bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies on the effect of salinity and drought stress on enzymatic antioxidant defense system of two maize (Zea mays l.). varieties
Authors: Shehu Zulkallaini , Ayuba Sumayya A. , Bello Zainab H. , Abubakar Mudassiru , Shehu Abdulkadir
Published: August 2023

Soil salinization and drought are serious threat to crop productivity and predicted to increase in face of global climate change. Studies have shown that as much as the 12 billion US dollar will be lost globally each year, due to the reduction in agricultural production from drought and salt-affected areas. Maize is an economically important cereal crop affected by high salinity and drought stress, maize seedling was subjected to 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM NaCl and 4, 6 and 8 days to emulate high soil salinity and drought stress. Root and mature leaves were harvested after 21 days of sowing. High salinity induced oxidative stress in the root and mature leaves. The root and matured leaves showed increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration at 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl and 4, 6, and 8 days of drought strss. Activities of enzymatic antioxidants, Catylase (CAT, E .C 1.11.1.6) increase in all organs of salt treated maize seedling, while superoxide dismutase (SOD, 1.15.1.1) and peroxidase (POX, E.C. 1.11.1.7) increased specifically in mature leaves. This indicates a possible role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the systemic signaling from roots to leaves, allowing leaves to activate their defense mechanism for better protection against salt and drought stress.
A comparative study on anthropometric indices of women of reproductive age in urban and rural settings in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar S. M. , Shehu A. , Adamu L. H.
Published: August 2023

Urban and rural dwellers are known to differ traditionally in socioeconomic and cultural characteristics, which may affect nutritional status. Women of reproductive age (WRA) are one of the nutritionally vulnerable groups. This study compared the anthropometric indices of WRA in urban and rural settings in Kano State to provide information that could guide policy, programmes and interventions targeted at the WRA. A total of 240 WRA (15 to 49 years) from 8 (4 each of rural and urban) randomly selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) participated in a cross-sectional descriptive community-based study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics. Anthropometric indices, which included height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were measured. Associations were determine statistically using Chi-square and /or Fisher’s exact and independent sample t - tests. Results showed that most of the study participants were from the age ranges 15-22 years (31.2%) with a mean age of 30.4±10.1, married (57.5%), had completed secondary school education (46.7%), self-employed (75.8%) and earned less than 18,000 naira (86.2%). Mean anthropometric indices were significantly higher in urban compared to rural participants; weight (P = 0.005), WC (P = 0.004), HC (P = 0.001), MUAC (P = 0.041) and WHtR (P = 0.002). In conclusion, it was observed that that place of settlement had impact on the anthropometric characteristics among the WRA in Kano State.
Site suitability analysis for waste to energy facility in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Alubo Obaah Innocent , Isma’il M. , Arigbede Y. A.
Published: August 2023

Solid waste management has emerged as a significant environmental challenge in developing countries, primarily driven by population growth, rapid urbanization, and the absence of effective sustainable strategies and policies. The city of Jos is not immune to these issues, as limited funding and expertise have hindered the local municipalities' ability to manage municipal solid waste efficiently. This study attempted to identify suitable sites for a waste-to-energy facility in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study focused on estimating the amount of waste generated and determining a suitable site for siting a waste-to-energy facility in the study area. The data used were geographic coordinates of existing dumpsites which were acquired using Garmin eTrex R 20x Handheld GPS, topographic map which was obtained from Landsat (Glovis) website, landuse/landcover map which was obtained from Sentinel-2 ESRI website, road and waterbody data which were obtained from Open Street Map and administrative map of Jos metropolis which was obtained from ministry of lands, survey and town planning, Plateau state. Multi-criteria analysis, waste estimation formula, population projection formula, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with a Geographic Information System (GIS) model were employed for analysis. The results revealed that an estimated 221 tons of waste is generated per day in Jos metropolis with a projected increase to 299 tons by 2032, reflecting a 35.29% growth in a decade. The multicriteria analysis revealed that only 2.8% (23.3 km²) of the area exhibited high suitability for a WtE facility, with Kuru 'A' identified as the optimal choice due to its advantageous proximity to power substations, well-established road networks, existing dumpsites, and minimal risks to people and economic activities. Based on the findings, the study recommends improving data collection efforts, expanding the suitability criteria, and involving stakeholders in decision-making processes to enhance waste management effectiveness.
A Review on some dietary phytochemicals as potential cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapeutic agents
Authors: Aliyu M. , Abdullahi S. U.
Published: August 2023

Cancer is a disease with multiple etiologies and has gained the interest of researchers in search for its prevention and therapeutic targets. Mammalian cells are constantly exposed to electrophilic/oxidative stresses that are considered to be part of the most essential and pervasive causes of cancer. The Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is crucial in either inducing or suppressing angiogenesis. As a result, it has been implicated in numerous stages of carcinogenesis through association with several signaling pathways and molecules. This transcription factor may be regarded as key target for chemoprevention of cancer. As a transcription factor, Nrf2 exert a great function in ARE-driven genes expression. More so, it plays an important role in the up-regulation of these genes towards oxidative challenges. Numerous phytochemicals especially in fruits as well as edible vegetables have shown to activate Nrf2 and elicit antioxidant response. Inducing the synthesis of antioxidant/phase II detoxifying enzymes (UDP-glucuronyltransferase, Heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase and Glutathione-s-transferase) by natural compounds present in diet is among the most efficient approaches for cancer prevention in human. This review discusses Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway as a prime target for cancer chemoprevention, its underlying mechanisms and modulation by dietary phytochemicals as well as effects of combination of phytochemicals.
Stakeholders’ Integration to Social Responsibility: Its Implication on Youth Self Employment
Authors: Melak Degsew , Derbe Tegegne , Derso Beyene
Published: August 2023

This study was conducted to determine the level of stakeholders’ integration, and to validate its roles, and their social responsibilities to the local community in Ethiopia. The purpose of the study was to enhance better understandings about stakeholders’ engagements in the implementation of the Youth Revolving Fund to the local development process. Primary data were collected from 224 youths, and they were analyzed using descriptive and hierarchical regression. The finding of the study revealed that the overall level of stakeholders’ integration to promote youth self-employment was at an average level. Despite this, there were differences in the youths’ knowledge, interaction, and adaptation to stakeholders. As a result, a high level of stakeholders’ integration provides a good opportunity to carry out social responsibilities. Hence, the study concludes that the stakeholders’ integration in the implementation of the Youth Revolving Fund is optimum, and as a result, youths require knowledge, positive attitude, and willingness to change. Thus, local stakeholders should have commitments to support youth self-employment projects in the long-term, and the initiatives to support youth selfemployment should come from the local stakeholders.
A history of road construction and its socio-economic impact in East Gojjam,1941-2005
Authors: Tefera Derib
Published: August 2023

In Ethiopia, infrastructure development remains one of the largely neglected areas of historical research. This paper, therefore, surveys the history of road building and its socio-economic impact in East Gojjam from 1941 to 2005. To this end, archival documents, oral information and secondary sources were consulted. The findings show that the post-liberation imperial period saw no significant development on the opening of new routes. Road construction reawakened during the military regime. It witnessed promising road networks that encompassed highway, feeder and rural roads. In contrast, road construction remained sluggish during the reign of the Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) under discussion. The transitional government lifetime (1991-1995) was in particular a gloomy period. The failure of successive governments in expanding the road network emanated from economic, political, policy and related issues. Despite this, the impact of the nascent road network that extended all through the three regimes is clearly observable from the increasingly socio-economic interaction that appeared in the region and beyond.
Rural livelihood portfolios and determinants of livelihood diversification among rural households in North-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Getnet Mersha Tewodros , Ketema Mengistu , Alemu Bamlaku Alamirew , Demilew Girma
Published: August 2023

In Ethiopia, over the past decades, researchers in the field of rural development have tended to agree that the number of poor people in rural areas of Ethiopia exceeds the capacity of agriculture to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. Thus, despite the persistent image of Ethiopia as a country of subsistence farmers, over the past decades, there has been an outstanding tendency for rural economic diversification. Thus, the aim of this study is to characterize rural households’ livelihood portfolios and examine the major determinants of income diversification in the study area. The study employed a sequential embedded research design. To evaluate the level of household livelihood diversification, the Simpson Diversification Index (SDI) was used. Censured regression models were also employed to identify the major determinants of livelihood diversification. The findings of the study revealed that households in the study area depend on a variety of livelihood portfolios. Diversification into off-farm sources contributed 35% to total household income. The result also indicated that household livelihood diversification is significantly determined by household head educational status, access to training, age, family size, livestock ownership, land ownership, the proportion of infertile land, access to roads, and agro ecology at less than 5% probability level. As a result, the traditional sector-based approach should be broadened by adopting and implementing a local development strategy that includes both farm and non-farm activities.
Review on performance responses of dairy cattle against thermal stress
Authors: Mohammed Tassew
Published: August 2023

This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the performance responses of dairy cattle against thermal stress resulting from climate change.  Climate change is the major factor that largely affects the dairy industry. Thermal stress (TS) is the perceived discomfort and  physiological strains associated with exposure to excessive ambient temperature. Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) have been  adopted to describe thermal conditions that drive thermal stress in dairy cattle. The effects of TS are devastating in the dairy industry if  not managed well. The thermo-neutral zone for dairy cattle and calves in the tropics is THI <72. Milk yield reductions of up to 50% have  been reported for Holstein cows due to thermal stress under summer climate conditions. Moreover, thermal stress is associated with  alterations in milk composition. TS reduces the length and intensity of estrus manifestation. Moreover, 80% of estrus may be unnoticeable during the summer season in temperate regions, which further reduces fertility. Conception rates of dairy cows may drop  up to 20–27% in the summer season. Climate-induced thermal stress resulted in a decrease of 3.5 kg and 25 kg in the birth weight and  weaning weight of Fogera calves, respectively. Dry matter feed intake was reduced by 9.6%. Commonly used thermal stress reduction  strategies included modification of the physical environment, breeding for heat-tolerant dairy cattle, and nutritional management. The  productive and reproductive traits are susceptible to the negative impacts of thermal stress with an increase in THI above 68.0 for  Holstein Frisian cattle and their crosses and 72 for tropical cattle under an open shed system. Mitigations of thermal stress by breeding  heat-tolerant animals, using a loose house system, and season-based feeding should be considered an integral component of the dairy  cattle management system.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of goat farmers towards contagious caprine pleuropneumonia in Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Zegeye Asres , Temesgen Wudu , Fentie Tsegaw , Mekonnen Sefinew Alemu , Berju Adugna , Nigatu Seleshe , Kenubih Ambaye , Haile Belete , Molla Wassie
Published: August 2023

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is known for its high mortality, morbidity, and economic losses. A cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sampling technique was conducted in Amhara Regional State from January to June 2019 to assess the  knowledge, attitude, and practices of goat farmers towards CCPP in the region. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect  information from the goat farmers found in 12 districts. A total of 386 goat producer respondents participated in the questionnaire  survey. Out of all the households of goat farmers interviewed, 370 (95.8%) were headed by males, while 16 (4.2%) were headed by  females. Of all the respondents, 73.58% did not know the disease. The remaining 26.42% were familiar with the CCPP and had seen the  disease in their goats or nearby goat flocks, and from this 4%, they experienced CCPP with their goats. Half of the participants who  experienced the disease in their flock reported that mixing with neighboring flocks was the major source of CCPP infection. The goat  farmers who are familiar with the disease had a high-risk perception of CCPP with a mean score of 4 out of 5 for the seriousness of the  disease and 4.12 out of 5 for the risk of infection. These farmers showed a good perception of the effectiveness of prevention practices  with a mean score of 4 out of 5 for the usefulness of vaccinations and reporting disease outbreaks to veterinary authorities. This  collective understanding demonstrates their awareness of the disease and the proactive measures they are willing to take to mitigate its  impact on their flocks. They have a good practice of vaccinating and treating their goats. Most of the farmers use veterinary clinic services  to control CCPP occurrence in their herds. Although the farmers familiar with the disease have a good understanding of the risk  of the disease and a positive attitude towards control measures, most farmers are not aware of the disease and hence better animal  extension about the disease is needed in the study area.
Establishing Connections with the Ancestors through Umxhentso Dance
Authors: Izu Benjamin Obeghare , De Villiers Alethea
Published: August 2023

Through the ages, ritual dances have been part of human culture. Although artistic, the umxhentso dance is a ritual dance performed by  the Xhosa amagqirha (traditional healers) to establish connections with supernatural beings. During the dance performance, the  amagqirha enter a state of trance and connect with the spiritual realm. During this state of trance, they seek guidance and vision from their ancestors. The amagqirha, in all the Xhosa communities, perform these dance rituals at initiation and healing ceremonies. The  objectives of this study were to examine the religious and social purposes of umxhentso dance in amagqirha rituals and determine how it  assists amagqirha in establishing connections with their ancestors during ceremonies. This study adopted the naturalistic research  approach in studying the umxhentso dance during the amagqirha ceremonies. The researchers examined, evaluated and assessed the research participants’ actions and behaviours in a natural setting within a societal and cultural framework.
An inventory of birds and extent of damage to rice farms at the Kpong Irrigation Dam in the Lower Volta Basin, Ghana
Authors: Wiafe E. D.
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to assess the incidence of birds raiding rice fields in the Kpong Irrigation Dam area of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to interview rice farmers in order to identify the bird species involved, quantify the economic losses incurred, and determine the mitigation measures employed by farmers. The main bird species identified as actively raiding rice fields were Ploceus cucullatus, Ploceus nigerrimus, Spermestes cucullatus, Spermestes bicolor, Quelea erythrops, and Dendrocygna viduata. The economic loss associated with bird raiding was estimated to range from 1,000.00 GHC (124.61 USD) to 1,500.00 GHC (186.92 USD), considering an exchange rate of 8.06 GHC to 1.00 USD at the time of the study. Additionally, farmers incurred 20.00 GHC in daily overhead labour costs to prevent bird raiding. Bird raiding on rice fields not only caused substantial economic losses but also had unintended social consequences. These included increased students’ absence from school and farmers' inability to attend and participate in family, community, and other social gatherings. The study highlights the need for practical and efficient methods to mitigate the effects of bird raiding. Given the significant economic and social impacts, it is crucial to develop strategies that effectively reduce bird raiding in rice fields.
Warehouse receipt system: A shift to improve maize marketing in Ghana
Authors: Safo N. K. , Al-Hassan R. M. , Somuah H. A. , Boakye A. A. , Egyir I. S.
Published: August 2023

The study assessed the influence of warehouse receipt system (WRS) on market access using 400 smallholder maize farmers from six communities in the Northern Region of Ghana. Primary data were collected through the use of an open-ended questionnaire. The endogenous switching regression model and propensity score matching was employed for data analysis. The results showed that participation in the WRS was mostly influenced by loan accessibility, size of crop output, established buyers, and membership in farmer organizations. The implications of the results are discussed. The paper concludes that the sustainability of farmer participation in WRS lies in strengthening farmer organizations and access to high-end markets through forming trust relationships with buyers.
Soursop botany, chemical composition and medicinal prospects: a concise review
Authors: Omere E. A. , Osaigbovo A. U. , Adekunle A. T.
Published: August 2023

Soursop (Annona muricata L.) belongs to the family Annonaceae and is reported to have the largest fruit in the genus, Annona. It is best known as “sawasop” in Nigerian vernacular. It is a fruit tree that was in almost every home garden in time past. The need for space, urbanization, inadequate knowledge about the fruit tree potentials, economic relevance and/or preference, has led to its fast eroding out of the urban and semi-urban areas, with relatively fewer stands, compared to decades ago.Soursop has been reported to originate from the American tropics but has been successfully introduced and domesticated around the world. Several past and current researches have been aimed at revealing the medicinal potential and other properties of soursop. Hitherto, the reported ethnomedicinal properties of soursop include but not restricted to analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, antiulcer, antiviral, anti-arthritic, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, anti-rheumatic, anti-stress, immune enhancing, as well as wound healing capacity. This review highlights a brief description of the botany, chemical composition and the burgeoning need for the utilization of soursop based on its inherent medicinal properties.
Collection development policy: A panacea for collection development challenges in university libraries in Africa
Authors: Yakubu Buhari
Published: August 2023

Collection development is faced with various challenges such as decreasing budget allocation, increasing cost of materials, increasing demand for information, the complexity of electronic resources, and legal issues arising from copyright and censorship. To meet these challenges, university libraries in developed countries have adopted different strategies such as using a written collection development policy (CDP) to guide their collection development activities. However, university libraries in Africa are lagging in this regard. It is either they have not formulated the policy or used it to guide their collection development activities. Therefore, this study argues that a written CDP, if well prepared and used, can address collection development challenges facing university libraries in Africa and provide standard collections necessary for teaching and research activities of the university communities. Specifically, the paper discusses major collection development challenges facing university libraries in Africa and establishes ways in which a written CDP could be used to overcome them. Methodologically, the paper is based on a review of related literature. The paper contains a literature review of papers discussing the major collection development challenges facing university libraries in Africa and ways a written CDP could be used to overcome them.
Ethical challenges in the use of information in selected public and private university libraries in Ghana
Authors: Ankrah Ebenezer , Fordjour Priscilla Owusu , Entsua-Mensah Florence Odarkor
Published: August 2023

Library professionals all over the world constantly encounter an ethical issue that affects the dissemination of information. Academic libraries are faced with different ethical challenges including information dissemination, lack of financial resources, human capacity etc. The study explored the ethical challenges in the use of information in the selected public and private libraries in Ghana using the PAPA’s model as a guide. The study adopted the survey method and quantitative approach. The study setting was in four universities namely: KNUST (public), UG (public), Central University (private) and Garden City (private). Ninety-three (93) library staff were the total population surveyed. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling, whiles questionnaires were the instrument in use in collecting data. All data collected in person and online were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 26. After analysis, the results were presented in tables and charts. The study revealed that scholarly materials are the nature of information materials in the library, while academic books are the type of information materials in the library. The study discovered that educational books are purchased from publishers while information materials are published through the university’s repository and online system. The study also demonstrated that patented materials are the only materials that can be subjected to copyright laws. Recommendations identified include: adhering to professional codes of ethics, developing and implementing policies and procedures, encouraging originality and creativity, providing education and training on accessibility, and reviewing and updating collections and resources.
Preservatve Potentials of Datura metel Seed Oil on Triplochiton scleroxylon Wood (Schumann)against Fungal Attack
Authors: Okanlawon F. B , Adelusi E. A. , Olaoye K. O. , Okon-Akan O. A.
Published: August 2023

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the potential of extracted Datura metel seed oil as a  bio wood preservative against fungi attack as reports have shown bio-preservatives to be toxic free and environmentally friendly. The oil was extracted from the seed by Soxhlet apparatus using N-Hexane and ethanol solvents and using volume-to-volume method of dilution kerosene (at 50%) was added to increase its quantity thereafter. The phytochemical screening of the seed of Datura metel revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and phenols. Wood samples of Triplochiton sceleroxylon  were cut to 20 × 20 × 60mm and the dimensioned wood samples were soaked for 72 hours in the seed oil extract hence preservative absorption rate and percentage weight loss of wood  was determined on exposure to a purely cultured Sclerotium rolfsil (brown rot fungi) and Pleurotus ostreatus(white rot fungi). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at α0.05 and the results showed the highest value of mean weight loss of 18.29% while the samples exposed to brown rot fungi has a mean value of 14.12% and white rot a lowest mean value of 12.72%. The highest absorption was observed to be 92.73 kg/m at 100 % concentration level of D,metel extract.  Based on the results obtained, the seed-oil extracts of Datura metel have the potential of being an effective wood preservative.
Water Quality Assessment of the Man-Made Jabi Lake, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Daniel M. , Sawyerr H. O. , Opasola O. A. , Ekundayo D. E. , Atimiwoaye A. D. , Musa O. , Sule R.
Published: August 2023

The quality of the water needs to be evaluated in order to guarantee that everyone has access to clean water which is both sustainable and available. The objective of this research is to evaluate the water quality in-terms of physicochemical characteristics of the Man-made Jabi Lake in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria using standard methods. Water samples were collected from three sites along the lake, and their pH, alkalinity, conductivity, total hardness, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phosphate, and nitrate concentrations were analyzed. The ANOVA results showed that there was no significant difference (0.089 p-value for physical parameters, 0.135 p-value for chemical parameters and 0.530 p-value for metals) in the physicochemical characteristics among the three sites. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a high positive correlation (r = 0.999) among the sample points, indicating that a change in the concentration of these parameters in one site would lead to a similar change in the other locations. These findings suggest that pollutants in one part of the lake may impact the entire ecosystem, and management strategies should consider the interconnectedness of the lake's water quality. The study concludes that the stream has a moderate level of pollution and is not suitable for direct consumption or use in the home.
Assessment of Physicochemical Properties of Water and Sediments in Ikpoba and Ogba Rivers, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbeide G. E. , Edene A. O.
Published: August 2023

The importance of good water quality to environmental and human health cannot be over-emphasised and physicochemical properties are essential in assessing the quality of water around the world. This study therefore, assessed the physicochemical properties of water and sediments in Ikpoba and Ogba Rivers, Edo State, Nigeria, following standard procedures. The results obtained from the study showed that most of the analysed samples were within the safe limits recommended by the WHO. The values for the physicochemical properties of the water samples from both rivers were also within the permissible limits, except for pH (5.7 - 6.6) and dissolved oxygen (2.73 - 6.32mg/l), when values were compared with WHO recommendations. The results from the study also showed observed trends in the results of the various parameters determined by the seasons. Statistical analysis revealed the absence of significant differences (p < 0.05) between the physicochemical and WHO recommendations for water and sediments from both rivers with very few exceptions. It was then recommended that periodic monitoring and assessment of water and sediments in the study area be carried out.
Modeling and Simulation of CO2 Capture Unit using Mixed Solvent of Aqueous Methyldiethanolamine and Piperazine for 6.4 MWe Power Plant
Authors: Umar S. I. , Joel A. S. , Hamza U. D.
Published: August 2023

Carbon dioxide emissions are the largest greenhouse gases contributor, which is attributed to global warming. Therefore, the capture of CO2 is necessary, especially from large point sources. Post-combustion capture using chemical solvents is the most matured capture technology. In this paper, mixed solvents of methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and piperazine (PZ) were studied to potentially address some issues related to the use of conventional monoethanolamine (MEA). Steady-state modeling and simulation of the post-combustion carbon capture using the mixed solvents for a typical 6.4 MWe power plant were done. The model developed was validated against experimented data with relative error between 1 – 4.73% for the absorber on CO2 capture efficiency and between 2.93 – 10.2% relative errors on CO2 regeneration efficiency. The model was scaled up to capture CO2 from the flue gas of a typical 6.4 MWe power plant. The scaled-up results showed packing height and diameter of absorber to be 5.5 m and 1.5 m; while that of the stripper was 5.08 m and 1.45 m respectively. Effect of flue gas temperature on the capture efficiency was studied, it was observed that as the temperature increased from 20 ºC, the capture efficiency increased, but at 70 ºC, the efficiency showed no significant increase which could be associated with the existence of a temperature bulge. Capture efficiency increases with an increase in PZ concentration due to increase in the rate of reaction with concentration. The absorption and regeneration results suggest that an aqueous MDEA/PZ blend could be a prospective absorbent for CO2 capture.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Clay Mineral from Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyedoh E. A. , Okwah G. A. , Oshomogho F. O.
Published: August 2023

Clay mineral has become increasingly relevant for industrial application due to its environmentally friendly properties, low cost, and relative abundance. Several solid mineral deposits could be found in Edo State of Nigeria. This study therefore, examined the physicochemical characteristics of clay mineral from Ikpeshi in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria using various standard techniques. Results obtained reveal that the sample was kaolinite with SiO2 45.116wt%, and Al2O 20.39wt% as the most predominant elements. Wavenumbers of 909.47043cm-1 to 998.92654cm-1 with bold peaks revealed the presence of SiO4-4. The study revealed that the clay from Ikpeshi has kaolinite characteristics and strong thermal stability suitable for lining furnace kilns.
Addressing Nigerian Economic Challenges through the Instrumentality of the Law
Authors: Amupitan Joash Ojo
Published: August 2023

Under the new dispensation, lawyers should be more involved in political and social engineering. Being the light bearer by virtue of their special training, they should bear the light at every dark enclave to show hidden attempts at the lawyer in misgovernance, misrule, and maladministration. The new dispensation must be dogged and determined fighter for freedom and equity and to ensure that the ordinary citizen is protected from threatened abuse of his fundamental rights through reckless and arrogant exercise of state powers the lawyers should take their pride of place in society. They should jettison the garb of eggheads living like strangers in a splendid isolation in his own society oblivious of important development in the economic and social affairs of his country. The lawyers` role in the new policy should be that of an active participant in the platonic search for common good”. Aare Afe Babalola, SAN1
Causes of attrition among lecturers in colleges of education in North East, Nigeria
Authors: Bello Umar, M. , Abdullahi Umar
Published: August 2023

The main purpose of the study was to assess the Causes of Attrition among Lecturers in Colleges of Education in North Eastern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to determine the Impact of Work Condition on Attrition among Teaching Staff in the study area. A research question in line with the stated objective guided the study. The study employed survey research design where data collected was analyzed using mean. Finding of the study reveals that work condition is a factor that causes attrition among lecturers in Colleges of Education. The study recommends that government should do everything humanly possible in ensuring that the work condition for lecturers in Colleges of education is conducive, just and supportive for active participation.
Assessment of maintenance strategies adopted by teachers and technologists for maintenance of workshop equipment in technical colleges of Taraba State, Nigeria
Authors: Wada Zira B. , Adamu Umar Kwami
Published: August 2023

The study was designed to assess the maintenance strategies adopted by the teachers for the maintenance of workshop equipment in Technical Colleges in Taraba state, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The study was carried out in all the 9 technical colleges in Taraba State. The study's population included the teachers and workshop technologists from Taraba State's nine technical colleges.35 teachers and 35 school workshop technologists were sampled for the study making total of 70 respondents. The instrument for data collection was Assessment of Maintenance Strategies Adopted by the Teachers and Technologists for the Maintenance of Workshop Equipment in Technical Colleges questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated and pilot tested. Cronbach Alpha method was used to test the reliability, and a 0.87 reliability coefficient was found. Two research questions and one hypothesis were raised to guide the study. The research questions were analysed using mean and standard deviation, while the hypothesis was tested using z-test statistics. The findings of the study revealed that most of the standard maintenance strategies were not adopted for maintenance of technical colleges workshop equipment in Taraba State. It was therefore recommended that the schools should be encouraged to adopt the appropriate maintenance strategies to safeguard and prolong the lives of the workshop equipment and its users.
Teachers’ use of creativity in teaching visual art in senior secondary school in Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State
Authors: Ahmed Kareem, I.
Published: August 2023

The study is designed to determine the teachers’ use of creativity in teaching visual art in senior secondary schools in Ilorin West LGA, Kwara State. Descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study comprised all secondary schools in Kwara state. The sample consisted of one hundred and twenty-six (126) subjects. Purposive sampling technique was used to select all the subjects from 32 senior secondary schools in Ilorin West LGA, Kwara state as sample size of the study. Two instruments on Teachers’ Creativity in Teaching Visual Art (TCTVA), one from students’ responses and the other for the teachers’ responses were developed by the researcher and used to collect the data. Each item of both questionnaires measured the same variable. Four Educational Technology experts with Fine Art background from University of Ilorin validated the instrument for face and content validity. Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics was used to test reliability of the instruments. Reliability coefficients of 0.88 and 0.74 were obtained for teachers and students questionnaire respectively. Three research questions were raised and two research hypotheses were formulated and tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significant. The result revealed that the originality and adaptation in creativity were rarely used by visual art teachers. Teachers’ mean shows that they used fluency and motivation in creativity sometime. There was significant difference between male and female visual art teachers in the use of creativity. Also, there was significant difference between qualified and unqualified visual art teachers in the use of creativity in teaching visual art. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among others that visual art teachers should try to improve on their creativity for effective teaching visual art.
Description of a new species from Africa in genus  Coccothera Meyrick, 1914, with additional taxonomic and faunistic information on two other  Coccothera species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Grapholitini)
Authors: Larsen Knud
Published: August 2023

A new species from Africa is described in the genus Coccothera Meyrick, 1914 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Grapholitini). Coccothera albolineana spec. nov. Laspeyresia nicomacha Meyrick, 1921 is transferred to Coccothera Meyrick, 1914 comb. nov. The unknown male is described and a full description of the hitherto only partly known female genitalia is presented. Coccothera ferrifracta Diakonoff, 1968 is a synonym of Coccothera spissana (Zeller, 1852) syn. nov. The genus Coccothera Meyrick, 1914 now contains eight species. Faunistic and distributional information of Coccothera spissana (Zeller, 1852), C. nicomacha (Meyrick, 1921) and C. albolineana spec. nov. is also presented.

Key words: Afrotropical Tortricidae, Coccothera, faunistics.

Citation: Larsen, K. 2023. Description of a new species from Africa in genus Coccothera Meyrick, 1914, with additional taxonomic and faunistic information on two other Coccothera species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Grapholitini). Metamorphosis 34: 50–58
Toxicological Status of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Piliostigma thonningii Leaves in Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Nurudeen Q.O. , Yusuf Z.M. , Salimon S.S. , Falana M.B. , Asinmi M.R. , Elemosho A.O. , Dikwa M.A.
Published: August 2023

This study aims to evaluate the toxicological impact of Piliostigma thonningii leaves on liver and renal function in rats and the plant  extract was screened for heavy metals. Rats were divided into four groups, comprising five animals each, with the control group receiving distilled water orally and the other groups receiving 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg doses of the plant extract, orally, for seven days. On the  eighth day, animals were sacrificed, and liver and kidney function parameters were assessed. Heavy metal screening revealed the  absence of chromium and nickel, while trace amounts of lead and cadmium were detected. The liver bodyweight ratio significantly  increased (p<0.05) in rats treated with the plant extract at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. Liver functioning tests showed no significant  (p>0.05) changes in total protein and albumin levels, suggesting no major adverse effects on protein metabolism or liver function.  However, the significant (p<0.05) changes in Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Alkaline  phosphatase (ALP) may be detrimental. Renal function tests revealed some variations, with significant (p<0.05) alterations in uric acid,  creatinine, and urea levels which may affect renal function. The significant (p<0.05) decrease in phosphate ion and potassium ion levels  further suggested potential side effects on renal functions.
Acetaminophen-induced Liver Injury: Protective Effect of Laportea aestuans Aqueous Leaf Extract in Experimental Mice Model
Authors: Ganiyu A.I. , Oloyede H.O.B. , Salawu M.O. , Amuzat A.O. , Akolade J.O.
Published: August 2023

Acetaminophen commonly referred to as paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug commonly available as over the counter  medications. Indiscriminate use of acetaminophen for management of pain and fever causes liver damage. The study evaluated the  hepatoprotective effect of the Laportea aestuans aqueous leaf extract in acetaminophen-treated mice. Group 1: control, Group 2: APAP  treated, Group 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 received 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg bw of the extract for 7 days and then treated with 300 mg/kg bw  APAP respectively, Group 8: silymarin group. Biochemical parameters were analyzed. Activities of liver function marker enzymes (gamma- glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate and glutamate dehydrogenases, aspartate, and alanine aminotransferases) were significantly (p< 0.05) lower in the serum of acetaminophen-treated mice pre-administered with the Laportea aestuans aqueous leaf  extract extract when compared to the acetaminophen-treated control mice. Activities of antioxidant enzymes significantly (p<0.05)  increased in groups pre-administered with the extract or silymarin. Histological micrographs also showed that the hepatic architectures  of the preadministered mice were maintained following treatment with APAP. Pre-administration of 100 mg/kg bw of Laportea aestuans  aqueous leaf extract gave the best protective effect against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Findings from this study showed that L.  aestuans leaf extract evidently protects mice against acetaminophen-induced liver injury, exhibiting antioxidant and hepatoprotective  properties. This study supports the ethnobotanical use of L. aestuans for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.
Bio-treatment capabilities of powdered Moringa oleifera seeds and a consortium of some bacterial isolates in cassava mill effluent (CME)
Authors: Enerijiofi K.E. , Addeh A.O. , Ekhaise F.O.
Published: August 2023

Access to portable water supply is a serious challenge worldwide. Therefore, the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly  wastewater management and recycling methods have become essential. This study evaluated the ability of powdered Moringa oleifera  seeds and a consortium of Bacillus and Pseudomonas species to treat cassava mill effluent (CME) by monitoring the physicochemical  parameters using standard methods. The bacterial counts revealed total coliform and total viable counts of 5±0.17 x 105 cfu/ml and  4.8±0.32 x 105 cfu/ml respectively. At the end of the 7-day bio-treatment of cassava mill effluent by Moringa oleifera seeds, the turbidity  reduced by 79.45%. The total organic carbon had a reduction of 92.99% using Moringa oleifera seeds while the consortium gave 69.17%;  the biochemical oxygen demand reduced by 99.30% using Moringa oleifera while the consortium was by 72.41%. Chemical oxygen  demand had a reduction of 94.25% using Moringa oleifera seeds, while the consortium of bacterial isolates gave 83.34%. The pH reported  was within the acidic range, while the temperature slightly decreased with increasing days of bio-treatment. Biodegradation indices  showed a strong positive correlation between BOD and COD in both CME treatments. This study reports the efficacy of Moringa powdered seeds and a consortium of Bacillus and Pseudomonas species in the treatment of cassava mill effluent.
Herpes Zoster Mandibularis: Dilemma of Diagnosis - A Case Report.
Authors: AKINBADE Akinwale Olaleye , OLUWATUYI Evudafo , BUSARI Olusegun Adesola
Published: August 2023

Background: Herpes zoster infection involving the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve is rare. It can present with severe pre-eruptive pain along the distribution of the nerve involved. As presented by the patient in this study, this lesion may be mistaken for other painful conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and maltreatment. Post-herpetic neuralgia is the most common and important complication of herpes zoster infection. It is often refractory to treatment and can profoundly affect the patient's quality of life.

 

Objective: To report an unusual and rare case of herpes zoster mandibularis and the diagnostic dilemma experienced in the management.

 

Case Report: A 60-year-old female presented with severe intractable pain from the left side of the tongue and floor of the mouth, rashes of the lower lip and cheek, and ulcerations of the oral cavity. After a period of diagnostic puzzle due to confusing presentations, a diagnosis of herpes zoster infection involving the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve complicated with postherpetic neuralgia was finally made and the patient was treated accordingly. The peculiarity, management, and treatment outcome of the case are discussed.

 

Conclusion: Herpes zoster mandibularis as seen in this case can present with clinical features that are confusing and can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. This study aims to raise awareness of the clinical presentation of this rare entity among clinicians in medical and dental practices. It is also advisable to seek dental and orofacial evaluation for patients with a similar presentation from specialists in Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Facial Profile and Characteristics of Occlusal Features in Primary Dentition among Children Aged 2-5 Years in Southern Nigeria
Authors: OGORDI Philip Uwaezuoke
Published: August 2023

Objective: To assess the facial profile and characteristic features of occlusion in primary dentition among paediatric dental patients in a teaching hospital in Southern Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study comprising 224 children aged 2 to 5 years who visited the paediatric dental clinic over one year with the full complements of their primary dentition. All the children were screened for molar and canine relations, overjet, overbite, anthropoid and developmental spaces, as well as their facial profiles, and the data were recorded. Data were analyzed using statistical software (SPSS version 21.0, Chicago). The Chi-square test analyzed categorical data with a level of significance for all statistical tests set at a probability value of less than 0.05.

Results: Bilateral flush terminal plane molar relationship was the most prevalent in 126(56%), followed by the mesial step 84(37.5%). Molar relationship and gender were statistically significant (P= 0.001). Bilateral canine class I was the most common relationship in 189(84.4%), bilateral normal overjet in 191(85.3%) and bilateral normal overbite in 183(81.7%). The majority of the developmental spaces were in the maxilla 136(60.7%) and mostly among males (69%); this was statistically significant (p=0.023). Anthropoid spaces were most prevalent in the maxilla 198(88.4%) and among males (94%), which was statistically significant (p=0.019). Straight facial profile was the most common profile 147(65.6%), although more in males (67%), it was not statistically significant (p=0.823).

Conclusion: The study's most prevalent facial and occlusal characteristics were the straight facial profile, bilateral flush terminal relationship, class 1 canine, normal overjet, normal overbite, and maxillary anthropoid and developmental spaces. Revealed in this study were mostly desirable occlusal features but with some occlusal characteristics that deviate from the norm.