About RIK Journals
‘RIK Journals’ are international journals intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Science, Technology, Arts, Management, Engineering, Humanities, Social Science, Education, etc. RIK Journals are...
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| All | Since 2015 | |
|---|---|---|
| Citation | 2400 | 1030 |
| h-index | 962 | 911 |
| i-index | 423 | 261 |
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2023 Archive
| Number 2 |
Title: Examining the Urban Encroachment Map of the Rivers Surrounding Dhaka City: A Case Study of the Turag River Author: Mohammad Juhan (PhD) Abstract: ... Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is one of the fastest growing and the most densely populated cities in the world. The city has 4 rivers all around which were once lifelines to it for economy and ecology. Being expanded rapidly in an unplanned way with the phenomenal increase of population, land scarcity and land price, the city’s peripheral zone reached the banks of the rivers. Consequently, an ill-motivated section of people began to use the riverbanks in a variety of ways leading to river encroachment. Gradual encroachment is narrowing down the rivers putting their existence to threat. This study was conducted to find out the major encroachment points, estimate the area and document the land use of each encroachment point in the Turag River, particularly from the Buriganga Third Bridge (Shaheed Budhijibi Bridge) at Bashila to Tongi Bridge. The study was carried out through field survey with Dhaka City (rivers) map and GPS. The field survey was supported by discussion with focus group of 60 people aged over 70 experiencing changes in the Turag River for over last 50 years. Encroachment map showing the location of encroachment points has been prepared through application of GIS and satellite image. During field survey, the area and land use of each encroachment site was estimated and noted down respectively on sketch map. However, the study found out 51 points where about 1.5 acre of the riverbanks have been grabbed and are being used mainly for trade and commerce as well as housing purposes. Keywords: Dhaka, Economy, Ecology, River encroachment, GPS, GIS. Show More |
| Number 2 |
Title: Defect Measurement and Exposure Condition Survey of Ugandan Compressed Stabilized Earth Block Structures Author: Donald Maperetah Abstract: ... Inadequate provision of shelter remains a global challenge. The high cost of building materials is responsible for this situation. The compressed and stabilised earth block (CSEB) has been promoted as a low cost material. While its other properties are well understood, the behaviour of the material over time has not been properly researched. The principal objective of this research was to investigate their in-service exposure and measure defects in a humid tropical environment. Such areas are characterised by extremes of weather. The soils are also varied. The paper examines the effects of natural exposure conditions on the deterioration of CSEBs. The methodology involved literature review, visual inspection, exposure condition survey, and measurement of defects. It was confirmed that premature deterioration was widespread in exposed structures, with visible defects. The paper recommends an urgent need for improvement in the production and use of CSEBs through dissemination of location specific appropriate specifications, standards and codes. It further proposes the need for improved protective measures in the humid tropics. Additional improvement can be achieved via better intergranular bonding, reduction in voids, lowered water absorption, and protective designs and specifications. Hence, future challenges can be prevented and the effects of identified deterioration agents minimised. Keywords: Building Survey, Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks, Defects, Exposure Condition, Structures. Show More |
| Number 2 |
Title: Evaluation of the Levels of Some Selected Heavy Metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon Around Mechanic Workshop and Construction Sites in Rumuekini, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State Author: Nwoke, I. B. & Saka, M. F. Abstract: ... This study assesses heavy metal and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) contamination in soils from mechanic workshops and construction sites in the Rumuekini community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Soil samples were analyzed to determine concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Fe, As, Hg, and Mn) and various hydrocarbon fractions (C8–C20), using contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) as indicators of pollution levels. The results revealed higher contamination in mechanic workshops compared to construction sites, with lead (Pb) concentrations in workshops (96.02 mg/kg) exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 50 mg/kg. Mechanic workshops also exhibited elevated levels of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and total petroleum hydrocarbons, particularly light hydrocarbons (C8–C9), due to vehicle maintenance activities. Construction sites showed increased levels of mid-range hydrocarbons (C12–C14), likely due to the use of diesel and asphalt. Comparison with similar studies indicated that contamination factors for Pb, Cu, and Fe in mechanic workshops were significantly higher than reported in other urban areas, while chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) contamination levels were moderate. The findings highlight the environmental and health risks posed by improper waste disposal and industrial activities in both workshops and construction sites. Recommendations include improved waste management, environmental monitoring, stricter regulation, and the adoption of sustainable practices to mitigate contamination and safeguard public health. Keywords: Heavy Metal, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon, Mechanic Workshop, Construction Site. Show More |
| Number 2 |
Title: Nutrition in Maternal and Child Health: Implication for Nursing Practice Author: Agharandu, Augusta Eleazar; Nwokogba Joseph Onyedikachukwu & Des-Wosu Vivian Chioma Abstract: ... Improved nutrition during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood are important ways to maintain the health and wellbeing of mothers and children. Good maternal nutrition during pregnancy improves the birth outcomes of children and reduces the risk of pregnancy-related health complications. This paper explored nutrition in maternal and child health: Implication for nursing practice. It examined the concept of maternal and child nutrition, key nutritional practices that are ideal and crucial to maintaining maternal and child health outcomes, current trends in maternal and child nutrition, the relationship between maternal nutrition and child health, nutritional counselling in pregnant women, integration of nutritional interventions into maternal and child health programmes, maternal dietary diversity, maternal micronutrient and macronutrient intake, exclusive breastfeeding practices among mothers, maternal and child nutrition advocacy and sensitization as well as the implication of current maternal and child nutrition trends for care. It was shown that nutrition plays key roles in determining maternal and child health outcomes. The need for nurses, dietitians and related healthcare professionals to provide mothers and parents with nutritional focused interpersonal counselling with emphasis on child health was recommended. Keywords: Child, Health, Mothers, Nutrition, Nursing Practice. Show More |
| Number 2 |
Title: The superiority of Schitozim, A Herbal Medication, over Praziquantel in treating Schistosoma mansoni infection in BALB/c mice Author: Mandela Henretta Abstract: ... Schistosomiasis is a major public health problem worldwide. Schistosome eggs are responsible for most pathology. The organs affected are liver and spleen. There has been very little progress on schistosomiasis chemotherapy in Kenya due to the high costs and unavailability of known drugs to the local masses. There has been a resurgence of interest in the study of antischistosomal medicinal plants of local origin. Plants seem to be a cheaper source for drug development. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a herbal drug, Schitozim over Praziquantel in the management of S. mansoni infection in BALB/c mice and to provide defined information of the parasitological and immunological responses towards this herbal drug. BALB/c mouse strains, was used. The experimental groups included; normal/naive control; infected and not treated control group; infected groups administered with three different doses (50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg) of Schitozim and infected group administered with one standard dose (900 mg/kg) of Praziquantel. Serum were collected at week 6 post infections and week 2 post treatment and assayed to determine total leukocyte counts, differential counts, blood chemistry parameters and the levels of immunoglobulin G using ELISA kit. At week 6, perfusion was done to determine worm load. Data was analysed using SPSS, the data was expressed as mean} standard error of means. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out to compare differences between treatment groups while multiple comparisons between the various treatment groups was done using Dunnet Test and Least Significance Difference Test (LSD). Results show that worm count in the groups treated with Schitozim was not significantly different from the number of worms recovered in the group treated with praziquantel. Secondly, Schitozim was able to maintain a normal level of the three tested transaminases. The levels of bilirubin, albumin were also maintained at a normal range in the infected mice treated with Schitozim and Praziquantel. Eosinophil counts were low in number in both Schitozim and Praziquantel treated groups. Lymphocyes, monocytes and neutrophils counts were high in the both groups. SWAP specific IgG response, 0-3hr release protein specific IgG response and SEA specific IgG responses were not significantly different among the Schitozim and Praziquantel treated groups. Phytochemical screening showed that flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids and tannins were present in schitozim aqueous extract. From the information above on worm recovery, populations of leucocytes in serum, levels of ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, total protein, and albumin, Schitozim behaves similar to Praziquentel in the management of S. mansoni infection in BALB/c mice. However, further research is needed to determine toxic level of schitozim since all drugs will turn out to be toxic when certain concentration is reached. Other studies which will investigate the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, High density cholesterol and low density cholesterol on Schitozim treated- S. mansoni infected mice. Keywords: Schitozim, Praziquantel, Transaminases, Lymphocytes, IgG, Phytochemical screening, BALB/c Mice. Show More |
| Number 2 |
Title: The Impact of Using Better Oil Palm Production Techniques on Oil Palm Farmers Livelihood Assets in Ghanas Kwaebibirem District Author: Kofi Abena (PhD) Abstract: ... A number of improved oil palm production practices have been introduced to assist small-scale oil palm farmers increase yield and improve on their livelihoods. This study was conducted to examine the influence of adoption of improved oil palm production practices on the livelihood assets of oil palm farmers in Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region of Ghana. In all, 120 oil palm farmers were randomly selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Results revealed farmers’ characteristics such as level of education and farm size had significant influence (p0.05). Significant differences were observed among farmers who fully adopted improved oil palm technology than the non adopters in acquiring thevfollowing: more physical assets in the form of houses and household appliances; financial assets such as access to credit, increased income and savings; participation in group activities as a social asset and human capital in the form of ability to pay children’s school fees. It is recommended that extension services should cover more farmers who should be encouraged to adopt improved oil palm production farming practices and therefore improve on their livelihood assets. Keywords: Oil palm, Adoption, Livelihood Assets. Show More |
| Number 2 |
Title: The Effectiveness of Urban Planning Regulations in Bamenda, North West Cameroon, for Environmental Management Author: Alex Abbo & Emmanuel D. Abiya Abstract: ... In the past five decades or so, rapid rate of urbanization and urban development and urban environmental planning and management has become a cardinal issue to urban dwellers, government institutions and professionals in the developed and developing countries. It is in furtherance to this that this paper examines the efficiency of urban planning regulations on environmental management in Bamenda. Field surveys, participant observations, questionnaire administration, interviews and on-the-spot appraisals constituted the main data sources. The findings have revealed that Bamenda is replete with an avalanche of robust urban planning regulations. Irrespective of these robust laws, it was pathetic to observe that the integration of environmental management into urban development planning was sub-optimal as over 63% of the respondents claimed ignorance on the existence of these legislations. In the context of such a seismic shift in awareness, most environmental benchmarks for sustainable urban planning have remained trapped in an environmental time-warp due to non-adherence to these regulations as a result of ignorance of their existence. This has brought about negative reverberations, ushering the urban environment of Bamenda into a frivolous path to profligacy. In order for sustainable urban planning and management to be deeply entrenched in Bamenda, this paper proffers for a synergy between government and non-government agencies responsible for urban development planning. Keywords: Urban Planning, Management environmental management, urban development. Show More |