bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genre versus Prize: The Short Story Form and African Oral Traditions
Authors: Kiguru Doseline 
Published: March 2021

In “The Short Story in Africa,” Nadine Gordimer writes that the genre is more malleable and open to experimentation with style, language and form than the novel, which means that it is more easily accommodated within a variety of media spaces. Gordimer adds that the short story is “a fragmented and restless form, a matter of hit or miss, and it is perhaps for this reason that it suits modern consciousness” (170–71). Taking its cue from Gordimer’s remarks, this article attempts to examine the genre of the short story through the lens of the literary prize industry in Africa. In most parts of the continent the development of the short story, like that of the novel and other genres, has been slow, facing a number of challenges such as a historically impoverished publishing industry. The rise in popularity of the local and global literary prize for the short story has however played a significant role in the promotion of the genre and literature generally on the continent. The article examines the short story’s increased presence in the digital space and interrogates the general assumption on the part of many of the prize-awarding bodies that the short story can be linked to African oral traditions. The aim of the article is to explore the relationship between the genre and the rising popularity of the literary prize on the continent, focusing on the various ways in which the prize is (re)shaping the contemporary African short story.
Keywords: Orality, literary prize, publishing, exoticism, literary fracture, disconnectivity
Climate Change and Nutrition Security in Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanacho MO , Okudu HO 
Published: March 2021

Climate change is a global reality and a major concern of many countries of the world. Its average impacts are the same globally but with some regional peculiarities. This paper reviewed the global events of climate change and its reality in Nigeria. It observed that the world’s climatic elements have been undergoing changing pattern for a long period. Its reality in Nigeria was seen in changing rain pattern, relative humidity, atmospheric temperature, rising sea level, coastal flooding, erosion, desertification and drought among other indicators of climate change. These events were viewed vis-à-vis their impacts on nutrition security. The paper related these events to such drivers of food insecurity as food shortages; increase in crop and animal diseases; shortage of portable water; poor sanitation; loss of rural livelihood and different forms of pollution-related diseases. Measures were suggested for integration into government programmes and policy that will help in mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change on nutrition security
Keywords: Climate change, nutrition security, mitigating, adapting, Nigeria
Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Parameters in Earthworm (Esiena fetida andrei); a Probable index of Environmental Pollution Status
Authors: Asagba S.O. , Ichipi-Ifukor P.C. , Okwudibie C. 
Published: March 2021

Oxidative stress and antioxidant responses in earthworms were investigated for use as an index for environmental pollution. The study was done in three test locations (Refinery road, Okere market and PTI roundabout) in Warri an industrial city in Nigeria and Abraka a less industrial city as control. Levels of five stress and antioxidant parameters; lipid peroxidation (LPO), aldehyde oxidase (AO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalase (CAT) and ascorbic acid (Vit. C.) were used. There was observed significant (p<0.05) rise in LPO (5.83±0.456, 5.83±0.456, 4.04±0.58, 4.25±0.475, 2.09±0.425), oxidative enzyme (AO) levels (0.011±0.00012, 0.008±0.0021, 0.0058±0.0013, 0.0022±0.00009) and increase in activities and levels of the antioxidants (SOD: 24.0±3.80, 12.0±3.80, 16.0±4.62, 5.6±2.8; CAT: 0.98±0.013, 1.08±0.061, 0.95±0.018, 0.93±0.0125 and Vit. C: 0.175±0.0172, 0.118±0.0148, 0.109±0.014, 0.072±0.004) respectively in all study locations in Warri compared to Abraka. These changes were significantly higher in refinery road compared to other locations (Okere market and PTI) in Warri. There were also significant (p<0.05) negative relationship between LPO and SOD activities (r=-0.677), AO and CAT(r=-0.718) as well as AO and SOD(r=0.661) activities respectively only in the refinery road area while no significant change (p>0.05) were reported in other locations. The combined data showed significant negative relationship (p<0.01) between LPO and AO(r=-0.719) and a significant positive relationship (p<0.01) between LPO and (SOD r=0.710, Vit C r=.884). It further showed significant (p<0.01) negative relationship between AO and CAT (r=-0.486), SOD and Vit C (r=-.648), and significant (p<0.01) positive relationship between Vitamin C and (SOD r=-0.865, CAT r=0.785). It was concluded that rise in levels of the studied antioxidants and LPO in earthworms found in Warri compared to Abraka may have occurred in response to industrial pollution, thus may be used for environmental monitoring.
Keywords: Environment, Pollution, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants and Earthworm
Dietary Fibre and Micronutrient Potential of Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetable Sprinkles on Selected Foods
Authors: Babayemi B.A. , Adepoju O.T. 
Published: March 2021

Considering the rural poor in developing countries like Nigeria, diets that are deficient in dietary fibre and micronutrients are common. Food diversification or dietary modifications such as increased consumption of vegetables may solve the problem. This study assessed the dietary fibre and micronutrient levels of selected starchy foods (jollof rice and yam porridge) using three underutilized green leafy vegetables, namely, Ebolo (Crassocephalum crepidiodes), Odu (Solanum nigrum L), and Yanrin (Launaea teracifolia L) as sprinkles. Fresh samples of Crassocephalum crepidioides, Solanum nigrum L, and Launaea teracifolia were purchased from Ota market. The leafy parts of the vegetables were washed, cut, oven-dried at 90°C for 6 h and pulverized. Jollof rice and porridge were cooked and 2g each of dried ebolo, odu and yanrin were sprinkled on 100g of each food and stirred thoroughly. Total dietary fibre, as well as iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) content of the resultant diets, were determined using standard methods. The highest total dietary fibre of 8.45% was obtained in jollof rice sprinkled with Yanrin. Zn (31.75mg/kg) was highest in jollof rice sprinkled with Yanrin, and Fe (87.75mg/kg) in porridge sprinkled with Ebolo. The underutilized vegetables added more nutritional values to jollof rice and yam porridge as Ebolo, Yanrin and Odu were sprinkled on them.
Keywords: Underutilized vegetables, dietary fibre, micronutrient, zinc, iron
Heavy Metals in Fish Muscle from an Ethiopian Rift-Valley Lake (Hawassa) and a Neighboring Stream (Boicha): Assessment of Human Health Risks
Authors: Samuel B. , Sorsa S. , Daniel F. , Riise G. , Zinabu G.M. 
Published: March 2021

Concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Co, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Pb and Hg) in muscle tissues of two fish species (Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus) in an Ethiopian rift-valley lake (Hawassa) and a neighboring stream (Boicha) were determined. Target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR) were used as indices to evaluate potential human health risks from fish consumption. Average concentrations of metals decreased in the order Zn>Fe>Se>Cu>Hg>As>Ni>Cr>Co>Pb and Zn>Fe>Se>Cu>As>Hg>Cr>Ni>Pb>Co in muscle tissues of C. gariepinus and O. niloticus, respectively. Mean concentrations of Hg (0.34+0.04 mg kg-1) in muscle tissues of C. gariepinus from Lake Hawassa, and As (0.18+0.05 mg kg-1) as well as Hg (0.46+0.03 mg kg-1) in muscle tissues of C. gariepinus from Boicha stream were above the safety limits set by WHO/FAO. Likewise, mean concentrations of As (0.31+0.03 mg kg-1) and Hg (0.19+0.05 mg kg-1) in muscle tissues of O. niloticus from Lake Hawassa and Cr (0.19+0.03 mg kg-1), As (0.33 +0.04 mg kg-1), and Hg (0.34+0.09 mg kg-1) in O. niloticus from Boicha stream were also above safety limits. From the results of human health risk assessments it was concluded that Cr, Cu, Hg and As pose potential health risks due to consumption of the two fish species from both water bodies. Moreover, effects of all heavy metals put together may affect human health as indicated by the high HI. Effluents from industries are assumed to be the main sources of the heavy metals. Therefore, regular monitoring of the water bodies and policy interventions with respect to waste disposal are recommended to protect the health of the ecosystem and the public.
Keywords: Fish consumption, health risk, heavy metals, Lake Hawassa
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activities of Aframomum melegueta (K. Schum) Seed Extracts on Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Chomini M.S. , Peter M.K. , Ameh M. , Chomini A.E. , Bassey E.A. , Ayodele A.O. 
Published: March 2021

The phytochemical screening and antibacterial effects of Aframomum melegueta (K. Schum)on Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae was carried out. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, glycosides and phenols in the seed extract. The susceptibility test showedzones of inhibition (ZOI) of S. typhi (11.0mm) and K. pneumonia (13.0mm)with methanolic seed extract (MSE), while the hot aqueous seed extract (HASE) recorded 3.0mmas ZOI for both test organisms. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 200mg/ml and 100mg/ml were recorded against S. typhi and K. pneumoniae respectively with MSE, while HASE indicated 400mg/ml and 200mg/ml MICs against S. typhi and K. pneumoniae respectively. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) obtained from MSE were 200 mg/ml and 25mg/ml for S. typhiand K. pneumoniae, while HASE had > 400mg/ml for test microbes. The effectiveness of different concentrations of the test plant extracts on the test organisms was significant (P<0.05). Further trials involving other clinical isolates and botanicals at different concentrations be conducted, to optimize theprocess.
Keywords: Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Aframomum melegueta, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae
Incidence of Maize Streak Disease in Maize Cultivated During Late Cropping Season in Three Agricultural Zones of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Time I. , Nwogwugwu J.O. , Batcho A.A. 
Published: March 2021

Maize, an important staple crop is emerging as cash crop particularly for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. This paper evaluates the frequency of maize streak disease on maize sown during late cropping season in three agricultural zones of Benue State, with three maize cultivars; Super 98, Obasuper 1 and a local cultivar at the University of Agriculture Makurdi Research Farm using standard methods. Maize plots were sampled for streak disease from July to November. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA with means separated using FLSD(p=0.05). Spread of maize streak was low (< 20.0%) across the agricultural zones. It was, however, significantly different (p≤0.05) among the zones with 17.2% average, although reached 19.2 % at Zone B in one occasion. Streak severity was equally significant (p≤0.05) but high (3.6%) across zones, reaching its peak, 3.7 at Zone C while zone B (3.4) was least. Disease spread among the LGAs in the State equally differed significantly (p<0.05). Gwer West (21.8%) and Otukpo (19.3%) had the highest spread. Lowest percentage spread of 12.7% and 14.0% were recorded in Konshisha and Katsina Ala, respectively. Streak severity also differed statistically (p<0.05) among the LGAs. Ado and Konshisha were highest with 3.9 and 3.7, respectively while Gwer West, which was highest for disease spread was least in severity. Disease spread in maize experimental plots was more or less comparable to spread in farmers' fields. It was low averaging 10.3%, in plots while severity of disease was high (≥3.5) in experimental plots.
Keywords: Benue State, Disease spread, Late season, Maize streak, Zea mays
Influence of Sprouting on Proximate and Anti-nutritional Factors of Jacbean (Canavalia ensiformis) Flour
Authors: Odedeji J.O. , Akande E.A. , Ayinde L.A. , Alade O.A. 
Published: March 2021

The influence of sprouting on proximate and anti-nutritional factors of Jackbean flour was investigated. Jackbean was procured from the Genetic Resources Unit of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. The seeds were carefully sorted and sprouted for 10 days. The sprouted and unprocessed (control) bean were then milled into flour and thereafter assessed for proximate and antinutritional factors. The data generated were subjected to statistical analyses using SAS 2.0 and SPSS 20.0 packages. The results of influence of sprouting on proximate constituents and anti-nutritional factors revealed that sprouting for nine days (S5) resulted in flour sample with highest protein content and significant reduction in anti-nutritional factors most especially trypsin inhibitor from 32.08 + 0.13; 29.18 + 0.46 in control to 39.50 + 0.06; 18.33 + 0.03 in the sprouted samples respectively. Sprouting thus had positive effect on proximate and anti-nutritional factors of Jackbean flour.
Keywords: Proximate, jackbean, anti-nutritional, sprouting
Sustainable development goals, extractives industries and the energy nexus – insights in the Mena Region
Authors: Kilani John 
Published: March 2021

Sustainable development is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges the world continues to face today. We live in a world where more than 800 million people still live in extreme poverty; one out of nine people are starving; 2.5 billion lack access to clean water; and 1.3 billion people have no access to modern electricity. It is against this backdrop that the world leaders in September 2015 adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, enshrining the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a new, universal set of goals, targets and indicators that all UN Member States are expected to use for framing their sustainable development agendas and policies until 2030. This article seizes the opportunity to engage in the ongoing discourse on the contributions from major sectors to the realization of the SDGs, particularly in the face of growing world population. The purpose of the article is to explore the role of the energy sector in the implementation of sustainable development agendas, particularly in the MENA region. The article finds that the region’s diverse circumstances and substantial petroleum and natural gas reserves make it an ideal region for typifying the central role of energy in today’s world. The article explores, under five themes, some pertinent issues relating to the UNSDGs and their connectivity to energy, drawing illustrative examples from four countries – one small resourcerich country (Qatar), one relatively large resource-rich country (Saudi Arabia), the largest country from North Africa (Egypt), and a country grappling with the challenges of reconstruction after years of strive andinstability (Iraq). The article highlights that some of the countries are successfully unlocking the benefits of economic growth, through the development of their natural resources. It concludes that, through concerted efforts to address some challenges, extractive sector operations can play significant roles in advancing the SDGs in the entire region.
Keywords: Sustainable Development; UNSDGs; Energy; MENA Region.
Evaluation of poultry processing practices, related public health laws and diseases of chickens at slaughter: A pilot study in Kaduna state
Authors: Oladiran OG , Kabir J 
Published: March 2021

Poultry processing procedures and environment are integral to the quality and safety of meat derived from poultry. The existing practices used in the slaughter and processing of poultry and the disposition of poultry workers towards poultry inspection in four major live bird markets in Kaduna were evaluated using structured questionnaires administered to 30 marketers, 51 processors, 19 marketers/processors and each market manager respectively. Background public health regulations related to poultry production and processing as provided within the Meat Law (1968), Food and Drug Act (1974) and Animal Diseases (Control) Act (1988) were also assessed for gaps that could compromise quality and safety of poultry products in Nigeria. The diseases detectable at postmortem inspection of 1000 poultry carcasses processed in these live bird markets were documented. Live bird market workers were all males mainly between 20-39 years of age and had secondary school education (64%). Majority (51%) consist of poultry processors, largely ignorant of public health laws. Up to 95% and 74% of the workers will welcome routine ante-mortem and post mortem inspection respectively. Lesions related to Newcastle disease had the highest frequency of occurrence (41.6%) amongst inspected birds. Existing laws have made provisions to ensure that animal production and processing are coordinated for the benefits and health of the general populace. Laws evaluated have gaps that could compromise various stages of quality assurance along the poultry value chain, lack specificity in terms of addressing specific issues of poultry hygiene and did not adequately empower the veterinary services to enforce measures that will ensure safe poultry products. Hence, the revised Animal Disease Control Edict and Meat Hygiene Act should be passed into law, Nigerian live poultry market workforce needs training on poultry processing precautionary public health measures, and the use of protective clothing should be made mandatory. Keywords: Inspection, Legislation, Poultry, Processing, Public health
Effect of intranasal recombinant Mannheimia haemolytica vaccination on some haematological indices of goats infected with peste des petits ruminants virus
Authors: Tenuche OZ , Emikpe BO 
Published: March 2021

There is dearth of information on the haematological changes associated with Mannheimia haemolytica vaccination in goats, hence this report which describes some haematological changes observed following vaccination with intranasal Recombinant Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine in goats naturally infected with peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus. Twenty one (male, n=11; and female, n=10) goats were assigned to three vaccinated groups (A, B and D) with five goats per group (male: 3, female: 2), while the control group had 6 goats. Group A was vaccinated once intranasally, group B was vaccinated intranasally twice at one week interval and group D was vaccinated intranasally twice at two weeks interval . The control group (C) was not vaccinated. The vaccinated and control groups were challenged by comingling with pneumonic goats to simulate the field experience. PPR virus infection was later diagnosed in all the groups post vaccination. An average of four animals per treatment group in post-vaccination days were bled once weekly for six weeks (every week) to evaluate some haematological changes. The PCV values were within the normal range, while there was a decline in lymphocyte count at week 5, and a steady increase in neutrophil count in group A. In Group B, there was similar decline in lymphocyte count from the sixth week, while in groups C (Control) and D, the lymphocyte count declined at the 7th week, as the neutrophil counts increased. There were no significant changes in monocyte and eosinophil counts. The degree of changes in lymphocyte and neutrophil counts was mild in group B and marked in group D. This study revealed that intranasal vaccination of recombinant Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine in the presence of PPR virus outbreak results in mild hematological derangement when the goats were vaccinated with Mannheimia haemolytica bacterin at a week interval.Keywords: Goats, Haematology, Intranasal Recombinant Mannheimia haemolytica, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Vaccination
Brucella infection in migratory cattle herds in Jigawa State Nigeria: A cross sectional study
Authors: Mohammed F.U. , Ibrahim S. , Musa G.A. , Kaltungo B.Y. , Danbirni S. , Kwaga J.K. 
Published: March 2021

A cross sectional study on Brucella infection was carried out in Jigawa State in order to evaluate seroprevalence and transmission exposure factors among migratory cattle herds. A total of 1,810 cattle of different ages and sexes were systematically selected from 147 herds across four agricultural zones in the State and screened using Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) while closed ended questionnaire was used to evaluate exposure factors. From the results out of the 1,810 (serum samples) (3.37%) tested positive. Females showed higher seropositivity (3.6%) to the infection, compared to males (2.7%). Cattle of age 4-5 years had the highest prevalence (7%), compared to 3-4 years (4.5%), 2-3years (2%), 1-2years (0.8%), with no positive reactor among cattle of less than one year (0%). Seropositive animals according to the locations was found to be highest in Zone III (5.2%), followed by Zone IV (3.9%) and Zone I (2.4%), and least in Zone II (1.5%). A higher herd prevalence was recorded in Zone III (29%), followed by Zone IV (21%) and Zone I (17%), with lowest in Zone II (12%). The overall herd prevalence was 20.4%. There was association between herds that do not practice quarantine, raise multiple species, share communal pastures and water points with Brucella infection (P< 0.05) and they are more likely to acquire the infection as indicated by odds ratio. In conclusion the results have indicated that Brucella infection exists in the studied herds and some exposure factors were identified. It is hereby recommended that herd owners should practice quarantine of newly purchased animals, avoid herding multiple species of animals together, carryout routine testing and minimize contacts at grazing and water points.
Keywords: Brucella, Cattle herds, Exposure factors, Jigawa State, SAT, Seroprevalence, Serum
Preparation and Characterization of Colon-Specific Microspheres of Diclofenac for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Dang T , Cui Y , Chen Y , Meng X , Tang B , Wu J 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To prepare and evaluate colon specific drug delivery system of diclofenac sodium for highly localized delivery to the colon.Methods: The colon specific drug delivery system was prepared as matrix-type microspheres using Ethyl Cellulose (EC), Cellulose Acetate Phthalate (CAP), and Eudragit L 100-55 by the Solvent Evaporation Method. Microspheres were evaluated for physical properties like drug content, particle size, bulk density and angle of repose.Results: The size range of the microcapsules was 228 to 608 μm while drug content was between 74.49 and 91.50 % depending on the polymer used and the polymer ratio. Mean bulk density was < 1.2 g/ml which indicates the good flow properties, while angle of repose was < 40 o, indicating free-flowing properties. The microspheres were spherical in shape with smooth and nonporous surface, except that the microspheres containing EC and CAP exhibited a rough and porous surface. The microspheres containing Eudragit L 100-55 in combination with other polymers gave better sustained release (78.9 and 76.6 % at the end of 8 h for formulation F4 and F5, respectively) than the others.Conclusion: Microspheres prepared with drug: EC: CAP ratio of 1:2:1 show the highest drug content, possess good flow properties and surface morphology, as well as promising drug release for colon specific drug delivery of diclofenac sodium for possible treatment of colorectal cancer.Keywords: Diclofenac, Colorectal cancer, Microspheres, Ethyl cellulose, Cellulose acetate phthalate, Eudragit L 100-55