C5H9N Isomers: Pointers to Possible Branched Chain Interstellar Molecules

The astronomical observation of isopropyl cyanide further stresses the link between the chemical composition of the ISM and molecular composition of the meteorites in which there is a dominance of branched chain amino acids as compared to the straight. However, observations of more branched chain molecules in ISM will firmly establish this link. In the light of this, we have considered C5H9N isomeric group in which the next higher member of the alkyl cyanide and other branched chain isomers belong. High-level quantum chemical calculations have been employed in estimating accurate energies of these isomers. From the results, the only isomer of the group that has been astronomically searched, n-butyl cyanide is not the most stable isomer and therefore, which might explain why its search could only yield upper limits of its column density without a successful detection. Rather, the two most stable isomers of the group are the branched chain isomers, tert-butylnitrile and isobutyl cyanide. Based on the rotational constants of these isomers, it is found that the expected intensity of tert-butylnitrile is the maximum among this isomeric group. Thus, this is proposed as the most probable candidate for astronomical observation. A simple LTE (Local thermodynamic equilibrium) modelling has also been carried out to check the possibility of detecting tert-butyl cyanide in the millimetre-wave region.Comment: 16 pages, 1 figur

Chemical modeling for predicting the abundances of certain aldimines and amines in hot cores

We consider six isomeric groups (CH3N, CH5N, C2H5N, C2H7N, C3H7N and C3H9N) to review the presence of amines and aldimines within the interstellar medium (ISM). Each of these groups contains at least one aldimine or amine. Methanimine (CH2NH) from CH3N and methylamine (CH3NH2) from CH5N isomeric group were detected a few decades ago. Recently, the presence of ethanimine (CH3CHNH) from C2H5N isomeric group has been discovered in the ISM. This prompted us to investigate the possibility of detecting any aldimine or amine from the very next three isomeric groups in this sequence: C2H7N, C3H7N and C3H9N. We employ high-level quantum chemical calculations to estimate accurate energies of all the species. According to enthalpies of formation, optimized energies, and expected intensity ratio, we found that ethylamine (precursor of glycine) from C2H7N isomeric group, (1Z)-1-propanimine from C3H7N isomeric group, and trimethylamine from C3H9N isomeric group are the most viable candidates for the future astronomical detection. Based on our quantum chemical calculations and from other approximations (from prevailing similar types of reactions), a complete set of reaction pathways to the synthesis of ethylamine and (1Z)-1-propanimine is prepared. Moreover, a large gas-grain chemical model is employed to study the presence of these species in the ISM. Our modeling results suggest that ethylamine and (1Z)-1-propanimine could efficiently be formed in hot-core regions and could be observed with present astronomical facilities. Radiative transfer modeling is also implemented to additionally aid their discovery in interstellar space.Comment: 32 pages, 18 Figures, Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journa

Effects of Aspilia Africana on Conception Rates of Rabbit Does

. The study was conducted to investigate the conception rates of rabbit does fed Aspilia africana as forage using thirty (30) dutch breed rabbit does of average age of 6 months in a completely randomized design. The rabbits in all the treatment groups were fed the same concentrate diet 18.0% crude protein (CP) and 2620 kcal/kg Metabolizable Energy (ME) throughout the study and mixed forages which consisted of Ipomea batatas leaves, Centrosemapubescens, Musa sapientum leaves, and Panicum maximumfrom the commencement of the experiment until parturition. Introduction of the experimental forages followed immediately after parturition and consisted of three treatments (T1, T2 and T3). The treatment consisted of T1: mixed forages (Ipomea batatas leaves, Centrosema pubescens, Musa sapientum leaves, Panicum maximum) without Aspilia africana (control), T2: fresh Aspilia africana and T3: wilted Aspilia africana. The results of the study revealed no significant differences in gestation length, receptivity and conception rates of the does in the various treatment groups before the introduction of the test plants (Aspilia africana). During the period of administration of the test plant, the treated groups; T2 and T3 had significantly lower mean values for receptivity (T2 and T3 = 1) compared to T1(3), conception rates for T2 and T3were 0% and T1was 100%. The gestation length for the control was 30.5 days while gestation was not recorded for T2 and T3 since they did not conceive at all. The ovarian weight of the control T1 (0.20 g) was significantly higher than T2 and T3 both of which recorded 0.13 g for their ovarian weights. The study showed that Aspilia africana has anti-fertility properties

The Challenges of Human Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Way Forward

The increased interaction of societies on a global dimension evidently provides for the overall need for human security especially in the African continent where the number of conflicts is still overwhelming. This paper examined the challenges of human security in Sub-Saharan Africa with a view to suggesting the way forward. Anchored on a qualitative method and with reliance on secondary sources of data, it argued that there is need to better understand the nature of the rapidly evolving large-scale challenges that can have a major impact on individuals and populations. The paper further observed that it is imperative to strengthen the mobilization of wide range of actors involved in policy formulation that affects the unfolding dangers of human security in order to curtail them. It recommended the promotion of human capacity building in African states, assistance to states in the region to tackle HIV/AIDs and other contagious diseases, promoting the active participation of communities and representatives of civil society in the planning and implementation of development programs among others and concluded that though the challenges of human security in the continent are overwhelming, a proper implementation of these measures could ensure security for the vulnerable populations in the region

The Effect of Tax Revenue Components from SMEs on the Economic Growth of Nigeria from 1980-2015

The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between tax policies evidenced by tax revenue and SMEs contribution to economic development of Nigeria from 1980-2015. It was motivated by growing importance of SMEs following the importance they weird in the area of employment, utilization of resources, development of managerial and entrepreneurial skills, linkage effect between sectors, among others. Data for the study were extracted from CBN Annual reports and accounts for GDP which proxy Economic growth and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on tax components. Data extracted were scaled down to 80% of the totals based on SMEs contributors in the past three decades. The analyses were carried out using correlation and regression analysis with results showing standard coefficient of 0.076(PPT), 0.477(CIT), 1.179(VAT), -0.497(ET), -0.316(PIT) and 0.109(CED) respectively. The overall correlation coefficients (r) shows 0.997, coefficient of determination (r2) 0.995, R2 -adjusted 0.994 implying a strong positive relationship between the variables studied. The study recommended that government should create favourable incentives to encourage SMEs participation in tax payment. Keywords: Tax Policies, SMEs, Tax Rates, Fiscal Policie

Modelling the Factors Influencing Urban Households Food and Nutrition Security Status

There was a rapid migration from poor rural areas to swollen urban areas in search of better jobs and life. While some local immigrants have managed to find a better life, most immigrants cannot guarantee the improvement of the quality of life as they hoped. It has become a nightmare of economic and food insecurity. A study was conducted to determine factors affecting food availability, accessibility and affordability for families in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A survey is used to obtain information from 240 households. The Food insecurity Index is used to analyze the state of food insecurity in the study area. Foster, Greer, and Thorbecke (FGT) weighted poverty index was adopted to analyze the incidence and severity of Hunger. Tobit Regression Model is used to analyze household food security determinants. Results of analyses show that hunger is lower in families of skilled workers and higher in families with unskilled workers. The result further showed that the incidence of food insecurity and hunger was 0.61 and directly related to family size. The most critical factors influencing food security are education level, household income level, family size, access to credit facilities, distance to the nearest market, and location of residence. Policies aimed at improving living standards in rural areas are wise policy decisions to prevent conquest of the village

Adoption Choice of Risk Management Tools in Agricultural Production under Climate Change

The long term impact of climate change is likely to affect food security and therefore prompts the agricultural sector to be more resilient to production and market risk, and uncertainties caused by these changes in climate. Choosing from a wide range of risk management tools can help farmers manage uncertainties and adapt to climate change. However, the choice of adoption of these risk management tools are greatly influenced by a number of factors. An empirical study was conducted to estimate the factors influencing the adoption choice of agricultural risk management tools by farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select the representative farmers for the study. Information were elicited from farmers using questionnaires. Factors influencing the adoption of crop diversification, insurance and contract farming were analyzed using multinomial logit approach. Empirical results revealed that the decision to adopt crop diversification and insurance were inversely and significantly affected by age of the farmers. Results further showed that farmers decision to adopt crop diversification and contract farming as risk management tools were positively and significantly influenced by the size of farmland at (p<0.05). Findings also showed that access to weather information and frequency of extension contact significantly influenced farmers decision to adopt crop insurance and crop diversification respectively at 10% level. Result indicates that farmers decision to adopt crop diversification as a risk management tool was positively affected by frequency of extension contact. Promoting efficient and effective extension service delivery, access to weather and climate information and human capital development would be sensible policy options

Studies on trace metal concentration pseudotolithus elongatus from marine coastal waters at mbo, southeastern Nigeria

A study was conducted to assess the trace metal (i.e. Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn) concentration in Pseudotolithus elongatus species from Mbo Marine Coastal waters. Fish samples were randomly sampled from the six sampling stations using hooks and fishing nets and the muscles tissue were later analysed on Perkin Elmer Absorption Spectrophotometer mode, UNICAMP 919, after adequate sample treatment. The result reveals that lead (Pb) had the overall mean metal concentration of 7.47ugg-1 in fishes indicating high level of pollution when compared with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) standard of 2.0ugg-1 for lead (Pb) in seafood. The concentration of Cu, Cd, and Zn metals were within the NHMRC recommended limit. It is therefore concluded that Mbo Coastal waters is heavily polluted with Lead (Pb), perhaps from anthropogenic input like sewage discharge. The ecological and human health implications of Lead (Pb) pollution are discussed.KEY WORDS: Trace metals, Lead Pollution, Pseudotolithus elongatus, Mbo coastal waters, Nigeria