General Studies

The need of food preservation cannot be over-emphasised. Crops need to be processed and preserved in times of their abundance to ensure for life and specie sustainability in times of scarcity. Flat plate collectors (FPCs) are often made fixed and the positions of reflectors used on them are not normally specified; in this paper, a report of an experimental test of an indirect solar dryer whose FPC is operated manually in a single axis to track the sun is presented. To avoid incurring extra cost on the existing design, the FPC was rather made to be operated manually instead of the automation process. Using the Engineering Equation Solver (EES) and the TRNSYS 16 softwares, the angular positions of reflectors placed east and west on the FPC were simulated for the first quarter months of the year of the experiment – this included the month of the test. This is to ascertain the best positions for the reflectors in other to achieve maximum insolation. For the month of the test, March, the...

Depleting oil reserves and environmental concerns on emission have heightened the search for alternative energy sources and efficient electrochemical energy systems through renewable energy sources. Technological advancements in the field of automation, robotics, communication, nanotechnology, electrification and hybridization of vehicles as well as the push for renewable energy sources have broadened the scope of opportunities for Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems (ESS). These new technologies place a growing demand on compact, safe and higher capacity batteries to enable functionality. Battery technology for different needs and application have become an indispensable aspect of sustainable development in the quest for renewable energy and global sustainable carbon emission reduction. This paper briefly looks at the integrated nature of batteries to human day to day activities, the current state and impact of battery technology, future of energy storage systems and an analysis...

Proton exchange membrane fuels cell (PEMFC) is fuel cell that useshydrogen and oxygen as its fuel and the most interesting thing about this cell is that it only produces liquid water as its main by-product. This makes PEMFCsas one of the promising and interesting sources of power for the future because they are fully in compliance with the environmental policies and goal of this generation. However, commercialization and full harnessing of this novel cell has yet to commence despite showing some strong prospectsand potentials. This may be largely due to the technical issues surrounding the operation of PEMFC. The two main issues that pose serious concern are water and thermal managements. Concerning the water management, two important critical issues that are inter-related involve cell dehydration and water flooding, both of which have adverse effects on the performances of these cells.Subsequently, these concerns draw the attention of the research community, where a large number of...

The depletion of fossil fuel reserves coupled with the environmental challenges pose by fossil fuel utilization make it necessary to search for better alternative fuels that have less adverse impact to the environment. Biodiesel and its blends as an alternative fuel in compression ignition (CI) engines are receiving more attention from researchers. This study investigates a blend of biodiesels from cottonseed oil and pure diesel prepared in percentage by volume in a proportion of 0:100, 10:90, 20:80 and 30:70 respectively. They were labeled as B0, B10, B20, and B30, and run on a single-cylinder, four stroke and water-cooled 165F diesel engine. The results show higher brake power for all blends when compared with pure diesel, with the lowest difference of 0.43% for B10 at a torque of 10 Nm and highest of 2.06% for B30 at 2 Nm torque. Specific fuel consumption (SFC) was also higher for the blends as compared to pure diesel, but the SFC is compensated with higher brake power. Pure dies...

This paper presents a numerical study on the compressive behaviour of concrete-filled steel square columns subjected to concentric and eccentric loading conditions. Numerical models are developed using general purpose finite element (FE) software ABAQUS and have been validated using the available test results in the literature. The FE models predict the experimental load-deformation curve, ultimate strength and failure modes with good accuracy. Furthermore, the experimentally validated FE models are used to carry out a series of parametric study to investigate the effect of geometric and material properties on the behaviour of concentrically and eccentrically loaded concrete-filled steel square columns. Concrete compressive strength, steel yield strength, column depth to thickness ratio, and load eccentricity ratio are the key parameters that are varied in the FE models to assess their effect on the ultimate behaviour of concrete-filled steel columns. Finally, numerical results are ...

To overcome the threat on environment, posed by the use of fossil fuel that leads to global warming, depletion of fossils fuels reserves, etc. Researches are on-going to find the optimum solutions in resolving some of these problems . In this research, the aim is to investigate the effect of camphor and butanol when blended with premium motor spirit (PMS) on the performance and emission of a spark-ignition (SI) engine, taking into account the physicochemical properties of the fuel mixture. A sample of B0B shows the best physicochemical properties as compared to the sole petrol (B0A) having values of 0.7572,1.3 poise, 55℃, 59℃ and 1.9% for specific gravity (SG), viscosity ( ), flash point, fire point and iodine value (IV), respectively. The performance tests results showed that when the unleaded gasoline was blended with butanol-camphor, the engine performance decreases except for the sample with a small quantity of camphor. At two-constant torques of 3 and 6 Nm, the B0B shows result...

The right to strike is an integral part of the right to freedom of association of every citizen as contained in section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which forms the bases for a citizen to associate with others and to join trade unions of his choice for the protection of his interest. It is part of this right to freedom of association that an employee give or withdraw his services by given notice to his employer, before embarking on strike, in accordance with terms and condition of his employment. This paper analyses the legal consequence of strike actions on the entitlements to pay from employers to employee and the remedies available to all parties involved in the dispute. The paper examined the legality or otherwise of Government policy "No Work No Pay". The article further examines the right to strike and the conditions precedent to be fulfilled before a trade union could embark on strike in accordance with provisions of Trade Union Act, 2005 and Trade Dispute Act, Cap T8, LFN, 2004. Finally, the paper proffered some amendments to be effected on the two principal legislations on trade dispute i.e Trade Union Act, 2005 and Trade Dispute Act.

ABSTRACT Research on small firms was for a very long time concerned with the high Failure rates of small business. Recognition of the importance of small firms in emerging economies had bolstered research efforts in this area. One of the causes of failure found in most studies was the incidence of inadequate records keeping or the total lack of it. This paper conducted a pilot survey of records keeping practices among small firms in Bauchi, specifically in the GRA area of Bauchi metropolis. The objective of the survey was to identify whether small firms in Bauchi metropolis keep records, and if they do, how these records are kept. The survey made use of both primary and secondary data. The data collected was used to test the three hypotheses that were postulated. To achieve that, the study made use of chi-square test due to its simplicity. The study found that most small firms do not maintain adequate records; even if they do the records are haphazardly kept and disorganized. Those enterprises that do keep records cannot afford to hire qualified book keepers, thereby resorting to "D0 IT YOURSELF” records keeping practice. The research concluded by recommending capacity building measures by government to boost the capacity of small firms in record keeping. Also institutions should be encouraged to come out with a specialized and simplified way of record keeping for small firms.

For thousand of years the action of man has been gradually diminishing the world's forest resources by clearing and felling of trees for fuel, bush burning or making way for agriculture, settlement and industry. This was a relatively slow process in many areas in the past, but it has now been speeded up by population explosion as well as economic activities especially in the provision of fuel wood. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines deforestation as a reduction of forest stand density to less than 20 percent of its original cover. Ayuba (2005) defined deforestation as the indiscriminate felling of trees with little or no effort at replacement. Economic activities if pursued without environmental considerations will in the long run limit the scope for growth and overall economic development, more so when the resources derivable from it are economic necessities (Oyeranti, 1998). Therefore the objective of this paper is to identify those economic activities that aid deforestation in Bauchi State with a view to proffer solution to this environmental problem. With the aid of various literatures and discussions from experts in the field, the study will identify the economic activities that contribute to deforestation in Bauchi State. The study among other things identified that demand for fuel wood, intensive use of land for food production and grazing, unemployment, urbanization, migration are some of the activities responsible. The study therefore suggest that tree planting campaign should vigorously pursued, stringent laws to be put in place against indiscriminate cutting down of trees, make alternative source of fuel wood such as kerosene cheaper or encourage the use of efficient wood stove and sensitization campaign to educate the general public on the dangers of deforestation.

Lack of funding is the number one reason given for the failure of so many small businesses. Why? Success today hinges not only on providing a quality and timely product or service, but also on knowing how to finance the business. One of the major determinants in establishing any firm is Capital and most failure of trading/business enterprise is associated with absence or inadequate Capital. Hassan (2009) defined Capital as the resources or money used for and required in carrying out the activities of the business venture. The objectives of this study is to undertake an in depth study so as to identify the sources of capital among traders of Wunti Market in Bauchi Metropolis and in so doing identify whether the traders are aware of the existence of formal institutions that provide such services and the associated problems encountered or act as hindrance to accessing such facilities. The survey made use of both primary and secondary data. Data was presented in tabular and chart forms for understanding and easy analysis. The study found that most the traders source there capital from past savings and assistance from well wishers. Those enterprises that got their capital from the formal sector complained of the difficulty in accessing such funds and repayment arrangement is not suitable. The research concluded that Government being the prime mover of economic activities, should come up with an arrangement for those funds set aside for the promotion of trade reaches the desired traders, awareness campaigns should be organized to educate the traders on how to access funds from the formal sector and Central Bank in collaboration with commercial banks should develop a new strategy in encouraging traders to utilized the funds available to commercial banks.

Many people in Africa depend on water from borehole, but purity of the drinking water from this source remains questionable. In a bid to ascertain the health risk local people are exposed to, this study analyses the physico-chemical characteristics of borehole water in Gassol Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. For this purpose, water samples were collected from the 12 administrative wards in the LGA. Two samples were collected from each ward, one in the rainy season (March) and another in the dry season (November), a total of 24 water samples in all. The water samples were analyzed for 18 different physical and chemical parameters to ascertain their comparability with the guideline levels recommended by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO). Results show that most parameters were within the guideline values in both seasons except for turbidity, pH, fluoride (F-), chlorine (Cl +), iron (Fe 2+), ammonia (NH 4 +) and manganese (Mn 2 +). Overall, all of the wards had at least one instance in which a parameter falls outside recommended guideline. A further analysis using the mean value test approach to assess level of contamination relative to guideline values showed that the upper bound value (US 95) of turbidity, iron, pH and chlorine are greater than their guideline values. This indicates that these are the parameters for which the most urgent action is needed. The high concentration of iron and turbidity outside the prescribed limits in the rainy season suggests that water managers need pay more attention to borehole water quality in the rainy season. There is need for further research across the region to better understand the quality and the contaminants (natural and anthropogenic) of borehole water so as to be able to proffer appropriate remediation strategy.

Many people in Africa depend on water from borehole, but purity of the drinking water from this source remains questionable. In a bid to ascertain the health risk local people are exposed to, this study analyses the physico-chemical characteristics of borehole water in Gassol Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. For this purpose, water samples were collected from the 12 administrative wards in the LGA. Two samples were collected from each ward, one in the rainy season (March) and another in the dry season (November), a total of 24 water samples in all. The water samples were analyzed for 18 different physical and chemical parameters to ascertain their comparability with the guideline levels recommended by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and World Health Organization (WHO). Results show that most parameters were within the guideline values in both seasons except for turbidity, pH, fluoride (F-), chlorine (Cl +), iron (Fe 2+), ammonia (NH 4 +) and manganese (Mn 2 +). Overall, all of the wards had at least one instance in which a parameter falls outside recommended guideline. A further analysis using the mean value test approach to assess level of contamination relative to guideline values showed that the upper bound value (US 95) of turbidity, iron, pH and chlorine are greater than their guideline values. This indicates that these are the parameters for which the most urgent action is needed. The high concentration of iron and turbidity outside the prescribed limits in the rainy season suggests that water managers need pay more attention to borehole water quality in the rainy season. There is need for further research across the region to better understand the quality and the contaminants (natural and anthropogenic) of borehole water so as to be able to proffer appropriate remediation strategy.

Electronic waste generation has been increasing at a rate three times faster than that of general waste stream. Developing nations like Nigeria bear the consequences as it is estimated that 500 containers, each carrying about 500,000 used computers and other electronic equipment, enter Nigeria’s ports every month from the United States, Europe and Asia. To this effect, The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have announced a $15 million initiative to establish an electronic system in Nigeria, which will pioneer safe e-waste recycling in the country. It is against this background that this study was conducted to determine the households’ awareness and practice towards the recycling of e-waste, as well as the most suitable collection pattern within Kano Metropolis. The data for this study was collected using Open Data Kit (ODK) mobile phone platform, which contained questions on households’ characteristics, current practices regarding di...

This article overviews the push/pull factors of citizens' participation in Nigerian politics. Citizens' participation in state politics is both integral and an indispensable part of every political system and development. However, it is determined by numerous factors which are universal, but relative in terms of contexts. Such a participation is affected by many factors in Nigeria. The study uses secondary sources to collect data and perform qualitative analysis. The study is timely and significant in view of the critical roles where participation plays in shaping and influencing Nigerian politics, especially at the current moment when it is being characterized by apathy and participation on two ends. It is concentrated on an atmosphere of push and pull forces, negative and positive issues and developments, this environment is manipulated by elites/politicians. This needs a change for the better, to inculcate hope, overcome despair, anxiety as well as increased ethno-religious and electoral tensions.

This paper explores the gaps in Nigerian Constitutions and adherence with constitutionalism as contained in the various Constitutions, with special emphasis on the 1999 Constitution. The paper also explores other factors responsible for failure of constitutions and in achieving constitutionalism in Nigeria. The study uses qualitative method to collect data from primary and secondary sources-Nigerian Constitutions, and other sources, including journals, historical materials, books, public and other relevant documents. Rationalist Choice Theory is used in developing the theoretical framework for the study. It also uses qualitative method to analyse the data collected. The study found that no constitution is perfect, and several gaps and issues apart from those of Nigerian politicians and factor, elites and judicial officers, to be responsible for the severally identified constitutional gaps which hinder constitutionalism in Nigeria. Corruption and other self-interests result in orchestration and widening of such gaps in order to achieve personal interests. The study is unique in uncovering issues in both schemed and erroneous gaps in the Nigerian constitutions. It expands the body literature on the Nigerian constitution and constitutionalism, which Nigeria lacks, especially at this critical time of searching for a viable Constitution visa -vis manipulations of the Constitution by various interests in Nigeria, and highlights the imperfections of the Nigerian Constitutions. The paper recommends extensive citizenship education and socialization, strict enforcement of constitutional laws, and constitutional provisions should be made clear and devoid of ambiguities.

This paper examines the impacts of rural banditry on Northern Nigeria drive for development. Banditry, especially in rural areas has become a major threat to Nigeria's national security that is nearly overwhelming the Nigerian state authorities capability. Northern Nigeria is the worst hit by these acts of rural banditry. Thousands of rural families have been broken, dispossessed of their properties and cattle, killed, kidnapped for ransom, displaced and a more hostile and unsecured environment and socioeconomic and ethno-religious harmony disoriented. The bandits have in many rural areas of Northern Nigeria established near parallel state authorities, thereby imposing fines and levies on individuals and communities. In some others, women are being raped, children turned to orphans, wives turned to widows, traditional, educational and religious institutions displaced, while the able-bodied men are being killed and or forced on migration to other safer areas. These have cumulatively resulted in ravaging poverty, insecurity, increased unemployment, escalating ethno-religious tension among the areas, and near break in socio-communal and interreligious ties and bonds. Security agencies have become overloaded with ever increasing number and cases of bandits and banditry, while arms, especially small and light are in high proliferation among the common and bad elements, especially in these rural areas. The paper adopts qualitative method of study with secondary data obtained from diverse sources of literature and or data. Recommendations are made, including proactive approach, reduction in poverty and unemployment, stiff control on arms possession, tighter borders and migration controls, and enforcement of social justice among Nigerians.

This paper explores the controversies and estrangement in the Middle Belt of Nigeria which has for long in Nigeria's history been embroiled in controversy, violence and estrangement. The study used the qualitative (non-statistical) method of data collection and analysis; collected and used data from secondary sources (journal articles, books, public records, archive materials) and historical documentation method for the purpose of its analysis. The Middle Belt is embroiled in both wide and deep controversy in the process of pursuing its estrangement, dissidence and resentment to the larger North; it would be most difficult for the Middle Belt to achieve such because of incoherence and multiplicity of the groups, lack of popular, comprehensive and sustainable future plan and the inherent intra-ethnic acrimonies. There is paucity of studies on the inherent controversy in the Middle Belt's pursuit of separate identity and geography from the general and Northern Nigeria. This paper addresses the critical issues of use of peace and violence in the struggle, manipulation by the elites and notable events and periods in the estrangement and controversy. The paper recommends provision of adequate social services and amenities in the region, regulating the activities of ethno-religious and regional groups, strict control of small arms among the civil society.

This paper is studies Nigeria's intra party conflicts and sustainable development with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as focus. The study is qualitative with data collected from secondary sources, including articles, newspapers and magazines, books, political notes and Constitution of Nigeria and other relevant and documents as well authors' various constructs and compilations (Kothari 2004; Griffee 2012) the Qualitative method chosen for the study allows flexibility, interplay and navigation in the collected data and enables free and flexible content analyses of the PDP, its intra-party conflicts vis-à-vis Nigeria's sustainable development. The data were analysed using descriptive, historical and content analyses. The paper traced the history of politics and political parties in Nigeria, establishment and operations of political parties from the early 1920 to date, identified the major political parties established in Nigeria from pre-colonial days to date, and focuses on the PDP in and prominent figures, circumstances behind its establishment, intra party conflict within the PDP and the conflicts generators, effects and diverse legal and illegal means and wherewithal used by the PDP in attaining its political aims and objectives. The paper relates and analyses the PDP intra party conflicts with Nigeria's sustainable development. The study found various reasons behind intra party conflicts in PDP, the major personality behind its many scheming and conflicts.