Month: February 2023

Feb 07

Effect of Drugs Abuse On Socio-Economic Development of Nigerian Youths

CHAPTER ONE/INTRODUCTION

This study focuses on the accessibility and motivational aspects that contribute to teenagers’ continued drug use. One of the causes behind the rise in drug usage in recent decades is the accessibility or availability of substances. When asked whether they had ever been offered, sold, or provided illicit substances on school grounds, 22% of students in grades 9 through 12 responded positively, according to a study from the Bureau of Justice Statistics from 2007 Horvath et al (2019).

One of the main issues with young people is the ease of access to narcotics. Reasonably, the likelihood that someone may use drugs and get addicted to them increases when drugs are easily accessible. Therefore, the availability of medications is a problem that has to be addressed right once so that steps may be taken to reduce or eliminate any side effects. It seems that drug abuse, rather than just drug usage, is what causes issues. In other words, the prevalence of drug use has made it important to consider the effects of this process on social institutions and social charge in future generations in addition to focusing our attention on the dynamics of drug use and its drivers.

According to Laver (2019), drug abuse is simply the incorrect use of substances to the point that the effects are harmful to the person or society as a whole. The World Health Organization (WHO (2006) further defined drug abuse as a “state” of recurrent or chronic intoxication caused by drug use, which is harmful to both the person and society (natural or synthetic).

Drug abuse patterns include all facet of young people’s substance use, including quantity, frequency, kind of drug used, who they use them with, where they use them, when they use them, and other factors. Because of the factors involved in their analysis, the analysis of contemporary social problems has repeatedly shown to be more and more contentious, with the prevalence of drug abuse being of the utmost concern to the abuser himself, his family, the government, and the entire society in which he lives.

The administration seems to have suffered a great deal of humiliation as a result of this incident, particularly the harm done to Nigerians’ reputation overseas. It is apparent that Nigerians flying to the United States of America and, in fact, the whole continent of Europe, are subjected to more extensive and humiliating inspections by customs officers. According to them, the reason for this form of demeaning and humiliating interrogation of Nigerians is that they want to clamp down on smugglers, of whom Nigerians are the main suspects because of the aggressive drug trafficking posture shown by certain selfish Nigerians.

Furthermore, Nigerian societies have designated some drugs as acceptable while designating others as not acceptable without taking into account how the drugs affect the users’ physical and mental health. For instance, society views alcohol and nicotine use as acceptable, so those who use them do so openly in public without worrying about being arrested or receiving negative social stigma.

To the society as a whole, drug misuse is a factor in crime, promiscuity, armed robberies, and other vices. Since ancient times, people have used the naturally occurring chemical that alters consciousness. Man has attempted for ages to either laud some lovelythe use of fermented alcohol and other plant products as aspects of life or a means of escaping the misery of life, whether real or imagined (Vanguard, 2016).

Youth drug usage and substance misuse is a growing problem that has sparked public concern. There are several social and economic elements that might contribute to this. The majority of drug and substance abusers are discovered to be young people. Additionally, there is virtually little chance that drug-using adolescents will get special care. It is highly possible that there are thousands of individuals who are addicted to the narcotics moving through Nigeria, which has an estimated total population of 200 million (NBS. 2018), who are not getting any kind of therapy.

There isn’t much information available on the number of drug users in Nigeria. Only 925 individuals got treatment, according to a United Nations study from 2004—the most current data available. Nearly 90% of these drug users in drug treatment programs received assistance for their cannabis addiction (Narconon, 2018). The availability of drugs in the adolescent’s neighborhood, town, and school as well as whether or not their friends are using them are just a few of the many variables that affect whether they try drugs (NIDA, 2014).Although it is recognized that the adolescent years are a crucial window of susceptibility to drug use disorders because the brain is still growing and flexible (a quality known as neuroplasticity), and certain brain regions are less developed than others,

than others, more mature. The earliest areas of the brain to develop throughout infancy are those that handle sensations of reward and pain, which are important factors in drug addiction (NIDA, 2014). From the teenage years, there is a progression to the adolescent stage, where adolescents prefer an autonomous and independent life that is unrestrained by adults and engage in a variety of delinquent acts (drug abuse, rape, robbery, cultism, and vandalism) that are hazardous to the family, neighborhood, school, and country. Description of the issue

In the modern day, drug misuse in Nigeria has developed into a problem that casts a dismal shadow over the whole Nigerian society, particularly among youth. Under the military dictatorship, drug trafficking in Nigeria reached its peak in 1985. Under the “Special Tribunal (Miscellaneous Offences) Degree No. 20 of 1984,” it was mostly young people who were apprehended and the first to be put to death for drug offenses at this time. However, since a foreign phenomena is distorting its importance, drug usage is not only a problem among young people.

However, drug use—by either youths or other members of the greater society—appears to be a societal issue in all of its manifestations. This issue is widespread and has an impact on everyone. In other words, the widespread use and misuse of drugs attracts individuals from all walks of life. In addition to the human suffering brought on by drug addiction, traditional values and ways of life are also harmed. Research has also proven that drug usage damages society as a whole by destroying individuals, destroying families, and increasing crime and anarchy.

Drug use also seems to hinder young people’s capacity for learning. Additionally, it seems that drugs go against our beliefs of physical health. Drug usage is prevalent because it seems like it would provide happiness. However, since contentment is often elusive, people tend to drink more and larger amounts, which leads to eventual physical and mental decline. The drug user also has social interaction issues, which he experiences both with his immediate family and outside of them. As a result, tension is usually generated in the drug user’s family (Hoffman, 1990).

Additionally, drug misuse may lead to a variety of social issues, such as being late for class, failing to take care of one’s family, acting out, getting into trouble, etc (Earl 2000). The more money needed to address the negative consequences of drug usage, the less money is available for services and programs that improve quality of life (Earl 2000).
The fact that our security organizations, including the police force and national drug law enforcement agencies, among others, have not done enough to combat this epidemic is one of the elements working against the elimination of drug usage among our youth. The issue of corruption among the personnel and officials of these aforementioned institutions also works against the goal of ending drug consumption among young people and college students.

 

Feb 07

THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM ON YOUTHS IN BENUE STATE

Background of the study

Alcohol use has been a part of human history from the beginning of time. Alcohol intake in ancient Nigerian civilizations was dependent on age and gender. It was mostly eaten in social settings by adult males. Locally produced alcoholic beverages were produced and consumed under the control of customs and traditions. Even while some communities allowed youth to imbibe alcohol, Emeka, this was often done so in the company of adults who kept an eye on their intake (2013). Alcohol usage was limited to religious rites, marriage ceremonies, kingship enthronements, cultural festivals, and infant naming ceremonies. It was not a regular occurrence. Adults’ excessive drinking was nonetheless restrained culturally even on these occasions. The younger tribal members would serve the elders who would drink first, leaving little wine for the later group since the wine was not made in commercial amounts. Following the Group Changing Patterns of Alcohol Consumption in Nigeria, this tendency changed in the fifteenth century with the arrival of European slave merchants and their “trade spirit.” Despite the fact that alcohol was not a novel substance to the native population, the impact of Western merchants popularized the selling of alcohol and made it easier for individuals to misuse it.

This pattern persisted throughout the colonial period and beyond, eventually leading to the founding of the first brewery in 1946 (today known as Nigerian Breweries or NB Plc., the Nigerian Brewery Limited).

This signaled a change in the nation’s pattern of alcohol use. As the socio-political and economic institutions of the nation have grown, there have been some startling shifts in purchasing patterns in more recent years Gotman (2008). Consumption is no longer simply governed by popular tradition and is no longer restricted to social events or the exclusive amusement of visitors. Particularly among young drinkers, the patterns of usage, the users, and the reason(s) for use are all changing quickly. The alcohol competition among youths at bars, restaurants, drinking establishments, hotels, and nightclubs that are carefully placed close to different locations in Nigeria is a stark contrast to what has previously been present.

This has important ramifications since studies have shown that young people’s drinking habit has a negative impact on their parents and siblings. This is regarded as a severe illness, and its effects go beyond the alcoholics themselves to have an impact on family members, acquaintances, neighbors, and society as a whole.

In the state of Benue, drinking alcohol is acknowledged as a significant cultural component of all ceremonial events, including weddings and funerals. There is the customary recreational drinking that takes place during free time on weekends in addition to the holiday season drinking at events. The lives of young, old, wealthy, poor, men, and women, as well as successful businessmen, competent mechanics, workers, homemakers, and churchgoers of all faiths, are all being negatively impacted by this specific behavior. Despite how sad this may be, youths are mostly responsible for the crimes. Alcohol abusers in young people seem to have a wide range of issues. Parents, schools, society, and even the government have continued to be concerned about this because of the behavior that often follows it. Gotman, (2008). (2008).

Governments, non-governmental groups, and religious leaders are working together to lessen, if not completely eliminate, alcohol abuse and the repercussions that go along with it by educating the public about the negative effects of binge drinking alcohol.
However, despite the cautionary signals, excessive alcohol intake continues.
Description of the issue

Young drinking rates are high in Nigerian culture, and as a consequence of youth discontent, this behavior has taken on a deadly dimension, putting everyone involved in the educational system and the country at risk. The young people regarded as the future leaders of society often have this mindset. Alcohol abuse has been a significant issue throughout Nigeria’s severe crises. The major issue is that despite the many precautions put in place to stop alcohol use among Nigerian youngsters, the number of alcohol abusers keeps rising.

The severe problems that Nigerian undergraduates are now confronting are typified by this issue. It has been noted that this instability is present in schools. Youths have access to alcohol since it is sold in stores, pharmacies, market stalls, and alcohol distributors. Youths’ lives are at risk when alcohol is often used at special events. Even if alcohol and other drugs like cigarettes are socially acceptable, they nonetheless include stimulants like the caffeine in kola nuts and coffee. When it is used in excess of the amount that is typically allowed in the society, it may nevertheless be misused.

It has also been noted that young people, particularly college students, use alcohol at a significant rate. Alcohol consumption has detrimental effects on young people’s education. It causes risky sexual behavior in youths, which results in teen pregnancies. It also affects how well they perform academically due to personality disorders and cognitive impairment, which leads to regular fatigue and sleeping in class. Students who have used alcohol have a tendency to break rules, cheat, and behave in other unfavorable ways at school. Eventually, they may become theatrical, reckless, and too defensive. The instructor and other authorities will become aware of other issues. Such a mindset will encourage the abuser to act in ways that might be the first signs of a mental condition. If properly checked out in time, they may be impacted like some of the young people who are seen in our cultures wandering about nude and aimlessly while others are forced to partly sleep in public areas, upsetting the peace of the neighborhood.

If alcohol misuse persists, the abuser may end up struggling and eventually drop out of school; all of these consequences are brought on by the effects of alcohol abuse. The research offers advice and preventative measures since failure might result in the loss of such priceless human resources. As a result, it has become crucial to examine the widespread effects of alcohol on our kids, which is the foundation of this research.

 

Feb 06

IMPACT OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFANT IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

EFFECTIVENESS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFANT IN NIGERIA

Breastfeeding is the act of directly supplying a newborn or young kid with breast milk from an adult (Adelekan, 2003). The first day after birth is when it starts, and it lasts for around the first two years of the baby’s existence. Up to the sixth month, EBF is described as “an infant’s consumption of human milk without any supplementation (no water, no juice, no human milk, and no food, other than vitamins, minerals, and medicine).” (Adelekan,2003) For the health of the mother and the child, EBF for six months is necessary. In both affluent and developing nations, infants who are not exclusively breastfed are more prone to have gastrointestinal issues. Infants who are either partly or never breastfed are far more likely to die from illnesses like diarrhea.

Infants who are not breastfed are roughly six times more likely than breastfed newborns to die from infectious diseases like gastroenteritis, pneumonia, etc. during the first two months of life; between two and three months, non-breastfed infants are four times more likely to die than breastfed infants ( WHO, 2010).

In order to monitor its application, the creation of a breastfeeding policy, and the instruction of health professionals in the promotion and support of breastfeeding, a BFHI authority was subsequently established. In order to assist EBF, Ghana approved the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) in 1991. In order to restrict the aggressive advertising of breastmilk substitutes, Ghana also created and put into effect the Ghana Breastfeeding Advertising Regulation 2000, also known as Legislative Instrument [LI] 1667. (2013) Kumi-Kyereme; Tampa-Naah They have not had the anticipated effect, similar to many other sub-Saharan nations where exclusive breastfeeding is still uncommon (Aryeetey, 2013). Ghana’s EBF rate was assessed by the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) to be 63% in 2008. (GDHS 2008). According to the Ghana Statistical Service, 46% of children in Ghana under the age of six months were exclusively breastfed in 2011.

This percentage clearly falls below the 90% suggested coverage threshold by the WHO. 2003’s Lancet. Exclusive breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge among mothers, as well as family requirements, educational level, sociocultural norms, age, marital status, and family income and social class. The time and place of the first breastfeeding have already been mentioned in relation to the present circumstances. It is crucial to look at the practices, perceptions, and barriers of these moms about EBF.

 

Feb 06

Compressive strength of sandcrete block and lateritic blocks enhanced with lime

ABSTRAct

In addition to the conventional adobe technique of earth construction, compressed earth bricks (CEB) provide a contemporary application of laterite for walls and structures. This study compares the geotechnical attributes of cement and lime stabilized laterite for CEB in order to determine which is best for residential structures. Laterite underwent preliminary research to make sure it had excellent engineering qualities. The 295 x 140 x 100mm bricks were molded using a hand-operated CINVA-ram machine. They were created by replacing 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the laterite with various mixtures of cement and lime. 80 bricks in all were made and allowed to cure for 7, 14, and 28 days. For compressive strength, 60 bricks were employed, while 20 were used to absorb water. All percentage replacements significantly increase according to the findings of the compressive strength for cement stabilization, and they all surpass the 2.0N/mm2 minimum requirement for manually made blocks (NBRRI, 2006). However, owing to lime fixation point, the minimal need for lime stabilization is reached from 6% supplementation. Regarding water absorption capability, cement and lime stabilized CEB are both deemed sufficient for building construction.

 

Feb 06

Production and Characterization of cellulase enzyme from Aspergillus species using Cyperus esculentus.

Production and Characterization of cellulase enzyme from Aspergillus species using Cyperus esculentus

CHAPTER ONE/INTRODUCTION

Biotechnology has the ability to create a vast variety of products to satisfy different human needs. Enzyme technology, a subfield of biotechnology, has developed and is still developing new processes to produce both bulk and high value-added products using enzymes as biocatalysts in order to meet the demands for things like food (bread, cheese, beer, vinegar), fine chemicals (such as amino acids, vitamins), and pharmaceuticals. Enzymes may be used for analytical and diagnostic reasons in addition to cleaning and environmental procedures.
The advancement of enzyme technology in academia and industry has been and will continue to be driven by the improvement of current production processes to produce new goods from novel raw materials, such as biomass, or by the development of new, better products, processes, and services to meet these needs. These strategies will be used to create innovative, sustainable goods and processes. In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) created the idea of sustainability to promote the necessary “development that fulfills the demands of the present without sacrificing the capacity of future generations to satisfy their own needs.” The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, an international agreement that regulates the transfer of living modified organisms (LMOs) made possible by modern biotechnology from one nation to another, presently includes this description. It was approved on September 11, 2003, and on January 29, 2000, it was added to the Convention on Biological Diversity. 160 states have now approved it.
Biochemical catalysts known as enzymes are regarded as gifts from nature. Inside the cells, they operate like protein robots, speeding up biological processes without changing them (Lanka and Latha, 2015). Scientific research, cosmetic manufacturing, medical diagnostics, chemical analysis, medicinal uses, and industrial catalysis all make extensive use of enzymes (Sharma et al 2001b).

These beneficial compounds were created by using the cellulase enzyme to bioconvert lignocellulosic material. The local economy, ecology, and safety of the country’s energy supply would all gain from the production of biobased goods and bioenergy from less costly renewable lignocellulosic materials (Zhang, 2008). Numerous fungi generate the enzymes needed to convert proteins and polysaccharides into digestible sugars and amino acids. These enzymes are essential to the economy. Submerged fermentation (SmF), which often uses highly adapted and genetically altered bacteria, is used to create around 90% of all commercial enzymes. Thanks to SmF technology, solid state fermentation offers an unsurpassed edge in this sector (SSF). It’s noteworthy to note that recent studies on SSF of fungi, yeasts, and bacteria have shown a range of metabolic activities in both solid state and submerged fermentation environments.
Enzymes called cellulases break down the -1,4 bonds in cellulose strands. They are made by animals, plants, bacteria, protozoa, fungus, and bacteria. Different groups of catalytic modules of cellulases have been identified based on their crystal structures and amino acid composition (Henrissat, 1989). Cellobiohydrolases (CBHs), exoglucanases, and -glucosidase are the three main cellulase types that contribute to the whole cellulose hydrolysis process in nature. Microorganisms must produce these cellulases in order to hydrolyze and metabolize insoluble cellulose, maybe with the exception of BG, which is either free or bound to the cell surface.
Despite the fact that only 2% of the world’s microorganisms have been identified as sources of enzymes, microbial enzymes have a number of advantages over enzymes derived from plants and animals, including a higher potential for catalytic diversity, higher productivity in a short amount of time, ease of genetic manipulation/optimization, independence from seasonal fluctuations, and rapid growth of the producing microorganism (Wiseman, 1995)

 

Feb 06

The effect of Noise pollution in the environment and how it affects Nigerian Populace Urban Areas

CHAPTER ONE

Unwanted sound or any unjustified disruption of sound within a suitable frequency spectrum is referred to as noise (Olayinka, 2013). On the other hand, sound is thought to be a sensory perception brought on by physiological processes in the auditory brain that result in a complex wave pattern (Margaritis & Kang, 2017). Environmental noise, residential noise, and domestic noise are all terms used to describe noise that comes from sources other than an industrial workplace, according to Belojevic et al. (2016). Road, rail, and air traffic, industries, construction, public works projects, and social activities are the main sources of environmental noise (Hammersen, Niemann, & Hoebel, 2016).

Even though it is a pervasive and growing threat, noise pollution remains underappreciated (Cohen et al., 2014). Long-term exposure to relatively modest noise levels can be harmful to human health (UNEP, 2003). Numerous Americans experience varying degrees of hearing loss that is directly related to noise. Similar to this, populations living within the European Union experience unacceptably high levels of ongoing noise that are dangerous to their health (Fan, Zhiyi, Zhujun, & Jiani, 2010).

In the US, noise pollution is a widespread problem. Numerous noise pollution, such as road noise and noise from entertainment centers and other social activities, are exposed to by more than half of the American population (Hammer et al., 2014).

According to Hammersen et al. (2016), annual noise exposure levels are high enough to be harmful to human health. Despite the fact that noise exposure is common, it has not received the same attention or treatment as other types of pollution, such as radiation and chemical risks. In both industrialized and developing countries, noise exposure is increasing, particularly in the general living environment, according to Cohen et al. (2014), who also stress that noise exposure in the twenty-first century is a serious public health issue.

Barbara and Rose (2011) state that during a community evaluation of noise levels, maximum and minimum noise levels should be recorded. If the level does not fall below 90 dB (A) within a window of eight hours per day, an inadequate noise exposure should be noted. According to the World Health Organization, environmental noise that averages 70 dB (A) is hazardous to health. The Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulation, 2009 in Kenya establishes 60dB (A) as the maximum allowable ambient noise level in commercial zones during the day (Gongi, 2018).

A more pervasive form of pollution, noise can interfere with a variety of aspects of living. It disrupts communication, has negative effects on the cardiovascular system, social behavior, and productivity, impairs attention, impairs hearing, makes people more alert, disturbs their sleep, and makes noise irritation (Bluhm et al., 2004). In recent years, there has been an increase in hearing loss and other noise-related risks.

decades as opposed to the period prior to the Industrial Revolution, when few people were subjected to loud noise (Barbara & Rose, 2011).

WHO (2008b) states that noise can interfere with a person’s ability to work, relax, sleep, and communicate as well as cause hearing loss and other psychological, physiological, and possibly pathological effects. Furthermore, hearing loss brought on by exposure to environmental noise has become a topic of concern in the majority of countries. Environmental noise has been shown to have certain direct negative effects besides hearing loss (Gongi, 2018; Curhan et al., 2012). These include detrimental consequences on performance, communication, and behavior, as well as non-auditory physiological effects, noise-induced sleep disruption, and discomfort to the surrounding neighborhood (Gongi, 2018). Compared to other populations, some may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of noise (Bryan et al., 2008).

According to Münzel, Gori, Babisch, and Basner (2014), exposure to loud noise can have a serious negative influence on one’s health. The loss of hearing acuity brought on by frequent exposure to loud noise—most commonly found in the workplace—is the most significant. Additionally, it can frequently seriously impede communication, which causes quantified productivity losses and discomfort, which causes unfavorable community reactions. According to Basner et al. (2014), noise can be irritating, interfere with speech and community reactions, lead to hearing loss, and have other negative impacts. He argues that the biggest risk factor is Hearing loss, heart conditions, and accidents are caused by noise (Basner et al., 2014). Every amount of noise can

alter our cognitive processes, emotional wellness, and physical wellbeing. Potential negative health effects can include irritation, disturbed sleep, poor academic performance, ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, and hearing loss (Hambrick et al., 2008). In order to calculate the environmental burden of disease (EBD), which is measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), environmental noise is used (WHO, 2011). Issue Statement

A major worldwide preventable cause of permanent hearing loss is exposure to extremely loud noise. Environmental noise, particularly traffic noise, is a growing risk factor for hearing loss and other health hazards in emerging nations (Rom & Markowitz, 2007). According to WHO (2008a), environmental noise causes 16% of adults’ debilitating hearing loss, with regional variations of 7% to 21%. According to Hammer et al. (2014), 10 to 15 million Americans are affected by noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the UK, research demonstrates that young adults have serious hearing issues that are related to workplace noise (Prendergast et al., 2017). Additionally, Basner et al. (2014) reported that exposure to concert noise in the Nottingham and England area can lead to occurrences of tinnitus. The International Labor Organization (ILO, 2004:9) has drawn attention to the dearth of trustworthy statistics on the position of people with disabilities in Kenya, particularly those who have hearing impairments. However, the 2009 national census found that 1.3 million Kenyans were living with disabilities, with hearing impairments accounting for 14% of these instances (KNBS, 2010).

Many developing countries, including Kenya, lack adequate legislation on noise pollution as well as initiatives to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and other noise-related health issues. Noise pollution has been linked as the primary cause of hearing disorders in many countries. Where such laws exist, such as the Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999 and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), there is frequently insufficient enforcement to reduce noise pollution (Enda, M. and 2014). Additionally, insufficient public health research and initiatives have been made to estimate the prevalence, risk factors, and health costs of ambient noise (Musiba, 2015). To describe the spatial distribution of noise levels in the Nairobi Central Business District, Wawa and Mulaku (2015) measured noise levels from a preset source of noise in Nairobi. They did not evaluate the effects of high noise levels on the population’s health and well-being, despite the fact that their investigation found high levels of noise between 61 and 78 dB. It is clear from their findings that Nairobi has significant noise levels, and further research is needed to determine the health consequences of noise on the general populace. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perceived health impacts of high noise levels in addition to measuring the noise levels.

 

 

Feb 06

An Appraisal of rock fines on the geotechnical properties of sub-grade soil materials of a failed portion

An Appraisal of rock fines on the geotechnical properties of sub-grade soil materials of a failed portion in Kaduna state

CHAPTER ONE/INTODUCTION

Road networks are crucial for the socioeconomic development of many nations because they link all businesses and marketplaces and encourage increased trade, the creation of jobs, and a more equitable distribution of revenue. Road transportation, in general, determines how economic processes are spread internationally. Numerous documents ((Ebuzoeme OD (2015) Evaluating the significance of poor road design as a factor of road failure: a study of Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, Southeastern Nigeria. Civ Environ Res 7(2):180–195)) state that traffic accidents have caused many fatalities and significant property damage. Roadway paving and foundation soils are both important for a country’s growth ((Meshida EA (2006) Highway failure over talc–tremolite schist terrain: a case study of the Ife to Ilesha Highway, Southwestern Nigeria. Bull Eng Geol Environ 65:457–461.)). The road quickly started to degrade with certain noticeable characteristics once it was put into service.

The qualities of the rocks or soils—geological elements—on which actual roads are constructed affect how effectively they perform as a transport medium. Subgrade, subbase, base course, and riding surfaces make up the majority of the components from the bottom to the top of many traditional flexible highway pavements ((Gupta BL, Gupta A (2003) Roads, railways, bridges, tunnel and harbor dock engineering, 5th edn. Standard Publishers Distributors, Nai Sarak, New Delhi)).

The destruction of life and property has frequently been traced to subpar building techniques and poorly designed projects that broke basic laws and regulations. Road breakdowns are typically preceded by destructive signs such as cracking, rutting, potholes, differential heave, deformation, and peeling ((Alexander WS, Maxwell J (1996) Controlling shrinkage cracking from expansive clay sub-grade. In: Francken LB, Molenaar AA (eds) Reflective cracking in pavements, 2nd edn. E&FN Spon, London, pp 64–71)) The increase in reported road failures has many causes, including increased road usage, defects in design and construction, and maintenance problems ((Jain SS, Kumar P (1998) Report on causes of cracks occurrence in Ramghat–Aligarh road in UP. Report submitted to PWD, Aligarh)).

It is well knowledge that the strength of the basic materials for roads is compromised by environmental factors, particularly temperature variations and acid rain assaults. According to Gidigasu((Gidigasu MD (1983) Development of acceptance specifications for tropical gravel paving materials. Eng Geol 19:213–240)) and Graham and Shields , the width and structure of the road shoulders are other factors that influence road failures. Notably, numerous pavement collapses have been connected to the geological and hydrogeological conditions brought on by marshy, insufficient drainage systems and the textural characteristics of the subsoil in Nigeria’s Southern Niger Delta region((Gidigasu MD (1983) Development of acceptance specifications for tropical gravel paving materials. Eng Geol 19:213–240 )).

Additionally, a connection has been made between the frequency of pavement collapses, the engineering indices of the subgrade materials, and the underlying geology. It is believed that their mineral compositions have an effect on the underlying geology’s engineering behavior  Poor geotechnical properties of the soils, such as low MDD, poor bearing capacity, high compressibility, high liquid limit, plasticity index OMC, and California bearing ratio (CBR), are frequently to blame for road collapses . These conditions typically cause pavement surfaces to be cracked or distorted. The resilience, strength, and lifespan of roads are impacted by the transmission and bearing of axle load, which are directly related to the suitability of soils for base courses, subbase courses, and subgrades. Understanding soil behavior that could seriously jeopardize road construction is made easier with the help of geotechnical analysis of subsoils ((Akpan O (2005) Relationship between road pavement failures, engineering indices and underlying geology in a tropical environment. Glob J Geol Sci 3(2):99–108))Research has also indicated that in order to identify the underlying causes of the highway collapses that continue to happen in some areas of southern Nigeria, geophysical and geotechnical studies must be coupled as well as conducted individually  In order to avoid a repeat of the Isinbode-Ara road’s premature road failure, geotechnical parameters of the remaining subsoils have been examined. These parameters include the natural moisture content, grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, California bearing ratio, consolidation, and permeability tests. Appropriate materials—either in situ or elsewhere—were suggested after assessing the subsoil’s potential for swelling and shrinking and comparing the results to standards.((Amadi AN, Eze CJ, Igwe CO, Okunlola IA, Okoye NO (2012) Architect’s and Geologist’s view on the causes of building failures in Nigeria. Mod Appl Sci 6(6):31–38))

 

 

Feb 03

Impact of Social media activities on Academic performance of College Students

Impact of Social media activities on Academic performance of College Students

As people change careers or societal responsibilities, the process of socialization continues. The way that people interact with one another in their homes is a long-standing human tradition (Haralambos, Holborn and Healed, 2008). Socialization has been documented for a long time, long before new technology changed it into a new social system. The rise of the internet and social media occurred at the same time as the advent of technology. Technology advancements have made it easier for everyone, especially young people, to use the internet and engage in peer social networking (Ibrahim, 2012).

How people interact with one another has completely changed as a result of social networking. It is a technique for promoting social interaction online. To find and enjoy other people’s company online, people use it. It promotes the sharing of knowledge and services among individuals and groups with comparable interests. Social media, according to Kaplan and Helen (2010), is a group of web-based tools that facilitate the production and sharing of user-generated content.

In a similar vein, Arshin (2010) defined social networking sites as online gathering places for people to interact and share knowledge. Anyone can join these social networking sites. As soon as one creates an account and uploads their information to their profile pages, they have the right to create a buddy network. However, while some social networking sites can only be accessed through PCs or other information communication technology, others are designed specifically for mobile devices.

These social networking sites are numerous, but only a few will be listed here: such as Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, and Instagram. There are no limitations or restrictions on how many social networking sites one can join. Social networking sites share many common elements, yet they have varied cultures and responses as a result. Most websites help users interact with strangers based on shared interests, viewpoints, or leisure activities.

While some websites target a particular demographic, others pull visitors based on shared traits like a language or a common racial, sexual, religious, or national identity. However, social networking sites only share one goal. to encourage creative methods of communication and information sharing. It also provides excellent opportunities for members, such as senior high school students and librarians, who use it to promote the library’s services and get to know their customers first-hand through interaction. However, some of the articles on some websites can be instructive and educational, and after reading them, students can comment on them, which benefits the students.

Many high school seniors have made it a habit to check in on various social networking sites, which has started to influence their general demeanor—academically, physically, and socially. Students prioritize their academics above all else, especially in senior high school when professions are developing.

Students must therefore take their coursework and reading seriously. Akintunde (2001) argues that it’s important for children to form a lifelong habit of reading. Because being able to read well empowers kids to flourish and engage with the outside world (Mabekoje 2011). He highlighted once more the importance of independent language learning, especially speaking and writing, and how reading consistently broadens readers’ horizons. Because the entire educational process and the development of literacy depend on printed words, reading is an essential tool for students to employ in order to improve their literacy and environmental knowledge (Mabekoje 2009).

 

Feb 03

Conception and Meaning of Birth place

conception of birthplace

Birthplaces are places where people were born or things first appeared (Harper, 2003) Healthcare services can be delivered by both public and private facilities. Public structures are frequently owned and supported by the government and some religious institutions. Although prices are generally reasonable in these settings, the amenities are frequently subpar. Private institutions are generally considered to have the greatest amenities and offer the highest caliber of care, despite the fact that they are more expensive (Umurungi 2010).

 

Feb 03

CHOICE OF BIRTH PLACES AMONG WOMEN IN RURAL COMMUNITY

The location of the birth and the use of a birth attendant are important choices for women and their families since they have a significant impact on how pregnancies and deliveries turn out. Lack of access to high-quality care throughout pregnancy and, in particular, during delivery, is a major contributor to the stark disparity in maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality between the developing and industrialized nations. (Gayawan,2012)

Annual stillbirth rates are 3.3 million, and maternal deaths have been progressively increasing as well. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the more than 500,000 women who die from complications during pregnancy are in impoverished countries, predominantly in Asia and Africa. (WHO 2005). The inference is that pregnancy and childbirth cause at least one woman’s death each minute in these regions. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a one in 22 probability that a mother will pass away during her lifetime. North Africa is home to one in 210 people, Oceania to one in 62, Asia to one in 120, and Latin America and the Caribbean to one in 290. (WHO, 2005).

The World Health Organization (WHO) (2005) asserts that both women and their newborn newborns may be saved by excellent professional care during and after childbirth. The historical achievement in reducing maternal death and newborn mortalities lends weight to this. The contrary is also true; a rapid rise in adverse outcomes may occur if access to expert therapy becomes less readily available. Obstetric issues are frequently the leading cause of death for women in reproductive age in poor countries, according to Yanagisawa, Oum, and Wakai (2006). Each year, more than 200 million women around the world become pregnant. It is predicted that 40% of these women will experience pregnancy-related health problems, with 15% experiencing serious or prolonged complications and 1.7% experiencing fatal ones. Women in developing countries have a 250-fold increased lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications. 70% of these fatalities are attributed to five specific obstetric complications: postpartum hemorrhage, puerperal pre- and eclampsia, eclampsia, obstructed labor, and abortion. 88 to 98% of these fatalities are regarded to be preventable. AbouZahr, 2003; Yanagisawa et al. (2006) contend that prevention and control of these issues are crucial to improving maternal health. Prenatal care, or ANC, is thought to be provided to 97% of expectant mothers in affluent countries, and 99% of deliveries are thought to be performed by trained medical personnel. In developing countries, 53% of women get skilled obstetric care, while 65% of women use ANC (Uzochukwu, Onyeukwu and Okpala 2004.) Hiring capable birth attendants to improve the care of pregnancy and its problems is an effective method to reduce maternal mortality.

Receiving ANC alone is not enough, according to Iyaniwure and Yusuf (2009). This is because the majority of complications that cause maternal death occur during or soon after birth. Pregnant women must have skilled obstetric care throughout delivery because pregnancy-related complications are a leading cause of death for women of reproductive age in developing nations. Expert obstetric care or attendance is the process through which a pregnant woman and her unborn child are provided proper care during pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, and the immediate postpartum period, regardless of whether the delivery takes place at home or in a hospital. For this process to be successful, the attendant must have the necessary skills and be supported by an enabling environment at many levels of the healthcare system. An essential first step in improving care for women during labor and delivery is to address who is currently present at the 60 million non-facility births around the world and what impact they have on birth outcomes. (2009) Darmstadt and other

Only people with midwifery training—such as doctors, nurses, and midwives—have the education and practical expertise required to handle both routine births and obstetric problems. They must be able to identify problems as they emerge, perform the appropriate interventions, start a treatment plan, and keep track of the mother and child being referred for interventions that are either outside the scope of their training or impossible to carry out in the circumstances.
A midwife provided professional support to 34% of women who gave birth a year prior to the research, while 62% of them received ANC, according to the National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey carried out in Nigeria in 2003. Professional midwives attend 20% of deliveries in the state of Abia, whereas TBAs attend 80% of births (Health statistics, 2012) In underdeveloped countries, conditions are insufficient to encourage women in rural and isolated areas to give birth at home. While some home deliveries proceed without a hitch, others end in difficulties or even fatalities. The latter commonly occurs when the woman’s family is either unable to recognize the signs of problems or is not ready to refer her to a medical facility.
The continually high rate of maternal mortality is still worrisome with only six months till 2015, the year in which a global reduction in maternal death is to be achieved. The United Nations and World Bank estimate that 144 women die there every day from pregnancy-related problems, making Nigeria one of the deadliest places in the world for women to give birth (Okeibunor, Onyeneho and Okonofua, 2010). The mother and child health condition in Nigeria is one of the worst in all of Africa, and during the past 10 years, it hasn’t really improved while increasing worse in some areas of the country. For every 100,000 live births, there are 800 to 1,500 maternal fatalities. Unfortunately, Nigeria ranks second to India in terms of the absolute number of maternal deaths and is responsible for more than 10% of all maternal and under-five deaths worldwide, despite having access to lots of resources (NHS 2003 in Ladipo 2009). Selecting the birth location and the delivery attendants is important for both women and their families because this is a particularly important phase and one in which nearly all of the challenges that result in maternal morbidity and mortality occur. Every pregnant woman needs medical support when giving birth in order to ensure optimal safety; women do not have to die during childbirth. This can greatly reduce maternal morbidity and death rates and avoid, control, or decrease many potentially fatal problems during labor. Determining the birthplace choices of women in the Amassoma community is the aim of this inquiry.