CONTENTS

ARIMA Intervention Modelling of Monthly GBP-NGN Exchange Rates

Ette Harrison Etuk, Yellow Mazi Dimkpa & Pius Sibeate

Department of Mathematics, Rivers state University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt

Department of Statistics, Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic Bori, Rivers State, Ministry of Education Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria

Email: ettetuk@yahoo.com, ettehetuk@gmail.com, etuk.ette@ust.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

A look at the trend of monthly British Pound (GBP) – Nigerian Naira (NGN) exchange rates since 2008 to 2016 reveals a fairly horizontal trend prior to 2015 and all-time high values currently.  This necessitates some intervention. Going by the time-plot, the intervention point is pegged at February 2015 after which the rates are above 280 naira to a pound sterling. Even though economic recession in Nigeria was noticeable in mid 2016, it is being believed that its earlier signals were being ignored leading to its manifestation. It is therefore being assumed that this relative depreciation of the naira is accounted for by the recession. The pre-intervention data is modelled as an ARIMA (18, 1, 18) process, on the basis of which post-intervention forecasts are obtained. The difference between the post-intervention forecasts and the actual post-intervention observations is modelled for the transfer function. There is a close agreement between the intervention forecasts and the observations in the period of study (2008 – 2016). The model may therefore be used as basis for intervention in the exchange rates.

Keywords: Naira, Pound, Exchange Rates, Intervention analysis, ARIMA modelling

Apoptosis – A Review Article

Ikpe Vitalis Ph.D

Department of Biochemistry

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Caritas University, Enugu, Nigeria

ABSTRACT   

The survival of living beings depends on the correct and co-ordinate functioning of various cell types. For each cell line, control of the number of cells is the result of a dynamic balance between cell proliferation and cell death. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death prosing that cell death during development is not of accidental nature but follows a sequence of controlled steps lending to locally and temporally define self destruction. Cells can die by necrosis but apoptosis is a form of death that the cell itself initiates regulates and executes using molecular machinery. The cell brings about its own death and lyses signaled from outside or programmed in its genes by systematically degrading its own macromolecules. Gain- and loss-of function models of genes in the core apoptotic pathway suggest that perturbation of cellular homeostasis can be a primary pathological event that results in disease. There is now compelling evidence that insufficient apoptosis can result in cancer or autoimmunity whereas accelerated cell death is evident in degenerative diseases, immunodeficiency and infertility.

Keywords: Cell, Life, Death, Decision

Analysis of the Recap of the Passive Fire Prevention and Protection Measures in Nigerian Markets: A Solution for Reducing Air Pollution

Odaudu Ugbede Sunday

Department of Architecture

 Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Nigeria

Email: arcodauduugbede@yahoo.com.

ABSTRACT

A market is an authorized site and a public place where people meet for trade or where goods and services are exchanged to the terminal consumer for money. Markets in Africa are varied in terms of size, mode and quality of construction, facilities for market users and physical maintenance. Air pollution is the contamination of air in the environment and it occurs when the air contains fumes or gases, smoke, dust and odour in harmful amount Fire is a special type of chemical reaction or an oxidation process that happens very fast, so that light, heat and sound are released. In Nigeria, markets are prone to fire outbreaks. Therefore, it is important that, fire is treated with care in markets in Nigeria. Unwanted fires have a monetary impact on communities because, fires remove businesses from the tax rolls while the damaged building is reconstructed. According to available statistics, over 40 percent of the businesses that experienced a fire outbreak, never re-open because they lose their customers base. Passive fire prevention measures in Nigerian markets were overviewed with the aim of being informed of the need for proper market designs against fire and thereby reducing the release of harmful smoke to the environment. Analyzing the significant of markets to people, and the negative effects of the harmful smoke that are being released to the environment are the objectives. The review of relevant literature on fire outbreaks in markets is the method adopted for this study. The passive fire prevention and protection measures in markets are also parts of the relevant literature that were reviewed. The findings showed that, there is no study on how to use building designs to reduce fire problems in markets in Nigeria and subsequently, there is need for evaluation of passive fire prevention and protection measures in Nigerian markets. It is expected that, this study shall reduce the release of harmful smoke to the environment and lay a foundation for further studying of passive fire prevention in markets in Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends that, passive fire prevention measures should be well considered in the design of markets in Nigeria, in order to reduce the incidences of fire outbreaks and their consequences.

Keywords: Fire Prevention, Harmful Smoke, Markets, Nigeria, Passive.

Microphytoplankton and Geological Boundaries in Maastrichtian to Lutetian Succession of Ajire-1 Well Anambra Basin, Nigeria

Lucas F. A.

Department of Geology

University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria

E-mail: drfalucas@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Dinocysts and acritarchs recovered from Ajire-1 well were evaluated and appraised for their palynostratigraphic utilities. Interpretation of their bio-events allows the recognition, delineation and numerical age dating of five stage boundaries in the well section. These are from oldest to youngest Maastrichtian / Danian, Danian / Selandian, Selandian / Thanetian, Thanetian / Ypresian and Ypresian / Lutetian boundaries respectively. The last appearance datum [LAD] of Paleocystodinium australinium allows the recognition of early/late Selandian boundary. Comparison of the bio-events identified in this study with internationally established planktonic foraminiferal zonal schemes suggests numerical age estimates of the five stage boundaries as 65.0Ma, 60.9Ma, 59..2Ma 54.8Ma and 49.0Ma respectively. The early /late Selandian boundary is 60.0Ma.It is envisaged that the information documented in this paper would enhance the interpretation and age characterization of sub-surface sequence stratigraphic events in the southern Nigeria sedimentary basins.

Keywords: Microphytoplankton; Boundaries; Maastrichtian; Lutetian; Ajire-1 Well; Anambra Basin.

Solving first Order Linear Differential Equation Using Operational Amplifier Approach

*Ndanusa, B., Jibrin, Y. A. & Gbedako, A. A.

Department of Physics,

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State,

E-mail: bndanusa@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp) as it is popularly called is used to solve differential linear equations. A differential linear equation of first degree was considered for the design using cascades of inverter; summer and integrator configuration of operational amplifier. A general purpose op-amp, µA 741 of the 8 pin mini DIP type was chosen for the design. Its unique features and prime advantages was considered and hence its choice. The performance of the designed circuit was evaluated for the input cases of a unit step inputs. The output graphs obtained in each case compared to the analytically derived function showed the circuit worked as desired. Though, the little ripples seen in the output graphs are as a result of the thermal noise of the components used in building the circuits.

Keywords: Op-Amp, differential equation, summer; inverter and integrator

Miospores and Geological Boundaries in Maastrichtian to Lutetian Succession of Ajire -1 Well, Anambra Basin, Nigeria

Lucas, F. A.

Department of Geology,

University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria

E-mail: drfalucas@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Evaluation and appraisal of biostratigraphically significant miospores in Ajire-1 well, Anambra Basin allow the delineation of five geological stage boundaries from Maastrichtian to the Lutetian succession of the well. The delineated boundaries are Maastrichtian/Danian, Danian/Selandian, Selandian/Thanetian, Thanetian/ Ypresian and Ypresian/Lutetian respectively. Estimate of the numerical ages have been possible by the comparison of the miospore events with those of dinocysts recognized in the well. Five Eocene  diagnostic miospores- Mauriitidites crassiexinus, Grimsdalea  pol ygonallis, Forma ‘C’, Psilatriclpites okeziei  and  Proteacidites otamirinensis, originally  described from  the  upper  Eocene  Ogwashi –Asaba  Formation, south-east Nigeria have their first stratigraphic occurrences in the Early Eocene. This is the first attempt in which miospores are being used in Nigeria to delineate the Paleocene epoch into three internationally recognized stages. It is envisaged that the information documented in this study would further refine the Nigeria Chronostratigraphy and bring it in-line with new standard global stratigraphy scale.

Keywords: Miospore; Geological Boundaries; Maastrichtian; Lutetian; Ajire-1 Well; Anambra Basin; Nigeria.

Effect of Simulation on Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work Students’ Achievement and Retention in Science and Technical Colleges

Tyav, Alfred Demenongu*, Adadu, Akwonya Comfort & Onyilo, Regina Igogbe

Department of Vocational and Technical Education

Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria

Email: alfredtyav1576@gmail.com, comfortadadu@yahoo.com, ronyilo79@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the Effect of Simulation on Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work Students’ Achievement and Retention in Science and Technical Colleges. Two research questions guided the study. The pre-test-post-test control group quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The study was carried out in Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, in which 59 Part 1 (SSS 1) students in Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work (MVMW) trade constituted the population for the study. Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work Achievement Test (MVMWAT) was used for data collection, and analysis made using the mean via the International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 21. The study found that; those taught with simulation achieved higher in both post-test and retention test than those taught with the traditional lecture method. It was recommended that; (i) auto-mechanics technology teachers should endeavour to use of simulation in the teaching of MVMW, and (ii) due to the low sample size used in this study, further studies with larger population are suggested.

Keywords: Simulation, Achievement, Retention, and Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work (MVMW)

Estimation of Drivers’ Critical Gap Acceptance and Follow-up Time at Four – Legged Unsignalized Intersection

Biliyamin Adeoye Ibitoye, Rasheed AbdulWahab, and Sikirat Damilola Mustapha

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering &Technology

Kwara State University, Malete, P. M. B 1530, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria 

Email: biliyamin.ibitoye@kwasu.edu.ng

ABSTRACT

Intersections which are meant to facilitate the convenience, ease, and comfort of people traversing them appear to be most hazardous locations on roadway systems. This study aims at determining the driver’s critical gap at Shao expressway intersection. The morning and evening peak traffic flow was captured using a video camera for seven days and then analyzed by playing back the video on daily basis. The camera was placed at a suitable height in order to cover all area of the intersection. The traffic count data show the most prevalent operations at the minor indicating frequent peak hour flows along Ilorin – Malete due to location of Kwara State University at Malete. The resulted critical gap which is the minimum gap that all drivers in the minor stream are assumed to accept at all similar location is 2.9sec and this is lower than 6sec recommended by the HCM (1995).This implies that most drivers using Shao intersection are in a hurry to cross the major road, thereby resulting into potential conflicts or serious accident. Thus, there is need to improve the geometrical features of the intersection as well as to introduce appropriate control mechanism at the intersection.Keywords: gap acceptance, critical gap, unsignalized intersection, follow up time

Kinetics Study on Mild Steel Corrosion Inhibition by Ethyl Ester of Rubber Seed Oil

¹Offurum, J.C.; ²Nwakaudu, M.S.; ²Ndukwe O.C. and ²Kamalu C.I.O.

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo-Ohaji

²Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Owerri

E-mail: jullyengine@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The Kinetics of Mild steel Corrosion Inhibition by Ethyl Ester of Rubber Seed Oil was studied. This was motivated by the view of assessing the effects of kinetic energy on the corrosion and corrosion inhibition processes.  Corrosion inhibition assessment was conducted using weight loss analysis at 40^oC, at varying times (of 4, 8, 16, 24 and 32hours) and dozing rates (of 50%, 60% and 70% Strokes). The first-order kinetic rate constant (k₁) was found to be positive at all reaction conditions, indicating the continuous need for kinetic energy during the corrosion reaction. The time taken for the loaded inhibitor sample to be absorbed by the material by half (the half life), t_1/2 was observed to be higher at blank conditions than when inhibitor is present, at the various dozing rates; this indicates that adsorption of the corrosion medium by the material is higher in blank solution, thereby making the steel pipe more susceptible to corrosion effects in the absence of inhibitor. However, the values of coefficient of determination (R²), at the various cases, range from 0.6611-0.9889, indicating a good fit of the data points.

Keywords: Kinetics, Mild steel, Corrosion Inhibition, Rubber Seed Oil