bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera: A short review
Authors: Raubilu I.A. , Isah U. , Ahmad M.A.
Published: July 2020

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Family Moringaceae) is well – known for its various medicinal properties. It grows wild in the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Nigeria, Moringa oleifera trees are planted at a large scale especially in the northern part of the country. It has been widely used in the treatment of certain diseases as a traditional medicinal herb. Antimicrobial activity is the most studied property of Moringa oleifera. Many studies have shown that nearly all types of Moringa oleifera tissues exhibit antimicrobial activity including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti parasitic property. This review describes progress on research conducted to understand the antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera and discusses the potential use of Moringa oleifera in the control of pathogenic microbes.

Key words: Antimicrobial activity; Moringa oleifera; pathogenic microbes, control.
An assessment of sex, school type and retention ability in basic technology achievement among senior secondary school students
Authors: Uchegbue Henrietta O , Amalu Melvina N.
Published: July 2020

Given the laudable purposes attached to study of Basic Technology in JSS, it is therefore important that students retain the skills and knowledge acquired in the course of studying the subject in the school. However, sadly, the intended effect Basic Technology as a subject in the secondary school system should have, has not been seen in the generation of able manpower readily employable for the economy. The study investigated the difference between the retention ability of male and female senior secondary students in Basic Technology, and how school type (public/private) influence retention. Two research hypotheses were formulated for the purpose of the study. The research design used in carrying out this study is Ex–post facto design. This study covered the Southern Educational Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised all senior secondary school three (SS3) students in the government-owned secondary schools and private-owned secondary schools in the southern educational zone of Cross River State. The sampling technique used is stratified random sampling technique. The sample size for this study was 487 senior secondary school three (SS3) students drawn from fourteen schools in seven local government areas of southern educational zone. The research instrument used in the study is the achievement test. The statistical analyses techniques adopted to analyze the data collected were dependent t-test and independent t-test respectively. Findings of the study showed that there is no significant difference in retention between males and females, public and private schools in senior secondary school in Basic Technology. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made which include that there is a need to focus on the female folks in the execution of national policy on education. This study shows that the female folk arecapable of achieving and retaining as much the male folks during learning. Much effort should be made by the government to bridge the disparity between male and female folks in enrolment into and completion of the secondary school education.

Keywords: gender, retention ability, achievement, technology, school type
Nutritional knowledge and practice of pre-school feeding: A comparative study among mothers in slum and urban areas of Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Ayuk Agam E. , Edet Anne C. , Ayuk Philia A. , Omoronyia Ogban
Published: July 2020

In many developing countries, malnutrition has remained one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups, including preschool toddlers who require adequate nutrition for physical and mental stability to face the new challenge of initiation into academic life. This study was aimed at assessing and comparing knowledge and practice of preschool feeding among mothers in urban and slum areas in Calabar, Nigeria using cross-sectional study design with researcher-administered structured questionnaire. One hundred and twenty (120) subjects were surveyed, with mean maternal age of 26.5 ± 3.4 years. Subjects in slum compared with urban areas had lower levels of education (primary level: 33.3% vs. 15.0%) (p<0.05). Thirty two (32) subjects (27.1%) had inadequate nutritional knowledge of preschool feeding. Poor knowledge of body building foods was significantly commoner among slum compared with urban subjects (43.1% vs. 18.3%, p=0.00). Also, poor knowledge of adequacy of diet was significantly commoner among slum compared with urban subjects (68.9% vs. 50.0%, p=0.04). Bread and tea (51, 42.5%), Eba and soup (37, 30.8%) and rice (27, 22.5%), were the most commonly consumed breakfast, lunch and dinner, respectively. Nutritional health education and further research including the use of qualitative methods for better understanding of the reasons for dietary pattern is recommended.
Effect of module variation on a 100watt horizontal axis wind turbine spur gear drive
Authors: Ayadju G. , Efebomo K.
Published: July 2020

Spur gears are simple to design and construct to actualize their usage in power transmission as well as for speed reduction or increase. The aim of this research work is to determine the effect of module variation on a 100Watt horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) spur gear drive. The solution is to determine and appropriately select gear parameter values based on design considerations and the significance is for enhanced machine reliability and balance with economic production. The method used involved the application of gear design principles, modelling the gears with AutoCAD, module variation and evaluation of induced bending stress at the gears root; gear diameter, tooth thickness and face width become bigger with choosing higher modules for cutting tooth size, with the largest diameter of 168.4mm and 80mm for driver and driven gear respectively and face width of 60mm from using a module of 6mm. Although, the total torque exerted remains constant at 7.9Nm and 3.8Nm for a 100W HAWT. The tangential force in meshed operation of the gears and induced bending stress kept reducing as module increased. The highest tangential force is 282.4N and corresponding induced bending stress is 26.1N/mm2 based on American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) standard and the range of data analyzed, at the lowest module of 2mm. Selecting lower modules means that higher bending stresses will be induced at the gears root, but smaller production cost and more compact system with less space requirement. The lower bending stresses with increasing module will support higher load capacity of the gears due to the increasing face width and enhance the reliability of the HAWT in respect of its performance.

Keywords: Module, Spur Gear, Power Transmission, Bending Stress, Wind Turbine
From Multiculturalism to Humanistic Secularism: Harnessing Nigeria's Cultural Diversity
Authors: Nbete AlubaBari Desmond
Published: July 2020

The Nigerian state is deeply polarised along ethnic and religious contours, with a widening gulf between the poor masses and the rich few, which reflects the culpability of the ruling elite. However, the actual character of the class struggle is often blurred by the politicization of ethno-cultural and religious differences in a manner that undermines political order and national unity. Ethnicity and religion are thus usedby the political class to manipulate the citizens' consciousness of their ethno-cultural and religious identities to serve the masked parochial class interests. This has made the political arena very volatile and conflict-laden. Stemming the tide of this incessant clash of values and violent ethno-religious conflicts requires a creative adaptation of multiculturalism and secularism. This paper defended a sophisticated understanding of state in the globalization era, which includes citizens' appreciation of their cultural differences, mediated by consciousness of their shared humanity and a strong commitment to the ideals of a civilized community. It argued for a genuinely humanistic secularization of state affairs, harnessing of the country's diverse cultural heritage, and promotion of religious accommodation rather than cultural assimilation and the interference of religion in state affairs, or vice versa.Key Words: multiculturalism, humanistic secularism, cultural diversity, cultural integration, national unity
Spatio-temporal analysis of urban sprawl and land use / land cover changes in a suburb of Lagos and Ogun metropolises, Nigeria (1986-2014)
Authors: Adedeji O.H. , Adeofun C.O. , Tope-Ajayi O.O. , Ogunkola M.O.
Published: July 2020

Urban sprawl and land use / land cover changes in a suburb of Lagos, Nigeria were assessed using Landsat TM 1984 and 2000 and Landsat OLI of 2014. Five broad land use and land cover classes i.e. built-up area, bare ground, water body, thick forest and light forest were identified and mapped. Thick forest had the largest coverage of 8537.72 hectares (67.52%) of the land cover while built-up was just 1075.99 hectares (8.51 %).Between 1984 and 2014 built up areas gained 6423.38 hectares (59.31 % increase) compared to 8612.09 hectares loss by thick forest cover. A post-classification change analysis from 1984 to 2014 reveals that thick and light forest types had the highest net losses because of conversion to other uses, especially built-up. Urbanization and subsequent urban sprawl is a major factor of land degradation leading to rapid losses of non-urban land uses, especially in the urban fringes.

Keywords: Land use/land cover change; change detection; remote sensing; GIS; urbanisation
Comparative anatomical studies of two species of Talinum occurring in southwestern, Nigeria
Authors: Adenegan-Alakinde T.A. , Ojo F.M.
Published: July 2020

No Abstract.
A survey of farmers’ education and activities in Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okunlola O.O. , Owoade O.A.
Published: July 2020

The low agricultural productivity level of farmers in Nigeria has been partly attributed to their low educational level relative to their counterparts in the developed nations. This study was therefore conducted to find out farmers’ education and their agricultural activities in Oyo–West Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State. Multi–stage sampling technique was adopted for the survey. The survey area was divided into two zones, and each zone divided into five quarters making 10 quarters in all, and a total of 100 questionnaires were administered. The data were processed and subjected to descriptive analysis using frequency count and simple percentages. From the results obtained, all the respondents had a minimum of primary education but 68% of them didn’t have formal training in agriculture. Also, the study revealed that 90% of the respondents were visited by extension agents on a yearly basis while 60% claimed extension services had positive effects on their farming activities. Also, 84% of the respondents claimed education enhanced access to finance, market and information. The paper concluded that education can make farmers better and take them out of subsistence agriculture. The paper then recommended well structured extension services by the use of mass media, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and adult literacy classes for uneducated farmers.

Keywords: farmers, education, farming activities, Oyo West LGA
Comparative agronomic effectiveness of two agrowastes and NPK fertilizer on the performance of Amaranthus caudatus
Authors: Omotoso S.O. , Salami A.E.
Published: July 2020

Production of agricultural wastes is increasing while soils are progressively losing organic matter due to intensive cultivation and climatic conditions. This makes the recycling of organic wastes a useful alternative to incineration, landfill or rubbish dumps. The effects of two agro- wastes and mineral fertilizer on growth and yield of leaf amaranth were assessed in a pot experiment at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. Treatments consisted of poultry manure (PM) and palm oil mill effluent (POME) each applied at 8 and 16MT/ha while NPK 15-15-15 was applied at 150, 200kgha-1 and no fertilizer as control. Seeds of amaranthus caudatus variety were sown in plastic pot (50x20x40cm) containing 20kg top soil. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data were taken on plant height, stem girth, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, edible yield and above ground plant weight at 6 weeks after planting. The results revealed that the agrowastes significantly (p<0.05) resulted in better performance of leaf amaranth. Application of 16MT/ha PM gave the highest fresh and edible weight of 211.23 and 98.80g respectively. POME also performed better than NPK fertilizer in some of the parameters measured. This indicated that PM and POME could serves as an alternative sources of nutrient to mineral fertilizer for leaf amaranth and also a sustainable fertility management strategy for crop production.

Keywords: amaranth, palm oil mill effluent, organic fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, utilization
Factors contributing to the consumption of bushmeat in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogundimu O.A. , Oduntan O.O.
Published: July 2020

This paper x-rays the factors that contribute to the consumption of bushmeat in Odeda Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State, Nigeria. Questionnaires were used in collecting primary data from four communities in the Local Government Area. Each community represents one of the four divisional districts recognized by the Odeda LGA headquarter for administrative functions. Fifty questionnaires were randomly administered in each of the four communities, making a total of 200 questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency table and pie chart, regression and chi Square. Gender was the only variable that significantly (p<0.10; r=0.54) contributed to the consumption of bushmeat in the study area. Chi square analysis revealed a relationship (p<0.99; X2=3.202) between sex of respondents and consumption of bushmeat in the study area.

Keywords: Determinant factors, Consumption, Bushmeat, Odeda Local Government Area
Analysis of entrepreneurial behaviour of women farmers in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Osondu C.K.
Published: July 2020

This study analysed entrepreneurial behaviour of women farmers in Abia state, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling method was used to select 120 women farmers from whom data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, entrepreneurial behaviour index and ordinary least square (OLS) regression technique were used to analyse data. Results showed that mean age, household size, farming experience and farm size of the women farmers were 44 years, 6 persons, 16 years and 0.6 hectares respectively. Mean entrepreneurial behaviour index of the women farmers was 44.34. The OLS regression result with double-log as lead equation posted an R2 value of 0.6392 and revealed that age, educational level, extension contact, farm income, membership to cooperative society and profit motive were significant determinants of entrepreneurial behaviour of women farmers. Majority of the women farmers had high input cost, difficulty in getting loan, land procurement issues and lack of requisite support from research institutions as constraints to their entrepreneurial engagements. The study recommends that state and local governments should make policies and establish programmes that will promote entrepreneurial skills of women farmers, curb unemployment and alleviate poverty among women.

Keywords: Behaviour index, entrepreneurial behaviour, entrepreneurship, women farmers
Inhibitory potentials of five botanicals on associated fungi in relation to germination and morphological characters of Cucumis sativus Linn
Authors: Olaniran O.B. , Olawuyi O.J. , Akinbode O.A.
Published: July 2020

The in vitro assay of the leaf extracts of selected botanicals was carried out to assess the inhibitory potentials of the extracts on fungal growth, seed germination, seedling growth characters and frequency of seed-borne fungi. selected plants include: Azadirachta. indica, Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina, Tithonia diversifolia and Carica papaya. Fungal isolates characterized from Cucumis sativus were Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Trichoderma viride and Nigrospora sphaerica. Azadirachta indica had the highest percentage inhibitory effect at p ≤ 0.01 on F. oxysporum (82.21%), while Moringa oleifera had the highest inhibition of 68.72% on T. viride, but not significantly different from T. diversifolia. Seeds treated with C. papaya extract produced the highest seedling length, germination and seedling vigour, while control was least. Concentration of 10% produced significant highest seedling (17.72cm), root length (11.59cm), percentage germination (82.67%) and seedling vigour (1469.08). Seedling length is positive and strongly correlated with shoot length, root length and seedlingvigour with r = 0.87, 0.67 and 0.89 respectively. Seedling vigour is positive and strongly associated with seedling length (0.89), shoot length (0.72) and root length (0.67).

Keywords: botanical extracts, Cucumis sativus, fungi, growth response
Nutritive contents of Allanblackia floribunda Oliv. (Guttiferae) forage in sylvopastoralism in southeastern agroecological zone of Nigeria
Authors: Onyenso A.I. , Nwobodo K.A. , Yakubu A.M.
Published: July 2020

Nutrition is one of the major constraints to livestock production in the tropics. This research aimed at assessing the nutritive contents of Allanblackia floribunda leaves from different sylvopastoralism locations in the southeastern agroecological zone of Nigeria: Ikwuano L.G.A. in Abia state, Ikom L.G.A. in Cross River state and Eleme L.G.A. in Rivers State. Leaf samples were analysed in the laboratory to determine their nutritive contents. The results of the proximate, minerals and vitamins analysis of Allanblackia floribunda leaves from Ikwuano, Ikom and Eleme as follows; crude protein: 9.51%, 8.46%, 9.86%; fat: 4.64%, 3.69%, 4.19%; Crude fibre: 17.32%, 15.24%, 17.12%; ash: 5.26%, 4.10%, 4.50%; carbohydrate: 0.46%,0.41%, 0.46% and moisture: 10.07%, 9.90%, 9.60%. For the mineral contents, calcium:14.70mg/100g,14.6970mg/100g, 15.37mg/100g; magnesium: 11.20 mg/100g, 11.33 mg/100g, 10.40 mg/100g; phosphorus: 287.88 mg/100g, 280.53 mg/100g, 290.05 mg/100g; potassium: 217.67 mg/100g, 219.12 mg/100g, 220.13 mg/100g and sodium: 21.07 mg/100g, 21.70 mg/100g, 20.67 mg/100g. For the vitamins, vitamins C: 15.25 mg/100g, 11.73 mg/100g, 14.66 mg/100g; thiamine: 0.04 mg/100g, 0.06 mg/100g, 0.04 mg/100g; riboflavin: 0.06 mg/100g, 0.06 mg/100g, 0.04 mg/100g; niacin: 0.18 mg/100g, 0.22 mg/100g, 0.16 mg/100g. The Anova results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in the proximate, minerals and vitamins contents, and such could reflect the variation in the types of soil and water availability in the areas. Generally, Allanblackia floridunda leaves are good source of forage for livestock.

Keywords: Nutritive contents, Allanblackia floribunda leaves, sylvopastoralism, southeastern agroecological zone
Effects of different feeding regimes on the growth performance of the giant African land snail Archachatina marginata (Swainson)
Authors: Ovat I.O. , Esor P.E. , Iwara O.I.
Published: July 2020

Effects of various feeding regimes on the growth performance of the giant African land snail, Archachatina marginata were studied using one hundred and twenty (120 Juvenile snails) weighing 0.66g +1 per snails for a period of 90 days. The treatments were. T1 -Grower starter, T2 - Grower mash, T3 - cocoyam and cassava leaves and T4 - Ripe pawpaw fruits. The Completely Randomized Design was used with four treatments and each replicated three times. The snails were confined in wooden hutch boxes. Data was collected on weekly body weight feed intake, shell length and shell width. Results obtained showed that snails fed with broiler starter diet (T1) had significantly (P<0.05) higher performance in terms of weight gain, feed intake, shell length and the aperture, while pawpaw fruits T4 recorded the least values. The highest values for feed intake was observed in T1 (135.5g) followed by T2 (78.2g), while the least feed intake was observed in T4 (55.7g). Snails fed with T1 recorded the highest weight gain (60.1g) followed by T2 and T3.The lowest weight gain was obtained in T4 (37.9g). Shell length was highest in T1 (20.7mm), closely followed by T2 (19.2mm). The aperture recorded the highest mean values in T1 (20.1mm). The least operculum was recorded in T4 (12.9mm). Therefore, the broiler starter T1 should be used to feed growing snails to improve their performance.

Keywords: Snails, Broiler Starter, Grower mesh, Cocoyam leaves, Cassava leaves, Pawpaw fruits, hutch boxes
Impact of training of primary healthcare workers on integrated community case management of childhood illnesses in North-West district of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Abua Uya John , Igbudu Terhemen Joseph , Egwuda Livinus , Yaakugh Gberndyer Jacob
Published: July 2020

The World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund has introduced Integrated Community Case Management of childhood illness (ICCM) in order to train health workers at community level on how to treat children below 5 years who have pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria. Since Primary Health Care workers in Benue State are actively involved in caring for sick children at community level, there is every need for them to be trained on ICCM. The objective of this study is to find out if training of primary health care workers in North-West district of Benue State can improve their knowledge on ICCM. The study was carried out in Benue North-west where Gboko Local government was randomly selected out of seven local governments. Health Officers’ in-charge of 38 Primary Health Care Clinics were selected for the study and were trained based on our adapted ICCM training manual. The Pre and Post training assessment test for this study was designed based on the training manual. A paired sample t-test was conducted to find out if there were any significant difference in the knowledge of primary health care workers before and after receiving training. There was significant difference in the pre training scores ( x1 = 136.684, S1 = 37.370) and post-training scores (x2 =177.895, 2 S =14.469) at (t=6.783, P=0.000). This result strongly indicates that the teaching intervention has improved the knowledge of the Primary Health Care  workers on ICCM in Gboko Local Government.

Keywords: ICCM; Pneumonia; Malaria; Diarrhoea
A survey of gender politics and the use of English among students of the department of English studies, University of Port Harcourt
Authors: Ahaotu Joseph O. , Tobiahs Iworifama. R.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated feminist consciousness and the differences in the use of English language among undergraduates in the Department of English Studies (EST), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The theoretical basis of the study is Radical Feminism and the researchers used a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to collect data for the study. The researchers collected data from three groups each of which consisted of ten final year students who formed panels to discuss gender issues while the researchers moderated. The data was analysed with framework analysis, simple percentages, and significant ratios. The study revealed that the participants were actively engaged in gender politics, used English in significantly different styles, but tended to be equally divided on their total allegiance to their gender groups. The study concluded that EST students are actively engaged in gender politics and confirmed the existence of some of the differences between male and female speech identified by earlier studies. Therefore, it recommended, among others, that curriculum design on the subject should shift from aggression and divisiveness to integration and mutual respect for not just named gender groups, but also for all humans.

Key Words: gender politics, Feminism, focal group discussion, gender and language, variation
Orara as a symbol of feminine beauty and meekness in select novels of Igbo female writers
Authors: Asiegbu Perp’ st. Remy
Published: July 2020

The similitude that exists in the depiction of the major characters of pioneer Nigerian female writers (who are, incidentally, Igbo) tasks the mind as it reflects on a possible cause of this semblance. This paper located a double pronged characteristic that is shared by all the major characters in the works under study – one of beauty and gentle spirit. These features have a symbolic significance (Ọrara) in an Igbo sub-culture (Mbaise). Ọrara, a snake, is one of the symbols in Mbari representing feminine beauty and meekness in repressed strength – traits that womanism upholds. Text analysis, oral tradition and interviews provide points that aid the study of the relationship between these concepts – female characters, Ọrara and womanism. It is deduced that the identical characterization in the works of Igbo female writers - Nwapa’s Efuru and Idu; Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood and The Bride Price; and Okoye’s Behind the Clouds and Chimere - has its root in the writers’ re-creation of the real experiences of the ordinary woman in the Igbo society whose natural reactions to her plight gravitates more to the womanist than the feminist angle, producing traits that are similar to those of Ọrara. And while womanism is not new in relation to the study of the works of Igbo female writers, it has not been studied against a significant symbol in the Igbo tradition. Ọrara is, thus, seen as the ideological locus for womanism and may be put under further scrutiny to establish it as the muse of Igbo female writers.

Key Words: Womanism, Characters, Beauty, Meekness, Symbol, Ọrara, Igbo.
a Study of non-verbal communication in the Nigerian (Yorùbá) novels: The side code
Authors: Adesanya Ahmed O.
Published: July 2020

Non-verbal communication is a very important aspect of communication which plays a very crucial role in interpersonal relationship. Its role in the accentuation of verbal communication cannot be overemphasized. Existing literature has not given enough attention to side code as a form of non-verbal communication in the Yorùbá novel. This study fills the gap as it examines side codes, the contexts in which they occur in Yoruba novels with a view to establishing its communicative value. The study adopts semiotic theories of Saussure and Charles Sanders Peirce. Four Yorùbá novels: Ìrìnkèrindò Nínú Igbó Elégbèje and Ògbójú Ọdẹ Nínú Igbó Irúnmo̩lẹ̀. By D.O. Fagunwa, Ojú rí́́́ by Kola Oni and Ṣaworoidẹ by Akinwumi Isola were purposively selected because they have elements of side code and were subjected to semiotic and textual analyses. Side code helps in cultural determinism in the codification of disaster, chaos, lopsidedness, disappointment, success, identification of prince and complementarity.

Key Words: Side code; Semiotics; Purposive sample; Yorùbá novels
Salinity Influence on Copper Sulphate and Lead Nitrate Combined Toxicity Against Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Osuala F.I. , Bawa-Allah K.A. , Uba N.
Published: July 2020

Brackish water ecosystems characterized by fluctuating physicochemical parameters are more susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals acting singly or jointly. This study investigated the effect of salinity variations on the joint action toxicity of copper sulphate (CuSO4) and lead nitrate Pb(NO3)2 against fingerlings of Oreochromis niloticus. Fingerlings were exposed to binary mixtures of CuSO4 and Pb(NO3)2 (ratios 1:1 and 1:4) at varying salinities (0‰, 2‰, 12‰ and 18‰) in laboratory bioassays. The binary mixtures of the heavy metals were least toxic to the fish at 12‰ with 96 h LC50 values of 115.558 mg l-1 and 198.274 mg l-1 compared to 8.465 mg l-1 and 16.884 mg l-1 for 0‰, 46.084 mg l-1 and 69.843 mg l-1 for 2‰ and 13.196mg l-1 and 100.567 mg l-1 for 18‰ at ratios 1:1 and 1:4 respectively. Analysis using the Synergistic Ratio Model (SR) showed that both heavy metals were less toxic to the fish species when acting jointly irrespective of ratio than when acting singly at 12‰. Therefore, the need to consider the fluctuating salinity and joint interaction of heavy metals in setting ecologically safe limits for the discharge of effluents containing heavy metals into the aquatic ecosystems is important.

Key words: Salinity, Heavy Metals, Toxicity, Oreochromis niloticus
Comparative Analysis of Some Efficient Data Security Methods among Cryptographic Techniques for Cloud Data Security
Authors: Abubakar M.A.T. , Aloysius A. , Umar Z. , Dauda M.
Published: July 2020

The concept of cloud computing model is to grant users access to outsource data from the cloud server without them having to worry about aspects of the hardware and software management. The owner of the data encrypts it before outsourcing to a Cloud Service Provider (CSP) server for effective deployment of sensitive data. Data confidentiality is a demanding task of cloud data protection. Thus, to solve this problem, lots of techniques are needed to defend the shared data. We focus on cryptography to secure the data while transmitting in the network. We deployed Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) used as encryption method for cloud data security, to encrypt the sensitive data which is to be transmitted from sender to receiver in the network and to decrypt so that the receiver can view the original data. Arrays of encryption systems are being deployed in the world of Information Systems by various organizations. In this paper, comparative analysis of some various encryption algorithms in cryptography have been implemented by comparing their performance in terms of stimulated time during Encryption and decryption in the network.

Keywords: AES, Data Control, Data Privacy, Data Storage, Encryption Algorithms, Verification.
Prophylactic Effect of Cyperus Esculentus Milk on High Dose Acetaminophen Model of Hepatic Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Akinloye D.I. , Adejumo A.P. , Akinloye O.A.
Published: July 2020

Cyperus esculentus is a wholesome nut with notable nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study investigated the prophylactic impact of Cyperus esculentus milk extract (CE) on high dose acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver impairment in experimental rats. Thirty rats weighing between  180-200 g were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n=5). Groups 1 (control given only distilled water) and 2 (negative control given APAP) were without treatment, while rats in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were orally administered 8.57 mg ascorbic acid, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of body weight CE respectively for 21 days. On the 22nd day of the experiment, 1 g/kg body weight of acetaminophen was administered orally to rats in groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. The serum and liver of sacrificed animals were collected for analyses. CE at selected doses appreciably prevented high dose acetaminophen-induced increase in serum activities (p<0.05) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and concentration of malondialdehyde as seen in the untreated APAP control group. Decreased serum GST activity caused by acetaminophen in untreated group improved significantly (p<0.05) in CE treated groups which was comparable (p > 0.05) to ascorbic acid group. In the liver, acetaminophen decreased the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, however, increased concentration and activity of malondialdehyde and GST respectively (p < 0.05). Pre-administration of CE markedly prevented these effects in the liver of rats that were administered acetaminophen. The present study demonstrated C. esculentus milk extracts prevented hepatic damage caused by high dose acetaminophen in rats.

Keywords: Acetaminophen, Cyperus esculentus, biomarkers, hepatoprotective.
Detection Of Pendimethalin and Cypermetrin Residues in Locally Produced Tomato Using QuEChERS-HPLC Analysis
Authors: Abdulra’uf L.B. , Adeyemo F.A. , Atanda F.B. , Lawal R.
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the levels of pendimethalin and cypermetrin residues in tomato sold in Malete market, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State. Tomatoes were randomly collected from five different vendors in Malete market and analysis was performed using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method followed by chromatographic analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ultra-violet (UV) detector. Method validation of the study showed a linearity of the analytes which ranges from 5 – 500 μg/kg, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999. The average recovery ranges from 75.6 to 111 % with relative standard deviation (RSD) from 2.74 to 9.03 %. The results indicated the presence of cypermethrin in analyzed samples at concentrations lower than the permissible maximum residue levels

Keywords: Sample preparation, Pesticide residues, HPLC-UV, QuEChERS.
Sickle Cell Disease among Blacks; the Possible Pivotal Role of Precision Medicine: A Focused Review on Management of Pain
Authors: Ndakotsu M.A. , Balarabe S.A.
Published: July 2020

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) occurs commonly in sub- Saharan African region. For instance, out of the estimated 305,800 babies born annually with SCD worldwide about 75% occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Vasoocclusive painful crisis is the prototype clinical event among SCD patients with nearly all SCD persons experiencing the episode during their lifetime. Additionally, acute vasooculusive pain crises may eventually progressed to chronic pain, resulting in poor quality of life associated with other morbidities, including anxiety, depression and dependence on pain medications. Transformation and technological development that brought about new clinical approaches and treatments have increased rates of survival in patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). However, the overall life expectancy of such patients remains shorter than other normal populations. Therefore, management of pain should be guided by an individualized précised prescribing and monitoring protocol. To this end, the concept of precision medicine that is predicated on using practical application of human genomics provide an evolving set of translational research goals in the management of pain in sickle cell disease. This review tend to shed light on this new concept, hoping that the review will facilitate improved and more accessible care for all patients leaving with sickle cell disease.

Keywords: Sickle cell disease, Precision medicine, Pain management, Sickle cell crisis, Hydroxyurea.
Effect of Terminalia catappa Leaves Extract on Corrosion of Mild Steel using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Okewale A.O. , Adesina O.A. , Akpeji B.H.
Published: July 2020

Effect of Terminalia catappa leaves (TCL) extract in inhibiting corrosion of mild steel was investigated. In order to obtain the maximum inhibition efficiency, optimization of the process variables affecting corrosion of mild steel was carried out using the Box – Behnken Design plan and desirability function of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The three parameters - varied include; TCL concentration (inhibitor), immersion time, and temperature and there effects in corrosion inhibition were established. The optimum conditions predicted from the quadratic model were inhibitor’s concentratrion (0.39 g/l), exposure time (8.68 hours), and temperature (36.06 oC) with the inhibition efficiency of 91.95 %. The data fitted well to the quadratic model which was validated. Adsorption of the extract’s component on the mild steel was responsible for the inhibitory effect of the TCL extract.The results showed that 97.92% of the total variation in the inhibition efficiency of TCL can be connected to the variables studied.

Keywords: Mild steel, acid, Terminalia catappa, Corrosion, Response surface methodology (RSM).
Anticancer and antioxidant studies of the methanol extract and fractions of Conyza sumatrensis (retz.) E. H. Walker (asteraceae
Authors: Ikpefan E.O. , Ayinde B.A. , Mudassar B.A. , Farooq Ahsana Dar
Published: July 2020

The in vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant studies of the leaf extract and fractions of Conyza sumatrensis was investigated by applying the Sulforhodamine-B and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays (DPPH-RSA) respectively. While the antiproliferative activity was carried out at 1-250 and 1-100 μg/ mL for the extract and fractions against breast (MCF-7) and lung (NCI-H460) cancer cell lines, the antioxidant study was conducted using DPPH at 31.25 -500 μg/ mL with the total phenolic and flavonoid contents calculated as well with reference to quercetin and gallic acid respectively. The extract and fractions were observed to elicit cytotoxic and growth inhibitory effects against breast (MCF-7) and lung cancer cell lines (NCI-H460) respectively. At 250 μg/mL, the extract of C. sumatrensis gave cytotoxicity of –1.76 ± 0.20 % against MCF-7 cell lines and inhibited growth of NCI-H460 at +94.40 ± 1.0 % respectively. While the chloroform fraction at 100 μg/mL gave -5.38 ± 0.33 % and 91 ± 1.61 % against MCF-7 and NCI-H460 cell lines, the aqueous fraction was observed to be inactive. For the DPPH-RSA activity, the chloroform fraction demonstrated an IC50 value of 125.5 μg/ mL compare to quercetin at 62.5 μg/ mL. The bioactivities were more pronounced in the chloroform fraction. This work has shown that C.  sumatrensis has antiproliferative and antioxidant activities which could be tied to the secondary metabolites present in the plant.
Neuroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Aloe barbadensis on the cortical cells of adult Wistar rats following monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Bamigboye S.O. , Ayannuga O.A. , Abijo A.Z.
Published: July 2020

The study assessed the oxidative state and cellular changes of the cerebral cortex following monosodium glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats, with a view to evaluate the effects of varying doses of aqueous extract of Aloe barbadensis (AB) over a four-week period. Eighty Wistar rats (8  weeks old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 20 rats; Group 1 (Control group) received 3 mL/kg of distilled water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received 3 g/kg/day of MSG dissolved in distilled water. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 received 100 and 200 mg/kg/day of AB extract respectively. Oral administration of the above lasted for 28 days in all groups. Five rats per group were sacrificed weekly for 4 weeks. The brain was harvested; one cerebral hemisphere was homogenised for oxidative state assessment. The other hemisphere was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and stained with H&E and Cresyl violet. Data were analyzed using student t-test and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Malodialdehyde concentration and densities of degenerating neuron and oligodendrocyte were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1 over the 4-week period. No significant difference was noted between groups 1, 3 and 4 for same parameters. Nissl bodies depletion was noted in group 2 across the 4 weeks, lesser degree of depletion was noted in groups 3 and 4. This study concludes that oral administration of MSG resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and depletion of Nissl bodies resulting in degeneration of cortical cells. Aloe barbadensis at 100 mg/kg was sufficient to protect the brain.
In vivo and in silico toxicity profiling of aerial part of Andrographis paniculata revealed potential to precipitate organs toxicity
Authors: Agbaje A.O. , Daniyan M.O. , Olawuni I.J.
Published: July 2020

The many medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata have made it an important resource in drug discovery. The commonly used powdered aerial part of A. paniculata is however a subject of abuse occasioned by indiscriminate use, raising safety concerns. In this study, we evaluated the safety profile of the suspension of the powdered aerial part of A. paniculata in male and female rats using single and repeated dose toxicity profiling, and the in silico toxicity profiling of its known phytochemicals, with a view to establishing organs safety. Our results showed significant sex dependent alterations in key haematological and biochemical indices. Significant alteration in liver and kidney histo-architectures were consistent with the observed significant increase in AST/ALT ratio and with the in silico toxicity screening of A. paniculata phytochemicals, including andrographolide, which showed potential for hepatotoxicity, binding of proteins and DNA, and inhibition of hERG II. We conclude that, while taking advantage of the many medicinal benefits of this plant, the unguarded and indiscriminate uses may precipitate organ toxicity, induce cellular alteration and potentiate possible cardiovascular risk.
Toxicological evaluation of the stem bark of Burkea africana hook. (Caesalpiniaceae) in wistar rats
Authors: Eboji O.K. , Sowemimo A.A. , Ogunkunle O.O. , Sofidiya M.O. , Badmos K.B. , Abdulkareem F.B.
Published: July 2020

Burkea africana Hook. (Caesalpiniaceae) is used traditionally to treat ulcers, headaches, skin disease and tumors. The study investigated the acute, sub-acute and chronic toxicity profiles of the ethanolic extract of Burkea africana stem bark. Rats of either sexes were used in this study (n=10). For  acute toxicity, a single dose of 5,000 mg/kg was administered while for the sub-acute and chronic toxicity study, three doses (40, 200 and 1000  mg/kg) of the extract were administered orally for 28 and 90 days respectively. At the end of each study, the biochemical, hematological and  histological parameters were evaluated. No mortality or behavioral changes were observed in the acute toxicity study. Extract caused significant  changes in the hematological parameters after the sub-acute toxicity study. In the chronic toxicity study, the extract caused significant increase in  the white blood cell count of the 200 mg/kg group. There was significant increase in the platelet count of treated groups compared to control in the sub-acute and chronic toxicity studies, with an observed total mortality of all the animals in the 1000 mg/kg group on the 44th day. No adverse pathology was observed in the organs examined. The extract elicited a hematological response and short term consumption of the extract at low doses might be relatively safe. However, long term consumption at high doses should be discouraged.
Effect of a combination of permethrin and diesel oil on Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides canis in experimentally infested dogs
Authors: Ugwuoke G.M. , Idika I.K. , Pewan S.B.
Published: July 2020

Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Brown dog tick) and Ctenocephalides canis (dog and cat flea) cause heavy economic burden for dog owners in Nsukka, south-east, Nigeria, and are also major cause of vector-borne diseases worldwide. A total of 40 apparently healthy dogs were randomly assigned to 3 groups (A, B and C) and experimentally infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides canis. Each dog in Group A (n = 10) was treated with a mixture of permethrin and diesel oil while Groups B (n = 6) and C (n = 4) were treated with permethrin and diesel oil respectively. The remaining dogs in each group served as controls. Parasites were counted 48th hour post-treatment and efficacy estimated as percentage reduction in live parasites in treated groups compared to untreated groups. In Group A the average percentage efficacy was 99.7% while in groups B and C it was 98.3% and 72.1% respectively for R. sanguineus, Geometric mean of live parasites between treated and control groups was significantly different (p<0.05) for every day in Groups A, B and C. Tick and flea numbers can be reduced in dogs by the application of diesel oil as an acaricide.

Keywords: Dogs; tick and flea control; diesel fuel oil; permethrin.
Serological assay for Trichinella antibodies in slaughtered pigs and predisposing factors to trichinellosis in backyard piggeries in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Ojodale P.I. , Inabo H.I. , Ella E.E. , Okubanjo O.O.
Published: July 2020

Trichinellosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease that affects a large array of mammals, birds and reptiles caused by the eating of raw or undercooked pork containing Trichinella larvae. In this study, 200 pigs slaughtered at abattoirs and slaughter slabs within Kaduna Metropolis were  screened for antibodies to Trichinella excretory-secretory (E/S) antigen using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). An overall prevalence rate of 16% was established. Age of the pigs revealed an association with trichinellosis (p-value=0.001) with juvenile and adult pigs recording prevalence rates of 5% and 11% respectively. Sex of the animals showed no significant association with trichinellosis but the females had a higher prevalence of 9.5% compared to the 6.5% of the males who had a greater odds (O=1.083) compared to the females (O=0.950). The farm management practices: intensive (1%), semi-intensive (2.5%) and extensive (12.5%) recorded a significant relationship with trichinellosis (p-value=0.001). Sources of the pigs whether markets, backyard farms or inheritance was significantly associated with trichinellosis (p-value=0.00) with backyard farm having the highest prevalence of 7%. Poor rodents control program, presence of snakes around and within piggery, feeding of pigs with dead animals and leftovers, lack of knowledge of pork-borne diseases, allowing pigs to scavenge and interaction of the pigs with stray pigs were very important predisposing factors to trichinellosis in pig farms established from this research. The result of this work therefore, is ofpublic health importance because meat and meat products are considered very important sources of daily protein in-take in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria.

Keywords: Antibodies; ELISA; Kaduna Metropolis; Nigeria; trichinella; trichinellosis; predisposing factors; farm management.
Occurrence and monthly dynamics of phlebotomine sand flies in parts of Sokoto State, north-west Nigeria
Authors: Usman M. , Natala A.J. , Jatau I.D. , Ogo N.I. , Balogun E.O. , Lawal M.D. , Mahmuda A.
Published: July 2020

Phlebotomine sand flies are small tropical insects that have been implicated as vectors of several disease agents, including those responsible for the various forms of leishmaniasis. A study to determine the occurrence and monthly dynamics of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) was conducted in three Local Government Areas (Wamakko, Sokoto South and Kware) of Sokoto State, Nigeria between May-November, 2016. A total of 1260 flies were collected using modified sticky traps placed in the various biotope types (refuse dumps and sewage tanks). Two sand fly  genera Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia were encountered. It was also observed that males account for 860(68.3%) while the total number of female  specimens was 400(31.7%). More flies were captured in Wamakko LGA of the State with a total number of 757 samples (60.1%), followed by Sokoto South LGA with a total number of 503(39.9%). Refuse dumps harboured 1,149 flies (91.2%) more than sewage tanks with a total number of 111(8.8%). No flies were captured in Kware LGA. Sand flies were more abundant in the peak rainy season of August and September and less or absent in the dry months. It was observed that rainfall and relative humidity were essential meteorological factors that determined the occurrence of sand flies in the study area. This study confirmed the occurrence of phlebotomine sand flies and the possibility of Leishmania transmission in the study-area.

Keywords: Occurrence; sand flies; Phlebotomus; Sergentomyia; Leishmania; Sokoto.