bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of fresh and decomposed liver on aspects of reproduction of blowfly <i>Chrysomya chloropyga</i> (wied.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Olatubi I.V. , Muse W.A. 
Published: July 2020

This study compared the effects of fresh and decomposed liver on aspects of reproduction of the blowfly, Chrysomya chloropyga to determine the possibility of multiple generations of the blowfly on a single cadaver. The total development time from egg to adult were 8.75 and 8.50 days in the flies fed on fresh and decomposed liver respectively and were not significantly different (p=0.58) from each other. The sex ratio (male: female) was 1:1 on both diets. There was a significant difference in the survival of adults fed fresh and decomposed liver (p=0.001, 0.001). There was no significant difference (p=0.362, 0.029) in the longevity of flies fed fresh and decomposed liver. Age at first egg laying on fresh and decomposed liver were 15.00 and 7.25 days respectively on fresh and decomposed liver. Fecundity of 175.6 eggs recorded in the flies fed on fresh liver was not significantly different (p=0.804) from that (200.8 eggs) of flies on decomposed liver. Mean weights of male and female flies maintained on both diet increased from the first day to tenth day only. However, it was not significantly different (p=0.130, 0.576) from each other throughout the period of exposure. Protein concentration was significantly higher in females fed fresh liver than those maintained on decomposed liver at ages 0 to 25 days. In conclusion, decomposed liver was as effective as fresh liver in supporting reproduction of the C. chloropyga with a better performance on decomposed liver. The study also demonstrated a strong indication for more than one generation of flies on a sizeable cadaver.
Key Words: Blowfly, Chrysomya, Decomposition, Forensic entomology, Reproduction
Assessment of Lagos soils for some persistent organic Pollutants
Authors: Alani R. , Olayinka K. , Alo B. 
Published: July 2020

Contamination of Lagos soils with persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic micropollutants (PBTs) may not only affect the non-target species residing in the soil, but also raises the concern of the possibility of the chemicals finding their way into the Lagoon and other water courses via soil run-off and leaching. In this study, soil samples were collected from three busy areas of Lagos (Apapa, Okobaba and Iddo) and analyzed for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Organochlorine pesticides (OCS), and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Gas Chromatography with Mass Selective Detector (GC/MSD) was used for the analyses. Iddo had the highest percentage organic carbon content of 39.39% with highest total PAHs of 2,706.93 ng/g. The highest total PCBs of 23.63 ng/g was found at Apapa 3 which was one of the three sampling points in Apapa. PCB 74 was the onlyPCB found in all the soil samples and ranged between 3.55 ng/g and 23.64 ng/g at Apapa 1 and Apapa 2 respectively. High concentrations of the following organic compounds were also obtained at the following locations- naphthalene (1,625.10 ng/g) at Iddo; dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'DDE ), (117.98 ng/g) at Okobaba, and PCB 74 (23.63 ng/g) at Apapa 1. The results obtained showed that the higher the municipal activity, the higher the percentage organic carbon content.
Key words: Bioaccumulative and toxic micropollutants, Gas chromatography/Mass selective detector, Persistent organic carbon, Soil organic pollutants
Sedimentology and maturity of Ajali formation, Benin flank Anambra basin, Nigeria
Authors: Ilevbare M. , Imasuen O.I. 
Published: July 2020

The Ajali Sandstone, western flank, Anambra Basin, was studied for textural characteristics and maturity of the sediments. Grain size analysis (51 samples), thin section and heavy mineral analysis (15 samples each) and XRF fusion for metallic oxides (15 samples) were analyzed. The textural parameters show that the Ajali Sandstone are medium sand, poorly to moderately sorted, coarse to strongly coarse skewed with mesokurtic to leptokurtic grains. The thin section analysis reveals grains that are sub-angular to sub-rounded (this typifies grains that have travelled fairly long distance to the deposition site), of moderate to well sorted grains, with both monocrystalline and polycrystalline quarts-grains type, with a modal composition of Q F and L . A mineralogical maturity 90.4, 2.3 2.9 index (MMI) of 17.04, SiO /Al O ratio of 180.24, and a ZTR index of 67.96% were obtained. The values for the 2 2 3 MMI and SiO /Al O indicates mineralogical matured sediments, the ZTR index shows a chemically immature 2 2 3 to sub-mature sandstone, and the modal composition values are consistent with a texturally and compositionally matured sands. The mineralogical maturity is indicative of high degree of chemical weathering of source area. Furthermore, the high quartz and silica content make the sandstone prospective for glass and glassware production.
Key words: Anambra Basin, Maturity, Mineralogical maturity index, Textural characteristics, Glass
Morin attenuates dutasteride/tamsulosin-induced hepatic oxidative stress in rat
Authors: Olayinka E.T. , Adewole K.E. 
Published: July 2020

Dutasteride-Tamsulosin (DUT-TAM) is a combination drug for the treatment of symptoms of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). Despite the efficacy, it is associated with some side effects, including hepatotoxicity. Therefore, this study investigated the attenuative effects of morin on DUT-TAMinduced organ toxicity. Twenty four male rats were divided into 4 groups (A-D) consisting of 6 animals each. Group A animals (control) were given olive oil, Group B animals were administered with DUT-TAM (5.4 mg/kg body weight of dutasteride + 3.4 mg/kg body weight of tamsulosin), Group C were given morin (100 mg/kg body weight) while group D animals were administered DUT-TAM and morin (5.4 mg/kg body weight dutasteride + 3.4 mg/kg body weight of Tamsulosin and 100 mg/kg body weight of morin). All the administrations were carried out orally for 14 days. DUT-TAM caused a significant increase in plasma bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 62%, 45% and 18% in the DUT-TAM treated group respectively, compared with the control (P˂0.05). However, treatment with morin significantly decreased the DUT-TAM-induced increase in plasma bilirubin concentration as well as AST and ALT activities. Furthermore, DUT-TAM administration decreased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as hepatic concentration of ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione (GSH) by 58%, 54%, 59%, 46% and 63% respectively, but increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level by 49% relative to the control (P˂0.05). However, treatment with morin significantly ameliorated the observed changes in these antioxidant parameters (P˂0.05). These data suggest that morin protects against hepatic toxicity, as well as oxidative stress induced by dutasteride-tamsulosin in rats.
Keywords: Dutasteride, Tamsulosin, Prostate enlargement, Oxidative stress, Liver
Evaluation of the potential of sasobit polymer as an additive in bitumen and asphaltic concrete
Authors: Mohammed H. , Adefesobi S.A. 
Published: July 2020

This paper evaluated the effects of sasobit polymer (Sasobit®) on the characteristics of asphaltic concrete with a view to investigating its suitability as an additive in asphaltic concrete. Sasobit®, bitumen and aggregates were procured from a Construction Company site office, along Shagamu-Ibadan expressway. Sasobit® modified bitumen was prepared by adding Sasobit® to bitumen with increasing weight of Sasobit® at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3 % by the weight of the bitumen. Penetration and softening point tests were carried out on the samples and the mix-ratio for the bitumen – polymer mixture was determined. Asphaltic concrete samples with and without Sasobit® were prepared. The samples were subjected to Marshall Stability test. The stability, flow, specific density, voids filled with bitumen (VFB), air voids (VA) and voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA) weredetermined. The values of stability, flow, specific density, voids filled with bitumen, air voids and voids filled in the mineral aggregates for sample without Sasobit® were 13.63 kN 2.91 mm, 2.51, 64.64 %, 4.29 % and 18.19 %, respectively, while for those with Sasobit® at mix – ratio of 1.7 % bitumen – polymer mixture, the values were 14.67 kN, 2.41 mm, 2.55, 73.30 %, 3.96 % and 16.39 % respectively. The result showed that, Sasobit® as additive in asphaltic concrete improved its properties.
Keywords: Sasobit®, Asphaltic Concrete, Stability, Flow, Voids filled with bitumen, Air voids, Voids in mineral aggregate
Moderate heat treatments enhance the quality of traded natural shea butter
Authors: Oyedele A.O. , Igbeneghu O.A. , Alade T.I. , Akinmusire O.O. 
Published: July 2020

Natural shea butter (NSB), extracted by traditional methods resulting in its poor quality, is nevertheless widely traded within Africa and beyond due to its several useful applications. This study examined effects of simulated laboratory/domestic heat treatments on quality of the commodity obtained from a cross section of Nigerian markets. Physicochemical and microbiological qualities of NSB samples procured from four selected markets located across three Nigerian states were evaluated by standard methods before and after graduated thermal stress treatments from 50 through 120 °C over 5, 15, or 30 min durations, respectively, and filtration at 60 °C. Mean physicochemical quality values of NSB samples determined, namely: specific gravity at 29 °C (0.90-0.94); softening, melting temperatures (33-36, 36-39 °C; respectively); acid, iodine, and saponification values (10.5- 29.3, 46.4-59.1, 110-470; respectively), were not adversely or significantly altered by the thermal treatment types and stresses. Whereas all untreated NSB samples demonstrated microbial contamination (total viable counts: 3 6 10 -10 cfu/g) with Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Aspergillus, or Candida species, the graduated heat treatments produced varied sanitizing effects. Higher temperatures (100, 120 °C) gave greater and more rapid cleansing action than the lower temperatures (50, 75 °C), both intensity-ranges being aided by length of holding time. Hot filtration eliminated all the NSB contaminants. In conclusion, while untreated NSB is found grossly contaminated by microbes, unhygienic and unsafe for human use, this study has demonstrated efficient contaminants-cleansing action of heat treatments (³100 °C × ³ 30 min) on NSB, and the total sanitizing effect of hot filtration process.
Key words: Natural shea butter, Physicochemical quality, Microbiological quality, Heat treatment, Hot filtration.
Forest and concepts of food security
Authors: Ayodele A.A. 
Published: July 2020

This review explores the concepts of food security and the part forest plays in ensuring that there is adequate access to food at all times. It considers the four pillars in food security and their concurrent relationship which when attained, ensures a food secured household and nation. It identified the forest and forest resources as an important contributor to achieving sustainable food security through direct and indirect roles and linked the pillars of food security through a conceptual framework. It concluded by placing emphasis on the roles of government and other supporting bodies in improving policies on food security and the utilization of forest resources and also create awareness on the importance of forest to a sustainable food secured nation.
Keywords: Food Security, Forest, Forest Resources, Sustainable
Susceptibility pattern of <i>Escherichia coli</i> from urinary tract infections to antibiotics and methanol extracts of <i>Olax subscorpioidea</i> and <i>Sida corymbosa</i>
Authors: Idowu Philip A. , Okanlawon Babatunde M. , Salam Habeeb O. 
Published: July 2020

Antibiotic resistance in urinary tract infections (UTIs), of which Escherichia coli causes about 80% of cases is on increase, causing mortality, morbidity and increased health care costs. Clinical isolates of E. coli (13) from UTIs were tested for susceptibility to standard antibiotics and extracts of Olax subscorpioidea and Sida corymbosa. Methanol extracts of the plants were screened at 20, 40, 80 and 100 mg/ml against the isolates using agar-welldiffusion method while antibiogram was determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the plants` extracts and two antibiotics were determined by agar dilution method. The isolates were mostly susceptible to ofloxacin and 100% resistance to augmentin. Extracts of the plants showed good and dose-dependent activities, even on the multidrug resistant E. coli isolates. The zones of inhibition of the extracts ranged 9-16 mm while the MICs ranged 0.5-10 mg/ml on the isolates. This study has shown that MDR E. coli in UTIs are still prevalent and that the roots of O. subscorpioidea and stem of S. corymbosa extracts have good antibacterial activities against the isolates. The results justified the traditional use of the plants to treat infections generally and the potential utilization in the treatment of UTIs.
Keywords: Urinary tract infection; Antibiotics; Escherichia coli; Olax subscorpioidea; Sida corymbosa
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous leaf extract of<i> Erlangea tomentosa</i> (Asteraceae) in rats and mice
Authors: Muhwana Isaac , Obakiro Samuel Baker , Ibanda Ivan , Crucifix Pender Gift , Afodun Adam Moyosore , Odoma Saidi 
Published: July 2020

Erlangea tomentosa (Asteraceae) is used traditionally in the preparation of herbal remedies for management of several diseases including pain and inflammation. However, its efficacy and safety have not been scientifically validated. The aim of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous leaf extract of this plant and its acute toxicity profile in animal models. Antinociceptive activity and anti-inflammatory activity were determined using the acetic acid-induced writhing model in mice and carrageenan induced inflammation model in ratsrespectively. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) was determined using the Lorke’s Method. The extract inhibited pain due to acetic acid significantly (p<0.05) at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The inflammation due to carrageenan was also significantly (p<0.05) reduced at dose of 500 mg/kg body weight but not 250 mg/Kg. The LD50 value of the extract was greater than 5,000 mg/kg implying that the extract was safe in 24 hours when administered in a single high oral dose. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, saponins, tannins and resins. The present study has demonstrated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous leaf extract of Erlangea tomentosa in rats and mice; thus validates the folkloric use of the plant.
Keywords: Erlangea tomentosa; Antinociception; Anti-inflammation; Acetic acid; Carrageenan
An investigation of questions in Ètùló language of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoye Adaobi Ngozi 
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the formation of questions in Etulo, a minority language spoken in Benue State. It specifically examines the strategies used in forming content and polar questions in the language. Data for the study were collected during a fieldtrip to Adi in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The study shows that both content and polar questions are formed in the language through different strategies. Whereas content questions are formed through the use of interrogative words such as òle/kↄ ‘where’, òle ‘which’, ème ‘who’ emine ‘how many’ among others, the main strategy employed in polar question formation is the use of tone. In addition to tone; the language also uses such particles as gbɛ́ɛ̀ and lô in polar question formation. These particles occur at the final position of a declarative sentence to indicate that it is a question.
Key Words: Etulo, Question Formation, Polar, Interrogative Words
Patriarchal ideologies and female un-femininities in a contemporary feminist writing: A gender-oriented and critical discourse analysis perspective
Authors: Allagbé Ayodele Adebayo , Amoussou Franck 
Published: July 2020

Drawing on the Critical Discourse Analysis grid put forth by scholars such as Van Dijk (2001a&b, 2004, 2006), Fairclough (1989, 1995, 2001, 2003), Van Leeuwen (1996, 2008), Meyer (2001), Caldas-Coulthard & Coulthard (1996), Wodak (2001), the current paper exuded how institutional social power is deployed to naturalize ideologies as common sense or common knowledge in a sample text drawn from a contemporary feminist novel, notably Sefi Atta’s Everything Good Will Come (2006). It also tried to unravel how, through discursive structures and properties, the womenfolk resist or/and transgresses the established sociocultural norms and conventional ideologies as regards gender, role assignment and power. Finally, it advocated the view that only gender-balanced power relations between men and women can ensure a fair social justice and peaceful society.
Key Words: Critical Discourse Analysis, feminism, gender, ideology, patriarchy, power
A Seven-Step Block Multistep Method for the Solution of First Order Stiff Differential Equations
Authors: Gebregiorgis Solomon , Muleta Hailu 
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a seven-step block method for the solution of first order initial value problem in ordinary differential equations based on collocation of the differential equation and interpolation of the approximate solution using power series have been formed. The method is found to be consistent and zero-stable which guarantees convergence. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the method.
Keywords: Power series, Collocation, Interpolation, Block method, Stiff.
Prevalence Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci Among Apparently Healthy Students Attending A Tertiary Institution In Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Ogefere H.O. , Umaru G. , Ibadin E.E. , Omoregie R. 
Published: July 2020

This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) among apparently healthy students of a tertiary institution in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 350 students were recruited for the study and nasal swabs were collected alongside demographic data. These swabs were processed microbiologically using standard techniques to recover staphylococci. Antimicrobial susceptibility and methicillin-resistance was determined using a phenotypic method (cefoxitin resistance). A total of 148 (42.3%) of 350 students were culture positive for S. aureus, while 72 (20.6%) were positive for CoNS. Students from Faculty of Dentistry showed the highest prevalence of nasal MRSA (40.0%) and MRCoNS (20.0%). Ofloxacin and gentamicin were the most active antibacterial agents against MRSA with 89.1% and 87.3% respectively been susceptible, while gentamicin was the most active antibiotic against MRCoNS (75.0%). Nasal colonization by MRSA and MRCoNS was unaffected by area of residence and gender (P > 0.05). The nasal carriage rate of MRSA and MRCoNS was 37.2% and 33.3% respectively. The study recommends periodic review of nasal colonization rates among apparently healthy subjects. Regulated use of antimicrobial agents is imperative in order to stem the tide of resistance.
Keywords: Methicillin-resistance, Staphylococci, Students, Antibiotics
Application of Multivariate Analysis in the Evaluation of Metals Distribution in Soil from Awwal Mining Site Kebbi, Nigeria
Authors: Shehu G. , Koki I.B. 
Published: July 2020

Multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were utilized for the evaluation of metal distribution and variations in the soil at Awwal mining site. PCA was used to determine a reduced number of three principal components (PC) indicating about 82% of the total variation in the soil samples. The result of FA justifies the results of the PCA obtained. HCA classified the soil samples at the sites into two clusters, with cluster one having the higher metal levels, while cluster two had low metal levels but characterized with dominant toxic heavy metals (As and Pb). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that natural percentage abundance in soil and mineral composition of the mining ores were the main sources of the metals under study. Due to high metal levels in the soils, disposal and management of the mining waste/tailings and rehabilitation of the mining site after closure of mining should be done with care and caution to avoid leaching of the toxic metals to surface and underground water for the protection of health and safety of the neighboring community.
Keywords: Soil, Metals, Mining, Multivariate analysis, Awwal.
The Effects of Effluent Discharged from Bottling Companies on Algal Composition in Kakuri Stream Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: S.K.  , Okpanachi I.Y. 
Published: July 2020

This study determined the impact of soft drink effluent on algal composition in Kakuri stream, Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna. Limnological studies of soft drink effluent were carried out for a period covering wet and dry seasons across three (3) sampling points code-named Stations A, B and C. Some physio-chemical parameters were analysed using standard methods. A total of 43 species were observed belonging to 5 families. Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae were the most abundant families across the three (3) stations. The total flora count was high during the dry season, 1965 cells than wet season, 1071 cells. The most dominant species were Euglena sp., Microcystis sp. and Oscillatoria sp. The pH of the three stations was more alkaline (pH 8.1) but reduces slightly at stations B and C during the months of May (pH 5.2) and August (pH 6.5). The biological oxygen demand (BOD) was relatively high across the stations, dissolved oxygen was generally low except for some months (December at station A and January at station B) that had its dissolved oxygen values above 5.00 mg/l. Euglenophyceae showed positive correlation to conductivity and BOD, Chlorophyceae was positively correlated with BOD, Cyanophyceae showed positive relationship with BOD and dissolved oxygen, Charophyceae was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen, Bacillariophyceae showed positive correlation with pH, temperature, phosphorus, BOD and dissolved oxygen. Effluent discharge and farmland run-off passed into the water body supports growth of dominant species indicating organic pollution, thus, poses a threat to the environment over a long period of time.
Keywords: Algae, Effluent, Biological oxygen demand, Dissolved oxygen.