bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Risk Evaluation of Selected Heavy Metals in Infant Nutrition Formula in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Akpe M.A. , Ubua P.U. , Ivara S.E. 
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to ascertain the level of some heavy metals namely; Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt and Lead in baby milk or infant formulas used in the country and evaluate the health risk associated with their consumption. Five (5) brands of popularly consumed and most preferred or recommended infant formula foods for children in Nigeria were bought from the main (Watt) market in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria and were coded and labeled V, W, X, Y and Z respectively. The samples were digested in the fume cupboard using aqua regia and analyzed for heavy metals using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The results showed that the concentration of Arsenic was less than 0.001mgkg-1 across all the five (5) brands. Cadmium concentration ranged between 0.010 - 0.052 mgkg-1 , and it was detected in all the samples. Cobalt ranged between 0.002 - 0.010 mgkg-1 , and it was detected in 3 out of the 5 samples. Chromium concentration ranged between 0.002 - 0.004 mgkg-1 was detected in 4 out of the 5 samples or brands of infant formula studied. Lead amount ranged between 0.080 - 0.014 mgkg-1 and was less than 0.001 mgkg-1 in 2 brands out of the five brands sampled. These results are low and within the permissible limits of WHO. The Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) of these metals were all less than 1 except for Cadmium in brand V that was 1. This indicates that there is no health danger associated with the imgestion of the infant formulas at the moment
Keywords: Health risk, Heavy metals, Infant formula, Calabar-Nigeria
Analysis of Soil Erodibility Factor for Hydrologic Processes in Kereke Watershed, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Songu G.A. , Abu R.D. , Temwa N.M. , Yiye S.T. , Wahab S. , Mohammed B.G. 
Published: May 2021

: Soil erodibility factor plays essential role in determining how susceptible soil is to hydrological processes such as detachment and removal by rainfall and runoff that could influence soil erosion and sediment entrainment by flooding in an area. This paper therefore determined the erodibility k-value of soil in the Kereke watershed with the purpose of assessing its susceptibility to hydrological processes. Data was collected on some soil properties such as soil texture, soil structure, soil organic matter content, soil carbon content, soil porosity, soil bulk density, soil moisture content and soil erodibility k-value. The systematic sampling procedure was used to select thirty-two settlements which served as catchment areas for data collection; from which thirty-two soil samples were collected for analysis. Tables and graph were used to present the data, and percentages were used to depict variations in the data set. Results of the study shows that the soil samples have high percent sand particles (71.6%), moderate amount of clay particles (15.7%), silt(12.7%), organic carbon (0.6%), organic matter (1.1%), bulk density (1.4 gcm-3 ), porosity (45.2%), moisture content (14.0%) and low soil erodibility k-value of 0.018. The soil erodibility k-value in the study area was considered to be low, and therefore the soils are moderately erodible. This probably accounts for the moderate intensity of soil erosion channels and entrained sediments by flooding observed in the study area. It is therefore recommended that soil management practices should be encouraged by farmers especially planting of cover crops, shifting cultivation and fallowing system. This will allow nutrients gain and improved bulk density to limit soil erodibility capacity and good soil management in the area.
Key words: Soil erodibility factor, hydrological processes, Kereke watershed, North Central Nigeria
Comparative Analysis of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Temperature between Forest and Non-Forested Domains in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Awosusi B.M. , Adamu I.S. , Orunkoyi A.R. , Atiba D.O. , Obe A.A. , Amori M.D. , Adedoyin E.D. 
Published: May 2021

This study was carried out to assess the concentration levels of CO2 and temperature and also to correlate their values among selected locations in Oyo State, Nigeria. CO2 and temperature readings were taken using a portable CO2 meter, and a GPS was use to capture co-ordinates of sample points, this was done twice a day. Data were collected from 7am to 11am for morning session while afternoon session data were collected between 1pm and 5pm making a total of 8 hours monitoring. There were negative correlation between CO2 and temperature in all the forests while we have positive correlation between CO2 and temperature in non-forested domains, this, by implication, means that presence of trees in the forest reserve help to reduce Carbon dioxide during the day since trees manufacture their food using CO2 in the presence of sunlight. Also, the positive correlation between CO2 and temperature in the towns is due to high rate of human anthropogenic activities during the day. The values of CO2 obtained in this study were higher when compared with IPCC limit of 435 ppm (parts per million) of CO2 emission. Routine monitoring of carbon dioxide and public education is recommended.
Keywords: Carbon dioxide, Temperature, Forest, Non-Forest, Forest Reserve
Effects of Zeros in Phase Space Reconstruction for Small and Large Solar Radiation Data Points during Wet and Dry Seasonal Modeling and Prediction
Authors: Adeniji A.E. 
Published: May 2021

The effect of zeros in the behaviour of nature system has been a major global concern which have been reported to bias the output of the analysis. This study examines the effect of zeros on small and large solar radiation data points in Nsukka from a nonlinear dynamic perspective. The solar radiation data used were collected from National Research for Space and Development Agency (NARSDA) and covers the period of two years (January 2012–December 2013). The influence of zeros on average mutual information method for delay time (𝜏), False nearest neighbour (FNN) for embedding dimension (𝑚), and phase space reconstruction is investigated by considering two different cases (one hour and five minutes interval for small and large data points on monthly basis respectively). The results reveal that the phase space trajectories of the raw and non-zero small data points for dry and wet seasons show evidence of an attractorin a well-defined region while raw and non-zero large data points have no attractor like shape but regular patterns and well-defined shapes are visible in dry and wet seasons. These imply low-dimensional and deterministic chaotic nature of the underlying dynamics of raw and non-zero data for small and large data points during wet and dry seasons. It is observed that there is little or no significant difference in the phase space reconstruction of raw and non-zero data for both small and large data points due to the low percentage of zeros in the time series data.
Keywords: mutual information method, Phase space reconstruction, False nearest neighbour, chaotic nature.
Ameliorative Effects of Aqueous Extract of Date Palm Fruits (phoenix dactylifera) on high fat diet- induced Liver Damage in Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Onyilo P.O. , Innih S.O. , Ihemeson G. , Ogereka L.U. , Nweke S.M. , Obele E.I. , Nwalie I.N. 
Published: May 2021

Elevated cholesterol level is a major cause of disease burden in developing Nations. This study seeks to evaluate the ameliorative and hepatoprotective potentials of aqueous extract of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on high fat diet-induced liver damage. Thirty (30) adult wistar rats weighing 110-180g were randomly divided into six group of five animals each, group A served as control while B was exposed to high fat diet only (using margarine brand); Groups C, D and E were given high fat diet with co-treated with the extract at low, medium and high doses respectively while group F was received the drug Atrovastin as a gold standard to enable comparative effects of date palm administration. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were anaesthetized using chloroform blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture to investigate the activities of liver enzymes, and liver tissue was harvested through a midline incision for histological analysis. There were evidence of vascular congestion and periportal infiltration in rats given margarineonly indicative of hepatocellular disruption. Animals that received moderate to high dose of the fruit extract show mild to total reversal of the damaged liver cells and activation of kupffer cells with concurrent changes in serum albumin level. Aqueous extract of phoenix dactylifera was seen to ameliorate the fat induced liver damage with notable changes in hepatocyte configuration as observed when treated with standard drug.
Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera, Hyperlipedermia, Liver, Wistar rat
Comparative Assessment of Hydrocarbon Generation Potential of Organic Matter from Shale Sediments along Isugwuato – Okigwe Axis, Anambra Basin, SE Nigeria
Authors: Uzoegbu M.U. , Ugwueze C.U. 
Published: May 2021

TRACT: The Cretaceous sediments in the Anambra Basin (SE Nigeria) consist of a cyclic succession of coals, carbonaceous shales, silty shales and siltstones interpreted as deltaic deposits. The objective of this study is to compare the hydrocarbon generation potential of organic matter from shale sediments along Isugwuato-Okigwe axis in the Anambra Basin, Nigeria. Data obtained indicates the presence of Type III kerogen with Tmax values are between 424 and 441ºC indicating that the shales are thermally immature to marginally mature with respect to petroleum generation. Hydrogen Index (HI) values range from 14 to 388.9mgHC/gTOC while S1 + S2 yields values ranging from 0.2 to 1.0mgHC/g rock, suggesting that the shale have gas generating potential. The TOC values rangesfrom 1.3 to 3.0%, an indication of a good source rock of terrestrially derived organic matter. The high oxygen index (OI) (16.3 mgCO2g-1TOC), TS (1.35) and TOC/TS (1.5) suggest deposition in a shallow marine environment. Based on the kerogen type, shales from the studied area will equally generate oil and gas if its organic matter attained sufficient thermal temperature.
Keywords: Shale, kerogen type, maturity, oil generation.
Statistical Modelling of Comorbidity Effect on Second Cancer
Authors: Oguntade E.S. , Oladimeji D.M. 
Published: May 2021

Second cancer is a new cancer that occurs in someone who had history of cancer. The incidence of cancer is on the increase in the global scene and especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. This phenomenon constitutes huge health problems especially with comorbidity effects with other health conditions which have made the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients a complex issue. Hence, this study determined the comorbidity effect on second cancer based on a retrospective study of 474 patients attending University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). These patients were first treated of cancer, and after one year developed another cancer or cancer free. The results revealed that the incidence of second cancer was approximately 39.5% and 41.4% of the patients with one or more other disease(s) had second cancer. Adjusted and unadjusted odds ratio from logistic regression showed that patients with history of smoking were 3.58 times more likely to develop second cancer when no adjustment was made to the model while the risk increased after adjustment. Furthermore, cormobid patients are 1.56 times more likely to develop second cancer than cancer patients without other diseases. Based on the area under the receiver characteristics curve, logistic regression model effectively distinguished between the two groups of cancer patients. Comorbidity and smoking were identified as significant factors on the incidence of second cancer among cancer patients attending UATH. Therefore, emphasis should be given to formulating policies on controlling tobacco smoking and to create health awareness on the effect of clinical factors on second cancer within the study area.
Keywords: Comorbidity, Cancer, Statistical modelling, Sensitivity, Specificity, Odd Ratio
Thermal Radiation Effect on Fully Developed Natural Convection Flow in a Vertical Micro-Channel
Authors: Aina B. 
Published: May 2021

The effect of thermal radiation on steady fully developed natural convection flow in a vertical micro-channel is presented in this article. Effects of velocity slip and temperature jump conditions are taken into account due to their counter effects on both the volume flow rate and the rate of heat transfer. Due to the presence of thermal radiation, the momentum and energy equations are coupled system of ordinary differential equations. Governing coupled nonlinear equations are solved analytically by employing the perturbation analysis method to obtain an expression for fluid temperature, fluid velocity, rate of heat transfer and skin friction on the microchannel walls. The effect of various parameters controlling the physical situation such as thermal radiation, temperature difference, Knudsen number, and fluid wall interaction are discussed with the aid of line graphs and Tables. Results indicate that both velocity and temperature enhanced with the increase of the thermal radiation parameter.
Keywords: Thermal radiation, Natural convection, Micro-channel, Velocity slip, Temperature jump
Marketing Expansion Strategies for Local Crops-Based Couscous in Tahoua State, Niger Republic
Authors: Amadou Z. , Mohammed B.H. 
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the own-price and cross-price elasticities for locally grown crops-based couscous and compares confidence intervals computation for willingness-to-pay and market shares under Krinsky Robb and Delta bootstrapping methods. Syntheses of previous literature and a focus group with consumers had helped to identify nine brands of couscous included in this research. The fractional factorial design was used to collect data from three hundred consumers, while the multinomial logit was used to analyze data. Results indicate that rice, cowpea and millet-based couscous were the most preferred by consumers and their market share accounts of more than fifty percent. The Results from simulation showed that confidence intervals under Krinsky and Robb stabilize as a sample size increases and thereby adjusting for skewness. However, confidence intervals under Delta computation are constant regardless of sample size, thereby failing to adjust for skewness. Finally, results also indicate that skewness was also accommodated in confidence intervals for market share because its values progressively adjust as sample size increases. These findings may be useful to boost cropbased couscous demand in the study area and beyond and thereby improving farmers’ revenue and offering diet diversification opportunity.
Keywords: Marketing expansion, Strategies, Local crops, Couscous, Willingness-to-pay
Phytochemical composition of tubers of selected accessions of African yam bean, Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst.ex A. Richmond) harms (family fabaceae)
Authors: Konyeme T.E. , Nyananyo B.L. , Tanee F.B.G. 
Published: May 2021

This study is on the quantitative determination of phytochemical composition in tubers of 17 accessions of the African Yam Bean (AYB), Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst.ex A. Richmond) Harms. Standard laboratory methods were followed to ascertain the presence and quantity of some phytochemicals in the tubers of the 17 AYB accessions. The result showed that variations existed among the studied accessions for the eleven phytochemical constituents. The ranges were: total alkaloid (22.195-183g\100g), Glycosides (4.338- 14.733g\100), Flavonoids (7.732- 14.037g/100), Phenols (16.448-32.287g/100), Oxalate (2.519-8.938ppm), Tannin (1.22- 4.340ppm), Saponin (1.475-5.232ppm), Hydrogen Cyanide (0.261-0.928ppm), Phytate (1.532- 5.435ppm), Trypsin Inhibitor (1.088-3.858ppm), and Organic Acid (11.537-23.904ppm). A high significant correlation was observed among the first three principal component axes whichaccounted for 90.4% of the total variation among the accessions. The cluster analysis showed the existence of two significant divergent groups. The accessions in cluster II recorded the least values for oxalate, tannins, saponins, hydrogen cyanide, phytate, trypsin inhibitor, glycoside, flavonoid and phenols while cluster I had higher values for them. The identified phytochemicals with the significant intra-specific variations seem to provide clues which underscores the possibilities of selection and improvement of these tubers for food and medicine for humans.
Keywords: African Yam Bean, tubers, underexploited organ, nutritional, anti-nutritional factor, diversity, phytochemicals.
A 3-D geoelectric model over mineralized zone of Ugonoba, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olaseni V.B. , Airen J.O. 
Published: May 2021

The occurrence of solid minerals in Ugonoba community was investigated using the 3D electrical resistivity method. Data was acquired using PASI 16GL Terrameter using the wenner electrode configuration with a view to delineating mineral deposits in the study area. During the reconnaissance survey, the outlook of some geological features in the form of outcrops on the surface formed part of the motivation for the geophysical survey within the Ugonoba area. Ten traverses of 200 m maximum spread and 10m electrode spacing with total depth of 40.07 m were obtained in the study area to form a square grid. The acquired data was first processed and inverted using RES2DINV software to generate ten 2-D model images and later collated into 3-D using the inversion code of RES3DINV software which automatically determines a horizontal 3D depth slice, cubes and block models of resistivity distribution. These models generated were interpreted and used to ascertain the true resistivity, lithologic formation, depth extent to any buried mineral and aggregate deposited in the study area. The extracted 3D model images revealed evidence of some geological materials/minerals in the study area which fall within the high resistivity range of 2500 Ωm to 14376 Ωm. It can therefore be inferred from the standard resistivity table that the lithology of study area is composed of non-metallic type of mineral resources which are: clayey sand, lateritic clayey sand, sandstone and limestone. The estimated quantity in metric ton for the dominant lithology (sandstone, granite and limestone) is ± 10% of 1,257,142.9 which can be commercially explored.
Keywords: Wenner-wenner array, outcrop, minerals, RES3DINV, block models.
Comparative morpho-anatomical characteristics and phytochemical constituents of Aloe vera Barbadensis miller and Aloe vera var. Chinensis (haw) Berger
Authors: Wahua C. , Ukomadu J. 
Published: May 2021

This study was set to investigate the comparative morphological and anatomical characteristics of Aloe vera barbadensis Miller and Aloe vera var. chinensis(Haw) Berger. These are evergreen perennials belonging to Asphodelaceae Juss. in the Order Asparagales Link. The former measures up to 80±20cm in height with lanceolate leaves and rosette habit. The leaves have spiny margins decorated with whitish spots on both foliar surfaces which disappear at maturity. The tubular flowers are orange and densely clustered at the stem apex; corolla is yellowish, tubular and up to 2.5±0.5cm in length whereas the latter is 40±10cm in height with rather lightly green rosette leaves and foliar white spots on foliar surfaces maintained at maturity. The two plants are fleshy and succulent with mild bitter taste. Leaves are amphistomatic with tetracytic sunken stomata. The cells of the epidermal layer are nucleated mostly hexagonal and includepentagonal, heptagonal to square or rounded. Stomatal indices for Aloe vera barbadensis adaxial foliar layer is 7.92 % and abaxial 4.76% while Aloe vera var. chinensis adaxial surface is 7.92% and abaxial 3.85%, not significant. Anatomical studies revealed the cell types from the epidermis, hypodermis, general cortex to the pith are similar in mid-ribs, petioles, stems and nodes. The roots have piths and vasculation is closed type. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins in both species, whereas combined anthraquinone was observed absent in both plants. Cardenolide, phlobatannins and free anthraquinones were present in Aloe vera var. chinesis but absent in Aloe vera barbadensis while cyanogenic glycoside was absent in Aloe vera var chinensis but present in Aloe vera barbadensis. The species are used in natural medicine. The information contained in this research would further aid in the taxonomic delimitations of these plants.
Keywords: Comparative, Aloe vera, phytochemistry, morphology, anatomy, Asphodelaceae.
Effect of sodium azide on Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) verdc.) as revealed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (sds-page)
Authors: Olawuyi Odunayo Joseph , Naworu Juliet Ese , Feyisola Roseline Tolulope 
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the mutagenic effects of Sodium Azide (NaN3) on the agromorphological and protein content of eight Bambara groundnut genotypes. The seeds of six genotypes; TVSu-86, TVSu-91, TVSu-186, TVSu-235, TVSu-242, TVSu-350 were collected fromthe International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and two landraces from Abia State and Enugu State North East, Nigeria local markets. The seeds were treated with five concentrations: 0.00%(control), 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.05% and 0.07% of NaN3 after pre-soakingfor 6hrs in distilled water and sown in pots arranged in a Complete Randomized Design with three replicates. There was reduction in germination percentage and growth characters as concentrations of NaN3 increases. Early flowering was recorded at 37 days mutated with 0.07% of NaN3 compared to control which flowered late at 42 days. NaN3 (0.07%) caused lethal effect on Abia and Enugu landraces. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in yield traits among mutants and control. Mutant seeds significantly (P<0.05) increased protein content (19.12%) at 0.05% of NaN3 compared to control (18.5%). The number of seeds (0.99), seed yield (0.89) and pod yield (0.96) strongly correlated with seeds per pod (0.85). The SDS-PAGE revealed the presence of polypeptide bands in mutants compared to control. TVSu-235 and TVSu-350 genotypes had higher tolerance and yield traits to 0.01% concentration of NaN3, thuscould be further improved in subsequent breeding.
Keywords: Bambara groundnut, Sodium azide, SDS-PAGE, polypeptide bands.
Comparative studies on Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) in some edible oil (shea butter, coconut oil and palm kernel oil) sold in Nigeria
Authors: Akomah-Abadaike O.N. , Iwuji O.B. 
Published: May 2021

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ever-present lipophilic substances, having varying levels of concentration in edible oils. Shea butter, coconut oil and palm kernel oil are used in Africa as component of traditional ointment. The study evaluated the concentration of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in Shea butter, coconut oil and palm kernel oil using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The polyaromatic hydrocarbons identified and quantified are: napthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenapthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene for Shea butter samples; napthalene, acenaphthene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene for coconut oil samples while palm kernel oil samples have napthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene,fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(k)fluoranthene, The concentration of the sum of PAHs of Shea butter ranged from 7.63 - 44.71 ppm, coconut oil samples 7.81 - 19.24 ppm and palm kernel oil samples 25.09 - 71.55 ppm. Shea butter, coconut oil and palm kernel oil samples have concentration of benzo(a)pyrene above the set maximum permissible limit as revealed in the study. It is important that further research on the reduction and/or elimination of PAHs in Shea butter, coconut oil and palm kernel oil be developed.
Keywords: Edible oil, Polyaromatic hydrocarbons, Benzo(a)pyrene, Carcinogenic, Medicinal