2021

In evaluating the performance of organic coating (Polyethylene Tape) in the corrosion protection of mild steel pipelines, pipelines around the shores of Escravos in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria with organic coating (Polyethylene tape) installed at the soil-to-air interface (Transition section) for 14 years was considered in the scope of this study. This was to provide performance data when considering the use of Polyethylene Tape coating on the of pipeline transition section
that is susceptible to accelerated corrosion attack due to numerous environmental variables.Corrosion damage ranging from surface rust to mild external corrosion were noted on the specimen pipeline surfaces and with no evidence of through wall perforation noted on the
polyethylene tape coating, however, coagulation failure (Adhesive failure between adhesive
layer and pipe surface) was observed in all specimen examined. A limitation in the effectiveness of organic coating (Polyethylene Tape) in corrosion protection of mild steel due to its none continuous spread (many joining points) over the coated pipeline surfaces thereby providing failure prone locations was established.

The Right to freedom from discrimination is a Fundamental Human Right world over, of which Nigeria is subscribed to observe in her laws as a democratic and civilized state. This freedom from any form of deprivation or stigmatization based on sex, religion, ethnicity, circumstances of birth, political opinion and other such related bases is protected in Nigeria’s Constitution, various state provisions and policy documents and International pacts. However, the reality in practice in the try today portrays a wide drift from the provisions of the law in such aspects as political appointments, trade and business ease, work modalities, Farmer- Herder relations and attendant crisis, state of origin, Indigene-Settler question, Quota system practice, and such other manifestations of different levels of discrimination. Also in issue is the contradiction of some state practices and federal policies against the constitution and perhaps, the constitution against itself

The study investigated influence of packaging on consumer buying behaviour (CBB) of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). Goods selected for this study were beverage brands. Namely, Bournvita, Milo and Ovaltine. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine
customers’ perception of packaging elements; ascertain the relationship between packaging elements (visual, structural and informational) and CBB; and find out if consumer demographics significantly influence CBB of the selected beverage brands. To achieve these objectives, a correlational and ex post facto design was adopted for the study. The research instrument – a questionnaire –was administered to respondents drawn
from these locations Ugbowo, Benin City and Airport Road, Warri, Delta State. Of the four hundred (400) questionnaires distributed, three hundred and eighty-five (385) were found to be usable. Data obtained were coded and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that of the various packaging elements, only the structural dimension (material, shape and size) had a significant relationship with consumer buying behaviour for the selected beverage brands: Bournvita, Milo and Ovaltine. Beverage manufacturers must therefore attend to these issues if they desire consumers to be favourably disposed to buying their products.

Impoliteness is believed to be pervasive in human interactions contrary to the claim of Geoffrey Leech that it is marginal (103). The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine the use of conflictive verbal illocutions in interpersonal interactions, particularly among couples and peer groups. The study also attempts to show the underlying forces of power and culture as two major factors that goad the enactment of negative behaviours in face to face communication. Hinged on the theory of impoliteness, which encapsulates the intentional, incidental and accidental use of negative verbal illocutions to cause offence, the study equally draws on the fields of interpersonal pragmatics and interpersonal communication to show the relationship between these concepts and human interactions. The study adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. Data collection is based on questionnaires that were administered to 200 undergraduate students in the University of Benin and 100 married individuals in Edo and Delta States. The questionnaires administered comprise both figures and written aspects. Quantitative analysis is used to account for frequencies of impoliteness
perceptions by participants and the written aspects are analysed using impoliteness strategies. Findings from the study reveal that cultural expectations constrain the action space of some participants in interaction while empowering others. It also demonstrates that in asymmetric relationships, particularly, men freely employ conflictive linguistic strategies
against their wives because they believe that they are the head of the home. The research also affirms the claim that men use more harsh remarks than women do. Finally, the study reveals that complaint is one of the major strategies used by interactants to damage the face wants of
other participants in interaction

Disability based on the definition of the medical model is a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. It is an umbrella term covering impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. This model views disability as a physical or mental issue which must be treated and cured. Also, the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), 2006, took a different approach in determining what disability is. Accordingly, the CRPD approached disability from the aspect of human rights; recognising PWDs as right holders and their impairment should not be used as a justification for denial or restriction of their human rights. The World Health Organization (W.H.O) in its World Report on Disability, 2010, shows that PWDs have poorer health outcomes, lower educational achievements, less economic participation, and higher rate of poverty than their counterparts who are without disabilities. These outcomes are partly as a result of the fact that PWDs experience barriers in accessing certain basic services which they are entitledto; such as healthcare, education, employment, transportation as well as information. These difficulties are even worse for PWDs in poor or less advantaged communities. This essay examined the right to employment of PWDs as a means of ensuring that they achieve economic and financial independence; thereby assisting them to reach their full potentials. In this regard, there are international and national legislations and policy frameworks with provisions that safeguard the general rights of PWDs in Nigeria. Pertinent questions as to the efficacy, compliance, and implementation of the existing legal frameworks, as well as issues that pose as challenges to the rights of PWDs were examined and the essay finds that the rights of PWDs, especially their right to employment has not been effectively implemented in Nigeria and that more realistic efforts has to be made to see that the rights of PWDs are safeguarded.

The study investigated the role of ICT as a change agent for quality education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The population of the study comprised of over eighty thousand undergraduate students (80,000) in tertiary institutions of Edo State while the sample for the study comprised two hundred and eight (208) students randomly selected from different schools. Structured questionnaires titled: The role of ICT as a change agent for quality education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria was used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by the researcher's supervisor as well as two other experts in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology while the Cronbach’s alpha reliability method was adopted to ascertain the reliability of the instrument which yielded a co-efficient index of .766. Data were analyzed with simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The study concluded that ICT is a change agent for quality education in tertiary institutions. Strategies for effective use and implementation of ICT in tertiary institutions. From statistics, the percentage of students who agree that the ICT is a change agent for quality education in tertiary institutions is hundred percent (100%) which means that all students see ICT is a change agent for quality education in tertiary institutions

The study empirically examined the relative contribution of oil and non-oil subsector to export trade in Nigeria. The Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test was employed to test for the order of integration of the series. It was found to be stationary at first and second differ ences. Then the Johansen Co-integration technique was employed to determine if there is long run relationship between the dependent and independent variables of the model. Furthermore, the Vector Error Correction Mechanism technique (VECM) was used to estimate the regression coefficients and to correct for any disequilibrium between the short run and long run dynamics of the model. The short run and long run version of the model were specified. Results showed that, oil sector was correctly signed and was statistically significant. The study therefore recommends, among others, that proper and effectively outlined policy frameworks should be put in place by the government through the relevant agencies to ensure that non-oil sector is effectively managed and channeled towards contributing significantly to export in Nigeria. This will go a long way in ensuring that the contributions of oil to export in Nigeria is significantly reduced

Bacteria possess special features which help them attach to biotic and abiotic surfaces alike. Adhesion of bacteria to surfaces contribute to the spread of infections via contact with these surfaces, be it biotic or abiotic. On abiotic surfaces however, bacteria form biofilms, making them more difficult to eliminate. Solubilizing agents facilitate penetration of a substance into another in which it would be normally insoluble. They are used as cleaning agents, emulsifiers, vehicles, cosolvents, etc. Lactobacilli are a type of Gram-positive, nonsporulating bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of certain solubilizing agents to detach bacteria attached to an abiotic (glass) surface, by quantifying the bacterial cells grown from a solution of the solubilizing agent. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the solubilizing agents were first determined. A non-inhibitory concentration of the solubilizing agent was then used to detach lactobacilli attached to a glass surface and the resulting solution was diluted serially and plated out. Quantitative bacterial quantification was performed by determining colony forming units/ml. Spectrophotometric method was used to qualitatively quantify bacterial detachment. Results showed a higher cell count from the solubilizing agent than from the control, indicating that they are indeed well able to elicit bacterial detachment from abiotic surfaces.

Groundnut sauce (Ose-Oji) is a popular traditional condiment widely consumed in many parts of Nigeria. Due to its high nutrient content and methods of preparation and storage, it is susceptible to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi. This study was carried out to isolate and characterize fungi present in Ose-Oji obtained from selected local government areas in Edo State. Samples of the sauce were collected from different vendors and transported to the laboratory under sterile conditions for analysis. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for the isolation of fungal organisms using suitable culture media. The isolates were further characterized based on their macroscopic and microscopic features. The study revealed the presence of several fungal species, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Mucor. The occurrence of these fungi indicates possible contamination arising from poor handling practices, environmental exposure, and improper storage conditions. Some of the identified fungi are known to produce mycotoxins that may pose health risks to consumers. The findings highlight the need for improved hygienic practices during the preparation, handling, and storage of groundnut sauce. Public awareness and proper food safety measures are therefore recommended to reduce fungal contamination and ensure the safety of this widely consumed food product.

This Study conducted a profitability analysis of plantain marketing in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. It was observed that there was no clarity on the measures that plantain marketers in Ovia-North East Local Government Area of Edo State put in place to reduce the effect of the marketing constraints in order to increase their marketing profitability. Hence, the study objectives were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of the respondent; determine the marketing channels; determine the profitability; identify the marketing constraints and identify the ameliorating measures for plantain marketing in the study area. The primary data used for the study were collected through interview with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Eight (8) markets were purposively selected in the study area. Marketers were proportionately sampled from each market giving a total sample size of ninety (90) respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics, cost and return analysis, ordinary least square regression analysis, and Likert scale were used to analyze data collected. Majority of the marketers interviewed were female (95.6%), married (66.7%), within the age group of 40-49 (30%) with secondary education (38.9%), 6 10 years and 20 years and above (28.9%) marketing experience and household size of 1-5 (58.9%). The study encountered mainly retailers (48.9%). Marketers had a mean monthly gross income of ₦172.17 per bunch. Their gross ratio, operating ratio, expense structure ratio, return per capital invested and benefit cost ratio were 0.17, 0.82, 0.004, 0.21 and 1.21 respectively. Marketing constraints were high purchase price, seasonality, high transfer cost and poor access to credit facilities. Ameliorating measures used were thrift society and joint vehicle hiring. Quantity sold and transfer cost were the significant determinants of revenue with a coefficient of 1334 and 671.68 respectively. It was concluded that plantain marketing was profitable and that technologies, financial and transport systems dedicated to agricultural products, most especially plantain, will greatly boost profitability.