bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential Role of Agro-Forestry in Honey Production-A Case Study of Federal College of Forestry, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adekola PJ , Ayeni OD , Oluwalana T , Majekodunmi OA , Aduloju AR , Okeleke SO
Published: March 2021

The major concern globally is the need to ensure health, economy, large food production, sustainable management of the environment and the renewable natural resources. Such concern has advance measure part of which generate up to date information necessary for long term exploitation of this resources. But this information itself requires planning as well as machinery for its management in Nigeria. However agro-apiculture/agro-forestry is still nonexistence. This is attributable partly to lack of understanding, information and awareness regarding agro-apiculture practice in forest plantation. And therefore, to create this awareness and draw of authority concerned-Governments, policy maker, town planning and municipal authority to the need for the incorporation of apiculture into agro-forestry for sustainable management. This fact therefore, justifies the growing interest in the apiculture with agro forestry. This paper focuses on the potential role of agro forestry in honey production in federal college of forestry since 1999 to 2016 and its associated environmental problems are highlighted while the potential of agro forestry in honey production are stressed.

Keywords: Honey production, Agro-forestry, Constraints and Endowment
Proximate and Mineral Elements Composition of Three Forest Fruits Sold in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Oladele AT , Ofodile EAU , Udi BT , Alade GO
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to assess the nutritional and trace elements composition of selected forest fruits sold for human consumption in Port Harcourt. Fruit contamination by heavy metals is an issue of global concern. Nondegradable elements bioaccumulations in tissues and organs have deleterious effects in man. Three (3) Agroforestry fruits species; (Spondias cytherea L. (Anacardiaceae), Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Myrtaceae and Cola pachycarpa K. Schum. Malvaceae) were purposefully selected and sourced from three strategically located markets namely; Oil mill, Choba and D/line fruit markets. The fruit species were procured and washed with distilled water and the edible parts extracted, chopped and sun dried properly. The nutritional composition was analyzed using 18th edition of the Association of Official Analytical Chemist while trace metals were analysed using PIXE Accelerator. Spondias cytherea yielded high percentage of crude Protein (8.373±0.1) and Fibre content (11.73±0.03), while Syzygium malaccense was rich in Fat (7.17±0.02) and Ash (4.17±0.04). Moisture content was highest in Cola parchycarpa (12.63±0.05). PIXE Accelerator analysis revealed that the fruits contain high concentration of trace metals; S. malaccense contained Mg (1170±237.0ppm), Si (60.02±68.95ppm), Al (14.89±7.71ppm), Fe (10. 60±4.11ppm), Rb (3.20±0.00ppm) and Ti (1.82±0.00ppm). C. parchycarpa had Zn (6.22±11.80ppm), Cr (1.60±0.75 ppm), Mn (0. 71±0.87ppm) and Cu (0.38±0.33ppm). Ni (0.16 ppm) was found only in S. cytherea fruit. The forest fruits are rich in nutrients vital for healthy growth but the level of heavy metals (Mg, Al. Cr, Fe and Zn) in each of the fruits were above WHO/FAO permissible limit, therefore excessive consumption on a daily/weekly routine should be avoided.

Keywords: Forest fruits, proximate, heavy metals, human health
Investigation of the perception of climate change among arable crop farmers in Akinyele Local Government area of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunwale O.G. , Abegunrin O.O. , Ugege B.H. , Tunde-Francis A.A. , Oyewole O.O.
Published: March 2021

This study was designed to investigate the perception of climate change among arable crop farmers in Akinyele local government area of Oyo state, Nigeria using a well-structured questionnaire for data acquisition. Descriptive and inferential (chi-square) statistics were used to analyze the data.. The study revealed that majority of the respondents (50.8%) were between the ages of 40-49years and majority of them (85.8%) are married with household size of 7-10 persons. The study further revealed that (33.3%) of the respondents had no formal education while, (42.5%) of the respondents had a farming experience of 16years and above. However, it also shows that majority of the respondents are aware of the effect and causes of climate change. Significant association exists between marital status (x2=68.426, P=0.000), family size (X2=25.777, P=0.012) and perceived effect of climate change. The study therefore recommended that the government and extension agents should enlighten the women farmers more about climate change and should also help in making them adapt excellently to climate change.
Determinant of agroforestry practices among small holder farmers in Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: Obadimu O.O. , Oke O.S. , Asunlegan O.A. , Alaje M.A. , Ojo D. , Olanrewaju C.M.
Published: March 2021

The multiplicity of agroforestry practices demand the choice of appropriate methods that will give the rural farmers an excellent result. Thus, this study analysed the factors determining the choice of agroforestry practices among small holder farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data was obtained using multi-stage sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was administered to 250 selected small holder farmers to elicit relevant information and 211 was retrieved and used for this study. The findings revealed that most 55% of the farmers chose agrisilvicutural system while 33.2% and 11.8% of the farmers chose agrosilvopastoral and silvopastoral systems respectively. Most of the farmers were males 89.1%, with average age of 47years indicating they were relatively young with basic formal education. The average farm size of 3.34ha indicated that the study covered small holder farmers. The multinomial logit result showed that factors such as educational level, meeting attendance, type of labour used, household assets significantly determined the choice of agroforestry practices adopted by the farmers. The study therefore recommends the implementation of policies that promote more enlightenment on the benefits of agroforestry to both the educated and non-educated farmers to facilitate quick adoption, provision of incentives to farmers that attend meetings regularly and making available improved agroforestry methods and practices to enhance wider suitability of agroforestry practices.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae tolerance to hyper-osmolarity in aerobic glucose-limited chemostat culture
Authors: Agbo S.O. , Nebo U.C. , Ogaugwu C.E. , Van Tuijl A.
Published: March 2021

Different mechanisms contribute to regulate cellular functions in order to cope with threats from physiological stress conditions. As a fundamental response to balance excess water loss and restore turgor, Saccharomyces cerevisiae subjected to increased osmolarity accelerate intracellular glycerol biosynthesis and accumulation as a compatible solute. This study assessed cellular response to sorbitol-induced osmolarity in aerobic glucose-limited chemostat culture at various levels of the glycerol flux. Cell number declined slightly without any substantial increase in dry weight and total protein contents following exposure to 1M sorbitol that lasted for 90 min. On the other hand, total glycerol levels increased over time in different yeast cultivations corresponding with enhanced glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1 (GPD1) transcript levels, which led to a steady and intensified protein product. These results support literature evidence of accumulated intracellular glycerol regulation at different levels and further increase curiosity to understand yeast tolerance in various applications including bakery, brewery and wine making or leavening of bread underdifferent osmotic conditions.
Synthesis and growth of spherical ZnO nanoparticles using different amount of plant extract
Authors: Dallatu Y.A. , Shallangwa G.A. , Africa S.N.
Published: March 2021

The use of plant extracts has become an interesting ecofriendly method to synthesize and stabilize the different structures nanoparticles (NPs). This work investigated the effect of plant extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent on the growth and morphology of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). Green synthesis and growth of spherical ZnONPs was carried out by co-precipitation method using a Zinc acetate salt and various amounts of Azadirachta indica seed husk extract (20 ml and 40 ml). The synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FTIR analyses revealed the presence of Phenolic alcohol, amines and carboxylic acid groups and ZnO in synthesized NPs with more intense peaks at higher amount (40 ml) of A. indica extract. Also, structural morphology analyses using SEM revealed uniform spherical shaped particles with diameter from 25 to 60 nm (20 ml of extract) and 19 to 35 nm (40 ml of extract) for ZnO-NPs. The EDX spectral revealed that the required phase of Zn and O was present 69.54% (Zn) and 30.46% (O) at 20 ml of extract, also 73.71% (Zn), 26.26% (O) at 40 ml of extract respectively and confirmed high purity for the synthesized ZnO NPs. TEM revealed spherical shaped NPs with diameter ranging from 28 to 52 nm (20 ml of extract) and 8.2 to 11.9 nm (40 ml of extract) respectively, with a trend reduction in particle size of NPs at higher amount of A. indica seed extract (40 ml) and growth of more uniform particles with no agglomeration. The study showed successful growth of spherical ZnO-NPs with required properties at a higher amount of extract.
Assessing the level of heavy metals concentration in soil around transformer at Akoko community of OndoState, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunlana R. , Korode A.I. , Ajibade Z.F.
Published: March 2021

Some heavy metals have bio-importance as trace elements but the bio-toxic effects of many of them in human biochemistry are of great concern. The level of heavy metals concentrations of transformer oil polluted soil was assessed in Akungba Akoko community of Ondo State, Nigeria using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The concentration of heavy metals investigated ranges from: Cu (1400-18)mg/kg, Fe (96700- 15500)mg/kg, Cd (2- 0.5)mg/kg, Mn (62-29)kg/mg, Ni(5-1)mg/kg, Al(27-11)mg/kg, Zn(1400- 44)mg/kg, Pd (68-20)mg/kg and Ca (570- 135)mg/kg. From the study, it was observed that some transformer sites had more concentration of heavy metals than others, as a result of the heavy metals content of the transformer soil released to the surrounding soil, while in some samples of these heavy metals were absent or are below detection limit. Comparing the results with the World Health Organisation (W.H.O) maximum allowable limit in soil with results of the results of different samples collected, majority of the results were found to fall below W.H.O limit which implies that those sites are still contamination free with respect to the specific heavy metal and caution needs to be taken urgently to avoid potential contamination. Meanwhile, heavy metal concentration at some sites have gone beyond the W.H.O maximum allowable limit, calling for immediate remediation of the site.
Effect of Landfill Leachate on Groundwater Contamination: A case study of Obio- Akpo Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Golden A.H. , Inichinbia S.
Published: March 2021

This research investigates the effect of landfill leachate on the groundwater in “Odum”, a community that plays host to a dumpsite along  Choba/Alakahia road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (L.G.A.) of Rivers State, Nigeria. Five vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted using the Schlumberger configuration and also five horizontal profiling were done using the Wenner configuration. The field data were acquired using ABEM tarrameter SAS 300C, and processed using the IP TWO WAY software. The results showed that the area is composed of sandstone, clay, laterite, sandy clay, and sand. Also, from careful analysis and interpretation of the processed data it was observed that contaminated zones have low resistivity (high conductivity). Strikingly, areas of low resistivity such as 11.9 Ωm and others with high resistivity up to greater than 1818 Ωm do exist. The results show that groundwater around this landfill contaminated area contains highly conductive leachates like sulphur, methane, ammonia gas at depths > 16 m. This indicates that the study area is not a good aquifer zone.

Keywords: Resistivity, Landfill, Leachate, Groundwater, Dumpsite, Aquifer, Sounding
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of E-Waste Workers in Owode-Onirin Scrap Market, Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Olowofoyeku A.E.
Published: March 2021

Electronic devices have become essential to our existence leading to an increase in the rate of electronic waste (E-waste) generation and  environmental degradation. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitude and prevailing practices of e-waste workers at the Owode-Orinin scrap market in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos Nigeria using 241 Questionnaires to obtain data which were analysed by Pearson correlation  coefficient. The knowledge of the respondents was limited to the financial and economic value attached to E-waste meanwhile the environmental and health impact of their occupation were not known, neglected or considered unimportant. A positive relationship was established between education, knowledge and attitude of the respondents. This indicates that increase in education brings about increase in the knowledge and results in positive attitude of the E-waste workers. The strong social tie found to exist among the E-waste workers can be leveraged upon for the transmission of the knowledge about the environmental health impact of their occupation so as to conduct their activities in the safest manner possible.

Keywords: E-waste, occupational health, environment, knowledge, attitudes, practices
Characterization of Autochthonous Bacterial Isolates with The Potentiality to Degrade Spent Engine Oil from Contaminated Soil Area Enriched with Glycine max
Authors: Enaigbe A.A. , Imade O.S. , Akpoka O.A. , Ufuah E. , Izevbuwa O.E. , Okhuebor S.O.
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted to identify and characterize bacteria capable of degrading spent oil contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters of used engine oil were analyzed according to existing standards, while the total heterotrophic plate counts (HBC) and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria counts were ascertained with the pour plate methods using nutrient agar and minimal salt agar (MSA) media respectively. The results indicated a mean total HBC ranging from 2.86 ± 0.08 to 5.76 log10 CFU/g and mean hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial counts from 1.32 ± 0.09 to 3.82 ± 0.25 log10 CFU/g, with samples enriched with Glycine max (Soybean) recorded to have the highest bacterial counts. The phenotypic identification of the hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria as sources of carbon and energy showed the presence of two primary bacterial genera: Bacillus and Micrococcus.However, from the overall 50 counted colonies, the frequency of occurrence for Bacillus was 41 (82 %) whereas, the Micrococcus was (9) 18%. The obtained data, confirmed the breakdown capacity of autochthonous (indigenous) organisms notably; Bacillus in the reduction of pollutants linked with oil spillage. This provides for reliable and promising approach of ameliorating crude oil pollutants and its inherent threats.

Keywords: Soil, spent oil, Glycine max, degrading bacteria, isolation and bioremediation
Lithology and Fluid discrimination of Sody field of the Nigerian Delta
Authors: Finecountry S.C.P. , Inichinbia S.
Published: March 2021

The lithology and fluid discrimination of an onshore Sody field, of the Niger Delta was studied using gamma ray, resistivity and density logs from  three wells in the field in order to evaluate the field’s reservoir properties. Two reservoir sands (RES 1 and RES 2) were delineated and identified as hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs. The petrophysical parameters calculated include total porosity, water saturation and volume of shale. The results obtained revealed that the average porosity of the reservoir sands, range from 21% to 39%, which is excellent indicator of a good quality reservoir and probably reflecting well sorted coarse grain sandstone reservoirs with minimal cementation. Water saturation is low in all the reservoirs, ranging from 2% to 32%, indicating that the proportion of void spaces occupied by water is low, and implying high hydrocarbon saturation. The crossplot discriminated the reservoirs lithologies as sand, shaly sand and shale sequences, except well Sody 2 which differentiated its lithologies as sand and shale sequences and distinguished the reservoirs’ litho-fluids into three, namely; gas, oil and brine. These results suggest that the reservoirs sand units of Sody field contain significant accumulations of hydrocarbon.

Keywords: Reservoir, porosity, net-to-gross, impedance, lithology
Assessment of Forest Degradation Indices in Mokwa Forest Reserve, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Jeminiwa O.R. , Jeminiwa M.S. , Taiwo D.M. , Dauda M. , Olaotilaaro S.O.
Published: March 2021

Forest degradation has become a major concern in many countries around the world as it has become one of the most debilitating land use crisis in tropical ecosystems. Hence, this study assessed the forest degradation indices in Mokwa forest reserve. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and field reconnaissance survey. Five settlements were selected in and around the forest reserve namely Mokwa, Jangi, Epa, Kpataki and Tswanle. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that farming (41.7%) was the main occupation of the people, artisan works (18.8%) and studentship had the least (4.2%). Briquetting of charcoal (20.8%) was the highest causes of forest degradation; commercial farming (18.8%), overgrazing (16.7%) and population increase was the least (4.2%).Global warming (22.9%) was the major effect ofdegradation in the study area, soil erosion (20.8%) and the least was low rainfall (9.4%). Agroforestry practices (27.1%) were recorded as the main mitigation measure for reducing degradation in the area. This was followed by Afforestation and enrichment planting (22.9%), tree planting campaign (18.8%) and the least was forest conservation and management (6.3%). The stepwise multiple regression analysis of the causes with other variables showed that briquetting of charcoal had the highest R2 (0.88), followed by commercial farming R2 (0.84), while population increase had the least R2 (0.57). Nevertheless, sustainable empowerment programs are recommended to boost the livelihood of the rural populace and to reduce the overdependence of the people on the forest reserve.

Keywords: forest degradation, enrichment planting, livelihood, briquetting.
Contribution of Agroforestry to Farmers Wellbeing in Forest Enclave, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ojedokun C.A. , Ugege B.H. , Kolade R.I. , Tunde-Francis A.A. , Odediran F.A.
Published: March 2021

Agroforestry has recently been experiencing a surge in interest as a cost-effective means to enhance food security and well-being. Thus there is a need to assess its contribution of to farmer’s wellbeing. Primary data needed for the study were collected through the administration of  questionnaires to agroforestry farmers. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select three forest enclaves in Edo state. A simple random sampling technic was used in the selection of respondents and a total number of 120 copies of questionnaires were administered. Datawere analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages and inferential statistics such as Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment correlations (PPMC). The study revealed that the mean age of the farmers in the area was 45.6years. Majorities (85.8 %) were male and 78.3% were married. with 54.2% having household size of between 4 - 6 persons. Majority (84.2%) had formal education. Also, 65.8% engage in agroforestry farming as their primary occupation. The results showed that there was positive and significant relationship between farmers’involvement in agroforestry and their economic wellbeing (χ2 = 76.27, P ≤ 0.001), material wellbeing (χ2 = 93.77, P ≤ 0.001), social wellbeing (χ2 = 73.00, P ≤ 0.001) and psychological wellbeing (χ2 = 132.63, P ≤ 0.001), respectively. It is therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged to increase their farm holding and also organized themselves into association for them to have access to mechanized equipment 

Keyword: Contribution, Agroforestry, Wellbeing, Farmers
Towards innovative teaching pedagogies in gender research: A review of a gender research methods class
Authors: Olorunfemi Oludayo
Published: March 2021

This commentary examines the teaching of research methods in Women and Gender Studies in the Gender Studies Unit of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. It interrogates how the course has increased the awareness of students in the methods of conducting research and how the research they conduct has implications on marginalized populations. The course also highlights the need for a growing body of knowledge that engages the experience of black women in Africa and the African diaspora. The course draws the attention of students to the agency of women through the reading and teaching of various research methods in Gender Studies. An ethnographic approach is adopted using participant  observation in the course covering a period of one semester. Also, a critical perspective is applied in discussing the particular epistemological  standpoint deployed by the course instructor. In other words, the black feminist epistemology serves as an important strategy for increasing global-minded consciousness of how a course in gender research methods engages the agency of black women using Hip Hop pedagogy.

Keywords: Gender Research Methods, Black Feminist Epistemology, Global-Minded, Black Consciousness, African Feminism.
Attaining the sustainable development goals in Africa: The new CSR for multinational corporations
Authors: Amodu Nojeem
Published: March 2021

The fact that Africa is one of the worst performing regions in global audits about long-term development trends is longer news. The continent has repeatedly missed targets set by the United Nations and there are concerns it might just be left behind in the attainment of the latest 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development set by world leaders in 2015. With a view to complementing states’ responsibilities towards the provision of public goods and social services useful to actualize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, this article interrogates the nature of multinational corporations (MNCs) and juxtaposing the non-state actor responsibilities within wider societal contexts with state duties in advancing the SDGs. The article not only sets the tone for a “new corporate social responsibility” in terms of improved pursuit of sustainability within business communities in corporate Africa, it also recommends workable measures, integrating progressive roles for both the state and MNCs towards the realization of the SDGs on the continent.

Keywords: Corporate Responsibility; MNCs; SDGs in Africa; New CSR Roles; Regional Integration.
“Humanizing” investments in the extractive industries in Africa through the IFC’s sustainability policies
Authors: Okoloise Chairman
Published: March 2021

International financial institutions face enormous challenges in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs). They finance infrastructure projects, manage vast investment portfolios, offer advisory services, and contribute to economic development in EMDEs. In the process, they areexposed to huge risks and face reputational damage if they act recklessly or have little or no regard for their projects’ adverse impacts on thirdparties. In the context of natural resource exploitation in Africa, the weak governance of environmental and social risks often results in devastating consequences for communities proximate to investment projects. Promises of infrastructure and social services, job opportunities and economic boom have only often delivered land grabs, forced displacement, cultural infringements, environmental pollution, conflicts, health disasters, misery and sometimes deaths. As calls for greater corporate scrutiny increase, investment project facilitators in the extractive industries like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) must respond appropriately. To preserve its reputation and long-term market access, the IFC needs to apply a higher degree of due diligence and sustainable business conduct that proactively treat risks and limit its exposure. With the rising number of complaints against IFC policy compliance, including projects tainted by scandals and the debarment of companies from accessing international finance, this article demonstrates that merely promoting sustainable investment policies on paper is inadequate. Using a human rights-centred approach to development project financing, the article critically assesses the extent to which the implementation of the IFC’s sustainability  framework can practicably protect resource-rich communities, safeguard human rights and ensure sustainable development outcomes in Africa.

Keywords: Extractive Industries, Human rights, Project Financing, IFC, Compliance, Sustainable Development.
Entrenching Waste Hierarchy for Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management in Kenya
Authors: Kituku Wambua , Odote Collins , Okidi Charles , Kameri-Mbote Patricia
Published: March 2021

Prioritizing waste prevention, reuse, recycling and recovery of materials and energy over disposal through landfilling, offers the waste hierarchy approach (WHA) a sustainable pathway to the management of municipal solid wastes (MSW) and realization of a circular economy. The concept is now part of the legal framework in some developing countries and its implementation has been credited for addressing waste problems linked to high rates of economic growth and urbanization. Even though Africa Vision 2063 prioritizes improvements in urban waste recycling in the continent, much of the MSW generated on the continent is disposed through landfilling evidencing weak adoption of the WHA. This article contends that because WHA is not adequately incorporated in the current legal framework at national and sub-national levels of government, Kenya is unlikely to achieve a circular economy approach necessary for realizing sustainable waste management. Operationalization of the WHA is impeded by inadequate financing, weak institutional coordination, gaps in private sector and informal actors’ engagement and risks associated with investments in large-scale waste recovery initiatives. It is therefore necessary for Kenya to elaborate the WHA in its legal framework at both national and county level, while ensuring adequate financing, involvement of informal actors, incentivization of private sector and adoption of waste planning procedures.
Development and Evaluation of the Operational Parameters of a Rotary Oven
Authors: Sanusi M.S. , Sunmonu M.O. , Adepoju A.L. , Abodunrin T.O. , Ajibade H.A.
Published: March 2021

Developing an efficient rotary oven that is capable of addressing the issue of long baking duration and uneven heating distribution during baking could aid in encouraging indigenous use of the oven by small and medium scale bakeries in developing countries. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the performance of a rotary oven. Taguchi experimental design was used to investigate the influence of oven temperature (160, 180, 200°C) and oven rack speed (0, 10, 20 rpm) on the physical properties (baking time, mass, surface area, specific volume and density) of bread produced from the rotary oven. The baking capacity and efficiency of the rotary oven were 16 kg h-1 and 94%, respectively. Investigation showed that baking time ranges from 20 to 82 min, bread mass (884 to 925.7 g), surface area (1050 to 1370 cm2 ), specific volume (2.36 to 3.70 cm3 g -1 ) and density (0.25 to 0.39 g cm-3 ), respectively. The optimum baking time (20 min) was achieved at 200°C oven temperature and 10 rpm oven rack speed. The oven could be adopted for both domestic and industrial production of bread and other bakery products.

Keywords: Bread, oven temperature, oven rack speed, taguchi, rotary oven.
Effect of Thermal Pretreatment on the Yield of Biogas from Microcoleous Vaginatus
Authors: Haruna M. , Momoh O.R. , Bilal S.
Published: March 2021

Biomass is being looked upon as one of the promising renewable energy sources for the future, with growing interest in microalgae conversion into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Recently, the ability of microalgae to treat waste water has doubled its potentials material today. However, in spite of the progress made in that regards, there are still challenges of algae conversion to biofuel, due to the presence of complex cell wall in some algae. Cell wall inhibits bacteria growth during degradation. In this research work 10 grams of Microcoleous vaginatus was treated in an oven at varying temperatures of 70, 75 and 80 oC for an hour, out of which 4 g was measured into 250 ml serum bottle for digestion at mesophilic temperature of 37 oC. Based on the results of proximate analysis, 69%increase in carbohydrate was attained with 72.7 – 148% reduction in moisture content. The biogas yield of untreated sample was 4.36 mLg−1 VS, while, pretreated samples at 70, 75 and 80 ℃ produced 8.39, 9.07 and 9.38 mLg−1VS (volatile solid) of biogas. This  corresponds to 92, 108 and 115% higher than that of untreated samples. However, thermal treatment of M. vaginatus prior to digestion show positive effect on carbohydrate extraction and enhanced biogas and methane yield as well. Therefore, this makes the substrate a good feedstock for biogas production.

Keywords: Biomass, pretreatment, thermal, anaerobic digestion, degradation, Microcoleous vaginatus.
A six year (2005-2010) retrospective study of avian coccidiosis diagnosed in Gombe veterinary clinic, Nigeria
Authors: Grema HA , Suleiman A , Rabana JL , Geidam YA
Published: March 2021

Chicken Coccidiosis remains one of the major diseases of concern in the poultry production enterprise in Nigeria. A six year retrospective study to establish the prevalence of chicken Coccidiosis (CC) in relation to other poultry  diseases diagnosed at the Veterinary Clinic Gombe was conducted. CC occurred year round with high prevalence  during the rainy season (July-September). Incidence of CC was 1.7 more likely to occur in November. CC is endemic  with higher prevalence during the rainy season in Gombe. Farmers should adhere to routine chemoprophylaxis and  avoid factors of predisposition to coccidiosis especially during the rainy season.Keywords: Avian coccidiosis, Gombe, Northeastern Nigeria, Retrospective prevalence, Seasonality
Classification of slaughtered animals and estimation of body condition scores during rainy season in Sokoto abattoir
Authors: Shittu A , Zaharadeen MM , Fasina FO , Umaru MA , Ahmed A
Published: March 2021

The animals slaughtered at the Sokoto City Abattoir in Northwestern Nigeria from 5th June to 6th August 2010 were classified based on body condition scores (BCS) and other variables. A total of 6215 animals (cattle, sheep, goats and camels) were slaughtered with wide disparities in body conditions. Cattle remain the predominant animal slaughtered (67.74%) with the least predominant animal being camel (5.41%). The majority (80.80%) of the large ruminant slaughtered were in borderline to optimum (3-4) body condition while the majority of small ruminant (81.73%) primarily fell into the optimum (2-3) body conditions at slaughter. Multivariable ordered logistic regression analysis revealed that BCS as an estimated outcome is based principally on seasons with the beginning of rains (June) being the most critical. Since the study was undertaken at the beginning to middle of rainy season, it is expected that the animals are just recovering from the stress of previous dry season and scarcity of feed resources, this support the result from the analysis. Additional factors may contribute to differences in BCS of slaughtered animals are not evaluated in this study due to limitation of data collection, and future useful data may be generated by implementing a more comprehensive data recording system for slaughter statistics and research at the Nigerian abattoirs.Keywords: Abattoir, Body condition score, Nigeria, Ordinal model, Rainy season, Slaughtered animals
Observations on some renal function indices in dogs under ketamine-xylazine anaesthesia
Authors: Ajibola ES , Rahman SA , Biobaku KT , Okwelum N , Oyewusi JA , Opeyemi B , Oloruntuga O
Published: March 2021

This study was done to evaluate the effect of an increased dose of ketamine on some renal function indices of Ketamine−Xylazine anaesthetised dogs. Five adult female mongrel dogs assigned to two different treatment groups in a randomized cross over design were used for this study. Each of the dogs received either 10mg/kg or 20mg/kg ketamine at a week interval. The mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of creatinine, absolute and fractional excretion of sodium (UNaV, FENa), urine flow rate (UFR), and plasma sodium clearance were all found to be insignificantly increased in dogs that received the higher dose regime of ketamine. All the dogs in the two treatment groups exhibited levels of glycosuria and hyposthenuria. When plasma sodium concentration of dogs treated with 10mg/kg was correlated with UNaV it was found to be significant and strong (P < 0.05; r =0.86). It was however strong but insignificant with sodium clearance (P>0.05; r = 0.82) and creatinine clearance (P> 0.05; r = 0.39). At 20mg/kg, the UNaV, sodium clearance and glomerular filtration rate all correlated weakly and insignificantly with plasma sodium concentration. The enhanced diuresis and natriuresis observed in the two treatment groups could be attributed to the effect of xylazine on either the alpha-2 adrenoceptor of the brain or those on the tubules of the kidney. These effects of xylazine could not be reversed by attempting to competitively antagonize it with a 100% increase in ketamine dose.Keywords: Diuresis, GFR fractional excretion, Ketamine, Natriuresis, xylazine
Radiographic studies on morphological anomalies in artificially spawned Heterobranchus longifilis Valenciennes, 1840 F1 generation
Authors: Suleiman B , Maruff L , Oniye SJ
Published: March 2021

This study was designed to examine radiographically the morphological anomalies in artificially spawned 24-week-old Heterobranchus longifilis. A total of 22 morphological deformities observed from an F1 population of 4,871 were classified. Based on anatomical positions, most of the anomalies (49.99%) manifested in the bodies as stunted growth with a weight range of 240-358g, standard length (SL) of 18.7-29.1cm and stump body trait with a weight range of 445-810g, SL of 22.9-35.9cm. Anomalies of the vertebral column accounted for 27.27% with a weight range of 410-945g, SL of 27.4-36.8cm. Fin aberrations including agenesis were seen in 22.73% with a weight range of 548-840g, SL of 34.1-39.2cm. Radiographic examination revealed anomalies such as hypoplasia and hyperplasia of fins, supernumeracry and agenesis of fins, fin cleft, and fusion of fins, scoliosis and kyphosis. The phenotypic lateral body curvatures and stump body trait were basically due to varying degrees and positions of scoliosis and thus, pathological. The fin aberrations and agenesis were probably congenital. The anomalies affected feed accessibility; thus; impaired the growth of the fishes evidenced by the low body weights recorded in the deformed fish compared to the normal fish. In conclusion, the percentage of morphological aberrations observed in the F1 population is negligible (0.45%), thus it will not adversely affect production of H. longifilis via artificial induction.Keywords: Artificial induction, Heterobranchus longifilis, Morphological anomalies, Radiography
In vitro and in vivo changes observed in Trypanosoma brucei brucei-infected rats treated with artesunate and/or diminazene aceturate
Authors: Jolayemi KO , Mamman M. , Sani D. , Okoronkwo M.O. , Amaje J.
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated in vitro and in vivo antitrypanosomal effect of artesunate and/or diminazene aceturate in Wistar rats experimentally  infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. In vitro screening was carried out in triplicates using 50 μl of 0.2, 2 and 20 μg/μl of artesunate as test drug; diminazene aceturate, normal saline and trypanosome-infected blood served as controls in a 96-well microtitre plate, incubated at 37˚C for 5 minutes. Efficacy was observed over a period of 60 minutes for reduced or complete trypanosomal immobilization. Results showed concentration-dependent cessation of trypanosomal motility was significantly (p < 0.001) induced by artesunate when compared to the controls. Seventy Wistar rats of both sexes weighing between 190 and 210 g were randomly divided into 7 groups (5 males and 5 females) are used for in vivo study. Groups I and II served as normal control and model control respectively. Groups III to VII were infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei (106 trypanosomes/ml) intraperitoneally. At peak parasitaemia (8 days post-infection), group III was treated with diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg) intramuscularly once while groups IV, V, VI were treated with artesunate (200, 100, 50) mg/kg orally for 5 consecutive days and group VII was treated with combination of artesunate (50 mg/kg) orally and diminazene aceturate (1.75 mg/kg) intramuscularly for 5 days. Results indicated pre-patent period of 4 days and increase in levels of parasitaemia post-inoculation. PCV, Hb concentration, RBC count, MCV, MCHC and total leucocyte count decreased significantly (p < 0.05) between days 0and 8 in groups II to VII. Following treatment, significant increases (p < 0.05) were recorded except for groups II, IV, V and VI where the rats died. Thus, combination of artesunate (50 mg/kg) and half the standard dose of diminazene aceturate was able to reduce parasitaemia and ameliorate the anaemia elicited by the trypanosomes.

Keywords: Artesunate, Diminazene Aceturate, Haematology, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Wistar rats
Effect of Erythropoietin on Microvascular Anastomosis in Rat
Authors: Şentürk S , Karaçor Z , Tosun Z , Özkan A , Avunduk C , Zümrüt M
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the re-endothelialization potential of erythropoietin (EPO) following microvascular anastomosis in rat femoral artery.Methods: Ninety-six male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing between 300 g and 320 g were allocated randomly into two groups (control and EPO, n = 48). Left femoral artery microvascular anastomosis was performed in the rats. The control group was given 0.5 mL of 0.09 % NaCl subcutaneously 48 h  postoperatively while the EPO group was given 150 U/kg recombinant human erythropoietin  subcutaneously 48 h post-operatively. Tissue was harvested from each group after 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. All of the rats were sacrificed for morphometric analysis. Each arterial segment was analyzed morphometrically using Clemex Image Analysis software by a single examiner. The cross-sectional area of the media and neointima was measured and the intima/media ratio was calculated. Hematocrit  measurement was carried out for all the rats.Results: The I/M ratio differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the control and erythropoietin groups, at all time-points. The hematocrit was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the control group than in the erythropoietin groups on day 7, but not on the other days.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that erythropoietin markedly inhibits neointima formation with accelerated re-endothelialization in rat femoral arteries following microvascular anastomosis.Keywords: Erythropoietin, Microvascular anastomosis, Re-endothelialization, Hematocrit, Neointima/media ratio
Inhibition of SENP5 by Cucurbitacin B Suppresses Cell Growth and Promotes Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Zhong J , Liu Z , Liu S , Zhao J
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of cucurbitacin B on the expression of SUMO-specific proteases (SENP5).Methods: Effect of cucurbitacin B (10-50 mg/mL) on viability of U2OS and Saos-2 cells was determined in a plate reader by recording absorbance at 570 nm. In Western blot analysis, bicinconinic acid (BCA) method was used to determine protein concentration. Flow cytometry was employed to measure DNA content.Results: Ccucurbitacin B treatment inhibits the expression of SENP5 in U2OS and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Significant inhibition (p = 0.005) of SENP5 expression was observed at 50 mg/ml from day 10, reaching a maximum on day 20. It also induced a significant decrease (p =  0.005) in mRNA and protein levels of SENP5. The decrease in mRNA and protein levels of SENP5 led to decrease in proliferation of U2OS and Saos-2 cells. The 48 h  cell cultures containing 50 mg of  cucurbitacin B caused induction of apoptosis in 54.72 ± 5.42 % of the total cell population in U2OS cells.  Similarly, in Saos-2  cells, exposure to 50 mg/mL cucurbitacin B increased apoptotic rate from 9.86 ± 8.89 % for 10 mg/mL to 48.54 ± 14.5 % with 50 mg/mL of cucurbitacin B.Conclusion: Cucurbitacin B is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of aggressive malignancy in osteosarcoma.Keywords: Cucurbitacin B, Osteosarcoma, SUMO-specific proteases, Cell proliferation, Apoptosis, Malignancy
Effects of flavonoids extracted from the whole plant of Patrinia Villosa (Thunb) Juss in a rat model of chronic pelvic inflammation
Authors: Li Xiao-xiao , Hao Cui-fang , He Yuan-qi , Liu Hai-ning , Li Xiao-na
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of total flavonoids (PLV) extracted from the  whole plant of Patrinia Villosa (Thunb.) Juss (PTJ) in a rat model of chronic pelvic inflammation.Methods: An orthogonal test design was employed to optimize the extraction  conditions of PLV via reflux extraction by ethanol. Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and PLV groups. An absorbable gelatin sponge with  pathogens was inserted into the cervix of the rat to establish a pelvic inflammatory model. The PLV groups were orally administered PLV at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for eight days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the determination of inflammatory cytokines in rat serum and the culture  supernatant of RAW264.7 cells. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was employed to determine mRNA levels.Results: The optimum extraction conditions for PLV by orthogonal test were  obtained: extraction time (120 min), ratio of liquid to raw material (20 mL/g) and ethanol concentration (50 %). By treating with PLV, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β significantly decreased (p < 0.01), while IL-10 level significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the serum of chronic pelvic inflammatory rats and LPS-stimulated  macrophages. In addition, a similar trend was observed in the mRNA levels of LPS-stimulated macrophages treated with PLV.Conclusion: PLV showes significant anti-inflammatory effects on chronic pelvic inflammation. The potential mechanism is related to regulating the expression of inflammatory factorsKeywords: Patrinia Villosa (Thunb.) Juss, Total flavonoids, Chronic pelvic  inflammation, Inflammatory cytokines
Effect of Zhen-wu decoction on chronic heart failure in rats
Authors: Liu Zhongyong , Li Lin , Luo Shihua , Fang Jia
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Zhen-wu decoction (ZWD) on oxidative stress and hemodynamics in chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) rats.Methods: After Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were successfully prepared into CHF, they were randomly divided into normal control group, model (untreated CHF) group,  captopril group, high-dose, middledose and low-dose of ZWD groups, and were  treated with drugs for 4 weeks respectively. At the end of the experiment,  hemodynamic function, whole heart weight index, blood creatinine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were determined.Results: Compared with normal control group, ZWD group showed decreased arterial systolic pressure (SBP, 89.16 ± 17.27 mmHg), diastolic pressure (DBP, 72.54 ± 22.36 mmHg), mean arterial pressure (MAP, 72.64 ± 11.87 mmHg), heart rate (HR, 368.25 ± 39.12 beats/min), left ventricular systolic peak (LVSP, 105.27 ± 15.23 mmHg), and left ventricular pressure change rate (dp/dt max) (p < 0.05), while left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (19.52 ± 1.89 mmHg), whole heart weight index (2.74 ± 0.16 mg/g), blood CK (0.98 ± 0.16 U/mL), MDA (17.28 ± 2.94 nmol/mL), NO (36.35 ± 3.27 umol/L), NOS (39.89 ± 3.56 U/mL) significantly  increased (p < 0.05). High dose of ZWD significantly improved hemodynamic  function, lowered MDA (8.85 ± 2.14 nmol/mL) and NO (24.25 ± 3.21 umol/L) levels (p < 0.05), and also decreased CK (0.58 ± 0.37 U/mL) and NOS (26.12 ± 3.87 U/mL) in CHF rats (p < 0.05).Conclusion: ZWD improves adriamycin-induced chronic congestive heart failure in rats significantly, and therefore has potential to be developed for the management of chronic congestive heart failure.Keywords: Zhen-wu decoction, Chronic heart failure, Hemodynamic function,  Oxidative stress
Comparative assessment of poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles modified by either cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or chitosan for plasmid DNA adsorption
Authors: Doolaanea Abd Almonem , Mansor Nur ‘Izzati , Nor Nurul Hafizah Mohd , Shafri Mohd Affendi Bin Mohd , Sukmasari Susi , Mohamed Farahidah
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To evaluate poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) PLGA nanoparticles modified by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) or chitosan for plasmid DNA adsorption.Methods: PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by solvent diffusion method and modified by including CTAB in the aqueous (F1) or oil phase (F2), or by including low (F3) or medium (F4) molecular weight chitosan. The nanoparticles were  characterised by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as for cell toxicity, cell uptake and  transfection.Results: CTAB failed to confer positive charge on the nanoparticles. CTAB desorbed easily from F1 surface. This resulted in negative zeta potential, increased  cytotoxicity as well as decreased cell uptake and transfection. In F2, CTAB was located mainly in PLGA matrix, resulting in negative charge with decreased cytotoxicity, and increased cell uptake and transfection compared to F1. On the other hand, chitosan-modified nanoparticles (F3 and F4) showed stronger interaction between chitosan and PLGA, leading to positively-charged particles, decreased cytotoxicity, as well as increased cell uptake and transfection. Amongst the four formulations, F4 exhibited the highest transfection.Conclusion: These results should aid in understanding how PLGA nanoparticles are modified by CTAB and chitosan. Modification with chitosan yields PLGA  nanoparticles with higher DNA adsorption and transfection with lower cytotoxicity.Keywords: Chitosan, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), Nanoparticle, Poly (D,L-lactide-coglycolide) PLGA, Plasmid DNA adsorption, Gene therapy