bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of gender dynamics in cassava production for resource empowerment among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Awotona T.O. , Oladimeji Y.U. , Damisa M.A.
Published: June 2022

One of the key hindrances to agricultural advancement is the wide gender gap in agricultural productivity. This study focused on gender dynamics in cassava production towards resource empowerment among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the level of involvement of cassava farmers based on gender and to determine the empowerment status and gender parity of women and men cassava farmers. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to randomly selected 245 cassava farmers made up of 68 adult male, 58 adult female, 61 youth male and 58 youth female cassava farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and empowerment in agriculture index. Both genders were highly involved in cassava farming. However, results further showed that adult males and females were more involved (x̅ = 2.28 and x̅ =2.3) than the youth male and female cassava farmers (x̅=2.18 and x̅=2.07 respectively). The disempowered headcount ratio was 60.3% for women as against 40.5% for men. This can be attributed to a number of  indicators and domains of the 5DE sub-index in which women were considerably disadvantaged. The average adequacy score reveals that men achieved adequacy in 64% of dimensions of 5DE, while the 5DE adequacy score was 53% for women. The 5DE disempowerment index disaggregated by gender establishes that the domain of production and control over resources were the major contributors to the disempowerment index for both women and men. Within the domain of the resources, the combined influence of ownership of assets and access to credit and associated decisions contributed 26.86 and 31.52 % respectively to women and men disempowerment. Formulation of policies, planning and preparation of projects/programmes that would encourage gender sensitivity on cassava production by relevant agencies is advocated.
Evaluation of dry matter accumulation and competition indices of grass-legume mixtures in the semi-arid Kano Nigeria
Authors: Oladele M.A. , Baba M. , Abdussamad A.M.
Published: June 2022

An experiment was conducted from April to September 2018 at Bayero University Kano, to determine the nature of competition between Sorghum almum (Columbus grass) and three forage legumes namely Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea), Lablab purpureus (lablab) and Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) on the basis of dry matter accumulation and competition indices. The treatments were (Sorghum almum sole, three legumes sole and mixtures of grass with legumes at 50:50 replicated in four blocks in randomized complete block design. Seeds of grass and legumes were sown in 3.5m *2m plots. The results showed that sole lablab produced higher (ρ <0.05) cumulative total dry matter (42.07 t ha-1) than sole grass, monoculture of other legumes and mixtures. The cumulative total plant biomass and mean relative yield total of mixtures were not significantly different. Sorghum-Mucuna mixture with mean relative yield total value (1.11) appeared to be more advantageous in terms of efficient resource sharing than other mixtures. Sorghum-Mucuna mixture was recommended as the most compatible combination.
Evaluation of in vivo pathogenicity of Candida species isolated from palm wine and sorghum beer in a murine model
Authors: Egue Laurence A.N. , Gbogbo Moussa , N'Guessan Florent K. , Koussemon-Camara Marina
Published: June 2022

Since Candida species frequently isolated in hospitals have been found in food processing environments, their presence in palm wine and sorghum beer may be of some clinical significance. This study was carried out to assess the in vivo pathogenicity of Candida strains isolated from these traditional beverages. Thus, ten potentially pathogenic strains were used to inoculate immunocompromised rat models by gavage and observed up to 30 days post-inoculation. On contrary to the control rats, the body weights of the animals inoculated with all the studied strains decreased over time, passing from 105-111 g to 89-98 g. Furthermore, the amount of white blood cells and platelets significantly increased while the red blood cell counts decreased, except those inoculated with Kluyveromyces marxianus strains. The blood smears taken at day-30 showed yeast cells in 60% of the inoculated rats. All strains in the study, except Candida tropicalis S10 and S13, were detected in the kidney with loads ranging from 2.58 to 7.24 log (CFU/g). In the liver, C. tropicalis S17, K. marxianus S87 and K. marxianus S2 were not detected. Thus, palm wine and sorghum beer yeast strains, mainly C. rugosa, C. inconspicua and C. tropicalis strains are capable of inducing candidemia.
Microbiological contamination of cooked meals in collective and commercial catering of public universities of Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kone Adama , Sika Andrée Emmanuelle , Adingra Ama Antoinette , Zamble Boli Abel , Toule Aubin Cyrille , Koffi-Nevry Rose
Published: June 2022

In Côte d'Ivoire, the absence of legislation in university catering increases the risk of collective food poisoning. The aim of this study was to assess the level of contamination of cooked meals in university catering in the city of Abidjan. To do this, 160 cooked meals samples were taken in the two public universities of Abidjan. The search of mesophilic aerobic germs; Enterobacteriaceae and of Staphylococcus aureus was carried out. The results showed that in general, the microbial loads of the cooked meals analyzed were higher than the criteria required by the regulations. 40.33% of the presumptive Staphylococcus aureus strains tested are confirmed. 20 species belonging to 14 genera of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from the different cooked meals. The species most frequently isolated from cooked meals is Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.4%) followed by Klebsiella oxytoca (17%) and Serratia liquefaciens (14.5%). In general, efforts still need to be made to improve the level of hygiene in institutional catering and commercial catering. Constant monitoring of the application of hygienic rules must be instituted, in order to prevent the occurrence of food poisoning. The use of microbiologic results of cooked meals in the universities will provide an example for similar collective catering.
Biological quality evaluation of samples stored in biobank of Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire : case of influenza in nasopharyngeal and meningococcal in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples
Authors: Kintossou Ambroise Kouamé , Diane Maxime Kouao , Cisse Souleymane , Bouagnon Rita Julie , Aka Edwige Ayébé , Coulibaly Litio Sinali , Grenier Stéphane , Kadjo Hervé A. , Money Marcelle , Dosso Mireille
Published: June 2022

The preservation and use of biological samples for therapy, diagnosis and research have been common practice for a long time. To maintain the stability of biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) contained in the samples stored at the biobank of Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire, we evaluated the quality of the conservation of influenza nasopharyngeal and meningococcal CSF samples. Two (2) samples were chosen for this evaluation, namely Influenza A nasopharyngeal samples and Streptococcus pneumoniae CSF samples. After a few years of storage, these same samples were used to perform a PCR test. The results of the PCR tests showed a discordance of 36.4% for the Streptococcus pneumoniae CSF samples compared to 15.4% for the nasophryngeal samples. This study validates the need to write procedures for sample conservation at the level of the analysis laboratories and the Biobank. Therefore, a reflection must be carried out to standardise conservation techniques and a sample conservation evaluation programme.
Impact de l’âge d’abandon sur les caractéristiques floristiques dans les carrières de phosphates au sud-est du Togo
Authors: Djangbedja Minkilabe
Published: June 2022

Les carrières minières représentent souvent un type particulier de milieu ayant subi une pression d’excavation importante et soutenue dans le temps. Au sud-est du Togo se développent des carrières de phosphates. Les opérations d'extraction de ces minerais laissent à l'abandon d'importants terrils en arrière du front d'exploitation, livrés à une régénération naturelle lente et incertaine. L’objectif de cette étude est de vérifier si la distribution des espèces dans ces carrières est mieux expliquée lorsqu’on introduit le facteur « âge d’abandon ». A cet effet, six sites ont été échantillonnés en fonction de l’âge des travaux : 2010- 2020; 2000-2010; 1990-2000; 1980-1990; 1970-1980 et 1960-1970. Suivant la méthode sigmatiste de Braun-Blanquet, 120 relevés phytosociologiques ont été effectués dans les formations post carrière à raison de 20 relevés par site. Au total, la flore recensée dans les six sites des carrières abandonnées est respectivement de 61, 64, 80, 30, 66 et 93 espèces, quant aux familles botaniques elles sont de 12, 10, 14, 10 et 15. La valeur minimale de l’indice de Shannon de 1,26 a été obtenue dans les carrières âgées de 20 à 30 ans et la valeur maximale de 4,01 a été enregistrée dans les carrières d’âge d’abandon de 40 à 50 ans. Les résultats des coefficients de corrélation de Person montrent que l’indice de diversité de Pielou varie en fonction de l’âge d’abandon de la carrière. Par contre la richesse spécifique et l’indice de Shannon n’ont pas de liaison significative avec l’âge d’abandon. Les traits de vie, les types phytogéographiques et les types de familles varient également en fonction de l’âge d’abandon mais surtout présente une dynamique forestière en absence d’intervention humaine. L’âge d’abandon n’est donc pas suffisant pour expliquer la variabilité et répartition des taxons sur les carrières. Les facteurs anthropiques et écologiques influencent cette dynamique végétale au sein de ces carrières.
Long-term effect of forest and landscape restoration practices on soil organic carbon stock in semi-arid Burkina Faso
Authors: Cissé Abdul-Charif , Maïga-Yaleu Stéphanie Batchakoué , Kaboré Sibiry Albert , Kairé Maguette , Hauswirth Damien , Issa Oumarou Malam , Moussa Ibrahim Bouzou , Nacro Hassan Bismarck
Published: June 2022

In semi-arid areas, forest and landscape restoration (FLR) practices are being implemented to reverse the land degradation process. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of FLR practices on soil organic carbon stock (SOCs) under different land uses in the semi-arid region of Burkina Faso. The study was conducted on degraded land under rehabilitation practices for 45, 27, 18 and 11 years, which were compared to similar land without specific rehabilitation measures. The soil was collected in 2018 in 35 sampling plots of 30 m x 30 m. Soil analysis concerned bulk density, soil particle size, soil pH, soil organic carbon content, and respiratory activity of microorganisms. SOCs increased by 150%, 98% and 29% over 0-10 cm depth in 45-, 27- and 11-year of FLR practices, and decreased by 6% in 18-year of FLR practices compared to their respective control. SOCs were not linearly increased with the duration of the implementation of FLR practices because the variation of SOCs depends on several other parameters such as soil texture, and types of combination of FLR practices. The highest SOCs were recorded for 27 years (9.5 t.ha-1) and 45 years (8.5 t.ha-1) of FLR practices. This study revealed the importance of including Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) as one of the combined FLR practices, for improvement of SOCs.
Effets des pratiques agricoles sur l'érosion hydrique en zone soudanienne du Mali (station de l’IPR/IFRA de Katibougou)
Authors: Dicko Gaoussou , Bengaly Aboubakar , Ballo Sadio
Published: June 2022

La recherche d’indicateurs pour une agriculture durable est un facteur indispensable pour la sécurité alimentaire au Mali. Cette étude visait à tester l’effet de trois systèmes de culture sur l’érosion hydrique. L’essai a été entrepris sur un dispositif expérimental d’érosion de type Wischmeier à l’IPR/IFRA de Katibougou au Mali, sous pluies naturelles sur un sol ferrugineux tropical. Le dispositif était constitué de trois blocs sur 100 m2 par parcelle élémentaire. Chaque bloc était composé de cinq traitements (témoin nu, témoin régional, fréquence limitée du labour, travail minimum du sol et jachère améliorée). A chaque averse de pluie, la lame ruisselée et la pluviométrie étaient mesurées pour les calculs du coefficient de ruissellement et de la perte en terre. Les pertes en terre sur les parcelles de : travail régional, fréquence limitée du labour, travail minimum du sol et la parcelle nue étaient respectivement de 29,39 t.ha-1, 30,65 t ha-1, 21,15 t.ha-1 et 33,8 t.ha-1. Les résultats ont montré que le travail minimum du sol conserve le sol et les eaux par la réduction du ruissellement et des pertes de terre sur un sol ferrugineux tropical.
Characterization of strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus isolated from groundnut (Arachis hypogea), rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) in Senegal
Authors: Faye Abdoulaye , Diop Youssoupha , Sarr Diégane , Gueye Papa Yoro , Coly Atanasse
Published: June 2022

The contamination of certain food crop with aflatoxin poses a real public health problem for consumers and causes many market losses for exporters. Thus, several research works are oriented in the direction of developing methods to combat aflatoxinogenic fungus. This study aimed at identifying and characterizing strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on groundnut, maize and rice seeds grown or imported into Senegal. Four species (A. niger, A. tamarii, A. flavus and A. parasiticus) were isolated from the seeds with incidences ranging from 0 to 100% depending on the samples and their provenance. Six strains of A. flavus and 3 strains of A. parasiticus have been identified and characterized on CYA and G25N culture media. The characterization focused on the morphological characteristics (color and appearance, mycelial growth) of the colonies on the different culture media, and on some microscopic characteristics such as the density of sporulation (production of conidia) and the appearance of the conidiophore. Strains of A. flavus were more frequent on groundnuts and isolates with the same traits were also identified from rice and maize samples, hence the 3 strains of A. parasiticus were isolated.
Evaluation des performances agronomiques des variétés de riz aromatiques au Burkina Faso
Authors: Konate Abdourasmane K. , Zougrana Sylvain , Kone Soumana , Wonni Issa
Published: June 2022

Au Burkina Faso, la production du riz ne couvre que la moitié des besoins de consommation, liée en partie à la faible productivité des variétés homologuées. Cette étude visait à évaluer les performances agronomiques des variétés aromatiques de riz, afin de contribuer aux besoins de consommation locale. Pour ce faire, un dispositif expérimental du type alpha lattice avec quatre répétitions a été mis en place sur le site irrigué de Karfiguela pour évaluer les paramètres agro-morpholpogiques et de rendements de 31 variétés de riz. En outre, elles ont été criblées en conditions semi contrôlées, pour évaluer leur phénotype vis-à-vis des bactérioses dues à Xanthomonas oryzae. Les résultats ont montré qu’un groupe composé de 12 variétés ont été très performantes avec des rendements de 5469 kg/ha. Le second groupe renfermait 16 variétés avec des rendements de 4552,92 kg/ha, et le troisième groupe composé de trois variétés, avait de faible rendement de 3333,33 kg/ha. Malgré leurs bonnes performances, les 28 variétés aromatiques ont été sensibles à la bactériose vasculaire et la bactériose à stries foliaires translucides, causées respectivement par X. oryzae pv. oryzae et X. oryzae pv. oryzicola. Par conséquent, leur utilisation sur un site avec une forte pression de ces deux pathogènes, impactera fortement leur potentiel de production. Il s’avère donc nécessaire d’améliorer leur résistance contre les deux maladies pour garantir une production durable.
Does digital marketing adoption enhance the performance of micro and small enterprises? Evidence from women entrepreneurs in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole Roseline J.
Published: June 2022

This study examined the effect of digital marketing adoption on the performance of micro and small scale enterprises of women entrepreneurs in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. The study employed multistage sampling technique in selecting ninety women entrepreneurs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Analysis of variance, Z-test and Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) regression. The result shows that majority (90%) of the respondents are users of digital marketing with medium users having the highest (53.33%). Social media is the most effective digital marketing with WhatsApp and Facebook having the highest usage. The greater the extent of digital marketing adoption by women entrepreneurs, the higher the enterprise performance. Only social media and mobile marketing statistically and significantly influenced the enterprise performance. There is significant difference in the enterprise performance of the non-users and users of digital marketing of women entrepreneurs. There is also significant difference in the enterprise performance of users of digital marketing. The study recommended that women entrepreneurs should improve on the usage of digital marketing and focus more on the use of social media and mobile marketing.
Media and endemic corruption in Nigeria: A scrutiny of the role of the print media in the war against corruption
Authors: Nzeaka Emmanuel Ezimako , Ehondor Beryl , Edosonwan Aifuwa
Published: June 2022

The media are the bedrock of any democratic system acting as a connection between the government and the people via its publications. This study thus examined the role of the press, especially newspapers, in covering endemic corruption as well as the challenges faced along the way, using Nigeria as a microcosm for Africa. Social Responsibility Theory (SRT) and media content analysis were used to analyse data collated from 200 corruption and anti-corruption related reports from Premium Times and Vanguard Newspapers published in six months, January to June 2017 and isolated cases in 2019, 2018, 2020, and 2021. The newspapers were identified via purposive sampling and have received awards for investigative reporting. Their headlines and content were reviewed to determine whether the reports were investigative or interpretative journalism within the months and years under review. Findings revealed that print media in Nigeria have been reporting on corruption and government fraud, however, their reportage has been more interpretative than investigative. The press tried exposing corrupt practices in government but was also confronted with challenges such as the curtailment of free speech, intimidation, assassination, and weak laws, hampering the war against corruption. The study recommended that media houses focus on investigative reporting, which is imperative for a democratic state. The press must alsoadvocate autonomy, security, strengthening of current legislation for open access to information, implementation of punitive measures against uncovered corrupt officials and other government support in the fight against corruption. Media and the government must collaborate in the interest of societal growth.
Socio-political conflict prevention and community harmony in Nigera: An analysis of culture neglect in the Boko Haram insurgency
Authors: Opurum Innocent Okwu , Dibia Joseph Ahamuefula
Published: June 2022

The paper analyzed the Boko Haram insurgency to show the culture neglect in political conflict prevention and community harmony in Nigeria. It relied on unstructured available data, which were collected from secondary documents for descriptive analysis of a non-survey and nonexperimental qualitative study. Cultural determinism was found a suitable theoretical framework based on the papers position that pluralist paradigm, conflict theory and communication theory which bear relevance to the study are all culture deterministic. The paper revealed that Culture is the nexal gap between socio-political conflict prevention and community harmony in Nigeria. It observed that the absence of an active national culture with capacity to make divergent interests of sub-cultures or component units conform to national interest in Nigeria was the vacuum that led to the failure of early warning signals and mechanisms to prevent the Boko Haram conflict. It recommended long term and short term culture-sensitive pathways to harmony in the Nigerian national community and cautioned that the greatest danger facing communities at all levels, which consciously or otherwise, undermine the culture-dimension to socio-political relations of conflict within it, is unending or at least, not near-ending crisis, conflict, and disharmonious living, even an outright dismemberment.
Impact of school home grown feeding programme on pupils’ enrolment and performance in FCT Abuja, primary schools
Authors: Solomon Benjamin Adekunle , Yusuf Kpada Rakiya
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the impact of the School Feeding Programme of public schools in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria on enrolment and academic performance of the pupils. It was done with a view to establishing its impact on school enrolment and academic performance of the pupils. The study adopted the survey research design and obtained its data from primary and secondary sources through the administration of structured questionnaire on120 respondents in 12 selected public primary schools in FCT based on random sampling technique. An in-depth faceto- face interview of 20 purposively selected people involved in the general implementation and assessment of the school feeding programme complemented the questionnaire. The secondary sources included extrapolating themes and subject matter from published books, magazines, journal articles and government gazette. Administrative bottlenecks relating to processing of payments to vendors and suppliers, delays in crediting the accounts of the vendors and inability of the government of FCT to scale up the meals to senior classes in the schools were among the findings of the study. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were proffered: Government should increase the fund allocation for the programme to cater for the logistics problem associated with monitoring vehicles and to make provision for classroom furniture in schools to reduce classroom congestion; periodic evaluation should be carried out and records of enrolment should be carefully taken and adequately kept by the teachers for future reference for planning; and, government should make arrangement for food vendors prompt payment to reduce the rate at which some schools operate for a week or two without the pupils getting the one meal per day being provided by the government.
Determination of microbial metagenomic markers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in patients visiting South C Health Centre in Nairobi Kenya
Authors: Kumar Binod , Kinyua Johnson , Kimotho James
Published: June 2022

Disturbances in the gut microbiota have been associated with the onset and progression of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to the determination of Microbial Metagenomic Markers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Patients Visiting South C Health Centre in Nairobi Kenya. The study adopted three basic objectives, namely, types and abundance of Bacteria Colonizing the Gut of T2DM, Pre-Diabetic, and Non-Diabetic Patients Visiting South C Health Centre, T2DM metagenomics markers based on the identified genera and abundances of bacteria and correlation between metagenomic markers of T2DM, prediabetes and non-diabetic subjects and their clinical manifestations. The data used was collected from South C Medical Center in Nairobi, Kenya. The total target population was 79 persons in a cross-sectional metagenomic study which profiled the types and abundances of gut bacteria in 33 T2DM and 13 prediabetic Kenyan volunteers and compare these with the profiles of 33 Kenyans without diabetes. Postprandial random blood sugar (RBS) measurements were used to group the participants. Fecal samples were collected and subjected to 16S V5-V6 rRNA gene sequencing. Reads were analyzed using MOTHUR v. 1.39.1 and the SILVA reference dataset. Alpha and beta diversity and tests of significance were calculated using the MOTHUR Software. Samples from all the groups showed marked dysbiosis characterized by the high abundance of proteobacteria, low levels of bacteroidetes, and a high F/B ratio. The T2DM group had high levels of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria compared to the non-diabetic and prediabetic groups. Putative metagenomic markers of T2DM identified include elevated levels of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, elevated F/B ratio, and high alpha diversity in T2DM (Chao 1 -value: 0.019888; [Kruskal-Wallis] statistic: 7.8353) and significant abundance of Escherichia shigella (p value=0.000588, FDR=0.004706). It was suggested that high levels of Escherichia Shigella in T2DM patients contribute to the progression of T2DM disease through the production of bacterial endotoxins leading to chronic systemic inflammation. High levels of opportunistic pathogens such as Escherichia Shigella, and Kluyvera in the T2DM group support the observation that monitoring the gut microbiome may be a useful strategy in monitoring and managing bacterial infections in the diabetic people.
Effect of tilt angle on the performance of a thin-film photovoltaic system
Authors: Langat Victor K. , Kanali Christopher L. , Ronoh Erick K. , Ondimu Stephen N. , Ndirangu Samuel N. , Roskilly Tony , Royapoor Mohammad , Laidler Paul
Published: June 2022

Solar energy is among the cleanest and most sustainable ways to enhance electrical supply's resiliency and reliability for domestic and industrial use. A Photovoltaic (PV) system is the most effective way of capturing solar energy. Long-term warranty, low-cost maintenance, and vast resource availability, solar power generation has an advantage over other approaches. Thin-film technology PV cells are a new kind of solar cell that offers an efficient technique of generating electricity from sunlight. The thin-film PV technology (FFMAT-10, Renovagen, UK) used in this study can supply 0.9 to 1.6 kW of energy to the fast-fold energy hub. The hub’s system status and configuration display battery power input, battery’s state of charge, thin-film PV power and AC power output. Two fast-fold mats (with a surface area of 25.3 m2) were connected to the energy hub. Increasing energy demand coupled with frequent power outages, and inaccessibility of electricity in rural areas necessitates the usage of PV systems at their best performance level. The study objective, therefore, sought to assess the effect of tilt angle on the performance of the thin-film PV system. The study was conducted at Kimicha in Kirinyaga County Kenya, and Juja, Kenya at tilt angles between 0o to 30o. The results indicated that the mean peak PV power for Kimicha was 347.8±231.9 W at 5o and 517.7± 131.3 W at 15ofor Juja. The maximum solar radiation during the study period was 1086.4 ±211.4 W/m2 for Juja and 973.5±219.93 W/m2 for Kimicha. From the study, it was realized that an optimal tilt angle yields optimum solar radiation that translates to maximum power production. Even though the study was conducted in two different regions, it may be applied to any other geographical location. The outcome of the study aids in acquiring self-sustaining power in the most remote locations where electricity is scarce as well as improving energy security.
Socio-economic factors affecting fisherfolks in Otuocha and Ebenebe fishing communities in Anambra state, Nigeria
Authors: Ikechukwu C.C. , Chukwurah M.M , Nwankwo C.G , Ogbonnaya H.F , Edeh I.C
Published: June 2022

Fishing is an important source of income contributing to the economy of fishing communities living around Ezu and Omamabala Rivers in Ebenebe and Otuocha areas in Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 120 structured questionnaires were distributed to obtain the socio-economic information from the respondents. Descriptive statistic was used for the data analysis. Results from the study revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between Ebenebe and Otuocha fishing communities, in terms of level of education attained, with no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the average monthly income earned. The study also showed that 71.7% of the respondents were males which engaged in fish farming while 28.3% were females involving in fish processing and trading, both of which were mostly within the age bracket of 30-39 years. The highest household size (35.9%) comprised of 6 members while 92.3% of the respondents had one form of education or the other. Most of the respondents (69.6%) took fishing as their major occupation while 30.4% also involved in other activities in addition to fishing operations. A 5-point likert scale was employed to record challenges of the respondents, and could be concluded that the socio-economic conditions of the fisherfolks in the study areas were not highly excellent due to lack of basic social amenities and modern fishing facilities amongst other factors.

Keywords: Fisher folks, Social-Economic factors, Ebenebe, Otuocha, Anambra
Spawning performance and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry bred under different water sources in Abakaliki Metropolis
Authors: Awoke J.S , Oti E.E. , Okoro C.B
Published: June 2022

The study was conducted to compare effects of three different water sources on hatchability and survival of Clarias gariepinus fry. The water sources used were: rain (RNW), borehole (BHW) and well (WLW). The experiment involved artificial induced breeding of C. gariepinus and rearing the resultant larvae/hatchlings for 14 days to assess reproductive performance. Hatchability was estimated 24 hours after incubation, while larval survival was determined at 14 days’ post hatching. Data resulting from the experiment were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Percentage hatchability in all water sources were relatively high with the highest mean value of 93.1±1.60% obtained in RNW experiment. Larval survival after 14 days’ post hatching was above average with the highest mean value of 63.7±2.41% recorded in BHW while RNW recorded the lowest mean value of 44.2±0.55%. The results of this study has demonstrated that borehole water may be a suitable water source for induced artificial spawning of the African catfish and subsequent larval rearing.

Keywords: Brood Stock, Hypophysation, Propagation, Water quality, Milt, Hatching
Microbiological properties of water and sediment of New Calabar River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Otene B.B , Chukwu K.O , Pepple F.S
Published: June 2022

Microbiological characteristics of water and sediment of New Calabar, River, Port Harcourt, Nigeria were investigated. Water and sediment samples were collected from three stations {Aluu, ARAC (Station 1; Choba Bridge (Station 2) and Rumuokparali (Station 3)} on a monthly basis between February and April, 2020 and analyzed using standard methods. The results showed that Total Heterotrophic Bacteria in water (THBw) ranged between 2.20 x 102 and 2.6x104 cfu/ml with the overall mean value of 7,313.33 + 1039.09 cfu/ml while that of sediment (THBs) ranged between 3.1 x 103 and 3.9 x 104 cfu/g with the overall mean value of 42,566.67 + 71199cfu /g. The THB counts were higher in sediment than in water with Station 2 significantly different from other stations. Total Coliform Bacteria (TCB) in water ranged between 1.1 x 103 cfu/ml and 2.9 x 103 cfu/ml with the mean value of 1988.89±532.55cfu/ml while that of sediment ranged between 1.3 x 103 cfu/g and 2.5 x 104 cfu/g with the mean value of 9422.22 ±9595.41cfu/g. TCB counts in water showed no significant difference across the stations at p<0.05 but Station 2 statistically differed from Stations 1 and 3 in the sediment. Morphological and biochemical tests showed that 8 bacteria species were isolated from sediment and and 9 specimens were recovered from water. Some isolated specimens were: Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus. sp, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis while Escherichia coli was the only bacterium found in water but absent in sediment. Two species: Staphylococcus spp and Bacillus subtilis dominated the study area. Fungal counts in water ranged between 3.0 x102 and 2.6 x 103 cfu/ml with the overall mean value of 1911.11±67.51cfu/ml while that of sediment ranged between 1.7 x101 and 3x102 with the overall mean value of 173.00±78.52 cfu/g. Fungi counts showed significant difference (p < 0.05) across the stations in water and sediment. Macroscopic and microscopic characterization of fungi showed that 6 fungi species were recovered in water and sediment. These included Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oligospora and Pennicillium species. The species Fusarium solani and Aspergillus flavor were found in Station 1 but absent in Stations 2 and 3. It could be observed that microbial counts in both water and sediment exceeded the 1.0x102 cfu/ml and 0 cfu/ml recommended levels by WHO and EPA respectively. Thus, the study area may be under threat and the water may be unsafe for human consumption.

Keywords: Microbiological Properties, Sediment, Water, New Calabar River, Port Harcourt
Assessment of the impact of abattoir effluent on the physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of the Effurun River, Effurun and Eburu Canal, Warri in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbeibu A. E. , Erhirhi A.V.
Published: June 2022

Water is said to be polluted when it is impaired by anthropogenic contaminants and natural phenomena. An assessment of the impact of effluent from the Effurun market abattoir and Eburu abattoir on the physico-chemical parameters of the Effurun River, Effurun and Eburu canal, Warri, Delta State was carried out from July to December 2015 at three designated stations: station 1 (Upstream of effluent discharge point), station 2 (Effluent discharge point) and station 3 (Downstream of effluent discharge point). In the Effurun River, analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant spatial variation (P<0.05) in electrical conductivity, salinity, BOD5 (Biological Oxygen Demand), COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), TSS (Total Suspended Solids), PO4 (Phosphate), TS (Total Solids), and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) while in Eburu canal, significant spatial variation (P<0.05) was observed in salinity, BOD5, TS, TDS and TSS. A posteriori test using the Duncan Multiple Range (DMR) test revealed that these indicator parameters were significantly higher in station 2 than in the other stations of the Effurun River and Eburu canal. The values of fecal coliform count and total coliform count increased from station 1 to station 2 and slightly decreased in station 3 in the Effurun River and Eburu canal respectively. Chi-square goodness of fit showed significant difference (P<0.001) in station 2. Both water bodies showed very low recovery capacities (less than 50%). The current water quality status of both water bodies from the discharge of abattoir effluents poses environmental and health problems to the end users. Most of the parameters exceeded the regulatory limits hence the need to treat waste before discharging into the ecosystem.
Aerobic and chemical treatment of fish pond water for irrigation purposes
Authors: Uwidia I.E , Iruetere-Uzoge O.H.
Published: June 2022

In this study, fish pond water was collected from the artificial pond in the Department of Fisheries, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. The pond water was analyzed for some physicochemical parameters such as: temperature (T), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), turbidity (Turb), chemical oxygen demand (COD), hardness (Hard), alkalinity (Alk) and bacteria count (BC). Biological treatment by mechanical aeration and chemical treatment with calcium hydroxide were carried out on the pond water. The treated pond water was characterized to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments. Results obtained revealed increase in pH and dissolved oxygen after treatment but decrease in other parameters. The biological and chemical treatments were effective in reducing the concentration of most of the parameters. The treated pond water can be reused for irrigation but must undergo recarbonation to reduce pH and increase alkalinity.
Quality assessment of some commercially produced animal feeds and two native forages in southern Nigeria
Authors: Onyagbodor O.P. , Oyedeji J.O.
Published: June 2022

Samples of broiler starter feed, grower mash, broiler finisher feed and layers mash were collected from three commercial feed manufacturers and were coded commercial feed A (CFA), commercial feed B (CFB) and commercial feed C (CFC). The proximate compositions of the feed samples were determined using the methods of the Association of the Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Forage samples of Andropogon gayanus and Panicum maximum at young growth stage were also collected from two locations, Ado-Ekiti and Port Harcourt (PH). The proximate composition for broiler starter feed was 8.2% DM, 19.9%CP, 3.2% crude fat, 4.2% crude fibre, 10.3% ash, and 2893.8kcal/kg ME. Growers mash had 8.2% DM, 15.1% CP, 2.0 % crude fat, 5.3% crude fibre, 14.0% ash and 2663.3kcal/kg energy. The results of A. gayanus from Ado-Ekiti was 11.46% DM, 9.16% CP, 0.89 fat, 32.18% crude fibre, 8.07% ash, and 1103.6kcal/kg energy, while P. maximum had 16.37% DM, 11.50%CP, 1.21% crude fat, 32.65% crude fibre 8.78% ash and 1215.4kcal/kg energy. Proximate composition of A. gayanus from PH was 10.38% DM, 10.823% CP, 0.883% crude fat, 30.803% crude fibre, 8.807% ash, and 1176.382kcal/kg energy. The results of the poultry feeds revealed little variation from what the labels state. Panicum maximum showed more promise than A. gayanus. Results of the proximate analysis of the poultry feed and forages examined in this study suggest that the commercial feed producers largely maintain the required nutritive contents of the feed types they produce, and the forages hold quality promise as feed resource for ruminants and forage reserve consideration. It is therefore, recommended that regular monitoring and screening of feed and feed resources should be done and sustained to ensure the safety and quality of animal feed.
Fish types, breeding grounds and migratory routes in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Okogwu O.I. , Elebe F.A. , Nwonumara G.N.
Published: June 2022

Akwa Ibom State is one of the six maritime states in Nigeria and has a shoreline of approximately 129km. Three important rivers (Cross, Imo and Kwa Ibo) transiting through some Nigerian states, terminally pass through the state before discharging into the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the extensive drainage systems and huge fisheries potentials of the state, very little is known about her role in the sustainable productivity of major fish populations. This study was undertaken to bridge information gap on fish type, migratory path and breeding sites of some fish fauna in order to protect fish populations and diversity. The study revealed that Characidae, Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, Clariidae, Schilbeidae and Bagridae dominated the freshwater fauna, while Clupeidae, Carangidae and Ariidae dominated marine piscifauna. Mbo, Udung Uko, Oron Urbuan and Itu in the state serve as major migratory path for several diadromous fishes. The floodplains of the major rivers at Itu, Uruan, Okobo and Ibiono (Cross River), Oruk Anam, Ikot Abasi and Ukanafun (Imo River) and Eket, Onna Nsit Ubium and Etinan Local Government Areas (Kwa Ibo River) serve as major breeding sites. Consequently, the state hosts hundreds of fishermen that depend solely on fishing for their livelihood. However, fish diversity and productivity are threatened by pollution, unorthodox fishing techniques, over exploitation, deforestation and replacement of mangrove plants with exotic nypa palm. This study shows that Akwa Ibom State occupies a prime position in the sustainable fish productivity and biodiversity of the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria. It is suggested that a well-coordinated strategy that should involve fishers, community leaders, researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and governmental agencies be adopted to protect fish productivity and diversity of the major drainage systems that pass through the state.
El entorno familiar en procesos de aprendizaje en niños de educación inicial: Caso Escuela de Educación Básica Daniel Villacreses Aguilar del Cantón Portoviejo
Authors: Mejia Naranjo Diana Verónica , Arroyo Cobeña María Verónica
Published: June 2022

El siguiente artículo es producto de una investigación, la cual tuvo como propósito analizar el entorno familiar y su influencia en el proceso de aprendizaje de los niños del subnivel 2 de Educación Inicial de la Escuela de Educación Básica Daniel Villacreses Aguilar del Cantón Portoviejo. Ecuador. Este estudio se llevó a cabo desde el paradigma positivista lo cual permitió abordar la realidad educativa como objetiva, a través de la aplicación del método científico. Además, se apoyó en una investigación de campo con carácter descriptivo. El nivel de la investigación, se trata de un estudio descriptivo de carácter correlacional. Las unidades de análisis estuvieron conformadas sesenta (60) padres y representante de la mencionada institución, y 6 docentes especialistas en educación inicial. Para la recolección de los datos se utilizó la técnica de la encuesta, y se diseñó un cuestionario de 45 ítems con escalas de repuestas tipo Likert. Para el análisis y recolección de la información se utilizó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Las conclusiones del estudio permiten inferir que el entorno familiar ha tenido gran incidencia en el proceso de aprendizaje de los estudiantes del subnivel 2 de educación inicial de la escuela de educación básica Daniel Villacreses Aguilar del cantón Portoviejo de la provincia de Manabí en el año 2021.
Vehicle Monitoring System using Arduino
Authors: Obulesu B. , Vasavi B. , Yogeswari C. , Sailaja T. , Samhitha M. Veda
Published: June 2022

In Today’s world, transport is essential to the public and with the rise in population accidently increased in the vehicle usage, this leads to more accidents. Most of the accidents occur due to the consumption of alcohol, the speed of the vehicle exceeds, or when the driver felt drowsy. There are many sensors that are used to detect. In this project we are using the alcohol sensor and eye blink sensor. These sensors are connected to the Node MCU ESP8266. Node MCU ESP8266 has the inbuilt Wi-Fi. These are placed on the PCB. The speed of the vehicle slows down when it detects the abnormal condition of the driver. The buzzer gives the beep sound when it detects the drowsiness of the driver and senses the alcohol detection. And also a notification message is sent to the mobile, by using the blynk application.
Strategic management of airports efficiency and safety in the process of air and multimodal logistics transportations development
Authors: Bugayko Dmytro , Ierkovska Yuliya , Bugayko Danylo
Published: June 2022

The airport is a complex system that focuses on the intersection of the interests of different players in the transport market and different activities related to the performance of air transportation. The airport has an independent position in relation to partners and users of air transport. Therefore, the role of the airport, above all, is to unite the efforts of the air transport system and find a balance between their economic interests in order to maximize the efficient and safe use of air transport. In addition to effective cooperation with its partners, the airport must meet the requirements of international standards for aviation security, the appropriate state of infrastructure and efficiency of technological processes. States are also interested in developing, increasing the capacity of airports, expanding opportunities in the process of operation, as the airport contributes to the revival of ties between countries and the development of the global economy, tourism. Bringing the air transport infrastructure in line with international requirements is an important component of Ukraine's strategy aimed at ensuring the competitiveness of the national economy on the world market. Solving the problems of airport development is a nationwide problem that hinders the use of the high transit potential of the state. The complex and diverse challenges facing airports require rational, integrated and flexible solutions in business process management and active cooperation of air transport system participants, which is manifested in the coordination of strategic, tactical and operational decisions. The article is devoted to improving approaches to strategic management of airport efficiency and safety in the process of ensuring the implementation of international air and multimodal logistics services.
Processes and Practices Improvement of Sample Receiving Counter at Government Clinical Laboratory in Sri Lanka
Authors:   . Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka., T.W.M.A.J Bandara,
Published: June 2022

Improving efficiency of a clinical laboratory service should be a first priority in healthcare development of any country. It plays a significant role as it facilitates diagnosing and treating diseases and finally to discharge the patients faster. Therefore, the reliability and the accuracy of a clinical laboratory should be guaranteed through a sound sample management. The aim of this study was to improve the process and practices of sample management at a sample receiving counter of a selected government clinical laboratory in Sri Lanka. The study was an institution based interventional project. The research adopted mixed methods including a desk review, a checklist, focus group discussions and a staff satisfaction survey which was conducted among Medical Laboratory Technologists. Proportions, percentages and means were calculated for quantitative data and narrative analysis was done for the analysis of qualitative data. The results indicated that the incidences of missing samples and request forms and sample handling time have been significantly reduced at post intervention. Performance of the routine counter activities including proper documentation, updating the notice boards, monitoring temperatures of sample storing refrigerators and consideration of rejection criteria in accepting the samples were significantly improved after the intervention. Staff satisfaction on overall sample handling process and practices was significantly improved after the intervention except the current practice of sample data management and facility availability to carry out duties. The study recommends modifying the counter layout with adequate expansion. It also recognized the necessity of implementing a Laboratory Information Management System for whole laboratory operation.