bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Profitability analysis and technical efficiency of Sasakawa global 2000 maize technology in Lere Agricultural Zone, Kaduna state, Nigeria
Authors: Durba A.M. , Adewumi A. , Musa U. 
Published: May 2021

The study determined the profitability and technical efficiency of Sasakawa Global (SG-2000) maize technology in Lere Agricultural Zone, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 146 respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to the sampled respondents and complemented with interview schedule. Analysis of the data collected was done using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting technique and stochastic frontier function. Results showed that the mean age of SG-2000 adopters was 45years old, 73% of them were males and 81% were married. The mean farming experience of the adopters was 15 years, household size of 8 persons and farm size of 2.26ha respectively. Also, majority of the farmers were members of farmers’ cooperative society and had access to extension services. The farm budgeting technique revealed maize production was profitable in the area with gross margin and net farm income of ₦99,407.76/ha and ₦96,700.80/ha respectively. The maize farmers were not technically efficient with a mean efficiency score of 0.8181. The farm size at p<0.10, seed at p<0.01, fertilizer at p<0.01, capital input at p<0.01 probability levels respectively were efficiency factors, while the sex of farmer at p<0.10, marital status at p<0.10, farming experience at p<0.05 and access to credit at p<0.01 probability levels respectively were the inefficiency factors. It is recommended that other farmers in the study area should adopt the SG-2000 maize technology to improve their level of profitability and technical efficiency.
Keywords: Profitability, Technical efficiency, SG-2000 maize technology, Farmers and Kaduna State
Combining Ability of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] Genotypes for Beta Carotene and Dry Matter Content in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi M.S , Agbowuro G.O , Salami A.E , Akoroda M.O 
Published: May 2021

Roots of orange fleshed sweet potato varieties currently available in Nigeria contain high quantities of β-carotene or pro-vitamin A but have high moisture content. These varieties have been found to be a cheap and important remedy for vitamin A deficiency. The cream or white fleshed varieties on the other hand, have sweet taste with high dry matter content, giving a dry texture, a quality trait preferred in Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to examine the quantitative inheritance of important traits in sweet potato by means of a diallel analysis with a view to estimating the GCA and SCA components of genetic variance, and to determine the associated type of gene action controlling β-carotene content and root dry mass. A diallel crosses experiment using six parental sweet potato genotypes crossed in all possible combinations were carried out. Resultant thirty progenies were evaluated for beta carotene (β-carotene) and dry matter content in Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria during the cropping season of 2012 and 2013. The 30 F1 progenies along with their parental lines were planted in the same field trial. The trial was laid out in 6 x 6 triple lattice in two replications. Highly significant (P≤ 0.01) differences were observed among the genotypes for all the tested traits. The average β-carotene content for the progenies was 2.86 (mg/100 g f.w.) while the dry matter content was 31.89%. The cross combination 199024.2 x Excel recorded the highest beta carotene (14.37 mg/100 g f.w) and dry matter content (40.10%), this candidate is therefore suggested for further evaluation.
Key words: Diallel analysis, Dry matter, Southern Guinea Savanna, Sweet potato, Vitamin A, β-carotene.
Anti-reproductive efficacy of Adansonia digitata Powder against Dinoderus porcellus Associated with Yam Chips Spoilage in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: John W.C. , Richard K. , Ishaya M. , Olori-Oke O. , Kyaharle B.S. , Chomini M.S. 
Published: May 2021

This study assessed the reproduction inhibition effects of Adansonai digitata plant part powders against D. porcellus affecting yam chips. Reproduction of adults D. porcellus were monitored with various doses of Adansonai digitata plant part powders and untreated yam chips as negative control (0 g). The finding of the research indicated that all treatments exhibited anti-reproduction potential and strong inhibition of D. porcellus emergence. The result of analysis of variance showed significant difference between the treated samples and the control (untreated) after 37 days. Adansonai digitata stem bark powders (10 g) was able to achieve no reproduction(0.00) after 37 days exposure. Based on this results, combining yam chips with 10 g of Adansonai digitata stem bark powders could ensure adequate management of D. porcellus destroying yam chips and yam tubers as a whole.
Keywords: Adansonai digitata, D. porcellus, yam chips, Stem bark powder, Leaf powder
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth of Senecio biafrae (WOROWO) OLIVE & HIERN
Authors: Akintola O.O. , Abiola I.O. , Akinola O.O. , Babatunde K.O. , Ekaun A.A. , Olajiire-Ajayi B.L. 
Published: May 2021

Soils have shown a negative balance in nutrient budget which poses a great threat to sustainable soil management for increase in growth and crop yield. This study thus investigated the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth of Senecio biafrae (Oliv. &Hiern). Topsoil, organic (poultry manure) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK 15:15:15) were used. The fertilizers were weighed and applied to the soil at 5g, 10g, 15g each; control topsoil without application of fertilizers and were replicated five times. Growth parameters including height, number of leaves and stem diameter were taken weekly for the period of the experiment. Application ofpoultry manure and NPK fertilizer had significant effects on all the growth parameters considered. The application of poultry manure resulted into significant increase in the growth parameters towards the latter part of the study. This study has shown that organic manure has great potential for improving soil productivity and plant growth.
Keywords: Senecio biafrae, investigate, organic, inorganic, plant yield
Unresolved Water Conflicts by Water Sector Institutions in Ewaso Ng’iro North River Sub-Basin, Kenya
Authors: Lesrima S. , Nyamasyo G. , Kiemo K. 
Published: May 2021

Water conflicts have huge impacts on livelihoods and without proper redress, have capacity to stall economic development of a community. This paper therefore explicates the impacts of unresolved water related conflicts in Ewaso Ng’iro North River sub-basin in Kenya and their persistence despite past major institutional and policy reforms in the water sector. Repetitive unresolved water conflicts curtail the prosperity of the communities on river basins. Study objective was to assess continued unresolved conflicts albeit the numerous and robust water reforms. Mixed methods research design was adopted to capture both primary and secondary data. Game Theory supported the study explicating how water users both upstream and downstream are players whose payoffs if not transparent cause conflicts. Sampling formula was utilized to derive a sample size of 384 respondents and employed simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, Key Informant interviews, Focused Group Discussions and Transect walks. Results show that water users aware of regulations in place governing water on river basins however had weak compliance. The legal and policy reforms need to be up scaled to enhance capacity to resolve conflicts by WRUAs and WRA. Compliance to regulations governing water to be enforced by mandated institutions to curb the repetitiveness of unresolved water conflicts.
Keywords: Ewaso Ng’iro, Institutional reforms, Water Resources, Water Users, Unresolved Conflicts.
Insecticidal Effect Of Adansonia digitata Stem Bark And Leaf Powders On Dinoderus porcellus
Authors: John W.C. , Ishaya M. , Olori-Oke O. , Ukanyirioha C.J. , Chomini M.S. , Kyaharle B.S. 
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated insecticidal activity of different doses of Adansonia digitata stem bark and leaf powders on yam beetles dinoderus porcellus. Obtained plant parts from Federal colloge of Forestry, Jos were pulverized into powders. Phytochemical constituents of the plant were extracted by Soxhlet extraction and identified using standard procedure. Mortality testing was done by exposing dinoderus porcellus to yam chips mixed with various doses of Adansonia digitata stem bark and leaf powders. Yam chips without treatment served as the control. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete design with three replications. Data obtained were analysed using analysis of variance (P≤ 0.05). The result of the phytochemical examination of ethanolic extract of A. digitata revealed the presence of saponins, phenols, tannins and alkaloids flavonoids. The finding revealed the superiority of yam chips mixed stem bark and leaf powders over the untreated. The effect of plant extracts on percentage mortality showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the treated and control. The sample treated with 15g of A. digitata stem-bark powder gave the highest mortality. The research hence recommends the use of 15 g of A. digitata stem-bark powder in elimination of Dinoderus porcellus infecting yam chips.
Keywords: A. digitata, Insecticida, Mortality, flavonoid, Dinoderus porcellus
Assessment of Wildlife Hunting Activities in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: Layade K.T. , Layade A.A. , Kehinde O.J. , Alaye S.A. , Jayeoba W.A. 
Published: May 2021

The study was conducted to assess hunting activities in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain information from fifty hunters using a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that 96% of hunters in the study area were men. Most of the respondents were married (84%) and within the age bracket of 31 and 50 years (48%). About 34% and 40% of respondents had primary and secondary education respectively while 13% had no formal education. They had between 20 and 29 years’ experience in wild animal hunting. Sixty-eight percent of the hunters in the study area engaged in part-time hunting while 32% were full-time hunters. The study further revealed that the hunters engaged in hunting for financial gain (64%), leisure (34%) and family tradition (38%). About ten types of species of wildlife animals were commonly killed by the hunters, and the animals were sold within the community market (42%), outside the community market (32%) and to visiting bushmeat marketers (26%). The study therefore recommends a policy that will control hunting activitiesin the study area, knowing that animal hunting serves as another source of livelihood to the hunters.
Keywords: Hunters, wildlife, bushmeat, community market, occupation
Evaluation of Age Related Changes Associated with Exposure of Wistar Rats to Dichlorvor on some Haematological Parameters
Authors: Ige S.F. , Seriki M.A. , Olateju B.S. , Oladipupo V.A. 
Published: May 2021

Different studies proved that exposure over prolonged periods to pesticides increase the likelihood of developing adverse effects. 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) is a predominant pesticide used in controlling insects. Therefore this study was aimed to investigate the age related changes in hematological indices of animals exposed to DDVP. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats were used in this study. Animals were grouped into three major groups of ten animals each. Group one animals served as young group (5 - 6 weeks) while group two and three was the middle-aged (2 months) and old groups (3-4 months) respectively. All the groups were subdivided into control and DDVP group with five animals in each subgroup. The DDVP groups were exposed to DDVP for five weeks. At the end of fifth week, they were euthanized with blood collected through cardiac puncture, hematological indices were analysed with autohematological analyzer.Exposure to DDVP significantly increased white blood cell counts and basophiles in old group. Platelets count and plateletcrit (PCT) were significantly decreased in young animals that were exposed to DDVP while platelet distribution width (PDW) and Mean platelets volume (MPV) were not significantly different across the groups. Red blood cells count, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin concentration, Mean cell volume, Mean cell hemoglobin and Mean cell hemoglobin concentration also show no significant difference across groups. Exposure of Wistar rats to Dichlorvos has no impact on haematological parameters in middle agerats. However, dichlorvos affects young and old animals proving age dependent effect of DDVP on hematological parameters.
Keywords: DDVP, hematology, white blood cells, platelet, age
Split-plot Central Composite Experimental Design Method for Optimization of Cake Height to Achieve desired Texture
Authors: Yakubu Y. , Aliyu Z.Q. , Usman A. , Evans O. 
Published: May 2021

In many industrial experimental situations, the levels of certain factors under investigation are much harder to change than others due to time and/or cost constraints. An appropriate approach to such situations is to restrict the randomization of the hard-to-change (HTC) factors, which leads to a split-plot structure. This work designs and conducts a split-plot central composite experiment for optimizing cake height using oven temperature(Factor A) as the HTC factor, amount of flour (B), baking powder (C), and amount of milk (D) as the easy-to-change (ETC) factors. A second-order split-plot central composite design (CCD) model was fit to the generated data and analyzed using generalized least squares (GLS). A stationary point, which gives optimum cake height, was then determined. The results show that main effects of oven temperature, flour, baking powder, and milk were highly significant on the cake height . Their quadratic effects were also significant except that of the flour. The flower/baking powder interaction effect was significant. The fitted model accounted for about 95% of the total variability in the cake height data. The observed optimum cake height was ̂ at a stationary point: A . This study has established the potentials of response surface experiments in optimizing products in food industries.
Keywords: Experiment, split-plot CCD, Cake height, Design, Stationary point.
In Silico Screening of Sesquiterpene Lactones as Aldose Reductase Inhibitors
Authors: Alhassan A.M. , Malami I. 
Published: May 2021

Aldose reductase, a key enzyme of the polyol pathway catalyses NADPH-dependent reduction of glucose to sorbitol. Increased activity of this enzyme is considered a major factor contributing to the development of diabetic complications hence could be an important target in the treatment of these complications. In this work, a database of sesquiterpenes was prepared and screened for their drug-like properties based on the Lipinski’s rule of 5. The co-crystallised structure of aldose reductase was obtained from the Protein Databank and prepared for docking. In silico docking experiments was performed on Autodock tools using 198 sesquiterpene lactones that passed screening, and compounds with the lowest binding energy and favourable binding interactions were selected for molecular docking simulation. Six of the best ranking compounds selected had binding energies ranging from–11.96 Kcal/mol to -9.45 Kcal/mol and were comparable to the energy of the standard inhibitor Idd594 used in the study. They also show good complementarity in their binding to the residues of the binding pocket. The results suggest that dehydrooopodin (1), 11(S),13-dihydrolactucopicrin (2), and Chrysanin (3) offered potential inhibitory activities toward aldose reductase and may serve as lead compounds for in vivo validation as aldose reductase inhibitors.
Keywords: Sesquiterpene lactones, Aldose reductase, Binding energy, Molecular docking, Autodock
Antihaemolytic, Antihaemorrhagic and Antifibrinolytic Effects of Fractions of Buchholzia coriacea Seeds on Naja nigricollis Crude Venom
Authors: Achika J.I , Ayo R.G , Oyewale A.O , Habila J.D , Ofemile P.Y 
Published: May 2021

Bulchhozia coriacea (Capparaceae) seeds are used in managing snake bite in Western Nigeria were investigated against Naja nigricollis (Spitting cobra) venom-induced hemolytic, hemorrhagic and fibrinolytic effects. This study was aimed at determining the antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic as well as antifibrinolytic effects of B. coriacea on N. nigricollis crude venom. Microwave-assisted extraction with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol was carried out. Naja nigricollis venom-induced erythrocyte lysis (100 %) was significantly reduced to 18% by the chloroform fraction at 0.625 mg/mL. At the concentration of 0.625 mg/mL, the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions administered in combination with the venom reduced percentage hemorrhagic activity to 23%, 17%, 49%, and 87%, respectively. In conclusion, Bulchhozia coriacea seed fractions exhibited significant antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic and antifibrinolytic activities against N. nigricollis crude venom and may beneficial as a pre-treatment the while victim is transferred to a healthcare facility to receive the definite treatment to ensure speedy recovery.
Key words: Antihaemolytic, antihaemorrhagic, fibrinolytic, venom, Bulchhozia coriacea
Surveys of Canine Filarioids In Nigeria: The Path Travelled and the Way Forward
Authors: Joshua Kamani , Gonzlez-Miguel Javier 
Published: May 2021

Filarioid worms infecting dogs have recently received increased attention globally because of their zoonotic potential. In Africa and, particularly, in Nigeria, however, where there is preponderance of the risk factors for vector-borne diseases transmission, there are few reports of the disease in the canid and felid definitive hosts, the wild/domestic reservoirs and humans. Thus, the epidemiology of the disease in Nigeria remains sketchy and needs to be investigated. A retrospective analysis of reported canine filarioids in Nigeria was undertaken with the view to highlight what has been done and reported, existing gaps in knowledge, what needs to be done to bridge the gap and possibly how it could be done. Thirteen published works on canine filarioids using classical laboratory methods in Nigeria, reported the finding of Dirofilaria immitis (0.4–15.1%), Dirofilaria repens (0.1–9.4%), Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.4–9.2%) and a case of A. dracunculoides in an unspecified dog population. In most instances, the species identification of the filarioids reported was not conclusive due to limitation of the diagnostic methods employed. No human infection due to any zoonotic canine filarioid has been reported in Nigeria. Suggestions for prospective filarioids research in Nigeria were made.
Keywords: Filarioids, dog, zoonosis, diagnosis, Nigeria
Biochemical effect of varied mixtures of extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Gnetum africanum (Okazi leaf) on alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats
Authors: Ifeanacho M.O. , Oshotse R.B 
Published: May 2021

Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in many countries of the world, affecting all ages both in developing and developed nations. The use of plants as remedies or preventive therapies has increased over the years. The study investigated the biochemical changes caused by combined leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) and Gnetum africanum (okazi leaf) on alloxan induced diabetic wistar rats.Aqueous extracts of the leaves were prepared using the conventional method.Forty male wistar rats weighing 150-180g were grouped into eight (five rats each). Group 1 was the normal control while diabetes was induced using alloxan (160mg/ kg)in groups 2-8.Group 2 received no treatment while groups 3-7 received varied ratios of the extracts at (BI/OK|10:90%), (BI/OK|30:70%), (BI/OK|50:50%), (BI/OK|70:30%) and (BI/OK|90:10%). Group 8 was the diabetic control treated with the standard diabetic drug (Metformin). The animals were weighed and blood glucose was determined at 7-day intervals. They were sacrificed on the 28th day and blood samples collected for serum protein, serum electrolyte, urea, creatinine, liver enzymes and markers of oxidative stress analyses. The results showed steady increase in the body weights (g) of the rats with (BI/OK|70:30)% treated group showing the highest increase (175.40±1.28). The fasting blood sugar (mg/dl) showed timedependent reduction in all the treated diabeti groups with (BI/OK|90:10)% having the highest (56.20±1.65) reduction. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in total blood protein concentration (g/dl) in all the treated groups. The results of this study showed time and ratio dependent effect on the parameters measured. Since the two plants are staple vegetables in some countries, their utilization particularly in appropriate combinations should be encouraged.
Key words: Extracts, bitter leaf, waterleaf, diabetes mellitus, biochemical parameters.
Radioactivity content surveillance on canned food products in Nigeria
Authors: Agbalagba O. Ezekiel 
Published: May 2021

The radionuclides surveillance on imported can food products in Nigeria market has been investigated using High purity Germanium detector. The radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 210Pb and 137Cs in selected brands of imported canned food products categorized into staple foodstuffs, beef and seafood were analyzed. The results obtained for staple foodstuffs shows a mean activity value of 12.33±3.68, 12.35±4.62, 51.48±15.12, 2.65±0.18 and 0.61±0.27 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 210Pb and 137Cs respectively, while in beef food products, it is 14.41±4.79, 14.12±4.83, 50.44±14.80, 1.11± 0.07 and 0.32±0.20 Bq kg-1 respectively, and for seafood products it is 17.95±5.71, 16.24±5.48, 61.65±18.07, 1.17±0.13 and ND Bq kg-1 respectively. The overall results indicate that the natural radioactivity in the three categories of canned foodstuffs examined are well below the UNSCEAR and other regulatory bodies recommended permissible limits. The presence of 137Cs in some samples potent some degree of heavy metal contamination of those foodstuffs. The computed dose to essential organs and tissues indicates a highest dose level of 0.2 mSvy-1 which is well within the 1mSvy-1 recommended permissible level of the public. The calculated collective effective dose equivalent revealed that 97,463,16 of the total population are exposed to radiation from ingestion of the canned foods with adults most impacted. The total health detriment indicates radiological risk ratio of 1:2238 for infants, 1:2583 for children and 1:4238 for adults. From the estimated costdetriment, it is obvious that the economic benefits which is directly proportional to cost of purchase and importation put at about nine billion US dollars annually derived from consuming these imported canned food products is far above the health detriment.
Keywords: Radioactivity surveillance, canned food, health detriment, Nigeria