Asian Journal of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Art

Regression Analysis on the Impact of Agriculture, Industry and Service Sector on Economic Growth in Nigeria

Ibrahim Michael — 2024-08-28

This study investigates the impact of agriculture, industry, and the service sector on Nigeria's economic growth from 1990 to 2022, using data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. Employing an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model, the research explores the contributions of these key sectors to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The findings reveal that the industrial sector has a significant positive effect on GDP, emphasizing its crucial role in driving economic growth. The agricultural sector also contributes positively, though its impact is relatively modest, highlighting the need for modernization and investment to enhance productivity. Surprisingly, the service sector shows a statistically significant negative impact on GDP, contrary to its traditionally recognized role in economic expansion. This anomaly suggests underlying structural issues within the sector that require further investigation. The study's model explains approximately 59.65% of the variation in GDP, with no significant evidence of autocorrelation, heteroskedasticity, or multicollinearity affecting the results. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted policy interventions to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen industrialization efforts, and reform the service sector to foster balanced and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

Physicochemical and Fungal Analysis of a Hydrocarbon-Polluted Soil at Amadi-Ama Creek of Bonny River Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Chinedu Christian Iheanacho — 2024-08-28

Numerous hydrocarbon-utilizing fungal species have been implicated with the ability to utilize/degrade hydrocarbon as carbon source, which indicate their potential for environmental cleanup in hydrocarbon-contaminated sites. In this study, five (5) indigenous fungal species were isolated from a petroleum-hydrocarbon polluted soil at Amadi-ama Creek, Bonny river shoreline, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. These fungal species may have high potential to biodegrade petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants. Samples were collected randomly from the hydrocarbon impacted soil at Amadi-ama Creek, Bonny river shoreline. Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Czapek Agar were used as growth media. Samples were examined to assess the physical and chemical characteristics such as conductivity, pH, temperature, nitrate, iron, copper, zinc, chromium, phosphate, sulphate, total hydrocarbon content, total petroleum hydrocarbon, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. These parameters are known to influence the occurrence, diversity and distribution of microorganisms in an ecological niche. Soil pH showed to be acidic (6.21), result also showed that Total hydrocarbon content, Total petroleum hydrocarbon and Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon values were at 306.55mg/kg, 112.134mg/kg, 44.227mg/kg respectively establishing the incidence of hydrocarbon pollution. Electrical conductivity and Temperature were at 1250 Us/cm, and 29.58⁰C respectively while Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphate, Iron, Copper, Zinc, and Chromium values were at 1.228mg/kg, 0.751mg/kg, 20.214mg/kg, 18.431mg/kg, 0.113mg/kg, 0.121mg/kg, and 0.042mg/kg respectively. Monitoring of the soil quality established the incidence of hydrocarbon pollution as well the incidence of anthropogenic influence on the soil putting into cognizance human activities at the shoreline. Morphological identification of obtained fungal species led to their assignment into four (4) genera and five (5) species; Aspergillus niger (28%), Aspergillus flavus (22%), Cladosporium herbarum (20%), Penicillium notatum (17%), Fusarium spp (11%). The predominance of Aspergillus isolates (28% and 22%) in this study could be a pointer to their potential to utilize hydrocarbon as their sole source of nutrient. The isolation of these indigenous fungal species could serve as a baseline study on which further analysis such as hydrocarbon degradation screening test could determine their individual hydrocarbon degradation potentials and subsequent consideration as hydrocarbon degrading microbes in subsequent bioremediation study.

Effect of Temperature on Microplastic Degradation in Soil Environment

Moses Adondua Abah — 2024-09-04

The contamination of soil caused by the degradation of plastics introduced through disposal has been increasing globally. Researchers have reported that exposure to microplastics, the degradative product of plastic materials triggers a “wide variety of toxic insults”. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of temperature on microplastic degradation in soil environment. Soil samples were collected from Federal University Wukari farm, air-dried and sieved to obtain fine particles. They were arranged in three groups; one served as the control (Group 1), containing no shredded microplastics, whereas microplastics were shredded in Group 2 and Group 3 soil samples. They were all arranged in triplicates. The control group was kept at room temperature for 14 days whereas Group 2 was exposed to sunlight for 14 days. Group 3 was exposed to sunlight for 7 days. The results obtained from this study revealed the presence of the following microplastic types in Group 2 and 3 soil samples: polyamide, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene glycol, terephthatic acid, acrylic acid and polyester. The highest level of total detectable microplastics were associated with Group 3 soil samples (59314.95±808.35), followed by Group 2 soil samples (56022±1352.14) and lastly Group 1 (control) soil samples (32703.51±649.99) respectively. The result also revealed polyamide to be the most abundant microplastic present in all the assayed soil samples: Group 3 (48977.99±1071.61), Group 2 (52204.46±582.03) and Group 1 (28022.08±425.28) whereas the least microplastic present in all assayed soil samples was Terephthatic acid shown as thus: Group 3 (393.69±17.44) > Group 2 (369.36±28.11) > Group 3 (211.32±14.77) respectively. Overall, the result revealed that soil samples exposed to sunlight for a period of 7 days (Group 3) had the highest level of individually detected microplastics followed by soil samples exposed to sunlight for 14 days (Group 2). The control group clearly showed the least levels of individually detected microplastics. The study revealed that microplastics upon exposure to UV rays from sun light could undergo degradation yielding several intermediates which may be either more or less harmful. The study also revealed that the longer the exposure of a microplastic material to UV rays, the higher the degradation rate and the more intermediates associated with the microplastic material will be yielded. On the other hand, the shorter the exposure time of a microplastic material to UV rays, the lesser the degradation rate and less intermediates associated with the microplastic material will be yielded.

Analysis of Pavement Failure (Flexible Foundation): A Case Study of Bauchi-Kaduna

Ibrahim Abdulmajid — 2024-09-04

This research investigates the causes of pavement failures shortly after a rehabilitation activity along Bauchi-Kaduna Road (Magama-Gumau-RahamaRoad.). One of the principal objectives of this research effort was to identify sources of Moisture and other conditions that led to the early rutting problems observed. Improper tack coat or failure, permeable dense-graded layers, inadequate drainage, and possibly insufficient Compaction of dense-graded material were the likely root causes of the observed moisture damage and consequential rutting problems. The other principal objective was to evaluate design, construction, and materials requirements -that will minimize the risk of such failures for future rehabilitation projects so that guidelines could be developed for this process.

Media Hegemony and the Suppression of Counter-Hegemony in Nigeria

Anthony Garison — 2024-09-04

Media are realized to be the powerful tools in the dissemination and reinforcement of dominant ideologies in order to maintain the status quo thereby serving the interest of the powerful groups at the detriment of the nation’s social justice, economic equality and national development. This study therefore, examines the phenomenon of media hegemony and its impact on the suppression of counter-hegemony in Nigeria. Using Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony as a framework, this research investigates how the dominant media landscape in Nigeria reinforces existing power structures, marginalizes alternative voices, and limits the emergence of counter-hegemonic narratives. Through a critical discourse analysis of media operations in Nigeria, their orientations and contents. The study reveals the ways in which media hegemony is maintained and contested in Nigeria. The concentration of media ownership, censorship, and the manipulation of public opinion are key strategies used to suppress counter-hegemony in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study highlights the challenges faced by alternative voices and social movements in promoting counter-hegemonic discourses and resisting dominant narratives. The research contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics of media hegemony, how media shape power structures, normalizes the views of the ruling class and suppress counter-hegemony in Nigeria; and underscores the need for a more inclusive and diverse media landscape that promotes critical thinking, democratic participation, social equality and social justice.

The Cloud Security Revolution: Unlocking the Potential of AI and Machine Learning to Stay Ahead of Threats

Ruth Onyekachi Okereke — 2024-09-08

As we navigate the digital world, cybersecurity has become a top priority. With each technological advancement, new vulnerabilities emerge, making robust defenses essential. The fusion of machine learning and artificial intelligence has become a game-changer in the fight against cyber threats. This paper delves into the latest applications of these technologies in network security, shedding light on their critical roles in addressing pressing concerns and identifying areas for further exploration. We also examine the ethical and legal implications of implementing these technologies. Our research highlights current challenges and open questions, with a focus on recent breakthroughs in network security leveraging AI and ML. The findings are promising, suggesting that further innovation in integrating AI and ML into network security frameworks holds significant potential. Exciting applications include bolstering network security, detecting malware, and responding to intrusions. Interestingly, while 45% of organizations recognize the need to adopt these technologies, half have already done so, while 5% remain hesitant.

Africa’s Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy Toward the Circular Economy

Tu Ngoc Bui — 2024-09-17

The term "circular economy" has gained popularity over the past decade, particularly in sustainability, resource management, and productivity. Increasingly, both public and private organizations are exploring its application in daily operations. This article reviews the literature on Africa's energy transition and whether it can be guided by circular economy principles. The study finds that Africa's energy demand will rise significantly due to industrialization and population growth. While Sub-Saharan Africa relies mainly on renewable energy, countries like Algeria, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt still depend heavily on fossil fuels. Researchers suggest that a circular economy approach could promote renewable energy adoption. However, more research is needed to explore the potential of circular principles in supporting the energy transition.