted in structural conflict theory and investigates strategic communication and conflict resolution in Akwa Ibom State. It delves into diverse communication approaches for addressing conflicts and insecurity in Akwa Ibom State and asserts that adequate security is only achievable when conflicts are appropriately managed. Unresolved conflicts pose security challenges. The study concludes that implementing five communication strategies—avoidance, competition, compromise, accommodation, and collaboration is recommended for addressing conflicts and insecurity in Akwa Ibom State.
LINGUISTIC ELEMENTS IN THE NIGERIA POLITICAL ARENA: MARKETING AND DEMARKING OF 2023 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
This study deals with the use of linguistic elements in marketing and demarketing of 2023 Nigerian presidential candidates. Nigerians want a developed nation for all citizens. This has eroded them for many years. The nation has been rated very low in human capital development, education, security, employment, and energy. The general election of 2023 becomes more interesting due to the participation of Nigerians. Evidence is seen in all social media platforms. Supporters of each candidate utilise the power and potential of language to promote the public image of their candidates while relegating the opponents. This study is anchored on Socio-semiotics analysis. Images and inscriptions used as data are collected from Twitter and Facebook posts. The illustrations are the basis for the analysis. The study finds that supporters of LP, Peter Obi, dominate the media space by using powerful linguistic elements. They also create negative images of PDP and APC candidates while their candidate, Peter Obi, enjoys the best support. The study recommends that the potential of language, be it literary, stylistic, creative, visual elements, or extra-linguistic features, be deployed in political discussion. Also, social media should be allowed for free expression as this will encourage the total evaluation of the candidates and contribute to transparency in present and future elections in Nigeria.
SEASONALITY OF ECONOMIC GROWTH: EFFECT OF PERIODIC MONEY SUPPLY IN NIGERIA
This paper seeks to establish annually predictable changes in economic activities owing to periodic variation in the total stock of money available for circulation in Nigeria using quarterly money supply and gross domestic product extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin for thirteen years. The coefficient of determination and correlation matrix at lag 0 were used to determine the interaction between gross domestic product and money supply. The result reveals that the money supply in Nigeria is positively related to economic performance. The constant recurring pattern of crests and troughs in the time series plot of gross domestic product and the significant spikes at the seasonal lags of the autocorrelation function of gross domestic product establish the seasonality of economic growth. Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests indicate the presence of unit roots in the bivariate series. Consequently, appropriate transformations were carried out to ensure that the bivariate time series is stationary and that the univariate seasonal time series model justifiably fits the gross domestic product and confirms the seasonality of economic growth in Nigeria.
TIME SERIES ANALYSIS OF CHINESE YUAN TO NIGERIA NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES
This paper presents a detailed empirical study focusing on modelling and forecasting time series data of the daily exchange rates between the Chinese Yuan and the Nigerian Naira. The study uses data from two reliable websites, https:// www. exchangerates. org. uk/ CNY- NGexchange-rate-history.html, covering a period ranging from Sunday, 20 February 2022, to Thursday, 4 August 2022. The study's primary objective is to determine the most appropriate model for accurately predicting the daily exchange rates between the two currencies. The study utilizes the Box-Jenkins time series analysis method to predict the exchange rates of the Chinese Yuan to the Nigeria Naira. The results show that the ARIMA (2,1,1) model is the most suitable for this purpose. The model successfully identiﬁes the underlying trends and patterns in the data and provides dependable forecasts for the exchange rates. Overall, this method proves to be practical in analyzing time series data. The study also examines the accuracy of the forecasts generated by the ARIMA (2,1,1) model. The fourteen-day forecasts produced by the model are compared with the actual exchange rates, and the results show that the forecast compares favourably with the original exchange rates. This ﬁnding suggests that the ARIMA (2,1,1) model is reliable for predicting the daily exchange rates between the Chinese Yuan and Nigerian Naira.
ADDRESSING LANGUAGE ABUSE IN PUBLIC SERVICE:A CASE OF AKWA IBOM STATE POLYTECHNIC, IKOT OSURUA
The prevalence of language abuse within the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic community is a matter of significant concern. This study explores the diverse manifestations of language abuse and their implications for communication among faculty and students. This study employs critical discourse analysis as its framework and involves data collection through natural interactions, classroom lecture recordings, and interviews with students and subordinates. It identifies several forms of language abuse, including verbal, ethnic, and religious discrimination, harassment, and language exclusion through code-switching and code-mixing. Through the analysis of six speech events, the study reveals that language abuse yields grave consequences, including the development of lecturer interaction phobia, psychological and emotional distress leading to decreased focus and academic performance, diminished self-esteem, and social isolation. In light of these findings, the study proposes implementing training programs to educate staff on effective communication, cultivating a respectful and student-oriented environment, and establishing procedures for reporting instances of language abuse. Moreover, it advocates for management's commitment to appropriate disciplinary measures as needed. These initiatives are poised to significantly mitigate language abuse and foster a positive and supportive learning environment for students.
MICROFINANCING AND NIGERIAN ECONOMIC GROWTH: THE FULLY MODIFIED LEAST SQUARES (FMOLS) APPROACH
Microfinance has emerged as a vital tool for promoting inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. This study investigated the impact of microfinance interventions on economic development in Nigeria and focused on their contributions to poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and overall economic growth. Employing quantitative methods and drawing on a comprehensive literature review, the study examines microfinance development indicators, such as loan disbursements and the number of microfinance institutions, about the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate. The Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) estimation conducted for the period 2003 to 2022, with 20 observations, revealed significant positive relationships between microfinance development indicators and the GDP growth rate in Nigeria. Specifically, the coefficients for Microfinance Loan Disbursements (MFLD) and the Number of Microfinance Institutions per Capita (NMFI) were both statistically significant, with estimates of 0.804184 and 4.091506, respectively. The results revealed significant positive relationships between these microfinance indicators and GDP growth rate, indicating the substantial impact of microfinance interventions on economic development. Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness and inclusiveness of microfinance interventions in Nigeria. These recommendations include improving microfinance accessibility in rural areas, providing capacity-building programs for practitioners and borrowers, strengthening regulatory frameworks for transparency and stability, implementing supportive policies for sector growth, conducting further research and impact evaluations, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders for knowledge sharing and innovation.
DRUG ABUSE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA.
The study aimed to investigate the impact and causative factors of drug abuse among secondary school students in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. It utilized a descriptive survey sample of 141 participants selected through stratified and accidental sampling techniques, with data collection conducted using a questionnaire. The social learning theory served as the theoretical framework for the investigation. Descriptive statistics, such as simple percentages, frequency counts, bar charts, and PPMC, were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that students who habitually abuse drugs encounter academic difficulties and are at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. Peer pressure was identified as the primary reason for drug addiction among secondary school students in Calabar South Local Government Area. The study suggested that the issue could be addressed by implementing effective student orientation programs.
DELAY AND PROJECT DELIVERY IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS BY NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (NDDC) - 2019 TO 2024
Delays in road construction projects are a significant concern across various regions, impacting project delivery and overall success. This study examined the level of delay in road construction project delivery performed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with secondary data obtained from consulting and contracting firms that have registered and are actually involved in the execution of NDDC road projects in the selected States of the Niger Delta region. The pilot survey revealed a total of one hundred and thirty-six (136) awarded and executed road projects from 33 consulting and 103 contracting firms and organizations, respectively. The total enumeration was adopted using a purposive sampling method, and projects awarded between 2019 and 2024 were considered. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and One-way ANOVA. The findings revealed a high level of delay, above two hundred percent (200%) average, on road projects executed by NDDC in Niger Delta regions. The test revealed no significant differences in the level of delay since the significant value was greater than 0.05; hence, the hypothesis was accepted. It follows that location has no effect on the level of delay experienced by the contractors involved in the road construction projects. The study concluded that road projects procured by the NDDC experienced excessive delay and recommended that the managers and directors of NDDC road projects should embark on proper contract appropriation, adopt accurate contract documentation, avoid a constant award of contracts to the same team, and prompt release of mobilization fees to parties concerned by the commission.
CYTOGENETIC STUDIES OF SOME SPECIES OF TRADESCANTIA (L) AND COMMELINA (L) IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
Morphological analyses of the vegetative characteristics of two species of Tradescantia and two species of Commelina grown in polythene bags in the greenhouse were done. Inter-specific variation in vegetative and floral morphology was significant (p<0.5). The root tips were harvested between 7:30 am and 9:00 am, pretreated in 8-hydroxyl-quinoline, and transferred into 3:1 ethanol acetic acid for 24 hours. Root tips were hydrolyzed in 10% hydrochloric acid and subsequently squashed in FLP orcein. The chromosome number was 2n = 12 in Tradescantia spathacea with a Karyotype formula of 10m + 2sm. The chromosome number of Tradescantia pallida was 2n = 24 with a Karyotype formula of 22m +2sm, while the Chromosome number was 2n = 22 in Commelina benghalensis with a karyotype formula of 14m+2sm + 4st. The chromosome number was 2n = 30 in Commelina diffusa with a karyotype formula of 28m + 2sm. The mean chromosome lengths in the two genera ranged from 1-4µm. A secondary construction satellite was observed in the longest chromosome of Commelina benghalensis. Morphological and cytological data from the two genera showed considerable differences, which would be helpful to the genera's taxonomic separation.
RETURN AND RISKS IN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT: A CURSORY LOOK AT THE UYO PROPERTY MARKET
Real estate investing is a popular choice for many investors, who often assume it will always result in a positive return due to its unique characteristics. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, investors' expectations still need to be met, and the outcome is far from what they had anticipated. As a result, investing in real estate requires careful consideration and understanding of the potential risks and rewards. Thus, the paper hinges on assessing the return and risks in real estate investment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Consequently, identifying the significant risks involved in real estate investment and assessing the factors that bring about negative cash inflows in the sector is the fulcrum of this paper. The study utilizes a survey design and collects data primarily from questionnaire responses provided by resident surveyors in Uyo to accomplish its objectives. Data from the field is collated and analyzed for interpretation using the Relative Importance Index. The result shows that high interest rates, high cost of building materials and tenants' preferences are the significant factors that affect returns. It also reveals that people invest in real estate for a steady income and long-term financial security. Nevertheless, findings identify asset, market, location, and financial risks as significant in real estate investment. In contrast, poor management, high maintenance costs, high financing costs, and voids are causes of negative cash inflows. The paper recommends boosting the economy's manufacturing sector to enhance the production of suitable quality building materials at reduced rates and providing capital at low interest rates.
The Role of Multilingualism in the Emergence of Nigerian English
This research explores the impact of multilingualism on the English language in Nigeria. With approximately 400 local languages present in Nigeria, the use of English has been influenced by a vast array of cultures, regions, and other factors. This trend is also evident in Akwa Ibom, where approximately 20 local languages and dialects are spoken. Speakers exhibit deviations and colourations in lexical, phonological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic features of Standard English. At the lexical level, coinage, hybridization, analogization, transliteration, and transfer are observed. At the phonological level, local languages result in a reduced vowel system, a reduced intonation system, non-differentiation in some aspects of length, absence of glottalization, voicing of non-voiced consonant endings, absence of consonant clusters, insertion of epenthetic vowels in some consonant clusters, and substitution of alveolar fricatives for interdental fricatives. Plural morpheme generalization, word reduplication, and deviated tag question formation are found at the syntactic level. At the semantic and pragmatic level, new meanings are attached to words and expressions based on culture. The pragmatic features of Nigerian English emphasize politeness. Code-switching and code-mixing are regular and unavoidable features of Nigerian English. The research recommends that language teachers in Nigeria should be familiar with the features of Nigerian English to teach both Standard Nigerian English and Standard English effectively. The use of Nigerian English should be encouraged as it reflects Nigerian culture.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK ON CIVIL ENGINEERING OPERATIONS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
COVID-19 is a global epidemic altering and disrupting the world's economic outlook. The construction industry, regarded as one of the primary economic development engines, is adversely hit. The epidemic is having a global impact on building and infrastructure projects, resulting in most developments and initiatives being halted. The COVID-19 epidemic is a substantial source of project delays in Nigeria. The paper assesses and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the sector from the beginning to the present scenario to manage potential future risks and gather knowledge for ensuring futuristic planning to deal with such uncertainty as a result of the pandemic. This study's objectives are to determine how COVID-19 affected Nigeria's civil engineering operations and to reveal the steps taken to mitigate the harmful effects of the pandemic. The development of a quantitative measurement, which uses a qualitative approach based on summative content analysis with 18 participants from three different construction companies, is used to determine the frequency of critical variables in the data distribution to ascertain the impact. To combat the spread of COVID-19 during the Conditional Movement Control Order, Nigerian civil engineering firms are developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This paper will discuss the measures adopted.
COMPARATIVE STRENGTH OF PARTIALLY REPLACED RICE HUSK ASH WITH CEMENT MORTAR A CASE STUDY OF OBUBRA L.G.A OF CROSS RIVER STATE
The paper assesses and compares the strength of cement mortar that is partially replaced with rice husk ash (RHA). The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of using RHA in construction projects as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional cement-based mortar. The study also seeks to address the pressing environmental issues associated with the disposal of agricultural waste. The study results expect to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and drawbacks of using RHA in construction projects, particularly in terms of its impact on the durability, strength, and overall quality of the mortar. The idea is to generate wealth by selling RHA to potential buyers instead of disposing of it. Samples of RHA are being mixed into the cement mortar at replacement levels ranging from 5% to 25%. A range of laboratory tests is being conducted to evaluate properties such as particle size distribution, compressive strength, flexural strength, bulk density, and water absorption. The results from the laboratory tests show that as the percentage of RHA increases, the density of the RHA with cement mortar decreases from 2.316 kg/m3 to 1.853 kg/m3. Water absorption of RHA with cement mortar increases from 0.45% to 8.1% as the percentage of RHA increases from 0% to 25%. Compressive strength decreases from 23.4 KN/m2 to 7.31 KN/m2, and flexural strength decreases from 3.93 KN/m2 to 0.54 KN/m2. An optimal percentage of RHA with cement mortar is recommended to be between 10% and 15%.
EFFECTS OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIZATIONS: A CASE OF SELECTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN PORT HARCOURT
The study aims to investigate the impact of strategic management on the growth and development of organizations with a specific focus on manufacturing companies in the Port Harcourt area of Nigeria's Rivers State. The study has selected 63 participants from 21 companies across the three legislative zones of Rivers State, with three participants chosen from each company. Researchers use descriptive statistics like frequencies, means, and percentages to answer four key research questions. They also employ the Chi-Square test to evaluate three key hypotheses. The results reveal that well-executed strategic management is only sometimes present in the companies studied but that adopting effective strategic management practices can significantly impact competitiveness, productivity, and overall performance. The study also finds that effective strategic management practices positively influence employees' behaviour and contribute to the overall improvement of the companies studied. The researchers conclude that Nigerian educational institutions should incorporate strategic management concepts into their curricula to enhance administrative knowledge and improve overall competitiveness in Nigerian organizations. Additionally, scholars should conduct further research to identify the reasons for the widespread adoption of strategic management practices in Nigeria to increase the competitiveness of small and medium-scale businesses nationwide.
PREDICTING MONTHLY RAINFALL OF UMUDIKE, ABIA STATE USING BOX AND JENKINS APPROACH
The Box and Jenkins method has been utilized to identify and fit a time series model to the monthly rainfall series of Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. The data used in the study was obtained from the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI) and covers the period between 1981 and 2020. The data analysis has revealed that the most suitable model for the series is SARIMA (0,0,0) x (1,1,0)12. A seasonal autoregressive component and a moving average component characterize this model. This model's two-year prediction indicates that the forecast is relatively stable. This means the predicted rainfall values will be similar to the historical values within the next two years. The study has also shown that using the SARIMA (0,0,0) x (1,1,0)12 model is reliable for modelling and forecasting rainfall in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. This information can be helpful for various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding crop production and management.
DEVELOPMENT OF FINGERPRINT-BASED ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR SMART CLASS APPLICATIONS
This paper describes the development of an innovative attendance management system called Fingerprint-Based Attendance Management (FPAM), which aims to simplify the attendance management process for educational institutions. The system utilizes cutting-edge fingerprint recognition technology, including a portable hardware device with a fingerprint reader, Arduino microcontroller, NodeMCU module, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) module, and keypad. It also consists of a web application and mobile app that provide easy access to attendance data captured by the device, making it convenient for both students and faculty members. The system's codes are written using the Arduino IDE and PHP, ensuring they are efficient and reliable. The system has been subjected to rigorous testing, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. It has effectively managed attendance for different courses and student populations, making it an ideal solution for educational institutions looking to streamline their attendance management processes. The server is hosted on the "litehost" platform with a domain name of anietieattendancessystem.com.ng, ensuring the system is always accessible and reliable. Overall, the FPAM system is a valuable addition to the educational industry, providing a seamless and efficient attendance management solution.
TIME SERIES MODEL ON FEMALE BIRTH RECORDS AND THE PROPENSITY OF FEMALE BIRTHS IN ABAK LOCAL GOVERNMENT: A STUDY OF GENERAL HOSPITAL ,UKPOM ABAK
This research study utilizes the Time Series Model analytical approach to investigate and predict the monthly records of female births at the General Hospital in Ukpom Abak, estimating the expected pattern of female births in the Abak Metropolis. Currently, there is a significant neglect of the documentation of female births, leading to a need for more reliable statistics on female births. This lack of data adversely affects the accuracy of predicting the number of daughters born to a female as she progresses through her reproductive age. Furthermore, with rapid population growth, government planners require assistance planning for various aspects such as workforce, education, healthcare facilities, and other essential amenities. Despite the efforts of government agencies such as the Bureau of Statistics to ensure proper birth records, parents have shown reluctance to provide the necessary information. The researcher suggests using time series analysis, which involves collecting well-defined data items obtained through repeated measurements over time, to gain reliable insights into the trends and patterns of female births. The analysis's findings could prove invaluable to governmental planners and other stakeholders managing the population.
FOOD CULTURE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON FOOD SECURITY: AN INFERENTIAL SURVEY ON EKOWE COMMUNITY IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
This study aims to assess the impact of food culture on food security, focusing on the Ekowe community, a coastal region located along the River Nun in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Being one of Nigeria's most severely affected communities during the ongoing floods, the Ekowe community is a critical food security research area. The study employs focus group discussions, personal interviews, and survey questionnaires for qualitative data collection. The questionnaire survey involves sixty respondents, of which fifty-six (56) responses are deemed appropriate, while descriptive statistics are used to analyze data. The results reveal plantain, cassava, sugar cane, cocoyam, rice, and beans as the major food categories prevalent in the study area. Moreover, the study identifies food price instability, limited food supply in the market, poverty, family size, and ignorance of basic nutritional requirements as the major factors affecting the food culture of the Ekowe community. Poor food culture and food insecurity lead to malnutrition, undernourishment, ill health, hunger, susceptibility to diseases, crime, low self-esteem, and death. The majority (73.2%) of the respondents cannot afford to feed consistently three times daily for one month, indicating poverty and low purchasing power among people in the study area. Furthermore, 71.4% of the respondents do not consume a balanced diet daily, suggesting that a significant proportion of the population may be malnourished and suffer from nutritional inequality, which indicates food insecurity. The study finds that young people between the ages of 20 and 40 years, males, and people earning less than 35,000 Naira per month are the main respondents who consume less than three meals daily. The researchers attempt to construct a food culture and security profile to illustrate the relationship between food culture and security. The study recommends improving local food production and nutritional awareness to enhance food culture and security.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STRIGOLACTONE PRODUCTION IN BAMBARA GROUNDNUT AND COWPEA GENOTYPES
This study examined strigolactones (SLs) in 12 Bambara groundnut root exudates. A mixture of three strigolactones, orobanchol, orobanchyl acetate, and fabacyl acetate, were detected by LC-MS/MS in the root exudates of all Bambara groundnut genotypes investigated. Fabacyl acetate was not detected over ten days of P-starvation. Two of these strigolactones, orobanchol and orobanchyl acetate, were previously identified in cowpeas. The levels of orobanchol and orobanchyl acetate secreted varied significantly between genotypes (p<0.001) and (p<0.04), respectively. Over 21 days of P-starvation, meagre amounts of fabacyl acetate (< 10-12 M) were detected in Bambara groundnut root exudates, and there were no significant differences between genotypes. Among all the genotypes studied, Mana was the highest producer of the strigolactones detected, while DodR was the genotype whose exudates contained the lowest amount of strigolactones. The relative proportion of orobanchol contained in the strigolactone mixture of root exudates was very high across all 12 genotypes. These detected SL mixtures induced the germination of A. vogelii seeds at concentrations as low as 10-12 M but did not lead to S. gesnerioides germination, suggesting that A. vogelii is more sensitive to SL induction than S.gesnerioides and therefore differences inSL quantity maybe a key factor determining host specificity of parasitic plants. Although Alectrabutnot Striga parasitized the 12 BGN genotypes studied in a separate TETFund IBR grant awarded to the Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, genotypes with lower concentrations of SL mixtures result in lower Alectra shoot counts, suggesting that Bambara groundnut may be resistance/tolerance to root parasitic plants based on reduced SL production.
ESTIMATION OF SAND CHEMISTRY USING ELECTRICAL SOUNDING: A STUDY OF OPOLO, YENAGOA
Studies have shown that sand has a complex chemistry with unique geological and environmental significance. This paper analyses a survey conducted in the Yenagoa local government area in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to estimate sand chemistry using vertical electrical sounding. The study aims to determine the volume of sand deposits and their chemistry in an area measuring 100 meters by 50 meters. Nine Vertical Electrical Sounding Points were acquired using Terrameter SAS 1000. The results showed that the survey area had four to six geoelectric layers with VES 1, VES 3 to VES 9 containing HA curves, while VES 2 had HK curves. The resistivity distribution ranged from 1.05 to 22.73 m, with resistivity varying from 113.8 to 1942 Ωm across the survey area. The estimated volume of sand within the survey area was approximately 688,059 tonnes, with the chemical content being suitable for domestic and building purposes. The sand deposits are also ideal for engineering and construction due to their inherent water permeability and storage ability. Further investigation is recommended to study construction sand deposits beyond the surveyed areas.
THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF CRUDE OIL PRICES ON EXCHANGE RATES IN NIGERIA: TIME SERIES APPROACH
This paper focused on the interdependence of crude oil prices on exchange rates using monthly crude oil prices and naira to the United States dollar exchange rate extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin for sixteen (2006-2021) years constituting vector time series. Each of the components of the vector time series was made stationary by differencing, and the stationary vector time series was subjected to pre-whitening to determine the interaction between crude oil prices and naira to the United States dollar exchange rate using sample cross-correlation of the residuals obtained by fitting autoregressive integrated moving average models to the stationary processes. The results revealed that the residual series are not correlated at lag 0 while the cross-correlation at other lags except lag 1 is within the 95% limits. Hence, there is no interaction between crude oil prices and the exchange rate of naira to USD. The lack of interaction between these variables may be connected to subsidy payments in Nigeria.