bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geospatial data and artificial intelligence technologies as innovative communication tools for quality education and lifelong learning
Authors: Onwubere Chidinma Henrietta
Published: June 2020

The uniqueness of open and distance learning (ODL) lies in its wide reach to a large audience simultaneously in different locations. No better system than geospatial data and artificial intelligence technologies (GDAITs) can achieve this. Globally, the current trend is to use GDAITs to improve the quality of life and productivity. Education is important for any country’s economy as it enhances the overall life expectancy. Application of GDAITs in educational sector, through broadcast digitization, publishing technologies will record greater achievements in the standard of learning and the literacy of populations. At certain ages in life, people develop apathy towards learning, thus, they are cut off from additional education that could provide them with lifelong learning. With GDAITs, they can be reached with quality education anywhere. Students have constraints of time, space, and finance, for acquisition of study materials. GDAITs are able to create and deploy seamless applications which can collapse these constraints and improve the learning curves of learners. This study investigates the exposure of youths to GDAITs and the influence on their learning patterns. Gerbner’s cultivation theory serves as the theoretical framework. A survey of 200 undergraduate Nigerian students was conducted, using random sampling technique. Findings show that Nigerian youths are highly exposed to GDAITs. THw paper concludes that GDAITs contribute positively and negatively to development in diverse human activities. However, it is highly effective in fostering communication education and research in Nigeria. It recommended that information and communication technology should be taught at all levels of education, so that Nigerians can develop critical minds to distinguish what GDAITs can and cannot do. Media houses should continue to establish platforms to check fake news emanating from social media. Also, attention needs to be focused on media content to ensure that there are enough programmes that would enhance communication education in Nigeria, without fake news parasitism.

Keywords: GDAITs, Communication education, Learning processes, Social media, Digitization
Evaluating Safety Practices Associated With Use of Household Pesticides: An Interventional Study in Kurmin Mashi Rural Community, Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: Adje U.D. , Aremu T.O.
Published: June 2020

Many households in developing countries routinely use pesticides without any safety considerations. The objective of this study was to determine types of pesticides and pesticide-use practices of the residents, to determine self-reported adverse effects resulting from pesticide use and to assess the impact of educational intervention on pesticide use behavior in the study area. Commercially available pesticide samples were collected from pesticide vendors in the area. Pre -tested questionnaires were distributed to 375 family heads. Data was expressed as frequency and percentages.Educational intervention on safe pesticide use was carried out. Pre and post intervention behavior were compared using paired t test. Relationship between demographic variables and pesticide use practices were explored using Chi Square statistics. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Prevalent pests were mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, bedbugs, ants, termites, houseflies, ticks and scorpion. The major constituent of pesticides in this environment was Dichlorvos (DDVP). Many commercially available pesticides were unlabeled. Nearly half, 48.8% had used pesticides in the home. More than three quarters, 78.7% indicated that they read instructions before using pesticides. More than one third, 36% had experienced health problems attributed to pesticide use. Many locally available pesticides were unlabeled. Majority of labelled pesticides contained mainly Diclorvos (DDPV). Unsafe pesticide handling practices were common. The most common self -reported adverse effect was respiratory symptoms. Educational intervention increased in the proportion of respondents that used of non-chemical methods and adopted safer pesticide use practices.

Keywords: Pesticides, Diclorvos (DDPV), Educational Intervention, Pharmacist, Nigeria
Comparative Study of Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network for Modeling and Optimization of Extraction Process Parameters on Tetrapleura Tetraptera
Authors: Oyedoh E.A. , Erumi G.A. , Akhabue C.E.
Published: June 2020

Bioactive compounds in the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera is widely used in food as a flavouring agent and for spices. In this study, bioactive compounds were extracted by solid-liquid extraction process and the yield was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The process parameters optimized were the extraction temperature, particle size and extraction time. Box-Behnken Design was used to study the effect of the process parameters on the extract yield. A quadratic model was obtained by RSM which was used topredict the extract yield. While for ANN, Bayesian Regularization learning algorithm with hyperbolic function (Tanh) for both hidden and output layers was the best model for predicting the extract yield. The performance of both models was established based on their R2 and RMSE values. (R2 and RMSE values were 0.9391 and 3.10 for RSM and 0.9637 and 0.8193 for ANN respectively). ANN gave the maximum extract yield of 29.15 % higher than that of RSM which evaluated a yield of 27.70 % with optimum conditions at extraction temperature of 90℃, particle size of 3.26 mm and extraction time of 50 mins. It was therefore concluded that ANN is better than RSM in the modeling and optimization of the extraction process parameters.

Keywords: Tetrapleura tetraptera, bioactive compounds, process parameters, optimization
Quality Assessment of Drinking Well Water near Dumpsite at Ogidi-Oloje Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf K.O. , Sadiku I.B. , Abioye O.S.
Published: June 2020

This study was conducted to determine the quality of drinking well water near dumpsite at Ogidi-Oloje, Ilorin, Kwara State. Open wells near dumpsite could be polluted due to percolation of chemicals from the decomposition of refuse and scraps of electronic boards having potential of causing diseases to man. Most people at Ogidi-Oloje Ilorin depend on open wells near dumpsite for drinking water during dry season. Water samples were collected from seven open wells (W1 - W6) 9.2 - 18.2 m away from dumpsite and the control well W7 was 45.0 m away from the dumpsite. Physicochemical and bacteriological properties were determined from the water samples during dry season (March, 2019) and rainy season (July, 2019). Phosphate, Cadmium, Lead, Feacal coliform were not detected during dry season but only Feacal coliform was not detected in the water during rainy season. All the values of physicochemical properties of the water were within WHO permissible limits except Iron and Cadmium that above the limits which could cause diseases to mankind. Values of Iron during dry season for six well sources were 3.61, 4.02, 4.26, 3.25, 5.14 and 7.24 mg/L while values for rainy season and control were 0.715, 1.410, 0.650, 0.049, 0.780, 1.110 and 0.775 mg/L(control) but WHO limits is 0.03mg/L. Concentrations of Cadmium in the water during rainy season were 0.010, 0.015, 0.015, 0.020, 0.015, 0.015 and 0.02mg/L(control) but WHO limit is 0.003 mg/L. This study revealed that the water is suitable for consumption during dry season but unsuitable during rainy season.

Keywords: well water quality, groundwater pollution, water diseases, dumpsite
Assessment of Wound Healing Activity of Green Synthesized Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles using Strychnos spinosa and Blighia sapida
Authors: Hassan H. , Omoniyi K.I. , Okibe F.G. , Nuhu A.A. , Echioba E.G.
Published: June 2020

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has been proposed as a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical and physical methods. The present work investigates the synthesis of titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) by green approach using Strychnos spinosa and Blighia sapida leave extracts. The detailed characterization of the TiO2 NPs was carried out using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X- ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The green synthesized TiO2 NPs excitation was confirmed using UV–Vis spectrophotometer at 270 and 290 nm for Strychnos spinosa and Blighia sapida respectively. SEM revealed that the synthesized TiO2 NPs were spherical and crystalline in nature. The overall sizes are 40 and 50 nm for Strychnos spinosa and Blighia sapida respectively. FTIR spectroscopic analysisshowed the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols and amide groups likely to be responsible for the green synthesis of titanium oxide nanoparticles using S. Spinosa and B .sapida aqueous leaf extracts. The XRD pattern showed the characteristic Bragg peaks of (111), (200), (220) and (311) facets of the anatase titanium oxide nanoparticles and confirmed that these nanoparticles were crystalline and spherical in nature. Furthermore, the green synthesized TiO2 NPs wound healing activity was examined in the excision wound model by measuring wound closure, histopathology and protein profiling. This revealed significant wound healing activity in Albino rats. In the present study, topical application ofnanoformulated extracts of B. sapidaa nd S. spinosa significantly accelerated wound healing with 20% nanoformulated ointment having the highest percentage wound contraction ability comparable with gentamicin (a commercially sold antimicrobial agent used in dressing wounds). In conclusion, this work proved the capability of using TiO2 NPs to deliver a novel therapeutic route for wound treatment in clinical practice.

Keywords: Wound healing activity; SEM; TiO2; XRD; FTIR; UV–Vis spectroscopy.
Growth and Fruit Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Different Levels of Phosphorus Fertilization
Authors: Kareem I. , Azeez R. , Kareem S.A. , Oladosu Y. , Abdulmaliq S.Y. , Eifediyi E.K. , Alasinrin S.Y. , Olalekan K.K.
Published: June 2020

Having substantial and working knowledge on phosphorus fertilization is a pre-requisite to profitable tomato production. Thus, the present research was conducted to determine the optimum phosphorus (P) fertilizer rate for better fruit yield of tomato in Ilorin, a location in the Southern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. Five levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60, 90 and120kgP/ha) were tested on UC82B tomato variety. The experiment waslaid out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches at different growth stages while data on fruit yield as well as its components were collected at harvest. Results showed that application of 30kgP/ha produced plants with the highest leaf area. The control and 30kgP/ha produced the highest number of leaves. Application of 90kgP/ha and 120kgP/ha resulted in production of highest number of fruits while application of 90kgP/ha alone resulted in production of the tallest plants, highest number of branches and highest fruit yield. The yield was 66% better than the control. It was, therefore, concluded that 90kgP/ha should be used for optimum tomato fruit production in the agro-ecological zone of the research and places with the same climatic and edaphic conditions.

Keywords: Phosphorus fertilization, tomato, growth improvement and fruit yield
Monitoring the in-situ Bioremediation of Spend engine-oil contaminated soil After Irrigation with Fermented Chicken-droppings
Authors: Okpashi V.E. , Ushie O.A. , Abeng F.E. , Inyang I.H.
Published: June 2020

Preparation for the bioremediation of petroleum contaminants is explored to provide a low-cost and capable strategy for biodegradation of  contaminants and renewal of soil fertility. In this study, fermented chicken droppings were used as novel in-situ bio-stimulants and bio- augmentation materials. The investigation determines the capability of fermented chicken droppings to biodegrade the residual total petroleum  hydrocarbon compounds in-used engine oil contaminated soil – in the case of auto mechanic shops. The soil was collected at 10 cm depth from the ground, air-dried and sieved with 2.5mm mesh. A 4 kg of soil was weighed into 13 perforated buckets to allow aeration and prevent waterlogging. The setup consists of three replicates that were spiked with 150 ml of used engine oil. 500 ml of the fermented chicken droppings were used to irrigate the contaminated soil at ratio 1:8 periodically for every 3 days per irrigation for 21 days. The uncontaminated soil used as the control group was irrigated with normal water. The TPH composition of the contaminated and remediated soil samples was screened using gas Chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy. Results show that the uncontaminated soil (A-group) had C10 - 24.058 ± 0.02 ppm, C12 - 37.327 ± 0.01 ppm, C14 - 28.515 ± 0.02 ppm and C16 - 12.097 ± 0.02 ppm, respectively out of about 35 TPH compounds that ought to be detected from C8 to C40. The Concentration of TPH in Contaminated soil before irrigation with Chicken droppings – positive control (ppm) B-group gave a significant qualitative and quantitative presence of TPHs in contaminated soil at varying concentrations. 36 TPHs were detected out of forty, starting from C10 - 1.836 ± 0.01 ppm to C38 -  50.150±0.01 ppm. Whereas, the Concentration of residual TPH in Contaminated soil after irrigation with Chicken droppings gave varying levels of residual TPHs ranging from C8 - 1.519 ± 0.02 ppm to C38 - 41.487 ±0.02 ppm. This also gave a resultant/differences in the degradation level of TPHs. Differences in TPH Concentration between before the irrigation and after irrigation of contaminated soil were calculated, C8 had - 0.317 ppm while another TPHs concentration varies accordingly. From the results, one can be deduced that despite other environmental factors that influence the degradation of TPHs, fermented chicken droppings showed great capability in the degradation of TPHs in the contaminated soil.

Keywords: Bioremediation, auto-mechanic-yard, Soil-fertility, Used-engine-oil, fermented-chicken-droppings
Comparative Review of the Magnitude of Transaction Costs in Construction Procurement Projects between Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Yahaya M.L. , Ibrahim I. , Sani M.
Published: June 2020

Contracting business in public sector within various counties has a transaction cost to incur. This paper reviews transaction costs magnitude of developed and developing countries using standard sampling and procedure by analyzing data from four (4) developed countries; United States of America, United Kingdom, Newzealand, and Czech Republic and two (2) developing countries in Africa; Ghana and Nigeria. According to thefindings Newzealand have the highest TCs magnitude among all countries compared of about 16.5% averagely and with Czech Republic with 0.13% minimum that are incurred by stakeholders when bidding public sector construction projects. This is an important comparison and strengthens the assumption that there is a significant link between transaction costs incurred in bidding and public sector procurement, and that reducing such costs must be important for the contracting firms of various countries.

Keywords: Construction, Comparison, Magnitude, Procurement, Transaction Cost.
Prevalence of Syphilis Infection in a Tertiary Rural Hospital: A Five Year Evaluation
Authors: Olley M. , Okwu M.U. , Igiebor U.C. , Alao B.J.
Published: June 2020

Syphilis is a blood borne and sexually transmitted disease of global distribution. This study was aimed at determining the trend and prevalence of syphilis across the years among patients attending the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, Nigeria. A retrospective analysis of data of patients attending the Out patients department as well as those attending the anti natal clinic of Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada,Nigeria from January 2015 to December 2019.Sera samples were screened for Treponema palladium antibody using commercially available immunochromatic rapid Syphilis based test kits. Out of the 741 screened sera in the 2015 – 2019 study period, 8 (1.1%) were positive for Treponema pallidium antibodies. The prevalence are 0.4%, 1.3%, 0%, 3.8% and 2.8% respectively for the year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 respectively. The gender related distribution for the study periods are not statistically significant with p- values all greater than 0.05. The prevalence of syphilis is low within this community which is an indication of adherence to preventive measures never the less public awareness remains a medium for  eradication of syphilis.

Keywords: Rapid Syphilis test kit, Immunochramatogenic, Treponema pallidium
Fermentation and Effect on the Microbial Loads of Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua
Authors: Daramola J.A. , Oladosu T.O. , Ismail K.S.
Published: June 2020

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of fermentation on the microbial loads of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Eviscerated samples of Atlantic cod were fermented in three media: sterile distilled water, 14% saline medium and 14% salt with potash for 24 hours. The fermented Atlantic cod samples were oven-dried at 600C for one hour and thereafter, 1000C for three hours, cooled and stored in plastic baskets at ambient  temperature for four weeks. Analyses of the dried fermented Atlantic cod was carried out weekly for Salmonella shigella, total bacterial,  Staphylococcal, total fungal and total coliform counts. Results from the mean values indicated variations in the effects of the additives and  processing treatments over the 24 hours fermentation period which were significant (p < 0.05). The dressed fish sample fermented with both salt and potash (DRSFP), recorded the least mean microbial counts during the 4-week storage period, followed by the sample which was fermented with salt (DRSF) while the highest occurrence of microorganisms was recorded in the sample which was fermented with sterile distilled water (DRF). Hence, fermentation of fish with salt and potash is recommended. Meanwhile, in relation to the standard recommended microbial limits, the loads of microbes on the fermented Atlantic cod samples from the three treatments still fall within the safe and acceptable level.

Keywords: Gadus morhua, Fermentation, Salt, Potash, Microbial load
Phytochemical Constituents and Insecticidal Efficacy of the Root and Leaf Powders of Mimosa diplotricha and Aspilia africana against Callosobruchus maculates (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Uyi O.O. , Udeogwu C.C. , Rotimi J.
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the efficacy of the root and leaf powders of Aspilia africana and Mimosa diplotricha against the cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. Newly emerged adults of C. maculatus were exposed to grains treated with one of four treatments (powders: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g) of the two plants at different exposure period of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Both A. africana and M. diplotricha exhibited a high level of mortality which was a function of treatment concentration and of exposure time. At 96 hours of exposure, 2 g of the root and leaf powders of A. africana caused 70% and 54% mortality respectively, in C. maculatus. When C. maculatus was exposed to 2 g for a 96-hour exposure, the root and leaf powders of M. diplotricha, however, resulted in 52% and 50% mortality respectively. Although powders from all four treatment types exhibited insecticidal activities by causing varying levels of mortality in C. maculatus, the highest death rate was caused by the root powder of A. africana. Qualitative analysis of the plants revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and glycosides were present in the leaf extracts of A. africana and M. diplotricha. The moderately high insecticidal activity demonstrated by the root powders suggest that they hold more potential in the control of C. maculatus compared to the leaf powders.

Keywords: Mimosa diplotricha, Aspilia africana, phytochemical constituents, Callosobruchus maculatus
Geochemical Approach and Industrial Utilization of Some Marble Bodies from Ubo River Area and Environs, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Odokuma-Alonge O. , Chibuzor N.S. , Ogbamikhumi A.
Published: June 2020

Marble bodies occur in Ubo River Area as lenses of rocks. Seven (07) marble samples were obtained, analyzed and subjected to X-Ray Flourescence (XRF) analysis to determine both the major and trace elemental composition of the samples. The analysis revealed high CaO values (52.23-58.10 wt. %) and moderate values for SiO2 (7.50-10.43wt. %), fairly low values for Al2O3 (2.30 – 4.21 wt. %), Fe2O3 (2.62 – 5.15 wt. %), MgO (0.42 – 0.7 wt. %), MnO (0.01 – 0.06 wt. %), K2O (0.32 – 1.55 wt. %) and Na2O (0.01 – 0.03 wt. %), respectively. Variation plots involving Na2O/Al2O3 vs K2O/Al2O3 reveal sedimentary progenitors for the rocks. The fairly high SiO2 and low K2O content is an indication of the environment of deposition and may have been in a shallow marine environment with fair input of classic sediments into the system. The relatively high CaO content, moderate SiO2content and fairly low Al2O3 and Fe2O3 values indicates a fair degree of purity of the parent rock, hence its suitability as a raw material in the industrial sector.

Keywords: Clastic, Deposition, Environment, Progenitor, Marble, Chemical
Heavy metals in Bushmeat from New-Bussa and its environs, Nigeria
Authors: Adelakun K.M. , Kehinde A.S. , Joshua D.A. , Ibrahim A.O. , Akinade T.G.
Published: June 2020

Bushmeat have provided complimentary protein for human population across the world over the centuries. This study assessed the concentration of heavy metals in bushmeats in New Bussa and its environs. Three carcass of bush meat (Kobus kob (Kob), Tragelaphus scriptus (Bushbuck) and Sylvicapra grimmia (Duiker)) were sourced from the study area. The carcass was digested and concentrations of nine heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Co and Cd) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results obtained for the heavy metal analysis were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) while Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship in the samples. The heavy metal concentration in muscle tissues of the selected bushmeat revealed that zinc with 815.00±13.00 mg/kg in Kob was the highest mean value of all meat samples, followed by Iron (479.00±10.00 mg/kg) in Duiker while Pb level in Bushbuck 213.00±3.00 mg/kg is outrageously the highest. Copper, Chromium and Nickel did not exceed the permissible limits as set by FEPA/WHO. The concentration pattern of heavy metals in bush meat show that Sylvicapra grimmia and Tragelaphus scriptus had the same pattern of Zn>Fe>Pb>Cr>Mn>Cu>Co>Ni>Cd concentration while Kobus kob pattern of  association is Zn>Fe>Cr>Pb>Ni>Cu>Co>Cd>Mn. The comparative study of the heavy metal concentrations revealed that Zinc (Zn) recorded the highest frequency, followed by Iron (Fe) and Lead (Pb). This study has shown that high level of Pb in the samples from the study area is a matter of concern in bush meat consumption in the study area; hence people should be warned of impending danger in the consumption of heavy metals contaminated bush meat.

Keywords: Bushmeat, heavy metals, concentration, toxicity, contaminated
Assessment of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in Water and Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Plant from Woji Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibezim-Ezeani M.U. , Ihunwo O.C.
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates the levels of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni and the potential ability of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) plant to bioaccumulate these metals in Woji Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria by collecting water and water hyacinth samples along a 1.3 km stretch of the creek between 2018 and 2019 for analysis. Water samples and plants were collected from five stations across the creek from June to October of both years. The trend of metal concentration in the surface water is Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd in 2018 and Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd in 2019. In 2018, metal concentration in the root are in the order: Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd, while the trend for the shoot is Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. In 2019, Cd was detected in the roots ranging from 1.009 ± 0.001 to 9.545 ± 0.006, while Pb ranged from 0.298 ± 0.006 mg/kg to 121.006 ± 0.005 mg/kg. There was substantial bioaccumulation of Pb, Ni and Cr in the roots with most plant roots having BCF > 1. In the shoot, BCF was > 1 for Pb and Cr only, while Ni had BCF < 1. The findings from this research also assert that the E. crassipes can be used in the application of rhizofiltration as phytoremediation technique in Woji creek.

Keywords: Metal accumulation, phytoremediation, Translocation, Bioconcentration, Woji creek
Contamination and Pollution Studies of Heavy Metals in Sand Filter Media Waste Dumpsite in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ikoko I.L. , Osu C.I. , Horsfall M.
Published: June 2020

The contamination and pollution level of five Heavy Metals in spent Sand Filter Media [SFM] waste dumpsite was investigated to ascertain the contamination, pollution and possible migration in that environment. Samples were collected at the surface, 0.1m depth and 100m away from the dumpsite and analysed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS) for concentration of Cr, Fe, Mn. Ni and Pb ions. Geochemical Pollution Indices were used to evaluate the contamination and pollution level of the HMs comparatively using the world shale average values and the experimental control value. Results obtained showed highest concentration of 12.50mg/kg for Fe and lowest detectable concentration of 0.2mg/kg for Ni at the top of the dumpsite. All five heavy metals had low concentrations compared to WHO and national standards for soil qualityboth at the top and 0.1m depth of the dumpsite. Percentage concentrations of the heavy metals at the top showed 78.81, 12.04, 7.88, 1.26% in the order Fe >>> Cr > Mn > Ni > Pb with the values of Ni and Cr at 0.1m depth slightly higher indicating some level of migration. Contamination Factor Cf, depicts very severe contamination to slight pollution at the top with minimum of 0.714 and maximum of 1.471. Degree of Contamination Cd, of <8 and Modified Degree of Contamination mCd <1.5 showed low contamination. The pollution load index, PLI values of < 50 depicts that no drastic rectification measure was needed which concludes that the SFM dumpsite was contaminated but technically not polluted.

Keywords: Surface mobility, Yenagoa, heavy metal contamination, Pollution indices, Bayelsa State
Structure and Efficiency of Trade in Wild Snail in Selected Markets in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria
Authors: Akanni O.F. , Salako B.A. , Kolade R.I. , Olumide-Ojo O. , Oyetoki O.A.
Published: June 2020

The study examined the structure and efficiency of trade in wild snail in Selected Markets in fivepurposively selected popular markets in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from ahundred and twenty (120) snail marketers with the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed using Descriptivestatistics, Gini coefficient and budgetary analysis. According to the study, 80% of the respondents sourced theirgoods (snails) from the wild and the selling price is largely determined by the socio economic status of the buyer(40%). Also the enterprise is dominated by females (83.3%), more profitable in Apata market with a profit margin of ₦167,000 and generally efficient. Furthermore there is high inequality in the structure of the market as the gini coefficient (0.59) tends towards one while the major constraints to  marketing include transportation (from the wild to the market) competition among marketers and storage. The study therefore recommends that snail farming (heliculture) should be encouraged so that there will be massive production and availability of snails all year round. This would mitigate the identified problems and increase the benefits accruing to players in the snail value chain.

Keywords: Structure, Efficiency, Wild snail, Ibadan metropolis, Profit Margin.
Evaluation of Service-Quality Dimensions during Antenatal care in Primary Health Care Centers, Southern Kaduna Senatorial District, Nigeria
Authors: Samuel G.A. , Ogbu B.N. , Odunyemi F.T. , Suberu A. , George E.O. , Agaba L.O.
Published: June 2020

Shortage of qualified health care providers, weak health systems characterized by deficiencies of functioning equipment and essential medications, attitude of health workers as well as a range of physical, cultural, and financial barriers have been implicated for inaccessibility of quality care to many women. Poor acceptance of antenatal care is due to pervasive poverty, subordinate role of women, low literacy levels and the non-existent social systems in most developing countries. A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used and a total of 296 respondents (pregnant women) who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the required facilities and sample were selected in proportion with the inflow of clients in the facilities. Data were collected with the aid of questionnaires adapted from  Parasuraman etal (1988) and mean of 2.5 was used to ascertain satisfaction on the Likert scales. PHCs in southern Kaduna Senatorial district arevery accessible to the Clients (2.574±0.540) both financially and geographically as well as the opening hours of the clinics. The Clients have full confidence in the health care givers (2.977±0.483). Clients were satisfied with the level of empathy exhibited by the health care givers toward them during antenatal care (3.346±0.688) and that PHCs Centres' care was reliable (3.017±0.346). The mean score (3.043±0.375) shows satisfaction with the responsiveness of the Health care givers to the need of the Clients' during ANC. Clients were satisfied with the general appearance of the health facilities (3.103±0.364).

Keywords: Evaluation, Service, Quality, Dimensions, Antenatal
Physicochemical Assessment of Broiler Chickens Fed Diets Supplemented with a Mixture of Ginger, Garlic and Cinnamon
Authors: Idoko A.S. , Zaharaddeen A. , Imam N.U. , Nura S. , Abdulazeez B. , Sunday H. , Ugwu K.U. , Olaiya H.A
Published: June 2020

Some physicochemical changes in broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with a mixture of ginger, garlic and cinnamon was evaluated. During starter phase, 150 broiler chicks were divided into groups A and B of 75 birds each, and were randomly fed diets 1 and 2 respectively for 3 weeks. The average weekly weight gain by the chickens maintained on the mixed spices supplemented diet (235.15±15.55g) was significantly lower (p<0.05)compared with the weight gain by the control (274.26±20.23g) in the Starter phase. In the Finisher phase, group A was sub-divided into groups C and D while group B was subdivided into groups E and F and fed for additional 3 weeks. The average weekly weight gain by groups C (242.31±4.97g), D (282.46±15.04g), E (260.14±81.11g) and F (236.67±24.29g) did not vary significantly. The evaluated carcass characteristics and haematological indices when compared with the control did not vary significantly. The serum cholesterol levels (mg/dl) in groups D (101.40±4.13), E (106.60±4.59) and F (100.20±9.83) were significantly lower (p<0.05) in comparison with the level in group C (127.00±8.83). Groups E (46.96±8.62mg/dl) and F (47.44±6.35mg/dl) had significantly (p<0.05) lower LDL-C compared with the control (70.56±8.75mg/dl). Therefore, mixture of ginger, garlic and cinnamon may have no effects on the overall weight gain, carcass traits and haematological profiles but could decrease the risk of atherogenesis and CVD in broiler chickens.

Keywords: Cinnamon; ginger; garlic; spices; physicochemical
Kinetics Mechanism and Thermodynamic Study of the Oxidation of Iodide Ion by Dichromate Ion in Acidic Medium
Authors: Nyong B.E. , Abeng F.E. , Ushie O.A. , Bassey B.J. , Edim M.M.
Published: June 2020

This work introduces a newly developed kinetic mechanism and thermodynamic study that gives a clear theoretical insight between the iodine and chromium in acid solution. The paper mainly focuses on evaluating kinetic mechanism and thermodynamic properties of the oxidation of iodide by dichromate ion in acidic medium. This study was investigated using iodometric method. The rate has been studied by appropriate choice of concentrated conditions at constant temperature and ionic strength. The kinetic studies revealed half order reaction with respect to dichromate ion, first order for iodide ion and second order for hydrogen ion concentration. The dependence of reaction rate on the temperature was monitored in order to generate some thermodynamic parameters, which can be used in predicting the direction and spontaneity of the reaction. The thermodynamic studies of this reaction revealed negative values for ΔG, ΔS and positive values for ΔH which is an indication that the reaction wasspontaneous and endothermic. The oxidant chromium (vi) exist in acidic media as H2CrO4. The effect of ionic strength on the rate of redox reaction was investigated. The ionic strength was adjusted by varying the concentration of the nitrate to maximum. The effect of temperature was also studied to evaluate the thermodynamic parameters. Transition metals should be use as catalyst for future purpose to monitor the rate of redox reaction. The techniques employed on this research are very useful in determining the rate of a redox reaction.

Keywords: Kinetic, thermodynamic, oxidation, iodometric method
Comparative Assessment of Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water using Membrane Filtration and Multiple Tube Fermentation Methods
Authors: Adebisi O.O. , Adetomiwa A.A. , Gbala I.D.
Published: June 2020

Comparative assessment of 13 different drinking water sources (sachet, bottled, pipe borne and borehole) was carried using the conventional direct coliform plate count (CPC), multiple tube fermentation (MTF) and membrane filtration (MF) techniques. Physicochemical analyses indicated that the water samples meet WHO guidelines for pH, temperature and turbidity. However, the bacteriological analyses showed that none of the drinkingwater source is potable according to WHO guidelines. The confirmatory and completed tests revealed the presence of faecal coliforms in some of the samples. Findings of this study demonstrate that CPC is a poor method to assess water potability while MTF and MF techniques compared relatively well. There is need to intensify effort at the monitoring of activities in the rapidly expanding packaged water industry with a view to improving the standards.

Keywords: drinking water, membrane filtration, multiple tube fermentation, coliform
Effect of Butanol Addition to Neem Biodiesel-Diesel Blend on Emission Characteristics of Diesel Engine
Authors: Bitrus R. , Rufai I.A. , Ogweda S.H.
Published: June 2020

The effect of butanol addition in biodiesel-diesel blend to ascertain the emission characteristics of diesel engine was investigated. Experiments were carried out on a four-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled compression ignition engine. A blend of neem biodiesel 20% and diesel fuel 80% was prepared and labelled as B20. Butanol was then added to B20 blend at volume percent of 5%, 10% and 15% which was labelled as B20Bu5, B20Bu10 and B20Bu15 respectively. These samples were tested on the engine at two conditions: firstly, when speed was constant (2600 rpm) with varying torque of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11 Nm, and secondly when torque was constant (4 Nm) with varying speed of 2000, 2200, 2400 and 2600 rpm. Exhaust gas analyzer was used to measure exhaust emissions such as nitric oxide (NO), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and unburnt hydrocarbon (HC). The result shows that B20 blend has the highest amount of NO emission at all engine loads. At varying speed B20 blend was found to have NO emission of 303.8 ppm on average but the addition of butanol to B20 blend significantly reduced the amount of NO emission by 16%. NO emission reduced much with more percentage of butanol in the blend. In regards to CO2 emission, it was found that blends containing butanol emits higher amount of CO2 than B20 blend. However, CO2 emission decreased as percentage of butanol in the blend increase. At constant speed B20 blend increases CO emission more than blends containing butanol while at varying speed the result shows very insignificant difference. It was also revealed that blends containing butanol releases higher HC emissions than B20 blend across all engine speeds. At varying torque B20 blend emits higher HC than blends with butanol except for B20Bu15 which has 16.4 ppm on average. A regression equation was developed in order to predict the exhaust emissions at specific engine conditions using a particular fuel blend.

Keywords: Butanol, neem-biodiesel-diesel, emissions and predictive equation
Effectiveness of Some Selected Natural Filter Media for On-Site Small-Scale Treatment of Medium Strength Greywater
Authors: Adonadaga M-G. , Alimoh S.C. , Ampadu B.
Published: June 2020

Greywater represents a potential resource of water that can be recycled to meet the standards for safe discharge or non-potable uses. This study evaluated the performance of sand, charcoal, and saw dust filters in reducing Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Phosphatephosphorus (PO4-P), and Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) in greywater. Greywater was fed into a simple filtration system (SFS) with sand, charcoal and saw dust filters each of height 16 cm in three plastic containers of the same size: internal diameter 19 cm and height 22 cm each and operated for two weeks. Sand efficiently reduced the concentrations of BOD5, phosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P) and TDS while charcoal and saw dust were less efficient. Sand, charcoal, and saw dust reduced influent BOD5 by 97.65%, 61.20% and 66.12%; PO4-P by 99.92%, 83.98% and 20.56%; NO3-N by 28.30%, 58.80% and 39.21%; and TDS by 47.18%, 7.94% and 29.69%, respectively for the two-week experimental period. Overall, sand appeared to be the most suitable filter for improving greywater quality for discharge or non-potable uses in terms of organic matter reduction. Effective performance of the charcoal and saw dust filters for the treatment of greywater need further investigation.

Keywords: Greywater, daily discharge rate, natural filter media, small-scale treatment.
Determinants of Rice Import Demand in Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf W.A. , Yusuf S.A. , Adesope A.A.A. , Adebayo O.Z.
Published: June 2020

Primarily, the study examined the determinants of rice import demand in Nigeria by assessing the short run and long run dynamic model  relationships among the determinants, trends and extent of causality among per capita income, population, exchange rate and price of rice imports were equally examined, using data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National Bureau of statistics (NBS) over the period 1961 to 2013. Data obtained showed the perceived determinants of imports demand for rice in Nigeria were local rice production, rice import price, rice consumption, per capita income, and exchange rate, price of local rice, domestic stock variation, maize price, meat price and demographic  development. The short run dynamic model result showed that rice consumption, price of meat, price of maize, local rice quantity, demography development and stock variance are statistically significant at 5%. The significance of the coefficient of the error correction term confirmed theappropriateness of the error correction approach which also showed that ignoring the long run relationship is detrimental. The result however, revealed that rice import demand increases significantly with increasing rice consumption, increasing price of meat, increasing price of maize (keeping that for imported rice unchanged) and increasing demography development. Rice import price, per capita income, price of local rice and exchange rate had no significant effects on rice import demand. The study therefore recommends that locally-produced rice should be intensively improved.

Keywords: demography, determinants, Error correction mechanism, rice import demand
A brief overview of animal symptom checkers
Authors: Stans Jelle
Published: June 2020

Symptom checkers are tools that provide health information, including possible conditions, after entering one or more symptoms. Some symptom checkers also provide advice on how urgent medical attention should be sought. In addition to human symptom checkers, several tools are also available to check the symptoms of animals and provide veterinary triage advice. Unlike in human symptom checkers, this widespread availability has not lead to investigations of these tools. Indeed, little to no peer-reviewed research has been published regarding animal symptom checkers. This paper aims to describe some examples of animal symptom checkers. In addition, the proposals for future research are formulated by translating knowledge obtained from research into human symptom checkers.

Keywords: Animal, Online, Pet, Symptom checker.
Combining non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance thoracic ductography with vascular contrast-enhanced computed tomography to identify the canine thoracic duct
Authors: Kutara Kenji , Kanda Teppei , Maeta Noritaka , Mochizuki Yohei , Ono Fumiko , Itoh Yoshiki , Asanuma Taketoshi
Published: June 2020

Background: In humans, visualization of the thoracic duct by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been attempted, and recent advances have enabled clinicians to visualize the thoracic duct configuration in a less invasive manner. Moreover, MRI does not require contrast media, and it enables visualization of morphological details of the thoracic structures. In veterinary practice, the thoracic duct has not been visualized three dimensionally in MRI.Aim: This study aimed to assess the performance of our magnetic resonance thoracic ductography (MRTD) technique to visualize the thoracic duct and the surrounding 3D anatomical structures by combining MRTD and vascular contrastenhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) images in dogs.Methods: Five adult male beagle dogs (11.4–12.8 kg) were included in this study. Sagittal and transverse T2-weighted images were scanned in MRI. Scanning in MRTD used a single-shot fast spin echo sequence with a respiratory gate. CT was performed after the intravenous injection of contrast medium. All MRTD and CT images were merged using a workstation.Results: The thoracic ducts were identified in MRTD images of all dogs, and the surrounding anatomical structures were located with the aid of contrast-enhanced thoracic CT. In all dogs, the thoracic ducts coursed along the rightdorsal side of the aorta, cranially from the L2 level. Thereafter, these bent to the left side at the aortic arch and curved at the left external jugular vein angle. A comparison of the number of thoracic ducts at each vertebra between transverse T2WI and MRTD did not reveal any significant differences for all vertebrae.Conclusion: The results from our study suggest that MRTD using the single-shot fast spin echo sequence could be a useful tool for visualization of the thoracic duct. Furthermore, the image merged from MRTD and vascular-enhanced images provided detailed anatomical annotation of the thorax. The MRTD protocol described in this study is safe and easily adaptable, without the need for contrast medium injection into the lymph system. In addition, the images fused from MRTD and vascular contrast-enhanced CT image of the thorax could provide detailed anatomical annotations for preoperative planning.

Keywords: Computed tomography, Dog, Magnetic resonance imaging, Thoracic duct, Thoracic ductography.
Genomic characteristics of classical swine fever virus strains of bovine origin according to primary and secondary sequence–structure analysis
Authors: Giangaspero Massimo , Zhang Shu-Qin
Published: June 2020

Background: Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), species member of the family Flaviviridae, is generally considered restricted to domestic and wild suids. The circulation of CFSV has been detected in cattle herds in China and India. Natural infection appeared associated with clinical signs in some cases.Aim: The secondary structures of the internal ribosome entry site in the 5ʹ untranslated region (UTR) were used for the genomic characterization of bovine strains.Methods: Sequences have been compared to the representative CSFV strains isolated from pigs, vaccines, and contaminants from porcine cell lines and an ovine strain isolated in Spain.Results: The observed sequences from cattle showed a genetic relatedness with live-attenuated vaccine strains used in pigs. Sequence characteristics of the Chinese strain S171 are genetically distant from the previously reported CSFV genotypes, suggesting a new outgroup in the species, described for the first time, and named CSFV-d. Other Chinese strains were genetically closely related to CSFV genotype a2 (Alfort type) pig strains. Indian strains, reported from the states of Tamil Nadu and Meghalaya, were genetically closely related to CSFV genotype a1 (Brescia type) and a5 pig strains, respectively.Conclusion: These preliminary observations are new and relevant in countries, where CSFV control and eradication strategies are applied.

Keywords: Cattle, Classical swine fever virus, Pestivirus, Secondary structure.
The ophthalmic health and refractive state of working dogs in South Brazil
Authors: De Oliveira Juliana Kravetz , Bortolini Mariza , Schaller Melissa , Schuchmann Rafaela Kava , Moore Bret A. , Montiani-Ferreira Fabiano
Published: June 2020

Background: Working dogs, such as police dogs and guide dogs, have important roles in the contemporary society by performing specific and demanding jobs. Ocular health and the maintenance of good visual acuity are imperative to strong work performance and thus human safety.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess ophthalmic abnormalities and refractive errors in police and guide dogs in Brazil.

Methods: A total of 71 dogs (141 eyes) were evaluated. Ten were guide dogs and 61 were police dogs. The work performance was assessed by a questionnaire to each dog’s handler/owner. All the dogs underwent a complete ocular examination, and abnormalities were classified by condition, if they were active or inactive and if they were located within the visual axis. In addition, 62 dogs were evaluated by streak retinoscopy for refractive errors.

Results: Ophthalmic abnormalities were detected in 38 (54%) dogs, of which 23 were considered inherited, 25 were considered active, and 10 were located within the visual axis. Incipient cataracts were the most prevalent abnormality. No guide dog had an abnormality within the visual axis. The most common refractive error was myopia with the median and interquartile range of −0.75 ± 0.75 diopters; among these, police dogs had −1.0 ± 0.5 diopters, whereas guide dogs +0.38 ± 0.75 diopters. Police dogs tended to be slightly myopic and guide dogs were emmetropic.

Conclusion: Despite finding a considerable number of ophthalmic abnormalities and refractive error, work performance was good with no signs of visual impairment in any dog. Regular ophthalmic examinations are advised for working dogs, and an exclusion of severely affected dogs from breeding programs is recommended.

Keywords: Cataract, Emmetropia, Guide dogs, Myopia, Police dogs.